Technical Field

[0001] The preferred embodiments relate to cosmetic compacts and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Compacts for makeup, face powder, foundation, blusher, skincare and related cosmetics are well known in the art. A typical compact has a top and bottom that are separated by a pivot (e.g. , hinge), so that the top may be swung about the hinge to either open or close the compact, relative to the bottom. A product, such as a powder or other granular cosmetic, is stored inside the compact, often in a recess formed in the compact bottom. The recess may be deep enough, or the interior space between the top and bottom may be wide enough, to permit other items to be included between the compact top and bottom when the compact is closed. For example, the interior space may permit a mirror to be included, often affixed to the inner side of the compact top, so that when the compact is opened, the reflective mirror surface is visible to the compact user. As another example, the interior space may permit an applicator (e.g., pad or brush), often the same shape (e.g, circular) as the recess or the top and/or bottom, to be included in the interior space.

[0003] The above-described interior applicator may be placed in various configurations, so that the applicator is accessible only once the compact is opened. In this manner, however, it is observed that accessing the applicator may necessitate accessing the powder, or otherwise allowing the powder to potentially spill or be messy upon opening the compact.

[0004] Accordingly, while the above approaches are known and have myriad applications, the present inventors have endeavored to improve the prior art, as further detailed below. Disclosure of Invention

[0005] In one example embodiment, there is a cosmetic powder apparatus, comprising: (i) a first member; and (ii) a second member, where one or both of the first and second members are movable toward the other of the first and second members to enclose an interior area for storing cosmetic powder. The cosmetic powder applicator comprises structure to affix, in one instance, to a fixed positon relative to a selected one of the first and second members, and for facilitating movement of the cosmetic powder applicator away from the fixed position.

[0006] Other aspects are described and claimed.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dual compartment powder/brush package in the closed position.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the package of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the package of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the package of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the package of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the package of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the package of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the package of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective exploded view of the package of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the package of FIG. 10, with a brush bristle enclosing member in an open position.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the package of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective exploded view of an alternative to the package of FIG. 1, where the alternative has a generally circular perimeter.

[0019] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective exploded view of an alternative to the package of FIG. 1, where the alternative has a generally rectangular perimeter.

[0020] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective exploded view of an alternative to the package of FIG. 1, where the alternative has a generally square perimeter.

[0021] FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removable brush.

[0022] FIG. 15B illustrates the brush removable externally apart from the interior of the FIG. 15 A package. [0023] FIG. 15C illustrates a perspective view of the interior of the FIG. 15A package, and with the FIG. 15B brush removed externally apart from the package interior.

[0024] FIG. 16A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removable brush.

[0025] FIG. 16B illustrates the FIG. 16A package in a partial exploded view in which the brush is removed externally apart from the interior of the FIG. 16A package.

[0026] FIG. 16C illustrates a perspective view of the interior of the FIG. 16A package, and with the FIG. 16B brush inserted into a position external from the package interior.

[0027] FIG. 17A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a brush and cap, both removable externally from the package interior and separable from the package.

[0028] FIG. 17B illustrates the FIG. 17A package in a partial exploded view in which the brush and its cap are removed externally apart from the interior of the FIG. 17A package.

[0029] FIG. 17C illustrates a perspective partially-exploded view of the FIG. 17A package with a removable brush having a separable cap and both brush and cap separable from the package.

[0030] FIG. 18A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removable brush, the brush having one portion extending into the package interior and another portion external from the package interior.

[0031] FIG. 18B illustrates the FIG. 18A package in a partial exploded view in which the brush is partially removed from the interior of the FIG. 18A package. [0032] FIG. 18C illustrates the FIG. 18A package in a partial exploded view in which the brush is removed from the interior of the FIG. 18A package and the members enclosing the package interior are hinged apart from one another.

[0033] FIG. 19A illustrates a perspective view of a package usable with, and including at least one flexible member to accommodate retaining, a removable brush.

[0034] FIG. 19B illustrates the FIG. 19A package in which a first and second member are hinged toward one another to enclose a cosmetic between the members, with a third upper member hinged away from the first and second members and including a flexible membrane away from a brush atop the second member.

[0035] FIG. 19C illustrates the FIG. 19A package in which the brush is enclosed between the second and third member, but separated from the interior that stores cosmetic between the first and second members.

[0036] FIG. 20A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removable brush attached to a position external from the package interior.

[0037] FIG. 20B illustrates the FIG. 20A package in which the brush is removed external apart from the interior of the FIG. 20A package and the members enclosing the package interior are hinged apart from one another.

[0038] FIG. 20C illustrates a partially-exploded view of the FIG. 20A package in which the brush is removed external from the interior of the FIG. 20A package, the members enclosing the package interior are hinged toward one another, and the brush cap is removed from the brush.

[0039] FIG. 21 A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removable brush attached to a position external from the package interior.

