WO2007027047A1

WO2007027047A1 - Makeup brush case equipped with open and shut member for in and out hole

Info

Publication number: WO2007027047A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/003413
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young-Tae Hong
Original assignee: Young-Tae Hong
Priority date: 2005-08-30
Filing date: 2006-08-30
Publication date: 2007-03-08
Also published as: CN101252854A; KR100753161B1; KR20070027889A

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a makeup brush case having an open-and-shut member for an in-and-out hole. A push stick is accommodated in a second housing, the second housing is accommodated in a first housing, and the first housing is accommodated in a lower covering. In such a state, when the first housing, coupled to the lower covering, which moves backwards linearly, executes linear motion, spiral grooves of the first housing and the second housing are formed in opposite directions, so that the second housing rotates idly and the push stick moves forwards linearly. The member that engages with each of the spiral grooves and moves up and down along the spiral groove is not a screw protrusion but is a simple protrusion. Therefore, a shorter case is achieved, so that the consumption of a material is reduced, the manufacturing cost is reduced, and the makeup brush is convenient to carry.

Description

MAKEUP BRUSH CASE EQUIPPED WITH OPEN AND SHUT MEMBER FOR IN AND OUT HOLE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a makeup brush case having an open-and-shut member to open or close an in-and-out hole of an upper covering without using an additional lid.

[2] In sequence, a push stick is accommodated in a second housing, the second housing is accommodated in a first housing, and the first housing is accommodated in a lower covering. In such a state, when the first housing, coupled to the lower covering, which moves backwards linearly, executes linear motion, spiral grooves of the first housing and the second housing are formed in opposite directions, so that the second housing rotates idly and the push stick moves forwards linearly. The member that engages with each of the spiral grooves and moves up and down along the spiral groove is not a screw protrusion but is a simple protrusion. Thus, a tall screw protrusion is not required, so that the size of the case can be reduced.

[3] Therefore, a shorter case is achieved, so that the consumption of a material is reduced, the manufacturing cost is reduced, and the makeup brush is convenient to carry.

Background Art

[4] The first makeup brushes were simply constructed such that the brushes were always exposed to the outside. In order to allow a makeup brush to be conveniently carried and prevent the brush from becoming dirty, the makeup brush is constructed so that the brush is covered with a cap.

[5] Since then, the makeup brush has been improved such that cosmetic powder is contained in a brush case.

[6] Further, the makeup brush has been variously improved. That is, there has been proposed a makeup brush which is constructed so that a cap is more conveniently coupled to a case. A makeup brush, which is constructed so that an open-and-shut member moves forwards from a case to cover a brush, without using a cap, has been proposed. Further, a makeup brush, which is constructed so that a brush itself is automatically extended from or retracted into a case in a single touch manner, has been proposed.

[7] For example, Korean Patent No. 0456267 (Oct. 29, 2004), entitled "makeup brush assembly", has been proposed. According to the cited document, the brush assembly contains powder-phase cosmetics therein. When a protective cap is pulled out from an exposed part of a central case which is partially accommodated in an outer case, a brush support, which is provided in the central case and is telescopically folded in several stages, is opened by a compression protrusion which is provided at a center in the protective cap, so that the brush is exposed to the outside.

[8] However, the invention is problematic in that, when the protective cap is closed, great care is required to precisely couple the compression protrusion to a locking member provided in the brush.

[9] Further, Korean U.M. Registration No. 0319261 (Jun. 27, 2003), entitled "makeup brush assembly", has been proposed. According to the cited document, the makeup brush assembly has a structure similar to that applied to a general writing instrument (especially a ball-point pen). That is, when a pusher is pushed once, the brush is exposed to the outside. When the pusher is pushed again, the brush is retracted into the assembly.

[10] However, the registered utility model is problematic in that impurities may flow through an open hole while the brush assembly is carried, so that the brush may become dirty.

[11] If an additional cap is applied to the assembly, the brush collides with the cap, so that the brush may bend and break when the pusher is pushed by mistake.

[12] Meanwhile, Korean U.M. Registration No. 0072709 (Jun. 2, 1993), entitled

"portable makeup brush", has been proposed. According to the cited document, the length of the brush is adjusted and the opening and shutting operation of the brush is controlled by a guide pipe having locking holes in multiple stages, so that easy manipulation is ensured.

