Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6192895
-
Patent Number
6,192,895
-
Date Filed
Monday, June 29, 199826 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, February 27, 200123 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Mancene; Gene
- Robert; Eduardo C.
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 132 293
- 132 294
- 132 295
- 132 300
- 132 303
- 132 314
- 132 315
- 206 823
- 206 581
- 206 205
- 220 524
- 220 526
- 220 324
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A cosmetic case containing a replaceable inner case which can be easily removed or inserted, and which is specifically structured to maintain the cosmetic material contained therein in a fresh and usable condition.The invention is comprised of an outer case with a floor area and inner peripheral wall defining a space for an inner container, an outer cover attached by a hinge to the outer case, a main latch employed to hold the outer cover closed, a replaceable inner container providing a cosmetic holding space, an inner container cover capable of opening or closing over the cosmetic holding space, and a sub-latch employed to hold the inner cover closed against the inner container.The inner case is equipped with a hinge part to allow opening and closing of the inner cover, said hinge part fitting into a cutout section on the peripheral wall of the outer case so as to expose the hinge and thus allow wide angle opening of the inner case cover. Inner case installation is aided by small protruding ribs formed within the outer case with the purpose of indexing and securing the inner case. An orifice is provided in the floor of the main case to allow the inner case to be pushed up and removed by finger pressure applied from below.The cosmetic case is characterized by a push-type latch mechanism which opens the outer and inner case covers simultaneously in one movement, an effective sealing mechanism between the inner case and cover, and specific inner cover structures to inhibit the fall of condensation droplets onto the cosmetic surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a cosmetic case assembly of the type in which a sub-case can be easily installed to or detached from a main case, and in which each of the aforesaid cases is equipped with a cover which can be easily opened and closed as a means of allowing convenient access to the cosmetic material contained therein, and as further means of preserving the contained cosmetic material in a desirable and usable condition.
2. Description of the Related Art
Cosmetic cases are generally employed as convenient portable containers for carrying personal-use cosmetic substances. These cases consist of a container body in which a cosmetic substance is held, and an openable cover installed to the case as means of allowing access to the cosmetic material as well as means of sealing the internal case area when the cosmetic material contained therein is not being used. A latch mechanism is employed to keep the cover closed, and can be activated to open the cover when desired.
Recently, cosmetic cases are appearing in which an outer case, appropriately decorated to provide a pleasing external appearance, is structured so as to contain a separate refill case which is employed to hold the cosmetic material. The outer case is often made from expensive materials, designed to provide a beautiful and elegant appearance, and decorated in a pleasing fashion. The refill case contained therein, however, is specifically designed to be functional in regard to holding, preserving, and allowing access to the cosmetic material contained therein, and to be easily detached from and installed within the aforesaid outer case. The aforesaid outer case and refill case are often sold as separate items, thus allowing the purchaser to use the same cosmetic case to carry various types of cosmetics as dictated by personal preference, and to conveniently replace consumed cosmetics, in the form of these refill cases, without the need to buy a new outer cosmetic case.
The aforesaid refill cases, particularly when used together with relatively expensive outer cases, are often constructed similarly to conventional cosmetic cases in that a hinged cover is also installed to the refill case. The use of a hinged cover refill case, however, demands that the user open the outer case cover and refill case cover in multiple sequential operations that are, in many cases, clumsy and inconvenient.
Moreover, a cosmetic case offering the installation and removal of separate refill cases can be significantly improved through a structure which makes it easier and more convenient to both install and remove said refill cases. Furthermore, a preferable structure for this type of cosmetic case would also include a mechanism which eliminates the need to open the outer case and refill case covers as separate sequential operations.
Considering the design of the cosmetic case from a different point of view, it must also be taken into account that many recently developed cosmetic materials utilize water or oil components as solvents which are susceptible to evaporation. These types of cosmetics are becoming increasingly prevalent.
As solvent-based cosmetics are subject to relatively rapid evaporation, the cosmetic cases used to hold them must offer means of preventing evaporation by efficiently sealing the internal area of the case.
Even if a cosmetic case provides an efficient sealing effect for the substance contained therein, the condensation of solvents contained within the sealed cosmetic material can result in condensate droplets collecting on the surface of the cosmetic material and degrading the quality of said material.
The following inventions have been proposed as means of alleviating the problems mentioned above. Japanese patent unexamined publication No.9-37839 proposes various means of improving the sealing efficiency between a cosmetic case with an open and closable cover. Japanese unexamined patent publications Nos.8-347 and 9-37838 propose the installation of an inner cover between the cosmetic case and outer cover, said inner cover being utilized to seal the cosmetic case. In regard to a cosmetic case of the type which can contain a detachable refill case, Japanese unexamined patent publications Nos.9-65920 and 9-98829 propose a cosmetic case with detachable refill case whereby the refill case is specifically structured to hold a cosmetic material containing an evaporable solvent.
Refill cases have been proposed whereby a freely open and closable inner cover is installed to an inner tray. The areas between said inner tray and inner cover can be sealed, thus allowing the inner tray and cover to be employed as a refill case which is installable to and removable from an outer case. In regard to cosmetic cases applicable for use with evaporable solvent based cosmetic materials, Japanese unexamined patent publication No.9-47319 proposes a structure in which an inner tray only, without a cover, can be placed in or removed from an outer case. Japanese unexamined patent publications Nos.8-348 and 9-98828 propose a cosmetic case with a double cover whereby an internal cover is employed between a cosmetic case and external covers Moreover, Japanese unexamined patent publication No.7-184717 proposes a cosmetic case which provides a condensation prevention effect.
The aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.9-37839 proposes the use of an elastic packing ring installed to the lower perimeter of the cosmetic container within the outer case, and a protruding part on the inner surface of the cover. When the cover is closed, the aforesaid protruding, part is in contact with the aforesaid packing ring at a point below the joint formed between the case and cover. The aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.8-347 provides for an elastic packing ring of U-shaped cross section installed on the upper perimeter of the aforesaid inner tray, and an elastic packing piece installed to the cover, thus forming a structure in which the aforesaid elastic packing ring and packing piece come into mutual contact when the cover is closed. The aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.9-37838, similar to the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.9-37839, provides for an elastic packing ring on the lower outer periphery of the cosmetic container, and a ring-shaped protrusion on the inner surface of the inner cover, said ring-shaped protrusion coming into contact with the aforesaid elastic packing ring at a point below the joint between the inner cover and cosmetic container.
In regard to a refill type cosmetic case, the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.9-65920 mentions an outer case divided into two compartments separated by a wall structure, one of the aforesaid compartments being employed to hold a refill case, and the other as a storage area for a cosmetic application tool. A protrusion on the cover of the refill case fits into a cutout portion provided in the center of the separator wall, said protrusion extending into the space provided for the aforesaid application tool. Similar to the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.9-65920, the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.9-98829) mentions a separator wall forming two internal compartments within the cosmetic case. A first joint part is formed between the separator wall and facing surface of the cosmetic case, and a second joint part, capable of detaching from the aforesaid first joint part, is formed on the refill case. The connection formed between the first joint part and second joint part secures the refill case in position.
The cosmetic case proposed by the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.9-47319 incorporates a separator wall within the case, said wall forming two separate internal compartments, one of said compartments being occupied by the aforesaid inner tray. A joint groove is formed on the lateral periphery of the inner tray. A first joint protrusion, capable of insertion into the aforesaid joint groove, is formed on the inner tray side of the separator wall. Moreover, multiple pairs of fingers are formed as vertical slits at the lower side of the wall surface opposite to the separator wall. A second protrusion capable of inserting into the aforesaid joint groove is also provided. The wall surface between the fingers is formed as a support wall with a lower surface acting as a free surface. The protrusion formed on the support wall presses against inner tray in a direction facing the first joint protrusion.
In the cosmetic case proposed by the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.8-348, an inner cover opening piece, installed either on the cosmetic case or inner cover, is utilized as means of forcibly opening the inner cover. Moreover, the cosmetic case mentioned in the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.9-98828 employs a first release mechanism as means of releasing a first latch connecting the outer cover to the cosmetic case, and a second release mechanism as means of releasing a second latch connecting the inner cover to the cosmetic case, both of the aforesaid release mechanisms being drivable by single push piece. A single action of the push-piece results in the release of the joints maintained by the aforesaid first and second latches.
The aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.7-184717 proposes the installation of an absorbent material on the inner side of the cosmetic case cover as means of absorbing the condensate produced by an evaporating solvent within the cosmetic material.
The cosmetic case structures put forth by the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publications Nos.9-37839 and 9-37838 require elastic packing rings at the lower periphery of the cosmetic material container, thus necessitating the formation of a recessed channel at the outer periphery of the joint area. As significant space is required for these channels, a cosmetic case made to specific external dimensions would have a smaller opening space than would be otherwise possible, thus decreasing the amount of cosmetic material that could be held in the case. As the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.8-347 calls for a separate inner tray and cover to which separate elastic packing pieces must be installed, the number of components comprising the cosmetic case increases, the structure becomes more complicated, and the assembly operation for the cosmetic case becomes more expensive and time consuming. Moreover, the cosmetic case is relatively inconvenient to use as the outer and inner covers require separate operations to open and close.
As the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.9-98829 requires a first joint at the separator and case wall, and a second joint at the inner tray, a relatively complex structure is required which correspondingly makes the fabrication of tooling, which is required to manufacture the case, more complex and expensive.
Furthermore, while the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.8-348 proposes a push-type mechanism which provides a more convenient opening operation for the inner cover, the inner and outer covers must still be opened by separate operations. Resultantly, there is no significantly improvement in the ease with which the covers can be opened. As the aforesaid Japanese unexamined patent publication No.7-184717 employs a sliding push-piece, space must be provided for the sliding action, a design requirement which reduces the amount of cosmetic material the case can hold in regard to specific external dimensions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Firstly, the invention proposes a cosmetic case in which the installation and removal of a refill case is a fast and simple operation, and in which the installation of a refill case cover (hereafter referred to as the inner cover) and outer case cover pose no restriction to convenient access to the cosmetic material contained in the inner case.
Secondly, the invention proposes a cosmetic case whereby both an inner and outer cover can be opened with a single operation when a refill case is installed within the outer case.
Thirdly, the invention proposes a cosmetic case able to effectively prevent the evaporation of solvents within the cosmetic material contained therein through the employment of a specific sealed structure.
Fourthly, the invention proposes a cosmetic case structured in a manner as to prevent the condensate from evaporated solvents within the cosmetic material from collecting on the surface of said material.
To achieve these ends, the cosmetic case invention is comprised of
an outer case defining an inner compartment space;
an open and closable outer cover installed to said outer case in a manner as to seal off or allow open access to the aforesaid inner space;
a main latch installed between the aforesaid outer case and outer cover as a means of connecting said outer case and outer cover,
a refill case comprised of a cosmetic container and inner cover, said inner cover being open and closable in a manner as to seal the aforesaid cosmetic container or allow access to the cosmetic material contained therein, the aforesaid refill case being further equipped with a sub-latch capable of joining or releasing the aforesaid cosmetic container and cover, the aforesaid refill case being further installable to or detachable from the aforesaid outer case,
and an operating mechanism installed to the aforesaid outer case or outer cover, said operating mechanism providing a one movement operation capable of simultaneously releasing the closed joints maintained by the aforesaid main latch and refill latch mechanism.
When the outer and inner covers are in a closed condition, activation of the operating mechanism will result in the main latch and sub-latch releasing simultaneously in a single action.
The aforesaid operating mechanism incorporates a push-piece pivotably installed to the outer case or outer cover, said push-piece functioning as the power input component of the operating mechanism. One part of the push-piece operates a first release mechanism to release the aforesaid main latch release mechanism, and another part of the push-piece operates a second release mechanism to release the aforesaid sub-latch.
When the outer and inner covers are in a closed condition, pressure applied to the push-piece will result in a swinging action which mechanically releases the main latch of the first release mechanism and the refill latch of the second release mechanism, thus allowing both the outer cover and inner cover to be opened from a single pivoting action of the push-piece.
Furthermore, as the push piece moves with a pivoting action, minimal space is required for its installation in comparison to a slide action piece, thus allowing the cosmetic case to be made to more compact dimensions.
As the first release mechanism is installed between the outer case and outer cover, the push-piece releases the main latch joint by applying an opposing force between the outer case and outer cover, and as the second release mechanism is installed between the aforesaid outer case and inner cover, the push-piece is also able to release the refill case latch through the application of the same type of opposing force.
The operating mechanism consists of a single push-piece which can be freely installed to the outer case or outer cover as a means of applying an operating movement to release the main latch, and an intermediate piece positioned within the outer case. Said intermediate piece is displaced by the movement of the aforesaid push-piece so as to release the sub-latch on the refill case.
