Stackable Cosmetic Container

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/425,695, “Stackable Cosmetic Container”, filed on Jan. 29, 2024, by Michelle Hu and Mau Chun Yip, said application is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS

The present invention relates generally to the field of cosmetic containers. More specifically, the present invention is a stackable set of cosmetic containers held together with magnets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

The present invention creates solutions to solve a number of problems related to cosmetic containers. In particular, the present inventions allow a set of cosmetic containers to be stacked and held in place during transport. While the discussion here focuses on cosmetics, the stackable containers could be used for other materials without deviating from the inventions. For instance, the materials could be cooking spices, other cooking ingredients, lubricants, animal foods, pet grooming items, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container including: a square top surface with rounded corners; a label side surface of rectangular shape, with vertical edges that curve to adjacent sides; three other side surfaces of identical rectangular shape as the label side surface; a square bottom surface with rounded corners and recessed edges; a void between the square top surface, the label side surface, the three other side surfaces, and the square bottom surface; where a first top directional magnet is embedded in the square top surface with a first magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface; where a second top directional magnet is embedded in the square top surface, parallel to the first top directional magnet, with a second magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface; where a first bottom directional magnet is embedded in the square bottom surface with a third magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface positioned such that the first magnetic force direction and the third magnetic force direction are aligned; and where a second bottom directional magnet is embedded in the square bottom surface, parallel to the first bottom directional magnet, with a fourth magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface positioned such that the second magnetic force direction and the fourth magnetic force direction are aligned.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are aligned.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are opposed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the first top directional magnet is rectangular.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where a removable metallic spatula is held in the void beneath the square top surface by the first top directional magnet.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the square top surface includes a depressible surface, the depressible surface activating a pump.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the depressible surface further includes a magnetically activated lock.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the square top surface is detachable from the label side surface and the three other side surfaces, exposing the void.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the square top surface has a screw portion formed at an outer peripheral edge.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where at least one of the three other side surfaces has a window.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the window is rectangular with curved corners.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack of containers including: a first container including: a square top surface with rounded corners; a label side surface of rectangular shape, with vertical edges that curve to adjacent sides; three other side surfaces of identical rectangular shape as the label side surface; a square bottom surface with rounded corners and recessed edges; a void between the square top surface, the label side surface, the three other side surfaces, and the square bottom surface; where a first top directional magnet is embedded in the square top surface with a first magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface; where a second top directional magnet is embedded in the square top surface, parallel to the first top directional magnet, with a second magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface; where a first bottom directional magnet is embedded in the square bottom surface with a third magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface positioned such that the first magnetic force direction and the third magnetic force direction are aligned; and where a second bottom directional magnet is embedded in the square bottom surface, parallel to the first bottom directional magnet, with a fourth magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface positioned such that the second magnetic force direction and the fourth magnetic force direction are aligned; and a second container including: a second square top surface with the rounded corners, the second square top surface magnetically attached to the square bottom surface; a second label side surface of the rectangular shape, with vertical edges that curve to second adjacent sides; second three other side surfaces of second identical rectangular shape as the second label side surface; a second square bottom surface with the rounded corners and the recessed edges; a second void between the second square top surface, the second label side surface, the second three other side surfaces, and the second square bottom surface; where a third top directional magnet is embedded in the second square top surface with a fifth magnetic force direction relative to the second label side surface; where a fourth top directional magnet is embedded in the second square top surface, parallel to the third top directional magnet, with a sixth magnetic force direction relative to the second label side surface; where a third bottom directional magnet is embedded in the second square bottom surface with a seventh magnetic force direction relative to the second label side surface positioned such that the fifth magnetic force direction and the seventh magnetic force direction are aligned; and where a fourth bottom directional magnet is embedded in the second square bottom surface, parallel to the third bottom directional magnet, with an eighth magnetic force direction relative to the second label side surface positioned such that the sixth magnetic force direction and the eighth magnetic force direction are aligned, positioned such that the first magnetic force direction and the fifth magnetic force direction are aligned, and the label side surface and the second label side surface are aligned.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are aligned.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are opposed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the first bottom directional magnet is rectangular.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where a removable metallic spatula is held in the void beneath the square top surface by the first top directional magnet.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the square top surface includes a depressible surface, the depressible surface activating a pump.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the depressible surface further includes a magnetically activated lock.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where at least one of the three other side surfaces has a window.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the window is rectangular with 90-degree corners.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container including: a top surface with rounded corners; a label side surface, with vertical edges that curve to adjacent sides; a bottom surface with rounded corners and recessed edges; a void between the top surface, the label side surface, other side surfaces, and the bottom surface; where a first top directional magnet is embedded in the top surface with a first magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface; where a second top directional magnet is embedded in the top surface, parallel to the first top directional magnet, with a second magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface; where a first bottom directional magnet is embedded in the bottom surface with a third magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface positioned such that the first magnetic force direction and the third magnetic force direction are aligned; and where a second bottom directional magnet is embedded in the bottom surface, parallel to the first bottom directional magnet, with a fourth magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface positioned such that the second magnetic force direction and the fourth magnetic force direction are aligned.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are aligned.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are opposed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the first top directional magnet is rectangular.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where a removable metallic spatula is held in the void beneath the top surface by the first top directional magnet.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the top surface includes a depressible surface, the depressible surface activating a pump.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the depressible surface further includes a magnetically activated lock.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the top surface is detachable from the label side surface and the other side surfaces, exposing the void.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the top surface has a screw portion formed at an outer peripheral edge.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where at least one of the other side surfaces has a window.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a cosmetic container where the window is rectangular with curved corners.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack of containers including: a first container including: a top surface with rounded corners; a label side surface, with vertical edges that curve to adjacent sides; a bottom surface with rounded corners and recessed edges; a void between the top surface, the label side surface, other side surfaces, and the bottom surface; where a first top directional magnet is embedded in the top surface with a first magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface; where a second top directional magnet is embedded in the top surface, parallel to the first top directional magnet, with a second magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface; where a first bottom directional magnet is embedded in the bottom surface with a third magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface positioned such that the first magnetic force direction and the third magnetic force direction are aligned; and where a second bottom directional magnet is embedded in the bottom surface, parallel to the first bottom directional magnet, with a fourth magnetic force direction relative to the label side surface positioned such that the second magnetic force direction and the fourth magnetic force direction are aligned; and a second container including: a second top surface with the rounded corners, the top surface magnetically attached to the bottom surface; a second label side surface with vertical edges that curve to second adjacent sides; a second bottom surface with the rounded corners and the recessed edges; a second void between the second top surface, the second label side surface, the second other side surfaces, and the second bottom surface; where a third top directional magnet is embedded in the second top surface with a fifth magnetic force direction relative to the second label side surface; where a fourth top directional magnet is embedded in the second top surface, parallel to the third top directional magnet, with a sixth magnetic force direction relative to the second label side surface; where a third bottom directional magnet is embedded in the second bottom surface with a seventh magnetic force direction relative to the second label side surface positioned such that the fifth magnetic force direction and the seventh magnetic force direction are aligned; and where a fourth bottom directional magnet is embedded in the second bottom surface, parallel to the third bottom directional magnet, with an eighth magnetic force direction relative to the second label side surface positioned such that the sixth magnetic force direction and the eighth magnetic force direction are aligned, positioned such that the first magnetic force direction and the fifth magnetic force direction are aligned, and the label side surface and the second label side surface are aligned.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are aligned.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are opposed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the top surface is circular.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the top surface is square.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the top surface includes a depressible surface, the depressible surface activating a pump.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the depressible surface further includes a magnetically activated lock.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where at least one of the other side surfaces has a window.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a stack where the window is rectangular with 90-degree corners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustration of two stacks of the cosmetic containers.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustration of the cosmetic containers separate.

