[TITLE OF INVENTION]

CASE FOR ACCOMMODATING FORMULA PRODUCT, COSMETIC TOOL COMPRISING SUCH A CASE, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A

COSMETIC TOOL

[TECHNICAL FIELD]

[0001] The present invention relates to a case for accommodating a formula product such as a lipstick. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic tool including such a case. Further, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a cosmetic tool.

[BACKGROUND ART]

[0002] Presently, various lipstick packagings, which are a type of cosmetic tool, exist in the market. Such packagings exhibit various appearances, but their internal structures are basically similar in that they include a spiral mechanism for moving the lip stick up and down.

[0003] The manufacturing costs for such a spiral mechanism have been optimized in recent years, but it remains impossible to provide a spiral mechanism at much lower cost than current levels because of the large number of parts and the complexity of the assembly. Therefore, a packaging including a spiral mechanism is not suited to emerging markets. In other words, setting aside the use for sales, it is difficult in terms of cost to use such a packaging for sampling.

[0004] Several solutions for this problem are known. For example, a lipstick packaging intended for one-time use exists, and this presents a simple solution.

However, such a packaging is disadvantageous because it looks very cheap compared to actual products intended for sale. Another simple solution exists in the form of a lipstick packaging intended for multiple-use, and this packaging has a pleasant appearance. However, this kind of multiple-use packaging is made up of at least two parts, and thus it has a relatively complex structure. Therefore, this packaging is not competitive for emerging markets.

[0005] Further conventional cosmetic tools have been disclosed in the following documents.

[0006] US7014045 discloses a compact case including a base member and a pair of covers which are swingably connected to the base member. This case is made up of many parts, and thus it has a complex structure. WOO 101815 discloses a packaging in which a slider on a cup allows a bullet to slide while two lids are slightly open. This packaging also includes a sliding mechanism, and thus its structure is complex. US 1758303 discloses a lipstick holder including two pipes which are swingably connected to each other. CN203121432 discloses a dual-lipstick packaging including a hinge between two bodies which both have a spiral mechanism.

[DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel case for accommodating a formula product, a novel cosmetic tool, for example make-up tool, including such a case, and a novel method for manufacturing such a cosmetic tool in order to ameliorate or eliminate the defects of the conventional technology.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the present invention provides a case for accommodating a formula product, the case including a base portion for supporting the formula product, a first shell portion which has an inner surface and an outer surface and extends from the base portion, a second shell portion which has an inner surface and an outer surface and extends from the base portion at a different location than the location at which the first shell portion extends, a first hinge portion disposed between the base portion and the first shell portion, and a second hinge portion disposed between the base portion and the second shell portion. According to the present invention, in a fully closed position in which the inner surface of the first shell portion and the inner surface of the second shell portion are facing each other, the first shell portion and the second shell portion can enclose the formula product to be supported by the base portion. Also, the first shell portion and the second shell portion may be swung, i.e. folded down, relative to the base portion until a fully open position in which their outer surfaces are facing each other. Preferably, the case is formed by integral molding as a single piece in which the first shell portion, the first hinge portion, the base portion, the second hinge portion, and the second shell portion are continuously connected in order.

[0009] A cosmetic tool according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the above-described case and a stick-shaped formula product formed from a formula which is solid at room temperature. The stick-shaped formula product is accommodated within the case in a state in which it is supported by the base portion of the case.

[0010] A method for manufacturing a cosmetic tool according to the present invention includes providing a case, preferably by integral molding, and installing a stick-shaped formula product onto a base portion of the obtained case. In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a cosmetic tool according to the present invention includes providing a case, preferably by integral molding, and injecting a formula which is solid at room temperature onto a base portion of the obtained case and solidifying it to form a stick-shaped formula product.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the case for accommodating the formula product is formed as a single piece in which the portions constituting the case are continuously connected in order. The case according to the present invention and the cosmetic tool according to the present invention which includes the case have a simple structure, are compact, and can be provided at an affordable cost compared to conventional products obtained by combining multiple individual components. Thus, the cosmetic tool according to the present invention is suited to emerging markets, or in other words it can be used for sampling in terms of the cost.

[0012] Further, during use of the cosmetic tool, a user can expose the formula product accommodated within the case with a simple operation of simply swinging, i.e. folding down, the two shell portions of the case. Thus, the cosmetic tool according to the present invention is extremely easy to use. In addition, after use of the cosmetic tool, a user can realize a suitable storage state of the formula product by simply swinging the two shell portions in the opposite direction from that during use. Thus, the user can hygienically store or easily carry the cosmetic tool according to the present invention.

