US20210052048A1

US20210052048A1 - Portable cosmetic organizer

Info

Publication number: US20210052048A1
Application number: US16/998,790
Authority: US
Inventors: Tamika Alexis OUTLAW
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-08-20
Filing date: 2020-08-20
Publication date: 2021-02-25
Also published as: WO2021035065A1

Abstract

A portable cosmetic organizer includes a case comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side; a first storage compartment inside of the case; a first flap forming a first portion of the top side of the case; and a second flap forming a second portion of the top side of the case. The first flap has a first interior surface and a first exterior surface. The second flap has a second interior surface and a second exterior surface. The first interior surface defines a first securement surface and the second interior surface defines a second securement surface. The flaps transitions from a closed position where access to the first storage compartment is proscribed to an opened position where access to the first storage compartment is permitted. The first and second securement surfaces permit removable attachment of items thereon.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This patent application relies for priority on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/889,321, filed on Aug. 20, 2019, and on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/025,321, filed on May 15, 2020, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to cosmetic organizers. More particularly, the present invention concerns a portable cosmetic organizer that may be employed by a professional make-up artist or similar practitioner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The prior art describes a number of cosmetic organizers. Cosmetic organizers known in the art, however, suffer from a number of deficiencies.
In particular, many of the cosmetic organizers that are known to those skilled in the art are constructed for use in a fixed location, such as a dressing room and/or a professional cosmetic studio. Accordingly, these organizers typically are bulky and are not easily transported from one location to another.
Separately, some cosmetic organizers are marketed to individuals permitting such individuals to transport personal cosmetic items. These examples typically take the form of small suitcases, similar to those that are commonly stowed in the overhead bin in a commercial aircraft.
Still further, some cosmetic organizers have been marketed to professional make-up artists. These organizers typically also take the form of a small suitcase that may be stowed in the overhead bin of an aircraft. While these organizers permit cosmetics to be organized therein, they do not provide a way for cosmetics to be arranged in a manner whereby the cosmetics are easily accessible during a session where the cosmetics are applied to a customer and/or client.
A desire has arisen, therefore, for a portable cosmetic organizer that provides organizing pockets, containers, and surfaces so that a practitioner may access suitable cosmetics while working with a customer, client, and/or subject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides for a portable cosmetic organizer that includes a case comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side; a first storage compartment inside of the case; a first flap forming a first portion of the top side of the case; and a second flap forming a second portion of the top side of the case. The first flap has a first interior surface and a first exterior surface. The second flap has a second interior surface and a second exterior surface. The first interior surface defines a first securement surface, and the second interior surface defines a second securement surface. The first flap transitions from a first closed position where access to the first storage compartment is proscribed to a first opened position where access to the first storage compartment is permitted. The second flap transitions from a second closed position where access to the first storage compartment is proscribed to a second opened position where access to the first storage compartment is permitted. The first securement surface and the second securement surface permit removable attachment of items thereon
In one contemplated embodiment, the portable cosmetic organizer also includes a second storage compartment positioned within the case, below the first storage compartment. The second storage compartment is accessible via an opening in at least one of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side.
It is also contemplated that the first securement surface and the second securement surface incorporate a magnetically attractive material.
Alternatively, the first securement surface and the second securement surface may include a first half of a hook and loop fastener material.
Still further, the portable cosmetic organizer may be constructed so that the first side includes a third securement surface, the second side includes a fourth securement surface, the third side comprises a fifth securement surface, and/or the fourth side includes a sixth securement surface.
In another contemplated embodiment, the portable cosmetic organizer has at least one shelf attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.
Still further, a brush holder may be attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.
In another embodiment, a box may be attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.
The portable organizer also may include a mesh bag attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.
For transportation, the portable organizer may incorporate a shoulder strap attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.
It is also contemplated that the portable organizer may have a handle attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.
A lid may be placeable into a top opening of the case when the first flap is in the first opened position and the second flap is in the second opened position. Here, the lid may have at least one opening to accommodate, for example, a cup therein.
It is contemplated that the lid will include a seventh securement surface.
Still further, the portable organizer also is contemplated to include a stand.
Alternatively, the portable cosmetic organizer may have retractable legs.
Still further, the present invention provides for a portable cosmetic organizer with a case having a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side. A first storage compartment is provided inside of the case. A bag is provided into which the case is disposable. A first flap is disposed on the bag. The first flap forms a first portion of the top side of the case when the case is disposed in the bag. A second flap is disposed on the bag. The second flap forms a second portion of the top side of the case when the case is disposed in the bag. The first flap transitions from a first closed position where access to the first storage compartment is proscribed to a first opened position where access to the first storage compartment is permitted. The second flap transitions from a second closed position where access to the first storage compartment is proscribed to a second opened position where access to the first storage compartment is permitted.
For this contemplated embodiment, a lid may be provided. The lid is contemplated to be an insert placeable into a top opening of the case when the first flap is in the first opened position and the second flap is in the second opened position.
In this embodiment, the lid may include at least one opening.
The present invention also provides for a portable cosmetic organizer that includes a bag defining a first bag compartment and a second bag compartment separated from one another by a divider. The first bag compartment is at a top of the bag and the second bag compartment is at the bottom of the bag. The cosmetic organizer also includes first and second flaps at the top of the bag, permitting access to the first bag compartment when the first and second flaps are in an opened position, and third and fourth flaps at the bottom of the bag, permitting access to the second bag compartment when the third and fourth flaps are in an opened position. Still further, the cosmetic organizer includes a case comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side, a first storage compartment inside of the case, a first shelf slidably disposed in the first storage compartment, where the first shelf slides through the first side of the case to extend outwardly from the first side, exteriorly to the case, and a first securement surface provided on the first shelf, permitting removable attachment of items thereon.
With respect to this embodiment, it is contemplated that the portable organizer also may have a lid placeable into a top opening on the top side of the case.
It is contemplated that the portable cosmetic organizer might be constructed so that the first securement surface comprises a magnetically attractive material or a first half of a hook and loop fastener material.
Still further, the portable cosmetic organizer may include a plurality of shelves slidably disposed in the first storage compartment, where the plurality of shelves slides through the sides of the case to extend outwardly from the sides, exteriorly to the case.
And, with respect to this embodiment, the portable organizer also might include a stand.
Further details of these and other aspects of the subject matter of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings included below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, graphical illustration of a first embodiment of a portable cosmetic organizer according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a graphical front view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a graphical front view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the addition of repositionable shelves in one configuration;

