(19)
(11) EP 3 636 101 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
15.04.2020 Bulletin 2020/16

(21) Application number: 18200258.4

(22) Date of filing: 12.10.2018
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A45D 33/20(2006.01)
A45D 33/28(2006.01)
A45D 33/26(2006.01)
A45D 40/24(2006.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA ME
Designated Validation States:
KH MA MD TN

(71) Applicant: Essentia Beauty S.r.l.
20090 Monza (IT)

(72) Inventor:
  • DE MARTINO, Katia
    20090 Monza (IT)

(74) Representative: Mati, Silvia et al
Thinx S.r.l. P.le Luigi Cadorna, 10
20123 Milano
20123 Milano (IT)

   


(54) COMPACT COSMETIC CASE


(57) The present invention concerns a cosmetic case (10) comprising an outer cover (11) having a substantially hollow elongated shape defined by a lateral wall (11d) extending along a first axis (A) between a first (11a) and a second end (11b), thereby defining an inner elongated housing chamber (12) open at at least one end; and an inner body (13) provided with at least one receptacle (21) for housing a cosmetic product or a cosmetic article, wherein the inner body (13) has an elongated shape developing along a second axis (B) parallel to or coinciding with the first axis (A), the inner body (13) being provided with a lateral surface (13a) developing around the second axis (B), and a first (13c) and a second (13f) end surface transverse to the second axis (B); wherein the at least one receptacles (21) is provided at the lateral surface (13a) of the inner body (13); and is characterized in that the lateral wall (11d) of the outer cover is provided with at least one opening (11c;11e) and in that the inner body (13) is stably retained inside the housing chamber (12) and is rotatable with respect to the outer cover (11) around the first (A) and/or the second (B) axis.




Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION



[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for containing cosmetic articles and, more particularly, to a cosmetic case for containing a plurality of cosmetic articles in a compact manner, like e.g. cosmetic products and cosmetic accessories. It relates in particular, although not exclusively, to cosmetic cases for containing lipstick, mascara, lip-gloss, foundation, eye shadow or blusher, nail varnish, make-up mirrors and make-up brushes.

[0002] Make-up generally requires the use of a plurality of cosmetic products and cosmetic articles comprising, amongst others, foundation and blusher for the face skin, eye shadow and mascara for the eyes, lipstick or lip-gloss for the lips, nail varnish, a make-up mirror and a make-up brush. Moreover, user's usually have the necessity to carry all of the cosmetic products and articles necessary to apply make-up in small handbags.

[0003] Accordingly, Applicant identified the need for a cosmetic case suitable for storing a plurality of different cosmetic products and/or articles in order to reduce the number of items to be carried by a user for applying make-up.

[0004] The known cosmetic cases for containing a plurality of cosmetic products are usually provided with substantially planar elongated housings made of two half parts hinged to each other along one of the longer sides, like e.g. the case shown in the registered E.U. design n. 003241116-0001.

[0005] Such kind of cosmetic cases usually comprise a plurality of basin-like receptacles formed in at least one of the half-parts and filled with a plurality of cosmetic products in powder or paste-like form. Also, a receptacle for a thin make-up brush may be provided. Moreover, the second half-part of the housing usually carries a make-up mirror.

[0006] The known cosmetic cases according to the kind described above, although being compact and being suitable for storing a plurality of cosmetic products and articles, are not suitable for containing cosmetic products like lipstick, mascara, lip-gloss, nail varnish which, on the contrary, are usually stored in elongated tubular cases. As a result, these items may be dropped loosely in a handbag or stored in a larger cosmetic bag, making them hard to find or making the overall cosmetic products to occupy too much space to be carried in small handbags. Moreover, cosmetic cases for storing cosmetic products like lipstick, mascara, lip-gloss, nail varnish etc. as the one described in U.S. patent application n. 13/226,885 are also known. The cosmetic case of U.S. 13/226,885 is shaped as an extended box into which elongated tubular cases fit best. On the contrary, it is not optimized for the storage of cases having different shapes. Accordingly, cosmetic products in powder or paste-like form need to be carried in a separate case, thereby resulting to be too bulky to be constantly carried in a handbag.

