CUP COMPRISING A RING FOR RETAINING A COSMETIC PRODUCT GRAPE AND AN ASSOCIATED SLIDER

Abstract

The invention relates to a cup (10) for a device (12) for applying a stick (14) of cosmetic product, the cup (10) comprising: - a retaining ring (10A) comprising means for retaining a base (14A) of the stick (14); - a slider (10B) having a housing (32) in which the retaining ring (10A) is intended to be inserted axially in a fitted position, the slider (10B) being configured to cooperate with the actuating mechanism; - means for axially fixing the retaining ring (10A) in the slider (10B); characterized in that the means for retaining the base of the stick (14) in the retaining ring (10A) are formed by a cylindrical retaining skirt (28) coaxial with the main axis (A) which is intended to be embedded in the base (14A) of the stick (14) of cosmetic product. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: CUP COMPRISING A RING FOR RETAINING A GRAPE COSMETIC PRODUCT AND AN ASSOCIATED SLIDER Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a cup having a main axis and intended to equip a device for applying a grape of cosmetic product, the cup being capable of receiving said grape of cosmetic product and of being driven by an actuating mechanism of said device, the cup comprising:

[0002] - a retention ring comprising means for retaining a base of the grape;

[0003] - a slider having a housing which is delimited by a tubular wall and by a bottom and in which the retention ring is intended to be inserted axially in a nested position, the slider being configured to cooperate with the actuating mechanism;

[0004] - means for axially fixing the retention ring in the slider. Technical background

[0005] Application devices used for packaging a cosmetic product, such as a cosmetic product stick, in particular but not exclusively for a lipstick stick, are known from the state of the art. Such a cosmetic product stick will be designated hereinafter and in the claims by the term "grape".

[0006] The grape is held by its base in a cup. In most application devices, the cup slides axially between at least one retracted position and a position for applying the cosmetic product in which at least a portion of the cosmetic product grape extends axially out of the device.

[0007] To form the cosmetic product grape, a common method is to preform the cosmetic product grape by molding, then insert, or "prick," the base of the grape into the cup. This method is particularly effective when the cosmetic product constituting the grape has sufficient mechanical strength.

[0008] However, in some cases, when the pricking fails, the cup soiled by the cosmetic product cannot be reused to pricking another grape of cosmetic product and must therefore be discarded. This results in a waste of time and material.

[0009] Furthermore, the cups often have different shapes depending on the type of cosmetic product grape produced and / or depending on the model of the associated application device.

[0010] It would therefore be preferable to be able to reduce the design costs of a cup by making at least part of the cup standardized for several types of grapes and / or the model of application device. Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention relates to a cup having a main axis and intended to equip a device for applying a grape of cosmetic product, the cup being capable of receiving said grape of cosmetic product and of being driven by an actuating mechanism of said device, the cup comprising:

[0012] - a retention ring comprising means for retaining a base of the grape;

[0013] - a slider having a housing which is delimited by a tubular wall and by a bottom and in which the retention ring is intended to be inserted axially in a nested position, the slider being configured to cooperate with the actuating mechanism;

[0014] - means for axially fixing the retention ring in the slider;

[0015] characterized in that the means for retaining the base of the grape in the ring of retention are formed by a cylindrical retention skirt coaxial with the main axis which is intended to be embedded in the base of the cosmetic product grape.

[0016] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the retention skirt is openwork.

[0017] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the retention ring comprises a collar which extends radially in projection from the retention skirt.

[0018] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the collar extends from a lower end of the retention skirt.

[0019] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the retention skirt is extended downwards by a lower tubular section.

[0020] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the lower tubular section is solid.

[0021] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, a lower end edge of the retention skirt delimits an orifice for injecting the cosmetic product intended to form the grape.

[0022] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the ring is devoid of a tubular wall arranged radially opposite the retention skirt.

[0023] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the retention ring comprises a tubular wall in which the skirt of retention is arranged concentrically, the tubular wall being intended to accommodate the base of the grape, an upper end edge of the wall delimiting an opening axially upwards to allow the grape to protrude.

[0024] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the axial fixing means are carried by the internal tubular section.

[0025] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, said axial fixing means comprise at least one first fitting element which is carried by a cylindrical external face of the tubular wall of the retention ring, and which is intended to be fitted radially with at least one second fitting element of complementary shape carried by the tubular wall of the slider.

[0026] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the at least one second fitting element of complementary shape is carried by radially elastically flexible tabs produced in the tubular wall of the slider.

[0027] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the first fitting element is arranged near a lower end of the retention ring.

[0028] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the first fitting element is an annular groove and / or an annular bead so that the retention ring can be fixed axially to the slider whatever its angular position relative to the slider.

[0029] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, it comprises means for locking the retention ring in rotation relative to the slider in the fitted position which are distinct from the axial fixing means and which are contained in the housing.

