Dispensing container

Abstract

We propose a technology that prevents the contents of the dispensed product from being dispensed when not in use, even if the dispenser does not have a lid. [Solution] A dispensing container 1 capable of accommodating an inner container 50 having a main body 51 for containing contents and a head 53 provided on the upper part of the main body 51 for dispensing contents when pressed down, comprising: an inner tray 2 capable of accommodating the inner container 50; a cylindrical locking member 5 provided on the outside of the inner tray 2; a cylindrical rear case 3 provided on the outside of the locking member 5 and rotatable relative to the locking member 5 about a central axis O; and a dispensing mechanism that moves the inner tray 2 forward and backward relative to the locking member 5 when the rear case 3 is rotated relative to the locking member 5, wherein the locking member 5 has a locking claw 5c that engages with the lower end surface 53a of the head 53 of the inner container 50 when the inner container 50 is housed in the rear case 3.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing container capable of dispensing an object to be dispensed such as a housed inner container. [[Background Art]]

[0002] For example, dispensing containers are known that house an inner container such as a pump-type discharge container or an aerosol container as an object to be dispensed, and allow the object to be dispensed to be pushed out by rotating one cylindrical body relative to the other cylindrical body during use (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The dispensing container disclosed in Patent Document 1 (referred to as an outer container in Patent Document 1) houses, as an object to be dispensed, an inner container provided with a head (nozzle head 1) capable of discharging contents when pressed down, and a lid (lid body C) is openably and closably connected thereto. When not in use, this dispensing container is closed with the inner container housed therein; when in use, the lid is pushed open by the head of the inner container that has been dispensed from the housed state, thereby opening the lid. Then, when the head of the inner container exposed from the dispensing container is pressed down, the contents are discharged from the head. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-159939 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] In the dispensing container with a lid as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the provision of the lid complicates the structure, leading to problems such as increased manufacturing costs. In addition, it takes time and effort to open and close the lid each time the container is used, and there is a concern that this may be inconvenient, for example, when a user wants to discharge contents frequently. However, if the lid is omitted, the head of the inner container housed in the dispensing container may be pressed down, causing the contents to be discharged even when the container is not in use.

[0006] In view of these points, the present invention aims to propose a technology that suppresses the dispensing of the contents of the dispensed product when not in use, even when the dispensing container does not have a lid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One of the dispensing containers of the present invention is a dispensing container capable of accommodating an object to be dispensed, having a main body for containing contents and a head provided on the upper part of the main body for dispensing the contents when pressed down, and comprising: an inner tray capable of accommodating the object to be dispensed; a cylindrical locking member provided on the outside of the inner tray; a cylindrical case provided on the outside of the locking member and rotatable relative to the locking member about a central axis; and a dispensing mechanism that moves the inner tray forward and backward relative to the locking member when the case is rotated relative to the locking member, wherein the locking member has a locking claw that engages with the lower end of the head of the object to be dispensed when the object to be dispensed is contained in the case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one of the dispensing containers of the present invention, when the object to be dispensed is housed in the case, the locking claw of the locking member engages with the lower end of the head of the object to be dispensed, so that even if one tries to push down the head while it is housed, it will not be pushed down. As a result, even if there is no lid, the contents of the object to be dispensed will not be dispensed when not in use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a side view cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a dispensing container according to the present invention, showing the inner tray in a retracted (lowered) state. [Figure 2A] This is a plan view of the rear case shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the rear case from the side. [Figure 3A] Figure 1 is a plan view of the inner tray. [Figure 3B] Figure 1 is a semi-cross-sectional view of the inner tray in a side view. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the locking member. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing container from the side, showing the inner tray in the forward (upward) position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the dispensing container according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the vertical direction is the direction along the central axis O shown in the figure (the central axis of the rear cylindrical wall 3b, which will be described later), where the side where the rear case 3 is located is "down" and the side where the front case 4 is located is "up". In this specification, the upward movement of the inner container 50 as the object to be dispensed is sometimes described as forward movement, and the downward movement of the inner container 50 is sometimes described as backward movement. For this reason, in this specification, the above-mentioned vertical direction may be referred to as the front-back direction. The radial direction is the direction perpendicular to the central axis O in a plane perpendicular to the central axis O, and the circumferential direction is the direction of rotation around the central axis O in this plane. In this specification, for convenience, the directions shown in the drawings are used for explanation, but this does not limit the direction in which the dispensing container according to the present invention can be used.

[0011] Figures 1 to 5 show a dispensing container 1, which is one embodiment of the dispensing container according to the present invention. The dispensing container 1 houses an inner container 50 as the object to be dispensed and can move the inner container forward or backward. The dispensing container 1 of this embodiment consists of an inner tray 2, a rear case 3, a front case 4, and a locking member 5. Each component constituting the dispensing container 1 is basically shaped around a central axis O. The inner tray 2, rear case 3, front case 4, and locking member 5 in this embodiment are made of synthetic resin and are formed by molding with a mold.

[0012] First, let's describe the inner container 50, which is an example of an object to be dispensed. The inner container 50 in this embodiment has a main body 51 that contains the contents, and a head 53 (head) provided on the upper part of the main body 51 that dispenses the contents when pressed down. The inner container 50 is, for example, a pump-type dispensing container in which the internal solution as the contents is contained inside a cylindrical main body 51, and has a pump 52 that sucks up and pressurizes the contents contained in the main body 51. The pump 52 is inserted inside the cylindrical opening of the inner container 50 and attached to the opening by a mounting cap 54. The head 53 of the inner container 50 is connected to the pump 52, and by pressing the head 53, the pump 52 can be driven to spray (dispense) the contents to the outside world from a spray nozzle (dispensing port) 53b provided on the head 53. Note that the object to be dispensed contained in the dispensing container 1 is not limited to a pump-type dispensing container, but may be other types of containers such as aerosol containers.

[0013] The inner tray 2 comprises a circular plate-shaped bottom wall 2a and a cylindrical circumferential wall 2b extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall 2a. The inner container 50 is housed in the inner space partitioned by the bottom wall 2a and the circumferential wall 2b. As shown in Figure 3B, the inner circumferential wall 2b is formed such that its inner surface is substantially aligned from top to bottom, while the outer circumferential surface of the central part (between the top and bottom) is radially inward relative to the outer circumferential surfaces of the top and bottom (i.e., the thickness of the central part of the circumferential wall 2b is thinner than the thickness of the top and bottom). A cylindrical guide projection 2c (projection) is provided on the lower outer circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 2b, projecting radially. In the illustration, a pair of guide projections 2c are provided at positions facing each other, but there may be one or more guide projections 2c. A retaining projection 2e is formed on the inner surface of the central part of the inner tray's peripheral wall 2b. The inner container 50 is held in place by the inner tray 2 when the retaining projection 2e contacts the outer surface of the inner container 50. There may be one or more retaining projections 2e.

[0014] The rear case 3 is a component corresponding to the "case" as described herein. The rear case 3 is a cylindrical case that can rotate relative to the front case 4 and the locking member 5 about a central axis O. The rear case 3 comprises a circular plate-shaped case bottom wall 3a and a rear cylindrical wall 3b that extends upward from the outer edge of the case bottom wall 3a. The rear cylindrical wall 3b is cylindrical overall. The rear cylindrical wall 3b is provided radially outside the locking member 5 and surrounds the inner plate circumferential wall 2b of the inner plate 2 via the locking member 5. The outer circumferential surface of the rear cylindrical wall 3b is substantially aligned from the top to the bottom, while the inner circumferential surface of the top is positioned radially outward relative to the inner circumferential surface of the central part (between the top and bottom) and the bottom (i.e., the thickness of the top of the rear cylindrical wall 3b is thinner than the thickness of the central part and the bottom). A helical groove 3c is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the central and lower parts of the rear cylindrical wall 3b, extending spirally from bottom to top in a direction that circles the central axis O. The width of the helical groove 3c is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide projection 2c, allowing the guide projection 2c to be inserted and slide. The guide projection 2c is inserted into the helical groove 3c from the radially inward side. An annular engaging projection 3d is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the upper part of the rear cylindrical wall 3b, projecting radially inward.

[0015] The front case 4 is cylindrical and is positioned in the direction of forward movement (upward movement) of the inner tray 2 relative to the rear case 3. The front case 4 has a front cylindrical wall 4a that surrounds the head 53 and mounting cap 54 of the inner container 50 when it is housed in the dispensing container 1. The front cylindrical wall 4a is cylindrical overall. The outer surface of the front cylindrical wall 4a is substantially aligned from the top to the bottom, while the inner surface of the bottom is positioned radially outward relative to the inner surface of the top (i.e., the thickness of the bottom of the front cylindrical wall 4a is thinner than the thickness of the top).

[0016] A folded-over piece 4b is formed on the upper end of the front cylindrical wall 4a, and the inner container 50 can be inserted through the opening between the folded-over pieces 4b. The folded-over pieces 4b reinforce the upper end of the front case 4 and are formed smoothly, allowing the inner container 50 to be smoothly dispensed. An engagement groove 4c is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lower part of the front cylindrical wall 4a, recessed radially outward. The lower end of the front cylindrical wall 4a abuts against the upper end of the rear cylindrical wall 3b, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the front cylindrical wall 4a and the rear cylindrical wall 3b are substantially flush.

[0017] The locking member 5 is cylindrical in shape and is located on the outside of the inner tray 2, between the inner tray 2 and the rear case 3 and the front case 4. The locking member 5 has a cylindrical wall 5a that surrounds the inner tray 2, and a locking claw 5c that protrudes from the front end (upper end) 5b of the cylindrical wall 5a along the central axis O. The cylindrical wall 5a is cylindrical overall and open at the top and bottom. An engagement groove 5d is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the central part of the cylindrical wall 5a in the vertical direction, recessed radially inward. The engagement projection 3d of the rear case 3 is rotatably and irremovably engaged with this engagement groove 5d. In addition, an annular engagement projection 5e is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the upper part of the cylindrical wall 5a, protruding radially outward. This engagement projection 5e is rotatably and irremovably engaged with the engagement groove 4c of the front case 4, and the locking member 5 and the front case 4 are integrated. A positioning step 5f is formed between the engaging projection 5e and the engaging groove 5d, with a portion of the lower end surface of the front case 4 contacting it. At the position of the positioning step 5f, the front case 4 and the rear case 3 are abutted together.

[0018] The locking claw 5c includes an elastically deformable elastic piece 5g and a protruding portion 5h that protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the elastic piece 5g. The elastic piece 5g extends starting from the front end 5b of the cylindrical wall 5a and extends along the central axis O so as to narrow radially inward. In the illustration, a pair of elastic pieces 5g are provided at positions facing each other, but there may be one or more elastic pieces 5g. The protruding portion 5h has a rectangular cross-section and is located above the central portion of the elastic piece 5g. As shown in Fig. 1, when the inner container 50 is housed in the rear case 3, the upper end surface 5i of the protruding portion 5h abuts and locks against the lower end surface 53a (lower end) of the head 53. The state in which the inner container 50 is housed in the rear case 3 means that the inner container 50 is lowered from an operable raised position to a non-operable position. In the present embodiment, the state where the inner container 50 is housed in the rear case 3 refers to the state where the inner tray 2 is lowered to the lowest position within the movable range (the position where the inner container 50 cannot retract any further) and the head 53 is housed in the front case 4, but it is not limited to this state. For example, the state where the head 53 slightly protrudes from the front case 4 or the state where the top surface of the head 53 is recessed below the upper end of the front case 4 may also be regarded as the state where the inner container 50 is housed in the rear case 3.

