U.S. patent application number 16/643235 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-20 for cosmetic container.
This patent application is currently assigned to KOSE Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is KOSE Corporation. Invention is credited to Kenji NONAKA.
Application Number | 20200260832 16/643235 |
Document ID | 20200260832 / US20200260832 |
Family ID | 1000004827565 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-20 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
United States Patent
Application |
20200260832 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NONAKA; Kenji |
August 20, 2020 |
COSMETIC CONTAINER
Abstract
A cosmetic container including a container body having an
aperture, an inner container attached to an inner side of the
container body such that a space in which a cosmetic can be stored
is formed between the inner container and the container body, an
inner plug attached to an inner side of the inner container to form
a dual structure together with the inner container and to be
rotatable within a prescribed range relative to the inner
container, the inner plug capable of storing an applicator therein,
and a lid body capable of sealing an aperture of the inner plug,
wherein cosmetic through holes are provided in portions of main
bodies of the inner container and the inner plug, and the cosmetic
through holes are opened and closed by changing of relative
positions of the cosmetic through holes as the inner plug
rotates.
Inventors: |
NONAKA; Kenji; (Ageo-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KOSE Corporation |
Chuo-ku |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
KOSE Corporation
Chuo-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000004827565 |
Appl. No.: |
16/643235 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
August 14, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2018/030298 |
371 Date: |
February 28, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 33/003 20130101;
A45D 33/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 33/00 20060101
A45D033/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 30, 2017 |
JP |
2017-165465 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic container comprising a container body having an
aperture, an inner container attached to an inner side of the
container body such that a space in which a cosmetic can be stored
is formed between the inner container and the container body, an
inner plug attached to an inner side of the inner container to form
a dual structure together with the inner container and to be
rotatable within a prescribed range relative to the inner
container, the inner plug capable of storing an applicator therein,
and a lid body capable of sealing an aperture of the inner plug,
wherein cosmetic through holes are respectively provided in
portions of main bodies of the inner container and the inner plug,
and the cosmetic through hole is opened and closed by changing of
relative positions of the cosmetic through holes as the inner plug
rotates.
2. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein an elastic
mesh is attached to the cosmetic through hole of the inner
container.
3. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein the
cosmetic through holes are formed on a curved surface.
4. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein a guide
groove is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the inner
container, a protruding portion which can be inserted into the
guide groove is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the main
body of the inner plug, the protruding portion is formed to be
movable within a range of the guide groove, and a rotation angle of
the inner plug is restricted by the movable range of the protruding
portion.
5. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein the inner
plug has a locking projection on an upper surface of a flange
projecting outward from an upper end of the main body of the inner
plug, the lid body has a locking projection which can be locked to
the locking projection on a rear surface of a top wall of the lid
body, the locking projections are formed to have heights and shapes
such that the locking projections are locked to each other when the
lid body is opened and closed and are released from each other when
a force equal to or greater than a predetermined force is applied
during opening and closing.
6. The cosmetic container according claim 1, wherein the applicator
includes a shaft portion and an application portion provided at one
end of the shaft portion, and the inner plug is formed to be
capable of storing the application portion therein.
7. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein the lid
body has a threaded portion which can be screwed to a threaded
portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of a peripheral
wall that hangs down from an outer peripheral edge of the flange of
the inner plug, a cylindrical portion is provided standing upright
from a top surface of the lid body, and the shaft portion of the
applicator can be stored in the cylindrical portion.
8. The cosmetic container according to claim 4, wherein the inner
plug has a locking projection on an upper surface of a flange
projecting outward from an upper end of the main body of the inner
plug, the lid body has a locking projection which can be locked to
the locking projection on a rear surface of a top wall of the lid
body, the locking projections are formed to have heights and shapes
such that the locking projections are locked to each other when the
lid body is opened and closed and are released from each other when
a force equal to or greater than a predetermined force is applied
during opening and closing.
9. The cosmetic container according claim 4, wherein the applicator
includes a shaft portion and an application portion provided at one
end of the shaft portion, and the inner plug is formed to be
capable of storing the application portion therein.
10. The cosmetic container according claim 5, wherein the
applicator includes a shaft portion and an application portion
provided at one end of the shaft portion, and the inner plug is
formed to be capable of storing the application portion
therein.
11. The cosmetic container according to claim 4, wherein the lid
body has a threaded portion which can be screwed to a threaded
portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of a peripheral
wall that hangs down from an outer peripheral edge of the flange of
the inner plug, a cylindrical portion is provided standing upright
from a top surface of the lid body, and the shaft portion of the
applicator can be stored in the cylindrical portion.
12. The cosmetic container according to claim 5, wherein the lid
body has a threaded portion which can be screwed to a threaded
portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of a peripheral
wall that hangs down from an outer peripheral edge of the flange of
the inner plug, a cylindrical portion is provided standing upright
from a top surface of the lid body, and the shaft portion of the
applicator can be stored in the cylindrical portion.
13. The cosmetic container according to claim 6, wherein the lid
body has a threaded portion which can be screwed to a threaded
portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of a peripheral
wall that hangs down from an outer peripheral edge of the flange of
the inner plug, a cylindrical portion is provided standing upright
from a top surface of the lid body, and the shaft portion of the
applicator can be stored in the cylindrical portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic container, and
more particularly, to a cosmetic container which prevents a
cosmetic from adhering to an applicator stored in the container
when not in use, is easy to control cosmetic application amount,
and further prevents clogging of a mesh attached to a cosmetic
through hole.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, powder cosmetic containers are flat bottomed
plate-type containers such as jars, and include containers having a
structure in which an upper surface of a filled cosmetic is covered
with a flat drop-lid-type inner lid having holes, and containers
having a structure in which an elastic net is attached to an
aperture portion of the container as the inner lid. It has been
general to apply the cosmetic that has come out on the inner lid
through the holes or net to a skin or the like using a disk-shaped
puff.