[0030] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the rotation locking means comprise a first imprint which is arranged at a lower end of the retention ring, the first imprint being intended to cooperate with a second imprint of complementary shape produced at the bottom of the slider housing.

[0031] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, at least one of the two impressions is formed by a crown of notches distributed around the main axis, the other impression comprising at least one tooth intended to be received axially in one of said notches.

[0032] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the first impression is arranged under a lower face of the collar.

[0033] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, an internal face of the tubular wall of the retention ring has a divergent shape which extends at least over an upper quarter of the tubular wall, so that the wall is progressively thinned up to its upper end edge.

[0034] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, in its fitted position, the retention ring is completely included in the housing of the slider.

[0035] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the upper end edge of the tubular portion of the retention ring is located axially at the same level as the upper end edge of the skirt.

[0036] According to another characteristic of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, the external face of the tubular wall of the slider comprises at least one lug intended to cooperate with the actuating mechanism.

[0037] The invention also relates to an assembly formed by the retaining ring of the cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, and by a cosmetic product grape of which a base is fixed to the retaining ring, characterized in that the skirt is embedded in the base of the cosmetic product grape.

[0038] According to another characteristic of the assembly produced according to the teachings of the invention, the grape rests axially against an upper face of the collar.

[0039] According to another characteristic of the assembly produced according to the teachings of the invention, the base of the grape is surrounded externally by the tubular wall of the retention ring.

[0040] The invention also relates to a device for applying a grape of cosmetic product equipped with a cursor produced according to the teachings of the invention.

[0041] According to another characteristic of the device produced according to the teachings of the invention, it comprises:

[0042] - at least one guide in which the slider is mounted to slide axially, the guide comprising at least one slot which is crossed by the at least one associated lug of the slider;

[0043] - a drive part comprising a tubular sheath in which the guide is mounted in rotation, the sheath internally comprising at least one groove for receiving the at least one lug of the slider, the rotation of the guide relative to the sheath causing an axial movement of the slider between an extreme deployed position and an extreme retracted position.

[0044] The invention also relates to a method of molding a grape of cosmetic product in a retaining ring of a cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, characterized in that it comprises:

[0045] - a first step of inserting the retention ring into a delimiting mold a generally cylindrical cavity in the shape of a grape;

[0046] - a second step of injecting the heated cosmetic product into the mold of way of drowning the retention skirt;

[0047] - a third step of demolding the grapes by axial extraction of the assembly formed by the retention ring and the previously cooled cosmetic product grape thus overmolded on the retention skirt.

[0048] The invention also relates to a method for producing a retention ring for a cup produced according to the teachings of the invention, characterized in that the retention ring is produced by a three-dimensional printing manufacturing method, such as laser sintering or resin photopolymerization methods.

[0049] According to another characteristic of the method carried out according to the teachings of the invention, it comprises:

[0050] - a first step of developing a digital model of the retention ring;

[0051] - a second stage of conditioning a powdery or liquid material;

[0052] - a third stage of solidification of the material in slices defined from the digital model. Brief description of the figures

[0053] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings which are described briefly below.

[0054] [Fig. 1] is an exploded perspective view showing a retention ring and a slider of a cup according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0055] [Fig.2] is an axial sectional view showing the retention ring of [Fig.l].

[0056] [Fig.3] is a perspective view showing the underside of the slider of [Fig.l].

[0057] [Fig.4] is a bottom view of the slider of [Fig.3].

[0058] [Fig.5] is an axial sectional view showing the slider of [Fig.l].

[0059] [Fig.6] is a top view showing the cursor of [Fig.1].

[0060] [Fig.7] is an exploded perspective view showing a device application of a cosmetic product grape which is equipped with the cursor of [Fig.l].

[0061] [Fig.8] is an axial sectional view of the device of [Fig.7].

[0062] [Fig.9] is an axial sectional view showing the equipped retention ring of a cosmetic product grape positioned above the device of [Fig.6] in a mounted state for the purpose of fitting the retention ring into the slider.

[0063] [Fig. 10] is an axial sectional view of the device of [Fig. 9] in which the retention ring is in the nested position in the slider.

[0064] [Fig. 11] is a side view in axial section which represents the grape which has been cast in a mold with overmolding of a retention skirt of the retention ring, the application device being arranged in line with the retention ring.

[0065] [Fig. 12] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 11] in which the slider of the application device has been fitted with the retention ring, the grape still being in its mold.

[0066] [Fig. 13] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 12] in which the grape has been demolded by pulling the application device.

[0067] [Fig. 14] is a view similar to that of [Fig.2] which represents the retention ring of a cup according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0068] [Fig. 15] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 5] which represents the slider of the cup according to the second embodiment intended to cooperate with the retention ring of [Fig. 14].

[0069] [Fig. 16] is a top view of the slider of [Fig. 15].

