MODULAR CONTAINER FOR COSMETICS

Abstract

 The present disclosure relates to a container for consumables having a modular structure comprising an inner cup and an outer cup. The inner cup is insertable into the outer cup and is engageable with the outer cup. Further, the inner cup can be disengaged and removed from the outer cup. Thus, the cups can be easily coupled and decoupled from each other.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a container for consumables, preferably for cosmetics or drugs. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a container having a modular structure comprising an outer cup and an inner cup, wherein the inner cup can be inserted into the outer cup, and the cups can be releasably coupled using engagement means.

[0002] For some consumables, such as cosmetics or medical products, it is conceivable to use containers which have a modular structure, namely which include at least two smaller containers. One of the smaller containers, the inner container, is insertable into the other. The inner container is used for storing the consumables. The container, into which the inner container is inserted, is the outer container. The outer container is used for storing the inner container.

[0003] The inner and outer containers can have the shape of a cup. In other words, the containers have a generally cylindrical shape with one axial end being open. Although the cylindrical shape might mostly be that of a hollow prism with a circle as its base, other bases, such as elliptic (or generally curved) or polygonal bases, could also be used. Further, using different bases for each of the containers is also possible.

[0004] As explained, the main purpose of the inner container or inner cup is that of storing the consumables, while the main purpose of the outer container or outer cup is that of storing the inner cup.

[0005] One advantage of this kind of modular structure is that the cups can be easier/better adapted to their function. For example, the outer cup can be made more elaborate, more resistant to environmental influences, and/or more expensive than the inner cup. The inner cup can be made simpler, more resistant to or compatible with the consumables, less expensive, and/or can have a better processability than the outer cup.

[0006] For example, in the field of cosmetics, it might be desirable to improve the optical appearance and/or haptic of the outer cup. Additionally, for example in the fields of cosmetics and medical products, it might be required to protect the consumables from environmental influences, such as the incidence of light (UV radiation), heat, moisture etc. This might cause problems, especially once the container storing the consumables has been opened. Therefore, the outer cup, and preferably a cap attached thereto, can be provided with opaque or light/heat reflecting or shielding materials, thermal insulation, or barriers against moisture. However, this increases costs and consumption of resources of the outer cup.

[0007] The inner cup similarly can provide protection against environmental influences, such as light, heat and moisture. Additionally, the materials (the type of material as well as the surface structure) can be adapted such as not to affect the characteristics or the composition of the consumables stored in the inner cup. However, once the inner cup is opened, it might lose at least some of its protective functions. Additionally, since the inner cup is intended to be stored in the outer cup, the outer appearance, haptic, material quality/thickness, mechanical stability, and thermal or optical characteristics of the inner cup can be kept worse than that of the outer cup. Thus, costs can be saved, and fewer resources are used, which might be desirable in view of environmental protection.

[0008] When using modular containers, the users have to exchange the inner cups once in a while, for example, once the consumables are used up or have gone bad (e.g., if cosmetics or drugs have not been used for a long time). The handling of the modular container can be cumbersome. Also during normal use, the inner cup might fall out of the outer cup, thus spilling expensive content and causing a mess. Further, the user may also drop and damage the expensive outer cup while exchanging the inner cup.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. The aim of the present invention is to improve modular containers to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems.

[0010] A container and a method for releasably coupling an outer cup and an inner cup according to the present invention are set out in the independent claims. Further advantageous developments of the present invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to the present invention, a container for cosmetics comprises an outer cup and an inner cup.

[0012] The outer cup has a first receptacle that is in communication with the outside of the outer cup by a first opening. The first opening is defined by an axial front end of the outer cup. Through the first opening the inner cup is inserted.

[0013] The direction in which the inner cup is inserted into the outer cup by a translational movement is the insertion direction and corresponds/is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container. Generally, the longitudinal axis of the container corresponds to the longitudinal axes of the inner and outer cups in their coupled state.

[0014] The inner cup is insertable in the insertion direction through the first opening into the outer cup. In particular, the inner cup is removably insertable into the first receptacle. The means of the inner cup which are used for engaging the inner cup and the outer cup are not inserted into the first receptacle.

[0015] The inner cup is removable from the outer cup in a removing direction. The removing direction is opposite to the insertion direction. In other words, the removing direction corresponds/is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container.

[0016] The inner cup comprises a second receptacle for retaining consumables. The second receptacle is in communication with the outside of the inner cup by a second opening.

