CUSTOMIZABLE COSMETIC PALETTE SYSTEM INCLUDING CUSTOMIZABLE PALETTES

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a customizable cosmetic palette and a cosmetic case for housing one or more palettes providing for customizable configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cosmetic palettes or makeup pallets are used for convenient storage of multiple small containers or pans of makeup, such as eye shadows, blushes, lip colors and highlighters, and applicators for the makeup. Palettes generally provide multiple colors of a product in a compact form, which makes it easier for users to experiment with different looks and color combinations.

Conventional palettes include a case with a plurality of compartments or wells for holding makeup pans, with each pan typically containing a specific color of a cosmetic product. The pans may be removable or fixed to the case, but the configuration of the case and the compartments cannot be changed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a customizable cosmetic palette system that includes at least one main case configured to hold a plurality of palettes which can be removed and interchanged with other palettes for convenient storage and transport of selected palettes that a user desires. In the present invention, the palette system may include two or more main cases which are stackable on top of one another and releasably attached to one another so as to allow for carrying and storing of additional palettes. Moreover, the system includes a cover stackable on top of the main case and releasably attachable to the main case so as to cover the palettes within the main case and to protect the makeup pans within the palettes. In certain embodiments, the stackable cover includes a smaller cover with a mirror insertable into a recess formed in one of the surfaces of the cover. In certain embodiments, one or more of the cover, the one or more main cases, and the palettes have magnets encased or enclosed therein which are positioned and arranged within the one or more of the cover, the one or more cases and the palettes so that these components can be releasably attached to one another using the magnets. The smaller cover with the mirror may also include magnets to attach to the cover magnetically so as to retain the smaller cover within the recess in the cover.

In the present invention, the palettes can be removed from the main case and the removed palettes can be stacked on top of one another and releasably attached to one another to make a smaller sized travel-friendly case with only those palettes that the user desires to take with them. As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, the palettes include magnets incorporated therein so that the palettes can be releasably attached to one another when stacked on top of one another. Moreover, the smaller cover with the mirror insertable into the cover for the main case is sized and shaped so as to correspond to the outer shape of the palettes and is configured to be stacked on top of each palette so as to form a cover for the palette. In this way, a user can select one or more palettes, stack the selected palettes on top of one another and use the smaller cover with the mirror to stack on top of the uppermost palette so as to form a cover for the palettes, thus forming a smaller-sized travel-friendly case that includes only the desired palettes.

Further in accordance with the invention, the palettes include compartments or wells for storing removable pans, wherein the pans can be easily removed and interchanged with other pans within the palette. With the cosmetic palette system of the present invention, a user can fully customize the main case to include all or only certain palettes and can further remove one or more palettes from the main case and stack them to form a separate, more compact and travel-friendly configuration, which is particularly desirable for traveling or for taking in a purse, such as to allow a user to take desired cosmetics to work, to an event or to another location or venue without having to take all of the palettes. In this way, when the user has limited available space, the user can take with them the desired selected makeup products and colors in a compact configuration, without having to also carry other products and colors that the user does not desire to take with them.

The present invention provides for a cosmetic palette assembly that features multiple palettes for holding cosmetic products and a main case that has at least one cavity specifically designed to accommodate the palettes. The main case is structured so that the palettes can be easily removed and stacked together to form a smaller, portable palette assembly, with the palettes attaching to each other in a releasable manner. In certain embodiments, the palettes can be releasably attached to the main case, and the cavity is designed to hold at least two palettes side by side.

In some embodiments, a main cover is included, which can stack onto the main case and cover the cavity. In certain embodiments, the cover attaches to the main case magnetically. In certain embodiments, the palettes are configured to magnetically attach to the main case or/or to one another when stacked, such as using embedded magnets. In some embodiments, the assembly includes a second cover that can attach to individual palettes, protecting cosmetic products stored or held by the palettes. The second cover can in some embodiments fit into a recess in the main cover, which, in some illustrative embodiments, may be located on either the top or bottom surface. The second cover may feature a mirror on at least one side. In some embodiments, the main cover can magnetically attach to the main case, and/or each of the palettes can magnetically attach to the main case and/or to each other when stacked, and/or the second cover can magnetically attach to each of the palettes.

In some embodiments, an additional, second main case is provided in the assembly and can be stacked and releasably attached to the first main case. In certain embodiments, both main cases have the same outer peripheries with the same size and shape around their outer edges.

