PACKAGING SLEEVE FOR PERFUME, COSMETICS OR TOILETRY PRODUCT BOTTLES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of so-called secondary packaging, in particular secondary packaging for bottles of cosmetic, toiletry or perfume products.

[0002] Cosmetic products include all products for skin makeup, including lip makeup, and all compositions intended for body application, including so-called care products such as moisturizers. Toiletries include shower gels, bath products, and body lotions. Perfumes include, in particular, all perfuming or odorous compositions intended for body application.

[0003] Secondary packaging corresponds to packaging formed around the so-called primary packaging, the primary packaging being that which is in direct contact with the packaged product.

[0004] Secondary packaging is generally used to group products into batches and / or transport them to their place of distribution, but in the field of cosmetic products and in the field of perfumery, secondary packaging serves primarily aesthetic and protective functions, with each individual product being packaged in one or more secondary packages.

[0005] Generally, several elements are used to form the secondary packaging of a product bottle (perfume, cosmetic or toiletry product), the bottle forming the primary packaging of said product.

[0006] The secondary packaging of such a bottle generally includes a case, optionally a wedge, and a sheath.

[0007] The case is a cardboard, plastic, or other suitable material (leather, wood, etc.) element, forming a box or case for receiving the bottle. The case generally bears the legal and commercial notices. The wedge is a cardboard, plastic, foam, etc. element, which is shaped to prevent the bottle from moving in the case. The wedge can be configured to fit the shape of the bottle or simply to compensate for any play present in the case around the bottle.

[0008] The sheath is the outer packaging, made of paper or cardboard, that surrounds the case. Such a solution involving three secondary packaging elements is complex. It requires the sourcing and storage of the various elements. For the manufacture of each element, folding and cutting are necessary. The design of the secondary packaging is therefore complex. In addition, during the implementation of the packaging (shaping the packaging, placing the bottle in the packaging, etc.), several handling operations are necessary and can be complex to automate. The production costs associated with secondary packaging are therefore significant in the field of bottling, particularly for bottling cosmetics, toiletries, and perfumes.

[0009] Furthermore, the use of plastic materials and more generally of heterogeneous materials for the secondary packaging of cosmetic or perfume products makes the recycling of packaging complex or impossible.

[0010] Document US 10,829,282 B1 discloses a packaging shell as claimed in the preamble of claim 1.

[0011] The invention thus aims to propose a secondary packaging for a bottle that solves all or part of the aforementioned problems. It thus aims in particular to propose a packaging for a bottle that is aesthetic and distinctive, particularly suited to the field of perfumery and cosmetic products, and that can be easily recycled or biodegraded. The packaging proposed in the invention aims to achieve these functions while offering a high level of protection for the bottle in all its components: the glassware of the reservoir and / or the bottle cap, its label (or other form of marking), etc.

[0012] Thus, the invention relates to a packaging shell for a perfume, cosmetic or toiletry product bottle, said shell being able to take a closed position in which it forms a receiving volume adapted to envelop a bottle and an open position allowing the bottle to be placed in the shell or the bottle to be removed from the shell, said shell comprising two half-shells each forming a concavity and essentially formed from a molded natural plant fiber-based material. Each half-shell has a peripheral edge which is joined, when the shell is in the closed position, to a peripheral edge of the other half-shell so that the receiving volume is a closed volume and in that the shell has at least one holding element projecting into the receiving volume. The holding elements are molded with the shell.

[0013] Forming a shell from natural fibers by molding has multiple advantages. The molding process of a natural fiber-based material allows the shell, or part of the shell, to be produced in a single operation. Above all, this process allows for the production of complex and aesthetic shapes. In particular, it is possible to form a shell that matches the shape of the bottle it is intended to contain, which gives the shell a rewarding aesthetic, particularly in that the shell can take on, over all or part of its surface, the shape of the bottle. Such a shell is therefore particularly aesthetic, forming a sort of skin around the bottle. The shell can thus take on the general shape of the bottle, making the product immediately identifiable for the consumer, particularly for certain perfumes whose bottle shape is extremely well-known and distinctive.Furthermore, by reproducing the shape of the bottle as closely as possible, the packaging suggests the shape and volume of the bottle, and thus complies with regulations regarding the ratio between primary and secondary packaging, which aim to avoid any misleading of the consumer on the dimensions and actual capacity of the product present in the package. More generally, the volume of the packaging is optimized, and the user thus has a good idea of ​​the volume of the bottle present in the packaging.

