WO1987007483A1

WO1987007483A1 - Cosmetic compact latch

Info

Publication number: WO1987007483A1
Application number: PCT/US1987/000778
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harley H. Mattheis
Original assignee: Risdon Corporation
Priority date: 1986-06-04
Filing date: 1987-04-24
Publication date: 1987-12-17
Also published as: EP0270568A4; EP0270568A1; JPS63503435A

Abstract

A compact for housing a cosmetic preparation with an improved latch which provides positive locking action in the closed position of the compact but which can be slidably disengaged by manual pressure exerted by the thumb and forefinger. The latch means (12) comprises an elongated tab (22) disposed on the cover (16) of the compact and having a lug (24) member on its underside which enters into locking engagement with a latch undersurface on the base of the compact. The tab (22) projects substantially vertically downwardly from the edge of said cover and has a terminal portion (28) projecting outwardly and downwardly at an angle to the plane of the cover of about 10° to 75°, preferably 40° to 50°. Optional finger engaging tabs (20) projecting from the edge of the base on one or both sides of said cover tab facilitate opening of the latch by simultaneous upward pressure exerted by the thumb on the terminal portion.

Description

COSMETIC COMPACT LATCH

Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to an improved cosmetic compact and is more particular concerned with improved latch means for a compact for housing cosmetic preparations.

Background of the Invention

Compact cases have long been used for enclosing various cosmetic preparations such as powder, rouge, blushers, facial creams and the like. Such cases are generally small portable containers designed to fit in a woman's pocketbook or purse. In order to prevent deterioration of the cosmetic preparation due to dryout, caking, seepage, contamination of the contents by exposure to the environment or like causes, it is highly desirable that the lid and the base of the compact be held in sealing, and preferably air tight, relationship when the container is in the closed position. The latch means employed to hold the two halves of the compact in sealing relationship in the closed position obviously plays a key role. Thus many of the devices employed as seals in the compacts hitherto known in the art tend to bias the cover and the base of the compact away from each other in the closed position of the compact. In such instances the latch means has to be capable of overcoming the force of the bias in holding the compact in the closed position. On the other hand, the latch means must be such as to be readily disengaged by manual pressure applied by thumb and forefinger of the user of the compact. Latch mechanisms having varying degrees of efficiency have been described in the art. Fox U.S. Patent No. 2,442,541, Manowitz U.S. Patent 3,527,527, Flax U.S. 3,441,033, and Contreras U.S. Patent No. 4,454,889, show typical examples of a latch mechanism which comprises a tab projecting downwardly from the edge of the compact cover and having a recess in its underside which snaps over a shallow projection on the front of the base of the compact. Pasguale U.S. Patent 2,366,009 teaches a latch comprising a tab projecting outwardly from the compact cover and having an undercut groove which snaps over an upwardly projecting lug on the edge of the compact base. None of the above latch means is capable of holding the cover in locked closed position on the base against internally generated pressure tending to bias the cover away from the base.

Berger U.S. Patent No. 3,199,742 shows a compact having a,cover of square cross-section in which the whole of the edge opposite the hinge is curved downwardly and inwardly to form a hook shaped cross-section which encircles the correspondingly convexly curved edge of the base of the compact. Such a latch construction is not readily releasable by manual pressure exerted by thumb and forefinger. Hayes et al U.S. Patent NO. 3,776,245 shows a latch comprising an outwardly projecting tab on the cover having a horizontal upper surface and a groove formed in its underside which snaps over a projecting rib on the side of the base. The horizontal upper surface of the tab is aligned with shoulders formed on the edge of the base and adapted to facilitate opening of the latch by simultaneous upward pressure on the tab and downward pressure on the shoulder using the thumb and forefinger of one hand of the user. However, this latch mechanism is not capable of retaining the compact in the closed position where the sealing means employed in the compact exerts any significant pressure tending to bias the cover away from the base of the compact.

In each of the above embodiments of latch mechanisms shown by the prior art one or both of the interlocking surfaces of the tab and projecting rib is curved to facilitate easy opening of the compact. None of the embodiments shows interlocking surfaces which are planar and disposed in a plane parallel to that of the body of the compact.