In certain embodiments, each palette includes at least one well for holding a removable pan of cosmetic product. In some illustrative embodiments, the palettes have magnets to hold these pans in place. In some embodiments, recesses are provided adjacent the well(s) to assist with removal of the pans. In certain embodiments, the main case may include sidewall recesses adjacent the cavity to aid in removing palettes.

In certain embodiments, both the first and second palettes have outer peripheries of the same size and shape to ensure compatibility and stackability.

The invention also includes a cosmetic palette assembly that has first and second main cases, each with its own cavity for holding at least one palette. The first and second main cases can stack together and magnetically attach to each other. The assembly also includes a main cover that can magnetically attach to either the first or the second main case. In certain embodiments of this invention, the palettes held in the cavities of the first and/or second main cases can attach magnetically to the respective first or second main case, and can be stacked and magnetically attached to one another. In some embodiments, a second cover is provided that can magnetically attach to the main cover and can also magnetically attach to at least one of the palettes to cover and protect the cosmetic products inside.

The present invention is also directed to a cosmetic palette that includes a palette base including at least one well for holding a cosmetic product, and a cover configured to releasably attach to the palette base to cover the at least one well. The palette base houses at least one magnet therein and is configured to stack with and magnetically attach to another palette using the at least one magnet. In this way, multiple palettes can be easily stacked together to form a compact structure. In some embodiments, the cover is configured to magnetically attach to the palette base and may include a mirror on at least one surface. In some embodiments, the well(s) in the palette base are configured for magnetically attaching at least one removable pan with the cosmetic product to the well(s).

The cosmetic palette assemblies of the present invention provide a modular, customizable palette solution with easy and releasable connections among the components, such as magnetic connections, for ease of use and portability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary embodiment of the customizable cosmetic palette system of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a partially exploded view of the palette system of FIG. 1A with a cover removed from a main case;

FIG. 1C shows another partially exploded view of the palette system of FIG. 1A with the cover and a decorative cover with a mirror removed from the main case;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show partially exploded views of another embodiment of the cosmetic palette system that includes multiple stackable cases;

FIG. 3A shows a top view of the palette system of FIGS. 1A-1C;

FIG. 3B shows a bottom view of the palette system of FIGS. 1A-1C;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a plurality of palettes with the decorative cover with the mirror from the palette system of FIGS. 1A-1C;

FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary palette system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the components of the palette system of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary palette and the decorative cover with the mirror;

FIG. 6B shows an exploded view of the components of the palette and the decorative cover with the mirror of FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 7A-7D show views of a detailed construction of the decorative cover;

FIGS. 8A-8D show views of a detailed construction of a platform of the palette;

FIGS. 9A-9C show views of a detailed construction of a platform plate of the palette;

FIGS. 10A-10C show views of a detailed construction of a magnet sheet of the palette; and

