Patent Publication Number: US-2017354228-A1

Title: Container for packaging a cosmetic article

Description:
The present invention relates to a device for packaging a cosmetic article, of the type comprising: a base defining internally a storage compartment for receiving a first cosmetic article; a plate rotatably mounted on the base along a first axis, said plate being movable between a closed configuration, wherein the plate seals the storage compartment, and an open configuration, the plate including a first edge arranged along the first axis and a second edge away from the first edge; and a lid rotatably mounted along a second axis, said lid being movable between a closed position, wherein the lid covers the plate in the closed position, and an open position, the lid including an inner surface oriented toward the base in the closed position, such that, in a plane parallel with the second axis and containing the first axis, the first axis forms an angle less than or equal to 90° with a projection of the second axis. 
     The term “cosmetic article” according to the present invention denotes a cosmetic product intended for application onto a human, such as for example a solid such as a powder, a liquid or a cream. A “cosmetic product” is more generally a product as defined in EC Regulation N° 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council of Nov. 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products. 
     The term “cosmetic article” also denotes a tool used for applying a cosmetic product onto a surface of the body, the tool being for example a brush, touch-up brush or sponge. A “cosmetic article” may also be a cosmetic treatment tool such as a nail file. 
     A packaging device is suitable for containing and moving a cosmetic article with a view to the storage, marketing and use thereof. The packaging device is for example a case or a box suitable for being received in a handbag. Such a packaging device is particularly described in the documents WO 2013/004771 and WO 2013/178731, held by the Applicant, or in the documents U.S. Pat. No. 1,875,245, JPS60106508 and JPH01108207. 
     When the cosmetic article contained in the storage compartment is of the fluid or powdery product type, it is advantageous to provide a tight closure of said compartment by means of the plate. As such, the product is not liable to soil the inner surface of the lid, which generally includes a mirror. It is moreover preferable that the opening and closure of the device are easy, in spite of the presence of such a tight closure. 
     For this purpose, the invention relates to a packaging device of the aforementioned type, wherein: a housing is provided in the plate for receiving a second cosmetic article, said housing comprising a bottom and a side wall, said side wall being suitable for being deformed elastically so as to increase in diameter under the effect of moving the bottom and the second axis closer together; the device is suitable for adopting a contact configuration wherein the second edge of the plate is in contact with the inner surface of the lid, moving said lid toward the closed position then tending to move the plate toward the closed configuration by sliding said second edge against said inner surface; and the bottom of the housing is in contact with the base in the contact configuration, moving the plate toward the closed configuration then tending to move said bottom closer to the second axis. 
     According to further advantageous aspects of the invention, the packaging device comprises one or several of the following features taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination: 
     the elastically deformable side wall of the housing forms a seal such that, in the closed configuration of the plate, said seal is compressed by a lateral surface of the base, so as to close the storage compartment tightly; 
     the side wall forming a seal has a circular contour; 
     the first axis and the second axis are substantially parallel; 
     the base has a top surface situated facing the inner surface of the lid in the closed position, said top surface comprising two substantially parallel opposite edges, each of the first and second axes extending along one of said edges; 
     the first axis and the second axis are substantially perpendicular; 
     the lid includes a mirror, the inner surface being a reflective surface of the mirror; 
     the first cosmetic article is a cosmetic product and the second cosmetic article is an applicator of said cosmetic product. 
     The invention further relates to a method for using a device as described above, comprising the following steps: the plate, in the open configuration, is folded down toward the base; then the lid, in the open position, is folded down toward the base, so as to place the device in the contact configuration; then the lid is moved to the closed position, the movement of the lid causing sliding of the second edge of the plate against the inner surface of the lid, so as to move the plate to the closed configuration. 
     The invention further relates to a method for using a device comprising a seal as described above, said device further comprising means for locking the lid in the closed position, said method comprising the following steps: the lid in the closed position is unlocked; then the seal, compressed by a lateral surface of the base in the closed configuration, is deformed on moving away from said lateral surface, so as to pivot the plate toward the open configuration. 
    
    
     
       The invention will be easier to understand in view of the following description, provided solely as a non-restrictive example and with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a packaging device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of the device in  FIG. 1 , in a second configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section view of the device in  FIG. 1 , in a third configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of a packaging device according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a packaging device according to a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-section view of the device in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a packaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the device in  FIG. 7 , in the first configuration; and 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of the device in  FIG. 7 , in a second configuration. 
