Product packaging and dispensing system
The packaging assembly addresses the challenge of difficult cover separation and attachment in cosmetic products by using a skin and frame structure, ensuring easy detachment and reduced plastic usage, improving user experience and appearance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022013777
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-20
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-12-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing cosmetic product packaging assemblies require significant effort to separate and attach covers, often exposing snap-fit gadroons that can trap pollutants and detract from aesthetic appearance.
A packaging assembly with a cover comprising a skin made of a less rigid material and a frame structure, allowing easy detachment and attachment to an application member, while reducing material usage and maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Facilitates easy cover separation and attachment, reduces visible snap-fit elements, and minimizes plastic material use, enhancing user experience and appearance.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Product packaging and distribution assembly
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging and distribution assemblies for a product, in particular a cosmetic product.
[0002] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “cosmetic product” means in particular a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No. 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 relating to cosmetic products.
[0003] More particularly, the invention relates to a packaging and dispensing assembly for a product comprising a container or reservoir containing a product and a member for applying the product, mounted on the container, for example in the form of an application dome and provided with a dispensing orifice in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container.
[0004] The assembly generally comprises a cover for covering the application member intended to close a dispensing orifice.
[0005] Generally, the distribution cover cap comprises a radial groove intended to cooperate with a complementary shape on the application member for snap-fastening the cap onto said application member.
[0006] However, such snap-on grooves require significant effort to separate the cover from the application member and to place the cover on the application member. Furthermore, when removing the cover from the application member, the snap-on groove(s) are visible to the user and can form retention zones for external polluting particles.
[0007] Thus, there is a need to improve the covering hoods for application members having in particular a dome shape.
[0008] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the above drawbacks and to improve the hold and separation of the cap on the application member, while guaranteeing an aesthetic appearance.
[0009] The subject of the invention is a packaging and distribution assembly for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising at least: - a container extending along an elevation axis and delimiting an internal volume intended to contain the product; - an application member mounted on the container, directly or indirectly via an intermediate dispensing member, and comprising an upper wall having a product application surface provided with a through orifice in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container and an external side wall extending running along the upper wall and ending in a recess extending towards the elevation axis, and - a covering and sealing hood mounted on the product application member and in accordance in shape with said application member.
[0010] The cover comprises a body comprising a skin or envelope made of a first material and a frame structure made of a second material, more rigid than the first material, the skin being connected to the frame structure, the frame structure cooperates with the detachment of the outer side wall of the application member in the mounted or assembled position of the cover on said application member.
[0011] The skin, made of a less rigid material than the frame structure, offers only limited resistance to deformation of the frame structure.
[0012] The structure of the skin and the frame structure makes it easier to forcefully demould the cover, as well as to promote its deformation in the radial direction for snap-fastening / unsnap-fastening on the application member.
[0013] Furthermore, such a hood structure makes it possible to reduce its mass and the quantity of plastic material used for its manufacture, compared to a single-piece hood made from a single plastic material and provided with snap-on grooves.
[0014] Finally, the frame structure ensures the structural and geometric integrity of the cover, as well as its attachment by snap-fastening onto the recess of the application member.
[0015] For example, the upper wall of the application member has a dome shape, that is to say a shape that is convex towards the outside, in particular generally hemispherical, having a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the upper wall of the application member has a dome shape, having an oblong, ellipsoidal, polygonal or other cross-section. According to yet another variant, the upper wall of the application member is substantially flat or even has a shape that is concave towards the outside.
[0016] Advantageously, the rib structure comprises at least three radial ribs extending along the body of the hood.
[0017] The structure with members and in particular the radial members undergo an essentially radial deformation and the skin absorbs a radial and circumferential deformation to facilitate the passage of the free end of the cover beyond the zone of largest diameter of the application member.
[0018] For example, each member of the member structure comprises a free distal end extending radially towards the recess of the outer side wall of the application member.
[0019] In other words, the distal end of each of the members is located at a radial distance to the elevation axis smaller than the maximum radial dimension of the hood.
[0020] The distal end of each of the members corresponds to an undercut forming a local hook for attachment to the application member.
[0021] For example, the members are regularly spaced from each other circumferentially around the body of the hood.
[0022] For example, the skin extends at least between the members.
[0023] Advantageously, the skin is overmolded onto the frame structure, in particular so as to form a body having a constant thickness.
[0024] It could be provided that the skin completely covers the frame structure, or on the contrary that the skin and the frame structure are integral without overlapping, that is to say extending between the frames.
[0025] Generally, the cover is preferably made by bi-injection molding or by overmolding two different plastic materials. The skin does not have a rigidity configured to attach to the application member. It is the bi-injection or overmolding which makes it possible to link all the members and to structure the cover.
[0026] The cover is advantageously devoid of any relief projecting radially inwards, while providing easy placement on the application member and removal away from said application member.
[0027] According to one embodiment, the ribbed structure comprises a closure portion located opposite the dispensing orifice of the dispensing member in the mounted or assembled position of the cap on the application member and at least three ribs extending from the closure portion along the body of the cap.
[0028] For example, each member of the member structure comprises a proximal end connected to the closure portion and a free distal end, extending radially towards the recess of the outer side wall of the application member.
[0029] In this embodiment, the injection point of the members could be provided at the level of the closure portion. Alternatively, the injection point could be provided at the level of one of the radial members.
[0030] Alternatively, the member structure could comprise at least one annular member connecting the radial members together.
[0031] For example, the member structure comprises a number of annular members greater than or equal to two, for example equal to three, connecting the radial members together.
[0032] The annular members are advantageously concentric and regularly spaced from one another.
[0033] In this embodiment, the frame structure may be devoid of a portion central shutter.
[0034] In this embodiment, the injection point of the members could be provided at one of the annular members, in particular the annular member located radially closest to the elevation axis. Alternatively, the injection point could be provided at one of the radial members.
