EP0960582A1 - Case for a spreadable composition comprising an applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

The container consists of a base (2) with a recess (3) for the product (P) and a hinged lid (4) in two sections (10, 12). One section (12) of the lid is hinged directly to the base, while the other is formed by the handle (10) of the applicator, the tip (8) of which fits into a cavity (26) in the edge of the hinged section. The lid snaps shut by means of lip (18) on the end of the handle engaging with a slot in a flexible portion (16) of the base.

Description

The invention relates to a case, of the make-up case type, comprising at least at least two parts articulated one on the other around a pivot axis. The invention relates, in particular, to a housing comprising a bottom defining a or more receptacles for one or more products and a hinged cover on the bottom. As an indication, such cases are particularly suitable for certain cosmetic products, in particular breakable products, such as makeup products such as foundations, eyeshadows, mascara compositions, presented in the form of compacted powders, poured pasta, etc.

In this type of housing, generally, a housing is placed opposite the product receptacle, and in which is placed one or more applicators removable which the user uses to take a dose of product, before apply it, by transfer, to the desired location. Generally, such an applicator includes an applicator such as a tuft of fibers, a tip made of foam or woven or non-woven material, possibly covered with a flocking.

Such a makeup case is described, for example in document FR-A-2,584 582. The makeup cases described in this document have a major drawback, linked to the fact that, after use, the user may forget to put the applicator back inside the case. So, during the next use, it no longer has any means to allow the application of the product.

Another drawback of this type of case is that the interior of the housing, in particular the housing in which the applicator is returned after the make-up operation is soiled by residues of product coming off of the applicator during transport, which, on the one hand is unsightly, and on the other hand hand, when several products of different colors are housed in the case one of the make-up products of a given color risks being soiled by residue from a product of another color.

In addition, during transport of the case, when an applicator is in its housing without device ensuring its wedging, an unpleasant noise can be made hear.

Furthermore, from document EP-A-0 261 750, there is known a housing of make-up in which an accommodation opening outwards is arranged, intended to house an applicator comprising an emerging gripping member of the case. This gripping member has a flat shape. In position closed from the case, this applicator is disposed between the bottom and the cover of so that, to open the case, the user must apply a twist to the element gripping, to separate the bottom and the cover.

The housing according to EP-A-0 261 750, however, has the same drawbacks than the housing according to FR-A-2 584 582.

The document, GB-A-2 139 886 describes a housing in two parts, Indeed, a first part of the housing has a bottom, provided with a housing for a product, the entire bottom being closed by a pivoting cover. The box is arranged so that a gripping element provided with a member can be superimposed above the pivoting cover, and immobilized when the cover is in the closed position. This arrangement, in any case, does not reduce or avoid the risk of loss of the applicator.

Also, is it an object of the present invention to provide a housing, type makeup case, not having the drawbacks of cases above mentioned, in particular with regard to the loss of the applicator and the dirt from the inside of the case.

Other objects of the invention will appear in detail on reading the description which follows.

It is in particular one of the objects of the invention to provide a housing, in particular a make-up case intended to contain at least one product (P), having a bottom, a cover pivotally mounted on the bottom about an axis of articulation, and an application element, for the application of said (or said) product (s) on a support, said application element consisting of a member joint application of a gripping member. According to the invention, the cover consists of two portions, a first portion hinged with the bottom and a second portion, removably mounted on said first portion, said first portion being such that in the closed position of the cover, it does not cover that part of said bottom, said second portion being formed, at least partially, by said gripping member. So the second portion covers part of the bottom not covered by the first portion. The application element can be made integral with the first portion, so as to participate in the closing the case, the risks of not repositioning the application element to the interior of the case, after use, are significantly reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the housing defines a first housing intended to receive one or more products, presented in the form of a compacted powder or a paste, this housing being located, in the closed position of the housing, opposite the gripping member. So, in the closed position of the case, the product is protected by the gripping member which is placed above the product.

In order to allow the user to follow the makeup operation, advantageously, the first portion of the cover defines a second housing in which is arranged a mirror.

Advantageously, the second removable portion of the housing, at least partially, is transparent, so as to visualize, in the closed position of the housing, the product. In this case, said second portion can be shaped as magnifying glass shape with a convex structure, allowing better value the color of the product or its texture. Alternatively, the magnifying glass can present a concave structure, allow to become a magnifying mirror when it is placed in front of the mirror of the first portion of the lid. So when the make-up operation, it is possible to better visualize details of the makeup obtained.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom of the housing comprises means capable of locking, in the closed position of the housing, the element of application on said first portion. For this purpose the background may include a flange being placed, after closing the case, behind the gripping member to prevent accidental release of the application element.