FIG. 5 is a graphical front view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the addition of repositionable shelves in another configuration;

FIG. 6 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the location of a repositionable shelf in one further contemplated configuration;

FIG. 7 is a graphical front view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the addition of a lid disposed therein;

FIG. 8 is a graphical top view of the configuration of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 1, showing accessories that may be removably attached thereto;

FIG. 10 is a graphical front view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 1, showing storage locations for one or more of the accessories therefor;

FIG. 11 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the addition of a shoulder strap;

FIG. 12 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the addition of a carrying handle;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view providing a graphical illustration of one contemplated embodiment of a stand to support the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a graphical perspective illustration of another contemplated embodiment of a stand to support the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a graphical end view of a second contemplated embodiment of the portable cosmetic organizer of the present invention, showing the contents thereof;

FIG. 16 is a graphical end view of the second contemplated embodiment of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 15, showing the rectangular case partially removed from its carrier bag;

FIG. 17 is a graphical end view of the second contemplated embodiment of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 15, showing the rectangular case partially removed from the bag and also showing the relocation of selected shelves to the exterior of the case;

FIG. 18 is a graphical end view of the second contemplated embodiment of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 15, showing the rectangular case completely removed from the bag and also showing the placement of a lid thereon;

FIG. 19 is a graphical end view of a third contemplated embodiment of the portable cosmetic organizer of the present invention, showing the contents thereof;

FIG. 20 is a graphical end view of the third contemplated embodiment of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 19, showing the rectangular case partially removed from its carrier bag;

FIG. 21 is a graphical end view of the rectangular case illustrated in FIG. 19, shown completely removed from the bag with two of the shelves extended therefrom;

FIG. 22 is a graphical, perspective illustration of the rectangular case shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a graphical, perspective illustration of a fourth embodiment of the portable cosmetic organizer of the present invention, showing a variation of the rectangular case shown in FIG. 22; and