     
    
    
       FIGS. 1 to 3  show a packaging device  10 , according to a first embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 4  shows a packaging device  110 , according to a second embodiment of the invention. In the following description, unless specified otherwise, the elements described are similar for the devices  10  and  110  and are designated by the same reference numbers. 
     An orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z) is taken into consideration, with the direction Z representing the vertical. 
     The devices  10 ,  110 , of the makeup container type, include a base  12  and a lid  14  rotatable with respect to the base. The devices  10 ,  110  further comprise a plate  16 , also rotatable with respect to the base  12 . 
     The base  12  includes a bottom wall  18 , substantially planar and arranged in a plane (X, Y). The base  12  further includes side walls  19 , substantially arranged in planes (Y, Z). The base  12  further includes a front wall  20  and a rear wall  21 , substantially arranged in planes (X, Z). 
     In the examples in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the walls  19 ,  20 ,  21  form a substantially square or rectangular contour. Further, regular or irregular, contour shapes are also possible, particularly circular, polygonal or oblong shapes. 
     The front wall  20  is partially formed by a button  22  movable along the direction Y. Optionally, the button  22  is an element mounted on the front wall  20 . The button  22  is rigidly connected to a hook  23 . As described hereinafter, the button  22  and the hook  23  are part of a mechanism for locking the lid  14  in the closed position. 
     The base  12  further includes a top wall  24 , substantially planar and arranged in a plane (X, Y). The top wall  24 , connected to the walls  19 ,  20 ,  21 , has a substantially square or rectangular contour. 
     A central cavity  25  of the base  12  opens onto the top wall  24 . The central cavity  25  is arranged along an axis  26  parallel with Z. 
     From the bottom wall  18 , the cavity  25  includes a first side wall  27 , of cylindrical revolution shape. The first side wall  27  defines a compartment  28 , for receiving a first cosmetic article  29 . The first cosmetic article  29  is for example a cosmetic product intended to be applied on a surface of the body, such as a powder or a cream. 
     Opposite the bottom wall  18 , the first side wall  27  is extended by a shoulder  30  arranged in a plane (X, Y), then by a second side wall  31 . The second wall  31  has a cylindrical revolution shape, with a diameter greater than the diameter of the first wall  27 . 
     The second side wall  31  is connected to a truncated surface  32  which is flared at the top until it reaches the top wall  24  of the base. 
     At the rear wall  21  end, the top wall  24  includes a hollow surface  33 . The surface  33  is preferably situated in a corner of the top wall  24 . 
     In the embodiment in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the base  12  is formed from two parts interlocked with one another. A bottom part  34  comprises the side  19 , front  20  and rear  21  walls, as well as a portion of the bottom wall  18 . A top plate  35  comprises the top wall  24  and the walls of the cavity  25 . In one alternative embodiment, represented in  FIG. 4 , the side  19 , front  20  and rear  21  walls are rigidly connected to the top plate  35 . Further alternative embodiments are possible. 
     The plate  16  comprises a planar portion  36 , with a shape and dimensions similar to those of the top wall  24  of the base  12 . In particular, the planar portion  36  has a substantially square or rectangular contour. In a closed configuration of the device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , the planar portion  36  is arranged in a plane (X, Y). 
     A central housing  37  of the plate  16  opens onto the planar portion  36 . The central housing  37  includes a planar bottom  38 , substantially parallel with the planar portion  36 . The bottom  38  is connected to the planar portion  36  by a side wall  40 . The side wall  40  of the plate  16  has a circular cross-section, with a diameter similar to the diameter of the second side wall  31  of the base  12 . An embodiment of the side wall  40  of the plate  16  will be detailed hereinafter. 
     The central housing  37 , defined by the planar bottom  38  and the side wall  40 , is intended to receive a second cosmetic article  42 . The second cosmetic article  42  is for example an applicator for applying the cosmetic product  29 . In the example in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the second cosmetic article is a sponge  42  having a substantially circular contour. 
     The plate  16  is mounted on the base  12 , particularly on the top wall  24 , by means of two hinges  44 . The hinges  44  represent a first axis  46  of rotation of the plate  16  with respect to the base  12 . The first axis  46  is arranged in the vicinity of the front wall  20  of the base  12 , substantially parallel with said wall. 
     A first portion  48  of each hinge  44  is rigidly connected to the top wall  24  of the base  12 , in the vicinity of the front wall  20 . A second portion  50  of each hinge  44  is rigidly connected to the planar portion  36  of the plate  16 . Each second portion  50  forms a projection along Y with respect to a first edge  52  of the planar portion  36 . 
