Refillable packaging unit for a product, particularly cosmetics.
The rechargeable packaging assembly with a double protrusion system in the inner container enhances axial retention and easy extraction of refills, addressing the inadequacies of existing designs and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LOREAL SA
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing refillable cosmetic product packaging assemblies suffer from inadequate axial retention of the refill within the container, leading to potential unexpected extraction and unsatisfactory holding mechanisms.
A rechargeable packaging assembly with an inner container featuring connecting lugs and flexible tabs that provide axial retention through a double protrusion system, ensuring secure holding and easy extraction by applying an axial force.
The assembly achieves improved axial retention of the refill, allowing for secure attachment and easy replacement, reducing material usage and environmental impact through minimalist design and recyclable materials.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Rechargeable assembly for the packaging of a product, in particular a cosmetic product.
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of product packaging, in particular cosmetics.
[0002] For the purposes of this invention, "cosmetic product" means, in particular, a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.
[0003] More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of rechargeable packaging assemblies for a product, especially cosmetics.
[0004] Even more particularly, the invention relates to a rechargeable product packaging assembly comprising a container containing a product and a covering assembly for said container, in which the container is mounted.
[0005] The container forms a refill suitable for replacement when the product it contains is exhausted.
[0006] The proposal of eco-responsible, environmentally friendly solutions, whose design and development take into account environmental issues, is becoming a major concern in order to contribute to meeting planetary challenges.
[0007] It is therefore essential to design products that reduce the amount of materials used and / or replace them with more environmentally friendly materials and / or use recyclable materials in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the product.
[0008] In this context, it is important to develop packaging that generates less waste, in particular optimized for the quantity of products transported, notably by redesigning and / or resizing them in order to reduce the volume and weight of the amount of packaging.
[0009] The objective is to offer eco-responsible reusable containers, in particular refillable at home or in stores, in order to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging devices.
[0010] The present invention is part of this approach to developing refillable packaging for the field of cosmetic products, and in particular skincare or makeup products, or even a pressurized product such as a cream or a hair spray product.
[0011] Typically, whether in the field of cosmetic product packaging or other products, refill containers are presented in the form of minimalist assemblies, adapted to be associated with packaging elements to form a ready-to-use packaging assembly offering the user optimal performance, particularly in terms of aesthetics and ergonomics of use.
[0012] Reference may be made to document FR 3 056 087 - A1, which describes a ceramic pot comprising a base and a threaded ring integral with the base by means of lugs and snap-on tabs provided on said ring and extending radially outwards. The threaded ring comprises an external thread cooperating by screwing with an internal thread of a lid. A refillable container is mounted in the threaded ring and held axially within said ring by an internal radial projection cooperating with a notch provided on the outer surface of the threaded ring. A cover is fitted over the lid.
[0013] Although offering a refillable solution for refillable cosmetic product packaging assemblies, the threaded ring design according to this document does not give complete satisfaction in terms of axial holding of the refillable container in the threaded ring.
[0014] Reference may also be made to document CN 2162205949-U, which describes an outer container and an inner container joined to the outer container by external radial ribs cooperating with a corresponding notch on the inner surface of the outer container. A lid is screwed onto an external thread provided on the inner container. A refill is mounted in the inner container and held axially within it by two lugs extending radially outwards from the outer surface of the refill and cooperating with a corresponding notch on the inner container. The axial retention between the refill and the inner container is achieved at the same height as the threaded portion of the inner container.
[0015] Furthermore, the axial retention of the refill in the inner container is also not satisfactory.
[0016] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the above disadvantages and to improve the refillable product packaging assemblies comprising a refill forming device and a casing assembly in order to improve the axial retention of said refill forming device relative to the casing assembly in a product use position and to facilitate the extraction of the refill forming device from the casing assembly in the event of replacement of said refill forming device.
[0017] Another objective of the invention is to avoid any unexpected extraction of the device forming the refill.
[0018] The invention relates to a rechargeable packaging assembly for a product, particularly a cosmetic product, extending axially along an axis of elevation and comprising at least: - a device forming a refill or refill delimiting an internal volume intended to receive the product, and - a casing assembly comprising an inner container delimiting a first internal space for receiving the refilling device and an outer container delimiting a second internal space for receiving the inner container.
[0019] The inner container is fixed, preferably only, in translation along the axis of elevation of the outer container.
[0020] The outer container includes a shoulder.
