METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A GLASS CONTAINER WITH INTEGRATED DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES AND CORRESPONDING GLASS DECORATIVE CONTAINER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of packaging, and more specifically to hollow bodies with a glass wall, such as bottles, flasks or jars, forming containers intended to hold a product, such as in particular a liquid, viscous or pasty cosmetic product, and for example a liquid body perfume.

[0002] The present invention relates more specifically to a method for manufacturing a decorated glass container intended to contain a cosmetic product, for example a body perfume.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a decorated glass container intended to hold a cosmetic product, for example a body perfume.

[0004] In the primary packaging sector for cosmetic products, such as skincare creams or body perfumes, the use of glass for containers is particularly valued, given the generally perceived prestige of glass among consumers and its objective qualities of transparency, robustness, and mechanical and chemical stability. This is why virtually all liquid body perfumes, and especially those considered "high-end" or "luxury," are packaged in glass bottles. The aesthetic qualities of a perfume bottle are also extremely important to a fragrance's overall commercial appeal.In this context, it is therefore essential to offer a container whose aesthetics are very clearly different from those of the competition, and which has a particularly attractive and valuable character for the cosmetic product contained in the container.

[0005] As such, it is known to decorate glass containers using one or more external decorative accessories, such as decorative pieces made of metal or plastic, or paper labels, attached and secured to the wall of the containers by gluing.

[0006] These decorated containers are generally very popular with consumers. However, the use of such decorative accessories raises several issues, particularly regarding the recyclability of these containers. While glass has the advantage of being a material that can be reused almost indefinitely, the presence of decorative accessories attached to the glass, and not designed to be detached by consumers before the containers are placed in a glass recycling bin, can, in practice, prevent the efficient recycling of the glass from the containers.

[0007] Furthermore, it sometimes happens that, although normally firmly glued to the container walls to prevent detachment during normal use, such decorative accessories can nevertheless come loose, for example, during transport or improper handling. This obviously detracts from consumer satisfaction and their perception of the qualities of the cosmetic product inside. Moreover, the use of adhesive to attach decorative accessories can negatively impact the aesthetics of the containers, and the materials used to manufacture these accessories can significantly increase the manufacturing cost of the containers.

[0008] The objects assigned to the invention are therefore aimed at remedying the various drawbacks set out above and, in particular, at proposing a new manufacturing process which makes it possible to obtain decorated containers for cosmetic products which have a remarkable decorative effect while having a particularly limited environmental impact.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to propose a new manufacturing process that is suitable for industrial implementation.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a new manufacturing process that is easy and inexpensive to implement.

[0011] Another object of the invention aims to propose a new manufacturing process which makes it possible to obtain decorated containers which are particularly robust.

[0012] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new decorated container for cosmetic products which has a remarkable decorative effect while having a particularly limited environmental impact.

[0013] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new decorated container that is suitable for industrial production.

[0014] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new decorated container that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0015] Another object of the invention aims to provide a new decorated container that is particularly robust.

[0016] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a method for manufacturing a decorated glass container intended to hold a cosmetic product, for example a body perfume, comprising: a manufacturing or supply step of a glass-walled container, which wall delimits a receiving cavity for the cosmetic product to be contained and has an inner face situated opposite said cavity and an opposite outer face, said outer face having a decorative portion delimited at least partially by a perimeter and having a bottom that is recessed relative to said perimeter, said decorative portion having a decorative support which is made of material with the glass forming the outer face and which protrudes from said bottom; and a step of forming on the surface of the decorative support a decorative coating adhering to said decorative support.

[0017] The objects assigned to the invention are further achieved by means of a decorated glass container intended to contain a cosmetic product, for example a body perfume, comprising a glass wall, which wall delimits a receiving cavity for the cosmetic product to be contained and has an inner face situated opposite said cavity and an opposite outer face, said outer face having a decorative portion delimited at least partially by a perimeter and having a bottom in relief with respect to said perimeter, said decorative portion having a decorative support which is made of material with the glass forming the outer face and which protrudes from said bottom, the surface of the decorative support being provided with a decorative coating which adheres to said decorative support.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent and will be described in more detail in the following description, with reference to the attached drawings, which are given solely as illustrative and non-limiting examples, including: there figure 1 illustrates, from a front view, an example of a glass container obtained at the end of the manufacturing or supply step of a glass-walled container of the process according to the invention; figure 2 illustrates, according to a perspective view, the container of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 illustrates, from a side view, the container of Figures 1 And 2 ; there figure 4 illustrates, schematically, a detail of the container according to a partial side view in cross-section. Figures 1 And 3 at the level of the area outlined in dotted lines at the figure 3 ; there figure 5illustrates, schematically from a front view, an example of a decorated glass container obtained by the process according to the invention from the container of figures 1 to 4 . There figure 5 illustrates, schematically, an example of a decorated container conforming to the invention; the figure 6 illustrates, according to a perspective view, the decorated vessel of the figure 5 ; there figure 7 illustrates, schematically, a detail of the decorated vessel in a partial cross-sectional view. figures 5 and 6 at the level of the area outlined in dotted lines at the figure 3 , according to a variant in which the decorative coating covers only a portion of the surface of the decorative substrate; the figure 8 illustrates, schematically, a detail of the decorated vessel in a partial cross-sectional view. figures 5 and 6 at the level of the area outlined in dotted lines at the figure 3, according to a variant in which the decorative coating continuously covers the entire surface of the decorative support.