[0035] According to one embodiment, one of the inner surface of the cap and the upper wall of the application member comprises at least one notch concentric with the through orifice of the application member and intended to cooperate with an axial groove carried by the other of the inner surface of the cap and the upper wall of the application member.
[0036] The cooperation of the notch with the axial groove ensures sealing around the distribution orifice.
[0037] For example, one of the inner surface of the cap and the upper wall of the application member comprises at least two notches concentric with the dispensing orifice of the dispensing member and intended to cooperate with two axial grooves carried by the other of the inner surface of the cap and the upper wall of the application member.
[0038] According to one embodiment, the cover is in contact over its entire interior surface with the application member.
[0039] Alternatively, one could provide point contacts between the cover and the distribution member, in order to adapt to manufacturing tolerances.
[0040] The container comprises at least one receptacle. In this case, the application member is directly secured to the receptacle. Alternatively, the container may comprise the receptacle and the dispensing member. In this case, the application member is directly secured to the dispensing member.
[0041] For example, the recess of the outer side wall of the application member extending obliquely towards the elevation axis.
[0042] Advantageously, the recess of the outer side wall of the application member comprises a free lower end located at a radial distance from the elevation axis smaller than the maximum radial dimension of said application member.
[0043] For example, the free lower end of the outer side wall of the application member comprises at least one hooking element intended to cooperate with a complementary hooking element provided on the container.
[0044] Alternatively, any mechanism configured to make the application member and the dispensing member integral could be provided.
[0045] In the case where the application member is mounted on the container indirectly via an intermediate dispensing member, the application member surrounds at least par- the cylindrical body of the distribution member.
[0046] In the case where the application member is mounted on the container indirectly via an intermediate dispensing member, the through orifice of the application member is coaxial with the dispensing orifice and the outer side wall of the application member extends from the upper wall towards the fixing tab of the dispensing member.
[0047] In the case where the application member is mounted on the container indirectly via an intermediate dispensing member and the frame structure comprises a closure portion, said closure portion of the frame structure is located opposite a dispensing orifice of the dispensing member in the assembled position of the cap on the application member.
[0048] Alternatively, it could be provided that the through-orifice of the upper wall of the application member is not coaxial with the dispensing orifice of the dispensing member.
[0049] Indeed, it would be possible to provide an angle return in the application member, for example up to 90°, between the distribution chimney and a channel of the application member leading to the through orifice.
[0050] In the case where the container comprises a member for dispensing the product contained in the container, said member for dispensing the product comprises, for example, a mounting skirt at least partially surrounding the container.
[0051] The dispensing member is, advantageously, movable relative to said container between a locked position in which the dispensing member is movable only in rotation relative to said container and an unlocked position in which the dispensing member is movable only in translation along the elevation axis relative to said container.
[0052] The container may comprise at least one locking / unlocking assembly configured to cooperate with a locking / unlocking member carried by the dispensing member, the locking / unlocking assembly may comprise: - an axial guide groove extending axially from an open end of the container at least over a portion of the height of the container; and - a circumferential groove extending axially between the open end of the container and an axial stop surface and circumferentially between a radial stop surface and the axial guide groove.
[0053] According to one embodiment, the locking / unlocking member comprises an axial rib and at least one tab comprising a proximal end connected to at least a portion of the axial rib and a distal end connected to an inner surface of the mounting skirt.
[0054] In other words, the axial rib of the locking / unlocking member is indirectly connected to the mounting skirt via at least one tab.
[0055] The axial rib can cooperate with the axial guide groove in the unlocked position and with the circumferential groove in the locked position.
[0056] Thus, the container and the dispensing member have relative rotational mobility between a locked position in which the relative axial mobility between the container and the dispensing member is blocked and an unlocked position in which the relative axial mobility between the container and the dispensing member is authorized to allow, for example, the actuation of the product removal mechanism.
[0057] In other words, in the locked position, translation of the dispensing member relative to said container is prohibited and, in the unlocked position, translation of the dispensing member relative to said container is authorized.
[0058] In the locked position, the axial rib cooperates with the circumferential groove of the locking / unlocking assembly and comes into axial abutment against the axial abutment surface.
[0059] During the relative rotation of the dispensing member with respect to the container, the axial rib comes to be located in the axial groove of the locking / unlocking assembly in the unlocked position allowing axial rapprochement between the dispensing member and the container.
[0060] Advantageously, the thickness of the tab of the locking / unlocking member of the dispensing member is less than the thickness of the axial rib and less than or equal to the thickness of the mounting skirt to which it is connected, in order to avoid problems of visible shrinkage on the outer surface of said mounting skirt and likely to appear during cooling of the dispensing member after molding. In other words, the thickness of the tab of the locking / unlocking member of the dispensing member is less than or equal to the thickness of the mounting skirt to which it is connected, better still less than or equal to 80% of the thickness of the mounting skirt to which it is connected. Thus, if for example the mounting skirt has a thickness of 1 mm, the tab of the locking / unlocking member of the dispensing member may have a thickness less than or equal to 1 mm, and for example close to 0.8 mm.In another example, if the mounting skirt has a thickness of 2 mm, the tab of the locking / unlocking member of the dispensing member may have a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm, and for example close to 1.6 mm, or less, for example close to 1.2 mm or even close to 0.8 mm, depending on the flexibility in the radial direction that it is desired to confer on the tab of the locking / unlocking member. Advantageously, the thickness of the tab of the locking / unlocking member of the dispensing member is between 50% and 100% of the thickness of the skirt. assembly to which it connects.
[0061] Such shrinkage problems, visible from the outside and detrimental to the aesthetics of the distribution member, could have arisen if the axial rib was directly connected to the inner surface of the mounting skirt.
[0062] For example, the axial rib of the locking / unlocking member of the dispensing member has a semi-oblong section.
