GB2448788A

GB2448788A - Cosmetic dispensers with closable product reservoirs

Info

Publication number: GB2448788A
Application number: GB0722062A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Thorpe
Original assignee: HCT Asia Ltd
Current assignee: HCT Asia Ltd
Priority date: 2007-04-25
Filing date: 2007-11-09
Publication date: 2008-10-29
Also published as: FR2915354A1; US20070289603A1; GB0722062D0; CN101292810A

Abstract

A container, particularly a cosmetics dispenser, includes a base 104 including a reservoir 106 for containing a product such as a cosmetic and a lid 102 carrying an interior tapered cap 110 of compressible material. The reservoir includes an upper portion containing a shaped opening, and the tapered cap ends in a shaped projection 112 that is sized to fit into the shaped opening of the reservoir. The lid 102 may be connected to the base 104 by a hinge 126 and be pivotable relative to the base between an open position in which the cosmetic product is accessible, and a closed position. In the closed position, the lid 102 seals the reservoir 106 by inserting the shaped projection 112 into the shaped opening in the reservoir and by compressing the tapered cap 110 into the upper portion of the reservoir. The dispenser may include wells and recesses 118, 120 for further cosmetics and applicators, and a mirror 116 may be located inside the lid, said lid possibly being formed of two parts (figure 13).

Description

COSMETICS DISPENSERS

TECHNICAL FIELD

1] The disclosure relates generally to cosmetics dispensers for housing and retaining cosmetic products.

BACKGROUND

2] Cosmetics are frequently packaged in compact containers for ease of transport. Users often move desired cosmetics from one location to another for reapplication throughout the day. This constant transfer necessitates the secure closure of all types of cosmetics enclosed in compact containers in order to ensure cosmetic retention and to prevent spills or leaks into the transporting purse or bag.

3] Conventional cosmetic containers often do not adequately seal and contain all types of cosmetics. Retention and transport of loose powder cosmetics is particularly troublesome due to the fine powder composition.

Because of transport difficulties involving seepage and leaking from compact containers, loose powder cosmetics are often applied in one location and are not transported for reapplication later in the day.

SUMMARY

4] This summary introduces simplified features of cosmetics dispensers with automatic closure. In an exemplary implementation, a cosmetics dispenser apparatus includes a base containing a reservoir for housing a product and a lid having an interior tapered cap. The reservoir includes an upper portion having a shaped opening, and the tapered cap ends in a shaped projection that is sized to fit into the shaped opening of the reservoir. In some implementations, the tapered cap and/or shaped projection may be made at least partially of an elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. A hinge connects the lid and the base and is pivotable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the product is accessible, and in the closed position the lid seals the reservoir by inserting the shaped projection into the shaped opening of the reservoir by compressing the tapered cap into the upper portion of the reservoir.

5] In another aspect, a cosmetics dispenser apparatus includes a base containing a reservoir for housing a cosmetic product and a lid containing a cap that is coupled to the base. An upper portion of the reservoir includes a hard, concave surface that tapers into a shaped opening, and the cap includes a convex taper that ends in a shaped projection. Opening the lid provides accessibility to the cosmetic product, and closing the lid closes the reservoir by inserting the shaped projection into the shaped opening in the reservoir.

6] In yet another aspect, a cosmetics dispenser apparatus includes a base comprising a reservoir with at least two shaped openings and alid including at least two tapered caps that end in shaped projections. The opening of the lid provides accessibility to the reservoir through the shaped openings, and the closing of the lid closes the reservoir by inserting the shaped projections into the shaped openings. A loose powder cosmetic product is housed in the reservoirs and is accessible via the shaped openings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

7] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary cosmetics dispenser with automatic closure, with a lid in an open position.

Fig. 2 is an interior view of the lid of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view from above of the interior of the base and a portion of the lid of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. iwith the lid in the open position.

Fig. 5 is an exterior view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 1, with the lid in a closed position.