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view illustration of the cosmetic containers separate.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a cosmetic container.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of an extension of a cosmetic container.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a cosmetic container.

FIG. 3B is a left-side view of a cosmetic container.

FIG. 3C is a label side view of a cosmetic container.

FIG. 3D is a right-side view of a cosmetic container.

FIG. 3E is a bottom view of a cosmetic container.

FIG. 4A is a detailed view of the top cover of a cosmetic container with L arranged magnets.

FIG. 4B is a detailed view of the top cover of a cosmetic container with a semicircular magnet.

FIG. 4C is a detailed view of the top cover of a cosmetic container with programmable magnets.

FIG. 4D is a detailed view of the top cover of a cosmetic container with rectangular parallel magnets.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a pump cosmetic container.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an alternative pump cosmetic container.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the label ring and the top base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

A set of stackable cosmetic containers is described here. In one embodiment, these containers are held together magnetically so that the stack will remain intact as a stack when traveling. The stackable containers may have the same footprint, roughly 51 mm square, with rounded corners.

FIG. 1A shows five cosmetic containers 101-105 arranged in two stacks 111, 112. The cosmetic containers can be arranged in any order and stacked in any combination. The first stack 111 contains a face cleanser container 101, a face cream container 102, a body wash container 103, a conditioner container 104, and a shampoo container 105. Note that the labels of the containers are for example, and any cosmetic container could contain any type of cosmetic. In some embodiments, the conditioner container 104 could have a top base 616 as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 1B shows the cosmetic containers 101-105 arranged separately.

FIG. 1C shows a cross-section of the cosmetic containers 101-105. The shell around the void 212 for holding the cosmetics can be seen in each of the cosmetic containers 101-105. Body wash container 103 shows a window 121 on the back wall to allow viewing of the quantity of cosmetics in the body wash container 103. Both conditioner container 104 and shampoo container 105 show the pump mechanism 507, 607. In each of the cosmetic containers 101-105, the magnets 203, 211, 422, 424 can be seen at the top and bottom of the cross-section.

