Rechargeable device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products and associated process

Abstract

Rechargeable device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products and associated method. The invention relates to a device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products (12) comprising: - an external container (14) including an annular upper edge (23), and defining an internal volume (18) receiving an inner container (20), - a collar (50) including a retaining element (67) configured to be elastically deformed: - in a position for retaining the inner container, in which each retaining element rests on the inner container and the collar is in a configuration assembled with the external container, and - in a position for retaining the collar in the absence of the inner container, in which each retaining element rests on the annular upper edge and the collar is in the configuration assembled with the external container. Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Rechargeable device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products and associated method

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products of the type comprising: - an external container comprising a bottom and at least one side wall defining an annular upper edge, the bottom and the at least one side wall defining an internal volume intended to receive an internal container, - a hoop having a central hoop axis, the hoop comprising at least one element for holding the internal container in the internal volume, and - a reversible fastening system for the hoop, the hoop being movable between a configuration assembled to the external container via the fastening system and a configuration disassembled from the external container.

[0002] The cosmetic product is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a facial and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

[0003] More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in Regulation EC No. 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

[0004] For ecological or economic reasons, many cosmetic product packaging and distribution devices are now designed to be rechargeable.

[0005] For this purpose, the packaging and dispensing devices may comprise an internal container (often called a “refill”) containing a cosmetic product. The internal container is removably housed in an external container.

[0006] When the product contained in the internal container is exhausted, the user refills the device by inserting, for example, a new internal container filled with cosmetic product into the external container.

[0007] JP2019151340 discloses a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product comprising an external container receiving an internal container configured to store a cosmetic product, and a closing cap reversibly closing the external container.

[0008] A reversible attachment system holds the inner container engaged in the outer container, so as to securely retain the inner container in the outer container. The reversible attachment system includes an upper flange configured to mount to the neck of the outer container.

[0009] When the inner container is engaged in the outer container, radial projections present on the inner container are sandwiched between an outer bearing rim of the neck and the upper flange, and the relative movements of the components are limited.

[0010] When the user wishes to remove the internal container from the external container, for example to transport the cosmetic product in a reduced container, or to refill the device with cosmetic product, it is practical to be able to reversibly close, for example using the closing cap, the external container.

[0011] However, a device such as described in JP2019151340, in the absence of an internal container, does not give complete satisfaction.

[0012] Indeed, in the absence of an internal container, a clearance is created between the external rim and the upper flange, previously occupied by the radial projections of the internal container. The upper flange can then be displaced relative to the external rim, which causes unpleasant rattling for the user. In certain cases, the upper flange is likely to become detached from the external container and / or become stuck in the closing cap when a user engages or disengages, for example by screwing, the closing cap. The disengagement between the upper flange and the closing cap can prove tricky and restrictive for the user.

[0013] Other refillable cosmetic product packaging and dispensing devices are described in US20220312935 and FR3117463.

[0014] An aim of the invention is to propose a device for packaging and dispensing a refillable cosmetic product, which is simple to use for the user, both during use and when refilling the device with cosmetic product, while offering a robust hold, whether in the presence or absence of an internal container in the external container.

[0015] To this end, the invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products in which the or each holding element is configured to be elastically deformed:

[0016] - in at least one position for holding the internal container, when the container internal is received in the internal volume, in which the or each holding element is arranged at least partly resting on the internal container and the hoop is in the configuration assembled to the external container, and

[0017] - in a position for holding the hoop in the absence of the internal container in the internal volume, in which the or each holding element is arranged at least partly resting on the annular upper edge of the external container and the hoop is arranged in the configuration assembled to the external container.

[0018] The or each holding element being elastically deformable in a position for holding the internal container, when the internal container is received in the internal volume, the internal container is securely held and the relative movements by relation to the external container are limited or even harmed. This allows for pleasant use of the device when the internal container is inserted into the external container.

[0019] Furthermore, the holding elements also being elastically deformable in a position for holding the hoop, in the absence of the internal container in the internal volume, the hoop remains firmly engaged on the external container in the assembled configuration. The user cannot therefore lose the hoop, which remains robustly attached to the external container, nor can it be trapped in a closing cap.

[0020] This further facilitates the reuse of the device, the band being able to hold a new internal container in the external container during a potential refill of the device with cosmetic product.