Use of the aforesaid intermediate piece allows the movement of the push-piece to be transferred to the sub-latch as a means of releasing the sub-latch simultaneously with release of the main latch. Such simultaneous release of the outer cover and inner cover through a single movement of the push-piece provides for a refill-type cosmetic case opening action which is simple, easy, and convenient.
Moreover, as the aforesaid intermediate piece can also be structured as integral with the outer case or inner cover, and as the push-piece is an independent component, they can be made of different materials, surface finished to desired colors, and designed to shapes that separately compliment the appearance of the cosmetic case. For example, the push-piece can be formed as an integral design element of the outer case in terms of color and shape, while the intermediate link can be likewise designed to match the interior appearance of the cosmetic case.
As the push-piece is oriented between the outer case and outer cover, it is able to release the main latch joint through an opposing force applied between the outer case and outer cover, and as the intermediate link is oriented between the outer case and refill cover, it is likewise able to release the refill latch through an opposing force applied between the outer case and refill latch.
The intermediate link is structured as an integral component of the outer case, and because it can be fabricated together with the outer case, the number components comprising the cosmetic case can reduced, manufacturing costs lowered, and the assembly process simplified. Furthermore, structural integration of the intermediate piece eliminates the chances of it loosening or separating from the case.
Moreover, the inner cover is attached to the cosmetic container by means of a hinge installed on the opposite side of the cosmetic container from the aforesaid sub-latch, thus allowing the inner cover to extend outward and away from the outer case when opened within the outer case.
A floor surface and perimeter wall are formed within the outer case, said perimeter wall circumscribing and defining said floor area to dimensions larger than the refill case. A cutout area is provided within the aforesaid perimeter wall to allow clearance for the aforesaid refill case hinge and inner cover when said cover is in a open condition and extending out from the outer case. A protruding rib is formed within the aforesaid inner space as means of indexing the position of the refill case when said case is installed within the outer case.
The aforesaid rib establishes the position of the refill case within the outer case, and provides for a secure and stable attachment of said refill case therein. Moreover, a cosmetic application device, such as a soft puff or other like implement, can be placed within the part of the outer case inner space not occupied by the refill case.
As a cutout section is provided within the outer case perimeter wall at the inner case hinge area, the refill cover is able to open widely, without interference with the aforesaid wall, to provide free and convenient access to the cosmetic material within the refill case.
An orifice is provided within the aforesaid floor surface as means of aiding in the removal of the refill case from the outer case. Applying upward pressure to the lower surface of the refill case with a finger, through the aforesaid orifice, allows easy and convenient removal of the refill case from the outer case. The aforesaid orifice is formed as an oblong hole within the area of the outer case floor covered by the installed refill case.
A sealing mechanism is provided at the periphery of the cosmetic container opening, as means of sealing the space enclosed therein. The aforesaid sealing mechanism is comprised of an elastic sealing ring peripherally installed at the opening to the cosmetic container, either to the cosmetic container or inner cover, and a ring-shaped sealing ridge formed on the opposing component, said sealing ridge being oriented so as to come into pressure contact with the aforesaid sealing ring when the inner cover is closed.
The inner or outer diameters of the aforesaid sealing ring and protruding sealing ridge are structured so as to provide sealing surfaces on which a mutually abrasive rubbing action occurs during the inner cover closing movement. Thus, the closing movement of the inner cover results in a highly effective seal being former between the inner cover and inner case. Specifically, as a mutually abrasive rubbing effect is created between the aforesaid sealing ring and sealing ridge, any residual cosmetic material adhering to the sealing ring or ridge is rubbed away and removed from the sealing surfaces, thus creating a clean and tight seal.
To aid in this sealing effect, at least one inclined abrasion surface is formed either on the aforesaid sealing ring or sealing ridge. This inclined abrasion surface operates to steadily increase the abrasion pressure between the sealing ring and sealing ridge as the inner cover is closed, an effect which not only enhances the abrasive cleaning action, but also provides for a maximum sealing pressure between the sealing ring and ridge when the inner cover is fully closed.
Furthermore, the seal surface established between the aforesaid sealing ring and sealing ridge is arranged at a level above the level of the cosmetic material contained in the case.
Moreover, the aforesaid sealing ring is capable of elastic deformation in an inward or outwardly radial direction, thus allowing means to be established either on the inner case or inner case cover to purposely radially deform the sealing ring.
Furthermore, a joint groove is formed along the periphery of the aforesaid sealing ring, on either the inner case or inner cover, and a ring part is likewise installed on either the inner case or inner cover as means of securing the aforesaid sealing ring to the aforesaid joint groove.
Moreover, a seal protrusion part may be radially formed on either the upper or lower side of the aforesaid sealing ring as means of applying additional pressure to the sealing ring.
Furthermore, an elastic expanded part is formed into the outer periphery of the aforesaid sealing ring. The inner perimeter of the aforesaid ring-shaped ridge is formed to a smaller diameter than the aforesaid elastic expanded part of the sealing ring, and thus the ring-shaped ridge generates abrasive pressure against said elastic expanded part while the inner cover is closing. As the inner periphery of the sealing ridge provides an abrasive action and pressurized joint at the expanded part of the sealing ring, a highly effective seal is maintained for the internal area of the cosmetic container.
Moreover, when the ring-shaped sealing ridge applies abrasive pressure to the expanded part of the sealing ring as a result of the inner cover closing movement, any cosmetic material which may be adhering to the inner periphery of the sealing ridge is wiped away as a result of the abrasive cleaning effect, and thus a clean, tight, and efficient seal is propagated.
A compression ridge is formed on the component to which the aforesaid ring-shaped sealing ridge is formed, either the inner case or inner cover, as means of applying compression pressure to the upper or lower side of said sealing ring and thus further radially deforming the aforesaid expanded part in an outward direction.
When the inner cover is closed, the aforesaid compression ridge makes it possible to further pressurize the sealing ring while the aforesaid expanded part of the sealing ring is pressurized by the inner perimeter of the sealing ridge, and thus provides for a stronger and tighter seal.
The invention also provides a condensation droplet collection means whereby a specific inner cover structure is provided to collect and hold condensation droplets resulting from the condensation of evaporated solvents contained in the cosmetic material. The underside of the inner cover is specifically structured to serve as means of collecting and/or guiding the movement of the aforesaid droplets. The invention is therefore able to prevent said droplets from gathering on the surface of the cosmetic material and thus maintain the cosmetic material in a desirably usable condition.
A multiply grooved surface is formed on the underside of the inner cover, said grooved surface extending from the central part of said cover and sloping downward to the peripheral region, as means of collecting and guiding condensation droplets form the center area of the inner cover to the peripheral area. The droplets are prevented from falling onto the surface of the cosmetic material as a result of their flow toward the peripheral inner case area within the grooves on the aforesaid grooved surface.
The aforesaid grooved surface provides means for smoothly guiding the flow of condensation droplets to the peripheral area of the case. The grooved surface also provides a larger surface area compared to a flat surface, and thus also aids in inhibiting condensation of evaporated cosmetic solvents. The enlarged surface area of the grooved surface also provides for a larger adhesion area for droplets to collect on, and is thus able to hold more droplets and reduce the possibility of said droplets falling onto the cosmetic material surface.
The aforesaid grooved surface can be formed as a separate grooved surface inner plate attached to the underside of the inner cover.
The aforesaid condensation droplet collection means may also exist as a structure in which a condensation space is formed between the aforesaid inner plate and the underside of the inner cover, and in which orifices are provided to aid in the flow of air between the spaces below and above the aforesaid inner plate.
Moreover, the use of an inner plate installed to the underside of the inner cover has the effect of reducing the number of condensation droplets which can form directly over the cosmetic material. Furthermore, this construction eliminates the need to use an absorbent material on the underside of the inner cover, and thus improves the appearance of the inner case.
The aforesaid condensation droplet collection means can also be structured as multiple line grooves, said line grooves also providing means of preventing condensation droplets from collecting on the cosmetic material surface. The aforesaid line grooves also make the undersides of the inner case easier to clean, and thus allow a clean appearance of the inner case to be maintained with less effort.
The aforesaid multiple line grooves can be oriented in parallel and in the same direction as the aforesaid inner cover hinge as means of further preventing condensation droplets from falling when the inner cover is opened.
The condensation droplet collection means may further be structured as multiple hemispherical depressions and/or protrusions located on the underside of the inner cover, or on any gap forming surfaces within the inner cover. These hemispherical depressions and protrusions are particularly effective in holding condensation droplets. Furthermore, use of these hemispherical depressions and protrusions in specific sizes and patterns can add a pleasing decorative effect to the underside of the inner cover and add to the appeal of the cosmetic case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1
is an oblique view of the first embodiment of the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 2
is a plan view of the
FIG. 1
embodiment with the outer cover open.
FIG. 3
is an oblique view of the
FIG. 1
embodiment showing the push-piece in a removed condition.
FIG. 4
is a cross section at line IV—IV of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 5
is a cross section at line V—V of FIG.
1
.
FIG. 6
is a cross section at line VI—VI of
FIG. 1
with the outer and inner covers closed.
FIG. 7
is the same cross section as
FIG. 6
with the outer cover open.
FIG. 8
is an oblique view of the second embodiment of the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 9
is a plan view of the
FIG. 8
embodiment with the outer cover open.
FIG. 10
is a cross section at line X—X of FIG.
8
.
FIG. 11
is a cross section at line X
1
—X
1
of FIG.
8
.
FIG. 12
is an oblique view of the third embodiment of the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 13
is a cross section at line XIII—XIII of FIG.
12
.
FIG. 14
is a cross section at line XIV—XIV of
FIG. 12
with the inner and outer cover closed.
FIG. 15
is the
FIG. 1
cross section showing the outer cover in a released condition.
FIG. 16
is an enlarged view of part C of FIG.
14
.
FIG. 17
is an enlarged view of part D of FIG.
15
.
FIG. 18
is a modified example of the mechanism shown in the enlarged cross section of FIG.
16
.
FIG. 19
is a modified example of the mechanisms shown in the enlarged cross sections of
FIG. 17 and 18
.
FIG. 20
is a fourth embodiment of the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 21
is a cross section at line XXI—XXI of FIG.
20
.
FIG. 22
is a cross section at line XXII—XXII of FIG.
20
.
FIG. 23
is an enlarged view of FIG.
22
.
FIG. 24
is the
FIG. 23
cross section with the push-piece mechanism released.
FIG. 25
is a modified example of the
FIG. 23
mechanism.
FIG. 26
is a modified example of the
FIG. 23
mechanism.
FIG. 27
is a preferred cosmetic case sealing mechanism shown as an enlargement of part F in FIG.
5
.
FIGS. 28 through 37
are possible modifications of the sealing mechanism shown in FIG.
27
.
FIG. 38
is a lateral cross sectional view of a modification of the sealing mechanism used in the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 39
is a front cross sectional view of the case shown in FIG.
38
.
FIG. 40
is an enlarged view of the sealing mechanism of the
FIG. 38
cross section.
FIG. 41
is a modified version of the
FIG. 40
sealing mechanism.
FIG. 42
is an addition modified version of the sealing mechanism shown in FIG.
40
.
FIG. 43
is a still further modified version of the sealing mechanism shown in FIG.
40
.
FIG. 44
is a lateral cross sectional view of the inner cosmetic case specified by the invention.
FIG. 45
is the
FIG. 44
cross section with the addition of adhered condensed droplets.
FIG. 46
is the
FIG. 44
cross section with the addition of the flow movement of adhered condensed droplets.
FIG. 47
is a plan view of a modification of the cosmetic case invention with the inner cover open.
FIG. 48
is a lateral cross sectional view of the cosmetic case invention shown in FIG.
47
.
FIG. 49
is a plan view of a modified version of the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 50
is lateral cross section of the
FIG. 49
view.
FIG. 51
is a modified version of the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 52
is an oblique view of a further version of the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 53
is a lateral cross section of the
FIG. 52
cosmetic case.
FIG. 54
is an enlarged cross section of the ventilation orifices which can be applied to the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 55
is an enlarged cross section of a modification of the ventilation orifices shown in FIG.
54
.
FIG. 56
is an oblique view of the cosmetic case invention showing a modification of the ventilation orifices.
FIG. 57
is an oblique view of the cosmetic case invention showing a still further modification of the ventilation orifices.
FIG. 58
is a lateral cross section of a modified version of the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 59
is a lateral cross section of a further modified version of the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 60
is an oblique view of a still further modified version of the cosmetic case invention.
FIG. 61
is a lateral cross sectional view of the
FIG. 60
cosmetic case.
FIG. 62
is an enlarged cross section of the protruding and recessed lines preferred by the invention.
