Field

This disclosure relates to a container such as a compact with a sliding top.

Background

Compacts are used to hold makeup and ancillary items. Compacts with sliding tops are desirable. However, the top needs to open and close smoothly, while at the same time the compact needs to be thin and economically manufacturable.

Summary

This disclosure features a portable container for holding cosmetics or other skin-care compositions and the like. The container (herein mainly termed "compact") has a top or lid that slides relative to the base, as opposed to the typical compact in which the top or lid pivots about a horizontal axis relative to the base.

The embodiments shown in the drawings are all compacts that are designed to carry cosmetics, but that is not a limitation of the disclosure as the device need not carry cosmetics. For example the device could be used to hold other compositions and/or structures, e.g., skin care products and accessories such as brushes and pads for cosmetic and skin care, and may also include a mirror. The device has a lid or cover that slides from a closed position in which the interior is covered to an open position that provides access to the interior.

This disclosure features a small, portable container with a sliding top. The container has a lower portion that defines one or more volumes to hold substances or devices such as makeup and/or an applicator and a cover portion constructed and arranged to slide relative to the lower portion. The lower portion and the cover portion each define peripheral edges that overly one another when the container is closed. One of the lower portion and the cover portion defines elongated slots that are parallel to the peripheral edges, and the other of the lower portion and the cover portion defines rails located in the slots. There is also a bi-stable spring coupled to both the lower portion and the cover portion. The lower portion may carry a mirror with a reflecting face, and the cover portion may carry a window, in which case the reflective face of the mirror may be visible through the window when the container is in the open position, but not visible through the window when the container is in the closed position.

The lower portion may comprise a base, and a slide mechanism that is coupled to the base. The slide mechanism may define the slots. The cover portion may comprise a slide rail structure that defines the rails and further defines an opening that is aligned with a window. The spring may be coupled to the slide mechanism and the slide rail structure. The slide rail structure may be made from plastic or sheet metal, for example.

The slide mechanism may define the rails and may further define "U"-shaped features proximate the rails. In this case the cover portion may comprise a lid that defines the slots and may also define an opening in which a window is located. The spring may be coupled to the slide mechanism and the lid.

The slide mechanism may comprise two separate pieces, each of which defines one of the rails. In this case the lower portion may further comprise a tray that is coupled to the base. The cover portion may comprise a lid that defines the slots and also defines an opening in which a window is located. The spring may be coupled to the tray and the lid.

The slide mechanism may define the rails. In this case the cover portion may comprise a slide cover that defines the slots and further defines an opening aligned with a window. The spring may be coupled to the slide mechanism and the slide cover.

There may be one or more magnets located within one or more of the lower portion and the cover portion and located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position. There may be one or more magnets located within one of the lower portion and the cover portion and one or more ferromagnetic members located in the other of the lower portion and the cover portion, the magnets and the ferromagnetic members located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position.

Featured in another embodiment is a small, portable container with a sliding top. The container has a lower portion with a tray that defines one or more separate compartments that are constructed and arranged to hold substances or devices such as makeup and/or an applicator. The lower portion comprises a base member and a slide mechanism that is coupled to the base member. There is a cover portion constructed and arranged to slide relative to the lower portion to move from a closed position, to an open position in which the tray compartments are exposed. The lower portion and the cover portion each define peripheral edges that overly one another when the container is closed. The slide mechanism defines two elongated slots that are parallel to the peripheral edges, and the cover portion comprises a slide rail structure that defines two elongated rails that are located in the slots. There is a bi-stable spring, with one end coupled to the slide mechanism and the other end coupled to the slide rail structure. The container may also include one or more magnets located within one or more of the lower portion and the cover portion and located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the lower portion and the cover portion when the container is in the closed position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1-7 show a first embodiment, figures 8 and 9 show a second embodiment, figures 10 and 11 show a third embodiment, figures 12 and 13 show a fourth embodiment, figures 14 and 15 show a fifth embodiment, and figure 16 shows a sixth embodiment.

Figure 1 A is a top perspective view of a first embodiment in the closed position, and figure IB is a bottom perspective view thereof.

Figures 2A and 2B are top and bottom perspective views of the compact in the open position.

Figures 3A and 3B are top and bottom perspective exploded views of the compact.

Figures 4A and 4B are perspective and side views of a central longitudinal cross-section of the closed compact.

Figures 5A and 5B are perspective and end views of a first width-wise cross section in the closed position.

Figure 6A and 6B are similar views of another cross-section taken at about the mid-point.

Figures 7A and 7B are similar views of a third cross-section taken in about the middle of the overlap area between the lower portion and the cover portion.

Figures 8A and 8B are top and bottom exploded perspective views of a second embodiment.