[0019] The locking member 5 is formed with a slit 5k at a position below the central portion of the cylindrical wall 5a, which cuts out the cylindrical wall 5a from bottom to top. The groove width of the slit 5k is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide projection 2c, allowing the guide projection 2c to be inserted and slid therein. The guide projection 2c inserted into the spiral groove 3c is inserted into the slit 5k from the radially inner side. In the illustration, a pair of slits 5k are provided at positions facing each other, but there may be one or more slits 5k. The slit 5k includes a longitudinal slit portion 5m cut out from the lower end of the cylindrical wall 5a and extending along the central axis O, and a transverse slit portion 5n extending along the circumferential direction from the upper end of the longitudinal slit portion 5m. The longitudinal slit portion 5m and the transverse slit portion 5n are in communication with each other.

[0020] The "feeding mechanism" in the present specification and the like is configured to include the guide projection 2c, the spiral groove 3c, and the slit 5k of the present embodiment. When the rear case 3 is rotated relative to the front case 4, the feeding mechanism causes the inner tray 2 to move forward and backward relative to the front case 4. Specifically, when the rear case 3 is rotated clockwise with respect to the front case 4, the guide projection 2c inserted into the spiral groove 3c ascends in the vertical slit portion 5m, and the inner tray 2 advances (ascends) along the central axis O. Then, after the guide projection 2c reaches the upper end portion within the vertical slit portion 5m, it moves into the horizontal slit portion 5n, whereby the inner tray 2 is held so as not to retract (descend). This holding position is set to a position where the head 53 is exposed from the feeding container 1 and the content liquid can be ejected from the ejection port 53b of the head 53.

[0021] Further, when the rear case 3 is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the front case 4, the guide projection 2c inserted into the spiral groove 3c moves in the horizontal slit portion 5n toward the vertical slit portion 5m, and then descends in the vertical slit portion 5m. Thereby, the inner tray 2 retracts (descends) along the central axis O. The rotation for feeding may be performed by holding the front case 4 stationary with one hand and rotating the rear case 3 with the other hand, or holding the rear case 3 stationary with one hand and rotating the front case 4 with the other hand.

[0022] When setting the inner container 50 in the feeding container 1 configured as described above, the inner container 50 is inserted from the main body 51 side into the opening between the folded-back pieces 4b of the front case 4. Then, while spreading the locking claw 5c of the locking member 5 at the outer edge of the inner container 50, the inner container 50 is inserted inside the locking member 5 and the inner tray 2, and the inner container 50 is held by the inner tray 2. After the content liquid contained in the inner container 50 is used up, the inner container 50 held by the inner tray 2 can be removed from the feeding container 1 by pulling the inner container 50 up from the feeding container 1. Then, by inserting a new inner container 50 through the opening between the folded-back pieces 4b of the front case 4 and holding it on the inner tray 2, the feeding container 1 can be used again.

[0023] When using the inner container 50 from the storage state shown in Figure 1, rotating the rear case 3 clockwise relative to the front case 4 causes the inner tray 2 to advance (rise) along the central axis O by the dispensing mechanism, as shown in Figure 5. The inner container 50, held in the inner tray 2, advances (rises) while the mounting cap 54 pushes open the locking claw 5c of the locking member 5, and is dispensed out from the dispensing container 1 to a position where the contents can be sprayed from the nozzle 53b of the head 53, and is held in that position. In this state, the contents can be sprayed from the nozzle 53b of the head 53 by pressing and pushing down the head 53.

[0024] When storing the inner container 50 from the usage state shown in Figure 5, rotating the rear case 3 counterclockwise relative to the front case 4 causes the inner tray 2 to retract (descend) along the central axis O by the dispensing mechanism. Then, as shown in Figure 1, when the inner tray 2 descends to the lowest position within its range of movement, the inner container 50 is stored in the rear case 3. At this time, the locking claw 5c of the locking member 5, which was spread open during dispensing, returns to its radially inward position due to the restoring force, and the upper end surface 5i of the protruding portion 5h of the locking claw 5c contacts and locks against the lower end surface 53a of the head 53 of the inner container 50. As a result, the head 53 cannot be pushed down even if an attempt is made to push it down, so that the contents will not be sprayed even if the head 53 is pressed downward when not in use. Therefore, with the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, even if the lid of the inner container 50 is missing, the spraying of the contents can be suppressed. As a result, when carrying the dispensing container 1 in a bag, concerns such as the contents being sprayed inside the bag and soiling it can be eliminated.