[0063] Preferably, the axial dimension of the tab of the locking / unlocking member of the dispensing member decreases progressively between the proximal end and the distal end.
[0064] The tab of the locking / unlocking member has, for example, a vaulted shape in the form of an arch.
[0065] For example, the tab is advantageously made in one piece with the axial rib and the mounting skirt.
[0066] Alternatively, the tab is made of a material that is more flexible than the material of the axial rib and / or the material of the mounting skirt.
[0067] According to one embodiment, the locking / unlocking member comprises two tabs each extending from the axial rib towards the mounting skirt in two opposite directions.
[0068] Alternatively, it could be provided that the locking / unlocking member comprises only one tab extending outwards in one of the two opposite directions.
[0069] According to one embodiment, the locking / unlocking assembly comprises at least one radial projection or relief to be crossed extending axially in the circumferential groove and intended to cooperate with the locking / unlocking member during the relative rotation of the dispensing member with respect to the container.
[0070] The user is thus informed of the passage from the locked position to the unlocked position of the dispensing member relative to the container by the forced passage of the radial projection. Furthermore, the radial projection is not a deformable part likely to deform temporarily or permanently.
[0071] Thanks to the tab(s), when crossing the radial projection of the container, the axial rib of the locking / unlocking member is not subject to pressure and is therefore not subject to the risk of being damaged or damaged following repeated crossing of the radial projection, which makes it possible to improve the service life of the assembly.
[0072] For example, the radial projection extends axially over the entire height of the circumferential groove, between the open end of the neck to the axial abutment surface. Alternatively, it could be provided that the radial projection extends axially only over a portion of the height of the circumferential groove.
[0073] For example, the radial projection extends circumferentially over an angular range between the radial abutment surface and the axial guide groove.
[0074] For example, the radial projection is located circumferentially closer to the radial abutment surface than to the axial guide groove. Alternatively, provision could be made to arrange the radial projection at a different location on the circumferential groove between the radial abutment surface and the axial guide groove.
[0075] Advantageously, the tab may be flexible or elastically deformable in the radial direction, for example, to cross the radial projection of the container. By "elastically deformable" is meant any element, by its shape or its material, configured to deform elastically during an external stress and to return to its initial shape after the external stress has stopped, here after having crossed the radial projection.
[0076] The flexibility of the leg(s) makes it possible to absorb manufacturing tolerances, as well as to improve comfort of use, particularly when crossing the radial projection of the container.
[0077] According to one embodiment, the locking / unlocking assembly comprises at least two locking / unlocking assemblies arranged circumferentially at 180° to each other, i.e. diametrically opposed, and the dispensing member comprises at least two locking / unlocking members arranged circumferentially at 180° to each other, i.e. diametrically opposed, and each intended to cooperate with one of the two locking / unlocking assemblies.
[0078] Generally, the number of locking / unlocking members is equal to the number of locking / unlocking assemblies of the container.
[0079] For example, the container comprises a body provided with a closed lower end forming a bottom and an open upper end, opposite the lower end, forming a neck provided with an opening allowing access to the internal volume for receiving the product, and the locking / unlocking assembly(s) are formed on an outer surface of said neck.
[0080] The axial guide groove extends axially from the upper end of the neck over at least part of the height of said neck.
[0081] For example, the outer diameter of the neck is less than the inner diameter of the body and the neck is connected to the body of the container by a bottleneck.
[0082] Preferably, the container does not include any radial projection on the junction between the neck and the body, in particular on the bottleneck.
[0083] For example, the upper end of the bottleneck is connected to the neck by a radial flange.
[0084] The axial guide groove advantageously extends circumferentially over an angular range.
[0085] The axial guide groove is preferably made in the thickness of the neck and opens onto the outer surface of said neck.
[0086] For example, the axial stop surface, carried by the neck, extends radially from the bottom of the circumferential groove to the outer surface of said neck.
[0087] For example, the axial abutment surface extends circumferentially over the entire angular range of the circumferential groove from the radial abutment surface to the axial guide groove.
[0088] For example, the radial stop surface, carried by the neck, extends radially from the bottom of the circumferential groove to the outer surface of said neck.
[0089] For example, the radial abutment surface extends axially over the entire height of the circumferential groove from the open end of the neck to the axial abutment surface.
[0090] Advantageously, the dispensing member comprises a cylindrical body connected to the mounting skirt and a transverse upper wall connecting to the cylindrical body and comprising a dispensing orifice, for example in its center, passing through the thickness of said upper wall.
[0091] For example, the upper wall has a dome shape, that is to say a shape that is convex towards the outside, in particular generally hemispherical, having a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the upper wall has a dome shape, having an oblong, ellipsoidal, polygonal or other cross-section. According to yet another variant, the upper wall of the application member is substantially flat or even has a shape that is concave towards the outside.
[0092] For example, the outer diameter of the cylindrical body is less than the outer diameter of the mounting skirt and the cylindrical mounting skirt is connected to the cylindrical body by a joining portion inclined obliquely relative to the elevation axis.
[0093] The mounting skirt includes an open proximal end at least partially surrounding the container and a distal end connected to the joining portion.
[0094] Advantageously, the tab of the locking / unlocking member of the dispensing member comprises an upper end connected to an inner surface of the joining portion.
[0095] Preferably, the dispensing member further comprises a dispensing chimney extending axially from the upper wall, in particular its center, inside said dispensing member and comprising an upper end in fluid communication with the dispensing orifice of the upper wall.
[0096] In other words, the distribution chimney is radially surrounded by the cylindrical body.
[0097] Advantageously, the packaging and distribution assembly comprises in in addition to a mechanism for withdrawing the product contained in the container comprising a main body secured to the container and delimiting an internal conduit and a withdrawal rod secured to the dispensing member, the withdrawal rod extending partially in said internal conduit and axially movable along the elevation axis in said internal conduit and comprising a withdrawal conduit configured to suck and eject the product via the dispensing orifice of the dispensing member by axial approximation along the elevation axis between the dispensing member and the container.