[0070] [Fig. 17] is an axial sectional view showing the retaining ring of the [Fig. 14] on a retention skirt of which a grape of cosmetic product has been overmolded. Detailed description of the invention

[0071] By convention, the “axial” direction corresponds in the figures to that of the main axis “A” of the device for applying a stick of cosmetic product, such as a stick of lipstick, and the “radial” direction is directed orthogonally to the axial direction by radiating from the main axis.

[0072] In the detailed description of the figures which follow, the terms “upper” and “lower” or “top” and “bottom” will be used in a non-limiting manner with reference to the axial direction, the upper part of the device corresponding to that through which the stick of cosmetic product exits the device for application.

[0073] Similarly, the terms "outer or external" and "inner or internal" are used with reference to the radial direction, an outer element being radially further from the axis "A" than an inner element.

[0074] [Fig.l] shows a cup 10 with the main axis "A".

[0075] The cup 10 is intended to equip a device 12 for applying a grape 14 of cosmetic product. The cup 10 is capable of receiving said grape 14 of cosmetic product. The cup 10 is intended to be driven by an actuating mechanism of said device 12.

[0076] In a known manner, such an actuating mechanism comprising a guide 16 in which the cup 10 equipped with the grape 14 of cosmetic product is mounted axially sliding. The mechanism further comprises a drive part 18 which cooperates with the cup 10 to allow it to slide by rotation of the drive part 18 relative to the guide 16 between a retracted position in which the grape 14 of cosmetic product is returned to the device 12 and an extended position in which at least a portion of the grape 14 of cosmetic product projects outside the device 12. An example of such a mechanism will be illustrated in more detail later.

[0077] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the cup 10 is made of two separate pieces. It thus comprises a ring 10A for retaining the grape 14 of cosmetic product and a slider 10B which is intended to cooperate with the actuating mechanism of the application device 12 to control the sliding of the grape 14.

[0078] The retaining ring 10A is equipped with means for retaining a base 14A of the grape 14. According to the teachings of the invention, these retaining means are formed by an openwork cylindrical internal skirt 28. The cylindrical skirt 28 extends coaxially with the main axis "A". The retaining skirt 28 is delimited radially by a cylindrical external face 28A and by a cylindrical internal face 28B. It is also delimited axially upwards by an upper end edge 30. The skirt 28 here has a circular shape in cross section.

[0079] The retention skirt 28 is intended to be embedded in the base 14A of the grape 14 of cosmetic product. Thus, the base 14A of the grape 14 of cosmetic product here has an external transverse contour which completely encompasses the retention skirt 28. In other words, the external face 28A and the internal face 28B of the skirt 28 are in contact with the cosmetic product constituting the grape 14. In the examples shown in the figures, the base 14A of the grape 14 has a cylindrical shape with a main axis "A" which has an external diameter greater than the external diameter of the retention skirt 28.

[0080] To obtain this result, the grape 14 is for example overmolded on the retention skirt 28 as will be explained later.

[0081] To enable the grape 14 to be effectively and rigidly fixed to the retention skirt 28, the latter is here perforated. The retention skirt 28 is for example perforated with multiple orifices which are intended to allow the injected cosmetic product to pass through the retention skirt 28.

[0082] The skirt 28 is thus in the form of a tubular grid which forms a frame for the base 14A of the grape 14 of cosmetic product.

[0083] In a variant of the invention not shown, the retention skirt is equipped with protuberances, such as ribs, which extend radially from the external cylindrical face and / or from its internal cylindrical face to retain the grape of cosmetic product.

[0084] The retention ring 10A further comprises an annular collar 50 which extends radially projecting from the retention skirt 28. The collar 50 here extends from a lower end of the retention skirt 28.

[0085] In the examples shown in the figures, the base 14A of the grape 14 rests axially against an upper face of the collar 50. The collar 50 has, for example, an external diameter which is substantially equal to the external diameter of the base 14A of the grape 14.

[0086] The retention skirt 28 may be extended downwards by a lower tubular section 48. The tubular section 48 has, for example, the same diameter and the same thickness as the retention skirt 28. However, the grape 14 is not in contact with the external face of the tubular section 48.

[0087] The axial length of the tubular section 48 is much less than that of the tubular wall 20.

[0088] The lower tubular section 48 is here solid to give it greater rigidity.

[0089] A lower end edge of the retention skirt 28 delimits an orifice 26 for injecting the cosmetic product. This central orifice 26 is designed to allow the injection of the cosmetic product intended to form the grape 14 to allow its molding directly in the retention ring 10A, as will be explained in more detail later. When the retention skirt 28 is extended by the lower tubular section 48, the tubular section 48 surrounds the injection orifice 26.

[0090] According to a first embodiment of the invention which is shown in Figures 1 to 6, the retention ring 10A comprises an axial tubular wall 20 intended to house the base 14A of the grape 14. The tubular wall 20 is delimited radially by an external face 20A and by an internal wall 20B.