[0017] The outer cup comprises a recess, an indentation, and a first protrusion. The recess, the indentation and the first protrusion can be collectively addressed as an engaging portion of the outer cup. The first protrusion can also be a step. In other words, a step that allows traveling of a second protrusion of the inner cup beyond the step during engagement of the cups and prevents unintentional disengagement of the cups by form fit with the second protrusion also corresponds to the first protrusion of the outer cup.

[0018] The engaging portion of the outer cup cooperates with an engaging portion of the inner cup to removably couple the outer cup and the inner cup to each other. This prevents the inner cup from unintentionally falling out of the outer cup during handling of the container by the user.

[0019] The recess is recessed from an outer wall of the outer cup inwards in a radial direction of the container. The recess is open in the removing direction so as to be in communication with the axial front end. In other words, the recess allows the insertion of at least parts of the engaging portion of the inner cup into at least parts of the engaging portion of the outer cup, when the inner cup is inserted into the outer cup along the insertion direction.

[0020] The radial direction is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction. If a cup is a cylinder having a circular basis (or generally has a rotationally symmetric shape), the radial direction is along the radius of the cylinder and is perpendicular to the insertion direction. In this case, a circumferential direction is defined by tangents to radiuses along the radial direction. However, in case of cups that do not have a circular basis, a circumferential direction is the direction along the outer contour or outer walls of the cup. In a coupled state of the cups, the outer contour or outer walls of the coupled structure (i.e., the container) correspond to a circumferential direction of the container.

[0021] Generally, the circumferential direction might correspond to an engagement direction. The engagement direction is the direction, in which one of the cups is moved (i.e., rotated or translated) to engage the inner and outer cups. A reverse direction to the engagement direction is the disengagement direction.

[0022] For example, it is also possible that the outer and inner cups have a cylindrical shape with a rectangular basis, and that the inner cup is inserted into the outer cup and then moved in a sideward direction (corresponding to the radial direction), to engage the inner cup and the outer cup. However, a cylindrical shape having a substantially circular basis is preferable. In this case, the circumferential direction is the engagement/disengagement direction.

[0023] The indentation is adjacent to the recess in the circumferential direction of the container. The indentation is separated from the axial front end in the removing direction by a land. In an engaged state of the cups, i.e., when the engaging portion of the outer cup and the engaging portion of the inner cup are brought into engagement, the land prevents disengagement of the engaging portions in the removing direction by form fit. The land can also be considered as a part of the engaging portion of the outer cup.

[0024] The first protrusion protrudes outwards in the radial direction and might be arranged in the indentation. Alternatively, the first protrusion might be arranged at the transition from the recess to the indentation. That is, the first protrusion might be arranged at the border between the recess and the indentation or might be arranged in the recess. If arranged in the recess, it has to be ensured that, as soon as the second protrusion or the depression of the inner cup travels beyond the first protrusion of the outer cup in the circumferential direction, disengagement of the engaging portions in the removing direction is prevented by the land.

[0025] The inner cup comprises a flange, a tongue, a tab, and the second protrusion or the depression. At least the tongue, the tab, and the second protrusion or the depression can be collectively addressed as the engaging portion of the inner cup. The second protrusion and the depression are alternative means for engagement with the first protrusion of the outer cup. The second protrusion and the depression can be collectively addressed as engaging piece.

[0026] The flange surrounds the second opening. The flange can surround the second opening fully or partially. In the latter case, the flange can be divided into a plurality of portions surrounding the second opening.

[0027] The flange protrudes outwards relative to the second opening in the radial direction. Of course, the flange can be tilted in the insertion direction or the removing direction as long as it provides the necessary radial distance for the tongue to engage the outer side of the outer cup.

[0028] The tongue projects axially in the insertion direction from the flange. Of course, the tongue can be tilted outwards or inwards in the radial direction as long as it allows positioning the engaging piece of the inner cup such as to be able to engage the first protrusion of the outer cup.

[0029] The tab is integrally formed with the tongue. The tab is spaced apart from the flange in the insertion direction by a gap. The tab protrudes from the tongue in the circumferential direction.

[0030] The second protrusion protrudes inwards in the radial direction from the tab. Alternatively, the depression is recessed outwards in the radial direction in the tab. The second protrusion or the depression, i.e., the engaging piece of the inner cup, cooperates with the first protrusion of the outer cup to engage the inner cup and the outer cup. In other words, the inner cup is engageable with the outer cup by an engagement of the first protrusion and the engaging piece.

