Packaging and distribution system for a product, especially cosmetics.

Abstract

Assembly (1) for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic, extending axially along an axis of elevation (Z-Z') and comprising a container (10) including a neck (14) including an opening (O) and delimiting an internal volume intended to receive the product, a reducer (20) removably fixed to the container (10) and including a dispensing orifice (24) in fluidic communication with the internal volume of the container (10) in an assembled position, and a cap (30) removably fixed to said container (10) and configured to close the dispensing orifice (24) of the reducer (20) in the assembled position.The neck (14) comprises a stepped outer cylindrical surface (14a) including a first outer surface (14c) having an external thread (16) intended to cooperate with an internal thread provided on the hood (30), a second outer surface (14d) having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first outer surface (14c), and a disengagement relief (18) connecting the first outer surface (14c) and the second outer surface (14d) and configured to cooperate with a complementary relief carried by the reducer (20). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Packaging and distribution system for a product, in particular a cosmetic product.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging and distribution of a product, 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 packaging and distribution assemblies for a product, in particular cosmetics, comprising a bottle intended to contain the product and provided with a flow orifice, a reducer mounted on said bottle and comprising a distribution orifice with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the flow orifice and a cover intended to close the distribution orifice of the reducer in a closed position.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] The present invention is part of this approach to developing refillable packaging for the field of cosmetic products, and in particular for care products such as shampoo or washing gel.

[0009] Typically, whether in the field of cosmetic or other product packaging, the reducer is generally clipped onto the container and cannot be detached from it without damaging the container. Indeed, it is possible, using a tool such as a screwdriver, corkscrew, or other object, to extract the reducer from the container, albeit with difficulty. However, such extraction damages the reducer which cannot be repositioned while ensuring a good seal with the container.

[0010] Reference can be made to document JP 2002 - 166958A which proposes a reducer mounted by snapping onto the neck of a container and comprising a system to prevent the reducer from being separated from the container.

[0011] Such a solution does not allow the reducer to be separated from the container without damaging it. Furthermore, the reducer and container described in this document have a plurality of shapes, which complicates the manufacture of these components and increases the amount of material used.

[0012] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the above disadvantages and to improve the product packaging and distribution assemblies comprising a container and a reducer of the diameter of the distribution orifice mounted on the container in order to allow the detachment of said reducer without damaging it.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to simplify the manufacture of the product packaging and distribution assembly.

[0014] The invention relates to a packaging and distribution system for a product, particularly a cosmetic product, extending axially along an axis of elevation and comprising: - a reservoir or container comprising a neck with an opening and defining an internal volume intended to receive the product, - a reducer removably fixed to the container and comprising a distribution orifice in fluidic communication with the internal volume of the container in an assembled position, the distribution orifice having an internal diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the container opening, and - a hood or cover removably fixed to said container and configured to seal the dispensing orifice of the reducer in the assembled position.

[0015] The neck comprises a stepped outer cylindrical surface including: - a first external surface comprising an external thread intended to cooperate with an internal tapping or thread provided on the hood, - a second external surface having an external diameter smaller than the external diameter of the first external surface, and - a disengagement relief linking the first outer surface and the second outer surface and configured to cooperate with a complementary relief carried by the reducer and to move axially along the elevation axis the reducer away from the container during a relative rotation, for example of 90°, between said reducer and the container.

[0016] The complementary relief of the reducer is in conformity of shape with the relief of disengagement carried by the neck of the container.

[0017] In other words, the neck of the container is radially delimited by a stepped outer cylindrical surface and the second outer surface is radially offset inwards relative to the first outer surface.

[0018] The term "product" means a liquid, semi-liquid, or viscous product intended to flow out of a reservoir under the effect of gravity. The product may be, but is not limited to, a cosmetic product, such as a hygiene or skincare product.

[0019] The reducer thus forms a reducing element for the flow diameter of the product contained in the container.

[0020] The removable attachment between the reducer and the container and the cooperation between the disengagement relief on the neck of the container and the complementary relief on the reducer makes it easy to detach the reducer from the container and thus to refill the container when it is empty.

[0021] Advantageously, the disengagement relief provided on the neck of the container is located axially between the external thread provided on the neck of the container, in particular the first outer surface, and an open distal end of the container.

[0022] In other words, the external thread provided on the neck of the container is located axially below the disengagement relief provided on the neck of the container in the direction of the elevation axis.

[0023] The disengagement relief allows the reducer to be disengaged from the container when said reducer is rotated 90° relative to said container.

[0024] Advantageously, the disengagement relief extends over the circumference of the stepped cylindrical outer surface of the container neck, particularly near the distal end of the neck.

[0025] The disengagement relief circumferentially includes, preferably, at least one pair of ramps and at least one rounded junction.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the disengagement relief comprises at least two pairs of ramps connected to each other by a rounded junction.

[0027] Preferably, the two rounded junctions of the disengagement relief are circumferentially offset by 180° from each other and are located at the same height on the neck of the container.

[0028] The term "height" means the direction along the elevation axis of an element of the assembly.

[0029] Alternatively, one could provide for a greater than two number of rounded junctions and pairs of ramps, for example three rounded junctions offset circumferentially at 120° from each other.

[0030] Generally speaking, the number of rounded junctions corresponds to the number of pairs of ramps.

[0031] The disengagement relief is in the form of a recess in the cylindrical outer surface, stepped at the distal end of the neck of the container.