[13] As shown in FIG. 1, according to the utility model, when a cap 1 of the brush is opened, a brush 4 is exposed to the outside. When a user desires to close the cap, a slip pipe 2, coupled to a lower case 7, moves upwards to collect the brush 4, and thereafter, the cap is closed.

[14] Especially, a locking protrusion 2a protrudes from the lower portion of the inner circumferential surface of the slip pipe 2.

[15] The guide pipe 6, having on an end thereof the brush 4, has a guide passage 5, which is provided with multistage locking holes 5a, 5b, and 5c to engage with the locking protrusion 2a.

[16] A coil spring 3 is fitted over the guide pipe 6, so that the locking protrusion 2a is elastically biased by the spring 3.

[17] As the slip pipe 2 rotates, the slip pipe is moved upwards by the elasticity of the spring 3, so that the locking protrusion is fitted into one of the locking holes. According to the position of the locking hole into which the locking protrusion is fitted, the extent of exposure of the brush 4 can be adjusted in multiple stages. [18] According to the registered utility model, the brush 4 is exposed in multiple stages, so that the extent of exposure of the brush is adjusted as desired. However, in the case of actual makeup, brushes having different thickness and shapes (a flat shape or cylindrical shape) are generally used corresponding to the area to be made up. In this respect, the conventional makeup brush is inefficient, and is suitable for lipstick rather than a makeup brush.

[19] Further, Korean Patent No. 0393302 (JuI. 21, 2003), entitled "multipurpose case", has been proposed. The multipurpose case has the structure most similar to the present invention, and is constructed so that an open-and-shut member moves forwards in a brush case, thus covering the brush, without the necessity of a covering lid.

[20] As shown in FIG. 2, which corresponds to FIG. 10 of that patent, the multipurpose case includes an upper case 13, a middle case 12, a lower case 15, a core support 18, a core rod 8, a movable rod 9, a clip 45, a cap 16, and open-and-shut members 30 and 32.

[21] The coupling structure of the open-and-shut members 30 and 32 is as follows.

[22] A pair of open-and-shut members 30 and 32 is fitted between the middle case 12 and a locking packing 14. Protrusions 34, which are provided on the lower ends of the open-and-shut members 30 and 32, are fitted into fitting holes 42 of a cap rod 10, so that the open-and-shut members move along with the cap rod 10.

[23] A cover 36 having a semicircular cross-section is provided on each of the open- and-shut members 30 and 32. The covers 36 are made of an elastic material to be separated from each other by the thickness of a core when the cap 16 and the lower case 15 are pushed downwards and a cosmetic is pulled out. Conversely, when the cosmetic is accommodated in the case by pushing the cap 16 and the lower case 15, the open-and-shut members 30 and 32 approach the upper case 13, and simultaneously, the covers 36 contact each other, thus solving the problem occurring in the prior art, that is, preventing impurities from entering the case, and preventing the core 33 from being damaged. Further, the case can be automatically opened and closed, and an additional lid is not required.

[24] Further, the locking packing 14 has on an outer surface thereof an external threaded part 41 to engage with an internal threaded part 19 of the upper case 13. A circular locking groove 57 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the locking packing in a horizontal direction thereof. A guide groove 114 is longitudinally formed in a vertical direction of the locking packing. The vertical fitting holes 42 are formed on the locking packing 14 so that the open-and-shut members 30 and 32 are fitted into the corresponding fitting holes.

[25] The cap rod 10 has a vertical sliding groove 47. An external threaded part 41 is provided on the outer surface of the lower end of the cap rod, and a spiral groove is formed in the cap rod. The fitting holes 42 are formed in the cap rod 10 so that the open-and-shut members 30 and 32 are fitted into the fitting holes.

[26] In the case of the registered patent, the backward motion of the lower case 15 leads to the linear motion of the cap rod 10.

[27] Thus, idle rotation of the movable rod 9 is performed, and subsequently, the core rod 8 moves forwards in a linear direction. Consequently, the core support 18 moves forwards in a linear direction.