[0098] The product collection mechanism corresponds to a conventional pump mechanism and will not be described further.
[0099] In the unlocked position, the dispensing member can translate axially towards the container in order to actuate the product removal mechanism.
[0100] Indeed, the axial movement by translation along the elevation axis of the dispensing member towards the container causes an axial movement along the elevation axis of the sampling rod and makes it possible to expel a dose of product onto an application surface, in particular of an application member, through the dispensing orifice.
[0101] The axial dimension of the axial rib depends on the axial dimension of the axial groove provided on the container and in particular on the stroke of the sampling rod necessary to sample a quantity of product from the container.
[0102] The main body of the sampling mechanism may be integral with the bottleneck, bearing axially on said radial collar.
[0103] For example, the dispensing chimney comprises a lower end provided with a snap-on relief, for example an annular bead, cooperating with a complementary relief, for example a groove, on the sampling rod of the product sampling mechanism, in order to make said sampling rod integral with the dispensing member.
[0104] Advantageously, the packaging and dispensing assembly further comprises a product application member secured to the dispensing member, in particular secured in rotation and translation to the dispensing member.
[0105] Generally, the application member is integral with a container comprising at least the container, or the container and the dispensing member. Indeed, it could be provided that the application member is connected directly to the container.
[0106] For example, the dispensing member further comprises an annular fixing tab extending from a lower end of the cylindrical body outwards, for example in an oblique direction, inclined upwards, and comprising at least one attachment element, for example an annular bead or several separate beads, intended to cooperate by snap-fastening with an element additional attachment provided on the application member.
[0107] For example, the body of the container has a generally circular section and the neck of the container has a circular section.
[0108] For example, the tank can be made of rigid synthetic material.
[0109] For example, the skin or the envelope of the hood is made of a first material, for example plastic, in particular thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polyethylene (PE) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
[0110] For example, the frame structure of the hood is made of a plastic material that is more rigid than the first material from which the skin is made, in particular a thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or even a recycled plastic material.
[0111] For example, the dispensing member and the application member are advantageously made of plastic, in particular of thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or even of a recycled plastic.
[0112] The dispensing member and the application member are preferably made of the same plastic material.
[0113] Alternatively, the dispensing member is made of plastic material and the application member is made of a material making it possible to obtain a cold effect on contact with the skin, such as a metallic or ceramic material for example.
[0114] The present invention will be better understood upon studying the detailed description of embodiments, taken as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:
[0115] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a packaging and distribution assembly;
[0116] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of the packaging and distribution assembly of a product of [Fig.l];
[0117] [Fig.3] is a top view of the packaging and distribution assembly for a product of [Fig.l];
[0118] [Fig.4] is a bottom view of a locking / unlocking member of the assembly of [Fig.l];
[0119] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the locking / unlocking member of [Fig.4];
[0120] [Fig.6] is a partial sectional view of a portion of the packaging assembly and distribution of a product of [Fig.l];
[0121] [Fig.6A] represents a detail of [Fig.6];
[0122] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a container of the assembly of [Fig.l];
[0123] [Fig.8] is a front view of the container of [Fig.7];
[0124] [Fig.9] is an assembled sectional view of the whole of [Fig.l];
[0125] [Fig. 10] is a partial view assembled in transparency of the whole of [Fig.l] in a locked position;
[0126] [Fig. 11] is a partial view assembled in transparency of the whole of [Fig.l] in an unlocked position; and
[0127] [Fig. 12] is a top view of a product packaging and dispensing assembly comprising a covering and sealing cap according to another embodiment.
[0128] In the remainder of the description, we consider an orthonormal basis X, Y, Z, with Z corresponding to an elevation axis representing the vertical direction in which we find:
[0129] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal and extending from left to right on [Fig.l];
[0130] - a transverse axis Y, horizontal, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and extending from back to front on [Fig.l]; and
[0131] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal axes X and transverse Y and extending from bottom to top on [Fig.l].
[0132] The expressions "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper part and the lower part of the figures, in the assembled or mounted position of the assembly.
[0133] [Fig.l] shows a unit 1 for packaging and dispensing a product comprising a container 10 or bottle or reservoir delimiting an internal volume 11a intended to contain a product, in particular a cosmetic product.
[0134] By “product” is meant a fluid or semi-fluid product, such as for example a care or makeup product, in particular lip makeup, or a care or makeup product for the epidermis of a user. Alternatively, the product could be any other fluid product, such as for example a food product or paint, etc.
[0135] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the assembly 1 extends axially along an axis elevation Z-Z' assumed vertical in the figures.
[0136] The assembly 1 further comprises a member 20 for dispensing the product contained in the reservoir 10 mounted on said reservoir 10.
[0137] The assembly 1 further comprises a member 30 for applying the product secured to the dispensing member 20 and a cover 40 for covering and closing the application member 30.
[0138] The assembly 1 further comprises a mechanism 50 for withdrawing the product contained in the container 10. The product withdrawal mechanism 50, visible in detail in [Fig.9], comprises a main body 51 secured to the container and delimiting an internal conduit 52 and a withdrawal rod 53 secured to the dispensing member 20, extending partially in said internal conduit 52 and axially movable along the elevation axis Z-Z' in said internal conduit 52. The withdrawal rod 53 comprises a withdrawal conduit 54 configured to suck and eject the product by axial movement along the elevation axis Z-Z' of the dispensing member 20 towards the container 10.
[0139] The product collection mechanism 50 corresponds to a conventional pump mechanism and will not be described further.
[0140] The container 10 and the dispensing member 20 have relative mobility in rotation between a locked position in which the relative axial mobility between the container 10 and the dispensing member 20 is blocked and an unlocked position in which the relative axial mobility between the container 10 and the dispensing member 20 is authorized to allow the actuation of the mechanism 50 for withdrawing the product.
