Device with mesh and sealing member

Abstract

A device (1) for packaging a product (P), in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: a cup-shaped member (2), which defines a reservoir (3) for the product (P), a mesh (6), which is elastically deformable and through which the product (P) is obtained, a support (10), to which the mesh (6) is attached and which comprises an inner ring (31), a stretching member (16), which is configured to stretch the mesh (6), and a sealing member (52), which is held between the mesh (6) and the inner ring (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for packaging products, in particular cosmetic products or care products, such as make-up products.

[0002] The present invention more particularly relates to, but is not limited to, a device comprising a container containing a product to be administered and a flexible porous membrane through which the product contained in the container can exit for dispensing. Background Art

[0003] Many devices of this type are known in various shapes and arrangements.

[0004] For example, WO 2017 / 155301, FR 3027200, JP H09289918 relate to devices with a product container provided with a porous membrane through which the product can be obtained.

[0005] However, the risk of damage to the porous membrane due to leakage during transportation or spillage in the equipment is relatively high.

[0006] Easy-open closures are used to close the opening of a container with a sealing member so that the contents of the container will be relatively easily accessible to the consumer by removing the sealing member. The sealing member is typically relatively fragile and is released from its container support by grasping a tab connected to or integrally formed with the sealing member. Lifting the tab and applying a relatively small force will cause the sealing member to separate from the container support.

[0007] For example, EP2366634, JP5115956, JP 10286116 disclose such easy-open closures with a sealing member adhered to the container. Adhesion can be achieved by a specific structure of the container, by glue or by heat treatment.

[0008] There is a need for further improvements in packaging devices comprising flexible porous films through which a product can be obtained.

[0009] There is a need to further improve such packaging devices by reducing the risk of leakage of the ingredients without complicating the manufacturing process of the device.

[0010] There is a need to further improve such packaging devices to avoid splashing of ingredients during transport without adding patches or embossment to the device. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a device for packaging a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising:

[0012] - a cup-shaped member defining a reservoir for the product,

[0013] - a mesh of holes which is elastically deformable and through which the product is obtained,

[0014] a support to which the mesh is attached in a peripheral fixing zone, the support being fixed relative to the cup-shaped member during the dispensing of the product and comprising an inner ring,

[0015] a stretching member configured to stretch the mesh by pressing it at at least one position radially inside the peripheral fixing zone,

[0016] A sealing member is retained between the mesh and the inner ring.

[0017] Thanks to the structure of the device according to the invention, the sealing member is securely clamped between the mesh and the inner ring of the support, which immediately avoids leakage of the cosmetic product from the device and avoids complex arrangements for retaining the mesh.

[0018] The cosmetic ingredients remain in the cup even during transportation of the device.

[0019] Preferably, a tamper evidence sheet is arranged over the sealing member as evidence of first use.

[0020] More preferably, the sealing member comprises a tear tab. It is easier for the user to open.

[0021] Even more preferably, the sealing member comprises an aluminium layer.Manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0022] Even more preferably, the sealing member comprises a pre-cut line.Opening is easier.

[0023] A mesh attached to a support is not a follower.

[0024] It should also be noted that the mesh and the support are attached to each other before assembling the device.

[0025] Advantageously, the support is fixed rather than being snap-fastened to the cup-shaped member.

[0026] The expression "not fastened by snap-fitting" means that the support is fixed relative to the cup-shaped member by friction, by bonding, by welding or by at least one axial locking element.

[0027] In this case, there is no need to provide the support and the cup-shaped member with corresponding reliefs for snap-fit ​​fastening. The tension of the mesh can be adjusted more easily, reducing the risk of under- or over-stretching the mesh. Manufacturing tolerances may be higher.

[0028] Furthermore, it offers more possibilities for sealing at the joints of the various elements, if required.

[0029] The support is preferably fixed in at least one position of the support which is not in contact with the mesh. It allows a good fixation of the support, since there is no contact between the support and the mesh at the at least one fixing position.