Fig. 6 is a front exterior view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 1, with the lid in the closed position.

Fig. 7 is a top exterior view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a rear exterior view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a bottom exterior view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a side exterior view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 1, with the lid in the closed position.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of caps on the interior of the lid of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 1, taken along the lateral axis shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary cosmetics dispenser with automatic closure.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary cosmetics dispenser with automatic closure having two lids.

Fig. 14 is an exterior view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 13, with the lids in a closed position.

Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary cosmetics dispenser with automatic closure, with a lid in an open position.

Fig. 16 is an exterior view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 15, with the lid in a closed position.

Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another exemplary cosmetics dispenser, with a lid in an open position.

Fig. 18 is an exterior view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 17, with the lid in a closed position.

Fig. 19 is an interior view of a lid and base of still another exemplary cosmetics dispenser with automatic closure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

8] This disclosure is directed to cosmetics dispensers with automatic closure. Cosmetics dispensers are described herein for housing loose powder makeup. While the cosmetics dispensers described herein are effective at housing and retaining loose powder makeup, the dispensers may also be used to house other types of cosmetic producis in powdered, liquid, cream, gel, solid, or other forms.

9] As cosmetic dispensers containing loose powder makeup are transported from one location to another, seeping or leaking of the makeup from conventional cosmetics dispensers occurs due to the difficulty of retaining fine powder in compact containers. The disclosed cosmetic dispenser with automatic closure includes a cap and reservoir system that provides for the retention and sealed containment of loose powder makeup upon closure of the dispenser. The cap and reservoir system seals the cosmetic product into the reservoir and allows for repeated transport of the filled cosmetics dispenser without leaky makeup trails from one location to another. The seal, created by the insertion of somewhat flexible extensions into openings in the reservoirs, prevents movement of the powder into the interior of the cosmetics dispenser or the bag in which the dispenser is transported.

0] While features of the described apparatuses can be implemented in any number of forms, a cosmetics dispenser with automatic closure is described in the context of the following exemplary implementations. Figs. 1-11 illustrate a range of views of one example implementation of a cosmetics dispenser with automatic closure having four reservoirs and four corresponding caps.

1] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 with automatic closure. The illustrated configuration of the cosmetics dispenser 100 is only one example arrangement. Many arrangements of the illustrated components, or other similar components, are possible. The exemplary cosmetics dispenser includes a lid 102, a base 104 that includes an exterior portion 122 and an interior portion 124, a reservoir 106, a shaped opening to the reservoir 108, a tapered cap 110 ending in a shaped projection 112, and a supportive backing 114 in the lid interior. The exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 may also include a mirror 116 in the lid interior, as well as an applicator well 118 and one or more cosmetic mixing wells 120 in the base interior. The cosmetics dispenser 100 also includes a hinge 126 and a latch 128 to retain the lid in a closed position.

2] The lid 102 and base 104 of the dispenser 100 are connected by hinge 126. The hinge 126 pivots relative to the base 104 and enables the lid 102 to be placed in an open or closed position. Fig. I illustrates the lid 102 in the open position. The base 104 of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 includes an exterior portion 122 and an interior portion 124. The lid 102 and base 104 may be constructed of materials including, but not limited to, glass, metal, wood, plastics, polymers, composites thereof, or the like. In some implementations, the lid and/or base may be made at least partially of a resin such as, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), pentachlorothioanisole (PCTA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), Polyurethane, combinations thereof, or the like. Moreover, the interior and/or exterior may be made of any combination of substantially clear, substantially opaque, and/or translucent materials. In one implementation, the exterior portions of the lid 102 and base 104 are made of opaque ABS/SAN composite while the interior portions are made primarily of substantially clear or translucent a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene. The interior portion 124 of the base 104 includes molded reservoirs 106 and wells 118, 120.

The number and shape of the reservoirs 106 and wells 118, 120 may vary between implementations.