FIG. 24 is a graphical, top view of the rectangular case illustrated in FIG. 23, showing additional features consistent with the embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments are described in connection with the present invention. The embodiments are intended to illustrate the breadth and scope of the present invention rather than to limit the scope thereof.
FIG. 1 is a perspective, graphical illustration of one contemplated embodiment of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 according to the present invention.
In this embodiment, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 is illustrated as a rectangular polygon. While a regular polygon is contemplated as one shape for the portable cosmetic organizer 10, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 may have any other shape as required or as desired. For example, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 may have a shape that is triangular, circular, oval, elliptical, square, triangular, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 is shaped as a polygon. In particular, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 is formed as a rectangular case 12. As such, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 has a first side 14, a second side 16, a third side 18, a fourth side 20, a top side 22, and a bottom side 24.
As clarified by the discussion of the present invention in the paragraphs that follow, the first side 14, the second side 16, the third side 18, the fourth side 20, the top side 22, and the bottom side 24 are contemplated to be made from one or more rigid materials so that the case 12 maintains its general shape for suitable portability of the portable cosmetic organizer 10. As such, it is contemplated that the sides 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be made from any suitable material including, but not limited to, woven materials, such as canvas and/or nylon, and nonwoven materials, such as metals, plastics and/or composites. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, the sides 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be made from flexible, semi-rigid, and/or rigid materials without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the top side 22 is formed by a first flap 26 and a second flap 28. The first flap 26 is contemplated to be hingedly affixed to the first side 14. Similarly, the second flap 28 is contemplated to be hingedly attached to the third side 18. A hinged attachment does not require a separate hinge, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art. The first flap 26 and the second flap 28 may be connected via a flexible membrane, for example, that connects to the first side 14 and the third side 18. While one selected arrangement is illustrated, it is noted that the first flap 26 and the second flap 28 alternatively may be affixed to the second side 16 and the fourth side 20.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, the first flap 26 and the second flap 28 are illustrated as defining equal portions of the top side 22. In other words, the first flap 26 forms a first portion constituting 50% of the top side 22 and the second flap 28 forms a second portion constituting the remaining 50% of the top side 22. It is noted that this arrangement is not required to practice the present invention. To the contrary, the first flap 26 and the second flap 28 may comprise unequal portions of the top side 22 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the first flap 26 and the second flap 28 may be sized to define a ration between each other where the ratio between the flaps 26, 28 is 60:40, 70:30, or the like.
As highlighted in FIG. 2, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 includes at least one storage compartment therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 includes a first storage compartment 30 and a second storage compartment 32 therein. The first storage compartment 30 is accessible through the top 34 of the case 12 when the flaps 26, 28 are opened in the directions of the first arrow 36 and the second arrow 38. This is the opened position of the flaps 26, 28.
The second storage compartment 32 is contemplated to include a drawer 40 that slides therein. The drawer 40 slides within the second storage compartment 32 in the direction of the arrows 42. The drawer 40 is accessible through a first opening 44 and a second opening 46. Separately, the second compartment 32 may be accessible by doors and may not include a drawer 40, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art. Still further, multiple drawers 40 may be provided in the second storage compartment 32 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the first storage compartment 30 has a bottom 48 and four sides 50. Similarly, the drawer 40 has a bottom 52 and four sides 54. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, these configurations are merely exemplary. Other constructions may be substituted therefor without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first flap 26 has a first interior surface 56 and a first exterior surface 58. Similarly, the second flap 28 has a second interior surface 60 and a second exterior surface 62. The first interior surface 56 defines a first securement surface 64. Similarly, the second interior surface 60 defines a second securement surface 66.
The first and second securement surfaces 64, 66 are incorporated into or added to the first flap 26 and the second flap 28 so that one or more items may be attached thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, a first brush holder 68 is affixed to the first securement surface 64, and a second brush holder 70 is affixed to the second securement surface 66. In the illustrated embodiment, it is contemplated that the first and second securement surfaces 64, 66 are made from a magnetically attractive material and that the first brush holder 68 and the second brush holder 70 are connected thereto via first and second magnets 72, 74, respectively. Alternatively, hook and loop fasteners may be used. Still further, a releasable adhesive, snaps, and/or hooks may be employed to attach the first and second brush holders 68, 70 to the first and second securement surfaces 64, 66. Still other attachments may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art.
As noted above, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 is contemplated to include the second storage compartment 32 beneath the first storage compartment 30. While this is one contemplated embodiment, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 should not be understood to be limited solely to this embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, and as noted above, the second storage compartment 32 is accessible via an opening 44, 46 in at least one of the first side 14 and/or the third side 16 of the portable cosmetic organizer 10. Alternatively, the second storage compartment 32 may be accessible via openings in the second side 16 and/or the fourth side 20.