[0091] The term "accommodate" means that the base 14A of the grape 14 is surrounded externally by the tubular wall 20 of the retention ring 10A, so that its external face 20A is not in contact with the cosmetic product constituting the grape 14.

[0092] The retention skirt 28 is arranged concentrically in the tubular wall 20. The tubular wall 20 here extends axially upwards from the periphery of the collar 50. The retention skirt 28 is advantageously made integrally with the tubular wall 20.

[0093] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the lower end tubular section 48 has a diameter smaller than that of the tubular wall 20.

[0094] The tubular wall 20 is open axially upwards by an opening 22 to allow the grape 14 to protrude. The opening 22 is delimited radially by an upper end edge 24 of the tubular wall 20. The upper end edge 24 here has a closed contour, in particular circular.

[0095] The retention ring 10A is also open axially downwards by the central injection orifice 26.

[0096] The upper end edge 30 of the retention skirt 28 is here located at the same level as the upper end edge 24 of the tubular wall 20.

[0097] In a variant of the invention not shown, the upper edge 30 is located below the level of the upper end edge of the tubular wall.

[0098] In a variant of the invention not shown, the upper edge of the retention skirt is arranged above the level of the upper end edge of the tubular wall.

[0099] In a variant of the invention not shown, the retention means also comprise ribs which project from the internal face of the tubular wall.

[0100] As shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6, the slider 10B has a housing 32 which is delimited radially by a tubular wall 34 and axially downwards by a radially oriented bottom 36. The tubular wall 34 is delimited radially by an external face 34A and by an internal face 34B.

[0101] The housing 32 is open upwards by an opening delimited radially by an upper end edge 38 of the tubular wall 34.

[0102] The retaining ring 10A is intended to be inserted axially in a nested position in the housing 32 of the slider 10B. For this purpose, the housing 32 has a shape complementary to that of the retaining ring 10A.

[0103] As will be explained below, the slider 10B is configured to cooperate with the actuating mechanism of the application device 12. It is in particular intended to be permanently mounted in the application device 12.

[0104] To enable the retention ring 10A to be axially retained in its position fitted into the slider 10B, the cup 10 comprises means for axially fixing the retention ring 10A in the slider 10B.

[0105] The axial fixing means are arranged inside the housing 32. They comprise at least one first fitting element 40A which is carried by the external face 20A of the retaining ring 10A. The first fitting element 40A is intended to be fitted radially with at least one second fitting element 40B of complementary shape to the slider 10B.

[0106] Each second interlocking element 40B is carried by a radially elastically flexible tab 42 made in the tubular wall 34 of the slider 10B. Each second interlocking element 40B is more particularly carried by the internal face of the associated tab 42.

[0107] As shown in [Fig. 1], each leg 42 is here delimited by a "U" shaped slot 44 which is made in the tubular wall 34 so that each leg 42 is connected to the rest of the tubular wall 34 by one end. Thus, each leg 42 behaves like an elastically flexible embedded beam.

[0108] As a non-limiting example, each leg 42 is here connected to the tubular wall 34 by an upper end.

[0109] Each tab 42 is here elastically returned to a rest position in which it is aligned with the rest of the tubular wall 34.

[0110] The first interlocking element 40A is advantageously arranged near the lower end of the retention ring. It is thus arranged in the most rigid part of the retention ring 10A.

[0111] The first fitting element 40A is here formed by an annular groove which is made in the external face 20A of the tubular wall 20 of the retention ring 10A. In this case, the second fitting element 40B is formed by a protuberance made on the internal face of each tab 42.

[0112] The cursor 10B here comprises two diametrically opposed legs 42.

[0113] Alternatively, the first interlocking element is formed by an annular bead and the second interlocking elements are formed by hollows made in the internal face of the legs.

[0114] The annular shape of the first fitting element 40A very advantageously allows the retention ring 10A to be fixed regardless of its angular position relative to the slider 10B.

[0115] However, this shape does not allow the axial fixing means to block the retention ring 10A in rotation relative to the slider 10B.

[0116] The cup 10 therefore comprises means for locking the retention ring 10A in rotation relative to the slider 10B in the fitted position which are distinct from the axial fixing means. In the fitted position, the rotation locking means are entirely contained in the housing 32.

[0117] The rotation locking means comprise a first imprint 46A which is arranged at the lower end of the retention ring 10A. This first imprint 46A is comprised radially inside the contour delimited by the external face 20A of the tubular wall 20 in axial projection, as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0118] The first imprint 46A being intended to cooperate with a second imprint 46B of complementary shape made at the bottom 36 of the cursor 10B.

[0119] The first imprint 46A is here entirely housed in the re-entrant angle formed between the collar 50 and the lower tubular section 48. More particularly, the first imprint 46A is arranged under a lower face of the collar 50.

