Refillable packaging assembly for cosmetic products

Abstract

A packaging assembly (10) for a cosmetic product, comprising a container (20) capable of containing the product and an insert (30), the insert carrying a dispensing member (40) and being detachably mounted on the container (20) to allow the product to be dispensed through the dispensing member (40) when the insert (30) is mounted on the container (20), wherein the insert (30) is configured to cooperate with the container (20) so that during a movement of mounting and / or removing the insert (30) from the container (20), the insert (30) passes successively through a first position in which the force required for the movement reaches a first local maximum and a second position in which the force reaches a second local maximum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of packaging solid, liquid or pasty products, and more particularly to a refillable packaging assembly capable of containing such products. The packaging assembly finds its application, for example, in the field of cosmetic products. Background Art

[0002] In cosmetic products, packaging is an important aspect of the value that users attribute to the product. Therefore, manufacturers pay special attention to the packaging components and containers that contain the product.

[0003] In an ecological and economical manner, users would like to be able to refill their cosmetic product container when it is empty, rather than discarding the packaging assembly.Therefore, there is a need for a new type of packaging assembly for cosmetic products. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To this end, the present disclosure relates to a packaging assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising a container capable of containing said product and an insert, said insert carrying a dispensing member and being detachably mounted on the container to allow dispensing of the product via the dispensing member when it is mounted on the container, wherein the insert is configured to cooperate with the container so that during a movement of mounting and / or removing the insert on the container, the insert passes successively through a first position in which the force required for said movement reaches a first local maximum and a second position in which the force reaches a second local maximum.

[0005] The dispensing member allows the cosmetic product to be dispensed when it is mounted on the container.Thus, the cosmetic product can pass through a dispensing member such as a pump or valve.

[0006] The first and second positions may be intermediate positions in the movement, that is, positions that are neither at the beginning nor at the end of the movement for installing / removing the insert from the container. In other words, the removal movement may begin before the first position and continue after the second position, and vice versa for the installation movement. In this disclosure, the abbreviations "installation / removal" refer to installation and / or removal, that is, at least one of installation and removal.

[0007] The force required for motion is to be understood in a broad sense and in the case of rotation usually includes the concept of torque.

[0008] By definition of a local maximum, the force required for the movement just before and just after the first position is less than the force required for the movement just at the first position. In other words, at the first position, the user experiences a hard point, a resistance, which requires a locally increased force to overcome. The same applies to the second position, and it should be understood that the first local maximum and the second local maximum can have the same value or different values.

[0009] Due to the fact that the insert is removably mounted on the container and the movement of mounting / removing it on / from the container requires passing through the two aforementioned local maxima, the user can remove and reinstall the insert as needed to refill the container, while at the same time, a satisfactory closure of the packaging assembly is objectively and subjectively ensured to the user due to these two hard points.

[0010] In some embodiments, when moving through the first and second positions, one element of the insert and container induces elastic deformation in the other element of the insert and container. A local maximum force can correspond to a local maximum deformation of the other element. The elastic deformation facilitates achieving a local maximum force while ensuring reversibility of installation and removal.

[0011] In some embodiments, in a first position, the recess of the insert cooperates with the boss of the container, and in a second position, the recess or another recess of the insert cooperates with the boss or another boss of the container. Several variants are conceivable, wherein: the insert comprises at least one recess and the container comprises at least two bosses, the recess cooperating with each of the bosses in turn, or the insert comprises at least two recesses and the container comprises at least one boss, the boss cooperating with each of the recesses in turn, or the insert comprises at least two recesses and the container comprises at least two bosses, one of the recesses cooperating with one of the bosses, and then the other recess cooperating with the other boss.

[0012] For reasons of simplicity but without loss of generality it will be assumed hereinafter that the insert comprises a recess and the container comprises two bosses, but all detailed characteristics concerning the recess and bosses may be transposed to other configurations.

