EP1278437B1 - Make-up type case comprising an articulated lid - Google Patents

Abstract

This application relates to a case ( 1 ) comprising a bottom ( 2 ) and a lid ( 4 ) capable, at least prior to first use, of pivoting with respect to the bottom so as to be positioned underneath the latter, the bottom ( 2 ) being hinged about a first axis (A<SUB>1</SUB>) with respect to an intermediate element ( 20 ), the latter being hinged with respect to the lid ( 4 ) about a second axis (A<SUB>2</SUB>), locking means (B<SUB>1</SUB>, B<SUB>2</SUB>, C) being capable of locking the lid ( 4 ) with respect to the intermediate element ( 20 ) when the latter pivots with respect to the bottom ( 2 ) about the axis (A<SUB>1</SUB>), and of locking the bottom ( 2 ) with respect to the intermediate element ( 20 ) when the latter pivots with respect to the lid ( 4 ) about the axis (A<SUB>2</SUB>).

Description

The present invention relates to a housing, in particular of the make-up housing type, capable of be closed by a hinged cover. Such a makeup case generally comprises two parts: a bottom and a cover, articulated one on the other, by means of at least one hinge. Generally, this box is intended to contain one or more products crumbly, pasty liquid or powdery consistency, such as an eye shadow, blush, blush, or foundation. Usually cases are put on the market by declining the product it contains in a wide range of shades different.

Also, the consumer, in order to be able to choose a makeup of the desired shade, is frequently forced to remove the case from its packaging, then open it to check the product color.

In order to visualize, at the point of sale, the nuance of a makeup product, immediately. document US-A-5,568,820 proposes a makeup case, of which the structure allows the cover to be rotated 360 ° relative to the bottom, so that place the cover below the bottom of the case. In this position, the housing can be packaged in transparent packaging, such as a “blister” or heat-shrinkable film. Thus, the case can be exposed in shops or stores with a minimum bulk.

According to the aforementioned document. the connection between the bottom and the cover is ensured by a multiple hinge structure. Indeed, the bottom of the case according to document US-A-5,568 820 is articulated with an intermediate element by means of a hinge with an added axis, the cover, meanwhile being articulated with this intermediate element by a hinge movie. When the user closes the case for the first time, the intermediate element is immobilized relative to the cover, so that the film hinge is inoperative during openings / closings made during the rest of the life of the case.

The structure of the housing according to document US-A-5,568,820 has a number disadvantages. Indeed, when the cover is connected to the intermediate element by a film hinge, the cover tends to move elastically from its position maximum opening under the bottom of the case, and return to the position in which the cover and the intermediate element have been molded. As a result, this results in an unsatisfactory positioning of the cover under the bottom.

In reality, the above occurs frequently, due to the properties elastic of the material that is used to make parts, interconnected by a film hinge. A material making it possible to produce such a structure film hinge, is polypropene. However, a case made of such a material, can hardly present an appearance in line with what users expect of a luxury product. In addition, polypropylene does not allow either certain decorations, or finishes such as lacquering.

The documents US 6,014,978 and US 5,078,159 describe housings of the same type in which the connection between the bottom and the cover is ensured by a intermediate element and a multi-hinged structure. No way is provided to lock the cover relative to the intermediate element when this the latter pivots relative to the bottom.

Also, is it an object of the present invention to make a housing of the type described above, in two parts articulated one on the other, and resolving in all or part of the problems mentioned above, with reference to the case discussed previously.

It is in particular an object of the present invention to provide a housing for articulated makeup by means of an articulation system, allowing the presentation of the product it contains, in the open position at 360 ° maximum from cover, relative to the bottom. More particularly, the subject of the invention is a housing for reliable and stable positioning of the cover, in position open 360 °, relative to the bottom. In addition, the invention relates to a housing having reliable and durable operation over time. In addition, the invention relates to a make-up case that is of satisfactory aesthetic appearance, economical to easy to use.

Other objects will appear in the detailed description which follows.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by making a case, in particular of the make-up case type, comprising a bottom and a cover, able, at least before the first use, to pivot relative to the bottom so as to be able to be positioned under the latter, said bottom being articulated around a first axis A ₁ with respect to an intermediate element, the latter being articulated with respect to the cover around a second axis A ₂ , locking means being able to lock the cover by relative to the intermediate element when the latter pivots relative to the bottom around the axis A ₁ , and to locking the bottom relative to the intermediate element when the latter pivots relative to the cover around the axis A ₂ .