[0032] Advantageously, each pair of ramps of the disengagement relief provided on the neck of the container comprises a first ramp extending circumferentially from the first rounded junction along a slope inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis towards the distal end of the neck and a second ramp extending circumferentially from the first ramp along a slope inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis towards the second rounded junction.

[0033] In other words, the first ramp and the second ramp of the disengagement relief extend along two opposite slopes and whose summit is located at the point of contact between said ramps.

[0034] Advantageously, the reducer includes an inner skirt intended to be inserted into the neck of the container in the assembled position and an outer skirt radially surrounding said inner skirt and intended to radially surround the neck of the container in the assembled position, said outer skirt including a lower end including the complementary relief intended to cooperate with the disengagement relief provided on the stepped outer surface of the neck in the assembled position of the reducer on the container.

[0035] The inner skirt is, for example, attached to the neck of the container by a tight fit.

[0036] For example, the additional relief provided on the reducer extends over the circumference of the lower end of the outer skirt and circumferentially includes at least one pair of ramps and at least one rounded junction, said pair of ramps of the additional relief being intended to cooperate with the pair of ramps of the container disengagement relief in the assembled position.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the complementary relief comprises at least two pairs of ramps connected to each other by a rounded junction, said pairs of ramps of the complementary relief being intended to cooperate with the pairs of ramps of the relief for disengaging the container in the assembled position.

[0038] The two rounded junctions of the complementary relief of the reducer are preferably offset circumferentially by 180° from each other and are located at the same height on the outer skirt.

[0039] Alternatively, one could provide for a number greater than two of rounded junctions and pairs of ramps of the complementary relief, for example three rounded junctions offset circumferentially at 120° from each other.

[0040] In general, the number of rounded junctions corresponds to the number of ramp pairs.

[0041] Advantageously, each pair of ramps of the complementary relief of the reducer comprises a first ramp extending circumferentially from the first rounded junction along a slope inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis towards the upper end of the outer skirt and a second ramp extending circumferentially from the first ramp along a slope inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis towards the second rounded junction.

[0042] In other words, the first ramp and the second ramp of the complementary relief of the reducer extend along two opposite slopes and whose summit is located at the point of contact between said ramps.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the inner skirt of the reducer includes on its outer surface, a snap-on element cooperating with a complementary snap-on element provided on the inner surface of the neck of the container.

[0044] Thus, an improved axial hold of the reducer relative to the container is obtained and any unexpected decoupling is avoided.

[0045] For example, the snap-on element carried by the inner skirt of the reducer is an annular bead extending radially from the outer surface of the inner skirt outwards and the complementary snap-on element carried by the neck of the container is an annular groove.

[0046] Alternatively, a structural inversion could be provided in which the snap-in element carried by the inner skirt of the reducer is an annular groove and in which the complementary snap-in element carried by the neck of the container is an annular bead extending radially from the inner surface of the neck of the container inwards.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the outer skirt of the reducer comprises on its inner surface, at the end of each rounded junction of the complementary relief, at least one non-annular snap-in element cooperating with a corresponding non-annular complementary snap-in element provided on the second outer surface of the neck of the container.

[0048] Thus, an improved axial hold of the reducer relative to the container is obtained and any unexpected decoupling is avoided.

[0049] For example, each additional snap-on element provided on the second outer surface of the container neck is located axially between an annular junction and the distal end of the container and circumferentially between a first ramp of a ramp and a second ramp of an adjacent ramp.

[0050] According to one embodiment, each snap-fit ​​element of the reducer is a radial, non-annular projection extending radially from the inner surface inwards, and each complementary snap-fit ​​element of the container is a non-annular notch extending over a portion of the circumference of the second outer surface of the container neck, circumferentially between two ramps of two pairs of ramps and radially.

[0051] Alternatively, a structural inversion could be provided in which the internal surface of the external skirt of the reducer includes at the end of each rounded junction of the complementary relief, a snap-in element, in the form of a non-annular notch, cooperating with a complementary snap-in element in the form of a non-annular radial projection extending radially from the second external surface of the neck of the container outwards.

[0052] For example, each snap-on projection extends circumferentially over a portion of the circumference of the second outer surface of the container neck, between two ramps of two pairs of ramps

[0053] For example, the reducer includes an upper wall provided with the distribution orifice, the inner skirt and the outer skirt each extending from said upper wall.

[0054] For example, the outer skirt is delimited radially by an inner surface and an outer surface and axially by the open lower end and an upper end connected to the upper wall.

[0055] For example, the distribution orifice opens onto a boss which extends axially outwards from the upper wall.

[0056] Alternatively, the distribution orifice could be provided to open onto a flat or substantially flat upper wall.

[0057] In the assembled position, the upper wall is in axial contact with the upper end of the container.

[0058] For example, the outer skirt has a smaller axial dimension than the inner skirt.

[0059] Preferably, the inner skirt includes a sealing portion comprising an external surface in radial contact with an internal surface of the neck of the container in the assembled position.

[0060] For example, and in no way limiting the application, the inner skirt includes an insertion portion extending axially from the sealing portion on the side opposite the upper wall and having an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the sealing portion in order to facilitate the insertion of the reducer into the opening of the container. Alternatively, the inner skirt could include only the sealing portion.

[0061] For example, which outer skirt comprises an outer surface comprising a plurality of reliefs, for example axial ribs, circumferentially distributed around the perimeter of said outer surface.

