US20030150470A1

US20030150470A1 - Make-up case and kit

Info

Publication number: US20030150470A1
Application number: US10/350,903
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeanne Phue
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-06-19
Filing date: 2003-01-23
Publication date: 2003-08-14
Also published as: US20060112966A1

Abstract

A make up case or kit comprises two hingedly connected compartments, a flat dividing element inserted between the compartments which is hingedly held in place, and a plurality of magnetic holders of the cosmetics supplies removably insertable inside the first compartment. The case is opened and closed by rotating either of the compartments about the hinge and the dividing element is rotatable about the hinge to cover either of the compartments.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present document is related to and is a Continuation-in-Part of the copending patent application document entitled: “Make-Up Case and Kit,” Ser. No. 09/884,271, filed on Jun. 19, 2001. The contents of this related application are hereby incorporated by reference herein.[0001]

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This invention generally relates to a field of cases or kits for housing and carrying a plurality of individual cosmetic containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved compact case, which can be worn around the user's wrist or neck, wherein removable inserts, each containing a predetermined shade and/or type of cosmetic, can be securely held in place thereby providing the user with a variety of cosmetic materials from which to choose.

2. Description of the Related Art

Cosmetic materials available to the consumers in the market place are very numerous. The particular cosmetic assortment which an individual consumer purchases is entirely dependent upon that consumer's subjective preferences. A typical consumer of cosmetics normally desires an assortment of cosmetics which includes the desired colors, tints and hues to satisfy the consumer's preferences, in particular to fit and complement that consumer's facial characteristics, skin and hair color and condition, and even clothes. Additionally, various types of cosmetics may be desirable, for example, shadows, mascara, foundations, lipstick, powder, blush, lip gloss and so on.

A typical packaging of cosmetics supplies traditionally comprised pre-selected, fixed containers of cosmetic materials having a variety of both colors and types. However, individual users' tastes and needs vary widely, as noted above. Consequently, the cosmetics materials which do not suit a particular user's needs or taste would be inevitably wasted. This, of course, is costly to the consumer since the unused and wasted cosmetics are purchased together with desired cosmetics.

It is, therefore, highly desirable to ameliorate such squander, to alleviate the prodigal practices and to ensure that consumers will have at their disposal a complete array of only desired cosmetics. To accomplish this advantageous result, there is need to provide a cosmetic compact case wherein a matrix configuration is provided to accept a plurality of individual removable cosmetic inserts so as to establish a cosmetic palette.

There is, therefore, a need that the individual cosmetic inserts can be offered to the consumer independent of the compact case into which they will be positioned. Should such device be provided, consumers will be able to choose only those preferred cosmetics which are desirable for purchase and assemble them in a compact case so as to establish a personal and unique arrangement of cosmetics.

In order to securely hold the inserts in their predetermined matrix position, it is very beneficial to use the inserts made of magnetic materials.