[0007] Not least, the need of separate cosmetic cases makes the application of make-up difficult to be handled on the go, namely in conditions where the user could be obliged to hold in the hand the plurality of cosmetic products and cosmetic articles while simultaneously applying make-up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



[0008] Accordingly, Applicant contemplated the problem of overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks, and, in particular, the problem of reducing the overall space occupied by the plurality of cosmetic products and articles necessary to apply make-up and, at the same time, to provide a cosmetic case which would allow a user to easily handle the application of make-up on the go.

[0009] Within the scope of the above problem, the Applicant considered the objective of realizing a cosmetic case suitable for storing a plurality of cosmetic products and cosmetic articles in a compact manner irrespective of the nature and shape of the cosmetic products and articles and to minimize the number of loose elements which need to be removed to apply make-up.

[0010] Accordingly, in a first aspect of the present invention, a cosmetic case comprising an outer cover having a substantially hollow elongated shape defined by a lateral wall extending along a first axis between a first and a second end, thereby defining an inner elongated housing chamber open at at least one end; an inner body provided with at least one receptacle for housing a cosmetic product or a cosmetic article, wherein the inner body has an elongated shape developing along a second axis parallel to or coinciding with the first axis, the inner body being provided with a lateral surface developing around the second axis, and a first and a second end surface transverse to the second axis; wherein the at least one receptacle is provided at the lateral surface of the inner body; characterized in that the lateral wall of the outer cover is provided with at least one opening and in that the inner body is stably retained inside the housing chamber and is rotatable with respect to the outer cover around the first and/or the second axis.

[0011] Applicant realized that the arrangement of the receptacles for cosmetic products on a surface which develops around an axis, in addition to a cover which allows access to the cosmetic products without the necessity of being removed, offers a very compact and handy case which, on the one hand, allows storing a plurality of different cosmetic products and articles, and on the other hand, can be easily held while applying the make-up.

[0012] The present invention in at least one of the above aspects may have at least one of the following preferred features; the latter may in particular be combined with each other as desired to meet specific implementation purposes.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, at least one retaining projection is provided on an inner surface of the lateral wall of the outer cover or on the lateral surface of the inner body, the at least one retaining projection engaging in a trail guide recess at least partially developing around the first and/or the second axis, wherein the trail guide recess is respectively obtained on the lateral surface of the inner body or on the inner surface of the lateral wall of the outer cover, wherein the at least one retaining projection is free to slide inside the trail guide.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one opening is a slot-shaped opening running along the lateral wall parallel to the first axis and, particularly, ending at the first end of the outer cover.

[0015] In a more preferred embodiment, the lateral surface of the inner body comprises a slot-shaped recess running along the lateral surface parallel to the second axis and ending at the first end surface of the inner body facing the first end of the outer cover.

[0016] In an even more preferred embodiment, the cosmetic case further comprises a stopping element insertable into a cavity defined by the overlap of the slot-shaped opening and the slot-shaped recess for blocking the outer case and/or the inner body against a reciprocal rotation.

[0017] Preferably, at a perimeter wall of the slot-shaped recess at least one first coupling element is provided and the stopping element comprises at least one second coupling element which couples with the at least one first coupling element in order to assure a stable retention of the stopping element inside the cavity defined by the overlap of the slot-shaped opening and the slot-shaped recess.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the stopping element comprises a telescopic body made in at least two parts movable one with respect to the other between an extracted configuration in which a first part is extracted with respect to a second part and houses inside a plurality of bristles of a brush connected to the second part, and a retracted configuration in which the first part is inserted in the second part and the plurality of bristles is released and freely accessible.

[0019] In another a preferred embodiment, the at least one opening is a window-like opening allowing to access the at least one receptacle when the inner body and the outer cover are in a reciprocal arrangement so that the at least one window-like opening and the at least one receptacle at least partially overlap.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, at least one first stop element is provided on an inner surface of the lateral wall of the outer cover and a plurality of second stop elements each configured for releasably engaging with the first stop element is provided on the lateral surface of the inner body at predefined angular positions in order to define a plurality of relative angular positions between the outer cover and the inner body when the at least one first stop element engages with a second stop element of the plurality of stop elements.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, at least one elongated receptacle is provided inside the inner body, the elongated receptacle extending coaxially to the second axis and being accessible through an aperture obtained on the first and/or second end surface of the inner body.

