FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a cosmetic case, particularly, with a post affixeαVrotateable hinge to allow for ease of identification of a shaded colored cosmetic packaged within the case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For centuries, consumers have bought cosmetic powders in cases hoping to achieve the perfect "flawless" look. Typically, a powder of a particular shade can be found in a cosmetic case to match the desired complexion of the consumer. Matching the color of the product, however, can be somewhat difficult when the contents within the compact cannot be seen. Because opaque packaging is often desired, a conflict occurs creating the inability to clearly see the specific product shade while packaged on the shelf. Solid color compacts are often used, particularly, in the case of cosmetic powders since a solid color is considered better quality and the placement of mirrors inside are considered a necessary convenience. Previously, there have been attempts to "show shade" by displaying a color sample on the package or display card. Although this aided the consumer in selecting their desired color, errors could be made when a consumer purchased a particular product based solely on the color sample. Sometimes, the color of the sample did not meet the consumer's expectation of the contents within the package. Although one may employ a transparent lid, it is not as aesthetically pleasing as an opaque compact due to the presence of a mirror. Another alternative to "show shade" is to display the compact in an opened position, which wastes space, or have the consumer open the package. Such options are not desirable and can hinder marketing.

The present invention provides a uniquely designed cosmetic case which maintains a high quality look yet assists the consumer in quickly selecting the desired product shade by viewing the actual product without the necessity of removing the product from the package.

The present invention further provides a cosmetic case with a uniquely designed hinge that allows for the cover and base of the case to be packaged in a particular configuration that allows the consumer to view and select the desired product shade.

The present invention also provides a method of doing business whereby the cosmetic case of the present invention and the assembly of such is used as a means of assisting in an unaided selection of a cosmetic shade from an array of cosmetic shades available to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a cosmetic case is provided wherein the cover and container base are packaged in such a way as to allow a view of the product shade in the base. After point of purchase, the consumer joins the cover and base by either turning the cover over on the base and snapping the locking protuberance into the receiver or by rotating the cover from an angled position to an equal position over the container base. The cover is then locked into the base by the locking ledge that flexes through a smaller diameter hole in the hinge receiver and lands on an internal locking shelf on the inner wall of the hinge receiver. The consumer then operates the compact as usual, opening and closing it about the hinge via the front push button. Assembly of the cover and base or rotation of the cover to become aligned with the base is no longer required as it is now affixed for maneuverability about the hinge.

One embodiment of the present invention provides for a snap-assembly cosmetic case wherein the cover is disengaged from the container base and is packaged in such a way as to allow for a consumer to view the contents of the container base while in a packaging such as a blister package. The cover, for example, may be packaged underneath the container base in a configuration such as to cradle the container base.

Such configuration is advantageous to the consumer since it allows for the contents of the container base to be viewed without the impairment of a cover atop of the container base. One of the base or cover includes a protuberance with a ledge formed by the use of a flat surface below a pointed tip. The consumer is directed to assemble the case by snapping the protuberance into the hinge receiver of one of the container base or cover, respectively. The protuberance locks by means of a locking shelf that allows the