[0025] In this embodiment, the dispensing container 1 has an elastically deformable elastic piece 5g in the locking claw 5c of the locking member 5, so that the operation of setting the inner container 50 into the dispensing container 1 and dispensing the inner container 50 from the dispensing container 1 can be easily performed by spreading the elastic piece 5g with the inner container 50. Furthermore, if the locking claw 5c were fixed and not elastically deformable, the inner container 50 would need to have a smaller outer diameter for the body 51 and mounting cap 54 than the outer diameter of the head 53 that is locked to the locking claw 5c, so as not to interfere with the locking claw 5c. In this case, the head 53 of the inner container 50 would be larger than the body 51 and mounting cap 54, so there was room for improvement in appearance. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the locking claw 5c is deformable radially outward, the body 51 and mounting cap 54 do not interfere with the locking claw 5c even if the outer diameter of the body 51 and mounting cap 54 are not made smaller than the outer diameter of the head 53. As a result, the head 53, the main body 51, and the mounting cap 54 can be made to have the same outer diameter, which has the advantage of not compromising the appearance even when, for example, the inner container 50 is removed from the dispensing container 1 and used on its own.

[0026] In this embodiment of the dispensing container 1, the locking member 5 for securing the head 53 of the inner container 50 is provided with a slit 5k for forming the dispensing mechanism. This allows two different functions to be realized with a single locking member 5, simplifying the structure of the dispensing container 1.

[0027] According to the dispensing container 1 of this embodiment, it comprises a rear case 3 and a front case 4, and the inner container 50 can be dispensed by rotating the rear case 3 relative to the front case 4, thus providing good operability and appearance.

[0028] Although one embodiment embodying the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, this embodiment may be modified as follows. For example, the locking member 5 and the front case 4 are not limited to being integrated by engagement, but may also be integrated by adhesive or the like, or may be integrally formed as a single component. Also, the means by which the inner container 50 is held in the middle tray 2 is not limited to engagement, but may also be adhesive or the like. Furthermore, the shape of the locking claw 5c of the locking member 5 is not limited to the shape described in the above embodiment, and for example, the protruding portion 5h may have an L-shaped cross-section. In addition, the dispensing container 1 has a better appearance if it is equipped with a front case 4, as the front case 4 can hide the locking member 5 and the head 53 of the inner container 50, but the object of the present invention can be achieved even without a front case 4. In this case, the dispensing mechanism moves the middle tray 2 forward and backward relative to the locking member 5 by rotating the rear case 3 relative to the locking member 5, rather than relative to the front case 4.

[0029] (Note) This specification discloses the following technologies in one aspect. The reference numerals listed below correspond to those used in the accompanying drawings, but are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the inventions of this application.

[0030] (Technology 1) A dispensing container (1) capable of containing a dispensing object (50) having a main body (51) for containing contents and a head (53) provided on the upper part of the main body (51) for dispensing the contents when pressed down, A middle tray (2) capable of accommodating the object to be dispensed (50), A cylindrical locking member (5) is provided on the outside of the aforementioned inner tray (2), A cylindrical case (3) is provided on the outside of the locking member (5) and is rotatable relative to the locking member (5) about a central axis (O), The system includes a dispensing mechanism that moves the inner tray (2) forward and backward relative to the locking member (5) when the case (3) is rotated relative to the locking member (5), The locking member (5) is a dispensing container (1) having a locking claw (5c) that engages with the lower end of the head (53) of the dispensing object (50) when the dispensing object (50) is housed in the case (3).

[0031] Technology 1 suppresses the dispensing of the contents of the dispenser when not in use.

[0032] (Technology 2) The locking member (5) has a cylindrical wall (5a) provided so as to surround the middle plate (2), and a locking claw (5c) that protrudes from the front end (5b) of the cylindrical wall (5a) along the central axis (O), The locking claw (5c) has an elastically deformable elastic piece (5g) and a projection (5h) that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the elastic piece (5g), The dispensing container (1) according to Technical 1, wherein the dispensing object (50) is housed in the case (3), and the protruding portion (5h) is locked to the lower end (53a) of the head (53).