[0003] In such a powder cosmetic container, especially at the
beginning of use, the cosmetic gets excessively adhered to an
applicator such as a puff and tends to fall or be scattered on the
outer surface of the container or on hands, clothes, etc., to stain
the container, hands, clothes, etc. On the other hand, during
repeated use, the cosmetic is pressed down through the inner lid
with the applicator many times, and the cosmetic is gradually
caking (solidified), making it difficult for the cosmetic to adhere
to the applicator and impossible to use until the end, or making it
difficult to obtain a light touch feeling of use expected for
powder cosmetics. A new powder cosmetic container free from such
drawbacks has been desired.
[0004] Therefore, the applicant of the present application
conducted various studies on improvement of the powder cosmetic
container, and developed a powder cosmetic container in which a
cylindrical body is installed in a container body, the cylindrical
body is provided with a cosmetic through hole through which the
powder cosmetic can pass, and an applicator can be stored in the
cylindrical body (PTL 1).
[0005] Such a cosmetic container has an excellent effect in that,
since the powder cosmetic in the container body is taken into the
cylindrical body through the cosmetic through hole as needed and
adheres to the applicator, the powder cosmetic can be applied by a
light touch until the end without caking. However, the cosmetic
container still has the following problem.
[0006] That is, in the cosmetic container, the cosmetic through
hole of the cylindrical body attached to the container body is
always open, and there is a possibility that the powder cosmetic in
the container body may enter the cylindrical body even not in
use.
[0007] For this reason, the cosmetic which entered the cylindrical
body at the time when it was not in use adheres to the applicator.
As a result, there are cases where the cosmetic more than necessary
adheres to the applicator when in use, and it is difficult to
control the cosmetic application amount.
[0008] In addition, powder cosmetics are often used for finishing
after applying a liquid foundation, etc., and cosmetics on the face
may be transferred to the applicator during use. When the
applicator is stored in the cylindrical body as it is, the
cosmetics adhering to the applicator are transferred to a mesh
attached to the through hole and adhere to the mesh, which may
cause clogging. As a result, the cosmetic is hindered from passing
through and cannot be taken into the cylindrical body, which makes
it impossible to use until the end, or making it difficult to
obtain a light touch feeling of use expected for powder
cosmetics.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0009] PTL 1: JP-A-11-290119
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to overcome
such drawbacks of the conventional powder cosmetic container and to
provide a cosmetic container which allows applying a powder
cosmetic with a light touch to the last remnant, prevents the
cosmetic from adhering to an applicator when not in use, is easy to
control cosmetic application amount, and further allows preventing
clogging caused by the cosmetic adhering to a mesh of a cosmetic
through hole.
Solution to Problem
[0011] The present invention solves the aforementioned problems,
and is a cosmetic container including a container body having an
aperture, an inner container attached to an inner side of the
container body such that a space in which a cosmetic can be stored
is formed between the inner container and the container body, an
inner plug attached to an inner side of the inner container to form
a dual structure together with the inner container and to be
rotatable within a prescribed range relative to the inner
container, the inner plug capable of storing an applicator therein,
and a lid body capable of sealing an aperture of the inner plug,
wherein cosmetic through holes are respectively provided in
portions of main bodies of the inner container and the inner plug,
and the cosmetic through holes are opened and closed by changing of
relative positions of the cosmetic through holes as the inner plug
rotates.
[0012] Further, the present invention is a cosmetic container where
an elastic mesh is attached to the cosmetic through hole of the
inner container.
[0013] Further, the present invention is a cosmetic container where
the cosmetic through holes are formed on a curved surface.
[0014] Moreover, the present invention is a cosmetic container
where both the inner plug and the lid body have locking
projections, the locking projections are formed to have heights and
shapes such that the locking projections are locked to each other
when the lid body is opened and closed and are released from each
other when a force equal to or greater than a predetermined force
is applied during opening and closing.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0015] In the cosmetic container according to the present
invention, the cosmetic through holes are opened and closed by
changing of the relative positions of the cosmetic through holes of
the inner container and the inner plug in accordance with a
rotation of the inner plug. This prevents the cosmetic from
entering the inner plug when not in use, and the cosmetic can be
prevented from unintentionally adhering to the applicator, which
makes it easy to control the cosmetic application amount when in
use.
[0016] Further, in the cosmetic container according to the present
invention in which a mesh is attached to the cosmetic through hole,
there is no risk that the cosmetic adhering to the applicator
during use would be transferred to the mesh when being stored, and
clogging of the mesh can be prevented beforehand.
[0017] In addition, in the cosmetic container according to the
present invention in which an elastic mesh is attached to the
cosmetic through hole, as the inner plug rotates, an aperture edge
of the cosmetic through hole of the inner plug moves to rub the
mesh from an inner side, and thus the cosmetic adhering to the mesh
can be scraped off and clogging of the mesh can be prevented.
