FR3136340A1 - Container for powder-type cosmetics and kit consisting of a container for powder-type cosmetics and a refill - Google Patents

Abstract

Powder compact cosmetic container and associated kit A compact cosmetic container includes a base, a lid assembly and a sealing member. The cover assembly includes an outer cylindrical portion articulated with the base and an inner cylindrical portion disposed within the outer cylindrical portion. The inner cylindrical part and the base are provided with threads enabling twisting operation of the inner cylindrical part within a limited rotation range such that the twisting operation allows switching between a sealed state in which the member The seal compresses and seals an upper circumferential surface of a refill and a relaxed state in which the seal of the seal member is released. The internal cylindrical part is provided with an actuation portion, exposed from an opening defined in the external cylindrical part, intended to manually ensure the twisting operation. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Container for powder-type cosmetics and kit consisting of a container for powder-type cosmetics and a refill

The present invention relates to a container for powder-type cosmetics and a kit consisting of the container for powder-type cosmetics and a refill.

RELATED ART

A variety of containers are known as compact cosmetic containers housing a cosmetic composition such as a foundation.

For example, US 5,353,818 discloses a compact cosmetic container in which a lid is pivotally attached to a housing body. Male thread portions of a multiple thread and non-threaded portions are alternately formed on a peripheral wall of a cosmetic container section of the case body. A ring is rotatably attached to the cover and placed externally on the peripheral wall. The ring has intermittently formed female thread portions of a multiple thread. The female and male thread portions can engage and disengage. An inner cover made of an elastic material is attached to the lower portion of the cover such that the inner cover is brought into contact by pressure with an open edge of the peripheral wall. A space is formed between the cover and the inner cover so that the inner cover is elastically deformed and expanded. When the female and male thread portions are engaged with each other and the ring is rotated to a closed position, the cover approaches the housing body so that the inner cover is brought into contact by pressure with the open edge of the peripheral wall. When the temperature inside the cosmetic container section is increased, the inner cover elastically extends upward to increase the volume inside the cosmetic container section.

US 9,220,332 discloses a compact having a base, and a cover assembly having a window hingedly connected to the base. The cover assembly and the window are movable between open and closed positions. A platform element supports the cosmetic product, and can move in a float-like manner between the base and the cover assembly. A cam mechanism on the window in the form of a dependent lug cooperates with cam locking ramps on the platform member. Manually engageable and externally accessible gripping elements connected to the platform element allow the platform to be rotated with the lid assembly closed.

Document US 2018/0177277 discloses a sealable container for a volatile composition for use in a powder compact, having a container having an upper rim and external thread segments, a sealing cover having an annular wall having internal thread segments, and an annular seal disposed between the upper rim of the container and a cover plate of the sealing lid. The annular seal has an upper seal member having an upper surface, and a lower seal member that aligns with the upper seal member and engages the upper rim of the container when the seal covers the container. The upper seal member includes means for preventing a rotational force applied to the upper surface of the upper seal member when rotating the seal cover to the second rotation position from being exerted downwardly on the lower seal element.

Document US 10,092,081 discloses a compact designed to contain a product and having a cover, an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. The upper housing portion and the lower housing portion are deformable by twisting relative to each other, the cover being secured to the upper housing part and deforming by twisting with it. The cover and the lower housing portion include engagement structures for securing the cover in a closed position when the respective engagement structures are aligned with each other.

Document US 8,678,222 discloses an airtight compact which contains a volatile product until the date of use. The airtight compact includes a translucent, fragile pot partially enclosed by a base assembly, which has a rotating lid assembly pivotally coupled to the base assembly. The rotating lid assembly includes an overmolded coating on an internal lid that is sealed directly to a flimsy pot rim partially enclosed by the base. The fragile pot can be made of translucent glass, which is protected by the base and rotating lid assemblies.

WO 2008/050926 discloses a cosmetic container that includes a cylindrical lower housing having a holding portion for receiving cosmetics, and a cap coupled to an upper end of the lower housing. The cap includes a disc-shaped inner cap portion hinged at one end thereof to the lower housing, and an outer cap portion that is shaped like a cylinder having a side wall and moves upwardly and downwardly. down while rotating relative to the inner cap portion. A coupling space, which is open at one end thereof, is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the lower case, and a coupling protrusion protrudes from the outer cap part so as to be inserted into the coupling space. coupling.

US 6,923,335 discloses a housing capable of sealing an opening of an inlet of a housing body by screwing a cover onto the housing body and rotating the cover smoothly in the circumferential direction when the cover is screwed onto the housing body or unscrewed from it. The housing includes a housing body having an inlet, and a cover detachably screwed onto the inlet so as to close the opening of the inlet and connected to the housing body through an opening hinge and closure so as to pivot in opening and closing directions of the inlet is provided with a rotating ring positioned and held around the inlet so as to rotate in a circumferential direction thereof and connected to the lid through the opening and closing hinge so that the lid rotates in conjunction with the rotating ring.

For such compact cosmetic containers, it is necessary to seal the refill with a greater degree of airtightness in order to protect the cosmetic composition housed in the refill case to prevent its deterioration.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a powder compact type container and a kit consisting of the powder compact type cosmetic container and a refill, which makes it possible to seal the refill with a higher degree of airtightness.

In order to achieve the object described above, one aspect of the present invention provides a compact cosmetic container comprising a base, a cover assembly and a sealing element. The base includes a retaining portion for detachably receiving and retaining a refill. The cover assembly covers the retaining portion. The cover assembly includes an outer cylindrical portion articulated with the base and an inner cylindrical portion disposed within the outer cylindrical portion. The outer and inner cylindrical portions are arranged coaxially along a common axis. The inner cylindrical part can rotate about the axis relative to the outer cylindrical part within a limited rotation range and can move slightly relative to the outer cylindrical part in a vertical direction along the axis. The sealing element is arranged between the refill received in the retaining portion and the cover assembly. The inner cylindrical part and the base are provided with threads enabling twisting operation of the inner cylindrical part within the limited rotation range such that the twisting operation allows switching between a sealed state in which the member d The seal compresses and seals an upper circumferential surface of the refill and a relaxed state in which the seal of the sealing element is released. The internal cylindrical part is provided with an actuation portion intended to manually ensure the twisting operation of the internal cylindrical part. The actuation portion is exposed from an opening defined in the outer cylindrical portion.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, a twisting angle of said twisting action may be 90° or less, preferably between 45° and 60°.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, the retaining portion may include locking structures intended to lock the refill and allow removal of the refill upwards from the retaining portion.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, the threads can be arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction.

According to one aspect of the powder compact type cosmetic container, the sealing element may be made of an expandable material or a bi-injected flexible material.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, a peripheral wall of the external cylindrical part may have the opening which extends in a circumferential direction. The actuation portion may include a button arranged outside the peripheral wall of the outer cylindrical portion and a connection through the opening and between the button and the inner cylindrical portion. The button can be slid along the opening in the circumferential direction so as to rotate the inner cylindrical part around the axis relative to the outer cylindrical part.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, the internal cylindrical part may comprise an upper wall. The sealing member may have a disc shape and may be attached to a lower surface of the upper wall of the inner cylindrical part.

