Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product provided with at least one movable retaining tab and associated method

Abstract

Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product provided with at least one movable retaining tab and associated method The device comprises: - a base (4) delimiting an interior volume (18), the base (4) having a neck (14), - a protective cover (10) elongated along an elongation axis (A), the cover (10) being movable relative to the base (4) between a free position, in which the cover (10) is disengaged from the base (4), and an engaged position, in which the cover (10) is engaged around the neck (14). The neck (14) comprises at least one movable retaining tab (44), radially deployable between a retracted configuration when the cover (10) occupies its engaged position and a deployed configuration when the cover (10) occupies its free position, the or each retaining tab (44) being permanently biased towards the deployed configuration. Figure for abstract: figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product provided with at least one movable retaining tab and associated method

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product comprising:

[0002] - a base delimiting an interior volume, the base having a neck,

[0003] - a protective cover elongated along an elongation axis, the cover being de- positionable relative to the base between a free position, in which the hood is disengaged from the base, and an engaged position, in which the hood is engaged around the neck.

[0004] The cosmetic product is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a face and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

[0005] More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in Regulation EC No. 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

[0006] Such a device is intended in particular for packaging and applying a stick of cosmetic product, in particular lipstick or a lip care product. It is suitable, for example, for being received in a handbag.

[0007] GB1109797A describes a device for packaging a lipstick, comprising a base defining a neck and delimiting an interior volume accommodating a mechanism fixed to the base. The device further has a cover movable relative to the base between a free position in which the cover is separated from the base, and an engaged position, in which the cover engages by friction on the neck of the base. The base has at least one tab which projects inwards to retain by friction the mechanism in the base.

[0008] Such a device is not entirely satisfactory, particularly when the cap is made of a rigid material, in particular glass. Indeed, when packaging the cosmetic product, the cap engages around the neck of the base, resting on the neck.

[0009] The tolerance between the inner diameter of the cap and the outer diameter of the neck must be very precisely adjusted to allow a robust retention of the cap, when the device is stored in a handbag. This is contradictory to the need to offer the user the possibility of releasing the cap from the base with moderate effort.

[0010] In the case of producing a single-piece hood, particularly in a rigid material such as glass, such a tolerance may be difficult to achieve. depending on the tolerance achieved during manufacturing, there is therefore a risk that the hood will open unexpectedly or, on the contrary, be too firmly engaged on the base.

[0011] An aim of the invention is to propose a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product having a cap that is movable relative to the base, held securely to the base during packaging, while offering a simple gesture to release it, even if the cap is made of a material that is not very flexible or has high tolerances.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a packaging and application device of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the neck comprises at least one movable retaining tab, radially deployable between a retracted configuration when the cover occupies its engaged position and a deployed configuration when the cover occupies its free position, the or each retaining tab being permanently biased towards the deployed configuration.

[0013] The or each deployable retaining tab present on the neck provides, by its elastically stressed support on the inner surface of the hood, a robust and flexible hold of the hood on the base, in the engaged position of the hood. The retaining tab being deployable, it automatically compensates for any defects resulting from manufacturing tolerances. In addition, its mobility between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration facilitates the transition from the free position to the engaged position of the hood and vice versa, limits the tensile force that the user must apply to move from the engaged position to the free position.

[0014] According to a variant, the packaging and application device according to the invention comprises at least one of the following characteristics: - the cover is made in one piece, being made from one piece; - the hood is made of glass.

[0015] The presence of at least one deployable retaining tab makes it possible to use a cover made from a single piece of rigid material, the manufacturing tolerances of which are more difficult to control, such as glass. This is very beneficial from the point of view of the manufacture and aesthetics of the device. In addition, the cover made of glass makes it possible to limit the quantity of plastic used and therefore produces an environmental benefit.

[0016] According to one variant, the packaging and application device according to the invention comprises at least one of the following characteristics: - the cover has an inner annular radial housing, the or each retaining tab engaging in the radial housing when the cover occupies its engaged position; - the or each retaining tab is provided with an external relief configured to cooperate with the radial housing in the engaged position of the cover.