3] In some implementations, an applicator well 118 may be formed as an indentation into the interior portion 124 of the base 104 and may be used to hold a cosmetic applicator. In that case, the indentation in the interior portion 124 should be sized and shaped to accommodate the cosmetics applicator used in a particular implementation of the cosmetics dispenser. A mixing well 120 may also be provided as an additional indentation into the interior portion 124 of the base 104, which may be used to temporarily hold cosmetic product extracted from the reservoirs 106. A user may desire to mix different colors of cosmetic product from the reservoirs, and the mixing well(s) 120 may be used to hold samples of different cosmetic products for mixing. A cosmetics dispenser may contain one or more mixing wells 120. The location of the applicator well and mixing wells in the base 104 relative to other components may vary in different implementations. Exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 demonstrates an implementation having two mixing wells 120 and one applicator well 118. However, in other implementations, other combinations of mixing and/or applicator wells may be provided, or the mixing and/or applicator wells may be omitted entirely.

[00141 In the implementation shown, the interior portion 124 of the base 104 is a separate piece of material from the exterior portion 122 of the base 104. This interior portion 124 secures into an immobile position in the lower, exterior portion 122 of the base 104 by a snap-fit, press-fit, adhesive, bonding, or any other suitable securing means. The exterior portion 122 of the base 104 may also include a latch 128 in the front section that captures a small indentation in the top interior portion of the lid 102 when closing the cosmetics dispenser 100.

The rear exterior portion 122 of the base 104 includes hinge 126 that attaches to a lower portion of the lid 102 and enables the pivoting motion that opens and

S

closes the lid 102. In other implementations, the interior portion 124 of the base may be formed integrally with the exterior portion 122.

5] The interior portion 124 of the base 104 of the cosmetics dispenser 100 includes at least one reservoir 106 for housing a cosmetic product. The cosmetic product contained in each reservoir 106 may include a solid powder makeup, a loose powder makeup, a gel-based makeup, a cream-based makeup, a liquid makeup, or the like. The reservoirs may be formed in various shapes, such as generally circular, generally rectangular, generally square, generally oval, or the like. In the implementation shown, the reservoirs 106 are generally circular and include an outer rim generally in the shape of a circle. The reservoirs 106 may be formed integrally with the interior portion 124 or may be formed separately and secured in the interior portion by a snap-fit, press-fit, adhesive, bonding, or any other suitable securing means.

* [0016] An upper surface of the reservoirs 106 may taper or slope toward a center of the reservoir in a generally concave manner. The gradual slope of the reservoir 106 tapers into a shaped opening 108 that may be the same or different than the shape of the reservoir, including, for example, generally circular, generally rectangular, generally square, generally oval, or virtually other shape. Exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 demonstrates an interior portion 124 containing four axially aligned reservoirs 106, each with an outer rim in the shape of a circle and a circular shaped opening 108. Cosmetics dispenser 100 is one example implementation of a cosmetic dispenser with automatic closure; other implementations may include a higher or lower number of reservoirs and differing outer rim and shaped opening shapes than those exhibited in cosmetics dispenser 100.

7] In the illustrated implementation, the lid 102 of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 includes a mirror 116 in the upper interior portion and at least one cap 110 in the lower interior portion. The lower interior portion of the lid 102 also includes a supportive backing 114. The supportive backing 114 is flat, extends across an interior portion of the lid 102, and acts as a support for the caps 110 on the interior of the lid 102. The caps 110 are formed of an elastomeric material that is co-molded to the supportive backing 114. In some implementations, the elastomeric material may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer, such as a polyurethane, polyester copolymer, styrene copolymer, olefin, ethylene acrylic, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, fluorocarbon, while in other implementations, the elastomeric material may comprise a relatively pliable or gel-like material such as butyl rubber, silicone, butadiene rubber, neoprene, nitrile, fluorosilicone, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), or the like. Also, some implementations may omit the mirror and/or may include any number, shape, and configuration of caps.