[0031] The container according to the present invention provides all the aforementioned advantages of a modular container, especially the advantage that both the inner and outer cups can be optimally adapted to their function. At the same time, the container provides the advantage that its handling by the user is improved and mitigates the risk of an unintentional decoupling of the cups such that one of the cups is dropped by the user.

[0032] Preferably, at least one of the inner cup, the tongue, the tab, and the engaging piece is made from a flexible material. The elastic deformability of the material makes it possible that the flexible parts of the inner cup move outwards in the radial direction during engagement of the inner and outer cups so that at least a part of the tab and the second protrusion or the depression can travel beyond the first protrusion in the engagement direction.

[0033] More preferably, at least one of the inner cup, the tongue, the tab, and the second protrusion is made from a plastic material. The plastic material provides the flexibility and is advantageous in view of processability, durability, and costs. Further, plastic materials can be adequately chosen to be compatible with the consumables stored in the inner cup. This means that the cup material does not affect the composition or the characteristics of the consumables over time (e.g., by diffusion processes).

[0034] Even more preferably, at least one of the inner cup, the tongue, the tab, and the second protrusion is made from polypropylene. Polypropylene provides the advantages of plastic material to a special degree. In other words, polypropylene provides an extraordinary mix of sufficient flexibility, good processability, long durability and low costs. Further, polypropylene is particularly advantageous in view of compatibility with the stored compositions/consumables.

[0035] Preferably, the outer cup is made from a rigid material. The rigidity of the outer cup is advantageous in view of the mechanical strength of the outer cup and the container. Further, the rigid material of the outer cup, in combination with the flexibility of at least parts of the inner cup, ensures the reliability of the engagement between the cups. In other words, the combination of the material characteristics of the cups results in an engagement which is strong enough to prevent unintentional disengagement of the cups, but allows easy and convenient handling by the user.

[0036] More preferably, the outer cup is made from a glass material. Glass is advantageous in view of processability, durability and costs. It can be easily brought into desired shapes. Further, it can be colored to provide protection against UV-radiation. Glass can also provide heat insulation. Additionally, it is suitable for mass production. Finally, in the field of cosmetics, the use of glass is desired for aesthetic reasons. In the field of medical products, the use of glass is desired for hygienic reasons, since it is easily sterilizable.

[0037] Preferably, the inner cup is disposable and the outer cup is reusable. This enables realization of a modular container with an elaborate but costly outer cup on the one hand, and with an inexpensive but functional inner cup, comparable to a capsule system. The user purchases the container including the outer cup and the inner cup in the beginning and afterwards only needs to replace the inner cup that is inexpensive, and that can be easily transported and stored. This kind of capsule/modular system can be best achieved with a plastic inner cup and a glass outer cup, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0038] Preferably, the inner cup is engageable with the outer cup by rotation in the circumferential direction. In other words, it is preferred that the engaging direction corresponds to the circumferential direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As described above, the engaging direction can also correspond to the radial direction such that the movement for engagement is a translational movement.

[0039] More preferably, the cups are engageable by rotation of the inner cup in a clockwise direction, when viewing the container in the insertion direction (which generally corresponds to a situation, when a user holds a portion of the inner cup and looks at the cups from above). By ensuring that the engagement of the cups is conducted in the clockwise direction from a user's perspective, the handling of the container is particularly intuitive, and thus user-friendly. The reason being that the users are generally used to handling tools and devices having right-handed threads. Accordingly, the disengagement is conducted by rotating the inner cup in an anticlockwise direction.

[0040] Preferably, the inner cup comprises a third protrusion on its outer wall. The third protrusion is arranged adjacent to the flange of the inner cup. The third protrusion protrudes outwards in the radial direction. The third protrusion and/or the outer cup are/is made from a flexible material (as described above). The outer diameter of the inner cup at the third protrusion (i.e., in the axial range of the inner cup where the third protrusion is arranged) is larger than an inner diameter of the first opening of the outer cup through which the inner cup is inserted. Due to the elastic deformation of the third protrusion and/or the outer cup, it is possible to achieve a pre-engagement state of the cups more than once (e.g., if the user unintentionally or inconsiderately removes the inner cup out of the outer cup once the pre-engagement state has been established). However, it is also conceivable that the third protrusion of a disposable inner cup is plastically deformed for pre-engagement.