[0013] Each notch-boss pair may be further replicated, for example, to ensure a good distribution of forces and a sense of symmetry and balance for the user. For example, the insert may include at least two notches, for example five (or any number of) distributed notches, each of which cooperates with a first boss at a first position and a second boss at a second position. Thus, there are five notch-boss pairs at the first position and five notch-boss pairs at the second position, but, for the sake of brevity, only one notch, a first boss and a second boss is described. Furthermore, it should be noted that some of the first bosses may overlap with some of the second bosses; for example, a first boss that cooperates with a notch at a first position may act as a second boss that cooperates with another notch at a second position.

[0014] Notches and bosses may refer to any type of projection or protrusion, including tongue-like elements.

[0015] The recess and boss cooperate to mean that they support each other in the direction of the installation / removal movement. For example, when the movement includes rotation, the recess and boss may support each other in the circumferential direction so as to cause radial deformation of the insert.

[0016] In some embodiments, each of the recesses of the insert projects toward the container and each of the bosses of the container projects toward the insert.

[0017] In some embodiments, the container includes threads for mounting the insert, and one or more bosses are provided on an annular bead located on one side of the thread. For example, the bead may have a variable thickness to form the bosses. The bead may further include localized recesses. The bead facilitates the fabrication of the bosses.

[0018] In some embodiments, the insert has a tubular wall with a recess protruding from the wall. The wall has a reference thickness in a portion relatively far from the recess and a thickness that is thinner than the reference thickness in a portion relatively near the recess. In other words, the wall thickness decreases near the recess. This facilitates deformation of the insert near the recess and limits deformation in portions of the insert relatively far from the recess. Consequently, the insert's resistance to various installation and removal movements is increased.

[0019] In some embodiments, the insert has a generally annular shape including a flat portion from which a recess projects. The recess may project inwardly or outwardly from the insert. The flat portion represents a straight, relatively flat or planar portion that may be arranged along the chord of the generally annular shape, i.e., arranged along a line segment passing through the generally annular shape interior. In these embodiments, the presence of the flat portion leaves space where the insert can be deformed, in this case near the recess, which facilitates deformation of the insert and therefore facilitates installation / removal motion. This also limits the interaction between the insert and other parts, which further contributes to the long life of the packaging assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the container has a neck defining an opening and the insert is configured to fit over the neck of the container.

[0021] In some embodiments, the movement of installing and / or removing the insert from the container includes a rotation of the insert relative to the container, and the first position and the second position are 90° or less apart. Thus, the consecutive bosses (and / or consecutive recesses, as the case may be) corresponding to the first position and the second position are arranged at an angular distance of 90° or less. An angle of 90° or less can be measured around an axis, which serves as the rotational axis for the rotational movement of the insert relative to the container.

[0022] Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned rotation, the installation / removal motion may also include translation of the insert relative to the container. Typically, in the case of a screw motion, such as when the insert and container are screwed together, the translation may accompany the rotation. Alternatively, typically in the case of a bayonet-type motion, the translation may occur before or after the rotation.

[0023] In some embodiments, the packaging assembly further comprises a masking hoop assembled to the insert.The masking hoop may be provided for essentially aesthetic reasons and assembled to the insert by means known per se (typically clamping, gluing, clamping, crimping, etc.).

[0024] In some embodiments, the masking hoop has a rounded portion at one end that is configured to come into contact with the container. The fact that the rounded portion of the masking hoop comes into contact with the container allows the insert to be effectively concealed while ensuring soft contact between the hoop and the container, which limits wear on the container during installation / removal movements. In other words, at the end, the portion configured to come into contact with the container has no sharp ridges that would otherwise risk scratching the container or damaging the decoration provided on the container, all the more so considering the relatively frequent installation / removal that such packaging assemblies are expected to undergo. In addition, the fact that the portion is rounded provides a certain flexibility to the end, which allows it to adapt to any possible installation gaps.