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[0024] The radial housing reinforces the retention of the cover at the base in the engaged position, in particular by producing a mechanical interaction with the or each retaining tab in the engaged position. This support is reinforced when the lug itself is provided with an external relief cooperating with the radial housing. According to one variant, the packaging and application device according to the invention comprises at least one of the following characteristics: - the or each retaining tab comprises an upper edge, the upper edge being connected to the neck; - the or each retaining tab comprises a lower edge and lateral edges, the lower edge and the lateral edges being free, the free lower edge being arranged radially away from the upper edge relative to the elongation axis in the deployed configuration, the lower edge approaching the elongation axis when the cover occupies its engaged position. The upper edge of each retaining tab attached to the neck provides a robust hold of each retaining tab to the neck. The free side edges and bottom edge allow movement of the or each retaining tab from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration when the user disengages the hood, limiting the tensile force that the user must apply. This does not impair the robust fixation of the hood in the engaged position, thanks to the radial deployment of the or each tab. According to one variant, the packaging and application device according to the invention comprises the following characteristic: - the base comprises a lower part having an upper rim, the neck projecting relative to the upper rim, the neck and the upper rim forming an external shoulder, the or each retaining tab projecting opposite the upper rim. The outer annular shoulder formed by the neck and the upper edge of the lower part accommodates the lower edge of the hood in the engaged position. It helps to reinforce the robustness of the hood's engagement on the base. The or each retaining tab being placed opposite the upper edge, it does not interfere with the axial wedging of the lower edge of the hood on the upper edge, while ensuring the retention of the hood. According to one variant, the packaging and application device according to the invention comprises at least one of the following characteristics: - the lower part defines a plurality of grooves parallel to the axis of elongation, each groove opening radially outwards relative to the axis of elongation; - each groove is delimited radially inwards by a surface of

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[0033] bottom, the bottom surface being thickened radially towards the interior volume. The presence of a plurality of grooves on the lower portion, possibly associated with the presence of a thickened bottom surface, mechanically strengthens the lower portion to enable it to possibly accommodate and maintain a cosmetic product deployment mechanism. According to one variant, the packaging and application device according to the invention comprises the following characteristic: - the base has an outer fret, the outer fret being engaged around the lower part. The fret protects the lower part and more generally the base, from external mechanical stresses. It helps to improve the aesthetic appearance of the base. According to one variant, the packaging and application device according to the invention comprises at least one of the following characteristics: - a mechanism for deploying a block of cosmetic product, the deployment mechanism comprising a guide sleeve mounted fixed relative to the base, a maneuvering skirt mounted movable in rotation around the guide sleeve and a cup receiving the block of cosmetic product, received in the guide sleeve, the cup being movable in translation along the elongation axis between a storage configuration of the block and a deployment configuration of the block, by rotation of the maneuvering skirt relative to the guide sleeve; - the cosmetic product block is a block of lipstick or lip care product. The deployment mechanism of a used cosmetic product block promotes ease of use and application of the cosmetic product. It guarantees the protection of the cosmetic product when not in use, especially when it is in the form of a block. The robust attachment of the hood to the base by the retaining tab(s) limits the risk of accidental operation of the deployment mechanism. According to one variant, the packaging and application device according to the invention comprises the following characteristic: - the deployment mechanism is fixed in the lower part of the base and advantageously by being wedged between the bottom surfaces of the grooves. Thickening the bottom surface of the grooves inward strengthens the retention of the deployment mechanism at the base. The invention also relates to a method of using a device for packaging and applying a block of cosmetic product comprising the following steps: - supply of a device as defined above, the hood being in its engaged position, - manual traction along the extension axis to move the hood from the engaged position to a free position, the hood separating from the base to move into its free position, the or each retaining tab moving from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration, - application of the cosmetic product to a body surface; and - passage of the hood from the free position to the engaged position by sliding it along the elongation axis the or each retaining tab moving from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration while being elastically biased towards its deployed configuration.