[0120] The first imprint 46A is here formed by a crown of notches 52 which are distributed angularly all around the main axis "A". Each notch 52 is circumferentially delimited by two teeth 54.

[0121] In the example shown in the figures, each tooth 54 of the crown of notches 52 extends radially from the lower section 48 and axially from the collar 50.

[0122] The second imprint 46B comprises at least one tooth 56 intended to be received axially in a notch 52 of the first imprint 46A so that the imprints 46A, 46B can cooperate together to block the rotation of the retention ring 10A in both directions around the main axis "A" relative to the cursor 10B.

[0123] Each tooth 56 of the second imprint 46B here extends axially upwards from the bottom 36 and radially inwards from the internal face 34B of the tubular wall 34 of the slider 10B. The second imprint 46B here comprises two teeth 56 diametrically opposed relative to the main axis "A".

[0124] This crown configuration of the first imprint 46A advantageously makes it possible to axially fit the retention ring 10A into the slider 10B regardless of its angular position relative to the slider 10B.

[0125] To facilitate the fitting of the notches 52 of the first imprint 46A with the teeth 56 of the second imprint 46B, the teeth 54 of the first imprint 46A have a profile delimited circumferentially by two slopes forming a triangle pointing downwards. Similarly, the teeth 56 of the second imprint 46B are delimited circumferentially by two slopes forming a triangle pointing upwards.

[0126] As shown in [Fig.9], when the retention ring 10A is provided with the grape 14 of cosmetic product, the base 14A of the grape 14 is housed in its tubular wall 20. The grape 14 of cosmetic product has a generally cylindrical section 14B emerging from the retention ring 10A. Advantageously, the emerging cylindrical section 14B has an external cylindrical face which extends in the axial extension of the external cylindrical face 20A of the tubular wall 20 of the retention ring 10A. Thus, the grape 14 of cosmetic product axially covers the upper end edge 24 of the tubular wall 20.

[0127] This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a much more aesthetic effect. In addition, this makes it possible to obtain better guidance of the grape 14 in the guide 16 as will be explained later.

[0128] The tubular wall 20 of the retention ring has an external face 20A having a right cylinder shape parallel to the main axis "A". On the other hand, the internal face 20B has a divergent shape which extends at least over an upper quarter of the tubular wall 20. The remainder of the internal face 20B has a right cylinder shape parallel to the main axis "A". Thus an upper section of the tubular wall 20 is progressively thinned down to its upper end edge 24 of the tubular wall 20. The remainder of the tubular wall 20 has a generally constant thickness, except for the part comprising the first interlocking element 40A. This configuration advantageously makes it possible to obtain a grape 14 of much more solid cosmetic product by avoiding a sudden change in section at the upper end edge 24 of the tubular wall 20 of the retention ring 10A.

[0129] Furthermore, the retaining ring 10A in the fitted position is completely included in the housing 32 of the slider 10B. In the example shown in the figures, the upper end edge 24 of the tubular wall 20 of the retaining ring 10A is located axially at the same level as the upper end edge 38 of the tubular wall 34 of the slider 10B.

[0130] Preferably, the upper end edge 30 of the retaining skirt 28 of the retaining ring 10A is located axially at the same level or at a lower level relative to the upper end edge 38 of the tubular wall 34 of the slider 10B.

[0131] To facilitate the fitting of the retention ring 10A into the housing 32 of the slider 10B, the internal face 34B of the tubular wall 34 of the slider 10B advantageously has a slope at its upper end to guide the insertion of the retention ring 10A.

[0132] Similarly, the teeth 54 of the first impression 46A of the retention ring 10A have a radial end face 54A inclined so as to allow the insertion of the retention ring 10A into the housing 32 to be guided.

[0133] Furthermore, in the fitted position, the free lower end of the lower section 48 of the retaining ring 10A is in axial abutment against the bottom 36 of the housing 32 of the slider 10B.

[0134] A second embodiment of the cup 10 has been shown in Figures 14 to 17. Only the differences with the first embodiment will be detailed here, the other aspects being identical to what was described previously.

[0135] The retention ring 10A is similar to what was described in the first embodiment. However, it is devoid of a tubular wall 20 arranged radially opposite the retention skirt 28. Thus, the part of the base 14A of the grape 14 which is located above the collar 50 is not surrounded by such a tubular wall, as shown in [Fig. 17].

[0136] Such an embodiment advantageously makes it possible to reduce the quantity of plastic material necessary for producing the cup 10.

[0137] The rotation blocking means are here produced in an identical manner to what was described in the first embodiment, in particular using a first imprint 46A and a second imprint 46B.

[0138] On the other hand, the axial fixing means are here offset below the level of the collar 50. The axial fixing means are here arranged below the bottom 36 of the housing 32 of the slider 10B.