FIG. 63
shows a modified version of the protruding and recessed lines preferred by the invention.
FIG. 64
shows a further modified version of the protruding and recessed lines preferred by the invention.
FIG. 65
shows a still further modified version of the protruding and recessed lines preferred by the invention.
FIG. 66
is a plan view of a further modified version of the cosmetic case invention with the inner cover in an open condition.
FIG. 67
is a plan view of a still further modified version of the cosmetic case invention with the inner cover in an open condition.
FIG. 68
is an oblique view of a still further modified version of the cosmetic case innovation with the inner cover in an open condition.
FIG. 69
is a lateral cross section of the cosmetic case shown in FIG.
68
.
FIG. 70
is an enlarged cross sectional view of the dimple structure preferred by the invention.
FIG. 71
is an enlarged cross sectional view of the hemispherical protrusions preferred by the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following discussion will explain the preferred embodiments of the cosmetic case invention.
FIGS. 1 and 2
present a first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, cosmetic case
10
is comprised of outer case
12
to which outer cover
16
is installed by means of outer hinge
14
. A compartment area is defined within outer case
12
by means of peripheral wall
12
a
and floor
12
b
, and rectangular compartment
18
is formed along the outer periphery of the aforesaid compartment area. First compartment
18
a
is formed on one side of space
18
and serves as the installation space for inner case
20
. Outer hinge
14
is installed to outer case
12
at recessed space
14
a
which is formed in the center outer edge of outer case
12
, protruding part
14
b
is formed as part of outer cover
16
, and hinge pin
14
c
is inserted into outer hinge
14
in the area occupied by recessed space
14
a
and protruding part
14
b
. Second latch
48
b
is installed to the outer edge on the underside of outer cover
16
, and first latch
48
a
is installed in a recessed section located in the center of the peripheral edge of outer case
12
. Second latch
48
b
connects or disconnects to first latch
48
a
as a means of maintaining outer cover
16
in a closed condition or releasing said outer cover. Vanity mirror
16
b
is installed to a recessed area on the underside of outer cover
16
.
Refill case
20
is employed as a container to hold the cosmetic material, and functions as what is commonly known as a cosmetic powder compact. Refill case
20
is comprised of cosmetic container
22
a
in which the cosmetic material is placed, inner case
22
, and inner cover
24
which is employed to seal inner case
22
. Inner cover
24
is pivotably installed to the left side of inner case
22
by means of hinge mechanism
26
. Hinge mechanism
26
protrudes from the left side of inner case
22
between hinge support posts
26
a
, and is connected to inner case
22
by means of hinge pin
26
c
which is inserted in the aforesaid hinge support posts and the protruding part of inner cover
24
. As hinge mechanism
26
is established on refill case
20
in this type of protruding condition, upward facing cutout section
12
d
is formed on peripheral wall
12
a
of first compartment
18
a
as means of allowing clearance for hinge part
26
when inner case
20
is installed to the cosmetic case.
Second latch
50
b
is peripherally installed to the opening side periphery of inner cover
24
and connects to or releases from first latch
50
a
, latch
50
a
being installed to inner case
22
in a manner as to be able to maintain inner cover
24
in a closed condition. First latch
50
a
is installed within recess
22
b
at the center of the right side of inner case
22
. Second latch
50
b
resides in recess
22
b
when inner cover
24
is in a closed condition. Relatively large angular cutout section
22
c
forms a void at the right front corner of inner case
22
, and right front corner
24
a
of inner cover
24
extends beyond cutout section
22
C when inner cover
24
is in a closed condition.
A sealing mechanism is provided between inner cover
24
and inner case
22
with the purpose of maintaining the internal cosmetic container
22
a
in a sealed condition. As shown in
FIG. 4
, sealing ring
28
is installed around the peripheral opening to cosmetic container
22
a
, and sealing ridge
30
is formed on inner cover
24
in the same general contours as sealing ring
28
. Sealing ring
28
is of band shape and composed of rubber or other known appropriate sealing material. As shown in
FIG. 27
, sealing ring
28
is installed in sealing groove
22
d
on the upper periphery of cosmetic container
22
a
. The upper part of sealing ring
28
extends above the upper peripheral edge of cosmetic container
22
a
to form seal head
28
a
. Seal chamfer
28
b
is formed along the inner periphery of sealing ring
28
a
directly beneath seal head
28
a
, and establishes an area of elastic compression when sealing ring
28
is compressed. Seal chamfer
28
b
forms space “δ” at the inner circumference of sealing groove
22
d
, the purpose of space “δ” being to provide an expansion area for the inward radial deformation of sealing ring
28
. Inner sealing flange
28
c
is formed on the inner circumference of sealing ring
28
and extends in an inward radial direction from seal head
28
a
over horizontal surface
22
e
of cosmetic container
22
a
in a manner as to slide freely over horizontal surface
22
e
. First inclined sealing surface
32
is formed on the upper outer circumference of seal head
28
a
at the outer periphery of inner case
22
, and forms an increasingly larger diameter in the downward direction.
Recess
24
c
is formed on the inner surface of inner cover
24
opposite to cosmetic container
22
a
, and sealing ridge
30
is formed by the resulting stepped configuration at the periphery of recess
24
c
. Second inclined sealing surface
34
is formed on the inner periphery of inner cover
24
extending upward from seal ridge
30
over first inclined sealing surface
32
on seal head
28
a
. Because angle “θ1” of second inclined sealing surface
34
is larger than angle “θ2” of first inclined sealing surface
32
, the following mechanism can take place. As inner cover
24
closes, sealing ridge
30
comes into contact with seal head
28
a
after which the angular face on the inner circumference of sealing ridge
30
(second inclined sealing surface
34
) rides over and abrades against first inclined sealing surface
32
on sealing ring
28
until inner cover
24
is completely closed. In this first embodiment of the invention, second inclined sealing surface
34
(angle “θ2”) is established as a 90-degree right angle.
As shown in
FIG. 1
, fore-aft length dimension L1 of space
18
formed within outer case
12
is approximately equivalent to the fore-aft W1 width dimension of inner case
22
, and width dimension L2 of outer case
12
is approximately twice as long as the width dimension W2 of inner case
22
. Ribs
18
e
are formed. on wall surfaces
18
c
and
18
d
18
and extend inwardly into space
18
. Tabs
18
f
are formed onwalls
18
c
and
18
d
of first compartment
18
a
, and indexing slots
28
j
are opened on walls
22
g
and
22
h
of inner case
22
as a means of positioning inner case
22
within first compartment
18
a
. Push-out orifice
12
f
is opened within floor
12
b
of outer case
12
, within the area defined by first compartment
18
a
, as a means of allowing refill case
20
to be pushed out of outer case
12
by applying finger pressure from below in an upward direction.
Push-piece
36
is installed to outer case
12
as a means of releasing main latch mechanism
48
and sub-latch mechanism
50
. As shown in
FIG. 3
, push-piece
36
is installed to recess
12
c
on outer cover
12
, width L3 of push-piece
36
being approximately equivalent to width W3 of recess
12
c
. Split pivot orifices
36
a
are formed toward the upper internal area of push-piece
36
, and fit over a pair of pivot pins
38
installed within recess
12
c
as means of allowing push-piece
36
to move with a pivoting action. Touch part
36
b
is formed as a horizontally protruding edge at the lower area of push-piece
36
. First release tab
36
c
is formed on the upper ride side, and second release tab
36
d
on the upper left side of push-piece
36
. As can be seen in
FIG. 2
, first release tab
36
c
extends to first latch
48
a
within recess
12
c
, and second release tab
36
d
passes through slot
12
e
formed on the upper surface of recess
12
c
. The lower surface of outer cover
16
is in contact with the end of first release tab
36
c
when cover
24
is in a closed condition, and the lower surface of part
24
a
at the front right of inner cover
24
is in contact with second release tab
36
d.
With the first embodiment of cosmetic case
10
being thus structured, main latch mechanism
48
and sub-latch mechanism
50
are able to maintain outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
in a closed condition as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 6
. Pressing in push-piece
36
, however, will release both main latch mechanism
48
and sub-latch mechanism
50
, and thereby cause outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
to open simultaneously, thus providing fast and convenient access to cosmetic material P contained within cosmetic container
22
a
. Specifically, applying pressure to touch part
36
b
of push-piece
36
will result in push-piece
36
rotating on pivot pins
38
which results in an upward motion of first and second release tabs
36
c
and
36
d
, a movement which forcefully pushes open outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
. The upward force applied through the push-piece releases the joint at first latch
48
a
and second latch
48
b
, and also the connection at first latch
50
a
and second latch
50
b
.
FIG. 7
shows outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
in a released and slightly opened condition from which the user can easily open the covers to their full open positions.
This first embodiment of the cosmetic case invention has presented a structure in which a single pushing action applied to a push-piece is able open both outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
of the refill-type cosmetic case. The aforesaid structure not only provides means for convenient opening of a dual-compartment refill-type cosmetic case, but also provides for the efficient use of the inner case area as a result of the minimum amount of space required by the pivoting action of the aforesaid push-piece.
As cutout section
12
d
is provided on outer wall
12
b
ask clearance for hinge mechanism
26
, the opening of inner cover
24
does not interfere with outer wall
12
b
, thereby allowing inner cover
24
to open completely in an outward direction from outer case
12
as means of providing free and convenient access to the cosmetic material. As further shown in
FIG. 7
, the mechanism can be structured so inner cover
24
pushes up against outer cover
16
when push-piece
36
is pressed, thus creating a larger initial opening angle for outer cover
16
.
Closing inner cover
24
and then outer cover
16
in sequence engages sub-latch mechanism
50
and main latch mechanism
48
so as to maintain both covers in a tightly closed condition. Maintaining inner cover
24
tightly closed in this manner provides an effective seal of the inner area of cosmetic container
22
a
through the operation of sealing ring
28
. The sealing mechanism set forth in this embodiment provides for an increasing pressurization and abrasive rubbing action applied against sealing ring
28
along the entire length of sealing ridge
30
while inner cover
24
is in the process of closing, the aforesaid rubbing action serving as means whereby cosmetic material adhering to sealing ring
28
or sealing groove
30
is removed to maintain a tight and effective sealing condition. As a result, when inner cover
24
comes to a completely closed position, sealing ridge
30
is applying pressure to sealing ring
28
through a sealing surface which has been cleansed of any residual cosmetic materials, thus forming a tight and effective seal.
Moreover, as first inclined sealing surface
32
operates as the seal contact area between sealing ring
28
and sealing ridge
30
, the closing action of inner cover
24
provides an abrasive action of continuously increasing pressure between the sealing surfaces, thus providing a process which is highly effective in removing residual cosmetic material from the sealing area. With inner cover
24
in a completely closed condition, the operation of first inclined sealing surface
32
provides effective sealing pressure between sealing ring
28
and sealing ridge
30
in a manner which further improves the abrasive cleaning and sealing effect. The result is that the cosmetic material stored within cosmetic container
22
a
can be maintained in a desired and usable condition for a longer time period despite the escape and adherence of cosmetic material around the sealing area of the cosmetic case.
Moreover, sealing ring
28
provides a more positive sealing effect by means of establishing seal head
28
a
around the opening of cosmetic container
22
a
at the upper surface of inner case
22
to form a seal above cosmetic container
22
a
. This structure differs from conventional cosmetic cases which employ a grove around the lower part of the opening to cosmetic container
22
, and being so differed, requires only the establishment of sealing groove
22
d
as means of attaching sealing ring
28
around the opening to cosmetic container
22
a
. As a result, the access area to cosmetic container
22
a
is enlarged, and the amount of cosmetic material carried within cosmetic case
10
can be increased without increasing external dimensions. Furthermore, as gap “i” provides for elastic deformation of sealing ring
28
in an inwardly radial direction, a mechanism which causes inner sealing flange
28
c
to slide along horizontal surface
22
e
,, the compression force applied to sealing ring
28
by ridge
30
is received by horizontal surface
22
e
as seal deformation proceeds inwardly in the radial direction. As a result of this mechanism, ridge
30
makes use of the elastic property of sealing ring
28
to create the aforementioned abrasive rubbing action thereon as a means of removing any cosmetic material adhering to the sealing surfaces.
Refill case
20
is secured within first compartment
18
a
of inner space
18
by means of ribs
18
e
, and by further means of tabs
18
f
of inner walls
18
c
and
18
d
inserting into slots
22
j
on inner case
22
. Cosmetic application puff
40
or other like device can be held in second compartment
18
b.