[0040] FIG. 2 IB illustrates the FIG. 21A package in which the brush is removed external apart from the interior of the FIG. 21A package and the members enclosing the package interior are hinged apart from one another. [0041] FIG. 21C illustrates a partially-exploded view of the FIG. 21A package in which the brush is removed external from the interior of the FIG. 21 A package and the members enclosing the package interior are hinged toward one another.

[0042] FIG. 22A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removable brush attached to a position external from the package interior.

[0043] FIG. 22B illustrates the FIG. 22A package in which the brush is removed external apart from the interior of the FIG. 22A package and the members enclosing the package interior are hinged apart from one another.

[0044] FIG. 22C illustrates a partially-exploded view of the FIG. 22A package in which the brush is removed external from the interior of the FIG. 22A package, the members enclosing the package interior are hinged toward one another, and the brush cap is removed from the brush.

[0045] FIG. 23A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removable brush attached to a position external from the package interior.

[0046] FIG. 23 B illustrates the FIG. 23 A package in which the brush is removed external apart from the interior of the FIG. 23A package and the members enclosing the package interior are hinged apart from one another.

[0047] FIG. 23 C illustrates the brush removed external from the interior of the FIG. 23 A package.

[0048] FIG. 24A illustrates a first perspective view of a package.

[0049] FIG. 24B illustrates a second perspective view of the FIG. 24A package, having an external recess with a brush disposed therein.

[0050] FIG. 24C illustrates the FIG. 24A package with the members for enclosing the package interior hinged apart from one another.

[0051] FIG. 24D illustrates the brush of FIG. 24B once removed from the package. [0052] FIG. 25A illustrates a perspective view of a package, having an external edge-located recess with a brush aligned in the recess and its bristles extending into an area formed within one of two members that hinge toward one another to enclose the package interior, where the area does not extend into the cosmetic storing interior between the two members.

[0053] FIG. 25B illustrates a partially exploded view of the FIG. 25A package once the brush is removed from the package.

[0054] FIG. 26A illustrates a perspective view of a package, having an edge-located recess with a brush disposed therein, where the recess is formed within one of two members that hinge toward one another to enclose the package interior and the recess does not extend into the cosmetic storing interior between the two members.

[0055] FIG. 26B illustrates a partially exploded view of the FIG. 26A package once the brush is removed from the package.

[0056] FIG. 27A illustrates a perspective view of a package, having an external edge-located recess with a brush disposed therein, where the recess is formed within one of two members that hinge toward one another to enclose the package interior and the recess does not extend into the cosmetic storing interior between the two members.

[0057] FIG. 27B illustrates a partially exploded view of the FIG. 27A package with the brush partially removed from the package.

[0058] FIG. 27C illustrates a partially exploded view of the FIG. 27A package with the brush fully removed from the package, and the members for enclosing the package interior hinged apart from one another.

[0059] FIG. 28A illustrates a perspective view of a package, having an external edge-located recess with a brush and brush cap disposed therein, where the recess is formed within one of two members that hinge toward one another to enclose the package interior and the recess does not extend into the cosmetic storing interior between the two members. [0060] FIG. 28B illustrates a perspective view of the FIG. 28A package with the brush removed from the package and the members for enclosing the package interior hinged apart from one another.

[0061] FIG. 28C illustrates a partially-exploded perspective view of the FIG. 28A package with the brush removed from the package and the cap removed from the brush, and with the members for enclosing the package interior hinged toward one another.

[0062] FIG. 29A illustrates a perspective view of a package, having an external edge-located recess with a brush and brush cap disposed therein, where the recess is formed within one of two members that hinge toward one another to enclose the package interior and the recess does not extend into the cosmetic storing interior between the two members.

[0063] FIG. 29B illustrates a perspective view of the FIG. 29A package with the brush removed from the package and the members for enclosing the package interior hinged apart from one another.

[0064] FIG. 29C illustrates a partially-exploded perspective view of the FIG. 29A package with the brush and cap removed from the package and with the members for enclosing the package interior hinged toward one another.

[0065] FIG. 30A stop [to be inserted]

[0066] FIG. 30A illustrates a perspective view of a package.

[0067] FIG. 30B illustrates the FIG. 30A package, with its top separated from its bottom.

[0068] FIG. 30C illustrates a brush/frame combination from the underside of the FIG. 30B package top, and with the brush retracted.

[0069] FIG. 30D illustrates a brush/frame combination from the underside of the FIG. 30B package top, and with the brush partially extended. [0070] FIG. 30E illustrates a brush/frame combination from the underside of the FIG. 3 OB package top, and with the brush additionally extended beyond the extent of FIG. 30D.

Description of Embodiments

[0071] FIGs. 1 through 14 illustrate various different views of a preferred embodiment cosmetic compact package 10. Package 10 includes a bottom 12 with a recess 12a in which cosmetic (e.g., powder, not shown) is to be stored. Package 10 also includes a top 14 which is pivotally connected to bottom 12, such as by a hinge 16 or the like. In general, therefore, bottom 12 and top 14 pivotally relate to enclose an interior area that includes recess 12a, and therefore a user may pivot top 14 away from bottom 12, thereby providing access to recess 12a and any cosmetic stored therein.