[0041] In this preferred structure of the container, the pre-engagement is ensured by frictional connection, as soon as the inner cup is inserted into the outer cup and the third protrusion or an area of the inner cup in the vicinity of the third protrusion, or the outer cup is elastically deformed. This pre-engagement, which can be achieved merely by translational movement in the insertion direction, improves the handling of the container. The reason being that, as soon as the pre-engagement state is established, the inner cup cannot simply slide out of the outer cup, thus preventing that one of the cups is being dropped during handling.

[0042] More preferably, the third protrusion is elongated in the vertical direction. That is, preferably, the third protrusion is a rib. More preferably, a plurality of the third protrusions or ribs is provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the inner cup.

[0043] The third protrusion can gradually increase in diameter (i.e., in the radial direction) from its end in the insertion direction towards its end in the removal direction. This provides a gradually increasing resistance when inserting the inner cup into the outer cup, thus improving the handling by the user, because the user does not have to exert the force, which is necessary to achieve the pre-engagement, at once.

[0044] Preferably, the outer cup comprises at least two recesses, two indentations, and two first protrusions. In other words, the outer cup preferably comprises a plurality of recesses, indentations, and first protrusions. Similarly, the inner cup comprises at least two flanges, two tongues, two tabs, and two second protrusions or depressions. In other words, the inner cup comprises a plurality of flanges, tongues, tabs, and second protrusions.

[0045] By providing a plurality of engaging portions, the reliability of the engagement between the cups is improved. Further, if a portion of the inner cup (e.g., the tongue) is used as a handling portion, providing the plurality of engaging portions improves the handling of the container by the user.

[0046] Preferably, the tongues of the inner cup have dimensions in the insertion direction and in the circumferential direction sufficiently large (i.e., are large enough) to be easily gripped by the user so as to serve as a designated gripping portion. On their outer side in the radial direction, the tongues might have structures supporting the grip of the user, such as corrugations, a rough structure, bumps, ribs, dents etc.

[0047] Preferably, the outer cup comprises a fourth protrusion for engagement with a cap. If the inner cup storing the consumables cannot be simply closed once it has been opened, the cap of the container is helpful for safely storing the consumables and maintaining their composition and characteristics. This way, the inner cups can be manufactured even easier and less cost intensive.

[0048] The fourth protrusion can also be a further recess or depression for engaging a corresponding protrusion arranged on the cap to secure the cap to the residual container.

[0049] More preferably, the fourth protrusion is located adjacent to the recess, the indentation, and the first protrusion of the outer cup in the circumferential direction. The fourth protrusion overlaps at least one of the recess, the indentation, and the first protrusion in the insertion direction. In other words, the structural components of the outer cup serving for engagement with the inner cup (the engaging portion), and the structural components of the outer cup serving for engagement with the cap, are arranged at the same axial position or range of the outer cup. Therefore, the outer cup can be made shorter in its axial direction. Thus, of the whole container can have smaller axial dimensions while storing the same amount of consumables as compared to the case were both groups of structural components are not overlapping in the axial direction, i.e., are spaced apart in the axial direction, which preferably corresponds to the insertion direction.

[0050] More preferably, the fourth protrusion is an external thread. Thus, usability of the container including the cap, which has a corresponding internal thread, is adapted to what users are used to in the field of cosmetics and medical products, and is therefore improved.

[0051] Preferably, the outer cup has a neck in which the first opening is formed. The fourth protrusion, the recess, the indentation, and the first protrusion are arranged on the neck. The neck might substantially correspond to the axial position or range of the outer cup, in which the structural components of the outer cup serving for engagement with the inner cup (engaging portion), and the structural components of the outer cup serving for engagement with the cap are arranged and overlap each other. The neck might have smaller dimensions in the radial direction than the residual body of the outer cup, but does not necessarily have to. If the neck has the smaller dimensions, the cap can be engaged with the outer cup without increasing the dimensions of the container in the radial direction as compared to the residual body of the outer cup.

[0052] All of the aforementioned features of the container including the inner cup, the outer cup, and preferably the cap can be combined as long as the combinations are technically feasible.

[0053] The present invention also relates to a method for releasably coupling an outer cup and an inner cup of a container. Preferably, the container, the outer cup, and the inner cup correspond to those described above. However, the method is applicable to any container having an outer and inner cup, wherein the inner cup is insertable into the outer cup.