Advantageously, to fix the application element on the first portion of the cover, said first portion is provided with a housing capable of receiving said applicator member, like a drawer. In some cases it may be advantageous to provide on the second portion of the cover means for the removable mounting of the application element on said first portion. this is in particular the case, when the abovementioned flange is not produced. To this end, advantageously, means are provided on an internal wall of the housing latching cooperating with complementary latching means carried by the gripping member, for example a bead / throat system.

By this arrangement, the housing comprises a cavity capable of receiving, the member of application. So when product residues detach from the organ application, they remain in the cavity and do not risk dirtying the visible parts of the housing and / or the product (s).

To ensure reliable closure of the case, especially during transport, the bottom may include locking / opening means, capable of cooperating, in closed position of the housing, with a complementary means of locking / opening carried by said application element.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gripping member extends substantially over the entire width of the housing. This provides a applicator whose handling is particularly easy, allowing, in addition, also, easy handling of the housing during opening.

Advantageously, the applicator member fixed on the gripping member is a brush consisting of a tuft of bristles, a puff in woven or non-woven material woven, an elastomer or foam tip, with or without flocking. The applicator member may also have a circular shape, for example example in the form of a flexible disc, mounted to rotate freely on the gripping.

By the arrangements described above, during the storage period, the invention makes it possible to immobilize the application member in its housing in a sealed manner, away from ambient air. Thus, the contamination of the applicator member and / or its contamination can be minimized. Also, the applicator member is suitably mechanically protected, which is important, when it is a fragile brush, constituted for example by a tuft of fibers of small diameter (approximately 3 to 8/100 ^th of mm), in particular of fibers of natural origin.

The housing which has just been described can be used, in particular, for the conditioning of a make-up, a foundation, an eye shadow or a mascara composition.

To better understand the object of the invention, we will now describe title of examples purely illustrative and in no way limiting, several modes of realization shown in the accompanying drawings.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un boítier conforme à l'invention, montré en position fermé ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective du boítier de la figure 1 en position ouverte ;
• les figures 3 et 4 représentent une coupe partielle selon la ligne III-III de la figure 2, illustrant le boítier en cours d'ouverture ;
• les figures 5 à 13 montrent différents types d'applicateurs pouvant être associés au boítier de l'invention.

In these drawings:

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a housing according to the invention, shown in the closed position;
• 2 shows a perspective view of the housing of Figure 1 in the open position;
• Figures 3 and 4 show a partial section along the line III-III of Figure 2, illustrating the housing during opening;
• Figures 5 to 13 show different types of applicators that can be associated with the housing of the invention.

Also, as visible in Figures 1 and 2, a housing conforming to this invention is designated as a whole by the reference 1, of general form parallelepiped. As we will see later, the upper surface of the case is slightly domed. This case has a rectangular bottom 2, on which a cover 4 is articulated, pivoting about an axis X. A portion of the bottom 2, adjacent to the hinge axis X is formed by a first portion 2a less thick than the rest of the bottom 2. In the second portion 2b, of greater thickness, is provided a first housing 3, capable of receiving a block of disintegrating product P.

As can be seen in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, advantageously, the product P is packaged in a metal cup 3a in which the product can be deposited in the usual way, either by pouring followed by solidification, or by compaction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover is made up of two portions, a first portion 12 articulated with the bottom 2, and a second portion 10 removable snapped onto said first portion 12 and aligned with it. The second portion 10 forms, on the one hand, a gripping member for an element Application 6. On the other hand, in the example considered, the second portion serves also to protect the product P, in the closed position of the housing. The element application 6 comprises an application member 8, intended for the removal and the application to the skin of a dose of product P, taken from housing 3 by friction on the product surface. To this end, the application member 8 is consisting of a foam tip with semi-open cells, fixed on the element of gripping 10 by means of a support element 7, molded with the gripping organ. Attaching the applicator member 8 to the element support 7 can be carried out by gluing, welding, nesting or any other appropriate means.

The first portion 12 has an internal face, coming opposite the first portion 2a of the bottom in the closed position of the housing, and in which is formed a second housing 22 of substantially rectangular shape, receiving a mirror 24 allowing the user to follow the makeup operation. This mirror is fixed in the housing 22, for example by gluing.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the first portion 12 of the cover has a relatively large thickness. Indeed, this first portion defines a third housing 26, opening on a small face 12a situated on the side opposite to the X axis. The housing 26 defines a rectangular opening 26a, the shape of which corresponds substantially to the section of the support 7, measured at its integral base of the second portion 10. Generally, the shape of the opening 26a is adapted the shape of the section of the support 7 carrying the applicator member 8.