[0014] The combination of the general shape of the shell, the material used, and the presence of a protruding retaining element in the shell guarantees good protection of the bottle, particularly against impacts.

[0015] The material essentially (i.e. at least the vast majority) used to make the shell is recyclable and / or biodegradable. The process used to form the shell essentially uses a pulp of fibrous plant(s) containing natural plant fibers and water, in order to produce a hot molding of this pulp.

[0016] Finally, the transport of packaged products is optimized by lightweight, low-material, and compact packaging (which allows more bottles to be transported in the same volume). This allows a reduction in the "carbon footprint" due to the transport of packaged bottles.

[0017] The hull may have a hinge that connects the two half-hulls.

[0018] Different hull constructions are thus possible, based on one or more elements molded from a material based on natural plant fibers.

[0019] The formation in two articulated half-shells forms a valuable case for the bottle that the shell is intended to contain.

[0020] The shell comprises an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall defining the receiving volume in the closed position of the shell. The outer wall of the shell and the inner wall of the shell may be formed from two separate layers of said natural fiber material, namely an inner layer forming the inner wall and an outer layer forming the outer wall, the inner layer comprising the holding means (elements). The holding elements are molded only on the inner layer, so that a hollow pocket is formed between the outer layer and the inner layer at the holding elements. The aesthetic appearance, in particular the shape, of the outer layer is preserved. In addition, a hollow pocket may be formed between the two layers at the holding elements, which improves their deformability.This allows the retaining means to adapt more easily to the manufacturing tolerances of the bottles intended to be placed in the shell, and this improves their capacity to absorb shocks and other stresses experienced by the shell.

[0021] The natural fibers used may include sugarcane, bamboo, wood, cotton, linen, hemp, sisal, jute, kenaf, or coconut fibers. The use of bagasse fibers (from sugarcane) or bamboo is particularly preferred. The use of one or more of the plant fibers mentioned allows the formation of a molded "paper" type shell with various mechanical and aesthetic properties.

[0022] The packaging shell may, for example, have a wall thickness of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.8 and 2 mm at any point of said shell with the exception of the areas where a holding element is formed.

[0023] Tests have determined that such a thickness provides satisfactory protection for a glass bottle, for example a standard-sized perfume bottle (e.g. 100 ml), in the event of a fall from a height of 90 cm onto a solid surface, which corresponds to a common fall situation for a perfume or cosmetic product bottle (fall from a table, a display stand, a bag, etc.). The receiving volume formed by the shell may comprise a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls connecting the front wall to the rear wall, and the holding elements comprise: at least one buttress projecting on at least one of the side walls, and / or at least one stud projecting on at least one of the front and rear faces, and / or at least one elongated bead or one defining a closed shape, on at least one of the front and rear faces.

[0024] The support elements can thus take various shapes and dimensions, adapted to their particular function.

[0025] The holding elements located on the internal side walls of the shell can thus have the form of blocks or holding corners, in order to provide a relatively large support surface for the bottle contained in the shell.

[0026] The holding elements located on the front and rear faces can be in the form of small cylindrical or hemispherical studs, which provide specific support in selected areas of the bottle contained in the shell, while being aesthetic.

[0027] Beads are used to form a linear support on the bottle. As detailed below, the studs and / or beads can be used to form a support on the bottle around a marking area of ​​the bottle, in order to protect the marking from any damage by friction, even of low amplitude, on the shell.

[0028] The receiving volume may have a complex shape intended to fit the shape of a bottle, apart from the clearance formed by the holding elements, said complex shape comprising: a reservoir receiving volume, having a first cross-section having a first surface; a neck receiving volume, having a second cross-section having a surface less than the first surface; a cap receiving volume, having a third cross-section having a surface between the first surface and the second surface.

[0029] The conformation of the shell as close as possible to the bottle it contains offers good protection of the bottle and good aesthetics of the shell, in that it perfectly follows the general shape of the bottle it contains and thus benefits from its distinctive appearance.

[0030] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a packaging shell for a bottle as defined above and a bottle contained in said packaging shell.