[0013] Although not limited thereto, as the formula product (or formula for constituting a formula product), mention may be made various substances including a lipstick, a lip balm, a compact foundation, a soap, a deodorant/antiperspirant stick, a solid perfume, a hair wax, a blush, a concealer, an eye shadow, an eyeliner, a kohl, and any other product that is solid and releasable at room temperature. Further, the formula product includes hair care products and skin care products.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second shell portions may be symmetrical with regard to their shapes. However, an embodiment in which the first and second shell portions are asymmetrical with regard to their shapes can also be implemented.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base portion may have a cup shape which can accommodate one end of the formula product. Although not limited thereto, as a cross-section shape of an inner space of the cup, and thus a cross-section shape of the formula product, mention may be made of various shapes such as a tear drop, a circle, an oval, a triangle, a square, a polygon with five or more sides, a star, and the like. These shapes are possible because the cosmetic tool according to the present invention advantageously does not have a mechanism, particularly a spiral mechanism, which restricts the cross-section shape of the formula product. Further, in the case that the base portion has a cup shape, the base portion can include at least one rib, and preferably a plurality of ribs, that engages with one end of the formula product.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second shell portions may have a lock mechanism, such as a concavo-convex engaging mechanism, for preventing the first and second shell portions from

unintentionally opening at an end on the opposite side of the end at which the first and second shell portions contact the first and second hinge portions.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second hinge portions may be made of a different material than that which constitutes the base portion and the first and second shell portions. For example, the first and second hinge portions can be made of rubber or plastic which is softer than the material that constitutes the base portion and the first arid second shell portions. This embodiment can be realized by, for example, dual injection.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base portion may simultaneously support two or more formula products. For example, the base portion can have two or more cups for supporting a formula product.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a cosmetic tool including the above-described case and a stick-shaped formula product including a formula and a stick body in which the formula is retained, wherein the stick-shaped formula product is accommodated within the case in a state in which it is supported by the base portion of the case. The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing this cosmetic tool including providing a case, preferably by integral molding, providing a stick-shaped formula product by retaining a formula in a stick body, for example by soaking a stick body consisting of an absorbent material such as a sponge, a felt, or the like in a liquid formula, and installing the obtained

stick-shaped formula product onto a base portion of the case.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the present invention provides a cosmetic tool including the above-described case and a formula product formed from a formula that is solid at room temperature, wherein a base portion of the case has a stick-shaped region, and the formula product is accommodated within the case in a state in which it is supported on a surface of the stick-shaped region. The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing this cosmetic tool including providing a case whose base portion has a stick-shaped region, preferably by integral molding, and forming a formula product by retaining a formula which is solid at room temperature on a surface of the stick-shaped region of the base portion.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0021] The present invention can be better understood upon a careful reading of the following explanations regarding non-limiting, representative embodiments of the present invention while referring to the attached drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cosmetic tool according to the present invention, in which a case is in a fully open position.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates the cosmetic tool shown in FIG. 1 in a state in which the case is in a fully closed position.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates the cosmetic tool in a state during a transition from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 1 or the reverse thereof.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the case which constitutes the cosmetic tool shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in which the case is in a state immediately after

manufacture.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of the case along line X-X in FIG. 4.

[0027] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a circle A portion of FIG. 5.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a base portion of the case shown in FIGS. 4 to

6.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cosmetic tool according to the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the cosmetic tool according to the present invention in a state during manufacture.

[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the cosmetic tool according to the present invention in a state during manufacture. [BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION]

[0032] FIGS. 1 to 7 illustrate one embodiment of a cosmetic tool and a case according to the present invention. A cosmetic tool 1 illustrated in these drawings includes a case 10 and a stick-shaped formula product 20 formed from a formula that is solid at room temperature. As will be explained in further detail below, the case 10 includes a base portion 11 for supporting the formula product 20 and a first shell portion 12 and a second shell portion 13 which extend from the base portion 11. [0033] In the state shown in FIG. 2 in which the case 10 is in a fully closed position (i.e. a storage state), the formula product 20 is accommodated within the case 10 in a state in which it is supported by the base portion 11. When a user wishes to apply the formula product 20 to the lips, the user swings, i.e. folds down, the first shell portion 12 and the second shell portion 13 relative to the base portion 11 approximately 180 degrees passing through the state shown with solid lines in FIG. 3 to the position indicated by Si in FIG. 3. As a result, the cosmetic tool 1 ultimately enters a state in which it can be used as shown in FIG. 1. In this state, the user can simultaneously grip the shell portions 12 and 13 which are stacked on each other to operate the cosmetic tool 1. After use, the first shell portion 12 and the second shell portion 13 are swung relative to the base portion 11 from the position indicated by Si in FIG. 3 passing through the state shown with solid lines in FIG. 3 to the position indicated by S ₂ in FIG. 3.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the formula that constitutes the formula product 20 is a lip paint, and thus the formula product 20 is a lipstick. However, in addition to a lipstick, as the formula product (or formula for constituting the formula product), mention may be made of various substances including a lip balm, a compact foundation, a soap, a deodorant/antiperspirant stick, a solid perfume, a hair wax, a blush, a concealer, an eye shadow, an eyeliner, a kohl, and any other product that is solid and releasable at room temperature.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates the case 10 which accommodates the formula product 20 in a state before the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 have been bent, or in other words in a state immediately after the case 10 has been manufactured, preferably by integral molding. As was explained above and will be explained further below, by swinging the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 so that they cover the base portion 11 together, or in other words folding them in the upwards direction in FIG. 4 relative to the base portion 11, the case 10 enters the closed state shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] As can be understood from FIG. 5 which illustrates a cross-section thereof, in addition to the base portion 11 and the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 explained above, the case 10 includes a first hinge portion 14 disposed between the base portion 11 and the first shell portion 12 and a second hinge portion 15 disposed between the base portion 11 and the second shell portion 13. The first shell portion 12 has an inner surface 12a and an outer surface 12b. Meanwhile, the second shell portion 13, which extends from the base portion 11 at a different location than the location at which the first shell portion 12 extends, also has an inner surface 13a and an outer surface 13b. In the present embodiment, the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 are symmetrical with regard to their shapes. However, this is not essential, and the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 can be asymmetrical with regard to their shapes.