container base and cover to be engaged such that the cover and base cannot be detached. The cosmetic case then becomes operable to open and close accordingly.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a rotate-assembly cosmetic case wherein the cover and base are packaged similarly to the snap-assembly case above such that the container base sits within the inner face of the cover. The cover and the container base, however, are already engaged by means of a rotating hinge during packaging. After point of purchase, the consumer rotates the cover from underneath the container base so that the cover and the container base sit along a similar axis. A locking lug engages a notch on the hinge receiver to prevent the cover and base from rotating. The cosmetic case will then articulate around the hinge to open and close.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a pivot-assembly cosmetic case wherein the cover and base are already engaged by means of a rotating hinge during packaging and are rotated apart whereas the cover and container base are angled in relation to each other in order to show the shade of the product. Distinguished from the previous embodiment, the inner areas of the cover and container base comprise a first position to face each other. After point of purchase, the consumer joins the cover and container base by rotating either part such that the inside surfaces of the cover and container base are at least about evenly atop of each other. After assembly and the cover and/or base are completely rotated, a locking lug engages a notch on the hinge receiver to lock the compact in a hinged configuration. The compact then operates accordingly rotating about the hinge. Rotation of the cover and base is no longer required as the compact is now locked to rotate about the hinge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the cosmetic case of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an inner perspective view of the container base of the cosmetic case of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an outer perspective view of the cover of the cosmetic case of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an inner perspective view of the cover of the cosmetic case of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the snap-assembly cosmetic case of the present invention as packaged in a cradle position;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover engaged with the container base of the snap-assembly cosmetic case of the present invention with the cover in the open position; FIG. 7 is a magnified cross-sectional side view of the cover engaged with the container base of the snap-assembly cosmetic case of the present invention with the cover in the open position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the snap-assembly cosmetic case in an open position after assembly; FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the cover, hinge receiver and container base of the pivot-assembly and rotate-assembly cosmetic case of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the pivot-assembly cosmetic case of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the protuberance and hinge receiver of the rotate- assembly and pivot-assembly cosmetic case of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the protuberance, locking lug and locking notch of the cosmetic case of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rotate-assembly cosmetic case of the present invention in a first position such as that found while packaged; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rotate-assembly cosmetic case of the present invention during rotation; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the rotate-assembly cosmetic case of the present invention wherein the rotating protuberance is locked so that the cosmetic case can open and close.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a cosmetic case that allows the customer to view the product shade while it is shelved or on display yet is packaged in such a way as to not hinder marketing. As used herein, "package" is a unitary means by which the cosmetic case of the present invention is shelved, displayed, stored or shipped. The outer wrap can comprise a variety of materials such as blisters, cartons, thermoform clam shells, shrink sleeves, plastic sleeve and bags, injection molded container and the like. As used herein, the position of the cover relative to the container base when the cover and the base are packaged together as a package unit is described as the "first position". The "second position" as used herein describes the position of the cover

(locked) engaged with the base so that the cosmetic case can be opened and closed by the cover rotating about the hinge. In the first position, the cover is disposed such that a combined projected area of both the cover and the base totals no more than a sum of an individual total area of the cover and an individual total area of the base. In other words, within the package unit the total area defined by the base and the cover in combination is not greater than the sum of individual total areas of the base and the cover. This is so because in the packaged unit the cover and the base are at least partially superimposed in plan view, as shown in Figs. 1, 10 and 13. The areas of the cover and of the base are defined by their respective perimeters, as one skilled in the art will appreciate. When added together as described above, these areas are hereby referred to as "cumulative area". For example, if the area of the cover is "A" and the area of the container base is "B", the cumulative area is A + B. The "projected area" as used herein refers to the combined areas of the area of the cover and the area of the base in a packaged unit, when the cover is in the first position. As opposed to the cumulative area, the projected area can vary depending on the position of the cover with respect to the base. For given sizes of cosmetic cases, the cumulative area is constant and will not change regardless of the disposition of the cover and base. In the packaged unit, the cosmetic case of the present invention comprises a combined projected area of no more than about 95% of the cumulative area. Specifically, the combined projected area is no more than about 85%, more specifically no more than about 75%, more specifically no more than about 65%, and even more specifically no more than about 50% of the cumulative area of the cosmetic case. The second position of the cosmetic case of the present invention can be

seen in the closed position as shown generally in FIG. 5 or the open position as shown generally in FIG. 8. In the second position when closed, either the base or the cover is rotated parallel or at least substantially parallel to the base or cover, respectively.

Through mechanisms described herein, cosmetic cases of the present invention can be engaged and thus assembled by a variety of means. Specifically, the present invention provides for an engagement means such as a hinge. Cosmetic cases of the present invention can comprise a variety of sizes to hold various products such as foundation, powders, blush, eye shadow, lip products and the like.

The present invention provides in FIG. 1 generally for a cosmetic case 100 wherein the cover and container base are packaged in such a way as to allow a view of the product shade in the base. While the present invention provides for three variations of such cosmetic case, one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that many elements are common amongst the various cosmetic cases. Specifically, the various cosmetic cases are represented herein as Snap-assembly 101, FIGS. 1-8; Pivot-assembly 102, FIGS. 9-12; and Rotate-assembly 103, FIGS. 9, 11-15.

Generally FIG. 1 provides for a cosmetic case 100 and more specifically, a snap- assembly cosmetic case 101 that allows the customer to view the product shade while shelved or on display yet is packaged in such a way as to not hinder marketing. The cosmetic case 100 includes a container base 124 and a corresponding cover 128. The container base 124 and the corresponding cover 128 have an outside perimeter that can vary according to size and may measure from about 20 to about 200 mm.