[0031] In such an assembly, the shell can match the external shape of the bottle it contains, so that at any point of said shell, a maximum clearance of 4 mm, preferably a maximum of 2 mm, is present between an external wall of the bottle and the internal wall of the shell.

[0032] Additionally, the retaining elements can be configured to hold the bottle away from the front, rear and side walls of the hull.

[0033] When the bottle has an insert marking, the holding elements can be configured so that the insert marking is kept away from the shell and said holding elements are not in contact with said insert marking. The shell is thus configured for optimal protection of the bottle it contains. The shell can completely envelop said bottle, so that no part of the bottle protrudes from said shell when it is closed. Protection of the entire bottle is thus obtained. In addition, by enveloping the neck and the cap of the bottle, the shell when closed helps to prevent accidental removal of the cap.

[0034] The bottle can advantageously be a glass bottle.

[0035] By its construction and aesthetics, the shell is particularly suitable for protecting a glass bottle, which is sensitive to shocks by nature. A glass bottle is any glass bottle of any kind, including crystal.

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

[0037] In the attached drawings, given as non-limiting examples: there figure 1 represents a glass bottle, namely a perfume bottle, constituting a preferred application of the invention; the figure 2 represents, according to a three-dimensional schematic view, a packaging shell in the open position, according to an embodiment of the invention adapted to the bottle of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a three-dimensional schematic partial view of the hull of the figure 2 ; there figure 4 represents, according to a three-dimensional schematic view, a packaging shell in the open position, according to another embodiment of the invention adapted to the bottle of the figure 1 ; there figure 5 represents, in a schematic sectional view, the packaging shell of the figure 2 in closed position; the figure 6 represents, according to a three-dimensional schematic view, the hull of the figures 2 And 3 , in the closed position. The figure 1 represents a glass bottle, namely a perfume bottle. Although the invention is applicable to the packaging of any type of bottle, it is particularly well suited to glass bottles thanks to the good level of mechanical protection it provides.

[0038] Bottle 1 shown in the figure 1 comprises a body 2 which forms a reservoir for the perfume and a neck 3. The neck 3 comprises an opening allowing the introduction of the perfume into the reservoir of the body 2 and the exit of the perfume from the reservoir of the body 2. In the example shown here, the neck 3 comprises means for dispensing the perfume, namely a pump and a push button. The neck 3 is topped with a stopper 4 allowing the neck 3 to be closed and / or the dispensing means to be covered.

[0039] Except for the means of distribution the bottle of the figure 1 , and in particular its stopper 4, is made entirely of glass. Such a bottle therefore requires mechanical protection, in particular against impacts, of all its constituent parts.

[0040] Furthermore, such a bottle has a complex but particularly aesthetic and distinctive general shape, which should be highlighted even when the bottle is packaged.

[0041] There figure 2 represents a packaging shell 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. This shell is shown in an open position. This shell is configured to receive, protect, and dress the bottle 1 shown in the figure 1 .

[0042] The open position of the hull 5 shown in the figure 2 corresponds to a position in which the bottle 1 can be placed in the shell 5 or extracted from the shell 5. The shell 5 comprises a first half-shell 6 and a second half-shell 7. The first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 7 are connected to each other by a hinge 8. The hinge 8 makes it possible to move the shell 5 from its open position to a closed position in which it forms an interior volume suitable for enveloping the bottle 1.

[0043] The first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 7 each have a concave shape suitable for receiving the bottle 1.

[0044] Bottle 1 of the figure 1 having two vertical planes of symmetry, the shell 5 is itself formed of two half-shells 6, 7. The first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 7 can be symmetrical with respect to the axis formed by the hinge 8.

[0045] There figure 3 represents part of hull 5 of the figure 2 , namely the first half-shell 6, according to a perspective view allowing certain details of the interior of the concavity of the half-shell 6 to be appreciated.

[0046] The complex concave shape of each half-shell is obtained by molding a material based on natural plant fibers. In particular, shell 5 is essentially made of molded plant pulp, the hot molding of the pulp making it possible to give the material a shape that perfectly matches the contours of the bottle to be packaged.

[0047] The pulp is advantageously obtained from bagasse fibers and / or bamboo fibers.

[0048] Other natural fibers can be used depending on the desired appearance and properties, particularly mechanical properties.

