EP0852120B1 - Container for conditioning and dispensing a product like a make-up - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a type of housing comprising a bottom, a lid, and an applicator for withdrawing a dose of product, for its application on a surface. The invention is particularly suitable for makeup products, such as foundation, lipstick, eye shadow, blush, etc. Applications in fields other than cosmetics can be envisaged, in particular in the field of pharmacy, glues, etc.

In the field of cosmetics in particular, we are constantly research of new packaging concepts, which must combine, at the same time originality, aesthetics, reliability and ease of use. In particular, the dosage and location of the product on the applicator must be as precise as possible. The cost price and the size of such boxes must also be weak as possible.

Typically, the case type makeup cases include a bottom and a hinged cover on the bottom. The bottom defines one or more recesses of way to receive the packaged product. An applicator is placed inside of the case so as to allow the withdrawal of the product for its application. Such an applicator can be in the form of a puff or a brush, which the user applies manually to the surface of the product to withdraw, so as to cause a transfer of a sufficient quantity of product on the application surface of the applicator.

A major problem with all these devices is that it is difficult to dose precisely the amount of product applied, due to the manual nature, and therefore poorly reproducible from the product withdrawal movement. So the quality of the makeup produced is substantially affected by a too much or too little application of product.

In addition, this type of case, especially when it is intended for a high product range, contains a large number of separate parts. Typically, from such cases may include a bottom, a cover, an applicator, a add-on hinge, add-on closing mechanism, cup intended to receive the product. Such cases, due to the high number of parts are costly and sometimes fragile.

US Patent 1,362,808 describes a packaging for a solid product of the type lipstick, comprising a cylindrical bottom in which a stick is mounted lipstick through a spring. A plug is mounted removable on the bottom. The cap is immovably coupled to a rod whose free end ends in an applicator member, intended, in closed position of the plug on the bottom, to be supported on the free surface of the lipstick stick, via an annular organ whose face lower has teeth. Before opening the device, the user turns the plug relative to the bottom so as to rotate the surface abrasive of the annular member on the free surface of the product, in order to detach a dose of lipstick. The product thus detached is transferred to the organ of application. The user removes the cap with its applicator and can then apply lipstick.

Such a device has many drawbacks. Indeed, its use requires many manipulations; a first manipulation to charge the applicator member, a second manipulation to open the device, and a third manipulation to extract the applicator for use. Through elsewhere, the application member is integral with one of the components of the packaging, in this case the cap, which can be detrimental to some applications. Furthermore, such a design offers no latitude in the positioning of the applicator in the housing. In particular, it limits possibilities of making a compact assembly, as well as the possibilities of facilitating the gesture of the user. Finally, the dosage of the product on the applicator is relatively imprecise, which produces poor quality makeup, not homogeneous, and poorly reproducible.

US Pat. No. 5,401,113 describes a housing for a powder type product, comprising an application member in the form of a disc, of foam by example, and whose periphery is capable of being loaded with powder for a application. The powder is deposited on the applicator, turning the casing so that the powder can flow by gravity on the disc. A cover is rotatably mounted on a bottom, so that the rotation of one relative to the other positions the loaded part of the applicator opposite of an opening of the case.

Such a case mainly suffers from a lack of flexibility and ease in its use, insofar as it is necessary to return the case to allow the loading the applicator. Furthermore, such a device is only suitable for products able to flow by gravity. Finally, by design, the housing is relatively not very compact.

Also, is it an object of the present invention to provide a housing, solving all or part of the problems discussed with reference to the the prior art.

It is in particular an object of the invention to provide a housing, of the housing type make-up, attractive aesthetic, offering great ease of use.

It is another object of the invention to provide a housing at low cost of returns and clutter.

It is yet another object of the invention to produce a housing allowing in addition to a precise dosage of the product to be applied.

Other objects of the invention will appear in detail in the description following.

According to the invention, it has been discovered that the fact of carrying out a movement of loading the application surface along or around an axis different from the axis of the applicator loading control movement, authorizes a great latitude in the arrangement of the applicator in the housing. This great latitude allows in particular the production of more compact boxes. She permits also to facilitate the use of the case, by simplifying substantially the gesture necessary for the user to take the applicator, with a view to application.

For this purpose, there is provided according to the invention, a housing comprising: a first part forming a bottom, in which is housed a product of pasty consistency or pulverulent, said product having a free surface; an applicator comprising an application member at least part of which defines an application surface, said applicator being disposed inside the housing so that the application surface is supported on the free surface of the product; a second cover portion, and mounted on the first; coupling means for, in response to a relative movement of one of the parts with respect to the other, along or around an axis A, cause relative movement between the surface of application and the free surface of the product, and the loading of product with the application surface, characterized in that the coupling means are suitable for induce a relative movement between the application surface and the free surface of the product, according to, or around an X axis, distinct from the A axis.

