Packaging and application system for a product

Abstract

Assembly (1) for packaging and applying a product comprising a container (10) including a dressing sleeve (14) and a sealing member (20) configured to seal the container (10) and including a gripping cap (22) and an application member (24) integral with said cap (22), the sealing member (20) being mounted to slide in the container (10) between a storage position, in which the gripping cap (22) is at least partially housed inside the dressing sleeve (14) and a use position, in which at least a part of the gripping cap (22) protrudes axially from the dressing sleeve (14). The container (10) includes a connecting interface (16) integral with the body (11), and the assembly (1) includes a locking / unlocking mechanism (30) for the sealing member (20) with the container (10). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 7

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly for packaging and applying a product

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging and application assembly for a cosmetic product, such as a makeup product.

[0002] By “cosmetic product” is meant 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 device for packaging and applying a pasty or viscous product, such as lipstick, or a makeup product, in particular mascara, for making up keratin fibers, such as eyelashes or eyebrows, or a facial makeup product, such as foundation.

[0004] Conventionally, a device for packaging and applying a pasty or viscous product comprises a container or bottle containing a product and a closure member intended to be screwed or snapped onto the end of the container to be closed.

[0005] Generally, the container comprises a neck provided with a thread and the closure member comprises a tapping cooperating with the thread of the container in order to secure the closure member to the container by screwing.

[0006] More particularly, the closure member according to the present invention comprises an application member intended for the application of a cosmetic product, such as, for example, a makeup or care product, for example on keratin fibers, such as mascara, eyeliner or any other viscous product.

[0007] Document CN 216776371 - U is known, which proposes a cover that can move in translation relative to a container. However, in a storage position, the cover protrudes axially from the neck of the tank. The axial projection of the cover can be restrictive in the storage position and can lead to damage to the cover.

[0008] Furthermore, the cover comprises two cover parts having relative mobility between them, which potentially makes the cover wobbly and harms the perception of quality of the device, as well as the precision of application.

[0009] Document FR 3 024 338 - A1 is also known, which proposes a packaging and application device comprising a covering case, an internal reservoir containing a product and an application member secured to the internal reservoir. The internal reservoir is slidably mounted in said covering case between a position retracted position in which the upper end of the application member is surrounded by the covering case and an extraction position in which the upper end of the application member extends axially beyond the covering case. The positions of the internal reservoir are actuated by a locking / unlocking mechanism located in the bottom of the covering case.

[0010] Such a solution is not satisfactory. Indeed, at the same capacity of the internal reservoir, the overall axial size of the packaging and application device is increased. In order not to increase the axial size, the solution would be to reduce the capacity of the internal reservoir, which is also not satisfactory.

[0011] There is therefore a need to improve the devices for packaging and applying a product.

[0012] The present invention aims to propose a new assembly for packaging and applying a product allowing it to be stored in a reliable storage position in which the cover cannot be damaged, while maintaining a satisfactory overall axial dimension and capable of storing a relatively large quantity of product.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to be able to easily reinsert the application member into the reservoir.

[0014] The subject of the invention is a packaging and application assembly for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container or bottle extending along an extension axis and comprising a body delimiting an internal volume containing said product and a neck connected to said body by a shoulder and provided with an opening, and a covering sleeve extending in the extension of the body at the junction with the shoulder, and - a closure member configured to close the opening of the neck of the container, comprising a gripping cap and an application member secured to said cap, the closure member being slidably mounted in the container between a storage or retracted position, in which the gripping cap is at least partly housed inside the covering sleeve, and comprises an upper end located at a first axial distance from an upper end of the covering sleeve, and a use or deployed position, in which at least a portion of the gripping cap projects axially relative to the covering sleeve and the upper end of which is located at a second axial distance from the upper end of the covering sleeve, said second axial distance being greater than the first axial distance, in particular for the purpose of being grasped by the user.

[0015] The container further comprises a connecting interface secured to the body, in particular at the neck.

[0016] The assembly comprises a mechanism for locking / unlocking the closure member with the container comprising: - a cylindrical guide sleeve integral in translation with the connecting interface and movable in rotation relative to said connecting interface, - a guide slide movable in translation relative to the cylindrical guide sleeve and having relative mobility in rotation with the cylindrical guide sleeve, - a device for axially retaining the gripping hood relative to the guide slide and - a return member mounted between the container and the guide slide, for example a helical spring.

[0017] Said locking / unlocking mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the closure member is in the storage position and the axial retaining device is active and an unlocked position, in which the closure member is in the use position in which said closure member can be grasped by the user to overcome the forces of the axial retaining device.

[0018] Said mechanism can be actuated from the unlocked position to the locked position, and vice versa by axial movement of the closure member towards the container along the extension axis.

[0019] Thus, an assembly is obtained having a reliable storage position in which the gripping hood cannot be damaged, while maintaining a satisfactory overall axial dimension and capable of storing a relatively large quantity of product.

[0020] Preferably, the cylindrical guide sleeve is rotatable relative to the guide slide.