The window 121 appears in FIG. 1C on the body wash container 103, but the window 121 could be used on any or all of the cosmetic containers 101-105, and could be placed on any or all of the walls of each of the cosmetic containers 101-105. The window 121 could be oblong or rectangular with curved or 90-degree corners. The window could be transparent or translucent.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the components of the face cream container 102. This is an example of an embodiment that could also be used for the face cleanser container 101 and the body wash container 103.

In one embodiment, the square bottom part 429 is a 2 mm thick plastic rounded square element, about 45 mm by 45 mm, with rounded edges. This shape is often referred to as a “squircle” or an “inflated square”. The square bottom part 429 can also be seen in FIG. 3E as bottom 305. The bottom surface may be flat. In an alternative embodiment, the square bottom part 429 could be round, about 45 mm in diameter. The top surface of the square bottom part 429 may have a first cutout of 1 mm deep by 19 mm by 10 mm for holding a first magnet 211. The top surface of the square bottom part 429 may have a second cutout of 1 mm deep by 19 mm by 10 mm for holding a second magnet 421. The first cutout and the second cutout (and thus first magnet 211 and second magnet 421) could be arranged so that they are parallel. The square bottom part 429 could be attached to a recessed area of the container base 207. The attachment could be through an adhesive (for example, epoxy resin, acrylic cement, cyanoacrylate, urethane, Dimethacrylate ester, or similar), mechanical adhesion (such as screws, staples, nails, or similar), snap-in, screw-in, heat bonding, ultrasonic welding, overmolding, etc.

First magnet 211 and second magnet 421 could be a ferrite, ceramic, sintered composite, or alnico magnet, alone or in combination with resins, or polymers. Rare-earth magnets could be used, such as samarium-cobalt and neodymium-iron-boron (NIB) magnets. An electromagnet could be used with a battery. Or any other type of magnet. In some embodiments, the first magnet 211 is 1 mm deep by 19 mm by 10 mm. The second magnet 421 could be the same size. First magnet 211 and second magnet 421 could be inserted in the cutouts in the square bottom part 429 or could be attached to the square bottom part 429 with an adhesive (for example, epoxy resin, acrylic cement, cyanoacrylate, urethane, Dimethacrylate ester, or similar), mechanical adhesion (such as screws, staples, nails, or similar), snap-in, screw-in, heat bonding, ultrasonic welding, overmolding, etc. In some embodiments, the first magnet 211 and second magnet 421 could be replaced with a semicircular magnet 403, a correlated magnet 413a-i, or L-arranged magnets 210, 211. See FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D for further information.

The bottom of container base 207 may contain a 1 mm recessed area for receiving the square bottom part 429. The edges of the recessed area of the container base 207 can also be seen in FIG. 3E as recessed area 306. In other embodiments, the container base 207 is flat. The container base 207 may have heavily rounded bottom dimensions, about 51 mm square with the corners rounded at about a 19 mm radius. In some embodiments, the container base 207 has cutouts for the first magnet 211 and the second magnet 421.

The container base 207 has a label side wall 303 that may have a label. The label may be etched into the label side wall 303 in some embodiments, in other embodiments, the label may be printed on the wall, the wall 303 may have a label adhered to the wall 303, the label may be painted onto the wall 303, or the label may be formed into the wall 303 when the container base 207 is created. Alternately, the label side wall 303 may not have a label. In some embodiments, the label side wall 303 is 51 mm wide and 39 mm tall for the face cream container 102. The face cleanser container 101 label side wall 303 may be 25 mm tall, and the body wash container 103 label side wall 303 may have a 25 mm tall container base 207 extended by a 46 mm extender 508, 608. The label side wall 303 may have rounded edges to adjacent side walls. In some embodiments, the label side wall 303 is connected to three other side walls 302, 304 of the same dimensions (note that the back wall is not shown in FIG. 3B-D). The three other side walls 302, 304 may or may not have labels. The top of the label side wall 303 and the three other side walls 302, 304 may contain an inner screw portion 208. The inner screw portion 208 may be 8 mm high and may contain a 1.25 rotation screw. The inner screw portion 208 may be round. Inside the walls 302, 303, 304 could be a circle 40 mm in diameter. The top of the container base 207 may be open, exposing a void 212 between the walls 302, 303, 304 and the bottom of the container base 207. The void 212 is the area for holding a cosmetic. The cosmetic may be face cream for the face cream container 102 or any other cosmetic. A silicone gasket 213 may be placed below the threads on the top of the container base 207.

The face cream container 102 cover assembly may have a square top surface with heavily rounded dimensions, about 51 mm square with the corners rounded at about a 19 mm radius. The top base 201 may have an 11 mm height. A top view of the cover assembly can be seen in FIG. 3A as top 301. In some embodiments, a label or trademark may be placed on the top surface. The label may be etched into the top 301 in some embodiments, in other embodiments, the label may be printed on the top, the top 301 may have a label adhered to the top 301, the label may be painted onto the top 301, or the label may be formed into the top 301 when the top base 201 is created. Alternately, the top 301 may not have a label.