[0018] Moreover, in the cosmetic container according to the present
invention in which both the inner plug and the lid body have
locking projections that can be locked to each other, the inner
plug rotates interlockingly with opening and closing of the lid
body, and thus it is possible to open and close the cosmetic
through hole simply by opening and closing the lid body. As a
result, it is possible to save time and labor for rotating the
inner plug.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cosmetic
container according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2(a) is a front view of an inner container of the
cosmetic container according to the present invention. FIG. 2(b) is
a plan view of the inner container of the cosmetic container
according to the present invention. FIG. 2 (c) is a bottom view of
the inner container of the cosmetic container according to the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3(a) is a front view of an inner plug of the cosmetic
container according to the present invention. FIG. 3(b) is a plan
view of the inner plug of the cosmetic container according to the
present invention. FIG. 3(c) is a bottom view of the inner plug of
the cosmetic container according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic container
according to the present invention in an assembled state.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a positional relation
between a protruding portion 321 and a cosmetic through hole 24 and
a cosmetic through hole 35 of the cosmetic container according to
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6(a) is a schematic view showing a positional relation
between a locking projection 331 and a locking projection 411 of
the cosmetic container according to the present invention, and FIG.
6 (b) is a schematic view showing a positional relation between the
locking projection 331 and the locking projection 411 of the
cosmetic container according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a mechanism which scrapes
off a cosmetic adhering to a mesh of the inner container by an
aperture edge of the inner plug according to the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 8(a) is a front view of a cosmetic container according
to a different embodiment of the present invention in a state in
which an inner container and an inner plug are assembled. FIG. 8
(b) is a bottom view of the cosmetic container according to the
different embodiment of the present invention in the state in which
the inner container and the inner plug are assembled. FIG. 8(c) is
a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic container according to the
different embodiment of the present invention in the state in which
the inner container and the inner plug are assembled.
[0027] FIG. 9(a) is a front view of a cosmetic container according
to a different embodiment of the present invention in a state in
which an inner container and an inner plug are assembled. FIG. 9
(b) is a bottom view of the cosmetic container according to the
different embodiment of the present invention in the state in which
the inner container and the inner plug are assembled. FIG. 9(c) is
a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cosmetic
container according to the embodiment is assembled and an
applicator is stored in the cosmetic container.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Embodiments of the cosmetic container of the present
invention will be described in detail below with reference to the
drawings. The present invention is not limited to these
embodiments.
[0029] The cosmetic container of the present invention includes a
container body 1 having an aperture 11 at an upper portion of the
container body 1, an inner container 2 attached to an inner side of
the container body 1 such that a space in which a cosmetic can be
stored is formed between the inner container 2 and the container
body 1, an inner plug 3 attached to an inner side of the inner
container 2 to form a dual structure together with the inner
container 2 and to be rotatable within a prescribed range relative
to the inner container 2, the inner plug 3 capable of storing an
applicator 5 therein, and a lid body 4 capable of sealing an
aperture 31 of the inner plug 3. Each member will be described in
detail below.
[0030] The container body 1 is formed in a substantially pot shape
having the aperture 11 at the upper portion of the container body
1, and includes a main body 12 in which a cosmetic is stored, and a
neck portion 13 which is vertically provided annularly from an
upper end of the main body 12. The main body 12 of the present
embodiment has a larger diameter on the neck portion 13 side than
on a bottom portion side, and further bulges out to have the
largest diameter at an intermediate portion of the main body 12.
However, the shape is not limited thereto as long as the container
body 1 has the annularly shaped neck portion 13 at the upper
portion and is capable of storing the cosmetic and the inner
container 2 therein. For example, the container body 1 may be a
cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, a polygonal columnar shape, a
truncated cone shape, etc.
[0031] A recessed portion 131 is provided recessed in an inner
peripheral surface of the neck portion 13 as a fixing unit of the
inner container 2 which will be described later. The recessed
portion 131 is provided to be in a substantially rectangular shape
from an upper end of the neck portion 13 and thinner than the other
portions of the neck portion 13. In the embodiment, four recessed
portions 131 are provided at equal intervals in a circumferential
direction of the neck portion 13. Although the number of the
recessed portion 131 is arbitrary and may be one, it is preferable
to provide a plurality of recessed portions 131.
[0032] Further, a protruded strip 132 is provided on an outer
peripheral surface of the neck portion 13 as a locking unit of the
inner plug 3 which will be described later. The protruded strip 132
protrudes annularly in the circumferential direction of the neck
portion 13. The protruded strip 132 is provided at a position
corresponding to a groove portion 342 of the inner plug 3 when the
inner plug 3 is attached to the container body 1, and is formed in
a shape that can be inserted into the groove portion 342.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the inner container 2 has an
aperture 21 at an upper portion of the inner container 2, and
includes a main body 22 having a substantially cylindrical body
portion and a substantially hemispherical bottom portion, and a
neck portion 23 which is vertically provided annularly from an
upper end of the main body 22. Further, a flange portion 233 which
horizontally protrudes outward is provided on an upper end of the
neck portion 23. The main body 22 is formed in a shape and with a
dimension such that, when the main body 22 is attached to the
container body 1, a space in which a cosmetic can be stored is
formed between the main body 22 and the main body 12 of the
container body 1, a main body 32 of the inner plug 3 can be stored
therein, and the inner plug 3 is rotatable in the circumferential
direction inside the main body 22. Specifically, at least the main
body 22 forms a perfect circle in its horizontal cross-sectional
shape, such as a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, an inverted
conical shape, and an inverted truncated cone shape. In addition,
the neck portion 23 is formed such that the neck portion 13 of the
container body 1 can be fitted therein.
[0034] The main body 22 is provided with a cosmetic through hole 24
for taking in the cosmetic in the container body 1 into the inner
container 2. In the embodiment, one cosmetic through hole 24 is
provided as a substantially circular aperture from one side surface
(the front side in FIG. 2) to the bottom portion of the main body
22. Further, a mesh 25 may be attached to an edge portion of the
cosmetic through hole 24 so as to close the aperture as in the
embodiment.