[0025] In some embodiments, the packaging assembly further includes a gasket configured to be compressed when the insert is installed on the container. The gasket can be installed between the insert and the container. The gasket can be compressed when the insert is beyond the second position, or even when the insert is between the first position and the second position.

[0026] In some embodiments, the insert can be made of a polymer, such as polypropylene. Separately, in some embodiments, the container can be made of a transparent or translucent material, such as glass. It should be noted that, preferably, the aforementioned elastic deformation is configured to occur at least on the most elastic element between the insert and the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features and advantages of the object of the present disclosure will emerge from the following description of an embodiment given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a packaging assembly according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of an insert according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3A The movement of the packaging assembly along the Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of plane III-III.

[0031] Figure 3B is during the movement of removing the insert from the container, Figure 3A At a later stage, the packaging components are Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of plane III-III.

[0032] Figure 3C is during the movement of removing the insert from the container, Figure 3B At a later stage, the packaging components are Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of plane III-III.

[0033] Figure 3D is during the movement of removing the insert from the container, Figure 3C At a later stage, the packaging components are Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of plane III-III.

[0034] Figure 3E is during the movement of removing the insert from the container, Figure 3D At a later stage, the packaging components are Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of plane III-III.

[0035] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 Longitudinal section view of plane IV-IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 4 A packaging assembly 10 according to one embodiment is presented. The packaging assembly 10 includes a container 20 capable of containing a cosmetic product, such as a liquid, cream, or powdered product. In this case, the container 20 is bottle-shaped and includes a body 18 and a neck 22 protruding from the body and defining an opening. The container can be made of glass or any other desired material. The body 18 can have decorative patterns, such as color, relief, inscriptions, etc.

[0037] The opening of the neck 22 extends around an axis X, which defines an axial direction. A radial direction is a direction perpendicular to and intersecting this axis. Similarly, an axial plane is a plane containing the axis X of the opening, and a radial plane is a plane perpendicular to this axis. A circumference is understood to be a circle that lies in a radial plane and whose center lies on the axis X. A tangential or circumferential direction is a direction tangential to the circumference; it is perpendicular to the axis X but does not pass through it.

[0038] Furthermore, the packaging assembly 10 includes an insert 30 that carries a dispensing member 40. The insert 30 forms an interface for assembling the dispensing member 40 onto the container 20. In this case, the insert 30 is detachably mounted on the container 20, more specifically on the neck 22. The dispensing member 40 can be assembled onto the insert 30 in a manner known per se (e.g., by gluing, crimping, etc.). Alternatively, the insert 30 can form part of the dispensing member 40, e.g., by being integrally formed with a pump body or the like.

[0039] The dispensing member 40, here of the pump type known per se, may comprise a dispensing head 42 and a dip tube 44. Thus, in this embodiment, the insert 30 supports the pump body. More generally, when the insert 30 is mounted on the container 20, the dispensing member 40 allows the product contained in the container 20 to be dispensed, in this case by pressure on the dispensing head 42. Figure 2 , a gasket 46 (e.g., a flat ring gasket) may be mounted on the insert 30 or, as shown, on the dispensing member 40. The gasket 46 is configured to be compressed when the insert 30 is mounted on the container 20, in this case between the distal end of the neck 22 and the dispensing member 40.

[0040] Furthermore, the packaging assembly may comprise a masking band 60, optionally provided with a magnet 50, and a separate cap or cover 70. These elements will be described later.

[0041] Figure 1 The details of the container 20 more specifically show the structure of the neck 22. The container 20, more specifically the neck 22, has a thread 24 for mounting the insert 30. The thread 24 ends in a thread end stop 24a. The thread end stop protrudes transversely to the thread 24. The thread 24 protrudes radially outward and is configured to mate with a corresponding thread 34 protruding radially inward provided on the insert 30 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) fit. Thus, the insert 30 can be mounted on / detached from the container 20 by screwing using the threads 24, 34. However, other methods of mounting / detaching between the insert 30 and the container 20 can be envisioned.