[0019] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass container 1' for holding a cosmetic product. This may be a powdered or granular cosmetic product (makeup, foundation, etc.) or a liquid cosmetic product (body perfume, nail polish, lotion, etc.), viscous or pasty (skincare cream, etc.). For example, the container 1 of the invention is intended to contain a cosmetic product composed of an alcoholic liquid, such as a perfume, and more specifically a body perfume (a mixture of aromatic substances and an alcoholic solution). More precisely, the method according to the invention is a method for manufacturing a decorated container 1' for holding said cosmetic product. The term "decorated container" advantageously means a container with a design, or decorative element, that gives it a particular overall aesthetic appearance visually perceptible to a consumer.The decorated container 1' in question is advantageously designed to be closed with a closure device (not shown), such as a stopper. In the example illustrated in the figures, the decorated container 1' is a bottle, intended, for example, to contain a body perfume. In this case, the decorated container 1' therefore has a neck defining a narrow opening intended to be closed by a stopper or a spray nozzle. However, the invention is not limited to a bottle, and the decorated container 1' can be, for example, a jar or any other type of container, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0020] The process according to the invention comprises a step of manufacturing or supplying a glass-walled container 1, the wall 2 of which delimits a receiving cavity 3 for the cosmetic product to be contained, i.e., an internal free space shaped and configured to receive and contain said cosmetic product. For the sake of simplicity, the elements and features of the container 1 that are similar or identical to the elements and features of the decorated container 1' obtained using the process are designated by identical terms in the following description and by the same reference symbols. figures 1 to 8 , insofar as said container 1 prefigures the decorated container 1' in its general form at least.

[0021] As illustrated in the example to figures 1 to 4Specifically, the wall 2 of the container 1 (and therefore of the decorated container 1') has an inner face 4, located opposite the cavity 3, and an opposing outer face 5. Typically, the wall 2 of the container 1 defines a base 6 (or foot) and a side wall 7 of the container 1, which extends from and around the periphery of said base 6. The wall 2 of the container 1 advantageously defines an opening 8 that connects the cavity 3 to the outside, and through which the cosmetic product can be extracted from said cavity 3.

[0022] As previously stated, wall 2 of container 1 is made of glass. The term "glass" should be understood here in its classical sense, and therefore refers to mineral glass. Preferably, the glass constituting wall 2 of container 1 is silica glass, and in particular soda-lime glass (or "soda-silico-calcium" glass, which is more easily recyclable than borosilicate glass). Even more preferably, the glass constituting wall 2 of container 1 is white or extra-white mineral glass (according to the usual definitions in the field of mineral glass), and therefore transparent and colorless in the visible spectrum for the human eye. The glass constituting wall 2 may optionally include or be composed of PCR glass (or "household cullet") and / or industrial cullet, that is to say, recycled glass from household consumption and / or industrial glass production.Advantageously, the wall 2 of the container 1 (and therefore of the decorated container 1') constitutes a monolithic piece of mineral glass, that is to say, in one piece, which defines within it the said cavity 3.

[0023] According to the invention, the outer face 5 of the glass wall 2 has a decorative portion 9, that is to say a particular area for decorative purposes, which is delimited at least partially by a rim 10 (or "edge") and which has a base 11 that is recessed relative to said rim 10. Said base 11 is therefore set back in the glass wall 2 relative to said rim 10. Typically, the base 11 of the decorative portion 9 has an inner face 11A, which is oriented towards the interior of the container 1 and which advantageously defines a portion of the inner face 4 of the glass wall 2 of the latter, and an opposing outer face 11B, oriented towards the exterior of the container 1. Preferably, said rim 10 is closed upon itself and thus completely delimits said decorative portion 9.The perimeter 10 can describe a line or curve inscribed within an average surface area of ​​the outer face 5 of the glass wall 2, as illustrated in the figures. Alternatively, said perimeter 10 can form a glass protrusion extending from an average surface area of ​​the outer face 5 of the glass wall 2. In any case, said perimeter 10 advantageously defines a line or curve from which the outer face 5 is locally recessed into the thickness of the wall 2 towards the bottom 11 of the decorative portion 9.

[0024] Advantageously, as in the example illustrated in the figures, the decorative portion 9 is supported by the side wall 7 of the container 1, so as to be particularly visible when the container 1 rests on a stable support by means of its base 6. For example, again as in the example illustrated in the figures, the decorative portion 9 may be supported by a portion of the side wall 7 of the container 1 that is substantially flat and smooth. Alternatively, the decorative portion 9 could be supported by portions (or "facets") of the side wall 7 of the container 1 that are contiguous and that each extend substantially in a plane, which planes are intersecting.

[0025] According to the invention, said decorative portion 9 comprises a decorative support 12 (or "decorative base" or "decorative conformation") which is formed from the material of the glass forming the external face 5 of the wall 2 and which projects from the bottom 11 of the decorative portion 9. In other words, said decorative support 12 forms a monolithic piece of glass, in one piece, with the wall 2, and projects from the external face 11B of the bottom 11 of the decorative portion 9 towards the outside of the container 1. Said decorative support 12 therefore belongs to the glass wall 2, and is formed by continuity of material with the latter.

[0026] In one variant, the decorative support 12 can form a solid glass portion, as in the example illustrated in the figures, so that the decorative support 12 presents a substantially continuous glass surface 13. In another variant, the decorative support 12 can form a perforated glass portion, and form, for example, a three-dimensional pattern in perforated glass, locally revealing the background 11 of the decorative portion 9 through openings in the thickness of the decorative support 12.

[0027] According to one variant, the decorative support 12 covers substantially the entire background 11 of the decorative portion 9, so that the visible part of the background 11 can then be reduced to a line, to a curve, peripheral to the decorative support 12 from which the latter extends in projection from said background 11. According to another variant, the decorative support 12 covers only part of the background 11 of the decorative portion 9, so that a larger part of the background 11 is therefore visible in this case, for example between the perimeter 10 of the decorative portion 9 and the decorative support 12.

