The most common type of seal for airtight compacts is a face seal, but whilst this provides a compact which is easy to open, the efficiency and quality of such a seal tends to be variable. The present invention attempts to provide an improvement over this type of airtight compact, whilst maintaining the ease of opening of the cosmetic compact.

Accordingly there is provided a cosmetic compact comprising a base and a cover, cooperating with the base between open and closed positions and defining an internal space therebetween; a first feature associated with the base, and a second feature forming a bore seal with the first feature so as to form an airtight compartment when the cover is in its closed position with respect to the base, the second feature being movable with respect to the first in order to open the compartment; and a latch member adapted to releasably hold the cover in its closed position, wherein operation of the latch member causes the cover to be released from its closed position, and in addition applies a mechanical advantage to cause the bore seal to be separated and the airtight compartment to be opened.

Whilst the bore seal is generally considered to provide a more efficient seal than a face seal, it can provide such a firm seal that the compact is difficult for the user to open. The provision of a latch member

which applies a mechanical advantage to break the seal, allows the use of a bore seal whilst maintaining the ease of opening of the compact.

Preferably the first feature is a wall portion defining the perimeter of the airtight compartment, typically being integrally moulded with the base. The second feature is conveniently associated with the cover of the compact, such as in a standard two-piece compact.

Alternatively the second feature is associated with a dividing member positioned within the internal space, and being movable separately from the cover. Typically the dividing member is pivotably mounted to the base, to provide a compact known as a"2-cakes"compact. In this instance the dividing member conveniently includes a transparent portion through which the contents of the airtight compartment may be viewed.

The latch member is preferably pivotably mounted to the base, as is the cover and the dividing member (if one is provided). The latch member conveniently includes a detent adapted to receive a complementary portion of the cover of the compact, the latch member being such that an initial pivoting movement thereof releases the complementary portion from the detent. The latch member preferably also includes one or more cam surfaces adapted to contact the second feature such that a further pivoting movement of the latch member causes a corresponding movement of the second feature such as to break the bore seal of the airtight compartment. In this way, the latch member provides a mechanical advantage to

assist in the movement of the second feature and the breaking of the bore seal.

Preferably there is provided first and second cam surfaces on the latch member, adapted to contact first and second respective portions of the second member. The first cam surface may provide an initial movement to the second feature, with a high mechanical advantage but a limited distance of travel, whilst the second cam surface may provide a subsequent movement to the second feature with a lower mechanical advantage but a larger distance of travel. In this way an effective airtight seal may be provided without the worry that the seal may be so effective that it is difficult for the user of the compact to open the dividing member.

The invention further resides in a cosmetic compact comprising a base and a cover, cooperating one with the other between open and closed positions and defining an internal space therebetween; a dividing member positioned within the internal space and defining, together with the base, a sealed compartment; and a latch member adapted to releasably hold the cover in its closed position with respect to the base, the arrangement being such that a first movement of the latch member causes the cover to be released from its closed position, and a second movement of the latch member causes the seal of the compartment to be broken.

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic compact in accordance with the present invention; and Figs. 2 to 6 are schematic sectional views of the compact of Fig. 1, shown at different stages of opening.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a cosmetic compact is shown generally at 1, and comprises a base 2 and a cover 3 pivotably connected one to the other by means of a hinge mechanism 4. The base comprises a bottom wall 5 surrounded by an upturned peripheral side wall 6, the front side wall having a latch member 7 having a detent recess 8 which cooperates with a latch feature 9 on the cover 3 to secure the compact in its closed position. An upturned annular wall 10 is provided on the bottom wall 5, integrally moulded thereto. The annular wall 10 defines the perimeter of a compartment 11 in which a cosmetic preparation product 12 is received.

A dividing member 13 is also pivotably connected to the base 3, and comprises a floor 14, surrounded by an upturned side wall 15. An applicator pad 16 sits on the dividing member 13, and is constrained in position by a curved rib 17. The floor 14 of the dividing member 13 sits on the annular wall 10 to form the top of the compartment 11. An elastomeric sealing member 18 is secured to the underside of the dividing member 13, the periphery of the sealing member forming a bore seal with the annular wall 10, as shown generally at 19. Thus when the dividing member 13 lies on the annular wall 10, with the sealing member 18 forming a bore seal 19 therewith, the compartment 11 is generally airtight.

The dividing member 13 has an oval aperture 20 formed therein, filled by a window portion 21 of the elastomeric sealing member 18. The window portion 21 is generally transparent, allowing the user of the compact to view the contents of the compartment 11 from above, so as to check the colour and/or quantity of the cosmetic preparation 12 therein.

The latch member 7 is generally'L'shaped, with first and second arms 22 and 23 pivotable about pivot point 24. To open the compact, the user firstly presses in on arm 22 to pivot the latch member allowing the latch feature 9 on the cover to be removed from the detent recess 8. The cover may then be pivoted upwardly as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, exposing a mirror 25 attache to the underside of the cover 3 and allowing the applicator pad 16 to be removed for use.

To pivot the dividing member 13, and gain access to the product within the airtight compartment 11, the user continues to pivot the latch member 7 by pushing in on the arm 22, or alternatively and perhaps preferably by pulling back on the arm 23. This causes a first cam surface 26 to bear on the rim 27 of the side wall 15 urging it upwards to start to pull the elastomeric sealing member 18 away from the annular wall 10. This is the situation shown in Fig. 4. Further pivoting of the latch member causes a second cam surface 27, formed by the inner surface of the arm 22, to bear against an edge 28 of the floor 14. This is the situation shown in Fig. 5. The second cam surface 27 continues to pivot the dividing member 13 upwardly, breaking the bore seal 19,

and allowing the dividing member to be freely pivoted to its open position, providing access to the compartment 11 as shown in Fig. 6.

The action of cam surfaces 26 and 27 serve to withdraw the sealing member 18 from the compartment 11 and break the bore seal, before the dividing member is lifted manually, i. e. by the fingers of the user of the compact. This allows the use of a relatively rigid and effective sealing member, whilst still ensuring an easy to open compact.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a'2 cakes'compact with a dividing member 13, it will be appreciated that other constructions, such as having the elastomeric sealing member 18 directly attached to the cover 3, will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus the invention will be applicable both to'2 cakes'and'2 piece'compacts.