[0030] During the assembly process of the device, the support can be inserted into the cup-shaped member until it abuts against the surface of the cup-shaped member or until the desired position is reached, depending on the embodiment. The insertion of the support can generate a friction force that fixes the support in the cup-shaped member. Depending on the embodiment, the mesh may or may not be pressed between the support and the cup-shaped member. If it is pressed, it can help to fix the support in the cup-shaped member. The support can be inserted into the cup-shaped member until the support abuts against the upper edge of the skirt of the cup-shaped member. The support can include one or more ribs that help to generate a friction force against the cup-shaped member. The one or more ribs preferably abut against the cylindrical surface of the cup-shaped member. Advantageously, the ribs do not engage with the corresponding grooves of the cup-shaped member.

[0031] The present invention allows the tension or stretch of the mesh to be adjusted during assembly of the device.

[0032] The support is advantageously made of a rigid polymer material, such as a rigid thermoplastic material.

[0033] In the case where the support is not snap-fastened in the cup-shaped member, this allows the use of rigid materials to make the support and cup-shaped member, as the support or cup-shaped member does not need to deform to a great extent when the support is inserted into the cup-shaped member. The absence of snap-fastening can also facilitate molding of the support and cup-shaped member, as snap-fastening grooves do not need to be made.

[0034] The mesh is advantageously sufficiently elastically deformable so as to be able to contact the bottom of the reservoir when the product in the reservoir has been used up. After the device is assembled, the mesh is not stretched to its elastic limit. The device according to the invention enables a good product recovery rate to be obtained. The recovery rate may for example be greater than 80%, better still greater than 85%.

[0035] The tensile member is configured to stretch the mesh when the device is assembled. This stretching of the mesh is maintained during use of the device. Before physical contact between the mesh and the tensile member, there is no stretching of the mesh due to the tensile member. The mesh attached to the support may be flat before contact with the tensile member. The support does not include the tensile member.

[0036] The tensile member may be part of the inner peripheral skirt. In this case, the tensile member is, for example, at least partially constituted by the upper end of the inner peripheral skirt. In a variant, the tensile member is constituted by the lower end of the inner peripheral skirt, depending on the upward or downward orientation of the skirt.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the inner peripheral skirt has a constant height. In a variant, the inner peripheral skirt has a varying height.

[0038] The support element may be fixed in at least one position of the support element which is located radially outside the peripheral fixing zone.

[0039] The support may be fixed by contact with the peripheral skirt, for example by friction, by bonding or by welding to such peripheral skirt.

[0040] When the device comprises an inner circumference skirt and an outer circumference skirt, the support member may be at least partially sandwiched between the inner circumference skirt and the outer circumference skirt. In this case, the support member may be fixed by friction, by bonding or by welding.

[0041] The inner peripheral skirt and the outer peripheral skirt (when present) are arranged in a concentric manner.

[0042] The support may be prevented from axial movement by at least one axial locking element.The at least one axial locking element may axially cover the support so as to prevent its axial movement.

[0043] The cup-shaped member may include a tensile member.

[0044] The device may include a cover portion that cooperates with the cup-shaped member. In this case, the cover portion may include a tensile member.

[0045] When the device includes a peripheral skirt, if any, the peripheral skirt may be part of the cup-shaped member or part of the cover portion.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the device has no covering portion.

[0047] The support may comprise a peripheral rib, the contact of which with another part of the device participates in the fixing of the support.

[0048] The mesh is advantageously welded to the support in the peripheral fixing region, for example by ultrasonic or high-frequency welding.

[0049] The support comprises, for example, a ring, the peripheral fixing zone being preferably located at the lower end of the ring. The peripheral fixing zone may additionally be located at the upper end of the ring. The support advantageously comprises a single skirt ring. This means that it does not have two or more concentric skirts.

[0050] In one embodiment, the support comprises an outer edge extending radially outwards from the rest of the support, in particular from the upper end of the ring. The outer edge preferably rests on the element, for example on its upper end, thereby participating in the fixing of the support.