[0072] As appreciated in FIGs. 1 and 10, and above top 14, package 10 further includes an additional retaining member 18, connected for example by a pivoting member 22 (see FIG. 7) to one or both of top 14 and bottom 12. In this manner, preferably additional retaining member 18 may swing away from top 14, as shown in FIG. 10. As also shown in FIGs. 1 and 10, package 10 includes a powder/cosmetic applicator, which by way of example is a brush 20. Brush 20 includes a handle 20H and bristles 20B (or some other apparatus to provide cosmetic application, like a tip, membrane, ball, or the like). As now appreciable, therefore, brush 20 may be fitted near or along an upper surface 14US of top 14, such that bristles 20B are partially or fully covered by additional retaining member 18. Indeed, as shown in FIGs. 9 and 10, additional retaining member 18 has a chamber, which in the illustrated embodiment is a concave cavity 18C, such that, when member 18 is closed relative to top 14 as shown in FIG. 9, concave cavity 18C provides a receptacle area for receiving and covering bristles 20B. Also in this regard, when brush 20 is so positioned, preferably a portion of its handle 20H substantially or fully aligns with a portion of the perimeter of top 14. Additionally, note in the retained position that a portion of handle 20H abuts an upper edge of retaining member 18 along an interface 24 (see FIG. 1). As a result, bristles 20B are retained within cavity 18C (formed by the generally concave portion of member 18), so as to somewhat or fully enclose bristles 20B, relative to the exterior environment, when brush 20 is in the retained position. Note further, therefore, then when brush 20 is affixed to package 10, neither the brush handle 20H nor its bristles 20B extends in the interior of package 12 where cosmetic is stored.

[0073] Top 14 and/or brush 20 may include further aligning apparatus to facilitate the insertion, retention, and removal of brush 20 relative to top 14. In an illustrated example (see FIG. 10), two guides 14G are included on upper surface 14US, which as shown are arcuate with a portion that forms a bumper to guide receipt of the bristles 20B between the two guides 14G. Also while not shown, a metal-to-magnet or magnet-to-magnet attraction/retention force may be created by applying, or embedding, a magnet in one of either top 14 or brush 20 and either another magnet, or metal, in the other of top 14 or brush 20. In such an instance, as brush 20 is brought in the vicinity of upper surface 14US, the magnetic attraction force brings brush 20 (and/or its bristles 20B) into alignment with top 14. Alternatively, alignment bay be guided and retained by way of a friction fit, such as by shaping device form factors, ridges, tabs, or the like. In any case, when brush 20 is affixed to upper surface 14US, with the described alignment, bristles 20B rest in an area toward the rear of upper surface 14, that is, near pivoting member 22 (see FIG. 7) and are covered by additional retaining member 18, when that additional retaining member 18 is pivoted downward relative to upper surface 14 (see, FIG. 9). Such covering is fully achieved in the position of FIG. 1, where brush 20 is fully aligned within concave cavity 18C.

[0074] The use of package 10 is now described generally, as also may be appreciated by one skilled in the art given the illustrations and preceding. When the user desires to use solely brush 20, the user removes brush 20 from its retained position as part of package 10. Such removal may be achieved, for example, by pulling handle 20H in a direction away from the remainder of package 20 - in FIG. 9, therefore, removal may be achieved by pulling handle 20H generally to the right, from the perspective shown, causing brush 20 to separate from package 10. When the user desires to once again retain brush 20 to package 10, bristles 20B may be slid within cavity 18C. To further assist with this positioning, note that additional retaining member 18 may, prior to re-affixing brush 20 to package 10, may be swung about its pivoting member 22 (see FIG. 7) away from upper surface 14US, such as to the position shown in FIG. 10. In this manner, brush 20 may be replaced to a position adjacent upper surface 14US, again with the optional assistance of guides 14G. Thereafter, additional retaining member 18 may be swung about its pivoting member 22 (see FIG. 7) toward and to contact upper surface 14US, completing the closure of that member and providing the orientation of it, and brush 20, as shown in FIG. 1. Note also that alternatively brush 40 could be inserted (e.g. , slid along a parallel plane) onto upper surface 14US with member 18 in its downward position. Indeed, in an alternative embodiment, member 18 is not pivotable, but merely provides a fixed external receptacle, relative to the cosmetics chamber, which would therefore appear somewhat comparable to that positioning shown in FIG. 9.

