Container For Packaging A Cosmetic Article

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for packaging a cosmetic article (29, 42), comprising: a base (12) defining a storage compartment for receiving a cosmetic article (29); a plate (16) that is rotatable on the base; a lid (14) that is rotatable on the base; The axis of the plate forms an angle less than or equal to 90.degree. with the axis of the lid. A housing provided in the plate (16) comprises a bottom (38) and an elastically deformable side wall (56). In a contact configuration, one edge (54) of the plate is in contact with the inner surface (60) of the lid. Moving said lid toward the closed position slides the plate toward a closed configuration. The bottom (38) of the housing is in contact with the base in the contact configuration. Moving the plate to the closed configuration moves said bottom closer to the axis of the plate.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for packaging a cosmetic article, of the type comprising: a base defining internally a storage compartment for receiving a first cosmetic article; a plate rotatably mounted on the base along a first axis, said plate being movable between a closed configuration, wherein the plate seals the storage compartment, and an open configuration, the plate including a first edge arranged along the first axis and a second edge away from the first edge; and a lid rotatably mounted along a second axis, said lid being movable between a closed position, wherein the lid covers the plate in the closed position, and an open position, the lid including an inner surface oriented toward the base in the closed position, such that, in a plane parallel with the second axis and containing the first axis, the first axis forms an angle less than or equal to 90.degree. with a projection of the second axis.

[0002] The term "cosmetic article" according to the present invention denotes a cosmetic product intended for application onto a human, such as for example a solid such as a powder, a liquid or a cream. A "cosmetic product" is more generally a product as defined in EC Regulation N.degree. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council of Nov. 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

[0003] The term "cosmetic article" also denotes a tool used for applying a cosmetic product onto a surface of the body, the tool being for example a brush, touch-up brush or sponge. A "cosmetic article" may also be a cosmetic treatment tool such as a nail file.

[0004] A packaging device is suitable for containing and moving a cosmetic article with a view to the storage, marketing and use thereof. The packaging device is for example a case or a box suitable for being received in a handbag. Such a packaging device is particularly described in the documents WO 2013/004771 and WO 2013/178731, held by the Applicant, or in the documents U.S. Pat. No. 1,875,245, JPS60106508 and JPH01108207.

[0005] When the cosmetic article contained in the storage compartment is of the fluid or powdery product type, it is advantageous to provide a tight closure of said compartment by means of the plate. As such, the product is not liable to soil the inner surface of the lid, which generally includes a mirror. It is moreover preferable that the opening and closure of the device are easy, in spite of the presence of such a tight closure.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a packaging device of the aforementioned type, wherein: a housing is provided in the plate for receiving a second cosmetic article, said housing comprising a bottom and a side wall, said side wall being suitable for being deformed elastically so as to increase in diameter under the effect of moving the bottom and the second axis closer together; the device is suitable for adopting a contact configuration wherein the second edge of the plate is in contact with the inner surface of the lid, moving said lid toward the closed position then tending to move the plate toward the closed configuration by sliding said second edge against said inner surface; and the bottom of the housing is in contact with the base in the contact configuration, moving the plate toward the closed configuration then tending to move said bottom closer to the second axis.

[0007] According to further advantageous aspects of the invention, the packaging device comprises one or several of the following features taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0008] the elastically deformable side wall of the housing forms a seal such that, in the closed configuration of the plate, said seal is compressed by a lateral surface of the base, so as to close the storage compartment tightly;

[0009] the side wall forming a seal has a circular contour;

[0010] the first axis and the second axis are substantially parallel;

[0011] the base has a top surface situated facing the inner surface of the lid in the closed position, said top surface comprising two substantially parallel opposite edges, each of the first and second axes extending along one of said edges;

[0012] the first axis and the second axis are substantially perpendicular;

[0013] the lid includes a mirror, the inner surface being a reflective surface of the mirror;

[0014] the first cosmetic article is a cosmetic product and the second cosmetic article is an applicator of said cosmetic product.

[0015] The invention further relates to a method for using a device as described above, comprising the following steps: the plate, in the open configuration, is folded down toward the base; then the lid, in the open position, is folded down toward the base, so as to place the device in the contact configuration; then the lid is moved to the closed position, the movement of the lid causing sliding of the second edge of the plate against the inner surface of the lid, so as to move the plate to the closed configuration.