Figures 9A and 9B are perspective and end views of a cross-wise cross-section taken through about the middle of the window with the cover in the open position.

Figures 10A, 10B, 11 A and 1 IB are views of a third embodiment similar to those of figures 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B.

Figures 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B are views of a fourth embodiment similar to those of figures 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B. Figures 14 A, 14B, 15A and 15B are views of a fifth embodiment similar to those of figures 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B.

Figures 16A and 16B are partially cutaway views of a compact in the closed and open positions, respectively, showing an embodiment of magnetic assistance in maintaining the closed position.

Description of Embodiments

In the first embodiment, container or compact 10 comprises lower portion 12 and upper portion or cover portion 90. In general, cover portion 90 slides relative to lower portion 12, parallel to the plane of the lower portion. When the cover portion is partially or mostly slid off of the lower portion to the open position, compartments 41-43 in tray 40 are revealed. These compartments can hold cosmetics, application devices or any other devices, products or substances, for example. The sliding motion takes place using slide mechanism 30 that is preferably made out of a low friction plastic material. Cover portion 90 engages with slide mechanism 30 in a fashion that allows the cover to slide relative to the lower portion to move between the closed position shown in figure 1 and the open position shown in figure 2. In the open position there is overlap between the cover and the lower portion. With a cover that is solid and not transparent, the part of the lower portion in this overlap region cannot be accessed or seen by the user and thus cannot contribute to the use of the product.

In this embodiment, the consumer is given visual and/or physical access to this overlapping region of lower portion 12. This aspect enhances the functionality of compact 10. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 through 7, this access is visual as accomplished with window 70 that is located in opening 81 of lid 80. This allows the consumer to see anything that is located on support platform 44 that is an integral part of tray 40; platform 44 extends across at least some of the overlap region. In this non-limiting example, mirror 50 is adhered to platform 44. As a result of this construction, when the compact is in the open position shown in figure 2, the user can look through window 70 and see mirror 50. In other alternative arrangements, window 70 need not exist and the user can simply look through and/or reach through lid opening 81. Additionally or alternatively, mirror 50 could be replaced with other visual aspects such as graphics, trademarks or other printed matter, lighting that turns on when the compact is opened, a video screen, or any alternative device or functionality. Alternatively, platform 44 could carry cosmetics, tools or other devices that were accessed by the user through opening 81, in which case window 70 would not be included, or the window (or a door if not transparent or at least translucent) could be movable away from opening 81 so that the user could reach through opening 81 as desired.

In this non-limiting embodiment, the sliding functionality is accomplished as follows. Bi-stable spring 96 is coupled at one end to spring retaining post 32 on the upper side of slide mechanism 30. The other end of the spring is coupled to spring retaining post 64 that projects from the lower outside lateral edge of slide rail 60. Slide rail 60 defines opening 65 that is aligned with opening 81.

Slide mechanism 30 is fixed in base 20 via snap-in features. In this case, this is accomplished with openings such as openings 35 and 36 that fit onto retaining tabs in base 20 such as tabs 21 and 22. As best shown in figures 6B and 7B, slide rail 60 defines longitudinal side rails 62 and 63 that fit into longitudinal recesses or slots 33 and 34 in slide mechanism 30. Rails 62 and 63 and slots 33 and 34 are all parallel to the parallel long edges of the compact. This construction captures cover 90 in lower portion 12 and allows the cover to slide relative to the lower portion between the closed and open positions. Tray 40 is snap-fitted into base 20 in a similar fashion as is slide mechanism 30. Illustrated are openings 45-47 that fit into retaining tabs or projections (not shown) that are similar to tab 21 in base 20.

This embodiment can be manufactured and assembled as follows. Each of the parts, with the exception of spring 96, are injection molded of an appropriate plastic material. Spring 96 is typically formed from a metal wire. Spring 96 has a known bi-stability in which it is stable in two positions that are coincident with the open and closed position of container 10. Once all of the parts are available, window 70 is assembled to lid 80. The outside end of spring 96 is placed over post 64. Slide mechanism 30 is then slid onto side rails 62 and 63 of slide rail 60, and the other end of spring 96 is coupled to post 32. The slide rail and slide mechanism are then assembled to the lid assembly. The mirror 50 is glued to platform 44 and tray 40 is slid into the lid assembly. The lid assembly is then snap-fitted into base 20.