Generally the caps are aligned with and correspond in number and shape to the number and shape of reservoirs in the base 104 of the dispenser 100.

8] Each cap 110 convexly tapers and ends in a shaped projection 112 made of an elastomeric material, such as those described above for the caps 100. In other implementations, the cap may be made of a relatively hard material, while the shaped projections 112 are made of an elastomeric material, or vice versa. The shape of the outer periphery of each cap 110 and the shape of the shaped projection 112 may be the same or different and may comprise a generally circular shape, a generally rectangular shape, a generally square shape, a generally oval shape, or any other shape. Generally, however, the outer peripheries and shaped projections 112 of the caps 110 are complimentary in shape with the outer rim and shaped openings 106, respectively, of the reservoirs 106. Exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 demonstrates a lid 102 containing four caps 110 having circular outer cap peripheries and shaped projections 112. Other implementations of cosmetic dispensers with automatic closure may include a higher or lower number of caps and shaped projections in the same or differing shapes than those shown in exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100.

9] The caps 110 and reservoirs 106 of the cosmetic dispenser 100 are axially aligned in the lid and in the base, respectively, such that when the lid 102 is pushed down to close the cosmetics dispenser, the shaped projections 112 of each cap 110 enter the shaped openings 108 of each reservoir 106. Each cap 110 and shaped projection 112 comprises an elastomenc material that is at least somewhat pliable and malleable and slightly gives way to pressure. The elastomenc material facilitates the sealing of the reservoirs 106 by enabling the shaped projections 112 to enter the shaped openings 108 of the reservoirs 106 and expand to fit the shaped openings 108 under compression upon the closing of the cosmetics dispenser lid 102. This expansion seals the reservoirs 106 and prevents the enclosed cosmetic product housed in the reservoirs from escaping upon movement of the closed cosmetic dispenser 100.

0] Figs. 2-11 include various views of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser of Fig. 1. Each feature and component of the exemplary cosmetics 11 dispenser 100 in Figs. 2-11 is as described in Fig. 1. The description of each figure may describe specific features of cosmetics dispenser 100 in greater detail than the description in Fig. 1, depending upon those aspects highlighted and emphasized by the associating view provided in the figure.

1] Fig. 2 includes an interior view of the lid of exemplary cosmetics dispenser with automatic closure 100 of Fig. 1. The lid 102 of the cosmetics dispenser includes at least one cap 110 ending in a shaped projection 112, a supportive backing 114, a mirror 112, and a latch capture 200. As best shown in this figure, the caps 110 are aligned along a lateral axis 202.

2] The exemplary cosmetics dispenser lid 102 of Fig. 2 demonstrates a direct view of caps 110 aligned along a lateral axis 202. Each cap 110 ends in a shaped projection 112, and the entire cap 110 and shaped projection 112 is made of an elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer or the like.

The elastomeric material of the caps 110 and shaped projections 112 is co-molded to a supportive backing 114, such as polypropylene or the like.

3] The exemplary lid 102 may also include a mirror 116. The mirror 116 may be located in the upper interior portion of the lid 102 as shown, or may be placed in a different location in other varying implementations. The exemplary lid 102 also includes a latch capture 202, which in this implementation is an indentation in the interior upper portion of the lid. The latch capture 202 captures the latch (128 in Fig. 1) of the base 104 when closing the cosmetics dispenser, ensuring a secure closure of the cosmetics dispenser.

4] Fig. 3 includes a view from above of the interior of the base 104, and a portion of the lid 102, of exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 of Fig. 1. The lid 102 of the cosmetics dispenser is in the open position, at approximately a 90 angle.