[0016] The invention further relates to a method for using a device comprising a seal as described above, said device further comprising means for locking the lid in the closed position, said method comprising the following steps: the lid in the closed position is unlocked; then the seal, compressed by a lateral surface of the base in the closed configuration, is deformed on moving away from said lateral surface, so as to pivot the plate toward the open configuration.

[0017] The invention will be easier to understand in view of the following description, provided solely as a non-restrictive example and with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the device in FIG. 1, in a second configuration;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the device in FIG. 1, in a third configuration;

[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a packaging device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a packaging device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the device in FIG. 5;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a packaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the device in FIG. 7, in the first configuration; and

[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the device in FIG. 7, in a second configuration.

[0027] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a packaging device 10, according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows a packaging device 110, according to a second embodiment of the invention. In the following description, unless specified otherwise, the elements described are similar for the devices 10 and 110 and are designated by the same reference numbers.

[0028] An orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z) is taken into consideration, with the direction Z representing the vertical.

[0029] The devices 10, 110, of the makeup container type, include a base 12 and a lid 14 rotatable with respect to the base. The devices 10, 110 further comprise a plate 16, also rotatable with respect to the base 12.

[0030] The base 12 includes a bottom wall 18, substantially planar and arranged in a plane (X, Y). The base 12 further includes side walls 19, substantially arranged in planes (Y, Z). The base 12 further includes a front wall 20 and a rear wall 21, substantially arranged in planes (X, Z).

[0031] In the examples in FIGS. 1 to 4, the walls 19, 20, 21 form a substantially square or rectangular contour. Further, regular or irregular, contour shapes are also possible, particularly circular, polygonal or oblong shapes.

[0032] The front wall 20 is partially formed by a button 22 movable along the direction Y. Optionally, the button 22 is an element mounted on the front wall 20. The button 22 is rigidly connected to a hook 23. As described hereinafter, the button 22 and the hook 23 are part of a mechanism for locking the lid 14 in the closed position.

[0033] The base 12 further includes a top wall 24, substantially planar and arranged in a plane (X, Y). The top wall 24, connected to the walls 19, 20, 21, has a substantially square or rectangular contour.

[0034] A central cavity 25 of the base 12 opens onto the top wall 24. The central cavity 25 is arranged along an axis 26 parallel with Z.

[0035] From the bottom wall 18, the cavity 25 includes a first side wall 27, of cylindrical revolution shape. The first side wall 27 defines a compartment 28, for receiving a first cosmetic article 29. The first cosmetic article 29 is for example a cosmetic product intended to be applied on a surface of the body, such as a powder or a cream.

[0036] Opposite the bottom wall 18, the first side wall 27 is extended by a shoulder 30 arranged in a plane (X, Y), then by a second side wall 31. The second wall 31 has a cylindrical revolution shape, with a diameter greater than the diameter of the first wall 27.

[0037] The second side wall 31 is connected to a truncated surface 32 which is flared at the top until it reaches the top wall 24 of the base.

[0038] At the rear wall 21 end, the top wall 24 includes a hollow surface 33. The surface 33 is preferably situated in a corner of the top wall 24.

[0039] In the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3, the base 12 is formed from two parts interlocked with one another. A bottom part 34 comprises the side 19, front 20 and rear 21 walls, as well as a portion of the bottom wall 18. A top plate 35 comprises the top wall 24 and the walls of the cavity 25. In one alternative embodiment, represented in FIG. 4, the side 19, front 20 and rear 21 walls are rigidly connected to the top plate 35. Further alternative embodiments are possible.

[0040] The plate 16 comprises a planar portion 36, with a shape and dimensions similar to those of the top wall 24 of the base 12. In particular, the planar portion 36 has a substantially square or rectangular contour. In a closed configuration of the device 10, as shown in FIG. 2, the planar portion 36 is arranged in a plane (X, Y).

[0041] A central housing 37 of the plate 16 opens onto the planar portion 36. The central housing 37 includes a planar bottom 38, substantially parallel with the planar portion 36. The bottom 38 is connected to the planar portion 36 by a side wall 40. The side wall 40 of the plate 16 has a circular cross-section, with a diameter similar to the diameter of the second side wall 31 of the base 12. An embodiment of the side wall 40 of the plate 16 will be detailed hereinafter.

