Automatic opening and closing system for a cosmetic product packaging and application device for people with reduced mobility

Abstract

This system (1), for opening a cosmetic product packaging device comprising a cosmetic product storage container and a lid screwed and / or clipped onto the storage container, includes an internal housing (9) defining an internal volume (11) for receiving the storage container, and an external housing (15) on which the internal housing (9) is mounted, movably rotatable in two directions of rotation about the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the internal housing (9). The system (1) includes a motor (17) for rotating the internal housing (9) and retaining means (21) configured to maintain the storage container fixed to the internal housing (9) during rotation of said internal housing (9). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Automatic opening and closing system for a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product for people with reduced mobility Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the unscrewing and screwing of a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product.

[0002] The packaging device is, for example, a device for packaging a makeup composition, a makeup base (or “base coat”), a composition to be applied to another product (or “top coat”), or even a cosmetic treatment composition.

[0003] The packaging and application device is for example intended for the application of a cosmetic product, in particular makeup or care, to a keratin material and / or keratin fibers, and is in particular intended for the application of mascara to eyelashes.

[0004] By “keratin materials” is preferably meant human keratin materials, in particular human hair appendages, and more particularly keratin fibers.

[0005] By "keratin fibers" is meant in particular eyelashes and / or eyebrows, and preferably eyelashes. This term "keratin fibers" within the meaning of the present application also extends to synthetic false eyelashes.

[0006] By “mascara” is meant a composition intended to be applied to the eyelashes or to false eyelashes.

[0007] The packaging and application device may also be intended for the application of a fluid lip product such as a gloss or a lip varnish, or other fluid products such as eye shadows, concealer, liquid foundation, or nail varnish.

[0008] In particular, the present invention relates to facilitating the opening and closing of a packaging device comprising a storage container and a cover intended to be screwed to close said storage container, in particular intended for people with reduced mobility who cannot perform a rotational gesture with their hands to close or open such a packaging device.

[0009] Generally speaking, the invention applies to the opening and closing of any object in two parts which can be screwed or clipped onto one another. Previous techniques

[0010] Devices for packaging and applying cosmetic products such as mascara, lip stick or pencil, as well as others, generally comprise two parts that can be screwed or clipped onto each other, in this case a storage tank and a cover screwed or clipped onto said storage tank.

[0011] Such commercially available packaging devices are generally used by opening them manually with a rotating or pulling movement of the hand to unscrew or unclip the caps or applicators.

[0012] However, such a movement is sometimes not feasible for certain people with reduced mobility, who, due to an accident or illness, can no longer perform it or, consequently, use such conditioning devices.

[0013] The production of packaging specific to each particular morphology could be a solution to enable the use of a mascara packaging device by people with reduced mobility but is difficult to envisage on a large scale and would involve significant production costs.

[0014] In addition, people with reduced mobility, in a problem of inclusion and simplicity of purchase, are looking for solutions which can allow them to use the same packaged cosmetic products as people with full mobility. Statement of the invention

[0015] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a system allowing the unscrewing and screwing or generally the easy opening, closing and gripping of a commercial packaging device.

[0016] The present invention relates to a system for automatically opening and closing a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product comprising a container for storing the cosmetic product and a cover screwed and / or clipped onto the storage container, the system comprising an internal housing defining an internal volume for receiving the storage container of said device and being provided with an opening for access to the internal volume, and an external housing on which the internal housing is mounted to rotate in two directions of rotation along the longitudinal axis of the internal housing, the system comprising a motor for rotating the internal housing and holding means configured to keep the storage container integral in rotation with the internal housing during rotation of said internal housing.

[0017] Thus, the storage container of a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product inserted in the internal housing can be held and rotated by the motor and by means of said internal housing. At the same time, the cover of the device can be kept fixed by a user. The cover can thus be screwed or unscrewed from the storage container without the user having to perform an unscrewing or screwing movement, which is sometimes impossible for some people to reduced mobility. The present invention is particularly effective for unscrewing and screwing a cap screwed onto a container, but can also be used to unclip a cap clipped onto a container.

[0018] Advantageously, the holding means are configured to keep the storage container of said device rotationally fixed to the internal housing by friction.

[0019] Advantageously, the internal housing comprises a peripheral wall radially defining the internal volume, the holding means comprising the peripheral wall of the internal housing.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the peripheral wall of the internal housing comprises an elastomeric material or any other material capable of adhering to the cosmetic product packaging device.