[0021] The inner container comprises a peripheral wall discontinuous in the circumferential direction, extending along the axis of extension and having a closed lower end forming a bottom and an open upper end, opposite the lower end, having an opening allowing access to a first internal space for receiving the device forming a recharge.
[0022] Said peripheral wall comprises: - at least two connecting lugs extending axially between an upper end, in particular an annular axial support collar, and the bottom of the inner container and spaced, preferably regularly, circumferentially from each other, each connecting lug includes a lower internal notch projecting radially from an inner surface of the corresponding connecting lug inwards, said lower internal notch of each connecting lug is intended to cooperate with an external annular retaining bead provided at a lower end of the refill-forming device;and - at least two flexible tabs extending axially downwards from the upper end of the inner container, in particular the annular axial support collar, and spaced, preferably regularly, circumferentially from each other, each flexible tab comprising an external axial retaining projection projecting radially from an external surface of the corresponding flexible tab outwards and intended to bear axially under the shoulder of the outer container in an assembled position. ;
[0023] Each flexible leg further includes at least one upper internal projection extending radially from an internal surface of the corresponding flexible leg inwards and intended to cooperate with an external cylindrical surface of the container forming the refill.
[0024] The lower internal notches of the connecting legs not only allow the refill-forming device to be axially retained in the inner container, but also generate an audible noise, such as a click, when the external annular retaining bead of the refill-forming device passes through said notches.
[0025] By "flexible" or "elastically deformable" is meant any component capable of deforming under the action of an applied stress, for example a radial support exerted by the device forming the refill on the inner container, resulting from an extraction effort applied to the device forming the refill and tending to extract it from the casing assembly, and to resume its initial shape after the cessation of said stress.
[0026] The flexibility of the flexible legs allows the external axial retaining protrusions of the inner container to snap into place under said shoulder when the inner container is inserted into the outer container.
[0027] In other words, the axial retention of the device forming the refill on the outer container is ensured via the inner container.
[0028] The external / internal double protrusion system provided by the external projection and the internal projection(s) allows, when the refill-forming device is in place, for the external projection to be pushed radially even further into the external container for better retention of the refill-forming device.
[0029] The extraction of the device forming the refill of the housing assembly is carried out solely by means of an axial extraction force applied to said device forming the refill, causing first the lower notches to be crossed by the annular bead, then the radial separation of each flexible tab provided with an internal snap-in element, here the upper internal protrusions for crossing said annular bead.
[0030] By "product" we mean a fluid or semi-fluid, or gaseous product such as, for example, a user's skin care product or a hair care product.
[0031] Such a refill-forming device is intended to be associated with the casing assembly to form the refillable cosmetic product packaging assembly and to be able to be replaced at the end of its life by a new refill-forming device.
[0032] Advantageously, each flexible leg is movable between an initial position and a position under stress in which the refill-forming device is mounted in the inner container and configured to press radially on said flexible leg to deform it elastically and block the external protrusion under the shoulder of the outer container.
[0033] Thus, in the assembled position, the axial holding of the device forming the refill is achieved by snapping the inner container onto the outer container.
[0034] According to one embodiment, each flexible leg comprises at least two upper internal projections extending radially from the internal surface of the corresponding flexible leg inwards and circumferentially spaced from each other by a circumferential gap, the external projection of a flexible leg being located in said circumferential gap between the two upper internal projections.
[0035] Preferably, the external projection and the upper internal projection(s) of a flexible leg are arranged in the same plane.
[0036] In other words, the external projection and the upper internal projection(s) extend axially upwards from the lower end of a flexible leg.
[0037] For example, the external projection and the upper internal projection(s) have a V-shaped cross-section comprising two slopes extending in two inclined directions. Alternatively, any other shape could be provided for the external projection and the upper internal projection(s), for example, a semi-circular shape.
[0038] According to one embodiment, the peripheral wall of the inner container comprises at least two groups, for example at least three groups, of at least one connecting tab, the two groups being spaced apart by a second circumferential gap, each flexible tab extending in the second circumferential gap between two adjacent groups of connecting tabs.
[0039] According to one embodiment, each group of connecting lugs of the inner container comprises at least two connecting lugs, for example at least three connecting lugs, spaced apart from each other by a first circumferential set, said first circumferential set being less than the second circumferential set.
[0040] In general, the number of flexible legs is equal to the number of connecting leg groups.