Refill case
20
is indexed within inner space
18
by means of the slight protrusion of ribs
18
e
formed on inner walls
18
c
and
18
d
. As a result of this structure, the need for a separator wall to define first compartment
18
a
(for refill case
20
) and second compartment
18
b
(for the aforesaid application puff
40
) is eliminated. As ribs
18
e
only protrude a small amount within inner space
18
, inner space
18
can be generally defined as one continuous space over the length of outer case
12
, a characteristic which simplifies the formation of inner space
18
through the use of less complex dies to manufacture outer case
12
. While the figures show ribs
18
e
formed on both wall
18
c
and
18
d
, a single rib
18
e
may be formed on either wall
18
c
or
18
d
and provide the same indexing effect for refill case
20
.
Furthermore, establishing orifice
12
f
in the floor area of outer case
12
allows the user of the cosmetic case to easily remove refill
20
from inner space
18
by pushing up on the bottom surface
22
i
of inner case
22
through orifice
12
f
, and thus easily separating slots
22
j
from tabs
18
f
. Refill case
20
can also be removed from inner space
18
by gripping said case from above and pulling out, thus providing two convenient methods of removal.
FIGS. 8 through 11
describe a second embodiment of the cosmetic case invention. In this second embodiment, cosmetic case
10
generally resembles that described in the first embodiment, but has an enlarged orifice
12
f
opened within floor area
12
b
of outer case
22
, orifice
12
f
being of the approximate same shape but slightly smaller than lower part
22
i
of inner case
22
. Also, protruding surface
28
k
is formed on lower part
22
i
of inner case
22
to the approximate same size as orifice
12
f
and in a manner as to allow protruding surface
28
k
to fit within orifice
12
f
when refill case
20
is installed.
Enlarged orifice
12
f
exposes a larger area of lower part
22
i
of inner case
22
, and thus allows multiple fingers to be used to press against lower part
22
i
to remove refill case
20
. This structure allows easier separation and release of the joint formed between tabs
18
f
and slots
22
j.
FIGS. 12 through 17
describe a third embodiment of the cosmetic case invention in which cosmetic case
10
is comprised of;
outer case
12
,
outer cover
16
open and closably installed to outer case
12
to allow access therein,
inner case
22
of refill case
20
, inner case
22
being installable or removable to first compartment
52
b
within inner space
18
,
inner cover
24
which is able to open or close on inner case
22
to allow access therein,
second latch
48
d
formed to outer cover
16
and able to install to or detach from outer case
12
,
push-piece
54
installed to outer case
12
, push-piece
54
being operable in a manner so as to release the joint formed at second latch
48
d,
second latch
50
d
formed on inner cover
24
, second latch
50
d
being able to form a joint with inner case
22
,
and intermediate piece
56
installed between main case
22
and push-piece
54
, intermediate piece
56
being employed to release the joint between second latch
50
d
and inner case
22
by means of the movement of push-piece
54
.
As shown in
FIGS. 12 through 14
, inner tray
52
is installed within outer case
12
, inner tray
52
forming two separate compartments
52
b
and
52
c
. Divider wall
52
a
is established in the center of inner tray
52
in the fore-aft direction which results in the formation of first compartment
52
b
on the left side of divider wall
52
a
, and second compartment
52
c
on the right side. Tabs
52
d
are formed on the outer perimeter of inner tray
52
as a means of connecting inner tray
52
to outer case
12
through slots
12
g
formed on the inner wall of outer case perimeter
12
a
. Flange
52
e
comes into contact with the upper surface of perimeter
12
a
of outer case
12
when inner tray
52
is installed to outer case
12
.
Refill case
20
holds cosmetic material P and can be easily installed to or removed from first compartment
52
b
. Tab
52
is formed on the inner periphery of first compartment
52
b
and is able to insert into slot
22
j
formed on the outer perimeter of inner case
22
as a means of securing refill case
20
in first compartment
52
b.
Orifice
12
f
is formed in floor
12
b
of outer case
12
beneath first compartment
52
b
. Inserting a finger through orifice
12
h,
from the bottom of outer case
12
will allow the convenient; removal of inner case
20
from first compartment
52
b.
Push-piece
54
is installed within cutout section
12
e
formed on outer case
12
in a manner as to be movable in the fore-aft direction. Part of push-piece
54
includes touch part.
54
a
, the main body thereof being of hollow square cross section. Plate spring
54
b
is installed at the rear portion of touch part.
54
a
and at each side thereon. With touch part
54
a
residing in cutout section
12
e
, the outer ends of plate springs
54
b
contact the front surface of inner tray
52
, and are thus able to support touch part
54
a
and allow its fore-aft movement within cutout section
12
e.
Second latch
48
d
is installed on the inner opening side of outer cover
16
, and 1st latch
48
c
is installed on the rear surface within the hollow internal area of touch part
54
a
. Second latch
48
d
and first latch
48
c
together comprise main latch mechanism
48
. As shown in
FIG. 14
, when outer cover
16
is in a closed condition, second latch
48
d
resides within orifice
52
g
formed within flange
52
e
of inner tray
52
, and forms a latched joint with first latch
48
c
, said latched joint serving as means of maintaining outer cover
16
in a closed condition.
Incorporating much the same structure as outer cover
16
, second latch
50
d
is formed as a protruding part on the center of the opening side of inner cover
24
, and first latch
50
c
is formed at the center of the right side of inner case
22
, second latch
50
d
and first latch
50
c
comprising sub-latch mechanism
50
. Second latch
50
d
joins with first latch
50
c
at the time when inner cover
24
is, and serves as means whereby inner cover
24
is secured in a closed condition.
As shown in
FIG. 14
, intermediate piece
56
is installed in the area between inner cover
24
and push-piece
54
, and serves as means through which the forward movement of push-piece
54
can be converted into a vertical movement capable of pushing open inner cover
24
. Intermediate piece
56
is comprised of release plate
56
a
which inclines to push up against the underside of the opening edge of inner cover
24
, and inverted T-shaped drive part
56
b
located at the opposite end to plate
56
a
, drive part
56
b
being in contact with and drivable by push-piece
54
. Horizontal plate
56
a
resides in cutout section
52
h
formed on the upper surface of inner tray
52
, and drive part
56
b
resides in orifice
52
i
formed at the lower part of cutout section
52
h.
Contact piece
54
c
is formed on the back of touch part
54
a
and incorporates connector slot
54
d
at its forward part into which drive part
56
b
is inserted.
As shown in
FIG. 16
, pivot lip
56
c
is formed on the front lower part of release plate
56
a
, and mates with channel
52
j
(which is formed on the front edge of cutout section
52
h
) at the time when intermediate piece
56
is resting within cutout section
52
h.
Pawl
56
d
is formed on the lower front extremity of drive part
56
b
and connects to notch
54
e
which is formed within connector slot
54
d
. Bending part
54
f
is formed in contact piece
54
c
at the point where contact piece
54
c
is joined to touch part:
54
a
as means of allowing a small amount of flex within contact piece
54
c.
Vanity mirror
16
b
is installed to the inner surface of outer cover
16
. Protruding part
24
f
is formed on the top of inner cover
24
, and will come into contact with vanity mirror
16
b
when outer cover
16
is closed, thus providing means securely closing inner cover
24
simultaneously with outer cover
16
. As shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13
, packing
29
is installed on the underside of inner cover
24
as a means of sealing the interior area of inner case
22
.
As shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14
, when outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
are closed, main latch mechanism
48
and sub-latch mechanism
50
are in a mutually latched condition with push-piece
54
being maintained in an outward position as a result of the pressure applied by plate springs
54
b
. In this condition, push-piece
54
and intermediate piece
56
allow release plate
56
a
to reside beneath inner cover
24
in a horizontal position through contact piece
54
c.
As shown in
FIGS. 15 and 17
, pressing push-piece
54
in an inward direction against the pressure applied by plate springs
45
b
will result in the release of main latch mechanism
48
. As a result of this same action, contact piece
54
c
moves rearward and pushes back drive part
56
b
of intermediate piece
56
, thus causing a upward rotating angular displacement of release plate
56
a
from pivot lip
56
c
. The increasing inclination of release plate
56
a
causes it to push up against: inner cover
24
and release sub-latch mechanism
50
. Intermediate piece
56
itself does not release in an upward direction due to pawl
56
d
of drive part
56
b
being connected to notch
54
e
of contact piece
54
c.
This mechanism releases both main latch mechanism
48
and sub-latch mechanism
50
as a means of opening both outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
to provide access to cosmetic material P contained within refill case
20
. As a result of this structure, a simple one-push operation of push-piece
54
makes it possible to easily, conveniently, and simultaneously release two latching joint mechanisms.
Moreover, as intermediate piece
56
exists separately from inner cover
24
and push-piece
54
, intermediate piece
56
and push-piece
54
can be made from different materials and applied. with different color treatments. This factor allows the appearance of push-piece
54
to easily conform to the external. appearance requirements of cosmetic case
10
, and intermediate piece
56
to be fabricated in a manner which compliments the internal appearance of the cosmetic case. This factor also provides other advantages, such as the ability to fabricate intermediate piece
56
of a highly abrasion-resistant material so as to offer good durability, and the ability to fabricate push-piece
54
and intermediate piece
56
in various colors and surface finishes to allow for multiple design variations of cosmetic case
10
.
The employment of intermediate piece
56
provides other advantages, such as the ability to adjust the operation of push-piece
54
so as to attain the desired type of release action and the desired extent of inclination of release plate
56
a
and corresponding opening of inner cover
24
.
FIGS. 18 and 19
describe a modification of the structure of intermediate piece
56
as presented in the previous third embodiment in which pivot lip
56
c
was formed on the front lower edge of release plate
56
a
. In place of the aforesaid pivot lip
56
c
, this modified version provides for round pivot
56
e
to be formed as a spherical or cylindrical shape on the front lower edge of release plate
56
a
. Furthermore, pivot orifice
52
k
is formed as a support for round pivot
56
e
within cutout section
56
h
on inner tray
52
. As pivot orifice
52
k
is formed smaller than round pivot
56
e
and at its upper side, and larger than round pivot
56
e
at its lower side, pivot orifice
52
k
is able to securely maintain round pivot
56
e
at a fixed point from where said round pivot can rotate as the inclination angle of release plate
56
a
changes. This modification eliminates the need to employ pawl
56
d
of the third embodiment, and allows the lower part of intermediate piece
56
to be of simple shaft construction residing in slot
54
d
of contact piece
54
c.
As shown in
FIG. 19
, when push-piece
54
is depressed to open outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
, drive part
56
b
is displaced by pressure applied from connector piece
54
c
, thus causing release plate
56
a
to incline upward as a result of its rotation-on round pivot
56
e
in pivot orifice
52
k.
FIGS. 20 through 24
present a fourth embodiment of the invention in which cosmetic case
10
is comprised of;
outer case
12
,
outer cover
16
open and closably installed to outer case
12
,
inner case
22
of refill case
20
, inner case
22
being installable or removable to first compartment
52
b
inner tray
52
,
inner cover
24
open and closably attached to inner case
22
,
main latch mechanism
48
installed between outer cover
16
and outer case
12
and forming an open and closable joint between outer cover
16
and outer case
12
sub-latch mechanism
50
installed between inner case
22
and inner cover
24
and forming an open and closable joint between inner case
22
and inner cover
24
,
push-piece
58
installed to outer case
12
and capable of operating in a manner as to release main latch mechanism
48
, and flex piece
60
formed as an integral component extending inwardly from outer case
12
, residing between outer case
12
and inner cover
24
, and capable of releasing main latch
50
through a displaced movement provided by push-piece
58
.
Push-piece
58
is structured as a hollow body square in cross section, and installed in cutout section
12
e
of outer case
12
so as to be movable in the fore-aft direction. Push-piece
58
includes touch part
58
a
as the external operating part, has a width dimension approximately equal to width L4 of cutout section
12
e
in outer cover
12
, and is able to tightly slide within cutout section
12
e
without looseness. Plate springs
58
b
are attached to each side of touch part
58
a
and are in contact with the front surface of inner tray
52
in a manner which maintains the position of touch part
58
a
within cutout section
12
e
. The tension applied by plate springs
58
b
maintain touch part
58
a
in an extended condition in relation to outer case
12
.
Second latch
48
f
is formed as an extension of outer cover
16
at the front center edge. First latch
48
e
is formed as an inward extension from the inner surface of touch part
58
a
Second latch
48
f
and first latch
48
e
comprise main latch mechanism
48
. As shown in
FIG. 22
, when outer cover
16
if in a closed condition, second latch
48
f
extends through first orifice
52
m
formed in flange
52
e
of inner tray
52
, and forms a locked joint with first latch
48
e.
Second latch
50
f
is formed on the edge of the opening side of inner cover
24
, and first latch
50
e
is formed at the center of the right side of inner case
22
. Second latch
50
f
and first latch
50
e
form sub-latch mechanism
50
. When inner cover
24
is in a closed condition, second latch
50
f
forms a locked joint with first latch
50
e
to maintain inner cover
24
in a closed condition.