[0042] The central housing 37, defined by the planar bottom 38 and the side wall 40, is intended to receive a second cosmetic article 42. The second cosmetic article 42 is for example an applicator for applying the cosmetic product 29. In the example in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second cosmetic article is a sponge 42 having a substantially circular contour.

[0043] The plate 16 is mounted on the base 12, particularly on the top wall 24, by means of two hinges 44. The hinges 44 represent a first axis 46 of rotation of the plate 16 with respect to the base 12. The first axis 46 is arranged in the vicinity of the front wall 20 of the base 12, substantially parallel with said wall.

[0044] A first portion 48 of each hinge 44 is rigidly connected to the top wall 24 of the base 12, in the vicinity of the front wall 20. A second portion 50 of each hinge 44 is rigidly connected to the planar portion 36 of the plate 16. Each second portion 50 forms a projection along Y with respect to a first edge 52 of the planar portion 36.

[0045] A second edge 54 of the planar portion 36 is opposite the first edge 52. According to one embodiment, the second edge 54 is substantially rectilinear. According to one alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second edge 54 has a curved shape, the convexity being oriented toward the outside of the plate 16.

[0046] The plate 16 is movable between an open configuration, shown in FIG. 1, and the closed configuration shown in FIG. 2. In the closed configuration, the central housing 37 of the plate 16 is received in the cavity 25 of the base 12, in such a way as to seal the compartment 28.

[0047] More specifically, in the closed configuration, a peripheral portion of the planar bottom 38 of the housing 37 of the plate 16 is in contact with the shoulder 30 of the cavity 25 of the base 12.

[0048] Furthermore, the device 10, 110 comprises means 56, 156 for forming a tight contact between the plate 16 and the second side wall 31 of the cavity 25, in the closed configuration. In the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4, as described hereinafter, the means 56, 156 are rigidly connected to the plate 16.

[0049] In the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3, the means 56 of the device 10 comprise an outer surface 56 of the side wall 40 of the plate 16, said side wall 40 having the shape of a torus portion. More specifically, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the side wall 40 has a curve in a plane passing through the axis 26. A convexity of the curve is oriented opposite the axis 26. In the open configuration, a maximum diameter of the outer surface 56 is slightly less than an internal diameter of the second side wall 31 of the cavity 25. Furthermore, in the open configuration, a distance between the planar portion 36 and the planar bottom 38 of the housing 37 is slightly greater than a distance along Z between the top wall 24 of the base 12 and the shoulder 30.

[0050] The side wall 40 is suitable for being deformed elastically in a plane passing through the axis 26. More specifically, the side wall 40 is suitable for increasing in diameter under the effect of moving the planar portion 36 and the planar bottom 38 closer together, so as to come into contact with the second side wall 31. The outer surface 56 thereby has a sealing function, forming a tight contact with the second side wall 31 of the cavity 25.

[0051] The side wall 40 of the plate 16 is preferentially formed from an elastically deformable material, such as for example a thermoplastic elastomer such as SEBS, or a nitrile rubber (NBR), or a silicone. In the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3, the wall 40 is for example molded onto the bottom 38 and then assembled with the planar portion 36.

[0052] In the embodiment in FIG. 4, the wall 40 of the plate 16 is molded both onto the bottom 38 and onto the planar portion 36. In a similar manner to that described above, the outer surface 156 of the wall 40 has a sealing function, forming a tight contact with the second side wall 31 of the cavity 25.

[0053] In the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4, the side wall 40 has a circular contour in a plane parallel with the planar portion 36. However, further contour shapes can be envisaged, for example an oval contour.

[0054] Similarly, in a plane perpendicular to the planar portion 36, the side wall 40 can have a cross-section of different shape to a torus portion. Said shape preferentially has a curved portion toward the outside of the housing 37.

[0055] In the open configuration in FIG. 1, a bottom surface 58 of the bottom 38 is facing upward. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the bottom surface 58 is smooth and even. According to a first alternative embodiment, the bottom surface 58 includes spikes or rough areas. According to a second alternative embodiment, the bottom surface 58 includes a decoration or writing. According to a third alternative embodiment, the bottom surface 58 includes a housing for a third cosmetic article. The third cosmetic article is for example a second cosmetic product, of the same type as the product 29 but of a different color.

[0056] The lid 14 includes an inner surface 60, substantially planar. In a closed configuration of the lid 14, which can be seen in FIG. 2, the inner surface is arranged in a plane (X, Y).