In one embodiment, the top base 201 has a 10 mm high wall located approximately 2 mm down from the top surface 301 and approximately 2 mm in from the top 301 surface. The 2 mm reduction could be on an angle in some embodiments. The top base 201 walls may have a square shape with rounded corners, approximately 54 mm square with rounded corners about a 19 mm radius. Inside the walls could be a circle 40 mm in diameter. The inside of the walls could have an outer screw that may be 10 mm high and may contain a 1.25 rotation screw. The top base 201 may have an indentation in one or more of the side walls to hold the label ring 206 in place.

In some embodiments, the magnet housing 424 may contain a magnet and a spring in the edge near the outer screw threads of the top base 201. In one embodiment, a driving magnet in the square bottom part 429 of a different cosmetic container 101-105 may repel the magnet, depressing the spring, and pushing the magnet through a hole in the screw threads, locking the cover in position, and preventing the top base 201 from being unscrewed from the container base 207. This may prevent inadvertent spillage due to unscrewing of the top base 201. When the different cosmetic container 101-105 is removed from the top base 201, the magnet ceases being repelled from the driving magnet, allowing the spring to retract the magnet, allowing the top base 201 to be unscrewed and removed from the container base 207. Essentially, this is a magnetically activated lock.

A label ring 206 may be inserted around the top base 201 walls. This ring may be 2 mm thick, 11 mm high, and may have a square shape with rounded corners, approximately 51 mm square with rounded corners about a 19 mm radius. In some embodiments, a label or trademark may be placed on one side of the label ring 206. The label may be etched into the side in some embodiments, in other embodiments, the label may be printed on the side, the side may have a label adhered to the side, the label may be painted onto the side, or the label may be formed into the side when the side is created. Alternatively, the side may not have a label. Alternately, multiple sides may have labels. In some embodiments, the label ring 206 may have a raised section on the inside of the side to hold the label ring 206 in the top base 201. The label ring 206 could be adhered to the top base 201, snapped into place, connected with fasteners, held in with friction, or connected to the top base 201 by other means. In another embodiment, the top base 201 is molded with the label ring 206 as a single piece.

In one embodiment, the magnet housing 424 is a 2 mm thick round piece of plastic or silicone, 45 mm in diameter. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet housing 424 could be a plastic (or silicone) rounded square element, about 45 mm by 45 mm, with rounded edges. The bottom surface of the magnet housing 424 may be flat. The top surface of the magnet housing 424 may have a first cutout of 1 mm deep by 19 mm by 10 mm for holding a first top magnet 203. The top surface of the magnet housing 424 may have a second cutout of 1 mm deep by 19 mm by 10 mm for holding a second top magnet 422. The first top cutout and the second top cutout could be arranged in a shape to hold the magnets parallel to each other. The magnet housing 424 could be attached above the inner screw inside the sides of the top base 201. The attachment could be through an adhesive (for example, epoxy resin, acrylic cement, cyanoacrylate, urethane, Dimethacrylate ester, or similar), mechanical adhesion (such as screws, staples, nails, friction, or similar), snap-in, screw-in, heat bonding, ultrasonic welding, overmolding, etc.

The first top magnet 203 and the second top magnet 422 could be a ferrite, ceramic, sintered composite, or alnico magnet, alone or in combination with resins, or polymers. Rare-earth magnets could be used, such as samarium-cobalt and neodymium-iron-boron (NIB) magnets. An electromagnet could be used with a battery. Or any other type of magnet. In some embodiments, the first top magnet 203 is 1 mm deep by 19 mm by 10 mm. The second top magnet 422 could be the same shape. First top magnet 203 and second top magnet 422 could be inserted in the cutouts in the magnet housing 424 or could be attached to the magnet housing 424 with an adhesive (for example, epoxy resin, acrylic cement, cyanoacrylate, urethane, Dimethacrylate ester, or similar), mechanical adhesion (such as screws, staples, nails, or similar), snap-in, screw-in, heat bonding, ultrasonic welding, overmolding, etc. In some embodiments, the first top magnet 203 and second top magnet 422 could be replaced with a semicircular magnet 403, a correlated magnet 413a-i, or L-shaped magnets 202, 203. See FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D for further information.

In some embodiments, a spatula 205 is magnetically adhered to the magnet housing 204. The spatula 205 could be a rounded piece of metal 40 mm by 9 mm by 1 mm thick. In other embodiments, the spatula 205 could be shaped like a spoon. In some embodiments, the spatula 205 is coated with a plastic or ceramic material. In still another embodiment, the spatula 205 could be made of a non-metallic substance and snapped into a holder on the magnet housing 204. In still other embodiments, the spatula 205 could be made of three components. An injected molded substrate 221 could have a steel plate 222 inserted and then overmolded with an injected molded spoon cover 223.