As shown by
FIG. 22
, flex piece
60
is positioned between inner cover
24
and push-piece
58
in a manner whereby the inward movement of push-piece
58
causes flex piece
60
to bend upwards and apply pressure against open inner cover
24
. Flex piece
60
is positioned within second orifice
52
n
formed to the rear of first orifice
52
m
of inner tray
52
, first orifice
52
m
being employed to provide passage for second latch
48
f
when outer cover
16
is closed. Flex part
60
a
is formed integrally with inner tray
52
through connector part
60
a
, and extends rearward within, second orifice
52
n.
Block
58
c
is formed as a rearward protrusion of touch part.
58
a
and incorporates inclined surface
58
d
on its rearward extremity, inclined surface
58
d
being oriented so as to be in contact with the lower part of flex piece
60
. The upper surface of flex piece
60
is in contact with the underside of inner cover
24
, and the lower surface is in contact with floor
12
b
of outer case
12
. Stopper
12
h
is formed on floor
12
b
of outer case
12
as a means of preventing flex piece
60
from falling.
As shown in
FIGS. 21 and 22
, when outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
are in a closed condition, corresponding main latch mechanism
48
and sub-latch mechanism
50
are closed and locked, and push-piece
58
a
is maintained in an extended position through the pressure applied by plate springs
58
b
(FIG.
23
). In this condition, the outer face of touch part
58
a
is on approximately the same plane as the front face of outer case
12
. Also, flex piece
60
is in a lowered position and in contact with inclined face
58
d
of operating block
58
c.
As
FIG. 24
demonstrates, applying pressure to push-piece
58
against the counter pressure provided by plate springs
58
b
will release main latch mechanism
48
while block
58
c
moves in a rearward direction applying inclined face
58
d
against flex piece
60
and thus causing flex piece
60
to rise upward. As stopper
12
h
prevents flex piece
60
from moving in a rearward direction, flex piece
60
rises upward as a result of the elastic bending of connector piece
60
a
and pushes against inner cover
24
to release sub-latch mechanism
50
. The release of sub-latch mechanism
50
and main latch mechanism
48
through this mechanism allows outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
to open.
Main latch
48
and sub-latch mechanism
50
can be thus sequentially released through the operation of push-piece
58
. As a single displaced movement of push-piece
58
is able to open both outer cover
16
and inner cover
24
, a remarkably easy and convenient mechanism is provided for opening a cosmetic case with an inner outer cover.
Specifically, as flex piece
60
operates as a component part of inner tray
52
installed on the main case side, inner tray
52
and flex piece
60
can be fabricated as a single piece, an advantage which reduces the number of required manufacturing processes, the number of components of which the cosmetic case is comprised, and the number of assembly processes needed to produce the cosmetic case. Moreover, as flex piece
60
is an integral part of inner tray
52
, flex piece
60
will not rattle, vibrate, or come loose within the cosmetic case structure.
FIGS. 25 and 26
describe other possible modifications of the flex-piece type of latch release mechanism.
First latch
48
e
of main latch mechanism
48
is not formed as part of the push-piece
48
, but as an integral component of outer case
12
, and therefore can be released by the forward movement of inclined piece
58
h
which is a integral component of push-piece
58
. Specifically, latch
12
i
is formed within cutout section
12
e
of outer case
12
. First latch
48
e
is formed as a protrusion on the upper extremity of latch
12
i.
Push-piece
58
is formed as an L-shaped structure comprised of operating part
58
e
and horizontal slide bar
58
f
. Inclined piece
58
h
protrudes out and inclines upward in a rearward direction from the rear surface of touch part
58
e
. The upper edge of inclined piece
58
h
is positioned against the front surface of first latch
48
e
and the lower edge of second latch
48
f
when both latches are forming a locked joint.
Slide bar
58
f
inserts through passageway
12
j
formed at the lower end of latch
12
i.
Inclined end surface
58
d
is formed on the extremity of slide bar
58
f
and contacts the lower end of flex piece
60
. Stop dog
58
g
is formed on the bottom surface of slide bar
58
f
and rides in guide channel
12
k
in floor
12
b
of outer case
12
so as to limit the amount of outward travel of push-piece
58
.
As shown by
FIG. 25
, depressing push-piece
58
when outer cover
24
is in a closed condition will result in inclined piece
58
h
riding up latch
12
i,
and as shown in
FIG. 26
, pushing up and releasing second latch
48
f
, and thereby releasing main latch mechanism
48
. At the same time, inclined surface
58
d
of slide bar
58
f
pushes up flex piece
60
(as previously discussed in the fourth embodiment), thereby releasing latch mechanism
50
.
FIGS. 28 through 37
present additional embodiments of the sealing mechanism applied to seal cosmetic container
22
a
. As discussed previously, refill case
20
is a replaceable type which can be installed to or removed from cosmetic case
10
and utilized as what is generally referred to as a “compact.”
FIGS. 28 through 30
illustrate the sealing mechanism as the previously discussed embodiment in which ring-shaped sealing ridge
30
, which is formed on the lower surface of inner cover
24
, applies pressure to the outer circumference of seal head
28
a
of sealing ring
28
.
FIGS. 31 through 34
illustrate a type of sealing mechanism whereby sealing ridge
30
, which is formed on the lower surface of inner cover
24
, applies pressure to the inner circumference of seal head
28
a
.
FIGS. 35 through 37
illustrate a sealing mechanism in which sealing ring
28
is installed to inner cover
24
, and sealing ridge
30
is formed on inner cases
22
.
In the
FIG. 28
structure, angle “θ2” of second inclined surface
34
, formed on sealing ridge
30
of inner cover
24
, is established as smaller than angle “θ1” of first inclined surface
32
(formed on seal head
28
a
of sealing ring
28
). This structure provides the same operating mechanism and effect as the aforementioned sealing mechanism embodiment. While the figure shows angle “θ2” of second inclined surface
34
as smaller than 90 degrees, this angle may also be established as larger than 90 degrees.
FIG. 29
shows a sealing structure in which a gap is formed on the upper surface of inner case
22
at the periphery of sealing ring
28
by means of upwardly facing ring-shaped protrusion
28
m.
Protrusion
28
m
defines the inner and outer areas of cosmetic container
22
a
, and is formed at a level higher than inner surface
22
e.
In this embodiment, space
1161
is formed between sealing ring
28
and ring-shaped ridge
28
m
as a means of preventing cosmetic material from collecting on the outer perimeter of cosmetic container
22
a.
In
FIG. 30
, ridge
28
m
is formed by means of separate ring piece
42
which is installed to the top perimeter of inner case
22
at the outer circumference of sealing ring
28
. Circular groove
22
n
is formed at the outer periphery of seal ring
28
as a means of providing installation space for separate ring piece
42
. Lip
42
s
is formed on the inner circumference of ring piece
42
and extends over sealing ring outer lip
28
d
as a means of retaining sealing ring
28
.
In this embodiment, ring piece
42
provides means of securing sealing ring
28
to inner case
22
by retaining said ring within groove
22
d
at the outer perimeter of sealing ring. This structure provides a more convenient means of installing sealing ring
28
as compared to the more difficult process of pressure inserting an elastic ring into a groove.
In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 31
, sealing ring
28
is installed within ring groove
22
d
formed at the outer perimeter opening of cosmetic container
22
a
, and first inclined surface
34
is formed on the upper inner periphery of sealing ring
28
. Ring-shaped sealing ridge
30
is formed on the underside of inner cover
24
at the inner periphery of sealing ring
28
, the outer circumference of ridge
30
being in pressure contact against second inclined surface
34
. First inclined surface
32
angle “θ1” is established as a larger angle than second inclined surface
34
angle “θ2”. The top of protruding part
22
p
is established at approximately the same height as the top of seal head
28
a
as means of preventing the outward deformation of seal head
28
a
. Compression ridge
44
is formed as a radial protrusion of inner cover
24
, is positioned at the top surface of seal head
28
a
, and will come into pressure contact with the top of seal head
28
a
when inner cover
24
is in a closed condition.
When inner cover
24
is in the process of closing, any cosmetic material, which may be adhering to second inclined surface
34
of inner cover
24
and first inclined surface
32
of sealing ring
28
, is removed as a result of the mutual abrasive rubbing action generated on surfaces
32
and
34
, thus providing an effective self-cleaning effect for the sealing mechanism. Moreover, when inner cover
24
is completely closed, compression ridge
44
is in pressurized contact with sealing ring
28
, thus creating an additional sealing point to increase the effectiveness of the sealing mechanism.
FIG. 32
presents a sealing mechanism in which second inclined surface
34
angle “θ2” on ridge
30
is established as a significantly larger angle than that of first inclined surface angle
32
on seal head
28
a
, angle “θ2” being so inclined as to form an approximate right angle. Moreover, angle “θ2” may be further established as exceeding 90-degrees.
FIG. 33
presents a sealing mechanism in which sealing ring groove
28
e
is formed on the upper outer periphery of sealing ring
28
opposite to first inclined surface
32
. Groove
28
e
results in a smaller adjacent sealing ring cross section, thereby aiding the elastic deformation within that area. Furthermore, groove
28
e
provides space “δ” within groove
22
d
as an area into which sealing ring
28
can elastically expand in an outward direction. This embodiment provides means for a highly efficient sealing effect for cosmetic container
22
a
whereby sealing ring
28
is allowed to elastically deform in an outward direction during the mutual abrasive rubbing action occurring between inclined surfaces
32
and
34
.
FIG. 34
describes a sealing mechanism whereby protruding part
22
p
is formed separately from inner case
22
by means of separate ring part
46
which is in contact with the outer circumference of sealing ring
28
. Groove
22
n
is formed at the outer circumference of sealing ring
28
to provide an installation space for ring part
46
. Lip
46
a
is formed on the upper inner perimeter of ring part
46
, and edge
28
f
on the upper outer circumference of sealing ring
28
, lip
46
a
serving as means of retaining sealing ring
28
through contact at edge
28
f.
In this embodiment, sealing ring
28
is effectively secured to inner case
22
by means of ring part
46
and groove
22
d
, ring part retaining sealing ring
26
at said ring's outer circumference. This structure also provides easier means of installing sealing ring
28
to inner case
22
as compared to the more difficult process of pressure inserting an elastic ring into a groove.
FIG. 35
describes a sealing mechanism in which ridge
30
is formed on the upper circumference and as an integral part of cosmetic container
22
a
. In this embodiment, sealing ring channel
24
c
is formed on the lower surface of inner cover
24
opposite to ridge
30
, and sealing ring
28
is installed to ring channel
24
c
. Seal head
28
a
is formed at the lower end of sealing ring
28
, first inclined surface
32
is formed on the outer circumference of sealing ring
28
. and second inclined surface
34
is formed on the inner periphery of ridge
30
opposite to first inclined surface
32
. First inclined surface
32
angle “θ1” is established as a smaller angle than that of second inclined surface
34
angle “θ2”. The upper surface of inner case
22
formed by ridge
30
resides at a higher point than surface
22
e
which is located at the lower inner periphery of ridge
30
. Edge
24
d
is formed at the lower inner perimeter of ring channel
24
c
at a position approximately equal to the lower extremity of seal head
28
a
, and functions so as to prevent the inward expansion of sealing ring
28
.
As a result of this structure, first inclined surface
32
on seal head
28
a
comes into contact with second inclined surface
34
on ridge
30
when inner cover
24
closes, and a mutual abrasive rubbing action is generated between surfaces
32
and
34
to remove any adhering cosmetic material off of ridge
30
and sealing ring
28
. Resultantly, this mechanism provides means of cleaning the sealing surfaces when inner cover
24
is closing.
FIG. 36
describes a sealing mechanism in which second inclined surface
34
angle “θ2”, formed on ridge
30
of inner case
22
, is established as an approximate right angle and as an angle greater than angle “θ1” of first inclined surface
32
on seal head
28
a
. In this case angle “θ2” may also be established as greater than 90-degrees.
FIG. 37
describes a sealing mechanism in which sealing ring groove
28
g
is formed on the inner circumference of seal
28
opposite to first inclined surface
32
. Ring channel
28
g
forms a smaller adjacent cross section within seal
28
thereby aiding in the seal's elastic deformation. Ring channel
28
g
also creates space “δ” which allows sealing ring
28
to deform in an inward radial direction. This structure provides increased sealing efficiency by utilizing the inward deformation of sealing ring
28
to improve the mutual abrasive rubbing action occurring between inclined surfaces
32
and
34
. Moreover, as sealing ring
28
is deformed in the inward direction as a result of the pressure applied by ridge
30
to seal head
28
a
, cutout section
24
e
, formed within edge part
24
d
, limits the sliding length of seal head
28
a
. This mechanism not only provides for a cosmetic material removal effect resulting from the mutually abrasive rubbing action between the sealing surfaces, but also establishes an appropriate level of elastic deformation to maximize the cleansing action.