[0057] The inner surface 60 has a similar shape and dimensions to those of the top surface 24 of the base 12 and of the planar portion 36 of the plate 16. The lid 14 particularly has a substantially square or rectangular contour.

[0058] In the embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 4, the lid 14 includes a mirror 62, with the inner surface 60 being the reflective surface of said mirror.

[0059] The lid 14 is mounted on the base 12, by means of two hinges 64. The hinges 64 represent a second axis 66 of rotation of the lid 14 with respect to the base 12. The second axis 66 is arranged in the vicinity of the rear wall 21 of the base 12, substantially parallel with said wall.

[0060] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second axis 66 is substantially parallel with the first axis 46 of rotation of the plate 16, the two axes 46, 66 being substantially comprised in the same plane (X, Y). According to alternative embodiments, in a plane parallel with the second axis 66 and containing the first axis 46, the first axis 46 forms an angle less than 90.degree., preferentially less than 30.degree., more preferentially between 0.degree. and 10.degree., with a projection of the second axis 66. Preferably, the first 46 and the second 66 axes are substantially coplanar and form an angle less than 90.degree., preferentially less than 30.degree., more preferentially less than 10.degree..

[0061] A first portion 68 of each hinge 64 is rigidly connected to the top wall 24 of the base 12, in the vicinity of the rear wall 21. A second portion 70 of each hinge 64 is rigidly connected to a first edge 72 of the lid 14.

[0062] The lid 14 is movable between an open position, shown in FIG. 1, and the closed position shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, the lid 14 covers the plate 16 in the closed configuration, the inner surface 60 facing or being in contact with the planar portion 36 of the plate 16.

[0063] A second edge 74 of the lid 14, opposite the first edge 72, includes a groove 76 suitable for engaging with the hook 23 to lock the lid 14 in the closed position in FIG. 2. According to one alternative embodiment, the hook 23 and the groove 76 are replaced by a magnetic lock, for example by two magnets respectively borne by the button 22 and the lid 14.

[0064] Optionally, the lid 14 includes perforations or vents (not shown) in order to put the housing 37 in communication with the outside of the device 10, 110 when said lid is in the closed position. The wet sponge 42 can as such dry inside the device 10, 110, preventing risks of mold.

[0065] FIGS. 5-6 and 7-9 respectively show packaging devices 210, 211, according to a third and a fourth embodiment of the invention. In the following description, unless specified otherwise, the elements of packaging devices 210 and 211 similar to those of the devices 10 and 110 are designated by the same reference numbers.

[0066] An orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z) is taken into consideration, with the direction Z representing the vertical.

[0067] In a manner similar to the devices 10, 110, the device 210, 211 includes: a base 212; a plate 216 rotatably mounted on the base along a first axis 46; and a lid 214 rotatably mounted on the base along a second axis 66, 266.

[0068] In a manner similar to the devices 10, 110, the device 210, 211 also includes a mechanism 222 for locking the lid and base in a closed position.

[0069] As for the base 12 in FIGS. 1 to 4, the base 212 includes a bottom wall 18, substantially planar and arranged in a plane (X, Y). However, the base 212 further includes a side wall 219 having a substantially cylindrical revolution shape. The contour of the base 212 is thus substantially circular.

[0070] The base 212 further includes a top wall 224, substantially planar and arranged in a plane (X, Y), having a substantially circular contour.

[0071] A central cavity 25 opens onto the top wall 224. The central cavity 25 of the device 210, 211 matches the above description of the central cavity 25 of the device 10, 110. In particular, the central cavity 25 includes two cylindrical side walls 27, 31, connected by a shoulder 30 arranged in a plane (X, Y). The first side wall 27 defines a compartment 28, for receiving a first cosmetic article such as the cosmetic product 29 shown in FIG. 2.

[0072] The first axis 46 of rotation of the plate 216 with respect to the base 212 is substantially parallel with X and arranged in the same plane (X, Y) as the top wall 224, or in a nearby plane along Z thereof. As in the case of the devices 10, 110, the plate 216 is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The closed configuration of the device 211 is particularly shown in FIG. 9, as a cross-section along a plane (X, Y).

[0073] The plate 216 includes a planar portion 236, having a substantially circular contour, wherein a first edge is in contact with the axis of rotation 46. A central housing 37 opens onto the planar portion 236. The housing 37 is intended to receive a second cosmetic article such as the sponge 42 shown in FIG. 1.