Advantageously, the second part is rotatably mounted on the first around axis A and the applicator is arranged along axis X, the movement between the applicator and the free surface of the product is a rotational movement around the axis of the applicator. The X axis is preferably substantially perpendicular to axis A. Other movements, preferably simple, can be implemented in the housing according to the invention. As an example, we can predict that the bottom is slidably mounted relative to the cover, the control movement of the loading then being a translational movement along an axis. We can also provide that the loading of the applicator is carried out by a translational movement along an axis, from the application surface to the surface free of product, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling means are such that the rotation of one of the parts with respect to the other, by a given angle, causes a relative rotational movement between the application surface and the free surface of the product at an angle greater than said given angle. Such a characteristic allows with a small amplitude control movement, to obtain a rotational movement between the applicator and the application surface, sufficient to allow a good loading of the applicator.

The coupling means may consist of a device of the gears. Alternatively, a pulley and belt device can be used. Such drive devices can also be used in combination with sliding or ramp mechanisms. We could also use a magnetic coupling.

Advantageously, the housing comprises opening / closing means for allow access to the applicator. Product loading from the surface application, is carried out during the opening and / or closing of the housing. This provision which consists in linking the loading of the applicator member to the opening and / or closing movement, simplifies substantial use of such a case. According to a particular embodiment, the loading of product from the application surface is carried out during opening and closing the case. Such a characteristic helps to simplify the case design.

According to a particular embodiment, the first part is formed by a first cylindrical skirt having an external diameter, and having a first and a second end, the first end being closed by a first transverse wall, the second end being open, the second part being formed by a second cylindrical skirt having first and second ends, the first end being closed by a second wall transverse, the second end being open, said second cylindrical skirt having an internal diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the first skirt so as to be mounted free to rotate on the first skirt.

The applicator may be of the type comprising a gripping member integral with the application member, said gripping member and said application member being aligned along the X axis, the applicator being removably mounted on the through an orifice delimited by an internal wall, and formed in a radial offset formed by said first cylindrical skirt. The applicator is thus oriented along an axis perpendicular to a tangent to the periphery of the housing.

A window may be provided in the second cylindrical skirt, said window being arranged so that in a first angular position of the first part relative to the second, said window is substantially facing said offset, and in a second angular position of the first part by compared to the second, said window is angularly offset from the recess, so as to form a substantially closed volume, said recess being such that in said second angular position, the applicator is contained within said volume. By thus achieving the opening on the "edge" of the case, like a cachou® case, it improves the grip of the applicator which has just been opened by the user. In addition, we can use the main sides of the case as decoration, label support product identification, or as a mirror support.

The housing advantageously comprises means for limiting the rotation of the first part with respect to the second, to an arc delimited by said first and second angular positions, the rotation of one of the parts with respect to the other, causing in a first direction of rotation, the opening of the housing, and, in the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation, the closure of the housing. The arc corresponds at an angle which can be between 30 ° and 180 °, and preferably between 30 ° and 90 °. Thus, with such a configuration, the opening and / or closing of such a case are made by a determined movement (mainly in the form of its trajectory, but preferably also in its amplitude). Tying loading the product upon such an opening or closing movement, or both, advantageously allows precise dosing of the product on the surface of application, the position of the application surface relative to the product being itself determined. The term "determined" reflects the fact that each time it is opened and / or closing, the relative movement between the bottom and the cover is the same shape (same trajectory), and preferably, of the same amplitude. The applicator can therefore be invariably loaded in the same way (in terms of product location on the applicator). More preferably, by limiting the amplitude of the opening and / or closing movement, the quantity withdrawn is much the same every time. This allows for excellent makeup quality, in terms of homogeneity and reproducibility.

The angle of rotation between the application surface and the free surface of the product can be between π rad and 4π rad, and preferably between π rad and 2π rad.

Advantageously, means are provided for axially immobilizing the first part compared to the second. Such means may be constituted an annular groove provided on one of said first or second parts, and intended to cooperate with an annular rib provided on the other of said first or second parts. Thus, during the entire opening movement and / or the application surface of the applicator remains in contact with the surface free of product. This feature further improves the dosing accuracy of product on the applicator.

Means may be provided for axially immobilizing said applicator. Such means may include an annular rib provided on the organ gripping (or on the internal wall of the orifice), and intended to cooperate by clipping or snap-fastening, with an annular groove provided on the internal wall of the orifice (or on the gripping member).