Due to the ability of the cover to rotate 360 ° from the bottom, the case can be presented in a fully open position, so that its content is immediately visible to the user. So in this position fully open, the case can be packaged in a transparent blister, and / or be exposed at the point of sale. The blister packaging mode, folded 360 °, has the advantage of being able to minimize the storage area of the housing.

Preferably, said locking means are carried, at least in part, by said intermediate element. The locking means are able to come selectively engaged with first means of attachment complementary carried, by the bottom, and with second hooking means carried by the cover. So from the position that the cover is positioned 360 °, relative to the bottom, the lid folds down on the bottom towards the closed position is ensured by a partial pivoting of the cover around the second axis, then by a partial pivoting around the first axis. The locking means make it possible, if necessary, to make the first inoperative axis when the pivot movement takes place around the second, and vice versa.

According to an interesting aspect of the invention, the intermediate element has two longitudinal edges. These two edges are preferably parallel one by relative to the other, said first axis of articulation being located in the vicinity of a first edge of the intermediate element. Consequently, the second axis is located near a second edge, opposite the first.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing is constituted by a bottom and a cover, formed by separate parts, at least one of said axes being formed by a hinge with added axis. This has the advantage that the background and cover can be made of two different materials. Preferably, the bottom and intermediate element are integrally molded from a material economically advantageous and suitable for the production of a film hinge such as than polypropylene or another suitable polyolefin. About the cover, this is connected, in this case, to the intermediate element by a hinge with attached pin. The cover constituting the most visible part of the housing, can be made of a material other than polypropylene and allowing making a special decoration or lacquering, for example. As non-limiting examples for the materials which may constitute the cover, it is include acrylobutadiene-styrene (ABS), polyacrylates, polystyrene, polyoxymethylene (POM) or polystyrene-acrylonitrile (SAN).

According to a particular embodiment, the locking means can have at least one organ, such as a pin, located on at least a portion of the intermediate element, for example on at least one of the lateral sides of the intermediate element. This locking member is capable of being engaged selectively in a complementary body, for example a housing suitable, practiced on a portion of the bottom, respectively on a portion of the lid. Alternatively, an inverted structure can be imagined. So a first spike may be located on a portion of the bottom, a second spike being provided on a portion of the lid. In this case, the intermediate element is provided with a housing, adapted to receive, selectively, the first or the second spike.

Advantageously, the locking of the bottom relative to the intermediate element is irreversible. In this case, the intermediate element is immobilized relative to the background, and the first axis becomes inoperative. Only the pivoting of the cover on the intermediate piece, around the second axis is possible, and this on a portion angular limited in relation to the maximum opening angle.

The housing targeted by the invention is preferably produced in substantially flat and defines a receptacle, delimiting at least one compartment, capable of containing a product, in particular a breakable product, such as a makeup product. Advantageously, the receptacle is shaped to contain, in addition, an organ of product application. In addition, the cover can be provided, on its internal face, a mirror, allowing the user to look at herself during makeup.

If necessary, the housing includes means, capable of allowing locking reversible in the closed position of the cover on the bottom.

• la figure 1a représente une vue en perspective d'un boítier de type boítier de maquillage selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 1b représente une vue en coupe transversale du boítier de la figure 1;
• les figures 2a et 2b illustrent, le boítier de la figure 1 en position ouverte à 360° ;
• les figures 3a et 3b représentent respectivement, une vue en coupe transversale et une vue en perspective du boítier de la figure 1, sur une première portion du mouvement du couvercle depuis sa position d'ouverture maximale ;
• les figures 4a et 4b représentent respectivement, une vue en coupe transversale et une vue en perspective du boítier de la figure 1, sur une seconde portion du mouvement du couvercle depuis sa position d'ouverture maximale ;
• les figures 5a et 5b représentent respectivement, une vue en coupe transversale et une vue en perspective du boítier de la figure 1, en position fermée ;
• les figures 6 et 7 montrent chacune une vue de détail en perspective, du boítier de la figure 1 ; et
• les figures 8a et 8b montrent chacune une vue partielle en perspective, d'un boítier selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention.