[0074] The central housing 37 of the device 210, 211 matches the above description of the central housing 37 of the device 10, 110. In particular, the central housing 37 includes a planar bottom 38, substantially parallel with the planar portion 36. The bottom 38 is connected to the planar portion 236 by an elastically deformable side wall 40.

[0075] In the closed configuration, the central housing 37 is received in the cavity 25 of the base 12, so as to seal the compartment 28. A peripheral portion of the planar bottom 38 is then in contact with the shoulder 30 of the central cavity 25 of the base 212.

[0076] As in the case of the devices 10, 110, the side wall 40 is suitable for increasing in diameter under the effect of moving the planar portion 236 and the planar bottom 38 closer together. In the closed configuration, an outer surface 56 of the side wall 40 can thereby come into contact with the second side wall 31 of the central cavity 25, to form a seal closing the compartment 28.

[0077] The planar portion 236 includes a second edge 254, 255 situated away from the axis of rotation 46. According to a first alternative embodiment, the second edge 254, 255 has the shape of an arc of a circle, having an equivalent radius to the rest of the planar portion 236. According to a second alternative embodiment, corresponding to FIGS. 5 to 9, the second edge 254, 255 has a substantially rectilinear shape, parallel with the axis of rotation 46. In the latter case, as described below, the second edge 254, 255 preferably includes a chamfer.

[0078] The lid 214 includes an inner surface 260, substantially planar. The inner surface 260 has a similar shape and dimensions to those of the top surface 224 of the base 212 and of the planar portion 236 of the plate 216. The lid 214 particularly has a substantially circular contour.

[0079] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the inner surface 260 is formed by the reflective surface of a mirror 62.

[0080] The second axis 66, 266 of rotation of the plate 214 with respect to the base 212 is arranged in the same plane (X, Y) as the top wall 224, or in a nearby plane along Z thereof. As in the case of the devices 10, 110, the lid 214 is movable between an open position and a closed position particularly shown in FIG. 9. In the closed position, the mirror 62 is in contact with the planar portion 236 of the plate 216.

[0081] In the embodiment in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first 46 and second 66 axes are substantially parallel and arranged on either side of the central cavity 25, similarly to the devices 10, 110. The second edge 254 of the planar portion 236 of the plate 216 is situated opposite the axis of rotation 46 with respect to the housing 37, so as to be close to the second axis 66 in the closed configuration of the plate 216.

[0082] In the embodiment in FIGS. 7 to 9, in projection in a plane (X, Y), the second axis 266 forms an angle .alpha. with the first axis 46. The angle .alpha. is less than or equal to, preferably less than, 90.degree.. In the embodiment in FIGS. 7 to 9, the first 46 and second 266 axes are substantially perpendicular, the angle .alpha. being for example between 85.degree. and 90.degree.. As seen in FIG. 9, the second edge 255 of the planar portion 236 of the plate 216 is arranged so as to be close to the second axis 266 in the closed configuration of the plate 216.

[0083] A method for operating the device 10, 110, 210, 211 will now be described. In the open position of the lid 14, 214 and in the open configuration of the plate 16, 216, as in FIG. 1, a user can extract cosmetic product 29 using the sponge 42 and apply it on surfaces of the body. Application is optionally monitored using the mirror 62. The bottom surface 58 of the bottom 38 is optionally used for working the product 29 using the sponge 42, or for wiping away excess product 29, before application. In the case where the bottom surface 58 includes a housing for a second cosmetic product, both products can be used simultaneously.

[0084] When the application operations have been completed, the user folds down the plate 16, 216 toward the base 12, 212, so as to insert the bottom 38 of the plate 16, 216 into the cavity 25 of the base 12, 212. The bottom 38 comes into contact with the shoulder 30 of the cavity 25. The plate 16 is then in the configuration seen in FIG. 3; the plate 216 is then in the configuration seen in FIGS. 5-6 and 7-8.

[0085] In order to facilitate the switch to the closed configuration of the plate 16, 216, the user then folds down the lid 14, 214 until the inner surface 60, 260 is in contact with the second edge 54, 254, 255 of the plate 16, 216.

[0086] The plate 16 and the lid 14 of the device 10, 110 are then in a contact configuration shown in FIG. 3. The plate 216 and the lid 214 of the device 210 are then in a similar contact configuration, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0087] In particular, the inner surface 60, 260 of the lid 14, 214 forms an angle .beta. with the planar portion 36, 236 of the plate 16, 216. Preferably, the angle .beta. is between 5.degree. and 60.degree..