     A second edge  54  of the planar portion  36  is opposite the first edge  52 . According to one embodiment, the second edge  54  is substantially rectilinear. According to one alternative embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the second edge  54  has a curved shape, the convexity being oriented toward the outside of the plate  16 . 
     The plate  16  is movable between an open configuration, shown in  FIG. 1 , and the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 2 . In the closed configuration, the central housing  37  of the plate  16  is received in the cavity  25  of the base  12 , in such a way as to seal the compartment  28 . 
     More specifically, in the closed configuration, a peripheral portion of the planar bottom  38  of the housing  37  of the plate  16  is in contact with the shoulder  30  of the cavity  25  of the base  12 . 
     Furthermore, the device  10 ,  110  comprises means  56 ,  156  for forming a tight contact between the plate  16  and the second side wall  31  of the cavity  25 , in the closed configuration. In the embodiment in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , as described hereinafter, the means  56 ,  156  are rigidly connected to the plate  16 . 
     In the embodiment in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the means  56  of the device  10  comprise an outer surface  56  of the side wall  40  of the plate  16 , said side wall  40  having the shape of a torus portion. More specifically, as seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the side wall  40  has a curve in a plane passing through the axis  26 . A convexity of the curve is oriented opposite the axis  26 . In the open configuration, a maximum diameter of the outer surface  56  is slightly less than an internal diameter of the second side wall  31  of the cavity  25 . Furthermore, in the open configuration, a distance between the planar portion  36  and the planar bottom  38  of the housing  37  is slightly greater than a distance along Z between the top wall  24  of the base  12  and the shoulder  30 . 
     The side wall  40  is suitable for being deformed elastically in a plane passing through the axis  26 . More specifically, the side wall  40  is suitable for increasing in diameter under the effect of moving the planar portion  36  and the planar bottom  38  closer together, so as to come into contact with the second side wall  31 . The outer surface  56  thereby has a sealing function, forming a tight contact with the second side wall  31  of the cavity  25 . 
     The side wall  40  of the plate  16  is preferentially formed from an elastically deformable material, such as for example a thermoplastic elastomer such as SEBS, or a nitrile rubber (NBR), or a silicone. In the embodiment in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the wall  40  is for example molded onto the bottom  38  and then assembled with the planar portion  36 . 
     In the embodiment in  FIG. 4 , the wall  40  of the plate  16  is molded both onto the bottom  38  and onto the planar portion  36 . In a similar manner to that described above, the outer surface  156  of the wall  40  has a sealing function, forming a tight contact with the second side wall  31  of the cavity  25 . 
     In the embodiment in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the side wall  40  has a circular contour in a plane parallel with the planar portion  36 . However, further contour shapes can be envisaged, for example an oval contour. 
     Similarly, in a plane perpendicular to the planar portion  36 , the side wall  40  can have a cross-section of different shape to a torus portion. Said shape preferentially has a curved portion toward the outside of the housing  37 . 
     In the open configuration in  FIG. 1 , a bottom surface  58  of the bottom  38  is facing upward. In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the bottom surface  58  is smooth and even. According to a first alternative embodiment, the bottom surface  58  includes spikes or rough areas. According to a second alternative embodiment, the bottom surface  58  includes a decoration or writing. According to a third alternative embodiment, the bottom surface  58  includes a housing for a third cosmetic article. The third cosmetic article is for example a second cosmetic product, of the same type as the product  29  but of a different color. 
     The lid  14  includes an inner surface  60 , substantially planar. In a closed configuration of the lid  14 , which can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the inner surface is arranged in a plane (X, Y). 
     The inner surface  60  has a similar shape and dimensions to those of the top surface  24  of the base  12  and of the planar portion  36  of the plate  16 . The lid  14  particularly has a substantially square or rectangular contour. 
     In the embodiments in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the lid  14  includes a mirror  62 , with the inner surface  60  being the reflective surface of said mirror. 
     The lid  14  is mounted on the base  12 , by means of two hinges  64 . The hinges  64  represent a second axis  66  of rotation of the lid  14  with respect to the base  12 . The second axis  66  is arranged in the vicinity of the rear wall  21  of the base  12 , substantially parallel with said wall. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the second axis  66  is substantially parallel with the first axis  46  of rotation of the plate  16 , the two axes  46 ,  66  being substantially comprised in the same plane (X, Y). According to alternative embodiments, in a plane parallel with the second axis  66  and containing the first axis  46 , the first axis  46  forms an angle less than 90°, preferentially less than 30°, more preferentially between 0° and 10°, with a projection of the second axis  66 . Preferably, the first  46  and the second  66  axes are substantially coplanar and form an angle less than 90°, preferentially less than 30°, more preferentially less than 10°. 