FIGS. 11A-11F show schematic views of different illustrative arrangements of pans within the palettes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1C show an exemplary embodiment of a customizable palette system 100 that includes at least one main case 102, a cover 104 and a decorative cover 106 with a mirror (not visible in FIGS. 1A-1C). The main case 102 holds therein one or more palettes 200, each of which includes one or more recesses or wells 202 for accommodating one or more pans with makeup. The palettes 200 are removable from the main case 102 so that a user can change the palettes held by the main case 102 as needed or change the order of the palettes 200 to allow for more convenient application of makeup.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the main case 102 is configured to accommodate three palettes 200 of similar size within a cavity formed in the main case 102. However, in other embodiments, the sizes and number of palettes that can be accommodated within the main case 102 may be varied, and the palettes are not required to be the same size, as long as the palettes can fit within the cavity in the main case 102. It is understood, however, that in order to allow a user to make a more compact case by stacking the palettes with one another, the periphery of each palette should have a substantially the same size and shape. As described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B, the palettes 200 are held within the main case 102 using magnets, i.e., using a magnetic force. The configurations of the palettes 200 are described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 4 and 6A-11F.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the main case 102 includes at least one recess 102a formed in an inner and upper surfaces of at least one sidewall of the main case 102. The at least one recess 102a allows a user to insert their finger or nail therein so as to grasp a palette and to easily remove the palette from the cavity of the main case 102. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1B and 1C, the main case 102 includes two recesses 102a on opposing sides thereof that have semi-circular shapes. However, the number and shapes of the recesses 102a, as well as their positions in the main case, may be varied depending on the configuration and capacity of the main case 102. For example, in some configurations, each of the sidewalls of the main case 102 may include at least one of similar recesses, or may have the recesses provided at regular intervals.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the cover 104 has an outer periphery that has a shape and size that is similar to or substantially the same as those of an outer periphery of the main case 102. This way, when the cover 104 is stacked on top of the main case 102 to cover the palettes, the outer peripheries of the cover 104 and the main case 102 align with one another to create a smooth and flush side edge of the system 100. As described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cover 104 is held to the main case 102 using magnets, i.e., magnetic force.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1A-1C, the decorative cover 106 is accommodated within a cavity 105 formed in a surface of the cover 104 and as shown in FIG. 1C, the decorative cover 106 can be removed from the cover 104. A recess 104a is formed at the edge of the cavity 105 in the cover 104 to facilitate easy removal of the decorative cover 106 by a user. The recess 104a may be semi-circular in shape as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, which conforms to the shape of a fingertip, or may have a different shape. As discussed in more detail below, the decorative cover 106 is held within the cavity 105 in the cover 104 using magnets, i.e., magnetic force.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the decorative cover 106 may include decorative information on its outer surface, such as a product name, product label, company name, or other information or decorations. The opposite surface of the decorative cover 106 includes a mirror incorporated within or attached to the decorative cover 106. In the present embodiment, when the decorative cover is attached to the cover 104, the mirror faces the cavity 105 in the cover 104 and is not visible to the outside, which provides protection to the mirror against damage and smudges during transport. However, in other configurations, the mirror may be on the exterior surface of the decorative cover 106. In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the mirror is permanently or non-removably incorporated into or attached to the decorative cover 106. In some embodiments, the surface of the cavity 105 in the cover 104 may itself be reflective or incorporate a mirror in addition to or instead of the mirror in the decorative cover 106.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show another embodiment of the customizable palette system 100 of the present invention. In FIGS. 2A-2B, the palette system 100 includes a first main case 102, a second main case 103, a cover 104 and a decorative cover 106 with a mirror. The configurations of the first main case 102, the cover 104 and the decorative cover 106 are substantially the same as those of the main case 102, cover 104 and decorative cover 106 with the mirror of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, and thus, detailed description thereof is omitted. The components that have the same or similar configurations and functions as those of the first embodiment in FIGS. 1A-1C have been labeled using the same reference numbers.

In addition, the second main case 103 has substantially the same configuration as the first main case 102 in this embodiment, and substantially the same configuration as the main case 102 in FIGS. 1A-1C. In this embodiment, the second main case 103 is used for removably accommodating one or more palettes 200 that are inserted into the cavity formed in the second main case 103. The palettes 200 accommodated by the second main case 103 may have the same configuration as those in the first main case 102 or in other embodiments, may have a different configuration from those in the first main case 102.

As in the first main case 102, the second main case 103 includes one or more recesses 103a to facilitate easy removal of the palettes 200 from the cavity.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first and second main cases 102, 103 are stacked on top of one another and are held together using magnets, i.e., magnetic force, and the cover 104 is stacked on top of the first main case 102. The stacking arrangement of the main cases 102, 103 may be changed by the user so that the cover 104 is used together with the second main case 103 and the first main case 102 is stacked to the bottom of the second main case 103. Moreover, the second main case 103 may be used with the cover 104 alone if desired. Furthermore, additional main cases (not shown) may be stacked with the first and second main cases so as to increase the number of palettes held by the system 100.

Although the above embodiments use magnetic force from magnets incorporated within the main cases 102, 103, the cover 104, the decorative cover 106, and the palettes 200 to hold these components in place, in other embodiments, other types of connections or fasteners may be employed. For example, in some embodiments, snap-fit mechanical connectors may be used to connect one or more of the main cases 102, 103, the cover 104, the decorative cover 106 and the palettes 200 together and to hold them in place. In other embodiments, reusable adhesive connectors may be used for connecting certain of these components together. It is preferred that such other connections or fasteners do not substantially increase the size of the components and allow for easy connection or coupling and separation or uncoupling of the components, when desired.

FIG. 3A shows the top views of the main case 102, 103 and the cover 104 and FIG. 3B shows the bottom views of the main case 102, 103 and the cover 104. The same reference numbers are used for the components in FIGS. 3A and 3B that have the same or similar configurations to the components shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. As can be seen in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the bottom, or inner, surface of the cover 104 may include a mirror or a decorative plate 104b with informational or decorative materials. In other embodiments, the bottom inner surface of the cover 104 may be smooth without any additional features.