[0021] Note that it is possible to provide a structural inversion in which the guide sleeve is fixed in rotation relative to the connecting interface, and therefore the guide slide is movable in rotation relative to the connecting interface. The main claim has not been broadened to cover this variant so as not to complicate its reading, but such a variant is indeed conceivable.

[0022] However, the rotational mobility of the guide sleeve makes it possible to provide internal mobility that is not visible to the user. This makes it possible to improve the user's perception of the quality of the assembly.

[0023] For example, the product is a product to be applied to the epidermis of a user, for example the lips of a user, for example a cosmetic makeup product such as gloss or a care product.

[0024] By "shoulder" is meant any surface substantially normal to the elevation axis of a cylindrical part resulting from a sudden variation in diameter.

[0025] In the storage position, the covering sleeve completely surrounds the grip cover.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first axial distance is zero. Thus, the upper end of the gripping hood is flush with the upper end of the covering sleeve, so as to have no axial projection in the storage position and further prevent any damage to the gripping hood during storage. In other words, the gripping hood is entirely housed inside the covering sleeve in the storage position.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the first axial distance is between 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0028] For example, the second axial distance is between 5mm and 30mm, preferably between 10mm and 15mm to allow the user to comfortably grasp the end of the gripping cover projecting axially relative to the covering sleeve.

[0029] For example, the connecting interface and the container are made from one piece or made from two pieces secured to each other by any means, for example, by gluing, clipping, fitting, welding, etc.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the axial retaining device comprises a tight contact between the gripping cover and the guide slide.

[0031] In other words, the inner diameter of the gripping cover is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the guide slide so as to hold said cover on the guide slide by friction.

[0032] According to another embodiment, it could be provided that the axial retaining device comprises at least one axial retaining element carried by the guide slide and at least one complementary retaining element provided on the gripping cover cooperating with the axial retaining element in the storage position.

[0033] In this case, the inner diameter of the gripping hood is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide slide.

[0034] Advantageously, the cylindrical guide sleeve comprises at least one guide groove hollowed out on its outer cylindrical surface and cooperating with a guide pin of the guide slide.

[0035] Alternatively, at least two guide grooves could be provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical guide sleeve, each cooperating with a guide pin carried by the guide slide. The two guide pins carried by the guide slide can be located circumferentially at 180° from each other.

[0036] Preferably, the guide slide comprises at least one inner skirt mounted partly in the connecting interface and an outer skirt radially surrounding in part of the connecting interface, and in particular the guide sleeve, the outer skirt comprising on its inner surface at least one guide pin cooperating with the guide groove of the guide sleeve and on its outer surface at least one axial retaining element cooperating with a complementary retaining element provided on the gripping cover in the storage position.

[0037] Alternatively, it could be provided that the outer skirt of the guide slide comprises on its outer surface at least two axial retaining elements each cooperating with a complementary retaining element provided on the gripping cover in the storage position. For example, the two axial retaining elements carried by the outer skirt of the guide slide are situated circumferentially at 180° to each other.

[0038] For example, the guide slide comprises a joining portion connecting the inner skirt and the outer skirt, in particular their upper ends.

[0039] Advantageously, the guide slide comprises a spring mounting skirt connected to the lower end of the outer skirt by a shoulder having a lower surface forming an axial support for the return member and an upper surface forming an axial support for the gripping cover.

[0040] The spring mounting skirt may have an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the outer skirt.

[0041] The outer diameter of the spring mounting skirt is preferably substantially equal to the outer diameter of the gripping hood.

[0042] The spring mounting skirt advantageously delimits an annular housing for receiving the upper end of the return member.

[0043] Advantageously, the outer skirt of the guide slide comprises at least one radially flexible snap-on tab comprising the axial retaining element(s).

[0044] By "flexible" is meant any element, by its shape, capable of deforming elastically under the action of an external stress and of returning to its initial shape when said external stress stops.

[0045] The snap-in tab is cut out of the body of the outer skirt of the guide slide, connected at one of its ends to said body and separated from the rest of the body of the outer skirt by a slot. The slot gives the snap-in tab flexibility in the radial direction.

[0046] At least two snap-on tabs could be provided, each carrying an axial retaining element.

[0047] For example, the snap-on tabs are located circumferentially at 180° to each other.

[0048] Thus, in the position of use of the closure member, the gripping force of the user on the end of said axially projecting closure member of the covering sleeve makes it possible to exert a force on the flexible tongue, which bends radially inwards to allow it to be separated from the complementary retaining element provided on the gripping cover.

[0049] For example, the axial retaining element is a radial snap-in projection extending axially from the outer surface of the outer skirt of the guide slide and the complementary retaining element formed on the gripping hood comprises at least one housing.

[0050] The corresponding housing may be in the form of an annular groove or annular segments of grooves.

[0051] The return member is, for example, mounted axially between the shoulder of the container and the slide, in particular the shoulder of said slide in a space.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical guide sleeve comprises at least one anti-bending radial projection extending radially from an outer surface of said sleeve and intended to be located radially opposite the axial retaining element carried by the guide slide in the locked position.

