US20070235056A1

US20070235056A1 - Case Dispenser For Cosmetic Products

Info

Publication number: US20070235056A1
Application number: US11/671,898
Authority: US
Inventors: Anne Vintimiglia; Fabrice Dieudonat
Original assignee: Alcan Packaging Beauty Services SAS
Current assignee: Albea Services SAS
Priority date: 2006-02-07
Filing date: 2007-02-06
Publication date: 2007-10-11
Also published as: FR2896964A1; FR2896964B1

Abstract

The case 1 comprises a cover 2 provided with a first hinge member 20, the cover comprising a so-called upper panel 21, a bottom 3 provided with a second hinge member 30, bottom 3 comprising a lower panel 31, a hinge 4 for case 1 formed by interaction of first 20 and second 30 hinge members, a clasp 5, the cover 2 defining a cavity typically comprising a mirror and bottom 3 defining a cavity adapted to contain at least one cosmetic product. It is characterized in that:

- a) the upper 21 and lower 31 panels comprise upper 211 and lower 311 full bodied portions, and upper 210 and lower 310 hollowed portions, the upper 210 and lower 310 hollowed portions being opposite one another in a manner to delineate an axially extending space 11.
- b) a so-called secondary case 6 is disposed in the axially extending space (11). Advantages: this case makes it possible to dispose an inert and air stable cosmetic product, with a cosmetic product comprising a volatile component.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The Application claims priority to French Application No. FR 0601048, filed Feb. 7, 2006.
The invention concerns the field of dispensers for cosmetic products, and typically that of case dispensers for cosmetic products, such as powders for face care.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, these cases typically comprise:

- a hollowed cover generally provided with an interior mirror;
- a hollowed bottom, typically provided with a grid or intermediate support for at least one bowl adapted to receive said cosmetic product,
- a hinge, defining a connecting member between said cover and said bottom, allowing for the articulation of said cover and the opening of said case,
- a clasp or any means for locking and unlocking said cover with respect to said bottom, so as to provide for the opening and the closing of said case. Such a clasp is typically provided with a push button. This clasp, which is located opposite the hinge of the case, is normally formed by interaction of a clasping member of the cover with a clasping member of the bottom or of the grid that is fixed to the bottom, so as to make sure that the case will remain closed except in the case of unintentional opening.

A very large number of embodiments of case dispensers are known, which can be concerned with one or more of the components of the case, such as the clasp or the means for opening the case.
Thus, with respect to patents in the name of the Applicant, the following may be mentioned:

- FR Patent 2 661 080 which describes a compact make-up case provided with a clasp of little encumber,
- FR Patent 2 725 958 which relates to a case with jointed clasp with opening assistance,
- FR Patent 2 737 192 which describes a case with pivoting cover provided with a link having flexible legs,
- FR Patent 2 755 352 which describes a case with assisted opening,
- FR Patent 2 755 353 which describes a case with an unlocking and pre-opening push button,
- and FR Patent 2 794 723 which describes a case with improved pre-opening.

PROBLEMS RAISED

The problems raised are of various types.
Indeed, on the one hand, since case dispensers are intended to be carried by those who use cosmetic products, for example in the morning before leaving for work, each consumer must adapt the content of the case depending for example on the type of make-up or the make-up shade that is selected for the day, bearing in mind in particular the color of the clothes which are worn on that particular day by said consumer.
On the other hand, in view of the diversity of cosmetic products that are required for make-up, and also in view of the necessity to perfect the make-up during the day, it appears advantageous for the consumers to be able to combine in a same dispenser, cosmetic products which are different, for example in nature, and possibly also in shade.
In addition, bearing in mind the changes in formulations of cosmetic products, and also in view of what precedes, it may be necessary to provide for the simultaneous presence, in a same dispenser, of a cosmetic product that is inert and stable in air, together with a cosmetic product comprising for example a volatile component or a component that is sensitive to air.
Finally, in the field of dispensers for cosmetic products, as in the field directed to cases, there is a permanent necessity to renew the supply of products to customers, and this, not only by modifying the appearance, but also and mainly by bringing in new technical solutions to the practical problems raised by the dispensers of the state of the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, the case dispenser for cosmetic products comprises a cover provided with a first hinge member, said cover comprising a so-called upper panel and a so-called upper lateral wall, a bottom provided with a second hinge member, said bottom comprising a so-called lower panel and a so-called lower lateral wall, a hinge of said case formed by interaction of said first and second hinge members in order to allow for a rotation of the cover with respect to said bottom according to a rotation axis, a clasp or any means for locking and unlocking said cover with respect to said bottom formed by interaction of a first clasping member, typically a locking hook, fixedly mounted on said cover and on a second clasping member that is fixedly mounted on said bottom and typically comprising a nose adapted to interact with said hook, said cover defining a cavity typically comprising at least one mirror and said bottom defining a cavity adapted to contain at one cosmetic product or at least one bowl containing said cosmetic product, said case possibly comprising an applicator for said cosmetic product.
Said case is characterized in that:

a) said upper and lower panels comprise so-called respective upper and lower full bodied portions, and so-called respective upper and lower hollowed portions, said upper and lower hollowed portions being opposite one another so as to delineate an axially extending space according to an axial direction of said case dispenser, said axial direction being perpendicular to the middle plane of said upper and lower panels,
b) a so-called secondary case is disposed in said axially extending space, said secondary case being axially blocked between said upper and lower panels, at least when said case dispenser is closed, said case thus comprising a main cavity formed between said upper and lower full bodied portions, and a secondary cavity formed by said secondary case that is distinct from said main cavity.

