Hingeless compact

Abstract

Disclosed are various embodiments of a vessel, particularly for cosmetics, such as a pot or compact, having an iris apparatus as a closure mechanism. Diaphragm and abutting type iris closures are disclosed for use as lids for containers for cosmetics.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A vessel comprising:
 a pot configured to hold a product; and   an iris, comprising a plurality of leaves, which is coupled to the pot, wherein the iris is configured to create an opening for accessing the product when in an open state and to facilitate closing of the vessel when a portion of the iris is rotated relative to the pot.   
     
     
         2 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the iris is a butting-type iris. 
     
     
         3 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the iris is an iris diaphragm. 
     
     
         4 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the product is a cosmetic product. 
     
     
         5 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the iris comprises a bezel that may be rotated to cause the plurality of leaves to rotate to form a closure. 
     
     
         6 . The vessel of  claim 5 , wherein the bezel is configured to substantially conceal leaves when the iris is in the open state. 
     
     
         7 . The vessel of  claim 5 , wherein the bezel is configured to allow the leaves to protrude outside the bezel when the iris is in the open state. 
     
     
         8 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of leaves each include a convex and a concave surface that are configured to mate with the concave and convex surfaces, respectively, of adjacent leaves. 
     
     
         9 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the pot comprises a housing including a plurality of wells configured to contain a plurality of cosmetic products. 
     
     
         10 . The vessel of  claim 1 , further comprising a center post, wherein the iris is configured to close around the center post. 
     
     
         11 . The vessel of  claim 10 , wherein the iris is configured to substantially touch the center post to form a closure.