FIG. 4 shows two palettes 200 similar to those accommodated in the main cases 102, 103 of FIGS. 1A-3B and the decorative cover 106 removed from the cover 104 of the palette system 100 of FIGS. 1A-3B. In the palette system 100 of the present invention, one or more palettes 200 can be removed by a user from the main case(s) 102, 103 and stacked on top of one another. In addition, the decorative cover 106 with the mirror incorporated therein may be removed from the cover 104 and stacked on top of palettes so as to form a cover for the top palette 200. The palettes 200 and the decorative cover 106 are held together using magnets therein or other suitable couplings or fasteners. By allowing the user to remove the palettes 200 from the main case 102, 103 and to stack them together with the decorative cover 106, the user can create a more compact palette configuration that the user can take with them when space is limited. For example, the user can select the palettes they desire and only take those selected palettes with them in a smaller, more compact package, instead of taking the whole palette system and instead of having to purchase additional travel-size makeup containers.

As shown in FIG. 4, each palette includes a plurality of recessed compartments or wells 202, each of which is sized and shaped to hold a pan with makeup. The makeup pans are removable from the palette so that they can be removed and replaced when the makeup is consumed or when the user desires a different pan to be included in the palette. In this way, each palette is customizable to the user's needs and the user can select the desired pans to be included in the palette with the more compact package. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, each palette includes one or more recesses 204 provided in the sidewalls of the palette adjacent one or more recessed compartments 202. The recesses 204 allow the user to grip and remove the pans from the recessed compartments so as to allow for easy removal of the pans and customization. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the recesses are provided in the top surface of the central wall of the palette 200 which separates two rows of recessed compartments 202, and each recess 204 is provided between two recessed compartments 202. In other embodiments, the recesses may be provided in the top and inner surfaces of one or more sidewalls that form the outer walls of the palette 200. In such embodiments, the positions of the recesses correspond in part or in whole to the positions of the recessed compartments 202 or the recesses are provided at positions between the recessed compartments 202 so as to allow for easy removal of the pans from the recessed compartments 202.

In some embodiments, the pans are held within each palette using a magnetic force by magnets within the palette 200. In some such embodiments, the pans are formed at least in part from magnetic metallic materials, such as ferromagnetic materials, while in other embodiments, the pans may include one or more magnets therein, e.g., embedded into a bottom wall forming a pan. In other embodiments, the pans are simply positioned within the respective recessed compartments. In yet other embodiments, the pans may snap or click into the respective recessed compartments, or friction fitting may be used to attach the pans to the palette. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, a small hole, opening or recess is provided in the base of each recessed compartment 202 and each pan, which can be made of plastic, polymer, rubber, metallic, or other suitable material, includes a pin or projection configured to snap fit or friction fit into the hole, opening or recess in the base of the recessed compartment 202 for connection thereto.

In yet other embodiments, the pans held within the recessed compartments 202 of the palette may be securely attached to the palette 200 so that they are not removable. Adhesives or permanent fasteners may be used to achieve such secure attachment between the pans and the recessed compartments. Alternatively, the palette may be formed so that the recessed compartments 202 themselves are used for holding cosmetic products, without the use of a separate pan. In an illustrative embodiment, a platform of the palette 200 is formed using injection molding or any other suitable process, e.g., 3D printing, pressing, etc., and the recessed compartments 202 are back injected or filled directly with the cosmetic product. In such embodiments, the cosmetic product in the palette is not removable, but the full palette 200 is removable from the main case. As in the other embodiments described above, the palette 200 can include magnets in its base for magnetic attachment to the main case and/or for stacking with and releasably attaching to other palettes. It is understood that other releasable attachment mechanisms, such as snap fitting, friction fitting, etc. may be used for attaching the palette to the main case and/or for attaching the palette to another palette.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4, the recessed compartments 202 are substantially rectangular and are similar in size and shape to one another, and a recess 204 is provided between two adjacent recessed compartments 202. It is understood that the configuration of the recessed compartments 202 and the positioning of the recesses 204 is not limited to those shown in FIG. 4. For example, compartments 202 having other sizes or shapes and having differing sizes and shapes, e.g., circular or oval shaped, may be used in the palettes and the arrangements of these compartments 202 within each palette 202 may vary. FIGS. 11A-11F show some illustrative schematic arrangements of different recessed compartments 202 that may be used in the palettes 200. These and other arrangements may be the same in each palette or may be different from one palette to another. This allows for additional customization of the palettes so that the user can select palettes that accept larger and/or smaller pans as well as pans of different shapes.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an illustrative construction of a customizable palette system 100 that uses magnets to hold the pans in the palettes 200, to hold the palettes 200 in the main case 102, to hold the cover 104 with respect to the main case 102, and to hold the decorative cover 106 with a mirror within the cavity in the cover 104. FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the palette system 100 taken along section A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the components of the palette system of FIG. 5A.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the palette system 100 includes the cover 104 with a cavity 105 into which the decorative cover 106 with a mirror 107 fits. The description of the decorative cover configuration is provided below with respect to FIGS. 7A-D.