In a particular embodiment, the free surface of the product is substantially perpendicular to the X axis. According to an alternative, the free surface of the product is substantially parallel to the X axis.

The product can be mounted via an elastic member deformable, so that the application surface of the applicator rests on the free surface of the product. By way of example, said means elastically Deformable consists of a spring or a block of foam.

The product can be placed in a cup which can be mounted so removable in the housing so that said housing is rechargeable.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the housing comprises means for allowing the exterior of the housing to display the color of the product.

According to a first embodiment, the cup containing the product is kept free to rotate inside the first part, the applicator being stationary in rotation inside said first part, said cup having means capable of cooperating with drive means complementary provided on the second part to cause, during the relative movement of rotation between the first and second parts, a rotation of the free surface of the product relative to the application surface. To this end, the cup has an annular edge, said annular edge having a series of notches evenly distributed over the periphery of said annular edge, and intended to cooperate with these complementary notches arranged in an arc on the internal surface of the transverse wall of the second part. In this configuration, the cup is mounted inside a slot in the first cylindrical skirt, facing the applicator member, and having a first end closed and a second end leading to the end open of the first skirt, said slot being designed so as to receive a annular groove formed in a part of the cup.

The slot advantageously has two substantially parallel side edges, the distance separating each of the lateral edges, being slightly less than the diameter of the groove, said slot having in the vicinity of its end closed, a recess with respect to said edges, so as to allow the rotation on itself of said cup.

In order to allow viewing of the product from outside the housing, the cup has a translucent bottom, the cup being arranged so that, in closed position of the case, said translucent bottom being opposite a window of display in the second cylindrical skirt.

According to a second embodiment, the product is immobile in rotation at inside the first part, the applicator being free to rotate inside said first part, said applicator having means capable of cooperating with complementary training means of the second part for cause, during the relative movement of rotation between the first and the second part, a rotation of the application surface relative to the free surface of the product. To this end, notches are provided on an annular edge of a gripping of the applicator, said notches being evenly distributed over the periphery of the annular edge, and able to cooperate with corresponding notches arranged in an arc on the internal surface of the transverse wall of the second part.

The applicator member may consist of a foam, a flocked foam, a felt, a brush, or a paintbrush. The product can be blush, an eye shadow, a blush, a foundation, or a lipstick.

• la figure 1 représente une vue éclatée d'un mode de réalisation du boítier selon l'invention;
• les figures 2A et 2B illustrent un premier mode de réalisation du boítier selon l'invention, en position fermée (figure 2B), et en position ouverte (figure 2A);
• la figure 3 représente une vue écorchée du boítier représenté aux figures 2A et 2B;
• la figure 4 représente une vue en coupe selon l'axe de l'applicateur, du boítier représenté à la figure 3;
• la figure 5 représente une vue éclatée d'un second mode de réalisation du boítier selon l'invention; et
• la figure 6 représente une vue en coupe du boítier représenté à la figure 5.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the housing according to the invention;
• Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a first embodiment of the housing according to the invention, in the closed position (Figure 2B), and in the open position (Figure 2A);
• Figure 3 shows a cutaway view of the housing shown in Figures 2A and 2B;
• Figure 4 shows a sectional view along the axis of the applicator, of the housing shown in Figure 3;
• Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the housing according to the invention; and
• FIG. 6 represents a sectional view of the housing shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in Figure 1, the housing 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a first part 2, forming a bottom, and comprising mainly a cylindrical skirt 4 closed by a transverse wall 5. The other end of the cylindrical skirt is open. The transverse wall 5 is of diameter greater than the diameter of the cylindrical skirt 4, so that the edge peripheral constitutes a gripping area, able to facilitate the opening of the housing, as will be seen in more detail in the following description. In this effect, the peripheral edge, has ribs 6, making it easier to maneuver opening of the case.

A portion of the cylindrical skirt forms a recess 7, part of which central, substantially planar, has an orifice 8 intended to receive a applicator 9. In this embodiment, the applicator is immobilized in rotation, and axially immobilized, in order to keep it resting on the free surface of the packaged product P. The applicator 9 includes an applicator member 10, surmounted by a gripping member 11. Advantageously, the applicator has an intermediate part 12 between the applicator member 10 and the grip 11, intended, as will be seen in more detail below, to receive the means making it possible to immobilize it axially, and possibly in rotation. The applicator member can be of any known type. For example, there can be foam, flocked foam, felt, brush, or with a brush.