[0021] Alternatively or in combination, the holding means comprise at least one membrane made of elastically deformable material supported by the internal housing and positioned in the internal volume, said membrane comprising a slot in its center for the passage of the storage container of said device.

[0022] The membrane is capable, due to the material used, of deforming under the action of the pressure exerted by the storage container of said device, and of elastically returning to its initial position when the storage container is removed.

[0023] The membrane is for example made of elastomer material or any other material capable of adhering to the cosmetic product packaging device.

[0024] The membrane makes it possible to increase the contact surface with the storage container, and therefore to increase the adhesion and / or friction in order to more easily maintain said storage container in the internal housing.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, the holding means comprise at least two membranes supported by the internal housing and positioned in the internal volume arranged axially spaced from one another, the slot of the membrane located axially on the side of the access opening having a larger passage section than the slot of the other membrane.

[0026] The presence of several membranes makes it possible to promote stable maintenance of the device along the longitudinal axis of the internal housing, while adding friction facilitating said maintenance during rotation. The difference in size of the passage section between the different slots of the different membranes also makes it possible to adapt the system to different shapes and sizes of cosmetic product packaging and application devices.

[0027] Advantageously, the internal housing comprises a base delimiting the bottom of said internal housing, a neck defining the access opening and at least one intermediate part located axially between the base and the neck.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the base, said intermediate part and the neck are stacked axially.

[0029] Alternatively, the base, said intermediate part and the neck are made from a single piece.

[0030] Advantageously, the neck, said intermediate part and the base each define a transverse passage section of decreasing diameter, the neck defining the widest passage section and the base defining the smallest passage section.

[0031] Advantageously, the base is provided with at least one through-orifice for discharging said cosmetic product.

[0032] This orifice is made so as to allow a liquid, in particular the cosmetic product, to be evacuated in the event of a leak from the storage container.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a contactor positioned axially under the base and configured to send a signal for activating the rotation of the motor when an external axial pressure is transmitted to said contactor by deformation and / or displacement of the base.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, when two external axial pressures are transmitted in a short time interval to the contactor, for example in less than one second, the rotation of the motor is activated in an opposite direction of rotation, in comparison with a single pressure.

[0035] Advantageously, the system comprises a battery and / or a rechargeable battery positioned in the external housing to power the motor.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the system comprises a light source configured to indicate the direction of rotation of the inner housing, the light source being positioned on the outer housing.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a button configured to send a signal for activating the rotation of the motor and / or for reversing the direction of rotation of the motor, the button being positioned on the external housing and / or on a remote control.

[0038] The invention also relates to a kit comprising a system as defined above and a gripping device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product.

[0039] The invention also relates to a method of using the system as defined above, said method comprising a step of inserting the storage reservoir of the device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, a step of holding the fixed cover outside the system by the user, a step of rotating the motor, the internal housing and the storage reservoir held integral with the internal housing by the holding means, and a step of stopping the rotation of the motor once the device is open or closed.

[0040] The system may also comprise at least one human-machine interface communicating with a control unit. The human-machine interface may comprise a display screen, in particular an LED screen and / or control buttons and / or control keys, located for example on a chair and / or on a ring and / or on a bracelet and / or on a diabolo.

[0041] The interface may offer various functions and / or programs allowing, for example, certain operating parameters of the system to be adjusted, or certain information to be indicated to the user, such as the battery level, the time of use, the product level, user-specific information, or information relating to the security and / or the conditions of use of the system.

[0042] The interface may allow for selecting an operating mode to treat different body areas.

[0043] The interface can communicate via a wired or wireless connection, for example via Wifi or Bluetooth, with a terminal such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a computer in order, for example, to receive updates or send data related to the use of the system.

[0044] The system may be provided with a stabilizing apparatus as described in patent US11458062B2, capable of stabilizing the system in response to a movement caused by a user, comprising: a receiver configured to be coupled to the system; at least one sensor configured to detect a movement caused by a user; circuits configured to determine a compensating movement to compensate for the detected movement; and at least one motion generating device integrated in the receiver configured to control a movement of the system according to the determined compensating movement. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0046] [Fig.l] is a transparent perspective view of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0047] [Fig.2] is a perspective sectional view of the system of [Fig.l];

[0048] [Fig.3] is a schematic side view of a kit according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention comprising the system of [Fig.l] and a gripping device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product;

[0049] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of a box comprising the kit of [Fig.3]; and

[0050] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the steps of a method of using the system of [Fig. 1].