An improved latch mechanism has now been developed, as will be described more fully hereafter, which provides positive locking in the closed position even when used with compacts in which the sealing mechanism tends to bias the cover away from the base, but which can be released from the locked position in ready manner by use of the finger and thumb action of one hand. While the improved latch of the present invention can be used with any of the many compacts hitherto ^'employed in the art, it is particularly adapted for use in combination with compacts of the type described in commonly assigned application serial no. 663,566 filed October 22, 1984 now U.S. Patent 4,586,519. In the latter compacts, the cosmetic preparation is held in an inner, flexibly mounted receptacle which, in the closed position of the compact, is sealingly engaged by a lid mounted in the cover and forced downwardly towards the base of the compact. In order for the compact to be held in the closed position the latch mechanism employed has to be sufficiently robust to hold the cover in place against the upward pressure exerted by the receptacle against the associated lid. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved latch mechanism which is adapted to hold the cover and base of a cosmetic compact in securely locked relationship but which is readily releasable by twisting action of the forefinger and thumb of the hand of the user.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved latch mechanism which is adapted to hold the cover and base of a cosmetic compact in securely locked relationship in opposition to forces within the compact tending to bias the cover away from the base of the compact.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an improved latch mechanism for a cosmetic compact in which both of the interlocking surfaces employed in said latch are planar and, in the closed position, are each disposed in a plane parallel to that of the main body of the compact.

These objects, and other objects of the invention which will become apparent from the following description, are achieved by the latch of the invention. In its broadest aspect, the invention comprises a compact for housing a cosmetic preparation having a base adapted to house a receptacle for the cosmetic preparation, a cover hingably attached to said base and latch means to retain said base and said cover in sealing engagement in the closed position but releasable by application of manual pressure applied by thumb and forefinger of the human hand. The latch means comprises a tab integrally formed on the compact cover and having on its underside a lug adapted to engage a horizontal undersurface on the compact base. The main body of the tab on the compact cover projects substantially vertically downwardly from the plane of the cover and has a termin l portion projecting outwardly and downwardly at an angle to the plane of the cover in the range of about 10° to about

75°.

Optionally, but preferably, at least one finger engaging tab projects outwardly from the upper edge of the base at a location abutting the tab on the cover when the latter is in the closed position. The cover tab and the finger engaging tab or tabs on the base facilitate the opening of the latch by the user placing the forefinger of one hand on the finger engaging tab and the thumb on the underside of the cover tab and exerting an upward pressure on the latter tab by appropriate twisting motion of thumb and forefinger (clockwise in the case of a right handed user, and counterclockwise in the case of a left handed user) .

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a compact case in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the underside of the compact case shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a front elevation view taken from the left hand side of the compact case shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken through the line 4-4 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged view of part of the cross-sectional view shown in FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a compact with latch means in accordance with the invention.

SUBSTITUTESHEET DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The improved latch means of the invention will now be illustrated with reference to its use in combination with certain particular cosmetic compact cases. It is to be understood, however, that the latch means of the invention can be used in combination with any of the cosmetic compact cases known in the art in which a base portion and a hingably attached cover are to be releasably retained in the closed position by latch means. Referring now to FIGURES 1 and 2, these show plan views of the top and the underside, respectively, of a cosmetic compact, shown generally as l___f and equipped with latch means, shown generally as __, in accordance with the invention. Compact base lΛ and cover 16_ are pivotally connected by hinge 18. and are shown in the closed position. Finger engaging tabs or shoulders 20_ are integrally formed on the upper perimeter of base 14 and project outwardly therefrom on either side of latch 12 and serve to facilitate the release of the latter as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

FIGURE 3 shows a side elevational view of the latch means .12 and associated finger engaging projections 20. The cross-sectional view shown in FIGURE 4 and the enlarged portion thereof shown in FIGURE 5 show the construction latch means 12 in greater detail, the same numbering being used in all of the above Figures to indicate the common elements. Latch means 12 comprises a tab 2_2_ integrally formed on the perimeter of cover 1.6_ and projecting substantially vertically downward from the plane of said cover. A lug 2__ is disposed on the lower inner extremity of tab 22 and has a substantially horizontally disposed planar upper surface 27 which, in the closed position of compact 10_, engages the corresponding planar surface of horizontal undersurface 26 formed on the lower portion of frontwall 3_0 of base JL4_. Tab 22. has a terminal projecting portion 28_ which extends outwardly and downwardly from the main body of tab 22 in a plane forming an angle €_______. with the plane of the base ___ and cover 16. °f ^tnβ compact. The value of angle _^____r is one of the factors of particular importance to the efficient functioning of the latch means of the invention. Advantageously the angle ^-* has a value in the range of 10° to about 75° and preferably has a value of about 40 to 50°. A most preferred value of _=χ-- is substantially 45°. The tab 22_, with associated lug 24. and terminal projection 2_8, and the cover _Λ_ are integrally formed from a resilient plastic material such as ABS, polyacrylates, polyesters, polystyrenes, polyamides, cellulosics and the like. The choice of material in any given instance is governed, amongst other factors, by the nature of the cosmetic product being stored in the container. Thus, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the plastic material employed to fabricate the above parts should be compatible with the cosmetic preparation, i.e., the latter should not be affected adversely by contact with or proximity to the plastic material nor should the plastic be affected adversely by contact with or proximity to the cosmetic preparation or any component thereof. The tab 22. is sufficiently flexible to be deflected outwardly and upwardly, by upward and outwardly directed pressure applied to the underside of terminal projection 28., sufficiently to enable the abutting surfaces 26 and 27 of the latch undersurface on the base 14 and lug 2_4 respectively to disengage and to permit the outer edge 3_2 of lug 2Λ to be pushed clear of the outer edge 3_4_ of undersurface 2_6. Such a movement causes release of the latch means 1_ and permits opening of the cover .16.. Similarly, in bringing the cover 16. back to the closed position the resiliency of the tab ___ permits the outer edge 32_ ^of ^^u9 ___* ^{to be} deflected outwardly on making contact with the outer edge of the base sidewall 30 and to slide downwardly over the said frontwall until the lug 24 snaps into position in locking engagement with the latch undersurface 26.