In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator is arranged along an axis X, substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the housing. On the skirt portion cylindrical 4, opposite the recess 7 are provided means for the mounting, preferably removable, of a cup 13 of the packaged product P. These mounting means consist of a slot 14 delimited by two edges side 15 and 16, able to cooperate, during assembly of the cup, with a groove 17 formed in a portion 19 of the cup 13. The slot 14 opens out on the open end of the skirt 4. The distance between the side edges 15 and 16 is slightly less than the diameter of the bottom of the groove 17, so that the mounting the cup in the bottom 2, producing an elastic deformation of the side edges 15 and 16. The side edges extend to a position close to a closed end of the slot, so as to define opposite the orifice 8, a recess 29 of diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the bottom of the groove 17 and in which the cup is free to rotate. So the cup is, in the mounted position, free to rotate about its axis, and immobile according to the axis A of the housing. The cup is arranged opposite the orifice 8, so that when the applicator 9 is mounted through said orifice 8, the applicator member 10 either resting on the free surface 20 of the product P.

The cup 13 is generally cylindrical in shape, and defines a cavity 18 suitable for receiving product P. The cup will be described more detailed with reference to the sectional view illustrated in FIG. 4. The product P can be introduced into the cup by any suitable technique. For example, the product can be poured, hot or cold, or can be compacted. Such techniques are well known, and therefore do not require any additional description. Thus assembled, the product is in the form of a solid or semi solid block. In the case of a makeup product, such a block is also called "bread" or "cake". The product P can be, for example, a make-up blush, eye shadow, blush, foundation, or lipstick. More generally, it can be any product in powder form or pasty, solid or semi-solid.

The cup 13 also has, on the outer surface of its lateral edge, a plurality of teeth or notches 21 regularly spaced over substantially all its periphery, and able to cooperate, like a gear, with notches correspondents 22 arranged in an arc on the bottom of a part 3 forming lid.

The part 3 forming a cover comprises a cylindrical skirt 23, one of which first end is closed by a transverse wall 24. The cylindrical skirt 23 is open at its other end. The transverse wall 24 is of diameter greater than the diameter of the cylindrical skirt 23, so that the peripheral edge constitutes a gripping area, capable of facilitating the opening of the housing, thus that will be seen in more detail in the following description. For this purpose, the edge peripheral, has ribs 25, facilitating the opening operation of the housing. The cylindrical skirt 23 has an internal diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the cylindrical skirt 4, so that it can be mounted in rotation on said cylindrical skirt 4. Advantageously, means are provided to immobilize the cover 3 axially on the bottom 2. To this end, near the open end of the cylindrical skirt 23, and inside said cylindrical skirt, an annular rib 26 capable of engaging by clipping or snap-fastening in an annular groove 27 provided on the bottom 2, in the vicinity of the closed end of the cylindrical skirt 4. Other means can be envisaged to achieve this axial immobilization. For example, we plan to a groove on the inner surface of the cover, and a corresponding rib on the outer surface of the bottom 2. The cover 3 and / or the bottom 2 have on the outer face of their transverse wall, a mirror 32, which can be mounted by breakdown, gluing, gluing, or welding, in a recess in the outer surface of cover 3 and / or bottom 2.

A window 28 is formed in the wall of the cylindrical skirt 23. The window 28 is positioned so that in a first angular position of the bottom 2 by relative to the cover 3, the window 28 is opposite the recess 7 of the skirt cylindrical 4. In this position, illustrated in FIG. 2A, the housing is "open", and the applicator 9 is accessible for application of product P. In a second angular position of the bottom relative to the cover, the window 28 is angularly offset from the recess 7. In this position, illustrated at Figure 2B, the housing is "closed". The volume delimited by said first 2 and second 3 parts is substantially closed. Alternatively, the applicator is mounted on the housing so that the gripping member is always accessible from the outside, whatever the angular position of the bottom 2 relative to the cover 3. This embodiment makes it possible to dispense with the presence of opening / closing means.

The main components of the case, in particular, the bottom 2, the cover 3, and the cup 13 are made for example, by molding of materials thermoplastics, preferably rigid or semi-rigid, such as polyethylenes, polypropylenes; polyvinyl chlorides, polystyrenes, etc. Still other materials can be used.

As previously mentioned, notches 22 are distributed in an arc on the internal surface of the transverse wall 24. The notches are arranged so as to be able to cooperate with the teeth 21 provided on the cup 13, when this is mounted inside the bottom and the cover is rotatably mounted on the background. This position is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 in which it is now refers. Alternatively, the notches 22 form a complete circle on the internal surface of the transverse wall 24.