[28] However, the registered patent is problematic in that it has a spiral moving part 112 of the movable rod 9 coupled to the cap rod, and a vertical core moving spiral part 322 of the core rod 8 engaging with a spiral groove 221 of the movable rod 9, so that the length of the case is increased by the length of an external threaded part for the spiral moving part and the vertical core moving spiral part, and thus a reduction in length of the case is impossible. Therefore, the case is inconvenient to carry. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[29] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a makeup brush case, which automatically opens and shuts an in-and-out hole where a brush is extended or retracted so that the brush is exposed from or is received in the case, and overcomes a limitation in the reduction in length of the case caused by the external threaded part occurring in Korean Patent No. 0393302.

[30] Another object of the present invention is to provide a makeup brush case, in which members of a second housing and a push stick, engaging with and corresponding to spiral grooves formed on first and second housings, are not external threads but are simple protrusions, so that a reduction in the size of the case is possible, and a shorter case is achieved, thus reducing the consumption of material, and reducing the manufacturing cost, in addition to being convenient to carry.

[31] A further object of the present invention is to provide a makeup brush case, which is provided with a means for preventing a makeup brush, exposed to the outside of an in-and-out hole of an upper covering, from being received in the case due to shocks generated unintentionally, thus being convenient to use.

[32] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a makeup brush case, which is provided with a guide unit having a specific shape, thus ensuring the reliability and stability of the forward and backward movement of a push stick, and ensuring the stable backward and forward movement of an open-and-shut member.

[33] A still further object of the present invention is to provide a makeup brush case, which firmly couples respective components to each other, thus preventing the malfunction of the case in spite of repeated operation. Technical Solution

[34] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a makeup brush case, including a lower covering having on a front end thereof an inlet; an upper covering having on a rear end thereof an inlet, a front portion of the upper covering being reduced in inner and outer diameters thereof, thus providing a tapered part having a truncated conical shape, with an in-and-out hole formed on a front end of the tapered part; a first housing having a spiral groove provided on an inner surface of the first housing, and two locking depressions provided on a front end of an outer circumferential surface of the first housing to be symmetrical with respect to each other, the first housing being accommodated in the lower covering to be secured thereto; a second housing having a spiral locking protrusion which is provided on a rear end of the second housing and is disposed in the spiral groove of the first housing, and having a spiral groove provided on an inner surface of the second housing in a direction opposite the spiral groove of the first housing; a push stick having a spiral locking protrusion which is disposed in the spiral groove of the second housing and is provided on a rear end of the push stick; a makeup brush provided on a front portion of the push stick; a guide unit secured to an inner surface of the upper cover, and comprising a receiving part for receiving the second housing in such a way that the second housing rotates idly, and two guide pieces protruding from a front end of the receiving part and contacting an outer circumferential surface of the forwardly and backwardly moving push stick, thus guiding the push stick; and an open-and-shut member comprising an open-and-shut head having a size and a shape to divide an inner diameter of the in- and-out hole of the upper covering, a locking protrusion locked to the locking depression of the first housing, and a coupling rod for coupling the open-and-shut head to the locking protrusion and made of an elastic material.

Advantageous Effects

[35] As described above, a makeup brush case according to the present invention is constructed so that members of a second housing and a push stick, engaging with and corresponding to spiral grooves formed on first and second housings, are not external threads but are simple protrusions, thus a reduction in the size of the case is possible, and a shorter case is achieved, therefore reducing the consumption of material, and reducing the manufacturing cost, in addition to being convenient to carry.

[36] Further, a makeup brush case has a holding recess on a front end of the second housing, as a means for preventing a makeup brush, exposed to the outside of an in- and-out hole of an upper covering, from being received in the case due to shocks generated unintentionally. [37] Furthermore, a makeup brush case is provided with a guide unit having a specific shape, thus ensuring the reliability and stability of the forward and backward movement of a push stick, and ensuring the stable backward and forward movement of an open-and-shut member. Moreover, the makeup brush case firmly couples respective components to each other, thus preventing the malfunction of the case in spite of repeated operation. Brief Description of the Drawings

[38] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a brush of Korean U.M. Registration No. 0072709;

[39] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a multipurpose case of Korean

Patent No. 0393302;

[40] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a makeup brush case, according to the present invention; and

[41] FIGS. 4a and 4b are sectional views showing the assembled makeup brush case, according to the present invention.