[0054] The method comprises the following steps, which are carried out in the described order. The method comprises a step of providing an inner and an outer cup. The method further comprises a step of inserting the inner cup in an insertion direction through a first opening of the outer cup into the outer cup until a flange of the inner cup abuts an axial front end of the outer cup. The method further comprises a step of rotating the inner cup in an engagement direction until a second protrusion of the inner cup is arranged beyond a first protrusion of the outer cup in the engagement direction. Alternatively, the method further comprises a step of rotating the inner cup in an engagement direction until the first protrusion of the outer cup is arranged in a depression of the inner cup.

[0055] The advantages provided by this method are the same as those described above in connection with the container. A remarkable advantage is that the preferably disposable inner cup for storing consumables is securely engaged with the preferably reusable outer cup for storing the inner cup.

[0056] Preferably, the step of inserting of the inner cup into the outer cup includes elastic deformation of the inner cup, and preferably, the third protrusion of the inner cup described above. Additionally or alternatively, the step of inserting of the inner cup into the outer cup includes elastic deformation the outer cup. The advantage of this preferred inserting step is the same as described above, namely that a pre-engagement of the inner cup and the outer cup can be achieved before achieving the final engagement of the cups.

[0057] Preferably, the step of rotating the inner cup in the engagement direction is performed in a clockwise direction, when the container is viewed in the insertion direction. This preferred rotating step achieves the same advantages as described above, namely the improvement of the handling of the container by the user.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the step of rotating the inner cup in the engagement direction is preferably performed by gripping at least two tongues of the inner cup. This preferred rotating step achieves the same advantages as described above, namely the improvement of the handling of the container by the user.

[0059] Preferably, the step of rotating of the inner cup in the engagement direction is performed until the second protrusion of the inner cup is arranged beyond the first protrusion of the outer cup in the engagement direction, or until the first protrusion of the outer cup is arranged in the depression of the inner cup. Preferably, this rotating step includes elastic deformation of at least one of a tongue of the inner cup, a tab of the inner cup, and the first protrusion outwards in the radial direction.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, the rotating step generates a sound that is capable of notifying the user that the inner and outer cups are securely coupled (i.e., are engaged with each other).

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, an uncoupling of the outer cup and the inner cup (including disengagement of the outer cup and the inner cup) is performed by reversing the above described steps that are performed for coupling (including engaging) of the outer and inner cups.

[0062] However, it is also conceivable that a disposable inner cup is removed from a reusable outer cup, for example, by using excessive force in the removing direction that might result in at least a partial destruction of the inner cup. Since this method of decoupling the cups is not very pleasant for the user, it is not preferred.

[0063] Preferably, the method according to the present invention is performed by using the container including the inner cup, the outer cup, and preferably the cap as described above.

[0064] All of the method steps described above can be combined as long as the combinations are technically feasible.

[0065] In the following, one preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The present invention, however, is not limited to this exemplary embodiment but is defined by the appended claims.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the container, in which the inner cup is partially inserted into the outer cup in the insertion direction (or is partially removed in the removing direction).

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the inner cup.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the upper part of the outer cup showing the neck, in which the engaging portion of the outer cup and the external thread for engagement with a cap (not shown) are formed.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the outer cup.

Fig. 5 is a partial cross sectional view of the bottom of the outer cup at the location of one of the bumps.

Fig. 6 is a further top view of the outer cup.

Fig. 7 is a part of a cross sectional (side) view along the line VII-VII in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the container, in which the inner cup inserted into the outer cup is shown by dashed lines.

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional (top) view along the line IX-IX in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a partial side view corresponding to Fig. 3, in which the inner cup is additionally shown in the inserted state into the outer cup, preferably in a pre-engaged state, but before the cups have been fully engaged.

Fig. 11 is a partial side view corresponding to Fig. 10, in which the cups are in an (fully) engaged state.

Fig. 12 is a partial cross sectional (top) view along the line XII-XII in Fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is a partial cross sectional (top) view along the line XIII-XIII in Fig. 13.

[0066] In the following, one preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 13. The preferred embodiment relates to a modular container for consumables such as cosmetics or medical products.