[0075] In addition to the preceding, package 10 also may be used to access cosmetics in a manner comparable in certain respects to known cosmetic compacts. Specifically, a user may pivot top 14 away from bottom 12, for example by pulling top upward from bottom 12, while holding a retaining member 26, connected to bottom 14, so as to hold bottom 14 steady during the pivoting process. In this manner, any item on the interior side of top 14 or bottom 12 is accessible, including for example any cosmetic in recess 12a (FIG. 11). As an aside, note that when top 14 and bottom 12 are moved in this fashion, away from one another, such movement also moves additional retaining member 18, inasmuch as it is on the opposite (or external) side of top 14, relative to bottom 12. Thus, if brush 20 is affixed relative to top 14 when top 14 is moved away from bottom 12, then brush 20 is also moved (e.g., pivoted) away from bottom 12. Hence, brush 20 may be removed and re-attached to package 12 also when top 14 is pivoted away from bottom 12. [0076] FIGs. 12-14 illustrate alternate configurations 1200, 1300, and 1400, respectively, for package 10, with a change in outer form factor shape. Specifically: (1) FIG. 12 illustrates a removable brush 1200BR from a package 1200 having a circular shape from a plan view; (2) FIG. 13 illustrates a removable brush 1300BR from a package 1300 having a square shape from a plan view; and (3) FIG. 14 illustrates a removable brush 1400BR from a package 1400 having a rectangular shape from a plan view. In each of FIGs. 12-14, the handle of the respective brush is shaped to comport with the plan view shape.

[0077] FIGs. 15A-15C illustrate perspective views of a package 1500 with a removable brush 1500BR (FIG. 15B), the brush fitting into a receptacle 1500R in the package 1500 such that the brush 1500BR may be removed from the package while the package remains in a closed position (FIG. 15 A) as far as the interior cosmetic (e.g., powder) 1502 is contained. Also, package 1500 can be separately opened to access a cosmetic 1502 or other material inside the package (FIG. 15C), either with the brush 1500BR in place in the package receptacle or removed from it. By example, a plan view of package 15010 has a square shape. Additionally, therefore, when brush 1500BR is affixed to package 1500, neither the brush handle 1504 nor its bristles 1506 extends in the interior of package 1500, where cosmetic 1502 is stored between a bottom member 1508 and a top member 1510.

[0078] FIGs. 16A-16C illustrate perspective views of a package 1600 with a removable brush 1602 (FIG. 16B), the brush 1602 fitting into a receptacle 1604 in the package 1600 such that the brush 1602 may be removed from the package 1600, while the package remains in a closed position (FIG. 16A). Also, package 1600 can be separately opened to access a cosmetic 1606 or other material in an interior of the package provided between a bottom member 1608 and a top member 1610 (FIG. 16C), either with the brush 1602 in place in the package receptacle 1604 or removed from it. By example, a plan view of this package has a circular shape. In addition, however, the brush 1602 may be a shape, either in its bristles 1602BR, handle 1602H, or both, whereby when the brush 1602 is inserted into the package receptacle 1604, a continuous shape (e.g. , planar) is not necessarily maintained in the outer form factor of the package 1600 as the brush handle 1604H is encountered. Instead, in this example, the brush receptacle 1604 (and brush handle when inserted therein) protrudes away from an otherwise generally flat or planar surface of the top of the package. At least a portion of brush 1602 is shaped to match the shape, and form a fit (e.g., friction fit) between brush 1602 and receptacle 1604, where in the illustrated embodiment that shape has a round cross-section and both receptacle 1604 and brush 1602 are cylindrical. Further, when brush 1602 is affixed to package 1600, one portion (e.g., bristles 1602BR) of the brush 1602 is within receptacle 1604, while another portion (e.g., handle 1602H) extends beyond receptacle 1604. When brush 1602 is affixed to package 1600, neither the brush handle 1602 nor its bristles 1602BR extends in the interior of package 1600, where cosmetic 1606 is stored between a bottom member 1608 and a top member 1610.

[0079] FIGs. 17A-17C illustrate perspective views of a package 1700 with a removable brush 1702 (FIGs. 17B, 17C), the brush 1702 fitting into a recess 1704 in the package such that the brush 1702 may be removed from the package, while keeping the package interior in a closed position, that is, as the package bottom 1706 and package top 1708 remain closed with respect to one another. Also, package 1700 can be separately opened to access a cosmetic (not shown) or other material inside the package, either with the brush 1702 in place in the package receptacle or removed from it. In addition, however, the package 1700 includes a recess 1704 that does not itself provide a receptacle for the brush bristles . Instead, a separate bristle cap 1710 is provided, so that the combination of the brush 1702 and its bristle cap 1710 may be fitted together, or separated from each other, and when fitted together align within the package recess 1704 (shown as an oval, by example). Further in this regard, brush 1702 may comprise different sets of bristles 1712 (e.g, for providing different sizes or textures of cosmetic application), with each bristle set either retained by a same common handle 1714, or each bristle set may have its own handle, with that handle fitting within a larger handle. For example as shown in FIG. 17C, there are three different bristle sets 1712, where in one example embodiment each set may have its own handle separable 1716A, 1716B, 1716C, from the overall handle 1714, or each bristle set may affixed within the single overall handle. Also contemplated is a mechanism for retaining the combined brush and bristle cap in the package recess, using, as examples, a friction fit, a snapping or retaining member(s), or magnetic field (e.g., magnet to magnet, or magnet to magnetic response material, such as appropriate metal).