In an optional but preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening of the latch means 1__ in the above manner is greatly facilitated by the provision of the finger engaging shoulders 20. shown in abutting relationship to the tab 22. in FIGURE 3 and in the corresponding perspective- view shown in FIGURE 6. Thus, by placing the thumb of the right hand under the terminal projection 28. of the tab 2_2 and placing the forefinger of. the same hand on top of the right hand shoulder 20. shown in FIGURE 3, the latch 12. is readily disengaged from the locked position by a clockwise twist of the thumb and forefinger. If the user of the compact is left handed the forefinger is placed on top of the left hand shoulder 2O. A counterclockwise twist of the thumb and forefinger results in disengagement of the latch from the locked position.

It is found that, until the above procedures for disengagement are followed, the latch of the invention will maintain the cover 16. and base 14. in securely closed position by the interaction of the abutting planar surfaces of the lug 24_ and undersurface 26. even though the internal construction of the compact is such as to bias the cover 16. away from base 1Λ . The internal construction of the compact shown in cross-section in FIGURE 4 is typical of such embodiments. The receptacle 36 for cosmetic preparation 3_8 has a sidewall 40 comprising a first annular rim of inverted U-shaped cross-section. The receptacle 3> is mounted in spaced apart relationship on the floor of the base 14 by means of flexible connecting member ___ which connects sidewall 40 to annular support member ___. The latter is retained in place on the floor of base _Λ by inwardly projecting annular retaining member ___. The receptacle and associated sidewall, connecting member and support member are advantageously fabricated integrally from a resilient plastic material such as those exemplified above, the connecting member being of relatively thinner cross-section than the other members in order to enhance its flexibility. The same considerations of compatibility of plastic and cosmetic preparation apply here also.

A second annular rim 48. is integrally formed on the inner surface of the cover 1J5 and projects downwardly therefrom so that, as the cover of the compact is moved to the closed position, the inner wall of the annular rim 48 enters into circumferential sealing engagement with the outer surface of sidewall 4J3 of the receptacle 36. The cover JL6. and integrally formed annular rim 48. form a lid for the receptacle 36. and the contents 3_8 thereof are thereby sealed from contact with the environment. Any spillage of the contents or contamination thereof is effectively prevented so long as the compact remains closed. The interference fit between the lid formed as above on the inside of cover 16. and the receptacle 3S. is greatly facilitated by the ability of the receptacle ___ to be moved to a limited extent downwardly towards the floor of the base 14. as well as laterally in the plane of the base by reason of the flexible nature of connecting member 42.. This "floating" nature of the receptacle 36 enables it to be centered and brought into sealing engagement with the integrally formed lid in cover 16 during the closing of the compact. However, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the interference fit formed between the lid and receptacle in the above manner can leave the connecting member of the receptacle flexed downwardly in the closed position of the compact. The flexing of the member in this fashion generates a force biasing the cover 16. away from the base ^4. The latch means of the invention serves to overcome this biasing force and retain the cover and base in locked position.