[0049] The natural fibers used can generally be any fiber used in the paper industry, including, in addition to sugarcane fibers (in the form of bagasse) and bamboo, wood, cotton, linen, hemp, sisal, jute, kenaf or coconut. Any mixture containing these fibers is also possible.

[0050] The first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 7 may be formed in one piece, the hinge 8 then being formed by folding between the two half-shells. Alternatively, each half-shell may be formed from a separate piece, and the hinge formed from an added piece.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 2 , the hinge 8 is positioned in the area of ​​the shell 5 intended to accommodate the bottom of the bottle 1. This makes the hinge 8 less visible, improves the aesthetics of the whole, and offers a natural opening of the shell. Obviously, a lateral opening of the shell by a lateral hinge could be achieved within the framework of the invention, allowing an opening of the shell in a manner analogous to the opening of a book.

[0052] The shell 5 has the particularity of having holding elements 16. The holding elements 16 are elements which protrude inside the shell 5, that is to say inside the receiving volume 10 which the shell 5 forms when it is in the closed position.

[0053] The holding elements 16 can have several functions. First of all, they make it possible to compensate for the manufacturing tolerances of the bottle which is received in the shell. The manufacturing tolerances of a glass bottle can in fact be significant, relative to the dimensions of said bottle. To compensate for these manufacturing tolerances, the holding elements are adapted to crush slightly when placing a bottle in the shell 5. Once in place, the bottle is thus perfectly immobilized in the shell 5.

[0054] Another function of the holding means 16 may be to maintain a space between the bottle which is placed in the shell 5 and the walls of said shell 5.

[0055] This is particularly advantageous when the bottle packaged in the shell has an added marking. The added marking may correspond to a label 15 which bears a print, lacquer, varnish, or screen printing, etc., and which is stuck on the bottle 1 (see figure 1 ). The added marking may alternatively be lacquering, varnish, printing, or screen printing carried out directly on the bottle 1. Such added marking is likely to be damaged or even erased by the friction of the bottle 1 in the shell 5. Keeping the added marking away from the wall of the shell 5 prevents such deterioration.

[0056] Finally, and most importantly, the holding elements 16 participate in protecting the bottle contained in the shell 5 against impacts, in particular in the event of the shell 5 containing a bottle 1 falling.

[0057] To meet the different functions of the holding means 16, several configurations, in terms of geometry and position in the shell 5, of holding means can be used.

[0058] In the example hull shown in the figure 2 and to the figure 3 , the hull comprises a front wall 18, a rear wall 19, and side walls 20.

[0059] The side walls 20 may be equipped, as holding means 16, with reliefs called buttresses 161. The buttresses 161 are small parallelepiped or “wedge” thickenings, i.e. having a regularly variable thickness. Two buttresses 161 may be provided on each side wall of each half-shell, or on only one of the half-shells, i.e. four or eight buttresses in total in a shell 5. In the example shown, eight buttresses 161 are formed in the shell 5.

[0060] As can be seen on the figure 3 , the buttresses 161 may have a sloping edge 164 which facilitates the introduction of a bottle 1 into the shell 5.

[0061] The front wall 18 and / or the rear wall 19 may be equipped with studs 162 or one or more beads 163, as a retaining element. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the front wall 18 comprises a bead 163 and the rear wall 19 comprises four studs 162.

[0062] Beads and studs may be employed to perform similar functions. Generally, a stud 162 provides a small area of ​​contact with the bottle 1, for example a quasi-point area of ​​contact, while a bead 163 provides linear contact with the bottle 1.

[0063] The bead 163 has, in the example shown, a configuration in which it defines a closed shape, in this case substantially a rectangle. The bead can define various closed shapes: circle, oval, square, rectangle, or any other shape. The rectangular shape of the bead 163 of the example shown here makes it possible to create a support on the bottle 1 all around the label 17 (or any other marking attached to the bottle 1) in order to offer optimal protection of this marking.

[0064] Four studs 162 positioned towards the corners of the bottle 1 also make it possible to maintain a space between the bottle (and in particular its added marking) and the wall of the shell 6.