According to one aspect of the powder compact type cosmetic container, the cover assembly can function as an internal cover placed on the retaining portion. The compact cosmetic container may further comprise an external cover which covers the internal cover. The outer cover can be hinged with the base.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, a hinge structure of the outer cylindrical part and a hinge structure of the outer cover can be moved relative to each other in the circumferential direction.

According to one aspect of the powder compact type cosmetic container, the outer cover may comprise a snap-on claw which may be detachably coupled by snap-fastening to an engagement portion provided on the outer cylindrical portion.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, an upper wall of the external cylindrical part may have the opening. The actuation portion may include a handle attached to a top wall of the inner cylindrical portion that is exposed from the opening. The handle can be orientable around the axis so as to rotate the internal cylindrical part around the axis relative to the external cylindrical part.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, the handle can be hinged with the upper wall of the internal cylindrical portion so as to rotate up and down between a lowered position in which the handle is lowered onto an upper surface of the upper wall of the inner cylindrical part and a raised position in which the handle is raised relative to the upper surface of the upper wall of the inner cylindrical part.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, the compact cosmetic container may further comprise an internal cover placed on the retaining portion. The internal cover can be hinged with the base. The lid assembly may function as an outer lid that covers the inner lid.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, a hinge structure of the outer cylindrical part and a hinge structure of the inner cover can be moved relative to each other in the circumferential direction.

According to one aspect of the compact type cosmetic container, the sealing element may have an annular shape and the internal cover may comprise an annular fitted structure on which the annular sealing element is mounted.

According to one aspect of the powder compact type cosmetic container, the internal cover can define a powder puff housing intended to accommodate a powder puff.

According to one aspect of the compact cosmetic container, the compact cosmetic container may further comprise a mirror attached to an internal surface of the external cover.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a kit consisting of a compact cosmetic container according to any of the above aspects and a refill. The refill can be detachably mounted in the retaining portion of the base of the compact cosmetic container.

Non-limiting and representative embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, thus allowing a better understanding of the present invention.

There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to a first embodiment.

There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to the first embodiment as observed from an opposite side of the .

There is a cross section of the compact cosmetic container according to the first embodiment cut along the line A to A' shown on the .

There is a partial cross section of the compact cosmetic container according to the first embodiment cut along the line B to B' shown on the .

There is a perspective view of an external cylindrical part of the compact cosmetic container according to the first embodiment.

There is a perspective view of an internal cylindrical part of the compact cosmetic container according to the first embodiment.

There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to the first embodiment in use, in particular, in a state in which an external cover has been opened.

There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to the first embodiment in use, in particular, in a state in which a powder puff has been extracted from a powder puff housing and a button has been slid.

There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to the first embodiment in use, in particular, in a state in which an internal cover has been opened.

There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to the first embodiment during refilling operations.

There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to a second embodiment.

There is a cross section of the compact cosmetic container according to the second embodiment cut along the line C to C' shown on the .

There is a partial cross section of the compact cosmetic container according to the second embodiment cut along the line D to D' shown on the .

There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to the second embodiment in use, in particular, in a state in which a handle has been turned.

There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to the second embodiment in use, in particular, in a state in which an external cover has been opened and a puff has been extracted from a puff housing.

There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to the second embodiment in use, in particular, in a state in which an internal cover has been opened.

We will describe below the embodiments of the invention in detail. The XYZ coordinate system is defined as shown in the drawings, but it is not intended to limit the invention. The X-axis and Y-axis directions both extend along a horizontal plane and are orthogonal to each other. The direction of the Z axis extends along a vertical plane and is orthogonal to each of the X axis and the Y axis.

In the following embodiments, the term "O-axis" means a virtual center line extending in the Z-axis direction through the center of the compact cosmetic container, and is not just any component axial. The term "vertical direction" means the direction of the Z axis which extends parallel to the O axis. The term "circumferential direction" means a direction which rotates around the O axis. The term "direction radial” means a direction which radiates from the O axis, i.e. which is orthogonal to the O axis.

We will describe below by means of an example a kit consisting of the container for powder-type cosmetics and a refill.

First embodiment

(Cosmetic container such as powder compact)

We will describe a compact cosmetic container 10 according to the first embodiment with reference to Figures 1 to 10. is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container 10 according to this embodiment. There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container 10 according to this embodiment seen from an opposite side of the . There is a cross section of the compact cosmetic container 10 according to this embodiment cut along the line A to A' shown on the . There is a partial cross section of the compact cosmetic container 10 according to this embodiment cut along the line B to B' shown on the . There is a perspective view of an external cylindrical part 40 of the compact cosmetic container 10 according to this embodiment. There is a perspective view of an internal cylindrical part 50 of the compact cosmetic container 10 according to this embodiment. Figures 7 to 9 are perspective views of the compact cosmetic container 10 according to this embodiment in use. There is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container 10 according to this embodiment during refill operations.

If we look at Figures 1 and 2, the compact cosmetic container 10 comprises a base 20, an internal cover 30 mounted on the base 20, and an external cover 60 which covers the internal cover 30. The internal cover 30 is hinged with the base 20 and the outer cover 60 is also hinged with the base 20. A hinge structure 44 of the inner cover 30 and a hinge structure 62 of the outer cover 60 are moved relative to each other in the direction circumferential. In detail, the circumferential position of the hinge structure 44 of the inner cover 30 is offset by approximately 90 degrees relative to the circumferential position of the hinge structure 62 of the outer cover 60.

(Base)

If we look at Figures 1 to 3, the base 20 comprises a base body 21, a retaining portion 22 intended to receive and detachably retain a refill 80, and a side wall 23 supporting the outer cover 60. The body of base 21 has a flat plate shape which is arranged on the horizontal plane. In particular, the base body 21 has a substantially square shape whose corners are rounded in the plan view. The base body 21 defines an opening of circular shape 24 centered on the axis O. The retaining portion 22 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The retaining portion 22 is arranged centered on the axis O and is erected on an upper surface of the base body 21. The side wall 23 has a flat plate shape which is arranged on the vertical plane and extends upward from an outer periphery of the base body 21. Namely, the lower end of the side wall 23 is connected to one side of the square-shaped base body 21. The side wall (23) extends to above the height level of an upper end of the retaining portion 22. An upper end section of the side wall 23 is provided with the hinge structure 62 which connects one side of the outer cover 60 with the upper end of the side wall 23. The base 20 can be made of any type of material. The base 20 may consist of at least one material chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin ( ABS), thermoplastics based on post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials such as PCR-PP, PCR-PET, PCR-ABS, PCR-PE, etc., metal, glass (virgin glass or PCR glass), wood, ceramic , laminated materials molded from fiber, molded from pulp and molded from virgin paper, or the like. The base body 21, the retaining portion 22 and the side wall 23 are integral with each other to form a single part, but these components can be separate parts which must be assembled to compose a basic element.