[0037] As can be best understood from FIG. 6 which is an enlarged view of a portion of the case 10, the first and second hinge portions 14 and 15 are obtained by thinning the connection portions between the base portion 11 and the first and second shells 12 and 13. The first hinge portion 14 connects the base portion 11 and the first shell portion 12 so that the first shell portion 12 can be easily folded relative to the base portion 11. Meanwhile, the second hinge portion 15 also connects the base portion 11 and the second shell portion 13 so that the second shell portion 13 can be easily folded relative to the base portion 11.

[0038] The case 10 is formed, preferably by integral molding (for example, injection molding) as a single piece in which the first shell portion 12, the first hinge portion 14, the base portion 11, the second hinge portion 15, and the second shell portion 13 are continuously connected in order. In the present embodiment, the case 10 is manufactured using polypropylene, but another appropriate material can also be used.

[0039] In the case 10 constituted as described above, due to the existence of the first and second hinges 14 and 15, the first and second shells 12 and 13 can completely enclose the formula product 20 supported by the base portion 11 in the fully closed position in which the inner surface 12a of the first shell portion 12 and the inner surface 13a of the second shell portion 13 are facing each other. Therefore, the user can hygienically store or easily carry the formula product 20. Further, as explained above, due to the existence of the first and second hinges 14 and 15, the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 can be swung, i.e. folded down, relative to the base portion 11 to the fully open position in which their outer surfaces 12b and 13b are facing each other as shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] The base portion 11 has a cup shape which can accommodate one end of the formula product 20. In the present embodiment, the formula product 20 has a tear drop-shaped cross-section, and thus the cross-section shape of the cup-shaped inner space of the base portion 11 also has a tear drop shape. Further, as can be understood from FIG. 7, the base portion 11 includes a plurality of ribs 11a. The ribs 11a engage with one end of the formula product 20, and thereby prevent the formula product 20 from rotating or falling out. In the present embodiment, the ribs 1 la are triangle shaped, but the ribs 11a can have any shape.

[0041] The first and second shell portions 12 and 13 have a lock mechanism 16 on their free ends, or in other words on the ends on the opposite side of the ends where the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 contact the first and second hinge portions 14 and 15. The lock mechanism 16 prevents the first and second shells 12 and 13 from unintentionally opening. In the present embodiment, the lock mechanism 16 is realized as a concavo-convex engaging mechanism. In more detail, the lock mechanism 16 is constituted by an indent 17 formed on an end surface of the first shell portion 12 and a claw 18 having a protrusion 18a that can engage with the indent 17. The claw 18 is formed integrally with the second shell portion 13 on an end surface thereof. In a state in which the protrusion 18a of the claw 18 is engaged with the indent 17, the case 10 is locked so that the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 cannot open.

[0042] When manufacturing the cosmetic tool 1, first, the case 10 is provided, preferably by integral molding, particularly injection molding. In the state

immediately after manufacture, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 of the case 10 are aligned linearly sandwiching the base portion 11 therebetween. Next, the stick-shaped formula product 20, i.e. a lipstick, is installed by, for example, press fitting into the base portion 11 of the case 10 which has been obtained. Finally, the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 are bent upwards relative to the base portion 11 , or in other words bent so that the formula product 20 is enclosed by the first and second shell portions 12 and 13. Thereby, the cosmetic tool 1 in the state shown in FIG. 2 is obtained.