5] The view from above of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser in the open position demonstrates the alignment of the caps 110 in the lid 102 and the reservoirs 106 in the base 104. Each cap 110 lies directly above each reservoir 106, such that when the lid 102 of the cosmetics dispenser is in the closed position, the shaped projection 112 on the end of each cap 110 enters the shaped opening 108 in each reservoir 106. This direct entry of the shaped projections 112 into the shaped openings 108 seals each reservoir 106 and retains the cosmetic product held in each reservoir 106.

6] Fig. 3 also provides a direct view of the mixing wells 120 and the applicator well 118. The number, size, and shape of the mixing wells and applicator wells in additional implementations may be larger or smaller and may be placed in other locations in the base of the cosmetics dispenser than those demonstrated in Fig. 3.

7] Fig. 4 is a side view of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 of Fig. 1 showing the lid of the cosmetics dispenser in the open position. The exemplary cosmetics dispenser includes a lid 102, a base 104, and a cap 110 ending in a shaped projection 112. Fig. 4 provides a proportional view of the size and shape of the cap 110 and shaped projection 112 relative to the base 104 and lid 102 of the cosmetics dispenser in one exemplary implementation. The view provided also displays the hinge mechanism (126 in Fig. 1) connected to the lower portion of the lid 102 and the rear portion of the base 104.

8] Figs. 5-10 include various views of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 of Fig. 1 with the lid in the closed position. Figs. 5-10 are self explanatory and a detailed description of these figures has, therefore, been omitted for brevity.

9] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the caps 110 on the interior of the lid 102 of the exemplary cosmetics dispenser 100 of Fig. 1, taken along the lateral axis shown in Fig. 2. The cross-sectional view of Fig. 11 details one exemplary implementation having various layers located on the interior of the lid 102. The lid 102 includes an interior lid surface 1102, of which the supportive backing 114 forms a part. The supportive backing 114 is generally flat and extends along the lower section of the interior of the lid. The supportive backing 114 is secured to the interior of the lid of the cosmetics dispenser by a snap-fit, press-fit, an adhesive, bonding, or other securing means.

0] The caps 110 are attached to, or are integral with, the supportive backing 114 of the interior of the lid of the cosmetics dispenser. Each cap 110 tapers in a gradual slope forming a generally convex dome ending in a shaped projection 112. In some implementations, the angle e of the taper may range from about one degree to about twenty degrees. In the illustrated implementation, the angle e is between about five degrees and about ten degrees. This angle 0 facilitates entry of the shaped projections 112 into the shaped openings of the reservoirs in the base of the cosmetics dispenser, ensuring a secure seal in each reservoir for the prevention of cosmetic product leakage from the reservoir. The shaped projections 112 also include a layer of elastomeric material 1104 coating the caps 110 and shaped projections 112. In additional implementations, the elastomeric material 1104 may also cover the area along the supportive backing 114 between the caps 110. In this implementation, the elastomeric material 1104 of the caps 110 and shaped projections 112 is co-molded to the supportive backing 114; however, in other implementations, the elastomeric material 1104 may be applied as a coating in any other known manner. Also, in various other implementations, the elastomeric material 1104 may be provided around the openings of the reservoirs in addition to or instead of on the caps. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusions may be formed entirely of elastomeric material 1104.

1] In the illustrated implementation, the caps 110 are hollow defining an inner space 1100, which allows the caps 110 to flex and deform somewhat during operation and further enhances the sealing ability of the dispenser 100.

However, in other implementations, the caps may be solid.

2] Figs. 12-19 illustrate various other exemplary implementations of a cosmetics dispenser with automatic closure. The implementations shown in Figs. 12-19 are similar in many respects to that shown in Figs. 1-11.

Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, only those features of Figs. 12-19 that are different are described in detail below.

3] The exemplary cosmetics dispenser 1200 of Fig. 12 includes caps 1202 and reservoirs 1204. Fig. 12 demonstrates an alternative shape for the outer periphery of the caps and the reservoirs in a cosmetics dispenser. The outer peripheries of the caps 1202 and reservoirs 1204 of the cosmetic dispenser 1200 have a generally square shape. Additionally, cosmetics dispenser 1200 does not include the optional mixing wells in the interior portion of the base of the cosmetics dispenser.