[0022] The applicant realized that the provision of an additional receptacle accessible through an aperture on the transversal faces and developing parallel to the main axis allows the simultaneous storing of products of different shapes, like e.g. cosmetic products traditionally stored in elongated tubular cases (i.e. lipstick, lip-gloss, mascara etc.).

[0023] In a more preferred embodiment, the cosmetic case further comprises an axial applicator, the axial applicator being shaped so as to be at least partially insertable into the elongated receptacle by an axial movement.

[0024] In an even more preferred embodiment, the inner body comprises a mechanism for releasably retaining the axial applicator within the elongated receptacle.

[0025] Preferably, the mechanism for releasably retaining the axial applicator within the elongated receptacle is at least one between a screw coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling and a push-pull coupling.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the axial applicator internally defines a chamber configured to house a cosmetic product or a cosmetic article, or wherein the axial applicator is a make-up brush applicator for applying a make-up product stored inside the elongated receptacle.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the lateral surface of the inner body comprises at least one basin-shaped recess inside of which the at least one receptacle or a cosmetic article is arranged, the basin-shaped recesses being in particular obtained on a portion of the lateral surface angularly displaced around the second axis with respect to a neighbouring portion of the lateral surface bearing a recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



[0028] With reference to the attached drawings, further features and advantages of the present invention will be shown by means of the following detailed description of some of its preferred embodiments.

[0029] According to the above description, the several features of each embodiment can be unrestrictedly and independently combined with each other in order to achieve the advantages specifically deriving from a certain combination of the same.

[0030] In the said drawings,
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic case according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in a closed configuration;
  • Fig. 2 is a section view of the cosmetic case as in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the cosmetic case as in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a cosmetic case according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in a closed configuration;
  • Fig. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the cosmetic case as in Fig. 4, illustrated during opening;
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cosmetic case as in Fig. 4, illustrated in an open configuration;
  • Fig. 8 is a section view of the cosmetic case as in Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the cosmetic case as in Fig. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION



[0031] In the figures and in the following description, identical reference numerals or symbols are used to indicate constructive elements with the same function. Moreover, for the sake of clarity of illustration, it is possible that some references are not repeated in all of the figures.

[0032] While the invention can be subject to modifications, or be implemented in alternative ways, in the drawings some preferred embodiments are shown which will be discussed in detail in the following. However, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described, but on the contrary, the invention is meant to cover all the modifications or alternative and equivalent implementations which fall within the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0033] Expressions like "example given", "etc.", "or" indicate non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless expressly differently indicated. Expressions like "comprising" and "including" have the meaning of "comprising or including, but not limited to" unless expressly differently indicated.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a cosmetic case 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cosmetic case 10 comprises an outer cover 11 having a substantially hollow tubular shape defined by a lateral wall 11d which develops along a first axis A between a first blind end and 11a a second open end 11b and thereby defines an inner elongated housing chamber 12 open at one end.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the cosmetic case 10 also comprises an inner body 13 having an elongated shape which develops along a second axis B which can be parallel or coincide with the first axis A (as shown in the figures). By way of an example, the elongated shape of the inner body 13 may be a pyramidal or pyramidal frustum shape, a conical or conical frustum shape or a tubular shape with a polygonal or circular section or equivalent sections e.g. an oval section.

[0036] According to the first preferred embodiment, the inner body 13 is axially symmetric with respect to the second axis B and, particularly, the lateral surface 13a of the inner body 13 has a circular section. Moreover, the first A and the second B axis coincide.

[0037] The inner body 13 is shaped so as to be housed inside the housing chamber 12 and rotatable with respect to the same 12 around the first A or the second axis B. In order to be able to rotate inside the housing chamber 12, at each point along the main axes A or B, the maximum transversal dimension of the section of the inner body 13 needs to be less than the diameter of the maximum circumference inscribed within the section of the housing chamber 12, both sections being orthogonal to the axes A or B. With "maximum transversal dimension", the longest line segment joining two points of a perimeter of an inner body section area is meant.