[0062] Such reliefs allow the user to easily grip the reducer in view of its positioning in the container and of its unscrewing relative to the container.

[0063] For example, the container comprises a main body extending axially along the axis of elevation between a closed lower end forming a bottom and an open distal upper end, opposite the lower end, forming the neck having the opening allowing access to the internal volume receiving the product, said neck, in particular the first external surface, being connected to the body of the container by means of an annular collar, said neck being connected to said annular collar by a shoulder.

[0064] By "shoulder" is meant any surface substantially normal to the elevation axis of a cylindrical part, here the elevation axis of the container, resulting from a sudden variation in diameter.

[0065] For example, the annular collar is connected to the body by a first junction so as to be offset radially inwards with respect to said body and the neck is connected to the annular collar by a second junction, such as the shoulder, so as to be offset radially inwards with respect to said collar.

[0066] Alternatively, it could be provided that the neck, in particular the first outer surface, is directly connected to the body of the container by a shoulder, without an intermediate annular collar.

[0067] By “junction”, we mean a portion of connection between two parts.

[0068] The first junction has, for example, an inclined slope. Alternatively, the first junction could be a shoulder.

[0069] For example, the external thread carried by the neck of the container, in particular by the first external surface, comprises a single thread including a distal end and a proximal end and the neck of the container includes on its first external surface at least one stop for screwing the cap onto the container.

[0070] The distal end is the end of the external thread closest to the distal end of the neck and the proximal end is the end of the external thread closest to the second shoulder between the neck and the annular collar.

[0071] The net forms a helix around the elevation axis on the first outer surface of the neck between the distal end of the neck and a proximal end of the neck connected to the second shoulder.

[0072] The external thread has a screwing direction going from the distal end to the proximal end of the neck.

[0073] Alternatively, the neck of the container includes at least one screw end stop extending radially from the outer surface of the neck outwards.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the screw-end stop comprises a first projecting element extending axially from the shoulder between the neck, in particular the first outer surface, and the annular collar towards the distal end of the neck and a second protruding element extending axially from the proximal end of the external thread to the first protruding element.

[0075] For example, the first protruding element includes a stop surface, for example vertical, and forms a stop or screw end notch for the hood.

[0076] For example, the second protruding element is in the form of an axial rib extending axially along the elevation axis from the first protruding element to the proximal end of the external thread. The axial ribs form a circumferential stop for each proximal end of the threads of the cap tapping.

[0077] For example, the body of the container has a non-circular cross-section and the neck of the container has a circular cross-section.

[0078] Alternatively, the body of the container could have a circular cross-section or any other shape.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the hood comprises an outer wall delimited by an end and a radial upper wall and an inner wall stepped in conformity of shape with the neck of the container delimited by an end wall provided with a sealing lip intended to come into contact with the radial upper wall of the reducer in the assembled position.The said stepped inner wall comprises a first cylindrical skirt radially surrounding the first junction connecting the neck to the body of the container, a second cylindrical skirt radially surrounding the first outer surface of the container neck and comprising on its inner surface the first internal thread cooperating with the first external thread carried by said neck, a third cylindrical skirt radially surrounding the second outer surface of the container neck and the reducer in the assembled position, the third cylindrical skirt having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical skirt of the inner wall of the hood.

[0080] Thus, we obtain a conditioning and distribution system that is particularly axially compact.

[0081] For example, the outer wall of the hood has a non-circular cross-section and the inner wall of the hood has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the outer wall of the hood could have a circular cross-section or any other shape.

[0082] Alternatively, the hood could have a completely different shape and comprise a cylindrical wall delimited by an open end and a radial upper wall intended to come into axial contact, directly or via the boss, with the radial upper wall of the reducer in the assembled position, the cylindrical wall comprising on its inner surface the first internal thread cooperating with the first external thread carried by the neck of the container. The cylindrical wall of the hood radially surrounds the entire reducer in the assembled position. Thus, a set of conditions is obtained. function and distribution particularly axially compact.

[0083] Alternatively, the hood could be made in two pieces that are fixed together and rotate with each other.

[0084] The hood can be made in one piece or in several pieces joined together.

[0085] For example, the container and the cap can be made of any plastic material using techniques such as stretch injection blow molding (ISBM), injection blow molding (IBM), extrusion molding (EBM), injection molding (IM), in particular of thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or even of a recycled plastic material, known by the abbreviation PCR or Post Consumer Recycling in Anglo-Saxon terms.

[0086] The reducer is preferably made in one piece, for example by injection molding of a plastic material, for example a thermoplastic polymer, such as, for example, a polyolefin material of the polyethylene and / or polypropylene (PE / PP) type or even in a recycled plastic material "PCR" or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0087] 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:

[0088] [Fig.1] represents an exploded perspective view of a product packaging and distribution system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0089] [Fig.2] is a front view of the conditioning and distribution assembly of the [Fig.1] in an assembled position, with the hood offset axially relative to the container;

[0090] [Fig.2A] is a top view of the container of the whole of [Fig.l];

[0091] [Fig.3A] and [Fig.3B] are partial cross-sectional views of the conditioning and distribution assembly of [Fig.2] according to two perpendicular axial sections, with the hood offset axially relative to the container;

[0092] [Fig.4] is a partial perspective view of the entire conditioning and distribution assembly of the [Fig.l], without a hood;

[0093] [Fig.5] and [Fig.6] are perspective views of the reducer alone of the conditioning assembly and distribution of [Fig.l];

[0094] [Fig.7] and [Fig.8] illustrate the steps of detaching the reducer from the container of the device in [Fig.1];

[0095] [Fig.9] is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the conditioning and distribution assembly according to another embodiment;

[0096] [Fig.1OA] is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the conditioning and distribution assembly according to another embodiment;

[0097] [Fig.1OB] is a partial perspective view of the neck of the container of the assembly according to [Fig.lOA];

[0098] [Fig. 11 A] is a partial axial cross-sectional view of the conditioning and distribution assembly according to another embodiment; and

[0099] [Fig.llB] is a partial perspective view of the neck of the container of the assembly according to [Fig.llA].

[0100] 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:

[0101] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal and extending from left to right on the [Fig.2];

[0102] - a horizontal transverse axis Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and extending from front to back on the [Fig.2]; and

[0103] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and transverse axis Y and extending from bottom to top on the [Fig.2].

[0104] The terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower parts of the figures.

[0105] The terms "interior" or "internal" and "exterior" or "external" refer to the interior of the product packaging and distribution assembly, the internal or interior parts being closer to the Z-Z' elevation axis than the external or exterior parts.

[0106] Figure [1] shows a set 1 for the conditioning and distribution of a product, in particular a cosmetic.

[0107] The term "product" means a liquid, semi-liquid, or viscous product intended to flow out of a reservoir under the effect of gravity. The product may be, without limitation, a cosmetic product, such as, for example, a product hygiene or personal care product.

[0108] The product packaging and distribution assembly 1 includes a tank or container 10, a reducer 20 removably fixed to the container 10 and a hood or cover 30 removably fixed to the container 10.

[0109] The container 10 delimits an internal volume V containing the product.

[0110] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the container 10 comprises a main body 11 extending axially along the elevation axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical in the figures 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.

[0111] As illustrated, the body 11 of the container 10 has, here, a non-circular cross-section and the neck 14 has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the body 11 of the container 10 could have a circular cross-section or any other shape.

[0112] The non-circular cross-section of the body 11 of the container 10 here has an ovoid shape defined by a major axis Al and a minor axis A2 lower for example by at least 20% with respect to the major axis AL. The axes Al, A2 are visible on [Fig.2A].

[0113] The neck 14 is connected to the body 11 of the container 10 by an annular collar 15.

[0114] The annular collar 15 is connected to the body 11 by a first junction 1a so as to be offset radially inwards with respect to said body 11 and the neck 14 is connected to the annular collar 15 by a second junction 15a so as to be offset radially inwards with respect to said collar 15.

[0115] Alternatively, the neck 14 could be provided to be directly connected to the body 11 of the container 10 by a shoulder, without an intermediate annular collar.

[0116] By “junction”, we mean a portion of connection between two parts.

[0117] The first junction 1 here presents an inclined slope. Alternatively, the first junction 1 could be a shoulder.

[0118] The second junction 15a is here a shoulder.

[0119] By "shoulder" is meant any surface substantially normal to the elevation axis of a cylindrical part, here the elevation axis Z-Z' of the container 10, resulting from a sudden variation in diameter.

[0120] The collar 14 extends around the elevation axis Z-Z' and is radially delimited by a stepped outer cylindrical surface 14a and an inner cylindrical surface 14b.

[0121] The stepped outer cylindrical surface 14a includes a first outer surface 14c comprising an external thread 16 intended to cooperate with an internal tapping or thread 34 provided on the hood 30.

[0122] The external thread 16 here comprises a single thread including a distal end 16a and a proximal end 16b, visible in [Fig.4].

[0123] The distal end 16a is the end of the external thread 16 closest to the distal end 13 of the neck 14 and the proximal end 16b is the end of the external thread 16 closest to the second shoulder 15a between the neck 14 and the annular collar 15.

[0124] The thread 16 forms a helix around the elevation axis Z-Z' on the first outer surface 14c of the neck 14 between the distal end 13 of the neck 14 and a proximal end of the neck 14 connected to the second shoulder 15a.

[0125] The external thread 16 has a screwing direction going from the distal end 13 to the proximal end of the neck 14.

[0126] As illustrated, the neck 14 of the container 10 further comprises a first pair 17 of two projecting elements 17a, 17b extending radially from the first outer surface 14c of the neck 14 outwards.

[0127] The first pair 17 of protruding elements forms a screwing end stop for the hood 30 on the container 10.

[0128] The first pair 17 comprises a first projecting element 17a extending axially from the second shoulder 15a to the distal end 13 of the neck 14 and a second projecting element 17b extending axially from the proximal end 16b of the thread of the external thread 16 to the first projecting element 17a.

[0129] The first projecting element 17a includes a stop surface (not referenced), here vertical, and forms a stop or screw end notch for the cover 30.

[0130] The second projecting element 17b is in the form of an axial rib extending axially along the elevation axis Z-Z' from the first projecting element 17a to the proximal end 16b of the thread of the external thread 16.

[0131] The axial rib 17b forms a circumferential stop for the proximal end of the thread of the tapped hole 36b of the hood 30.

[0132] As illustrated, the neck 14 of the container 10 further comprises a second pair 17c of projecting elements, visible in [Fig. 2], extending radially outwards from the first outer surface 14c of the neck 14. The second pair 17c is located 180° to the first pair 17 on said surface 14c of the neck 14. Said second pair 17c forms an axial support for the cap 30 in the position where the container 10 is closed by the cap 30.

[0133] The stepped cylindrical outer surface 14a of the neck 14 includes a second outer surface 14d and a disengagement relief 18 axially connecting the first outer surface 14c and the second outer surface 14d.

[0134] The first outer surface 14c has an outer diameter greater than the second outer surface 14d of the cylindrical outer surface 14a of the neck 14 of the container 10.

[0135] In other words, the second outer surface 14d is radially offset towards the interior in relation to the first exterior surface 14c of the collar 14.

[0136] The disengagement relief 18 allows the reducer 20 to be disengaged from the container 10 when said reducer 20 is rotated 90° with respect to said container 10.

[0137] The disengagement relief 18 is intended to cooperate with a complementary relief 27 provided on a lower end 26a of a mounting skirt 25 of the reducer 20.

[0138] The disengagement relief 18 extends over the circumference of the cylindrical outer surface 14a of the neck 14 of the container 10, near the distal end 13 of the neck 14.

[0139] The disengagement relief 18 here comprises two pairs 19 of ramps 19a, 19b connected to each other by a rounded junction 18a, 18b.

[0140] The two rounded junctions 18a, 18b are circumferentially offset by 180° from each other and are located at the same height on the neck 14 of the container 10.

[0141] The term "height" means the direction in the direction of the elevation axis Z-Z' of the container 10.

[0142] Alternatively, at least one rounded junction and at least one pair of ramps could be provided, or more than two rounded junctions and more than two pairs of ramps, for example three rounded junctions circumferentially offset by 120° from each other.

[0143] In general, the number of rounded junctions corresponds to the number of ramp pairs.

[0144] The disengagement relief 18 is in the form of a material recess in the cylindrical outer surface 14a at the distal end 13 of the neck 14.

[0145] Each pair 19 of ramps comprises a first ramp 19a extending circumferentially from the first rounded junction 18a along a slope inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X towards the distal end 13 of the neck 14 and a second ramp 19b extending circumferentially from the first ramp 19a along a slope inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X towards the second rounded junction 18b.

[0146] In other words, the first ramp 19a and the second ramp 19b extend along two opposite slopes and whose summit is located at the point of contact between said ramps 19a, 19b.

[0147] As illustrated in the figures, the reducer 20 extends along the elevation axis Z-Z'.

[0148] The reducer 20 includes an internal skirt 21 intended to be inserted into the neck 14 of the container 10 and delimited by an open lower end 22 and an upper wall 23 provided with a distribution orifice 24 for the passage of the product contained in the container 10.

[0149] The inner skirt 21 includes a sealing portion 21a whose external surface 21b is in radial contact with the internal surface 14b of the neck 14 of the container 10 in the assembled position visible in figure 3.

[0150] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the inner skirt 21 includes an insertion portion 21c extending axially from the sealing portion 21a on the side opposite the upper wall 23 and having an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the sealing portion 21a in order to facilitate the insertion of the reducer 20 into the opening O of the container 10. Alternatively, the inner skirt 21 could include only the sealing portion 21a.

[0151] In the assembled position, the upper wall 23 is in axial contact with the upper end 13 of the container 10.

[0152] As illustrated, and in no way limitingly, the distribution port 24 opens onto a boss 23a which projects axially outwards from the radial upper wall 23. Alternatively, the distribution port 24 could open onto a flat or substantially flat upper wall 23.

[0153] The diameter of the distribution orifice 24 of the reducer 20 is less than the diameter of the opening O of the container 10.

[0154] The reducer 20 thus forms a reducing element for the flow diameter of the product contained in the container 10.

[0155] As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the reducer 20 comprises an external skirt 25 extending axially from a lateral end 23b of the upper wall 23 downwards and radially surrounding the internal skirt 21.

[0156] The outer skirt 25 here has a smaller axial dimension than the inner skirt 21.

[0157] The external skirt 25 is delimited radially by an internal surface 25a and an external surface 25b and axially by an open lower end 26a and an upper end 26b connected to the upper wall 23.

[0158] The lower end 26a of the outer skirt 25 includes a complementary relief 27 intended to cooperate with the disengagement relief 18 provided on the outer surface 14a of the neck 14 in the assembled position of the reducer 20 on the container 10.

[0159] The complementary relief 27 extends over the circumference of the lower end 26a of the outer skirt 25 and here comprises two pairs 28 of ramps 28a, 28b connected to each other by a rounded junction 29a, 29b.

[0160] The two rounded junctions 29a, 29b are circumferentially offset by 180° from each other and are located at the same height on the outer skirt 25.

[0161] Alternatively, a different number of pairs 28 of ramps 28a, 28b and rounded junctions 29a, 29b could be provided.

[0162] The number of pairs 28 of ramps 28a, 28b of the complementary relief 27 is dependent on the number of pairs 19 of ramps 29a, 29b of the disengagement relief 18.

[0163] Each pair 28 of ramps comprises a first ramp 28a extending circumferentially from the first rounded junction 29a along a slope inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X towards the upper end 26b of the outer skirt 25 and a second ramp 28b extending circumferentially from the first ramp 28a along a slope inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis X towards the second rounded junction 29b.

[0164] In other words, the first ramp 28a and the second ramp 28b extend along two opposite slopes and whose summit is located at the point of contact between said ramps 28a, 28b.

[0165] The complementary relief 27 of the reducer 20 is in conformity of form with the disengagement relief 18 of the neck 14 of the container 10.