[0034] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a sectional view along a median axial plane of a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to the invention, the cap being in its engaged position on the base;

[0036] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of the device of [Fig.l];

[0037] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view of a detail of [Fig.l], illustrating the engagement of a deployable base retaining tab with a retaining bead in the hood;

[0038] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is an elevational view of an interior portion of the base carrying the hood's deployable retaining tabs.

[0039] A first device 2 for packaging and applying a block 8 of cosmetic product according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0040] The cosmetic product is in particular a hair product, a hygiene product, a face and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

[0041] With reference to [Fig. 2], the packaging and application device 2 extends along a vertical elongation axis A. It comprises a base 4, a deployment mechanism 6 for the block 8 of cosmetic product, received in the base 4 and a cover 10 elongated along the elongation axis A, the cover 10 being movable relative to the base 4 between a position engaged on the base 4 and a free position relative to the base 4.

[0042] The block 8 of cosmetic product is advantageously solid when it is received in the packaging and application device 2. It has a free end 9 configured to be applied to a body surface of a user and to become fluid upon contact with the body surface.

[0043] In this example, the block 8 of cosmetic product is a grape having a tapered free end 9, the grape being in particular a lipstick.

[0044] The base 4 comprises a lower part 12, a neck 14 projecting upwards from the lower part 12, and an outer hoop 16 engaged around the lower part 12. The base 4 delimits an interior volume 18.

[0045] The lower part 12 is made of plastic, for example polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[0046] The lower part 12 comprises a side wall 20, an upper rim 22 and a base 28 for indexing the deployment mechanism 6, arranged in the side wall 20 under the upper rim 22.

[0047] The side wall 20 is of revolution around the axis of elongation A. It internally delimits the interior volume 18.

[0048] The side wall 20 defines on its outer surface a plurality of grooves 24 parallel to the elongation axis A. Each groove 24 opens radially outwards relative to the elongation axis A.

[0049] Each groove 24 is delimited radially inwards by a bottom surface 26. The bottom surface 26 of each groove 24 is thickened radially towards the interior volume 18.

[0050] The bottom surface 26 of each groove 24 forms a rib projecting radially into the interior volume 18.

[0051] The indexing base 28 extends transversely in the interior volume 18 while being connected to the bottom surfaces 26.

[0052] The indexing base 28 comprises a fixed base 34, flexible tabs 30 for axially snapping the deployment mechanism 6 and a toothed crown 32 for locking the deployment mechanism 6 in rotation extending around the elongation axis A.

[0053] Each flexible snap-on tab 30 projects upwardly from the fixed base 34 to a snap-on head 38 located above the toothed ring 32.

[0054] The upper rim 22 is formed from a plurality of tabs 39 projecting radially towards the axis of elongation A from an upper edge of the side wall 20. The tabs 39 define circumferential openings between them.

[0055] The neck 14 projects relative to the upper rim 22, the neck 14 and the upper rim 22 forming an external annular shoulder 40, intended to support a lower edge of the cover 10.

[0056] In this example, it is formed in one piece with the lower part 12.

[0057] The neck 14 comprises a skirt 42 and at least one retaining tab 44 movable relative to the skirt 42, radially deployable from a retracted configuration when the cover 10 occupies its engaged position to a deployed configuration when the cover 10 occupies its free position, the or each retaining tab 44 being permanently biased towards the deployed position.

[0058] The skirt 42 is here cylindrical with an axis coaxial with the elongation axis A. It projects upwards along the elongation axis A from the inner edge of the upper rim 22, in particular from the inner edge of each tab 39. It extends to a free upper edge 46.

[0059] As visible in [Fig.4], the skirt 42 defines for each retaining tab 44, a through window 48 for receiving the retaining tab 44. Each window 48 extends angularly around the elongation axis A between two solid regions 49A each extending upwards a tab 39.

[0060] The skirt 42 defines above each window 48, an annular region 49B connected to the solid regions 49A.