A second embodiment is shown in Figures 8 and 9 in which figures 8A and 8B are top and bottom exploded perspective views of compact 100 and figures 9A and 9B are perspective and end views of the cross- wise cross-section taken through about the middle of the window with the cover in the open position. Cover portion 190 slides on lower portion 1 12 that has base 120. This second embodiment is similar to first embodiment 10 except the undercut or longitudinal recesses or slots that accept the side rails of the sliding part (or slide rail) are in lid 180 rather than slide cover 160. Also, spring retaining post 182 is on the periphery of lid 180 rather than slide cover 160. Further, slide mechanism 130 defines lower "U"-shaped portions 135 and 136 that accomplish a slight spring or "give" that allows the side portions to be pushed together sufficiently such that side rails 131 and 133 of slide mechanism 130 can be snap-fitted into longitudinal recesses or slots 181 and 183 during product assembly. Mechanism 130 also carries spring-retaining post 132. Tray 140 defines integral platform 141. Mirror 150 and window 170 are arranged in the same manner as in the first embodiment, as is bi-stable spring 196.

A third embodiment, compact 200, is shown in similar views in figures 10 and 1 1. Cover portion 290 slides on lower portion 212. The primary difference between this embodiment and embodiment 100 is that slide mechanism 230 is accomplished with two separate halves 237 and 238 that are held in base 220 via slide mechanism retaining features 222. In this case, spring retaining post 242 is in the lower side of support platform 241 of tray 240. Mirror 250 is held onto platform 241. Slide cover 260 is located above mirror 50. Window 270 fits in opening 284 of lid 280. Lid 280 defines longitudinal recesses 281 and 283 into which side rails 235 and 236 of slide mechanism 230 fit, and also carries spring-retaining post 282. Cover portion 290 and bistable spring 296 are also shown.

A fourth embodiment, compact 300, is shown in similar views in figures 12 and 13. Cover portion 390 slides on lower portion 312. This embodiment is similar to embodiment 10 except it has a one-piece integrated slide mechanism and tray 330 that defines side rails 335 and 336 that fit in longitudinal recesses 381 and 383 in lid 380. Mechanism 330 further defines tray 332, support platform 333, and spring retaining post 338. Second spring retaining post 362 is part of slide cover 360. Bi-stable spring 396 is shown. Mechanism 330 is snap-fitted into base 320 via retaining features 322. Mirror 350 is glued to platform 333. Window 370 fits in opening 382 in lid 380.

A fifth embodiment, compact 400, is shown in similar views in figures 14 and 15. Cover portion 490 slides on lower portion 412. This embodiment differs from first embodiment 10 primarily in that slide cover 460 is made from sheet metal rather than being injection molded. This allows compact 400 to be about 0.5 - 1 millimeter thinner with about the same stiffness, or a stiffer device can be created with a similar thickness to embodiment 10. Slide mechanism 430 with spring retaining post 432 is snap-fitted into base 420. Bi-stable spring 496 is shown.

Mirror 450 is glued to support platform 441 of tray 440. Window 470 is fitted into opening 481 in lid 480. Lid 480 also defines spring retaining post 482. Slide cover 460 defines side longitudinal slide rails 463 and 464 that fit into longitudinal slots or recesses 433 and 434 in slide mechanism 430.

Figures 16A and 16B are partially cutaway views of compact 500 in the closed and open positions, respectively, showing an embodiment of magnetic assistance in maintaining the closed position. Cover portion 502 and lower portion 504 each carry one or more magnets and/or ferromagnetic members that are located such that there is a magnetic attraction between the cover and lower portion in the closed position shown in figure 16A. In this non-limiting example, magnet 506 is located inside of the corner of cover portion 502. Ferromagnetic member 508 (which may be a steel slug) is located within the corner of lower portion 504 that is directly under magnet 506 when compact 500 is closed. Preferably there is an identical set of a magnet and a slug (not shown) in the other corner 510. Note that two magnets could be used instead of a magnet and a ferromagnetic member. Magnetic attraction between the top and base when the compact is in the closed position, so as to help maintain the closed position, can be accomplished in other manners, but typically includes at least one magnet in the top or lower portion and at least one magnet or ferromagnetic member in the other of the top and lower member; the two are vertically aligned when the compact is closed.

Note that although these embodiments are constructed from a number of separate injection-molded plastic parts (plus the metal spring), this is not a limitation of the invention as those skilled in the field will understand that the device could be made of different materials, or be made of fewer or even a greater number of parts. Preferably all or almost all of the parts are made of one or more plastics such as polypropylenes, polycarbonates, styrenes, polyesters, acrylics or blends of these materials, unfilled or reinforced. However, there are no limitations for which material that could be used. The slide mechanism is preferably made from a low friction plastic such as acetal, polypropylene, polyester and polyamide, but the function is not limited to these materials. These materials can also include materials with lubrication like PTFE or silicone, and reinforcements such as glass.

Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the claims. What is claimed is: