US20130020340A1

US20130020340A1 - Cosmetic container for liquid or pasty cosmetics with a lockable closing cap

Info

Publication number: US20130020340A1
Application number: US13/555,427
Authority: US
Inventors: Manuela Geuther; Werner Fischer
Original assignee: Geka GmbH
Current assignee: Geka GmbH
Priority date: 2011-07-21
Filing date: 2012-07-23
Publication date: 2013-01-24
Also published as: EP2548467A2; EP2548467A3; DE202011050783U1; CN102885464A

Abstract

The invention relates to a cosmetics container for a liquid or pasty cosmetic product, which includes a storage container and a closure cap. The closure cap can be detachably locked on the storage container in its closing position using a locking device. The locking device includes a clip lever that is disposed on the outside of the storage container, or on the outside of the closure cap. The clip lever may be pivotably mounted with a hinge, and may include a latching arm pointing away from the hinge and a pressing arm pointing in the opposite direction away from the hinge. The latching arm may be configured with a latching member that is capable of engaging in a positive fir with a corresponding latching member formed on the storage container or cap such that this positive fit can be released again by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressing arm.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cosmetics container for a liquid or pasty cosmetic product, preferably mascara, comprising a storage container having at least one removal opening, and comprising a closure cap for opening and closing this removal opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cosmetics containers of this type serve for transporting, selling and/or storing a cosmetic product with a liquid or pasty consistency accommodated in the storage container, such as, for example, mascara. The cosmetic located in the storage container can be withdrawn by the user in the desired amount through the removal opening. The removal opening can be closed with a closure cap or lid associated with the cosmetics container in order to prevent accidental leaking of the cosmetic. It is known to provide an applicator on the closure cap with which the cosmetic can be applied in a directed manner.
The closure cap is most frequently detachably fastened to the storage container using a threaded portion, in some cases by a locking device or bayonet mechanism.
In addition, so-called threadless locking mechanisms are also known in which the closure cap can be detachably locked in its closing position on the storage container using at least one latching device that acts between the closure cap and the storage container.
This lock can be released again by manually applying a tensile force on to the closure cap.
In the case of the known cosmetics containers with threadless locking mechanisms, this lock is at times released accidentally, so that the cosmetic product can leak out and/or dry up.
It is an object of the invention to propose a cosmetics container of the type mentioned in the introduction with an improved threadless locking device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cosmetics container according to the invention comprises a storage container having at least one removal opening, and a closure cap for opening and closing this removal opening, wherein the closure cap can be detachably locked or fixed on the storage container in its closing position using a locking device that acts between the closure cap and the storage container. It is provided that the locking device comprises at least one clip lever which is disposed on the outside of the closure cap, which is pivotably mounted with a hinge, and which comprises a latching arm pointing away from the hinge and a pressing arm pointing in the opposite direction away from the hinge, wherein the latching arm is provided with at least one latching member that, for locking the closure cap, is capable of engaging in a positive fit with at least one corresponding latching member formed, in particular, on the outside of the storage container, in such a way that this positive fit can be released again by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressing arm.
Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the locking device comprises at least one clip lever which is disposed on the outside of the storage container, which is pivotably mounted with a hinge, and which comprises a latching arm pointing away from the hinge and a pressing arm pointing in the opposite direction away from the hinge, wherein the latching arm is provided with at least one latching member that is capable of engaging in a positive fit with at least one corresponding latching member formed, in particular, on the outside of the closure cap, in such a way that this positive fit can be released again by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressing arm.
In the cosmetics container according to the invention, an effective and very reliable lock between the closure cap and the storage container can be established in a comfortable manner, and can be released again just as comfortably.
The clip lever, which works like a seesaw, is preferably configured as a flat, strip-like member and preferably consists of a plastic material.
The hinge (or also pivoting joint) for the clip lever can comprise an axle shaft which is disposed on the storage container or on the closure cap and on which the clip lever is pivotably mounted. Alternatively, it can be provided that the hinge for the clip lever is configured as a film hinge or film joint.
Preferably, it is provided that the clip lever is biased into the locking pivoted position by at least one spring device, with this spring device also causing a return of the clip lever after the manual application of a pressing force onto the pressing arm. The spring device thus serves for biasing and returning the clip lever into its closing position.
Moreover, it is preferably provided that at least the clip lever is configured in such a way that the locking positive fit between the corresponding latching members is brought about automatically when the closure cap is placed on the storage container.
In a cosmetics container according to the invention, at least one clip lever can have a different color than the closure cap and/or the storage container. Handling can be improved and, in particular, an intuitively correct operation of the locking mechanism can be ensured by the color contrast.
Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one clip lever of the cosmetics container according to the invention is configured at least in some sections with a patterned or otherwise especially designed surface (on the front or outside). This can improve haptics and/or handling.
Particularly preferably, it is provided that the cosmetics container according to the invention comprises two opposing clip levers which are disposed and configured in such a way that they can be simultaneously actuated with one hand and, in particular, with a two-finger grip in order to release the lock of the closure cap on the storage container.
Another aspect of the invention is the use of the clip lever as such, which comprises one or more features as they are described in this application for a clip lever.
Further advantages, mechanisms of action and optional embodiments become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments explained with reference to the Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cosmetics container according to the invention in a perspective view.

FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics container according to the invention in two sectional views.

FIG. 3 shows the closure cap of the cosmetics container from FIG. 2 in an exploded perspective view.

FIG. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics container according to the invention in two sectional views.

FIG. 5 shows several components of the cosmetics container from FIG. 4 in a perspective individual view.

FIG. 6 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics container according to the invention in two sectional views.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics container according to the invention in two sectional views.

FIG. 8 shows several components of the cosmetics container from FIG. 7 in a perspective individual view.

FIG. 9 shows a variation in which the latching members are provided with interacting wedge faces that brace the latching members against each other in the longitudinal direction L, so that friction forces are being built up that prevent the respective clip lever from pivoting outwards inadvertently.

FIG. 10 shows a variation in which the latching members are provided with interacting latching members that produce an additional positive fit which prevents the respective clip lever from pivoting outwards inadvertently.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Identical and/or functionally identical components are provided with the same reference numerals in the Figures. However, in order to better distinguish the exemplary embodiments from one another, these reference numerals have been additionally provided with the letters a, b, c and d.
FIG. 1 shows a cosmetics container 100 according to the invention, which is substantially formed from a plastic material. It preferably has a bulbous shape with an, in the cross section, oval contour. An elongate storage container 110 for accommodating a liquid or pasty cosmetic product and a closure cap 120, with which a removal opening located at the upper end of the storage container 110 (see FIG. 2) can be opened or unblocked and closed, belong to the cosmetics container 100.
In the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the cosmetics container has a length of preferably maximally 130 mm and ideally a length of maximally 80 mm. Its radius is preferably maximally 45 mm, ideally maximally 30 mm. The volume thereof that can be filled with cosmetic mass is most frequently less than 100 ml, ideally less than 50 ml or even less than 30 ml.
In the illustration shown in FIG. 1, the closure cap 120 is in the closing position. In this closing position, the closure cap 120 is detachably locked or fixed on the storage container 110 by two outer clip levers 130, and cannot be readily removed. The clip levers 130 are preferably disposed diametrically opposite from one another on the long sides of the cosmetics container 100.
FIG. 2 shows a section through a first exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics container 100 a according to the invention. The closure cap 120 a is in the closing position in which it closes off the removal opening 112 a in the storage container 110 a. The removal opening 112 a extends through an insert 111 a, wherein this insert 111 a also comprises a wiper for the applicator 140 a (see below) or simply constitutes the wiper. In order to be capable of providing the slightly more complex functional surfaces required according to the invention, the closure cap 120 a preferably has a multi-part configuration. In that case, it comprises an outer part or housing part 121 a, which also serves as a handle section, as well as an inner part 122 a, which is retained in, and most frequently latched onto, the housing part 121 a. The inner part 122 a is formed integrally with a carrier rod 123 a on whose end an applicator 140 a (e.g. a brush or flock-coated applying device) is disposed, with which a cosmetic that is located inside the storage container 110 a can be removed and applied.
The longitudinal axis of the cosmetics container 100 is marked with L.
As was already explained above, the closure cap 120 a, which is in the closing position, is detachably locked on the storage container 110 a by two clip levers 130 a.
The configuration and mode of operation of such a clip lever 130 a is explained in more detail below with reference to the enlarged detailed view A. The following explanations largely relate in a non-limiting manner to a single clip lever, but preferably apply to all clip levers provided, which generally are identical.
As is illustrated, the clip lever 130 a is preferably configured as a plate-like single part whose extent in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the cosmetics container is at least twice, preferably at least 2.5 times, as large as its extent in the circumferential direction of the cosmetics container, and preferably at least 5 times as large as its thickness. Preferably, such a clip lever should have edge lengths that do not exceed the range of 25 mm×10 mm and preferably 12.5 mm×5 mm. The maximum thickness of the clip lever preferably does not exceed 6 mm, better 4 mm.
The clip lever is pivotably attached to the housing part 121 a of the closure cap 120 a via a hinge or pivoting joint. The hinge comprises an axle shaft 133 a which is disposed on the housing part 121 a and preferably has the cross section of a half-cylinder or half-octagon or half-decagon, which facilitates the loss-proof latching action.
The clip lever 130 a is pushed or latched onto and pivotably mounted on this axle shaft 133 a with clamps 134 a (also see FIG. 3). As can be seen, the center D of the center of gravity of the clip lever thus formed is offset slightly towards the inside of the container relative to the imaginary center of gravity S of the clip lever. The clip lever 130 a comprises a latching arm 132 a pointing away from the hinge 133 a/ 134 a and a pressing arm 131 a pointing in the opposite direction away from the hinge 133 a/ 134 a. It preferably forms a seesaw that is pivotably mounted approximately in the area of its center.
The latching arm 132 a of the clip lever 130 a protrudes over the lower edge 124 a of the housing part 121 a (the lower edge is the edge facing towards the storage container 110 a; see FIG. 3). The latching arm 132 a is configured as a latching hook, for which purpose the latter comprises a latching member in the form of a latching lug 135 a spaced from the hinge 133 a/ 134 a and facing towards the storage container 120 a. For locking the closure cap 120 a to the storage container 110 a, the latching lug 135 a can reach behind a latching member 115 a in the form of a latching projection formed on the outside of the storage container 110 a, with the clip lever 130 a assuming a locking pivoted position, i.e. preventing the closure cap 120 a from being pulled off from the storage container 110 in the direction of the longitudinal axis by a positive fit.
The clip lever 130 a is preferably biased in the direction of its locking pivoted position by a spring device 137 a (also see FIG. 3) which most frequently acts on the pressing arm 131 a.
In addition, the latching lug can be configured in such a way that, when reaching behind the latching projection, it is biased against it to more than just an inconsiderable extent in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, so that friction forces arise between the latching lug and the latching projection which have a more than just inconsiderable influence on the latching lug and the latching projection remaining in the locking position instead of separating inadvertently. Such a configuration can be realized in such a manner, in particular, that the latching lug and the latching projection are equipped with cooperating wedge faces that slide along one another when the clip closure is pressed into the closing position, and thus generate the corresponding bias in the longitudinal direction L, see FIG. 9.
Alternatively, the latching lug and the latching projection can also be configured in such a way that they engage in a positive-fit lock with one another, which counteracts the latching lug being pushed off in the direction, substantially, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, see FIG. 10.
In order to release a frictional or positive fit existing between the latching lug 135 a and the latching projection 115 a, a pressing force has to be applied manually onto the pressing arm 131 a of the clip lever 130 a, which is illustrated by the arrow F. The pressing force F is directed inwards relative to the closure cap 120 a and acts in the opposite direction to the spring device 137 a. By applying the pressing force F, the clip lever 130 a is pivoted about the hinge 133/134 a and moved out of its locking pivoted position. Thereafter, the closure cap 120 a can be taken off the storage container 110 a. The spring device 137 a causes a return of the clip lever 130 a once the pressing force F is taken away.
The two clip levers 130 a are preferably disposed directly opposite from one another on the long sides of the cosmetics container 100 a (also see FIG. 1), and can therefore be actuated simultaneously with one hand and, in particular, with a two-finger grip, wherein the lock of the closure cap 120 a to the storage container 110 a can also be released only by a simultaneous actuation of the two clip levers 130 a. A cosmetics container according to the invention can optionally also comprise only one clip lever, or more than two clip levers.
In order to close the storage container 110 a, the applicator 140 a is inserted into the removal opening 112 a. Then, the storage container 110 a and the closure cap 120 a are moved towards one another axially along the longitudinal axis L. In this case, centering organs (separate from the clip arm) of the storage container and the closure cap preferably come into engagement with each other, even before the closure cap has reached its final position relative to the storage container, which position these components relative to one another as intended, even before the clip levers latch. Such an advance centering facilitates the precise latching of the clip levers, in particular if an automatic latching action is to take place.
During this axial displacement of the storage container and the closure cap relative to each other, the inner inclined surface 136 a (i.e. the one facing towards the storage container 110 a) on the end of the latching arm 132 a pointing away from the hinge 133/134 slides off the shoulder 116 a on the storage container 110 a, whereby the clip arm 130 a is pivoted against the acting spring device 137 a until finally, the latching lug 135 a is able, preferably automatically, to reach behind the latching projection 115 a. The locking positive fit between the corresponding latching members 115 a and 135 a can thus be brought about automatically.
In other embodiments in which the corresponding latching members themselves develop considerable friction fit or positive fit forces in order to remain securely latched to each other, the latching arm has to be pressed on accordingly by the user, see FIGS. 9 and 10.
The latching projection 115 a on the storage container 110 a is a part of a depression 114 a in the outer shell of the storage container 110 a, into which the end section of the latching arm 132 can engage completely, so that this end section hardly protrudes over the outer shell, or not at all.
Moreover, a lock of the closure cap 120 a in both directions of the longitudinal axis L is also accomplished.
In analogy to the above explanations, the clip levers can also be disposed on the storage container, with latching members being formed on the outside of the closure cap with which the latching members formed on the clip levers can engage in a releasable positive fit. Moreover, a cosmetics container according to the invention can comprise several clip levers, which are disposed, for example alternately, on the closure cap and on the storage container. Moreover, several clip levers of different designs (in this respect, also see the following explanations regarding the further exemplary embodiments) can be provided on a cosmetics container according to the invention.
In an exploded perspective view, FIG. 3 shows the closure cap 120 a of the cosmetics container from FIG. 2. In this view, the integral configuration of the housing part 121 a together with the axle shaft 133 a and the spring device 137 a can be seen well—the housing part in this case comprises a cut-out 125 a, which is preferably open in the downward direction, towards the storage container, and bordered on three sides, and within which the axle shaft 133 a and preferably also the spring device 137 a are retained.
The housing part 121 a is an injection-molded article that has been injection-molded together with the axle shaft and preferably also the spring device 137 a as a single component and preferably in a single shot. If required, the housing part can also be a multi-component injection-molded article consisting of a plastic material or a plastic composite material (wherein the housing part 121 a, the axle shaft 133 a and/or the spring device 137 a, as required, can be formed from different or only differently colored plastic materials). However, this integral configuration is not an absolute requirement. The axle shaft 133 a and/or the spring device 137 a can also be configured as separate individual parts that are assembled later or bonded by substance-to-substance connection during the injection-molding process, which, however, is not preferred due to reasons of cost, not for disposable packaging from the lower price segment, in any case. Generally, the axle shaft 133 a can also consist, for example, of a metallic material.
As is shown, the spring device 137 a is best configured as a unilaterally hinged and preferably slightly outwardly inclined or curved spring tongue. Preferably, the thickness of the spring tongue changes in the direction along the longitudinal axis—most frequently in such a way that the spring tongue has its minimum thickness in the vicinity of its connection to the housing 121.
The spring tongue is capable of pressing against the pressing arm 131 a of the clip lever 130 a from behind or the rear with its free resilient end (see FIG. 2). Ideally, it moves equidirectionally to the pressing arm 131 a—if the latter is pressed inwards into the housing part 121 a for opening the closure, the spring member (its free end) is also pressed, equidirectionally, inwards in the direction of the imaginary longitudinal axis of the housing part 121 a. The side at which the spring tongue is connected to the housing part 121 is immediately adjacent to the axle shaft.
As can best be seen in FIG. 3, the spring tongue in this preferred embodiment is connected to the housing part 121 a in such a way that the spring member comprises a web section 141 a extending in the circumferential direction, with which the spring member is connected to the housing 121 a. If the spring member is deflected by a corresponding load, then the web section 141 a is exposed to a torsional load in some areas, whereas the rest of the section of the spring member is subjected to a bending load.
As can be seen rather well in detail A of FIG. 2, the spring member has sufficient space to move in a resilient manner in the direction of the interior of the housing part 121 a. Preferably, a defined stop, here in the form of a stop rib, is attached on the inside of the housing part, which limits the spring deflection of the spring member in a defined manner in order to prevent the spring member from being overloaded.
A spring device acting differently for biasing and returning the clip lever 130 a can also be provided instead of such a spring tongue, such as a coil spring, a leaf spring, a rubber spring (in particular a sponge rubber spring in the form of a sponge rubber block which is preferably made to be self-adhesive on one surface and is, in any case, glued to the clip lever from the inside of the container) and the like, with these spring devices being, in particular, formed as separate spring devices that are positioned rearwards of the pressing arm 131 a and in the process are supported by a bearing pad on the housing part 121 (or optionally also on the inner part 122 a).
The axle shaft 133 a and the spring tongue 137 a are, as was already stated, disposed in a cut-out 125 a in the housing part 121 a. The cut-out 125 a enables the pressing arm 131 a of the clip lever 130 a to dip in when a pressing force F is applied. Furthermore, a deep-seated attachment of the clip lever 130 a to the closure cap 120 a is made possible, so that the attached clip lever 130 a hardly protrudes over the outer shell of the cosmetics containers 100 a, which can also be seen very well in the sectional view in FIG. 2. The danger of damage to the clip lever 130 a and/or of erroneous actuations is thus reduced.
The clip lever 130 a is configured as a flat, strip-like member. On its rear, the clip lever 130 a comprises at least two clamps 134 a that can be snapped onto the axle shaft 133 a on the housing part 121 a in order to form a hinge together with the axle shaft 133 a (see FIG. 2).
The accessible front of the clip lever 130 a can be configured with a patterned (e.g. roughened, napped or profiled) surface in order to improve haptics. A patterned surface can also be, for example, an embossed advertisement 138 a. Furthermore, the front surface can be provided with a coating (for example a metal foil).
The illustrated clip lever 130 a is integrally formed. Preferably, it is an injection-molded article or optionally a multi-component injection-molded article consisting of a plastic material. The clip lever 130 a could equally be an aluminum casting or the like. An integral configuration is not an absolute requirement, but is preferred. Moreover, the clip lever 130 a can be configured with strengthening members (for example stiffening ribs) and/or reinforcing members (e.g. integrated metal pins) that are not shown. Moreover, the arrangement of the axle shaft and the clamp can also be reversed.
According to the invention, it may be important that it is ensured, by the design, that the storage container 110 is sealed by the closure cap 120 without a stronger tightening of the closure cap 120 against the storage container 110 in the direction of the longitudinal axis being provided, such as a screw-on closure makes possible. In order to make a seal possible also without such a tightening, the closure cap 120 or the inner part 122 thereof comprises a stopper section 150. The outer diameter of the latter is adapted to the inner diameter of the neck of the storage container or of the wiper in such a way that the stopper section 150 tightens against the bottle neck or the wiper and thus seals it when the closure cap is closed.
FIG. 4 shows a section through a second exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics container 100 b according to the invention. Deviating from the first exemplary embodiment, the hinge for the clip lever 130 b is in this case formed as a film hinge 139 b, which can be seen well in the enlarged detailed view B. The film hinge 139 b can be formed as a continuous film joint or in the form of several individual film joints. Seen in the longitudinal direction L, it is attached at the level of the center of the clip lever. The film hinge 139 b also serves for fixingly connecting the clip lever 130 b to the inner part 122 b (or alternatively to the housing part 121 b) of the closure cap 120 b. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the clip lever 130 b is configured integral with the inner part 122 b via the film hinge 139 b (also see FIG. 5). The inner part 122 b is, in particular, a “single shot” injection-molded article or optionally a multi-component injection-molded article consisting of a plastic material. However, the integral configuration is not an absolute requirement, but is advantageous.
Another difference to the first exemplary embodiment lies in the fact that the spring device 137 b for biasing and returning the clip lever 130 b is disposed directly on the clip lever 130 b. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the spring device 137 b is formed as an elastic spring tab or spring tongue which is integrally formed with the clip lever 130 b and disposed on the rear of the pressing arm 131 b. This spring tab or tongue is preferably supported against a stop face of the inner part 122 a. However, the integral configuration is not an absolute requirement, but is advantageous. The spring tongue 137 b, which extends in a straight manner, preferably protrudes from the rear of the clip lever 130 b in the direction of the film hinge 139 b at an angle of about 40° to 50°. The transitions between the clip lever 130 b and the spring tongue 137 b are configured so as to be stress-optimized. The spring device 137 b is resiliently supported with its free resilient end on the inner part 122 b of the closure cap 120 b.
Another difference to the first exemplary embodiment also lies in the configuration of the positive-fit members effecting the locking action. Deviating from the first exemplary embodiment, the latching arm 132 b of the clip lever 130 b is not configured with a latching lug, but with a latching recess 135 b which preferably forms a window in the latching arm and which is capable of engaging in a positive fit with a corresponding latching member 115 b in the form of a latching knob or latching pin formed on the storage container 110 b. This is clearly apparent from the exploded perspective view shown in FIG. 5. Preferably, the latching recess 135 b and the latching member 115 b are dimensioned in such a way that the bias of the spring device 137 b is sufficient to let them come into engagement automatically once they overlap—so that the lid “snaps shut” of its own accord once it has been pushed into its final position.
Instead, however, a design may also be chosen in this case in which the latching recess 135 b and the latching member 115 b latch into one another by frictional or positive fit only due to the user specifically “pressing them shut”, so that the latching lever can no longer inadvertently pivot outwards into its opened position. Such a configuration can enhance the closing effect of the spring device, or also replace the spring device.
Further differences of design between the second exemplary embodiment and the first, third or fourth exemplary embodiments are apparent from the Figures. Moreover, the second exemplary embodiment can comprise all the features of the first, third and/or fourth exemplary embodiments, provided that these features are not incompatible with the above-described special features of the second exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 shows a section through a third exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics container 100 c according to the invention. As in the second exemplary embodiment, the spring device 137 c for biasing and returning the clip lever 130 c is disposed directly on the clip lever 130 c. Deviating from the second exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 4), the spring device 137 c, however, is not configured as a straight, but rather as a bent or curved spring tab or spring tongue, with this spring tongue 137 c extending away from the film hinge 139 c, for example.
The configuration and mode of operation of the positive-fit members 115 c and 135 c largely corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Further differences of design between the third exemplary embodiment and the first, second or fourth exemplary embodiments are apparent from the Figures. Moreover, the third exemplary embodiment can comprise all the features of the first, second and/or fourth exemplary embodiments, provided that these features are not incompatible with the above-described special features of the second exemplary embodiment. For example, the latching tab and the latching projection from the first exemplary embodiment could be realized instead of the positive-fit members shown by FIG. 6.
FIG. 7 shows a section through a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cosmetics container 100 d according to the invention. Deviating from the preceding exemplary embodiments, the attaching connection of the clip levers 130 d to the housing part 121 d of the closure cap 120 d is effected by two connecting tabs 127 d. This is clearly apparent from the perspective individual view shown in FIG. 8. In addition to the attachment, the connecting tabs 127 d serve, on the one hand, as hinges or pivoting joints for the pivotable mounting of the clip lever 130 d. On the other hand, the connecting tabs 127, given an appropriate dimensioning and selection of materials, preferably also serve as torsion springs for biasing and returning the clip lever 130 d—preferably, the clip lever is configured in such a way, also in this case, that it automatically fulfills its locking function once the closure cap has reached its closing position.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the clip lever 130 d is configured integral with the housing portion 121 b via the connecting tabs 127 d. The housing part 121 d is, in particular, a “single shot” injection-molded article or optionally a multi-component injection-molded article consisting of a plastic material or a plastic composite material. However, the integral configuration is not an absolute requirement, but is preferred. The connecting tabs 127 can comprise integrated strengthening members (such as, for example, metal torsion springs or the like).
The configuration and mode of operation of the positive- fit members 115 d and 135 d largely corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Further differences of design between the fourth exemplary embodiment and the first, second or third exemplary embodiments are apparent from the Figures. Moreover, the fourth exemplary embodiment can comprise all the features of the first, second and/or third exemplary embodiments, provided that these features are not incompatible with the above-described special features of the second exemplary embodiment.