In the mounted position, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the applicator 9 is mounted in the bottom of the housing 1 through the orifice 8. The axis X of the applicator is perpendicular to the axis A of the housing, and is substantially perpendicular to the free surface 20 of product P. The application surface of the application member 10 is supported on the free surface 20 of the product P. The notches 21 of the cup 13 are in engagement with the notches 22 provided on the cover. The cover is immobilized axially with respect to the bottom thanks to the groove / rib arrangement 26/27. By rotating the cover relative to the bottom, around the axis A, in the direction indicated by the arrows 30, the movement is controlled opening the housing, driving the window 28 substantially opposite the recess 7. During this opening movement, the notches 22 provided on the cover drive the cup 13 in rotation about the X axis, in the direction represented by arrow 31. The applicator 9 is kept stationary in rotation and axially immobile, so that the end of the applicator member 10 is in support on the free surface 20 of the product. In such conditions, the movement relative between the free surface 20 of the product P and the applicator member 10 causes the loading of product P from the applicator. So in this embodiment particular, the applicator is loaded during the opening movement of the case. After opening the case, the applicator is immediately ready to use, without any prior manipulation. After use, the user hands over the applicator in the housing 1, and closes the housing, by a relative movement of the cover 3 relative to the bottom 2, in the opposite direction to the arrows 30. This reverse rotation movement drives the cup in the opposite direction to the arrow 31, which again causes a relative movement between the surface of the applicator member 10 and the free surface 20 of the product P, and a loading in product of the applicator. Advantageously, means can be provided to disengage the drive mechanism of the cup 13 when closing of the case.

Advantageously, the opening / closing movement is limited by the angle formed by the arc of a circle carrying the notches 22 on the cover of the housing. Typically this angle can vary between 30 ° and 180 °, and preferably between 30 ° and 90 °. The corresponding angle of rotation of the cup relative to the applicator is chosen according to the product and the type of applicator, choosing appropriate the ratio between the radius of the toothed wheel formed by the edge annular of the cup 13, and the radius of the arc of a circle defined by the notches 22 on the cover. Thus, for an opening / closing angle between 30 ° and 180 °, we can have an angle of rotation of the cup relative to the surface of application of the applicator member 10, which is between π rad and 4π rad, and preferably between π rad and 2π rad.

As it appears more clearly in the sectional view of Figure 4, the cup 13 has an internal receptacle 150, inside which the product is disposed P. The receptacle 150 is mounted inside the cup 13, via a spring 151, one end of which is supported on a shoulder 152 formed in the bottom of the cup 13, and the other end of which is supported on a shoulder 153 formed by the bottom of the internal receptacle 150. The receptacle internal is slidably mounted in the cup 13. Thus, whatever the level of product in receptacle 150, the application surface of the application member 10 is always supported on the free surface 20 of the product P. In a variant not shown, the receptacle 150, or the product P directly, is mounted on a block of foam acting as a spring, and ensuring the support of the applicator on the surface of the product.

As it appears clearly in Figure 4, the applicator has in its part intermediate 12, an annular rib 154, capable of cooperating by clipping or snap-fastening in a groove 155 provided in the internal wall of the orifice 8. This arrangement keeps the applicator axially in abutment against the free surface of the product. Furthermore, this groove / rib arrangement achieves a sealing between the product and the rest of the case, so as to avoid any leakage untimely product, when the housing is in the closed position. In addition, in this embodiment, the gripping member comprises a recess 156, suitable to cooperate with a notch 157 provided in the vicinity of the orifice 8, so as to immobilize the applicator 9 in rotation in the orifice 8.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the receptacle 150 is arranged so that the product P descends substantially to the bottom of the cup 13. The receptacle 150 is closed at its bottom by a transparent cover 158, the cup 13 being in turn open at its bottom. The cylindrical skirt 23 forming the cover 3, has a viewing window (159, FIG. 2B) arranged so that in the closed position of the housing 1, the window 159 is opposite of the translucent cover 158. This characteristic makes it possible to view from outside, the color of the product P inside the case.

Figures 5 and 6 to which reference is now made illustrate another embodiment of the housing according to the invention. According to this embodiment, the product is stationary in rotation inside the housing. The gripping organ includes means capable of cooperating with drive means complementary provided on the cover for, in response to a movement of rotation of the cover relative to the bottom, causing the surface to rotate of application on the free surface of the product. In addition, in this mode of embodiment, the axis of the applicator is substantially parallel to the free surface of the product, allowing lateral loading of the applicator.

As shown in Figure 5, the housing has a first part 20, forming a bottom, and mainly comprising a cylindrical skirt 40 closed by a transverse wall 50. The other end of the cylindrical skirt is open. The transverse wall 50 is of diameter greater than the diameter of the cylindrical skirt 40, so that the peripheral edge constitutes a gripping zone, suitable for facilitate the opening of the case, as will be seen in more detail later in the description. For this purpose, the peripheral edge has ribs 60, facilitating the opening operation of the housing.