[0053] Said anti-bending radial projection prevents inward bending of the flexible tongue of the guide slide in the locked position.

[0054] Such an anti-bending radial projection makes it possible to reinforce the axial retention of the guide slide on the guide sleeve in the locked position. The rotation of the guide sleeve allows the angular offset of the anti-bending radial projection relative to the corresponding axial retention element carried by the guide slide, allowing the flexible tongue to bend inwards and thus to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0055] Advantageously, the connecting interface comprises an annular mounting portion mounted inside the neck of the container, in particular in radial contact with the internal surface of said neck, an annular collar projecting radially from the upper end of the annular mounting portion and bearing axially on the upper end of the neck, a cylindrical connecting portion, extending from the annular collar along the extension axis and connected to said annular collar by a shoulder and a fixing end piece secured to the upper end of the connecting portion.

[0056] For example, the fixing end piece is made in one piece with the connecting interface or made in two pieces secured to each other by any means, for example, by gluing, clipping, fitting, welding, etc.

[0057] The fixing end piece comprises, for example, a mounting skirt cooperating with an annular groove formed at the upper end of the connecting portion.

[0058] The fixing end piece comprises, for example, a projecting annular collar extending radially beyond the cylindrical outer surface of the portion of connection and forming an axial retainer for the guide sleeve.

[0059] For example, the annular mounting portion comprises, on its inner surface, an annular projection cooperating with a wiping member.

[0060] Advantageously, the annular collar of the connecting interface has an external radial dimension identical to the external radial dimension of the neck.

[0061] The cylindrical guide sleeve is preferably mounted axially between the annular collar of the fixing interface and the annular collar of the fixing end piece.

[0062] In the case where the fixing interface and the fixing end piece form a single piece, the cylindrical guide sleeve can be fitted onto the annular mounting portion by elastic deformation allowing it to pass through the annular collar of the fixing end piece.

[0063] The translation of the guide sleeve is blocked by the fixing end piece and the annular collar.

[0064] The connecting interface is preferably fixed in rotation relative to the body of the container.

[0065] For example, the application member extends axially in the internal volume of the container in the storage position.

[0066] Preferably, the application member extends into the guide slide so that it can be easily reinserted into the container.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the application member comprises a mounting part secured to the upper end of the gripping cap, a rod comprising a first end secured to the mounting part and a second end fixed to an application tip.

[0068] Alternatively, any type of attachment of the application member to the cover could be provided, for example by clipping with or without anti-rotation elements.

[0069] Alternatively, any mechanism configured to make the gripping cover and the application member integral could be provided.

[0070] For example, the rod has a circular cross-section substantially over its entire length. Alternatively, other shapes could be provided for the cross-section of the rod, for example polygonal such as square, rectangular, or even oval, etc.

[0071] The rod and the mounting part may be made in one piece, for example by injection molding a plastic material, onto which the application member is then attached. Provision could be made for the rod to be fixed to the mounting part by any other means, for example, by gluing, screwing, etc.

[0072] For example, the application member further comprises a sealing skirt projecting along the elevation axis from the mounting portion and configured to cooperate with the guide slide of the locking / unlocking mechanism in the storage position.

[0073] According to another embodiment, in the storage position, the outer surface of the gripping cover is spaced by a first radial clearance with the inner surface of the covering sleeve and in the use position the outer surface of the gripping cover is spaced by a second radial clearance with the inner surface of the covering sleeve, the second radial clearance being greater than the first radial clearance.

[0074] In other words, the covering sleeve has a flared shape along the extension axis so as to have a progressively increasing internal diameter.

[0075] The flared shape makes it easier for the user to grasp the grip cover in the use position.

[0076] The closure member has an external radial dimension substantially smaller than the internal radial dimension of the covering sleeve.

[0077] Generally, a radial space remains between the neck of the container and the covering sleeve.

[0078] In the storage position, in particular but not exclusively in the case of tight mounting in the hood, the axial retaining elements of the guide slide are locked by the very small radial clearance between the outer surface of the hood and the inner surface of the covering sleeve.

[0079] For example, the first radial clearance between the outer surface of the gripping cover and the inner surface of the covering sleeve is constant.

[0080] For example, in the position of use, the second radial clearance between the outer surface of the gripping cover and the inner surface of the covering sleeve increases progressively.

[0081] Alternatively, it could be provided that the body of the gripping hood has a cylindrical shape along the extension axis so as to have a constant internal diameter.