[0067] In Fig. 1, the outer cup 10 and the inner cup 20 of the container 1 are shown. The inner cup 20 has been either partially inserted into the outer cup 10 along the insertion direction 2 for coupling or has been partially removed from the outer cup 10 for decoupling along the removing direction 3. The insertion direction 2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 6 (Fig. 8) of the outer cup 10. The removing direction 3 is opposite to the insertion direction 2 and is also parallel to the longitudinal axis 6 of the outer cup 10.

[0068] According to the preferred embodiment, the outer cup 10 is formed of glass and the inner cup 20 is formed of plastic, more preferably of polypropylene. Therefore, the outer cup 10 is rigid and the inner cup 20 is elastically deformable.

[0069] In Figs. 1 and 3, the outer cup 10 is depicted having a body 30 with an outer wall 17, and having a neck 31 extending from the body 30 in the removing direction 3. The outer wall 17 also continues outside the neck 31, since the body 30 and the neck 31 are integrally formed. The neck 31 has a smaller outer diameter than the body 30. Thus, a cap (not shown), which is screwed to the external thread 19 (fourth protrusion) provided at the neck 31, does not protrude outside the outer wall 17 in the radial direction 4 (Fig. 6) of the outer cup 10.

[0070] In the neck 31, the engaging portion of the outer cup 10 is formed. In particular, the recess 14, which is recessed with respect to the outer wall 17 inwards in the radial direction 4, is formed in the neck 31. This can be best seen in Figs. 7 and 9. Further, as shown, for example in Figs. 1 and 3, the recess 14 is connected with the axial front end 13 of the inner cup 10. That means that there is no land or any other protrusion or at least no protrusion being as high in the radial direction 4 as the outer wall 17 is, between the recess 14 and the axial front end 13. Thereby, the engaging portion of the inner cup 20 can be inserted into the engaging portion of the outer cup 10 in the insertion direction 2 for coupling the cups 10, 20.

[0071] The axial front end 13 of the outer cup 10 defines the first opening 12 of the outer cup 10 through which the inner cup 20 is insertable into and removable from the outer cup 10.

[0072] Additionally, the indentation 15 is formed in the neck 31. The indentation 15 is for accommodating the tab 23 (Fig. 2) of the inner cup 20 in the engaged state of the outer and inner cups 10, 20. The indentation 15 is separated from the axial front end 13 by the land 18. The land 18 prevents the engaging portion of the inner cup 20 from sliding out in the removing direction 3 once the inner cup 20 and the outer cup 10 are engaged.

[0073] As shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 8, in the first receptacle 11, the outer cup 10 has bumps 34 protruding upwards, i.e., in the removing direction 3 from the bottom of the first receptacle 11. The bumps 34 prevent a plane contact of the bottom of the first receptacle 11 and the bottom of the inner cup 20. If the consumables, fluids from outside (contaminations), or humidity were present between the bottom of the first receptacle 11 and the bottom of the inner cup 20, this might result in a situation that the bottom of the inner cup 20 is sucked to the bottom of the first receptacle 11, and the user could not easily remove the inner cup 20 from the outer cup 10. By providing the bumps 34, the plane contact is prevented and thus this situation is avoided. Therefore, the bumps 34 contribute to an easy detachability of the inner cup 20 from the outer cup 10.

[0074] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the inner cup 20 has a circular flange 21 that protrudes from the outer wall 26 of the inner cup 20 into the radial direction 4. The flange supports the tongue 22 and also serves as a stop that abuts the axial front end 13 when the outer cup 20 is fully inserted into the inner cup 10.

[0075] The tongue 22 protrudes in the insertion direction 2 from the flange 21 and has a length and a width which are large enough to make the tongue 22 a suitable gripping portion for the user.

[0076] The tab 23 protrudes from the circumferential side of the tongue 22 in the circumferential direction 5 (Fig. 6) of the inner cup 20 (or the container 1). The tab 23 is separated from the flange 21 in the insertion or removing direction 2, 3 by a gap 24. Thus, the tab 23 is easily elastically deformable in the radial direction 4 when the second protrusion 27 (Figs. 12 and 13) travels over the first protrusion 16 during engagement of the cups 10, 20.

[0077] The second protrusion 27 protrudes inwards in the radial direction 4 from the radially inner side of the tab 23 (Figs. 12 and 13).