[0051] Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0052] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a system 1 for automatically opening and closing a device 3 for packaging and applying a cosmetic product (shown in Figures 3 and 4), also called packaging article 3.

[0053] In particular, the system 1 is a system 1 for automatically unscrewing and screwing a device 3 for packaging and applying a cosmetic product.

[0054] In particular, the device 3 for packaging and applying a cosmetic product comprises a storage container 5 for the cosmetic product and a cover 7 screwed or clipped onto the storage container 5.

[0055] The cap comprises a thread capable of cooperating with a corresponding thread of the container. By "thread" is meant a screw thread or a snap-on thread for ensuring the fixing of the cap on the container by screwing or by clipping.

[0056] The cover 7 may for example be equipped with an applicator located inside the storage container 5 in the screwed position of the cover 7 onto the storage container 5. The device 3 may be a device 3 for packaging mascara, or lip stick, or any other device 3 comprising two parts intended to be screwed together.

[0057] The unscrewing and screwing system 1 comprises an internal housing 9 defining an internal volume 11 for receiving the storage container 5 of said device 3. The internal housing 9 is also provided with an access opening 13 to the internal volume 11.

[0058] The system 1 further comprises an external housing 15 on which the internal housing 9 is mounted to be movable in rotation in two directions of rotation along the longitudinal axis X-X' of the internal housing 9 as will be described in more detail below. The internal housing 9 is mounted inside the external housing 15.

[0059] The system 1 optionally comprises a base 16 on which it can rest. In particular, the external housing 15 is fixed to the base 16 at one end of the system 1 opposite the end comprising the access opening 13, the longitudinal axis X-X' passing through the base 16 and through the access opening 13.

[0060] The system 1 comprises for example a bearing positioned between the internal housing 9 and the external housing 15 in order to allow rotation of one relative to the other while limiting friction.

[0061] The system 1 comprises a motor 17 for rotating said internal housing 9 by means of a geared motor 19. The motor 17 and the geared motor 19 are positioned on the external housing 15 or mounted on the base 16. More precisely, they are positioned in the space 20 between the external housing 15 and the internal housing 9.

[0062] The system 1 further comprises holding means 21 configured to keep the storage container 5 of the device 3 for packaging and applying a cosmetic product integral in rotation with the internal housing 9 during the rotation of said internal housing 9. The cover 7 of the device extends axially outside the system 1.

[0063] In particular, the holding means 21 are configured to keep the storage container 5 of said device 3 integral in rotation with the internal housing 9 by friction, preferably by adhesion.

[0064] The internal housing 9 comprises a peripheral wall 23 radially defining the internal volume 11, the holding means 21 comprising the peripheral wall 23. The friction between the peripheral wall 23 and the storage container 5 generates a friction force which makes it possible to keep the storage container 5 rotationally fixed to the internal housing 9.

[0065] According to a particular embodiment, the peripheral wall 23 of the internal housing 9 comprises an elastomeric material, preferably elastic, making it possible to increase the adhesion and / or grip and / or friction between the storage container 5 and the peripheral wall 23.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the holding means 21 also comprise at least one membrane 25 made of elastic material supported by the internal housing 9 and positioned in the internal volume 11, said membrane 25 comprising a slot 27 in its center for the passage of the storage container 5 of said device 3.

[0067] Preferably, the slot 27 is cruciform, making it possible to adapt to sections of storage container 5 of any shape, in particular round, rectangular, triangular, or other shapes, and of any dimensions. The section of the device 3 shown in [Fig. 3] is for example rectangular.

[0068] In the embodiment illustrated, in particular in [Fig. 2], the holding means 21 comprise three membranes 25 supported by the internal housing 9 and positioned in the internal volume 11, more precisely arranged so as to be axially spaced from one another, the slot 27 of the membrane 25 located axially on the side of the access opening 13 having a passage section larger than the slot 27 of the membrane 25 located towards the center of the internal volume 11, itself having a slot 27 with a passage section larger than the slot of the membrane 25 located opposite the access opening 13.

[0069] Alternatively, it is possible to provide a different number of membranes 25, for example example a single membrane or two membranes.

[0070] In the embodiment shown, the internal housing 9 comprises a base 29 delimiting the bottom of said internal housing 9, a neck 31 defining the access opening 13 and at least one intermediate part 33 located axially between the base 29 and the neck 31. Here, the internal housing 9 is equipped with two intermediate parts 33.

