U.S. patent application number 14/224434 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for case with retractable clasp hook.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALBEA SERVICES. The applicant listed for this patent is ALBEA SERVICES. Invention is credited to Yann CRAPET, Vincent LEQUEUX.
Application Number | 20140284334 14/224434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48613920 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140284334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CRAPET; Yann ; et
al. |
September 25, 2014 |
CASE WITH RETRACTABLE CLASP HOOK
Abstract
A case is provided, notably for cosmetic products. The case
includes a base and a lid which are articulated relative to one
another. The case includes locking means allowing the lid to be
kept in a position in which it is closed onto the base,
characterized in that the locking means are articulated relative to
the base and/or to the lid in such a way as to be retracted inside
the base and/or the lid via the opening of the lid.
Inventors: |
CRAPET; Yann; (Pontoise,
FR) ; LEQUEUX; Vincent; (Paris, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ALBEA SERVICES |
Le Signac |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
ALBEA SERVICES
Le Signac
FR
|
Family ID: |
48613920 |
Appl. No.: |
14/224434 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/324 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 33/008 20130101;
A45D 40/222 20130101; A45D 2040/223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/324 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/22 20060101
A45D040/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 25, 2013 |
FR |
1352671 |
Claims
1. A case for a cosmetic product, comprising: a base and a lid
which are articulated relative to one another, the lid being
configured to occupy a position in which it is closed onto the base
and a position which is open relative to the base, the case
comprising locking means articulated relative to the base, the lid,
or the base and the lid in such a way as to be retracted into the
base, the lid, or the base and the lid when the lid is in the open
position, the lid being configured to actuate the locking means
allowing the lid to be kept in the position in which it is closed
on the base.
2. The case according to the claim 1, wherein the lid and the base
are articulated in rotation relative to one another about an axis
of articulation, the locking means being situated on an opposite
side of the axis of articulation of the lid on an axis of
articulation that is parallel to the axis of articulation of the
lid.
3. The case according to claim 1, further comprising a kinematic
linkage provided with at least one intermediate component provided
with the locking means, the lid being configured to act upon the
kinematic linkage.
4. The case according to claim 3, wherein at least part of the
intermediate component is articulated about the axis of
articulation of the locking means.
5. The case according to claim 1, wherein the lid and the base are
articulated relative to one another in rotation about a hinge.
6. The case according to claim 5, wherein the lid comprises a
skeleton and an articulation part deriving from the skeleton, the
articulation part forming the hinge and comprising mechanical means
able to convert the opening of the lid into a movement of the
kinematic linkage.
7. The case according to claim 6, wherein the mechanical means
comprises a protrusion adapted to cause the intermediate component
to pivot inside the base.
8. The case according to claim 4 wherein the kinematic linkage
comprises a tray adapted to slide with respect to the base, the
tray being configured to move relative to the base when the lid is
rotated, the tray comprising a first end connected to the lid and a
second end comprising cams adapted to cause the articulated part of
the intermediate component to tilt, the articulated part comprising
the locking means.
9. The case according to claim 8, wherein only the articulated part
of the intermediate component is able to pivot inside the base, the
remaining part of the intermediate component being fed into the
base.
10. The case according to claim 8, wherein the cams are adapted to
cause the elastic deformation of the articulated part of the
intermediate component.
11. The case according to claim 8, wherein the cams are lateral
protrusions configured to slide into a guide disposed within the
base.
12. The case according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate
component is housed in the base.
13. The case according to claim 1, wherein the locking means
comprises at least one clasp hook adapted to collaborate with at
least one mating shape situated inside the lid.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(a) to French Patent Application Serial Number 1352671,
filed Mar. 25, 2013, entitled "CASE WITH RETRACTABLE CLASP HOOK",
the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a case, notably for a cosmetic
product.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The field of cases for cosmetic products offers varying
closure devices, particularly closure devices using clasp hooks.
However, the user may be inconvenienced when these hooks are
visible by the unpleasant sensation that these hooks have to the
touch, on the one hand, and on the other hand, if the user is
sensitive to the overall aesthetic of the case.