[0082] 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:

[0083] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a packaging and application assembly for a product according to the invention;

[0084] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of the packaging and application assembly of [Fig.l];

[0085] [Fig.2A] is a sectional view of the guide slide of the assembly of [Fig.2];

[0086] [Fig.2B] is a sectional view of the guide slide and guide sleeve of the assembly of [Fig.2];

[0087] [Fig.3], [Fig.4] are views of the packaging and application assembly of [Fig.2] in longitudinal section along two perpendicular planes;

[0088] [Fig.5] is a partial perspective view of a portion of the packaging and application assembly of [Fig.2], in which the covering sleeve has been cut away to reveal the interior;

[0089] [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B] are variants of the slide of the assembly of [Fig.5];

[0090] [Fig.6] is a detail view of the assembly of [Fig.3], in a storage position, in which the closure member is retracted into the covering sleeve;

[0091] [Fig.7] is a detailed view of the assembly of [Fig.3], in a position of use, in which the closure member axially exceeds the upper end of the covering sleeve;

[0092] [Fig.8], [Fig.9], [Fig.10], [Fig.ll], [Fig.12] and [Fig.13] are schematic views illustrating different stages of a system for locking / unlocking the position of the shutter member; and

[0093] [Fig. 14] is an alternative embodiment in which the gripping hood and the covering sleeve do not have a flared shape.

[0094] In the following description, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “vertical”, “front”, “back”, “left” and “right” are defined according to the orthogonal reference frame usual applicators, shown in the drawings, and which includes:

[0095] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal and oriented from left to right on [Fig.4];

[0096] - a transverse axis Y, horizontal, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and oriented from front to back in [Fig.4];

[0097] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse axes X and Y and directed from bottom to top.

[0098] The term "thickness" is understood in the longitudinal direction X, the term "width" is understood in the transverse direction Y and the term "height" is understood in the vertical direction Z.

[0099] The expressions "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper part and the lower part of the figures, in the assembled position of the packaging and application assembly 1.

[0100] [Fig.l] shows a set 1 for packaging and applying a product comprising a container 10 or bottle delimiting an internal volume 11a containing a product P to be applied to the epidermis of a user, for example the lips of a user, for example a cosmetic makeup product such as gloss or a care product.

[0101] The packaging assembly 1 further comprises a closure member 20.

[0102] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the assembly 1 extends axially along an elevation axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical in the figures.

[0103] As illustrated, the closure member 20 comprises a cover 22 and an application member 24 mounted in said cover 22 and integral in rotation and translation with said cover 22.

[0104] The application member 24 extends axially in the internal volume 11a of the container 10 in the assembled position of the packaging and application assembly 1.

[0105] The container 10 comprises a main body 11 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.

[0106] The neck 12 is connected to the body 11 by a shoulder 13 in order to be offset radially inwards relative to said body 11.

[0107] In the illustrated embodiment, the container 10 comprises a covering sleeve 14 extending in the extension of the body 11 at the junction with the shoulder 13.

[0108] By "shoulder" is meant any surface substantially normal to the elevation axis of a cylindrical part resulting from a sudden variation in diameter.

[0109] The body 11 and the covering sleeve 14 are, here, in the form of a single piece made from one material.

[0110] Alternatively, it could be provided that the body 11 and the covering sleeve 14 are produced in the form of two separate pieces secured to each other by any means, such as gluing, clipping, welding, etc.

[0111] The covering sleeve 14 has an open upper end 15 delimiting a housing 15a for receiving the closure member 20.

[0112] The closure member 20 has an external radial dimension substantially smaller than the internal radial dimension of the covering sleeve 14.

[0113] In the example illustrated, and in a non-limiting manner, the covering sleeve 14 has a flared shape along the extension axis Z-Z' so as to have a progressively increasing internal diameter.

[0114] Alternatively, it could be provided that the covering sleeve 14 has a constant internal diameter over its entire height, as illustrated in [Fig. 14].

[0115] A radial space E remains between the neck 12 of the container 10 and the covering sleeve. 14.

[0116] The container 10 further comprises a connecting interface 16 secured to the body 11, in particular at the neck 12.

[0117] The connecting interface 16 is secured to the body 11 of the container 11.

[0118] As illustrated, the connecting interface 16 and the body 11 of the container 11 are produced in the form of two separate parts secured to each other by any means, such as gluing, clipping, welding, etc.

[0119] Alternatively, it could be provided that the connecting interface 16 and the body 11 of the container 11 are produced in the form of a single piece made from one material.

[0120] The connecting interface 16 here comprises an annular mounting portion 16a mounted inside the neck 12 of the container 10 in radial contact with the internal surface 12a of said neck 12.

[0121] The annular mounting portion 16a comprises, on its inner surface, an annular projection 16c cooperating with a wiping member 50 to ensure the fixing of said wiping member 50 in the connecting interface 16.

[0122] In the case where the connecting interface 16 and the body 11 of the container 11 are produced in the form of a single piece made from one material, the connecting interface 16 does not comprise such an annular mounting portion 16a.

[0123] The connecting interface 16 further comprises an annular collar 16b projecting radially from the upper end of the annular mounting portion 16a and bearing axially on the upper end 11c of the neck 12.

[0124] The annular collar 16b here has an external radial dimension identical to the external radial dimension of the neck 12.

[0125] In the case where the connecting interface 16 and the body 11 of the container 11 are made in the form of a single piece made from one material, the annular collar 16b could project radially inwards directly from the neck 12.

[0126] The connecting interface 16 further comprises a cylindrical connecting portion 17, extending axially from the annular collar 16b along the extension axis Z-Z'.

