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: Packaging and application assembly for a product

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

[0002] The term “cosmetic product” means a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

[0003] More particularly, the invention relates to a device for conditioning and applying a pasty or viscous product, such as lipstick, or a makeup product, in particular mascara, for the makeup of keratin fibers, such as eyelashes or eyebrows, or a facial makeup product, such as foundation.

[0004] Classically, a device for conditioning and applying a pasty or viscous product includes a container or bottle containing a product and a closure element intended to screw or snap onto the end of the container to be closed.

[0005] Generally, the container includes a neck with a thread and the sealing member includes a tapping that cooperates with the thread of the container in order to secure the sealing member to the container by screwing.

[0006] More particularly, the sealing 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 skincare product, for example on keratin fibers, such as mascara, eyeliner or any other viscous product.

[0007] We are familiar with document CN 216776371-U, which proposes a movable hood that translates relative to a container. However, in a storage position, the hood protrudes axially from the neck of the container. This axial projection of the hood can be restrictive in the storage position and may lead to damage to the hood.

[0008] Furthermore, the hood comprises two hood parts with relative mobility between them, which potentially makes the hood wobbly and impairs the perceived quality of the device, as well as the precision of application.

[0009] We also know of document FR 3 024 338 - A1 which proposes a conditioning and application device comprising a casing, an internal reservoir containing a product and an application element attached to the internal reservoir. The internal reservoir is slidably mounted in said casing between a position The internal reservoir has two positions: a retracted position in which the upper end of the application element is enclosed by the casing, and an extended position in which the upper end of the application element extends axially beyond the casing. The internal reservoir positions are actuated by a locking / unlocking mechanism located in the base of the casing.

[0010] Such a solution is not satisfactory. Indeed, with the same capacity of the internal tank, the overall axial footprint of the conditioning and application device is increased. In order to avoid increasing the axial footprint, the solution would be to reduce the capacity of the internal tank, which is also unsatisfactory.

[0011] There is therefore a need to improve the conditioning and application devices of a product.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a new packaging and application assembly for a product which allows it to be stored in a reliable storage position in which the hood 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 invention relates to a packaging and application system for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container or bottle extending along an axis of extension 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 sleeve extending in line with the body at the junction with the shoulder, and - a sealing member configured to seal the opening of the neck of the container, comprising a gripping cover and an application member integral with said cover, the sealing member being mounted to slide within the container between a storage or retracted position, in which the gripping cover is at least partly housed inside the cover sleeve, and comprises an upper end situated at a first axial distance from an upper end of the cover sleeve, and a use or deployed position, in which at least part of the gripping cover protrudes axially from the cover sleeve and whose upper end is situated at a second axial distance from the upper end of the cover 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 includes a connection interface integral to the body, in particular at the neck.

[0016] The assembly includes a locking / unlocking mechanism for the sealing element with the container comprising: - a cylindrical guide sleeve fixed in translation to the connecting interface and movable in rotation relative to said connecting interface, - a guide slide that is movable in translation relative to the cylindrical guide sleeve and exhibits relative mobility in rotation with the cylindrical guide sleeve, - an axial retention device for the gripping cover relative to the guide slide and - a return mechanism mounted between the container and the guide rail, for example a helical spring.

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

[0018] Said mechanism is actuable from the unlocked position to the locked position, and vice versa by axial displacement of the sealing member towards the container along the extension axis.

[0019] Thus, we obtain an assembly presenting 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 rotationally movable relative to the guide slide.

[0021] It should be noted that it is possible to provide for a structural inversion in which the guide sleeve is fixed in rotation with respect to the connecting interface, and therefore the guide slide is movable in rotation with respect to the connecting interface. The main claim has not been extended to cover this variant in order to avoid making it unwieldy, but such a variant is indeed conceivable.

[0022] However, the rotational mobility of the guide sleeve allows for internal mobility that is not visible to the user. This improves the user's perception of the overall quality.

[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 lip gloss or a skincare product.

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

[0025] In the storage position, the dressing sleeve completely surrounds the gripping cover.

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

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

[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 protruding axially relative to the dressing sleeve.

[0029] For example, the connecting interface and the container are made of material or produced in two pieces joined together 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 hood and the guide slide.

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

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

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

[0034] Advantageously, the cylindrical guide sleeve includes at least one guide groove cut 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° to each other.

[0036] Preferably, the guide slide comprises at least an inner skirt mounted partly in the connecting interface and an outer skirt radially surrounding part of the linking 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, the outer skirt of the guide slide could be provided to include 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 located circumferentially at 180° to each other.

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

[0039] Advantageously, the guide slide includes 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 outer diameter greater than the outer 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 cover.

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

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

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

[0045] The snap tab is cut into the body of the outer skirt of the guide slide, connected at one end to said body, and separated from the rest of the outer skirt body by a slot. The slot gives the snap 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 tabs are located circumferentially at 180° to each other.