[0028] According to the invention, the manufacturing process for the decorated container 1' comprises a step of forming a decorative coating 14 onto the surface 13 of the decorative support 12. This coating adheres to said decorative support 12. The decorative coating 14 advantageously forms a thin layer of decorative veneer bonded to the surface 13 of the glass decorative support 12. The decorative coating 14 thus advantageously constitutes a surface layer that covers at least part, and preferably all, of the surface 13 of the decorative support 12, and contributes to the decorative effect of the decorative portion 9 by giving it a particular texture (color, gloss / matte finish, patterns, surface appearance, etc.). Advantageously, the decorative coating 14 does not exist, as such, prior to said forming step.The decorative coating 14 may be a single-layer coating or, conversely, comprise a plurality of superimposed layers, thus forming a multi-layer coating. Advantageously, the surface of the portion of the outer face 5 of the glass wall 2 that extends beyond the perimeter 10 and outside the decorative portion 9 is, on the other hand, devoid of the decorative coating 14. Preferably, the base 11 of the decorative portion 9 is devoid of the decorative coating 14. This advantageously contributes to highlighting the decorative support 12 and the decorative coating 14 borne by it.

[0029] The invention is thus based in substance on the clever idea of ​​forming an "integrated decorative accessory", that is to say a decorative accessory (or decorative element) which does not constitute a solid piece separate from the glass wall 2 of the container 1 and which would be added and fixed to the latter (for example by gluing), but which is on the contrary essentially formed by the combination of a particular local conformation (decorative support 12) of the glass wall 2 itself and by a decorative coating 14 adhering to this glass conformation.

[0030] The process according to the invention therefore makes it advantageous to imitate in a very convincing manner the implementation of a classic external decorative accessory, which is generally very appreciated by consumers from an aesthetic point of view, while nevertheless avoiding a number of disadvantages linked to the implementation of such a classic external decorative accessory.

[0031] Indeed, the arrangement of the decorative support 12 projecting from a recessed base 11, as proposed, makes it possible to imitate a recess typically used to house a conventional external decorative accessory. The decorative support 12 advantageously defines the geometry and volume of this "integrated decorative accessory," which can then imitate the geometry and volume of a conventional external decorative accessory. The decorative coating 14, for its part, advantageously contributes to defining the visual appearance (color, pattern, etc.) of the "integrated decorative accessory," which can then imitate the visual appearance of a conventional external decorative accessory. Moreover, such an "integrated decorative accessory" obtained according to the process of the invention makes it possible to produce a decorated container 1' without resorting to the assembly of materials other than glass, such as, in particular, plastic, metal, self-adhesive paper, leather, etc.It thus becomes possible to design and manufacture decorated glass containers for cosmetic products which, while presenting a particularly distinctive and attractive aesthetic appearance for the consumer, remain easily recyclable. The arrangement of the protruding decorative support 12 against a recessed base 11 also allows, from an aesthetic point of view, the "integrated decorative accessory" to be highlighted by visually emphasizing its contour with a recessed relief, for example in the form of a peripheral groove as illustrated in the figures, which advantageously generates an optical effect. Furthermore, since the process according to the invention does not require manufacturing an external decorative accessory separately and then assembling it onto a glass container, the process according to the invention makes it possible to obtain decorated containers 1' more quickly and at a lower cost.Furthermore, the absence of assembly avoids the use of visible glue dabs, which would detract from the aesthetic appearance of the decorated container 1'. Moreover, the process according to the invention makes it possible to obtain more robust and more durable decorated containers 1', insofar as there is no risk of separation of the "integrated decorative accessory" and the glass container 1.

[0032] Advantageously, the manufacturing process of the decorated container 1' is devoid of an assembly step, on the external face 5 of the glass wall 2 of the container 1, of a solid external decorative element (or "external decorative accessory") made of a material different from the glass forming said wall 2. The interest of the invention is thus reinforced.

[0033] Preferably, the container 1 (and therefore the decorated container 1') is made of molded glass. As such, the manufacturing step of said container 1 advantageously includes a molding operation from a parison of molten glass. Typically, such a molding operation is carried out using a roughing mold, to form a blank from a parison of molten glass by pressure (the so-called "press-blown" process) or by blowing (the so-called "blown-blown" process), and a finishing mold into which the blank is then transferred in order to give the container 1 its final shape by blowing the blank. Even more preferably, the decorative portion 9 of the container 1 is formed during said molding operation. In other words, the decorative portion 9 is formed by molding, simultaneously with the molding of the container 1 and therefore concurrently with the forming of its glass wall 2.In this respect, it is advantageous to provide for an inner face of the finishing mold used for the molding operation of container 1 to be provided with a relief pattern defining a negative of the decorative portion 9 to be formed on the outer face 5 of the glass wall 2 of container 1. This makes it possible, in particular, to manufacture decorated containers 1' on an industrial scale, in a repeatable, rapid, simple, and inexpensive manner. Alternatively, but less advantageously, the decorative portion 9 of container 1 could be formed after the molding operation of container 1, for example, by engraving the outer face 5 of its wall 2.

[0034] As illustrated in the examples in the figures ( figure 4In particular), the surface 13 of the decorative support 12 can typically include an upper surface portion 13A, which is extended by at least one lateral surface portion 13B, connecting said upper surface portion 13A to the outer face 11B of the base 11 of the decorative portion 9. This lateral surface portion 13B can thus correspond to the surface of one or more side walls that the decorative support 12 may have and that project from said base 11. These side walls thus advantageously define a contour of the decorative support 12. Depending on the desired decorative effect, the upper surface portion 13A of the decorative support 12 can be substantially flat, or, on the contrary, have a particular three-dimensional profile. Furthermore, said surface 13 can be smooth, or, conversely, textured or rough.