[0127] The cylindrical connecting portion 17 is connected, here, to the annular collar 16b by a shoulder 17a.

[0128] The connecting portion 17 has, here, at its upper end 17b, an annular groove 17c intended to cooperate with a fixing end piece 18.

[0129] The connecting interface 16 ends with the fixing end piece 18 comprising a mounting skirt 18a cooperating with the annular groove 17c of the connecting portion 17 and an annular collar 18b projecting radially from said mounting skirt 18a and extending radially beyond the cylindrical outer surface 17d of the connecting portion 17.

[0130] The connecting interface 16 and the fixing end piece 18 are, here, made in two pieces. joined to each other by any means, for example, by gluing, clipping, fitting, welding, etc.

[0131] Alternatively, it could be provided that the fixing tip is made in one piece with the connection interface.

[0132] As illustrated, the body of the container 10 has a generally circular section, the neck 12 of the container 10 and the covering sleeve 14 have a circular section.

[0133] The closure member 20 extends along a general axis of extension, shown in a position assumed to be vertical and coincident with the axis Z-Z' in [Fig.l]. The closure member 20 comprises, here, the gripping cover 22 and the application member 24 mounted in said cover 22 and secured to said cover 22.

[0134] The gripping cover 22 comprises a body 22a surrounding the application member 24 and a closed upper part 22b.

[0135] The gripping hood 22 has an external radial dimension substantially smaller than the internal radial dimension of the covering sleeve 14 in order to allow its translational movement inside said covering sleeve 14.

[0136] In the example illustrated in Figures 3 to 7, and in a non-limiting manner, the body 22a of the gripping cover 22 has a flared shape along the extension axis so as to have a progressively increasing internal diameter.

[0137] Alternatively, it could be provided that the body 22a of the gripping cover 22 has a circular cross-sectional shape having a constant internal diameter over its entire height, as illustrated in [Fig. 14].

[0138] The flared shape allows the user more room to grasp the grip cover in the use position.

[0139] In the storage or retracted position, visible in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 8, the covering sleeve 14 completely surrounds the gripping hood 22.

[0140] In this storage position, the body 22a of the gripping cover 22 is, here, radially spaced from the inner surface of the covering sleeve 14 by a constant radial clearance.

[0141] As illustrated, the application member 24 comprises a mounting portion 24a secured to the upper end of the gripping cap 22, for example by gluing. Alternatively, any type of attachment of the application member 24 to the cap could be provided, for example by clipping, supplemented or not by anti-rotation elements.

[0142] Alternatively, any mechanism configured to make the cover 22 and the application member 24 integral could be provided.

[0143] The application member 24 further comprises a rod 24b comprising a first end secured to the mounting portion 24a and a second end fixed to an application tip 25. In the example illustrated, the rod 24b has a circular cross-section substantially over its entire length. Alternatively, other shapes for the section of the rod, for example polygonal such as square, rectangular, or even oval, etc.

[0144] The rod 24b and the mounting part 24a can be made in one piece, for example by injection molding a plastic material, onto which the application member 24 is then attached. Provision could be made for the rod to be fixed to the mounting part 24a by any other means, for example, by gluing, screwing, etc.

[0145] The application member 24 further comprises a sealing skirt 26 configured to cooperate with the guide slide 40 of the locking / unlocking mechanism 30 in the storage position. The sealing skirt 26 projects along the elevation axis Z-Z' from the mounting portion 24a.

[0146] The closure member 20 is slidably mounted in the container 10 between a storage or retracted position, in which the gripping cover 22 is, here, entirely housed inside the covering sleeve 14, visible in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 8 and a use or deployed position, in which at least a portion of the gripping cover 22 projects axially from the covering sleeve 14, in particular for the purpose of being grasped by the user.

[0147] Generally, in the storage position the gripping cover 22 is at least partly housed inside the covering sleeve, and comprises an upper end located at a first axial distance D1, visible in [Fig. 6], with the upper end 15 of the covering sleeve 14, and in the position of use at least a part of the gripping cover 22 projects axially relative to the covering sleeve 14 and the upper end of which is located at a second axial distance D2, visible in [Fig. 7], relative to the upper end 15 of the covering sleeve 14, said second axial distance D2 being greater than the first axial distance DL

[0148] As illustrated, the first axial distance Dl is zero.

[0149] Alternatively, it could be provided that the first axial distance is between 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0150] For example, the second axial distance is between 5mm and 30mm, preferably between 10mm and 15mm to allow the user to comfortably grasp the end of the gripping cover 22 projecting axially relative to the covering sleeve 14.

[0151] The position of the closure member 20 is locked by a locking / unlocking mechanism 30 comprising a system called “push-to lock / push to release” in English terms and which allows locking / unlocking with the same axial pushing action along the extension axis Z-Z'.

[0152] The locking / unlocking mechanism 30 comprises a cylindrical guide sleeve 31 mounted around the connecting portion 17 of the connecting interface 16, a guide slide 40 integral in translation with the gripping cover 22 in a locked position, and movable in translation relative to the cylindrical guide sleeve 31 and a return member 35, for example a helical spring.