[0051] The support may comprise an inner edge extending radially inwardly from the remainder of the support, the inner edge for example resting on the tensile member, with a portion of the mesh being sandwiched between the inner edge and the tensile member.

[0052] The device or a part of the device can be a refill. In this case, the refill can be packaged separately in a sealed bag or box, for example.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, one of the support and the cup-shaped member comprises at least one first partition wall, and the other of the support and the cup-shaped member comprises at least two second partition walls surrounding the first partition wall, so that the mesh is enclosed between the at least one first partition wall and each of the at least two second partition walls. This embodiment allows the formation of a compartment for the product in the cup-shaped member.

[0054] The peripheral fixing area defines, for example, an area having a shape selected from a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape such as a rectangular or square shape.

[0055] The peripheral fixing area may have an annular shape.

[0056] The mesh may be a textile mesh and may comprise a woven, nonwoven or knitted fabric. The mesh may be a foam film or another nonwoven mesh, such as, for example, a perforated plastic film.

[0057] The mesh is permeable so that the product can be obtained through it.

[0058] The mesh includes a lower surface oriented toward the product contained in the reservoir and an upper surface oriented away from the product contained in the reservoir.

[0059] The maximum thickness between the lower surface and the upper surface of the mesh is the thickness of the mesh. The thickness of the mesh can be between 0.4 mm and 5 mm.

[0060] The upper surface area of ​​the mesh can be 180mm 2 With 3800mm 2 Such an area of ​​the upper surface and such a thickness of the mesh make it possible to have a larger surface for the user to come into contact with the product, while minimizing the amount of textile material necessary and the amount of product remaining in the mesh at the end of use.

[0061] Depending on the initial degree of filling of the cup-shaped member, the product contained in the reservoir may or may not come into contact with the lower surface of the mesh when no pressure is applied to the mesh by the user.

[0062] Preferably, the mesh is conformable to the surface of the product contained in the reservoir when said product is obtained.

[0063] The upper surface of the mesh may be substantially flat in the portion through which the product passes during use. The lower surface of the mesh may be substantially flat in the portion through which the product passes during use. The upper and lower surface areas of the mesh may be the same or different.

[0064] The thickness of the mesh may be substantially constant over the portion of the mesh through which product passes during use.

[0065] The support may be fixed to the upper surface of the mesh. Alternatively, the support is fixed to the lower surface of the mesh.

[0066] The bottom of the reservoir may have a substantially flat shape or a concave shape towards the mesh. The bottom of the reservoir may have a parabolic, ellipsoidal or spherical shape. The bottom of the reservoir may be located at approximately the same level as the lower portion of the device.

[0067] The cosmetic product is advantageously one of a foundation, a concealer product, a skin tone corrector and a care product.

[0068] The product may be in the form of a liquid, paste or free powder.

[0069] The product may be a fluid. The viscosity of the product may be between 40UD and 90UD (deviation units), preferably between 55UD and 80UD, or between 366cP and 569cP (centipoise), or between 0.37Pa.s and 0.57Pa.s.

[0070] The viscosity is measured at 25°C with a Rheomat 180 (Lamy) equipped with a MS-R2 spindle, selected for low to medium viscosities of the product, which spins at 200 rpm. The measurement is carried out after a spin time of 10 minutes. The viscosity measurement is carried out at the latest one week after manufacture. This viscosity makes it possible to improve the removal of the product from the upper surface of the mesh and to avoid product flow during use.

[0071] The device may include a protective cover that covers the mesh when no product is available. The protective cover may be fixed by friction, screw fastening, bayonet locking or snap fastening. In a variant, the protective cover may be connected in an articulated manner or by a sliding connection.

[0072] The product can be removed from the upper surface of the mesh by means of an applicator. The applicator may include or consist of an applicator member such as a foam, a brush, a sponge, a nonwoven or a flocked end piece.

[0073] In one variation, the product is obtained with the fingers by passing the fingers through the mesh of holes.

[0074] The device may not have an applicator housed between the protective cover and the mesh. This simplifies manufacturing and gives the user greater freedom of choice in applying the product compared to devices that include an applicator.

[0075] In one variation, the device includes an applicator to provide a complete system to the user.

[0076] The device may comprise a mirror, in particular a mirror housed in a protective cover.

[0077] The device is devoid of any wiper member through which the applicator is withdrawn.

[0078] The device may not include a bellows, particularly in the cup-shaped member.

[0079] The cup-shaped member may comprise a rigid body. The rigid body may be produced by moulding a thermoplastic material, wherein the cavity defines a space for containing the product and constituting the reservoir. The cup-shaped member is not a flexible sheet.

[0080] The cup-shaped member may include an inner peripheral skirt and an outer peripheral skirt arranged in a concentric manner with the support member interposed therebetween.

[0081] The support may be supported by an upper edge of an inner peripheral skirt or an outer peripheral skirt as part of the cup-shaped member, the support being clamped between the cup-shaped member and the retainer.

[0082] When the cup-shaped member comprises an inner peripheral skirt and an outer peripheral skirt arranged in a concentric manner, the support may abut against the bottom of the cylindrical space between the two skirts.

[0083] There may be one single piece comprising the tensile member and the retaining member by radial clamping.

[0084] Method for assembling a device

[0085] Another subject of the invention is a method for assembling a device as defined above, comprising:

[0086] - filling the cup-shaped member with the product,

[0087] - providing a support with an attached mesh,

[0088] - bringing the mesh into contact with a stretching member and pressing the mesh with the stretching member so as to stretch the mesh,

[0089] - Fixing the support relative to the cup-shaped member.

[0090] Makeup method

[0091] Another subject of the invention is a cosmetic method comprising the following steps:

[0092] - loading the applicator with the product by using the device as defined above, and

[0093] -Apply the product to the area where human keratin material is to be treated.

[0094] The applicator may be loaded without moving the applicator except by moving the applicator into contact with the mesh and then away from the mesh, which results in product being deposited on the applicator.

[0095] In a variant, when obtaining the product, the user can rotate the applicator and / or move the applicator in translation to bring it into contact with the mesh.

[0096] The product may be picked up by rubbing or by tapping the applicator or fingers on the mesh.

[0097] Another subject of the invention is a method for using the device according to the invention, comprising:

[0098] A device according to the invention is provided,

[0099] Remove the sealing member held between the mesh and the inner ring,

[0100] Optionally, the method further comprises removing a tamper evidence sheet disposed over the sealing member prior to removing the sealing member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0101] The invention may be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments and by viewing the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0102] - Figure 1 is a perspective and partially schematic illustration from above of an example of a device according to the invention before first use,

[0103] - Figure 2 is a perspective and partial schematic view from above of an example of a device according to the invention just after removal of the sealing member, - Figure 3 The schematic diagram is shown in cross section and perspective. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A support for a device having a tamper-evident evidence sheet, - Figure 4 The assembled device according to the invention is schematically shown in cross section. Figure 3 The support device,

[0104] - Figure 5 The schematic diagram before assembly is shown in cross section. Figure 4 part of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0105] In the rest of the description, the same elements or elements with equivalent functions have the same reference numerals. The description of each figure is not repeated, only the main differences between the embodiments are emphasized.

[0106] Figures 1 to 5 An embodiment of a device 1 for packaging a product according to the invention is shown. The device 1 is assembled according to an axis X. The device 1 comprises a cup-shaped member 2 defining a reservoir 3 for the product. As shown, the reservoir 3 is defined by an inner peripheral skirt 4 of cylindrical shape and a partially flat bottom 5. In this example, the diameter of the inner peripheral skirt 4 is greater than the height of the inner peripheral skirt 4.

[0107] The device 1 also comprises an elastically deformable, permeable mesh 6 through which the product is obtained. In this example, the mesh 6 is made of woven fabric, but it can be made of nonwoven or knitted fabric or another nonwoven material (e.g. foam) without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0108] The device 1 also comprises a support 10 to which the mesh 6 is attached in a peripheral fixing zone 12. The support 10 comprises a cylindrical ring 15, in this example a single skirt ring. In this example, the mesh 6 is welded to the support 10. Also in this example, the peripheral fixing zone 12 is constituted by the lower end of the ring 15.

[0109] The device 1 comprises a stretching member 16 configured to stretch the mesh 6 by pressing it at at least one position radially inside the peripheral fixing area 12. In this example, the stretching member 16 is part of the inner peripheral skirt 4 of the cup-shaped member 2 and is constituted by the upper end of the inner peripheral skirt. In this example, the inner peripheral skirt 4 has a constant height.

[0110] The support 10 is fixed relative to the cup-shaped member 2, rather than being fixed by snap fastening. The support 10 is fixed to another part of the device at a position 20 by friction contact, which in this example is radially outside the peripheral fixing area 12. In this embodiment, the cup-shaped member 2 includes an outer peripheral skirt 25, which is radially outside and parallel to the inner peripheral skirt 4. There is an annular space 26 between the inner peripheral skirt 4 and the outer peripheral skirt 25. In this example, the support 10 is fixed relative to the cup-shaped member 2 by friction.

[0111] The two concentric peripheral skirts of the cup-shaped member 2, constituted by the inner peripheral skirt 4 and the outer peripheral skirt 25, are linked at the lower end of the cup-shaped member 2 by a wall 27 which is flat and has a lower surface aligned with the lower surface of the bottom 5 of the reservoir 3. The wall 27 also extends radially outwards relative to the outer peripheral skirt 25. The skirts 4 and 25 are integral with the cup-shaped member.

[0112] The ring 15 of the support 10 comprises a peripheral rib 29 in contact with the peripheral skirt 25 at the location 20. The peripheral rib 29 extends over the radially outer surface 30 of the ring 15, substantially in the middle portion thereof.

[0113] The ring 15 of the support 10 also comprises a radially internal rib 31 extending on a radially internal surface 32 of the ring 15 , in the middle thereof.

[0114] The sealing member 52 is freely arranged between the mesh 6 sealed to the ring 15 and the inner ring 31 provided on the inner surface of the ring 15. The sealing member 52 may be provided with a tear tab 54 located on the sealing sheet 57.

[0115] The support 10 comprises an outer edge 33 extending radially outwards from the remainder of the support 10 , in this example from the upper end of the ring 15 .

[0116] A tamper evidence sheet 66 is arranged on the outer edge 33, for example by gluing or fusing.

[0117] Before assembly, the mesh 6 attached to the support 10 is flat, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0118] During assembly of the device according to axis X, support 10 is assembled to cup-shaped member 2 so that stretching member 16 presses on mesh 6 at an annular position 34 radially inside peripheral fixing zone 12, thereby stretching mesh 6, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the mesh 6 is deformed.

[0119] The mesh 6 then comprises a welded outer zone 35, a tubular zone 36 and a flat circular inner zone 37. The outer zone 35 corresponds to the peripheral fixing zone 12. The tubular zone 36 is located between the peripheral fixing zone 12 and the annular position 34. The inner zone 37 is the zone of the mesh 6 inside the annular position 34. This inner zone 37 is the zone of the mesh 6 through which the product is obtained. In this example, the shape of the inner zone 37 is circular, but it can be square, rectangular or have other shapes without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0120] When the support 10 is inserted into the annular space 26, the sealing member 52 is pushed upwards to the inner edge 31 acting as an abutment. In this zone, the sealing sheet 57 is thus sandwiched between the mesh 6 and the inner edge 31.

[0121] The tear tab 54 may extend radially on the outer surface of the sealing member 52 with its end 56 held between the sealing sheet 57 and the inner edge 31 .

[0122] Preferably, the sealing member 52 completely covers the opening of the cup 2 and forms a barrier that prevents the ingredients from flowing out of the cup 2 .