Referring generally to FIG. 2, the container base 124 has a bottom 132 and a peripheral wall 136. The bottom 132 may have a thickness of about 1 to about 5 mm. The container base peripheral wall 136 preferably has a thickness of about 1 to about 5 mm in the front area and a height of about 5 to about 15 mm at the center of the side. The container base 124 includes an interior compartment for containing a cosmetic product. The area of the interior compartment can comprise all product within the compartment or the interior compartment may be divided to comprise more than one interior compartment. For example, there may be two interior compartments (upper and lower or left and right, respectively). The upper interior compartment 140 for containing the cosmetic product such as face powder, compact face powder, foundation powder, eye shadow, blushes and the like. The cosmetic product can sit within a pan 138 (FIG. 1) to

hold the cosmetic and the pan 138 (FIG. 1) sits within the upper interior compartment 140 of the cosmetic case. The upper interior compartment 140 can comprise an area of from no less than about 30%, specifically no less than about 60% and no more than about 80%, specifically no more than about 60% of the total area of the container base. The lower interior compartment 144 may include an area for containing an applicator (e.g., sponge, puff, brush or the like). The lower interior compartment 144 can comprise an area of from no less than about 20%, specifically no less than about 40% and no more than about 70%, specifically no more than about 40% of the total area of the container base. The lower interior compartment 144 may be solid but it may also be aerated through the bottom of the container base 124 with aerated holes 146 to ensure proper storage of applicator devices. A latching device 184 is located in the front end wall 180 of the container base 124. The latching device 184 may include several components that provide the opening and locking/securing functions for the cosmetic case 100. One component of the latching device 184 that provides such features is the push button 188. When closed, the push button 188 will be engaged with a cover clasp 192 (FIG. 4) on the cover 128 to keep the compact closed when not in use.

Referring generally back to FIG. 1, the container base peripheral wall 136 has a base notch 148 in the rear of the wall 136. The base notch 148 is sized to hold a hinge receiver 150 of the present invention. The base peripheral wall 136, the base notch 148 and the hinge receiver 150 contain pin holes 160 wherein pins 162 are inserted as a means of engaging the hinge receiver 150 to the container base 124. (Pin holes 160 and pins 162 are generally seen in FIG. 9). The pin holes 160 on the hinge receiver 150 are inserted into the side of the hinge receiver 150. If the hinge receiver 150 is found specifically on the snap-assembly cosmetic case 101, the hinge receiver 151 may have a square top opening 153 comprising a locking shelf 156 within at least one wall of the hinge receiver 151. Specifically, the locking shelf 156 can be located within the front and/or rear wall of the hinge receiver 151. Specifically referring to FIG. 9, if the hinge receiver 150 is found on the pivot assembly cosmetic case 102 or the rotate assembly cosmetic case 103 of the present invention, the top opening 154 of the hinge receiver 152 may be round comprising a locking shelf 156 within at least one wall of the hinge receiver and a locking notch 158 within one area on the hinge receiver 152 (also shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). The locking shelf 156 allows the cover 128 of the cosmetic case to lock into the container

base 128 after assembly while the locking notch 158 prevents the cover 128 from rotating after assembly.

Referring generally to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover 128 has a top 198 and a cover peripheral wall 202. The top 198 has a thickness of about 1 to about 5 mm. The cover peripheral wall 202 has a thickness and height of about 1 to about 5 mm. Referring to FIG. 4, the cover 128 can include an upper inner area 204 providing a volume for containing a mirror 207 (FIG. 8) or reflecting device and/or light herein referred to as "mirror well" 204. The cover 128 may also include a lower inner area providing a volume for containing a compressible seal 206 (FIG. 8) that fits over the contents held within the container base 124, herein referred to as "seal well" 208.

Referring generally to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cover 128 contains a molded or hinged protuberance 170 below the top of the cover 198 containing a locking ledge 173 that is shaped and sized to engage with the locking shelf 156 within the top opening 153 of the snap-assembly hinge receiver 151 or the top opening 154 of the pivot-assembly/rotate- assembly hinge receiver 152 (FIG. 9). The protuberance 170 is located no more than about 10 mm and no less than about 3 mm below the top of the cover 198, the protuberance 170 is designed to interact with the hinge receiver 150 such that when the cover 128 is affixed to the container base 124, the protuberance 170 locks to prohibit the disassembly of the cover 128 and container base 124. In the case of the snap-assembly cosmetic case 101, the protuberance 171 and hinge receiver 151 are designed to ensure proper assembly so that the cover 128 cannot be assembled backwards. The hinge receiver 150 becomes the means by which the cosmetic case 100 will open and close. The cover 128 will now rotate about the hinge receiver 150. As used herein "rotate about the hinge receiver" refers to the fact that the protuberance has been locked and held within the hinge receiver 150 in order that the cover 128 can rotate about the hinge 150 to open and shut. After the second position of the cosmetic case 100 has been met, the cosmetic case 100 now operates by opening and closing similarly to conventional cosmetic cases. Preferably, the cosmetic case 100 of the present invention will open and close along the y-axis. The cosmetic case 100 may also open and close along the x and z axes.