Furthermore, it is desired that the case also include a centrally positioned divider, which can be a mirror. The divider would separate a powder section of the case from the section containing other supplies, such as eye shadows, lip color concealers, etc. Such design is especially desired by professional users of cosmetics, like professional actors and actresses, entertainers, musicians, and the like. Moreover, it is further beneficial to have a cosmetics case which can be worn around the user's wrist or neck, so as to be immediately available. A belt attached to the case, for example, a VELCRO® belt, can be used for this purpose.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,808,961 to Lyhne describes a compact and puff holder for vanity boxes. The Lyhne device has two sections each capable of holding containers with cosmetic supplies. The two sections are separated by a mirror serving also as a divider between the two sections. Yet, the Lyhne device comprises no VELCRO® fastener, and it cannot be worn around the user's neck or wrist, but only in a handbag. Furthermore, the Lyhne device does not have magnetically held inserts. Instead, the trays in Lyhne are held in place by mechanical means, which is less efficient and less reliable than the magnetic holders.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,127 to Geer also describes a cosmetic case having interchangeable cosmetic inserts. This device also comprises a divider. However, the divider in the Geer device does not really separate different kinds of cosmetics. In Geer, they all are on one side and the purpose the lid serves is not to separate the inserts on either side of the lid, but rather to hold them in place and to prevent them from shifting. Geer uses no magnets to accomplish this goal.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,264,300 to Davies describes a case having two halves. The first half is designed to hold cleansing disks, wafers and the like, which have to be kept moist. The second half is for holding cosmetic supplies. The two halves are separated by a mirror which also serves as a divider. However, in Davies, just as in Geer, all the cosmetic are located on the same side and no magnets to hold the cosmetic inserts in place are used. Davies does not even teach that those inserts are replaceable.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,420 to Sussman describes a make-up kit having replaceable inserts. Each kind of cosmetic is held in a separate module, the contents of each are replaced upon exhaustion. However, this patent does not disclose any kind of a divider in the middle. Furthermore, Sussman does not disclose any magnets for holding the cosmetic modules in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,697 to Jimbo, et. al describes a make-up case containing a number of cosmetic pans. The bottom of each pan is provided with a magnet and the pans are held in place magnetically. However, there is no divider of any kind described in this patent.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,012 to Kamen, et. al. describes a compact case and is somewhat alike the above-mentioned Jimbo patent. Kamen also uses magnets to hold cosmetic containers in place. In addition, the magnets are used to seal a joint between the lid and the base of the compact case. However, like in Jimbo, this patent describes no divider.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,350 to Grünfeld describes a vanity case. It is designed to be worn around a person's wrist thus simultaneously being a bracelet as well. However, Grünfeld does not teach using a divider inside the case. Nor is there any use of magnets to hold the cosmetic in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,553 to Giese, et. al. describes a cosmetic compact with cosmetic pans which can be removed, and with a mirror. The pans are held in place mechanically and are removed by applying pressure using mechanical means. This patent does not describe any magnetic devices for retaining the pans in place nor does it have a divider.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,601,158 to MacGillivary describes a combination of a wristwatch and a vanity case. The relevancy of this patent lies in the fact that this device can be worn around a woman's wrist. However, the make-up portion of the MacGillivary device has no magnetized receptacles and no divider in the middle and no provisions are described for replacing the contents of the cosmetic bins.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,788,399 to McAtree describes a vanity case having a centrally positioned mirror serving as a separator between two parts of the case. However, McAtree describes no various replaceable receptacles for different kinds of cosmetic nor any magnetic means for keeping the cosmetic in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,777,027 to D'Arlet describes a vanity case worn on a woman's wrist. D'Arlet describes a case with compartments for a few kinds of cosmetic accessories.

However, this device has no divider and does not provide for replaceable trays holding cosmetic and held in place with magnets.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,774,171 to Coons describes another vanity case having a circular shape. This case comprises two similar circular portions, one serving as the cover and another—as the body of the case. Each carries powder compact. There is a mirror, but it is attached directly to one of the portions and is not in the middle of the device separating the portions.

There are no compartments for other kinds of cosmetic, no central divider of any kind, no provisions for wearing the device and no magnetic devices for securing the cosmetic.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,607,985 to Johnson is similar to the above-described D'Arlet patent, and likewise describes a vanity case worn on a woman's wrist. Johnson describes a case with only two compartments for cosmetics. The case has a mirror on the lid. However, like in D'Arlet, this device has no divider and does not show replaceable containers holding cosmetic and held in place with magnets.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,601,892 to Thralls describes a vanity case having two portions—one for cosmetic supplies and the other—for carrying, for example, business cards or paper money bills. The two portions are separated by a mirror-divider. The presence of this mirror is a feature making the Thralls invention relevant. However, this divider is not used to separate different kinds of cosmetics supplies. Rather, it separates cosmetic supplies from non-cosmetic items such as cards or bills. Moreover, the Thralls invention does not describe features allowing the use of replaceable trays for various cosmetic held in place with magnets.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,515,812 to Lindon describes a powder puff in a shape of oval. It comprises a lipstick holder. However, Lindon has no centrally located divider and no multiple receptacle for various cosmetics. The Lindon device is designed just for carrying powder and lipstick.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,017,122 to Magnus describes a combination of a cigarette case and a vanity case. It shows a device with two compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. The lower compartment serves to hold powder, while the upper compartment contains cigarettes. This device is somewhat relevant because, when the case is open, a mirror separates the two compartments. However, the mirror separates cosmetic (powder) and non-cosmetic (cigarettes) items, similar to the device described in the above-mentioned patent to Thralls. And finally, there are no replaceable cosmetic bins or magnet-based elements to hold them in place.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,130 to Sweder describes a make-up kit mounted on a steering wheel of a vehicle using VELCRO®. The Sweder patent only describes a way the kit is mounted on the steering wheel. It does not disclose any features describing how the kit itself is built.