The retaining portion 22 includes locking structures for locking the refill 80 and allowing removal of the refill 80 upwards from the retaining portion 22. In particular, the retaining portion 22 has an internal diameter slightly greater than a diameter of the opening 24 of the base body 21 so as to define an annular step for supporting the refill 80. Furthermore, an internal peripheral surface of the retaining portion 22 defines a stepped surface 25 for supporting a cup refill 81 of the refill 80. The stepped surface 25 extends continuously along the total internal periphery of the retaining portion 22 and is configured to engage with a locked portion 81a provided on an external periphery of the refill cup 81. In addition, as shown in , the retaining portion 22 includes a pair of slots (26) extending downwardly from an apex of the retaining portion 22 beyond the stepped surface 25 in the vertical direction, which are spaced apart from one another the other in the circumferential direction. A section between the pair of slots 26 functions as a detent portion 27 which can oscillate in the radial direction. The retaining portion 22 includes two snap-fit portions 27 which are positioned opposite each other. Namely, there are two pairs of slots in the retaining portion 22, which are positioned opposite each other. Each detent portion 27 is provided with a locking portion 28 intended to lock the refill cup 81. The locking portion 28 is a projecting portion configured and arranged to engage with the locked portion 81a of the cup refill 81. In detail, the locking portion 28 extends from one end to the other of a section between the pair of slots 26 in the circumferential direction and is located above the stepped surface 25 in the latching portion 27. When removing/mounting the refill 80 from/on the retaining portion 22, the latching portions 27 oscillate outwards so that the locking portions 28 are detached from the locked portion 81a of the refill cup 81.

If we look at the , the retaining portion 22 is provided with threads 29 on its external peripheral surface. As shown in the , the thread 29 is an edge extending along the outer periphery of the retaining portion 22 inclined in the vertical direction. The thread 29 has a length shorter than a length of a quarter of the total outer periphery of the retaining portion 22 and, roughly speaking, the length of the thread 29 is approximately 1/6 to 1/10 of the outer periphery total of the retaining portion 22. The threads 29 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. In detail, there are four threads 29 on the outer periphery of the retaining portion 22 and the threads 29 are arranged on either side of the pair of slots 26.

If we look at Figures 1 to 3, the side wall 23 has a flat plate shape which is arranged on the vertical plane and extends upward from an outer periphery of the base body 21. Namely, the The lower end of the side wall 23 is connected to one side of the square-shaped base body 21. The side wall (23) extends above the height level of an upper end of the retaining portion 22. The hinge structure 62 is provided on an upper end section of the side wall 23.

(Inner lid/lid assembly)

If we look at Figures 3 and 4, the internal cover 30 is placed on the retaining portion 22 and covered by the external cover 60. The internal cover 30 is sandwiched between the base body 21 and the external cover 60 The internal cover 30 is a cover assembly comprising an external cylindrical part 40 and an internal cylindrical part 50. The external cylindrical part 40 is arranged centered on the axis O. The internal cylindrical part 50 is arranged centered on the axis O and inside the outer cylindrical part 40. Namely, the outer cylindrical part 40 and the inner cylindrical part 50 are arranged coaxially along the common axis O. The outer cylindrical part 40 engages with the internal cylindrical part 50 by interlocking hollows and projections so as to prevent the removal of the external cylindrical part 40 from the internal cylindrical part 50. Thus, the external cylindrical part 40 and the internal cylindrical part 50 jointly serve as a cover. However, the internal cylindrical part 50 can rotate around the axis O relative to the external cylindrical part 50 within a limited rotation range while the internal cylindrical part 50 can move slightly relative to the external cylindrical part 40 in the vertical direction. The external cylindrical part 40 and the internal cylindrical part 50 can be made of any type of material. The external cylindrical part 40 and the internal cylindrical part 50 may be made of at least one material chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), resin acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), thermoplastics based on post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials such as PCR-PP, PCR-PET, PCR-ABS, PCR-PE, etc., metal, glass (virgin glass or PCR glass), wood, ceramic, fiber-molded, pulp-molded and virgin paper-molded laminate materials, or similar.

An upper portion 31 of the inner lid (lid assembly) 30 defines a puff housing 32 for housing a puff 90. The puff housing 32 is a cavity defined by an upper wall 52 of the inner cylindrical portion 50 and an upper wall 42 and an erected wall 43 of the outer cylindrical part 40, which are described below. The puff housing 32 is covered by the external cover 60.

(External cylindrical part)

If we look at the , the outer cylindrical part 40 includes a cylindrical-shaped peripheral wall 41 extending in the vertical direction, the upper wall 42 disposed on an upper end of the peripheral wall 41, and the erected wall 43 erected from the upper end of the peripheral wall 41. The peripheral wall 41 is arranged centered on the axis O. The peripheral wall 41 is provided with an opening 46 to define a sliding slot at its lower end. The opening 46 is a cutout having a recessed shape which is elongated in the circumferential direction. The opening 46 has a length shorter than a length (a dimension in the circumferential direction) of a quarter of the total outer periphery of the peripheral wall 41 and, roughly speaking, the length of the opening 46 is equal to approximately 1/8 of the total outer periphery of the peripheral wall 41. Namely, the opening 46 extends in a circular arc shape in the plan view and a central angle of the circular arc is 90° or less, more particularly approximately 45°. The peripheral wall 41 is provided with a projection 47 on its internal peripheral surface. The projection 47 is an edge extending along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 41 in the circumferential direction. The projection 47 has a flat upper end face and an inclined lower end face.

The upper wall 42 has a circular flat plate shape which is arranged on the horizontal plane. The upper wall 42 defines a circular-shaped opening 48 centered on the axis O. Thus, the upper wall 42 has an annular shape. The upper surface of the internal circumference of the upper wall 42 is inclined downward towards the axis O. The erected wall 43 has a cylindrical shape centered on the axis O. The erected wall 43 has the same diameter as that of the peripheral wall 41 and an outer periphery of the erected wall 43 is thus connected smoothly and continuously to the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 41 without any step so as to form a single cylinder in conjunction with the peripheral wall 41. erected wall 43 is provided with an engaging portion 45 on the internal periphery of the erected wall 43. The engaging portion 45 is a projection which is disposed at a location opposite the hinge structure 62.

The outer cylindrical part 40 is provided with a hinge structure 44 by which the inner cover 30 is hinged with the base 20. The hinge structure 44 is formed in the lower end of the peripheral wall 41 and is arranged at a position approximately opposite the aforementioned opening 46 in the peripheral wall 41. The hinge structure 44 is provided in a portion of the outer periphery of the base body 21 in the circumferential direction. The hinge structure 44 is located in a position which has been rotated 90 degrees around the axis O relative to the location of the side wall 23. Thus, when the inner cover 30 is opened and rotated by the hinge structure hinge 44, this prevents the internal cover 30 from interfering with the side wall 30 of the base 20 and/or the external cover 60.

(Internal cylindrical part)

If we look at the , the internal cylindrical part 50 includes a peripheral wall of cylindrical shape 51 extending in the vertical direction and the upper wall 52 disposed on an upper end of the peripheral wall 51. The peripheral wall 51 is arranged centered on the axis O. The upper wall 52 is arranged in the horizontal plane.