Referring to FIG. 8, the cosmetic case 100 can be opened by the pushing the push button 188 in inwardly. When the pushing surface of the push button 188 is pressed

inwardly, the button 188 is released from the clasp 192 on the cover 128 allowing the compact cover 128 to be unclasped. When closing the cosmetic case 100, the cover 128 and the container base 124 are brought together as they rotate about the hinge 150 until the clasp 192 on the cover 128 is engaged with the push button 188. With the cosmetic case 100 in its closed position (FIG. 5), it is now ready to be opened by inwardly pressing the push button 188 as previously described above. With the cosmetic case 100 in its closed position (FIG. 5), the compressible seal 206 allows the product within the container base 124 to contain volatile components. The length of the protuberance 170 (FIG. 4) and the length of hinge receiver 150 can be adjusted to determine the amount of compression on the seal 206.

The cosmetic case 100 can be made of a resilient material such as a synthetic resin. Examples of synthetic resins useful for the present invention are styrene- acrylonitrile resin (SAN) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The hinge receiver 150 can be molded of a stronger material than the cosmetic case. Previously, compacts, particularly, round compacts, have had relatively weak hinge systems.

Compacts that have had a curvature shape in conjunction with a pin hinge were usually susceptible to concentrated stress in the hinge creating a break point. Because the hinge receiver 150 is a separate piece from the cosmetic case, it can be molded of a different material which is advantageous to the overall functionality since this will allow the materials used between the case and the receiver to be different. By having different materials, the hinge receiver 150 is able to be made of a stronger material which will strengthen the overall hinge system and reduce the stress effect of the cosmetic case 100. The material of the hinge receiver 150 is strong yet will not shatter or deform. Materials used to enhance strength of the cosmetic case 100 are selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, and nylon. These materials will provide a smooth, resistant bearing surface that will provide a quality feel to the cosmetic case. In addition to providing strength, it is also desired that the material of the hinge receiver 150 allow for significant flexibility without breakage. Flexible materials useful in the present invention should operate within the working range and not extend beyond the stress yield point. Materials useful for providing flexibility to the hinge receiver 150 can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and mixtures thereof. Through the use of

the hinge receiver 150, the physical characteristics of the cosmetic case 100 can dramatically change. Previously, compacts were made of low cost materials that created pressure within the hinge to allow the cover to pop open when the push button was engaged. These materials, however would cause creeping and a loss in shape due to low memory characteristics. "Creep" as used herein refers to the process of the plastic to lose its original shape. As used herein, "memory" relates to the ability of the plastic to return to its original manufactured form. Thus, it is desirable for the cosmetic case 100 of the present invention to utilize materials that have high memory characteristics yet do not creep nor lose shape. Examples of such high memory materials include, but are not limited to, TPE, urethane thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), polybutyl, polyethylene and mixtures thereof.

The hinge receiver 150 can also comprise a built-in float that allows the cover 128 to move freely within the hinge receiver 150 and move evenly over the pan 138 to provide an even seal around the compact. The float also allows the cover 128 to rise within range of the hinge 150 which reduces pressure around the seal 206 when the cover 128 is closed. The pressure exerted on the seal 206 can also be varied by adjusting the length of the protuberance 170 in order to determine the amount of float the cover 128 will achieve. The protuberance 170 is designed to be slightly longer than the distance needed to fit past the locking shelf 156. The design of the hinge receiver 150 and protuberance 170 controls the amount of compression and/or gap between the cover 128 and the container base 124 thereby aiding in providing an even contact with the cover 128 and base 124 that ensures an even pressure and a good seal.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, modifications may be made to the cosmetic case 100 without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The terms used in describing the invention and the configuration herein are used in their descriptive sense and not as terms of limitation, it being intended that all equivalents thereof be included within the scope of the appended claims. Any configuration which performs to create the previously mentioned market advantages, are included within the scope of this description.