[0065] When the bottle is placed in the shell 5, the holding means 16 can be more or less deformed.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment shown in figure 2 and to the figure 3 , the first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 7 each comprise a peripheral edge 9 which is in contact with the peripheral edge 9 of the other half-shell when the shell 5 is in the closed position. The junction of the side walls 20 of the two half-shells is thus carried out edge against edge, or where appropriate with a slight overlap between said side walls 20 respectively of the first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 7.

[0067] A very clean peripheral edge 9 can be obtained by cutting the half-shells using a sharp tool. Such cutting is carried out after molding the half-shells and, if necessary, after assembling the two constituent layers of the half-shells, as detailed below. This cutting is advantageously carried out by blade or by mechanical machining, in particular by cutting with a cutting ring.

[0068] There figure 4 represents, in a three-dimensional schematic view, a packaging shell in the open position. The shell 5 of the figure 4 essentially corresponds to that of the figure 2 , so that the description of the figures 2 And 3 applies mainly to hull 5 of the figure 4 , with two exceptions: the type of holding elements 16 used in the hull, and the presence of a flat portion 21 in each half-hull.

[0069] As regards the holding elements 16, studs 162 are formed on the front wall 18 in place of the bead 163 of the embodiment of the figure 2 and of the figure 3 . As previously explained, these two alternatives allow the obtaining of substantially similar functions.

[0070] As regards the flat portions 21, each half-shell 6, 7 forms a concavity adapted to the bottle 1. Instead of having a thin lateral edge around the concavity, a flat portion 21 surrounds the concavity of each half-shell. When the shell 5 is in the closed position, the flat portion of the first half-shell 6 is, over all or part of its surface, in contact with all or part of the flat portion of the second half-shell 7. This allows in particular a clearance-free closure of the shell 5. This also allows the shell 5 to be given the desired shape in the contact plane of the flat portions of the two half-shells, namely here a generally rectangular shape.

[0071] The flat portions 21 may also be used to ensure the closure of the shell 5 using a locking device 22 adapted to hold the shell in the closed position. In the example shown in figure 4 , an orifice 23 is made in each of the flat portions of the two half-shells, so that the orifices 23 are aligned when the shell 5 is brought into the closed position.

[0072] The locking device 22 is positioned in the orifices 23 and holds the respective flat portions 21 of the two half-shells against each other, at the orifices 23. The locking device may be an attached clip system. Alternatively, only one of the two half-shells may have an orifice 23, and the other of the two half-shells may have a deformation adapted to lock in the orifice 23 to ensure the locking of the shell 5.

[0073] Finally, as an alternative or in addition to the shell closing function, the flat portions can be used to adapt the packaging to certain displays. For example, a hole can be formed there to hang the shell 5 on a blister pin, conventionally used in stores.

[0074] There figure 5 represents, in a schematic sectional view, the packaging shell of the figure 2 in closed position. The figure 5 represents more particularly the packaging shell 1 seen according to the section plane AA represented in the figure 4 .

[0075] In the closed position, the side edges 9 of the half-shells 6, 7 have been brought into contact. Due to the concavity of the two half-shells 6, 7, the shell 5 forms, in the closed position shown in figure 3 , a receiving volume 10 configured to accommodate and envelop the bottle 1. As can be seen in figures 2 And 3, the receiving volume 10 is configured to match the general shape of the bottle 1. Thus, when the bottle 1 is in the shell 5, there is at most a very small clearance between the shell 5 and the bottle 1, that is to say between the inner wall 11 of the shell 5 and the bottle 1. Typically, a maximum clearance of 4 mm, or even less, for example a maximum clearance of 1 mm can be provided between the inner wall 11 of the shell 5 and the bottle 1. In addition, thanks to the holding means 16 that the shell 5 comprises, the bottle is immobilized without clearance in said shell 5.

[0076] The bottle 1 can thus be forcibly introduced into the shell 5, so that it is held there by friction between certain holding elements 16 (typically the buttresses 161) and the bottle 1.

[0077] The shell 5 can be held in the closed position by any known means. For example, an adhesive means can be applied between the first half-shell 6 and the second half-shell 7. Any other closing means, reversible or not, can be used. For example, a local overlap between the lateral edges 9 of the first half-shell and the second half-shell can be provided. At this local overlap, it is possible to form, during the molding of the half-shells or afterward, an excess thickness in one of the half-shells which is housed in a corresponding housing of the other half-shell. A clip-on closure can thus be obtained.