[0141] The container 10 extends axially along the elevation axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical in the figures. As illustrated in detail in Figures 8 and 9, the body 11 of the container 10 is provided with a closed lower end 11b forming a bottom and an open upper end 11c, opposite the lower end 11b, forming a neck 12 provided with an opening 12a allowing access to the internal volume 11a for receiving the product.
[0142] The neck 12 is connected to the body 11 of the container 10 by a bottleneck 13. As illustrated, the outside diameter of the neck 12 is less than the inside diameter of the body 11.
[0143] The container 10 does not include any radial projection on the junction between the neck 12 and the body 11, in particular on the bottleneck 13.
[0144] As illustrated, the upper end 13a of the bottleneck 13 is connected to the neck 12 by a radial collar 13b. The main body 51 of the sampling mechanism is integral with the bottleneck 13, bearing axially on said radial collar 13b.
[0145] As seen in detail in Figures 7 to 11, the outer surface 12b of the neck 12 comprises an axial guide groove 14 extending axially here, in a non-limiting manner, from the open end 11c of the container 10 over the entire height of the neck 12 and circumferentially over an angular range.
[0146] Generally, the axial guide groove 14 extends axially over a portion of the height of the container 10.
[0147] The axial guide groove 14 extends circumferentially over an angular range.
[0148] The axial guide groove 14 is here made in the thickness of the neck 12 and opens onto the outer surface 12b of said neck 12.
[0149] The outer surface 12b of the neck 12 of the container 10 further comprises a circumferential groove 15 extending axially between the open end 12a of the neck 12 and an axial stop surface 16 and circumferentially between a radial stop surface 17 and the axial guide groove 14. Generally, the circumferential groove 15 extends axially from the open end 11c of the container 10 and the axial stop surface 16.
[0150] The axial stop surface 16, carried by the neck 12, extends radially from the bottom of the circumferential groove 15 to the outer surface 12b of said neck 12.
[0151] The axial stop surface 16 extends circumferentially over the entire angular range of the circumferential groove 15 from the radial stop surface 17 to the axial guide groove 14.
[0152] The radial stop surface 17, carried by the neck 12, extends radially from the bottom of the circumferential groove 15 to the outer surface 12b of said neck 12.
[0153] The radial stop surface 17 extends axially over the entire height of the circumferential groove 15 from the open end 12a of the neck 12 to the axial stop surface 16.
[0154] As illustrated, in a non-limiting manner, the neck 12 comprises a radial projection 18 or relief to be crossed extending axially in the circumferential groove 15.
[0155] As illustrated, the radial projection 18 extends axially over the entire height of the circumferential groove 15, between the open end 12a of the neck 12 up to the axial stop surface 16. Alternatively, provision could be made for the radial projection 18 to extend axially only over a portion of the height of the circumferential groove 15.
[0156] The radial projection 18 extends circumferentially over an angular range between the radial stop surface 17 and the axial guide groove 14.
[0157] The radial projection 18 is, here, situated circumferentially closer to the radial stop surface 17 than to the axial guide groove 14. Alternatively, provision could be made to arrange the radial projection 18 at a different location on the circumferential groove 15 between the radial stop surface 17 and the axial guide groove 14.
[0158] The user is thus informed of the passage from the locked position to the unlocked position of the dispensing member 20 relative to the container 10 by the crossing of the radial projection 18 by an axial rib 27a belonging to a locking / unlocking member 27 carried by the dispensing member 20, as will be described later.
[0159] Furthermore, the radial projection 18 is not a deformable part capable of deforming temporarily or permanently.
[0160] As seen in [Fig.7], the container 10 comprises two locking / unlocking assemblies 19a, 19b each formed by an axial guide groove 14 and a circumferential groove 15.
[0161] As illustrated, the two locking / unlocking assemblies 19a, 19b are arranged circumferentially at 180° to each other, i.e. diametrically opposed.
[0162] Alternatively, it could be provided that only one locking / unlocking assembly 19a is provided, namely a single first axial guide groove 14 and a single first circumferential groove 15.
[0163] It would also be possible to provide a number greater than or equal to three of locking / unlocking assemblies 19a.
[0164] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the body 11 of the container 10 has a generally circular section and the neck 12 of the container 10 has a circular section.
[0165] The body of the tank 10 can be made, for example, of rigid synthetic material.
[0166] The distribution member 20, visible in detail in Figures 4 to 6, extends along a general axial axis, represented in a supposed vertical position and merged with the Z-Z' axis in [Fig.l].
[0167] The dispensing member 20 comprises a cylindrical body 21 and a transverse upper wall 22 connecting to the cylindrical body 21. The upper wall 22 has a dome shape, in particular generally hemispherical. The upper wall 22 comprises a dispensing orifice 22a, here in its center, passing through the thickness of said upper wall 22.
[0168] The dispensing member 20 further comprises a cylindrical mounting skirt 23 connected to the cylindrical body 21 by a joining portion 24 inclined obliquely relative to the vertical axis Z.
[0169] As illustrated, the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 21 is less than the outer diameter of the mounting skirt 23.
[0170] As seen in [Fig.9], the mounting skirt 23 is intended to radially surround the container 10 in the assembled position of the assembly 1.
[0171] The mounting skirt 23 comprises for this purpose an open proximal end 23a and a distal end 23b connected to the junction portion 24.
[0172] The distribution member 20 further comprises a distribution chimney 25 extending axially from the upper wall 22, in particular its center, inside said distribution member 20. In other words, the distribution chimney 25 is surrounded radially by the cylindrical body 21.
[0173] The distribution chimney 25 comprises a lower end 25a provided with a snap-on bead 25b, visible in [Fig.6A], and intended to cooperate with a corresponding groove (not referenced) provided on the sampling rod 53, in order to make said sampling rod 53 integral with the distribution member 20.