In some embodiments, the top base 201 and the square bottom part 209 could be circular or triangular. In these embodiments, the remaining cosmetic containers 101-106 could also be circular or triangular in shape.

FIG. 2A shows the face cream container 102. The face cleanser container 101 container is identical to face cream container 102 except that the container base 207 is shorter, perhaps 24 mm tall. This gives the face cleanser container 101 a height of 36 mm. The overall height of the face cream container 102 could be 52 mm.

In some embodiments, many of the components are interchangeable between the cosmetic containers 101-105. The screw 208, 509, 510, 609, 610 could be compatible so that the container base 207 assembly could be interchanged with any other cosmetic container 101-105. The label ring 206 could be interchanged with any other cosmetic container 101-105. The top base 201 assembly could be exchanged with the face cleanser container 101, face cream container 102, or body wash container 103

The body wash container 103 is identical to the face cleanser container 101, except that a 46 mm extender 508 is installed between the container base 207 and the top base 201. The extender 508 could have an outer screw that may be 10 mm high and may contain a 1.25 rotation screw at the bottom end. An inner screw that may be 10 mm high, and may contain a 1.25 rotation screw may be at the top end of the extender 508. This gives the extender 508 a height of 55 mm.

The materials used to make the non-magnetic parts of the face cream container 102, parts 201, 204-209 could be ABS plastic, Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, Polypropylene (PP) plastic, Vinyl/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, Polystyrene (PS) plastic, Polycarbonate plastic, silicone, glass, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, lead, gold, silver, platinum, and other similar materials. The materials used could be created through injection molding, 3D printing, subtractive methods (milling), vacuum forming, polymer casting, extrusion, blow molding, rotational molding, etc.

The cosmetics stored in the void 212, 515, 615 could be any cosmetic in any cosmetic container 101-105, for example, face cleanser, face cream, body wash, sunscreen, facial toner, facial mist, facial serum, facial moisturizer, mask, shaving cream, after-shave lotion, shaving soap, beard oil, peel, exfoliant, acne treatment, hand lotion, wax, makeup, vanishing cream, skin tonic, sunburn treatment, lip balm, lipstick, eye cream, eyeliner, contact lens cleaner, toothpaste, tooth powder, mouth wash, teeth whitening preparation, conditioner, shampoo, hair treatment, hair dye, hair oil, hair cream, hair gel, antidandruff preparation, hair removing cream, antiperspirant, deodorant, anti-fungal cream, skin medicine, etc.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of an extender 231 for the face cream container 102. This extender 231 can be screwed into and above the container base 207. The top base 201 will then screw into the top of the extender 231 making the overall face cream container 102 taller. The extender 231 may also be used with any or all of the cosmetic containers 101-105.

The extender 231 may have an insert 232 inserted inside of the extender 231. The inner may have a clear or opaque window 121 to show the levels of the cosmetics in the container. A silicone gasket 233 could be added between the extender 231 and the container base 207.

FIGS. 3A-3E show five of the six surfaces of the face cream container 102. The sixth side is identical to the sides shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D.

FIG. 3A shows the top 301 of the face cream container 102. In some embodiments, top 301 has a square shape with rounded corners, approximately 54 mm square with rounded corners about a 19 mm radius. In some embodiments, a trademark or label is imprinted on the top 301.

FIG. 3B is a left-side view (relative to the label side wall 303) of the face cream container 102. The top 301 and the left side wall 302 are visible. The top 301 may be 13 mm in height. The left side wall 302 may be 39 mm in height, for a total height of 52 mm. The face cream container 102 is about 51 mm wide with rounded corner edges.

FIG. 3D is a right-side view (relative to the label side wall 303) of the face cream container 102. It may be the same as the left side, and the back side (not shown). The top 301 and the right side wall 304 are visible. The top 301 may be 13 mm in height. The right side wall 304 may be 39 mm in height, for a total height of 52 mm. The face cream container 102 is about 51 mm wide with rounded corner edges.

FIG. 3C is the label side view of the face cream container 102. The top 301 and the label side wall 303 are visible. The top 301 may be 13 mm in height. The label side wall 302 may be 39 mm in height, for a total height of 52 mm. The face cream container 102 is about 51 mm wide with rounded corner edges.

The bottom view is seen in FIG. 3E. The edges of the recessed area 306 of the container base 207 are visible. The edges of the recessed area 306 are about 3 mm thick and about 51 mm square with the corners rounded at about a 19 mm radius. The bottom 305 of the square bottom part 209 is also visible. The bottom 305 could be about 45 mm by 45 mm, with rounded edges. FIGS. 4A-D show various embodiments of the magnetic layouts.