FIG. 3 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10. For context, two cosmetic brushes 76 are disposed in the second brush holder 70. In addition, arrows 78 are added adjacent to the first brush holder 68 to illustrate that the brush holders 68, 70 may be positioned at any location on the first flap 26 and/or the second flap 28.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. Here, the portable cosmetic organizer 10 is shown with a first shelf 80 attached to the first side 14 and a second shelf 82 attached to the third side 18. So that the first shelf 80 may be removably attached to the first side 14, the first side 14 of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 is contemplated to define a first securement surface. Similarly, the second side 16, the third side 18, and the fourth side 20 also are contemplated to comprise second, third, and fourth securement surfaces so that shelves 80, 82 and other accessories (as discussed more fully hereinbelow) may be attached hereto. As discussed above, the securement surfaces are contemplated to be made from magnetically attractive materials or include half of a hook and loop fastener. Furthermore, as discussed above, the securement surfaces may be made from any other suitable material as should be apparent to those skilled in the art.
With continued reference to FIG. 4, the first shelf 80 connects to the first side 14 via the magnet 84. Similarly, the second shelf 82 connects to the third side 18 via the magnet 86. The shelves 80, 82 are contemplated to incorporate securement surfaces of the type discussed herein. As a result, it is possible to removably secure one or more items to the shelves 80, 82 for rapid access during a make-up application session.
FIG. 5 illustrates a variation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. Here, the shelves 80, 82 are positioned similarly to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4. As before, the shelves 80, 82 are connected via magnets 84, 86. And, as before, any alternative attachment may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. In this view, the first brush holder 68 is positioned on the first shelf 80 and the second brush holder 70 is positioned on the second shelf 82.
FIG. 6 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10. In this view, a shelf 88 is removably attached to the second side 16 via a magnet 90. As indicated above, a shelf also may be attached to the fourth side 20, as required and/or desired. The shelf 88 is contemplated to incorporate a securement surface so that one or more items may be removably secured thereto and/or thereon. For example, the first brush holder 68 may be affixed to the securement surface atop the shelf 88 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a graphical, front view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10, showing an additional contemplated feature of the present invention. In particular, in this view, a lid 92 is inserted into the top 34 of the case 12 when the first flap 26 and the second flap 28 are in the opened position. The lid 92 is contemplated to include at least one opening 94 to accommodate a cup 96 therein. In addition, the lid 92 is contemplated to incorporate a securement surface 98, the details of which are discussed elsewhere herein. As illustrated, the securement surface 98 is contemplated to comprise a magnetically attractive material. However, other fasteners and/or securement materials may be employed.
It is noted that the configuration of the lid 92 is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. For example, the lid 92 may be a shape other than a planar shape. For example, the lid 92 may be concave so that any items placed thereon, but not secured thereto, may roll to a suitable location thereon, thereby avoiding falling to the floor. In addition, the lid 92 may include any number of openings 94, as required or desired.
In FIG. 7, the cup 96 is shown with a cosmetic brush 76 disposed therein. Naturally, this is merely exemplary of one use of the cup 96. And, so as not to be limiting of the present invention, the cup 96 is meant to be exemplary as well. The cup 96 may be replaced by any suitable device for holding items therein. For example, the cup 96 could be replaced with a mesh bag or other suitable alternative.
In addition, a first cosmetic 100 and a second cosmetic 102 are secured to the securement surface 98 via magnets 104, 106. Here, it is contemplated that the magnets 104, 106 may be attached to the cosmetics 100, 102 via a suitable adhesive or other alternative. The cosmetics 100, 102 may be moved to any position on the securement surface 98 due to the use of the magnets 104, 106.
With continued reference to FIG. 7, it is contemplated that the lid 92 may be configured to incorporate slidable shelves that slide out from the sides to provide additional surface area for attaching items and holders thereto. Here, it is contemplated that the lid 92 will be sufficiently thick to accommodate slidable shelves therein. This embodiment may be suitable to provide additional surface area extending perpendicularly to the direction of the first and second flaps 26, 28. In other words, the slidable shelves could be disposed within the lid 92 so that the slidable shelves extend outwardly from the second side 16 and from the fourth side 20. In yet another contemplated embodiment, the slidable shelves may extend outwardly from the first side 14 and/or the third side 18, as required or desired. The slidable shelves are contemplated to incorporate magnetically attractive materials, as discussed herein.
FIG. 8 is a graphical top view of the portable cosmetic organizer illustrated in FIG. 7. As clarified here, the cosmetic 100 may be a lipstick for example and the cosmetic 102 may be a compact for powder or eye shadow.
FIG. 9 is a top view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 showing additional features and aspects of the present invention. In this illustration, the first and second flaps 26, 28 are shown in the closed position. In this view, a brush holder 108 is affixed by a magnet 110 to the third side 18. In addition, a mesh bag 112 is attached to the fourth side 20 by a magnet 114. Still further, a storage box 116 is affixed to the first side 14 by a magnet 118. The brush holder 108, the mesh bag 112, and the storage box 116 are merely exemplary of a wide variety of organizational accessories that may be removably attached to the various surfaces of the portable cosmetic organizer 10. As such, these examples of organizational accessories should not be understood to limit the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a graphical, front view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 according to the present invention. Illustratively, various accessories are shown in storage within the first storage compartment 30 and the second storage compartment 32.
FIG. 11 is a graphical, top view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10. Here the portable cosmetic organizer 10 includes a shoulder strap 120. Without limiting the present invention, the shoulder strap 120 connects to the second side 16 of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 adjacent to the first side 14 and the third side 18 thereof.
FIG. 12 is a graphical, top view of the portable cosmetic organizer 10. Here the portable cosmetic organizer 10 includes a handle 122 attached to the second side 16 thereof. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, the handle 122 may be attached to any side of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a graphical, perspective illustration of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 attached to a stand 124. The stand 124 is contemplated to be removably attachable to the bottom side 22 of the portable cosmetic organizer. The stand 124 includes a vertical support 126 that is attached to a base 128 having a plurality of wheels 130 attached thereto. As should be apparent, the illustrated stand 124 is merely exemplary of many constructions for a stand 124 that may be employed for the present invention. Variations of the stand 124, with or without wheels also are contemplated to fall within the scope of the present invention. In one contemplated variation, the stand 124 may be collapsed and stored in the case 12. In one non-limiting example, the stand 124 may be stored in the second storage compartment 32.