[0048] Thus, in the operating position of the obturator, the gripping effort of The user on the end of said axially projecting sealing element of the covering sleeve allows to exert force on the flexible tab, which bends radially inwards to allow its separation from the additional retaining element provided on the gripping cover.

[0049] For example, the axial retaining element is a radial snap-fit ​​projection extending axially from the outer surface of the outer skirt of the guide slide and the additional retaining element formed on the gripping cover includes at least one housing.

[0050] The corresponding housing can 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 includes at least one radial anti-flexing projection extending radially from an external 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 radial anti-flexing projection prevents the flexible tongue of the guide slide from flexing inwards in the locked position.

[0054] Such a radial anti-flexing projection strengthens the axial retention of the guide slide on the guide sleeve in the locked position. Rotation of the guide sleeve allows for angular displacement of the radial anti-flexing projection relative to the corresponding axial retaining element carried by the guide slide, enabling the flexible tab to flex inwards and thus transition from the locked 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 axis of extension and connected to said annular collar by a shoulder and a fixing tip integral with the upper end of the connecting portion.

[0056] For example, the fixing tip is made of material with the connecting interface or made in two pieces joined together by any means, for example, by gluing, clipping, fitting, welding, etc...

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

[0058] The fastening tip includes, 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 includes, on its inner surface, an annular projection cooperating with a wringing element.

[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 flange of the fixing interface and the annular flange of the fixing tip.

[0062] In the case where the fixing interface and the fixing tip 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 tip.

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

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

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

[0066] Preferably, the application member extends in 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 integral with the upper end of the gripping cover, a rod comprising a first end integral with the mounting part and a second end fixed to an application nozzle.

[0068] Alternatively, any type of fixing of the application element to the hood could be provided, for example by clipping supplemented or not by anti-rotation elements.

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

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

[0071] The rod and the mounting part can be made in one piece, for example by injection molding of a plastic material, onto which the application element is then attached. The rod could 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 part 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 hood is spaced by a first radial clearance from the inner surface of the covering sleeve and in the use position the outer surface of the gripping hood is spaced by a second radial clearance from the inner surface of the covering sleeve, the second radial clearance being greater than the first radial clearance.

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

[0075] The flared shape allows the user to more easily grasp the gripping cover in the position of use.

[0076] The sealing element 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 dressing sleeve.

[0078] In the storage position, particularly but not exclusively in the case of a tight fit 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 cover 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 operating position, the second radial clearance between the outer surface of the gripping cover and the inner surface of the covering sleeve is progressively increasing.

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

[0082] The present invention will be better understood upon study of the detailed description of embodiments, taken by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0083] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a set of conditioning and application of a product according to the invention;

[0084] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of the entire conditioning and application assembly of [Fig.1];

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

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

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

[0088] [Fig.5] is a partial perspective view of part of the conditioning and application assembly of [Fig.2], in which the dressing sleeve has been cut to see the inside;

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

[0090] [Fig.6] is a detailed view of the entire [Fig.3], in a storage position, in which the sealing element is retracted into the dressing sleeve;

[0091] [Fig.7] is a detailed view of the entire [Fig.3], in a working position, in which the sealing element extends axially beyond the upper end of the cover sleeve;

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

[0093] [Fig. 14] is an embodiment variant 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", "Forward", "backward", "left" and "right" are defined according to the orthogonal coordinate system typical of applicators, shown in the drawings, and which includes:

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

[0096] - a horizontal transverse axis Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and oriented of front to back on the [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 Y direction and the term "height" is understood in the vertical Z direction.

[0099] The expressions "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower parts of the figures, in the assembled position of the conditioning and application set 1.

[0100] Figure [Fig. 1] shows a packaging and application set 1 for a product comprising a container 10 or bottle delimiting an internal volume 1a 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 lip gloss or a skincare product.

[0101] The packaging assembly 1 further includes a sealing element 20.

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

[0103] As illustrated, the sealing member 20 comprises a cover 22 and an application member 24 mounted in said cover 22 and fixed in rotation and translation to said cover 22.

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

[0105] The container 10 comprises a main body 11 having a closed lower end 11b forming a bottom and an open upper end 11b, opposite the lower end 11b, forming a neck 12 having an opening 12a.

[0106] The neck 12 is connected to the body 11 by a shoulder 13 so as to be offset radially inwards with respect to said body 11.

[0107] In the illustrated embodiment, the container 10 includes a dressing sleeve 14 extending in line with 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 change in diameter.

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

[0110] Alternatively, it could be provided that the body 11 and the cover sleeve 14 are made in the form of two separate pieces joined together by any means, such as gluing, clipping, welding, etc...