[0153] The cylindrical guide sleeve 31 is mounted axially between the annular collar 16b of the fixing interface 16 and the annular collar 18b of the fixing end piece 18.

[0154] In the case where the fixing interface 16 and the fixing end piece 18 form a single piece, the cylindrical guide sleeve 31 can be fitted onto the annular mounting portion 16a by elastic deformation making it possible to pass through the annular collar 18b of the fixing end piece 18.

[0155] The cylindrical guide sleeve 31 is integral in translation with the connecting interface 16 and movable in rotation relative to the latter.

[0156] The translation of the guide sleeve 31 is blocked by the fixing end piece 18 and the annular collar 16b.

[0157] The cylindrical guide sleeve 31 is, here, movable in rotation along the extension axis Z-Z' relative to the connecting interface 16 and relative to the guide slide 40.

[0158] Note that it is possible to provide a structural inversion in which the guide sleeve 31 is fixed in rotation relative to the connecting interface 16 and the guide slide 40 is movable in rotation relative to the connecting interface 16.

[0159] The cylindrical guide sleeve 31 comprises, here, two guide grooves 32 hollowed out on its outer cylindrical surface 31a and each cooperating with a guide pin 48 of the guide slide 40.

[0160] The guide grooves 32 are, here, uniformly distributed over the circumference of the outer surface 31a of the guide sleeve 31.

[0161] Alternatively, one could provide a single guide groove on the outer surface 31a of the cylindrical guide sleeve 31 or more than two guide grooves, uniformly distributed around the circumference of the outer surface 31a of the guide sleeve 31.

[0162] The guide slide 40 comprises an inner skirt 41 mounted partly in the connecting interface 17, an outer skirt 42 radially surrounding partly the connecting interface 17 and in particular the guide sleeve 31, a junction portion 43 connecting the inner skirt 41 and the outer skirt 42, in particular their upper ends, and a spring mounting skirt 44 connected to the lower end 42c of the outer skirt 42 by a shoulder 45.

[0163] The shoulder 45 has a lower surface forming an axial support for the return member 35 and an upper surface forming an axial support for the gripping cover 22.

[0164] The spring mounting skirt 44 has an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the outer skirt 42.

[0165] The outside diameter of the spring mounting skirt 44 is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the gripping cover 22.

[0166] The spring mounting skirt 44 delimits an annular housing 46 for receiving the upper end of the return member 35.

[0167] The outer skirt 42 comprises, here, two flexible snap-on tabs 46 each comprising a radial snap-on projection 47 extending axially from the outer surface 42a of said outer skirt 42.

[0168] Each radial snap-in projection 47 cooperates with a corresponding housing 23 formed on the inner surface of the body 22a of the gripping hood 22 in the locked position.

[0169] The corresponding housing 23 may be in the form of an annular groove or annular segments of grooves.

[0170] Alternatively, it could be provided that the outer skirt 42 comprises only one flexible snap-on tab 46 or more than two flexible snap-on tabs.

[0171] As illustrated, the snap-in tabs 46 are located circumferentially at 180° to each other, such that the two radial snap-in projections 47 carried by the outer skirt 42 of the guide slide 40 are located circumferentially at 180° to each other.

[0172] By "flexible" is meant any element, by its shape, capable of deforming elastically under the action of an external stress and of returning to its initial shape when said external stress stops.

[0173] Each snap-on tab 46 is cut out of the body of the outer skirt 42 of the guide slide 40, connected at one of its ends to said body and separated from the rest of the body of the outer skirt 42 by a slot. The slot gives the snap-on tab 46 flexibility in the radial direction.

[0174] In the storage position, the snap-in tabs 46 are locked between the outer surface of the cover 22 and the inner surface of the covering sleeve 14.

[0175] In the position of use, the user's gripping force on the gripping cover 22 generates the radial flexion of the snap-on tab(s) 46 inwards, so as to disengage the radial snap-on projections 47 from the corresponding housing 23 provided on the gripping cover 22.

[0176] In other words, in the position of use of the closure member 20, the user's gripping force on the end of said member 20 projecting from the covering sleeve 14 makes it possible to exert a force on the flexible tongue 46, which flexes radially inwards to allow it to be separated from the element of additional retainer 23, here the corresponding housing, provided on the gripping cover 22.

[0177] Alternatively, it could be provided that the radial snap-on projection(s) are carried by the inner surface of the gripping cover 22 and that the complementary housing 23 is carried by the guide slide 40.

[0178] Alternatively, any other device for axially retaining the gripping cover 22 on the guide slide 40 could be provided.

[0179] Indeed, it could also be provided that the slide 40 comprises an axial retaining element 47 such as one or two radial snap-fastening projections without a flexible tongue, as illustrated in [Fig.5A]. In this case, it is preferable to have a flared shape of the covering sleeve 14 in order to allow the radial deformation of the gripping cover 22 with a view to disengaging the retaining elements 23, 47.

[0180] It could also be provided that the gripping cover 22 is mounted on the guide slide 40 by a tight contact, without radial projection or complementary housing, as illustrated in [Fig.5B].