FIG. 14 is a graphical, perspective illustration of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 with four legs 132 attached thereto. The legs 132 are contemplated to be telescoping legs as indicated by the arrows 134. The legs 132 are capable of compacting into the corners of the portable cosmetic organizer 10 to facilitate transportation thereof.
FIG. 15 is a graphical, end view of a second embodiment of a cosmetic organizer 136 according to the present invention. This embodiment is contemplated to share many of the same features as the cosmetic organizer 10 discussed above.
The cosmetic organizer 136 is similar to the cosmetic organizer 10 in that the cosmetic organizer 136 includes a rectangular case 138 with sides 140, 142 and a bottom 144. The case 138 defines a storage compartment 180 therein. The top 146 is open, as illustrated in FIG. 15. A user may access the contents of the storage compartment 180 through the top 146 of the case 138.
The rectangular case 138 is contemplated to be constructed from a rigid material, preferably a material that is magnetically attractive. Alternatively, any suitable material may be employed without departing from the present invention.
The rectangular case 138 is insertable into a bag 148 that has sides 150, 152 and a bottom 154. The bag 148 also includes flaps 156, 158 that may connect over the top 146 of the rectangular case 138 via a zipper 160 or other suitable closure. The bag 148 is contemplated to be constructed from a flexible material, such as canvas, nylon, and the like. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, and as discussed above, alternative materials may be employed to construct the bag 148 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any flexible, semi-rigid, and or rigid materials may be used to construct the bag 148 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In FIG. 15, the flaps 156, 158 are illustrated in an opened condition that permits a user to access the contents of the rectangular case 138. In this view, the flaps 156, 158 are secured to the bag 148 via fasteners 162, 164, such as hook and loop fasteners. Alternative fasteners 162, 164 may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The interior of the rectangular case 138 is shown with several shelves 166. The shelves 166 are provided with magnets 168 on at least one end. Cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70 are secured to the shelves as discussed above.
FIG. 16 is a graphical, end view of the cosmetic organizer 136 illustrated in FIG. 15. Here, the rectangular case 138 has been partially removed from the bag 148, as shown via the arrows 170.
FIG. 17 is a graphical, end view of the rectangular case 138 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. It is contemplated that, after the rectangular case 138 is removed from the bag 148, the shelves 166 will be moved from the interior of the rectangular case 138 and affixed to the exterior surfaces of the sides 140, 142, as indicated by the arrows 172, 174.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, the rectangular case 138 may be closed, via a lid 176 that is disposable on the rectangular case 138 via the arrow 178. It is contemplated that the lid 176 will be affixed to the rectangular case 138 magnetically, but other attachments may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. As also shown in FIG. 18, the rectangular case 138 has been removed from the bag 148 in its entirety.
As should be apparent from FIGS. 15-18, it is contemplated that the shelves 166 may have various items, such as the cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70, arranged thereon in advance of a cosmetic session. After arriving at the cosmetic session, the shelves 166 may be removed from the rectangular case 138 and attached to the exterior sides thereof, thereby providing access to the items secured thereon.
In another contemplated embodiment, the bag 148 may be constructed so that the flaps 156, 158 include one or more pockets. As such, the flaps 156, 158 may be constructed to hold cosmetics 100, 102 and other items therein.
Separately, the bag 148 may be constructed without the flaps 156, 158. In this embodiment, the rectangular case 138 may be closed via the lid 176.
As may be apparent from FIGS. 15-18, the rectangular case 138 shares many features in common with the case 12, except that the case 138 does not incorporate flaps similar to the first flap 26 and the second flap 28. As such, many of the features of the case 10 may be employed in the case 138 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As also should be apparent, the cosmetic organizer 136 includes the bag 148, with the flaps 156, 158. This differs from the cosmetic organizer 10, where the flaps 26, 28 are hingedly mounted to the top thereof. This feature, among others, distinguishes the cosmetic organizer 136 from the cosmetic organizer 10.
With renewed reference to FIGS. 15-16, the case 138 is removably disposable within the bag 148. As such, the case 138 may be inserted into the bag 148 and removed from the bag 148 as required and/or as desired.
When the flaps 156, 158 of the bag 148 are closed (not shown, but similarly to the closed flaps 26, 28 illustrated in FIG. 1) the flaps 156, 158 close the top 146 of the case 138. When the flaps 156, 158 are opened, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, the contents of the case 138 are accessible.
It is contemplated that the flaps 156, 158 are similar to the flaps 26, 28. Specifically, it is contemplated that the flaps 156, 158 cover approximately one half of the top 146 of the case 138 when the flaps 156, 158 are in the closed position. As with the flaps 26, 28, however, the flaps 156, 158 may cover disproportionate areas of the opening defined by the top 146 of the case 138.
With this construction, like the cosmetic organizer 10, the first flap 156 forms a first portion of the top side of the case 138 when the case 138 is disposed in the bag 148. The second flap 158 forms a second portion of the top side of the case 138 when the case 138 is disposed in the bag 148. And, like the cosmetic organizer 10, the first flap 156 transitions from a first closed position where access to the storage compartment 180 is proscribed to a first opened position where access to the storage compartment 180 is permitted. Similarly, the second flap 158 transitions from a second closed position where access to the storage compartment 180 is proscribed to a second opened position where access to the storage compartment 180 is permitted.
While only a single storage compartment 180 is illustrated in connection with the cosmetic organizer 136, the case 138 may include multiple storage compartments, just like the case 12 shown and described in connection with the cosmetic organizer 10.
It is contemplated that the case 138 may be attachable to a stand 124 or to legs 132 once removed from the bag 148. Alternatively, the bag 148 may be attachable to a stand 124 or to legs 132, as required and/or as desired. The stand 124 and/or legs 132 may be stored in one of the storage compartments in the bag 148.