[0006] There are also closure devices which use magnets. Although
magnetic closure devices overcome the disadvantages set out
hereinabove, they do have other shortcomings, particularly in terms
of cost.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of
the art in respect to cases for cosmetic products and provide for a
novel and non-obvious closure device for a case. In an embodiment
of the present invention, a case, notably for a cosmetic product,
is provided that includes a base and a lid which are articulated
relative to one another, the lid being configured to occupy a
position in which it is closed onto the base and a position which
is open relative to the base. According to the invention, the case
includes locking means articulated relative to the base and/or to
the lid in such a way as to be retracted into the base and/or the
lid when the lid is in the open position, the lid being configured
to actuate the locking means allowing the lid to be kept in the
position in which it is closed on the base.
[0008] Thus the invention proposes a closure device that is not
visible to the user, particularly when the lid of the case is open,
and achieves the same without the use of magnets. The device also
has the advantage of being operable through a simple gesture
because the user need not retract the closure means after having
opened the lid of the case; that takes place automatically as a
result of merely opening the lid. It also has the advantage of
remaining economical by using one of the actual components of the
case, namely the lid, to operate the locking means.
[0009] According to various embodiments of the invention which may
be considered together or separately: [0010] the lid and the base
are articulated in rotation about an axis of articulation, notably
a hinge, [0011] the locking means and the base are articulated in
rotation about an axis of articulation, [0012] the axis of
articulation of the locking means is parallel to the axis of
articulation of the lid, [0013] the locking means are situated on
the opposite side to the axis of articulation of the lid, of the
axis of articulation of the locking means, [0014] the axis of
articulation of the locking means is midway between the hinge and
the locking means, [0015] the axis of articulation of the lid is
situated near a tangent to the periphery of the case, [0016] the
case comprises a kinematic linkage provided with at least one
intermediate component provided with the locking means, the lid
being configured to act on the kinematic linkage, [0017] at least
part of the intermediate component is articulated about the axis of
articulation of the locking means, [0018] the lid comprises a
skeleton and an articulation part deriving from the skeleton, the
articulation part forming the hinge and comprising mechanical means
able to convert the opening of the lid into a movement of the
kinematic linkage, [0019] the mechanical means comprise a
protrusion, preferably formed at one with the lid, [0020] the
protrusion is able to cause the intermediate component to pivot
inside the base, [0021] the intermediate component is a rocker,
[0022] the protrusion is able to press against a first end of the
rocker, the first end being situated near the hinge, [0023] the
protrusion is configured to press on the first end so as to keep
the opposite end of the rocker in a raised position, [0024]
retraction of the rocking means with respect to the base occurs
under the effect of gravity, [0025] retraction of the locking means
with respect to the base is forced by an elastic element such as a
spring, [0026] the case comprises a tray able to slide with respect
to the base, the tray being configured to move relative to the base
when the lid is rotated, the tray comprising a first end provided
with means of connection to the lid, particularly the protrusion,
and a second end provided with cams able to cause the articulated
part of the intermediate component to tilt, the articulated part
comprising the locking means, [0027] only the articulated part of
the intermediate component is able to pivot inside the base, the
remaining part of the intermediate component being fed into the
base, [0028] the cams are able to cause the elastic deformation of
the articulated part of the intermediate component, [0029] the cams
are lateral protrusions, preferably formed as one with the tray,
the protrusions being able to slide in guide means situated in the
base, [0030] the intermediate component is configured to be housed
in the base, [0031] the locking means take the form of one or more
clasp hooks able to collaborate with one or more corresponding
mating shape(s) situated inside the lid.