     A first portion  68  of each hinge  64  is rigidly connected to the top wall  24  of the base  12 , in the vicinity of the rear wall  21 . A second portion  70  of each hinge  64  is rigidly connected to a first edge  72  of the lid  14 . 
     The lid  14  is movable between an open position, shown in  FIG. 1 , and the closed position shown in  FIG. 2 . In the closed position, the lid  14  covers the plate  16  in the closed configuration, the inner surface  60  facing or being in contact with the planar portion  36  of the plate  16 . 
     A second edge  74  of the lid  14 , opposite the first edge  72 , includes a groove  76  suitable for engaging with the hook  23  to lock the lid  14  in the closed position in  FIG. 2 . According to one alternative embodiment, the hook  23  and the groove  76  are replaced by a magnetic lock, for example by two magnets respectively borne by the button  22  and the lid  14 . 
     Optionally, the lid  14  includes perforations or vents (not shown) in order to put the housing  37  in communication with the outside of the device  10 ,  110  when said lid is in the closed position. The wet sponge  42  can as such dry inside the device  10 ,  110 , preventing risks of mold. 
       FIGS. 5-6 and 7-9  respectively show packaging devices  210 ,  211 , according to a third and a fourth embodiment of the invention. In the following description, unless specified otherwise, the elements of packaging devices  210  and  211  similar to those of the devices  10  and  110  are designated by the same reference numbers. 
     An orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z) is taken into consideration, with the direction Z representing the vertical. 
     In a manner similar to the devices  10 ,  110 , the device  210 ,  211  includes: a base  212 ; a plate  216  rotatably mounted on the base along a first axis  46 ; and a lid  214  rotatably mounted on the base along a second axis  66 ,  266 . 
     In a manner similar to the devices  10 ,  110 , the device  210 ,  211  also includes a mechanism  222  for locking the lid and base in a closed position. 
     As for the base  12  in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the base  212  includes a bottom wall  18 , substantially planar and arranged in a plane (X, Y). However, the base  212  further includes a side wall  219  having a substantially cylindrical revolution shape. The contour of the base  212  is thus substantially circular. 
     The base  212  further includes a top wall  224 , substantially planar and arranged in a plane (X, Y), having a substantially circular contour. 
     A central cavity  25  opens onto the top wall  224 . The central cavity  25  of the device  210 ,  211  matches the above description of the central cavity  25  of the device  10 ,  110 . In particular, the central cavity  25  includes two cylindrical side walls  27 ,  31 , connected by a shoulder  30  arranged in a plane (X, Y). The first side wall  27  defines a compartment  28 , for receiving a first cosmetic article such as the cosmetic product  29  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The first axis  46  of rotation of the plate  216  with respect to the base  212  is substantially parallel with X and arranged in the same plane (X, Y) as the top wall  224 , or in a nearby plane along Z thereof. As in the case of the devices  10 ,  110 , the plate  216  is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The closed configuration of the device  211  is particularly shown in  FIG. 9 , as a cross-section along a plane (X, Y). 
     The plate  216  includes a planar portion  236 , having a substantially circular contour, wherein a first edge is in contact with the axis of rotation  46 . A central housing  37  opens onto the planar portion  236 . The housing  37  is intended to receive a second cosmetic article such as the sponge  42  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The central housing  37  of the device  210 ,  211  matches the above description of the central housing  37  of the device  10 ,  110 . In particular, the central housing  37  includes a planar bottom  38 , substantially parallel with the planar portion  36 . The bottom  38  is connected to the planar portion  236  by an elastically deformable side wall  40 . 
     In the closed configuration, the central housing  37  is received in the cavity  25  of the base  12 , so as to seal the compartment  28 . A peripheral portion of the planar bottom  38  is then in contact with the shoulder  30  of the central cavity  25  of the base  212 . 
     As in the case of the devices  10 ,  110 , the side wall  40  is suitable for increasing in diameter under the effect of moving the planar portion  236  and the planar bottom  38  closer together. In the closed configuration, an outer surface  56  of the side wall  40  can thereby come into contact with the second side wall  31  of the central cavity  25 , to form a seal closing the compartment  28 . 
