history of cosmetic bags

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numbers, FIG. 1 shows a cosmetic bag 10 of the present invention. The case 10 is typically small enough to carry in the hand of a user and is preferably used to carry cosmetic bags items. Although the storage of cosmetics is described, it is to be understood that the case 10 can be used to hold other non-cosmetic items.

The case 10 has a first portion 12 which contains a first pocket 14 formed by a first front pocket wall 16 and a first back pocket wall 18. The first portion 12 has a pair of strips 20 constructed from hook and loop material. The strips 20 allow the user to close the first pocket 14 by attaching the front wall 16 to the back wall 18. The first portion 12 may also include a trim 22 that is attached to the front wall 16 to improve the appearance of the case 10.

The cosmetic bag 10 also has a second portion 24 which contains a second pocket 26. The second pocket 26 is formed by a second front pocket wall 28 and a second back pocket wall 30. The front wall 28 contains a zipper 32 which can enclose the second pocket 26. The lower portion 34 of the front wall is typically constructed from a porous material which provides ventilation and allows the user to view the contents of the pocket 26. The remaining walls and wall portions are preferably constructed from a vinyl material, which is easy to clean and maintains the contents of the pockets relatively cool.

The cosmetic bag 10 includes a mirror 36 that is located on the front wall 28 of the second portion 24. As shown in FIG. 1a, the mirror 36 has a pad 38 of loop material which can mate with a pad 40 of hook material. The hook and loop material allows the user to easily remove the mirror 36 from the wall 28, so that the mirror 36 can be used independently of the case 10.

The first portion 12 is coupled to the second portion 24 by a hinge 42. As shown in FIG. 2, the hinge 42 allows the first portion 12 to be folded on top of the second portion 24 so that the case 10 is in a folded position. Extending from the first portion 12 is a hanging strap 44 that has hook material 46 which can mate with loop material 48 located on an outer wall 50 of the second portion 24. The strap 44 secures the first 12 and second 24 portions in the folded position. Additionally, the case may have a pair of zippers 51 that attach the first portion 12 to the second portion 24. The hanging strap 44 may have an aperture 52 that allows the case to be hung from a hook or other similar structure.
The cosmetic bag 10 has a pair of outer straps 54 attached to an outer wall 56 of the first portion 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the straps 54 are adapted to receive the visor 58 of an automobile. When the case 10 is attached to the visor, cosmetics can be applied by merely separating the hanging strap 44 from the outer surface 50 of the second portion 24. The pockets 14 and 26 provide easy access to the cosmetics. The mirror 36 is typically located near the user's face so that the cosmetics can be easily applied by the user. Although the application of cosmetics is described, it is to be understood that the case 10 can be used for other purposes. For example, the case 10 can be opened to provide access to the mirror 36 so that the user may merely check their appearance.

The outer walls 50 and 56 are preferably constructed from a reflective or non-reflective vinyl material. The outer material is typically separated from the inner vinyl walls by a foam which creates an insulative layer. The insulative walls reduces the amount of heat transferred from the ambient to the items stored within the cosmetic case 10. The present invention therefore allows the user to store cosmetics in the case 10 and expose the case 10 to elevated temperatures without melting the cosmetics.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in cosmetic bags the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

fashion cosmetic bags