[0035] In the embodiment, only one cosmetic through hole 24 is
provided. However, the number is not limited thereto and a
plurality of cosmetic through holes 24 may be provided. As to the
position where the cosmetic through hole 24 is provided, it is not
limited as long as it is a position where the cosmetic can be taken
into the inner container 2 from the cosmetic through hole 24. When
the main body 22 has a substantially spherical shape as in the
embodiment, it is preferable to provide the cosmetic through hole
24 from a side surface to the bottom portion. When the main body 22
has a shallow plate shape, it is preferable to provide the cosmetic
through hole 24 at the bottom surface. When the main body 22 has a
conical shape, it is preferable to provide the cosmetic through
hole 24 at the side surface. Further, when the cylindrical bottom
surface is formed in a conical shape, it is preferable to provide
the cosmetic through hole 24 at both the side surface and the
bottom portion. In particular, it is preferable that the cosmetic
through hole 24 is formed on a curved surface. For example, when
the cosmetic through hole 24 is formed on a curved surface such as
a side surface or a bottom portion of a substantially spherical
main body, a side surface of an inverted conical or inverted
truncated conical main body, and a side surface of a cylindrical
main body, it is possible to obtain an effect of scraping the
cosmetic adhering to the mesh 25 which will be described later and
thus is preferable.
[0036] The shape and area of the cosmetic through hole 24 are not
limited as long as the shape and area do not hinder the cosmetic
from being taken into the inner container 2. However, as in the
embodiment, when an application portion 51 of the applicator 5 to
be used is a flocked spherical shape or a three-dimensional chip,
it is possible to make the cosmetic adhere to the application
portion 51 by pressing the application portion 51 against the mesh
25 and making the application portion 51 protrude from the cosmetic
through hole 24 to an inner side of the container body 1 using the
elasticity of the mesh 25. Therefore, it is preferable to form one
cosmetic through hole 24 having an aperture diameter and an
aperture shape through which the application portion 51 can pass.
Further, when the application portion 51 is a flat mat or puff, it
is not necessary to pass through the cosmetic through hole 24 to
protrude to the inner side of the container body 1. Therefore, it
is preferable to provide a plurality of through holes having a
diameter smaller than that of the mat or puff.
[0037] In the embodiment, the mesh 25 is attached to the cosmetic
through hole 24. However, the cosmetic through hole 24 itself may
be formed in a mesh shape. That is, the cosmetic through hole 24
may be formed in a mesh shape by being composed of a collection of
a plurality of fine holes, and in this case, the diameter of one
hole is only necessary to be a diameter that the cosmetic can pass
through. As described above, by attaching the mesh 25 to the
cosmetic through hole 24, or by forming the cosmetic through hole
24 itself in a mesh shape, the cosmetic can be appropriately
adhered to the application portion 51 at the time of use.
[0038] It is preferable that the material of the mesh 25 attached
to the cosmetic through hole 24 has elasticity. For example, fibers
such as polyester, polyurethane, nylon, rayon, polyolefin,
cellulose, and silk, and mixed fibers thereof, or nonwoven fabrics
thereof can be exemplified, and among them, mixed fibers of
polyester and polyurethane are preferable.
[0039] In addition, a protruding portion 231 is provided protruding
on an outer peripheral surface of the neck portion 23 as a fixing
unit to the main body 1. The protruding portion 231 is provided at
a position corresponding to the recessed portion 131 of the
container body 1 when the inner container 2 is attached to the
container body 1, and is formed in a substantially rectangular
shape that can be inserted into the recessed portion 131. In the
embodiment, four protruding portions 231 are provided at equal
intervals in a circumferential direction of the neck portion 23.
Although the number of the protruding portion 231 is arbitrary and
may be one, it is preferable to provide a plurality of protruding
portions 231 as the same number as the recessed portions 131.
[0040] Further, a guide groove 232 into which a protruding portion
321 of the inner plug 3 which will be described later can be
inserted is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the neck
portion 23. The guide groove 232 is formed at a predetermined
height from the upper end of the neck portion 23 and to be thinner
than the other portions of the neck portion 23, and is formed
within a predetermined range in the circumferential direction of
the neck portion 23. In the embodiment, the guide groove 232 is
provided on the substantially right half of the inner peripheral
surface of the neck portion 23. However, the providing position
(circumferential direction) is arbitrary, and the providing range
(circumferential direction) is desirably to be a range
corresponding to a rotation range of the inner plug 3 from opening
the cosmetic through hole 24 of the inner container 2 to closing
the cosmetic through hole 24 of the inner container 2.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the inner plug 3 has an
aperture 31 at an upper portion of the inner plug 3, and includes a
main body 32 having a substantially cylindrical body portion and a
substantially hemispherical bottom portion, a flange 33 which
horizontally protrudes outward from an upper end of the main body
32, and a peripheral wall 34 that hangs down from an outer
peripheral edge of the flange 33. The main body 32 is formed in a
shape substantially similar to the shape of the main body 22 so as
to form a dual structure that does not form a gap more than
necessary between the main body 32 and the main body 22 of the
inner container 2 when the main body 32 is attached to the inner
container 2, and is formed with a play to an extent that the main
body 32 is rotatable in the circumferential direction in the
attached state. The shape of the main body 32 is not limited as
long as it is substantially similar to the shape of the main body
22 and is rotatable in the circumferential direction. However, at
least the main body 32 forms a perfect circle in its horizontal
cross-sectional shape, such as a spherical shape, a cylindrical
shape, an inverted conical shape, and an inverted truncated cone
shape.
