COSMETIC CONTAINER

Abstract

A cosmetic container includes a sleeve and a main body. The sleeve has a tubular shape and includes an opening through which an applicator, as a brush, is insertable. The main body is engaged with the sleeve. The sleeve has a plurality of prongs disposed on a peripheral edge that defines the opening. The prongs each protrude in a radially inward direction of the opening, and extend along an axis direction of the sleeve. One or more gaps are provided ahead of the prongs in the radially inward direction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-207154, filed on Dec. 7, 2023 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-054972, filed on Mar. 28, 2024, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic container.

Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2023-083886 discloses a liquid applicator that can draw a plurality of lines at once. The liquid applicator includes a brush tip unit. The brush tip unit has a brush tip that is used for drawing, a relay core that supplies liquid to a rear end portion of the brush tip, and a mouthpiece that is disposed so as to cover an outer periphery of a tip end portion of the brush tip except for bristles on a tip end side thereof.

The mouthpiece includes an opening at a tip end thereof. The opening of the mouthpiece is divided by one or more dividers, so that a plurality of apertures is formed. When the brush tip is fitted into the mouthpiece, the bristles on the tip end side of the brush tip are branched by the apertures disposed in the opening.

SUMMARY

With the above liquid applicator, portions of the brush tip are inserted through the respective apertures when the brush tip is fitted into the mouthpiece. A plurality of fine lines can therefore be drawn by the inserted brush tip. In the above liquid applicator, however, the brush tip is immovable from one aperture to another after the portions of the brush tip are inserted through the respective apertures.

If unevenly aligned bristles at a tip end of an applicator are inserted through a plurality of apertures as in the above liquid applicator, the bristles may not be evenly branched. If the bristles are not branched evenly into the individual apertures, a plurality of lines is hardly drawn at once with the same thickness and width. As a result, variations in thickness may occur among the lines drawn with the bristles. Therefore, it is desired to enhance even distribution of the bristles at the tip end of the applicator.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a cosmetic container that can enhance even distribution of bristles at a tip end of an applicator.

(1) A cosmetic container according to the present disclosure includes a sleeve and a main body. The sleeve has a tubular shape and includes an opening through which an applicator, as a brush, is insertable. The sleeve is configured to bundle the applicator. The main body is engaged with the sleeve. The sleeve has a plurality of prongs disposed on a peripheral edge that defines the opening. The prongs each protrude in a radially inward direction of the opening, and extend along an axis direction of the sleeve. One or more gaps, through which the applicator is movable, are provided ahead of the prongs along the radially inward direction.

In the cosmetic container, concerning the plurality of prongs, a space is provided between each prong and its adjacent prong. As the sleeve has the prongs and a plurality of spaces is provided in the above-described manner, portions of the applicator enter the spaces when the applicator as the brush is inserted into the sleeve. At this time, the applicator is branched into a plurality of groups. In this cosmetic container, the one or more gaps through which the applicator is movable are provided ahead of the prongs along the radially inward direction. Accordingly, the spaces are provided between the prongs and the gaps are provided ahead of the prongs in the radially inward direction. Even if unevenly aligned bristles at a tip end of the applicator are inserted into the spaces and gaps, the bristles are therefore movable between the respective spaces and gaps. As a result, even if a larger fraction of the applicator enters one of the spaces or gaps upon insertion of the applicator into the sleeve, some portion of the applicator is movable between the respective spaces and gaps. Even if the unevenly aligned bristles at the tip end of the applicator are inserted, even distribution of the bristles at the tip end of the applicator can therefore be enhanced as the bristles are movable between the respective spaces and gaps.

Further, the prongs each extend along the axis direction of the sleeve. If the applicator interposed between adjacent two of the prongs is applied with a force in a direction in which the two prongs are arranged side by side, the applicator is hence hardly bent. As a consequence, the cosmetic container is provided with improved usability.

(2) In the cosmetic container (1) described above, the prongs may include a comb tooth protruding along the axis direction in the opening. In this case, the comb tooth can be readily brought into contact with the skin when the cosmetic container is brought into contact at its tip end with a hairy part of the body. In a case where the comb tooth protrudes beyond the applicator, when the comb tooth is brought into contact with the skin, the applicator can be rendered less likely to be brought into contact with the skin while the applicator is brought into contact with the hairy part of the body. In this case, application of a cosmetic to the skin by the applicator can be suppressed.

(3) In the cosmetic container (1) or (2) described above, the applicator may have a tip end projecting beyond tip ends of the prongs. In this case, the branched groups of the applicator may project beyond the tip ends of the prongs, respectively, so that the tip end of the applicator can be brought into contact with a desired part.

(4) In any one of the cosmetic containers (1) to (3) described above, each of the prongs may have a base end portion in the axis direction. The base end portion may have a height along the radially inward direction, which increases toward the opening. When the applicator is inserted into the sleeve and is brought into contact at its parts with the prongs, the applicator comes into contact at the parts thereof with the base end portions of the respective prongs. According to this configuration, the prongs each have a greater extent of protrusion toward the opening at their base end portions, and therefore the applicator is smoothly guided at the parts thereof in the radially inward direction. As a consequence, bending of the applicator at the parts thereof can be suppressed when the applicator is brought into contact at the parts thereof with the prongs.

(5) In any one of the cosmetic containers (1) to (4) described above, the sleeve may have a first edge defining the opening, and a second edge defining the opening and located so as to interpose an axis of the sleeve with the first edge. The prongs may include a plurality of first prongs disposed on the first edge and a plurality of second prongs disposed on the second edge. The first prongs and the second prongs may oppose each other, respectively. The gaps may be provided between the first prongs and the second prongs, respectively.

According to these configurations, concerning the plurality of first prongs, a space is provided between each first prong and its adjacent first prong. Further, concerning the plurality of second prongs, another space is provided between each second prong and its adjacent second prong. A part of the applicator is therefore branched into portions of the applicator on the side of the first edge, which have entered the spaces provided between the first prongs, and portions of the applicator on the side of the second edge, which have entered the spaces provided between the second prongs. As the first prongs and the second prongs oppose each other, respectively, the portions of the applicator on the side of the first edge and the portions of the applicator on the side of the second edge are arranged, respectively, along the radially inward direction. The bristles at the tip end of the inserted applicator are movable between the spaces provided between the first prongs and the spaces provided between the second prongs. As a result, if one of the portions of the applicator on the side of the first edge or the portions of the applicator on the side of the second edge has a greater fraction upon insertion of the applicator into the sleeve, some portion of the applicator move between the first edge and the second edge. Accordingly, even distribution of the bristles of the applicator in the direction in which the first prongs and the second prongs oppose each other can be enhanced, thereby making it possible to further enhance even distribution of the bristles at the tip end of the applicator.

(6) In any one of the cosmetic containers (1) to (5) described above, the prongs may each extend from the opening of the sleeve to a side opposite to the opening beyond a center in the axis direction of the sleeve. Note that, when the applicator is inserted into the sleeve, the advancing direction of some of the bristles of the applicator and that of the remaining bristles may not agree with each other if movements of the applicator in directions intersecting the axis direction are not restricted appropriately by the prongs. If this is the case, alignment of the applicator may be disrupted. If the prongs each extend to the side opposite to the opening beyond the center in the axis direction of the sleeve as described above, the distance from an end in the axis direction of the sleeve, the end being on the side opposite to the side where the opening is located, to the prongs can be shortened. As a consequence, when the applicator is inserted into the sleeve, portions of the applicator are allowed to promptly enter between the prongs with the alignment of the applicator being maintained intact inside the sleeve. The entry of the unevenly aligned bristles at the tip end of the applicator between the prongs are therefore suppressed. As a result, even distribution of the bristles at the tip end of the applicator can be enhanced further.

According to the present disclosure, even distribution of bristles at a tip end of an applicator can be enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic container without a cap;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of a sleeve of FIG. 2, and its peripheral part;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the cosmetic container without the cap;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve along an axis of the sleeve;

FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional view of the sleeve along the axis of the sleeve;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a sleeve according to a modification;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve according to the modification along an axis of the sleeve; and

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of the sleeve according to the modification along the axis of the sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cosmetic container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are identified by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description is omitted as required. To facilitate understanding, the drawings may be illustrated by simplifying or exaggerating some parts, and dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those presented in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic container 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1. The cosmetic container 1 is used by a user to apply a cosmetic (cosmetic material) to a desired part of the body. For example, the cosmetic container 1 is an eyebrow product. Some of parts that constitute the cosmetic container 1 have, for example, tubular shapes. A direction in which an axis of each of the tubular parts extends will hereinafter be called an “axis direction D1.”

The cosmetic container 1 includes an outer tubular member 2 that is a part to be touched by the user of the cosmetic container 1, a main body 3 connected to the outer tubular member 2, a sleeve 4 connected to the main body 3 and having an opening 4a, and an applicator 5 projecting out of the opening 4a of the sleeve 4.

In the description that follows, a direction from the outer tubular member 2 toward the sleeve 4 in the axis direction D1 may be called “front,” “front side,” or “frontward,” while a direction from the sleeve 4 toward the outer tubular member 2 in the axis direction D1 may be called “rear,” “rear side,” or “rearward.” In each part that has a tubular shape, a direction toward an axis of the part or a direction away from the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis may be called a “radial direction.” “Radially outward” indicates a direction away from the axis in the radial direction, while “radially inward” indicates a direction toward the axis in the radial direction.

The outer tubular member 2 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The outer tubular member 2 is open at a front end 2a thereof. The outer tubular member 2 is closed at a rear end 2b thereof. In an inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular member 2, an annular concave portion 2c is disposed. The annular concave portion 2c is disposed near the front end 2a. Specifically, the annular concave portion 2c is disposed forward of a center of the outer tubular member 2 in the axis direction D1. For example, the annular concave portion 2c extends around the axis and over the entire circumference of an inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular member 2. In the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular member 2, the annular concave portion 2c is recessed radially outward of the outer tubular member 2. The annular concave portion 2c has a rear portion 2d located in the rear of the annular concave portion 2c, and a front portion 2e located in the front of the annular concave portion 2c. For example, the front portion 2e is recessed deeper radially outward of the outer tubular member 2 than the rear portion 2d.

The main body 3 has an inner tubular member 3A fitted in the outer tubular member 2, and a tail plug 3B coupled to a rear end of the inner tubular member 3A. The inner tubular member 3A has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The inner tubular member 3A has an exposed portion 31 located in the front of the inner tubular member 3A, a non-exposed portion 32 located in the rear of the inner tubular member 3A, and a flange portion 33 located between the exposed portion 31 and the non-exposed portion 32. The flange portion 33 has an annular shape (for example, circular annular shape). The flange portion 33 extends outward of the exposed portion 31 and non-exposed portion 32 in a radial direction of the inner tubular member 3A. For example, the flange portion 33 has an outer diameter equal to an outer diameter of the outer tubular member 2. The flange portion 33 is in contact with the front end 2a of the outer tubular member 2. In this embodiment, the front end 2a is in contact with a rear end face of the flange portion 33.

The non-exposed portion 32 is a portion that is accommodated inside the outer tubular member 2. The non-exposed portion 32 has a tubular shape (for example, cylindrical shape). The non-exposed portion 32 has a length in the axis direction D1, which is approximately a half of a length in the axis direction D1 of the outer tubular member 2. On an outer peripheral surface of the non-exposed portion 32, an annular convex portion 32a is disposed. The annular convex portion 32a is disposed at the same position as the annular concave portion 2c in the axis direction D1. For example, the annular convex portion 32a extends around the axis and over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the non-exposed portion 32.

On the outer peripheral surface of the non-exposed portion 32, the annular convex portion 32a protrudes radially outward of the non-exposed portion 32. The annular convex portion 32a has a rear portion 32b located in the rear of the annular convex portion 32a, and a front portion 32c located in the front of the annular convex portion 32a. The front portion 32c protrudes greater radially outward of the non-exposed portion 32 than the rear portion 32b. The rear portion 32b is fitted in the rear portion 2d of the annular concave portion 2c, and the front portion 32c is fitted in the front portion 2e of the annular concave portion 2c, whereby the annular convex portion 32a is fitted in the annular concave portion 2c. Owing to the fitting of the annular convex portion 32a in the annular concave portion 2c, the outer tubular member 2 is engaged with the main body 3 in the axis direction D1.

The exposed portion 31 has a tubular shape. The exposed portion 31 has an outer diameter which, for example, decreases toward a front end of the exposed portion 31. The exposed portion 31 has a tapered shape at the outer peripheral surface thereof. On the outer peripheral surface of the exposed portion 31, an annular convex portion 31a is disposed. The annular convex portion 31a is disposed near the flange portion 33. Specifically, the annular convex portion 31a is disposed rearward of a center of the exposed portion 31 in the axis direction D1. For example, the annular convex portion 31a extends around the axis and over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the exposed portion 31. On the outer peripheral surface of the exposed portion 31, the annular convex portion 31a protrudes radially outward of the exposed portion 31.

The cosmetic container 1 includes a cap C covering portions of the cosmetic container 1, which are located frontward of the flange portion 33. An outer cap C1 is detachable with respect to the main body 3 (exposed portion 31). The cap C has the outer cap C1 that constitutes an outer peripheral surface of the cap C, an inner cap C2 that is accommodated inside the outer cap C1, and a spring C3 that presses the inner cap C2 rearward.

The outer cap C1 has a tubular shape (for example, cylindrical shape). The outer cap C1 is closed at a front end thereof. The outer cap C1 is open at a rear end thereof. On an inner peripheral surface of the outer cap C1, an annular convex portion C1a is disposed. With the cap C fitted on the main body 3, the annular convex portion C1a is located rearward of the annular convex portion 31a. For example, the annular convex portion C1a extends around the axis and over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the outer cap C1. On the inner peripheral surface of the outer cap C1, the annular convex portion C1a protrudes inward.

When the outer cap C1 is pressed toward the flange portion 33 with the outer cap C1 unattached to the exposed portion 31, the annular convex portion C1a passes rearward outside the annular convex portion 31a. As a consequence, the outer cap C1 is attached to the exposed portion 31. At this time, the annular convex portion C1a comes into contact with a rear side part of the annular convex portion 31a, so that the outer cap C1 is engaged with the main body 3 in the axis direction D1.

If a frontward force is applied to the outer cap C1 with the outer cap C1 attached to the exposed portion 31, the outer convex portion C1a passes frontward outside the annular convex portion 31a. As a consequence, the outer cap C1 is detached from the main body 3.

The inner cap C2 has a main body portion C2a having a tubular shape, and a protruding portion C2b protruding frontward from the main body portion C2a. The main body portion C2a has, for example, a cylindrical shape. On an outer peripheral surface of the main body C2a, an annular convex portion C2c is disposed. The annular convex portion C2c protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion C2a. On the inner peripheral surface of the outer cap C1, an annular convex portion C1b is disposed. The annular convex portion C1b protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the outer cap C1. The annular convex portion C1b is located frontward of the annular convex portion C1a. By contact of the annular convex portion C2c with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cap C1 and contact of the annular convex portion C1b with the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion C2a, a frictional force acts between the inner cap C2 and the outer cap C1. The inner cap C2 therefore hardly moves along the axis direction D1 relative to the outer cap C1.

The protruding portion C2b extends frontward from a front end of the main body C2a. The protruding portion C2b has a cylindrical shape. The protruding portion C2b has an outer diameter, which is smaller than that of the main body portion C2a. The spring C3 is a coil spring (compression coil spring). Through the spring C3, the protruding portion C2b extends. The protruding portion C2b has a length in the axis direction D1, which is shorter than a free length of the spring C3. The spring C3 is in contact at its one end with the front end (a bottom portion) of the outer cap C1. The spring C3 is in contact at the other end thereof with the front end of the main body portion C2a.

With the outer cap C1 attached to the exposed portion 31, the inner cap C2 is in contact with the exposed portion 31. On an inner peripheral surface of the inner cap C2, a contact portion C2d is disposed. The contact portion C2d has an inner diameter, for example, which decreases toward a front end of the inner cap C2 (see FIG. 3). The contact portion C2d is rounded. Specifically, the contact portion C2d is rounded such that the decrement of the inner diameter of the contact portion C2d decreases toward the front end of the inner cap C2. For example, the spring C3 is brought into a compressed state when the contact portion C2d comes into contact with the exposed portion 31. At this time, the spring C3 biases the inner cap C2 rearward, so that the inner cap C2 is pressed against the exposed portion 31. As a consequence, airtightness is enhanced inside the inner cap C2.

The tail plug 3B is coupled to a rear end of the non-exposed portion 32. The tail plug 3B closes the rear end of the non-exposed portion 32. The tail plug 3B has a bottomed tubular shape (for example, bottomed cylindrical shape). The tail plug 3B has a rear end portion 3Ba located at a rear end of the tail plug 3B, and a cylindrical portion 3Bb located frontward of the rear end portion 3Ba. The rear end portion 3Ba has a disk shape. For example, the rear end portion 3Ba has an outer diameter equal to that of the non-exposed portion 32. The outer diameter of the rear end portion 3Ba is greater than that of the cylindrical portion 3Bb. On an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 3Bb, a plurality of annular convex portions is disposed. These annular convex portions protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 3Bb. In the inner peripheral surface of the non-exposed portion 32, a plurality of concave portions is disposed at the same positions as the positions of the respective annular convex portions in the axis direction D1. The annular convex portions disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 3Bb are fitted in the annular concave portions disposed in the inner peripheral surface of the non-exposed portion 32, whereby the tail plug 3B is engaged with the non-exposed portion 32 in the axis direction D1. Owing to the closure of the rear end of the non-exposed portion 32 by the tail plug 3B, the cosmetic does not leak out from the rear end of the non-exposed portion 32.

The cosmetic container 1 includes a cosmetic holder 6 provided inside the non-exposed portion 32, a relay core 7 inserted in the cosmetic holder 6, and a corrugated member 8 surrounding the relay core 7 around the axis. The cosmetic holder 6 is provided on a rear side of the non-exposed portion 32. The cosmetic holder 6 is a space defined in a cylindrical shape. A rear portion of the cosmetic holder 6 is defined by the tail plug 3B. On a front side of the cosmetic holder 6, the corrugated member 8 is disposed. At least a portion of the cosmetic holder 6 is defined by the non-exposed portion 32 in the radial direction. In the cosmetic holder 6, the cosmetic is held. Examples of the cosmetic include liquid cosmetics.

The relay core 7 extends in the axis direction D1. The relay core 7 is arranged inside the main body 3 such that the relay core 7 projects at its front end from the main body 3. The relay core 7 is inserted at its rear end in the cosmetic holder 6. The front end of the relay core 7 is located inside the sleeve 4. The front end of the relay core 7 is inserted in the applicator 5. To the applicator 5, the relay core 7 delivers the cosmetic held in the cosmetic holder 6. For example, the relay core 7 is formed with an acrylic resin.

The corrugated member 8 serves to control a flow of the cosmetic. The corrugated member 8 includes slots to retain the cosmetic. The corrugated member 8 has a tubular shape. The relay core 7 is accommodated in a tubular portion of the corrugated member 8. The corrugated member 8 has a rear end portion 8a that has an annular shape (a circular annular shape as an example). The rear end portion 8a is fitted in a concave portion 32d formed in the inner peripheral surface of the non-exposed portion 32, whereby the corrugated member 8 is secured to the non-exposed portion 32. The cosmetic holder 6 is formed between the rear end portion 8a of the corrugated member 8, which is disposed inside the non-exposed portion 32, and the tail plug 3B.