[0038] On a lateral surface 13a of the elongated inner body 13, at least one basin-shaped recess 13b is provided. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, there are four basin-shaped recesses 13b, each being obtained on a portion of the lateral surface 13a displaced by 90° around the second axis B with respect to a neighbouring portion bearing a recess 13b. However, also a different arrangement of the portions bearing a recess are possible. The basin-shaped recesses 13b shown in Fig. 3 are configured to house a receptacle 21 filled with a cosmetic product or containing a cosmetic article (e.g. a make-up brush), or a cosmetic article itself, like e.g. a mirror 23. The basin-shaped recesses 13b may be filled with a supporting structure 24 which simplifies the gluing of the receptacles 21 and/or of the mirror 23.

[0039] The outer cover 11 has at least one window-like though opening 11c on the lateral wall 11d in order to allow access to at least one basin-shaped recess 13b of the inner body 13 inserted in the cover 11. By rotating the outer cover 11 with respect to the inner body 13 as shown by the arrow in Fig. 1, it is possible to overlap the at least one window-like opening 11c with the at least one basin-shaped recess 13b in order to access the cosmetic product 21 or the cosmetic article 23 housed inside the recess 13b.

[0040] The outer cover 11 is coupled to the inner body 13 in order to be fixed against reciprocal axial movements but free to rotate one with respect to the other around the first A and/or the second B axes.

[0041] In the first preferred embodiment of Fig. 3, a plurality of retaining projections 27 is provided on an inner surface of the lateral wall 11d of the outer cover 11. The retaining projections 27 engage in a trail guide recess 22 obtained on the lateral surface 13a of the inner body 13 and are free to slide inside the trail guide 22, thereby allowing reciprocal rotation between the outer cover 11 and the inner body 13. Also, an opposite configuration is possible, in which the plurality of retaining projections 27 is provided on the lateral surface 13a of the inner body 13 and the trail guide recess 22 is obtained on the inner surface of the lateral wall 11d of the outer cover 11.

[0042] Once the outer cover 11 is assembled on the inner body 13 and the retaining projections 27 engage in the trail guide 22, the outer cover 11 is fixed with respect to the inner body 13 against reciprocal axial movements along the first A and second B axes, but is free to rotate around the first A and/or second B axis.

[0043] Moreover, a first projecting stop element 28 is also provided on the inner surface of the lateral wall 11d of the outer cover 11. The first stop element 28 is provided at an angular position corresponding to an angular position of the barycentre of the window-like opening 11c.

[0044] Similarly, at each angular position corresponding to an angular position of the barycentre of the recesses 13b, a second recessed stop element 29 is provided on the lateral surface 13a of the inner body 13, wherein the recessed stop element 29 is configured for releasably engaging with the projecting stop element 28. Also, an opposite configuration is possible, in which the first stop element 28 is a recessed element and the second stop element 29 are projecting elements.

[0045] Accordingly, when the barycentre of window-like opening 11c angularly overlaps the barycentre of a recess 13b, the first stop element 28 engages in the corresponding second stop element 29 thereby assuring a stable and aligned overlapping between the window-like opening 11c and the corresponding recess 13b. When the first stop element 28 engages into the second stop element 29, the user feels a "click" that indicates that the cover has reached the aligned position.

[0046] However, also different implementations of a rotatable engagement between the outer cover 11 and the inner body 13 are possible, like e.g. an axial pin (not shown) rotatably connecting the first blind end 11a of the outer cover 11 to a first end surface 13c of the inner body facing the first blind end 11a and provided with a plurality of stable rest positions.

[0047] At a second end surface 13f of the inner body 13 arranged outside the housing chamber 12, the inner body 13 comprises an aperture 13d which allows to access an elongated receptacle 15 provided inside the inner body 13 and extending along the second axis B. Fig. 3 also shows an axial applicator 16 shaped so as to be able to be inserted into the elongated receptacle 15 provided inside the inner body 13.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 2, inside the axial applicator 16 a chamber is defined which is configured to house a cosmetic product 14 (like e.g. lipstick, mascara, lip-gloss, nail varnish) or a cosmetic article (like e.g. a make-up brush). In alternative embodiments (not shown), the axial applicator 16 is a make-up brush applicator (e.g. for applying mascara or lip-gloss) for applying a make-up product stored inside the elongated receptacle 15 and the elongated receptacle 15 itself is filled with a cosmetic product, in particular with a liquid or viscous cosmetic product (e.g. mascara or lip-gloss).