[0021] The device is then also pleasant to use when the inner container is arranged away from the outer container, since no rattling is present and the hoop is held securely in position.

[0022] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0023] - the or each holding element comprises at least one first elastic tab tically deformed in at least the position for holding the inner container, in which the or each first leg is arranged to bear on the inner container and at least one second elastically deformed leg in the position for holding the hoop, in which the or each second leg is arranged to bear on the annular upper edge of the outer container.

[0024] The presence of a first tab holding the internal container engaged in the external container, and of a second tab holding the hoop engaged on the external container separates the holding of the internal container from the holding of the hoop.

[0025] Furthermore, the first and second legs being elastically deformable, the user can carry out successive refills of the device by replacing the internal container several times, without affecting the integrity of the holding element.

[0026] Indeed, the elasticity of the first and second legs ensures their passage from the deformed state to the non-deformed state without residual deformation, and thus ensures the proper functioning of the holding element, even after several recharge cycles of the device.

[0027] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0028] - the or each second leg is without elastic deformation when the first leg is elastically deformed, the or each first leg being without elastic deformation when the second leg is elastically deformed.

[0029] The first and second legs are selectively deformed to perform their respective functions. Thus, in the position of holding the internal container and in the fret holding position, the first leg or second leg is at rest, in an undeformed state. This promotes the longevity of the first and second legs.

[0030] Furthermore, the forces exerted by the holding element are distributed in a desired manner between the legs in order to ensure the proper functioning of the holding element in each of the holding positions of the internal container and the hoop.

[0031] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0032] - the fret includes a ring intended to be placed around the annular upper edge of the outer container, the or each first leg projecting toward the central axis from the ring, the or each second leg projecting from the first leg.

[0033] The first legs projecting from the ring towards the central axis, they allow optimal maintenance of the internal container in the external container, the internal container being closer to the central axis than the external container.

[0034] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0035] - the or each holding element comprises a pair of first legs ad elastically deformed adjacent legs in the position for holding the inner container, in which the first legs are arranged to bear on the inner container, and at least one second leg arranged between the two adjacent first legs and connected to the adjacent first legs.

[0036] The or each second leg being arranged between two adjacent first legs, robustness is given to the holding element, which locally ensures solid fixing of the internal container and the hoop.

[0037] Such a configuration also ensures superior support of the internal container, the mass of which is generally greater than the mass of the hoop.

[0038] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0039] - the or each second leg projects away from the central axis from the first leg.

[0040] The second legs protrude from the ring away from the central axis, they are not in contact with the internal container.

[0041] Thus, the contact, or the absence of contact, with the internal container does not condition the state of deformation of the second legs.

[0042] In other words, the presence of the internal container does not interfere with the second legs since these are arranged further radially from the central axis of the hoop than the internal container, and project away from the central axis, i.e. towards the outside of the external container.

[0043] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0044] - the or each first leg has a first curved region and a first lower surface for bearing on the inner container at a first free end of the first curved region, the or each second leg having a second curved region and a second lower surface for bearing on the annular upper edge of the outer container at a second free end of the second curved region.

[0045] The first and second curved regions provide flexural flexibility to the first and second legs, which are thus able to be deformed into the inner container holding and hoop holding positions, respectively.

[0046] The first and second lower bearing surfaces allow the inner container / the hoop to be pressed, respectively, into / on the outer container, in order to prevent any movement of the inner container / the hoop away from the outer container.

[0047] Furthermore, the lower bearing surfaces improve the distribution of loads on the annular upper edge of the outer container and on the inner container.

[0048] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0049] - the or each holding element has an angular extent around the axis central fret less than 30°.

[0050] Such an angular extent is sufficient to ensure effective retention of the inner container in the outer container and of the hoop on the outer container, but small enough not to obstruct the passage opening. The user can thus insert his hand or fingers inside the inner container and / or, in the absence of an inner container, inside the outer container.

[0051] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0052] - the reversible fastening system comprises a fastening element on the edge upper annular portion of the outer container, and a complementary fastening element on the hoop, the complementary fastening element cooperating with the fastening element in the assembled configuration of the hoop in order to reversibly secure the hoop to the outer container.

[0053] The fixing of the hoop on the annular upper edge of the external container being induced by cooperation of a fixing element on the annular upper edge of the external container and of a complementary fixing element on the hoop, it is not dependent on the presence or absence of the internal container in the external container.