A portion of the cylindrical skirt forms a recess 70, part of which central, substantially planar, has an orifice 80 intended to receive a applicator 90. In this embodiment, the applicator is immobilized axially, in order to keep it resting on the free surface of the product conditioned P. The applicator 90 comprises an application member 101, surmounted of a gripping member 110. Advantageously, the applicator comprises a intermediate part 120 between the application member 101 and the gripping member 110, intended to receive the means making it possible to immobilize it axially. On the portion of the cylindrical skirt 40, opposite the step 70 are provided means for mounting, preferably removable, a block 130 of product P.

A cylindrical chimney 102 is produced in the space delimited between the skirt cylindrical 40, and the offset 70. The chimney 102 has an axis parallel to the axis of the housing 100. The block 130 of product (possibly mounted on a tray, not shown) is arranged inside the chimney 102, by means of a spring 103. Stop means 104 are provided to limit the stroke of the block of product.

The gripping member 110 also comprises, on the outer surface of its lateral edge, a plurality of teeth or notches 210 regularly spaced on substantially its entire periphery, and able to cooperate, in the manner of a gear, with corresponding notches 220 arranged in an arc of a circle on the bottom of a portion 30 forming a cover.

The part 30 forming a cover comprises a cylindrical skirt 230, one of which first end is closed by a transverse wall 240. The cylindrical skirt 230 is open at its other end. The transverse wall 240 is of diameter greater than the diameter of the cylindrical skirt 230, so that the edge peripheral constitutes a gripping area, able to facilitate the opening of the housing. To this end, the peripheral edge comprises ribs 250, facilitating the opening operation of the housing. The cylindrical skirt 230 has an internal diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the cylindrical skirt 40, so as to be able to be rotatably mounted on said cylindrical skirt 40. Advantageously, means are provided for axially immobilizing the cover 30 on the bottom 20. To this end, in the vicinity of the open end of the cylindrical skirt, 230, and inside said cylindrical skirt, an annular rib 260 capable of engage by clipping or snapping into an annular groove 270 provided on the bottom 20, in the vicinity of the closed end of the cylindrical skirt 40. The cover has on its outside face a mirror 320, which can be mounted by breakdown, gluing, gluing, or welding, in a recess in the outer surface of the cover 30.

A window 280 is formed in the wall of the cylindrical skirt 230. The window 280 is positioned so that in a first angular position at the bottom 20 relative to the cover 30, the window 280 is opposite the recess 70 of the cylindrical skirt 40. In this position, the housing is "open", and the applicator 90 is accessible for application of product P. In a second angular position of the bottom relative to the cover, the window 280 is offset angularly with respect to the recess 70. In this position, the housing is "closed". The volume delimited by said first 20 and second 30 parts is substantially closed.

As mentioned previously, notches 220 are distributed in an arc on the internal surface of the transverse wall 240. In the embodiment illustrated, the notches 220 are arranged on the free edge of a part 221 forming projecting from the bottom of the cover 30. The notches are arranged so as to being able to cooperate with the teeth 210 provided on the gripping member 110, when the applicator is mounted inside the bottom and the cover is mounted rotating on the bottom. This position is illustrated in Figure 6 in which it is now refers.

In the mounted position, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the applicator 90 is mounted in the bottom of the housing 100 through the orifice 80. The axis X of the applicator is perpendicular to the axis A of the housing. The organ's application surface 101 is in lateral support on the free surface 200 of the product P, which is constrained by the return force of the spring 103, against the stop 104. In this configuration, the axis X of the applicator is parallel to the free surface 200 of the product. This configuration allows a different loading of the organ of application. The notches 210 of the gripping member 110 are in engagement with the notches 220 provided on the cover. The cover is immobilized axially with respect to the bottom thanks to the groove / rib arrangement 260/270. In driving in rotation around axis A, the cover relative to the bottom, in the direction indicated by the arrows 300, the opening movement of the housing, driving the window 280 substantially opposite the recess 70. During this opening movement, the notches 220 provided on the cover drive the applicator 90 in rotation, about the X axis, in the direction shown by arrow 310. Advantageously, the applicator 90 is held stationary axially in the orifice 80, so as to improve the behavior of the member application 101 in lateral support on the free surface 200 of the product. In such conditions, the relative movement between the free surface 200 of the product P and the application member 101 causes the product P to be loaded with the applicator. Thus, and in the same way as for the embodiment described with reference in Figures 1 to 4, the applicator is loaded during movement opening of the case. In this way, after opening the case, the applicator is immediately ready for use, without any prior manipulation. After use, the user puts the applicator back into the housing 100, and closes the housing, by a relative movement of the cover 30 relative to the bottom 20, in the direction opposite the arrows 300. This reverse rotation movement drives the cup in the opposite direction to arrow 310. This closing movement causes again, a relative movement between the surface of the applicator member 101 and the free surface 200 of product P, and a loading of product with the organ of application. Considerations for the angles of rotation of the cover by relative to the bottom, as well as the applicator relative to the free surface of the product, and which have been developed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, are worth also for this embodiment.