[0042] Furthermore, container 20 has at least one boss, here a plurality of bosses, more specifically, two pairs of bosses 26b, 26c. In this case, the bosses 26b, 26c in each pair are diametrically opposed. Therefore, the neck can be symmetrical through a 180° rotation, i.e., exhibiting 2-fold rotational invariance (since 360° = 2 x 180°). More generally, the neck can exhibit N-fold rotational invariance greater than or equal to 2. As noted above, only one boss from each pair will be described below.

[0043] The bosses 26b, 26c may project radially outwards and are here provided on the neck 22 on one side of the thread 24 (in this case on the side of the thread 24 opposite to the opening formed by the neck 22). The bosses 26b, 26c may project radially beyond the thread 24.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the bosses 26b, 26c can be formed by a bead 26, for example a bead of variable thickness. The bead 26 can be annular about the axis X, and it will be understood that it can include a recess 26a. Thus, as previously shown, the bosses 26b, 26c can be provided on the annular bead 26 located on one side of the threads 24. In this case, the bead 26 abuts the thread end stop 24a, opposite the threads 24.

[0045] Figure 2 The insert 30 and the dispensing member 40 are shown in greater detail. In this embodiment, the insert 30 has a generally annular shape about the axis X. The insert may include one or several recesses 36, in this case a pair of diametrically opposed recesses 36. The insert thus has an N-fold rotational invariance greater than or equal to 2, where N=2. As previously indicated, only one recess 36 will be described below. The recess 36 projects toward the interior of the insert 30, i.e. toward the bosses 26 b, 26 c, which in turn project toward the recess 36. The recess 36 may include chamfered edges, at least with respect to the circumferential direction, to facilitate its cooperation with the bosses 26 b, 26 c.

[0046] In this embodiment, the wall of the insert 30 is truncated radially on the outside, in line with the notch 36. The insert thus has a flat portion 32 from which the notch 36 projects. This also has the consequence that the tubular wall of the insert 30 (from which the notch 36 projects) can have a reduced thickness in the vicinity of the notch 36: the wall has a reference radial thickness in a portion 31 a relatively remote from the notch 36 and a radial thickness that is thinner than the reference thickness in a portion 31 b relatively close to the notch 36.

[0047] The insert 30 may be made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene. To facilitate its manufacture, the insert 30 may include a molded tooth structure 38.

[0048] The outer diameter of the thread 24 of the container may be smaller than the inner diameter of the recess 36 so that the recess 36 does not cooperate with the thread 24 when the insert 30 is mounted on the container 20. Figures 3A-3E In one example, the recess 36 cooperates with the bosses 26b, 26c. In this case, Figures 3A-3Erepresents a disassembly movement between the insert 30 and the container 20 , by unscrewing and thus rotating the container 20 relative to the insert 30 .

[0049] Figure 3A The insert 30 is shown in its initial position when mounted on the container 20. In this position, the gasket 46 is compressed and ensures the seal of the container 20. In this position, the notch 36 can face the recess 26a of the bead 26. Movement of the insert 30 in the clockwise direction is blocked by the thread end stop 24a, while movement in the counterclockwise direction is blocked by the first boss 26b.

[0050] To initiate disassembly, the user must rotate the insert 30 in a counterclockwise direction and provide additional torque (or more generally force) to do so, so that the notch 36 passes the first boss 26b. Figure 3B This situation shown in corresponds to the first position where the force required for the disassembly movement reaches the first local maximum. For example, the torque required for passing the first boss in the disassembly direction can be set between 40 Newtons (N) and 110N, preferably equal to 55N.

[0051] exist Figure 3B In the first position shown in FIG, the recess 36 engages with the first boss 26 b. The container 20, and more particularly the first boss 26 b, induces elastic deformation in the insert 30. In this case, radial deformation of the insert 30 is facilitated by the presence of the flat portion 32, which provides space radially outside the insert 30 to accommodate such deformation, and by the presence of the portion 31 b having a relatively thinner radial thickness, which facilitates bending in the region of the insert 30 including the recess 36.