[0071] In an alternative embodiment, the neck 31 could be part of the external housing 15 and is fixed relative to the internal housing 9 formed by the base 29 and the intermediate part(s) 33.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 29, the intermediate parts 33 and the neck 31 are independent elements stacked axially, and for example fixed together by any suitable means, for example by gluing or snap-fastening. The membranes 25 can then be interposed between each element, in particular respectively between the base 29 and an intermediate part 33, between two intermediate parts and / or between an intermediate part 33 and the neck 31.

[0073] Alternatively, the base 29, the intermediate part(s) 33 and the neck 31 are made from a single piece, the membranes 25 being for example taken from the material of the internal housing 9 or fixed by any suitable means for example by gluing.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the neck 31, the intermediate part(s) 33 and the base 29 each define a transverse passage section of decreasing diameter, the neck 31 defining the widest passage section and the base 29 defining the smallest passage section. In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral wall 23 of the internal housing 9, defining the transverse passage sections of the neck 31, the intermediate parts 33 and the base 29, has a generally conical shape. The decrease in the transverse passage sections makes it possible to insert and hold devices 3 of different diameters during their screwing or unscrewing, the wide devices 3 being inserted up to the neck 31 or up to an intermediate part 33, the thin devices 3 being inserted up to the base 29.

[0075] In an advantageous embodiment, the base 29 is provided with at least one through-orifice 35 for discharging said cosmetic product. The orifice 35 therefore makes it possible to create a discharge at the bottom of the internal volume 11 so as to discharge a liquid coming from the packaging device 3. A second orifice or a drainable reservoir may be provided in the external housing 15 in order to permanently discharge said liquid from the system 1. The system 1 is removable and washable to clean said system 1 during such incidents.

[0076] In the embodiment shown, the system 1 comprises a contactor 37 positioned axially under the base 29 and configured to send a signal for activating the rotation of the motor 17 when an external axial pressure is transmitted to said contactor 37 by deformation and / or displacement of the base 29. In one embodiment realization, the contactor 37 is mounted on the base 16.

[0077] Thus, a user simply needs to introduce a device 3 into the internal volume 11 and press on it by deforming the bottom of the base 29 or by translating the base 29 in order to transmit pressure to the contactor 37. As long as this pressure is maintained, the motor 17 is rotating and allows the device 3 to be screwed or unscrewed.

[0078] According to a particular embodiment, when two external axial pressures are transmitted in a short time interval to the contactor 37, for example in less than one second, the rotation of the motor 17 is activated in an opposite direction of rotation, in comparison with a single pressure.

[0079] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises a rechargeable battery 39 positioned in the external housing 15 for powering the motor 17. More precisely, the battery 39 is positioned in the space between the external housing 15 and the internal housing 9. In a particular embodiment, the battery 39 is mounted on the base 16.

[0080] Alternatively, the system 1 comprises a mains power supply and / or recharging module.

[0081] In a particular embodiment, notably shown in [Fig. 3], the system 1 comprises a light source 41 configured to indicate the direction of rotation of the internal housing 9, the light source 41 being positioned on the external housing 15. For example, the light source 41 is a ring of light-emitting diode positioned on the external surface of the external housing 15. The light is for example green during a clockwise rotation, and red during a counterclockwise rotation.

[0082] In addition, the system 1 may comprise a button 43 configured to send a signal for activating the rotation of the motor 17 and / or for reversing the direction of rotation of the motor 17, the button 43 being positioned on the external housing 15, as illustrated, and / or on a remote control. In this particular embodiment comprising a button 43, the contactor 37 may be omitted.

[0083] Thus, when the system 1 is used by a user, in particular to unscrew a device 3 comprising a storage tank 5 and a cover 7 screwed to said storage tank 5, said user inserts the storage tank 5 into the internal volume 11 in a first insertion step E1. The user also keeps the cover 7 outside the system 1 in a second step E2. By pressing a button 43 or by pressing the device 3 on the contactor 37, the motor 17 starts rotating in a step E3 and with it the internal housing 9, as well as the storage tank 5 held integral with the internal housing 9. The parts not starting rotating are the external housing, as well as the cover 7, the latter being kept fixed by the user. After a few moments of rotation of the internal housing 9, the cover 7 is unscrewed from the storage container 5 and the motor 17 can stop its rotation in a step E4, the cosmetic product being able to be applied using the applicator supported by the cover 7.