[0080] FIGs. 18A-18C illustrate perspective views of a package 1800 with a removable brush 1802 (FIGs. 18B, 18C), the brush 1802 fitting into a receptacle 1804 in the package 1800 such that the brush 1802 may be removed from the package 1800, while other surfaces of the package 1800 that enclose the cosmetic material remain in a same relative position. For example, as illustrated, the pivotal relationship between a package top 1806 and bottom 1808 may stay in closed contact with respect to one other to partially contain cosmetic 1810 (FIG. 18C) stored within the package interior, but when the brush 1802 is removed, note that brush removal does open one end of package 1800 so as to share ambient with the package interior upon such removal. In contrast to earlier example embodiments, however, insertion of the brush 1802 into the receptacle 1804 can complete the closing off from ambient, of the cosmetic powder within an interior space of package 1800. By example, a plan view of package 1800 has a square shape.

[0081] FIG. 19A illustrates a perspective view of a package 1900, again with two members 1902 and 1904 which are pivotally connected to one another for enclosing an interior area (under member 1094, but not separately shown) for a cosmetic to be stored in the interior. A third member 1906 is also pivotally connected, to one or both of members 1902 and 1904, whereby third member 1906 can be closed atop member 1904. Third member 1906 includes an accommodating surface, such as by shape or inclusion of a flexible, deformable, and/or elastic surface (e.g., membrane), so that a brush 1908 may be placed between second member 1904 and third member 1906, and whereby when third member 1906 is then closed toward and to mate with second member 1904, brush 1908 is retained between those two members (see FIG. 19C). As shown in FIG. 19C, therefore, one set of two opposing members 1902 and 1904 are brought together to thereby enclose the cosmetic area, while a different set of two opposing members 1906 and 1904 are brought together to thereby enclose the brush 1980 between them, while the outermost such member 1906 deforms as evident in FIG. 19C by the outline of the brush, against which member 1906 is applied. Accordingly, brush 1908 is retained by package 1900, so that brush 1908 may be installed to, or removed from, the package, without requiring access to the interior area where cosmetic is stored. Also by example, a plan view of package 1900 has a square shape.

[0082] FIGs. 20A-20C illustrate perspective views of a package 2000 with a removable brush 2002 and cap 2004 (FIG. 20C), the brush and cap fitting into a recess 2006 in package 2000 such that the brush may be removed from the package while the package interior remains in a closed position (FIG. 20 A) relative to its stored cosmetic 2008 (FIG. 20B). Also, package 2000 can be separately opened to access cosmetic 2008 or other material inside the package (FIG. 20B), by pivoting apart the package bottom 2010 and top 2012, about a hinge 2014, either with or without a brush 2002 (and its cap 2004) attached to the package 2000. In addition, however, like package 1700, package 2000 includes a recess 2006 that does not itself provide a receptacle for the brush bristles, and note that packages 1700 and 2000 demonstrate that the recess can have different shapes, where by way of example in FIGs. 20A-20C the recess has a triangular cross-section. Further, also in package 2000 a separate bristle cap 2004 is provided, so that the combination of the brush and its bristle cap may be fitted together, or separated from each other, and when fitted together two different surfaces of the combination align within respective surfaces of the package recess. Also in package 2000, when the combination of brush 2002 and brush cap 2004 are fitted within the (e.g., triangular) recess 2006, a continuous exterior surface, here in the shape of a plane, is maintained across the area just beyond the recess (e.g., to the left and right in FIG. 20A) and the upper surface of the brush handle/bristle cap. The same is true on both ends of the package. Lastly, again also contemplated is a mechanism for retaining the combined brush and bristle cap in the package recess.

[0083] FIGs. 21 A-21C illustrate perspective views of a package 2100 with various similarities to package 10 of FIGs. 1-11, with package 2100 including a removable brush 2102 (FIG. 21C), here with a triangular brush handle 2102H, the brush fitting into a receptacle 2104 in the package such that the brush may be removed from the package 2100, while the package interior otherwise remains in a closed position between a bottom 2106 and top 2108, and without interior exposure by the brush removal, so as to keep closed the interior area of the cosmetic (e.g., avoiding exposure of the cosmetic to ambient). Further, brush removal is independent of the pivotal relationship of the two package members (e.g. , top and bottom 2108 and 2106, about a hinge 2110) that enclose the cosmetic within the package (FIG. 21C), so the package can be separately opened, irrespective of the brush position, to access a cosmetic 2112 or other material inside the package (FIG. 2 IB). By example, a plan view of package 2100 has a square shape . Also in package 2100, when brush 2102 is fitted within the package receptacle 2104, a continuous exterior plane is maintained across the area just beyond the recess (e.g, to the left, right, and top in FIG. 21 A) and the upper surface of the brush handle (e.g, to the bottom in FIG. 21C).