[0049] The axial applicator of Fig. 3 is provided with an axial grip handle 16a which in the closed configuration, projects from the elongated receptacle 15 when the axial applicator 16 is inserted in the receptacle 15. This allows easily extracting the axial applicator 16 from the receptacle 15.

[0050] Inside the elongated receptacle 15 of the inner body 13, a mechanism for releasably retaining the axial applicator 16 within the elongated receptacle 15 is provided.

[0051] According to the first preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the mechanism for releasably retaining the axial applicator 16 within the elongated receptacle 15 comprises a plurality of radially outwardly projecting elements 25 obtained on the outer lateral wall of axial applicator 16 and a corresponding annular recess 26 obtained on the inner lateral wall of the elongated receptacle 15, wherein the annular recess 26 couples with the projecting elements 25 in order to realize a releasable snap fit connection. However, also an opposite configuration is possible in which the annular recess 26 is obtained on the outer wall of the axial applicator 16 and the radially outwardly projecting elements 25 are obtained on the inner lateral wall of the elongated receptacle 15.

[0052] When the axial applicator 16 is inserted into the elongated receptacle 15, the projecting elements 25 are slightly radially pressed by the action exerted by the inner wall of the elongated receptacle 15 and are subject to a slight elastic deformation. Accordingly, when the projecting elements 25 reach the annular recess 26 they elastically return to their original radial position and snap into the recess 26 thereby realizing a releasable snap fit connection.

[0053] The applicator 16 can be extracted from the receptacle 15 by axially pulling the applicator 16. Accordingly, the projecting elements 25 experience again a slight elastic deformation which allows the disengagement from the annular recess 26.

[0054] Other implementations of the mechanism for releasably retaining the axial applicator 16 within the elongated receptacle 15 are possible, like e.g. a threaded coupling, a magnetic coupling or a so called "push - pull" coupling as described by way of an example in U.S. patent application n. 16/047,360 filed on July 27, 2018, in the name of the same Applicant and herein incorporated by reference.

[0055] With reference to Fig. 4, a cosmetic case 10 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided. The cosmetic case 10 of Fig. 4 also comprises an outer cover 11 having a substantially hollow tubular shape, which develops along a first axis A so as to define an inner elongated housing chamber 12 open at one end.

[0056] Into the outer cover 11, an inner body 13 is provided which is stably retained inside the outer cover 11. The inner body 13 has an elongated shape which develops along a second axis B (parallel to or coinciding with the first axis A) and is provided on a lateral surface 13a with at least one basin-shaped recess 13b.

[0057] In the embodiment of Fig. 4 to 9, there are three basin-shaped recesses 13b each configured to house a receptacle 21 filled with a cosmetic product. As clearly shown in Fig. 9, the basin-shaped recesses 13b are filled with a supporting structure 24 which simplifies the gluing of the receptacles 21 in the basin-shaped recesses 13b.

[0058] The inner body 13 is housed inside the outer cover 11 so as to be rotatable with respect to the same 11 around the first A and/or the second B axis (see arrow in Fig. 7).

[0059] Moreover, according to the second preferred embodiment, the lateral face 13a of the inner body 13 comprises an elongated slot-shaped recess 13e which runs along the lateral surface 13a parallel to the second axis B and ends at the first end surface 13c of the inner body 13, namely the end surface 13c which faces the first blind end 11a of the outer cover 11.

[0060] Correspondingly, the outer cover 11 also comprises a complementary elongated slot-shaped through opening 11e obtained in the lateral wall 11d, running parallel to the first axis A and ending at the first end 11a of the outer cover 11.

[0061] By rotating the outer cover 11 with respect to the inner body 13, the slot-shaped opening 11e can be moved between different configurations in which the slot-shaped opening 11e overlaps a basin-shaped recess 13b or the slot-shaped recess 11e.

[0062] When the slot-shaped opening 11e overlaps a basin-shaped recess 13b of the inner body 13, it allows access to the corresponding receptacle 21 filled with a cosmetic product housed inside the basin-shaped recess 13b.