[0166] The outer skirt 25 here forms a mounting skirt for the reducer 20 on the container 10.

[0167] As illustrated, and in no way limiting the illustration, the outer skirt 25 comprises, on its outer surface 25b, a plurality of axial ribs 25c circumferentially distributed around the periphery of said outer surface 25b. Such axial ribs 25c allow the user to easily grip the reducer 20 for positioning it in the container 10 and unscrewing it from the container 10.

[0168] Alternatively, other forms of relief could be provided on the external surface 25b of the external skirt 25 of the reducer 20.

[0169] During the 90° rotation of the reducer 20 relative to the container 10, the lower end 26a of the mounting skirt 25 of the reducer 20 slides on the disengagement relief 18 provided on the neck 14 of the container 10 until each rounded junction 29a, 29b of the complementary relief 28 is axially opposite a corresponding pair 19 of ramps 19a, 19b, generating the axial displacement along the elevation axis Z-Z' of the reducer 20 relative to the container 10 upwards, as seen in [Fig.7].

[0170] The user can then grasp said reducer 20 and detach it from the container 10 by an upward axial force along the arrow F, visible on the [Fig.8].

[0171] The reducer 20 is put in place on the container 10 only by an axial force on the reducer 20 towards the container 10 during which the inner skirt 21 of the reducer 20 comes into tight contact with the inner surface 14b of the neck 14 of the container 10.

[0172] The disengagement of the reducer 20 from the container 10 is achieved exclusively by a rotational movement of the reducer 20 relative to the container 10 generating, as described above, an upward axial displacement of said reducer 20 relative to the container 10.

[0173] After detachment of the reducer 20 from the container 10, the container 10 can be filled and reused when its internal volume V is empty.

[0174] The cover 30 is configured to close the distribution port 24 of the reducer 20 in the assembled position.

[0175] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the hood 30 is understood along an elevation axis assumed to be vertical in the figures and comprises an external wall 31, here of non-circular cross-section, delimited by a closed lower end 32 and a radial upper wall 33 intended to come above the radial upper wall 23 of the reducer 20 in the assembled position.

[0176] The hood 30 is here made in two pieces joined together.

[0177] Alternatively, the hood 30 could be made in one piece.

[0178] Alternatively, a cylindrical hood could also be provided.

[0179] The hood further comprises an internal wall 34 connected to the lower wall 32.

[0180] The inner wall 34 of the hood 30 is in conformity in shape with the neck 14 of the container 10.

[0181] The inner wall 34 of the hood 30 comprises successively, along the extension axis Z-Z', a first cylindrical skirt 35 radially surrounding the annular collar 16 of the container 10, a second cylindrical skirt 36 radially surrounding the first outer surface 14c of the neck 14 and a third cylindrical skirt 37 surrounding the second outer surface 14d of the neck 14, and in particular the outer skirt 25 of the reducer 30.

[0182] Said skirts 35, 36, 37 being connected by a corresponding shoulder (not referenced) so as to form a stepped skirt whose outer diameter decreases in stages along the axis of extension, on the side opposite the container 10.

[0183] The second cylindrical skirt 36 includes on its internal surface 36a an internal thread or tapping 36b cooperating with the external thread 16 carried by the first external surface 14c of the neck 14 of the container 10.

[0184] In the assembled position, the inner wall 34 of the hood 30 radially surrounds the entire reducer 20.

[0185] As illustrated, the hood 30 further includes an end wall 38 extending radially to the upper end of the third cylindrical skirt 37 and located axially above the reducer 20 in the assembled position.

[0186] Said end wall 38 includes an annular sealing lip 38a extending from a lower surface of said end wall 38 towards the reducer 20, in an oblique direction, inclined inwards.

[0187] The sealing lip 38 is intended to come into contact with the upper wall 23 in the assembled position and ensure the sealing of the assembly 1.

[0188] Alternatively, any other shape could be provided for the hood 30.

[0189] The example illustrated in [Fig. 9], in which the same elements bear the same reference numerals, the inner skirt 21 of the reducer 20 comprises on its outer surface 21b, a ratcheting element 21d cooperating with a complementary ratcheting element 14e. comment provided on the internal surface 14b of the neck 14 of the container 10.

[0190] As illustrated, the snap-in element 21d is an annular bead extending radially outward from the outer surface 21b of the inner skirt 21 and the complementary snap-in element 14e is an annular groove.

[0191] Alternatively, a structural inversion could be provided in which the snap-in element 21d carried by the inner skirt 21 of the reducer 20 is an annular groove and in which the complementary snap-in element 14e is an annular bead extending radially from the inner surface 14b of the neck 14 of the container 14 inwards.

[0192] The example illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B, in which the same elements bear the same references, the internal surface 25a of the external skirt 25 of the reducer 20 includes at the end of each rounded junction 29a, 29b of the complementary relief 27, a snap-fit ​​element 25d cooperating with a corresponding complementary snap-fit ​​element 14f provided on the second external surface 14d of the neck 14 of the container 10.

[0193] The two snap-in elements 25d are here circumferentially offset by 180° from each other and the two complementary snap-in elements 14f are here circumferentially offset by 180° from each other.

[0194] In the case where the disengagement relief 18 comprises three rounded junctions 18a, 18b circumferentially offset by 120° from each other, the second outer surface 14d of the neck 14 of the container 10 comprises three complementary snap-fit ​​elements 14f circumferentially offset by 120° from each other and the outer skirt 25 of the reducer 20 comprises two snap-fit ​​elements 25d circumferentially offset by 120° from each other.