[0052] By continuing the rotation of the container 20 in the counterclockwise direction R, Figure 3C , wherein notch 36 is located between two bosses 26b, 26c. The shape of first boss 26b is asymmetrical: the slope of first boss 26b is more gradual on the installation side (the side in the direction of second boss 26c) than on the removal side (the side opposite second boss 26c). More generally, the first slope of first boss 26b, encountered in the removal direction, is the steepest of the slopes of bosses 26b, 26c. Due to these arrangements, first boss 26b provides a more distinct hard point, ensuring better closure during installation, additional difficulty during removal, and good compression of gasket 46.

[0053] The radial thickness of the bead 26 between the first and second bosses 26b, 26c can be made small enough to allow the notch 36 to return to its rest position, such as by Figure 3CAs evidenced by the gap between the notch 36 in the bead 26 and the bead 26. Therefore, when approaching the next boss involving a new local force maximum, a significant additional force must be provided by the user.

[0054] exist Figure 3C , the gasket 46 may no longer be sufficiently compressed to ensure a tight seal against the container 20. However, in other embodiments, the gasket 46 may always be sufficiently compressed when the recess 36 is between the two bosses 26b, 26c, or more generally, when the installation / removal movement is between the first and second positions described below.

[0055] By continuing the rotation of the insert 30 in the counterclockwise direction R, additional torque (or more generally force) needs to be provided again in order for the notch 36 to pass the second boss 26 c. Figure 3D The situation shown in corresponds to the second position in which the force required for the removal movement reaches a second local maximum. For example, the torque required to pass the second boss in the removal direction can be set between 8N and 25N, preferably equal to 15N. It should be noted that the values ​​of the torque required to pass the first position and the second position can be different (one higher or lower than the other) or the same, and may vary depending on whether installation or removal is being performed. Typically, the torque required to pass the first boss 26b in the installation direction can be set between 2N and 15N, preferably equal to 6N, and independently, the torque required to pass the second boss 26c can be set between 30N and 45N, preferably equal to 37N.

[0056] exist Figure 3D In the second position shown in FIG, the notch 36 cooperates with the second boss 26c. The container 20, and more specifically the second boss 26c, induces an elastic deformation on the insert 30 similar to that described with respect to the first position.

[0057] like Figure 3D As shown in FIG, the first position is 90° or less from the second position. More specifically, the circumferential outer ends of the first and second bosses 26b, 26c can be separated from each other by an angle A about axis X, where angle A is less than or equal to 90°. Alternatively or additionally, the bosses 26b, 26c can be shaped so as not to include any undercut portions within the angular sector of angle A. In this manner, for example, during molding of the container 20, manufacturing of the bead 26 is facilitated.

[0058] By continuing to rotate the insert 30 in the counterclockwise direction R, Figure 3E The position shown in FIG, wherein the recess 36 is located behind the second boss 26c. Figure 3CThe insert 30 can be returned to its rest position. The unscrewing movement can then continue without the recess 36 encountering any obstacles: before the first boss 26 b is reached again in the circumferential direction, the insert has moved axially sufficiently that the recess 36 no longer encounters the boss. Conversely, the pitch of the thread 24 and the axial heights of the recess 36 and bosses 26 b, 26 c are determined so that the axial displacement of the insert 30 between the first and second positions is sufficiently small to allow the recess 36 to engage the boss.

[0059] The installation movement is performed in the opposite direction using the same steps.

[0060] Figure 4 The masking hoop 60 is shown in axial section. The masking hoop 60 has a rounded portion 64 at one end that is capable of coming into contact with the container 20 (in this case, the body 18). To this end, in this case, the end is rolled up on itself, here radially inwards, so as to form the rounded portion 64. Alternatively, the rounded portion 64 can be formed by a crimping, without sharp ridges in the portion of the crimping configured to come into contact with the container 20.