FIG. 4A is an L shaped magnet layout. The top magnets 202, 203 are arranged in the shape of an L, held in place by the cutouts in the magnet housing 204, with opposite poles of the second top magnet 202 and the first top magnet 203 at the intersection of the L. The magnetic poles are parallel to the top 301. The bottom magnets 210, 211 are arranged in the same direction as the top magnets 203, 204, held in place by the square bottom part 209, so that when a square bottom part 209 is placed on top of a top base 201, the magnets 202, 203, 210, 211 will repel unless the L on each is aligned. This assures that the label side wall 303 for the cosmetic containers 101-105 align.

FIG. 4B is a semicircular magnet layout. This is an alternative magnet configuration. In this configuration, the top semicircular magnet 401 could be held in place in the cutout on the semicircular magnet housing 402. The magnetic poles are parallel to the top 301. The semicircular magnet housing 402 replaces the magnet housing 204 in the cosmetic containers 101-105. The top semicircular magnet 401 replaces the top magnets 202, 203 in this embodiment. The bottom semicircular magnet 403 could be held in place in the cutout in the semicircular bottom part 404. The semicircular bottom part 404 replaces the square bottom part 209 in the cosmetic containers 101-105. The bottom semicircular magnet 403 replaces the bottom magnets 210, 211 in this embodiment. The top semicircular magnet 401 is installed with the polarity in the same direction as the bottom semicircular magnet 403 so that when a semicircular bottom part 404 is placed on top of a top base 201, the magnets 401, 403 will repel unless the semicircle on each is aligned. This assures that the label side wall 303 for the cosmetic containers 101-105 align.

FIG. 4C is a correlated magnet embodiment. Correlated magnets are also called programmed magnets or polymagnets. Programmed magnets, or polymagnets are magnetic structures that incorporate correlated patterns of magnets with alternating polarity, designed to achieve a desired behavior and deliver stronger local force. By varying the magnetic fields and strengths, different mechanical behaviors can be controlled. In this embodiment, the mechanical behavior is to force the label side wall 303 for all stacked cosmetic containers 101-105 to align. In one embodiment seen in FIG. 4C, a grid of nine top correlated magnets 411a-i, arranged so that the poles are perpendicular to the top 301. Looking at the nine top correlated magnets 411a-i, some have a positive pole up 411a, 411b, 411d, 411e, 411i, and the others have the negative pole facing the top 411c, 411f, 411g, 411h, in one embodiment. These top correlated magnets 411a-i are held in place by nine cutouts in the top correlated magnet housing 412. A second grid of nine bottom correlated magnets 413a-i, arranged so that the poles are perpendicular to the bottom 305. Looking at the nine bottom correlated magnets 413a-i, some have a positive pole up 413a, 413b, 413d, 413e, 413i, and the others have the negative pole facing the top 413c, 413f, 413g, 413h, in one embodiment. These bottom correlated magnets 413a-i are held in place by nine cutouts in the bottom correlated magnet housing 414. When the magnetic pattern in the top correlated magnets 411a-i line up with the bottom correlated magnets 413a-i, then the magnets attract and are held firmly together. If the top correlated magnets 411a-i do not line up with the bottom correlated magnets 413a-i then the magnets will repel. Twisting the cosmetic container 101-105 causes the magnets to no longer be in alignment, resulting in the cosmetic container 101-105 being repelled. In some embodiments, the top correlated magnets 411a-i and the bottom correlated magnets 413a-i could be manufactured as a single bar, sheet, or disk with the magnetic pattern embedded.

In another embodiment, eight top correlated magnets 411a-d and 411f-i could be mounted around the edge of the top 301. Eight bottom correlated magnets 413a-d and 413f-i could be mounted on the edges of the recessed area 306. Other patterns and quantities of correlated magnets could be used without deviating from this disclosure. For instance, some embodiments may arrange the magnets to allow for two label side walls 303 or to force alignment to any of the four walls 302, 303, 304.

FIG. 4D is a parallel-shaped magnet layout. The top magnets 422, 203 are arranged in parallel on two sides of the magnet housing 424, held in place by the cutouts in the magnet housing 204. The poles of the second top magnet 422 and the first top magnet 203 could be in the same direction. When in the same direction, the magnets will only stack with the cosmetic containers 101-105 facing in the same direction. The magnetic poles are parallel to the top 301. The bottom magnets 421, 211 are arranged in the same direction as the top magnets 422, 204, held in place by the square bottom part 429, so that when a square bottom part 429 is placed on top of a top base 201, the magnets 422, 203, 421, 211 will repel unless the magnets on each are aligned. This assures that the label side wall 303 for the cosmetic containers 101-105 align.

Alternately, the poles of the second top magnet 422 and the first top magnet 203 could be in the opposite direction. When in the opposite direction, the magnets will stack with the cosmetic containers 101-105 facing in the same direction or in the opposite direction (front face above the back face). The bottom magnets 421, 211 are arranged in the same opposite direction as the top magnets 422, 204, held in place by the square bottom part 429, so that when a square bottom part 429 is placed on top of a top base 201, the magnets 422, 203, 421, 211 will repel unless the magnets on each are aligned. This assures that the left side wall 302 for the cosmetic containers 101-105 will align with either the left side wall 302 or the right side wall 304.