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:

• FIG. 1a represents a perspective view of a case of the make-up case type according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 1b shows a cross-sectional view of the housing of Figure 1;
• Figures 2a and 2b illustrate, the housing of Figure 1 in the open position 360 °;
• Figures 3a and 3b show respectively, a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the housing of Figure 1, on a first portion of the movement of the cover from its maximum open position;
• Figures 4a and 4b show respectively, a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the housing of Figure 1, on a second portion of the movement of the cover from its maximum open position;
• Figures 5a and 5b show respectively, a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the housing of Figure 1, in the closed position;
• Figures 6 and 7 each show a detailed perspective view of the housing of Figure 1; and
• Figures 8a and 8b each show a partial perspective view of a housing according to a second embodiment of the invention.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b, a make-up case, according to a first embodiment of the invention, is designated by the reference 1. It is of substantially flat shape, as used in particular for the packaging of make-up products, such as foundations, shadows eyeshadows, blushes, or other similar products.

Figures 1a and 1b show the housing in the use position. In this position, the cover 4 is open at approximately 120 ° relative to the bottom 2, allowing the user to take a dose of product P.

The housing 1 is formed mainly from a bottom 2 and a cover 4, pivotally mounted on the bottom, obtained from molding of one or more materials thermoplastics. The bottom 2 forms one or more compartments, forming receptacle 2a for one or more products P, in particular products of makeup. If necessary, one of the compartments can be used to accommodate a applicator, allowing to take the product and apply it to the desired place (not shown).

The cover 4 has a recess 9, extending over a part substantial of its surface, so as to receive a mirror 4a. A 4b clasp carried by the cover 4 is capable of coming into engagement with a member corresponding 2b carried by the bottom 2 so as to ensure locking reversible cover 4 on the bottom 2. In the vicinity of this locking member 2b, the bottom 2 forms a recess 3, so as to facilitate the opening of the housing 1.

The cover 4 is connected to the bottom 2 by means of an intermediate element 20, of elongated shape, and having two longitudinal edges 21, 22. It is delimited laterally by two sides 20a, 20b (fig. 3b). As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the intermediate element 20 is connected to the bottom by a first hinge 23 of the hinge type with attached axis, forming a first articulation axis A ₁ . This hinge is located on the edge 21 of the intermediate element. On the edge 22 is formed a second hinge 24 of the same type, forming a second articulation axis A ₂ . This second hinge 24 connects the intermediate element 2 to the cover 4. Thus, the articulation of the cover via the intermediate element on the bottom is ensured by a double articulation structure, the axes of which are parallel.

On one end, opposite the end carrying the clasp 2b, the bottom forms a step 5 (FIGS. 2b and 6) in which the intermediate element 20 is disposed. Similarly, a similar recess 7 is provided on one end of the cover (see Figures 3a and 7), suitable for housing the intermediate element 20 in position presentation, corresponding to the maximum open position (Figures 2a and 2b).

To maintain the cover relative to the bottom of the housing in the position shown in Figures 2a and 2b, locking means C are provided. As illustrated in particular in FIG. 3b, the intermediate element 20 comprises two pins C, located on its lateral flanks 20a and 20b. These pins C are able to cooperate with recesses B ₁ , formed in the side walls 7a, 7b of the cover 4. The attachment recesses B ₁ are capable of receiving, reversibly, the pins C, where they are held by friction. Similarly, the recess 5 of the bottom 2 comprises two attachment means B ₂ , located on the side walls 5a, 5b of said recess 5. The attachment means B ₂ are configured to receive the pins C, in particular irreversibly , when the box is closed for the first time, as will be detailed later.

The arrangement of the housing in the maximum open position, illustrated in the figures 2a and 2b, allows to position the cover under the bottom, so that the face upper 41 of the cover 4 comes opposite the lower face 25 of the bottom 2. In this position, the housing 1 is in the presentation position, open in a 360 ° angle, relative to the closed position of the housing.

In the presentation position, illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, the housing can be presented at the point of sale, so as to make the product visible packaged in compartment 2a. This position also allows pack the case in a transparent blister. This has the advantage that the product is protected, while allowing the consumer to choose the shade of desired product, without having to open the case. The case thus conditioned has a minimum footprint.

When the case is packaged in a blister, after unpacking the case, it is therefore in the maximum 360 ° open position (Figures 2a and 2b). For ability to use housing, user rotates cover relative to bottom (in the direction of the arrow α indicated in Figure 2a). When pivoting the cover 4 from the presentation position illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b, it passes successively through the positions shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, then 4a and 4b, up to the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b. At during a pivoting of approximately 300 °, the pins C disengage from the attachment recesses B1. At the same time, the intermediate element 20 pivots outside of the recess 7 of the cover. During this pivot movement, the element intermediate 20 approaches the recess 5 of the bottom.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 6, the pins C emerge from the attachment recesses B ₁ of the cover and approach the attachment recesses B ₂ from the bottom (FIG. 7). The pins C then engage in the attachment recesses B ₂ . Advantageously, this commitment is made irreversibly. In this way, the first axis A ₁ becomes inoperative, definitively.