[0139] The axial fixing means comprise at least one first interlocking element 40A which is carried by the lower tubular section 48 of the retaining ring 10A. The first interlocking element 40A is intended to be radially interlocked with at least one second interlocking element 40B of complementary shape to the slider 10B.

[0140] Each first interlocking element 40A is carried by a radially elastically flexible tab 57 which is carried by the wall of the tubular section 48 of the retention ring 10A. Each first interlocking element 40A is more particularly carried by the external face of the associated tab 57.

[0141] As shown in [Fig. 14], each leg 57 here extends axially downward from a lower end edge 49 of the lower tubular section 48 so that each leg 57 is connected to the tubular section 48 by an upper end. Thus, each leg 57 behaves like an elastically flexible embedded beam.

[0142] Each tab 57 is here elastically returned to a rest position in which it is axially aligned with the rest of the tubular section 48.

[0143] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the second fitting element 40B is formed by the annular periphery 59 of a central orifice which is made in the bottom 36 of the housing 32 of the slider 10B. In this case, the first fitting element 40A is formed by a hook 61 made on the external face of each tab 57 which is hooked radially under the bottom 36.

[0144] The retention ring 10A here comprises a plurality of tabs 57, for example four, distributed regularly around the main axis "A" to allow rigid and stable axial fixing.

[0145] The annular shape of the second fitting element 40B very advantageously allows the retention ring 10A to be fixed regardless of its angular position relative to the slider 10B.

[0146] Thus, during fitting, the tabs 57 are inserted into the central orifice of the bottom 26 of the slider 10B so as to be deformed in radial bending towards the main axis "A" by contact with the periphery 59. When the indentations 46A, 46B are fitted into each other, the tabs 57 are elastically returned to their rest position in which the first elements 40A are hooked under the periphery 59 of the bottom 36. Thus, the retaining ring 10A is immobilized axially downwards by contact between the indentations 46A, 46B and upwards by the first fitting elements 40A against the bottom 36.

[0147] Figures 7 and 8 show an example of an application device 12 capable of being equipped with a cup 10 produced according to the teachings of the invention.

[0148] Such a device 12 comprises the guide 16 comprising a tubular body 58 in which the slider 10B is mounted to slide axially. For this purpose, the slider 10B comprises at least one lug 60, here two diametrically opposed lugs 60, which extends radially from the external face 34A of the tubular wall 34. The guide 16 comprises slots 62, each of which is crossed by an associated lug 60. The lugs 60 are here angularly offset by 90° relative to the flexible tabs 42.

[0149] The device 12 further comprises the drive part 18 which is here in the form of a tubular sheath 64 in which the tubular body 58 of the guide 16 is mounted in rotation around the main axis "A". The sheath 64 internally comprises grooves 66 for receiving the free end of each lug 60 protruding from the guide 16.

[0150] Rotating the guide 16 relative to the sheath 64 causes axial movement of the slider 10B between an extreme deployed position, in which it is located close to an upper opening of the guide 16, and an extreme retracted position inside the guide 16.

[0151] The invention also proposes a method of molding the grape 14 of cosmetic product in the retention ring 10A.

[0152] Such a molding method comprises a first step of inserting the retention ring 10A into a mold 68 delimiting a generally cylindrical cavity 70 in the shape of the grape 14.

[0153] More particularly, in the case of a retention ring 10A produced according to the first embodiment of the invention, the retention ring 10A is positioned so that the external face 20A of the tubular wall 20 is axially in the extension of the cylindrical internal face of the cavity 70 of the mold 68 which is intended to be in direct contact with the cosmetic product during molding.

[0154] In the case of a retention ring 10A produced according to the second embodiment of the invention, the retention skirt 28 is inserted inside the cavity 70 of the mold 68. The collar 50 closes the cavity 70.

[0155] Then, during a second injection step, the heated cosmetic product is injected into the mold 68 via the central injection orifice 26 of the retention ring 10A.

[0156] During a third step of demolding the grape 14, the assembly formed by the retention ring 10A and the grape 14 of cosmetic product previously cooled and thus solidified, is extracted axially from the mold 68.

[0157] Advantageously, this third step is carried out by fitting the retention ring 10A thus provided with its grape 14 with the cursor 10B.

[0158] In the example illustrated in Figures 9 and 11, the cursor 10B has been previously mounted in the application device 12 and it has been controlled towards its extreme position deployed. In this non-limiting example, the retention ring 10A is produced according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0159] When inserting the ring 10A axially into the housing 32, the protrusions 40B of the tabs 42 come into contact with the external face 20A of the tubular wall 20 of the retaining ring 10A by sliding along the radial end faces 54A of the teeth 54 of the first impression 46A. This causes a radial separation of the tabs 42 by elastic bending. When the protrusions 40B are located in correspondence with the groove 40A of the retaining ring 10A, the tabs 42 are returned to their rest position so that the protrusions 40B are fitted into the groove 40A, as shown in Figures 10 and 12.