4] Fig. 13 includes a schematic diagram and Fig. 14 includes an exterior view of a cosmetics dispenser implementation having two separate lids and a combination base. The combination base includes two reservoirs and an open well containing at least one section for housing a cosmetics product. Exemplary cosmetics dispenser 1300 of Fig. 13 includes a lid 1302 split into two sections, a base 1304, two caps 1306, two reservoirs 1308, an open well 1310, mixing wells 1312, an applicator well 1314, and a mirror 1316.

5] The lid 1302 of cosmetics dispenser 1300 is split into two sections, each section having the ability to open and close separately from the other. The two sections of the lid 1302 are split in coordination with components located in the base 1304. In cosmetics dispenser 1300, the base 1304 includes two sections, one smaller section housing the reservoirs 1308 and one larger section housing an open well 1310. The open well 1310 accommodates a cosmetic product that may include a solid, powder, gel, cream, or other type of cosmetic product. The product included may be placed in one section of the open well 1310, or the product may be separated into two or more sections all contained within the open well. Cosmetics dispenser 1300 demonstrates an open well 1310 containing four separate sections for housing a cosmetic product. The sections of the lid 1302 of cosmetics dispenser 1300 are split to separately cover the small section of the base 1304 housing the reservoirs 1308 and the larger section of the base 1304 housing the open well 1310, mixing wells 1312, and applicator well 1314. The size and shape of the lids may vary depending on the type and amount of cosmetics product to be housed in each section.

6] In the illustrated implementation, the small section of the lid 1302 interior includes two caps 1306 having outer peripheries in the shape of a square. The large section of the lid 1302 interior includes a mirror 1316 that may cover part or all of the interior portion of the lid 1302. The small section of the base 1304 includes two reservoirs 1308 having outer rims also in the shape of a square. The caps 1306 in the lid 1302 and the reservoirs 1308 in the base 1304 are situated in such a way that the caps 1306 are located directly over the corresponding reservoirs 1308. This enables the shaped projections at the end of the caps 1306 to enter the shaped openings of the reservoirs 1308 to seal the reservoirs and retain the enclosed contents.

7] The large section of the lid 1302 of exemplary cosmetics dispenser 1300 covers the entire large section of the base 1304 when in the closed position.

The large section of the base includes the open well 1310 for housing a cosmetic product, mixing wells 1312 for mixing extracted cosmetic product from the reservoirs 1308 and the open well 1310, and an applicator well 1314 sized to fit an applicator for use in applying the supplied cosmetic products.

8] Fig. 14 includes an exterior view of cosmetics dispenser 1300 of Fig. 13 with the lid in the closed position.

9] Fig. 15 includes a schematic diagram and Fig. 16 includes an exterior view of a cosmetics dispenser implementation containing two reservoirs for retaining a cosmetic product. Fig. 15 includes two caps 1502, two reservoirs 1504, and an applicator well 1506. The outer peripheries of the caps 1502 and the reservoirs 1504 of cosmetic dispenser 1500 comprise a square shape.

Additionally, in this particular implementation, cosmetic dispenser 1500 contains no mixing wells for mixing cosmetic product extracted from the reservoirs 1504. The applicator well 1506 of cosmetics dispenser 1500 is a short length and is sized to fit the width of the base of the cosmetics dispenser.

0] Fig. 16 includes an exterior view of cosmetics dispenser 1500 of Fig. 15 with the lid in the closed position.