[0035] The decorative support 12 can have varying dimensions and thickness, depending in particular on the desired decorative effect. In any case, the decorative support 12 preferably projects from the base 11 (and more precisely from its outer face 11B) of the decorative portion 9, with a maximum thickness Emax of at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, and preferably at most 3 mm. Here, "maximum thickness Emax" refers to the greatest value of the thickness of the decorative support 12, measured at the base 11 of the decorative portion 9. Thus, the thickness of the decorative support 12 is clearly perceptible to the naked eye, even if it is relatively small.According to one variant, the thickness of the decorative substrate 12 is substantially constant, as in the example illustrated in the figures, and for example 0.5 mm, in order to advantageously imitate the application of a self-adhesive decorative label, for example made of paper or cardboard, or a decorative plaque. In this case, the upper surface portion 13A can thus advantageously be substantially flat, as envisaged above. According to another variant, the thickness of the decorative substrate 12 is not constant at every point of the substrate, and therefore varies. In this case, the upper surface portion 13A may then not be flat, but on the contrary have points of different heights relative to the surface of the outer face 11B of the base 11 of the decorative portion 9.

[0036] Advantageously, the decorative support 12 is connected to the base 11 of the decorative portion 9 by a fillet, rather than a sharp edge, having a radius of curvature preferably between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm, and for example, equal to 0.5 mm. The use of such a fillet facilitates the manufacture of the container 1 and the decorative portion 9, particularly when they are formed by molding glass. It also contributes, to some extent, to providing excellent mechanical strength to the decorative support 12, depending on its shape.However, the aforementioned preferential values ​​of said radius of curvature are advantageously low enough that the presence of the fillet does not visually interfere with the imitation of an external decorative accessory that would be fixed to the glass wall 2 (and which therefore classically does not have a fillet connecting with the glass of the wall 2).

[0037] As can be seen, for example, in figures 4 And 7The decorative portion 9 may include one or more side walls 15, which connect the perimeter 10 of the decorative portion 9 to the base 11 (and more precisely to the external face 11B of said base 11) of the latter. Advantageously, the perimeter 10 may then be connected to said side walls 15 by a rounded edge (or chamfer), and not by a sharp edge, having a radius of curvature preferably between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm, and for example equal to 0.6 mm. The implementation of such a rounded edge facilitates the manufacture of the container 1 and the decorative portion 9, particularly when these are formed by molding glass. This rounded edge also helps to limit the risk of injury to the consumer from cuts.Advantageously, the side wall(s) 15 can be connected to the base 11 of the decorative portion 9 by a fillet, rather than a sharp edge, having a radius of curvature preferably between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm, and for example equal to 0.5 mm. The use of such a fillet also advantageously facilitates the manufacture of the container 1 and the decorative portion 9, particularly when these are formed by molding glass.

[0038] According to one variant, the thickness of the decorative support 12 is chosen so that the surface 13 of said decorative support 12 is entirely recessed from the rim 10 (and therefore towards the interior of the decorated container 1', within the thickness of the glass wall 2), or so that said surface 13 is (at most) flush with a plane containing said rim 10 (or a ridge line of said rim 10) as in the example illustrated in the figures. This can be advantageous, as in the example illustrated in the figures, when the decorative support 12 and the decorative coating 14 are intended to form an "integrated decorative accessory" imitating a label affixed to the glass wall 2 in a recess therein, or any other "external decorative accessory" that would be embedded in a recess formed in the glass wall 2 without protruding from said recess.According to another variant, the thickness of the decorative support 12 can be chosen on the contrary so that the surface 13 of said decorative support 12 is arranged at least partly beyond the perimeter 10, that is to say beyond a plane containing said perimeter 10 (or a ridge line of said perimeter 10), and therefore towards the outside of the decorated container 1', so as to generate a pronounced three-dimensional visual effect.

[0039] Preferably, the perimeter 10 of the decorative portion 9 has a shape that follows a respective shape of a contour of the decorative support 12. Alternatively, however, the respective shapes of the perimeter 10 of the decorative portion 9 and the contour of the decorative support 12 could be substantially different. In the example illustrated in the figures, the perimeter 10 that delimits the decorative portion 9 and the contour of the decorative support 12 have a generally rectangular shape. However, the invention is obviously not limited to such a generally rectangular shape, and other shapes may be considered depending on the desired decorative effect.

[0040] The decorative coating formation step 14, whether single-layer or multi-layer, is preferably carried out: by screen printing, pad printing, and / or lacquering, that is to say by depositing at least one layer of a liquid or pasty composition (such as an ink for example) on the surface 13 of the decorative support 12, then hardening of said composition by drying and / or by polymerization / crosslinking (for example, using a baking oven and / or by irradiation under actinic radiation, for example under UV), and / or by hot stamping.

[0041] This advantageously allows the decorative coating 14 to be formed simply, quickly, and efficiently using readily available industrial technical means. If the decorative coating 14 is formed by lacquering, the liquid or paste composition can be sprayed onto the surface 13 of the decorative substrate 12, possibly after a preliminary removal or application of a temporary protective mask to the outer face 5 of the container 1 to delimit the area to be lacquered. Forming the decorative coating 14 by screen printing and / or hot stamping is preferred when the surface 13 (or portion thereof) of the decorative substrate 12 to be coated is substantially flat.Conversely, a decorative coating 14 will be formed by pad printing and / or lacquering when the surface 13 (or portion of the surface 13) of the decorative support 12 to be coated is complex, not flat.