By this arrangement, it is possible to entirely house the application member 8 with the support 7 in the housing 26, in the manner of a drawer. So the organ 8 is mechanically protected inside. In addition, the drying of product P, as well as the dispersion of product residues to the inside of the case are prevented.

After making up, the user houses the applicator member 8 in the housing 26 taking care to correctly introduce the support 7. At this moment, the cover 4 is formed in its entirety, and can be folded down on the bottom 2. The closed position obtained from the housing is illustrated in Figure 1. We see that the first portion 12 is positioned on the first portion 2a of the bottom, the second portion 10 placing itself above the second portion 2b, so as to cover product housing 3. Without the second portion 10, the cover 4 is not complete, and therefore the bottom 2 of the case cannot be closed in whole. In this case, product P is not protected. So the user goes quickly account, that it is necessary to set up the enforcement body 8, to obtain a correct closure of the housing.

In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the bottom, on the side opposite the X axis, has a rim 14 extending over the entire height of the housing (in the closed position), this rim being located opposite the free end of the gripping member. In the position closed, this rim 14 thus prevents the accidental exit of the applicator 6 from its housing. To facilitate the opening of the case, the rim 14 defines a tab pivoting 16, separated from the rest of the rim by two parallel slots 14a and 14b and located substantially in the central part of the rim 14. In particular on the Figures 3 and 4, we see that the pivoting tab 16 is articulated with the bottom 2 at using a thinned portion 16a. On the inner side wall 16b of the tab pivoting 16 is formed a recess 16c, allowing the latching of a lug closure 18, located on the wall 10a of the gripping member, the lug housed in said recess 16c when the housing is closed. It should be noted that the lower face 18a of the lug 18 is chamfered.

To open the case, the user presses on the lower part of the tab pivoting 16 in the direction of arrow F, which causes disengagement of the lug 18 of the recess 16c (Figure 3). By pivoting around the X axis, the cover 4 can then be moved away from the bottom and placed in the position shown on the figure 2. In this position, the applicator 6 can be removed from the first portion of the cover by simple pull, and be used for make-up.

After use, the applicator is housed in the housing 26, as described previously, and the housing is closed by pivoting towards the bottom. When the lug 18 comes to bear against the upper edge of the pivoting tab 16, the chamfer 18a causes a slight elastic spacing of the tab 16 from the wall internal 16b of the rim 16, to allow the lug to pass. This lug 18 is then housed in the recess 16c, because the internal wall 16b returns, by elasticity, in the initial position, and the housing is locked again.

According to an interesting aspect of the invention, the gripping member is made in a transparent material, such as PVC or acrylic and styrenic glasses. Thus, in the closed position of the housing as shown in Figure 1, the product can be viewed. In this way, the user can choose, on a radius point of sale exposure, at a glance the nuance of product which agrees. When the upper surface 20 of the gripping member is domed, even convex, a magnifying glass effect is obtained, allowing better focus in value the surface structure of the product.

It is also possible to produce a concave structure of the gripping. In this case, when the gripping member is placed directly in front of the mirror, we get a magnifying mirror to better observe details of the makeup in progress.

Figures 5 to 13 illustrate several embodiments of applicator members 8 which can be part of the applicator 6.

In Figure 5, there is shown an application element 6a comprising, as applicator member 8a, a tuft of bristles 9 arranged to constitute a brush flat, a first end of which is fixed in a rectangular support 7, and whose free end 8a is curved. The hairs are, according to the exemplary embodiment considered, animal hair, about 25 mm to 30 mm long. The support 7 comprises a peripheral bead 28, intended to come to bear against the internal wall of the housing 26, thus sealingly insulating the interior of the housing 26 from the outside. By this provision, during transport, product residue remains trapped in the housing. In addition, in this way, the drying of the product remaining on the applicator member is avoided. Such applicator is particularly suitable for applying a 'blush' on the cheeks.

FIG. 6 shows an applicator element 6b provided with an applicator member 8b substantially semi-circular in shape. The application element 6b includes a support 7 on which the applicator member is fixed, for example by gluing. The applicator member 8b is made of elastomeric foam whose surface apparent has a flock coating. One such application element is usable, in particular, for the application of a foundation or blush.

FIG. 7 illustrates an application element 6c provided with an application member 8c of circular shape. The support 7 comprises two parallel branches 7a, extending in the axis of the application element, the free ends of the branches being connected by a shaft 7b, on which is fixed, free in rotation the application member 8c. This applicator member 8c consists of a multitude of bristles extending radially outwards. Advantageously, the bristles have a length of approximately 15 mm and a diameter of approximately 4/100 ^th of a mm to 10/100 ^th of a mm. These hairs are generally of natural or synthetic origin. Such an application element is particularly usable for applying a loose powder to the face.