[0041] Advantageously, each flexible leg of the inner container is spaced from a connecting leg of an adjacent group of connecting legs by a circumferential gap, for example the first circumferential gap.
[0042] For example the second circumferential clearance is between the angular range of a flexible leg and the angular range of a flexible leg plus the first two circumferential clearances.
[0043] In the case where the peripheral wall of the inner container includes three flexible legs, the flexible legs are, for example, arranged at 120° to each other.
[0044] Advantageously, in the assembled position, the lower internal notch of the inner container is located at a non-zero axial distance from the external annular retaining bead at the lower end of the refill-forming device.
[0045] Such an axial distance between the notches and the annular bead allows for additional axial retention of the refill-forming device in the inner container when the refill-forming device is in the extraction position.
[0046] For example, the lower end of the refilling device further comprises an external cylindrical skirt integral with the base and radially surrounding said base. The external cylindrical skirt preferably comprises a lower end provided with the external annular retaining bead projecting radially outwards from the lower end of the external cylindrical skirt.
[0047] The external annular retaining bead is preferably continuous.
[0048] For example, the refilling device comprises a main body extending along the extension axis and having a closed lower end forming a bottom and an open upper end, opposite the lower end, forming a neck having an opening allowing access to the internal volume receiving the product, the neck being connected to the body of the refilling device by a shoulder so as to be offset radially inwards relative to said body.
[0049] By "shoulder" we mean any surface substantially normal to the elevation axis of a cylindrical part, here the elevation axis of the charge, resulting from a sudden variation in diameter.
[0050] Advantageously, the neck of the refilling device includes an interface, for example an annular rim, for connection with an element of a sealing assembly, for example a distribution element.
[0051] The annular rim is, for example, intended to cooperate with a fixing cup of a distribution element.
[0052] For example, the body of the container forming the refill has a general circular section, the neck of said container also has a circular section.
[0053] Preferably, the outer surface of the body of the container forming the refill is smooth, that is to say, without any protrusion or boss.
[0054] Preferably, there is no axial contact between the bottom of the inner container and the outer container.
[0055] For example, the outer container comprises a main body extending along the axis of extension and having a closed lower end forming a bottom and an open upper end, opposite the lower end, forming a neck having an opening allowing access to the second internal receiving space of the inner container, the neck being connected to the body of the outer container by the shoulder so as to be offset radially inwards with respect to said body.
[0056] According to one embodiment, the neck of the outer container includes an external surface comprising an external thread intended to cooperate with an internal thread or tapping of a sealing member of a sealing assembly.
[0057] Generally, the neck of the device forming the refill may or may not include an interface, here the external thread for the removable attachment of an element of the sealing assembly, here the sealing element.
[0058] Alternatively, the sealing element could be fixed by clipping onto the neck of the outer container.
[0059] For example, the body of the outer container has a general barrel shape, that is to say, a surface of revolution generated by a portion of a curve and terminated by two parallel planes equidistant from the equator. Alternatively, a cylindrical shape could be used for the body of the outer container.
[0060] For example, the neck of said outer container has a generally circular cross-section.
[0061] According to one embodiment, the inner container further comprises an annular axial support collar extending radially outwards from the upper end and intended to bear axially on the upper end of the neck of the outer container.
[0062] According to one embodiment, the refillable assembly comprises a sealing assembly comprising a sealing element mounted removably, for example by screwing, on the outer container and a distribution element integral with the sealing element and mounted on the container forming the refill.
[0063] Any distribution component mounted on the charging device could be provided.
[0064] For example, the sealing assembly further includes a protective cover for the sealing element.
[0065] For example, the outer container can be made of ceramic, for example glass, or plastic, the inner container can be made of plastic, in particular thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PET), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or even recycled plastic, known by the abbreviation PCR or Post Consumer Recycling in Anglo-Saxon terms.
[0066] For example, the refill-forming device can also be made of plastic material, in particular thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PET), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or even of a recycled “PCR” plastic material.
[0067] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0068] [Fig.1] represents a perspective view of a rechargeable packaging assembly for a product according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0069] [Fig.2] is an axial cross-sectional view of the rechargeable conditioning unit of [Fig.1] in an assembled position;
[0070] [Fig.3] is an axial cross-sectional view of the rechargeable conditioning assembly of the [Fig.l] in an extraction position of the refill-forming device;
[0071] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of an inner container of the refillable packaging assembly of the [Fig.1];
[0072] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the inner container of [Fig. 4]; and
[0073] [Fig.6A] and [Fig.6B] are schematic views of a flexible leg of the inner container respectively in initial position and in position under constraint by the device forming the refill.
[0074] In the following description, we consider an orthonormal basis X, Y, Z, with Z corresponding to an axis of elevation or extension representing the vertical direction in which we find:
[0075] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal and extending from left to right on the [Fig.2];
[0076] - a horizontal transverse axis Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and extending from front to back on the [Fig.2]; and
[0077] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and transverse axis Y and extending from bottom to top on the [Fig.2].
[0078] The expressions "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower parts of the figures.
[0079] The terms "inside" or "internal" and "outside" or "external" refer to the inside of the refillable product packaging assembly, the internal or inner parts being closer to the Z-Z' elevation axis than the external or outer parts.
[0080] As illustrated in the figures, a rechargeable packaging assembly 1 for a product extends axially along an elevation axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical in figures 1 to 3.
[0081] The rechargeable packaging assembly 1 of a product includes a refill-forming device 10 or refill, a covering assembly 100 delimiting an internal space El for receiving the refill-forming device 10 and a sealing assembly 20 of said covering assembly 100.
[0082] The refilling device 10 is in the form of a bottle or reservoir delimiting an internal volume V intended to contain a product P, in particular a cosmetic product.
[0083] By "product" is meant a fluid or semi-fluid, or gaseous product such as, for example, a user's skin care product or a hair care product.
[0084] Such a refillable device 10 is intended to be associated with the casing assembly 100 to form the refillable product packaging assembly 1 cosmetic and able to be replaced at the end of its life by a new refillable device.
[0085] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the refilling device 10 comprises a main body 11 extending along the extension axis Z-Z' and having a closed lower end forming a bottom 12 and an open upper end 13, opposite the lower end 12, forming a neck 14 having an opening O allowing access to the internal volume V for receiving the product.
[0086] The neck 14 is connected to the body 11 of the device forming the refill 10 by a shoulder 15 so as to be offset radially inwards with respect to said body 11.
[0087] By "shoulder" we mean any surface substantially normal to the elevation axis of a cylindrical part, here the elevation axis Z-Z' of the charge 10, resulting from a sudden variation in diameter.
[0088] As illustrated, the neck 14 of the device forming the refill 10 includes an annular rim 16 intended to cooperate with a fixing cup 43 of a distribution member 40.
[0089] Generally, the neck 14 of the device forming the refill 10 may or may not include an interface, here the annular rim 16, for connection with an element of the sealing assembly 20, here the distribution member 40.
[0090] As illustrated, the body 11 of the container forming the refill 10 has a general circular section, the neck 14 of said container 10 also has a circular section.
[0091] As illustrated, the outer surface 1 of the body 11 of the container forming the refill 10 is here smooth, that is to say, without any protrusion or boss.
[0092] The lower end 12 of the refilling device 10 includes the bottom 12a having a particular shape in cross-section.
[0093] Alternatively, a substantially flat bottom 12a could be provided.
[0094] The lower end 12 further comprises an external cylindrical skirt 12b integral with the bottom 12a and radially surrounding said bottom 12a. The external cylindrical skirt 12b comprises a lower end provided with an external annular retaining bead 12c projecting radially from the lower end of the external cylindrical skirt 12b outwards.
[0095] The external annular retaining bead 12c is continuous here.
[0096] As illustrated and in no way limiting, the lower end further comprises an internal annular bead 12d projecting radially from the lower end of the external cylindrical skirt 12b inwards.
[0097] The casing assembly 100 comprises an outer container 110 and an inner container 120 mounted in said outer container 110.
[0098] The outer container 110 delimits an internal space E2 for receiving the inner container 120.
[0099] The outer container 110 comprises a main body 111 extending along the extension axis Z-Z' and having a closed lower end forming a bottom 112 and an open upper end 113, opposite the lower end 112, forming a neck 114 having an opening 02 allowing access to the internal space E2 for receiving the inner container 120.
[0100] The neck 114 is connected to the body 111 of the outer container 110 by a shoulder 115 so as to be offset radially inwards with respect to said body 111.
[0101] As illustrated, the external surface 114a of the neck 114 of the outer container 110 includes an external thread 116 intended to cooperate with an internal thread or tapping 32 of a sealing member 30 of the sealing assembly 20.
[0102] Generally, the neck 14 of the refilling device 10 may or may not include an interface, here the external thread 116 for the removable attachment of an element of the sealing assembly 20, here the sealing member 30. Alternatively, the sealing member 30 could be attached by clipping onto the neck 114 of the outer container 110.
[0103] As illustrated, the body 111 of the outer container 110 has a general barrel shape, that is, a surface of revolution generated by a portion of a curve and terminated by two parallel planes equidistant from the equator. Alternatively, a cylindrical shape could be provided for the body 111 of the outer container 110.
[0104] The neck 114 of said outer container 110 has a generally circular cross-section.
[0105] The inner container 120 delimits the internal space El for receiving the refilling device 10.
[0106] The inner container 120 comprises a peripheral wall 121 extending along the extension axis Z-Z' and having a closed lower end forming a bottom 122 and an open upper end 123, opposite the lower end 122, having an opening 01 allowing access to the internal space El for receiving the device forming a refill 10.
[0107] The inner container 120 further includes an annular axial support collar 124 extending from the upper end 123 radially outwards and intended to bear axially on the upper end 113 of the neck 114 of the outer container 110.
[0108] The peripheral wall 121 of the inner container 120 is discontinuous in the circumferential direction and includes a plurality of connecting lugs 125 extending axially between the annular axial support collar 124 and the bottom 122.
[0109] The connecting lugs 125 are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction.
[0110] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 4], the peripheral wall 121 of the inner container 120 comprises three groups 125a, 125b, 125c of three connecting tabs 125, the connecting tabs 125 of each group 125a, 125b, 125c being spaced from each other by a first circumferential gap J1 and two adjacent groups being spaced from each other by a second circumferential gap J2. The first circumferential gap J1 is smaller than the second circumferential gap J2.
[0111] Alternatively, the peripheral wall 121 of the inner container 120 could be provided to include at least two connecting tabs 125, preferably regularly spaced from each other.
[0112] Alternatively, it could be provided that the peripheral wall 121 of the inner container 120 comprises at least two groups of at least one connecting tab 125.
[0113] Each connecting leg 125 includes a lower internal notch 126 projecting radially from the inner surface 126a of the corresponding connecting leg 125 inwards.
[0114] The lower internal notch 126 of each connecting leg 125 is intended to cooperate with the external annular retaining bead 12c at the lower end 12 of the reload forming device 10.
[0115] In the assembled position, visible in [Fig.2], the lower internal notch 126 of the inner container 120 is located at an axial distance DI from the external annular retaining bead 12c at the lower end 12 of the refill-forming device 10.
[0116] The lower internal notches 126 not only allow the refill-forming device 10 to be axially retained in the inner container 10, but also generate an audible noise, such as a click, when the external annular retaining bead 12c of the refill-forming device 10 passes through said notches 126.
[0117] Such an axial distance DI between the notches 126 and the annular bead 12c allows for additional axial retention of the refill-forming device 10 in the inner container 120 when the refill-forming device 10 is in the extraction position as seen in [Fig.3].
[0118] The peripheral wall 121 of the inner container 120 further comprises a plurality of flexible tabs 127 extending axially downwards from the annular axial support collar 124.
[0119] The flexible legs 127 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.
[0120] In the example illustrated in [Fig.4], the peripheral wall 121 of the inner container 120 comprises three flexible tabs 127, each flexible tab 127 extending in the second circumferential set J2 between two groups of adjacent connecting tabs 125.
[0121] Each flexible leg 127 is spaced from a connecting leg 125 of an adjacent connecting leg group by a circumferential gap, for example the first circumferential gap JL
[0122] For example, the second circumferential clearance J2 is between the angular range of a flexible leg 127 and the angular range of a flexible leg 127 plus two first circumferential clearances J1.
[0123] The flexible legs 127 are here arranged at 120° to each other.
[0124] Alternatively, the peripheral wall could be provided for to comprise at least two flexible legs 127.
[0125] Generally, the peripheral wall 121 of the inner container 120 includes at least two connecting tabs 125 and two flexible tabs 127 extending between the two connecting tabs 125.
[0126] By "flexible" or "elastically deformable", we mean any component capable of deforming under the action of an exerted stress, for example a radial support exerted by the device forming the refill 10 on the inner container 120, resulting from an extraction force applied on the device forming the refill 10 and tending to extract it from the housing assembly 100, and of returning to its initial shape after the cessation of said stress.
[0127] Each flexible leg 127 includes an external axial retaining projection 128 projecting radially from the external surface 127a of the corresponding flexible leg 127 outwards.
[0128] The external axial retaining projections 128 are intended to bear axially under the shoulder 115 of the outer container 110 in the assembled position.
[0129] The flexibility of the flexible legs 127 allows the external axial retention protrusions 128 of the inner container 110 to snap into place under said shoulder 115 when the inner container 120 is inserted into the outer container 110.
[0130] Each flexible leg 127 further includes two upper internal projections 129a, 129b extending radially from the internal surface 127b of the corresponding flexible leg 127 inwards.
[0131] The upper internal projections 129a, 129b of a flexible leg 127 are circumferentially spaced from each other by a third circumferential set J3.
[0132] The external projection 128 of a flexible leg 127 is located in the third circumferential set J3 between the two upper internal projections 129a, 129b.
[0133] The external projection 128 and the two upper internal projections 129a, 129b are arranged in the same plane.
[0134] In other words, the external projection 128 and the two upper internal projections 129a, 129b extend axially from the lower end of a flexible leg 127 upwards.
[0135] The external projection 128 and the two upper internal projections 129a, 129b here have a V-shaped cross-section comprising two slopes extending in two inclined directions. Alternatively, any other shape could be provided for the external projection 128 and the two upper internal projections 129a, 129b, for example, a semi-circular shape.
[0136] As illustrated in Figures 6A and 6 schematically representing a flexible leg 127 of the inner container 120 respectively in initial position, in which the refill forming device 10 is not inserted into the inner container 120 and in constrained position in which the refill forming device 10 is inserted into the inner container 120.
[0137] In the position under stress, the flexible leg 127 is deformed by the radial support of the refilling device 10 against the inner container 120, which blocks the external projection 128 under the shoulder 115 of the outer container 110.
[0138] Thus, in the assembled position, the axial holding of the device forming the refill 10 is achieved by snapping the inner container 110 onto the outer container 120.
[0139] In other words, the axial retention of the refilling device 10 on the outer container 110 is ensured via the inner container 120.
[0140] The external / internal double protrusion system provided by the external projection 128 and the internal projections 129a, 129b allows, when the refill forming device 10 is in place, to push the external projection 128 radially even further into the external container 110 for better retention of the refill forming device 10.
[0141] The refill-forming device 10 can be detached from the housing assembly 100, and in particular from the inner container 120, by a simple upward axial force F on the refill-forming device 10, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. During the upward axial force F, the refill-forming device 10 slides within the inner container 120 until the annular retaining bead 12c of the refill-forming device 10 comes into axial contact under the lower internal notches 126 of the inner container 120.
[0142] The user exerts an additional upward axial force to overcome the lower internal notches 126 of the inner container 120. This overcoming generates an audible noise, such as a click, which indicates to the user the successful extraction of the refill-forming device 10.
[0143] The user then exerts an additional upward axial force so that the annular retaining bead 12c of the refill-forming device 10 passes over the upper internal protrusions 129a, 129b of the flexible tabs 127 of the inner container 120. This passing generates the bending of each flexible tab 127 in the radial direction outwards and allows the manual extraction of the refill-forming device 10 from the housing assembly 100.
[0144] In other words, the extraction is achieved solely by means of an axial extraction force applied to said device forming a refill 10, causing the separation radial of each flexible leg 127 provided with an internal snap-in element, here the upper internal projections 129a, 129b.
[0145] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the bottom 122 of the inner container 120 includes axial stiffening ribs 130 and added parts 131. Alternatively, it could be provided that the bottom 122 of the inner container 120 does not include such axial stiffening ribs 130 and added parts 131.
[0146] The sealing assembly 20 comprises, in no way limitingly, a sealing element 30 mounted by screwing onto the outer container 110, a distribution element 40 integral with the sealing element 30 and mounted on the container forming the refill 10 and a cover 50 for protecting the sealing element 30.
[0147] The sealing member 30 includes a fixing base 31 on the outer container 110 provided with an internal thread 32 intended to cooperate with the external thread 116 provided on said outer container 110.
[0148] In general, the sealing member 30 has means for securing 32 in translation along the elevation axis Z-Z' on the outer container 10, adapted to cooperate with complementary means provided on the outer container 10 to ensure the securing in translation of the sealing member 30 and the outer container 10.