The aforementioned embodiments of the cosmetic case invention as relating to the cutout section
12
d
provided for hinge part
26
of refill case
20
, the structures of container space
18
and ribs
18
e
, the configuration of container space
18
and orifice
12
f
, the sealing mechanisms formed by sealing ring
28
and ring ridge
30
, and the design of the push-piece assembly are not limited solely to the embodiments presented here, but encompass other embodiments and variants which may become apparent to those skilled in the art.
FIGS. 38 and 39
describe refill case
20
. The basic structure of refill case
20
is comprised of main body
62
on which cosmetic container
62
a
is formed, and cover part
64
rotatably installed to main body
62
so as to cover or reveal the inner area of cosmetic container
62
a
. Sealing ring
66
is installed around the peripheral opening of cosmetic container
62
a
formed within main body
62
, and expanded seal part
66
a
is formed on the outer periphery of sealing ring
66
. Cover
64
forms a joint with the outer periphery of sealing ring
66
by means of cylindrical rib
68
which has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of expanded seal part
66
a
. While cover
64
is moving to a closed position, inner surface
68
a
of rib
68
simultaneously rubs against and compresses the largest external diameter area of expanded seal part
66
a
of sealing ring
66
.
Cover
64
is pivotably installed to main body
62
by means of hinge
26
so as to cover or expose the inner area of cosmetic container
62
a
. Latch
50
is employed at the front edge and between main body
62
and cover
64
as means of maintaining cover
64
in a closed condition. Outer hinge part
26
b
, formed as an extended section of the center rear part of cover
64
, is installed over inner hinge part
26
a
which is formed as an extended section of the center rear part of main body
62
. Hinge pin
26
is inserted through outer hinge part
26
b
and inner hinge part
26
a
. Hinge
26
is structured so as to provide sufficient play as means of allowing cover
64
to smoothly and evenly compress sealing ring
26
. Latch mechanism
50
is comprised of first latch
50
a
formed within recess
62
b
at the center front edge of main body
62
, and second latch
50
b
formed as an extension of cover
64
at the center front edge thereon. First latch
60
a
and second latch
50
b
interlock to form a secured latching mechanism when cover
63
is in a closed condition.
Sealing ring
66
is formed from rubber or other elastic material and is installed within channel
62
f
located around the external perimeter of the opening to cosmetic container
62
a
. Lower seal part
62
g
is formed at the bottom of sealing ring
66
and is inserted within lower channel
62
f
and compressed by inner walls
62
h
to prevent inner radial movement of the seal. Seal groove
66
c
is provided on the inner circumference of sealing ring
66
, opposite to expanded seal part
66
a
, to allow the inward radial deformation of expanded seal part
66
a.
The upper area of expanded seal part
66
a
is positioned in area
62
i
formed within ring channel
62
f
. The area between the largest external diameter of outer seal part
66
a
and inner wall of channel
62
f
defines space “δ2” into which cylindrical lip
68
enters as it compresses outer seal part
66
a
. As shown in
FIG. 40
, taper face
66
e
starts from top surface
66
d
of sealing ring
66
and inclines downward to form a diametrically increasing dimension. The cross section of outer seal part
66
a
turns inward sharply soon after the largest diameter formed by taper face
66
e
. While top surface
66
d
of sealing ring
66
is established at the same height as outer wall
62
c
of cosmetic container
62
a
, establishing said height a small amount over or under that of outer wall
62
c
will have no adverse effect.
Cylindrical rib
68
is structured as a low cylinder shape integral with bottom surface
64
a
of cover
64
, along a path prescribed by the contour of sealing ring
66
, and to a smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of sealing ring
66
. As a result of these structures, rib
68
forms a joint at the outer circumference of sealing ring
66
by sliding over the sealing ring and compressing expanded seal part
66
a
. Chamfered section
68
b
is provided on the extremity of the inner circumference of rib
68
as a means of guiding rib
68
over sealing ring
66
.
When cover
64
is in a closed condition, inner wall
68
a
of cylindrical rib
68
is in pressure contact with the outer diameter of outer seal part
66
a
, and thus provides for an effective seal of cosmetic container
62
a
. This type of sealing mechanism is able to maintain cosmetic material P in a desirable and usable condition by preventing the evaporation of any solvents contained therein.
Moreover, as sealing ring
66
is in proximity to cosmetic container
62
a
, using a puff or other like implement to remove cosmetic material P from container
62
will commonly result in some of the cosmetic material falling onto the sealing ring. In this embodiment, the closing action of cover
64
will generate an abrasive rubbing action between rib
68
and expanded seal part
66
a
, a rubbing action which has the effect of removing any cosmetic material P which may have adhered to sealing ring
66
. With cover
64
in a closed condition, a tight and effective seal is provided as a result of the pressurization of expanded seal part
66
a
by cylindrical lip
68
at a sealing surface which has been cleaned of cosmetic material residue.
FIG. 41
describes a further embodiment of the sealing mechanism in which outer seal part
66
a
is formed as a partial round cross section around the perimeter of sealing ring
66
. Round channel
66
c
is formed on the inner periphery of sealing ring
66
as a similar cross section opposite to outer seal part
66
a
. This structure also provides for the formation of an abrasive rubbing action type of sealing action between the inner perimeter of cylindrical lip
68
and the outer circumference of outer sealing part
66
a
. An effective seal is formed for cosmetic container
62
a
as a result of outer seal part
66
a
being compressed by the inner circumference of cylindrical lip
68
on a sealing surface which has been cleaned of cosmetic material residue.
FIG. 42
describes a further embodiment of the sealing mechanism in which, similar to that shown in
FIG. 41
, outer seal part
66
a
is formed to partial round cross section. In this modification, however, step part
62
d
is formed at the upper area of wall
62
c
of cosmetic container
62
a
, the outer circumference of step
62
d
being formed lower than its inner circumference. Ring channel
62
e
is formed at the bottom of step
62
d
around the perimeter of wall
62
c
. The end of sealing ring
66
extends into step
62
d
along the entire circumference. Space “δ2” is formed in the area between the bottom of seal extension part
66
f
and step
62
d
. The tip of seal extension part
66
f
is secured within ring channel
62
e
. An inner area extending from extended seal part
66
a
to seal extension part
66
f
is open and separated from wall
62
c
by seal groove
66
c
and space “δ2”.
Compression ridge
64
b
is formed on lower surface
64
a
of cover
64
and opposed to upper surface
66
d
of seal extension part
66
f
. When cover
64
is in a closed condition, ridge
64
b
compresses seal extension part
66
f
. As compression ridge
64
b
applies pressure on upper surface
66
d
of seal extension part
66
b
when cover
64
is closed, this pressure has the effect of further outwardly deforming outer seal part
66
a
, and thereby applying still further pressure against perimeter wall
68
a
of rib
68
. The mechanism provides a further improvement in sealing efficiency.
FIG. 43
describes a sealing structure similar to that shown in FIG.
42
. Expanded seal part
66
a
is formed to partial round cross section, and top surface
66
d
extends along step
62
d
of wall
62
c
at the perimeter of cosmetic container
62
a
. Space “δ3” is formed between seal extension part
66
f
and step
62
d
, and the leading extremity of seal extension part
66
f
is secured within channel
62
e.
In this embodiment, compression ridge
66
b
is formed on the upper surface of seal extension part
66
f
in proximity to underside
64
a
of cover
64
. When cover
64
is in a closed condition, ridge
66
b
compresses seal extension part
66
f
. As ridge
66
b
provides for increased compression pressure on the upper surface of seal extension part
66
f
when cover
64
b
is closed, this pressure has the effect of further outwardly deforming outer seal part
66
a
, and thereby applying still further pressure against perimeter
68
a.
While all of the aforementioned embodiments describe sealing ring
66
as being installed to main body
62
, and cylindrical rib
68
to cover
64
, it is also possible, and in certain cases may be preferable, to install sealing ring
66
to cover
64
and cylindrical rib
68
to main body
62
around the perimeter opening cosmetic container
62
a.
FIG. 44
presents a further embodiment of the cosmetic case invention in which refill case
20
is comprised of main case
70
, as the cosmetic material containing space, and cover
72
which is capable of sealing said material containing space. As previously discussed, refill case
20
is a replaceable type capable of insertion to and removal from a main cosmetic case, and is further usable independently as what is commonly referred to as a compact. Main case
70
and cover
72
may be fabricated from polypropylene or other synthetic resin material. Recessed part
26
a
and extending part
26
b
are correspondingly formed on main case
70
and cover
72
, and hinge pin
26
c
is inserted through outer hinge part
26
b
and inner hinge part
26
a
as means of pivotably attaching cover
72
to main case
70
. First latch
50
a
and second latch
50
b
are provided at the opposite side or main case
70
and cover
72
from the hinge, both of said latch pieces being mutually connectable as means of maintaining cover
72
in a closed condition.
Cosmetic container
70
a
is formed as a flat bottomed round space within main case
70
, and is filled with cosmetic material P which may include a large proportion of evaporable solvent material.
Sealing ring
28
is installed to inner surface
72
a
of cover
72
, may be comprised of rubber or other similar elastic material, and is formed to provide an opening larger than that of cosmetic container
70
a
. When cover
72
is in a closed condition, sealing ring
28
provides a pressure seal against the upper perimeter of main case
70
around the opening to container
70
a
. Sealing ring
28
maintains the internal area of main case
20
in a sealed condition at this time.
Concave surface
74
is formed within the perimeter of sealing ring
28
on inner surface
72
a
of cover
72
, and is of partial hemispherical shape. Curved inclined surface
74
c
is a radially expanding dome shape defined by ceiling part
74
a
and lower periphery
74
b
. The flat area at the perimeter of concave surface
74
is formed to the approximate same contour as that of cosmetic container
70
a
. When cover
72
in a closed condition, peripheral part
74
b
of concave surface
74
is positioned directly above peripheral part
70
b
of cosmetic container
70
a.
FIGS. 45 and 46
describe a first embodiment of the mechanism which prevents condensation droplets from falling onto the cosmetic material surface. The placement of refill case
20
in a high temperature environment will hasten the evaporation of oil-based or other solvent components within cosmetic material P. Evaporated solvents are contained within the internal space of refill case
20
due to the sealing effect provided by sealing ring
28
until the ambient temperature falls, thus resulting in the cooling of refill case
20
and the condensation of the aforesaid solvents into multiple droplets that collect on inner surface
72
a
of cover
72
.
Continuous condensation of the evaporated solvents will result in an increase of droplets D collecting on cover recess
74
. Before dropping onto the cosmetic material, however, droplets D will flow, as shown in
FIG. 46
, from ceiling part
74
a
to outer perimeter
74
b
in an outward radial direction along curved inclined surface
74
c
. Upon reaching outer perimeter
74
b
, the lowest point on the inside of cover
72
, droplets D will then fall onto the outer peripheral area of cosmetic material P.
In this manner, the flow of droplets D is controlled along curved inclined surface
74
c
to outer perimeter
74
b
, and thus droplets D are prevented from falling onto the center area of cosmetic material P. This mechanism results in the surface condition of material P being maintained in a visually pleasing, usable, and unadulterated condition.
Space S is formed between cosmetic material P and the inner perimeter of cosmetic container
70
a
as a result the shrinkage of cosmetic material P resulting from solvent evaporation. As this embodiment establishes the position of outer perimeter
74
b
of concave surface
74
and outer perimeter
70
b
of cosmetic container
70
a
at the same location, droplets D forming on concave surface
74
will flow to the perimeter area, fall into space S, and be eventually absorbed back into cosmetic material P.
FIGS. 47 and 48
describe a further embodiment of the mechanism to prevent the fall of condensation droplets within the refill case. In this embodiment, radially oriented grooves are formed on concave surface
74
as means of guiding condensation droplets to the peripheral area. As shown in
FIG. 48
, concave surface
74
is formed on inner surface
72
a
of cover
72
, and a round recessed area is formed at ceiling part
74
a
. Radial channel
74
b
is formed as a ring-shaped recess at the perimeter of concave surface
74
. Multiple radially dispositioned grooves
74
d
are formed on inclined concave surface
74
c
and connect to the aforesaid ring-shaped recess.
As a result of refill case
20
being structured in this manner, condensation droplets forming on concave surface
74
c
flow radially outward within grooves
74
d
to radial channel
74
b
. Droplets collecting in radial channel
74
b
then fall back onto the peripheral area of cosmetic material P, and are thus prevented from falling onto the center area.