Therefore, the review of prior art reveals that no known invention describes a make-up case having the following features:

1) a divider, which divider is preferably, but not necessarily, a mirror;

2) a belt securely attached to the case so that the case can either be worn by the user on her wrist or around her ankle or as a pendant on her neck. In order to allow for wearing the case in such manner, the terminal portions of the belt comprise a hook and loop fastener material, such as VELCRO® material;

3) magnets for holding cosmetic supplies in the case. Yet a need to have a device comprising all these features is acute.

The device of the present invention, unlike all prior related art, shows all these features and satisfies all the needs discussed above.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to make-up cases or kits comprising two sections. The first section includes a plurality of replaceable and interchangeable inserts-holders containing cosmetics supplies, such as eye shadows, lip color concealer, mascara, foundations, lipstick, blush, lip gloss, and the like (except powder). In the first section, a brush holder is also provided to keep a shadow brush, or a lip brush, or a combination brush, one side of which is a shadow brush and the other side—a lip brush. The inserts are made of a magnetic material and are attached to the bottom of the case magnetically.

The second section comprises a compartment for holding pressed (compact) powder. This compartment is also removable and can be replaced when the powder is used up. The second section is separated from the first section by a divider. The divider preferably, but not necessarily, comprises a mirror.

The bottom of a make-up case according to an embodiment of the present invention includes two slots in which a belt is secured. The belt is made of an elastic material and comprises hook and loop fastener (such as VELCRO®) portions, allowing the user to wear the case around his or her wrist or neck.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise three features: the magnetic replaceable compartments for cosmetics, a central divider, and a belt so that the case can be worn around the user's wrist or neck thus-maximizing the convenience of the use. No previously known device has all these three features.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a case for carrying and storing cosmetics supplies is provided, the case comprising two hingedly connected compartments, a flat dividing element inserted between the compartments which is hingedly held in place, and a plurality of magnetic holders of said cosmetics supplies removably insertable inside the first compartment, wherein the case is opened and closed by rotating either of the compartments about the hinge and the dividing element is rotatable about the hinge to cover either of the compartments.