This case makes it possible to solve the problems raised.
Indeed, on the one hand, it allows any consumer of cosmetic products to adapt the content of the case depending for example on the type of make-up or shade of the make-up that is selected for the day, bearing in mind in particular the color of the clothes worn that particular day by said consumer.
On the other hand, it allows one to combine in a same dispenser, cosmetic products that are different for example through their nature, and possibly also through their shade.
In addition, it makes it possible to provide for the simultaneous presence of a cosmetic product that is inert and stable in the air, with a cosmetic product comprising for example a volatile component or an air sensitive component.
Finally, it makes it possible to renew the supply of products to the customers, and this, not only by modifying the appearance, but also and mainly by bringing in new technical solutions to the practical problems raised by the dispensers of the state of the art.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

All the Figures relate to the invention.
FIGS. 1 a to 5 relate to a same type of case 1 having substantially square cross-section.
FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of the case 1 in opened position, the cover 2 of the case 1 being opened, and the secondary case 6, fixed to the bottom 3, also being opened.
FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of the primary case 14, in opened position and without the secondary case 6, said primary case 14 being formed by assembling the cover 2 and the bottom 3 by means of a hinge 4.
FIG. 1 c is a perspective view of the secondary case 6, the secondary cover 60 being opened.
FIG. 2 a is a view from the top of the case 1 as opened at 180°, comprising a plurality of cosmetic products 15 and applicators 9.
FIG. 2 b is a view from the top of the case 1 in closed position.
FIG. 3 a corresponds to FIG. 2 a, however it is lacking the plurality of cosmetic products 15 and applicators 9.
FIG. 3 b is a front view of the case 1 in closed position.
FIG. 3 c is a side view of the case 1 in closed position.
FIG. 3 d is a cross-section, taken along plane D-D of FIG. 3 a, of the case 1 of FIG. 3 a, except that it is closed.
FIG. 3 e is a cross-section, taken along plane E-E of FIG. 3 a, of the case 1 of FIG. 3 a, except that it is closed.
FIG. 3 f is a cross-section, taken along transverse plane F-F of FIG. 3 a, of the case 1 of FIG. 3 a, except that it is closed.
FIG. 3 g, which is similar to FIG. 3 f after removal of the cover 2, illustrates the typically reversible axial displacement of the secondary case 6.
FIG. 3 h is an enlarged view of the right part of FIG. 3 e.
FIG. 3 i is similar to FIG. 3 e, except that the cover 2 is opened at 180°, and the secondary cover 60 is also opened at 180°.
FIGS. 4 a to 4 d relate to the cover 2.
FIG. 4 a is a view from the top.
FIG. 4 b is a cross-section taken along plane B-B of FIG. 4 a.
FIG. 4 c is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 4 b that is surrounded with a circle C.
FIG. 4 d is a rear view of the cover 2.
FIG. 5 a is a top view of the bottom 3.
FIG. 5 b is a view from underneath the bottom 3, in the case where there is provided a monitor for the first opening 13 comprising a member 13′ which adheres to the secondary bottom 61 and to the lower panel 31, and which is provided with a weakening line 130 formed with bridges 131 between a central portion 132 that is fixed to the secondary bottom 61 and a peripheral portion 133 that is fixed to the lower full bodied portion 311 of the lower panel 31, the weakening line 130 being opposite the periphery of secondary bottom 61, so as to cause its rupture by any relative axial displacement of the secondary case 6 with respect to the bottom 3.
FIGS. 6 a to 6 c relate to a case 1 of circular cross-section in a horizontal sustentation plane, but not of substantially square cross-section as in the case of the preceding Figures, this case 1 comprising a secondary case 6 of square cross-section.
FIG. 6 a is a top view of the case 1 in closed position.
FIG. 6 b is a front view of the case 1 in closed position.
FIG. 6 c is a schematic illustration of a lateral perspective view of the case 1 when opened at 60°.
FIGS. 7 a to 7 c are similar to FIGS. 6 a to 6 c and relate to a case 1 comprising a secondary case 6 of circular cross-section, but not of square cross-section as in the case of FIGS. 6 a to 6 c.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 b and 1 c, the secondary case 6 may comprise a so-called secondary cover 60 and a so-called secondary bottom 61, the secondary cover 60 being adapted to interact with the upper hollowed portion 210, so that when case 1 is closed, the upper panel 21 and the secondary cover 60 typically define a continuous surface, the secondary cover 60 then typically being kept closed by cover 2, in a typically impervious manner, secondary bottom 61 interacting with the lower hollowed portion 310, the secondary bottom 61 and the lower panel 31 typically defining a continuous surface.
According to the invention, the upper 21 and lower 31 panels may typically be flat panels, of a surface S ranging from 70 to 150 cm², including hollowed upper 210 and lower 310 portions.
The upper 211 and lower 311 full bodied portions may define a surface S′ ranging from 60 to 130 cm²and the upper 210 and lower 310 hollowed portions define a surface S″ ranging from 5 to 20 cm², in a manner that the ratio between the volumes of the main 12 and secondary 64 cavities, corresponding substantially to the ratio S′/S″, varies from 3 to 25, and preferably from 5 to 15, and is typically in the neighborhood of 10.
By way of example, the substantially square case 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 a to 5 a have sides measuring 9.7 cm and 10.2 cm and therefore have a surface S that is equal to 9.7×10.2=98.9 cm².
Preferably, the upper 210 and lower 310 hollowed portions may be disposed centrally with respect to upper 21 and lower 31 panels, the main cavity 12 thus surrounding the secondary cavity 64.
The case according to the invention may have a thickness E, which is equal to the sum of the thicknesses Ec and EF of the cover and bottom, thickness E ranging from 8 mm to 16 mm, so as to have a very flat case with a ratio S/E²which is at least equal to 8, and typically higher than 30, and even 50.