[0042] The main body 32 is provided with a cosmetic through hole
35. The cosmetic through hole 35 is formed at a position
corresponding to the cosmetic through hole 24 of the inner
container 2 when the inner plug 3 is at an open position. In the
embodiment, one cosmetic through hole 35 is provided as a
substantially circular aperture from one side surface (the front
side in FIG. 3) to the bottom portion of the main body 32.
[0043] In the embodiment, only one cosmetic through hole 35 is
provided. However, the number is not limited thereto and a
plurality of cosmetic through holes 35 may be provided. Further,
the number of the cosmetic through holes 35 may be more or less
than the number of the cosmetic through holes 24. However, it is
preferable to provide the same number of the cosmetic through holes
35 as the number of the cosmetic through holes 24. The cosmetic
through hole 35 is preferably provided with an area and in a shape
substantially the same as the area and the shape of the cosmetic
through hole 24 provided at a corresponding position. However, when
a plurality of cosmetic through holes 24 are provided, it is also
possible to provide one cosmetic through hole 35 that can cover the
entire area where the plurality of cosmetic through holes 24 are
provided. Conversely, when one cosmetic through hole 24 is provided
as in the embodiment, a plurality of cosmetic through holes 35 may
be provided in a region covered by the cosmetic through hole 24.
Moreover, as in the embodiment, when the application portion 51 of
the applicator 5 to be used is a flocked spherical shape or a
three-dimensional chip, it is preferable to form one cosmetic
through hole 35 having an aperture diameter through which the
application portion 51 of the applicator 5 can pass. Further, it is
preferable that the cosmetic through hole 35 is formed on a curved
surface. For example, when the cosmetic through hole 35 is formed
on a curved surface such as a side surface or a bottom portion of a
substantially spherical main body, a side surface of an inverted
conical or inverted truncated conical main body, and a side surface
of a cylindrical main body, it is possible to obtain an effect of
scraping the cosmetic adhering to the mesh 25 which will be
described later and thus is preferable.
[0044] A threaded portion 341 to which a threaded portion 421 of
the lid body 4 which will be described later can be screwed is
provided on an outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 34,
and the annular groove portion 342 into which the protruded strip
132 provided on the neck portion 13 of the container body 1 is
provided recessed in an inner peripheral surface of the peripheral
wall 34.
[0045] A locking projection 331 which can be locked to a locking
projection 411 of the lid body 4 which will be described later is
provided on an upper surface of the flange 33 in the inner plug 3
of the embodiment. In the embodiment, two locking projections 331
are provided at opposite positions of the flange 33 (right and left
in FIG. 3(b)). The locking projections 331 are formed at a
protruding height capable of locking with the locking projection
411 of the lid body 4 when the lid body 4 is opened and closed, and
are formed in a shape such that the locking is released by applying
a force equal to or greater than a predetermined force during
opening and closing. The locking between the locking projection 331
and the locking projection 411 is released by applying a pressure
equal to or more than a predetermined pressure to a side surface
where the locking projection 331 and the locking projection 411 are
in contact to make the locking projection 411 get over the locking
projection 331. Therefore, the side surface of the locking
projection 331 may be formed in a tapered shape so as to make the
locking projection 411 easily get over the locking projection
331.
[0046] Moreover, an annular O-ring 36 may be attached to the outer
peripheral surface of the main body 32 as in the embodiment. The
O-ring is formed with an elastic member such as rubber, and slides
on the inner peripheral surface of the main body 22 to generate an
appropriate rotation resistance when the inner plug 3 is rotated in
the inner container 2.
[0047] In addition, the protruding portion 321 which can be
inserted into the guide groove 232 of the inner container 2 is
provided protruding on the outer peripheral surface near the upper
end portion of the main body 32. The protruding portion 321 is
formed in a substantially rectangular shape extending downward from
the flange 33, and is formed at a height that fits in the guide
groove 232. Although one protruding portion 321 is provided on a
rear surface side of the main body 32 in the embodiment, the
position is not limited thereto.
[0048] The lid body 4 of the present invention is not particularly
limited in its shape and attaching and detaching method as long as
the lid body 4 can seal the aperture 31 of the inner plug 3. As in
the embodiment, the lid body 4 may be screwed to the threaded
portion 341 of the inner plug 3 and a part of the lid body 4 may
have a space in which a part of the applicator 5 can be stored. In
the lid body 4 of the embodiment, the threaded portion 421 is
formed on an inner peripheral surface of a peripheral wall 42
hanging down from a peripheral edge of a top wall 41 so as to be
capable of being screwed to the threaded portion 341 of the inner
plug 3, and a shaft portion 52 of the applicator 5 which will be
described later can be stored in a cylindrical portion 43 provided
standing upright from the top wall 41.
[0049] In the lid body 4 of the embodiment, the locking projection
411 which can be locked to the locking projection 331 of the flange
33 of the inner plug 3 is provided on a rear surface of the top
wall 41. The locking projection 411 is formed at a position where
the locking projection 411 can be brought into contact with the
locking projection 331 of the inner plug 3 when the lid body 4 is
opened and closed. Moreover, the locking projection 411 is formed
to have a height capable of locking with the locking projection
331, and is formed to have a height and a shape such that the
locking is released by applying a force equal to or greater than a
predetermined force during opening and closing. The locking between
the locking projection 331 and the locking projection 411 is
released by applying a pressure equal to or more than a
predetermined pressure to a side surface where the locking
projection 331 and the locking projection 411 are in contact to
make the locking projection 411 get over the locking projection
331. Therefore, the side surface of the locking projection 411 may
be formed in a tapered shape so as to make the locking projection
411 easily get over the locking projection 331.