[0078] The figures make it possible to appreciate the complex geometry of the receiving volume 10 which it is possible to obtain in the invention to correspond to the general shape of the bottle 1. The receiving volume 10 can thus be formed from a plurality of volumes having different geometries.

[0079] We can thus distinguish, in the example shown: a reservoir receiving volume 101, a neck receiving volume 102, a cap receiving volume 103.

[0080] The cross-section of the receiving volume varies considerably between these different volumes which constitute it, or even within each of these constituent volumes. In the example shown, the receiving volume of the reservoir has a first cross-section S1 which has a first surface area; the receiving volume of a neck has a second cross-section S2 which has a surface area smaller than the first surface area S1, and the receiving volume of a cap has a third cross-section S3 which has a surface area between the first surface area and the second surface area.

[0081] The sectional view of the figure 3 presents another optional aspect of the invention.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, a shell is thus proposed, the half-shells 6, 7 (or each half-shell if they are obtained separately) of which comprise two layers. More particularly, each half-shell comprises an inner layer 13 and an outer layer 14. The inner layer 13 and the outer layer 14 are molded independently of one another and then assembled to form the half-shells.

[0083] The inner layer and the outer layer are thus assembled, fitted into each other and, for example, glued.

[0084] Thus, the holding elements 16, for example the studs 161 shown in the figure 5 , are obtained by a local deformation of the internal layer 13 only. The crushing of the holding element is facilitated and its capacity to absorb a shock is improved, due to the presence of a space 24 between the two layers at the level of the holding element 16. Nevertheless, the external appearance of the shell is not altered.

[0085] Depending on the mechanical properties of the materials considered, the thickness of the shell providing the desired level of protection, particularly against impacts, is around 1 mm.

[0086] In the case of a shell comprising an inner layer 13 and an outer layer 14 assembled together, the total thickness is obtained by the sum of the thickness of each layer. For example, a total thickness of the order of 1 mm can be obtained by assembling two layers each having a thickness of the order of 0.5 mm.

[0087] Generally speaking, and depending on the bottle to be protected, a thickness of more than 0.5 mm and preferably more than 0.8 mm appears appropriate for protecting a glass bottle of conventional dimensions for a perfume or a cosmetic or toiletry product. A shell having a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 2 mm, thus appears appropriate for protecting such a bottle.

[0088] The shell may have a substantially constant wall thickness over its entire surface (by substantially constant, we mean, for example, constant to within plus or minus 0.2 mm).

[0089] However, the molding process also allows for the production of a shell with a wall of variable thickness, for example in order to protect the most fragile or most exposed areas of the bottle (edges, base, cap) with a thicker wall. This variation in thickness is added to the presence of support elements to protect the bottle.

[0090] The shell may thus have a nominal wall thickness of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably of the order of 1 mm to 1.2 mm, the wall of the shell having over at least the majority (or all) of its surface a thickness equal to the nominal thickness to within plus or minus 0.2 mm, preferably to within plus or minus 0.1 mm.

[0091] There figure 6 represents, according to a three-dimensional schematic view, the hull of the figures 2 And 3 , in closed position.

[0092] There figure 6allows us to see that the shell 5, which envelops the bottle 1, forms a skin around this bottle so that the general shape of the shell reproduces the external shape of the bottle and thus forms an aesthetic and distinctive case for the bottle.

[0093] As can be seen from the various figures presented, the technique of molding a pulp of one or more fibrous plants used for the formation of the shell 5 allows the production of complex three-dimensional shapes, having low draft angles and well-marked edges. This is not possible with other shaping techniques such as thermoforming.

[0094] The molding also allows the creation of a three-dimensional pattern or a three-dimensional structure (for example an embossing) on ​​the surface of the shell. Finally, in the example shown, a printing area 15, intended for example for the printing of a logo, a brand, a trade name, etc., is provided on the shell. The printing area 15 may in particular be an unstructured area, optionally delimited by being formed in a hollow or in relief with respect to the rest of the shell 5. The invention thus developed makes it possible to obtain secondary packaging for a perfume, a cosmetic product, or a toiletry product, in particular packaging for a bottle which has numerous advantages. The product, enveloped by a shell, is correctly protected. In particular, the holding elements included in the shell according to the invention guarantee good holding of the product in the shell, and contribute to its protection against impacts.The bottle's manufacturing tolerances, which are potentially significant for a glass bottle, are compensated for by the support elements. The unique packaging consisting of the shell replaces three packaging elements currently used, namely the case, the wedge, and the sleeve. Because the shell envelops the bottle more closely, it is less bulky than the secondary packaging currently used, which reduces the total volume occupied by the products in their secondary packaging, and thus reduces storage and transport costs. Finally, the material constituting the packaging shell is recyclable and biodegradable.