[0078] The inner cup 20 further has a second receptacle 29 for accommodating/storing consumables, preferably cosmetics or medical products. Further, the inner cup 20 has a second opening 28, which is defined by the flange 21. Through the second opening 28, the consumables are inserted into and taken out from the second receptacle 29. The second opening 28 is preferably covered by a thin plastic film that is connected to the flange 21, for example, by adhesive or by welding. Once the plastic film is (partially) removed, it cannot be simply reconnected to the flange 21 by the user. Therefore, the cap (not shown) is attachable to the outer cup 10 by means of the external thread 19, to protect the consumables from degradation.

[0079] The inner cup 20 further has a plurality of ribs 25 (third protrusions). The ribs 25 are arranged at the outer wall 26 of the inner cup 20 such that they protrude outwards in the radial direction 4 and become larger in the radial direction 4 towards the removing direction 3. The ribs 25 have a substantially triangular shape. Further, the ribs 25 support the flange 21. Thus, they contribute to the mechanical strength of the flange 21 acting as an abutment portion during insertion of the inner cup 20 into the outer cup 10.

[0080] The inner cup 20 has, at the region in which the ribs 25 are provided and at the largest extension of the ribs 25 in the radial direction 4, a larger outer diameter than the opening/inner diameter of the first opening 12. Since the ribs 25 are elastically deformable, they can be pressed through the first opening 12 in the insertion direction 2 and into the first receptacle 11 (Figs. 4 and 8) of the outer cup 10 until the lower side (the side facing the insertion direction 2) of the flange 21 abuts the axial front end 13. By elastic deformation of the ribs 25, the outer and the inner cups 10, 20 are in a pre-engaged state by frictional connection.

[0081] Once the inner cup 20 has been inserted in the outer cup 10 as shown in Fig. 10 and the pre-engaged state has been achieved, the user can rotate the inner cup 20 by holding the tongues 22 in the clockwise direction, i.e., in the circumferential direction 5, to reach the (fully) engaged state shown in Figs. 11 and 13.

[0082] As the user rotates the inner cup 20 in the circumferential direction 5 from the inserted state or the pre-engaged state shown in Figs. 10 and 12, the second protrusion 27 approaches the first protrusion 16, abuts the first protrusion 16 on the side of the recess 14, moves outwards in the radial direction 4 by elastic deformation (of at least the second protrusion 27 and/or the tab 23, and/or the tongue 22 and/or the flange 21, and/or the outer wall 26), and travels beyond the first protrusion 16 to the side of the indentation 15 while gradually returning to the non-deformed state or a substantially non-deformed state as shown in Fig. 13. Once the second protrusion 27 has traveled beyond the first protrusion 16 and has returned inwards in the radial direction, the (fully) engaged state of the inner cup 20 and the outer cup 10 (i.e., of the container 1) is achieved. The engaged state is depicted in Figs. 11 and 13.

[0083] A gap between the outer wall 26 of the inner cup 20 and the inner wall of the receptacle 11 of the outer cup 10 (Fig. 8, where the inner cup 20 depicted by dashed lines is shown inserted into the outer cup 10) provides, preferably in connection with a gap provided by the bumps 34, an air cushion between the cups 10, 20 which serves as a thermal insulation for the consumables.

Claims

1. Container (1) for cosmetics, the container (1) comprising

an outer cup (10) having a first receptacle (11) in communication with the outside of the outer cup (10) by a first opening (12), the first opening (12) being defined by an axial front end (13) of the outer cup (10); and

an inner cup (20) being insertable in an insertion direction (2) through the first opening (12) into the first receptacle (11) and being removable from the outer cup (10) in a removing direction (3), the removing direction (3) being opposite to the insertion direction (2), the inner cup (20) comprising a second receptacle (29) for retaining cosmetics, the second receptacle (29) being in communication with the outside of the inner cup (20) by a second opening (28); wherein

the outer cup (10) comprises a recess (14), an indentation (15), and a first protrusion (16),

i) the recess (14) being recessed from an outer wall (17) of the outer cup (10) inwards in a radial direction (4) of the container (1), the radial direction (4) being substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction (2), and the recess (14) being open in the removing direction (3) so as to be in communication with the axial front end (13),

ii) the indentation (15) being adjacent to the recess (14) in a circumferential direction (5) of the container (1) and being separated from the axial front end (13) in the removing direction (3) by a land (18), and

iii) the first protrusion (16) protruding outwards in the radial direction (4) and being arranged in the indentation (15) or at the transition from the recess (14) to the indentation (15); wherein