A sealing member 70 is mounted inside the inner cylindrical portion 50. The sealing member 70 is arranged between the refill 80 and the inner cover 30 so as to seal an upper circumferential surface 86a of the refill 80 Particularly, the sealing element 70 has a disc shape and is attached to a lower surface of the upper wall 52 of the inner cylindrical part 50. The sealing element 70 can be retained on the lower surface of the upper wall 52 by being fitted tightly into the peripheral wall 51 or may be attached to the lower surface of the upper wall 52 by means of an adhesive. The sealing element 70 is made of an expandable material, for example, polyethylene (PE). The material of the sealing element is not limited to the expandable PE material. Instead of the expandable material, the sealing element 70 can be made of a flexible bi-injected material which can be brought into interference with a rigid plastic after closure for good airtightness. For example, soft material includes LDPE, TPE, TPU, Hytrel or similar type of material. The sealing element 70 may be made of any type of material such as elastomer or the like.

The peripheral wall 51 is provided with a recessed groove 54 on its outer peripheral surface. The recessed groove 54 extends along the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 51 in the circumferential direction. The recessed groove 54 has a flat upper end face and an inclined lower end face. The recessed groove 54 receives the projection 47 on the outer cylindrical portion 40. The cross-sectional shape of the recessed groove 54 is similar to the cross-sectional shape of the projection 47 on the outer cylindrical portion 40 but a size of the recessed groove 54 is slightly larger than the size of the projection 47. According to the aforementioned configurations and arrangements, the internal cylindrical part 50 can rotate around the axis O relative to the external cylindrical part 40 while the internal cylindrical part 50 can move slightly relative to the outer cylindrical part 40 in the vertical direction.

The inner cylindrical wall 50 is provided with threads 56 on its inner peripheral surface. The thread 56 is an edge extending along the inner periphery of the peripheral wall 51 inclined in the vertical direction. The thread 56 has a length shorter than a length of a quarter of the total internal periphery of the peripheral wall 51, and roughly speaking, the length of the thread 56 is equal to about 1/6 to 1/10 of the periphery total internal of the peripheral wall 51. The threads 56 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. In detail, there are four threads 56 on the internal periphery of the peripheral wall 51. The threads 56 on the internal cylindrical part 50 engage with the threads 29 on the retaining portion 22. These threads 29 and 56 guide the part internal cylindrical part 50 relative to the retaining portion 22 in a spiral while the internal cylindrical part 50 rotates around the axis O. Namely, the threads 29 and 56 in engagement with each other allow a twisting operation of an internal cylindrical part 50. The twisting operation makes it possible to switch between a sealed state in which the sealing element 70 compresses and seals an upper circumferential surface 86a of the refill 80 and a relaxed state in which the sealing of the sealing element 70 is released.

The internal cylindrical part is provided with an actuation portion 55 intended to manually perform the twisting operation of the internal cylindrical part 50. The actuation portion 55 is exposed from the opening 46 of the peripheral wall 41 of the cylindrical part 40. In detail, the actuation portion 55 includes a button 57. The button 57 is arranged outside the peripheral wall 41 of the external cylindrical part 40. The button 57 has a hollow structure having a cylindrical shape substantially triangular. One of the outer faces of the button 57 is parallel to one side (one side along the X direction) of the base body 21 and the other is parallel to another side (one side along the Y direction) of the base body 21. The rear face of the button 57 facing the outer periphery of the outer cylindrical part 40 is a concave surface curving smoothly along the outer periphery of the outer cylindrical part 40. The button 57 is connected to the peripheral wall 51 of the internal cylindrical part 50 with a connection 58. The connection 58 between the button 57 and the peripheral wall 51 passes through the opening 46 of the peripheral wall 41 of the external cylindrical part 40. This connection 58 is movable within the opening 46 of the peripheral wall 41. Thus, the button 57 can slide along the opening 46 in the circumferential direction so as to rotate the internal cylindrical part 50 around the axis O by relative to the external cylindrical part 40. The sliding operation of the button 57 is stopped when the connection 58 hits one end of the opening 46. Thus, the movement of the button 57 is limited within a predetermined range, resulting in limiting the rotation of the internal cylindrical part 50 within a certain rotation range. The twist angle of the twisting operation is 90° or less, more preferably about 45°.

(External cover)

If we look at the , the outer cover 60 includes a cover body 61 having a flat plate shape which is arranged on the horizontal plane. In particular, the cover body 61 has a substantially square shape whose corners are rounded in the plan view. The cover body 61 has a planar shape substantially equal to that of the base body 21. The outer cover 60 is articulated with the side wall 23 of the base 20. The outer cover 60 is provided with an annular projection 63 on one surface internal of the cover body 61. The annular projection 63 defines an area in which a mirror M is attached. The mirror M is attached inside the annular projection 63. This annular projection 63 serves as a frame for the mirror M.

If we look at the , the outer cover 60 is provided with a latching claw 65 such as a hook which can be detachably coupled by snap-fastening to the engagement portion 45 provided on the outer cylindrical part 40 during locking. The detent claw 65 projects from the annular projection 63. Furthermore, the outer cover 60 is provided with retaining projections 66 on an internal surface of the cover body 61. The retaining projection 66 is intended to retain the button 57 so as to prevent the button 57 from sliding inadvertently when the outer cover 60 is closed. The retaining projection 66 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer face of the button 57. The outer cover 60 can be made of any type of material. The outer cover 60 may be made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin. (ABS), thermoplastics based on post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials such as PCR-PP, PCR-PET, PCR-ABS, PCR-PE, etc., metal, glass (virgin glass or PCR glass), wood, ceramics, fiber-molded, pulp-molded and virgin paper-molded laminate materials, or the like.

(Recharge)

The refill 80 is detachably mounted in the retaining portion 22. The refill 80 includes a charging case 81 and a charging ring 82 attached to an upper end of the charging case 81. The charging case 81 and the ring refill 82 can be made of any type of material. The charging box 81 and the charging ring 82 may be made of at least one material chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS), thermoplastics based on post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials such as PCR-PP, PCR-PET, PCR-ABS, PCR-PE, etc., metal, glass (glass virgin or PCR glass), wood, ceramic, fiber-molded, pulp-molded and virgin paper-molded laminate materials, or similar.

The refill cup 81 is a receptacle housing the cosmetic composition C and is filled with a cosmetic composition C. The refill cup 81 includes a lower wall 83 having a circular shape, an internal wall 84 erected upwards on a periphery of the bottom wall 83, and an outer wall 85 surrounding the inner wall 83 with a spacing in the radial direction thereof. The lower wall 83 and the inner wall 84 define a cavity to be filled with the cosmetic composition C. A connecting portion 85a connecting the inner wall 84 and the outer wall 85 is provided between the lower end of the outer wall 85 and the lower portion of the internal wall 84 so as to define an annular step intended to engage with the annular step defined in the base 20. The external wall 85 is provided with the locked portion 81a on its external peripheral surface. The locked portion 81a is an annular projection extending continuously along the total periphery and is configured to engage with the locking portions 25 of the retaining portion 22.

The outer wall 85 is provided with a rim portion 86 at its upper end. The rim portion 86 extends outward from the upper end of the outer wall 85 in the radial direction and is arranged above the upper end of the retaining portion 22. The rim portion 86 includes an upper circumferential surface 86a having an annular shape. The upper circumferential surface 86a is located above the height level of an upper surface of the charging ring 82. The rim portion 86 is provided with an annular projection 86b on its upper circumferential surface 86a. The projection 86b extends along an outer peripheral edge of the rim portion 86 in the circumferential direction. When the inner cover 30 is closed and then locked by sliding the operating portion 55, the upper circumferential surface 86a comes into close contact with the lower side of the sealing member 70 and the projection is compressed into the lower side of the sealing element 70 thus making it possible to ensure airtightness and sealing of the refill 80.