[0084] FIGs. 22A-22C illustrate perspective views of a package 2200 with various similarities to package 2000, with package 2200 including a removable brush 2202 (FIG. 22C). Brush 2202 fits into a recess 2204 in package 2200, and brush 2202 may be removed from the package 2200 while the package remains in a closed position with respect to its stored cosmetic. Thus, in FIG. 22A, a closed position is shown between a package bottom 2206 and top 2208, while in FIG. 22B an open position is shown between a package bottom 2206 and top 2208, pivoting about a hinge 2210. Also, again independent of brush position, package 2200 can be separately opened to access a cosmetic 2212 or other material inside the package (FIG. 22B). In addition, package 2200 includes a recess that does not itself provide a receptacle for the brush bristles, but instead a separate bristle cap 2214 is provided, so that when cap 2214 and brush 2202 are fitted together, some surfaces of the combination thereof fit within recess 2204, which is included in the package exterior for receiving the combined brush 2202 and brush cap 2214, while at least one surface of the brash/cap combination forms a part of a continuous exterior surface of the package (here, not planar but continuing the surface curvature of top 2208), for both aesthetics as well as assisting a user with identification of the brush and facilitating both its removal and re-insertion. In package 2200, when the combination of brush 2202 and brush cap 2214 are fitted within the (e.g., slotted) recess 2204, a continuous exterior plane, or contour, is maintained across the area just beyond the recess (e.g., to the left and right in FIG. 22A) and the upper surface of the brush handle/bristle cap. Once more, also contemplated is a mechanism for retaining the combined brush and bristle cap in the package recess, which also may include a slide-fit relationship.

[0085] FIGs. 23A-23C illustrate perspective views of a package 2300 with various similarities to package 2100, with package 2300 including a removable brush 2302 (FIG. 23 C), brush 2302 fitting into a receptacle 2304 in package 2300 such that brush 2302 may be removed from package 2300 with the package interior remaining in a closed position (FIG. 23 A) and without exposure, by that brush removal, of a cosmetic 2306 (FIG. 23B). Accordingly, with the example of a pivotal relationship of a top 2308 and bottom 2310 about a pivot/hinge 2312, and whereby that relationship can remain closed to contain cosmetic 2306 stored within the package interior, when brush 2302 is removed, the package can be separately opened to access cosmetic 2306 or other material inside the package (FIG. 23B), or the pivoting opening can be achieved while brush 2302 is still attached to package 2300. By example, a plan view of package 2300 has a square shape. Also in package 2300, when brush 2302 is fitted within package receptacle 2304, a continuous exterior plane is maintained across the area just beyond the recess (e.g., to the top left comer in FIG. 23 A) and the upper surface of the bmsh handle (e.g., to the bottom right comer in FIG. 23 A).

[0086] FIGs. 24A-24D illustrate perspective views of a package 2400 with various similarities to package 1700. Package 2400 includes a removable bmsh 2402 (FIG. 24D), bmsh 2402 fitting into a recess (FIG. 24B) formed in a package bottom 2404 (or could be in a package top 2406). Accordingly, bmsh 2406 may be removed from package 2400 while package 2400 otherwise remains in a closed position as shown in FIG. 24A, where top 2406 is pivotally brought, about a hinge 2408, in contact with bottom 2404. Or, package 2400 can be separately opened (FIG. 24C) to access a cosmetic 2410 or other material in the package interior area, between bottom 2404 and top 2406. The package recess does not itself provide a fully-enclosing receptacle for the bmsh bristles 2402BR. Instead, either some or all of the bristles can remain exposed to area external of package 2400, even when bmsh 2400 is in the recess, or a separate bristle cap (not shown) may be provided, in which case the combination of the bmsh and its bristle cap may be fitted together, or separated from each other, and when fitted together align within the package recess. In the example embodiment, the recess at least in part is shaped to align with the bmsh handle. Again also contemplated is a mechanism for retaining the bmsh in the package recess.

[0087] FIGs. 25A-25B illustrate perspective views of a package 2500 with various similarities to packages 1500 and 2100. Package 2500 includes a removable bmsh 2502 (FIG. 25B), the bmsh and its bristles 2502BR fitting into a package recess 2504, such that bristles 2502BR further fit within and are enclosed by an area 2506 when so fitted, and bmsh 2502 may be removed from package 2500 while package 2500 remains in a closed position, where its top 2508 is pivotally brought, about a hinge 2510, in contact with its bottom 2512. Accordingly, bmsh removal is permitted without exposing, the cosmetic to the bmsh 2502 (or to ambient). Alternatively, through a (e.g, pivotal) relationship of top and bottom 2508 and 2512 that can be brought together to enclose the cosmetic, those members may be opened with brush 2502 either attached or removed from package 2500, so as to access a cosmetic or other material inside the package. By example, a plan view of package 2500 has a square shape. Also in package 2500, when brush 2502 is fitted within the package receptacle, respective continuous exterior planes are maintained on three different sides of the package.

