Packaging and application device

Abstract

Packaging and application device Packaging and application device for a product (1), in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container (2) for containing the product to be applied and a closing member (3) which can be mounted on the container (2), at least one of the container (2) and the closing member (3) being made, at least partially, of a nucleated polyolefin. Figure for the abstract: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Packaging and application device

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for packaging and applying products, in particular those used in cosmetics. The invention relates more particularly to a device comprising a container intended to contain the product and a member for closing the container. Prior art

[0002] It is known from US7334584 to produce cosmetic application devices, in particular mascara applicators, comprising a container and a closing cap screwed onto the container, with an applicator and a rod made in one piece with the cap made of polypropylene, polyamide or polyoxymethylene, and with a wiper made of low density polyethylene or thermoplastic elastomer mounted on the container.

[0003] US9066570 discloses a cosmetic application device comprising a rod fixed to a handle, and a housing covering the rod, the handle and the housing being able to be screwed or snapped together, the rod, the handle and the housing being made from polypropylene.

[0004] CN207125463 discloses a nail polish packaging device comprising a container and a cap screwed onto the neck of the container and carrying a stem, the stem and the cap being made of polypropylene.

[0005] US7686528 describes a packaging and application device comprising a rod and a wringer, the rod and wringer being able to comprise polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0006] It is known from application FR2945715 to produce packaging and application devices with, on the container, a neck having at its base a first relief and, on the closure member, a second relief which can cross the first relief by elastic deformation at the end of the assembly of the closure member on the neck to generate a click felt tactilely by the user.

[0007] It is important that the tactile signaling system does not generate too much force which would hinder the proper opening or closing of the device, nor does it lose too much of its ability to generate the desired tactile sensation when the number of openings / closings increases.

[0008] It is therefore common for these reasons to produce the closing member in polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or in polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0009] There is also a need to improve the environmental footprint and / or facilitate the recycling of such devices, while maintaining the performance of the tactile signaling system. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to meet this need and achieves this by means of a device for packaging and applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container for containing the product to be applied and a closing member which can be mounted on the container, at least one of the container and the closing member being made, at least partially, of a nucleated polyolefin.

[0011] The use of a polyolefin facilitates recycling of the device, compared to prior art devices using PBT or POM.

[0012] The invention further allows, if desired, the use of a polyolefin that is at least partially recycled after consumption (PCR), which makes it possible to further reduce the environmental impact of the device.

[0013] The closing member may be made at least partially from a nucleated polyolefin. It may comprise a rod made at least partially from a nucleated polyolefin.

[0014] One of the container and the closure member advantageously comprises at least a first relief made at least partially from a nucleated polyolefin, and the other of the container and the closure member advantageously comprises at least a second relief, the first relief being able to be arranged so as to cross the second relief by bending or by compression, at the end of the movement of mounting the closure member on the container, in order to produce a tactile sensation for the user.

[0015] The aforementioned reliefs make it possible to obtain a satisfactory tactile signaling system, which produces a tactile sensation which is maintained at a sufficient level during the life of the device, despite the mechanical constraints exerted.

[0016] The second relief can be made, at least partially, from a polyolefin nucleated, or in a non-nucleated polyolefin, which facilitates recycling because the container and the closure member are then made with polymers belonging to the same family of polyolefins.

[0017] The first relief may belong to the closure member or to the container, preferably to the closure member. In the latter case, the second relief then belongs to the container. Nucleated polyolefin

[0018] By “nucleated polyolefin” is meant a polyolefin in which one or more nucleating agents have been incorporated.

[0019] By "nucleating agent" is meant any adjuvant mixed with the polyolefin in order to modify its mechanical properties by accelerating the nucleation or nucleation stage during crystallization of the polyolefin. Examples of Such nucleating agents are talc, salts of benzoic acid, such as sodium benzoate or lithium benzoate, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, benzylidene derivatives of sorbitols, metal salts of sulfonic and carboxylic acids and phosphate salts.

[0020] Nucleating agents act by introducing a heterogeneous surface into the molten polymer, which makes crystallization more thermodynamically favorable and promotes the formation of smaller and more numerous spherulites.

[0021] Thus, a nucleated polyolefin is characterized microscopically by an increased number of spherulites and a smaller spherulite size compared to a non-nucleated polyolefin.