[0033] Technology 2 allows for easy setting of the inner container into the dispensing container and dispensing of the inner container from the dispensing container while the elastic piece is spread out by the inner container.

[0034] (Technology 3) A projection (2c) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the aforementioned inner plate (2). A spiral groove (3c) into which the projection (2c) is inserted is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the case (3). The locking member (5) has a slit (5k) into which the projection (2c) inserted into the helical groove (3c) is inserted. The dispensing mechanism comprises the projection (2c), the helical groove (3c), and the slit (5k), as described in the dispensing container (1) according to Technology 1 or 2.

[0035] Technology 3 enables two different functions—locking the top of the inner container and forming the dispensing mechanism—to be realized with a single locking member, thereby simplifying the structure of the dispensing container.

[0036] (Technology 4) The device further comprises a cylindrical front case (4) positioned in a direction that advances relative to the case (3) in the direction of the reciprocating movement of the inner tray (2), The case (3) is rotatable relative to the front case (4) about a central axis (O), The dispensing mechanism, when the case (3) is rotated relative to the front case (4), moves the inner tray (2) forward and backward relative to the front case (4), as described in Technology 1 or 2, for the dispensing container (1).

[0037] Technology 4 can improve operability and appearance.

[0038] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and unless otherwise specifically limited in the above description, various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as described in the claims. For example, the configuration of the above-described embodiment can be added or deleted as appropriate, and the configuration of one embodiment can be provided in other embodiments. Furthermore, the effects in the above-described embodiment are merely illustrative of the effects that may result from the present invention. In other words, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and additional effects may also be produced in addition to the above-described effects. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1: Dispenser 2: Medium plate 2a: Bottom wall of the middle dish 2b: Middle plate surrounding wall 2c: Guide projection 2e: Holding protrusion 3: Rear case (case) 3a: Case bottom wall 3b: Rear cylindrical wall 3c: Spiral groove 3d: Engagement protrusion 4: Front case 4a: Front tubular wall 4b: Folded piece 4c: Engagement groove 5: Locking component 5a: Cylindrical wall 5b: Front end 5c:Latching claw 5d: Engagement groove 5e: Engaging protrusion 5f: Positioning step 5g: Elastic piece 5h:Protrusion 5i: Upper end surface 5k: Slit 5m: Vertical slit section 5n: Horizontal slit section 50: Inner container (object to be dispensed) 51: Main unit 52: Pump 53: Head 53a: Bottom end surface 53b: Jet nozzle 54: Mounting cap O: Central axis

Claims

1. A dispensing container capable of holding an object to be dispensed, having a main body for containing contents and a head provided on the upper part of the main body for dispensing the contents when pressed down, A tray capable of accommodating the object to be dispensed, A cylindrical locking member provided on the outside of the aforementioned inner tray, A cylindrical case provided on the outside of the locking member, which is rotatable relative to the locking member about its central axis, The case is rotated relative to the locking member, and the dispensing mechanism moves the inner tray forward and backward relative to the locking member, The locking member is a dispensing container having a locking claw that engages with the lower end of the head of the object to be dispensed when the object to be dispensed is housed in the case.

2. The locking member has a cylindrical wall provided so as to surround the inner plate, and a locking claw that protrudes from the front end of the cylindrical wall along the central axis, The locking claw has an elastically deformable elastic piece and a projection that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the elastic piece. The dispensing container according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion locks to the lower end of the head when the object to be dispensed is housed in the case.

3. A protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the aforementioned inner plate. A spiral groove into which the projection is inserted is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the case. The locking member has a slit into which the projection inserted into the helical groove is inserted. The dispensing mechanism comprises the projection, the helical groove, and the slit, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The case further comprises a cylindrical front case positioned in a direction that advances relative to the case in the direction of the reciprocating movement of the inner tray, The aforementioned case is rotatable relative to the front case about a central axis, The dispensing mechanism moves the inner tray forward and backward relative to the front case when the case is rotated relative to the front case, as described in claim 1 or 2.

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