According to another aspect of this invention, the case further includes a belt secured to a bottom of either of the compartments the belt allowing to wear the case around a user's wrist or neck, and in order to facilitate wearing of the case in such manner, the belt includes hook and loop fastener sections.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a case for carrying and storing cosmetics is provided where the case comprises: a first compartment; a second compartment disposed within the first compartment, the second compartment having an outer perimeter smaller than an outer perimeter of the first compartment, wherein the second compartment comprises a base portion and a upper portion hingedly coupled to the base portion, the base portion adapted to hold cosmetic powder; a plurality of cosmetic holders disposed along the outer perimeter of the first compartment and extending from the outer perimeter of the first compartment to the outer perimeter of the second compartment, wherein each cosmetic holder has at least one recess adapted to hold cosmetic supplies; and a plurality of cosmetic holder covers, each cosmetic holder cover covering a corresponding cosmetic holder and extending from the outer perimeter of the first compartment to the outer perimeter of the second compartment. Preferably, the cosmetic holders are removable and are magnetically attached to the first compartment.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a cosmetics purse comprising: an internal first compartment; an internal second compartment hingedly connected to the internal first compartment, the internal second compartment having a mirror disposed on a surface of the internal second compartment; a plurality of magnetic cosmetic holders removably disposed inside the internal first compartment; an external lower section, the internal first compartment attached to the external lower section; an external upper section, the external upper section attached to the external lower section at a fold; and a fastener disposed around a portion of a perimeter of the external lower section and the external upper section, the fastener adapted to fasten the external upper section to the external lower section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: [0043]
FIG. 1 is a schematic picture showing a perspective view of a square embodiment of the make-up case of this invention (when opened); [0044]
FIG. 1A is a schematic picture showing a top view of the bottom of a compartment of a square embodiment of the make-up case of this invention; [0045]
FIG. 1B is a schematic picture showing a cross-section view along the line A-A of the bottom of a compartment of a square embodiment of the make-up case of this invention; [0046]
FIG. 1C is a schematic picture showing a magnetic insert which is able to contain the cosmetics supplies (not shown); [0047]
FIG. 2 is a schematic picture showing another perspective view of a square embodiment of the make-up case of this invention (when opened); [0048]
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing a belt used in the make-up case of this invention; [0049]
FIG. 4 is a schematic picture showing a bottom view of a compartment of a square embodiment of the make-up case of this invention; [0050]
FIG. 5 is a schematic picture showing a perspective view of an oval embodiment of the make-up case of this invention (when opened); [0051]
FIG. 6 is a schematic picture showing a top view of a compartment of an oval embodiment of the make-up case of this invention; [0052]
FIG. 7 is a schematic picture showing a perspective side view of a round embodiment of the make-up case of this invention (when opened); [0053]
FIG. 8 is a schematic picture showing a top view of a compartment o a round embodiment of the make-up case of this invention; [0054]
FIG. 9 is a schematic picture showing a pouch that can be attached to the make-up case of this invention; [0055]
FIG. 10 shows a top view an alternative embodiment of a make-up kit according to the present invention which has a mirror that slides out of the make-up kit; [0056]
FIG. 11 shows a side view of the make-up kit shown in FIG. 10; [0057]
FIG. 12 shows a top view an alternative embodiment of a make-up kit according to the present invention which has a mirror disposed on one of the two compartments of the kit; [0058]
FIG. 13 shows a side view of the make-up kit shown in FIG. 12; [0059]
FIG. 14 shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a make-up kit in which cosmetic holders are disposed at the perimeter of the kit and around a compartment disposed at the center of the kit; [0060]
FIG. 15 shows a top view of the make-up shown in FIG. 14 where all covers for the cosmetic holders are closed; [0061]
FIG. 16 shows a side view of an embodiment of a cosmetic holder sued in the make-up kit shown in FIGS. 14 and 15; [0062]
FIG. 17 shows a top view of a cosmetic purse having a make-up kit in an open position; [0063]
FIG. 18 shows a top view of the cosmetic purse depicted in FIG. 17 with the make-up kit in a closed position; and [0064]
FIG. 19 shows the cosmetic purse depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 with the purse in a closed position.[0065]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a square embodiment of the make-up case of this invention in an open position. In this embodiment the [0066] case 100 is generally rectangular in shape, and preferably, a square. It comprises two compartments 1 and 2, connected with a hinge 3, so as to allow a reciprocal movement therebetween.
The [0067] compartment 1 is designed to hold inserts 4 preferably containing eye shadows, lip color concealer, mascara and other cosmetic supplies, except powder. Compartment 1 further comprises a brush holder section 5 designed to hold any kind of brush used in applying cosmetics. For example, section 5 can be split in two parts: one for an eye shadow brush and another for a lip brush, and a clip can be provided in the middle of section 5 (not shown) to hold the brush or brushes.