[0195] Each complementary snap-in element 14f is located axially between an annular junction 18a, 18b and the distal end 13 of the container 10.

[0196] As illustrated, each snap-in element 25d is a radial, non-annular projection extending radially from the internal surface 25a inwards and each complementary snap-in element 14f is a non-annular notch extending over part of the circumference of the second external surface 14d of the neck 14 of the container 10, circumferentially between two ramps 19a, 19b of two pairs 19 of ramps and radially.

[0197] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 1 IA and 1 IB, a structural inversion could be provided in which the inner surface 25a of the outer skirt 25 of the reducer 20 comprises, at the end of each rounded junction 29a, 29b of the complementary relief 27, a ratcheting element 25e, in the form of a non-annular notch, cooperating with a complementary ratcheting element 14g in the form of a non-annular radial projection extending radially from the second outer surface 14d of the neck 14 of the container 10 outwards.

[0198] The two 25e snap-in elements are here circumferentially offset by 180° from each other and the two complementary 14g snap-in elements are here circumferentially offset by 180° from each other.

[0199] In the case where the disengagement relief 18 comprises three rounded junctions circumferentially offset by 120° from each other, the second outer surface 14d of the neck 14 of the container 10 comprises three complementary snap-fit ​​elements 14g circumferentially offset by 120° from each other and the outer skirt 25 of the reducer 20 comprises two snap-fit ​​elements 25e circumferentially offset by 120° from each other.

[0200] Each snap-on projection 14g extends circumferentially over a part of the circumference of the second outer surface 14d of the neck 14 of the container 10, between two ramps 19a, 19b of two pairs 19 of ramps.

[0201] In all embodiments, the container 10 and the cap 30 can be made of any plastic material using techniques such as stretch injection blow molding (ISBM), injection blow molding (IBM), extrusion molding (EBM), injection molding (IM), in particular of thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or of a recycled plastic material, known by the abbreviation PCR or Post Consumer Recycling in Anglo-Saxon terms.

[0202] The reducer 20 is made in one piece for example by injection molding of a plastic material, for example a thermoplastic polymer, such as for example a polyolefin material of the polyethylene and / or polypropylene (PE / PP) type, or even in a recycled plastic material “PCR” or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0203] Thanks to the various features of the invention, the Applicant Company is able to offer its customers a cosmetic product packaging and distribution unit comprising a removable reducer with a minimalist structure while ensuring good axial retention and sealing, thus reducing the environmental impact resulting from both the manufacture of this unit, 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 unit, or its treatment at the end of its life.

Claims

Demands

1. A product packaging and dispensing assembly (1), in particular a cosmetic product, extending axially along an elevation axis (Z-Z') and comprising: - a container (10) including a neck (14) having an opening (0) and delimiting an internal volume (V) intended to receive the product, - a reducer (20) removably fixed to the container (10) and including a dispensing orifice (24) in fluidic communication with the internal volume (V) of the container (10) in an assembled position, the dispensing orifice (24) having an internal diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the opening (O) of the container (10), and - a cap (30) removably fixed to said container (10) and configured to close the dispensing orifice (24) of the reducer (20) in the assembled position,characterized in that the neck (14) comprises a stepped external cylindrical surface (14a) comprising: - a first external surface (14c) comprising an external thread (16) intended to cooperate with an internal thread (36b) provided on the hood (30), - a second external surface (14d) having an external diameter smaller than the external diameter of the first external surface (14c), and - a disengagement relief (18) connecting the first external surface (14c) and the second external surface (14d) and configured to cooperate with a complementary relief (27) carried by the reducer (20) and to axially displace the reducer (20) along the elevation axis (Z-Z') away from the container (10) during a relative rotation between said reducer (20) and the container (10), the complementary relief (27) of the reducer (20) being in conformity in form with the disengagement relief (18) carried by the neck (14) of the container (10).

2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the disengagement relief (18) provided on the neck (14) of the container (10) is located axially between the external thread (16) provided on the neck (14) of the container (10) and an open distal end (13) of the container (10).

3. Assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the disengagement relief (18) extends over the circumference of the stepped cylindrical outer surface (14a) of the neck (14) of the container (10) and includes circumferentially at least one pair (19) of ramps (19a, 19b) and at least one rounded junction (18a, 18b).

4. Assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the disengagement relief (18) comprises at least two pairs (19) of ramps (19a, 19b) connected to each other by a rounded junction (18a, 18b).

5. Assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein the two rounded junctions (18a, 18b) of the disengagement relief (18) provided on the neck (14) of the container (10) are circumferentially offset by 180° from each other and are located at the same height on the neck (14) of the container (10).

6. Assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each pair (19) of ramps of the disengagement relief (18) comprises a first ramp (19a) extending circumferentially from a first rounded junction (18a) along a slope inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis (X) towards the distal end (13) of the neck (14) and a second ramp (19b) extending circumferentially from the first ramp (19a) along a slope inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) towards a second rounded junction (18b).

7. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reducer (20) comprises an inner skirt (21) intended to fit into the neck (14) of the container (10) in the assembled position and an outer skirt (25) radially surrounding said inner skirt (21) and intended to radially surround the neck (14) of the container (10) in the assembled position, said outer skirt (25) comprising a lower end (26a) comprising the complementary relief (27) intended to cooperate with the disengagement relief (18) provided on the stepped outer surface (14a) of the neck (14) in the assembled position of the reducer (20) on the container (10).