[0022] Macroscopically, this translates into a higher crystallization temperature, a higher modulus, greater transparency. The crystallization speed is also higher, implying a cycle time for the injection molding process that is advantageously reduced.

[0023] The addition of nucleating agents to the polyolefin to make it a nucleated polyolefin therefore makes it possible to increase the crystallinity rate and the rigidity of the polyolefin. This makes it possible to obtain good mechanical resistance of the material, high surface hardness, plastic shrinkage similar to that of PBT or POM and a satisfactory surface condition for the feel in use.

[0024] The addition of nucleating agents to the polyolefin can be carried out upstream in the polymer formation reactor. If necessary, this addition can also be made in the masterbatch used during injection, with a polyolefin base. The addition of nucleating agents can be made in the solid state or in the liquid state.

[0025] The nucleated polyolefin used to produce the first relief and / or the second relief may contain an antistatic agent, aiding demolding.

[0026] The nucleated polyolefin used is preferably a nucleated polypropylene (PP), especially a nucleated homopolymer polypropylene. The polypropylene is, alternatively, a block copolymer polypropylene or a random copolymer polypropylene. Alternatively, the nucleated polyolefin used is a nucleated polyethylene (PE), a blend of nucleated polypropylene and nucleated polyethylene, or a blend of two nucleated polypropylenes.

[0027] The nucleated polyolefin used for producing the first relief and / or the second relief may have a flexural modulus greater than or equal to 1600 MPa (1 mm / min) according to the ISO527-2 standard, for example greater than or equal to 2000 MPa (1 mm / min).

[0028] The nucleated polyolefin used may have a melt flow index (MFI) less than or equal to 25g / 10 min (230°C / 2.16 kg) (ASTDM D1238 or ISO1183). In particular, if the polyolefin is a nucleated homopolymer polypropylene, the MFI melt flow rate is preferably less than or equal to 25 g / 10 min. If the nucleated polyolefin is a nucleated copolymer polypropylene, the melt flow rate is preferably less than or equal to 15 g / 10 min.

[0029] The nucleated polyolefin used may have a density of between 0.85 g / cm3 and 0.95 g / cm3, in particular equal to 0.9 g / cm3 (ASTDM D792 or ISO 1183).

[0030] The nucleated polyolefin used may comprise a PCR nucleated polyolefin, for example a PCR polypropylene, in particular a PCR homopolymer polypropylene.

[0031] The PCR nucleated polyolefin can be obtained by different processes, such as chemical, mechanical, enzymatic or even pyrolytic treatments.

[0032] The nucleated polyolefin can be used alone or mixed with a non-nucleated polyolefin, in proportions that allow the desired mechanical properties to be retained. In particular, at least 1% by mass of nucleated polyolefin can be used to produce the closure member or the container. The nucleated polyolefin used can be a mixture of nucleated polypropylene and non-nucleated polypropylene, a mixture of nucleated polyethylene and non-nucleated polyethylene, a mixture of nucleated polypropylene and non-nucleated polyethylene, or a mixture of nucleated polyethylene and non-nucleated polypropylene.

[0033] An exemplary method of manufacturing nucleated polyolefins is described in US Patent 11,078,310, among others. Container

[0034] The container, in particular when the first relief belongs to the closure member, can be made at least partly of polypropylene, nucleated or not, PCR or not, of polyamide or even of polyethylene terephthalate. It can be made by injection molding without blowing, by injection blowing, or even by single-layer or double-layer extrusion blowing. Alternatively, the container is made of glass, in particular PCR glass or a mixture of glass and PCR glass.

[0035] The container may be made with a body and a neck, the neck being able to be externally threaded to allow the closure member to be screwed onto the container. The first or second relief may be made at the base of the neck of the container.

[0036] The container may also have a shoulder at the base of the neck, the first or second relief being able to protrude from this shoulder.

[0037] The first or second relief may be molded in one piece with the neck of the container. Alternatively, the first or second relief is molded separately from the neck of the container.

[0038] The container may be of elongated shape, for example the container is a tube of substantially cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the container is a bottle.

[0039] The container may have a total height of between 50 mm and 150 mm, in particular between 75 mm and 100 mm. The height of the body may be between 40 mm and 110 mm. The neck height is, for example, between 5 mm and 15 mm. The neck diameter can be between 5 mm and 25 mm. These values ​​are not limiting.

