Abstract:
A case that can be used, for example, for a cosmetic product is provided which includes a base having at least one compartment for containing at least one product and a lid for closing the case. At least one applicator is provided for applying the product, with the applicator being releasably connectable to either the base or the lid, and with the other of the base or lid having a locking element which can interact with complementary locking element in order to releasably lock the case in the closed position. Further, the complementary component provided in the at least one applicator.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This document claims priority to French application number 0200935 filed Jan. 25, 2002, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to cases, such as cases used in the field of cosmetics for the packaging and application of certain make-up or care products, such as eyeshadows, blushers, lipsticks, mascaras or foundations. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   DISCUSSION OF BACKGROUND 
   In general, cosmetic or make-up products are applied either with an applicator or directly with the fingers. If the product is applied directly using the fingers, the consumer must have a tap nearby in order to wash their hands after application. Conventional applicators can also be inconvenient because, due to their relatively small size, the applicator is sometimes difficult to find, especially in a handbag. The applicator also needs to be protected against dust or other dirt present in the handbag. Moreover, the applicator (or residual product on it) must not soil the contents of the handbag. For all these reasons, the applicator is often protected inside a compartment or case, which is either separate or which forms part of an assembly for packaging the product to be applied. Where the applicator is provided in a case, the applicator is very small so as not to increase the size of the case inordinately, but such small applicators are typically difficult to handle. 
   In many of the make-up cases commonly used in the field of cosmetics, a recess is arranged facing the product receptacle, and this recess contains one or more removable applicators which the user employs to take a dose of product before applying it to the desired location. Such an applicator generally includes an application component, for instance a tuft of fibres or bristles, or a tip made of foam or of a woven or nonwoven material. In addition, the applicator component can be optionally covered with a flocking. 
   Make-up cases that have an associated applicator are described, for example, in FR-A-2 584 582. However, the make-up cases described in this document have a major drawback due to the fact that the user may forget to put the applicator back inside the case after using it. If the applicator is forgotten or lost, the next time the product is to be used, the applicator is not available for applying the product. 
   The arrangement of EP-0 960 582 attempted to solve the above problem by configuring the lid so that part of the lid is formed by the handle of the applicator. In theory, it is hence impossible to close the case without first putting the applicator back in place on the lid. The case is locked in the closed position by interaction between part of the handle and a corresponding part of the base of the case. A major drawback of this configuration comes from the fact that it requires a relatively wide applicator (typically as wide as the case), and a relatively short handle, since the handle can have only a fraction of the length of the case. The length of the handle typically corresponds to half the axial length of the case. Especially in the field of make-up, however, long thin applicators are preferable for improved make-up control and better gripping of the applicator. 
   A similar problem arises in a configuration as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,634. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,647 describes a sample applicator for a cosmetic product. The configuration described in this document poses problems, especially when handling the applicator, because it is formed by two articulated parts. However, this articulated arrangement hampers controlled application of the product. 
   DE-A-89 01 874 describes a case having a support on which a cosmetic product is provided. This case has a lid pivotably mounted on the support. The support is intended to store an applicator in a recess. In order to move the lid from a closed position, in which the lid covers the support, to an open position to access the product, the lid is rotated relative to the support. This type of case poses a problem because the lid can be opened inadvertently since the closed position is not locked. Furthermore, part of the applicator is accessible from an upper face of the support when in the closed position, and creates a lever arm which can press the lid in a direction counter to the allowed rotational movement. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is, therefore, an object of the invention to produce a packaging and application assembly in the form of a case which solves all or some of the problems discussed above. 
   It is, in particular, an object of the invention to provide a case in which the risks of misplacing the applicator are substantially reduced. 
   It is another object of the invention to provide a case which includes an applicator that is easy to manipulate, and allows improved accuracy in applying the product. 
   It is yet another object of the invention to produce such a case which has an innovative design, which is economical to produce, and which is simple to use. 
   Other objects will also become apparent from the detailed description herein. 
   According to the invention, all or some of these objects are achieved by a case, such as a case for a cosmetic product. The case includes a base having at least one compartment intended to contain at least one product. The case further includes a lid for closing the case, with the lid being movable relative to the base. In addition, the case includes at least one applicator for applying the product. The applicator is releasably connectable to the base or the lid, with the other of the base or the lid having a locking element or component which can interact with a complementary locking element or component in order to releasably lock the case in the closed position. The complementary component is provided on the applicator, with the applicator contained inside the case when the lid is locked or mounted in position on the base. In accordance with this arrangement, and contrary to the aforementioned Application EP-0 960 582, the applicator is not involved in forming any part of the element (lid or base) to which it is intended to be coupled, with the lid and base being independent of the applicator. 
   In accordance with a preferred configuration of the case according to the invention, substantially no limitation is imposed (apart from the constraints naturally imposed by the very nature of the object, and by the conditions in which it is used) regarding the length of the at least one applicator, or regarding how thin they are. The length of the at least one applicator can be, e.g., similar to that of the case, and the width may be chosen as desired. 
   Since the case is locked in the closed position by engaging the lid (or the base) with the at least one applicator, it is virtually impossible to forget to put the applicator back in place inside the case, since the base could not otherwise be closed correctly. 
   The closed position of the case corresponds to a position in which the lid is folded fully onto the base, and in which the lid hence prevents access to the compartments containing the product. At least one applicator needs to be coupled on the base (or the lid) in order for the lid to be locked on the base, and in order for the closed position to be maintained. When the case is opened, the lock element of the case disengages from the complementary component or element provided by the at least one applicator, and the applicator remains secured to the part of the case to which it is releasably coupled. 
   The at least one applicator is preferably removably coupled to the base of the case. This arrangement is advantageous since it can make a greater area on the inner face of the lid available, for example, in order to provide a mirror. However, it is also possible to connect the at least one applicator to the lid, and to provide a mirror on a portion of the base or to use a smaller mirror on the lid. 
   Preferably, the applicator is entirely contained inside of the case when the case is closed, however, if a portion of the applicator is exposed when the case is closed, preferably it is not a portion used (or grasped) for opening of the case. Further, the applicator is preferably contained integrally inside the case. The term “contained integrally inside the case” means “inaccessible from outside the case,” that is to say “incapable of being used for all or some of the operation required for opening the case.” 
   The lid is preferably articulated on the base. The articulation may be carried out by various expedients including, for example, using a film hinge or by an articulation with an additional pin or hinge. When the case is elongated along an axis X, the articulation is preferably carried out about an axis perpendicular to the longer major axis X. However, the articulation can alternately be carried out about an axis parallel to the major axis X. Preferably, the articulation does not utilize an axis which is orthogonal to a plane formed by the base of the case in which the major axis X is defined. For example, this plane can be defined by an upper face of the base which can be flush with the level of the product provided in the compartment. 
   In accordance with one example of an embodiment of the invention, the at least one applicator is detachable from the base (or from the lid) by a movement relative to the base (or to the lid) in a direction substantially identical to the direction of the movement of the lid relative to the base when the lock element is being engaged/disengaged with the complementary element of the at least one applicator. In the event the case includes a lid articulated on the base, this direction is substantially perpendicular to the closure plane of the case, that is to say, the plane in which the opening of the compartment or compartments containing the product extends. With this example of a case, the force required for detaching the at least one applicator from the base (or from the lid) is chosen to be greater than the force required for opening the case and disengaging the lock element from the complementary element. 
   The at least one applicator may be coupled to the base (or to the lid) by an interlocking arrangement or snap-fastening. For example, the applicator or applicators can have a bore in which a corresponding stud protruding from the base (or from the lid) of the case can engage tightly. 
   Similarly, the locking element of the base (or of the lid) can engage the complementary locking element of the at least one applicator by an interlocking arrangement or snap-fastening. The at least one applicator may thus have a bore with which a corresponding stud protruding from the lid (or from the base) can engage tightly. The bore intended for fastening the at least one applicator on the base (or the lid) can be different from the bore intended for locking the lid (or the base) on the applicator. Alternatively, the same bore may be used, for example, with a bore passing through the full thickness of the handle of the applicator, and the height of each of the studs corresponding substantially to half or less of the thickness of the handle. In this case, however, the stud of the part of the case forming the lock preferably has a cross section which is slightly smaller than the cross section of the stud of the part to which the applicator is coupled, so that the at least one applicator remains secured when the lid is opened. It is to be understood that the positions of the elements could be reversed, for example, with a bore providing the locking element of the lid or base and a stud or projection providing the complementary element of the applicator. The same is also true of the elements for releasably mounting the applicator to the lid or base. 
   In accordance with another example of an embodiment of the invention, the applicator (or applicators) is fitted on the base (or on the lid) so that it can be detached by movement relative to the base (or to the lid) in a direction other than the direction of the movement of the lid relative to the base when the locking element of the lid (or of the base) is being engaged with or disengaged from the complementary component of the applicator. The movement for detaching the applicator from the base (or from the lid) can be, for example, a movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the lid relative to the base when the locking element of the lid (or of the base) is being engaged with the complementary component of the applicator. 
   Preferably, the movement for detaching the applicator from the base (or from the lid) is a movement in a direction parallel to an axis about which the lid is articulated on the base. Alternatively, the movement for detaching the applicator from the base (or from the lid) is a movement in a direction perpendicular to an axis about which the lid is articulated on the base. 
   Advantageously, when coupled to the base, the applicator (or applicators) can pass from a first position, in which it is possible to engage the lock of the lid with the complementary component of the applicator to lock the case in the closed position, to a second position in which engagement is not possible. For example, in the first position, at least part of the applicator can at least partly cover the product compartment or compartments, and the applicator can uncover or be spaced away from the compartment or compartments in the second position. Preferably, with this arrangement, the movement for detaching the applicator from the base is possible when the applicator is in the first position. The movement from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, can be, for example, a pivoting movement about an axis perpendicular to a plane containing an opening of the compartment or compartments of the base. 
   The case can include one or plural applicators. By way of example, where the case includes two applicators, the user extracts the applicator which she wishes to use, and pivots the other one so as to free access to the compartment containing the product to be taken. The user then applies the product using the first applicator. After applying the product, the user can put the first applicator back in place and extract the second one, either in order to apply a product contained in a separate compartment or in order to tone, smooth or blend in the product applied using the first applicator. 
   Preferably, the case according to the invention has a mirror, preferably on an inner face of the lid. 
   As mentioned above, the case can have two (or more) applicators, with both applicators being releasably connectable to the base (or to the lid) and each having a complementary which can interact with a corresponding lock of the lid (or of the base) to releasably lock the case in the closed position. Alternatively, it is possible to use only one applicator for locking the lid on the base. 
   As a further alternative, the lid can have a first locking element or component intended to interact with a complementary component which is provided by a first applicator removably coupled to the base, whereas the base has a second locking element intended to interact with a complementary component which is formed by a second applicator removably coupled to the lid. This holding arrangement can be more symmetrical and therefore of better quality or perception. Upon opening, the lid is separated from the base, one of the applicators remains secured to the base, and the other applicator is secured to the lid. 
   The product or products may be contained in one or more cups arranged in one or more compartments delimited by the base. The product may be poured into the cups while cold or hot, or it may be compacted. The product may also be disposed directly on or in a compartment delimited by the base. 
   When the case has a shape which is elongated along an axis X, the at least one applicator is preferably orientated along the axis X. 
   The applicator(s) can have a handle, for example, a flat handle, with an application component formed at an end. The application component can be, for example, a fine brush, a block of foam, a thick brush, a felt or other material, or an element made of an elastomeric material. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A better appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will become further apparent from the following detailed description, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of a case according to the invention; 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are perspective views of a second embodiment of a case according to the invention; and 
       FIG. 3  represents a detail view of a portion of a case according to the invention to illustrate a variation of the second embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   According to the embodiment represented in  FIG. 1 , the case has a shape which is elongated along an axis X. The case includes a base  2  delimiting two compartments  3  and  4 . The compartment  3  is intended to accommodate a cup  5  containing an eyeshadow. The compartment  4  is intended to accommodate a cup  6  containing a blusher. However, as noted earlier, the product could also be disposed on or within the base without requiring a separate cup. 
   A lid  20  is articulated on the base  2  via a film hinge  27 . A mirror  21  can also be adhesively bonded on the inner surface of the lid  20 . 
   The case illustrated also includes two applicators  7  and  8 . The applicator  7  includes a flat handle  9 , at whose end a block of flocked foam  10  is fixed. The applicator  7  is intended for applying the eyeshadow contained in the cup  5 . The applicator  8  includes a flat handle  11 , at whose end a fine brush  12  is fixed. The applicator  8  is intended for applying the blusher contained in the cup  6 . 
   In the vicinity of its end on the other side from the block of foam  10 , the handle  9  of the applicator  7  is pierced by two holes  13  and  14 . As shown, the holes  13 ,  14  are preferably aligned along the longitudinal axis of the applicator  7 . The first hole  13  is intended to tightly receive a stud or projection  15 . In the illustrated embodiment, the stud or projection is provided on the base  2  in the vicinity of its end remote from the film hinge  27 , hence reversibly fastening the applicator  7  on the base  2  of the case. The second hole  14  is intended to tightly receive a stud or projection  22  which in the illustrated embodiment is provided on the inner surface of the lid  20  in the vicinity of its end remote from the film hinge  27 , hence contributing to the locking of the lid  20  on the base  2 , and therefore to the releasable closure of the case. The force with which the applicator  7  is held on the base  2  is greater than the force with which the lid  20  is held to the applicator  7 . 
   In the vicinity of its end remote from the fine brush  12 , the handle  11  of the applicator  8  is pierced by two holes  16 ,  17 . As with the applicator  7 , the holes  16 ,  17  of applicator  8  are preferably aligned along the longitudinal axis of the applicator  8 . The first hole  16  is intended to tightly receive a stud  18  which is provided on the base  2  in the vicinity of its end remote from the film hinge  27 , hence reversibly fastening the applicator  8  on the base  2  of the case. The studs or projections  15  and  18  are preferably arranged along an axis parallel to the axis of the film hinge  27 . The second hole  17  is intended to tightly receive a stud  23  which is provided on the inner surface of the lid  20  in the vicinity of its end remote from the film hinge  27 , hence completing the locking of the lid  20  on the base  2 , which is also partly provided by the stud  22  with the hole  14  of the applicator  7 . The force with which the applicator  8  is held on the base  2  is greater than the force with which the lid  20  is held to the applicator  8 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment, when the applicators  7  and  8  are fitted in position on the base  2 , they extend at least partly over the compartments  3  and  4 . For use, the consumer disengages the studs  22  and  23  from the respective bores  14  and  17  of the applicators  7  and  8 . Since the applicators  7  and  8  are held on the base  2  more strongly than the lid  20  is held on the applicators  7  and  8 , the applicators remain secured to the base  2 . The user then pivots the lid  20  about the axis defined by the film hinge  27 . 
   If the user wants to apply some eyeshadow, she disengages the stud  15  from the bore  13  so as to release the applicator  7 . She then pivots the applicator  8  about the stud  18  so as to obtain full access to the compartments  3  and  4 . She then applies the product conventionally by means of the applicator  7 , while making use of the mirror  21  provided on the inner face of the lid  20 . The user then puts the applicator  7  back in position on the stud  15 . 
   If the user subsequently wants to apply some blush, she disengages the stud  18  from the bore  16  so as to release the applicator  8 . She then pivots the applicator  7  about the stud  15  so as to obtain full access to the compartments  3  and  4 . The user then conventionally applies the product by means of the applicator  8 . Alternatively, the user could use the applicator  8  before replacing the applicator  7 . After use, the user puts both applicators  7  and  8  correctly back on the base  2 , orienting them along the longitudinal axis X. 
   The user closes the lid by pivoting it about the axis  27  in the opposite direction to the opening movement, until the studs  22  and  23  engage respectively with the bores  14  and  17  of the applicators  7  and  8 . The case is then closed and locked and can be put back in the user&#39;s handbag until use is desired again. 
   The embodiment in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  differs from the previous embodiment essentially by the way in which the applicators  7  and  8  are coupled on the base  2 . Specifically, the apertures in the form of bores  13  and  16  of the previous embodiment are replaced by apertures in the form of notches  130  and  160 , which are open on respective inner side edges of the applicators  7  and  8 . With the arrangement illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the applicators  7  and  8  are hence fitted or mounted onto the base by moving the applicators  7  and  8  in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal axis and parallel to the hinge  27 , in the plane of the openings delimited respectively by the compartments  3  and  4 , until the studs  15  and  18  come into contact with the base of the notches  130  and  160 , respectively. Removal is carried out by moving the applicators  7  and  8  in the opposite direction relative to the base  2 . 
   When the applicators  7  and  8  of  FIG. 2A  are mounted, they are aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the case, and the applicators cannot be separated from the base by movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the handles  9  and  11 , respectively, since at its end remote from the hinge  27  the base  2  preferably forms a lip  19  preventing such movement. There is hence no risk of the applicators  7  and  8  being detached from the base  2  when the case  1  is opened. The same is true when the applicators  7  and  8  of  FIG. 2A  are not oriented along the longitudinal axis X of the case. This is because when an applicator  7  is pivoted about the stud  15  in order to allow access to the compartments  3  and  4  by the other applicator  8 , the applicator  7  cannot be detached from the base  2  owing to the presence of the lip  19  and the orientation of the notch  130 , and in particular of its opening relative to the base  2 . This is illustrated very clearly in FIG.  2 B. As discussed earlier, a different number of applicators could be provided, for example, one applicator or more than two applicators. 
   Other than the features discussed above, the use of the case according to the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  is identical to that which was described with reference to the embodiment of FIG.  1 . Repetitive details are therefore omitted. 
   The embodiments discussed above are intended as examples as it is to be understood that various modifications are possible, for example, relating to the size, shape or position of various elements.  FIG. 3  illustrates a variation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  in which only a single applicator  7  is provided. In this arrangement, the stud  15  has two truncated (flat) side edges  150  and  151 . The notch  130  does not open laterally as in the embodiment in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , but instead opens axially via an entry/exit passage  131 . The passage  131  has a width that is slightly greater than the distance between the two truncated edges  150  and  151  of the stud  15 , but less than the width of the stud  15  along its longer (major) axis. The entry/exit passage  131  is followed by a substantially circular portion  132  whose diameter is slightly greater than the longest dimension of the stud  15 . The applicator can hence be fitted on the base only by an axial movement parallel to the plane of its handle  9  due to the shape of the entry/exit passage  131  in relation to the shape of the stud  15 , and due to the presence of the lip  19  formed by the base. Once fitted, however, the applicator  7  can pivot about the stud  15  in the manner represented in FIG.  2 B. With this configuration there is no risk of the applicator  7  being detached from the base  2  when the case  1  is opened. The same is true when the applicator  7  is not oriented along the longitudinal axis X of the case. 
   Other than the features discussed above, the operation of a case  1  configured according to the variant in  FIG. 3  is identical to the operation of the embodiment represented in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . Repetitive details are therefore omitted. 
   Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.