[0032] Finally, the case may have an exterior shape that is
parallelepipedal, substantially rectangular, or even of circular,
hexagonal, triangular cross section or any other shape that is
conceivable for such a case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention will be better understood and other objects,
details, features and advantages therefore will become clearly
apparent during the course of the detailed explanatory description
which will follow, of at least one embodiment of the invention
given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting examples with
reference to the attached schematic drawings.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows, in a side view, a first embodiment of a case
according to the invention, some of the components being visible as
hidden detail, the lid of the case being in the open position and
the locking means being retracted,
[0035] FIG. 2 shows the case of FIG. 1, with the lid of the case
held in the closed position by the locking means,
[0036] FIG. 3 shows, in a transverse plane of section, a second
embodiment of a case according to the invention, the lid of the
case being in the open position and the locking means being
retracted,
[0037] FIG. 4 shows the case of FIG. 3, with the lid of the case in
an intermediate position and the locking means still retracted,
[0038] FIG. 5 shows the case of FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid of the case
being held in the closed position by the locking means,
[0039] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the case according to the
second embodiment,
[0040] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the case according to the
second embodiment of the invention; the view depicting, in side
view, the base, the sliding tray and the intermediate component
when the lid is in the open position,
[0041] FIG. 8 shows the view of FIG. 7 when the lid of the case is
in an intermediate position, and the locking means are still
retracted,
[0042] FIG. 9 shows the view of FIG. 7 when the lid of the case is
held in the closed position by the locking means,
[0043] FIG. 10 shows, in perspective and in a transverse plane of
section, the sliding tray and the intermediate component according
to the second embodiment, when the lid of the case is in the open
position,
[0044] FIG. 11 shows the view of FIG. 10 when the lid of the case
is in the closed position,
[0045] FIG. 12 schematically shows the retraction of the locking
means according to a third embodiment,
[0046] FIG. 13 schematically shows a principle of the retraction of
the locking means according to a fourth embodiment,
[0047] FIGS. 14 and 15 schematically show a principle of the
retraction of the locking means according to a fifth
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] As illustrated, the invention relates to a case 10, 10',
notably for a cosmetic product, comprising a base 20, 20' and a lid
30, 30' which are articulated relative to one another. The base 20,
20' and the lid 30, 30' are advantageously articulated, in
rotation, about a hinge 12, 12'. The axis of articulation X, X'
about which the rotation occurs here lies near the periphery of the
case 10, 10'; the axis X, X' is visible in FIGS. 1 and 3.
[0049] The case 10, 10' further comprises locking means allowing
the lid 30, 30' to be held in a position in which it is closed onto
the base 20, 20'. According to the invention, the locking means 42,
42' are articulated relative to the base 20, 20', in this instance
about an axis of articulation Y, Y', so that they can be retracted
inside the base 20, 20' by the opening of the lid 30, 30'. The axis
Y, Y' is visible in FIGS. 1, 6, 7 and 10. This axis of articulation
Y, Y' is parallel to the axis of articulation X, X' about which the
lid 30, 30' is able to rotate relative to the base 20, 20'. The
locking means 42, 42' are situated on the opposite side of the axis
of articulation Y, Y' to the axis of articulation X, X'.
[0050] It is also possible for the locking means 42, 42' to be
situated on lateral sides of the case, for example to collaborate
with lateral edges of the lid.
[0051] The locking means take, for example, the form of at least
one clasp hook 42, 42' able to collaborate with at least one mating
shape 32, 32' situated inside the lid 30, 30'. The locking means
can also take the form of two clasp hooks 42, 42' able to
collaborate with two mating shapes 32, 32' situated inside the
lid.
[0052] The shape given to the clasp hook 42, 42' as to the mating
shape 32, 32' in the figures is nonlimiting. It is in fact
conceivable to provide any other shape of clasp hook 42, 42' which
performs the function of keeping the lid 30, 30' in the position in
which it is closed down onto the base 20, 20'.
[0053] Furthermore, the case 10, 10' comprises a kinematic linkage
provided with an intermediate component 40, 40'. The clasp hook or
hooks 42, 42' belong to this intermediate component 40, 40'.
[0054] The remainder of this description will be devoted to
explaining the way in which the lid 30, 30' acts on the
intermediate component 40, 40' in order to cause the clasp hook or
hooks 42, 42' to retract into the base 20, 20' as the lid 30, 30'
is opened.
[0055] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid acts directly on the intermediate
component 40 which bears the axis of articulation Y, here situated
midway between the hinge 12 and the locking means 32, 42.
[0056] It is also conceivable for the axis of articulation Y to be
positioned anywhere between the hinge 12 and the locking means 32,
42.
[0057] The lid 30 is in two parts, a first part 31 referred to as
the articulation part, and a second part 33 referred to as the
skeleton of the lid. The articulation part 31 is derived from the
skeleton 33 of the lid and collaborates with the hinge 12 about
which the base 20 and the lid 30 are articulated in rotation.
[0058] The articulation part 31 has a protrusion 34, preferably
formed as one with the lid 30, more particularly with the skeleton
33. This protrusion 34 allows the intermediate component 40 to tilt
about the axis of articulation Y. For this, the protrusion 34 butts
against the end 41 of the intermediate component 40 situated near
it; this causes the intermediate component 40 to tilt with respect
to the axis of articulation Y. Remember that the clasp hook or
hooks 42 are situated on the opposite side of the axis of
articulation Y to the end 41.