[0040] The container may be flexible, for example the container is a flexible pouch, a tube or a sachet. Closing organ

[0041] The closing member may be made at least in part of polypropylene, polyamide or even polyethylene terephthalate. Preferably, it is molded with the first relief and is therefore made at least partially, and better still entirely, of nucleated polyolefin.

[0042] The closing member comprises, for example, a closing capsule to which a rod is connected, the latter carrying an application member.

[0043] The closure capsule and stem assembly may have a total height of between 35 mm and 135 mm, in particular between 60 mm and 100 mm. The height of the closure capsule may be between 10 mm and 80 mm. The stem has, for example, a height of between 25 mm and 100 mm, in particular between 40 mm and 75 mm. These values ​​are not limiting.

[0044] The stem may be hollow or solid. It may be molded in one piece with the closure capsule. Alternatively, the stem is molded with a sub-capsule inserted into an outer capsule, this outer capsule defining a gripping surface for rotating the closure member. The stem may also be attached to the closure capsule.

[0045] The closure member may be arranged to screw onto the container, as mentioned above. The closure member may thus comprise a threaded tubular skirt, arranged to screw onto the threaded neck of the container. Touch reporting system

[0046] Preferably, the first relief is carried by the closure member and the second relief by the container. Alternatively, the first relief is carried by the container and the second relief by the closure member.

[0047] The first relief can cross the second relief by bending or compressing.

[0048] The first relief preferably comprises, in particular when it belongs to the organ a closing member, a flexible pawl, the latter and the second rib being arranged to cooperate such that rotation of the closing member relative to the container causes the pawl to cross the second rib by flexing. As a variant, the first rib does not have a flexible pawl, but only a boss.

[0049] The flexible pawl of the first rib is different from a tamper-evident flap and can flex significantly without damage and reversibly, including at the first use of the device.

[0050] The use of a flexible pawl makes it possible to limit the wear of the surfaces of the ribs coming into contact, and to limit the stresses exerted in the materials.

[0051] The flexible tab can be made with a free end, or alternatively be connected at its two ends to the part which carries it, container or closing member, and, in this case, have for example a middle portion which moves when the tab bends.

[0052] The length of the flexible leg is, for example, greater than or equal to 1 mm, or even 1.5 mm.

[0053] At rest, the flexible leg may have an inclination towards the part which does not carry it, for example being inclined at an angle of more than 10° with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0054] The part bearing the first relief, in particular bearing the aforementioned flexible tab, may also comprise a rotational end-of-travel stop, which may bear on the second relief at the end of the assembly of the closing member. The second relief may have an inclined surface against which the flexible tab bears when it is in contact with the stop.

[0055] The flexible tab can be made in the thickness of a tubular skirt of the closing member. The flexible tab can thus have two opposite faces which are cylindrical of revolution and coaxial.

[0056] The device according to the invention can also be produced with several successive tactile signaling systems, each comprising a first relief and a second relief, the first relief comprising for example a flexible tab and / or a stop. These tactile signaling systems are for example all identical. They can also be different from each other, and it is possible to have the same first relief successively crossed by at least two second reliefs or the same first relief successively crossing at least two second reliefs, to emit successive clicks. Manufacturing method

[0057] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, to a method of manufacturing the device according to the invention, comprising a step of molding the first relief in a material consisting of or comprising a nucleated polyolefin, this molding taking place in a mold previously used for molding the same part in a material not comprising the nucleated polyolefin, for example a material comprising or consisting of PBT or POM.

[0058] Surprisingly, the use of a nucleated polyolefin can be done without having to modify the mold, which limits the cost of changing material.

[0059] Of course, it is also possible to use new molds or to make modifications to existing molds. Brief description of the drawings

[0060] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0061] [Fig-1] is a schematic and partial view, in elevation, of an example of a device according to the invention,

[0062] [Fig.2] represents in perspective, in a schematic and partial manner, the device of [Fig.l],

[0063] [Fig.3] represents the container in isolation,

[0064] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the container of [Fig.3],

[0065] [Fig.5] represents in isolation, in a schematic and partial manner, the closing member,

[0066] [Fig.6] is an enlarged schematic view of the first relief of the tactile signaling system,

[0067] [Fig.7] is an enlarged-scale schematic view of the second relief,

[0068] [Fig.8] represents in perspective, schematic and partial, a variant of closing organ,

[0069] [Fig.9] represents results of comparative tests. Detailed description

[0070] The packaging and application device 1 shown in [Fig.l] comprises a container 2 and a closing member 3 which can be removably mounted on the container 2, in particular screwed onto the container 2.