Claims

1. Packaging shell for a perfume or cosmetic or toiletry product bottle, said shell (5) being able to assume a closed position in which it forms a receiving volume (10) designed to envelop a bottle (1) and an open position allowing the bottle (1) to be put in place in the shell or the bottle (1) to be withdrawn from the shell, said shell (5) having two half-shells (6, 7) each forming a concavity and essentially formed of a moulded material based on natural plant fibres, each half-shell (6, 7) having a peripheral edge (9) that is contiguous, when the shell (5) is in the closed position, with a peripheral edge (9) of the other half-shell (6, 7) such that the receiving volume is a closed volume and in that the shell has at least one retaining element (16) projecting into the receiving volume (10), said retaining elements being moulded with the shell (5), the shell (5) having an outer wall (12) and an inner wall (11), the inner wall (11) defining the receiving volume (10) in the closed position of the shell (5), the outer wall (12) of the shell and the inner wall (11) of the shell (5) being formed of two distinct layers of said material based on natural fibres, namely an internal layer (13) forming the inner wall (11) and an external layer (14) forming the outer wall (12), the internal layer (13) having the retaining elements, the retaining elements being obtained by local deformation of the internal layer (13) only, such that a hollow pocket is formed between the outer layer and the inner layer at the retaining elements, characterized in that the internal layer (13) and the external layer (14) are in contact with one another or adhesively bonded to one another, except at the retaining means.

2. Packaging shell according to Claim 1, wherein the shell (5) has a hinge (8) that connects the two half-shells (6, 7).

3. Packaging shell according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the natural fibres comprise fibres of sugar cane, bamboo, wood, cotton, flax, hemp, sisal, jute, kenaf or coconut.

4. Packaging shell according to one of the preceding claims, having a wall thickness of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferentially between 0.8 and 2 mm at any point of said shell with the exception of the zones where a retaining element (16) is formed.

5. Shell according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving volume has a front wall (18), a rear wall (19), and lateral walls (20) connecting the front wall (18) to the rear wall (19), the retaining elements (16) comprising: at least one buttress (161) projecting on at least one of the lateral walls, and / or at least one projecting stud (162) on at least one of the front and rear faces, and / or at least one bead (163) that is elongate or defines a closed shape, on at least one of the front and rear faces.

6. Packaging shell according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving volume (10) has a complex shape intended to match the shape of a bottle (1), but for the clearance formed by the retaining elements (16), said complex shape having: - a reservoir receiving volume (101), having a first transverse section (S1) having a first surface area; - a volume for receiving a neck (102), having a second transverse section (S2) having a surface area smaller than the first surface area; - a volume for receiving a stopper (103), having a third transverse section (S3) having a surface area between the first surface area and the second surface area.

7. Assembly having a packaging shell (5) for a bottle, according to one of the preceding claims, and a bottle (1) contained in said packaging shell.

8. Assembly according to Claim 7, wherein the shell (5) matches the outer shape of the bottle (1) that it contains, such that, at any point of said shell (5), a maximum clearance of 4 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, is present between an outer wall of the bottle (1) and the inner wall (11) of the shell (5).

9. Assembly according to Claim 7 or Claim 8, having a shell according to Claim 5, wherein the retaining elements are configured to keep the bottle at a distance from the front, rear and lateral walls of the shell.

10. Assembly according to one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the bottle has an added marking, wherein the retaining elements are configured such that the added marking is kept at a distance from the shell and that said retaining elements are not in contact with said added marking.

11. Assembly according to one of Claims 7 to 10, wherein the shell (5) completely envelops said bottle (1), such that no part of the bottle (1) extends beyond said shell (5) when the latter is closed.

12. Assembly according to one of Claims 7 to 11, wherein the bottle (1) is a glassware bottle.