[0061] The assembly of the masking collar 60 on the insert 30 can be carried out as follows. On the one hand, as previously described, the insert 30 carrying the dispensing member 40 is mounted on the container 20. Since the screwing movement of the insert 30 along the thread 24 is blocked at a certain position by the thread end stop 24a, the relative orientation between the insert 30 and the container 20 is predetermined and can be guaranteed when the insert 30 is removed and then reinstalled on the container 20.

[0062] On the other hand, the shielding hoop 60 is inserted into the cap 70. The relative orientation between the shielding hoop 60 and the cap 70 can be ensured by magnetization. In this case, the magnet is encapsulated in the cap 70 and is configured to attract the magnet 50 which is usually fixedly assembled to the shielding hoop 60 by gluing. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the magnet 50 may be mounted on the underside of the flange 62 of the masking collar 60. As shown in FIG.

[0063] The cap 70 and the container 20 may include decorative items. To ensure a good relative orientation of these decorative items, the cap 70 carrying the masking collar 60 is aligned relative to the container 20, for example, with the aid of a camera. Once the correct orientation is achieved, the cap 70 carrying the masking collar 60 is force-fitted onto the insert 30. The masking collar 60 is configured to ensure a part-to-part grip on the insert 30, for example, by virtue of axial ribs 66 that bite into the insert 30, a grip that cannot normally be removed. Thus, the magnetized masking collar 60 is well oriented relative to the container 20, and the cap 70 will thereafter automatically be properly oriented regardless of the orientation in which it is placed back onto the container 20.

[0064] While the present description relates to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, while radial engagement is described between bosses 26 b, 26 c and recess 36, axial engagement with, for example, axial recesses 36 or axially deformable tabs, and / or bosses provided not on neck 22 but on body 18 of container 20, is also contemplated. Furthermore, the number and shape of the recesses and bosses may be modified, so long as the insert sequentially passes through a first position in which the force required for movement reaches a first local maximum and a second position in which the force reaches a second local maximum.

[0065] More generally, various features of different embodiments shown or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments.The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A packaging assembly (10) for a cosmetic product, comprising a container (20) and an insert (30), the container being capable of containing the product, the insert carrying a dispensing member (40) and being configured to be detachably mounted and remounted on the container (20) to allow the product to be dispensed by the dispensing member (40) when it is mounted on the container (20), wherein the movement of mounting and / or removing the insert on the container comprises a rotation of the insert (30) relative to the container (20) and the insert (30) is configured to cooperate with the container (20) so that during each of the movements of mounting and removing the insert (30) on the container (20), the insert (30) passes successively through a first position in which a force required for said movement reaches a first local maximum and a second position in which said force reaches a second local maximum, wherein when passing through the first position and the second position, one of the insert (30) and the container (20) causes elastic deformation on the other of the insert (30) and the container (20), wherein in the first position, the recess (36) of the insert (30) cooperates with the boss (26b) of the container (20), and in the second position, the recess (36) or another recess of the insert cooperates with the boss or another boss (26c) of the container (20), and The insert (30) has a tubular wall from which the recess (36) protrudes, the wall having a reference thickness at a portion (31a) relatively far from the recess (36) and a thickness thinned compared to the reference thickness at a portion (31b) relatively close to the recess (36).

2. A packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the container (20) includes a thread (24) for mounting the insert (30), and one or more of the bosses (26b, 26c) are arranged on an annular bead (26) located on one side of the thread (24).

3. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert (30) has a generally annular shape including a flat portion (32) from which the notch (36) protrudes.

4. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the container (20) has a neck (22) defining an opening and the insert (30) is configured to be mounted on the neck (22) of the container (20).

5. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first position and the second position are 90° or less apart.

6. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a masking hoop (60) assembled to the insert (30).

7. The packaging assembly of claim 6, wherein the masking band (60) has a rounded portion (64) at one end configured to contact the container (20).

8. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a gasket (46) configured to be compressed when the insert (30) is mounted on the container (20).

Images