[0160] In the same axial fitting movement, the teeth 56 of the second imprint 46B are fitted axially with the notches 52 of the first imprint 46A.

[0161] The retaining ring 10A provided with its grape 14 is thus fixed axially and locked in rotation in the cursor 10B. It can therefore be driven in a fixed manner in sliding with the cursor 10B in the application device 12.

[0162] The grape 14 can therefore be extracted from the mold by axially pulling the application device 12 which drives the grape 14, as illustrated in [Fig. 13].

[0163] The external diameter of the tubular wall 20 of the retaining ring 10A is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the housing 32, with sufficient radial clearance to allow its insertion. In addition, the retaining ring 10A is filled by the base 14A of the grape 14. To prevent air present in the housing 32 from preventing the retention ring 10A from fitting correctly into the slider 10B, the bottom 36 of the slider 10B is also provided with vents 37 to allow air to be expelled from the housing 32 when the ring 10B is inserted.

[0164] In the case of the retention ring 10B produced according to the second embodiment, the external cylindrical face of the base 14A of the grape 14 is likely to come into contact with the tubular wall 34 of the slider 10B.

[0165] Whatever its embodiment, the retention ring 10A is advantageously made of plastic material.

[0166] The plastic material may be selected from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyethylene (PE), such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) and / or high density polyethylene (HDPE), a composite material, a post-consumer recycled (PCR) material and / or a similar material.

[0167] Preferably, it is polypropylene and / or recycled or non-recycled polyethylene terephthalate.

[0168] The retention ring 10A is for example made in a single piece by molding.

[0169] Alternatively, the retention ring 10A is advantageously produced in a single piece by applying a three-dimensional printing manufacturing process, such as laser sintering or resin photopolymerization processes.

[0170] Such a method is in fact suitable for mass production of such retention rings 10A.

[0171] Such a method generally comprises:

[0172] - a first step in developing a digital model of the ring 10A of retention ;

[0173] - a second stage of conditioning a powdery or liquid material;

[0174] - a third stage of solidification of the material in slices defined from the digital model.

[0175] Said powdery or liquid material is capable of being solidified by photopolymerization, in particular by means of a light source comprising a laser.

[0176] Alternatively, the powdered or liquid material is capable of being solidified by sintering, in particular by means of a heat source comprising a laser.

[0177] The liquid or powdered material is generally placed in a receptacle provided with a support for the solidified material and the support is moved in steps equal to the thicknesses of the slices defined from the digital model.

[0178] The liquid or powdery material comprises at least one component, mixed where appropriate with an additive, this component being chosen from a photopolymer resin, a sintering resin, a metal and / or a metal alloy.

[0179] Among the three-dimensional printing processes that can be implemented for producing the retention ring 10A, we can cite selective laser sintering or SLS, acronym for “Selective Laser Sintering”, which is a technology that uses powder materials, generally made of plastic or metal. The retention ring 10A is obtained layer by layer from the powder that is sintered or fused using the energy of a high-power laser that heats the powder beyond the glass transition point, which causes the particles to agglomerate.

[0180] According to another example of a three-dimensional printing method that is likely to be implemented for the production of the retention ring 10A, we can also cite stereolithography or SLA, acronym for StereoLithography Apparatus, which uses a liquid resin that hardens by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. A UV laser beam scans the surface of the resin and thus hardens the material on a section of the product to create, layer by layer, the retention ring 10A, from bottom to top.

[0181] According to another example of a three-dimensional printing method which is likely to be implemented for the production of the retention ring 10A, we can also cite DLS technology, acronym for “Digital Light Synthesis”. This technology is similar to that of stereolithography described above, however, the hardening of the resin is obtained by projection of radiation directly onto the entire surface of liquid resin, which makes it possible to produce a retention ring 10A even more quickly.

[0182] These three three-dimensional printing technologies are given as non-limiting examples, other three-dimensional printing technologies already known can of course be used.

Claims

Claims

1. Cup (10) having a main axis (A) and intended to equip a device (12) for applying a grape (14) of cosmetic product, the cup (10) being capable of receiving said grape (14) of cosmetic product and of being driven by an actuating mechanism of said device (12), the cup (10) comprising: - a retaining ring (10A) comprising means for retaining a base (14A) of the grape (14); - a slider (10B) having a housing (32) in which the retaining ring (10A) is intended to be inserted axially in a nested position, the slider (10B) being configured to cooperate with the actuating mechanism; - means for axially fixing the retaining ring (10A) in the slider (10B);characterized in that the means for retaining the base of the grape (14) in the retention ring (10A) are formed by a cylindrical retention skirt (28) coaxial with the main axis (A) which is intended to be embedded in the base (14A) of the grape (14) of cosmetic product.;

2. Cup (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the retention skirt (28) is perforated.

3. Cup (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining ring (10A) comprises a collar (50) which extends radially projecting from the retaining skirt (28).