With reference to FIG. 3, the sleeve 4 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of the sleeve 4 of FIG. 2, and its peripheral part. The sleeve 4 has a tubular shape. The sleeve 4 has an insert portion 41 inserted in the exposed portion 31, and a tapered portion 42 extending frontward from the insert portion 41. The insert portion 41 has a cylindrical shape. On an outer peripheral surface of the insert portion 41, an annular convex portion 41a is disposed. The annular convex portion 41a protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the insert portion 41. For example, the annular convex portion 41a extends around the axis and over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the insert portion 41.

On an inner peripheral surface of the exposed portion 31, an annular convex portion 31b is disposed. For example, the annular convex portion 31b protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the exposed portion 31. For example, the annular convex portion 31b extends around the axis and over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the exposed portion 31. The annular convex portion 41a rides rearward over the annular convex portion 31b, whereby the main body 3 is engaged with the sleeve 4 in the axis direction D1. The sleeve 4 has a rear end 4m (see FIG. 5), which is an end portion opposite in the axis direction D1 to a side where the opening 4a is located. The rear end 4m is located at a rear end of the insert portion 41. In the rear end 4m where the rear end of the insert portion 41 is located, an opening 4b is formed. Through the opening 4b, the applicator 5 can be inserted. Between the rear end 4m of the sleeve 4 (insert portion 41) and a front end of the corrugated member 8, a gap is provided.

The tapered portion 42 has a tubular shape. The tapered portion 42 has an outer diameter, which decreases toward a front end of the sleeve 4. The outer diameter of the tapered portion 42 at a rear end of the tapered portion 42 is greater than that of the insert portion 41 at a front end of the insert portion 41. On the front end of the insert portion 41, a step is formed with a diameter increasing toward the rear end of the tapered portion 42. The exposed portion 31 is in contact at its front end with a rear end face of the tapered portion 42. For example, the tapered portion 42 has an outer peripheral surface extending along the outer peripheral surface of the exposed portion 31. The above-described opening 4a of the sleeve 4 is formed in a front end of the tapered portion 42. Through the opening 4a, the applicator 5 can be inserted. The opening 4a has a round-corner rectangular shape when seen along the axis direction D1 (see FIG. 4).

Through the sleeve 4, the applicator 5 is inserted. Specifically, the applicator 5 is inserted from the opening 4b into the insert portion 41 and tapered portion 42, and reaches frontward of the opening 4a. The sleeve 4 bundles the applicator 5 with the applicator 5 inserted in the sleeve 4. The sleeve 4 has a plurality of prongs 43. Detailed configuration of the prongs 43 will be described later.

The applicator 5 is a brush. The applicator 5 has a rear end portion 51 located between the rear end of the insert portion 41 and the front end of the corrugated member 8, a covering portion 52 located between the relay core 7 and an inner peripheral surface of the insert portion 41, a converging portion 53 located frontward of the covering portion 52, and a plurality of groups of branched bristles (hereinafter called “branched bristle groups”) 54 located frontward of the converging portion 53. The rear end portion 51 is a portion in which the bristles that constitute the applicator 5 are bonded. The covering portion 52 is arranged so as to surround the relay core 7. The covering portion 52 has a circular annular shape when seen along the axis direction D1. The covering portion 52 covers the relay core 7. In other words, the relay core 7 is inserted in the applicator 5.

The converging portion 53 has a disk shape when seen from the axis direction D1. The relay core 7 is not inserted in the converging portion 53. Each of the branched bristle groups 54 is a branched portion of the bristles that are bundled at the converging portion 53. The branched bristle groups 54 constitute a front end of the applicator 5. As the cosmetic container 1 has the plurality of branched bristle groups 54, a plurality of lines can be drawn at once when the cosmetic container 1 is used.

With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the prongs 43 of the sleeve 4 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a front view of the cosmetic container 1 without the cap C. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve 4 along an axis of the sleeve 4. FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional view of the sleeve 4 along the axis of the sleeve 4. The prongs 43 are disposed on a peripheral edge that defines the opening 4a. The opening 4a is defined by a first edge 4c, a second edge 4d, a third edge 4e, and a fourth edge 4f.

The first edge 4c extends in a longitudinal direction of the opening 4a when seen from front. When seen from front, the second edge 4d extends in the longitudinal direction of the opening 4a, and opposes the first edge 4c along a transverse direction of the opening 4a. When seen from front, the third edge 4e extends in the transverse direction of the opening 4a. The third edge 4e connects one end of the first edge 4c to one end of the second edge 4d. When seen from front, the fourth edge 4f extends in the transverse direction of the opening 4a. The fourth edge 4f connects the other end of the first edge 4c to the other end of the second edge 4d. The prongs 43 include a plurality of first prongs 431 disposed on the first edge 4c, and a plurality of second prongs 432 disposed on the second edge 4d. The sleeve 4 has a pair of side walls 44 including the third edge 4e and the fourth edge 4f, respectively.

The prongs 43 each protrude in a radially inward direction D2 of the opening 4a. In this embodiment, the term “radially inward direction D2” means the transverse direction of the opening 4a, and includes both a direction from the first edge 4c toward an imaginary line X extending in the longitudinal direction of the opening 4a at a middle between the first edge 4c and the second edge 4d, and another direction from the second edge 4d toward the imaginary line X. The first prongs 431 protrude from the first edge 4c toward the imaginary line X, whereby the first prongs 431 protrude in the radially inward direction D2 of the opening 4a. The second prongs 432 protrude from the second edge 4d toward the imaginary line X, whereby the second prongs 432 protrude in the radially inward direction D2 of the opening 4a.

A space S1 is formed between each two of the first prongs 431, which are arranged side by side along a direction D3 intersecting the radially inward direction D2. The direction D3 is equivalent to the longitudinal direction of the opening 4a when the opening 4a is seen from front. A space S2 is formed between each two of the second prongs 432, which are arranged side by side along the direction D3. The first prongs 431 and the second prongs 432 oppose each other, respectively. The first spaces S1 and the second spaces S2 are arranged, respectively, in the radially inward direction D2. Spaces S3 are formed between the spaces S1 and the spaces S2, respectively.

Gaps SL, through which the applicator 5 is movable, are formed ahead of the respective prongs 43 along the radially inward direction D2. Each gap SL is formed between one of the first prongs 431 and the corresponding one of the second prongs 432. The sum of the length in the radially inward direction D2 of each first prong 431 and the length in the radially inward direction D2 of the corresponding second prong 432 is shorter than the length in the transverse direction of the opening 4a as seen from front. Each gap SL is located between each two adjacent spaces S3.

The branched bristle groups 54 are located in the spaces S3, respectively. The branched bristle group 54 may be located in the region of at least one of the spaces S1, spaces S2, spaces S3, and gaps SL. For example, the branched bristle groups 54 may be located in the spaces S1 and spaces S2, respectively.

The prongs 43 each extend along the axis direction D1 of the sleeve 4. The first prongs 431 and second prongs 432 each include an inner prong 433 extending rearward of the opening 4a, and a comb tooth 434 having a length longer than the inner prong 433 in the axis direction D1. The comb tooth 434 protrudes along the axis direction D1 in the opening 4a. Of end portions in the axis direction D1 of the inner prong 433, the end portion located closer to the opening 4a (end portion in the front) may be called a “tip end” herein, and the end portion on a side opposite to the tip end (end portion in the rear) may be called a “base end” herein. Of end portions in the axis direction D1 of the comb tooth 434, the end portion protruding from the opening 4a may be called a “tip end” herein, and the end portion on a side opposite to the tip end may be called a “base end” herein.

The inner prongs 433 and the comb teeth 434 are alternately arranged side by side along the direction D3. In this embodiment, the sleeve 4 has four of the inner prongs 433 and six of the comb teeth 434. The sleeve 4 has five of the first prongs 431. Among the five first prongs 431, three are comb teeth 434, and the remaining two are inner prongs 433. The sleeve 4 has five of the second prongs 432. Among the five second prongs 432, three are comb teeth 434, and the remaining two are inner prongs 433. In the direction D3, located outermost are some of the comb teeth 434. In other words, each end portion of the opening 4a in the direction D3 has one of the comb teeth 434 formed. The positions in the axis direction D1 of base ends of the inner prongs 433 are, for example, identical to the positions in the axis direction D1 of base ends of the comb teeth 434.

Each inner prong 433 has an inclined portion 433a located on a side of the base end of the inner prong 433, and an extending portion 433b extending from the inclined portion 433a to a side of a tip end of the inner prong 433. The height along the radially inward direction D2 (the extent of protrusion in the radially inward direction D2) of the inclined portion 433a increases toward the opening 4a. The height along the radially inward direction D2 of the extending portion 433b is, for example, constant.

Each comb tooth 434 has an inclined portion 434a located on a side of the base end of the comb tooth 434, and an extending portion 434b extending from the inclined portion 434a to a side of a tip end of the comb tooth 434. The height along the radially inward direction D2 of the inclined portion 434a increases toward the opening 4a. The height along the radially inward direction D2 of the extending portion 434b is, for example, constant. The height along the radially inward direction D2 of the extending portion 434b is, for example, equal to the height along the radially inward direction D2 of the extending portion 433b. The angle of inclination of the inclined portion 434a to the extending portion 434b is, for example, equal to the angle of inclination of the inclined portion 433a to the extending portion 433b. The length along the axis direction D1 of the extending portion 434b of each comb tooth 434 is greater than the length along the axis direction D1 of the extending portion 433b of each inner prong 433.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the applicator 5 has a tip end projecting beyond tip ends of the prongs 43. Specifically, tip ends of the branched bristle groups 54 are located frontward of the tip ends of the comb teeth 434. Note that the tip ends of all the branched bristle groups 54 may be located frontward of the tip ends of the comb teeth 434. Alternatively, the tip ends of some of the branched bristle groups 54 may be located frontward of the tip ends of the comb teeth 434, and the tip ends of the remaining branched bristle groups 54 may be located rearward of the tip ends of the comb teeth 434.

Each comb tooth 434 has reinforcement portions 435, which are thickened portions, at an end portion thereof on a side opposite to the radially inward direction D2 (an upper or lower end portion in an up-down direction in FIG. 4). The reinforcement portions 435 define parts of the first edge 4c or second edge 4d. Each comb tooth 434 has, for example, two of the reinforcement portions 435. The reinforcement portions 435 of each comb tooth 434 protrude along the direction D3 in the end portion of the comb tooth 434 on the side opposite to the radially inward direction D2. With these reinforcement portions 435, deformations and the like of the comb teeth 434 can be suppressed.

The internal configurations of the sleeve 4 will be described in more detail. The sleeve 4 has a first extending portion 4g, a first inclined portion 4h, a second inclined portion 4j, and a second extending portion 4k, all of which constitute an inner wall of the sleeve 4. The first extending portion 4g extends frontward from the rear end (rear end 4m) of the sleeve 4. The first extending portion 4g extends from the rear end of the insert portion 41 to substantially a center of the tapered portion 42 along the axis direction D1. For example, the first extending portion 4g has a circular shape when seen along the axis direction D1. For example, the first extending portion 4g has a constant inner diameter.

The first inclined portion 4h extends frontward from a front end of the first extending portion 4g. For example, the first inclined portion 4h has a rear end, where the first inclined portion 4h is smoothly connected to the front end of the first extending portion 4g. The extent of protrusion in the radially inward direction D2 of the first inclined portion 4h increases toward the opening 4a. As depicted in FIG. 6, the inclination of the first inclined portion 4h to the axis direction D1 increases toward the opening 4a. In other words, the increment of the extent of protrusion in the radially inward direction D2 of the first inclined portion 4h increases toward the opening 4a.

The second inclined portion 4j extends frontward from a front end of the first inclined portion 4h. For example, the second inclined portion 4j has a rear end, where the second inclined portion 4j is smoothly connected to the front end of the first inclined portion 4h. The length along the axis direction D1 of the second inclined portion 4j is shorter than the length of the first inclined portion 4h along the axis direction D1. The extent of protrusion in the radially inward direction D2 of the second inclined portion 4j increases toward the opening 4a. As depicted in FIG. 6, the inclination of the second inclined portion 4j to the axis direction D1 decreases toward the opening 4a. In other words, the increment of the length along the radially inward direction D2 of the second inclined portion 4j decreases toward the opening 4a.

The second extending portion 4k extends from a front end of the second inclined portion 4j to the opening 4a. The second extending portion 4k has a rear end, where the second extending portion 4k is smoothly connected to the front end of the second inclined portion 4j. The extent of protrusion in the radially inward direction D2 of the second extending portion 4k is constant. The second extending portion 4k has a round-corner rectangular shape when seen along the axis direction D1. On the second extending portion 4k, the prongs 43 are disposed.

An operation of branching of the tip end of the applicator 5 into groups by the sleeve 4 will be described. As described above, the first inclined portion 4h and second inclined portion 4j connect the first extending portion 4g to the second extending portion 4k, and smoothly connect an inner wall, which has a circular shape as seen from the axis direction D1, of the first extending portion 4g to an inner wall, which has a round-corner rectangular shape as seen from the axis direction D1, of the second extending portion 4k. From the rear end (rear end 4m) toward the front end of the sleeve 4, the first extending portion 4g, first inclined portion 4h, second inclined portion 4j, and second extending portion 4k are therefore arranged in this order, whereby the applicator 5 is smoothly guided from the opening 4b to the opening 4a.

Described in more detail, it is now assumed that the applicator 5 is being inserted through the sleeve 4. When the applicator 5 is located in the first extending portion 4g, the applicator 5 is hardly bundled by the sleeve 4 because the inner diameter of the first extending portion 4g is large. The applicator 5 can hence be easily moved to the front end of the first extending portion 4g. When the applicator 5 reaches the first inclined portion 4h, the applicator 5 is progressively bundled by the sleeve 4, so that the density of the applicator 5 increases. The inclination of the first inclined portion 4h to the axis direction D1 increases toward the opening 4a. Compared with a case in which the inclination of the first inclined portion 4h to the axis direction D1 decreases toward the opening 4a, the applicator 5 hardly comes into abutment with the first inclined portion 4h and readily extends along the first inclined portion 4h.

When the applicator 5 reaches the second inclined portion 4j, the applicator 5 is progressively further bundled by the sleeve 4, so that the density of the applicator 5 increases further. The inclination of the second inclined portion 4j to the axis direction D1 decreases toward the opening 4a. Compared with a case in which the inclination of the second inclined portion 4j to the axis direction D1 increases toward the opening 4a, the applicator 5 can be smoothly guided to the second extending portion 4k. When the applicator 5 reaches the second extending portion 4k, the applicator 5 is deformed so as to have a round-corner rectangular shape as seen from the axis direction D1. When the applicator 5 is pressed further frontward, the applicator 5 comes into contact at portions thereof with the prongs 43. In a case where the prongs 43 are the first prongs 431, the bristles that have come into contact with the prongs 43 (first prongs 431) are guided into the spaces S1 adjacent to the prongs 43 (first prongs 431). In a case where the prongs 43 are the second prongs 432, the bristles that have come into contact with the prongs 43 (second prongs 432) are similarly guided into the spaces S2 adjacent to the prongs 43 (second prongs 432). As a consequence, a part of the applicator 5, which projects out of the opening 4a, is branched.

Next, operational effects obtained from the cosmetic container 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In this cosmetic container 1, concerning the prongs 43, the space S1 or space S2 is provided between each prong 43 and its adjacent prong 43. As the sleeve 4 has the prongs 43 and the spaces S1 and spaces S2 are provided, portions of the applicator 5 enter the spaces S1 and spaces S2 when the applicator 5 as the brush is inserted into the sleeve 4. At this time, the applicator 5 is branched into groups. In this cosmetic container 1, the gaps SL through which the applicator 5 is movable are provided ahead of the respective prongs 43 along the radially inward direction D2. Between the spaces S1 and the spaces S2, the spaces S3 are further provided. Accordingly, the spaces S1 or spaces S2 are provided between the prongs 43, the gaps SL are provided ahead of the prongs 43 in the radially inward direction D2, and the spaces S3 are provided between the spaces S1 and the spaces S2. Even if unevenly aligned bristles at the tip end of the applicator 5 are inserted into the spaces S1, S2, and S3 and gaps SL, the bristles are therefore movable between the respective spaces S1, S2, and S3 and gaps SL. As a result, even if a larger fraction of the applicator 5 enters one of the spaces S1, S2, and S3 and gaps SL upon insertion of the applicator 5 into the sleeve 4, some portion of the applicator 5 (some of the entered bristles of the applicator 5) is movable between the respective spaces S1, S2, and S3 and gaps SL. Even if unevenly aligned bristles at the tip end of the applicator 5 are inserted, even distribution of the bristles at the tip end of the applicator 5 can therefore be enhanced as the bristles are movable between the respective spaces S1, S2, and S3 and gaps SL.

Further, the prongs 43 each extend along the axis direction D1 of the sleeve 4. If the applicator 5 interposed between adjacent two of the prongs 43 is applied with a force in the direction in which the two prongs 43 are arranged side by side (the intersecting direction D3), the applicator 5 is hence hardly bent. As a consequence, the cosmetic container 1 is provided with improved usability.

The prongs 43 include the comb teeth 434 protruding along the axis direction D1 in the opening 4a. In this case, the comb teeth 434 can be readily brought into contact with the skin when the cosmetic container 1 is brought into contact at its tip end with a hairy part of the body. In this embodiment, the tips of the branched bristle groups 54 project beyond the tip ends of the comb teeth 434. Accordingly, the bristles of the branched bristle groups 54 are sufficiently apart from the opening 4a and are hence branched surely. When parts of the branched bristle groups 54, which project beyond the comb teeth 434, are used, it is possible to adjust the lengths of parts of the branched bristle groups 54 that come into contact with the hair or skin of the user.

The applicator 5 has a tip end projecting beyond the tip ends of the prongs 43. In this case, the branched groups of the applicator 5 project beyond the tip ends of the prongs 43, respectively, so that the tip end of the applicator 5 can be brought into contact with a desired part.

The inclined portions 433a and 434a are disposed at the base ends in the axis direction D1 of the prongs 43, respectively. The height of each inclined portion 433a along the radially inward direction D2 and the height of each inclined portion 434a along the radially inward direction D2 each increase toward the opening 4a. When the applicator 5 is inserted into the sleeve 4 and is brought into contact at its parts with the prongs 43, the applicator 5 comes into contact at the parts thereof with the inclined portions 433a and 434a that are the base end portions of the respective prongs 43. According to this configuration, the applicator 5 is smoothly guided at the parts thereof in the radially inward direction D2, because the height of each inclined portion 433a along the radially inward direction D2 and the height of each inclined portion 434a along the radially inward direction D2 each increase toward the opening 4a. As a consequence, bending of the applicator 5 at the parts thereof can be suppressed when the applicator 5 is brought into contact at the parts thereof with the prongs 43.

The prongs 43 include the first prongs 431 disposed on the first edge 4c and the second prongs 432 disposed on the second edge 4d. The first prongs 431 and the second prongs 432 oppose each other, respectively. The gaps SL are provided between the first prongs 431 and the second prongs 432, respectively.

According to these configurations, the space S1 is provided between each first prong 431 and its adjacent first prong 431. Further, the space S2 is provided between each second prong 432 and its adjacent second prong 432. A part of the applicator 5 is therefore branched into portions of the applicator 5 on the side of the first edge 4c, which have entered the spaces S1, and portions of the applicator 5 on the side of the second edge 4d, which have entered the spaces S2. As the first prongs 431 and the second prongs 432 oppose each other, respectively, the portions of the applicator 5 on the side of the first edge 4c and the portions of the applicator 5 on the side of the second edge 4d are arranged, respectively, along the radially inward direction D2. The bristles at the tip end of the inserted applicator 5 are movable between the spaces S1 and the spaces S2. As a result, if one of the portions of the applicator 5 on the side of the first edge 4c or the portions of the applicator 5 on the side of the second edge 4d has a greater fraction upon insertion of the applicator 5 into the sleeve 4, some portion of the applicator 5 moves between the first edge 4c and the second edge 4d. Accordingly, even distribution of the bristles of the applicator 5 in the direction (the radially inward direction D2) in which the first prongs 431 and the second prongs 432 oppose each other can be enhanced, thereby making it possible to further enhance even distribution of the bristles at the tip end of the applicator 5.

With reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, a cosmetic container according to a modification will be described. The cosmetic container according to the modification is different from the above-described cosmetic container 1 in that it has a sleeve 4A different from the above-described sleeve 4. FIG. 7 is a front view of the sleeve 4A. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve 4A along an axis of the sleeve 4A. FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of the sleeve 4A along the axis of the sleeve 4A. The sleeve 4A is different from the above-described sleeve 4 in that it has a plurality of prongs 91 of a longer length in the axis direction D1 than the above-described prongs 43. The prongs 91 each extend to a side of a base end beyond a centerline M that passes through a center in the axis direction D1 of the sleeve 4A. The centerline M is an imaginary line, which in a cross-section of the sleeve 4A extending in the axis direction D1 and the direction D3, passes through the center in the axis direction D1 of the sleeve 4A and also extends in the direction D3. The term “a side of a base end” means a side opposite to the opening 4a. One ends in the axis direction D1 of the prongs 91 are located on the side of the base end beyond the centerline M.

As depicted in FIG. 7, the prongs 91 each protrude in the radially inward direction D2 of the opening 4a. The sleeve 4A has the prongs 91 protruding from the first edge 4c toward the imaginary line X, and the prongs 91 protruding from the second edge 4d toward the imaginary line X. The prongs 91 that protrude from the first edge 4c toward the imaginary line X may hereinafter be called “prongs 91 on the side of the first edge 4c,” and the prongs 91 that protrude from the second edge 4d toward the imaginary line X may hereinafter be called “the prongs 91 on the side of the second edge 4d.” The prongs 91 on the side of the first edge 4c oppose the prongs 91 on the side of the second edge 4d, respectively, along the radially inward direction D2. For example, the sleeve 4A has six of the prongs 91, specifically three of the prongs 91 on the side of the first edge 4c, and three of the prongs 91 on the side of the second edge 4d.

Between the prongs 91 on the side of the first edge 4c, the prongs 91 being arranged side by side along the direction D3 intersecting both the axis direction D1 and the radially inward direction D2, spaces S1 are formed, respectively. Between the prongs 91 on the side of the second edge 4d, the prongs 91 being arranged side by side along the direction D3, spaces S2 are formed, respectively. Between the spaces S1 and the spaces S2, spaces S3 are formed, respectively. Gaps SL, through which the applicator 5 is movable, are provided ahead in the radially inward direction D2 of the respective prongs 91. The gaps SL are provided between the prongs 91 on the side of the first edge 4c and the prongs 91 on the side of the second edge 4d, respectively. Details of the prongs 91 will be described later.

The internal configurations of the sleeve 4A will be described in more detail. As depicted in FIG. 8, the sleeve 4A has a front extending portion 4n, a rear extending portion 4p, and a reduced diameter portion 4q located between the front extending portion 4n and the rear extending portion 4p. The front extending portion 4n, rear extending portion 4p, and reduced diameter portion 4q all constitute an inner wall of the sleeve 4A. The front extending portion 4n extends rearward from the front end (tip end) of the tapered portion 42. The front extending portion 4n includes the opening 4a. The rear extending portion 4p extends frontward from the rear end (base end) of the insert portion 41. The rear extending portion 4p includes an opening 4b. For example, the rear extending portion 4p has a circular shape when seen along the axis direction D1. For example, the rear extending portion 4p has a constant inner diameter along the axis direction D1.

For example, the reduced diameter portion 4q has a rear end, which is smoothly connected to a front end of the rear extending portion 4p. For example, the reduced diameter portion 4q has a front end, which is smoothly connected to a rear end of the front extending portion 4n. The extent of protrusion of the reduced diameter portion 4q in the radially inward direction D2 increases toward the opening 4a.

The prongs 91 will be described in more detail. As depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the prongs 91 each protrude along the axis direction D1 in the opening 4a. Each prong 91 has a first extending portion 91a located on a side of a tip end of the prong 91, a second extending portion 91b located on a side of a base end of the prong 91, a connecting portion 91c located between the first extending portion 91a and the second extending portion 91b, and an inclined portion 91d located on the side of the base end of the corresponding prong 91 beyond the second extending portion 91b.

The first extending portion 91a is formed on an inner wall that constitutes the front extending portion 4n. The first extending portion 91a has, for example, a constant height along the radially inward direction D2 (the extent of protrusion in the radially inward direction D2). The first extending portion 91a includes a portion protruding along the axis direction D1 in the opening 4a, and another portion extending from the protruding portion to a side of a base end of the first extending portion 91a. The base end of the first extending portion 91a is located near the rear end of the front extending portion 4n. For example, the base end of the first extending portion 91a is located closer to the base end of the prong 91 beyond the rear end of the front extending portion 4n.

The connecting portion 91c is formed on an inner wall that constitutes the reduced diameter portion 4q. Specifically, the extent of protrusion in the radially inward direction D2 of the connecting portion 91c is constant, for example. The term “extent of protrusion” means the extent of protrusion of the connecting portion 91c from the inner wall that constitutes the reduced diameter portion 4q. The connecting portion 91c has a base end located near the rear end of the reduced diameter portion 4q. The base end of the connecting portion 91c located at a center (hereinafter called “the central connecting portion 91c”) among the connecting portions 91c arranged side by side in the direction D3 is located closer to the base end of the corresponding prong 91 beyond the base ends of the connecting portions 91c adjacent to the central connecting portion 91c.