the inner cup (20) comprises a flange (21), a tongue (22), a tab (23), and a second protrusion (27) or a depression,

i) the flange (21) surrounding the second opening (28) and protruding outwards in the radial direction (4),

ii) the tongue (22) projecting axially in the insertion direction (2) from the flange (21),

iii) the tab (23) being integrally formed with the tongue (22), being spaced apart from the flange (21) in the insertion direction (2) by a gap (24), and protruding from the tongue (22) in the circumferential direction (5), and

iv) the second protrusion (27) protruding inwards in the radial direction (4) from

the tab (23) or the depression being recessed outwards in the radial direction (4) in the tab (23); and wherein
the inner cup (20) is engageable with the outer cup (10) by an engagement of the first and second protrusions (27) or the first protrusion (16) and the depression.

2. Container (1) according to claim 1, wherein
at least one of the inner cup (20), the tongue (22), and the tab (23) or the second protrusion (27) is made from a flexible material, preferably from a plastic material, even more preferably from polypropylene.

3. Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the outer cup (10) is made from a rigid material, preferably from a glass material.

4. Container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
the inner cup (20) is disposable and the outer cup (10) is reusable.

5. Container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
the inner cup (20) is engageable with the outer cup (10) by rotation in the circumferential direction (5), preferably by rotation in a clockwise direction, when viewing the container (1) in the insertion direction (2).

6. Container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein

the inner cup (20) comprises a third protrusion (25) on its outer wall (26) and adjacent to the flange (21), the third protrusion (25) protruding outwards in the radial direction (4) and preferably being a rib; wherein

at least one of the third protrusion (25) and the outer cup (10) is made from a flexible material; and wherein

the outer diameter of the inner cup (20) at the third protrusion (25) is larger than an inner diameter of the first opening (12).

7. Container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein

the outer cup (10) comprises at least two recesses (14), two indentations (15), and two first protrusions (16); and

the inner cup (20) comprises at least two flanges (21), two tongues (22), two tabs (23), and two second protrusions (27) or depressions.

8. Container (1) according to claim 7, wherein
the tongues (22) have dimensions in the insertion direction (2) and in the circumferential direction (5) sufficiently large to be easily grippable by a user so as to serve as a designated gripping portion.

9. Container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein

the outer cup (10) comprises a fourth protrusion (19) for engagement with a cap; and wherein

the fourth protrusion (19) is located adjacent to the recess (14), the indentation (15), and the first protrusion (16) in the circumferential direction (5), and overlaps at least one of the recess (14), the indentation (15), and the first protrusion (16) in the insertion direction (2).

10. Container (1) according to claim 9, wherein
the fourth protrusion (19) is an external thread, and preferably overlaps all of the recess (14), the indentation (15), and the first protrusion (16) in the insertion direction (2).

11. Container (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein
the outer cup (10) has a neck (31) in which the first opening (12) is formed, and the fourth protrusion (19), the recess (14), the indentation (15), and the first protrusion (16) are arranged on the neck (31).

12. Method for releasably coupling an outer cup (10) and an inner cup (20) of the container (1) according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising

providing the inner and the outer cups (10, 20);

inserting the inner cup (20) in the insertion direction (2) through the first opening (12) into the outer cup (10) until the flange (21) abuts the axial front end (13);

rotating the inner cup (20) in an engagement direction until the second protrusion (27) is arranged beyond the first protrusion (16) in the engagement direction or until the first protrusion is arranged in the depression.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein
the inserting of the inner cup (20) includes elastic deformation of one of the inner cup (20), preferably the third protrusion (25) of the inner cup (20), and the outer cup (10).

14. Method of claim 12 or 13, wherein

the rotating is performed

in a clockwise direction, when the container (1) is viewed in the insertion direction (2); and/or

by gripping at least two tongues (22) of the inner cup (20).

15. Method of any of the claims 12 to 14, wherein

the rotating of the inner cup (20) until the second protrusion (27) is arranged beyond the first protrusion (16) in the engagement direction or until the first protrusion is arranged in the depression

includes elastic deformation of at least one of the tongue (22), the tab (23), and the first protrusion (16) outwards in the radial direction (4), and/or

generates a sound capable of notifying the user that the inner and outer cups (10, 20) are securely coupled; and/or

an uncoupling of the outer cup (10) and the inner cup (20) is performed by reversing the steps of any of the claims 12 to 14.

Drawing