FIG. 8 represents an application element 6d which presents substantially the same structure as the application element 6c in FIG. 7, with the exception that the applicator member 8d consists of an elastomeric foam disc with semi-open cells. Advantageously, this disc has a diameter from about 20 mm to about 35 mm.

This application element is particularly suitable for making up eyelids. When combined with a make-up box comprising several products of different shade. The user can reserve for each shade a different angular sector of the disc, thus avoiding mixing the different nuances on the application organ.

FIG. 9 represents an application element 6e comprising a member 8e application in the form of a loop in the shape of "U". The extremities loops of the loop are fixed on two opposite ends of the support 7, by example by gluing or clamping. The loop consists of a core formed by two twisted metal wires squeezing together a multitude of fine fibers, like a bottle brush. Such an application element can be used, in particular for eyelash makeup. For this purpose, the shape of the loop can be adapted to the form of eyelash implantation.

The applicator element 6f shown in FIG. 10 comprises an elongated support 7, provided with two rows of holes, in each hole being implanted a tuft of bristles. These rows of bristles can be straight. In this case, in combination with relatively flexible bristles, for example Nylon bristle diameter of about 3/100 ^th mm to about 6/100 ^th of a millimeter, an applicator is obtained for a make-up powder. Alternatively, where the tufts are arranged in curved lines, in combination with stiffer bristles, such as bristle diameter of 7/100 ^th mm to 13/100 ^of a millimeter, there is obtained a mascara applicator for makeup Eyelash. In this case, it is advantageous to cut the free ends of the bristles to give the applicator member a concave shape.

Figure 11 shows an application element 8g intended for the application of a product of makeup on the eyelids. This application element comprises a support 7, provided in its center with a rod 7a carrying an elongated application nozzle 8g, having a form of revolution. This tip is made of foam semi-open cell elastomeric. This tip can be provided with a flocking. It is understood that the rod 7a can be a telescopic rod, mounted on a spring so as to be retracted into the gripping member, or in the corresponding housing of the housing.

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate an application element 6h comprising a member 8h application pivotally mounted on a support 7. The 8h application member comprises a rod 9, a first end 9a of which receives a pivot 9b engaged between two parallel branches 7a of the support 7. The second end 9c of the rod 9 is provided with a flocking. In the rest position, the rod is folded towards the gripping member 10, as illustrated in FIG. 12. To position the applicator member in the use position, shown in FIG. 13, the rod is rotated about 90 °. In this position, easy make-up, around the eyes for example can be performed.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of particular realization of the invention. It is obvious that variants may exist there. be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (14)

Housing (1) intended to contain a product (P) comprising a bottom (2), a cover (4) pivotally mounted on the bottom around an axis (X) and an element application (6), for the application of said product on a support, said element application consisting of an application member (8) integral with a member of grip (10), characterized in that the cover consists of two portions, a first portion (12) articulated with the bottom (2) and a second portion, removably mounted on said first portion, said first portion being such that in the closed position of the cover, it covers only one part (2a) of said bottom (2), said second portion being formed, at least partially, by said gripping member (10). Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom (2) defines a first housing (3) intended to receive the product (P) presented in the form of a powder or paste, this housing being located, in the closed position of the housing, in look of the gripping member (10). Housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bottom (2) comprises means (14) capable of locking, in the closed position of the housing, the application element (6) on said first portion (12). Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) comprises suitable locking / opening means (16) to cooperate, in the closed position of the housing, with additional means (18) carried by said application element (6). Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second portion (10), at least partially, is transparent, so as to view, in the closed position of the case, the product (P). Housing according to claim 5, characterized in that the second portion (10) comprises an area (20) having the shape of a magnifying glass making it possible to view the product (P). Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (12) of the cover defines a second housing (22) in which is arranged a mirror (24). Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (7) are provided for the removable mounting of the element application (6) on said first portion. Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first portion (12) of the cover is provided with a housing (26) able to receive said applicator member (8). Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping member (10) extends substantially over the entire width of the case. Housing according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that housing (26) comprises latching means (28) cooperating with means complementary snap carried by the gripping member (10). Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator member (8, 8a-8h) is a brush, a puff, a end cap made of elastomer, foam or non-woven material, with or without a flocking. Housing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application member (8c, 8d) is circular in shape, and is mounted free in rotation on the gripping member. Use of a housing according to any one of the claims previous, for the conditioning of a make-up, a foundation, a shade to eyelids, of a mascara composition.

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