In this embodiment of the cosmetic organizer 136, the lid 176 is contemplated to be similar to the lid 92 described in connection with the cosmetic organizer 10. As such, the lid 176 may include one or more openings 94 therein, just as in the example of the lid 92. In fact, the lid 92 may be substituted for the lid 176 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a graphical end view of another embodiment of a portable cosmetic organizer 182 according to the present invention. As detailed herein, the cosmetic organizer 182 shares many of the same elements with the cosmetic organizer 10 and the cosmetic organizer 136 described above.
In this embodiment, the cosmetic organizer 182 includes a rectangular case 184 with a first side 186, a second side 188, a third side 190, a fourth side 192, a top side 194, and a bottom side 196. The rectangular case 184 fits within a bag 198. The case 184 is removable from the bag 198 in the direction of the arrows 200, as illustrated in FIG. 20.
In this embodiment, the bag 198 includes a first storage compartment 202 and a second storage compartment 204. The first storage compartment 202 is separated from the second storage compartment 204 by a divider 206. The bag 198 includes four sides 208, a top side 210 and a bottom side 212.
The bag 198 is contemplated to be made from a flexible material, such as canvas, nylon, woven fabrics, non-woven materials, and the like, as described elsewhere herein. While it is contemplated that the bag 198 will be constructed from a flexible material, the bag 198 may be made from a rigid and/or semi-rigid material without departing from the scope of the present invention. Rigid and/or semi-rigid materials include, but are not limited to metals, alloys of metals, plastics, foams, and the like. In a further contemplated embodiment, the bag 198 may be manufactured from a combination of flexible, rigid, and/or semi-rigid materials without departing from the scope of the invention.
The top side 210 of the bag 198 includes a first flap 214 and a second flap 216 that are contemplated to connect to one another via a closure 218, such as a zipper. In FIG. 19, the flaps 214, 216 are shown in an opened position so that the top side 210 of the bag 198 is open. The flaps 214, 216 permit access into the first storage compartment 202, which contains at least the case 184.
The second storage compartment 204 is at the bottom of the bag 198. The second compartment 204 also includes a first flap 220 and a second flap 222. In FIG. 19, the flaps 220, 222 are shown in a closed position. The flaps 220, 222 are contemplated to be secured to one another via a suitable closure 224, such as a zipper. The second storage compartment 204 is contemplated to be used to store items including, but not limited to, cosmetics 100, 102, brush holders 68, 70, and the like.
The case 184 is contemplated to be openable at the top side 194. As with the other embodiments, the case 184 may be closed by a lid 226, which may be disposed on and/or removed from the case 184 as indicated by the arrows 228. When the lid 226 is opened, the contents of the case 184 are accessible through the top side 194 thereof.
The case 184 also includes several shelves. In FIG. 19, five shelves are illustrated, a first shelf 230, a second shelf 232, a third shelf 234, a fourth shelf 236, and a fifth shelf 238. The first shelf 230 is contemplated to extend outwardly through the second side 188 of the case 184. The second shelf 232 and the third shelf 234 are positioned so that they may extend outwardly from the first side 186 of the case 184. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the second shelf 232 is positioned above the third shelf 234. Similarly, the fourth shelf 236 and the fifth shelf 238 are positioned so that they may extend outwardly from the third side 190 of the case 184. The fourth shelf 236 is disposed above the fifth shelf 238. It is noted that the configuration of the shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238 is merely exemplary of the present invention. Any other configuration and/or arrangement of shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238 may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.
With continued reference to FIG. 19, it is noted that the case 184 may be configured so that there is only one shelf that is extendible from the first side 186 and from the third side 190 of the case 184. Still further, while not illustrated, it is contemplated that one or more shelves may be configured to extend outwardly from the second side 188 and/or the fourth side 192 of the case 184, as required or as desired.
As should be apparent from FIG. 19, the case 184 defies an interior compartment 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior compartment 240 appears to be quite small. However, the small size of the interior compartment 240 is, at least in part, due to the graphical nature of the drawings. The case 184 is contemplated to be constructed to provide a larger interior compartment 240 for storing items therein. Items include, but are not limited to cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70.
FIG. 20 is a graphical, end view of the cosmetic organizer 182 illustrated in FIG. 19. In this drawing, the case 184 is shown after having been partially removed from the bag 198.
FIGS. 21-23 provide three views of the case 184 after being removed from the bag 198.
As with the cosmetic organizer 10 and the cosmetic organizer 136, the cosmetic organizer 182 is contemplated to be configurable to present several securement surfaces to which any number of cosmetics and holding devices may be attached. As in the other embodiments, it is contemplated that the cosmetic organizer 182 will present several securement surfaces to the user so that cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70, among other items, may be removably secured thereto. Moreover, as with the other embodiments, the cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70 may be repositioned on one or more of the securement surfaces so that the user may organize the cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70 thereon.
FIG. 21 is a graphical end view of the case 184 illustrated in FIG. 19. In this view, the first shelf 230 extends outwardly from the first side 186 of the case 184. Similarly, the fifth shelf 238 extends outwardly from the third side 190 of the case 184. As should be apparent, the second shelf 232 and/or the fourth shelf 236 alternatively may extend from the case 184, as required or desired. It is contemplated that the shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238 may each extend a different amount (or degree) from the case 184 so that each shelf 230, 232, 234, 236, 238 furnishes a securement surface with a different area.
It is contemplated that the first shelf 230 is provided with a first securement surface 242, the second shelf 232 is provided with a second securement surface 244, the third shelf 234 is provided with a third securement surface 246, the fourth shelf 236 is provided with a fourth securement surface 248, and the fifth shelf 238 is provided with a fifth securement surface 250. The securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 may be incorporated into the shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238. Alternatively, the securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 may be applied or disposed onto the top surfaces of the shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238.