Claims

1. A cosmetics container for a liquid or pasty cosmetic product, comprising:

a storage container having at least one removal opening; and a closure cap for opening and closing this removal opening, wherein the closure cap can be detachably locked on the storage container in its closing position using a locking device that acts between the closure cap and the storage container;

wherein the locking device comprises at least one clip lever which is disposed on an outside of the closure cap, and is pivotably mounted with a hinge, and which comprises a latching arm pointing away from the hinge and a pressing arm pointing in the an opposite direction away from the hinge, wherein the latching arm is configured with at least one latching member that is capable of engaging in a positive fit with at least one corresponding latching member formed on the storage container, in such a way that this positive fit can be released again by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressing arm.

2. A cosmetics container for a liquid or pasty cosmetic product, comprising:

wherein the locking device comprises at least one clip lever which is disposed on an outside of the storage container, and is pivotably mounted with a hinge, and which comprises a latching arm pointing away from the hinge and a pressing arm pointing in an opposite direction away from the hinge, wherein the latching arm is configured with at least one latching member that is capable of engaging in a positive fit with at least one corresponding latching member formed on the closure cap, in such a way that this positive fit can be released again by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressing arm.

3. The cosmetics container according to claim 1, wherein the clip lever is configured as a flat, strip-like member.

4. The cosmetics container according to claim 1, wherein the hinge for the clip lever comprises an axle shaft which is disposed on the storage container or on the closure cap and on which the clip lever is pivotably mounted.

5. The cosmetics container according to claim 1, wherein the hinge for the clip lever is configured as a film hinge.

6. The cosmetics container according to claim 1, wherein the clip lever is biased into a locking pivoted position by at least one spring device, with this spring device also causing a return of the clip lever after the manual application of a pressing force onto the pressing arm.

7. The cosmetics container according to any claim 1, wherein the clip lever is configured in such a way that the locking positive fit between the corresponding latching members is brought about automatically when the closure cap is placed on the storage container.

8. The cosmetics container according to claim 1, wherein the clip lever has a different color than the closure cap and/or the storage container.

9. The cosmetics container according to claim 1, wherein the clip lever is configured at least in some sections with a patterned surface.

10. The cosmetics container according to any claim 1, wherein the cosmetics container comprises two opposing clip levers which can be simultaneously actuated with one hand with a two-finger grip, in order to release the lock of the closure cap on the storage container.

11. A cosmetics application system, comprising a cosmetics container according to claim 1 and a mascara applicator, which in a closed position is plugged into the cosmetics container, and a mascara mass, which fills the cosmetics container.

12. A use of a locking device comprising:

at least one clip lever which is disposed on an outside of a first container member, which is pivotably mounted with a hinge, and which comprises a latching arm pointing away from the hinge and a pressing arm pointing in an opposite direction away from the hinge, wherein the latching arm is configured with at least one latching member that is capable of engaging in a positive fit with at least one corresponding latching member formed on a second container member, in such a way that this positive fit can be released again by manually applying a pressing force onto the pressing arm as a locking device for locking in a positive fit a cap of a cosmetics container or mascara container relative to a cosmetics storage container or a mascara container which is intended for distributing the cosmetic or the mascara mass to end users and has a storage volume of <100 ml.

13. The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the clip lever is configured as a flat, strip-like member.

14. The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the hinge for the clip lever comprises an axle shaft which is disposed on the storage container or on the closure cap and on which the clip lever is pivotably mounted.

15. The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the hinge for the clip lever is configured as a film hinge.

16. The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the clip lever is biased into a locking pivoted position by at least one spring device, with this spring device also causing a return of the clip lever after the manual application of a pressing force onto the pressing arm.

17. The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the clip lever is configured in such a way that the locking positive fit between the corresponding latching members is brought about automatically when the closure cap is placed on the storage container.

18. The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the clip lever has a different color than the closure cap and/or the storage container.

19. The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the clip lever is configured at least in some sections with a patterned surface.

20. The cosmetics container according to claim 2, wherein the cosmetics container comprises two opposing clip levers which can be simultaneously actuated with one hand with a two-finger grip, in order to release the lock of the closure cap on the storage container.