[0063] When the slot-shaped opening 11e overlaps the slot-shaped recess 13e, it allows the insertion of at least one stopping element 40 inside the cavity left open by the slot-shaped opening 11e and recess 13e (also commonly indicated as "slot-shaped elements").

[0064] The stopping element 40 is provided with coupling pins 43 which assure a stable retaining of the stopping element 40 inside the cavity defined by the slot-shaped elements 11e,13e. The coupling pins 43 engage into corresponding coupling notches 13g obtained along the perimeter walls of the slot-shaped recess 13e.

[0065] The stopping element 40 has the function of blocking the outer case 11 against a rotation with respect to the inner body 13.

[0066] When the stopping element 40 is removed from the slot-shaped recess 13e and opening 11e as shown in Fig. 7, the outer cover 11 is free to rotate with respect to the inner body 13. The reciprocal rotation between the inner body 13 and the outer cover 11 allows overlapping the slot-shaped opening 11e with the at least one basin-shaped recess 13b in order to access the receptacle 21 housed inside the recess 13b.

[0067] When the slot-shaped opening 11e is aligned with the slot-shaped recess 13e and the stopping element 40 is stably retained in the cavity defined by the two slot-shaped elements 11e, 13e as shown in Fig. 4, a reciprocal rotation between the outer case 11 and the inner body 13 is prevented.

[0068] According to the second preferred embodiment and as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the stopping element 40 is a retractable make-up brush 40. The retractable make-up brush 40 comprises a telescopic body 41 made of two parts 41a,41b a first one of which 41b can slide into a second one 41a, thereby releasing the bristles 42 of the brush, as shown in Fig. 6. In the configuration of Fig. 5, in which the first part 41b is extracted from the second part 41a, the make-up brush 40 fits into the cavity defined by the slot-shaped elements 11e,13e and can be slidably inserted into the same in order to prevent rotation of the outer case 11 with respect to the inner body 13.

[0069] According to further embodiments (not shown), the stopping element 40 is a make-up brush (non-retractable) or any other make-up applicator, like e.g. a foam on a handle, a spatula, a spoon, etc., or a make-up stick, a makeup pen etc.

[0070] Still with respect to the second preferred embodiment, a plurality of retaining projections 27 are provided on an inner surface of the lateral wall 11d of the outer cover 11. The retaining projections 27 engage in an annular trail guide recess 22 obtained on the lateral surface 13a of the inner body 13 and are free to slide inside the trail guide 22, thereby allowing reciprocal rotation between the outer cover 11 and the inner body 13.

[0071] Moreover, the second preferred embodiment also comprises an aperture 13d obtained at a second end surface 13f of the inner body 13 arranged outside the housing chamber 12. The aperture 13d allows accessing to an elongated receptacle 15 provided inside the inner body 13 and extending along the main axis A. Fig. 9 also shows the axial applicator 16 shaped so as to be able to be inserted into the elongated receptacle 15 provided inside the inner body 13.


Claims

1. A cosmetic case (10) comprising
an outer cover (11) having a substantially hollow elongated shape defined by a lateral wall (11d) extending along a first axis (A) between a first (11a) and a second end (11b), thereby defining an inner elongated housing chamber (12) open at at least one end;
an inner body (13) provided with at least one receptacle (21) for housing a cosmetic product or a cosmetic article, wherein the inner body (13) has an elongated shape developing along a second axis (B) parallel to or coinciding with the first axis (A), the inner body (13) being provided with a lateral surface (13a) developing around the second axis (B), and a first (13c) and a second (13f) end surface transverse to the second axis (B); wherein the at least one receptacle (21) is provided at the lateral surface (13a) of the inner body (13);
characterized in that the lateral wall (11d) of the outer cover (11) is provided with at least one opening (11c;11e) and in that the inner body (13) is stably retained inside the housing chamber (12) and is rotatable with respect to the outer cover (11) around the first (A) and/or the second (B) axis.
 