Moreover, grooves
74
d
on concave surface
74
provide a larger surface area compared to a flat dome surface, thus promoting the condensation of solvent droplets within grooves
74
d
. Furthermore, as grooves
74
d
provide an enlarged surface area for the collection of condensation droplets, more droplets can be formed without the risk of prematurely falling. Moreover, radial grooves
74
d
generate a smooth and controlled flow of droplets along concave surface
74
to perimeter
74
b
where said droplets are disposed of.
While this embodiment prescribes refill case
20
as incorporating radial grooves
74
d
, these grooves can also be established as a stepped grooves following the radial contours of the inclined surface. This type of structure will also provide an effective condensate droplet disposal function as will other types of groove formations.
FIGS. 49 and 50
describe a modification of refill case
20
in which circumferential compartments are formed between the radial grooves shown in the
FIG. 47
embodiment. In the
FIG. 49
embodiment, concave surface
74
is formed on inner surface
72
a
of cover
72
, and in addition to multiple radial grooves
74
d
, a multiplicity of concentric circular ridges form compartments
74
e
on inclined surface
74
c
with ceiling part
74
a
defining the center.
Thus structured, refill case
20
provides a mechanism by which condensation droplets not only flow along radial grooves
74
d
for disposal at perimeter
74
b
, but are also more efficiently collected by means of concentric circumferential compartments
74
e
. This structure of grooves
74
d
and compartments
74
e
also enlarges the effective surface area, thus propagating the condensation of evaporated solvents, preventing the premature falling of droplets onto the cosmetic material surface, and aiding the smooth flow of droplets along concave surface
74
to perimeter
74
b.
FIG. 51
presents a further embodiment in which refill case
20
incorporates a separate concave part installed to the inner surface of cover
72
. In this embodiment, recess
72
b
is formed on inner surface
72
a
of cover
72
, and sealing ring
76
and concave plate
77
are installed to recess
72
b
. Concave plate
77
is a concave disc form with a raised center section, positioned at the center of ceiling part
77
a
, and thereby establishes inclined surface
77
c
from the aforesaid ceiling part to plate perimeter
77
b
. Ring-shaped rib
77
e
is formed on plate perimeter
77
b
of concave plate
77
.
Concave plate
77
is inserted against the inner perimeter of sealing ring
76
and attached to recess
72
b
on the lower surface of cover
72
. Inner flange
76
a
is formed at the base of sealing ring
76
. Rib
77
e
, which extends upward from concave plate
77
, is secured to recess
72
b
formed in cover
72
, thus pressing seal inner flange
76
a
against the inner periphery of the inner cover.
The previous embodiment of refill case
20
described a structure in which concave surface
74
was formed on inner surface
72
a
as an integral part of cover
72
. As a result of this structure, the material thickness of cover
72
steadily increases in a radial direction extending from ceiling part
74
a
to perimeter
74
b
. Resultingly, a significantly large amount of material is required to form cover
72
at the perimeter
74
b
region, specifically in cases where concave surface
74
has a deep concave cross section, thus posing problems in regard to the fabrication process and resin-forming dies needed to manufacture cover
72
. It thus becomes relatively difficult to form a concave surface
74
to a deep concave cross section using the aforesaid integral structure. If, however, the lower surface of cover
72
is formed as a separate component, the thickness of cover
72
has no relation to the inclination angle of its lower surface. Therefore, the lower surface can be made to a desirably large inclination to provide for an effective condensate droplet disposal mechanism within the cover.
As the contact area between the lower surface of cover
72
and concave plate
77
is relatively small, space F is formed between both structures, thus providing an insulating effect for the internal area of refill case
20
in regard to changes in external ambient temperature. The result of this effect is that condensation within refill case
20
is, to a certain extent, inhibited. Furthermore, an insulating material can be inserted within space F as a means of still further suppressing the condensation resulting from evaporated solvents.
Moreover, differing from the previous embodiments, the separate construction of concave plate
77
and cover
72
allows these components to be made from different materials. For example, a material for concave plate
77
can be selected not according to the appearance or decorative requirements of the cover, but according the insulation effect needed to suppress condensation within the case.
While the aforementioned embodiments have described the concave lower surface of cover
72
as a round shape, other shapes such as oblong, square, or rectangular shapes can effectively make use of the structures and mechanisms provided by the invention. While the aforementioned embodiments have shown the highest point of the concave surface as oriented in the center of the cover, said highest point can also be located at other areas within the cover. While the aforementioned embodiments have presented the inclined cover lower surface as a curve d concave plane, a straightly inclined lower surface such as an umbrella form, cone form, or other like formation may also be employed.
FIGS. 52 and 53
describe another embodiment of refill case
20
in which main case
70
incorporates cosmetic container
70
a
formed to approximate square shape in the center of refill case
20
. Cover
72
is pivotably installed to the upper external surface of refill case
20
, and is secured to refill case
20
by means of outer hinge part
26
b
and second latch piece
50
b
, said latch piece being of integral structure to external cover
78
. When cover
72
is in a closed condition, external cover
78
is in contact with the upper surface of refill case
20
, and inner cover plate
80
is oriented directly above cosmetic material P. Upper surface
78
a
of external cover
78
is the part of the refill case exposed to the environment. Condensation space Q is provided at lower surface
78
b
of external cover
78
and upper surface
80
a
of inner cover plate
80
. Internal space R is provided between inner surface
80
b
of inner cover plate
80
and the surface of cosmetic material P.
A matrix pattern of multiple ventilation orifices
80
d
are formed within inner cover plate
80
as means of connecting condensation space Q and internal space R. Circular lip
80
d
is formed at peripheral part
80
c
of inner cover plate
80
.
Sealing ring
76
is installed at the upper surface of inner cover plate
80
at peripheral part
80
c
. Sealing ring
76
is of compliant rubber or other elastic material construction and is structured so as to include ring upper perimeter
76
b
and ring flange
76
a
. Sealing ring
76
has a diametric dimension larger than that of cosmetic container
70
a
, and comes into pressure contact with refill case
20
when cover
72
is in a closed condition. Ring flange
76
a
is compressed by peripheral part
80
c
of inner cover plate
80
. Therefore, sealing ring
76
can be secured to outer cover
72
by means of employing an ultra-high frequency welding or other process to join lip
80
d
of inner cover plate
80
to lower surface
78
b
of external cover
78
.
The following discussion will deal with the capability of refill case
20
to prevent the fall of droplets formed on the inner cover surface through condensation as a result of the presence of evaporated solvents.
Fumes generated as a result of solvent evaporation within space R are not only present within space R, but will travel to condensation space Q through ventilation holes
82
provided in the inner cover. Therefore the solvent fumes are able to condense on lower surface
78
b
of external cover
78
as well as upper and lower surfaces
80
a
and
80
b
of inner cover plate
80
. This structure provides three times the condensation surface area compared to that of a single surface cover.
Therefore, considered in terms of a specific volume of evaporable solvent existing within the cosmetic substance, the condensation propagation capability provided by lower surface
80
c
of inner cover plate
80
is reduced by two thirds as a result of lower surface
78
b
(on external cover
78
) and upper surface
80
a
(on inner cover plate
80
) existing within the same space. Moreover, condensation droplets forming within space Q are further prevented from dropping on cosmetic material P as a result of their collecting on surface
80
a
which is on top of inner cover plate
80
. As a result of this structure, the fall. of condensation droplets onto cosmetic material P is not only, significantly reduced, but the excess formation of said droplets within a limited enclosed space is prevented.
As upper surface
78
a
of external cover
78
is exposed to the environment, the temperature of said surface will change in relation to external temperatures to a greater extent than inner cover plate
80
, thus promoting the condensation of solvent droplets on lower surface
78
b
. Therefore, a major proportion of condensed solvent will collect within condensation space Q, and the condensation taking place within space R will be decreased with a resultant lesser chance of droplets falling onto the cosmetic material.
FIGS. 54 and 55
present further embodiments regarding the structure of the ventilation orifices.
FIG. 54
illustrates lip
84
being formed as a raised step structure extending upward from the upper perimeter of orifice
82
a
. Lip
84
prevents condensation droplets formed on upper surface
80
a
(inner cover plate
80
) from easily falling through the orifice and collecting on cosmetic material P.
FIG. 55
depicts a structure in which orifice
82
b
is formed as a tapered cone in cross section as resulting from the diameter of orifice wall
86
increasing steadily from upper surface
80
a
to bottom surface
80
b
. As the diameter of the orifice is smaller on upper surface
80
a
, condensation droplets accumulating on upper surface are prevented from easily falling through the orifice. As an additional structure to this mechanism, a drain channel can be formed within cover
72
as a means of guiding condensation droplets back to cosmetic material P at a desirable location.
FIGS. 56 and 57
present an additional embodiment of the ventilation orifices prescribed by the invention. In the
FIG. 56
embodiment, ventilation orifices
82
c
are formed as multiple slits radially disposed so as to extend outward from the center of inner cover
80
. In the
FIG. 57
embodiment, multiple slits
82
d
are formed within inner cover
80
in parallel lines. As the aforementioned embodiments illustrate, the ventilation orifices employed within cover
72
can be formed in any number of shapes and disposed in any number of patterns and still provide the benefits set forth by the invention.
A second embodiment of the condensation droplet control mechanism prescribed by the invention is presented in
FIG. 58
in which a structure is formed in the central region of inner cover plate
80
opposed to external cover
78
. Cylindrical ridge
80
c
is formed in the center of upper surface
80
a
of inner cover plate
80
, and is installed within protruding part
78
c
formed on lower surface
78
b
of external cover
78
. Thus, cylindrical ridge
80
c
and protruding part
78
c
serve as means of attaching inner cover plate
80
to external cover
78
. The height oft condensation space Q is therefore determined by the height of cylindrical ridge
80
c
or protruding part
78
c
. As a result of this attachment structure, ventilation orifice
82
e
can be formed as a space between the peripheral edge of inner cover plate
80
and external cover
78
, and thus serves as means of connecting condensation space Q and space R.
Sealing ring
28
is secured to the inner periphery of external cover
78
beyond the peripheral edges of inner cover plate
80
, and is formed to a diameter greater than that of cosmetic container
70
a
, thereby forming a pressure seal between cosmetic container
70
a
and cover
78
when cover
78
is closed, and thus effectively isolating space R and condensation space Q from the external environment.
As this type of structure establishes ventilation orifice
82
e
at the perimeter of inner cover plate
80
, opening cover
72
will expose lower surface
80
b
as a continuous flat surface, and thus enhance the appearance of refill case
20
when in an open condition.
As compared to the previous embodiment, this embodiment forms a smaller attachment area between inner cover plate
80
and external cover
78
, a characteristic which has the effect of decreasing the extent of temperature change of inner cover plate
80
in relation to the temperature change of external cover
78
. As a result, the formation of condensation droplets on lower surface
80
b
(on inner cover plate
80
) is inhibited, and there is less change of condensation droplets falling onto cosmetic material P.
FIG. 59
presents a third embodiment of the droplet prevention mechanism prescribed by the invention whereby the aforesaid inner cover plate is integrated to the refill case cover in a manner as to become an integral component of refill case
20
. In this embodiment, external cover
78
forms a separate outer surface of the refill case, and second latch piece
50
b
and outer hinge part
26
b
are formed as integral components of inner cover plate
80
. Upper surface
80
a
of inner cover plate
80
is recessed so as to create condensation space Q beneath lower surface
78
b
of external cover
78
. Space R is formed between lower surface
80
b
of inner cover plate
80
and the surface of cosmetic material P. Multiple orifices
82
are formed in inner cover plate
80
as a means of connecting spaces R and Q.
Sealing ring
88
is secured within the outer periphery of cosmetic container
70
a
. Closing cover
72
will form a pressure seal between the upper edge of sealing ring
88
and lower surface of inner-cover plate
80
, thus effective isolating space R and condensation space Q from the external environment.
Incorporating latch piece
50
B and outer hinge part
26
b
, and their corresponding functions, as integral components of inner cover plate
80
allows external cover
78
to be installed to inner cover
80
as a separate and non-structural component of the refill case. Therefore, external cover
78
can be fabricated to a desirable external appearance before attachments to inner cover plate
80
, and thus be employed as a separate decorative component. External cover
78
can be separately constructed from various materials and decorated in various ways, thus providing means to change the external appearance of the refill case without changing the underlying structure.
While the refill case embodiments presented here have been of approximate square shape, it is obvious that the refill case can also be formed to round, oblong, or other shapes without effecting the structures and mechanisms prescribed by the invention. While the refill case embodiments presented here have shown a cosmetic container directly fillable with a cosmetic material, a tray-type cosmetic material refill element can also be employed as means of placing a cosmetic material into the cosmetic container.