The charging ring 82 includes an annular upper portion 87, a cylindrical portion 88 suspended from the outer periphery of the upper portion 87, and a conical portion 89 inclined downward from the inner periphery of the upper portion 87 The upper portion 87 is mounted on the internal wall 84 of the refill cup 81. The cylindrical portion 88 is inserted between the internal wall 84 and the external wall 85 of the refill cup 81. The cylindrical portion 88 is secured to the external wall 85 by interlocking hollows and projections. The conical portion 89 extends towards the cavity to be filled with the cosmetic composition C. The refill ring 82 may have a sieve such as a plastic sieve, a type of textile mesh capable of transmitting the cosmetic composition C.

The refill cup 81 filled with the cosmetic composition C is placed on the market separately from the refill ring 82 in the state where the refill cup 81 filled with the cosmetic composition C is sealed with a sealing label. The sealing label may be made of aluminum laminated film. The seal label is applied to the upper circumferential surface 86a of the rim portion 86 of the refill cup 81 in such a manner that it can be removed from the rim portion 86 of the refill cup 81 by hand.

(Cosmetic composition C)

Cosmetic composition C can consist of any type of cosmetic material. By means of the powder puff 90, the user takes the cosmetic composition C directly or through the sieve above the cosmetic composition C and applies it to the skin. The cosmetic composition C may be in any form such as a liquid form, a cream form, a liquid creamy foundation form, a powder form (for example, hot poured powder, compressed powder or powder free) or a solid form. The cosmetic composition C can be distributed by a sieve or textile mesh presented by the refill ring 82 or by a spongy motor introduced into the refill cup 81 such as an NBR, PU, PET fiber motor, a PE fiber motor.

(Using the kit)

When using a kit consisting of the compact cosmetic container 10 and the refill 80, as shown in , a user can open the outer cover 60 by lifting the outer cover 60 with the hand. At this stage, the compact cosmetic container 10 remains in the sealed state in which the sealing element 70 compresses and seals the upper circumferential surface 86a of the refill 80.

Then, as shown in , the user can remove the puff 90 from the puff housing 32 and then the user can actuate the button 57 with his finger to slide the button 57 towards the side wall 23 of the base 20. Parallel to the sliding movement of the button 57, the twisting operation of the internal cylindrical part 50 is produced by the function of the threads 29 and 56. Following the twisting operation, a height level of the internal cylindrical part 50 increases so that the seal between the The sealing element 70 and the refill 80 are released.

Then, as shown in , the user can open the internal cover 30 by lifting the internal cover 30 with the hand. Once the internal cover 30 is open, the user can access the cosmetic composition C introduced into the refill cup 81. The user can take the cosmetic composition C using the powder puff 90 and apply it to the skin.

Once the application of the cosmetic composition C is completed, the user can close the internal cover 30 by rotating the internal cover 30 downwards with the hand. Then, the user can operate the button 57 with the hand to slide the button 57 in a direction where the button 57 is moved away from the side wall 23 of the base 20. Parallel to the sliding movement of the button 57, the operation torsion of the internal cylindrical part 50 is produced by the function of the threads 29 and 56. Following the twisting operation, a height level of the internal cylindrical part 50 is lowered so that the sealing element 70 compresses and seals the upper circumferential surface 86a of the refill 80. Then, the user can place the puff 90 into the puff housing 32 and can close the outer cover 60 by rotating the outer cover 60 downward with the hand.

As shown in the , when the refill 80 is empty or the cosmetic composition C in the refill cup 81 is exhausted, the user can replace the empty or exhausted refill 80 with a new refill 80A which is filled with the cosmetic composition C. In detail, after opening the internal cover 30 according to the steps described above, the user can push the lower side of the refill cup 81 upwards so that the refill 80 is removed from the retaining portion 22. Then, the user can insert the new recharge 80A into the retaining portion 22 from the upper side of the retaining portion 22. Once the insertion of the recharge 80A is completed, the user can close the inner cover 30 and the outer cover 60 and operate button 57 according to the steps described above.

Second embodiment

(Cosmetic container such as powder compact)

We will describe a compact cosmetic container 100 according to the second embodiment with reference to Figures 11 to 16. is a perspective view of the compact cosmetic container according to a second embodiment. There is a cross section of the compact cosmetic container according to the second embodiment cut along the line C to C' shown on the . There is a partial cross section of the compact cosmetic container according to the second embodiment cut along the line D to D' shown on the . Figures 14 to 16 are perspective views of the compact cosmetic container according to the second embodiment in use.

If we look at Figures 11 to 13, the compact cosmetic container 100 comprises a base 120, an internal cover 160 mounted on a base 120 and an external cover 130 which covers the internal cover 160. The internal cover 160 is hinged with the base 120 and the outer cover 130 is also hinged with the base 120. A hinge structure 163 of the inner cover 160 and a hinge structure 144 of the outer cover 130 are moved relative to each other in the circumferential direction . In detail, the circumferential position of the hinge structure 163 of the inner cover 160 is offset by approximately 90 degrees relative to the circumferential position of the hinge structure 144 of the outer cover 130.

(Base)

If we look at the , the base 120 comprises a base body 121 including a retaining portion 122 intended to receive and detachably retain a refill 180, and a base cover 123 which covers a lower face of the base body 121. The base body 121 and base cover 123 are individual components which are assembled and joined by ultrasonic welding or the like.

The retaining portion 122 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction and includes locking structures intended to lock the refill 180 and allowing removal of the refill 180 upwards from the retaining portion 122. In particular , the retaining portion 122 includes a lower cylinder portion 122a extending in the vertical direction and an upper cylinder portion 122b extending in the vertical direction. The lower and upper cylinder portions 122a and 122b are arranged coaxially along the common axis O. The diameter of the lower cylinder portion 122a is smaller than that of the upper cylinder portion 122b, and an upper end of the lower cylinder portion 122a is located inside the upper cylinder portion 122b. The upper end of the lower cylinder portion 122a connects the inner periphery of the upper cylinder portion 122b via a connection 122c so as to define a stepped surface 122d intended to support a refill cup 181 of the refill 180. The stepped surface 122d extends continuously along the entire inner periphery of the retaining portion 122 and is configured to engage a rim portion 186 provided on an outer periphery of the refill cup 81 .

The lower cylindrical portion 122a includes a pair of slots (not shown in the figure) extending from a lower end to the upper end of the lower cylinder portion 122a in the vertical direction, which are spaced apart from each other. 'other in the circumferential direction. A section between the pair of slots functions as a detent portion (not shown in the figure) capable of oscillating in the radial direction. The retaining portion 22 includes two snap-fit portions which are positioned opposite each other. Namely, there are two pairs of slots in the retaining portion, which are opposed to each other. Each detent portion is provided with a locking portion (not shown in the figure) intended to lock the refill cup 181. The locking portion is a projecting portion configured and arranged to engage with the locked portion (not shown in the figure) provided on the external periphery of the refill cup 181. When removing/mounting the refill 180 from/on the retaining portion 122, the aforementioned latching portions oscillate outwards so that the aforementioned locking portions on the latching portions are detached from the aforementioned locked portion of the refill cup 181.