According to the invention, the secondary cover 60 may be provided with a first secondary hinge member 600, the secondary cover 60 comprising a secondary so-called upper panel 601 and, possibly, a secondary so-called upper lateral wall 602, and the secondary bottom 61 may be provided with a second secondary hinge member 610, the secondary bottom 61 comprising a so-called lower secondary panel 611 and a so-called lower secondary lateral wall 612, a secondary hinge 62 of the secondary case 6 being formed by interaction of the first 600 and second 610 secondary hinge members in order to allow for a rotation of the secondary cover 60 with respect to the secondary bottom 61 according to a so-called secondary axis of rotation 620, the secondary axis of rotation 620 being typically parallel to the axis of rotation 40, the secondary case possibly comprising a secondary clasp 63 or a means for locking and unlocking the secondary cover 60 with respect to the secondary bottom 61. However, the secondary case 6 may be formed with a single-piece molded member, the secondary hinge 62 then being formed with a thinned out and flexible portion fixedly connecting the secondary cover 60 and the secondary bottom 61 and thereby forming first 600 and second 61 secondary hinge members.
As illustrated in FIG. 3 i, the lower full bodied portion 311 of bottom 3 may be provided, along the perimeter of lower hollowed portion 310, with an axial flange 35, the lower axial flange 35 typically having the same axial height as the lower lateral wall 32, in a manner that bottom 3 has a so-called upper flat surface 36, in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to axial direction 10, typically in the horizontal plane 16 defining the junctions between cover 2 and bottom 3.
The upper full bodied portion 211 of cover 2 may provide, along the perimeter of the upper hollowed portion 210 an upper axial flange 25, the upper axial flange 25 typically having the same axial height as the upper lateral wall 22, in a manner that cover 2 defines a so-called lower flat surface 26 in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to axial direction 10, typically in the horizontal plane 16 defining the junction between cover 2 and bottom 3.
In addition, it may be advantageous, for example on an esthetic point of view, to have a cover 2 comprising a plurality of mirrors 7 and in which the upper axial flange 25, the upper lateral wall 22 and the plurality of mirrors 7 are altogether leveled in a same plane and in a horizontal plane 16. In this case, the cover presents no dead angle that would hold dust, and on the other hand, it would then be extremely easy to clean the plurality of mirrors 7.
As can be seen on FIG. 3 e, the upper axial flange 25 may provide a tapered axial border 250, typically in the form of a truncated pyramid when the secondary case 6 has a square shape, cover 2 thus interacting with the secondary cover 60 of the secondary case 6 only at the end of the closing operation of cover 2, in a manner that the secondary cover 60 does not prevent the opening/closing of cover 2.
The case according to the invention may have a circular or oval or square or rectangular shape, the shape of the case corresponding to the larger transverse cross-section of the case or to the perimeter of an orthogonal projection according to axial direction 10 of the case in a horizontal plane.
By way of example, FIGS. 1 a to 5 b illustrate the case of a case 1 of substantially square shape, and FIGS. 6 a to 6 c illustrate the case of a circular case.
Typically, the secondary case 6 may be disposed centrally with respect to case 1, the secondary case 6 and case 1 having substantially a same axis of symmetry of rotation 10′, S, in the axial direction 10, the upper secondary panel 601 having a reduced homothetic shape of upper panel 21, and, also, lower secondary panel 611 having a reduced homothetic shape of lower panel 31. Thus, in the Figures which illustrate the invention, the secondary case 6 is substantially centrally disposed with respect to case 1 and therefore with respect to primary case 14 formed by assembling cover 2 and bottom 3. However, it may be preferable, for example to personalize the case, to have a secondary case 6 that is off centered with respect to the axis of symmetry 10′ of the primary case 14.
According to the invention, the main cavity 12 may comprise an upper main cavity 24 formed opposite the upper full bodied portion 211 of the cover, and a lower main cavity 34 formed opposite the lower full bodied portion 311.
However, more often, the main cavity will comprise mainly or exclusively only lower main cavity 34.
When there is an upper main cavity 24, it may serve to dispose at least partially therein at least one applicator 9.
As illustrated for example in FIGS. 1 b and 3 a, lower main cavity 34 may comprise a plurality of N lower secondary cavities 340, two lower secondary adjoining cavities 340 being separated by a lower axial projection or wall 341, upper main cavity 24 possibly comprising a plurality of N′ upper secondary cavities 240 two upper secondary adjoining cavities 240 being separated by an upper axial projection 241, lower axial projection or wall 341 axially extending from lower panel 34 typically until reaching flat upper surface 36 of bottom 3, the upper axial projection or wall 241 extending from the upper panel 21 typically until reaching lower flat surface 26 of the cover, in the case where the upper main cavity 24 comprises a plurality of N′ upper secondary cavities 240.
According to the invention, the case may be of square shape with side L varying from 8 cm to 11 cm, the secondary case 6 constituting a square wherein side 1 ranges from 2.5 cm to 5 cm, the ratio L/l, typically varying from 2 to 4.
As illustrated in FIG. 1 b or 3 a, the lower main cavity 34 may comprise 4 lower secondary cavities 340 which are identical in dimension or storage capacity, and which are disposed according to a symmetry of rotation of the order of 4 referred to as S₄, with respect to the symmetry of rotation S, two lower secondary adjoining cavities 340 being superposable through a rotation of 360°/4 about the axis of symmetry of rotation 10′, each lower axial projection or wall 341 being formed by an extension of a side of lower axial flange 35, lower axial flange 35 in this case, defining a square whose side is substantially equal to 1, in a manner to be provided with two lower secondary cavities 340′ which are longitudinally oriented to be parallel to the axis of rotation 40 of hinge 4, and two lower secondary cavities 340′ which are longitudinally oriented to be perpendicular to the axis of rotation 40 of hinge 4.
The upper main cavity 24 may comprise four upper secondary cavities 240 which are identical in dimension or storage capacity, are of rectangular shape and are disposed according to a symmetry of rotation of the order of 4 referred to as S₄with respect to the axis of symmetry of rotation S, two upper secondary adjoining cavities 240 being superposable through a rotation of 360°/4 around the axis of symmetry of rotation 10′, each upper axial projection or wall 241 being formed by an extension of one side of the upper axial flange 25, the upper axial flange 25 in this case defining a square whose side is substantially equal to 1, thereby providing two upper secondary cavities 240′ which are longitudinally oriented parallel to the axis of rotation 40 of hinge 4, and two upper secondary cavities 240″ longitudinally oriented perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 40 of hinge 4.