[0174] The distribution chimney 25 comprises an upper end 25c in fluid communication with the distribution orifice 22a of the upper wall 22.
[0175] The dispensing member 20 further comprises a fixing lug 26 extending from a lower end 21a of the cylindrical body 21 outwards in an oblique direction, inclined upwards.
[0176] The fixing tab 26 comprises a hooking element 26a, here an annular bead, intended to cooperate with a complementary hooking element 32c provided on the application member 30.
[0177] Alternatively, it could be provided that the attachment element is not annular. It could be provided that the attachment element comprises at least two angular segments each intended to cooperate with an angular segment of complementary shape provided on the application member 30.
[0178] The dispensing member 20 further comprises a locking / unlocking member 27 comprising an axial rib 27a extending, here, from the upper wall 22 towards the container 10 in the assembled position, and two tabs 28, 29 each extending from a portion of the axial rib 27a towards the mounting skirt 23.
[0179] The axial rib 27a is intended to cooperate with a locking / unlocking assembly 19a, 19b carried by the container 10.
[0180] In the locked position, visible in [Fig. 10], the axial rib 27a cooperates with the circumferential groove 15 of the locking / unlocking assembly 19a, 19b and comes into axial abutment against the axial abutment surface 16. During the relative rotation of the dispensing member 20 relative to the container 10, the axial rib 27a crosses the radial projection 18 when there is one, to come to be located in the axial groove 14 of the locking / unlocking assembly 19a, 19b in an unlocked position of the axial approach of the dispensing member 20 relative to the container 10, visible in [Fig. 11].
[0181] In this unlocked position, the dispensing member 20 can translate axially towards the container 10 in order to actuate the product removal mechanism 50.
[0182] Indeed, the axial approximation by translation along the elevation axis Z-Z' of the dispensing member 20 towards the container 10 causes an axial movement along the axis Z-Z' of the sampling rod 53 and makes it possible to expel a dose of product onto the application surface of the application member 30, through the dispensing orifice 22a.
[0183] Alternatively, the axial rib 27a could extend axially only along the junction portion 24 and partly along the mounting skirt 23. The part of the axial rib 27a extending over the cylindrical body 21 responds to a molding problem and is not essential.
[0184] Generally, the axial rib 27a is connected to the mounting skirt 23 via the tabs 28, 29.
[0185] The axial dimension of the axial rib 27a depends on the axial dimension of the axial groove 14 provided on the container 10 and in particular on the stroke of the sampling rod necessary to sample a quantity of product from the container 10.
[0186] As seen in Figures 4 and 5, the axial rib 27a has a semi-oblong section.
[0187] Each leg 28, 29 of the locking / unlocking member 27 comprises a proximal end 28a, 29a connected to a portion of the axial rib 27a and a distal end 28b, 29b connected to the inner surface 23c of the mounting skirt 23.
[0188] The axial dimension of each of the legs 28, 29 varies progressively, decreasing, between the proximal end 28a, 29a and the distal end 28b, 29b.
[0189] Each leg 28, 29 of the locking / unlocking member 27 has a vaulted shape in the form of an arch.
[0190] As illustrated, and in a non-limiting manner, the upper end 28c, 29c of each of the legs 28, 29 is connected to the inner surface 24a of the joining portion 24.
[0191] The locking / unlocking member 27 here comprises two tabs 28, 29 extending outwards in two opposite directions, here oblique. Alternatively, it could be provided that the locking / unlocking member 27 comprises only one tab 28 extending outwards in one of the two opposite directions.
[0192] As illustrated, the dispensing member 20 comprises two locking / unlocking members 27 arranged circumferentially at 180° to each other, i.e. diametrically opposed, and each intended to cooperate with a locking / unlocking assembly 19a, 19b of the container 10.
[0193] Alternatively, it would be possible to provide a single locking / unlocking member 27.
[0194] It would also be possible to provide a number greater than or equal to three of locking / unlocking members 27.
[0195] Generally, the number of locking / unlocking members 27 is equal to the number of locking / unlocking assemblies 19a, 19b of the container 10.
[0196] Each tab 28, 29 may be flexible or elastically deformable in the radial direction, in particular to cross the radial projection 18 of the container 10, absorb the dimensional dispersions due to the manufacturing tolerances of the various elements used and provide increased comfort and sensoriality for the user when moving the dispensing member relative to the container between the locked and unlocked positions. By "elastically deformable" is meant any element, by its shape or its material, configured to deform elastically during an external stress and to return to its initial shape after the external stress has stopped, here for example after having crossed the radial projection 18. The flexibility of the tab(s) 28, 29 also makes it possible to absorb the manufacturing tolerances, as well as to improve the comfort of use, in particular when crossing the radial projection 18 of the container 10.
[0197] Each leg 28, 29 is advantageously made in one piece with the axial rib 27 a.
[0198] The axial rib 27a of the locking / unlocking member 27 is indirectly connected to the mounting skirt 23 by means of one or two tabs 28, 29 which are flexible or deformable in the radial direction.
[0199] The tabs 28, 29 advantageously have a thickness close to the thickness of the mounting skirt 23 to which they are connected in order to avoid problems of visible recesses on the outer surface of said mounting skirt 23 and likely to appear during cooling of the distribution member 20 after molding. Such problems of recesses, visible from the outside and detrimental to the aesthetics of the distribution member 20, could have arisen if the axial rib 27a were directly connected to the inner surface of the mounting skirt 23.
[0200] In other words, the thickness of the tabs 28, 29 is less than or equal to the thickness of the mounting skirt 23 to which they are connected, better still less than or equal to 80% of the thickness of the mounting skirt 23 to which it is connected. Thus, if for example the mounting skirt 23 has a thickness of 1 mm, the tabs 28, 29 may have a thickness less than or equal to 1 mm, and for example close to 0.8 mm. In another example, if the mounting skirt 23 has a thickness of 2 mm, the tabs may have a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm, and for example close to 1.6 mm, or less, for example close to 0.8 mm, depending on the flexibility in the radial direction that it is desired to confer on the tabs 28, 29. Thus, advantageously, the thickness of the tabs 28, 29 is between 50% and 100% of the thickness of the mounting skirt 23 to which they are connected.