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

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

[0113] In the illustrated example, and in no way limiting, the cover sleeve 14 has a flared shape along the extension axis Z-Z' so as to have a progressively increasing internal diameter.

[0114] Alternatively, the cover sleeve 14 could be provided to have a constant inner 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 dressing sleeve 14.

[0116] The container 10 also includes a connecting interface 16 integral with the body 11, in particular at the neck 12.

[0117] The linking interface 16 is integral with the body 11 of the container 11.

[0118] As illustrated, the connecting interface 16 and the body 11 of the container 11 are made in the form of two separate parts joined together 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 made in the form of a single piece made of material.

[0120] The linking interface 16 here includes 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 includes, on its inner surface, an annular projection 16c cooperating with a wringing member 50 to ensure the fixing of said wringing 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 made in the form of a single piece of material, the connecting interface 16 does not include such an annular mounting portion 16a.

[0123] The connecting interface 16 further includes 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 collar 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 of material, the annular collar 16b could project radially inwards directly from the neck 12.

[0126] The linking interface 16 further includes a cylindrical linking 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 17 a.

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

[0129] The connecting interface 16 terminates with the fixing end 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 tip 18 are, here, made in two pieces joined together by any means, for example, by gluing, clipping, fitting, welding, etc...

[0131] Alternatively, it could be envisaged that the fixing tip would be made of the same material as the connecting interface

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

[0133] The sealing member 20 extends along a general extension axis, shown in a position assumed to be vertical and coinciding with the Z-Z' axis in [Fig. 1]. The sealing member 20 comprises, here, the gripping cover 22 and the application member 24 mounted in said cover 22 and integral with said cover 22.

[0134] The gripping hood 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 no way limiting, the body 22a of the gripping hood 22 has a flared shape along the extension axis so as to have a progressively increasing internal diameter.

[0137] Alternatively, the body 22a of the gripping cover 22 could be provided to have a circular cross-section shape having a constant inner diameter over its entire height, as illustrated in [Fig. 14].

[0138] The flared shape allows the user to have more room to grasp the gripping cover in the operating position.

[0139] In the storage or retracted position, visible in figures 3, 4, 6 and 8, the cover sleeve 14 completely surrounds the gripping cover 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 attached to the upper end of the gripping cover 22, for example by bonding. Alternatively, any type of attachment of the application member 24 to the cover could be provided, for example by clipping, with or without anti-rotation elements.

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

[0143] The application member 24 further comprises a rod 24b having a first end integral with the mounting part 24a and a second end fixed to an application nozzle 25. In the illustrated example, the rod 24b has a circular cross-section substantially along its entire length. Alternatively, other shapes for the cross-section of the stem, for example polygonal such as square, rectangular, or oval, etc...

[0144] The rod 24b and the mounting part 24a can be made in one piece, for example by injection molding of a plastic material, onto which the application member 24 is then attached. It could be provided that the rod is 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 extends projecting along the elevation axis Z-Z' from the mounting part 24a.

[0146] The sealing 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 figures 3, 4, 6 and 8, and a use or deployed position, in which at least a part of the gripping cover 22 protrudes 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 partially housed inside the cover sleeve and comprises an upper end located at a first axial distance D1, visible in [Fig. 6], from the upper end 15 of the cover sleeve 14. In the operating position, at least a portion of the gripping cover 22 protrudes axially from the cover sleeve 14, and its upper end is located at a second axial distance D2, visible in [Fig. 7], from the upper end 15 of the cover sleeve 14, said second axial distance D2 being greater than the first axial distance D1.

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

[0149] Alternatively, the first axial distance could be provided for to be between 1mm and 4mm.

[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 in axial projection relative to the dressing sleeve 14.

[0151] The position of the obturator member 20 is locked by a locking / unlocking mechanism 30 comprising a system known as "push-to lock / push to release" in Anglo-Saxon terms and which allows locking / unlocking with the same axial push 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 fixed in translation to 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 flange 16b of the fixing interface 16 and the annular flange 18b of the fixing end 18.

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

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

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

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

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

[0159] The cylindrical guide sleeve 31 includes, here, two guide grooves 32 cut 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, it could be provided that a single guide groove on the outer surface 31a of the cylindrical guide sleeve 31 or more than two guide grooves, uniformly distributed over the circumference of the outer surface 31a of the guide sleeve 31.

[0162] The guide slide 40 includes an inner skirt 41 mounted partly in the linking interface 17, an outer skirt 42 radially surrounding partly the linking 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 element 35 and a top surface forming an axial support for the gripping cover 22.

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

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

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

[0167] The outer skirt 42 includes, 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 cover 22 in the locked position.

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

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

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

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

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

[0174] In the storage position, the snap tabs 46 are locked between the outer surface of the hood 22 and the inner surface of the trim sleeve 14.