As illustrated in FIG. 3 g, the secondary bottom 61 of secondary case 6 may comprise a bearing edge 65 defining a lateral projection which interacts with bottom 3, typically with lower axial flange 35 of the bottom, thereby causing secondary case 6 to be axially blocked in extending space 11, in particular when case 1 is closed.
According to the invention, the secondary case 6 may interact, typically through an axial snapping mechanism, with bottom 3, a manual pressure made on the secondary case 6, and typically on the secondary bottom 61 when case 1 is opened, being sufficient to separate the secondary case 6 from bottom 3, the secondary case 6 then being a removable case.
As illustrated in FIG. 3 g, the secondary case 6 may interact with bottom 3 in a manner to permit, through a manual pressure exerted under the secondary case 6, typically against the secondary bottom 61 and typically against lower secondary panel 611, an axial displacement or an increase of the axial height ΔH of the secondary case 6 with respect to bottom 3, thereby allowing the secondary cover 60 to open, a reverse pressure, typically manual, exerted on the secondary case 6 leading to a reverse axial displacement of the secondary case 6 with respect to bottom 3.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 g and 3 h, cover 2 and secondary cover 60 may have axial heights respectively referred to as H1 _cand H2 _cwhich are typically close to one another, in a manner that the secondary case 6 may be opened manually, either when cover 2 is opened, or when secondary case 6 is raised by said axial height ΔH which is at least equal to H1 _c.
According to a variant, cover 2 and secondary cover 60 may have axial heights referred to respectively as H1 _cand H2 _csuch that H1 _c>H2 _c, thereby allowing the secondary case 6 to possibly be opened manually, either when cover 2 is opened, or when secondary case 6 is raised by axial height ΔH which is at least equal to H1 _c.
According to another variant, cover 2 and secondary cover 60 may have axial heights respectively referred to as H1 _cand H2 _csuch that H1 _c<H2 _c, in a manner that the secondary case 6 can only be manually opened, when cover 2 is opened, and after secondary case 6 is raised by axial height ΔH which is at least equal to the difference H2 _c−H1 _c.
Advantageously, a monitor of first opening 13 may be fixed to the secondary bottom 61 as well as to the lower panel 31, in a manner that the axial displacement causes a visible break of the monitor, thereby defining a means to ensure the integrity of the content of the secondary case 6.
As illustrated in FIG. 5 b, the monitor of first opening 13 may comprise a member 13′ which adheres to secondary bottom 61 and to lower panel 31, and is provided with a weakening line 130 formed of bridges 131 between a central portion 132 fixed to secondary bottom 61 and a peripheral portion 133 fixed to lower full bodied portion 311 of lower panel 31, the weakening line 130 being opposite the periphery of secondary bottom 61, so as to cause a break therein as a result of any relative axial displacement of the secondary case 6 with respect to bottom 3.
At least one mirror 7 may be disposed in one of the two upper secondary cavities 240″ which are longitudinally oriented to be perpendicular to the axis of rotation 40 of hinge 4, or in a bowl 8 disposed in the upper secondary cavity 240″.
As can be seen in FIGS. 1 b and 3 a, cover 2 may comprise four mirrors 7. As illustrated in FIG. 3 h, each of these mirrors 7 may be disposed in a bowl 8 located in the upper cavity and sealed or welded to cover 2. In the same manner, bowl 8 or applicator 9 may be disposed in at least one of the lower secondary cavities 340, each bowl 8 being adapted to contain one of the cosmetic products, or an applicator 9 adapted for this cosmetic product, bowl 8 having a useful storage capacity typically ranging from 3 to 6 cm³.
As illustrated in FIG. 3 a, a plurality of n small bowls 8′, in which n ranges from 2 to 4, and is typically equal to 3, may be disposed in at least one of the lower secondary cavities 340, thereby allowing to have for example a choice of colors for cosmetic products, small bowl 8 having a useful volume ranging from 1 to 3 cm³.
Eventually, bowl 8 or applicator 9 may be disposed in at least one of the upper secondary cavities 240, bowl 8 being adapted to contain a cosmetic product, or possibly applicator 9, the upper secondary cavities 240 having a depth which is typically twice less than those of the lower secondary cavities 340.
According to the invention, the cosmetic product that may be contained in case 1 may include at least one cosmetic product in the form of agglomerate powder or paste, which may be present in main cavity 12 and typically also in secondary cavity 64.
In case 1 according to the invention, cover 2 and bottom 3 may be molded articles of thermoplastic material, typically of ABS, SAN or of PMMA, the molded articles being either colored, typically in the mass, or transparent.
According to the invention, each bowl 8 and/or the plurality of small bowls 8′ may be bowls that are fixed to bottom 3 or to the cover, through a fixation means selected from snapping, gluing, welding, typically by welding with ultrasonic waves, in a manner to obtain a virtually invisible bond, bowl 8, 8′ being typically made of metal or consisting of another molded article typically formed with a material capable of being welded to the material of case 2, 3 serving as support, typically by means of a weld obtained with ultrasonic waves.
Each bowl 8 may define a molded member of colored plastic material, typically colored in the mass and non transparent, bottom 3 and the cover being formed of a transparent molded plastic material.
The secondary case 6 may be made of at least one molded member of plastic material, which is transparent or not transparent, and of a color that is identical to or different from that of cover 2 or bottom 3.
According to a variant of the invention, when case 1 is closed, an axial compression may be exerted on the secondary cover 60 and on the secondary bottom 61 of the secondary case 6, by means of cover 2 and bottom 3 of case 1, in a manner that the secondary case 6 is sealingly closed, the secondary case 6 thus being capable of receiving a formulation of a cosmetic product comprising a volatile component.
The case according to the invention may comprise at least one of the following cosmetic products: cheek rouge, eye shadow, lipstick, make-up foundation, etc . . . , the products being in solid, or semi-solid or pasty state, the case possibly comprising an applicator 9 that is specific for each type of cosmetic product.
According to the invention, the bowls 8, 8′ may be made of ABS, cover 2 and bottom 3 being made of SAN.

EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

Case 1, substantially square according to FIGS. 1 a to 5 b, with sides about 10 cm, and 1.2 cm thick when closed, was made.
To achieve this, cover 2 and bottom 3 were made by molding with SAN.
A plurality of bowls 8, 8′ were made and the bowls were assembled with cover 2 and bottom 3 by welding with ultrasonic waves.
Mirrors 7 were glued in the bowls of cover 2.
Separately, the secondary case 6 was made and it was snapped in the hollowed portion of bottom 3.
Then, cover 2 and bottom 3 thus obtained were assembled together by forming hinge 4 of case 1.
A similar case (1) of circular shape according to FIGS. 6 a to 6 c, and according to FIGS. 7 a to 7 c, was also made.

LIST OF PARTS

Case dispenser . . . 1
- Axial direction of 1 perpendicular to 21, 31 . . . 10
- Axis of symmetry of rotation S . . . 1′
- Axial transverse space . . . 11
  - Upper portion of cover 2 . . . 110
  - Lower portion of bottom 3 . . . 111
- Main cavity formed between 211 and 311 . . . 12
- Monitor of first opening . . . 13
- Molded piece . . . 13′
  - Weakening line . . . 130
  - Bridges . . . 131
  - Central portion . . . 132
  - Peripheral portion . . . 133
- Primary case=2+3 . . . 14
- Cosmetic product . . . 15
- Horizontal junction plane of 2 and 3 . . . 16
Cover . . . 2
- First hinge member 4 . . . 20
- Upper panel . . . 21
  - Upper hollowed portion of 21 . . . 210
  - Upper full bodied portion of 21 . . . 211
- Upper lateral wall . . . 22
- Clasping member 6 . . . 23
  - Locking hook . . . 230
- Upper cavity of 2 . . . 24
  - Upper secondary cavity . . . 240
  - Cavity 240 parallel to 40 . . . 240′
  - Cavity 240 perpendicular to 40 . . . 240″
  - Upper axial projection or wall . . . 241
- Upper axial flange . . . 25
  - Tapered axial border . . . 250
- Lower flat surface . . . 26
Bottom . . . 3
- Second hinge member 4 . . . 30
- Lower panel . . . 31
  - Lower hollowed portion of 31 . . . 310
  - Lower full bodied portion of 31 . . . 311
- Lower lateral wall . . . 32
- Second clasping member 6 . . . 33
  - Nose interacting with 230 . . . 330
- Lower cavity . . . 34
  - Lower secondary cavity . . . 340
  - Cavity 340 parallel to 40 . . . 340′
  - Cavity 340 perpendicular to 40 . . . 340″
  - Lower axial projection or wall . . . 341
- Lower axial flange . . . 35
- Upper flat surface of 32 and 35 . . . 36
Hinge of 14=20+30 . . . 4
- Axis of rotation . . . 40
Clasp of 14=23+33 . . . 5
Secondary case . . . 6
- Secondary cover . . . 60
  - First secondary hinge member . . . 600
  - Upper secondary panel . . . 601
  - Upper secondary lateral wall . . . 602
  - Secondary bottom . . . 61
  - Second secondary hinge member . . . 610
  - Lower secondary panel . . . 611
  - Lower secondary lateral wall . . . 612
- Secondary hinge=600+610 . . . 62
  - Secondary axis of rotation . . . 620
- Secondary clasp . . . 63
- Secondary cavity . . . 64
- Bearing border on 35 of 612 . . . 65
Mirror . . . 7
Bowl . . . 8
Small bowl . . . 8′
Applicator . . . 9