[0061] Each retaining tab 44 comprises an upper edge 50, a lower edge 52 and lateral edges 54A, 54B. It advantageously comprises an external hooking relief 55.

[0062] The upper edge 50 is connected to the skirt 42, and advantageously defines the upper edge of the window 48 receiving the retaining tab 44.

[0063] The lower edge 52 and the side edges 54A, 54B are free.

[0064] The free lower edge 52 is arranged radially away from the upper edge 50 towards the outside relative to the elongation axis A in the deployed configuration, at rest. It is located outside the window 48. It approaches radially the elongation axis A towards the interior volume 18 of the base 4 in the retracted configuration, when the cover 10 occupies its engaged position.

[0065] As illustrated by [Fig.3], in section in a median axial plane passing through the elongation axis A and through its middle, the retaining tab 44 tilts outwards while moving downwards from the upper edge 50 towards the lower edge 52.

[0066] The angle of inclination a of the retaining tab 44 relative to the elongation axis A in the deployed configuration is for example less than 10° and in particular between 3° and 5°.

[0067] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the outer hoop 16 comprises a bottom 56 and a side covering 58 projecting from the bottom 56. The outer hoop 16 is engaged around the lower part 12 and is fixed to the lower part 12. In this example, the outer hoop 16 is made of metal.

[0068] The deployment mechanism 6 of the cosmetic product block 8 is fixed to the base 4 via the indexing base 28.

[0069] It comprises a guide sleeve 60, extending along the elongation axis A while being fixed in rotation relative to the base 4, a maneuvering skirt 62 mounted to move in rotation around the guide sleeve 60 and a cup 64 receiving the block 8 of cosmetic product, received in the guide sleeve 60. The cup 64 is movable in translation along the elongation axis A between a storage configuration of the block 8 and a deployment configuration of block 8, by rotation of the maneuvering skirt 62 relative to the guide sleeve 60.

[0070] The guide sleeve 60 extends along the elongation axis A. It has a lower part 63A fixed in the indexing base 38 and a cylindrical upper part 63B having an inner peripheral surface 76, an outer peripheral surface 78 and two longitudinal guide slots (one of which is not visible) of the cup 64, opening into these two surfaces.

[0071] The upper part 63B defines at its upper edge an upper stop 81A for wedging in translation the maneuvering skirt 62 projecting from the outer peripheral surface 78. It defines with the lower part 63A a lower stop 81B for wedging the maneuvering skirt 62.

[0072] The upper part 63B delimits an internal light 82 for circulation and guidance of the cup 64 which opens upwards.

[0073] Each guide slot opens radially towards the elongation axis A in the internal lumen 82 and comprises a central axial main section 84, a first circumferential end section 86 and a second circumferential end section (not visible).

[0074] The first circumferential end section 86 extends from one end of the main axial section 84 in a first direction around the elongation axis A. The second circumferential end section extends from another end of the main axial section 84 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0075] The lower part 63A comprises a lower securing edge 90 mounted on the toothed crown 32 and a radial projection 92 extending radially towards the elongation axis A, on which the flexible indexing tabs 30 engage when the deployment mechanism 6 is fixed to the base 4.

[0076] The maneuvering skirt 62 extends along the elongation axis A. It defines an inner peripheral surface 66 and an outer peripheral surface 68.

[0077] The inner peripheral surface defines at least one helical groove 74 of axis A.

[0078] The operating skirt 62 is rotatably mounted around the extension axis A on the guide sleeve 60 while being wedged between the stops 81A, 81B.

[0079] The guide sleeve 60 and the operating skirt 62 form two concentric cylinders along the elongation axis A. The outer peripheral surface 78 of the guide sleeve 60 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface 66 of the operating skirt 62.

[0080] The cup 64 comprises a support receptacle 94 for the block 8 of cosmetic product, and for each guide slot, a radial guide pin (not visible) received both in the slot of the guide sleeve 60 and in the helical groove of the skirt of maneuver 62.