[0071] The device 1 can be used for the application of cosmetic products, in particular for the application of perfume, nail polish, skin care products, hair care products, makeup products, for example lip or eyelash makeup.

[0072] The container 2 may, as illustrated in [Fig. 3] or 4, be made with a body 5 and a neck 6, which is for example externally threaded. The container 2 may have at the base of the neck 6 a shoulder 7, on which a relief 8 may project upwards.

[0073] In the example considered, the container 2 has an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis X and can be produced by injection molding or by injection blow molding, among other possible techniques. Thus, the relief 8 can be molded with the neck 6 and in the same material.

[0074] The closing member 3 may comprise, as illustrated in [Fig.5], a closing capsule 10 and a rod 11 carrying an application member 12 which is for example a mascara brush but could be of any type, for example a flocked tip, a brush or a tip for retaining the product by capillarity.

[0075] The rod 11 may be hollow or solid. The application member 12 may be crimped, fitted, welded, glued or even stapled onto the rod.

[0076] The capsule 10 may comprise, as illustrated, a tubular skirt 14 which is arranged to at least partially cover the neck 6 when the closing member 3 is mounted on the container 2.

[0077] The tubular skirt 14 can be made with an internal thread or alternatively support a sub-capsule carrying such a thread.

[0078] The skirt 14 can be produced, as can be seen in [Fig.5], with a flexible tab 16 and a stop 17, the latter being able to have a straight flank 18 parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the closing member 3.

[0079] The flexible tab 16 and the relief 8 respectively form the first and second reliefs of a tactile signaling system according to the invention, which generates a sensation of a hard point during the screwing of the closure member onto the container.

[0080] If we refer to [Fig.6], we see that the tab 16 can extend obliquely with a slight downward slope when the closing member 3 is observed while being held vertically with the application member 12 at the bottom. This slope can form an angle alpha relative to the horizontal edge 20 of the skirt 14, between 5° and 30°, in particular close to 15°.

[0081] The width w of the slot 25 present above the tab 16 is for example greater than or equal to 0.4 mm.

[0082] The width v of the tab 16 is for example between 0.4 mm and 1 mm, in particular equal to approximately 0.7 mm.

[0083] The stop 17 may have an inclined flank 19 opposite the flank 18, inclined relative to the edge 20 by an angle beta for example between 10° and 40°, in particular equal to approximately 25°.

[0084] The width l of the stop 17 is for example between 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0085] The length z of the leg 16 may be greater than 1 mm and is for example approximately 1.5 mm.

[0086] The distance e between the free edge 24 of the flexible tab 16 and the side 18 of the stop 17 can be between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0087] The tab 16 can be made in the thickness of the skirt 14.

[0088] The width w of the slot 25 is sufficient to allow the tab 16 to lift elastically upwards to clear the relief 8, during the assembly or disassembly of the closing member 3, in particular during the screwing or unscrewing of the closing member 3.

[0089] As visible in [Fig.7], the height m of the relief 8 can be between 1 mm and 7 mm, for example equal to approximately 2 mm.

[0090] The width n of the upper face 32 can be between 0.25 mm and 5 mm, being for example equal to approximately 1 mm.

[0091] The relief 8 is, for example, produced with on one side an inclined flank 30 and on the opposite side a vertical flank 31 which comes to bear against the vertical flank 18 of the stop 17, at the end of the assembly of the closing member 3, as shown in [Fig.l] as well as in [Fig.7].

[0092] The angle gamma formed between the inclined flank 30 and the shoulder 7 may be between 15 and 75°, preferably between 30° and 60°, for example equal to 45°.

[0093] The free edge 24 of the tab 16 can then press on the inclined flank 30, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. As a variant, the tab 16 does not remain in contact with the relief 8 at the end of the assembly.

[0094] During disassembly, in particular unscrewing, the inclination of the oblique flank 30 makes it easier to lift the tab 16.

[0095] During assembly, in particular screwing, the crossing by the tab 16 of the relief 8, just before the flank 18 comes into abutment against the flank 31, generates a tactile sensation which is felt by the user.