The combination of the supplies, as well as the choice of particular brushes can be made according to particular tastes and needs of the user. Those skilled in the art will choose a proper combination of inserts and brushes. [0068]
[0069] Compartment 2 comprises a tray 6 designed to hold compact powder. Any kind of powder ordinarily used can be placed in tray 6. Those skilled in the art will select proper powder which best suits their particular needs.
Compartments [0070] 1 and 2 are separated by a divider 7, connected to the make-up case by using the same hinge 3. At least one side of the divider 7 is preferably a reflective surface and either side of the divider can serve as a mirror. When the kit 100 is opened, compartments 1 and 2 are moved relatively to each other around the hinge 3, until they are positioned in the same plane, as shown on FIG. 1.
In such position, the [0071] divider 7 lies flat against the top surface of either compartment 1 (when the powder from compartment 2 is used) or compartment 2 (when the supplies from compartment 1 are used), as the case may be.
When the user applies the supplies from either compartment, she uses one surface of the [0072] divider 7 as a mirror. When the user has completed using the supplies from a compartment, she rotates the divider 7 on the hinge 3, covering this compartment and opening the other compartment (previously covered by the divider 7), followed by using the cosmetics from the other compartment. The other surface of the divider 7 can again be used as a mirror.
Compartments [0073] 1 and 2 can be made of any size as selected. However, the sizes of compartments 1 and 2 should be preferably substantially identical to allow the kit 100 to be safely closed.
In order to allow the [0074] divider 7 not to be smudged by the cosmetics supplies, recesses are preferably provided in compartments 1 and 2, so that when the divider 7 lies flat against a particular compartment 1 or 2 (or against both compartments 1 and 2 when not in use), it remains above the top surface of the supplies in inserts 4 or of the powder in the tray 6, respectively. Thus, by not touching the supplies, the divider 7 stays clean and free of marks, smudges and the like. Likewise, the brush section 5 is also provided with a recess, so that brushes in that section do not prevent the kit from being closed.
The bottom of [0075] compartment 1 is lined with a thin layer 1 a of a magnetic material, for instance, preferably stainless steel, or another suitable metal, as shown on FIGS. 1A and 1B.
Each of the [0076] inserts 4 is a magnetic insert, substantially in a form of a parallelepiped, as shown in more detail in the enlarged partial view of FIG. 1C. Any suitable magnetic material can be used to make the inserts 4. The bottom surface 4 a of each insert 4, therefore, sticks to the magnetic layer 1 a on the bottom of compartment 1. Only the bottom surface 4 a of the insert 4 a needs to have magnetic properties.
Each [0077] insert 4 is filled with a particular kind of any desirable cosmetics (except powder) and is open from the side 4 b allowing access to the cosmetics. Any number of inserts 4 can be used, depending on the size of the kit. Preferably, between six and nine inserts 4 are used. When the contents of an insert 4 are exhausted, the insert 4 is removed and disposed of, and a new filled-in insert 4 is put in the place of the used one.
Similarly, the [0078] tray 6 in compartment 2 is replaceable and when the powder in the tray 6 has been used up, the tray 6 is likewise removed and disposed of, and a new powder tray is put in the place of the used one.
FIG. 2 shows perspective view of the [0079] kit 100 from the top (when opened). The kit further comprises a belt 8, so as to enable the user to wear the kit 100 on her wrist or her ankle or pendent around the neck.
The [0080] belt 8 comprises elastic sections 8 a and hook and loop fastener sections 8 b, such as VELCRO® sections, as shown in more detail on FIG. 3. As shown on the bottom view of the kit 100 of FIG. 4, which shows the kit in a closed condition, the belt 8 is inserted into two slots 9 formed in the bottom of compartment 1. The outer surface of the bottom of the compartment 1 comprises a hook and loop fastener section 8 b′ for matching with the intermediate section 8 b of the belt 8. The slots for the belt can be also made in the bottom of compartment 2.
Other, equally preferred, embodiments of this invention comprise an oval and circular make-up cases. They are designed in way similar to that of the square embodiment with the differences described below [0081]
A side view of an [0082] oval embodiment 200 of the make-up case is shown on FIG. 5. It comprises two compartments 201 and 202 connected with a hinge 203 and divided by a divider 207. Both compartments 201 and 202 and the divider 207 are oval-shaped. The purposes of the compartments 201 and 202 and the divider 207 are the same as in the square version of the make-up kit 100.
The [0083] compartment 201 in the oval embodiment differs somewhat from its counterpart 1 in the square embodiment. The difference is shown on FIG. 6. Instead of one brush section, the compartment 201 is provided with two separate brush sections, 205 and 205′, for the shadow brush and for the lip brush. Otherwise, the structure of the make-up case is the same as for the square version, preferably including magnetic inserts 204 and magnetic lining on the bottom of compartment 201 (not shown).