4. Cup (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the collar (50) extends from a lower end of the retention skirt (28).

5. Cup (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retention skirt (28) is extended downwards by a lower tubular section.

6. Cup (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lower tubular section is solid.

7. Cup (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lower end edge of the retention skirt (28) delimits an orifice (26) for injecting the cosmetic product intended to form the grape (14)

8. Cup (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (10A) is devoid of a tubular wall arranged radially opposite the retention skirt (28).

9. Cup (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the retaining ring (10A) comprises a tubular wall (20) in which the retaining skirt (28) is arranged concentrically, the tubular wall (20) being intended to house the base (14A) of the grape (14), an upper end edge of the wall (20) delimiting an opening axially upwards to allow the grape (14) to protrude.

10. Cup (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the axial fixing means are carried by the inner tubular section.

11. Cup (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing (32) of the slider (10B) is delimited by a tubular wall (34) and by a bottom (36), said axial fixing means comprise at least one first fitting element (40A) which is carried by a cylindrical external face (20A) of the tubular wall (20) of the retaining ring (10A), and which is intended to be fitted radially with at least one second fitting element (40B) of complementary shape carried by and the tubular wall (34) of the slider (10B).

12. Cup (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one second fitting element (40B) of complementary shape is carried by radially elastically flexible tabs (42) made in the tubular wall (34) of the slider (10B).

13. Cup (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first fitting element (40A) is arranged near a lower end of the retaining ring (10A).

14. Cup (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the first fitting element (40A) is an annular groove and / or an annular bead so that the retaining ring (10A) can be fixed axially to the slider (10B) whatever its angular position relative to the slider (10B).

15. Cup (10A) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for locking the retention ring (10A) in rotation relative to the slider (10B). in a nested position which are distinct from the axial fixing means and which are contained in the housing (32).

16. Cup (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rotation locking means comprise a first imprint (46A) which is arranged at a lower end of the retaining ring (10A), the first imprint (46A) being intended to cooperate with a second imprint (46B) of complementary shape made at the bottom (36) of the housing (32) of the slider (10B).

17. Cup (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of the two impressions (46A) is formed by a crown of notches (52) distributed around the main axis (A), the other impression (46B) comprising at least one tooth (56) intended to be received axially in one of said notches (52).

18. Cup (10) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the first imprint (46A) is arranged under a lower face of the collar (50).

19. Cup (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that an internal face (20B) of the tubular wall (20) of the retention ring (10A) has a divergent shape which extends at least over an upper quarter of the tubular wall (20), so that the wall (20) is progressively thinned up to its upper end edge (24).

20. Cup (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in its fitted position, the retaining ring (10A) is completely included in the housing (32) of the slider (10B).

21. Cup (10) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 9, characterized in that the upper end edge (24) of the tubular (20) of the retaining ring (10A) is located axially at the same level as the upper end edge of the skirt (28).

22. Cup (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external face (34A) of the tubular wall (34) of the slider (10B) comprises at least one lug (60) intended to cooperate with the actuating mechanism.

23. Assembly formed by the ring (10A) for retaining the cup produced according to any one of the preceding claims, and by a grape (14) of cosmetic product of which a base (14A) is fixed to the ring (10A) of retention, characterized in that the skirt (28) is embedded in the base (14A) of the grape (14) of cosmetic product.

24. Assembly according to the preceding claim, taken in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the grape rests axially against an upper face of the collar (50).

25. Assembly according to any one of claims 23 or 24, taken in combination with claim 9, characterized in that the base (14A) of the grape (14) is surrounded externally by the tubular wall (20) of the retaining ring (10A).

26. Device (12) for applying a grape (14) of cosmetic product equipped with a cursor (10B) produced according to any one of the preceding claims.

27. ​​Device (12) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 22, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one guide (16) in which the slider (10B) is mounted to slide axially, the guide (16) comprising at least one slot (62) which is crossed by the at least one associated lug (60) of the slider (10B); - a drive part (18) comprising a tubular sheath (64) in which the guide (16) is mounted to rotate, the sheath (64) internally comprising at least one groove (66) for receiving the at least one lug (60) of the slider (10B), the rotation of the guide (16) relative to the sheath (64) causing an axial movement of the slider (10B) between an extreme deployed position and an extreme retracted position.

28. Method for molding a grape (14) of cosmetic product in a ring (10A) for retaining a cup (10) produced according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises: - a first step of inserting the retaining ring (10A) into a mold (68) delimiting a generally cylindrical cavity (70) of the shape of the grape (14); - a second step of injecting the heated cosmetic product into the mold (68) so as to embed the retaining skirt (28); - a third step of demolding the grape (14) by axial extraction of the assembly formed by the retention ring (10A) and the grape (14) of previously cooled cosmetic product thus overmolded on the retention skirt.

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