[0096] The relief 8 is molded, in the example considered, with the neck 6, at least partially in a nucleated homopolymer polypropylene.

[0097] The tab 16 and the stop 17 are molded, in the example considered, with the skirt 14, at least partially in a nucleated polyolefin.

[0098] In the variant illustrated in [Fig.8], the skirt 14 is produced with two flexible legs 16, diametrically opposed, and two stops 17 also diametrically opposed, these stops each having a straight flank 18 parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the closing member 3. Comparative tests

[0099] The torque involved when the first relief crosses the second by elastic deformation at the end of the movement of mounting the closure member on the container was compared, for different mascara packaging and application devices.

[0100] Two groups are compared. For each group, ten different parts are tested for one hundred and twenty assemblies of the closure member on the container.

[0101] The first group corresponds to a device for packaging and applying mascara, in which the first relief carried by the closing member is made of nucleated homopolymer polypropylene, with a flexural modulus equal to 2200 MPa (1 mm / min) and an MFI equal to 20 g / 10 min (203°C / 2.16 kg).

[0102] The second group corresponds to a device for packaging and applying mascara, in which the first relief carried by the closing member is made of non-nucleated homopolymer polypropylene.

[0103] The results of the tests carried out are reported in [Fig.9].

[0104] In the cases of the first group, the torques involved are on average substantially constant on the first closures with a slight reduction in torque for the last closures, less than 50% of the initial torque. This highlights an advantage linked to the use of a nucleated polyolefin in the invention.

[0105] In the case of the second group, the couples involved decrease considerably from the first assemblies, with torques involved in the last assemblies at least 50% lower than the first torques. This shows that a non-nucleated polyolefin does not allow satisfactory operation to be obtained.

[0106] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described. In particular, the first and second reliefs can be produced differently.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for packaging and applying a product (1), in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (2) for containing the product to be applied, - a closure member (3) which can be mounted on the container (2), at least one of the container (2) and the closure member (3) being made, at least partially, of a nucleated polyolefin, one of the container (2) and the closure member (3) comprising at least a first relief made, at least partially, of a nucleated polyolefin, and the other comprising at least a second relief (8), the first relief being arranged so as to cross the second relief (8) by bending or compression, at the end of the movement of mounting the closure member (3) on the container (2), in order to produce a tactile sensation for the user.

2. Device according to claim 1, the closing member (3) being made, at least partially, of a nucleated polyolefin.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, the closing member (3) comprising a rod (11) made, at least partially, of a nucleated polyolefin.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the nucleated polyolefin is a nucleated polypropylene (PP).

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the nucleated PP is nucleated homopolymer PP.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the nucleated polyolefin having a flexural modulus greater than or equal to 1600 MPa, in particular greater than or equal to 2000 MPa.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the nucleated polyolefin having a melt flow index (MFI) less than or equal to 25g / 10 min.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the nucleated polyolefin comprising a PCR nucleated polyolefin, in particular a PCR nucleated polypropylene, better still a PCR nucleated homopolymer polypropylene.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the first relief comprising a flexible tab (16), the flexible tab (16) and the second relief (8) being arranged to cooperate in such a way that the rotation of the closure member (3) relative to the container (2) brings about the leg (16) to cross the second relief (8) by bending.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the second relief (8) being made, at least partially, of a nucleated polyolefin, in particular a nucleated polypropylene, better still a nucleated homopolymer polypropylene, the polyolefin preferably comprising a PCR nucleated polyolefin, in particular a PCR nucleated polypropylene, better still a PCR nucleated homopolymer polypropylene.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, that of the container (2) and of the closing member (3) which carries the first relief, further comprising a stop (17) configured to come, at the end of the rotational stroke, to bear on the second relief (8).

12. Device according to the preceding claim, the second relief (8) having an inclined surface (30) on which the first relief presses when the second relief (8) is in contact with the stop (17).

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the closure member (3) comprising a threaded skirt (14) arranged to screw onto a threaded neck (6) of the container (2).

14. A method of manufacturing a device (1) as defined in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of molding at least a portion of one of the container (2) and the closure member (3) in a material consisting of or comprising a nucleated polyolefin, this molding taking place in a mold previously used for molding the same part in a material not comprising the nucleated polyolefin, in particular a material comprising or consisting of PBT or POM.

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