[0084] Conversely, once the cosmetic product has been applied, it is possible to screw the cover 7 back onto the storage container 5 by replacing the latter in the internal volume 11 and then causing the motor 17 to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0085] [Fig.3] also represents a kit 45 comprising a system 1 and a gripper 47 of device 3 for packaging and applying a cosmetic product. The gripper 47 allows a user, in particular a user with reduced mobility, to more easily manipulate the device 3.

[0086] The gripper 47 is for example made up of an end piece 49 connected to a strapping 51 intended to surround and support the cover 7 of the cosmetic product packaging device 3.

[0087] Alternatively, the gripper 47 comprises a tip 49 and a ferromagnetic washer (not shown) while a magnet is positioned on the device 3, the washer and the magnet attracting each other under the effect of a magnetic field.

[0088] The invention also relates to a box 53 comprising a container 55 and a cover 57, illustrated in [Fig. 4], the box 53 being intended to store in its container 55 an unscrewing system 1, one or more grippers 47 and one or more devices 3 for packaging and applying a cosmetic product. Thus, the user, by opening the box 53, has access to all of his cosmetic products as well as to means of using them, namely the unscrewing system 1 and the gripper 47.

Claims

Claims

1. System (1) for automatically opening and closing a device (3) for packaging and applying a cosmetic product comprising a storage container (5) for the cosmetic product and a cover (7) screwed or clipped onto the storage container (5), characterized in that the system (1) comprises an internal housing (9) defining an internal volume (11) for receiving the storage container (5) of said device (3) and being provided with an access opening (13) to the internal volume (11), and an external housing (15) on which the internal housing (9) is mounted to rotate in two directions of rotation along the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the internal housing (9), the system (1) comprising a motor (17) for rotating the internal housing (9) and holding means (21) configured to keep the storage container (5) integral in rotation with the internal housing (9) during rotation of said housing internal (9).

2. System (1) according to claim 1, in which the holding means (21) are configured to keep the storage container (5) of said device (3) rotationally fixed to the internal housing (9) by friction.

3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal housing (9) comprises a peripheral wall (23) radially defining the internal volume (11), the holding means (21) comprising the peripheral wall (23) of the internal housing (9).

4. System (1) according to claim 3, wherein the peripheral wall (23) of the inner housing (9) comprises an elastomeric material.

5. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holding means (21) comprise at least one membrane (25) made of elastically deformable material supported by the internal housing (9) and positioned in the internal volume (11), said membrane (25) comprising a slot (27) in its center for the passage of the storage container (5) of said device (3).

6. System (1) according to claim 5, comprising at least two membranes (25) supported by the internal housing (9) and positioned in the internal volume (11) arranged axially spaced from each other, the slot (27) of the membrane (25) located axially on the side of the access opening (13) having a larger passage section than the slot (27) of the other membrane (25).

7. System 1 according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the internal housing (9) comprises a base (29) delimiting the bottom of said internal housing (9), a neck (31) defining the access opening (13) and at least one intermediate part (33) located axially between the base (29) and the neck (31).

8. System (1) according to claim 7, wherein the base (29), said intermediate part (33) and the neck (31) are stacked axially.

9. System (1) according to one of claims 7 and 8, in which the neck (31), said intermediate part (33) and the base (29) each define a transverse passage section of decreasing diameter, the neck (31) defining the widest passage section and the base (29) defining the smallest passage section.

10. System (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the base (29) is provided with at least one through orifice (35) for discharging said cosmetic product.

11. System (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, comprising a contactor (37) positioned axially under the base (29) and configured to send a signal for activating the rotation of the motor (17) when an external axial pressure is transmitted to said contactor (37) by deformation and / or displacement of the base (29).

12. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a rechargeable cell and / or battery (39) positioned in the external housing (15) for powering the motor (17).

13. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a light source (41) configured to indicate the direction of rotation of the inner housing (9), the light source being positioned on the outer housing (15).

14. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a button (43) configured to send a signal for activating the rotation of the motor (17) and / or for reversing the direction of rotation of the motor (17), the button (43) being positioned on the external housing (15) and / or on a remote control.

15. Kit (45) comprising a system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a gripping device (3) for packaging and applying a cosmetic product.

16. A method of using the system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, said method comprising a step (El) of inserting the storage tank (5) of the packaging device and of applying a cosmetic product, a step (E2) of holding by the user the cover (7) fixed outside the system (1), a step (E3) of rotating the motor (17), the internal housing (9) as well as the storage tank (5) held integral with the internal housing (9) by the holding means (21), and a step (E4) of stopping the rotation of the motor (17) once the device (3) is open or closed.

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