[0042] Preferably, regardless of the forming technique used, the decorative coating 14 formed on the decorative support 12 has a thickness of 300 µm or less, preferably between 1 µm and 300 µm, and even more preferably between 20 µm and 200 µm. The decorative coating 14 is thus particularly thin, which makes it possible to limit the total amount of material used, and in particular the amount of material other than glass, and thus contributes to further improving the recyclability of the decorated container 1'.

[0043] Advantageously, the decorative coating 14 is opaque to visible light. In other words, the decorative coating 14 is designed, particularly in terms of its composition and thickness, so that the glass forming the underlying decorative support 13, as well as the cosmetic product contained in the cavity 3, are not visible to the naked eye or under visible light through said decorative coating 14. This advantageously reinforces the impression for the consumer that the decorative support 12 and the decorative coating 14 form a decorative accessory separate from, and attached to, the glass wall 2.

[0044] As in the example schematically illustrated in the figure 7The decorative coating 14 may cover only a portion of the surface 13 of the decorative support 12. For example, the decorative coating 14, possibly opaque, may thus cover only the upper surface portion 13A of the decorative support 12, the lateral surface portion 13B defined by the lateral wall(s) of the latter being, on the other hand, without said decorative coating 14. However, said decorative coating 14 may then advantageously cover in a continuous (and therefore non-perforated) manner the entire upper surface portion 13A of the decorative support 12.

[0045] However, in a more advantageous way, as in the example schematically illustrated in the figure 8The decorative coating 14 continuously (and therefore without gaps) covers the entire surface 13 of the decorative support 12. In other words, the formation step of the decorative coating 14 is then a formation step on the surface 13 of the decorative support 12 of a decorative coating 14 that continuously covers the entirety of said surface 13 and adheres to said decorative support 12. At the end of said formation step, the decorative coating 14 then advantageously and continuously covers both the upper surface portion 13A and the lateral surface portion 13B of said decorative support 12. This further enhances the visual effect of imitating the application of an external decorative accessory fixed to the glass of the wall 2 of the container 1.Even more advantageously, the decorative coating 14 can then also be chosen to be opaque to visible light, as envisaged above, which further enhances this imitation effect. Alternatively, however, but less advantageously, particularly with regard to the visual effect of imitating an external decorative accessory, the decorative coating 14 can cover discontinuously, and for example with perforations, the upper surface portion 13A of the decorative support 12, for example so that the cosmetic product contained in the decorated container 1' is visible from the outside of the latter, through one or more areas of the upper surface portion 13A of the decorative support 12 not covered by the decorative coating 14. In this case, the decorative coating 14 may also cover, continuously or discontinuously, the lateral surface portion 13B of said decorative support 12.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the decorative coating 14 formed on the surface 13 of the decorative support 12 imitates, or reproduces, a visual appearance of a material other than glass, such as, for example, the visual appearance of metal, wood, leather, or stone. In other words, the decorative coating 14 has a visual appearance that is very similar to, or even substantially identical to, the visual appearance of a given material other than glass. For example, the decorative coating 14 may have a visual appearance imitating: a visual aspect of a polished or brushed metal, matte or shiny (steel, aluminum, silver, gold, copper, etc.), a veined visual aspect of a particular type of wood, a grained and scaly visual aspect of a particular animal leather, a colored, granular or marbled visual aspect of a stone or mineral assembly, a fibrous, embossed or crumpled visual aspect of paper or cardboard, etc.

[0047] Thus, the decorative support 12 and the decorative coating 14 carried by the latter can advantageously form an "integrated decorative accessory" imitating an external decorative accessory in metal, wood, leather, stone, paper / cardboard, etc. which would have been embedded in the glass wall 2 and attached to it.

[0048] Alternatively or in addition, the decorative coating 14 may include or form a scriptural element 16 (schematized in example by the word "PARFUM" in the figures 5 and 6 ) and / or a logo, allowing for example to identify the cosmetic product contained in container 1 or at least certain characteristics of said cosmetic product (nature, brand, ingredients, etc.).

[0049] To further improve the recyclability of the decorated container 1', it is particularly advantageous to ensure that the decorative coating 14 formed on the surface 13 of the decorative support 12 is composed of at least 50% by mass, preferably at least 75% by mass, preferably even more at least 90% by mass, and ideally 100% by mass, of organic matter. In particular, the decorative coating 14 is therefore advantageously not essentially composed of a metal or metal alloy, or of a ceramic material. Thus, the material(s) forming the decorative coating 14 can be easily degraded or destroyed, particularly during subsequent melting of the glass of the decorated container 1' for reuse or recycling, with a limited risk of problematic contamination of the molten glass bath.

[0050] Furthermore, the implementation of such a decorative coating 14 composed of at least 50% by mass of organic matter advantageously facilitates the manufacture of the decorated container 1', with a controlled energy impact, since it is possible to form said decorative coating 14 from a liquid or pasty composition which is then hardened (typically by drying and / or by polymerization / crosslinking) under less restrictive and energy-intensive conditions than in the case of the formation of a decorative coating essentially made of a metal or a ceramic material for example.The decorative coating formation step 14 can thus include an application or deposition operation of a layer of a liquid or paste-like organic composition (in which inorganic particles may be dispersed) covering the surface 13 of the decorative substrate 12, followed by a hardening operation of said liquid or paste-like composition, for example by drying and / or cross-linking, for example under ultraviolet radiation and by heat treatment at 150 °C. Conversely, a decorative coating that would, for example, be essentially formed of a metal, for example gold, would require a high-temperature firing operation, typically on the order of 600 °C for gold.