[0181] The inner surface of the outer skirt 42 comprises, here, on its inner surface 42b, two guide pins 48 projecting radially from said inner surface 42b towards the inside.

[0182] Alternatively, it could be provided that the outer skirt 42 only comprises a single guide pin 48.

[0183] Each guide pin 48 cooperates with a corresponding guide groove 32 of the cylindrical guide sleeve 31.

[0184] As illustrated, the cylindrical guide sleeve 31 further comprises two anti-bending radial projections 34 extending radially from the outer surface 31a of said sleeve 31 and each intended to be located radially opposite a radial snap-fastening projection 47 carried by the guide slide 40 in the locked position.

[0185] Each anti-bending radial projection 34 prevents inward bending of the corresponding flexible tab 46 of the guide slide 40 in the locked position.

[0186] Such an anti-bending radial projection 34 makes it possible to reinforce the axial retention of the guide slide 40 on the guide sleeve 31 in the locked position.

[0187] The rotation of the guide sleeve 31 relative to the guide slide 40 allows the angular offset of the anti-bending radial projection 34 relative to the corresponding radial snap-in projection 47 carried by the guide slide 40, allowing the flexible tab 46 to bend inwards and thus to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0188] The number of anti-bending radial projection 34 corresponds to the number of projection radial snap-in 47.

[0189] Alternatively, it could be provided that the guide sleeve 31 does not comprise such an anti-bending radial projection, such as for example in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in which the guide slide 40 does not comprise flexible tabs 46.

[0190] The return member 35 is mounted axially between the shoulder 13 of the container 10 and the slide 40, in particular the shoulder 45 of said guide slide 40 in the space E.

[0191] Said return member 35 is configured to elastically urge the guide slide 40 towards the upper end 15 of the covering sleeve 14.

[0192] When the guide slide 40 is pushed towards the shoulder 13 of the container 10 by the action of an axial force F of the user resisting the force of the spring 35, the guide slide 40 slides in the covering sleeve 40, as seen in [Fig. 9] and the guide pins 48 move respectively in the corresponding guide groove 32, by rotation of the guide sleeve 31 relative to the guide slide 40, following the steps seen in Figures 10 and 11 and come to lock in a first stop shape 32a of the corresponding guide groove 32, as seen in [Fig. 12]. The closure member 20 is then projecting relative to the upper end of the covering sleeve 14 and can be grasped by the user.

[0193] In this position of use, the gripping cover 22 can be grasped by the user to break the cooperation between the axial retaining elements 23, 47, for example by bending the snap-on tabs 46 carried by the guide slide 40 inwards. This position corresponds to the unlocked position of the locking / unlocking mechanism.

[0194] When the slide 40 is pushed again towards the shoulder 13 of the container 10 by the action of an axial force F, as seen in [Fig. 13], the guide pins 48 move by rotation of the guide sleeve 31 relative to the guide slide 40 out of the first stop shape 32a into a second stop shape 32b of the corresponding guide groove 32, as seen in [Fig. 8], and the spring 35 elastically biases the slide 40 upwards, which locks the closure member 20 in the storage position.

[0195] In other words, the locking and / or unlocking of the closure member 20 relative to the container 10 is done by fitting said parts together by simple downward axial pressure.

[0196] Other mechanisms could be provided allowing the locking / unlocking system to be actuated by axial pressure on the closure member 20 towards the container 10.

[0197] The wiping member 50 is inserted into the annular mounting portion 16a of the connecting interface 16 and comprises annular wiping lips 51 configured to cooperate with the rod 24b of the application member 24. The invention is in no way limited to the wiping member as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that any type of wiping member can be used to wring out the product contained on the outer surface of the rod 24b of the application member 24.

[0198] The closure member of such a product packaging and application assembly can be stored in a reliable storage position in which the cover cannot be damaged.

[0199] Furthermore, the axial dimension of the packaging and application assembly is not impacted by the locking / unlocking mechanism mounted inside the covering sleeve.

[0200] The inner skirt 41 of the slide 40 also makes it possible to guide the application member 24 inside the container 10.