[0088] FIGs. 26A-26B illustrate perspective views of a package 2600. Package 2600 includes a removable brush 2602 (FIG. 26B), the brush, including its bristles 2602BR, fitting into a receptacle 2604 in package 2600, such that brush 2602 may be removed from the package, while the package remains in a closed position with respect to, and without exposing, the interior-stored cosmetic (e.g., to ambient). In the example embodiment of package 2600, receptacle 2604 is sized/shaped so that two edges of brush handle 2602H align along planes with external surfaces of package 2600, so that those two surfaces of handle 2602H are flush with the exterior of package 2600 when so inserted, as shown in FIG. 26A. Also in the illustrated example, while brush bristles 2602BR are within the receptacle, a portion of that receptacle remains open to ambient, thereby exposing some of the bristles, at least to be viewed from exterior of package 2600 when the brush is inserted into the receptacle. Again, through a (e.g. , pivotal) relationship, the top and bottom members 2606 and 2608, respectively, enclose an interior-stored cosmetic, those members may be opened with brush 2602 either attached or removed from the package, so as to access a cosmetic or other material inside the package. By example, a plan view of package 2600 has a square shape.

[0089] FIGs. 27A-27C illustrate perspective views of a package 2700 with various similarities to packages 1500, 2100, and 2600. Package 2700 includes a removable brush 2702 (FIG. 27B), but in this instance the entirety of the brush and its bristles 2702BR, other than a single flat surface 2702FS of the brush handle, fit within a package receptacle 2704, which is formed within a top member 2706. In any event, again brush 2702 may be removed from a package 2700, while package 2700 remains in a closed position between its top member 2706 and a bottom member 2708, with respect to, and without exposing, the cosmetic (e.g, to ambient). Alternatively, through a (e.g., pivotal, about a hinge 2710) relationship of the members 2706 and 2708 enclosing the cosmetic, those members may be opened with the brush either attached or removed from the package, so as to access a cosmetic or other material inside the package. By example, a plan view of package 2700 has a square shape. Also in package 2700, when brush 2702 and its bristles 2702BR are fully fitted within package receptacle 2704, a flat plane is presented on a side of the package that includes the package as well as a single flat surface portion of the brush handle.

[0090] FIGs. 28A-28C illustrate perspective views of a package 2800 with various similarities to package 2000. Package 2800 includes a removable brush 2802 (FIG. 28C), with brush 2802 and its cap 2804 fitting into a recess 2806 in the package such that the brush may be removed from the package while the package remains in a closed position relative to its interior-stored cosmetic, the enclosure achieved between a package top 2808 and bottom 2810. Additionally, package 2800 can be opened to access a cosmetic 2812 or other material inside the package interior (FIG. 28B), with brush 2802 (and cap 2804) either attached thereto or removed therefrom. Accordingly, recess 2806 does not itself provide a receptacle for the brush bristles, but instead bristle cap 2804 serves both to enclose the bristles and provide uniform exterior planes in all three dimensions when attached to package 2800 (FIG. 28A), that is, four continuous exterior planes are maintained across the areas between the recess and the combination brush handle/brush cap fitted into the recess. Thus, while the cross-sectional shape of brush 2802 handle is triangular, as was the case for package 2000, for package 2800 only a single side (i.e., one triangle leg) of the brush handle is adjacent the package exterior, whereas for package 2000 two different sides (i.e., two triangle legs) fit within that package recess. Once more, also contemplated is a mechanism for retaining the combined brush and bristle cap in the package recess.

[0091] FIGs. 29A-29C illustrate perspective views of a package 2900 with various similarities to package 2800. Package 2900 includes a removable brush 2902 (FIG. 29C), brush 2902 fitting into, or aligning in part with, a recess 2904 in package 2900 such that brush 2902 may be removed from package 2900 while package 2900 remains in a closed position (FIG. 29A) relative to its interior-stored cosmetic 2906, and with the interior enclosed between a bottom 2908 and top 2910. Also, package 2900 can be separately opened to access a cosmetic 2906 or other material inside the package (FIG. 29B), with brush 2902 either attached thereto or removed therefrom. Again, recess 2904 does not itself provide a receptacle for the brush bristles, and a bristle cap 2912, apart from a brush handle 2914, is included, while recess 2904 is dimensioned to receive both brush handle 2914 and brush cap 2912, when cap 2912 is assembled to brush handle 2914. In the illustrated example, recess 2904 is formed by two perpendicular planes, each to abut a respective plane of the combined brush and brush cap. Hence, the combined brush/brash cap have a square or rectangular cross-section, and when mated to the package recess, continuous planes are provide on four different surface of the package relative the combined brush/brash cap. Further, no mechanical affixation is shown, so an alternative retaining mechanism is to be included, such as by magnetism.