1] Figs. 17-19 include diagrams and views of an exemplary cosmetics dispenser containing one reservoir for retaining a cosmetic product. The exemplary cosmetics dispenser 1700 of Fig. 17 includes a cap 1702, a reservoir 1704, a mixing well 1706, an applicator well 1708, and a mirror 1710. The overall size of cosmetics dispenser 1700 is smaller than the foregoing dispensers, only being large enough to accommodate one reservoir, a small applicator, and a small mixing well. The compact sizeof cosmetics dispenser 1700 may make this implementation more desirable for travel or everyday use as it would occupy little space in a purse or cosmetic bag.

2] The outer rim of the cap 1702 and reservoir 1704 of cosmetics dispenser 1700 is a square shape, and the applicator well is small and located to the right of the reservoir 1704. The mixing well 1706 is also a small size, and is generally square in shape. The lid of the cosmetics dispenser 1700 also includes a small mirror 1710. Fig. 18 includes an exterior view of cosmetics dispenser 1700 of Fig. 17 with the lid in the closed position.

3] Fig. 19 provides a view of an exemplary cosmetics dispenser 1900 from above, with a lid of the cosmetics dispenser opened. Cosmetics dispenser 1900 includes one cap 1902 ending in a shaped projection 1904, a reservoir 1906 with a shaped opening 1908, a mixing well 1910, and a mirror 1912. The listed features of cosmetics dispenser 1900 are as described above for the exemplary cosmetics dispenser 1700 of Fig. 17, except for the corners and overall shape of the cap 1902, the reservoir 1906, the mixing well 1910, and the mirror 1912 of cosmetics dispenser 1900. The outer peripheries of each of these features comprise a generally square shape, but the corners of each feature are rounded, providing a different overall look from cosmetics dispenser 1700 of Fig. 17.

Additionally, the shaped projection 1904 and shaped opening 1908 of cosmetics dispenser 1900 comprise a generally oval shape.

CONCLUSION

4] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described.

Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a base comprising at least one reservoir for housing a product, wherein an upper portion of the reservoir comprises a shaped opening; and a lid comprising at least one tapered cap, wherein the tapered cap ends in a shaped projection sized to fit in the shaped opening of the reservoir; wherein the lid is movable relative to the base between: i) an open position in which the product is accessible, and ii) a closed position in which the lid simultaneously seals the at least one reservoir by inserting the shaped projection into the shaped opening in the reservoir and compressing the tapered cap into the upper portion of the reservoir.

2. The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising a hinge connecting the lid and the base such that the lid is pivotable between the open and closed positions.

3. The apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 comprising a cosmetics dispenser, wherein the reservoir houses a product comprising a cosmetic product.

4. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the tapered cap comprises an elastomeric material.

5. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the shaped projection comprises an elastomeric material.

6. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one reservoir comprises four reservoirs and the at least one interior tapered cap comprises four interior tapered caps.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the reservoirs are axially aligned.

8. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each tapered cap and reservoir are substantially circular, substantially square-shaped, or substantially oval-shaped.

9. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each shaped projection and shaped opening are substantially circular, substantially square-shaped, or substantially oval-shaped.

10. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base further comprises at least one applicator well for housing an applicator.

11. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base further comprises at least one mixing well for mixing product prior to application.

12. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid further comprises a mirror disposed on an underside of the lid.

13. The apparatus of Claims 4 and 5, wherein the interior of the lid comprises a backing coupled to the tapered cap.

14. The apparatus of Claim 13, wherein the backing comprises a substantially rigid polypropylene backing.

15. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein closing the lid and thereby inserting the shaped projection comprising a thermoplastic elastomer into the shaped opening in the reservoir creates a seal which closes the reservoir.

16. The apparatus of Claims 4 and 5, wherein the projection and cap are formed integrally with the lid.

17. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid comprises two separately openable portions, wherein one portion comprises at least one tapered cap.

18. The apparatus of Claim 2, wherein the or each reservoir contains a powder cosmetic product and the base further comprises an open well containing a second cosmetic product.

19. The apparatus as in Claim 18, wherein the second cosmetics product comprises a cosmetic in solid form.