[0051] Moreover, such a predominantly organic character of the decorative coating 14 advantageously allows the latter to be formed directly on the surface 13 of the decorative support 12, that is to say directly on the bare glass of the wall 2 of the container 1, or on a possible external decorative coating (as envisaged below) which would have been previously formed (or which would be in the process of forming) on ​​the surface 13 of the decorative support 12. In this latter case, it is therefore possible to easily obtain a multitude of different decorative effects by superimposing said decorative coating 14 on one or more external decorative coating(s).Conversely, the conditions for the formation of a decorative coating essentially made of a metal or a ceramic material, for example, particularly in terms of temperature, would require the formation of such a decorative coating directly onto the glass of the wall 2 of the container 1, otherwise there would be a risk of damaging an external decorative coating that had been previously formed (or that would be in the process of forming) on ​​the surface 13 of the decorative support 12.

[0052] Preferably, in the case where the decorative coating 14 is formed from a liquid or paste composition deposited on the surface 13 of the decorative support 12, as envisaged previously, said liquid or paste composition shall be chosen to be water-based, in order to avoid the use of organic solvent(s) which may have detrimental effects on human health and / or the environment.

[0053] Optionally, the manufacturing process for the decorated container 1' may include a step of forming an external decorative coating (not shown) on the external face 5 of the wall 2 of the container 1, or at least on at least a portion of said external face 5, which external decorative coating is then distinct from said decorative coating 14 adhering to said decorative support 12. For example, produced by screen printing, pad printing, lacquering and / or hot stamping, said external decorative coating contributes advantageously to the decoration of the container 1. In any case, said external decorative coating is not superimposed on the decorative coating 14 adhering to said decorative support 12, so that it does not obscure said decorative coating 14. The decorative coating 14 is therefore not interposed between the surface 13 of the decorative support 12 and said external decorative coating, and the surface of the decorative coating 14 therefore remains free.However, it is conceivable that said external decorative coating may cover all or part of said decorative portion 9 of the external face 5, and in particular the side wall(s) 15 and / or the bottom 11 thereof. If so, said external decorative coating may then be interposed between the surface 13 of the decorative support 12 and the decorative coating 14 carried by said surface 13. In order to facilitate the manufacture of the decorated container 1', said step of forming an external decorative coating will then preferably be carried out prior to carrying out the step of forming said decorative coating 14 adhering to said decorative support 12 on the surface 13 of the decorative support 12.

[0054] Optionally, in particular where the glass forming the wall 2 of the container 1 is chosen to be transparent, the manufacturing process of the decorated container 1' may include a step of forming an internal decorative coating (not illustrated) on the internal face 4 of the wall 2 of the container 1, or at least on at least a portion of said internal face 4. Preferably carried out by lacquering using a spray nozzle introduced inside the cavity 3 of the container 1, such an internal decorative coating contributes advantageously to the decoration of the container 1, the internal decorative coating thus formed being visible from outside the cavity 3 through the glass wall 2.It is therefore preferable that the decorative coating 14 on the decorative substrate 12 be chosen to be opaque to visible light, as previously discussed, so that the internal decorative coating is not visible through said decorative coating 14, which could potentially detract from its aesthetic effect. In order to avoid any risk of dripping or smearing that could damage the decorative coating 14, the internal decorative coating formation step will preferably be carried out prior to the surface formation step 13 on the decorative substrate 12, where said decorative coating 14 adheres to said decorative substrate 12.

[0055] It is preferable that the material forming such an optional internal decorative coating be chosen to be chemically resistant to the cosmetic product intended to be contained in the decorated container 1 thus obtained, so that said cosmetic product can come into direct contact with the internal decorative coating, without it being necessary to provide a plastic bag or other means to isolate the cosmetic product from the internal decorative coating. In this respect, said optional step of forming an internal decorative coating can be carried out by spraying onto the surface of the inner face 4 of the glass wall 2 of the container 1 a liquid composition containing a sol intended to (i.e., formulated to, designed to) form a solid material by sol-gel process (or "sol-gel material"), i.e., according to a sol-gel synthesis process, and at least one coloring substance (pigment(s) and / or dye(s)).Sol-gel processes are well known as such, so it is not necessary to detail their reaction mechanisms here. Preferably, the sol will contain a silica precursor.

[0056] The invention further relates, as such, to a glass container 1' for holding a cosmetic product, for example, a body perfume, and more specifically to a decorated glass container 1'. The decorated container 1' according to the invention can be obtained by the manufacturing process according to the invention described above, and is preferably obtained directly by said process. Consequently, the preceding description of the manufacturing process advantageously applies mutatis mutandis to the decorated container 1' according to the invention. An example of an embodiment of a decorated container 1' according to the invention, which here more specifically constitutes a bottle, is illustrated in the following: figures 5 to 8 .

[0057] The decorated container 1' according to the invention comprises a glass wall 2 (mineral glass), which wall 2 defines a receiving cavity 3 for the cosmetic product to be contained and has an inner face 4 facing said cavity 3 and an opposing outer face 5. Advantageously, the wall 2 of the decorated container 1' is a monolithic piece of mineral glass, that is, a single piece, which defines said cavity 3 within it. Preferably, the decorated container 1' is made of molded glass.