The base body 121 further includes an outer rim portion 124 having an annular shape and an outer periphery portion 125 having a cylindrical shape. The outer rim portion 124 is disposed centered on the axis O and extends outward from a lower end of the upper cylinder portion 122b. The outer periphery portion 125 is arranged centered on the axis O and is suspended from an outer periphery of the outer rim portion 124. The base body 121 can be made of any type of material. The base body 121 may consist of at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene resin. styrene (ABS), thermoplastics based on post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials such as PCR-PP, PCR-PET, PCR-ABS, PCR-PE, etc., metal, glass (virgin glass or PCR glass), wood , ceramic, fiber-molded, pulp-molded and virgin paper-molded laminate materials, or the like.

The retaining portion 122 is provided with threads 129 on its outer peripheral surface. The thread 129 is a ridge extending along the outer periphery of the upper cylinder portion 122b inclined in the vertical direction. The thread 129 has a length shorter than a length of a quarter of the total outer periphery of the upper cylinder portion 122b and, roughly speaking, the length of the thread 129 is approximately 1/12 to 1/16 of the periphery total external of the upper cylinder portion 122b. The threads 129 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. In detail, there are five threads 129 on the outer periphery of the upper cylinder portion 122b.

The base cover 123 includes a lower portion 126, a conical portion 127 extending upwardly from an outer periphery of the lower portion 126, and an erected portion 128 erected from an upper end of the portion conical 127. The bottom wall 126 has a circular flat plate shape which is arranged on the horizontal plane. The lower portion 126 defines an opening of circular shape 126a centered on the axis O. Namely, the lower portion 126 has an annular shape centered on the axis O. The conical portion 127 has a shape spreading progressively upwards. . Namely, the diameter of the conical portion 127 becomes progressively larger from its lower end to its upper end. The erect portion 128 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The erected portion 128 is fitted in the outer periphery portion 125 of the base body 121. Furthermore, the base cover 123 defines a recess 123a in which the hinge structure 144 of the outer cover 130 is positioned. The base cover 123 can be made of any type of material. The base cover 123 may be made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene resin. styrene (ABS), thermoplastics based on post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials such as PCR-PP, PCR-PET, PCR-ABS, PCR-PE, etc., metal, glass (virgin glass or PCR glass), wood , ceramic, fiber-molded, pulp-molded and virgin paper-molded laminate materials, or the like.

(Inner cover)

If we look at the , the inner cover 160 includes a cover body 161 sandwiched between the refill 180 and the outer cover 130. The cover body 161 has a plate shape which is arranged centered on the axis O in the horizontal plane. The lid body 161 is provided with a recessed pocket 164 for receiving a powder puff 190. The recessed pocket 164 is a defined recess in the central region of the lid body 161 and has a circular shape in plan view. The recessed pocket 164 defines a puff housing 162 for housing the puff 190. The puff housing 162 is a cavity defined by an upper wall 152 and an annular projection 159 of an inner cylindrical portion 150 of the outer cover 130, which are described further below. The powder puff housing 162 is covered by the outer cover 130.

The cover body 161 is provided with a peripheral rib 166 at its outer periphery. The peripheral rib 166 has a cylindrical shape centered on the axis O and is hinged downward from the outer periphery of the cover body 161. The hinge structure 163 shown in the intended to articulate the inner cover 160 with the base body 121 is provided in a portion of the outer periphery of the cover body 161 in the circumferential direction.

The cover body 161 is provided with a seal retaining wall 167 for retaining a sealing element 170. The seal retaining wall 167 has a cylindrical shape centered on the axis O and hangs from the cover body 161. The inner diameter of the seal retaining wall 167 is larger than the outer diameter of the recessed pocket 164 and the seal retaining wall 167 encircles the pocket recessed pocket 164 and is spaced from the recessed pocket 164 in the radial direction. A space between the outer periphery of the recessed pocket 164 and the inner periphery of the seal retaining wall 167 defines an annular fitted structure 165 onto which the annular seal member 170 fits.

The sealing element 170 is arranged between the refill 180 and the internal cover 160 so as to seal an upper circumferential surface 187a of the refill 180. In particular, the sealing element 170 has an annular shape and is fitted in the annular fitted structure 165. The sealing member 170 may be retained in the annular fitted structure 165 by interference fit or may be secured in the annular fitted structure 165 by means of an adhesive. The sealing element 170 is made of an expandable material, for example, polyethylene (PE). The material of the sealing element is not limited to the expandable PE material. Instead of the expandable material, the sealing element 70 can be made of a flexible bi-injected material which can be brought into interference with a rigid plastic after closure for good airtightness. For example, soft material includes LDPE, TPE, TPU, Hytrel or similar type of material. The sealing element 70 may be made of any type of material such as an elastomer or the like.

(Outer cover/cover assembly)

If we look at Figures 11 and 12, the outer cover 130 is placed on the retaining portion 122. The outer cover 130 is a cover assembly comprising an outer cylindrical part 140 and an inner cylindrical part 150. The outer cylindrical part 140 is arranged centered on the axis O. The internal cylindrical part 150 is arranged centered on the axis O and inside the external cylindrical part 140. Namely, the external cylindrical part 140 and the internal cylindrical part 150 are arranged coaxially along the common axis O. The external cylindrical part 140 engages with the internal cylindrical part 150 by interlocking recesses and projections so as to prevent removal of the external cylindrical part 140 from the cylindrical part internal 150. Thus, the external cylindrical part 140 and the internal cylindrical part 150 jointly serve as a cover. However, the internal cylindrical part 150 can rotate around the axis O relative to the external cylindrical part 150 within a limited rotation range while the internal cylindrical part 150 can move slightly relative to the external cylindrical part 140 in the vertical direction. The external cylindrical part 140 and the internal cylindrical part 150 can be made of any type of material. The outer cylindrical part 140 and the inner cylindrical part 150 may be made of at least one material chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), resin acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), thermoplastics based on post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials such as PCR-PP, PCR-PET, PCR-ABS, PCR-PE, etc., metal, glass (virgin glass or PCR glass), wood, ceramic, fiber-molded, pulp-molded and virgin paper-molded laminate materials, or similar.

(External cylindrical part)

The outer cylindrical part 140 includes a cylindrical-shaped peripheral wall 141 extending in the vertical direction, the upper wall 142 being disposed above the peripheral wall 141, and the conical wall 143 connecting an upper end of the peripheral wall 141 at an external periphery of the upper wall 142. The peripheral wall 141 is arranged centered on the axis O. If we look at the , the peripheral wall 141 is provided with a recessed groove 147 on its internal peripheral surface. The recessed groove 147 extends along the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 141 in the circumferential direction. The recessed groove 147 has a flat lower end face and an inclined upper end face.