Snap-assembly Cosmetic Case

Referring to FIG. 1, the snap-assembly cosmetic case 101 of the present invention provides for a cover disposed at a first position that is disengaged from the container base 124. The contents within the container base 124 are at least partially exposed if not fully exposed. For example, when the cosmetic case 101 is packaged, it can be packaged in a cradle orientation. In the cradle orientation, the container base 101 is placed on the top of the cover 128, so the contents of the product held within the pan 138 within the upper interior area 140 of the container base 124 can be viewed. Specifically, the cradle orientation allows the container base 124 to be packaged face up and stacked on the cover 128 such that the surface of the bottom of the container base 124 is in contact with the inside surface of the cover 128.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the consumer purchases the product, the cover 128 is engaged with the container base 124 by turning the cover 128 over onto the container base 124 and snapping the protuberance 171 into the hinge receiver 151. The cover 128 and container base 124 are engaged by the now locked protuberance 171.

Because of the locking shelf 156 within the hinge receiver 151 and the locking ledge 173 on the protuberance 171, the consumer is able to properly assemble the case such that the cover 128 is not snapped in backwards. The locking shelf 156 and the locking ledge 173 also prevents the cover 128 from being disengaged from the container base 124. The cosmetic case 101 continues to operate as generally described above, opening as in FIG. 8.

Pivot-assembly Cosmetic Case

Referring to FIG. 9, the pivot-assembly case 102 of the present invention comprises a cover 128 and container base 124 wherein the cover and container base are packaged such that the cover 128 and container base 124 are engaged by means of a hinge 152. The locking shelf 156 within the hinge receiver 152 and the locking ledge 173 on the protuberance 172 prevents the cover 128 from disengaging from the container base 124. (See also, FIGS. 11 and 12). Referring to FIG. 10, the cover 128 is rotated at an angle in relation to the container base 124 in order to show the shade of the product while packaged. Referring again to FIG. 9, the cover 128 or container base 124 is able to rotate within the hinge receiver 152 by means of the engaged protuberance 172 and is angled

such that the contents of the container base 124 are exposed. As used herein, "rotate within the hinge receiver" is distinguished from "rotate about the hinge receiver". To rotate within the hinge receiver 152 means that the protuberance 172 is inserted within the top opening 154 of the hinge receiver 152 but is not yet locked such that the cover 128 is able to rotate as much as 360° within the hinge receiver 152. Rotation will ultimately be prevented by the engagement of the locking lug 157 and locking notch 158 on the hinge receiver 152. Once rotation has been prevented, the cover 128 will only rotate about the hinge receiver 152 to open and close the cosmetic case 102 conventionally as generally described above. While packaged, the cover 128 is able to rotate within the hinge receiver 152 no more than about 180°, specifically no more than about 120°, more specifically no more than about 90°, even more specifically no more than about 75°, even more specifically no more than about 60° and no less than about 40°, more specifically no less than about 20°, even more specifically no less than about 10° from the axis of the container base 124. During assembly, the consumer pivots the cover 128 from the angled position to evenly sit atop of the container base 124 where it is lined up along the same axis to form the second position. The locking lug 157 and locking notch 158 locks the cover 128 in place in order to prohibit the cover 128 from continuing to pivot. The locking shelf 156 and the locking ledge 173 prevents the cover 128 from being removed from the container base 124.

Rotate-assembly Cosmetic Case

Referring to FIG. 13, the rotate-assembly case 103 also comprises a cover 128 and container base 124 that are engaged during packaging. The container base 124, however, can be cradled wherein the container base 124 sits within the cover 128. The locking shelf 156 and the locking ledge 173 prevents the cover 128 from being removed from the container base 124. (FIGS. 11 and 12). To assemble the rotate-assembly case, the consumer rotates the cover 128 from underneath the container base 124 as shown in FIG. 14. Although the cover 128 is able to rotate 360°, rotation will be haulted with the help of the engagement between the locking lug 157 and locking notch 158 (FIGS. 11 and 12). Specifically, the cover 128 is able to rotate 180° within the hinge receiver 152. Referring to FIG. 15, the container base 103 is positioned to operate conventionally, to open and close as generally described above.

In a preferred execution of the cosmetic case of the present invention the elements of the cosmetic case will have the dimensions previously mentioned. It is understood, however, that these dimensions are closely related and that if the dimensions of one element are changed substantially, corresponding dimensional changes may have to be made in the others.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.