FIGS. 60 and 61
present another embodiment of the refill case in which multiple groove lines
90
are formed on inner surface
72
a
of cover
72
within the perimeter of sealing ring
28
. As shown in cross section in
FIG. 61
, groove lines
90
form square linear channels on inner surface
72
a
, are parallel. with hinge pin
26
c
, and cover the area directly above cosmetic material.
This structure is also capable of preventing condensation droplets on the inner surface of the cover from falling onto the cosmetic material beneath. As groove lines
90
provide for a larger surface area of inner surface
72
a
compared to a flat surface of the same dimensions, there is a lesser volume of potential condensate for each unit of surface area, a factor which inhibits the condensation of droplets on inner surface
72
a.
As shown in
FIG. 62
, solvent fumes condense into droplets D on surface
72
a
, and collect in the corners of groove lines
90
as a result of the liquid surface tension effect. As droplets D in groove lines
90
are prevented from joining with droplets in adjacent grooves, the formation of larger and heavier condensation droplets is inhibited, and the chances of droplets falling on the surface of the cosmetic material reduced. Moreover, as cover
72
stands vertically when the refill case is open, the horizontal orientation of grooves
90
prevents condensation droplets D from falling, and thus lessens the chances of the droplets from coming into contact with the hands of the person using the cosmetic case.
The closing action of cover
72
poses the risk of droplets D in grooves
90
moving in a manner as to connect with adjacent droplets to form larger and heavier droplets, and thus increasing their chances of falling from the peripheral edges of inner surface
72
a
onto the cosmetic material. To prevent this, inner surface
72
a
is made to a larger surface area than cosmetic container
70
a
. Any droplets that fall will land on the upper surface of main case
70
and adhere to the contact part of sealing ring
28
as a result of the liquid surface tension effect. This mechanism prevents droplets from moving to the surface area of cosmetic material P, and thus serves as another means of preventing condensation droplets from falling onto cosmetic material P.
Moreover, any cosmetic material adhering to inner surface
72
a
can be easily removed from grooves
90
by wiping with a cloth or tissue, thus maintaining the pleasing and desirable appearance of both cosmetic material P and inner surface
72
a.
While the
FIG. 2
embodiment describes groove lines
90
formed on inner surface
72
a
as square in cross section, protruding square ridges
90
a
such as shown in
FIG. 63
will provide the same effect. Moreover, round grooves
90
b
such as shown in
FIG. 64
, or round protruding ridges
90
c
such as shown in
FIG. 65
will further provide the same effect. Employing round grooves or round ridges such as these eliminates the angular groove corners, and thus makes it easier to wipe the surface without catching the aforesaid cloth or tissue on the ridges.
FIG. 66
presents a further embodiment of the interior of refill case
20
. While the previous embodiment provided for multiple grooves
90
as being oriented in a parallel line pattern on inner surface
72
a
, the
FIG. 66
embodiment provides for groove lines
90
d
formed as multiply repeated concentric square shapes extending from the center of inner surface
72
a
and conforming to the shape of cover
72
. In other words, the length of each groove is longer than the length of the adjacent inner groove positioned closer to the center of cover
72
.
Groove lines
90
d
inhibit the formation of large droplets by preventing condensation droplets from passing over from one groove to the next, and thus repress the fall of condensation droplets on cosmetic material P. Moreover, the square shape of each groove eliminates open groove ends and therefore makes it difficult for droplets to fall, even when refill case
20
is in an inclined orientation.
FIG. 67
describes a still further embodiment of refill case
20
in which cosmetic container
70
a
is formed as a round space within main case
70
, and is filled with cosmetic material P. Sealing ring
28
is also of a round shape approximately corresponding to the size of the perimeter opening of cosmetic container
70
a
, an is installed to the inner surface of cover
72
. When cover
72
is in a closed condition, sealing ring
28
comes into pressure contact with the upper surface of main case
70
around the perimeter of cosmetic container
70
a.
Multiple concentric circular grooves
90
e
are formed on inner surface
72
a
within the area defined by sealing ring
28
, and extend repeatedly in an outward direction from the center of inner surface
72
a
. This structure maintains the position of condensation droplets which may form on inner surface
72
a
, and prevents said droplets from becoming larger by joining with adjacent droplets. Thus, the fall of condensation droplets onto cosmetic material P is inhibited.
Furthermore, as circular grooves
90
e
have no ends from which condensation droplets can escape, the fall of droplets is further inhibited even when refill case
20
is inclined at an angle. Moreover, as grooves
90
e
are smooth and continuous, any cosmetic material P adhering to inner surface
72
a
may be easily removed.
FIGS. 68 and 69
present an additional embodiment of refill case
20
in which multiple dimples
92
are formed within the perimeter of sealing ring
28
on inner surface
72
a
of cover
72
. As
FIG. 69
describes, dimples
92
are multiple hemispherical depressions formed in a matrix pattern on inner surface
72
a
. The area covered by dimples
92
is directly opposed to cosmetic material container
70
a
when cover
72
is closed.
This structure also provides means for preventing the fall of condensation droplets within refill case
20
. Dimples
92
have the effect of increasing the surface area of inner surface
72
a
over an equivalent flat surface of the same external dimensions. As a result of this increased surface area, there is a lesser volume of potential condensate in relation to each unit of surface area. This effect inhibits the condensation of droplets on inner surface
72
a.
As shown in
FIG. 70
, any condensation droplets D forming on inner surface
72
a
will be maintained within dimples
92
as a result of the liquid surface tension effect. As dimples
92
form hemispherical voids, a relatively large surface area on each droplet is able to form contact with the concave surface of the dimple, a characteristic which further inhibits the fall of the droplet from the dimple. Even in cases where droplets D become relatively large, the corresponding increase in surface area and the liquid surface tension effect operate to adhere the droplets within the dimples and prevent droplets from falling onto cosmetic material P.
Dimples
92
are mutually arranged so as to form specific gaps there between, the dimensions of which can be determined according to the predicted extent of evaporation of the solvent existing within cosmetic material P. The gaps can be made narrower, and the number of dimples increased, in cases where there is a large amount of solvent evaporation. Conversely, the gaps can also be made wider, and the number of dimples decreased, in cases where there is a smaller amount of solvent. evaporation.
While the embodiment presented here describes dimples
92
, as arranged in a matrix pattern, said dimples can also be arranged in concentric circles, placed in radial alignment, or oriented in any number of possible patterns. Moreover, dimples
92
may be further varied in size as a means of providing a pleasing decorative pattern on inner surface
72
a.
Moreover, dimples
92
may be formed as integral depressions within inner surface
72
a
, or may be formed on a separate plate which can be installed to inner surface
72
a.
FIG. 71
presents an additional embodiment of the dimple structure in which multiple hemispherical ridges
92
a
are formed on inner surface
72
a
as means of increasing the surface area, thereby reducing the amount of solvent capable of condensing on a specific unit of surface area and thus inhibiting the formation of condensation droplets.
Furthermore, in this embodiment of inner surface
72
a
, flat angular corners are not formed in the depressions between hemispherical ridges
92
a
. As a result, any adhered cosmetic material may be easily removed with a cloth, tissue, or other cleaning implement without said cloth, tissue, or other cleaning implement catching on inner surface
72
a
, and thus the structure provides for an easy means of removing any adhered cosmetic material or condensation droplets from inner surface
72
a.
Claims
- 1. A cosmetic case comprisinga container body including a cosmetic material holding part therein, a container cover part attached to said container body, said container cover part being capable of exposing or covering said cosmetic material holding part, a latch installed between said container cover part and said container body, said latch being capable of joining or releasing said container cover part to or from said container body, and a sealing mechanism installed between said container body and said container cover part, for sealing said cosmetic material holding part, at a position encompassing said cosmetic material holding part, said sealing mechanism comprising: a sealing ring encompassing said cosmetic material holding part, said sealing ring being installed either on said container cover part or said container body, a ring-shaped ridge formed either on said container body or said container cover part at a position so as to form a pressure seal when in contact with said sealing ring, and a sealing abrasion mechanism in which said sealing ring and said ring-shaped ridge have respective abrasion surfaces opposite to each other defined by inner and outer diameters thereof in a radial direction of said cosmetic material holding part, are established at appropriate dimensions so as to come into mutual sliding contact for a purpose of removing cosmetic material from a sealing surface established between said ring-shaped ridge and said sealing ring, when said container cover part is closed, so as to generate a mutually abrasive rubbing movement, wherein said sealing surface is positioned at a point above said cosmetic material holding part.
- 2. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 1, wherein said abrasion surface on either said ring-shaped ridge or said sealing ring is established as an inclined surface.
- 3. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 1, wherein said sealing ring can be elastically deformed in a radial direction.
- 4. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 3, wherein an elastic deformation means is provided between said sealing ring and said container body, or between said sealing ring and said container cover part, as means for elastically deforming said sealing ring in a radial direction.
- 5. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 1, wherein a channel is provided either on said container body or said container cover part at an outer periphery of said sealing ring,and a sealing ring securing part is installed either to said container body or said container cover part as means for securing said sealing ring within said channel.
- 6. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 1, wherein a compression ridge is installed either to said container body or said container cover part as means for compressing either an upper part or a lower part of said sealing ring.
- 7. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 1, wherein a radially protruding elastic part is formed on an outer perimeter of said sealing ring,and the inner perimeter of said ring-shaped ridge is formed to a smaller diameter than said radially protruding elastic part so as to form a pressure seal at the outer perimeter of said protruding elastic part, during the time when said container cover part is closing, by simultaneously abrading and compressing said protruding elastic part.
- 8. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 7, wherein a projecting part is formed between an extremity of said sealing ring and said container cover part or said container body, whichever component having said ring-shaped ridge formed thereon, as means for applying pressure to said sealing ring by radially deforming said protruding elastic part.
- 9. A cosmetic case, comprising a container body including a cosmetic material holding part therein,a container cover part attached to said container body, said container cover part being capable of exposing or covering said cosmetic material holding part, a latch installed between said container cover part and said container body, said latch being capable of joining or releasing said container cover part to or from said container body, a sealing mechanism installed between said container body and said container cover part, for sealing said cosmetic material holding part, at a position encompassing said cosmetic material holding part, said sealing mechanism comprising: a sealing ring encompassing said cosmetic material holding part, said sealing ring being installed either on said container cover part or said container body, a ring-shaped ridge formed either on said container body or said container cover part at a position so as to form a pressure seal when in contact with said sealing ring, and a sealing abrasion mechanism in which said sealing ring and said ring-shaped ridge have respective abrasion surfaces opposite to each other defined by inner and outer diameters thereof in a radial direction of said cosmetic material holding part, so as to come into mutual sliding contact for a purpose of removing cosmetic material from a sealing surface established between said ring-shaped ridge and said sealing ring, when said container cover part is being closed, in a manner as to generate a mutually abrasive rubbing movement, wherein said sealing surface is positioned at a point above said cosmetic material holding part.
- 10. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 9, wherein said abrasion surface on either said ring-shaped ridge or said sealing ring is established as an inclined surface.
- 11. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 9, wherein said sealing ring can be elastically deformed in a radial direction.
- 12. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 11, wherein an elastic deformation means is provided between said sealing ring and said container body, or between said sealing ring and said container cover part, as means for elastically deforming said sealing ring in a radial direction.
- 13. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 9, wherein a channel is provided either on said container body or said container cover part at an outer periphery of said sealing ring,and a sealing ring securing part is installed either to said container body or said container cover part as means for securing said sealing ring within said channel.
- 14. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 9, wherein a compression ridge is installed either to said container body or said container cover part as means for compressing either an upper part or a lower part of said sealing ring.
- 15. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 9, wherein a radially protruding elastic part is formed on an outer perimeter of said sealing ring,and an inner perimeter of said ring-shaped ridge is formed to a smaller diameter than said radially protruding elastic part so as to form a pressure seal at an outer perimeter of said protruding elastic part, during the time when said container cover part is closing, by simultaneously abrading and compressing said protruding elastic part.
- 16. A cosmetic case as set forth in claim 15, wherein a projecting part is formed between an extremity of said sealing ring and said container cover part or said container body, whichever component having said ring-shaped ridge formed thereon, as means for applying pressure to said sealing ring by radially deforming said protruding elastic part.
Priority Claims (4)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
9-214523 |
Aug 1997 |
JP |
|
9-218452 |
Aug 1997 |
JP |
|
9-226688 |
Aug 1997 |
JP |
|
10-014386 |
Jan 1998 |
JP |
|
US Referenced Citations (8)
Foreign Referenced Citations (2)
Number |
Date |
Country |
0804382 |
Oct 1936 |
FR |
7-184717 |
Jul 1995 |
JP |