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

[0176] In other words, in the operating position of the sealing member 20, the user's gripping force on the protruding end of said member 20 of the cover sleeve 14 exerts force on the flexible tab 46, which flexes radially inwards to allow its separation from the element of additional retention 23, here the corresponding housing, provided on the gripping cover 22.

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

[0178] Alternatively, any other axial retention device for the gripping hood 22 on the guide slide 40 could be provided.

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

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

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

[0182] Alternatively, the outer skirt 42 could be provided to include only one 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 radial anti-flexing projections 34 extending radially from the outer surface 31a of said sleeve 31 and each intended to be located radially opposite a radial snap-in projection 47 carried by the guide slide 40 in the locked position.

[0185] Each radial anti-flexing projection 34 prevents the corresponding flexible tongue 46 of the guide slide 40 from bending inwards in the locked position.

[0186] Such an anti-flexing 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-flex radial projection 34 relative to the corresponding radial snap-in projection 47 carried by the guide slide 40, allowing the flexible tongue 46 to bend inwards and thus the passage from the locked position to the unlocked position.

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

[0189] Alternatively, it could be provided that the guide sleeve 31 does not include such an anti-flexing radial projection, such for example in the examples illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, in which the guide slide 40 does not include 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 space E.

[0191] Said return member 35 is configured to elastically stress the guide slide 40 towards the upper end 15 of the cover 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 from the user resisting the force of the spring 35, the guide slide 40 moves in the cover 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 visible in Figures 10 and 11, and come to rest in a first stop 32a of the corresponding guide groove 32, as seen in [Fig. 12]. The sealing member 20 then protrudes from the upper end of the cover sleeve 14 and can be grasped by the user.

[0193] In this operating position, the gripping cover 22 can be grasped by the user to break the interaction between the axial retaining elements 23, 47, for example by bending the snap-in 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 forces the slide 40 upwards, which locks the sealing member 20 in the storage position.

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

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

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

[0198] The sealing element of such a product conditioning and application assembly can be stored in a reliable storage position in which the hood cannot be damaged.

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

[0200] The inner skirt 41 of the slide 40 also allows the application member 24 to be guided inside the container 10.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly (1) of packaging and application of a product, in particular a cosmetic, comprising: - a container (10) extending along an axis of extension (Z-Z') and comprising a body (11) delimiting an internal volume (1a) containing said product and a neck (12) connected to said body (11) by a shoulder (13) and provided with an opening (12a), and a lining sleeve (14) extending in the continuation of the body (11) at the junction with the shoulder (13), and - a sealing member (20) configured to seal 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 sealing member (20) being slidably mounted in the container (10) between a storage position, in which the gripping cap (22) is at least partially housed inside the cladding sleeve (14) and comprises an upper end located at a first axial distance from an upper end of the cladding sleeve, and a use position, in which at least a portion of the gripping cap (22) protrudes axially from the cladding sleeve (14) and whose upper end is located at a second axial distance from the upper end of the cladding sleeve, said second axial distance being greater than the first axial distance, characterized in that: - the container (10) further comprises a connecting interface (16) integral with the body (11), in that - the assembly (1) includes a locking / unlocking mechanism (30) for the sealing member (20) with the container (10) comprising: - a cylindrical guide sleeve (31) fixed in translation to 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 exhibiting relative mobility in rotation with the cylindrical guide sleeve (31), - an axial retention device (23, 47) for the gripping cover (22) relative to the guide slide (40), and - a return mechanism (35) mounted between the container (10) and the slide of guidance (40), said locking / unlocking mechanism (30) being movable between a locked position in which the sealing member (20) is in the storage position and the axial retaining device (23, 47) is active and an unlocked position, in which the sealing member (20) is in the use position in which said sealing 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 displacement of the sealing 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 hood (22) and the guide slide (40).

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

4. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical guide sleeve (31) comprises at least one guide groove (32) cut 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 slide (40) comprises at least one inner skirt (41) mounted partly in the connecting interface (16) and an outer skirt (42) radially surrounding partly 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 additional retaining element (23) formed on the gripping hood (22) in the storage position.

6. Assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the guide slide (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. 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 additional 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 radial anti-flexing 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, wherein 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 (11) 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 tip (18) integral with the upper end of the connecting portion (17).

11. Assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein the fixing tip (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, wherein the cylindrical guide sleeve (31) is mounted axially between the annular flange (16b) of the fixing interface (16) and the annular flange (18b) of the fixing tip (18).

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

14. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the application member (24) comprises a mounting part (24a) integral with the upper end of the gripping cover (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 part (24a) and configured to cooperate with the guide slide (40) of the locking / unlocking mechanism (30) in the storage position.

16. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, 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, wherein the first radial clearance between the outer surface of the gripping hood (22) and the inner surface of the dressing sleeve (14) is constant.

18. Assembly (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein in the operating position, 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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