[0043] The cosmetic tool 1 can also be manufactured by an alternate method. In this method as well, first, the case 10 is provided, preferably by integral molding. Next, a formula that has been liquefied at high temperature (but is solid at room temperature), i.e. a lip paint, is injected onto the base portion 11 of the case 10 which has been obtained, and then solidified to form the stick- shaped formula product 20. Subsequently, the first and second shell portions 12 and 13 are bent to obtain the cosmetic tool 1 in the state shown in FIG. 2.

[0044] In one embodiment, the base portion 11 , the first and second shell portions 12 and 13, and the first and second hinge portions 14 and 15 are all constituted by the same material, particularly polypropylene. However, the first and second hinge portions 14 and 15 can be constituted by a different material from the material that constitutes the base portion 11 and the first and second shell portions 12 and 13. In such an embodiment, the case 10 is manufactured using, for example, dual injection, which is a type of integral molding. In more detail, the first and second hinge portions 14 and 15 are constituted by, for example, rubber, or a plastic that is softer than the material that constitutes the base portion 11 and the first and second shell portions 12 and 13.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment of the cosmetic tool according to the present invention, the base portion of the case can be constituted so that it can

simultaneously support multiple formula products. FIG. 8 illustrates such a

"multi-applicator" type of a cosmetic tool 101. As shown in FIG. 8, a base portion 110 includes a first region 110a and a second region 110b, and a third hinge portion 110c that connects the first and second regions to each other. These portions 110a to 110c are continuously connected. Two formula products 120 of different types, for example two lipsticks of different shades, are installed respectively in the first region 110a and the second region 110b.

[0046] Next, referring to FIG. 9, another alternative embodiment of the cosmetic tool according to the present invention will be explained. FIG. 9 illustrates the alternative embodiment in a state during manufacture. As shown in FIG. 9, a cosmetic tool 201 includes a case 210 formed as a single piece, preferably by integral molding and a stick-shaped formula product 220 to be installed onto a base portion 211 of the case 210. The case 210 can be substantially the same as that explained above. In this cosmetic tool 201, the stick-shaped formula product 220 is ultimately

accommodated in the case 210 in a state in which it is supported by the base portion 211 of the case 210.

[0047] In this alternative embodiment, the stick-shaped formula 220 is constituted by a formula and a stick body 222 that retains the formula. In further detail, the stick body 222 is constituted by an absorbent material such as a sponge, and the formula is impregnated in the stick body 222. This alternative embodiment is particularly suited for formula products such as a foundation or eye shadow. In addition to a sponge, the stick body 222 can be constituted by, for example, a brush, a felt tip, or a flocked tip. However, in the case of accommodating a formula that is liquid at room temperature, a high degree of sealing capability is likely required for the case 210 compared to the case of accommodating a formula product constituted by a formula that is solid at room temperature.

[0048] During manufacture of the cosmetic tool 201 shown in FIG. 9, first, the case 210 is provided, preferably by integral molding. Next, the stick-shaped formula product 220 is formed by retaining a formula in the stick body 222, for example by submerging the stick body 222 into a formula that is liquid at room temperature or submerging the stick body 222 into a formula that has been liquefied at high

temperature and then cooling and solidifying it. Next, the stick-shaped formula body 220 obtained as described above is installed on the base portion 211 of the case 210. Finally, the first and second shell portions 212 and 213 are bent to obtain the cosmetic tool 201 which accommodates the formula product 220.

[0049] Next, referring to FIG. 10, a further alternative embodiment of the cosmetic tool according to the present invention will be explained. FIG. 10 illustrates the alternative embodiment in a state during manufacture. A cosmetic tool 301 shown in FIG. 10 includes a case 310 formed as a single piece, preferably by integral molding and a formula product 320 (indicated by the virtual lines in FIG. 10) formed from a formula that is solid at room temperature. However, in contrast to the embodiments explained above, in this alternative embodiment, a base portion 311 of the case 310 includes a stick-shaped region 311 a as can be seen in FIG. 10. The formula product 320 is ultimately accommodated in the case 310 in a state in which it is supported on the surface of the stick-shaped region 311a.

[0050] During manufacture of the cosmetic tool 301 shown in FIG. 10, first, the case 310 in which the base portion 311 has the stick-shaped region 311 a is provided, preferably by integral molding. Next, the formula product 320 is formed by retaining a formula that is solid at room temperature on the surface of the stick-shaped region 31 la by immersion, spraying, or some other method. Finally, the first and second shell portions 312 and 313 are bent to obtain the cosmetic tool 301 which accommodates the formula product 320.

[0051] Various embodiments of the present invention have been explained with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The various features of the above-described embodiments can be combined together as long as such combination is possible in principle. Various corrections, modifications, and other embodiments would be obvious to those skilled in the art. Any such corrections, modifications, and other embodiments are included within the category of the present invention.