CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to US

Provisional Patent Application No. 62/107,081, filed January 23, 2015, titled

COMPACT WITH FOLDING LID, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNOLOGY FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to a compact container and lid assembly, and in particular, to a compact container having a folding lid. In particular embodiments, the compact container having the folding lid is a container adapted for cosmetics, such as mascara, lip gloss, and the like.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Vessels exist that are portable, convenient to use, and designed to contain products, such as cosmetics, for use. For example, a cosmetic compact may include a base and a lid assembly, which when assembled together provide an effective container for housing and presenting a variety of products. The base and/or lid are typically made of a glass, a plastic, a metal, combinations of the foregoing, or the like. When the vessels are opened, products within the vessels may be accessed. Although portable vessels exist, there is a continuing need for more and different vessels and opening mechanisms. Particularly, there is a continuing need for containers for cosmetics that facilitate quick and easy access to products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The foregoing and other aspects of the present in vention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures: [0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compact container in a closed position according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0006] FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view of a living hinge that may be coupled to the lid assembly of the compact container shown in FIG. 1;

[0007] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a hinge that may be used with embodiments disclosed herein;

[0008] FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of the hinge shown in FIG. 2B that may be used with embodiments disclosed herein;

[0009] FIG. 2D is a cross sectional view of a hinge having 3 flexible portions that may be used with embodiments disclosed herein;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the compact container shown in FIG. 1 in a partially open position between the closed position and a middle open position according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0011] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C show different views of the compact container in a middle open position according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the compact container in a partially open position between the middle open position and an open position according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the compact container in an open position according to embodiments disclosed herein; and

[0014] FIG . 7 illustrates positioning of closure mechanisms that may be used in some embodiments.

DETAILED DESRIPTION

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compact container in a closed position according to embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 1, compact container 100 may include a lid assembly 102 coupled to a base 104 comprising a base perimeter, wherein the base further defines at least one sidewall to define a cavity for containing cosmetics.

[0016] Exemplary compact container bases may include a base length LB and a base width WB that together define a base perimeter in a range of about 20 cm to about 100 cm. In some embodiments, the length LB is about twice the width WB. In some embodiments, the base perimeter is in a range of about 40 cm to about 60 cm. Exemplary compact container bases may also include a base height HB in a range of about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm. Preferably, the base height is in a range of about 1 cm to about 2.5 cm . Exemplary compact container lid assemblies may include a lid perimeter having a lid length and a lid width that together define a lid perimeter in a range of about 20 cm to about 100 cm. Exemplary compact lid assemblies may also include a lid height in a range of about 0.1 cm to about 4 cm. Preferably, the lid height is in a range of about 0.3 cm to about 3 cm. These sizes are merely exemplary and other sizes may be used for a cosmetic container.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, lid assembly 102 of compact container 100 includes a coupling element 106 configured to be coupled between a first portion 108 and a second portion 110. First portion 108 and second portion 110 each include corresponding first subportions 108a and 110a and corresponding second sub-portions 108b and 110b. First subportion 108a of first portion 108 is rotatively coupled to a portion 306 of the base 104 as shown in FIG. 3. First sub-portion 110a of second portion 110 is rotatively coupled to a portion 308 of the base 104 as shown in FIG. 3. Second sub-portion 108b of first portion 108 is pivotably coupled to first sub-portion 108a of first portion 108 via hinges 108c and 108d. Second sub-portion 110b of second portion 110 is pivotably coupled to first sub-portion 110a of second portion 110 via hinges 110c and 1 lOd. Second sub-portion 108b of first portion 108 and second sub-portion 110b of second portion 110 are pivotably coupled to each other via coupling element 106.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the base 104 includes opposing walls 111 that extend vertically up from a bottom portion 120 of the base 104 and extend horizontally between a front portion 114 of the base 104 and a rear portion 116 of the base 104. In some embodiments, a seal may be disposed between the opposing walls 111 and the corresponding first sub-portions 108a and 110a. A seal may also be provided between the bottom portion 120 of the base 104 and the second sub-portions 108b and 110b. A further seal may be provided between first sub-portion 108a and second sub-portion 108b as well as between first sub-portion 110a and second sub-portion 110b. Figure 7, below, illustrates the inclusion of a sealing member which may be made, for example, of a flexible polymer, at 720, though this is an optional feature.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, first sub-portion 108a and second sub-portion 108b may include adjacent edges 118 and first sub-portion 110a and second sub-portion 110b may include adjacent edges 120. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the edges 118 and 120 are beveled to provide clearance. In other embodiments, the edges may not be beveled.