8. Assembly (1) according to claims 3 and 7 taken in combination with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional relief (27) provided on the reducer (20) extends over the circumference of the lower end (26a) of the outer skirt (25) and circumferentially comprises at least one pair (28) of ramps (28a, 28b) and at least one rounded junction (29a, 29b), said pair (28) of ramps (28a, 28b) of the additional relief (27) being intended to cooperate with the pair (19) of ramps (19a, 19b) of the disengagement relief (18) of the container (10) in the assembled position.

9. Assembly (1) according to claims 4 and 8, wherein the additional relief (27) comprises at least two pairs (28) of ramps (28a, 28b) connected to each other by a rounded junction (29a, 29b), said pairs (28) of ramps (28a, 28b) of the complementary relief (27) being intended to cooperate with the pairs (19) of ramps (19a, 19b) of the disengagement relief (18) of the container (10) in the assembled position.

10. Assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein the two rounded junctions (29a, 29b) of the complementary relief (27) of the reducer (20) are circumferentially offset by 180° from each other and are located at the same height on the outer skirt (25).

11. Assembly (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each pair (28) of ramps of the complementary relief (27) of the reducer (20) comprises a first ramp (28a) extending circumferentially from a first rounded junction (29a) along a slope inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) towards the upper end (26b) of the outer skirt (25) and a second ramp (28b) extending circumferentially from the first ramp (28a) along a slope inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) towards a second rounded junction (29b).

12. Assembly (1) according to claims 3 and 7 taken in combination with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner skirt (21) of the reducer (20) comprises on its outer surface (21b), a snap-on element (21d) cooperating with a complementary snap-on element (14e) provided on the inner surface (14b) of the neck (14) of the container (10).

13. Assembly (1) according to claims 3 and 7 taken in combination with any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the outer skirt (25) of the reducer (20) comprises on its inner surface (25a) at the end of each rounded junction (29a, 29b) of the complementary relief (27), at least one non-annular snap-fit ​​element (25d, 25e) cooperating with a non-annular complementary snap-fit ​​element (14f, 14g) provided on the second outer surface (14d) of the neck (14) of the container (10).

14. Assembly (1) according to claims 2 and 13, wherein each additional snap-on element (14f, 14g) provided on the second outer surface (14d) of the neck (14) of the container (10) is located axially between an annular junction (18a, 18b) and the distal end (13) of the container (10) and circumferentially between a first ramp (19a) of a ramp (19) and a second ramp (19b) of an adjacent ramp (19).

15. Assembly (1) according to claim 7 in combination with one of any of the preceding claims, wherein the reducer (20) comprises an upper wall (23) provided with the distribution orifice (24), in which the inner skirt (21) and the outer skirt (25) each extend from said upper wall (23).

16. Assembly (1) according to claim 7 in combination with any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner skirt (21) includes a sealing portion (21a) comprising an external surface (21b) in radial contact with an internal surface (14b) of the neck (14) of the container (10) in the assembled position.

17. Assembly (1) according to claim 7 in combination with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer skirt (25) comprises an outer surface (25b) comprising a plurality of reliefs (25c) circumferentially distributed around the perimeter of said outer surface (25b).

18. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10) comprises a main body (11) extending axially along the elevation axis (Z-Z') between a closed lower end forming a bottom (12) and an open distal upper end (13), opposite the lower end (12), forming the neck (14) having the opening (0) allowing access to the internal volume (V) for receiving the product, said neck (14) being connected to the body (11) of the container (10) by means of an annular collar (15), said neck (14) being connected to said annular collar (15) by a shoulder (15a).

19. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external thread (16) carried by the neck (14) of the container (10) comprises a single thread comprising a distal end (16a) and a proximal end (16b) and wherein the neck (14) of the container comprises on its first external surface (14b) at least one stop (17) for the end of screwing the cap (30) onto the container (10).

20. Assembly (1) according to claim 19, wherein the screw-end stop (17) comprises a first projecting element (17a) extending axially from the shoulder (15a) between the neck (14) and the annular collar (15) to the distal end (13) of the neck (14) and a second projecting element (17b) extending axially from the proximal end (16b) of the thread of the external thread (16) to the first projecting element (17a).

21. Together (1) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, in in which the body (11) of the container (10) has a non-circular cross-section and the neck (14) of the container (10) has a circular cross-section.

22. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hood (30) comprises an outer wall (31) delimited by an end (32) and a radial upper wall (33) and a stepped inner wall (34) conforming in form to the neck (14) of the container (10) delimited by an end wall (38) provided with a sealing lip (38a) intended to contact the radial upper wall (23) of the reducer (20) in the assembled position, said stepped inner wall (34) comprising a first cylindrical skirt (35) radially surrounding the first junction (16, 1a) connecting the neck (14) to the body (11) of the container (10), a second cylindrical skirt (36) radially surrounding the first outer surface (14c) of the neck (14) of the container (10) and comprising on its inner surface the first internal thread (36b) cooperating with the first external thread (16) carried by said collar (14),a third cylindrical skirt (37) radially surrounding the second outer surface (14d) of the neck (14) of the container (10) and the reducer (20) in the assembled position, the third cylindrical skirt (37) having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical skirt (36) of the inner wall (34) of the hood (30).

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