A side view of the [0084] round embodiment 300 of the make-up case is shown in FIG. 7. Again, it comprises two compartments 301 and 302 connected with a hinge 303 and includes a divider 307. Both compartments 301 and 392 and the divider 307 are round-shaped. The purposes of the compartments 301 and 302 and the divider 307 are the same as in the square version 100 and oval version 200 of the makeup kit. The hook and loop fastener section 8 b of the belt 8 inserted in slots 9 is also shown.
The [0085] compartment 301 in the round embodiment 300 is very similar to the compartment 201 in the oval embodiment 200 but differs somewhat from its counterpart 1 in the square embodiment 100. The difference is shown on FIG. 8. Instead of one brush section 5 of the square embodiment 100, here, just as in the oval embodiment 200, there are two separate brush sections, 305 and 3051 for the shadow brush and for the lip brush. Otherwise, the structure of the make-up case here is the same as for the square version 100 or oval version 200, including magnetic inserts 304 and magnetic lining on the bottom of compartment 301 (not shown).
Optionally, a [0086] pouch 10 shown in FIG. 9, can be attached to any embodiment of the make-up case of this invention. The pouch 10 is intended for keeping money, keys, and similar items. The pouch 10 is made of leather or other suitable material and comprises a zipper 11, or alternatively a VELCRO® strip, in order to be securely closed.
The [0087] pouch 10 also comprises two slots 12 enabling the wearer to insert the belt 8 and thus to attach the pouch 10 to the make-up case. A key ring 14 is also optionally provided. The pouch 10 can be of any color to match that of the make-up case.
Another embodiment of the make-up kit according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 shows a top view of this embodiment and FIG. 11 shows a side view. [0088]
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a make-up kit similar to the oval embodiment shown in FIG. 5, but those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 may have other shapes, such as a circle, square, rectangle, etc. [0089]
FIG. 10 shows an [0090] embodiment 200 of a make-up kit according to the present invention comprising the first compartment 201 and the second compartment 202 connected with the hinge 203 and divided by the divider 207. The second compartment comprises a recess 206 for holding pressed (compact) powder and a recess 205 for holding a brush. Alternative embodiments may have multiple recesses for holding powder and/or multiple recess for holding brushes.
The [0091] first compartment 201 has a plurality of magnetic inserts 204 which have recesses 204 c in which cosmetic supplies are disposed. FIG. 10 shows the magnetic inserts 204 as having shapes of sectors of a circle so as to maximize the usable area of the first compartment.
Those skilled in the art will understand that the [0092] magnetic inserts 204 may have other shapes according to the overall shape of the first compartment 201 and the desired utilization of the space available in the first compartment. As previously discussed, the first compartment 201 comprises or is also at least partially lined with material, such as stainless steel, to which the magnetic inserts 204 are magnetically attracted so as to hold them in place.
As shown in FIG. 11, the [0093] first compartment 201 also additionally comprises a receptacle 213 holding a mirror 211. The mirror 211 slides out of the receptacle 213 when in use and is then slid back into the receptacle 213 after use. The first compartment 201 may also have a belt 8 attached to the bottom of the compartment 201. The belt 8 may be permanently attached to the compartment 201 or attached to the compartment 201 by attachment means such as hook and loop fasteners.
As noted above, the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 also comprises [0094] divider 207 that separates the first compartment 201 and the second compartment 202. The divider 207 prevents the materials in one compartment from spilling into the other compartment. The divider 207 may comprise plastic or other material that is relatively stiff. FIGS. 12 and 13 depict another embodiment 200 of the present invention similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11. The embodiment 200 depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13 does not have a mirror 211 that slides from a receptacle 213 disposed beneath the first compartment 201. Instead, the mirror 211 is disposed in the second compartment 202.
Thus, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 eliminates the use of the [0095] separate receptacle 213 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 for the mirror 211 that may complicate the manufacture of the embodiment. However, the mirror 211 may have a reduced size, due to the need to place it in the second compartment 202 with the powder receptacle 206.
Another embodiment of a make-up kit according to the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15. As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of [0096] cosmetic holders 904 are distributed around the perimeter of a circular or oval shaped first compartment 901. A second compartment 902 is disposed in the center of the first compartment 901. FIGS. 14 and 15 show eight cosmetic holders 904, but those skilled in the art will understand that alternative embodiments may have more or less than eight cosmetic holders 904.
Each [0097] cosmetic holder 904 is covered by a hinged cover 907 that extends from the outer edge of the first compartment 901 to the outer edge of the second compartment 902. FIG. 14 shows an outer cover 907 that is fully closed, outer covers 907′ that are partially open, and outer covers 907″ that are fully open. As shown in FIG. 14, each cosmetic holder 904 has at least one recess 906 that is used to hold cosmetic supplies, such as eye shadow, concealer, mascara, foundation, lipstick, blush, lip gloss, etc. Hinges 908, connected to the hinged covers 907, may be disposed on the outer edge of the first compartment 901, such that the covers 907 are directly attached to the first compartment 901. The cosmetic holders 904 may be individually removable and may be held in place in the first compartment 901 by magnetic means where either the first compartment 901 and/or each cosmetic holder 904 comprises magnetic material and the first compartment 901 and/or each cosmetic holder 904 comprises magnetically attractable material.
