Multi-functional compact with storage receptacles

Abstract

A container having one or more receptacles formed with a tray (100, 110), which is attached to panels (3, 5).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to containers, and more particularly, to a container having trays attached to hinged panels. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Consumer products have traditionally been sold in containers in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Manufactures desire to package products in a manner that protects the product, permits easy access to the product in many instances and provides a printable surface. One problem often faced by manufacturers is that a container sturdy enough to protect a product is made from in a configuration and from a substance that does not provide a printable surface. Thus, it can be appreciated that it would be useful to have a container for receiving a variety of items, from a single article to a compound type of substance such as a cosmetic. It can be further appreciated that it would be useful to have a container that can provide easy access t a product. It can also be appreciated that it would be usef...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] Alternatively, the tray may be held in place in relation to the cover by mechanical means. The tray comprises one or more receptacles of any suitable shape. Generally, the receptacle is in the shape of a rounded depression that may be sized for filling directly with the product being packaged, or to accommodate an insert or pan that holds the product. The ability of the package to be adapted for holding pans each containing hot or cold cosmetic formulations is a particular advantage of the invention, as both types of formulation are thus packaged in a single package. The plastic tray is formed from any plastic material that may be molded, for example, by injection molding or any other suitable means. Transparent, opaque, colored or optically modified plastic materials are equally suitable.

[0013] The plastic tray comprises one or more receptacles shaped and sized to accommodate the product to be packaged. For example, a single receptacle may be included for holding a compacted cosmetic preparation, or a single receptacle may be shaped to hold a compact disk. Dual receptacles may be incorporated into the plastic tray of other embodiments so that complementary cosmetic shades or other preparations that are desirably packaged together may be included in the same package. In another aspect of the invention, the receptacle may be sealed to protect its filled contents, either by affixing a protective film to the edges of the receptacle, or by attaching a cover to the receptacle to provide a closure means. The cover may be completely removable, or may be attached to the receptacle by a living hinge that is formed so as to be open in an untensioned position and in a closed, tensioned position when it is engaged with the top of the receptacle.

[0014] Each receptacle may also be formed to hold a cassette carrying the product. By this configuration, cassettes can be selected and inserted into the receptacles of each package, thus allowing the package to be used for different combinations of product, or allowing the package to be customized at the point of sale.

[0015] In one aspect, the invention comprises a package that includes:

[0016] an outer cover formed of a flexible substrate and composed of a front panel, a rear panel and a hinge panel; each of the front panel and the rear panel having an outer edge and a hinge edge at the region of connection to the hinge panel; said outer cover having an inner surface and an outer surface;

[0017] oppositely located, formed plastic trays, each attached to the inner surface of either the front panel or the rear panel and being spatially opposed to a corresponding formed plastic tray attached to the other panel, and each including an outer edge corresponding in orientation to the outer edge of either the front or rear panel, and a hinge edge corresponding in orientation to the hinge panel of the outer cover; each formed plastic tray further including one or more receptacles formed therein; and

Problems solved by technology

One problem often faced by manufacturers is that a container sturdy enough to protect a product is made from in a configuration and from a substance that does not provide a printable surface.

This method of dual packaging has not previously been possible because the various elements of the molded compact could not be separated to permit filling via the different processes.

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