[0054] It is also possible to fix the hoop on the annular upper edge of the outer container, whether the inner container is arranged in the outer container or away from the outer container.

[0055] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0056] - one of the fixing element and the complementary fixing element comprises a ramp provided at its end with an insertion housing, the other with the fixing element and the complementary fixing element comprising an insertion notch, the holding element urging the notch in the housing in the position for holding the hoop.

[0057] The cooperative engagement of the notch and the housing in the hoop holding position ensures a reversible, yet robust, attachment of the hoop to the external container.

[0058] In addition, the ramp guides the notch to the housing and facilitates assembly of the hoop on the external container.

[0059] Furthermore, the presence of the holding element urging the notch in the housing even in the position for holding the hoop, guarantees locking in position of the hoop on the external container, even in the absence of an internal container and in particular when vertical play is created by the absence of the internal container.

[0060] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0061] - the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device comprises an inner container, the inner container being configured to be reversibly engaged within the internal volume of the outer container.

[0062] The inner container being configured to be reversibly engaged in the internal volume of the outer container, it can be replaced by a new inner container, for example when the cosmetic product contained in the inner container has been used up. The user then has a refillable cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device, which reduces costs and provides a reduced environmental impact.

[0063] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0064] - the inner container comprises a collar projecting radially from a side wall of the internal container, the or each holding element being arranged at least partly resting on the collar of the internal container in the holding position of the internal container.

[0065] The collar allows the internal container to have a substantially flat support surface for the fixing element in order to best ensure the internal container is held in the external container.

[0066] Furthermore, the collar allows the inner container to rest directly on an edge of the outer container, and makes it easier to extract it from the container. external.

[0067] According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0068] - the hoop comprises between 1 and 10 holding elements angularly distributed along of the fret.

[0069] Such a proportion of holding elements effectively holds both the inner container when the latter is inserted into the outer container and the hoop on the outer container when the inner container is dispersed away from the outer container.

[0070] Thus, if one of the holding elements is deficient, the remaining holding elements ensure the reversible fixing of the internal container and / or the hoop, for optimal use of the device.

[0071] The invention also relates to a method of using a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product as described above, the method comprising the following steps: - provision of a packaging and dispensing device as described above, an internal container being inserted into the internal volume, the holding element being arranged in a position for holding the internal container resting on the internal container, - disengagement of the reversible fastening system and movement of the hoop from the assembled configuration to the disassembled configuration of the external container, - removal of the internal container from the internal volume, - moving the hoop from the disassembled configuration to the assembled configuration with the external container, and engaging the reversible fastening system, and - passage of the holding element into the position for holding the hoop.

[0072] The passage of the holding element into the position for holding the hoop makes it possible to hold the hoop on the external container, even in the absence of the internal container.

[0073] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0074] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is an exploded perspective view of the relevant parts of a cosmetic product dispensing and packaging device according to the invention,

[0075] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial sectional view along a median vertical plane of the cosmetic product dispensing and packaging device of [Fig.l], comprising an internal container,

[0076] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a partial sectional view along a median vertical plane of the cosmetic product dispensing and packaging device according to the invention of [Fig.l] from which the external container is extracted, and

[0077] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a zoomed perspective view of a fixing element of the inner container in the outer container of the device of [Fig.l].

[0078] A device 10 for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention is illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0079] The device 10 extends here along an elevation axis A-A' shown vertically in [Fig.l].

[0080] The packaging and dispensing device 10 is intended to store a cosmetic product 12. The cosmetic product 12 is for example a hair product, a hygiene product, a facial and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

[0081] The device 10 comprises an external container 14 extending along the elevation axis A-A', comprising a bottom 15 perpendicular to the elevation axis A-A' and at least one side wall 16 extending around the elevation axis A-A'. The bottom 15 and the side wall 16 define an internal volume 18 intended to receive an internal container 20.

[0082] The external container 14 has an annular upper edge 23. The annular upper edge 23 forms the end of the external container 14 opposite the bottom 15 along the elevation axis A-A'.

[0083] In a particular embodiment, shown in [Fig.l], the external container 14 comprises an annular part 25 fixed to the at least one side wall 16 of the external container 14 and defining the annular upper edge 23. The annular part 25 is for example fixed by snap-fastening onto the side wall 16 of the external container 14.

[0084] The annular part 25 comprises for example a first ring 27 advantageously made of plastic material, and optionally comprises a metal skirt 29, for example made of aluminum, arranged on the first ring 27 and giving an aesthetic appearance to the annular upper edge 23.

[0085] The device 10 also comprises a retaining hoop 50 for the internal container 20 assembled in a removable manner on the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14 and a closing ring 31 fixed, for example by force-fitting onto the hoop 50. The closing ring 31 is intended to cooperate with a closing cap 33 as will be described in more detail later.

[0086] As described above, the inner container 20 is intended to be reversibly inserted into the inner volume 18 of the outer container 14. In other words, the inner container 20 is movable between an inserted position, shown in [Fig. 2], in which the inner container 20 is inserted into the inner volume 18 of the outer container 14, and a position extracted from the inner volume 18, shown in [Fig. 3], in which the inner container 20 has been extracted from the inner volume 18 of the outer container 14. external 14.

[0087] The external container 14 and the internal container 20 are for example made of plastic.

[0088] The internal container 20 extends along the elevation axis A-A', and comprises a bottom 35 perpendicular to the elevation axis A-A' and at least one side wall 37 extending around the elevation axis A-A'. The bottom 35 and the at least one side wall 37 define a storage volume 39 for the cosmetic product 12.

[0089] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the inner container 20 comprises a collar 43 projecting radially from the side wall 37 of the inner container 20.

[0090] When the inner container 20 is engaged in the outer container 14, as shown in [Fig.2], the collar 43 of the inner container 20 rests on the annular upper edge 23 of the outer container 14, in particular rests on the annular part 25.

[0091] In a particular embodiment, the internal container 20 also comprises at least one fixing boss 45 projecting radially from the side wall 37 of the internal container 20. For example, the internal container 20 comprises between two and four fixing bosses 45 located above the collar 43 in the direction of extension A-A'.

[0092] Advantageously, the fixing bosses 45 cooperate with a closing cover of the internal container 20, not shown, capable of reversibly closing the internal container 20, in particular when the internal container 20 forms a refill, before introducing it into the external container 14.

[0093] As mentioned previously, the device 10 comprises a closing hood 33, visible in [Fig.l], reversibly closing the external container 14.

[0094] The closing cover 33 comprises a fixing system cooperating with a complementary fixing system 47 on the closing ring 31 wedged on the hoop 50. For example, the closing cover 33 is screwed onto the closing ring 31 in order to reversibly close the internal volume 18.

[0095] The hoop 50 has a hoop central axis. The hoop central axis is for example parallel to the elevation axis A-A' when the hoop 50 is mounted on the external container 14. The hoop 50 is shown in detail in [Fig.4].

[0096] In the example of figures 1 to 4, the hoop 50 comprises a ring 52 intended to be placed around the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14. The ring 52 is for example made of plastic material.

[0097] The hoop 50 is movable between a configuration assembled to the external container 14 and a configuration disassembled from the external container 14.

[0098] For this purpose, the device 10 comprises a reversible fixing system for the hoop 50. The reversible fixing system comprises at least one fixing element 54 arranged on the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14, and for the or each fixing element 54, a complementary fixing element 56 arranged on the hoop 50.

[0099] The fixing element 54 comprises an insertion notch 64 as will be described below. In the example shown in the figures, each notch 64 projects radially relative to the elevation axis A-A'. Here it is carried by the first ring 27. It projects through a window 66 formed in the metal skirt 29.

[0100] The complementary fixing element 56 cooperates with the fixing element 54 in the assembled configuration of the hoop 50 in order to reversibly fix the hoop 50 on the external container 14.

[0101] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 4, the complementary fixing element 56 comprises an inclined ramp 60 provided at its end with a longitudinal insertion housing 62. The notch 64 is urged into the housing 62 when the hoop 50 is assembled on the external container 14.

[0102] The ramp 60 here forms a helical groove for inserting the notch 64, formed in an interior surface 65 of the hoop 50.

[0103] Advantageously, the ramp 60 slopes upwards along the elevation axis A-A', i.e. towards the closing cap 33, up to the insertion housing 62 and the insertion housing 62 extends the ramp 60 downwards along the elevation axis A-A', i.e. towards the bottom 15 of the external container 14.

[0104] Thus, when assembling the hoop 50 on the annular upper edge 23, the user positions the hoop 50 opposite the annular upper edge 23, in the elevation direction A-A'. The user inserts the notch 64 into the ramp 60 and by rotating the hoop 50 around the elevation axis A-A' relative to the external container 14, guides the notch 64 inside the ramp 60 until the notch 64 is inserted into the insertion housing 62. When the notch 64 is held in the insertion housing 62, the hoop 50 is securely held on the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14.

[0105] The preceding steps can be carried out in reverse order to disassemble the hoop 50 from the external container 14, in particular by forcing the dislodgement of the insertion notch 64 from the insertion housing 62, as will be described in more detail below.

[0106] In a variant, not shown, the fixing element 54 comprises the ramp 60, and the complementary fixing element 56 comprises the insertion notch 64, the notch 64 being urged into the housing 62 of the ramp 60 when the hoop 50 is assembled to the external container 14.

[0107] The hoop 50 further comprises at least one holding element 67 for the internal container 20 in the internal volume 18. The or each holding element 67 is configured to keep the internal container 20 robustly fixed in the volume. internal 18, when the internal container 20 is engaged in the internal volume 18, and to keep the hoop 50 robustly fixed on the external container 14 in the absence of the internal container 20 in the internal volume 18.

[0108] This results in particular from the upward elastic stress exerted by the holding element 67 on the hoop 50, when the holding element 67 bears on the collar 43 of the internal container 20 when the latter is received in the external container 14 or on the annular upper edge 23 in the absence of the internal container 20. This elastic stress keeps the notch 64 engaged in the bottom of the housing 62.

[0109] Advantageously, the hoop 50 comprises between 1 and 10 holding elements 67 angularly distributed along the hoop 50.

[0110] In the example shown in [Fig.4], the hoop 50 comprises three holding elements 67 angularly distributed along the hoop 50.

[0111] Each holding element 67 has an angular extent for example less than 30°.

[0112] Each holding element 67 is configured to be elastically deformed in at least one position for holding the inner container 20, shown in [Fig. 2], when the inner container 20 is received in the inner volume 18, in which each holding element 67 is arranged at least partly bearing on the inner container 20 and the hoop 50 is in the configuration assembled to the outer container 14, and in at least one position for holding the hoop 50 in the absence of the inner container 20 in the inner volume 18, shown in [Fig. 3], in which each holding element 67 is arranged at least partly bearing on the annular upper edge 23 of the outer container 14 and the hoop 50 is in the configuration assembled to the outer container 14.

[0113] Thus, the or each holding element 67 keeps the internal container 20 fixed in the internal volume 18 of the external container 14 when the internal container 20 is inserted into the internal volume 18 of the external container 14, by pressing on the internal container 20, more particularly by pressing on the collar 43 of the internal container 20. The internal container 20 is then pressed against the bottom 15 of the external container 14 and / or the collar 43 is then pressed against the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14. The relative movements of the internal container 20 with respect to the external container 14, along the elevation axis A-A', are then limited, in particular because each notch 64 is received at the bottom of the housing 62 and is held against this bottom by the elastic biasing force.

[0114] Furthermore, the holding elements 67 keep the hoop 50 robustly engaged on the external container 14, in the absence of an internal container 14 inserted in the internal volume 18 of the external container 14, by pressing on the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14.

[0115] As previously, the support of each holding element 67 on the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14 urges the insertion notch 64 against the bottom of the insertion housing 62 in the position for holding the hoop 50.

[0116] The holding element 67, by pressing on the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14, pushes the hoop 50 upwards, that is to say, to a height taken along the elevation axis A-A' relative to the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14, substantially equal to the height, taken along the elevation axis A-A', of the hoop 50 in the presence of the internal container 20 in the internal volume 18, relative to the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14, in the assembled configuration of the hoop 50 on the external container 14.

[0117] Indeed, the absence of the internal container 20 creates a clearance (in the absence of the collar 43 in particular) between the hoop 50 and the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14. This clearance is compensated by each holding element 67 which presses on the annular upper edge 23 so as to keep the hoop 50 raised.

[0118] Thus, the hoop 50 being also held in the high position in the presence or absence of the internal container 20, the insertion notch 64 stops at the bottom of the insertion housing 62. There is no risk of it leaving the insertion housing 62. The hoop 50 is then robustly held on the external container 14.

[0119] In the example of figures 1 to 4, each holding element 67 comprises at least one first tab 70 elastically deformed in at least the position for holding the internal container 20, in which the or each first tab 70 is placed in abutment on the internal container 20. More particularly, in the position for holding the internal container 20, the or each first tab 70 is arranged in abutment on the collar 43 of the internal container 20 while being elastically deformed.

[0120] Furthermore, in this example, each holding element 67 comprises at least one second tab 72 elastically deformed in the position for holding the hoop 50, in which the or each second tab 72 arranged is placed in abutment on the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14 while being elastically deformed. More particularly, in the position for holding the hoop 50, the or each second tab 72 is placed in abutment on the annular part 25.

[0121] In a particular embodiment, shown in [Fig.4], each holding element 67 comprises a pair of adjacent first legs 70 elastically deformed in the position for holding the internal container 20, and at least one second leg 72 disposed between the two adjacent first legs 70 and connected to the adjacent first legs 70.

[0122] In the example of [Fig.4], the ring 52 defines, for each pair of first legs 70 receiving between them a second leg 72, a slot receiving these legs 70, 72 in projection.

[0123] The first legs 70 are for example made of the same material as the second leg 72 which they surround.

[0124] Each first leg 70 projects towards the central axis of the hoop 50 (coaxial with the elevation axis A-A' when the hoop 50 is mounted on the external container 14) from the ring 52.

[0125] Each second leg 72 projects from the first leg 70. In particular, each second leg 72 projects away from the central hoop axis from the first leg 70. In other words, the first and second legs 70, 72 project in two opposite radial directions.

[0126] In the example visible in [Fig.4], the first legs 70 of each pair of adjacent first legs 70 are connected to each other by a shared central portion 73 from which the second leg 72 projects.

[0127] In the example of [Fig.4], each first leg 70 has a first curved region 75 delimited between the ring 52 and a first free end 76. Each first leg 70 also has a first lower bearing surface 77 on the internal container 20 located at the first free end 76 of the first curved region 75.

[0128] Similarly, each second leg 72 has a second curved region 80 delimited between the shared central portion 73 and a second free end 81. Each second leg 72 also has a second lower bearing surface 82 on the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14 located at the second free end 81 of the second curved region 80.

[0129] The first and second free ends 76, 81 are therefore placed so as to be radially opposite from the ring 52, the first free end 76 being located towards the central axis of the hoop 50 from the ring 52, the second free end 81 being located away from the central axis of the hoop 50 from the first free end 76.

[0130] This makes it easier in particular to maintain the internal container 20 in the external container 14, the internal container 20 being closer to the central axis of the hoop than the external container 14.

[0131] The height of the first free end 76 of each first leg 70 is less than the height of the second free end 81 of each second leg 72 in the position for holding the internal container 20 and in the position for holding the hoop 50.

[0132] Furthermore, the relative deformation between each first leg 70 and the second leg 72 located between the first legs 70 is not affected by the support of each first leg 70 on the internal container 20 and by the resulting elastic deformation of each first leg 70.

[0133] The internal container 20 is devoid of contact with each second leg 72, since each second leg 72 is arranged further radially from the central hoop axis than the inner container 20, and they project away from the central hoop axis, i.e. towards the outside of the outer container 14.

[0134] In a particular embodiment, the second legs 72 are without elastic deformation when the first legs 70 are elastically deformed. Similarly, the first legs 70 are without elastic deformation when the second legs 72 are elastically deformed. Each second free end 81 is then located above and without contact with the internal container 20 or with the annular upper edge 23.

[0135] When the first legs 70 press on the internal container 20 in order to keep the internal container 20 fixed in the external container 14, the second legs 72 are at rest without elastic deformation in particular relative to the first legs 70.

[0136] Similarly, in the absence of an inner container 20, when the second legs 72 press on the annular upper edge 23 of the outer container 14 in order to keep the hoop 50 fixed on the outer container 14, the first legs 70 are at rest without elastic deformation. Each first end is located without contact with the annular upper edge 23.

[0137] A method of using the device 10 will now be described.

[0138] The user initially has a packaging and dispensing device 10 as described above. In the initial state, the internal container 20 is inserted into the internal volume 18 of the external container 14.

[0139] Each holding element 67 is then arranged in a position for holding the internal container 20, resting on the internal container 20.

[0140] In particular, each first leg 70 is placed in abutment on the collar 43 of the internal container 20, and the second legs 72 are without elastic deformation, the second legs 72 being in a rest position, without support on the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14.

[0141] Each notch 64 is held in contact with the bottom of the housing 62 by the elastic stress of the first tabs 70 which push the hoop 50 upwards away from the annular upper edge 23. The collar 43 is thus pinched between the annular upper edge 23 and each first tab 70.

[0142] In order to extract the internal container 20 from the internal volume 18 of the external container 14, for example in order to refill the device 10 with cosmetic product 12, the user disengages the reversible fixing system in order to move the hoop 50 from the assembled configuration to the disassembled configuration of the external container 14.

[0143] For example, the user performs this step by pushing the hoop 50 towards the annular upper edge 23 against the elastic stress produced by the first tabs 70. This dislodges each insertion notch 64 from the insertion housing 62. in which it is received. Then, the user rotates the hoop 50 around the elevation axis A-A', while being guided by the movement of the insertion notch 64 in the ramp 60, until the insertion notch 64 is completely dislodged from the ramp 60.

[0144] The hoop 50 is then moved into the disassembled configuration of the external container 14, and the user moves the hoop 50 away from the external container 14, then removes the internal container 20 from the internal volume 18.

[0145] Optionally, he can replace the internal container 20 with another internal container 20 full of cosmetic product 12 or containing another cosmetic product. He then replaces the hoop 50, by carrying out the steps described previously in reverse order.

[0146] On the contrary, once the internal container 20 has been removed, the user may wish to reassemble the band 50 on the external container 14, for example so as not to lose the band 50.

[0147] For this purpose, the user moves the hoop 50 from the disassembled configuration to the configuration assembled to the external container 14 while engaging the reversible fixing system.

[0148] For example, the user positions the hoop 50 opposite the annular upper edge 23, in the elevation direction A-A', then inserts the notch 64 into the ramp 60 and by rotating the hoop 50 around the elevation axis A-A' relative to the external container 14, guides the notch 64 inside the ramp 60 until the notch 64 is inserted into the insertion housing 62.

[0149] Simultaneously, each holding element 67 passes into the position for holding the hoop 50.

[0150] More particularly, each second leg 72 comes into contact with the annular upper edge 23 of the external container 14 and deforms elastically to generate a force for urging the hoop 50 upwards away from the annular upper edge 23. Each first leg 70 remains without elastic deformation, that is to say that the first legs 70 are in a rest position, without contact with the internal container 20 since the internal container 20 is arranged outside the external container 14.

[0151] Each notch 64 then stops at the bottom of the insertion housing 62 and the hoop 50 being pushed upwards, there is no risk of one of the notches 64 leaving the insertion housing 62. The hoop 50 is then firmly held on the external container 14.

[0152] No chattering is otherwise present between the hoop 50 and the annular upper edge 23.

[0153] The device 10 for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to the invention has numerous advantages.

[0154] The holding elements 67 being elastically deformed into a position for holding the internal container 20, when the internal container 20 is received in the volume internal 18, the internal container 20 is securely held and the relative movements with respect to the external container 14 are limited or even hindered. This allows simple and pleasant use of the device 10 when the internal container 20 is inserted into the external container 14.

[0155] Furthermore, the holding elements 67 being elastically deformed into a position for holding the hoop 50 in the absence of the internal container 20 in the internal volume 18, the hoop 50 remains firmly engaged on the external container 14 in the assembled configuration. The user cannot therefore lose the hoop 50, which remains robustly attached to the external container 14.

[0156] Furthermore, the hoop 50 is fixed on the external container 14 and does not risk being drawn into and jammed in the closing cap 33, when screwing / unscrewing the closing cap 33 with respect to the external container 14.

[0157] This therefore facilitates the reuse of the device 10, the band 50 being reusable to ensure the maintenance of a new internal container in the external container 14 during a potential refill of the device 10 with cosmetic product 12.