Alternatively, the [0098] hinges 908 may be directly connected to the cosmetic holders 904 as shown in FIG. 16. In this alternative embodiment, the cosmetic holders 904 are preferably removable and held in place in the first compartment 901 by magnetic means, as described above.
As shown in FIG. 14, the make-up [0099] kit 900 preferably also comprises a slide-out portion 910 that has one or more recesses 905 for brushes. The brush slide-out portion 910 is disposed at the bottom side of the first compartment 901 and is slide back into the first compartment 901 when access to the brushes is not needed. A belt 8 may also be fastened to the first compartment 901 to allow the make-up kit 900 to be worn on a wrist or on a leg like a garter belt.
FIG. 15 shows the make-up [0100] kit 900 with all cosmetic holder covers 907 closed and the second compartment 902 open. Preferably, the base portion 920 of the second compartment 902 holds powder 921 and the upper portion 922 holds a mirror 923. A hinge 925 connects the base portion 920 with the upper portion 922 and allows the second compartment to be opened and closed.
The body of the make-up kit in any embodiment is preferably made of a sturdy and durable plastic to be selected by those skilled in the art. The [0101] belt 8 can be chosen of any color, and a holograph or a piece of jewelry can be optionally attached to the case. The belt 8 may be further decorated with glitter, rhinestones, lace, or other decorative features. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of the make-up kit described above may also be attached to a necklace, chain, ribbon, or other such attachments to facilitate wearing these embodiments around the neck so that certain embodiments may be considered as a fashion accessory as well as providing easy access to make-up materials.
As described above, the make-kit embodiments described above may be attached to a belt to facilitate carrying the kit. Alternative embodiments of the present invention provide a cosmetics purse used to hold and carry a make-up kit. FIGS. 17, 18 and [0102] 19 depict an embodiment of cosmetics purse for a make-up kit.
FIG. 17 shows a [0103] cosmetics purse 1000 holding a make-up kit 1100. The make-up kit 1100 comprises a first compartment 1101 having multiple magnetic inserts 1104. The magnetic inserts 1104 may be the same as the magnetic inserts described above. That is, the magnetic inserts 1104 are sued to hold cosmetic supplies and may be discarded or refilled once the cosmetic supplies in the insert 104 are exhausted. Either the first compartment 1101 or the magnetic inserts 1104 or both may comprise magnetic material such that the inserts 1104 are held in the first compartment 1101 by magnetic attraction. The first compartment 1104 may also hold make-up pencils 1108 that also comprise magnetic material. The make-up kit 100 further comprises a second compartment 1102 that has a mirror 1121.
The make-up [0104] kit 1100 is attached to a lower section 1100 of the cosmetics purse 1000. The make-up kit 1100 may be attached to the lower section by a snap fastener or a hook and loop fastener or other fastening means known in the art. The cosmetics purse 1000 further comprises an upper section 1020. The upper section 1020 preferably has a credit card holding section 1022 and a pouch 1021 for holding currency. FIG. 18 depicts that the lower section 1010 is coupled to the upper section 1020 at a fold 1015.
FIG. 18 further depicts the make-up [0105] kit 1100 in a closed position to show the hinge that couples the first compartment 1101 and the second compartment shown in FIG. 17. A clasp 1009 for fastening the two compartments 1101, 1102 is also shown in FIG. 18. A zipper 1050 disposed around the perimeter of the cosmetics purse 1000 is preferably used to fasten the upper section 1020 to the lower section 1010 when the cosmetics purse 1000 is closed.
FIG. 19 shows a top view of the [0106] cosmetics purse 1000 when the cosmetics purse 1000 is closed. FIG. 19 also shows that additional pouches 1060, 1070 may be disposed on an external portion of the carrying case 1000. The pouches may include a phone pouch 1060 for a cell phone and a key pouch 1070 for house and car keys. FIG. 19 also shows a portion of a strap 1040. Preferably, the strap 1040 may be a shoulder strap or a hand strap that facilitates carrying the cosmetics purse 1000. Other embodiments of the cosmetics purse 1000 may have no strap.
Preferably, the [0107] cosmetics purse 1000 comprises cushioned leather. However, the cosmetics purse 1000 may comprise other materials, such as durable nylon, canvas, or even plastic or metal.
Those skilled in the art will understand that the [0108] cosmetics purse 1000 shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 may hold and carry other variations of a make-up kit, such as the other embodiments of the make-up kit according to the present invention described above. As such, the cosmetics purse 1000 is not limited to the specific embodiment of a make-up kit depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18.
Having described the present invention in connection with several embodiments thereof, modification will now suggest itself to those skilled in the art. As such, the invention is not to be limited to the described embodiments except as required by the appended claims. [0109]