FIG. 5 demonstrates the shampoo container 105. Many of the components of the shampoo container 105 are similar and compatible with components from other cosmetic containers 101-104. For instance, the square bottom part 532 with the cutout for the bottom magnets 533, 534 attached to the container base 511 could be the same as the container base 207, the square bottom part 429, the second magnet 421, and the first magnet 211. The container base 511 may have an insert 232 placed inside of the container base 511.

The extender 231 may be screwed into the inner screw 510 of the container base 511. A silicone gasket 233 may be placed between the extender 231 and the container base 511. The extender 231 is a cylinder on the inside, 40 mm in diameter and 46 mm high. There is no top or bottom on the extender 231. The outside of the extender 231 is a plastic rounded square element, about 51 mm by 51 mm, with rounded edges. The extender 231 could have an outer screw that may be 10 mm high and may contain a 1.25 rotation screw at the top end. An inner screw that may be 10 mm high, and may contain a 1.25 rotation screw may be at the bottom end of the extender 231. This gives the extender 231 a height of 55 mm. See FIG. 2B for more details on the extender 231.

The shampoo container 105 may have a pump 526 for pulling the cosmetic from the void 515. The pump 526 could be a hand pump, manual pump compressed air pump, electrical pump, or vacuum pump. The pumping action could be a suction and lift pump, a force pump, a siphon pump, a chain pump, a direct-action pump, a diaphragm pump, a progressive cavity pump, or other pump design. The pump 526 may connect to a pipe 528 extending deep into the void 515, perhaps to the bottom of the void 515, so that the maximum amount of cosmetic can be dispensed. A second pipe 527 may attach to the top of the pump 526.

The pump 526 is attached to the top housing 506 by friction, adhesive, mechanical (stapling, nailing, with screws, etc.), snap-in, screw-in, heat bonding, ultrasonic welding, overmolding, or other means. In some embodiments, the second pipe 527 is inserted between the pump 526 and the top housing 524. The second pipe 527 could be attached by any of the abovementioned means. The action for the pump may extend through the top housing 524. The top housing 506 may be 25 mm high and 51 mm square with the corners rounded at about a 19 mm radius. The lower 12 mm of the top housing 506 may be indented about 1 mm, and a label ring 505 may be inserted in this indented space. Label ring 505 may be the same as label ring 206. The top view of the top housing 506 has a 7 mm wall around the edges, surrounding a 23 mm deep open area, the open area 35 mm square with rounded corners. There may be a 9 mm hole in the center of the open area, through which the plunger for the pump 526 extends into the open area. On one wall of top housing 506, there may be a 13 mm wide by 11 mm deep opening in the wall for the pump dispenser. On the opposite side wall, there may be a 22 mm wide by 4 mm deep opening in the wall. On the bottom side of the top housing 506 could have an outer screw that may be 10 mm high and may contain a 1.25 rotation screw. This outer screw may be inside the top housing 506 walls. The open area region may extend into the space inside of the outer screw.

The plunger top 504 is placed on top of the plunger in the open area. The plunger top 504 may be 13 mm high and 35 mm square with rounded corners, shaped to fit within the open area in the top housing 506. The walls of the plunger top 504 may be 1 mm wide, and open in the underside. Plunger top 504 may have a 9 mm by 12 mm by 4 mm beak for dispensing the cosmetic. The beak may be hollow within the 1 mm wall of the beak. The hollow area may extend to the plunger location in the center of the plunger top 504, allowing the cosmetic pumped up by the pump 526 to move through the plunger, through the hollow, and out of the beak.

Below the plunger top 504 and connected to the plunger top 504 may be a magnet holder 534 to hold magnets 522, 523. The magnet holder 534 may have a first cutout of 1 mm deep by 19 mm by 10 mm for holding a first magnet 522. The magnet holder 534 may have a second cutout of 1 mm deep by 19 mm by 10 mm for holding a second magnet 523. The first cutout and the second cutout (and thus first magnet 502 and second magnet 503) could be arranged to be parallel. The magnets 522, 523 could be the same as the magnets 421, 211 in the face cream container 102.

In some embodiments, when another cosmetic container 101-105 is placed on top of the shampoo container 105, a magnet is repelled into the plunger top 504, preventing the plunder top 504 from being depressed. When the other cosmetic container 101-105 is removed, a spring returns the magnet to its position, freeing the plunger top 504 to be depressed. Essentially, this is a magnetic lock.

In some embodiments, a label or trademark may be placed on the plunger top 504. The label may be etched into the plunger top 504 in some embodiments, in other embodiments, the label may be printed on the top, the plunger top 504 may have a label adhered to the plunger top 504, the label may be painted onto the plunger top 504, or the label may be formed into the plunger top 504 when the plunger top 504 is created. Alternately, the plunger top 504 may not have a label.