[0050] The applicator 5 used in the cosmetic container of the
present invention is not particularly limited in its type, shape,
etc. As shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to use an applicator in
which the application portion 51 is provided at a tip end of the
shaft portion 52, or a puff type having an application portion
only. Moreover, a sewed puff, a napped puff, a sponge, a brush,
etc. can be used as the application portion 51.
[0051] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cosmetic container
of the present invention in an assembled state. As shown in the
drawing, the inner container 2 is attached to the inner side of the
container body 1. The inner container 2 is inserted from the
aperture 11 of the container body 1, and the flange portion 233 of
the inner container 2 is hooked on the upper end portion of the
neck portion 13 of the container body 1. Moreover, the protruding
portion 231 is inserted into the recessed portion 131 of the
container body 1. In this way, the inner container 2 is attached to
the container body 1 in a state in which the rotation of the inner
container 2 relative to the container body 1 is restricted.
[0052] Further, the inner plug 3 is attached to the inner side of
the inner container 2. The inner plug 3 is inserted from the
aperture 21 of the inner container 2, and the flange 33 of the
inner plug 3 is placed on the flange portion 233 of the inner
container 2. Moreover, the protruded strip 132 of the container
body 1 is fitted into the groove portion 342 on the inner
peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 34. In this way, the
inner plug 3 is attached to the container body 1 to be rotatable
relative to the container body 1.
[0053] Further, the protruding portion 321 of the inner plug 3 is
inserted into the guide groove 232 of the inner container 2, and
the inner plug 3 can rotate within a range in which the protruding
portion 321 is movable inside the guide groove 232. As described
above, the rotatable angle of the inner plug 3 is restricted by the
movable range of the protruding portion 321. Therefore, in the
embodiment, the rotatable angle of the inner plug 3 is restricted
to about 180 degrees clockwise from a state in which the aperture
35 of the inner plug 3 faces the front.
[0054] By screwing the threaded portion 421 to the threaded portion
341 of the inner plug 3, the lid body 4 is attached to be freely
opened and closed to seal the aperture 31 of the inner plug 3.
Although not shown in FIG. 4, the applicator 5 is further stored in
the inner plug 3. Although the applicator 5 may be completely
stored inside the inner plug 3, it is also possible to store a part
of the applicator 5 in a part of the lid body 4. Specifically, as
in the embodiment, the cylindrical portion 43 may be provided on an
upper portion of the lid body 4, and the shaft portion 52, which is
a part of the applicator 5, may be stored in a space in the
cylindrical portion 43. By storing the shaft portion 52 in the lid
body 4, it is possible to prevent the cosmetic from adhering to the
shaft portion 52.
[0055] FIG. 5 schematically shows a relative positional relation
between the protruding portion 321 and the cosmetic through hole 24
and the cosmetic through hole 35 in a series of states from an open
state of the cosmetic through hole 24 to a closed state of the
cosmetic through hole 24. The mesh 25 is omitted in the drawing for
a better understanding. First, in a state in which the protruding
portion 321 of the inner plug 3 is positioned on the rearmost side
of the guide groove 232 (the rear surface side of the inner
container 2), and the inner plug 3 cannot be further rotated
counterclockwise with respect to the inner container 2, the
relative positions of the cosmetic through hole 35 of the inner
plug 3 and the cosmetic through hole 24 of the inner container 2
match (FIG. 5a). In this state, the cosmetic through hole 24 and
the cosmetic through hole 35 communicate with each other and are in
a fully opened state.
[0056] Then, in order to shift from the open state to a closed
state, the inner plug 3 is rotated clockwise relative to the inner
container 2. FIG. 5b shows a state in the middle of the rotation.
In this state, the relative position between the cosmetic through
hole 24 and the cosmetic through hole 35 changes, and only a part
of the left side of the cosmetic through hole 24 communicates and
is opened. Then, the inner plug 3 is further rotated clockwise
relative to the inner container 2, and the protruding portion 321
is moved to a position where the inner plug 3 cannot be further
rotated so that the protruding portion 321 is positioned on the
foremost side of the guide groove 232 (the front side of the inner
container 2) (FIG. 5c). At this time, the cosmetic through hole 35
of the inner plug 3 is positioned on an opposite side of the main
body 22 relative to the cosmetic through hole 24 of the inner
container 2. Therefore, the cosmetic through hole 24 is closed by
the main body 32 of the inner plug 3 and the cosmetic through hole
35 is closed by the main body 22 of the inner container 2, which
makes a closed state in which the cosmetic cannot pass through.
[0057] Further, a mechanism which scrapes off the cosmetic adhering
to the mesh 25 as the inner plug 3 rotates will be described with
reference to FIG. 7. When the cosmetic through holes 24 and 35 are
formed on a curved surface as in the embodiment, an aperture edge
351 of the cosmetic through hole 35 moves along a trajectory X
which has the same curvature as the curved surface of the main body
32 as the inner plug 3 rotates in a closing direction. On the other
hand, the mesh 25, particularly in a case of a material having
elasticity, which is attached to the cosmetic through hole 24, is
held at a position where the mesh 25 enters inner than the
trajectory X of the aperture edge 351 due to the tension of the
mesh 25. As a result, the aperture edge 351 moving along the
trajectory X moves to rub the mesh 25 from the inner side as the
inner plug 3 rotates in the closing direction, and thus it is
possible to obtain an effect of scraping off the cosmetic adhering
to the mesh 25.