As discussed hereinabove, the securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 are contemplated to have a magnetic component so that items may be movably secured thereon. As also discussed herein, other materials for the securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 may be employed. For example, the securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 may be provided with one half of a hook and loop fastening material, with the other half being attached to the item to be secured thereon. Still other materials for the securement surfaces 242, 244, 246, 248, 250 may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In addition, it is contemplated that one or more of the first side 186, the second side 188, the third side 190, the fourth side 192, or the bottom side 196 of the case may be provided with securement surfaces. In other words, in addition to the lid 226, the sides 186, 188, 190, 192, 196 also may be magnetically attractive or include an alternative securement such as hook and loop fasteners. This contemplated embodiment is consistent with the other embodiments of the portable cosmetic organizer 10, 136 described herein.
As also illustrated in FIG. 21, the lid 226 is provided with a sixth securement surface 252. In this view, cosmetics 100, 102 are movably affixed to the sixth securement surface 252.
FIG. 22 is a perspective, graphical view of the case 184 illustrated in FIG. 21. As in FIG. 21, the first shelf 230 extends outwardly from the case 184, together with the second shelf 232 and the fifth shelf 238. The securement surfaces 242, 244, 250 are, thereby, presented to the user so that items may be removably and movably secured thereon.
FIG. 23 illustrates yet another contemplated embodiment of a case 254 that might be insertable into the bag 198. The case 254 differs from the case 184 in that multiple shelves 256 are provided on the first side 186 and on the third side 190. The shelves 256 are contemplated to be provided with securement surfaces 258 consistent with the remaining embodiments described herein.
FIG. 24 is a graphical top view of the case 254 illustrated in FIG. 23, showing various items movably disposed thereon. In addition, an opening 94 is provided in the lid 226, consistent with the discussion provided hereinabove.
As should be apparent, aspects of each of the cosmetic organizers 10, 136, 182 and the cases 12, 138, 184, 254 are described with features that are intended to be interchangeable with one another, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art. As a result, the discussion of any one particular feature with any one particular embodiment should not be understood to be limiting of the present invention. Features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
It is noted that any of the cases 12, 138, 184, 254 may be attached to a stand 124 and/or legs 132, as required or as desired. The stand 124 and/or legs 132 are contemplated to be stowable in a compartment within the cases 12, 138, 184, 254 or the bags 148, 198 into which the cases 12, 138, 184, 254 may be stowed. Similarly, the stand 124 and/or legs 132 may attach to the bags 148, 198 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is noted that the bags 148, 198 may be provided with one or more wheels to facilitate transportation of the bags 148, 198 from one location to another when the stand 124 and/or legs 132 are stowed therein.
It is noted that, when attached to a stand 124, for example, the cases 12, 138, 184, 254 are intended to present their respective securement surfaces to the user so that cosmetics, brush holders, and other items are easily accessible to the user during a cosmetic application session.
Concerning the shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 256, it is contemplated that the shelves might be constructed so that they slide out from the case 184, 254 with items pre-arranged thereon. In such a construction, it is contemplated that the cases 184, 254 might include doors in the sides 186, 188, 190, 192 that may be opened or removed before the shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 256 slide out. For this contemplated construction, the user might be able to arrange the items (such as the cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70) in advance of a cosmetic application session, thereby saving time when initially setting up the case 184, 254 for use.
As should be apparent from the foregoing, the case 184, 254 may be configured to include only one shelf 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 256. Of course, as described herein the case 184, 254 is contemplated to include two or more shelves 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 256. The remaining embodiments also may be configured to include one shelf, two shelves, or more than two shelves, as required or as desired.
Concerning the lid 226, it is contemplated that the user may pre-arrange items onto the interior surface 260 of the lid 226. After the case 184, 254 is removed from the bag 198, the lid 226 may be flipped over to orient the interior surface 260 on the exterior side of the case 184, 254, thereby positioning the exterior side 262 on the interior side of the case 184, 254. With the cosmetics 100, 102 and brush holders 68, 70 pre-arranged on the interior surface 260 of the lid 226, when the lid 226 is flipped over, the cosmetics 100, 102 and other items are accessible by the user. As should be apparent, the reversible lid 226 may be applied to other embodiment of the present invention. In other words, the reversibility of the lid 226 is an aspect of the invention that is not intended to be limited to the case 184, 254.
Concerning the embodiments of the present invention, various items are described as connecting to one or more securement surfaces via magnetic attraction. In some embodiments, magnets are attached to various ones of the items so that the items are removably disposable on the securement surface, which is understood to be made from iron or any other material with which a magnet will have an attractive affinity. It is noted, however, that a separate magnet is not needed in cases where the item is provided with a magnetically-attractive material. To this end, any side or other surface of any part of the cosmetic organizers described herein may be provided with a magnetically-attractive material so that items may be removably attached thereto. And, also as discussed, a magnetic attraction is only one contemplated configuration. Hook and loop fasteners may be used, as might other alternative securements known to those skilled in the art.
The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Variations and equivalents to one or more aspects of the invention may employed without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Moreover, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. Modifications, variations, and equivalents that fall within the scope of the present invention, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art, are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. Also, the scope of the claims is not intended to be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, the scope of the claims is intended to be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable cosmetic organizer, comprising:

a case comprising a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top side, and a bottom side;

a first storage compartment inside of the case;

a first flap forming a first portion of the top side of the case; and

a second flap forming a second portion of the top side of the case;

wherein the first flap has a first interior surface and a first exterior surface,

wherein the second flap has a second interior surface and a second exterior surface,

wherein the first interior surface defines a first securement surface,

wherein the second interior surface defines a second securement surface,

wherein the first flap transitions from a first closed position where access to the first storage compartment is proscribed to a first opened position where access to the first storage compartment is permitted,

wherein the second flap transitions from a second closed position where access to the first storage compartment is proscribed to a second opened position where access to the first storage compartment is permitted, and

wherein the first securement surface and the second securement surface permit removable attachment of items thereon.

2. The portable cosmetic organizer of claim 1, further comprising:

a second storage compartment positioned within the case, below the first storage compartment,

wherein the second storage compartment is accessible via an opening in at least one of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side.

3. The portable cosmetic organizer of claim 1, wherein:

the first securement surface and the second securement surface comprise a magnetically attractive material.

4. The portable cosmetic organizer of claim 1, wherein:

the first securement surface and the second securement surface comprise a first half of a hook and loop fastener material.

5. The portable cosmetic organizer of claim 1, wherein at least one of the following conditions are satisfied:

the first side comprises a third securement surface,

the second side comprises a fourth securement surface,

the third side comprises a fifth securement surface, or

the fourth side comprises a sixth securement surface.

6. The portable cosmetic organizer of claim 5, further comprising:

at least one shelf attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.

7. The portable organizer of claim 5, further comprising:

a brush holder attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.

8. The portable organizer of claim 5, further comprising:

a box attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.

9. The portable organizer of claim 5, further comprising:

a mesh bag attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.

10. The portable organizer of claim 1, further comprising:

a shoulder strap attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.

11. The portable organizer of claim 1, further comprising:

a handle attachable to at least one of the third securement surface, the fourth securement surface, the fifth securement surface, and the sixth securement surface.

12. The portable organizer of claim 1, further comprising:

a lid placeable into a top opening of the case when the first flap is in the first opened position and the second flap is in the second opened position.

13. The portable organizer of claim 1, further comprising a stand.

14. The portable organizer of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of retractable legs.

15. A portable cosmetic organizer, comprising:

a bag defining a first bag compartment and a second bag compartment separated from one another by a divider, wherein the first bag compartment is at a top of the bag and the second bag compartment is at the bottom of the bag;

first and second flaps at the top of the bag permitting access to the first bag compartment when the first and second flaps are in an opened position;

third and fourth flaps at the bottom of the bag permitting access to the second bag compartment when the third and fourth flaps are in an opened position;

a first storage compartment inside of the case;

a first shelf slidably disposed in the first storage compartment, wherein the first shelf slides through the first side of the case to extend outwardly from the first side, exteriorly to the case; and

a first securement surface provided on the first shelf, permitting removable attachment of items thereon.

16. The portable organizer of claim 15, further comprising:

a lid placeable into a top opening on the top side of the case.

17. The portable cosmetic organizer of claim 15, wherein:

the first securement surface comprises a magnetically attractive material.

18. The portable cosmetic organizer of claim 15, wherein:

the first securement surface comprises a first half of a hook and loop fastener material.

19. The portable cosmetic organizer of claim 15, further comprising:

a plurality of shelves slidably disposed in the first storage compartment, wherein the plurality of shelves slides through the sides of the case to extend outwardly from the sides, exteriorly to the case.

20. The portable organizer of claim 15, further comprising a stand.