The second extending portion 91b is formed on an inner wall that constitutes the rear extending portion 4p. The second extending portion 91b has, for example, a constant height along the radially inward direction D2. The second extending portion 91b has a base end, which is located, for example, at a center in the axis direction D1 of the rear extending portion 4p. The inclined portion 91d is formed on the inner wall that constitutes the rear extending portion 4p. The inclined portion 91d has a height along the radially inward direction D2 (the extent of protrusion in the radially inward direction D2), which increases toward the opening 4a. The inclined portion 91d has a base end located frontward of a rear end 4m of the sleeve 4A (closer to the side of the opening 4a). However, the position of the base end of the inclined portion 91d may be the same as the position of the rear end 4m.

The sleeve 4A may have no inclined portions 91d. The base end of each second extending portion 91b may be located on the side of the base end of the sleeve 4A beyond the centerline M. The position of the base end of the second extending portion 91b may be the same as the position of the rear end 4m. Further, the prongs 91 may project from the rear end 4m.

An operation of branching of the tip end of the applicator 5 into groups by the sleeve 4A will be described. As described above, from the base end (rear end 4m) toward a tip end of the sleeve 4A, the rear extending portion 4p, reduced diameter portion 4q, and front extending portion 4n are arranged in this order, whereby the applicator 5 is smoothly guided from the opening 4b to the opening 4a.

Note that, when the applicator 5 is located in the rear extending portion 4p, the applicator 5 is not firmly bundled by the sleeve 4A because the inner diameter of the rear extending portion 4p is large. When the applicator 5 is pressed inward toward the opening 4a in this state, the applicator 5 is gradually firmly bundled by the sleeve 4A while the applicator 5 is passing through the reduced diameter portion 4q and further the front extending portion 4n.

In this modification, each prong 91 extends to the side of the base end of the sleeve 4A (that is, toward the rear end 4m) beyond the centerline M, so that the distance from the opening 4b to the base end of the prong 91 is shorter than the distance from the opening 4b to the centerline M. Accordingly, the applicator 5 inserted from the opening 4b promptly reaches the prongs 91, and portions of the applicator 5 smoothly enter between the prongs 91 (inclined portions 91d) adjacent to each other in the direction D3. When the portions of the applicator 5 enter between the prongs 91 adjacent to each other in the direction D3, movements of the portions of the applicator 5 in directions intersecting the axis direction D1 are suppressed. When the applicator 5 is further pressed inward toward the opening 4a, the applicator 5 advances toward the opening 4a along the prongs 91. The portions of the applicator 5 are then guided into the spaces S1, spaces S2, spaces S3, and gaps SL, respectively. As a consequence, a part of the applicator 5, which projects out of the opening 4a, is branched.

Next, operational effects obtained from the cosmetic container according to the modification will be described. In the cosmetic container according to the modification, the prongs 91 each extend to the side opposite to the opening 4a beyond the center in the axis direction D1 of the sleeve 4A. Note that, when the applicator 5 is inserted into the sleeve 4A, the advancing direction of some of the bristles of the applicator 5 and that of the remaining bristles may not agree with each other if movements of the applicator 5 in the directions intersecting the axis direction D1 are not restricted appropriately by the prongs 91. If this is the case, alignment of the applicator 5 may be disrupted. If the prongs 91 each extend to the side opposite to the opening 4a beyond the center in the axis direction D1 of the sleeve 4A as in this modification, the distance from the rear end 4m to the prongs 91 can be shortened. As a consequence, when the applicator 5 is inserted into the sleeve 4, the portions of the applicator 5 are allowed to promptly enter between the prongs 91 without disruption of the alignment of the applicator 5 inside the sleeve 4A. The entry of unevenly aligned bristles at the tip end of the applicator 5 between the prongs 91 are therefore suppressed. As a result, even distribution of the bristles at the tip end of the applicator 5 can be enhanced further.

The embodiment and modification of the cosmetic container according to the present disclosure have been described above. However, the cosmetic container according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modification, and may be modified further within the scope of the gist described in the claims. In other words, the shapes, sizes, materials, number, and arrangement modes of the individual parts of the cosmetic container according to the present disclosure can be appropriately changed within the scope of the gist.

The above embodiment has described the example in which the prongs 43 includes the inner prongs 433 and comb teeth 434. However, the prongs 43 may include the inner prongs 433 but no comb teeth 434. Conversely, the prongs 43 may include the comb teeth 434 but no inner prongs 433.

The above embodiment has described the example in which the prongs 43 include the first prongs 431 and second prongs 432. However, the prongs 43 may include the first prongs 431 but no second prongs 432. In this case, the gaps SL are provided between the first prongs 431 and the second edge 4d, no spaces S2 are provided, and spaces are provided between the spaces S1 and the second edge 4d.

The above embodiment has described the example in which the applicator 5 projects beyond the comb teeth 434. However, the applicator 5 may project out of the opening 4a but may not project beyond the comb teeth 434. In other words, the tip end of the applicator 5 may be located between the opening 4a and the tip ends of the comb teeth 434. In this case, the user's body hair enters between each two of the comb teeth 434 arranged side by side in the direction intersecting the radially inward direction when the comb teeth 434 are brought into contact with the skin of the user. Accordingly, the applicator 5 can be rendered less likely to be brought into contact with the skin while the applicator 5 is brought into contact with a hairy part of the body. In this case, application of a cosmetic to the skin by the applicator 5 can be suppressed.

Claims

1. A cosmetic container comprising: a sleeve that has a tubular shape and includes an opening through which an applicator, as a brush, is insertable, the sleeve being configured to bundle the applicator; anda main body that is engaged with the sleeve, whereinthe sleeve has a plurality of prongs disposed on a peripheral edge that defines the opening,the prongs each protrude in a radially inward direction of the opening, and extend along an axis direction of the sleeve, andone or more gaps, through which the applicator is movable, are provided ahead of the prongs along the radially inward direction.

2. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein the prongs include a comb tooth protruding along the axis direction in the opening.

3. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein the applicator has a tip end projecting beyond tip ends of the prongs.

4. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein, each of the prongs has a base end portion in the axis direction, the base end portion having a height along the radially inward direction, which increases toward the opening.

5. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve has a first edge defining the opening, and a second edge defining the opening and located so as to interpose an axis of the sleeve with the first edge,the prongs include a plurality of first prongs disposed on the first edge and a plurality of second prongs disposed on the second edge,the first prongs and the second prongs oppose each other, respectively, andthe gaps are provided between the first prongs and the second prongs, respectively.

6. The cosmetic container according to claim 1, wherein the prongs each extend from the opening of the sleeve to a side opposite to the opening beyond a center in the axis direction of the sleeve.