[42]

[43] <Description of reference characters of important parts>

[44] C: case

[45] 10: lower covering 11: inlet

[46] 20: upper covering 21: inlet

[47] 23: tapered part 25: in-and-out hole

[48] 30: first housing 31: spiral groove

[49] 33: support end 35: locking depression

[50] 40: second housing 41: spiral groove

[51] 43: spiral locking protrusion 45: coupling ring

[52] 50: push stick 51: spiral locking protrusion

[53] 53: guide protrusion 55: coupling end

[54] 57: brush 57a: support tube

[55] 60: guide unit 61: receiving part

[56] 61a: slide slit 61b: stop step

[57] 61c: annular coupling groove 63: guide pieces

[58] 63a: guide groove 63b: tapered part

[59] 65: cut part 67: receiving protrusion

[60] 7OA, 7OB: open-and-shut member 71: open-and-shut head

[61] 73: coupling rod 75: locking protrusion

[62] 77: stop part

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [63] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[64] The same reference numerals throughout the drawings, that is, the same reference numerals in a second digit and a first digit, or in a second digit, a first digit, and an alphabet character denote elements having the same function. If there is no special mention, the elements denoted by the reference numerals are to be comprehended as the elements complying with the above-mentioned reference scheme.

[65] When a makeup brush case C according to the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4a, a portion where a makeup brush 57 is placed is designated as a front portion or an upper portion, whereas the opposite portion is designated as a rear portion or a lower portion.

[66] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4a, a makeup brush case C according to the present invention includes a first housing 30, a second housing 40, a push stick 50, a guide unit 60, and open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB, which are accommodated in a lower covering 10 and an upper covering 20.

[67] The lower covering 10 has on a front end thereof an inlet 11, while the upper covering 20 has on a rear end thereof an inlet 21. The inner and outer diameters of the front portion of the upper covering 20 are gradually reduced, thus providing a tapered part 23 having the shape of a truncated cone. An in-and-out hole 25 is formed in the front end of the tapered part 23. The two coverings 10 and 20 have the shape of a pipe.

[68] In the drawings, the upper covering 20 is accommodated in the lower covering 10 to be in close contact with the lower covering 10, so that the upper covering 20 overlaps the lower covering 10 by a predetermined length. If necessary, the coverings 10 and 20 may have the same outer diameter.

[69] A spiral groove 31 is formed in the first housing 30 in a predetermined direction, that is, in the direction of the right-hand screw of the drawing.

[70] Two locking depressions 35 are formed on the front end of the outer circumferential surface of the first housing 30 to be symmetrical with respect to each other. Thereby, locking protrusions 75 of the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB are locked to the locking depressions 35.

[71] Further, a support end 33 having an enlarged outer diameter is provided on the lower end of the first housing 30, so that the first housing 30 is force-fitted into the lower end of the lower covering 10. The method of coupling the first housing 30 and the lower covering 10 may be variously changed. That is, the first housing may be coupled to the lower covering using an adhesive, a screw nail, etc.

[72] Moreover, a subsidiary locking depression 37 having a shallower depth is formed on the front end of each locking depression 35 of the first housing 30. Coupling rods subsidiary locking depressions 37.

[73] Thus, when the coupling portion of the first housing 30 with the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB is cut in a horizontal direction, it has a smooth circular cross- section.

[74] Further, a spiral locking protrusion 43 is provided on the rear end of the second housing 40 and engages with the spiral groove 31 of the first housing 30. In the drawings, the spiral locking protrusion 43 comprises two spiral locking protrusions at the same height. However, as necessary, the spiral locking protrusion may be one in number. Further, three or more spiral locking protrusions may be provided at the same height or at different heights.

[75] As shown in the drawings, preferably, the two protrusions 43 are stably moved along the spiral groove 31 of the first housing 30, thus ensuring stable idle rotation of the second housing 40, and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[76] A spiral groove 41 is formed on the inner surface of the second housing 40 in a direction opposite the spiral groove 31 of the first housing 30 (left-hand screw direction in the drawing).

[77] A holding recess 41A is further formed on the upper end of the spiral groove 41 so that spiral locking protrusions 51 of the push stick 50 stay in the holding recess. Thus, a makeup brush 57, exposed to the front through the in-and-out hole 25 of the upper covering 20, is retracted into the upper covering 20 only when pressure exceeding a predetermined level is applied.