The palette system 100 also includes the main case 102, which includes a main case base 102b that includes a cavity for accommodating one or more palettes 200, and a magnet sheet 102c provided within the cavity and abutting the top surface of the cavity in the main case base 102b. In some embodiments, the main case base 102c is formed from plastic, nylon or other polymer materials, or may be formed from other materials such as carbon fiber, metals (e.g., non-magnetic metals) or other suitable rigid materials capable of forming a rigid protective housing for the palette components. The magnet sheet 102c may be formed from plastic or other polymer materials or may be formed from metallic materials. In some embodiments, the magnet sheet 102c may be provided within the main case base 102b and/or abutting a lower surface, opposite the cavity, of the main case base 102b. The magnet sheet 102c includes one or more openings or recesses therein and when the system is assembled, magnets 110 are positioned within the openings or recesses in the magnet sheet 102c. The magnets 110 are selected to be of similar size/shape as the openings in the magnet sheet 102c.

Each palette 200 includes a platform 201a which forms one or more recessed compartments 202 for accommodating one or more makeup pans, a magnet sheet 201b and a platform plate 201c, with the magnet sheet 201b being provided between the platform 201a and the platform plate 201c, and the platform plate 201c forming the bottom surface of the palette 200. In some embodiments, the platform 201a and the platform plate 201c are formed from plastic, nylon or other polymer materials, or may be formed from other materials such as carbon fiber, metals (e.g., non-magnetic metals) or other suitable rigid materials capable of forming a rigid protective housing for the pans. The magnet sheet 201b may be formed from plastic or other polymer materials or may be formed from metallic materials. As shown in FIG. 5B, the magnet sheet 201b includes at least one opening or recess therein for positioning at least one magnet 110. In some embodiments, the platform plate 201c also includes one or more openings or recesses therein for positioning magnets 110 which are used for holding the palette 200 within the main case 102. The platform 201a, the platform plate 201c and the magnet sheet 201b are described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 8A-10C.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an illustrative configuration of a palette 200 and decorative cover 106 of the palette system 100 of the present invention assembled into a separate compact configuration. FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of the palette 200 and decorative cover 106 taken along line A-A in FIG. 4. FIG. 6B shows an exploded view of the palette and decorative cover components.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the compact configuration of the palette 200 and the decorative cover 106 includes at least one palette 200 and the decorative cover 106 with the mirror 107 adjacent one of the surfaces of the decorative cover 106. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, the mirror 107 is provided adjacent a lower surface of the decorative cover 106 that faces the top palette 200. However, this configuration may be modified as needed. As also shown, one or more magnets 110a are provided in the decorative cover 106 and in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, four elongated or rod-shaped magnets 110a are provided adjacent each sidewall of the decorative cover 106.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, the palette 200 includes the platform 201a with the recessed compartments for holding makeup pans, the platform plate 201c forming the bottom surface of the palette 200 opposite the surface with the recessed compartments 202, and the magnet sheet 201b provided between the platform 201a and the platform plate 201c. As shown, a magnet 110c is positioned substantially centrally in the magnet sheet 201b within a recess formed in the magnet sheet 201b. In other embodiments, multiple recesses may be formed for positioning multiple magnets 110c between the platform 201a and the platform plate 201c. As also shown, one or more recesses are formed at or near the side edges of the platform plate 201c and magnets 110b are positioned within these recesses. In the embodiment of FIG. 6B, the recesses in the platform plate 201c are formed in two opposing side edges for positioning two magnets 110b therein. The platform plate 201c may also include a central recess which can be used in conjunction with the recess in the magnet sheet for positioning the magnet 110c.