[0088] The plate 216 and the lid 214 of the device 211 are in a further contact configuration shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the device 211 along a vertical plane perpendicular to the second axis 266 and substantially forming a plane of symmetry of the compartment 28. In said vertical plane, the inner surface 260 of the lid 214 forms an angle .gamma. with the planar portion 236 of the plate 216. Preferably, the angle .gamma. is between 5.degree. and 60.degree..

[0090] In the case where the second edge 254, 255 is substantially rectilinear and chamfered, the shape of said chamfer is configured so as to enable a maximum contact surface area between said second edge 254, 255 and the inner surface 260 of the lid in the contact configuration, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 8.

[0091] From the contact configuration, the user applies a force on the lid 14, 214 tending to move the lid to the closed position. For example, the user presses on the top of the lid 14, 214, particularly in the vicinity of the edge 74. The movement of the lid 14, 214 slides the second edge 54, 254, 255 of the plate 16, 216 along the inner surface 60, 260, toward the second axis 66, 266.

[0092] The inner surface 60, 260 formed by a mirror 62 has a smooth texture which facilitates the sliding of the second edge 54, 254, 255.

[0093] In the case of the devices 210, 211, the second rectilinear, preferentially chamfered, edge 254, 255 has a greater contact surface area with the inner surface 260 than a circular edge. As such, the force to be applied to close the lid is lower.

[0094] The planar portion 36, 236 of the plate 16, 216 is as such folded down toward the top surface 24, 224 of the base 12, 212. The bottom 38 of the housing 37 abutting against the shoulder 30, the distance between the bottom 38 and the planar portion 36 decreases. This decrease induces an increase in diameter of the lateral outer surfaces 56, 156 of the wall 40, until a tight contact is formed with the second side wall 31 of the cavity 25.

[0095] The lid 14, 214 is then situated in the closed position, as shown for example in FIG. 2. The groove 76 fits onto the hook 23, locking the lid 14.

[0096] In a single action, the user can thus form a tight contact between the plate 16, 216 and the base 12, 212 and place the lid 14, 214 in the closed position. The movement of the plate 16, 216 by means of the lid 14, 214 provides leverage which minimizes the force required to switch the plate 16, 216 to the closed configuration.

[0097] In the closed position, the planar inner surface 60, 260 applies homogeneous pressure on the seal formed by the wall 40 and the second side wall 31. In particular, such homogeneity of pressure is promoted by an inner surface 60, 260 formed by a mirror 62.

[0098] Moreover, the compression between the second side wall 31 and the outer surface 56, 156 of the wall 40 makes it unnecessary to add a system for locking the plate 16, 216 in the closed configuration.

[0099] Conversely, in order to open the device 10, 110 from the closed position of the lid 14, a user presses on the button 22 in order to disengage the hook 23 from the groove 76. A similar device 222 makes it possible to open the lid 214 of the device 210, 211.

[0100] Preferentially, once the lid 14, 214 is unlocked, the compression force applied by the wall 31 on the outer surface 56, 156 of the wall 40 tends to eject the central housing 37 of the plate 16, 216 outside the cavity 25 of the base 12, 212. The planar portion 36, 236 and the bottom 38 of the plate 16, 216 thereby move away from one another. The plate 16 of the device 10 is situated in the contact configuration shown in FIG. 3. The plate 216 of the devices 210, 211 is situated in the contact configuration shown in FIGS. 5-6 and 7-8, respectively.

[0101] Ejecting the plate 16, 216 also tends to pivot the lid 14, 214 toward the open position, until the contact configuration in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5-6 and 7-8. The user can then complete the pivoting of the lid 14, 214 and the plate 16, 216 until the open configuration in FIG. 1, and pick up the sponge 42 stored in the housing 37.

[0102] Alternatively for the device 10, 110, if the housing 37 is not ejected automatically from the cavity 25, the user pivots the unlocked lid 14 about the second axis 66, until the open position, then the user inserts a finger between the plate 16 and the hollow surface 33 of the base 12, so as to have sufficient pressure to lift and pivot the plate 16.

[0103] The device 10, 110 is then situated in the configuration in FIG. 1, suitable for using the cosmetic articles 29, 42.