[0058] In addition, a mechanism in which the inner plug 3 rotates
interlockingly with the opening and closing of the lid body 4 is as
follows. First, the lid body 4 is screwed clockwise to the threaded
portion 341 of the inner plug 3 and closed. When the screwing is
almost completed, the rear surface of the top wall 41 of the lid
body 4 approaches the flange 33 of the inner plug 3. As a result,
the locking projection 411 of the rear surface of the top wall 41
comes into contact with one of the two locking projections 331 of
the inner plug 3. In this case, since the locking projection 411
comes into contact with the locking projection 331 from a traveling
direction side, when the lid body 4 is further turned in that
state, the locking projection 411 pushes the locking projection 331
in the rotation direction of the lid body 4 and the inner plug 3
also rotates in the same direction. The positional relation between
the locking projection 411 and the locking projection 331 at this
time is indicated by a solid line in FIG. 6(a).
[0059] As described above, since the rotation range of the inner
plug 3 is limited to the movement range of the protruding portion
321 due to the restriction of the guide groove 232, when the
protruding portion 321 reaches an end of the guide groove 232, the
inner plug 3 stops without further rotating. In this state, when a
rotational force is further applied to the lid body 4 in the
clockwise direction, the contact surfaces of the locking projection
411 and the locking projection 341 are pressed, and the locking of
the locking projection 411 and the locking projection 341 is
released. The locking projection 411 gets over the locking
projection 331 and moves to the opposite side. The positional
relation between the locking projection 411 and the locking
projection 341 at this time is indicated by a broken line in FIG.
6(a). As a result, even if the lid body 4 is further rotated
clockwise, the inner plug 3 does not rotate interlockingly and the
attachment of the lid body 4 is completed.
[0060] Conversely, when the lid body 4 is turned counterclockwise
to the threaded portion 352 of the inner plug 3 and opened, as
described above, the locking projection 411 which has moved over
the locking projection 331 and moved to the opposite side as the
lid body 4 was closed now comes into contact with the locking
projection 331 from the counterclockwise traveling direction side.
In this way, when the lid body 4 is turned, the locking projection
411 pushes the locking projection 331 in the rotation direction of
the lid body 4, and the inner plug 3 also rotates. The positional
relation between the locking projection 411 and the locking
projection 331 at this time is indicated by a solid line in FIG.
6(b).
[0061] Even in the case where the inner plug 3 rotates
counterclockwise, the rotation range of the inner plug 3 is limited
to the movement range of the protruding portion 321 due to the
restriction of the guide groove 232. Therefore, when the protruding
portion 321 moves to an end of the guide groove 232, the inner plug
3 stops without further rotating. In this state, when a rotational
force is further applied to the lid body 4 in the counterclockwise
direction, the contact surfaces of the locking projection 411 and
the locking projection 341 are pressed, and the locking of the
locking projection 411 and the locking projection 341 is released.
The locking projection 411 gets over the locking projection 341 and
moves to the opposite side. The positional relation between the
locking projection 411 and the locking projection 331 at this time
is indicated by a broken line in FIG. 6(b). As a result, even if
the lid body 4 is further turned counterclockwise, the inner plug 3
does not rotate interlockingly and only the lid body 4 rotates
counterclockwise, thereby completing removal of the lid body 4.
[0062] In the embodiment, the inner plug 3 rotates interlockingly
as the lid body 4 rotates. However, the lid body 4 and the inner
plug 3 do not necessarily have to be interlocked, and the inner
plug 3 may rotate independently despite of the opening and closing
of the lid body 4. In that case, the lid body 4 may be first
removed, and the inner plug 3 may be rotated by holding a part of
the inner plug 3, for example, the peripheral wall 35, with fingers
while holding the container body 1 with one hand.
[0063] A method for using the cosmetic container of the present
invention will be described below. First, the lid body 4 is rotated
counterclockwise to release the screw engagement with the threaded
portion 341 of the inner plug 3. In this case, the locking
projection 411 pushes the locking projection 331 in the same
direction as the rotation of the lid body 4, and thus the inner
plug 3 also rotates counterclockwise within an allowable range
restricted by the guide groove 232. Then, when the protruding
portion 321 moves to an end of the guide groove 232, the inner plug
3 stops without further rotating.
[0064] Now, the protruding portion 321 is positioned at the
rearmost side of the guide groove 232 (the rear surface side of the
inner container 2). Therefore, the relative positions of the
cosmetic through hole 35 of the inner plug 3 and the cosmetic
through hole 24 of the inner container 2 match, the cosmetic
through hole 35 of the inner plug 3 and the cosmetic through hole
24 of the inner container 2 communicate with each other and are in
a fully opened state (FIG. 5a). On the other hand, since the
locking of the locking projection 411 is released, the lid body 4
further rotates counterclockwise and is removed from the inner plug
3.
[0065] After the lid body 4 is removed, the applicator 5 stored
inside is taken out to perform make-up. Since the cosmetic through
hole 24 and the cosmetic through hole 35 are in a fully opened
state, the cosmetic is taken into the inner plug 3 through the
through holes and adheres to the application portion 51 of the
applicator 5. In a case where it is desired to further make the
cosmetic adhere to the application portion 51, by pushing the
application portion 51 into the apertures of the cosmetic through
hole 24 and the cosmetic through hole 35, the mesh 25 is expanded,
and a part of the application portion 51 is pushed out from the
cosmetic through hole 24 into the interior of the container body 1,
which makes the cosmetic more easily adhered.
[0066] The cosmetic through hole 24 and the cosmetic through hole
35 of the embodiment are provided on one side surface of the inner
container 2 and the inner plug 3, and thus the position of adhesion
to the application portion 51 can be made constant. When it is
desired to make the cosmetic adhere uniformly to the entire
application portion 51, the cosmetic can be made to adhere evenly
by rotating the shaft portion 52 and rotating the application
portion 51 inside the inner plug 3.