[0149] The inner container 120 is here devoid of connection means, such as a thread, for translational attachment with the sealing member 30, so that the external projection 128 and the upper internal projections 129a, 129b of each flexible leg 127 of the inner container 110 are located at a non-zero axial distance from the threaded connection between the sealing member 30 and the outer container 110.
[0150] The inner container 120 is also free to rotate relative to the outer container 110. In other words, there are no anti-rotation means between the inner container 120 and the outer container 110.
[0151] In the illustrated example, and in no way limiting, the distribution member 40 includes a valve 41 for distributing the product P contained in the device forming the refill 10.
[0152] The distribution valve 41 extends partly inside the refilling device 10.
[0153] The dispensing valve 41 includes a valve body 42 integral with a fixing cup 43 on the neck 14 of the refill container 10, in particular on the annular rim 16.
[0154] The distribution valve 41 further includes a valve stem 44 that is axially movable relative to the valve body 43. The valve stem 44 extends axially out of the valve body 43. The valve body 43 defines a chamber (not referenced) in which the valve stem 44 is engaged.
[0155] The valve stem 44, with axis Z-Z', is able to move within the chamber of the valve body 43 between a closed valve position and an open position. The distribution member 40 further includes a sealing device 45 interposed between the valve body 43 and the valve stem 44.
[0156] An axial distribution channel 46 is provided in the valve stem 44 and communicates, at its lower end, with a radial channel 47 opening onto the outer surface of said stem. The distribution channel 46 opens onto the upper front face of the valve stem 44.
[0157] The distribution member 40 includes a push button or actuator 48 fixed to the upper end of the valve stem 44 to allow actuation of the valve 40 and distribution of the product contained in the refilling device 10.
[0158] The push button 48 includes a main channel 48a in fluidic communication with the distribution channel 46 of the valve stem 44 and a distribution insert 49 in fluidic communication with the main channel 48a. The distribution insert 49 includes a distribution orifice 49a extending perpendicularly to the elevation axis Z-Z' of the assembly 1.
[0159] The distribution valve 40 is equipped with a spring (not shown) mounted between the valve body 42 and the valve stem 44 to keep said stem in the closed position when the push button is not activated by the user.
[0160] Such a distribution organ 40 is known in itself and will not be described further.
[0161] Alternatively, any distribution component mounted on the device could be provided forming refill 10.
[0162] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the protective cover 50 of the distribution member 40 is intended to be mounted radially around the distribution member 40 and includes a continuous or discontinuous snap-on projection 51 projecting radially from an internal surface of the distribution member 40 inwards and intended to snap onto a snap-on projection 33 projecting radially from an external surface of an axial skirt 34 of the sealing member 30 outwards.
[0163] In all embodiments, the outer container 110 can be made of ceramic, for example glass, or plastic, the inner container 120 can be made of plastic, in particular thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PET), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or even recycled plastic, known by the abbreviation PCR or Post Consumer Recycling in Anglo-Saxon terms.
[0164] The device forming the refill 10 can also be made of plastic material, in particular thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PET), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or even a recycled plastic material "PCR".
[0165] Thanks to the various provisions of the invention, the Applicant Company is able to offer its customers a cosmetic product packaging set 1 comprising a refill-forming device with improved axial retention functionality and a minimalist structure, thus reducing the environmental impact resulting from both the manufacture of this refillable set, through in particular a limitation of the raw materials used, its packaging and its transport, through in particular a limitation of the mass of the refill-forming device, or its end-of-life treatment.
Claims
1. Demands A refillable assembly (1) for packaging a product (P), in particular a cosmetic, extending axially along an elevation axis (Z-Z') and comprising at least: - a refill-forming device (10) delimiting an internal volume (V) intended to receive the product (P), and - a casing assembly (100) comprising an inner container (120) defining a first internal space (E1) for receiving the refill-forming device (10) and an outer container (110) defining a second internal space (E2) for receiving the inner container (120), the inner container (120) being fixed in translation along the elevation axis (Z-Z') to the outer container (110), the outer container (110) comprising a shoulder (115), characterized in that: - the inner container (120) comprises a peripheral wall (121) discontinuous in the circumferential direction, extending along the axis of extension (Z-Z') and having a closed lower end forming a bottom (122) and an open upper end (123), opposite the lower end (122), having an opening (01) allowing access to a first internal space (El) for receiving the device forming the refill (10), said peripheral wall (121) comprising: - at least two connecting lugs (125) extending axially between an upper end (123) and the bottom (122) of the inner container (120) and circumferentially spaced from each other, each connecting lug (125) comprising a lower internal notch (126) projecting radially from an inner surface (126a) of the corresponding connecting lug (125) inwards, said lower internal notch (126) of each connecting lug (125) being intended to cooperate with an external annular retaining bead (12c) provided at a lower end (12) of the refill-forming device (10); and - at least two flexible tabs (127) extending axially downwards from the upper end (123) of the inner container (120), and circumferentially spaced from each other, each flexible tab (127) comprising an external axial retaining projection (128) projecting radially from an external surface (127a) of the corresponding flexible tab (127) outwards and intended to come into axial support under the shoulder (115) of the outer container (110) in an assembled position, each flexible leg (127) further comprising at least one upper internal projection (129a, 129b) extending radially from an internal surface (127b) of the corresponding flexible leg (127) inwards and intended to cooperate with a cylindrical external surface of the container forming the refill (10).