In the same way as for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the applicator 90 advantageously comprises, in its intermediate part 120, a annular rib 180, capable of cooperating by clipping or snapping into a groove 181 provided in the internal wall of the orifice 80. This arrangement allows improve the lateral support of the application surface against the free surface of the product.

This produces an attractive aesthetic housing, comprising a number of limited parts (no clasp and joint reported), and easy handling. The whole can be made very compactly. The existing coupling between the applicator and the product, allows very varied forms of housings. The manufacturing cost is low. The embodiments described above in reference to Figures 1 to 6 are particularly advantageous in that they make it possible to overcome the cost and fragility problems associated with added joints and clasps, mentioned with reference to certain devices conventional.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. AT As an example, we can foresee that the product is contained in one of the parts of the housing, and that the applicator is held in the other part of the housing. According to another variant, a mirror is arranged on each of the transverse faces of the housing.

Claims (33)

1. Container (1, 100) comprising: a first part (2, 20) forming a bottom, in which a product (P) is housed, the said product having a free surface (20, 200); an applicator (9, 90) comprising an applicator member (10, 101), at least a part of which defines an application surface, resting on the free surface of the product; a second part (3, 30) forming a lid, and mounted on the first; coupling means (21, 22, 210, 220) for, in response to a relative movement of one of the parts with respect to the other along or about an axis A, causing a relative movement between the application surface and the free surface of the product, and causing the application surface to become laden with product, characterized in that the coupling means (21, 22, 210, 220) are capable of bringing about a relative movement between the application surface and the free surface of the product (P) along or about and axis X distinct from the axis A.
2. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the applicator (9, 90) is arranged along the axis X, and in that the second part (3, 30) is mounted in rotation on the first (2, 20) about the axis A, the said relative movement between the application surface and the free surface of the product (P) being a movement of rotation about the axis X.
3. Container according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the axis X is approximately perpendicular to the axis A.
4. Container according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the coupling means (21, 22, 210, 220) are such that the rotation of one of the parts with respect to the other through a given angle gives rise to a relative movement of rotation between the application surface and the free surface of the product (P) through an angle greater than the said given angle.
5. Container according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coupling means (21, 22, 210, 220) consist of a device of the gearing type.
6. Container according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises means (28, 280) for opening/closing the container to allow access to the applicator (9, 90), the application surface becoming laden with product as the container is being opened and/or closed.
7. Container according to Claim 6, characterized in that the application surface becomes laden with product (P) as the container is being opened and closed.
8. Container according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first part (2, 20) is formed by a first cylindrical skirt (4, 40) having an outside diameter and having a first end and a second end, the first end being closed by a first transverse wall (5, 50), the second end being open, the second part (3, 30) being formed by a second cylindrical skirt (23, 230) having a first end and a second end, the first end being closed by a second transverse wall (24, 240), the second end being open, the said second cylindrical skirt (23, 230) having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the first skirt (4, 40) so as to be mounted so that it is free to rotate on the first skirt.
9. Container according to Claim 8, characterized in that the applicator (9, 90) comprises a member (11, 110) for grasping secured to the applicator member (10, 101), the said member for grasping and the said applicator member being aligned along the axis X, the applicator being mounted removably through an orifice (8, 80) delimited by an internal wall, and formed in a radial depression (7, 70) formed by the said first cylindrical skirt (4, 40).
10. Container according to Claim 9, characterized in that a window (8, 80) is formed in the second cylindrical skirt (23, 230), the said window (8, 80) being arranged in such a way that when the first part is in a first angular position (Figure 2A) with respect to the second, the said window (8, 80) is approximately facing the said depression (7, 70), and when the first part is in a second angular position (Figure 2B) with respect to the second, the said window (8, 80) is angularly offset from the depression (7, 70) so as to form a substantially enclosed volume, the said depression being such that in the said second angular position, the applicator is contained inside the said volume.
11. Container according to Claim 10, characterized in that it comprises means (22, 220) for limiting the rotation of the first part (2, 20) with respect to the second (3, 30) to an arc bounded by the said first and second angular positions, the rotating of one of the parts with respect to the other in a first direction of rotation causing the container to open and in the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation causing the container to close.
12. Container according to Claim 11, characterized in that the said arc corresponds to an angle of between 30° and 180°, and preferably between 30° and 90°.