[0020] As described above, a coupling element 106 may be coupled between first portions 108 and 110. The coupling element shown in FIG. 1 may take the form of a living hinge. Some of the below embodiments discuss use of a living hinge, in which a flexible hinge is formed of the same material as the rigid pieces it connects.

Alternatively, the coupling element 106 may be a separately formed piece added to the lid assembly 102. In some examples, and as further discussed below relative to Figure 7, the coupling element may snap into place on the front portion 114 of the base 104, to aid in keeping the lid assembly 102 in a desired, closed position. In addition to, or instead of snapping into place, the apparatus 100 may include magnetic or other closures to maintain the lid assembly 102 in a closed condition, as also shown in Figure 7.

[0021] FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view of an illustrative living hinge 106. As shown in FIG. 2A, the living hinge 106 may include a flexible portion 202 extending between a first arm and a second arm. The living hinge also includes an edge 208 extending between side edges 210 and 212. The edge 208 and side edges 210 and 212 together define a recess to facilitate movement of fi rst arm and second arm during opening and closing of the lid assembly 102. The first arm and the second arm are permitted to rotate within sleeve 204 and sleeve 206, respectively. The combination of the flexing of flexible portion 202 and the rotation of the first arm and second arm within sleeves 204 and 206 allow for the proper displacement of lid portions 108b and 110b required for opening and closing the lid. [0022] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an alternative hinge 212 that may be coupled to the lid assembly 102 of the compact container 100 shown in FIG. 1 according to embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of the hinge shown in FIG . 2B. As shown in FIG. 2B, the hinge 212 may include a hinge base 218, a first arm extending from the hinge base 218 and a second arm extending from the hinge base 218. The first arm 214 is at an angle a relative to the second arm 216. The first arm and the second arm are configured to move relative to each other such that angle a changes during opening and closing of the lid assembly 102. The first arm and second arm are also permitted to rotate within sleeves 214 and 216, respectively as discussed above.

[0023] FIG. 2D is a cross sectional view of a hinge having three flexible portions that may be used with embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 2D, the hinge 220 may include a hinge base 226, a first arm 222 extending from the hinge base 226 and a second arm 224 extending from the hinge base 226. The hinge base 226 may- include three separate hinge base portions 226a, 226b and 226c that are configured to move about cylinder portion 228 during opening and closing of the lid assembly 102.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the compact container shown in FIG. 1 in a partially open position. As shown in FIG. 3, when lid assembly 102 moves from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 to the partially open position shown in FIG. 3, first portion 108 may rotate about an axis 302 and second portion 108 may rotate about another axis 304. Also, when lid assembly 102 moves from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 to the partially open position shown in FIG. 3, second sub-portion 108b of first portion 108 pivots about pivot axis 112 relative to first sub-portion 108b of first portion 108 via hinges 108c and 108d and second sub-portion 110b of second portion 110 pivots about pivot axis 114 relative to first sub-portion 110b of second portion 110 via hinges 110c and 1 lOd. Further, second subportion 108b of first portion 108 moves relative to second sub-portion 110b of second portion 110 via hinge 106.

[0025] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C show different views of the compact container in a middle open position. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the compact container 100 in a middle open position. As shown in FIG . 4A, when lid assembly 102 moves from the partially open position shown in FIG. 3 to the middle open position shown in FIG. 4A, first portion 108 continues to rotate about axis 302 and second portion 108 continues to rotate about axis 304. Also, when lid assembly 102 moves from the partially open position shown in FIG. 3 to the middle open position shown in FIG. 4A, second sub-portion 108b continues to pivot about axis 112 relative to first sub- portion 108b and second sub-portion 110b continues to pivot about axis 114 relative to first sub-portion 110b.