[0059] Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 2, once the lid 30 is closed,
the protrusion 34 keeps the intermediate component 40 tilted and
the clasp hook or hooks 42 in the raised position. The clasp hook
or hooks 42 kept in the raised position collaborate with the mating
shape or shapes 32 here produced in the skeleton 33 of the lid 30
so as to keep the lid 30 in the position in which it is closed onto
the base 20.
[0060] The protrusion 34 therefore acts as a mechanical means
capable of converting the opening and closing of the lid 30 into a
tilting of the intermediate component 40; the intermediate
component 40 is therefore a rocker.
[0061] The intermediate component 40 has, for example, an annular
shape, corresponding to the periphery of the base 20. The case 10
may furthermore comprise a receptacle, possibly compartmentalized,
to hold the product or products contained in the case 10. The
receptacle is situated in the base 20. The intermediate component
40 is situated between the receptacle and the base 20.
[0062] FIGS. 3 to 11 illustrate a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0063] This embodiment has a case 10' comprising a tray 50' which
can slide relative to the base 20'. The tray 50' is configured to
move relative to the base 20' when the lid 30' is rotated. The tray
50' comprises a first end 51' connected to the lid 30',
particularly to the articulation part 31' of the lid 30'.
[0064] The lid 30' indeed has two parts here also, a first part 31'
referred to as the articulation part, and a second part 33'
referred to as the skeleton of the lid 30'. As in the previous
embodiment, the articulation part 31' may be derived from the
skeleton 33' and collaborate with the hinge 12' about which the
base 20' and the lid 30' are articulated in rotation.
[0065] As is more visible in FIG. 4, the articulation part 31'
comprises an arm 34' formed as one with the skeleton 33'. This arm
34' follows the movement of the lid 30'. It is articulated in
rotation with the tray 50' and it is precisely this arm 34' which
operates the sliding.
[0066] Furthermore, the tray 50' is provided with cams 53' at the
opposite end 52'. These cams 53', particularly visible in FIGS. 6,
8, 10 and 11, slide in guide rails 60' set into the base 20'. The
cams 53' are lateral protrusions, preferably formed as one with the
tray 50' from the same material. The material will preferably be
from the plastics family, and could be acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS) for example.
[0067] The exploded view of FIG. 6 is useful in illustrating this
second embodiment. It shows, amongst other things, that the lid 30'
may comprise a component 36' forming the skeleton. The mating shape
or shapes 32' will be made in this component 36'. Furthermore, this
component 36' has two opposite faces, one for the attachment of an
accessory such as a mirror body 37', and the other for the external
trim of the lid.
[0068] It can also been seen, from FIG. 6, that the tray 50' may
comprise a receptacle 54', possibly compartmentalized, to hold at
least some of the products contained in the case 10'.
[0069] In this embodiment, the base 20' may comprise an internal
surrounding trim 62' that fits into it.
[0070] Furthermore, the intermediate component 40' will here be
situated between the surrounding trim 62' and the base 20'. The
intermediate component 40' will, for example, have an annular shape
as in the first embodiment. This annular shape corresponds to the
periphery of the base 20' and there is all around the surrounding
trim 62'. The intermediate component 40' will further have an
articulated part 45' around the axis of articulation Y'; the
articulated part 45' comprising the clasp hook or hooks 42'.
[0071] Only the articulated part 45' of the intermediate component
40' will be able to pivot inside the base 20', the remaining part
of the intermediate component 40' having no degree of freedom in
relation to the base 20'.
[0072] It is advantageous to note that the insetting of the
remaining part into the base 20' is not necessarily permanent.
[0073] The surrounding trim 62' visible in this exploded view hides
the intermediate component 40' from the user. It should be noted
that one or more slots 64' are made in the surface of the
surrounding trim to allow the passage of the clasp hook or hooks
42'. The surrounding trim 62' may form a receptacle in its middle.
This receptacle may hold some of the products contained in the case
10', for example a sponge 63'.
[0074] Also visible in FIG. 6 are guide rails 61' which will be
fixed inside the base 20'. The guide rails here have the guide
rails 60' in which the cams 53' will slide. The use of guide rails
61' improves the sliding of the cams 53' in the rails 60' by better
control of clearances and reduces parasitic noise. These guide
rails will preferably be made of plastic, for example based on
polyoxymethylene (POM).
[0075] FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate the sliding of these cams 53' in the
guide rails 60'.
[0076] FIGS. 3 and 7 both show the case 10' in the open position.