FIG. 6 shows the conditioner container 104. Many of the components of the conditioner container 104 are similar and compatible with components from other cosmetic containers 101-103, 105. For instance, the square bottom part 632 with the cutout for the bottom magnets 633, 634 attached to the container base 611 could be the same as the container base 207, the square bottom part 429, the second magnet 421, and the first magnet 211. Container base 611 may have an insert 635, inner threads at the bottom, and outer threads at the top 610. There may be a silicone gasket 233 between the container base 611 and the extender 231. The extender 231 may be the same as described in FIGS. 2B and 5 for the extender 231.

The conditioner container 104 may have a pump 629 for pulling the cosmetic from the void 615. The pump 629 could be as described in FIG. 5 for the pump 526.

The pump 629 is attached to the dispenser head 626 by friction, adhesive, mechanical (stapling, nailing, with screws, etc.), snap-in, screw-in, heat bonding, ultrasonic welding, overmolding, or other means. The pump 629 may have a second pipe 630 on the top and may have a pipe 631 on the bottom. The action for the pump 629 or the second pipe 630 may extend through the dispenser head 626. The top housing 604 may be 12 mm high and 51 mm square with the corners rounded at about a 19 mm radius. Top housing 604 has a 10 mm high wall located approximately 2 mm down from the top surface and approximately 2 mm in from the top surface. The 2 mm reduction could be on an angle in some embodiments. The top housing 604 walls may have a square shape with rounded corners, approximately 54 mm square with rounded corners about a 19 mm radius. Inside the walls could be a circle 40 mm in diameter. The inside of the walls could have an outer screw that may be 10 mm high and may contain a 1.25 rotation screw. The top housing 604 may have an indentation in one or more of the side walls to hold the label ring 605 in place. Label ring 605 may be the same as label ring 206.

The top view of the top housing 604 has a 7 mm wall around the edges, surrounding a 9 mm deep open area, the open area 35 mm square with rounded corners. There may be a 9 mm hole in the center of the open area, through which the dispenser head 626 for the pump 629 extends into the open area. On the bottom side of the top housing 604 could have an outer screw that may be 10 mm high and may contain a 1.25 rotation screw. This outer screw may be inside the top housing 604 walls. The open area region may extend into the space inside of the outer screw. The top housing 604 may have a silicone gasket 628 between it and the extender 231.

The dispenser head 626 is placed on top of the plunger in the open area. The dispenser head 626 may be 6 mm high and 35 mm square with rounded corners, shaped to fit within the open area in the top housing 604. The walls of the dispenser head 626 may be 1 mm wide, and open in the underside. Dispenser head 626 may have four holes, 1 mm in diameter near the center of the top for dispensing the cosmetic. The holes may be arranged on top of the plunger location in the center of the dispenser head 626, allowing the cosmetic pumped up by the pump 629 to move through the plunger and out of the holes. In some embodiments, there is a single hole in the dispenser head 626 with a dispenser head top valve 625 that controls the dispensing of the cosmetic.

The top inner surface of the plunger top 601 may have a first cutout of 1 mm deep by 19 mm by 10 mm for holding a first magnet 602. The top inner surface of the plunger top 601 may have a second cutout of 1 mm deep by 6 mm by 22 mm for holding a second magnet 603. The first cutout and the second cutout (and thus first magnet 602 and second magnet 603) could be arranged in an L shape. The magnets 602, 603 could be the same as the magnets 2, 203 in the face cream container 102. A plunger cap 606 is adhered to the top of the plunger top 601.

In an alternate embodiment, the conditioner container 104 could have a top base 616 similar to the top base 201, with magnets 622 and 623 in a magnet housing 624. In this embodiment, the top base 616 snaps into the top housing 604. Alternatively, the top base 616 could screw into the top housing 604. In the top base 616 embodiments, the magnets 622, 623 are not required in the dispenser head 626, as the magnets are installed in the top base 616. In some embodiments, the dispenser head 626 could be about the walls of the top housing 604 by default, and depressed below the top of the walls of the top housing 604 by the user to cause the conditioner to be dispensed.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the top base 703 and label ring 701. The label ring 701 could replace the label ring 206, 505, 605 and the top base 703 could be used for top base 201, 524, 604. The label ring 701 has four ribs 702A, 702B, 702C, 702D extending from the bottom of the label ring 701 part way up the side of the label ring 701 inner walls. Slots 704A, 704D (704B, 704C are not shown) are cut into the outer walls of top base 703 to receive the four ribs 702A, 702B, 702C, 702D. This prevents the label ring 701 from being installed upside down.

The foregoing devices and operations, including their implementation, will be familiar to, and understood by, those having ordinary skill in the art. This specification contains numerous dimensions, all of which could be changed without deviating from the inventions herein.

The above description of the embodiments, alternative embodiments, and specific examples, are given by way of illustration and should not be viewed as limiting. Further, many changes and modifications within the scope of the present embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes such changes and modifications.