[78] Further, a coupling ring 45 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the front portion of the second housing 40.

[79] The coupling ring 45 is locked to an annular coupling groove 61c formed on a receiving part 61 of the guide unit 60. Thus, when the lower covering 10 and the first housing 30 move forwards or backwards, idle rotation of the second housing 40 is possible.

[80] The push stick 50 has the spiral locking protrusions 51 which are disposed in the spiral groove 41 of the second housing 40 and are provided on the rear end of the push stick. In the drawings, the number of protrusions 51 is two. However, the number of protrusions may be variously changed, similarly to the number of protrusions 43 of the second housing 40.

[81] Guide protrusions 53 are provided on the upper portion of the push stick 50, and engage with guide grooves 63A which are formed on the inner surfaces of guide pieces 63 of the guide unit 60, thus allowing the push stick to be stably moved up and down.

[82] Further, the push stick is not rotated in conjunction with the idle rotation of the second housing 40 when the first housing 30 moves forwards or backwards along with the lower covering 10, but the push stick executes only linear motion. [83] The makeup brush 57 is provided on the upper portion of the push stick 50.

[84] In order to improve productivity by ensuring the ease of coupling of two elements, a coupling end 55 is provided on the front end of the push stick 50, and the makeup brush 57 is provided on a support tube 57A, so that the support tube is fitted over the coupling end.

[85] As such, the spiral locking protrusions 43 of the second housing 40 and the spiral locking protrusions 51 of the push stick 50 are fitted into the spiral groove 31 of the first housing 30 and the spiral groove 41 of the second housing 40, respectively.

[86] Thus, compared to Korean Patent No. 0393302, which discloses an external thread, the length of the second housing and the push stick can be reduced, so that the entire length of the case C can be reduced.

[87] The extent of reduction in the length of the case C is further increased by overlapping the upper covering 20 with the inlet 11 of the lower covering 10.

[88] The guide unit 60 includes the receiving part 61 which has the annular coupling groove 61c to receive the second housing 40 in such a way that the second housing 40 can rotate idly.

[89] The guide unit 60 also includes the two guide pieces 63 which are provided on the front portion of the receiving part 61. The guide grooves 63a are formed in the corresponding guide pieces to guide the push stick 50 while contacting the outer circumferential surface of the push stick moving forwards and backwards, and engage with the guide protrusions 53 of the push stick 50 so that the push stick is not rotated but performs only linear motion.

[90] The guide unit 60 has the receiving part 61 and receiving protrusions 67 provided on the corresponding guide pieces 63.

[91] The receiving protrusions are force-fitted into receiving grooves 27 formed at corresponding positions on the inner circumferential surface of the upper covering 20.

[92] Thereby, the guide unit 60 is firmly secured to the upper covering 20.

[93] Further, a tapered part 63b is provided on the front end of each guide piece 63, and corresponds to the tapered part 23 of the upper covering 20.

[94] Two cut parts 65 are formed between the two guide pieces 63, and correspond to the length of the guide pieces.

[95] Each of the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB includes an open-and-shut head

71, the locking protrusion 75, and the coupling rod 73. The open-and-shut head 71 divides the inner diameter of the in-and-out hole 25 of the upper covering 20. The locking protrusion 75 is locked to each locking depression 35 of the first housing 30. The coupling rod 73 couples the open-and-shut head 71 to the locking protrusion 75, and is made of an elastic material.

[96] Each open-and-shut member 30 or 32 (see, FIG. 2) of Korean Patent No. 0393302 is manufactured by simply machining a flat steel plate. Thus, when external force for forward and backward motion is applied by mistake (this frequently occurs, especially when a person is not accustomed to moving an outer covering forwards and backwards), the open-and-shut members may be distorted due to the thinness thereof, so that a malfunction occurs.

[97] According to the present invention, the open-and-shut members are manufactured using a molding product made of synthetic resin or metal, so that the open-and-shut members are slightly thick. Even when the outer covering is rotated by an inexperienced person, the open-and-shut members are not distorted, and thus the breakage of the case is prevented.

[98] The cross-section of the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB coupled to the locking depressions 35 and the subsidiary locking depressions 37 of the first housing 30 is circular.