The upper wall 142 has a circular flat plate shape which is arranged on the horizontal plane. The upper wall 142 defines a circular shaped opening 148 centered on the axis O. Thus, the upper wall 142 has an annular shape. The conical portion 143 has a shape spreading progressively downwards. Namely, the diameter of the conical portion 143 gradually widens from its upper end to its lower end. The outer cylindrical part 140 is provided with the hinge structure 144

which connects one side of the outer cover 130 with an outer rim portion 124 and the outer periphery portion 125 of the base body 121. The hinge structure 144 is located in a position which has been rotated 90 degrees around the axis O from the location of the hinge structure 163 to articulate the inner cover 160 with the base body 121. Thus, when the inner cover 160 is opened and rotated by the hinge structure 163, interference between the inner cover 160 and the outer cover 130 is avoided.

(Internal cylindrical part)

If we look at the , the outer cylindrical part 150 includes a peripheral wall of cylindrical shape 151 extending in the vertical direction, the upper wall 152 being disposed above the peripheral wall 151, and the conical wall 153 connecting an upper end of the peripheral wall 151 at an external periphery of the upper wall 152. The peripheral wall 151 is arranged centered on the axis O. If we look at the , the peripheral wall 151 is provided with a projection 154 on its outer peripheral surface. The projection 154 is a ridge extending along the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 151 in the circumferential direction. The projection 154 has a flat lower end face and an inclined upper end face. The projection 154 is received in the recessed groove 147 in the outer cylindrical portion 140. The cross-sectional shape of the projection 154 is similar to the cross-sectional shape of the recessed groove 147 on the outer cylindrical portion 40 but one size of the projection 154 is slightly smaller than the size of the recessed groove 147. Thanks to the above configurations and arrangements, the internal cylindrical part 150 can rotate around the axis O relative to the external cylindrical part 140 while the inner cylindrical part 150 can move slightly relative to the outer cylindrical part 140 in the vertical direction.

The internal cylindrical part 150 is provided with an annular projection 159 on a lower surface of the upper wall 152. The annular projection 159 is arranged centered on the axis O and defines an area in which a mirror M is attached. The mirror M is attached inside the annular projection 159. This annular projection 159 serves as a frame for the mirror M. The annular projection 159 has a tip end abutting against an upper surface of the cover body 161 of the inner cover 160. The diameter of the annular projection 159 is substantially equal to the diameter of the annular sealing element 170 so that the annular projection 159 is located just above the annular sealing element 170. This arrangement can transmit so effective the pressure force applied from the internal cylindrical part 150 on the sealing element 170 through the annular projection 159.

The inner cylindrical wall 150 is provided with threads 156 on its inner peripheral surface. The thread 156 is a ridge extending along the inner periphery of the peripheral wall 151 inclined in the vertical direction. The thread 156 has a length shorter than a length of a quarter of the total inner periphery of the peripheral wall 151, and roughly speaking, the length of the thread 156 is equal to about 1/12 to 1/16 of the periphery total internal of the peripheral wall 151. The threads 156 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. In detail, there are five threads 156 on the internal periphery of the peripheral wall 151. The threads 156 on the internal cylindrical part 150 engage with the threads 129 on the retaining portion 122. These threads 129 and 156 guide the part internal cylindrical part 150 relative to the retaining portion 122 in a spiral while the internal cylindrical part 150 rotates around the axis O. Namely, the threads 129 and 156 in engagement with each other allow a twisting operation of the internal cylindrical part 150. The twisting operation makes it possible to press the internal cover 160 downwards at the level of the annular projection 159 abutting on the upper surface of the cover body 161 or to release the pressure of the internal cover. Consequently, the twisting operation makes it possible to switch between a sealed state in which the sealing element 170 compresses and seals an upper circumferential surface 187a of the refill 180 and a relaxed state in which the sealing of the sealing element sealing 170 is released. The angle of movement in the twisting operation is limited to a predetermined angle range, and the twisting angle of the twisting operation is 90° or less, more preferably about 60°. The angle limit of movement in the twisting operation is obtained by a length difference between the recessed groove 147 and the projection 154 or any other stop part.

The internal cylindrical part 150 is provided with an actuation portion 155 intended to manually perform the twisting operation of the internal cylindrical part 150. The actuation portion 155 is exposed from the opening 148 of the upper wall 142 of the external cylindrical part 140. In detail, the actuation portion 155 includes a handle 157 which is arranged above the upper wall 152 of the internal cylindrical part 150 and is articulated with the upper wall 152. The handle 157 can be rotated around the axis so as to rotate the inner cylindrical portion 150 around the axis O relative to the outer cylindrical portion 140. The handle 157 includes a half-arc gripping member configured to be easily grasped with one hand. The handle 157 is attached through a hinge structure 158 to the upper surface of the top wall 142 which is exposed from the opening 148. The hinge structure 158 allows the handle 157 to rotate upwardly. and the bottom between a lowered position in which the handle 157 is lowered onto the upper surface of the upper wall 152 and a raised position in which the handle 157 is raised from the upper surface of the upper wall 152.

(Recharge)

The refill 180 is detachably mounted in the retaining portion 122. The refill 180 includes a charging case 181 and a charging ring 182 attached to an upper end of the charging case 181. The charging case 181 and the ring refill 182 can be made of any type of material. The charging box 181 and the charging ring 182 may be made of at least one material chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS), thermoplastics based on post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials such as PCR-PP, PCR-PET, PCR-ABS, PCR-PE, etc., metal, glass (glass virgin or PCR glass), wood, ceramic, fiber-molded, pulp-molded and virgin paper-molded laminate materials, or similar.

The refill cup 181 is a receptacle housing the cosmetic composition C and is filled with a cosmetic composition C. The refill cup 181 includes a lower wall 183 having a circular shape, an inner wall 184 erected upwards on a periphery of the bottom wall 183, and an outer wall 185 surrounding the inner wall 183 at a spacing in the radial direction thereof. The lower wall 183 and the inner wall 184 define a cavity to be filled with the cosmetic composition C. A connecting portion 185a connecting the inner wall 184 and the outer wall 185 is provided between the lower end of the outer wall 185 and the lower portion of the internal wall 184 so as to define an annular step intended to engage with the internal periphery of the lower portion 126 of the base cover 123. The external wall 185 is provided with a projection 185b on its peripheral surface internal. The projection 185b is an annular projection extending continuously along the entire periphery. The outer wall 185 is provided with a rim portion 186 at its upper end. The rim portion 186 extends outward from the upper end of the outer wall 185 in the radial direction and engages the stepped surface 123d in the retaining portion 122.

The charging ring 182 includes an annular upper portion 187, a cylindrical portion 188 suspended from the outer periphery of the upper portion 187, and a conical portion 189 inclined downward from the inner periphery of the upper portion 87. The upper portion 187 is mounted on the internal wall 184 of the refill cup 181. The upper portion 187 includes the upper circumferential surface 187a having an annular shape. When the inner cover 160 and the outer cover 130 are closed and then locked by rotating the actuation portion 155, the upper circumferential surface 187a comes into close contact with the lower side of the sealing element 170.

The cylindrical portion 188 is inserted between the internal wall 184 and the external wall 185 of the refill cup 181. The cylindrical portion 188 is provided with a rim portion 188a at its lower end. The rim portion 188a extends outward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 188 in the radial direction and engages with the projection 185b on the outer wall 185 of the refill cup 181. Additionally , the cylindrical portion 188 is secured to the internal wall 184 by interlocking hollows and projections. The conical portion 189 extends towards the cavity to be filled with the cosmetic composition C. The refill ring 182 may have a sieve such as a plastic sieve, a type of textile mesh capable of transmitting the cosmetic composition C.