Claims

I claim:

1. A case for carrying and storing cosmetics supplies, comprising:

(a) a first compartment, a second compartment and a hinge connecting the first compartment with the second compartment, wherein said case is opened and closed by rotating either of said compartments about said hinge;

(b) a dividing element inserted between said first compartment and said second compartment, and hingedly held in place, said dividing element having a first side and a second side, and being rotatable about said hinge; and

(c) a plurality of magnetic holders of said cosmetics supplies removably disposed inside said first compartment, each magnetic holder having at least one recess, said at least one recess adapted to hold selected cosmetic supplies.

2. The case as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a belt, said belt being secured to a bottom of either of said compartments, said belt allowing to a user wear said case around the user's wrist, neck, leg or ankle.

3. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first compartment, said second compartment, and said dividing element have same shape.

4. The case as claimed in claim 3, wherein said shape is rectangular, oval, or circular.

5. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first compartment comprises a bottom surface having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion of said bottom surface being lined with a magnetic material.

6. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first compartment has at least one section to hold brushes.

7. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said dividing element comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein said first surface or said second surface or both said first surface and said second surface are made of a reflective material.

8. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second compartment contains a removable tray with compact powder.

9. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said case is made of a plastic material.

10. The case as claimed in claim 2, wherein said belt comprises alternating elastic and hook and loop fastener sections.

11. The case as claimed in claim 10, wherein the bottom of either one of said first compartment and said second compartment comprises a compartment hook and loop fastener section and said belt comprises a plurality of hook and loop fastener sections, one of said belt hook and loop fastener sections cooperating with said compartment hook and loop fastener section to connect the case to the belt.

12. The case as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a pouch for carrying valuables, said pouch being attached to said case with said belt, wherein said pouch comprises two slots, said belt being inserted in said two slots.

13. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein each magnetic holder has a shape of a sector of a circle.

14. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first compartment has a receptacle containing a mirror, said mirror adapted to slid into and out of said receptacle.

15. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second compartment has a mirror disposed on a surface of said second compartment.

16. The case as claimed in claim 1, where said case is attached to a necklace, chain, or ribbon to enable a user to wear said case around the user's neck.

17. The case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said case is disposed within a cosmetic purse, said cosmetic purse comprising:

a lower section, said case attached to said lower section;

an upper section, said upper section attached to said lower section at a fold; and

a fastener disposed around a portion of a perimeter of said lower section and said upper section, said fastener adapted to fasten said upper section to said lower section.

18. The case as claimed in claim 17, wherein said cosmetic purse comprises a material selected from the group of materials consisting of leather, nylon, canvas, plastic, or metal.

19. The case as claimed in claim 17, wherein said upper section has one or more pouches.

20. The case as claimed in claim 17, wherein one or more straps are attached to said cosmetic purse.

21. A case for carrying and storing cosmetics comprising:

a first compartment;

a second compartment disposed within said first compartment, said second compartment having an outer perimeter smaller than an outer perimeter of the first compartment, wherein the second compartment comprises a base portion and a upper portion hingedly coupled to said base portion, said base portion adapted to hold cosmetic powder;

a plurality of cosmetic holders disposed along the outer perimeter of the first compartment and extending from the outer perimeter of the first compartment to the outer perimeter of the second compartment, wherein each cosmetic holder has at least one recess adapted to hold cosmetic supplies; and

a plurality of cosmetic holder covers, each cosmetic holder cover covering a corresponding cosmetic holder and extending from the outer perimeter of the first compartment to the outer perimeter of the second compartment.

22. The case as claimed in claim 21, wherein said cosmetic holders are removable and are magnetically attached to said first compartment.

23. The case as claimed in claim 21, wherein said first compartment further comprises a slide-out portion, said slide-out portion adapted to retain one or more cosmetic brushes.

24. The case as claimed in claim 21, wherein a mirror is disposed on a surface of said upper portion.

25. The case as claimed in claim 21, further comprising a belt, said belt being secured to a bottom of said first compartment, said belt allowing a user to wear said case around the user's wrist, neck, leg or ankle.

26. A cosmetics purse comprising:

an internal first compartment;

an internal second compartment hingedly connected to said internal first compartment, said internal second compartment having a mirror disposed on a surface of said internal second compartment;

a plurality of magnetic cosmetic holders removably disposed inside said internal first compartment;

an external lower section, said internal first compartment attached to said external lower section;

an external upper section, said external upper section attached to said external lower section at a fold; and

a fastener disposed around a portion of a perimeter of said external lower section and said external upper section, said fastener adapted to fasten said external upper section to said external lower section.

27. The purse as claimed in claim 26, wherein said cosmetic purse comprises a material selected from the group of materials consisting of leather, nylon, canvas, plastic, or metal.

28. The case as claimed in claim 26, wherein said external upper section has one or more pouches.

29. The case as claimed in claim 26, wherein one or more straps are attached to said cosmetic purse.