[0026] FIG. 4B is a front view of the compact container 100 in the middle open position. FIG. 4C is a perspective view illustrating the rear of the compact container 100 in the middle open position. When lid assembly 102 moves from the partially open position shown in FIG. 3 to the middle open position shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, second sub-portion 108b of first portion 108 continues to move relative to second sub-portion 110b of second portion 110 via hinge 106 and first arm 204 and second arm 206 move closer to each other. Accordingly, angle al decreases as first arm 204 and second arm 206 move closer to each other and angle o2 between the side edges 210 and 212 of the living hinge 106 increases. Further, first subportions 108a and 110a remain substantially parallel with the bottom 402 of base 104 while

corresponding second sub-portions 108b and 1 10b are non-parallel with the bottom 402 of base 104 at angles βΐ and β2.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the compact container 100 in a partially open position between the middle open position shown in FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C and an open position shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 5, when lid assembly 102 moves from the middle open position shown in FIG. 4 A through FIG. 4C to the partially open position shown in FIG. 5, first portion 108 continues to rotate about axis 302 in the same rotational direction and second portion 108 continues to rotate about axis 304 in the same rotational direction.

[0028] When lid assembly 102 moves from the middle open position shown in FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C to the partially open position shown in FIG. 5, however, second sub-portion 108b pivots about axis 112 relative to first sub-portion 108a in a direction opposite the pivoting direction of second sub-portion 108b relative to first sub-portion 108a when lid assembly 102 moves from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 to the middle open position shown in FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C. Also, second sub-portion 110b pivots about axis 114 relative to first sub-portion 110a in a direction opposite the pivoting direction of second subportion 110b relative to first sub-portion 110a when lid assembly 102 moves from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 to the middle open position shown in FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C. Further, angle al increases as first arm 204 and second arm 206 move away from each other and angle a2 between the side edges 210 and 212 of the living hinge 106 begins to decrease.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the compact container 100 in an open position. As shown in FIG. 6, when the compact container 100 is in the open position, second subportions 108b and 110b are substantially parallel with the bottom 402 of base 104. Further, side 602 of first sub-portion 108a is substantially parallel with side 606 of the base 104 and opposing side 604 of first sub-portion 108a is substantially parallel with side 608 of the base 104.

[0030] The lid assembly 102 may be closed by progressing from the open position shown in FIG. 6 in opposite order to the closed position shown in FIG. 1. Throughout the opening and closing of the lid assembly 102 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 through FIG. 6, the first portion 108 and a second portion 1 10 do not impede each other's movement. In some embodiments, a handle (not shown) may be disposed on lid assembly 102 to facilitate opening and closing of the lid assembly 102.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6, the container 100 may include a plurality of compartments 610. The size, shape and number of compartments 610 shown are merely exemplary. Embodiments may include any number of compartments having shapes and sizes different from those shown in FIG. 6. Exemplary compartments may be used to hold any type of product, but may be particularly well suited for cosmetics that may include, but are not limited to loose powders (e.g., for eye, cheek, face, and the like), creams (e.g., skincare, eye, foundation, and the like), sunscreen, hot pour products (e.g., lipsticks, glosses, and the like), touchup, spot cover, baked powders, moisturizers, hair creams, gels, serums, and the like.