Claims

Claims

1. Set (1) for packaging and applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (10) extending along an extension axis (Z-Z') and comprising a body (11) delimiting an internal volume (11a) containing said product and a neck (12) connected to said body (11) by a shoulder (13) and provided with an opening (12a), and a covering sleeve (14) extending in the extension of the body (11) at the junction with the shoulder (13), and - a closure member (20) configured to close the opening (12a) of the neck (12) of the container (10), comprising a gripping cap (22) and an application member (24) integral with said cap (22), the closure member (20) being slidably mounted in the container (10) between a storage position, in which the gripping cap (22) is at least partly housed inside the covering sleeve (14) and comprises an upper end located at a first axial distance from an upper end of the covering sleeve, and a use position, in which at least a portion of the gripping cap (22) projects axially relative to the covering sleeve (14) and the upper end of which is located at a second axial distance from the upper end of the covering sleeve, said second axial distance being greater than the first axial distance, characterized in that: - the container (10) further comprises a connecting interface (16) secured to the body (11), in that - the assembly (1) comprises a mechanism (30) for locking / unlocking the closure member (20) with the container (10) comprising: - a cylindrical guide sleeve (31) integral in translation with the connecting interface (16) and movable in rotation relative to said connecting interface (16), - a guide slide (40) movable in translation relative to the cylindrical guide sleeve (31) and having relative mobility in rotation with the cylindrical guide sleeve (31), - an axial retaining device (23, 47) of the gripping cover (22) relative to the guide slide (40), and - a return member (35) mounted between the container (10) and the slide of guide (40), said locking / unlocking mechanism (30) being movable between a locked position in which the closure member (20) is in the storage position and the axial retaining device (23, 47) is active and an unlocked position, in which the closure member (20) is in the use position in which said closure member (20) can be grasped by the user to overcome the forces of the axial retaining device (23, 47), said mechanism (30) being actuable from the unlocked position to the locked position, and vice versa by axial movement of the closure member (20) towards the container (10) along the extension axis (Z-Z').

2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the axial retaining device (23, 47) comprises a tight contact between the gripping cover (22) and the guide slide (40).

3. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, in which the axial retaining device (23, 47) comprises at least one axial retaining element (47) carried by the guide slide (40) and at least one complementary retaining element (23) provided on the gripping cover (22) cooperating with the axial retaining element (47) in the storage position.

4. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cylindrical guide sleeve (31) comprises at least one guide groove (32) hollowed out on its outer cylindrical surface (31a) and cooperating with a guide pin (48) of the guide slide (40).

5. Assembly (1) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the guide guide slide (40) comprises at least one inner skirt (41) mounted partly in the connecting interface (16) and an outer skirt (42) radially partly surrounding the connecting interface (16), the outer skirt (42) comprising on its inner surface (42b) at least one guide pin (48) cooperating with the guide groove (32) of the guide sleeve (31) and on its outer surface (42a) at least one axial retaining element (47) cooperating with the complementary retaining element (23) formed on the gripping cover (22) in the storage position.

6. An assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the guide rail (40) comprises a spring mounting skirt (44) connected to the lower end (42c) of the outer skirt (42) by a shoulder (45) having a lower surface forming an axial support for the return member (35) and an upper surface forming an axial support for the gripping cover (22).

7. Assembly (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the outer skirt (42) of the guide slide (40) comprises at least one radially flexible snap-in tab (46) comprising the axial retaining element (47).

8. An assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein the axial retaining element (47) is a radial snap-in projection (47) extending axially from the outer surface (42a) of the outer skirt (42) of the guide slide (40) and the complementary retaining element (23) formed on the gripping cover (22) comprises at least one housing.

9. Assembly (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the cylindrical guide sleeve (31) comprises at least one anti-bending radial projection (34) extending radially from the outer surface (31a) of said sleeve (31) and intended to be located radially opposite the axial retaining element (47) carried by the guide slide (40) in the locked position.

10. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting interface (16) comprises an annular mounting portion (16a) mounted inside the neck (12) of the container (10), an annular collar (16b) projecting radially from the upper end of the annular mounting portion (16a) and bearing axially on the upper end (11e) of the neck (12), a cylindrical connecting portion (17), extending from the annular collar (16b) along the extension axis (Z-Z') and connected to said annular collar (16b) by a shoulder (17a) and a fixing end piece (18) integral with the upper end of the connecting portion (17).

11. An assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein the fixing end piece (18) comprises a projecting annular collar (18b) extending radially beyond the cylindrical outer surface (17d) of the connecting portion (17) and forming an axial retainer for the guide sleeve (31).

12. Assembly (1) according to claim 10, in which the cylindrical guide sleeve (31) is mounted axially between the annular collar (16b) of the fixing interface (16) and the annular collar (18b) of the fixing end piece (18).

13. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the application member (24) extends axially in the internal volume (11a) of the container (10) in the storage position.

14. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the application member (24) comprises a mounting part (24a) integral with the upper end of the gripping cap (22), a rod (24b) comprising a first end integral with the mounting part (24a) and a second end fixed to an application tip (25).

15. Assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein the application member (24) further comprises a sealing skirt (26) projecting along the elevation axis (Z-Z') from the mounting portion (24a) and configured to cooperate with the guide slide (40) of the locking / unlocking mechanism (30) in the storage position.

16. An assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein in the storage position the outer surface of the gripping hood (22) is spaced by a first radial clearance from the inner surface of the covering sleeve (14) and in the use position the outer surface of the gripping hood (22) is spaced by a second radial clearance from the inner surface of the covering sleeve (14), the second radial clearance being greater than the first radial clearance.

17. Assembly (1) according to claim 15, in which the first radial clearance between the outer surface of the gripping cover (22) and the inner surface of the covering sleeve (14) is constant.

18. Assembly (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein in the position of use, the second radial clearance between the outer surface of the gripping cover (22) and the inner surface of the covering sleeve (14) is progressively increasing.

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