     The planar portion  236  includes a second edge  254 ,  255  situated away from the axis of rotation  46 . According to a first alternative embodiment, the second edge  254 ,  255  has the shape of an arc of a circle, having an equivalent radius to the rest of the planar portion  236 . According to a second alternative embodiment, corresponding to  FIGS. 5 to 9 , the second edge  254 ,  255  has a substantially rectilinear shape, parallel with the axis of rotation  46 . In the latter case, as described below, the second edge  254 ,  255  preferably includes a chamfer. 
     The lid  214  includes an inner surface  260 , substantially planar. The inner surface  260  has a similar shape and dimensions to those of the top surface  224  of the base  212  and of the planar portion  236  of the plate  216 . The lid  214  particularly has a substantially circular contour. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 5 to 9 , the inner surface  260  is formed by the reflective surface of a mirror  62 . 
     The second axis  66 ,  266  of rotation of the plate  214  with respect to the base  212  is arranged in the same plane (X, Y) as the top wall  224 , or in a nearby plane along Z thereof. As in the case of the devices  10 ,  110 , the lid  214  is movable between an open position and a closed position particularly shown in  FIG. 9 . In the closed position, the mirror  62  is in contact with the planar portion  236  of the plate  216 . 
     In the embodiment in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first  46  and second  66  axes are substantially parallel and arranged on either side of the central cavity  25 , similarly to the devices  10 ,  110 . The second edge  254  of the planar portion  236  of the plate  216  is situated opposite the axis of rotation  46  with respect to the housing  37 , so as to be close to the second axis  66  in the closed configuration of the plate  216 . 
     In the embodiment in  FIGS. 7 to 9 , in projection in a plane (X, Y), the second axis  266  forms an angle α with the first axis  46 . The angle α is less than or equal to, preferably less than, 90°. In the embodiment in  FIGS. 7 to 9 , the first  46  and second  266  axes are substantially perpendicular, the angle α being for example between 85° and 90°. As seen in  FIG. 9 , the second edge  255  of the planar portion  236  of the plate  216  is arranged so as to be close to the second axis  266  in the closed configuration of the plate  216 . 
     A method for operating the device  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  211  will now be described. In the open position of the lid  14 ,  214  and in the open configuration of the plate  16 ,  216 , as in  FIG. 1 , a user can extract cosmetic product  29  using the sponge  42  and apply it on surfaces of the body. Application is optionally monitored using the mirror  62 . The bottom surface  58  of the bottom  38  is optionally used for working the product  29  using the sponge  42 , or for wiping away excess product  29 , before application. In the case where the bottom surface  58  includes a housing for a second cosmetic product, both products can be used simultaneously. 
     When the application operations have been completed, the user folds down the plate  16 ,  216  toward the base  12 ,  212 , so as to insert the bottom  38  of the plate  16 ,  216  into the cavity  25  of the base  12 ,  212 . The bottom  38  comes into contact with the shoulder  30  of the cavity  25 . The plate  16  is then in the configuration seen in  FIG. 3 ; the plate  216  is then in the configuration seen in  FIGS. 5-6 and 7-8 . 
     In order to facilitate the switch to the closed configuration of the plate  16 ,  216 , the user then folds down the lid  14 ,  214  until the inner surface  60 ,  260  is in contact with the second edge  54 ,  254 ,  255  of the plate  16 ,  216 . 
     The plate  16  and the lid  14  of the device  10 ,  110  are then in a contact configuration shown in  FIG. 3 . The plate  216  and the lid  214  of the device  210  are then in a similar contact configuration, shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     In particular, the inner surface  60 ,  260  of the lid  14 ,  214  forms an angle β with the planar portion  36 ,  236  of the plate  16 ,  216 . Preferably, the angle β is between 5° and 60°. 
     The plate  216  and the lid  214  of the device  211  are in a further contact configuration shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the device  211  along a vertical plane perpendicular to the second axis  266  and substantially forming a plane of symmetry of the compartment  28 . In said vertical plane, the inner surface  260  of the lid  214  forms an angle γ with the planar portion  236  of the plate  216 . Preferably, the angle γ is between 5° and 60°. 
     In the case where the second edge  254 ,  255  is substantially rectilinear and chamfered, the shape of said chamfer is configured so as to enable a maximum contact surface area between said second edge  254 ,  255  and the inner surface  260  of the lid in the contact configuration, as seen in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . 
     From the contact configuration, the user applies a force on the lid  14 ,  214  tending to move the lid to the closed position. For example, the user presses on the top of the lid  14 ,  214 , particularly in the vicinity of the edge  74 . The movement of the lid  14 ,  214  slides the second edge  54 ,  254 ,  255  of the plate  16 ,  216  along the inner surface  60 ,  260 , toward the second axis  66 ,  266 . 