2. The cosmetic case of claim 1, wherein at least one retaining projection (27) is provided on an inner surface of the lateral wall (11d) of the outer cover (11) or on the lateral surface (13a) of the inner body (13), the at least one retaining projection (27) engaging in a trail guide recess (22) at least partially developing around the first (A) and/or the second (B) axis, wherein the trail guide recess (22) is respectively obtained on the lateral surface (13a) of the inner body (13) or on the inner surface of the lateral wall (11d) of the outer cover (11), wherein the at least one retaining projection (27) is free to slide inside the trail guide (22).
 
3. The cosmetic case of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one opening (11c;11e) is a slot-shaped opening (11e) running along the lateral wall (11d) parallel to the first axis (A) and, particularly, ending at the first end (11a) of the outer cover (11).
 
4. The cosmetic case of claim 3, wherein the lateral surface (13a) of the inner body (13) comprises a slot-shaped recess (13e) running along the lateral surface (13a) parallel to the second axis (B) and ending at the first end surface (13c) of the inner body (13) facing the first end (11a) of the outer cover (11).
 
5. The cosmetic case of claim 4, further comprising a stopping element (40) insertable into a cavity defined by the overlap of the slot-shaped opening (11e) and the slot-shaped recess (13e) for blocking the outer case (11) and/or the inner body (13) against a reciprocal rotation.
 
6. The cosmetic case of claim 5, wherein at a perimeter wall of the slot-shaped recess (13e) at least one first coupling element (13g) is provided and wherein the stopping element (40) comprises at least one second coupling element (43) which couples with the at least one first coupling element (13g) in order to assure a stable retention of the stopping element (40) inside the cavity defined by the overlap of the slot-shaped opening (11e) and the slot-shaped recess (13e).
 
7. The cosmetic case of claim 5 or 6, wherein the stopping element (40) comprises a telescopic body (41) made of at least two parts (41a,41b) movable one with respect to the other between an extracted configuration in which a first part (41b) is extracted with respect to a second part (41a) and houses inside a plurality of bristles (42) of a brush connected to the second part (41a), and a retracted configuration in which the first part (41b) is inserted in the second part (41a) and the plurality of bristles (42) is released and freely accessible.
 
8. The cosmetic case of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one opening (11c;11e) is a window-like opening (11c) allowing to access the at least one receptacle (21) when the inner body (13) and the outer cover (11) are in a reciprocal arrangement so that the at least one window-like opening (11c) and the at least one receptacle (21) at least partially overlap.
 
9. The cosmetic case of any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one first stop element (28) is provided on an inner surface of the lateral wall (11d) of the outer cover (11) and a plurality of second stop elements (29) each configured for releasably engaging with the first stop element (28) is provided on the lateral surface (13a) of the inner body (13) at predefined angular positions in order to define a plurality of relative angular positions between the outer cover (11) and the inner body (13) when the at least one first stop element (28) engages with a second stop element (29) of the plurality of second stop elements (29).
 
10. The cosmetic case of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one elongated receptacle (15) is provided inside the inner body (13), the elongated receptacle (15) extending coaxially to the second axis (B) and being accessible through an aperture obtained on the first (13c) and/or second (13f) end surface of the inner body (13).
 
11. The cosmetic case of claim 10, further comprising an axial applicator (16), the axial applicator (16) being shaped so as to be at least partially insertable into the elongated receptacle (15) by an axial movement.
 
12. The cosmetic case of claim 11, wherein the inner body (13) comprises a mechanism for releasably retaining the axial applicator (16) within the elongated receptacle (15).
 
13. The cosmetic case of claim 12, wherein the mechanism for releasably retaining the axial applicator within the elongated receptacle is at least one between a screw coupling, a magnetic coupling, a snap fit coupling and a push-pull coupling.
 
14. The cosmetic case of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the axial applicator (16) internally defines a chamber configured to house a cosmetic product or a cosmetic article, or wherein the axial applicator (16) is a make-up brush applicator for applying a make-up product stored inside the elongated receptacle (15).
 
15. The cosmetic case of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral surface (13a) of the inner body (13) comprises at least one basin-shaped recess (13b) inside of which the at least one receptacle (21) or a cosmetic article (23) is arranged, the basin-shaped recesses (13b) being in particular obtained on a portion of the lateral surface (13a) angularly displaced around the second axis (B) with respect to a neighbouring portion of the lateral surface (13a) bearing a recess (13b).
 




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Cited references

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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Patent documents cited in the description