[0067] After the make-up is completed, the applicator 5 is stored
inside the inner plug 3, and the lid body 4 is screwed clockwise to
the threaded portion 341 of the inner plug 3. Then, as the screwing
of the lid body 4 approaches completion, the locking projection 411
is locked by the locking projection 331 and pushes in the same
direction as the rotation of the lid body 4. Therefore, the inner
plug 3 also rotates clockwise within the allowable range restricted
by the guide groove 232.
[0068] As the protruding portion 321 moves within the guide groove
232, the relative positions of the cosmetic through hole 35 of the
inner plug 3 and the cosmetic through hole 24 of the inner
container 2 begin to shift (FIG. 5b). In this case, since the
aperture edge 351 of the cosmetic through hole 35 of the inner plug
3 moves to rub the mesh 25 of the inner container 2 from the inner
side, it is possible to obtain an effect of scraping off the
cosmetic adhering to the mesh 25 as the inner container 3 rotates
in the closing direction.
[0069] When the protruding portion 321 moves to an end of the guide
groove 232, the inner plug 3 stops without further rotating. The
protruding portion 321 is positioned on the foremost side of the
guide groove 232 (the front side of the inner container 2), the
cosmetic through hole 24 is closed by the main body 32 of the inner
plug 3 and the cosmetic through hole 35 is closed by the main body
22 of the inner container 2. This makes a closed state in which the
cosmetic cannot pass through (FIG. 5c), and the attachment of the
lid body 4 is also completed.
[0070] FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c) and FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c) show different
embodiments of the cosmetic container of the present invention. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the main body 22 of the inner
container 2 and the main body 32 of the inner plug 3 are both
formed in an inverted conical shape. The cosmetic through holes 24
and 35 are provided on side surfaces of the main bodies 22 and 32,
respectively. In FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the description of the mesh
25 is omitted for a better understanding of the configuration.
[0071] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the main body 22 of the
inner container 2 and the main body 32 of the inner plug 3 are both
formed in an inverted truncated cone shape. A pair of cosmetic
through holes 24 and 35 are respectively provided on one side
surface of the main bodies 22 and 32 and a side surface opposite to
the aforementioned side surface to the bottom surfaces. Further, in
the present embodiment, a core material 26 which protrudes in an
arc shape in the cosmetic through hole 24 is provided. The core
material 26 forms a contour of a perfect circle in a bottom view
together with a bottom surface 27 of the inner container 2.
Therefore, by attaching the mesh 25 to the cosmetic through hole 24
so as to cover the core material 26, the main body 22 and the mesh
25 can maintain the shape of an inverted truncated cone. In FIGS.
9(a) and 9(b), the description of the mesh 25 is omitted for a
better understanding of the configuration.
[0072] Moreover, FIG. 9(c) shows a state in which the applicator 5
of a brush type is stored in the inner plug 3. In the embodiment,
since the applicator 5 is completely stored in the inner plug 3,
the lid body 4 can be of a type that seals a general aperture.
[0073] As to the material used for the container body 1, the inner
container 2, and the inner plug 3 of the present invention,
polyethylene telephthalate, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer,
polypropylene, polyethylene, and the like are preferable for the
container body, and polypropylene and polyethylene are preferable
for the inner container and the inner plug. Among them, the
container body is preferably polyethylene telephthalate, and the
inner container and the inner plug are preferably polypropylene. In
particular, it is preferable that the container body 1 is
transparent or translucent so that the cosmetic stored inside the
container body 1 can be visually recognized from the outside.
[0074] The cosmetic stored in the cosmetic container of the present
invention maybe skin care cosmetics such as cream, emulsion, beauty
essence, eye cream, lip cream, and remover, hair cosmetics such as
treatment, hair styling agent, hair dye, and hair cream, and
make-up cosmetics such as white powder, foundation, base cream,
concealer, cheek rouge, eye color, lip gloss, lip color, lip
overcoat, topcoat, mascara, eyebrow, and eyeliner. In addition, as
the form of the cosmetic, a viscous liquid cosmetic, a powder solid
cosmetic, an oily solid cosmetic, a powdery cosmetic, and the like
can be exemplified, and the cosmetic maybe an emulsifying type or a
non-emulsifying type. Among them, the powdery cosmetic is
particularly preferable.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0075] 1: container body
[0076] 2: inner container
[0077] 3: inner plug
[0078] 4: lid body
[0079] 5: applicator
[0080] 11: aperture
[0081] 12: main body
[0082] 13: neck portion
[0083] 21: aperture
[0084] 22: main body
[0085] 23: neck portion
[0086] 24: cosmetic through hole
[0087] 25: mesh
[0088] 26: core material
[0089] 27: bottom surface
[0090] 31: aperture
[0091] 32: main body
[0092] 33: flange
[0093] 34: peripheral wall
[0094] 35: cosmetic through hole
[0095] 41: top wall
[0096] 42: peripheral wall
[0097] 43: cylindrical portion
[0098] 51: application portion
[0099] 52: shaft portion
[0100] 131: recessed portion
[0101] 132: protruded strip
[0102] 231: protruding portion
[0103] 232: guide groove
[0104] 233: flange portion
[0105] 321: protruding portion
[0106] 331: locking projection
[0107] 341: threaded portion
[0108] 342: groove portion
[0109] 351: aperture edge
[0110] 411: locking projection
[0111] 421: threaded portion
[0112] X: aperture edge trajectory
* * * * *