[99] Likewise, in the state where the open-and-shut members pass through the receiving part 61 of the guide unit 60 and are disposed in the side surfaces of the guide pieces 63, that is, the cut parts 65, the coupled open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB and guide unit 60 are cut in a horizontal direction. Due to two slide slits 61a formed on the receiving part 61 and the cut parts 65, the coupled portion has a circular cross-section. Especially, the receiving part 61 forms a smooth circular shape, so that the guide unit and the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB have the shape corresponding to that of the inner surface of the upper covering 20, thus being in close contact with the inner surface of the upper covering.

[100] Further, stop steps 61b are provided on the junction of the receiving part 61 and the guide pieces 63 of the guide unit 60, so that the heads 71 of the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB, which move backwards in conjunction with the backward motion of the first housing 30, are stopped by the stop steps 61b, and thus the heads do not move backwards any further. A stop part 77 having the shape of a truncated arrowhead is provided on the rear end of each open-and-shut member 71, so that the stop part contacts the corresponding stop step 61b.

[101] The operation and effects of the makeup brush case, according to the present invention, will be described below.

[102] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4a, and 4b, the lower covering 10, the first housing 30 secured to the lower end of the lower covering, and the two open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB coupled to the locking depressions 35 of the first housing via the locking protrusions 75 move forwards and backward together.

[103] The upper covering 20, the guide unit 60 secured to the receiving grooves 27 of the upper covering via the receiving protrusions 67, and the second housing 40 coupled to the annular coupling groove 61c of the guide unit via the coupling ring 45 move along with each other.

[104] The push stick 50 and the makeup brush 57 coupled via the support tube 57a to the coupling end 55 provided on the front end of the push stick move together. Thus, when a set consisting of the lower covering 10, the first housing 30, and the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB moves forwards or backwards, the push stick and the makeup brush move backwards or forwards.

[105] In a detailed description, when a user holds the upper covering 20 with one hand and holds the lower covering 10 with the other hand to move the lower covering backwards, the makeup brush case is operated from the state of FIG. 4a to the state of FIG. 4b. That is, when the set consisting of the lower covering 10, the first housing 30, and the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB moves backwards, the spiral locking protrusions 43 move along the spiral groove 31 of the first housing 30, and the second housing 40 rotates idly. In a set consisting of the upper covering 20, the guide unit 60, and the second housing 40, the backward movement of the second housing 40 is prevented due to the engagement of the annular coupling groove 61c of the receiving part 61 of the guide unit 60 with the coupling ring 45 of the second housing, so that the idle rotation of the second housing is possible.

[106] The rotation of the push stick 50, which has the spiral locking protrusions 51 moving along the spiral groove 41 of the second housing because of the idle rotation of the second housing 40 and the spiral grooves 31 and 41 formed in opposite directions, is prevented by the guide grooves 63a of the guide pieces 63 of the guide unit 60 and the guide protrusions 53 engaging with the guide grooves. Thereby, the push stick moves forwards in the direction opposite the moving direction of the set consisting of the lower covering 10, the first housing 30, and the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB. Consequently, a set consisting of the push stick 50 and the makeup brush 57 moves forwards.

[107] When the set consisting of the lower covering 10, the first housing 30, and the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB moves backwards, the two open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB move backwards along the slide slits 61a of the receiving part 61 of the guide unit 60 and the cut parts 65. Thus, the open-and-shut members come into close contact with the tapered part 23 of the upper covering 20, so that the restraint of the open-and-shut head 71 of each open-and-shut member is released. Thus, while the open-and-shut heads pass through the tapered part 23, the open-and-shut heads move away from each other. Consequently, the in-and-out hole 25 of the upper covering 20 is opened.

[108] Therefore, in the set consisting of the push stick 50 and the makeup brush 57 that move forwards, the makeup brush 57 is exposed.

[109] While the set consisting of the lower covering 10, the first housing 30, and the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB moves backwards, the stop parts 77 of the open- and-shut members 7OA and 7OB are stopped by the stop steps 61b of the guide unit 60. Thereby, the set consisting of the lower covering, the first housing, and the open- and-shut members does not move backwards any more.

[110] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4b, the spiral locking protrusions 51 of the push stick 50 stay in the holding recess 41a provided on the front end of the spiral groove 41 of the second housing 40. Thus, even when a shock of a certain level is generated unintentionally, the makeup brush 57 is prevented from entering the in-and-out hole 25 of the upper covering 20.