[0032] The container 100 may be designed to hold the open position by, for example, inclusion of magnets in the lid assembly 102(such as shown in Figure 7, below), with corresponding magnets in the base 104. Rather than paired magnets, a magnet and a magnetic metal may be used. In another example, the pivots at 302 and 304 may be provided with detents or the like to click into place when open and/or closed, preferentially maintaining either position, while allowing free movement therebetween.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates positioning of closure mechanisms that may be used in some embodiments. The example shown includes a number of magnetic coupling elements in each of the lid 700 and base 710. In an example, the lid 700 includes magnetic coupling elements 702, 704 which, in the closed position, would lie over top of and magnetically attract to magnetic coupling element 714, to help hold the lid closed. In an alternative, two separate magnetic coupling elements, spaced apart, may replace magnetic coupling element 714. In another example, the lid includes magnetic coupling elements 706, 708, which, when the lid 700 is closed, would lie over and magnetically attract to magnetic coupling elements 712 and 716, respectively, to help hold the lid closed. In yet another example, all of the magnetic coupling elements shown (702, 704, 706, 708, 712, 714, 716) are included to hold the lid closed; in other examples, less than all magnetic coupling elements are included.

[0034] In some examples, each of the magnetic coupling elements 702, 704, 706, 708, 712, 714, 716 is a permanent magnet. This may require ensuring proper placement of each magnet with correct polarity, and uses more magnets than may be necessary, possibly making the product more expensive. In other examples, only the magnetic coupling elements in the lid 700 are permanent magnets, while the magnetic coupling elements in the base 710 are made of a material responsive to the magnetic field(s) of the permanent magnets in the lid 700. In still other examples, only the magnetic coupling elements in the base 710 are permanent magnets, while the magnetic coupling elements in the lid 700 are made of a material responsive to the magnetic field(s) of the permanent magnets in the base 710.

[0035] The disk shapes shown are merely illustrative; cube shapes or other shapes may be used. In one example, the lid 700 contains thin disks of ferrous material responsive to magnetic field, and two cube-shaped permanent magnets are place in the base 710 at approximately location 714.

[0036] Figure 7 shows a ring of sealing material provided at 720 around the perimeter of the wells in the base. This optional seal may go around the entire perimeter only, as shown, or may separate each individual well from each adjacent well, if desired. This operational seal 720 may be made of a soft and flexile material such as rubber.

[0037] Figure 7 illustrates a recess 730 into which the coupling element 106 (Fig. 1) may be placed when the lid is closed. In some examples, the recess 730 is sized and shaped to freely allow the coupling element 106 (Fig. 1) to be placed in the recess 730. In other examples, the recess 730 is sized and shaped for snap-fit relative to the coupling element 106 (Fig. 1), such that the recess has a flexible opening that is smaller than the coupling element, with a larger space behind the flexible opening, in order to securely receive and hold in place the coupling element 106 (Fig. 1) and keep the lid closed.

[0038] A first non-limiting example takes the form of a compact container comprising a base configured to hold one or more cosmetic products; a lid assembly coupled to the base, the lid assembly comprising: a coupling element; a first portion rotatively coupled to a side of the base and configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation; and a second portion rotatively coupled to an opposing side of the base and configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation; wherein: the first portion and the second portion each have first sub-portions and corresponding second subportions; the first sub-portion of the first portion is rotatively coupled to the base and configured to rotate about the first axis of rotation; the first sub-portion of the second portion is rotatively coupled to the base and configured to rotate about the second axis of rotation; the second sub-portion of the first portion is pivotably coupled to the first sub-portion of the first portion and configured to pivot about a first pivot axis; the second sub-portion of the second portion is pivotably coupled to the first subportion of the second portion and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis; and the second sub-portion of the first portion and the second sub-portion of the second portion are pivotably coupled to each other via the coupling element.

[0039] A second non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in the first non-limiting example, wherein the coupling element is a living hinge.

[0040] A third non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in any of the preceding non-limiting examples, wherein the coupling element comprises: a first arm coupled to the second subportion of the first portion of the lid assembly; a second aim coupled to the second suportion of the second portion of the lid assembly; and a pivot between the first and second arms to facilitate movement of the first arm and the second arm during opening and closing of the lid assembly.

[0041] A fourth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in any of the preceding non-limiting examples, wherein each of the first and second subportions of each of the first and second portions take the form of generally right triangles having first and second legs and a hypotenuse, wherein: the first pivot axis is located along a flexible line joining the hypotenuse of the first subportion of the first porti on to the hypotenuse of the second subportion of the first portion; and the second pivot axis is located along a flexible line joining the hypotenuse of the first subportion of the second portion to the hypotenuse of the second subportion of the second portion. This design is generally apparent from Figure 1 wherein the four subportions 108a, 108d, 110a, 1 lOd are each shown as generally right triangles, with the two subportions 108a, 108d of the first portion 108 connected together along the flex line 118 defining pivot axis 112 at the hypotenuse of each; the same is true for the two subportions 1 10a, 11 Od of th e secon d portion 110 and pivot axis 114.

[0042] A fifth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in any of the preceding non-limiting examples, wherein the base comprises first and second sidewalls opposite of one another, and first and second endwalls opposite of one another, wherein the first axis of rotation is located adjacent the junction of the first endwall and first sidewall, and the second axis of rotation is located adjacent the junction of the second endwall and first sidewall.

[0043] A sixth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in any of the preceding non-limiting examples, wherein the base comprises first and second sidewalls opposite of one another, and first and second endwalls opposite of one another, and a seal extending al ong at least one of the first and second endwalls and first and second sidewalls.

[0044] A seventh non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in any of the preceding non-limiting examples, wherein the lid assembly is config ured to be opened by: the first subportion of the first portion, and the first subportion of the second portion, each pivoting around the respective first and second axes of rotation while remaining in a single plane; and, as the first suportions pivot, the second subportions of the first portion and second portion pivoting along the respective first and second pivot axes out of the single plane, as the coupling element hinges; such that: when closed, each of the first and second subportions of each of the first portion and second portion lie in the single plane; when open, each of the first and second subportions of each of the first portion and second portion lie in the single plane; and during motion to switch between open and closed, the first subportions of each of the first portion and second portion remain in the single plane, while the second subportions of each of the first portion and second portion are out of the single plane. Such a compact may be observed in Figures 1, 3, 4A-4C, and 5-7, going from closed (Figure 1) to fully open (Figures 6 and 7), with the first subportions 108a and 1 10a of first portion 108 and second portion 110 of the lid assembly 102 remaining in a plane that the lid assembly 102 defines when closed (Figure 1) and while open (Figures 6- 7). As shown in Figures 3, 4A-4C and 5, while moving from closed to open (and the reverse) the second subportions 108d, 1 lOd of the first portion 108 and second portion 110 of the lid assembly 102 are at various angles to the plane that the lid assembly 102 defines when closed (Figure 1) and while open (Figures 6-7). The pivoting of subportions 108a, 110a about the axis of rotation 302, 304 is shown throughout Figures 3, 4A-4C and 5.

[0045] An eighth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in any of the preceding non-limiting examples, wherein the first and second axes are defined by pin hinges.

[0046] A ninth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in any of the preceding non-limiting examples, wherein: the base has a base perimeter having a length and a width that together define the base perimeter having a range of about 20 cm to about 100 cm; and the lid assembly has a lid height in a range of about 0.1 cm to about 4 cm.

[0047] A tenth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in any of the preceding non-limiting examples, wherein the lid assembly has: a lid perimeter having a lid length and a lid width that together define the lid perimeter having a range of about 40 cm to about 60 cm; and a lid height in a range of about 0.3 cm to about 3 cm. [0048] An eleventh non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in any of the preceding non-limiting examples, further comprising at least a first magnetic coupling element in the lid assembly and a second magnetic coupling element in the base assembly, wherein when the lid is closed, the first and second magnetic coupling elements are in proximity to one another to apply magnetic force to hold the lid assembly closed relative to the base.

[0049] A twelfth non-limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in any of the preceding non-limiting examples, wherein the base comprises a recess to receive the coupling element when the lid assembly is closed. A thirteenth non- limiting example takes the form of a cosmetic compact as in the twelfth non-limiting example, wherein the recess is configured for snap-fit receipt of the coupling element to securely close the lid assembly.

[0050] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be construed to cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.