[0104] The deployment of the lid 14, 214 and the plate 16, 216, respectively on either side of the base 12, 212, does not require a change of grip of the device 10, 110, 210, 211 during the use thereof.

[0105] Preferentially, with the exception of the mirror 61 and the side wall 40, the various elements forming the devices 10, 110, 210, 211 are molded by injecting a polymer type thermoplastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) or a polypropylene,

[0106] The plate 16 of the device 110 is preferentially molded by bi-injection, firstly of the planar portion 36 and the bottom 38, followed by the wall 40. For the production of the plate 16 of the device 10, the planar portion 36, the bottom 38 and the side wall 40 can also be molded separately, and assembled.

[0107] The bottom part 34 and the top plate 35, forming the base 12, are preferentially molded separately before being assembled.

[0108] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 merely require 4 to 6 different injection molds to produce a device 10, 110. By way of comparison, existing similar products require at least 7 injection molds.

Claims

1. A device for packaging at least one cosmetic article, comprising: a base defining internally a storage compartment for receiving a first cosmetic article (29); a plate rotatably mounted on the base along a first axis, said plate being movable between a closed configuration, wherein the plate seals the storage compartment, and an open configuration, the plate including a first edge arranged along the first axis and a second edge away from the first edge; a lid rotatably mounted along a second axis, said lid being movable between a closed position, wherein the lid covers the plate in the closed position, and an open position, the lid including an inner surface oriented toward the base in the closed position; such that, in a plane parallel with the second axis and containing the first axis, the first axis forms an angle less than or equal to 90.degree. with a projection of the second axis, wherein: a housing is provided in the plate for receiving a second cosmetic article, said housing comprising a bottom and a side wall, said side wall being suitable for being deformed elastically so as to increase in diameter under the effect of moving the bottom and the second axis closer together; the device is suitable for adopting a contact configuration wherein the second edge of the plate is in contact with the inner surface of the lid, moving said lid toward the closed position then tending to move the plate toward the closed configuration by sliding said second edge against said inner surface; and the bottom of the housing is in contact with the base in the contact configuration, moving the plate toward the closed configuration then tending to move said bottom closer to the second axis.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the elastically deformable side wall of the housing forms a seal such that, in the closed configuration of the plate, said seal is compressed by a lateral surface of the base, so as to close the storage compartment tightly.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the side wall forming a seal has a circular contour.

4.The device according to claim 1, wherein the first axis and the second axis are substantially parallel.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the base has a top surface situated facing the inner surface of the lid in the closed position, said top surface comprising two substantially parallel opposite edges, each of the first and second axes extending along one of said edges.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first axis and the second axis are substantially perpendicular.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the lid includes a mirror, the inner surface being a reflective surface of the mirror.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first cosmetic article is a cosmetic product and the second cosmetic article is an applicator of said cosmetic product.

9. Method for using a device according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: the plate, in the open configuration, is folded down toward the base, then the lid, in the open position, is folded down toward the base, so as to place the device in the contact configuration, then the lid is moved to the closed position, moving the lid causing sliding to the second edge of the plate against the inner surface of the lid, so as to move the plate in the closed configuration.

10. A method for using a device according to claim 2, said device comprising means for locking the lid in the closed position, said method comprising the following steps: the lid, in the closed position, is unlocked, then the seal, compressed by a lateral surface of the base in the closed configuration, is deformed on moving away from said lateral surface, so as to pivot the plate toward the open configuration.

11. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first axis and the second axisare substantially parallel.

12. The device according to claim 3, wherein the first axis and the second axisare substantially parallel.

13. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first axis and the second axis are substantially perpendicular.

14. The device according to claim 3, wherein the first axis and the second axis are substantially perpendicular.

15. The device according to claim 2, wherein the lid includes a mirror, the inner surface being a reflective surface of the mirror.

16. The device according to claim 3, wherein the lid includes a mirror, the inner surface being a reflective surface of the mirror.

17. The device according to claim 4, wherein the lid includes a mirror, the inner surface being a reflective surface of the mirror.

18. The device according to claim 5, wherein the lid includes a mirror, the inner surface being a reflective surface of the mirror.

19. The device according to claim 6, wherein the lid includes a mirror, the inner surface being a reflective surface of the mirror.

20. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first cosmetic article is a cosmetic product and the second cosmetic article is an applicator of said cosmetic product.