[0058] According to the invention, said external face 5 has a decorative portion 9, that is to say a particular area for decorative purposes, which is delimited at least partially by a rim 10 (or "edge") and which has a base 11 recessed relative to said rim 10. Said base 11 is therefore set back in the glass wall 2 relative to said rim 10. Typically, the base 11 of the decorative portion 9 has an internal face 11A, which is oriented towards the interior of the container 1 and which defines a portion of the internal face 4 of the glass wall 2 of the latter, and an opposing external face 11B, oriented towards the exterior of the container 1. Preferably, said rim 10 is closed upon itself and thus completely delimits said decorative portion 9.The decorative portion 9 further comprises a decorative support 12 (or "decorative base" or "decorative shape") which is integral with the glass forming the outer face 5 of the wall 2 and which projects from the bottom 11 of the decorative portion 9. In other words, the decorative support 12 forms a monolithic piece of glass, in one piece, with the wall 2, and projects from the outer face 11B of the bottom 11 of the decorative portion 9 towards the outside of the decorated container 1'. The decorative support 12 therefore belongs to the glass wall 2, and is formed by continuity of material with the latter.

[0059] Furthermore, the surface 13 of the decorative support 12 is provided with a decorative coating 14 which adheres to said decorative support 12. The decorative coating 14 thus advantageously forms a thin layer of decorative veneer bonded to the surface 13 of the glass decorative support 12. The decorative coating 14 therefore advantageously constitutes a surface layer of the decorated container 1' which covers at least part, and preferably all, of the surface 13 of the decorative support 12, and contributes to the decorative effect of the decorative portion 9 by giving it a particular texture (color, gloss / matte finish, patterns, surface appearance, etc.). The decorative coating 14 may be a single-layer coating or, conversely, comprise a plurality of superimposed layers, and thus form a multi-layer coating.Advantageously, the surface of the portion of the external face 5 of the glass wall 2 which extends beyond said perimeter 10, and outside the decorative portion 9, is, on the other hand, devoid of said decorative coating 14. Preferably, the background 11 of the decorative portion 9 is devoid of said decorative coating 10. This advantageously contributes to making the decorative support 12 and the decorative coating 14 carried by the latter stand out more visually.

[0060] Thus, as explained previously in connection with the process according to the invention, the decorative support 12 and the decorative coating 14 with which the latter is provided advantageously form an "integrated decorative accessory", which imitates the presence of a classic external decorative accessory, that is to say a solid decorative piece distinct from the glass wall 2 of the decorated container 1' which would be added and fixed to the latter (for example by gluing), but which advantageously eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0061] Advantageously, the decorated container 1' is devoid of any solid external decorative element (or "external decorative accessory") made of a material different from the glass forming said wall 2, which would be added and attached to the latter (for example by gluing). The interest of the invention is thus enhanced.

[0062] As mentioned in connection with the method according to the invention, the surface 13 of the decorative support 12 typically comprises an upper surface portion 13A, which is extended by at least one lateral surface portion 13B, connecting said upper surface portion 13A to the outer face 11B of the base 11 of the decorative portion 9. This lateral surface portion 13B can thus correspond to the surface of one or more lateral walls that the decorative support 12 may have and that project from said base 11. These lateral walls advantageously define a contour of the decorative support 12. The upper surface portion 13A of the decorative support 12 may be substantially flat, or, conversely, may have a particular three-dimensional profile. Furthermore, said surface 13 may be smooth, or, conversely, textured or rough.

[0063] Preferably, the decorative support 12 projects from the background 11 of the decorative portion 9 with a maximum thickness Emax (as defined above) of at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, and preferably at most 3 mm. Thus, the thickness of the decorative support 12 is clearly perceptible to the naked eye, even if it is relatively small. According to one variant, the thickness of the decorative support 12 is substantially constant, as in the example illustrated in the figures, and for example 0.5 mm, in order to advantageously imitate the application of a self-adhesive decorative label, for example, made of paper or cardboard. In this case, the upper surface portion 13A can thus advantageously be substantially flat, as envisaged above. According to another variant, the thickness of the decorative support 12 is not constant at every point of the decorative support 12, and therefore varies.In this case, the upper surface portion 13A may not be flat, but may have points of different altitudes relative to the surface of the outer face 11B of the bottom 11 of the decorative portion 9.

[0064] Advantageously, as already mentioned previously in connection with the process according to the invention, the decorative support 12 is connected to the bottom 11 of the decorative portion 9 by a fillet, and not by a sharp edge, having a radius of curvature of a value preferably between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm, and for example equal to 0.5 mm.

[0065] Preferably, the decorative coating 14 applied to the decorative support 12 has a thickness of 300 µm or less, preferably between 1 µm and 300 µm, and even more preferably between 20 µm and 200 µm. The decorative coating 14 is thus particularly thin, which limits the total amount of material used, and in particular the amount of material other than glass, and thus further improves the recyclability of the decorated container 1'.

[0066] Advantageously, the decorative coating 14 is opaque to visible light, so that the glass forming the underlying decorative support 13 and the cosmetic product which will be contained in the receiving cavity 3 are not visible, to the naked eye and under visible light lighting, through said decorative coating 14. As explained previously, this advantageously contributes to reinforcing the impression for the consumer that the decorative support 12 and the decorative coating 14 form a decorative accessory distinct from the glass wall 2 and attached to the latter.

[0067] As illustrated in the figure 7The decorative coating 14 may cover only a portion of the surface 13 of the decorative support 12. For example, the decorative coating 14, which may be opaque, may thus cover only the upper surface portion 13A of the decorative support 12, while the lateral surface portion 13B defined by its side wall(s) remains uncovered. However, the decorative coating 14 may advantageously cover the entire upper surface portion 13A of the decorative support 12 in a continuous (and therefore non-perforated) manner. More advantageously, however, as illustrated in the figure 8, the decorative coating 14 covers continuously (and therefore not openwork) the entire surface 13 of the decorative support 12. Thus, the decorative coating 14 then advantageously covers continuously both the upper surface portion 13A and the lateral surface portion 13B of said decorative support 12.