[0092] FIGs. 30A-30F illustrate perspective views of a package 3000 which includes a separable bottom 3010 and a top 3020. Unlike embodiments described above, package 3000 does not include a pivoting member (e.g., hinge) between the two members that enclose its interior area where a recess 3030 stores cosmetic powder. Notably, therefore, bottom 3010 and top 3020 are physically separable entirely from one another, that is, there is no pivotal of other fixed connection between them. Instead, they may be retained together by some retaining mechanism (e.g., snap fit, magnetism, or threadably if they were shaped appropriately). FIGs. 30C through 30E illustrate a brush retractable member 3040, which is positioned in the underside of top 3020. Member 3040 includes a frame 3050, with a brush 3060, having a handle 3060H and bristles 3060BR. Brush 3060 is in in a slidable relationship relative to frame 3050. For example, the outer edge of handle 3060H may include tabs (not expressly shown, but inherent to the slidable illustration) that extend outward to engage with respective tracks along respective paths on frame 3050, where the respective paths can be curved so as to provide a direction of sliding action that brush 3060 follows when moved either inward or outward relative to frame 3050. As shown in the sequence from FIG. 30C to FIG. 30E, therefore, brush 3060 may be either retracted (FIG. 30C) into frame 3050, or extended partially away from frame (FIGs. 30D, 30E). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 30F, with brush 3060 in its extended position, frame 3050 in combination with cap 3020 provide an assembly that houses and also allows manipulation of bristles 3060BR, so that cosmetic in a recess 3030 (e.g, circular) inside package 3000 may be accessed and applied. Thus, even though bottom 3010 and top 3020 are not hinged relative to one another, again a brush is provided that, in one instance is fixed to a movable member, the movable member for advancing toward another member to enclose a powder, but that same brush is also itself movable relative to the movable member. When the user is done with the application, brush 3060 can be retracted back into frame 3050 (and top 3020), and top 3020 may be returned to a closed position atop bottom 3010 (FIG. 30A). Easily, note that recess 3030 may be partitioned, where for example itS outer shape shown is split into two portions, one storing cosmetic powder and the other housing a mirror.

[0093] From the above, one skilled in the art should understand and appreciate that embodiments provide a cosmetic compact, in which a brush is retained as part of the unitary package, but also may be removed from various positions (e.g., an outermost) of the package, in most instances without accessing an interior space (or partition) which also would access the compact cosmetic powder. In some embodiments, the brush also may extend into an interior of the package. In all events, however, the package includes at least a first and second member, where one or both of those members are movable toward the other to enclose (partially or fully) an interior area where powder is stored, and the cosmetic applicator (e.g., brush) includes structure to affix it, in one instance, to a fixed positon relative to one of the movable members, while that same brush is also itself movable away from the fixed position, and the cosmetic applicator further includes structure (e.g., friction fit, magnetism, clip, etc.) to facilitate moving the applicator away from the fixed position. Further, in many example embodiments, when the brush is reattached relative to the package, it may do so in a manner such that any residue or excess powder still on the brush bristles can be relatively confined, such as by way of having some or all of the bristles retained within a receptacle that is formed by additional retaining apparatus of the package (or a cap), and also having a portion of the brush (e.g, handle) abut with the retaining apparatus along an interface, so as to somewhat or fully enclose the bristles when the brush is in the retained position and in many example embodiments to provide continuity of the outer surface(s) of the package and the brush. Hence, described embodiments improve the state of the art, in which a brush is separately carried/accessed by a user, or the brush is housed in the compact interior so that accessing the brush necessarily requires access to (and possible release, exposure, spilling, contamination, and the like) the interior cosmetic. Thus, described embodiments permit easy brush retrieval, separate from cosmetic access, while still facilitating desired timely use of the brush, for powder touch-up or application or the like, and brush replacement and retention, along with containment of the brush bristles when the brush is not in use. Also noted is the example embodiment of FIGs. 1 through 11 have a generally rounded comer, square perimeter, when viewed from the top or bottom plan views of FIG. 6 or 7. Further, while the inventive scope has been demonstrated in various aspects of embodiments, still other variations are contemplated or will be ascertainable by one skilled in the art, with the hindsight of the inventive teachings herein. For example, also contemplated in the inventive scope are other shapes, for example as shown in FIG. 12 (circular perimeter), FIG. 13 (generally rectangular perimeter, where comers could be 90 degrees or rounded to have a single radius or otherwise contoured), or FIG. 14 (square perimeter), where in each case the top, bottom, and retaining member are contoured to accommodate the perimeter shape, as is the width and handle shape for bmsh 20. Thus, the package perimeter or footprint, as well as the receptacle for the bmsh over the top, could be for any shaped compact, where a portion of the outermost layer or shell (e.g., member 18) cover is used to house a portion (e.g., bristles) of the bmsh or other applicator. As another example, the bmsh/applicator can any type of device used to apply the cosmetic product, for example to the face, examples including a sponge, roller or any other face applicator device. Thus, while features have been described to serve to illustrate the inventive scope as have been demonstrated by certain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope is further subject to various modifications, substitutions, or alterations, without departing from that inventive scope. Still other examples will be ascertainable by one skilled in the art given the teachings herein and as further guided by the following exemplary but non-exhaustive claims.