Claims

1. Case dispenser for cosmetic products (1) comprising a cover (2) provided with a first hinge member (20), said cover comprising a so-called upper panel (21) and a so-called upper lateral wall (22), a bottom (3) provided with a second hinge member (30), said bottom (3) comprising a so-called lower panel (31) and a so-called lower lateral wall (32), a hinge (4) of said case (1) formed by interaction of said first (20) and second (30) hinge members in order to allow for a rotation of the cover (2) with respect to said bottom (3) according to a rotation axis (40), a clasp (5) or any means for locking and unlocking said cover (2) with respect to said bottom (3) formed by interaction of a first clasping member (23), typically a locking hook (230), fixedly mounted on said cover (2) and on a second clasping member (33) that is fixedly mounted on said bottom (3) and typically comprising a nose (330) adapted to interact with said hook (230), said cover (2) defining a cavity typically comprising at least one mirror and said bottom (3) defining a cavity adapted to contain at least one cosmetic product or at least one bowl (8) containing said cosmetic product, said case (1) possibly comprising an applicator (9) for said cosmetic product, the improvement comprising:

a) said upper (21) and lower (31) panels comprise so-called respective upper (211) and lower (311) full bodied portions, and so-called respective upper (210) and lower (310) hollowed portions, said upper (210) and lower (310) hollowed portions being opposite one another so as to delineate an axially extending space (11) according to an axial direction (10) of said case dispenser, said axial direction (10) being perpendicular to the middle plane of said upper (21) and lower (31) panels,

b) a so-called secondary case (6) is disposed in said axially extending space (11), said secondary case (6) being axially blocked between said upper (21) and lower (31) panels, at least when said case dispenser (1) is closed, said case (1) thus comprising a main cavity (12) formed between said upper (211) and lower (311) full bodied portions, and a secondary cavity (64) formed by said secondary case (6), that is distinct from said main cavity (12).

2. Case according to claim 1 in which said secondary case (6) comprises a so-called secondary cover (60) and a so-called secondary bottom (61), said secondary cover (60) being adapted to interact with said upper hollowed portion (210), so that when said case (1) is closed, said upper panel (21) and said secondary cover (60) typically define a continuous surface, said secondary cover (60) then typically being kept closed by said cover (2) in a typically impervious manner, said secondary bottom (61) interacting with said lower hollowed portion (310), said secondary bottom (61) and said lower panel (31) typically defining a continuous surface.

3. Case according to claim 2 in which said upper (21) and lower (31) panels are typically flat panels, of a surface S ranging from 70 to 150 cm², including hollowed upper (210) and lower (310) portions.

4. Case according to claim 3 in which said upper (211) and lower (311) full bodied parts define a surface S′ ranging from 60 to 130 cm²and said upper (210) and lower (310) hollowed parts define a surface S″ ranging from 5 to 202 cm, in a manner that the ratio between the volumes of said main (12) and secondary (64) cavities, corresponding substantially to the ratio S′/S″, varies from 3 to 25, and preferably from 5 to 15, and is typically in the neighborhood of 10.

5. Case according to claim 4, in which the upper (210) and lower (310) hollowed parts are disposed centrally with respect to said upper (21) and lower (31) panels, said main cavity (12) thus surrounding said secondary cavity (64).

6. Case according to claim 1, having a thickness E, which is equal to the sum of the thicknesses Ec and EF of said cover and said bottom, said thickness E ranging from 8 mm to 16 mm, in a manner to have a very flat case with a ratio S/E²which is at least equal to 8, and typically higher than 30, and even 50.

7. Case according to claim 2, in which said secondary cover (60) is provided with a first secondary hinge member (600), said secondary cover (60) comprising a secondary so-called upper panel (601) and, possibly, a secondary so-called upper lateral wall (602), and said secondary bottom (61) is provided with a second secondary hinge member (610), said secondary bottom (61) comprising a so-called lower secondary panel (611) and a so-called lower secondary lateral wall (612), a secondary hinge (62) of said secondary case (6) being formed by interaction of said first (600) and second (610) secondary hinge members in order to allow for a rotation of the secondary cover (60) with respect to said secondary bottom (61) according to a so-called secondary axis of rotation (620), said secondary axis of rotation (620) being typically parallel to said axis of rotation (40), said secondary case possibly comprising a secondary clasp (63) or a means for locking and unlocking said secondary cover (60) with respect to said secondary bottom (61).