13. Container according to Claim 12, characterized in that the angle through which the application surface and the free surface of the product (P) rotate one relative to the other is between π and 4π rad, and preferably between π and 2π rad.
14. Container according to any one of Claims 2 to 13, characterized in that it comprises means (26, 27, 260, 270) for axially immobilizing the first part (2, 20) with respect to the second (3, 30).
15. Container according to Claim 14, characterized in that the said means for axially immobilizing the first part with respect to the second comprise an annular groove (27, 270) provided on one of the said first or second parts, and intended to collaborate with an annular rib (26, 260) provided on the other of the said first or second parts.
16. Container according to any one of Claims 2 to 15, characterized in that means (154, 155, 180, 181) are provided for axially immobilizing the said applicator (9, 90).
17. Container according to Claim 16, characterized in that the said means for axially immobilizing the said applicator comprise an annular rib (154, 180) provided on the member (11, 110) for grasping (or on the internal wall of the orifice (8, 80)), and intended to collaborate, by clipping or snap-fastening, with an annular groove (155, 181) provided on the internal wall of the orifice (or on the member for grasping).
18. Container according to any one of Claims 2 to 17, characterized in that the free surface (20) of the product (P) is approximately perpendicular to the axis X.
19. Container according to any one of Claims 2 to 17, characterized in that the free surface of the product (200) is approximately parallel to the axis X.
20. Container according to Claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the product (P) is mounted via an elastically deformable member (103, 151) so that the application surface of the applicator (9, 90) presses on the free surface (20, 200) of the product.
21. Container according to Claim 20, characterized in that the said elastically deformable means (103, 151) consist of a spring or of a block of foam.
22. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (P) is mounted inside a cup (13) mounted removably so that the said container is refillable.
23. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (158, 159) for allowing the colour of the product (P) to be seen from outside the container.
24. Container according to any one of Claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the product is located inside a cup (13), held free to rotate inside the first part (2), the applicator (9) being unable to rotate inside the said first part (2), the said cup (13) having means (21) capable of collaborating with complementary drive means (22) provided on the second part (3) to cause the free surface (20) of the product to rotate with respect to the application surface when the first and second parts are rotated one with respect to the other.
25. Container according to Claim 24, characterized in that the cup (13) has an annular rim, the said annular rim having a series of crenellations (21) distributed uniformly around the periphery of the said annular rim, and intended to collaborate with these complementary crenellations (22) arranged in an arc of a circle on the internal surface of the transverse wall (24) of the second part (3).
26. Container according to Claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the cup is mounted inside a slot (14) formed in the first cylindrical skirt (4) facing the applicator member (10) and having a first end which is closed and a second end which opens onto the open end of the first skirt, the said slot being designed to accommodate an annular groove (17) formed in a part (19) of the cup (13).
27. Container according to Claim 26, characterized in that the said slot (14) has two approximately parallel lateral edges (15, 16) intended to accommodate the said groove (17), the distance separating the lateral edges (15, 16) being slightly smaller than the diameter of the groove (17), the said slot (14) having, near its closed end, a cutout (29) with respect to the said edges, so as to allow the said cup (13) to rotate on itself.
28. Container according to Claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the cup has a translucent bottom (158), the cup being arranged in such a way that when the container is in the closed position the said translucent bottom (158) lies opposite a viewing window (159) formed in the second cylindrical skirt (23).
29. Container according to any one of Claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the product (P) is kept unable to rotate inside the first part (20), the applicator (90) being free to rotate inside the said first part (20), the said applicator having means (210) capable of collaborating with complementary drive means (220) of the second part (30) so as to cause the application surface to rotate with respect to the free surface (200) of the product (P) when the first part (20) and the second part (30) are rotated one with respect to the other.
30. Container according to Claim 29, characterized in that crenellations (210) are provided on an annular rim of a member (110) for grasping of the applicator (90), the said crenellations (210) being distributed uniformly about the periphery of the annular rim of the member for grasping and capable of collaborating with corresponding crenellations (220) arranged in an arc of a circle on the internal surface of the transverse wall (240) of the second part (30).
31. Container according to any one of Claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the said applicator member (10, 101) consists of a foam, of a flocked foam, of a felt, or of a brush of the type with radial or axial bristles.
32. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said product (P) is a rouge, an eyeshadow, a blusher, a foundation or a lipstick.
33. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (P) is arranged in the container by pouring or compacting.

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