[0158] The device 10 is then simple and pleasant to use in all configurations.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product (12) comprising: - an external container (14) comprising a bottom (15) and at least one side wall (16) defining an annular upper edge (23), the bottom (15) and the at least one side wall (16) defining an internal volume (18) intended to receive an internal container (20), - a hoop (50) having a central hoop axis, the hoop (50) comprising at least one holding element (67) of the internal container (20) in the internal volume (18), - a reversible fastening system for the hoop (50), the hoop (50) being movable between a configuration assembled to the external container (14) via the fastening system and a configuration disassembled from the external container (14), characterized in that the or each holding element (67) is configured to be elastically deformed: - in at least one position for holding the internal container (20), when the internal container (20) is received in the internal volume (18), in which the or each holding element (67) is arranged at least partly bearing on the internal container (20) and the hoop (50) is in the configuration assembled to the external container (14), and - in a position for holding the hoop (50) in the absence of the internal container (20) in the internal volume (18), in which the or each holding element (67) is arranged at least partly bearing on the annular upper edge (23) of the external container (14) and the hoop (50) is arranged in the configuration assembled to the external container (14).

2. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to claim 1, in which the or each holding element (67) comprises at least one first tab (70) elastically deformed in at least the position for holding the internal container (20), in which the or each first tab (70) is arranged to bear on the internal container (20) and at least one second tab (72) elastically deformed in the position for holding the band (50), in which the or each second leg (72) is arranged to bear on the annular upper edge (23) of the external container (14).

3. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to claim 2, in which the or each second leg (72) is without elastic deformation when the first leg (70) is elastically deformed, the or each first leg (70) being without elastic deformation when the second leg (72) is elastically deformed.

4. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which the hoop (50) comprises a ring (52) intended to be placed around the annular upper edge (23) of the external container (14), the or each first leg (70) projecting towards the central axis from the ring (52), the or each second leg (72) projecting from the first leg (70).

5. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to claim 4, in which the or each holding element (67) comprises a pair of adjacent first legs (70) elastically deformed in the position for holding the internal container (20), in which the first legs (70) are arranged to bear on the internal container (20), and at least one second leg (72) arranged between the two adjacent first legs (70) and connected to the adjacent first legs (70).

6. A device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the or each second leg (72) projects away from the central axis from the first leg (70).

7. Device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, in which the or each first leg (70) has a first curved region (75) and a first lower surface (77) for bearing on the internal container (20) at a first free end (76) of the first curved region (75), the or each second leg (72) having a second curved region (80) and a second lower surface (82) for bearing on the annular upper edge (23) of the external container (14) at a second free end (81) of the second curved region (80).

8. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each holding element (67) has an angular extent around the central axis of the hoop (50) of less than 30°.

9. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reversible fixing system comprises a fixing element (54) on the annular upper edge (23) of the external container (14), and a complementary fixing element (56) on the band (50), the complementary fixing element (56) cooperating with the fixing element (54) in the assembled configuration of the band (50) in order to reversibly fix the band (50) on the external container (14).

10. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to claim 9, in which one of the fixing element (54) and the complementary fixing element (56) comprises a ramp (60) provided at its end with an insertion housing (62), the other of the fixing element (54) and the complementary fixing element (56) comprising an insertion notch (64), the holding element (67) urging the notch (64) into the housing (62) in the position for holding the band (50).

11. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an internal container (20), the internal container (20) being configured to be reversibly engaged in the internal volume (18) of the external container (14).

12. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to claim 11, in which the internal container (20) comprises a collar (43) projecting radially from a side wall (37) of the internal container (20), the or each holding element (67) being arranged at least partly bearing on the collar (43) of the internal container (20) in the holding position of the internal container (20).

13. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the band (50) comprises between 1 and 10 holding elements (67) angularly distributed along the band (50).

14. A method of using a device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - providing a device (10) for packaging and dispensing according to any one of the preceding claims - preceding, an internal container (20) being inserted into the internal volume (18), the holding element (67) being arranged in a position for holding the internal container (20) resting on the internal container (20), disengagement of the reversible fixing system and movement of the hoop (50) from the assembled configuration to the disassembled configuration of the external container (14), removal of the internal container (20) from the internal volume (18), movement of the hoop (50) from the disassembled configuration to the configuration assembled to the external container (14), and engagement of the reversible fixing system, and passage of the holding element (67) into the position for holding the hoop (50).