2. Rechargeable assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein each flexible leg (127) is movable between an initial position and a position under stress in which the refill-forming device (10) is mounted in the inner container (120) and configured to press radially on said flexible leg (127) to deform it elastically and block the external protrusion (128) under the shoulder (115) of the outer container (110).
3. Rechargeable assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each flexible leg (127) comprises at least two upper internal projections (129a, 129b) extending radially from the inner surface (127b) of the corresponding flexible leg (127) inwards and circumferentially spaced from each other by a circumferential clearance (J3), the outer projection (128) of a flexible leg (127) being located in said circumferential clearance (J3) between the two upper internal projections (129a, 129b).
4. Rechargeable assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external projection (128) and the upper internal projection(s) (129a, 129b) of a flexible leg (127) are arranged in the same plane.
5. Rechargeable assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral wall (121) of the inner container (120) comprises at least two groups (125a, 125b, 125c) of at least one connecting tab (125), the two groups being spaced apart by a second circumferential gap (J2), each flexible tab (127) extending in the second circumferential gap J2 between two adjacent groups of connecting tabs (125a, 125b, 125c).
6. Rechargeable assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein each group (125a, 125b, 125c) of connecting lugs of the inner container (120) comprises at least two connecting lugs (125) spaced apart from each other by a first circumferential set (J1), said first circumferential set (J1) being less than the second circumferential set (J2).
7. Rechargeable assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein each flexible leg (127) of the inner container (120) is spaced from a connecting leg (125) of an adjacent connecting leg group by a circumferential gap.
8. Rechargeable assembly (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second circumferential set (J2) is between the angular range of a flexible leg (127) and the angular range of a flexible leg (127) plus two first circumferential sets (J1).
9. Rechargeable assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the assembled position, the lower internal notch (126) of the inner container (120) is located at a non-zero axial distance (Dl) from the external annular retaining bead (12c) at the lower end (12) of the refill-forming device (10).
10. A rechargeable assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refill-forming device (10) comprises a main body (11) extending along the extension axis (Z-Z') and having a closed lower end forming a bottom (12) and an open upper end (13), opposite the lower end (12), forming a neck (14) having an opening (O) allowing access to the internal volume (V) for receiving the product, the neck (14) being connected to the body (11) of the refill-forming device (10) by a shoulder (15) so as to be radially offset inwards relative to said body (11).
11. Rechargeable assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the neck (14) of the device forming the refill (10) includes a linking interface with an element of a sealing assembly (20), for example a distribution element (40).
12. A refillable assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer container (110) comprises a main body (111) extending along the extension axis (Z-Z') and having a closed lower end forming a bottom (112) and an open upper end (113), opposite the lower end (112), forming a neck (114) having an opening (02) allowing access to the second internal receiving space (E2) of the inner container (120), the neck (114) being connected to the body (111) of the outer container (110) by the shoulder (115) so as to be radially offset inwards relative to said body (111).
13. Refillable assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein the neck (114) of the outer container (110) comprises an external surface (114a) comprising an external thread (116) intended to cooperate with an internal thread (32) of a sealing member (30) of a sealing assembly (20).
14. Rechargeable assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the inner container (120) further comprises an annular axial support collar (124) extending radially outwards from the upper end (123) and intended to bear axially on the upper end (113) of the neck (114) of the outer container (110).
15. Refillable assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sealing assembly (20) includes a sealing member (30) removably mounted on the outer container (110) and a dispensing member (40) integral with the sealing member (30) and mounted on the container forming the refill (10).