8. Case according to claim 1 in which said lower full bodied part (311) of said bottom (3) is provided, along the perimeter of said lower hollowed portion (310), with an axial flange (35), said lower axial flange (35) typically having the same axial height as said lower lateral wall (32), in a manner that said bottom (3) has a so-called upper flat surface (36) in a horizontal plane (16) that is perpendicular to said axial direction (10).

9. Case according to claim 1 in which said upper full bodied portion (211) of said cover 2 is provided, along the perimeter of said upper hollowed portion (210), with an upper axial flange (25), said upper axial flange (25) typically having the same axial height as said upper lateral wall (22), in a manner that said cover (2) has a so-called lower flat surface (26) in a horizontal plane (16) that is perpendicular to said axial direction (20).

10. Case according to claim 9 in which said upper axial flange (25) has a tapered axial border (250), typically in the form of a truncated pyramid when said secondary case (6) has a square shape, said cover (2) thus interacting with said secondary cover (60) of said secondary case (6) only at the end of the closing operation of said cover (2), in a manner that said secondary cover (60) does not prevent the opening/closing of said cover (2).

11. Case according to claim 1 of a circular or oval or square or rectangular shape, said shape of said case corresponding to the larger transverse cross-section of said case or to the perimeter of an orthogonal projection according to said axial direction (10) of said case in a horizontal plane.

12. Case according to claim 1 in which said secondary case (6) is centrally disposed with respect to said case (1), said secondary case (6) and said case (1) having substantially a same axis of symmetry of rotation (10′) S in said axial direction (10), said upper secondary panel (601) having a reduced homothetic shape of said upper panel (21), and, also, said lower secondary panel (611) having a reduced homothetic shape of said lower panel (31).

13. Case according to claim 1 in which said main cavity (12) comprises an upper main cavity (24) formed opposite said upper full bodied portion (211) of said cover, and a lower main cavity (34) formed opposite said lower full bodied portion (311).

14. Case according to claim 13 in which said lower main cavity (34) comprises a plurality of N lower secondary cavities (340), two lower secondary adjoining cavities (340) being separated by a lower axial projection or wall (341), said upper main cavity (24) possibly comprising a plurality of N′ upper secondary cavities (240), two upper secondary adjoining cavities (240) being separated by an upper axial projection (241), said lower axial projection or wall (341) axially extending from said lower panel (34) typically until reaching said flat upper surface (36) of said bottom (3), said upper axial projection or wall (241) extending from said upper panel (21) typically until reaching said lower flat surface (26) of said cover, in the case where said upper main cavity (24) comprises a plurality of N′ upper secondary cavities (240).

15. Case according to claim 14 of square shape with side L varying from 8 cm to 11 cm, said secondary case (6) constituting a square wherein side 1 ranges from 2.5 cm to 5 cm, the ratio L/l typically varying from 2 to 4.

16. Case according to claim 15 in which said lower main cavity (34) comprises 4 lower secondary cavities (340) which are identical in dimension or storage capacity, and which are disposed according to a symmetry of rotation of the order of 4 referred to as S₄, with respect to said symmetry of rotation S, two lower secondary adjoining cavities (340) being superposable through a rotation of 360°/4 about said axis of symmetry of rotation (10′), each lower axial projection or wall (341) being formed by an extension of a side of said lower axial flange (35), said lower axial flange (35), in this case, defining a square whose side is substantially equal to 1, in a manner to be provided with two lower secondary cavities (340′) which are longitudinally oriented to be parallel to said axis of rotation (40) of said hinge (4), and two lower secondary cavities (240′) which are longitudinally oriented to be perpendicular to said axis of rotation (40) of said hinge (4).

17. Case according to claim 16 in which said upper main cavity (24) comprises 4 upper secondary cavities (240) which are identical in dimension or storage capacity, are of rectangular shape and are disposed according to a symmetry of rotation of the order of 4 referred to as S₄with respect to said axis of symmetry of rotation S, two upper secondary adjoining cavities (240) being superposable through a rotation of 360°/4 around said axis of symmetry of rotation (10′), each upper axial projection or wall (241) being formed by an extension of one side of said upper axial flange (25), said upper axial flange (25) in this case defining a square whose side is substantially equal to 1, thereby providing two upper secondary cavities (240′) which are longitudinally oriented parallel to said axis of rotation (40) of said hinge (4), and two upper secondary cavities (240″) longitudinally oriented perpendicularly to said axis of rotation (40) of said hinge (4).

18. Case according to claim 2 in which said secondary bottom (61) of said secondary case (6) comprises a bearing edge (65) defining a lateral projection which interacts with said bottom (3), typically with said lower axial flange (35) of said bottom, thereby causing said secondary case (6) to be axially blocked in said extending space (11), in particular when said case (1) is closed.

19. Case according to claim 1 in which said secondary case (6) interacts, typically through an axial snapping mechanism, with said bottom (3), a manual pressure made on said secondary case (6), and typically on said secondary bottom (61) when said case (1) is opened, being sufficient to separate said secondary case (6) from said bottom (3), said secondary case (6) then being a removable case.