[0201] Thanks to the leg(s) 28, 29, when crossing the radial projection 18 of the container, the axial rib 27a of the locking / unlocking member 27 is not subject to pressure and is therefore not subject to the risk of matting or damage following repeated crossing of the radial projection 18, which makes it possible to improve the service life of the assembly 1.
[0202] The application member 30 is integral in rotation and in translation with the dispensing member 20.
[0203] The application member 30 has a dome of generally hemispherical shape partially surrounding the cylindrical body 21 of the dispensing member 20.
[0204] The application member 30 is delimited by an upper wall 31 having an application surface 31a comprising a through orifice 31b coaxial with the dispensing orifice 22a and an external lateral wall 32 extending from the upper wall 31 towards the fixing tab 26 of the dispensing member 20.
[0205] Alternatively, it could be provided that the through orifice 31b of the upper wall 31 of the application member 30 is not coaxial with the dispensing orifice 22a of the dispensing member 20.
[0206] Indeed, it would be possible to provide an angle return in the application member 30, for example up to 90°, between the distribution chimney 25 of the distribution member 20 and a channel (not shown) of the application member 30 leading to the through orifice 31b.
[0207] The outer side wall 32 comprises a recess 32a extending obliquely towards the dispensing member 20.
[0208] The free lower end 32b of the recess 32a of the outer side wall 32 comprises a hooking element 32c intended to cooperate with the hooking element 26a provided on the dispensing member 20.
[0209] The free lower end 32b of the recess 32a is located at a radial distance from the central axis Z-Z' smaller than the maximum radial dimension of the application member 30.
[0210] Alternatively, any mechanism configured to make the application member 30 and the dispensing member 20 integral could be provided.
[0211] Generally, the application member 30 is integral with a container comprising at least the receptacle 10, or the receptacle 10 and the dispensing member 20. Indeed, it could be provided that the application member 30 is connected directly to the receptacle 10.
[0212] The application member 30 is covered by the cover 40 for covering and closing the dispensing orifice 22a.
[0213] The cover 40 is in conformity in shape with the application member 30.
[0214] In a non-limiting manner, the cover 40 comprises a body 41 in the shape of dome, generally hemispherical, partially surrounding the organ of application 30.
[0215] In the example illustrated, and in a non-limiting manner, the body 41 of generally hemispherical shape comprises a skin or envelope 42 made of a first material, for example plastic, in particular thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polyethylene (PE) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
[0216] The body 41 further comprises a structure 43 with members made of a second material, more rigid than the first material.
[0217] Alternatively, any other shape could be provided for the cover 40.
[0218] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 11, the frame structure 43 comprises a closure portion 44 located opposite the dispensing orifice 22a in the mounted position of the cover 40 on the application member 30.
[0219] The structure 43 with members further comprises a plurality of radial members 45, here eight in number, extending from the closure portion 44 along the body 4L.
[0220] Thus, each member 45 comprises a proximal end 45a connected to the closure portion 44 and a free distal end 45b, extending radially towards the recess 32a of the outer lateral wall 32 of the application member 30.
[0221] In this embodiment, the injection point of the radial members 45 could be provided at the level of the closure portion 44. Alternatively, the injection point could be provided at the level of one of the radial members 45.
[0222] Alternatively, in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 12], in which the same elements bear the same references, the structure 43 with members comprises a plurality of annular members 46, here three in number, connecting the radial members 45 together.
[0223] For example, the member structure 43 comprises a number of annular members 46 greater than or equal to one, for example greater than or equal to two, connecting the radial members 45 together.
[0224] The annular members 46 are here arranged concentrically around the central axis Z-Z'.
[0225] As illustrated, the member structure 43 is devoid of a central closure portion 44. Alternatively, it would also be possible to provide a closure portion 44 surrounded radially by one or more annular members 46.
[0226] In this embodiment, the injection point of the members could be provided at one of the annular members 46, in particular the annular member located radially closest to the central axis Z-Z'. Alternatively, the injection point could be provided at one of the radial members 45.
[0227] The distal end 45b of each of the members 45 corresponds to a counter- strip forming a local hook for attachment to the application member 30.
[0228] The distal end 45b of each of the members 45 is located at a radial distance from the central axis Z-Z' smaller than the maximum radial dimension of the cover 40.
[0229] The structure 43 with members, and in particular the distal end 45b of each of the members 45, cooperates with the recess 32a of the external lateral wall 32 of the application member 30 in the mounted position of the cover 40 on said application member 30.
[0230] The members 45 are, here, regularly spaced from one another circumferentially around the body 4L.
[0231] The skin 42 extends at least between the members 45.
[0232] As illustrated, the skin 42 is overmolded onto the structure 43 with members, in particular so as to form a body 41 having a constant thickness.
[0233] It could be provided that the skin 42 completely covers the structure 43 with members, or on the contrary that the skin 42 and the structure 43 with members are integral without overlapping, that is to say extending between the members 45.
[0234] Generally, the cover 40 is produced by bi-injection molding or by overmolding two different plastic materials. The skin 42 does not have a rigidity configured to attach to the application member 30. It is the bi-injection or overmolding which makes it possible to connect all of the members 45 and to structure the cover 40.
[0235] As illustrated, the cover 40 is devoid of any relief projecting radially inwards, while providing easy placement on the application member 30 and removal away from said application member 30.
[0236] The structure 43 with members ensures the structural and geometric integrity of the cover 40, as well as its attachment by snap-fastening onto the recess 1 32a of the application member 30.
[0237] The skin 42, made of a less rigid material than the members 45, only offers limited resistance to the deformation of the member structure 43.