[I l l] When the upper covering is held by a force exceeding a predetermined level and the lower covering is moved forwards, the set consisting of the lower covering 10, the first housing 30, and the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB moves forwards.

[112] In the state where the set consisting of the upper covering 20, the guide unit 60, and the second housing 40 is stopped, only the second housing 40 rotates idly in the direction opposite the previous direction.

[113] The set consisting of the push stick 50 and the makeup brush 57 moves backwards.

[114] Thus, in the set consisting of the lower covering 10, the first housing 30, and the open-and-shut members 7OA and 7OB, the open-and-shut heads 71 of the open- and-shut members 7OA and 7OB are constrained by the tapered part 23 of the upper covering 20, so that the coupling rods 73 are bent.

[115] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4a, the two open-and-shut heads 71 come into close contact with each other, thus closing the in-and-out hole 25 of the upper covering 20.

[116]

[117]

Claims

[1] A makeup brush case, comprising: a lower covering having on a front end thereof an inlet; an upper covering having on a rear end thereof an inlet, a front portion of the upper covering being reduced in inner and outer diameters thereof, thus providing a tapered part having a truncated conical shape, with an in-and-out hole formed on a front end of the tapered part; a first housing having a spiral groove provided on an inner surface of the first housing, and two locking depressions provided on a front end of an outer circumferential surface of the first housing to be symmetrical with respect to each other, the first housing being accommodated in the lower covering to be secured thereto; a second housing having a spiral locking protrusion which is provided on a rear end of the second housing and is disposed in the spiral groove of the first housing, and having a spiral groove provided on an inner surface of the second housing in a direction opposite the spiral groove of the first housing; a push stick having a spiral locking protrusion which is disposed in the spiral groove of the second housing and is provided on a rear end of the push stick; a makeup brush provided on a front portion of the push stick; a guide unit secured to an inner surface of the upper cover, and comprising a receiving part for receiving the second housing in such a way that the second housing rotates idly, and two guide pieces protruding from a front end of the receiving part and contacting an outer circumferential surface of the forwardly and backwardly moving push stick, thus guiding the push stick; and an open-and-shut member comprising an open-and-shut head having a size and a shape to divide an inner diameter of the in-and-out hole of the upper covering, a locking protrusion locked to the locking depression of the first housing, and a coupling rod for coupling the open-and-shut head to the locking protrusion and made of an elastic material.

[2] The makeup brush according to claim 1, further comprising: a holding recess provided in an upper end of the spiral groove of the second housing, so that the spiral locking protrusion of the push stick stays in the holding recess, whereby the makeup brush, exposed through the in-and-out hole of the upper covering to a front, is received in the upper covering merely when pressure exceeding a predetermined level is applied.

[3] The makeup brush according to claim 1, wherein an annular coupling groove is formed on the receiving part of the guide unit, and a coupling ring is provided on the second housing to engage with the annular coupling groove, whereby, when the lower covering and the first housing move forwards or backwards, the second housing rotates idly. [4] The makeup brush according to claim 3, wherein each of the guide pieces has on a front end thereof a tapered part to correspond to the tapered part of the upper covering, each of the guide pieces has on an inner surface thereof a guide groove, and the push stick comprises a guide protrusion engaging the guide groove. [5] The makeup brush case according to claim 4, further comprising: two slide slits provided around the receiving part of the guide unit, so that the coupling rod is coupled to each of the slide slits; and a stop step provided on a junction of the receiving part and each of the guide pieces, so that the open-and-shut head of the open-and-shut member moving backwards in conjunction with backward motion of the lower covering and the first housing is stopped by the stop step, and thus the open-and-shut member does not move backwards any more. [6] The makeup brush case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper covering is accommodated in the lower covering to be in close contact with the lower covering, and the guide unit and the open-and-shut member are accommodated in the upper covering to be in close contact with an inner circumferential surface of the upper covering. [7] The makeup brush case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a coupling end is provided on a front end of the push stick, and the makeup brush is secured to a support tube, so that the support tube is fitted over the coupling end. [8] The makeup brush case according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a receiving groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the upper covering, and a receiving protrusion is provided at a predetermined position on the guide unit to be fitted into the receiving groove.