The particular internal construction of the compact shown in FIGURE 4 above has been given for purposes of illustration only and is not intended to be limiting. Other constructions of a closely related nature which can be employed in compacts for which the improved latch means of the invention are particularly suitable, are shown in the aforesaid commonly assigned application serial no. 663,566 filed October 22, 1984 now U.S. Patent No. 4,586,519 the disclosure of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

The improved latch means for a cosmetic compact in accordance with the invention has been illustrated by the various specific embodiments described above with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these embodiments have been given for purposes of illustration only and the scope of the invention is not limited thereby. Various modifications and changes can be made in the structures described above without departing from the spirit of the invention. In particular, as pointed out above, the improved latch means can be employed with any compact which comprises a base with a cover hingably attached thereto and is not confined to use in compacts which have the particular constructions illustrated above.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A compact for housing a cosmetic preparation comprising in combination: a base adapted to house a container for a cosmetic preparation; a cover hingably attached to said base; and latch means adapted to retain said base and said cover in sealing engagement when in the closed position; said latch means comprising a tab integrally formed on said cover and having on its underside a lug adapted to engage a horizontal undersurface on said base; said tab projecting substantially vertically downwardly from the plane of said cover and having a terminal portion projecting outwardly and downwardly at an angle to said plane of said cover in the range of about 10° to about 75°.

2. A compact according to Claim 1 wherein at least one outwardly projecting tab is disposed on the upper edge of said base in abutting relationship to said tab of said latch means when said cover is in the closed position.

3. A compact according to Claim 2 wherein there are two outwardly projecting tabs disposed on the upper edge of said base and so located that said tab of said latch means is disposed therebetween when said cover is in the closed position.

4. A compact according to Claim 1 wherein said cover and said base are each integrally formed from resilient plastic material.

5. A compact according to Claim 1 wherein the tab component of said latch means is formed from material of a resiliency such that the lug thereon can be slidingly disengaged from said undersurface on said base by manual pressure applied to the underside of said outwardly projecting terminal portion of said tab component.

6. A compact according to Claim 1 wherein said lug is disposed on the underside of said tab at a location approximating that at which the outwardly projecting terminal portion of said tab is united with the main body of said tab.

7. A compact according to Claim 1 wherein the terminal portion of said tab projects outwardly at an angle of about 40° to about 50° with respect to the plane of said cover.

8. A compact . according to Claim 1 wherein the cosmetic container housed within said compact comprises: a receptacle resiliently mounted in the base of said compact by means of a flexible annular member which permits movement of said receptacle relative to said base in a direction parallel to the plane of said base and in a direction transverse to the plane of said base; said receptacle including a platform and a first annular rim; a lid for said receptacle mounted in said cover; said lid having a second annular rim adapted to sealingly . engage said first annular rim on said receptacle when said compact is secured in the closed position whereby a cosmetic preparation in said receptacle is effectively isolated from the environment.

9. A compact for housing a cosmetic preparation comprising in combination: a base having a receptacle for cosmetic preparation resiliently mounted therein by means of a flexible annular member permitting movement of said receptacle relative to said base both in a plane parallel to that of the base and in a direction transverse to said plane; said receptacle including a platform and first annular rim; a cover hingably attached to said base and having mounted therein a lid for said receptacle said lid having a second annular rim adapted to enter into sealing engagement with said first annular rim on said receptacle when the compact is in the closed position; latch means comprising tab means integrally formed on said cover and having lug means adapted to engage a horizontal undersurface on said base; said tab means projecting substantially vertically downwardly from the plane of said cover and having a terminal portion projecting radially outwardly and downwardly at an angle of about 10° to about 75° with respect to the plane of said cover.

10. A compact according to Claim 9 wherein said terminal portion of said tab projects outwardly and downwardly at an angle of about 40° to about 50°.

11. A compact according to Claim 9 wherein said lug is located on the underside of said tab at a location approximating that at which the outwardly projecting terminal portion of said tab is united with the main body of said tab.

12. A compact according to Claim 9 wherein said base and said cover with their respective associated components of said latch means are each integrally formed from resilient plastic material.

13. A compact according to Claim 9 wherein at least one finger engaging member is disposed on the rim of said base adjacent the location of the latch undersurface on said base which is engaged by said lug on said tab means in the closed position of said compact.

14. A compact according to Claim 9 wherein the tab component of said latch means is formed from material of a resiliency such that the lug thereon can be slidingly disengaged from said latch undersurface on said base by manual. pressure applied to the underside of said outwardly projecting terminal portion of said tab component.

15. A compact according to Claim 9 wherein the inner surface of said second annular rim engages the outer surface of said first annular rim in an interference fit when said compact is in the closed position.

16. A compact according to Claim 15 wherein said first annular rim has an inverted substantially U-shaped cross-section.

17. A compact according to Claim 15 wherein said second annular rim has a U-shaped cross-section.

18. A compact according to Claim 9 wherein the outermost edge of said terminal portion of said tab is disposed in the plane of the lowermost external surface of said base.