[0123] Preferably, the sealing member 52 has a thickness measured along the longitudinal axis X of between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0124] When assembling the device 1, the support 10 is at least partially sandwiched between the inner peripheral skirt 4 and the outer peripheral skirt 25. The presence of the ribs 29 and 31 serves to retain the support 10 and the mesh 6 in the device 1 by friction. Once the device 1 is assembled, the support 10 cannot move inside the device.

[0125] The outer edge 33 is fixed by snapping on the upper end 40 of the peripheral skirt 25. Thus, the outer edge 33 rests on the upper end 40 of the peripheral skirt 25.

[0126] The device 1 may comprise other parts besides the cup-shaped member 2, the support 10 and the mesh 6. In this example, the device 1 comprises a housing 50 having a generally cylindrical opening 51 for receiving the cup-shaped member 2 and the support 10 attached to the mesh 6.

[0127] To use the device 1 according to the invention, the user pulls the opening tab 54 between two fingers to stir up the sealing sheet 57 until it is completely torn off the cup-shaped member 2. The sealing sheet 57 gradually slides under the inner edge 31. It can be removed by the user and thrown away.

[0128] The sealing sheet 57 may be a single layer barrier, such as a single layer comprising aluminum.

[0129] The sealing sheet 57 may also be a multi-layer barrier film and may include at least one upper thermoplastic layer and at least one supplementary layer being an aluminum layer, a metallized plastic layer, a polyamide layer, and any suitable barrier layer. The multi-layer barrier film is advantageously configured to form an effective barrier to preserve the cosmetic product contained within the cup.

[0130] The sealing sheet 57 may include pre-cut portions.

[0131] The device 1 may be a refill. In this case, the refill may be packaged individually in a sealed bag or box, for example.

[0132] The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. In the cup-shaped member 2 there may be more than one product compartment.

Claims

1. A device (1) for packaging a product (P), comprising: - a cup-shaped member (2) defining a reservoir (3) for the product (P), the cup-shaped member (2) comprising an inner peripheral skirt (4) and an outer peripheral skirt (25) radially outside and parallel to the inner peripheral skirt (4), with an annular space (26) between the inner peripheral skirt (4) and the outer peripheral skirt (25), a mesh (6) which is elastically deformable and through which the product (P) is obtained, - a support (10) comprising a cylindrical ring (15) to which the mesh (6) is attached in a peripheral fixing zone (12) constituted by the lower end of the ring (15), the support (10) being fixed relative to the cup-shaped member (2) during the dispensing of the product and comprising an inner ring (31) extending in the middle of the radial inner surface of the ring (15) and an outer ring (29) extending in the middle of the radial outer surface of the ring (15), the mesh (6) attached to the support (10) being flat before assembling the device, a tensioning member (16) constituted by the upper end of the inner peripheral skirt (4) and configured to stretch the mesh (6) during assembly of the device by pressing the mesh at at least one position radially inside the peripheral fixing zone (12), Features: The sealing member (52) is freely arranged between the mesh (6) and the inner ring (31), and during the assembly of the device, the sealing member (52) is pushed against the inner ring (31) so that the sealing member (52) is clamped between the mesh (6) and the inner ring (31) and the mesh (6) is deformed, and the support (10) is at least partially clamped between the inner peripheral skirt (4) and the outer peripheral skirt (25), and the support (10) and the mesh (6) are retained in the device (1) by friction via the inner ring (31) and the outer ring (29).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that A tamper evidence sheet (66) is disposed over the sealing member (52).

3. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sealing member (52) includes a tear tab (54).

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sealing member (52) includes an aluminum layer.

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sealing member (52) comprises a pre-cut wire.

6. A method for using the device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The method comprises: providing a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and removing the sealing member (52) held between the mesh (6) and the inner ring (31), Optionally, the method further comprises removing a tamper evidence sheet (66) disposed over the sealing member (52) prior to removing the sealing member (52).

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