20. Case according to claim 1 in which said secondary case (6) interacts with said bottom (3) in a manner to permit, through a manual pressure exerted under said secondary case (6), typically against said secondary bottom (61) and typically against said lower secondary panel (611), an axial displacement or an increase of the axial height ΔH of said secondary case (6) with respect to said bottom (3), thereby allowing said secondary cover (60) to open, a reverse pressure, typically manual, exerted on said secondary case (6) leading to a reverse axial displacement of said secondary case (6) with respect to said bottom (3).

21. Case according to claim 1 in which said cover (2) and said secondary cover (60) have an axial height respectively referred to as H1 _cand H2 _cwhich are typically close to one another, in a manner that said secondary case (6) may be opened manually, either when said cover (2) is opened, or when said secondary case (6) is raised by said axial height AH which is at least equal to Hlc.

22. Case according to claim 2 in which said cover (2) and said secondary cover (60) have axial heights referred to respectively as H1 _cand H2 _csuch that H1 _c>H2 _c, thereby allowing said secondary case (6) to be opened manually, either when said cover (2) is opened, or when said secondary case (6) is raised by said axial height ΔH which is at least equal to H1 _c.

23. Case according to claim 2 in which said cover (2) and said secondary cover (60) have an axial height respectively referred to as H1 _cand H2 _csuch that H1 _c<H2 _c, in a manner that said secondary case (6) can only be manually opened, when said cover (2) is opened, and after said secondary case (6) is raised by said axial height ΔH which is at least equal to the difference H2 _c−H1 _c.

24. Case according to claim 20 in which a monitor of first opening (13) is fixed to said secondary bottom (61) as well as to said lower panel (31), in a manner that said axial displacement causes a visible break of said monitor, thereby defining a means to ensure the integrity of the content of said secondary case (6).

25. Case according to claim 24 in which said monitor of first opening (13) may comprise a member (13′) which adheres to said secondary bottom (61) and to said lower panel (31), and provided with a weakening line (130) formed of bridges (131) between a central portion (132) fixed to said secondary bottom (61) and a peripheral portion (133) fixed to said lower full bodied portion (311) of said lower panel (31), said weakening line (130) being opposite the periphery of said secondary bottom (61), so as to cause a break therein as a result of any relative axial displacement of said secondary case (6) with respect to said bottom (3).

26. Case according to claim 25 in which at least one mirror (7) is disposed in one of the two said upper secondary cavities (240″) which are longitudinally oriented to be perpendicular to said axis of rotation (40) of said hinge (4), or in a bowl (8) disposed in said upper secondary cavity (240″).

27. Case according to claim 13 in which said bowl (8) or said applicator (9) are disposed in at least one said lower secondary cavities (340), each bowl (8) being adapted to contain one of said cosmetic products, or an applicator (9) adapted for said cosmetic product, said bowl (8) having a useful storage capacity typically ranging from 3 to 6 cm³.

28. Case according to claim 27 in which a plurality of n small bowls (8′), in which n ranges from 2 to 4, and is typically equal to 3, are disposed in at least one of said lower secondary cavities (340), thereby allowing to have for example a choice of colors for cosmetic products, said small bowl (8) having a useful volume ranging from 1 to 3 cm³.

29. Case according to claim 28 in which said bowl (8) or said applicator (9) are disposed in at least one of said upper secondary cavities (240), said bowl (8) being adapted to contain a cosmetic product, or possibly said applicator (9), said upper secondary cavities (240) having a depth which is typically twice less than those of said lower secondary cavities (340).

30. Case according to claim 1 wherein the cosmetic product that is contained in said case (1) is at least one cosmetic product in the form of agglomerate powder or paste, which is present in said main cavity (12) and typically also in said secondary cavity (64).

31. Case according to claim 1 in which said cover (2) and said bottom (3) are molded articles of thermoplastic material, typically of ABS, SAN or of PMMA, said molded articles being either colored, typically in the mass, or transparent.

32. Case according to claim 26 in which each bowl (8) and/or said plurality of small bowls (8′) are bowls that are connected to said bottom (3) or to said cover, through a fixation means selected from snapping, gluing, welding, typically by welding with ultrasonic waves, in a manner to obtain a virtually invisible bond, said bowl (8,8′) being typically made of metal or consisting of another molded article typically formed with a material capable of being welded to the material of said case (2,3) serving as support, typically by means of a weld obtained with ultrasonic waves.

33. Case according to claim 1 in which each bowl (8) defines a molded member of colored plastic material, typically colored in the mass and non transparent, said bottom (3) and said cover being formed of a transparent molded plastic material.

34. Case according to claim 1 in which said secondary case (6) is made of at least one molded member of plastic material, which is transparent or not transparent, and of a color that is identical to or different from that of said cover (2) or said bottom (3).

35. Case according to claim 1 in which, when said case (1) is closed, an axial compression is exerted on the secondary cover (60) and the secondary bottom (61) of said secondary case (6), by means of said cover (2) and said bottom (3) of said case (1), in a manner that said secondary case (6) is sealingly closed, said secondary case (6) thus being capable of receiving a formulation of a cosmetic product comprising a volatile component.

36. Case according to claim 1 comprising at least one of the following cosmetic products: cheek rouge, eye shadow, lipstick, make-up foundation, etc . . . , said products being in solid, or semi-solid or pasty state, said case possibly comprising an applicator (9) that is specific for each type of cosmetic product.

37. Case according to claim 36 in which said bowls (8, 8′) are made of ABS, said cover (2) and said bottom (3) being made of SAN.