The refill cup 181 filled with the cosmetic composition C is placed on the market separately from the refill ring 182 in a state where the refill cup 181 filled with the cosmetic composition C is sealed with a sealing label. The sealing label may be made of aluminum laminated film. The seal label is applied to the upper circumferential surface of the rim portion 186 of the refill cup 181 in such a manner that it can be removed from the rim portion 186 of the refill cup 181 by hand.

(Cosmetic composition C)

Cosmetic composition C can consist of any type of cosmetic material. By means of the powder puff 90, the user takes the cosmetic composition C directly or through the sieve above the cosmetic composition C and applies it to the skin. The cosmetic composition C may be in any form such as a liquid form, a cream form, a liquid creamy foundation form, a powder form (for example, hot poured powder, compressed powder or powder free) or a solid form. The cosmetic composition C can be distributed by a sieve or textile mesh presented by the refill ring 82 or by a spongy motor introduced into the refill cup 81 such as an NBR, PU, PET fiber motor, a PE fiber motor.

(Using the kit)

When using a kit consisting of the compact cosmetic container 100 and the refill 180, as shown in , a user can lift the handle 157 and then can operate the handle 157 by hand to rotate it in a single direction around the axis O. A twist angle of said twisting operation is 90° or less, preferably between 30° and 60°. Parallel to the rotational movement of the handle 157, the twisting operation of the internal cylindrical part 150 is produced by the function of the threads 129 and 156. Following the twisting operation, a height level of the internal cylindrical part 150 increases so that the seal between the sealing element 170 and the refill 180 is released. Furthermore, the hinge structure 158 of the handle 157 is configured to stop rotating at a predetermined angle. In detail, the stopping angle of the handle 157 is defined at approximately 93 degrees.

Then, as shown in , the user can open the outer cover 130 by lifting the outer cover 130 with the hand and then the user can take out the powder puff 190 from the powder puff housing 162. When the outer cover 130 is opened, the peripheral wall 141 of the part cylindrical 140 of the outer cover 130 abuts against the edge of the recess 123a in the base cover 123 so that the rotation of the outer cover 130 stops at a predetermined angle. In detail, the stopping angle of the outer cover 130 is defined at approximately 140 degrees.

Then, as shown in , the user can open the internal cover 160 by lifting the internal cover 160 with the hand. Once the internal cover 160 is open, the user can access the cosmetic composition C introduced into the refill cup 181. The user can take the cosmetic composition C using the powder puff 190 and apply it to the skin.

Once the application of the cosmetic composition C is completed, the user can close the internal cover 160 by rotating the internal cover 160 downwards with the hand. Then, the user can place the powder puff 190 into the powder puff housing 162 and can close the outer cover 130 by rotating the outer cover 130 downward with the hand. Then, the user can operate the handle 157 with the hand to rotate it in a reverse direction around the axis O. A twist angle of said twisting operation is 90° or less, preferably between 30° and 60°. Parallel to the rotational movement of the handle 157, the twisting operation of the internal cylindrical part 150 is produced by the function of the threads 129 and 156. Following the twisting operation, a height level of the internal cylindrical part 150 is lowered so that the sealing element 170 compresses and seals the upper circumferential surface 187a of the refill 180.

When the refill 180 is empty or the cosmetic composition C in the refill cup 181 is exhausted, the user can replace the empty or exhausted refill 180 with a new refill which is filled with the cosmetic composition C. In detail, after opening of the internal cover 160 according to the steps described above, the user can push upwards the lower face of the refill cup 181 so that the refill 180 is removed from the retaining portion 122. Then, the user can insert the new refill into the retaining portion 122 from the upper side of the retaining portion 122. Once the insertion of the new refill is completed, the user can close the inner cover 160 and the outer cover 130 and operate the handle 157 according to the steps described above.

Effects

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, by actuating the actuation portion, the sealing element compresses and seals the upper circumferential surface of the refill. Therefore, it is possible to seal the refill with a higher degree of airtightness to protect the cosmetic composition housed in the refill case to prevent its deterioration.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions may be made, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

Powder compact type cosmetic container (10) comprising:
a base (20) comprising a retaining portion intended to receive and detachably retain a refill (80),
a cover assembly which covers the retaining portion, in which the cover assembly comprises an external cylindrical part (40) articulated with the base and an internal cylindrical part (50) disposed inside the external cylindrical part (40), the external cylindrical parts (40) and internal (50) being arranged coaxially along a common axis, the internal cylindrical part (50) being able to rotate around the axis relative to the external cylindrical part (40) at within a limited rotation range and able to move slightly relative to the outer cylindrical part (40) in a vertical direction along the axis, and
a sealing element (70) arranged between the refill (80) received in the retaining portion and the cover assembly,
wherein the inner cylindrical part (50) and the base (20) are provided with threads enabling twisting operation of the inner cylindrical part (50) within the limited rotation range such that the twisting operation allows switching between a sealed state in which the sealing element (70) compresses and seals an upper circumferential surface of the refill (80) and a relaxed state in which the sealing of the sealing element (70) is released, And
in which the internal cylindrical part (50) is provided with an actuation portion (55) intended to manually perform the twisting operation of the internal cylindrical part (50), the actuation portion (55) being exposed to from an opening defined in the external cylindrical part (40). A compact cosmetic container (10) according to claim 1, wherein a twist angle of said twisting operation is 90° or less, preferably between 45° and 60°. A powder compact cosmetic container (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the retaining portion may include locking structures for locking the refill (80) and allowing upward removal of the refill (80). from the retaining portion. A compact cosmetic container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the threads are spaced apart in a circumferential direction. Powder compact cosmetic container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the sealing element (70) consists of an expanded material or a bi-injected flexible material. Cosmetic container of the compact type (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a peripheral wall of the external cylindrical part (40) has the opening which extends in a circumferential direction, and the actuation portion (55) comprises a button arranged outside the peripheral wall of the outer cylindrical part (40) and a connection through the opening and between the button and the inner cylindrical part (50), the button being able to slide along of the opening in the circumferential direction so as to rotate the inner cylindrical part (50) around the axis relative to the outer cylindrical part (40). A compact cosmetic container (10) according to claim 6, wherein the inner cylindrical portion (50) comprises a top wall, and the sealing member (70) is disc-shaped and attached to a bottom surface of the upper wall of the internal cylindrical part (50). A compact cosmetic container (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the lid assembly functions as an internal cover placed over the retaining portion, and the compact cosmetic container (10) further comprises an outer cover which covers the inner cover, the outer cover being hinged with the base (20). Cosmetic container of the compact type (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which an upper wall of the external cylindrical part (40) has the opening, and the actuation portion (55) comprises a handle attached to an upper wall of the inner cylindrical part (50) which is exposed from the opening, the handle being rotatable about the axis so as to rotate the inner cylindrical part (50) around the axis relative to the external cylindrical part (40). Kit consisting of a compact cosmetic container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and a refill (80) which can be detachably mounted in the retaining portion of the base (20) of the container for powder-type cosmetics (10).