In this position, the clasp hook or hooks 42' are in the lowered
position. The tray is in a position that allows access to the
receptacle formed by the surrounding trim 62'. As may be seen from
FIG. 10, the cams 53' do not interfere with the articulated part
45' of the intermediate component 40' which is intended to be at
rest in the lowered position.
[0077] FIGS. 4 and 8 illustrate the case 10' when the lid 30' is in
an intermediate position, neither open nor closed. The arm 34'
belonging to the articulation part 31' of the lid 30' causes the
tray 50' to which it is articulated to move. This tray slides in
the guide rails 60' via the cams 53' situated at the opposite end
52' to the end via which the tray 50' is driven. The objective is
to get the tray 50' to become lodged into the base 20' over the
receptacle formed by the surrounding trim 62', while bringing the
clasp hook or hooks 42' to the raised position.
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 11, this objective is achieved when
the cams 53', by beginning to interfere with the articulated part
45' of the intermediate component 40', cause said articulated part
to rise until the clasp hook or hooks 42' are positioned in the
raised position. What happens is that the intermediate component
40' is articulated relative to the base 20' about the axis Y'
visible in FIG. 10. This raising movement can be achieved through
elastic deformation of the articulated part 45' of the intermediate
component 40'.
[0079] FIGS. 5 and 9 illustrate the case 10' when the lid 30' is in
the closed position. The cams 53' have come into abutment in the
guide rails 60'. It will be noted here that the part 45' provided
with the clasp hook or hooks 42' pivots relative to the base 20'
whereas the part of the intermediate component 40' that is on the
opposite side of the axis Y' to the part provided with the clasp
hook or hooks 42' remains immobile because it is set into the base
12'.
[0080] When the clasp hook or hooks 42' are in the raised position,
the lid 30' is in the closed position and the clasp hook or hooks
42' collaborate with the mating shape or shapes provided in the
skeleton 33' of the lid 30' in order to keep the lid 30' in the
position in which it is closed onto the base 20'.
[0081] The invention is not restricted to the embodiments that have
just been described.
[0082] Although not indicated in the figures, the rising movement
of the clasp hook or hooks 42, 42' is preferably initiated when the
angle between the lid 30, 30' and the base 20, 20' goes past 30
degrees on its way towards 0 degrees. Furthermore, the clasp hook
or hooks retract when the angle between the lid 30, 30' and the
base 20, 20' goes past 30 degrees on its way towards 180
degrees.
[0083] It would have been appreciated that in the first embodiment,
retraction of the clasp hook or hooks 42, 42' into the base 20, 20'
takes place under the effect of gravity. This retraction may also
be forced by a spring of the return spring type; it being possible
for the spring to be situated, for example, between the base 20,
20' and the intermediate component 40, 40'. That being the case,
such features could also be used, amongst others, with the second
embodiment.
[0084] It should be noted that alternative forms of embodiment are
of course possible. In particular, it is also conceivable, in a
third, fourth and fifth embodiment, for the clasp hook to be
retracted into the base 20 of the case 10 in a different way than
the way described hereinabove.
[0085] FIG. 12 illustrates the retraction of a clasp hook 42' in a
translational movement rather than a tilting movement. This
depiction is schematic.
[0086] FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth embodiment in which retraction
of the clasp hook 42'' is intended to be from the front face of the
base 20. The clasp hook 42'' is no longer retracted into the base
20'' through a downwards movement but through a lateral
movement.
[0087] As a result, the lid 30'' has a return 35'' into which the
clasp hook 42'' engages in order to keep the case 10'' closed.
[0088] A fifth embodiment is also conceivable. The fifth embodiment
is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. In the three embodiments
described hereinabove, the hook 42, 42', 42'' is retracted into the
base 20, 20', 20'' by a downwards movement or even via a lateral
movement. In this fifth embodiment, the hook 42''' is retracted by
rotation about an axis Z; the axis is visible in FIGS. 14 and
15.
[0089] It is entirely possible to combine the embodiments set out
hereinabove in order to optimize the expected result.
[0090] It is also possible to provide for the locking means to be
articulated relative to the lid. The latter is then configured so
that the locking means are retracted into the lid as it opens.
[0091] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0092] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents of all means plus function elements in the claims below
are intended to include any structure, material, or act for
performing the function in combination with other claimed elements
as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention
has been presented for purposes of illustration and description,
but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in
the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing
from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were
chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the
invention and the practical application, and to enable others of
ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various
embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated.
[0093] Having thus described the invention of the present
application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it
will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible
without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the
appended claims as follows:
* * * * *