To open and close the housing, with a view to using it for makeup, the user performs a pivoting movement only around the axis A ₂ , at an angle α ₂ . (Figure 1a).

Figures 5a and 5b show the housing in the closed position, allowing keep product P away from the outside, or transport the case in a handbag.

Figures 8a and 8b illustrate another embodiment, according to which a housing 101 consists essentially of two elements 102, 104. Relative in the first embodiment, the identical parts or playing a similar role, bear the reference numbers of the first embodiment, increased by 100.

Compared to the first embodiment, the housing 101 differs in that the bottom 102 is molded integrally with the intermediate element 120, in a suitable material. Its configuration, as well as its operation is similar in box 1 and their description will be repeated only succinctly.

The intermediate element 120 is connected to the bottom 102 by a film hinge 123 forming a first articulation axis A ₁ . This film hinge becomes inoperative after the first closure of the housing, as described above with respect to the housing 1 of the first embodiment. The hinge 124 is of the same type as that described above, and does not require a more detailed description.

The structure of the housing 101 has the advantage that one can choose, for the realization of the bottom and the intermediate element, a first material economically advantageous, for example polypropylene. This material allows the production of the film 123 hinge. Because this film hinge 123 is located on the bottom 102 of the housing, a possible whitening of the joint is little visible.

As for the cover, advantageously, a second plastic material is chosen, suitable for receiving a special decoration or lacquering. This is important because the cover is the most visible and rewarding part of a make-up case. The second material is chosen, for example, from urea formaldehyde, acrylobutadiene-styrene (ABS), polystyrene-acryonitrile (SAN), polyoxy methylene (POM), acrylic glasses, polystyrene, etc.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (11)

1. Case (1, 101) comprising a bottom (2, 102) and a lid (4, 104) capable, at least prior to first use, of pivoting with respect to the bottom so as to be positioned underneath the latter, the said bottom (2, 102) being hinged about a first axis (A₁) with respect to an intermediate element (20, 120), the latter being hinged with respect to the lid (4, 104) about a second axis (A₂), locking means (B₁, B₂, C) being capable of locking the lid (4, 104) with respect to the intermediate element (20, 120) when the latter pivots with respect to the bottom (2, 102) about the first axis (A₁), and of locking the bottom (2, 102) with respect to the intermediate element (20, 120) when the latter pivots with respect to the lid (4, 104) about the second axis (A₂).
2. Case according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said locking means (C) are carried by the said intermediate element (20, 120) and are capable of engaging selectively with complementary first catching means (B₁) carried by the bottom (2, 102) and with second catching means (B₂) carried by the lid (4, 104).
3. Case according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate element (20, 120) has two longitudinal edges (21, 22; 121, 122), the said first axis of articulation (A₁) being situated near a first edge (21) of the intermediate element (20, 120), the said second axis (A₂) being located near a second edge (22, 122) opposite the first (21, 121).
4. Case according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said first axis (A₁) is parallel to the said second axis (A₂).
5. Case (101) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the said axes (A₁, A₂) is formed by a hinge with an attached hinge pin (23, 24).
6. Case according to Claim 5, characterized in that the bottom (102) and the intermediate element (120) are connected by a film hinge (123), the lid (104) being connected to the intermediate element (120) by a hinge with an attached hinge pin (124).
7. Case according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lid is made of urea formaldehyde, acrylobutadiene-styrene (ABS), polystyrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylic glass, polystyrene, etc.
8. Case according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the locking means (C) comprise at least one pip located on at least one lateral portion (20a, 20b) of the intermediate element (20, 120), the pip(s) being shaped to engage selectively in a corresponding housing (B₁, B₂) made, one of them (B₁), in a portion of the bottom and, the other of them (B₂), in a portion of the lid.
9. Case according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the locking of the bottom (2, 102) with respect to the intermediate element (20, 120) is irreversible.
10. Case according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it defines a receptacle delimiting at least one compartment (2a, 102a) capable of containing at least one product (P), particularly a friable product (P) such as a makeup product.
11. Case according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises means (2b, 4b) capable of allowing the lid (4, 104) to be locked reversibly in the closed position on the bottom (2, 102).

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