FIGS. 7A-7D show in more detail the configurations of the decorative cover 106, wherein FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the decorative cover 106 along the line A-A in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C shows illustrative dimensions of the space within the decorative cover for positioning the mirror and for positioning the magnets 110a, and FIG. 7D shows an example of positioning ejectors in the decorative cover 106. In some embodiments, the decorative cover 106 is formed from plastic, nylon or other polymer materials, or may be formed from other materials such as carbon fiber, metals (e.g., non-magnetic metals) or other suitable rigid materials capable of forming a rigid housing that holds the mirror and protecting the contents of the palette to which it is attached. The mirror 107 may be formed from glass or plastic or polymer materials with a reflective surface applied thereto.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7B and in FIG. 7C, the decorative cover 106 includes a rim (curved lip) around its periphery into which elongated or rod-shaped magnets 110a are inserted. In this illustrative embodiment, the magnets 110a are held by the rim, and the mirror is positioned within the central space defined by the rim so that the mirror does not overlap with the magnets 110a. In addition, FIG. 7D shows a plurality of ejectors 106a on the decorative cover 106, each of which is placed adjacent a sidewall formed by the rims so as to overlap with the mirror. The ejectors 106a are used for removing the decorative cover 106 from a tool during injection molding of the decorative cover 106.

In some illustrative embodiments, the mirror 107 may be removable from the decorative cover 106 and may be attached to the decorative cover using magnets or by snap fitting or friction fitting. In yet other embodiments, the mirror can be removable and attachable to the decorative over with the mirror surface facing out or facing the surface of the decorative cover in order to keep the mirror clean.

FIGS. 8A-8D show an exemplary construction of a platform 201a of the palette 200. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the platform 201a taken along line A-A in FIG. 8A. As can be seen from FIGS. 8A-8D, the platform forms a plurality of recessed compartments 202 that open to its upper surface. In addition, a plurality of curved recesses 204 are provided between adjacent compartments 202 to facilitate ejection or removal of pans from the compartments 202. FIGS. 8C and 8D show the lower surface of the platform 201a. As can be seen, the platform 201a includes an internal space around the inner periphery of its sidewalls that forms a peripheral channel 201d1 around the periphery of the platform 201a. In some embodiments, a secondary peripheral channel 201d2 is formed in the internal space around the inner periphery of the sidewalls, and in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 8C and 8D, the secondary peripheral channel 201d2 extends concentrically inside the peripheral channel 201d1. In other embodiments, the secondary peripheral channel 201d2 may be positioned outside the peripheral channel 201d1 or may be formed within the peripheral channel 201d1. One or more magnets 110b are positioned adjacent the sidewalls within the internal space and in the illustrative embodiment, within the secondary peripheral channel 201d2. In addition, one or more ejectors 201a1 are positioned around the inner periphery within the peripheral channel 201d formed by the internal space adjacent the sidewalls. The ejectors 201a1 are used for removing the platform 201a from a tool during injection molding of the platform 201a.

FIGS. 9A-9C show a more detailed construction of the platform plate 201c, with FIG. 9B showing a cross-sectional view taken along section line A-A in FIG. 9A. As shown, the platform plate 201c includes at least one central or main recess 201c1 for positioning a magnet adjacent the central or main area of the plate. In addition, the platform plate 201c includes two peripheral recesses 201c2 adjacent opposing side edges of the platform plate 201c for positioning two additional magnets adjacent the sidewalls of the platform 201a. As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 9B, the recesses extend through a portion of the thickness of the platform plate 201c. However, in other embodiments, the platform plate 201c may be modified to include one or more through openings instead of one or more of the recesses. In such embodiments, each of the through openings is sized so as to allow a portion of the magnet to be exposed through the opening, while retaining the magnet in the palette and preventing the magnet from falling out.

Finally, FIGS. 10A-10C show a more detailed construction of the magnet sheet 201b. As shown, the magnet sheet includes a central through recess 201b1 for positioning a central magnet 110c therein or in some embodiments, for exposing the central magnet therethrough. The location of the through recess may be varied depending on the desired position of the magnet. In some embodiments, additional recesses may be provided for positioning of additional magnets. The magnet sheet 201b is used for maintaining the positions of the magnets within the palette 200 and to prevent movement of the magnets within the space between the magnet sheet 201b and the platform plate 201c.

In some embodiments of the invention, the cover 104, the decorative cover 106, the platform 201a and platform plate 201c and the main case base 102b of the main case 102 are formed from polymer or plastic materials, such as Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the mirror 107 is formed from glass or plastic with a reflective surface. Other materials may be used for these components and in some embodiments, the components may include metallic materials or rubber materials or may include surface treatments to provide a particular appearance and feel to the components.

In all cases, it is understood that the above-described arrangements are merely illustrative of the many possible specific embodiments which represent applications of the present invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements, including use of different materials and varied dimensions of the palettes and palette compartments, can be readily devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.