[0238] For example, the structure 43 with members is made of rigid plastic material, in particular thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or even of a recycled plastic material.
[0239] As illustrated, the member structure 43 comprises eight members 45.
[0240] Alternatively, a different number of members 45 could be provided, for example greater than or equal to two.
[0241] As seen in detail in Figures 6, 6A and 9, the inner surface 40b of the cover 40 comprises, here, two concentric notches 46 each intended to cooperate with an axial groove 34 carried by the upper wall 31 of the application member 30.
[0242] The cooperation of the notches 46 with the axial grooves 34 makes it possible to guarantee the seal around the distribution orifice 22a.
[0243] Alternatively, a different number of notches 46 and gadroons 34 could be provided, for example greater than or equal to one.
[0244] Alternatively, a structural inversion could be provided in which the notch 46 is made on the upper wall 31 of the application member 30 and the ridge 34 projects from the inner surface 40b of the cover 40.
[0245] As illustrated, the cover 40 is in contact over its entire interior surface with the application member 30.
[0246] Alternatively, one could provide point contacts between the cover 40 and the application member 30 in order to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and limit the hyperstatic nature of the assembly between the cover 40 and the application member 30.
[0247] The structure of the skin 42 and of the frame structure 43 makes it possible to facilitate the forceful demolding of the cap 40, as well as to promote its deformation in the radial direction for snap-fastening / unsnap-fastening on the application member 30. In fact, the frames 45 undergo an essentially radial deformation and the skin 42 absorbs a radial and circumferential deformation to facilitate the passage of the free end 40a of the cap 40 beyond the zone of largest diameter of the application member 30.
[0248] Furthermore, such a hood structure 40 makes it possible to reduce its mass and the quantity of plastic material used for its manufacture, compared to a single-piece hood made from a single plastic material and provided with snap-on grooves.
[0249] The dispensing member 20 and the application member 30 are advantageously made of plastic, in particular of thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or even of a recycled plastic. The dispensing member 20 and the application member 30 are preferably made of the same plastic material.
[0250] Alternatively, the dispensing member 20 is made of plastic material and the application member 30 is made of a material making it possible to obtain a cold effect on contact with the skin, such as a metallic or ceramic material for example.
[0251] The particular structure of the locking / unlocking member 27, and in particular the radial flexibility of the tab(s) 28, 29, makes it possible to compensate for manufacturing tolerances to ensure optimal contact between the axial rib 27a and the axial stop surface 16, while avoiding any risk of retraction on the outer surface of the mounting skirt and limiting the risk of the axial rib 27a becoming damaged following repeated crossing of the radial projection 18, which improves the reliability over time of the locking / unlocking member.
[0252] Furthermore, the flexibility in the radial direction of the legs 28, 29 carrying the axial rib 27a of the locking / unlocking member makes it possible to provide increased comfort and sensoriality for the user when moving the dis- tribute 20 relative to container 10 between the locked and unlocked positions.
Claims
Claims
1. Assembly (1) for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising at least: - a container (10, 20) extending along an elevation axis (Z-Z') and delimiting an internal volume (11a) intended to contain the product; and - an application member (30) mounted on the container (10, 20), and comprising an upper wall (31) having an application surface (31a) for the product provided with a through orifice (31b) in fluid communication with the internal volume (11a) of the container (10, 20) and an external side wall (32) extending from the upper wall (31) and ending in a recess (32a) extending towards the elevation axis (Z-Z'), and - a covering and sealing cap (40) mounted on the product application member (30) and in shape matching said application member (30),characterized in that the cover (40) comprises a body (41) comprising a skin (42) made of a first material and a structure (43) with ribs made of a second material more rigid than the first material, the skin (42) being connected to the structure (43) with ribs, the structure (43) with ribs cooperating with the recess (32a) of the outer side wall (32) of the application member (30) in a mounted position of the cover (40) on said application member (30).,
2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, in which the upper wall (31) of the application member (30) has a dome shape, in particular hemispherical.
3. An assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame structure (43) comprises at least three radial frames (45) extending along the body (41) of the cover (40).
4. Assembly (1) according to claim 3, in which each member (45) of the member structure (43) comprises a free distal end (45b), extending radially towards the recess (32a) of the outer side wall (32) of the application member (30).
5. An assembly (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the members (45) are regularly spaced from each other circumferentially around the body (41) of the cover (40).
6. An assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the skin (42) extends at least between the members (45).
7. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, in which the structure (43) with ribs comprises a closure portion (44) located opposite the dispensing orifice (22a) of the dispensing member (20) in the mounted position of the cap (40) on the application member (30) and in which each of the ribs (45) comprises a proximal end (45a) connected to the closure portion (44).
8. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, in which the structure (43) with members comprises at least one annular member (46) connecting the radial members (45) together.
9. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the skin (42) is overmolded onto the structure (43) with members, in particular so as to form a body (41) having a constant thickness.
10. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which one of the inner surface (40b) of the cap (40) and the upper wall (31) of the application member (30) comprises at least one notch (46) concentric with the through orifice (31b) of the application member (30) and intended to cooperate with an axial groove (34) carried by the other of the inner surface (40b) of the cap (40) and the upper wall (31) of the application member (30).
11. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover (40) is in contact over its entire inner surface (40b) with the application member (30).
12. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the recess (32a) of the outer side wall (32) of the application member (30) extends obliquely towards the elevation axis (Z-Z').
13. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the recess (32a) of the outer side wall (32) of the application member (30) comprises a free lower end (32b) located at a radial distance from the elevation axis (Z-Z') smaller than the maximum radial dimension of said application member (30).
14. Assembly (1) according to claim 13, in which the free lower end (32b) of the outer side wall (32) of the application member (30) comprises at least one hooking element (32c) intended to cooperate with a complementary hooking element (26a) provided on the container (10, 20).