     The inner surface  60 ,  260  formed by a mirror  62  has a smooth texture which facilitates the sliding of the second edge  54 ,  254 ,  255 . 
     In the case of the devices  210 ,  211 , the second rectilinear, preferentially chamfered, edge  254 ,  255  has a greater contact surface area with the inner surface  260  than a circular edge. As such, the force to be applied to close the lid is lower. 
     The planar portion  36 ,  236  of the plate  16 ,  216  is as such folded down toward the top surface  24 ,  224  of the base  12 ,  212 . The bottom  38  of the housing  37  abutting against the shoulder  30 , the distance between the bottom  38  and the planar portion  36  decreases. This decrease induces an increase in diameter of the lateral outer surfaces  56 ,  156  of the wall  40 , until a tight contact is formed with the second side wall  31  of the cavity  25 . 
     The lid  14 ,  214  is then situated in the closed position, as shown for example in  FIG. 2 . The groove  76  fits onto the hook  23 , locking the lid  14 . 
     In a single action, the user can thus form a tight contact between the plate  16 ,  216  and the base  12 ,  212  and place the lid  14 ,  214  in the closed position. The movement of the plate  16 ,  216  by means of the lid  14 ,  214  provides leverage which minimizes the force required to switch the plate  16 ,  216  to the closed configuration. 
     In the closed position, the planar inner surface  60 ,  260  applies homogeneous pressure on the seal formed by the wall  40  and the second side wall  31 . In particular, such homogeneity of pressure is promoted by an inner surface  60 ,  260  formed by a mirror  62 . 
     Moreover, the compression between the second side wall  31  and the outer surface  56 ,  156  of the wall  40  makes it unnecessary to add a system for locking the plate  16 ,  216  in the closed configuration. 
     Conversely, in order to open the device  10 ,  110  from the closed position of the lid  14 , a user presses on the button  22  in order to disengage the hook  23  from the groove  76 . A similar device  222  makes it possible to open the lid  214  of the device  210 ,  211 . 
     Preferentially, once the lid  14 ,  214  is unlocked, the compression force applied by the wall  31  on the outer surface  56 ,  156  of the wall  40  tends to eject the central housing  37  of the plate  16 ,  216  outside the cavity  25  of the base  12 ,  212 . The planar portion  36 ,  236  and the bottom  38  of the plate  16 ,  216  thereby move away from one another. The plate  16  of the device  10  is situated in the contact configuration shown in  FIG. 3 . The plate  216  of the devices  210 ,  211  is situated in the contact configuration shown in  FIGS. 5-6 and 7-8 , respectively. 
     Ejecting the plate  16 ,  216  also tends to pivot the lid  14 ,  214  toward the open position, until the contact configuration in  FIG. 3  and  FIGS. 5-6 and 7-8 . The user can then complete the pivoting of the lid  14 ,  214  and the plate  16 ,  216  until the open configuration in  FIG. 1 , and pick up the sponge  42  stored in the housing  37 . 
     Alternatively for the device  10 ,  110 , if the housing  37  is not ejected automatically from the cavity  25 , the user pivots the unlocked lid  14  about the second axis  66 , until the open position, then the user inserts a finger between the plate  16  and the hollow surface  33  of the base  12 , so as to have sufficient pressure to lift and pivot the plate  16 . 
     The device  10 ,  110  is then situated in the configuration in  FIG. 1 , suitable for using the cosmetic articles  29 ,  42 . 
     The deployment of the lid  14 ,  214  and the plate  16 ,  216 , respectively on either side of the base  12 ,  212 , does not require a change of grip of the device  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  211  during the use thereof. 
     Preferentially, with the exception of the mirror  61  and the side wall  40 , the various elements forming the devices  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  211  are molded by injecting a polymer type thermoplastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) or a polypropylene, 
     The plate  16  of the device  110  is preferentially molded by bi-injection, firstly of the planar portion  36  and the bottom  38 , followed by the wall  40 . For the production of the plate  16  of the device  10 , the planar portion  36 , the bottom  38  and the side wall  40  can also be molded separately, and assembled. 
     The bottom part  34  and the top plate  35 , forming the base  12 , are preferentially molded separately before being assembled. 
     The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9  merely require  4  to  6  different injection molds to produce a device  10 ,  110 . By way of comparison, existing similar products require at least  7  injection molds.