[0068] As mentioned previously, this further enhances the visual effect of imitating the presence of an external decorative accessory attached to the glass wall 2 of the container 1. Even more advantageously, the decorative coating 14 can then also be chosen to be opaque to visible light, as considered above, which further reinforces this imitation effect. Alternatively, however, but less advantageously, particularly with regard to the visual effect of imitating an external decorative accessory, the decorative coating 14 can cover discontinuously, and for example with perforations, the upper surface portion 13A of the decorative support 12, for example, so that the cosmetic product contained in the decorated container 1' is visible from the outside of the container through one or more areas of the upper surface portion 13A of the decorative support 12 not covered by the decorative coating 14.In this case, the decorative coating 14 may also cover, continuously or discontinuously, the lateral surface portion 13B of said decorative support 12.

[0069] As can be understood from the above, it is particularly advantageous that the decorative coating 14 be preferably composed of at least 50% by mass, preferably at least 75% by mass, preferably still at least 90% by mass, and ideally 100% by mass, of organic matter.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the decorative coating 14 applied to the surface 13 of the decorative support 12 imitates, or reproduces, a visual appearance of a material other than glass, such as, for example, the visual appearance of metal, wood, leather, or stone. In other words, the decorative coating 14 has a visual appearance that is very similar to, or even substantially identical to, the visual appearance of a given material other than glass, in accordance with what has been described previously in connection with the method according to the invention.

[0071] Optionally, the outer face 5 of the wall 2 of the decorated container 1', or at least a portion thereof, is provided with an external decorative coating (not shown). This external decorative coating is then separate from the decorative coating 14 adhering to the decorative support 12 and is not superimposed on the decorative coating 14. The surface of the decorative coating 14 therefore remains uncovered and is not obscured by the external decorative coating. However, it is possible to provide for the external decorative coating to cover all or part of the decorative portion 9 of the outer face 5, and in particular the side wall(s) 15 and / or the bottom 11 thereof. In this case, the external decorative coating may then be interposed between the surface 13 of the decorative support 12 and the decorative coating 14 borne by the surface 13.

[0072] Optionally, in particular where the glass forming the wall 2 of the container 1 is transparent, the inner face 4 of the wall 2 of the decorated container 1', or at least on at least a portion of said inner face 5, may be provided with an internal decorative coating (not illustrated).

[0073] The invention ultimately makes it possible to obtain glass containers for cosmetic products with remarkable decorative effects, and a minimal environmental impact thanks, in particular, to an excellent recyclability of said containers.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a decorated glass container (1') intended to contain a cosmetic product, for example a body fragrance, comprising: - a step of manufacturing or providing a container (1) with a glass wall (2), which wall (2) delimits a cavity (3) for receiving the cosmetic product to be contained therein and has an internal face (4) facing said cavity (3) and an opposite external face (5), said external face (5) having a decorative portion (9) delimited at least partially by a perimeter (10) and having a recessed bottom (11) relative to said perimeter (10), said decorative portion (9) including a decorative support (12) formed integrally with the glass forming the external face (5) and projecting from said bottom (11); and - a step of forming, on the surface (13) of the decorative support (12), a decorative coating (14) adhering to said decorative support (12), said decorative coating (14) being composed of at least 50% by mass of organic material.

2. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein said decorative coating (14) has a thickness less than or equal to 300 µm, preferably between 1 µm and 300 µm, and more preferably between 20 µm and 200 µm.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative coating (14) is opaque to visible light.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative coating (14) continuously covers the entire surface (13) of the decorative support (12).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative coating (14) imitates the visual appearance of a material other than glass, such as, for example, the visual appearance of metal, wood, leather, or stone.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming the decorative coating (14) is carried out by screen printing, pad printing, lacquering, and / or hot stamping.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative coating (14) is composed of at least 75% by mass of organic material.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a step of forming an external decorative coating on the external face (5) of the wall (2) of the container (1), which external decorative coating is distinct from the decorative coating (14) adhering to said decorative support (12) and not superimposed on said decorative coating (14).

9. A decorated glass container (1') intended to contain a cosmetic product, for example a body fragrance, comprising a glass wall (2), which wall (2) delimits a cavity (3) for receiving the cosmetic product to be contained therein and has an internal face (4) facing said cavity (3) and an opposite external face (5), said external face (5) having a decorative portion (9) delimited at least partially by a perimeter (10) and having a recessed bottom (11) relative to said perimeter (10), said decorative portion (9) including a decorative support (12) formed integrally with the glass forming the external face (5) and projecting from said bottom (11), the surface (13) of the decorative support (12) being provided with a decorative coating (14) adhering to said decorative support (12), said decorative coating (14) being composed of at least 50% by mass of organic material.

10. The decorated container (1') according to the preceding claim, wherein the decorative support (12) projects from said bottom (11) with a maximum thickness (Emax) of at least 0.2 mm, and preferably at most 3 mm.

11. The decorated container (1') according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein said decorative coating (14) has a thickness less than or equal to 300 µm, preferably between 1 µm and 300 µm, and more preferably between 20 µm and 200 µm.

12. The decorated container (1') according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the decorative coating (14) is opaque to visible light.

13. The decorated container (1') according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the decorative coating (14) continuously covers the entire surface (13) of the decorative support (12).

14. The decorated container (1') according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the decorative coating (14) imitates the visual appearance of a material other than glass, such as, for example, the visual appearance of metal, wood, leather, or stone.

15. The decorated container (1') according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the external face (5) of said wall (2) is provided with an external decorative coating, said external decorative coating being distinct from the decorative coating (14) adhering to said decorative support (12) and not superimposed on said decorative coating (14).