[0081] During the relative rotation between the guide sleeve 60 and the maneuvering skirt 62, the cup 64 is movable in translation along the elongation axis A from the storage configuration in which the cup 64 is closer to the base 4 and the deployment configuration of the cosmetic product block 8 in which the cup 64 is distant from the base 4.

[0082] When the cup 64 is in the storage configuration or in the deployed configuration, each radial guide pin is received in a circumferential end section 86. Between each of these configurations, each radial guide pin is received in the main axial section 84.

[0083] The cover 10 is made in one piece. It is elongated along the elongation axis A.

[0084] The cover 10 is made of a rigid material. By “rigid material” is generally meant a material having a Young’s modulus greater than 9 GPA. In this example, the cover 10 is made of glass.

[0085] The hood 10 comprises a top wall 98 and a side wall 100, the side wall 100 projecting from the top wall 98 and comprising a lower edge 102 defining an open end 104.

[0086] In this example, the side wall 100 defines an annular radial housing 106 in the vicinity of the inner lower edge 102.

[0087] The annular radial housing 106 is located opposite the neck 14 when the cover 10 occupies its engaged position. Each retaining tab 44 engages in the annular radial housing 106, in particular by its external relief 55.

[0088] When the cover 10 is in the engaged position, the lower edge 102 is in contact with the upper rim 22 and / or with the upper edge of the lower part 12.

[0089] The use of the packaging and application device 2 according to the invention for applying cosmetic product 8 to a body surface of the user will now be described.

[0090] Initially, a packaging and application device 2 according to the invention is provided, with its cover 10 engaged on the base 4.

[0091] To use the cosmetic product, the user moves the cover 10 by separating it from the base 4.

[0092] For this purpose, the cover 10 is moved from the engaged position in which the cover 10 is connected to the base 4, to the free position. The movement from the engaged position to the free position of the cover 10 is carried out by manual traction along the elongation axis A around the deployment mechanism 6.

[0093] During this movement, the or each retaining tab 44 included on the base 4 moves from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration.

[0094] The user then rotates the operating skirt 62 of the deployment mechanism 6 around the elongation axis A in a first direction to move the cup 64 towards its deployment configuration. This movement extracts the block 8 of cosmetic product at least partially from the internal lumen 82 of the guide sleeve 60.

[0095] The user then applies the cosmetic product 8 to a body surface.

[0096] When the user has finished, he rotates the maneuvering skirt 62 in the opposite direction to the first direction around the elongation axis A. The rotational movement returns the cup 64 to its storage configuration.

[0097] The user moves the cover 10 to its engaged position by sliding the cover 10 along the deployment mechanism 6, the or each retaining tab 44 engaging the annular radial housing 106 and moving to the retracted configuration.

[0098] The retaining tab 44 being permanently urged towards its deployed configuration, it then firmly holds the cover 10 in its engaged position, compensating for any manufacturing tolerances.

[0099] In one variant, the cosmetic product 8 is a lip care product.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for packaging and applying (2) a cosmetic product (8) comprising: - a base (4) delimiting an interior volume (18), the base (4) having a neck (14), - a protective cap (10) elongated along an elongation axis (A), the cap (10) being movable relative to the base (4) between a free position, in which the cap (10) is disengaged from the base (4), and an engaged position, in which the cap (10) is engaged around the neck (14), characterized in that the neck (14) comprises at least one movable retaining tab (44), radially deployable between a retracted configuration when the cap (10) occupies its engaged position and a deployed configuration when the cap (10) occupies its free position, the or each retaining tab (44) being permanently biased towards the deployed configuration.

2. Device (2) according to claim 1, in which the cover (10) is made in one piece and is made from one piece.

3. Device (2) according to claim 2, in which the cover (10) is made of glass.

4. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover (10) has an inner annular radial housing (106), the or each retaining tab (44) engaging in the radial housing (106) when the cover (10) occupies its engaged position.

5. Device (2) according to claim 4, in which the or each retaining tab (44) is provided with an external relief (55) configured to cooperate with the radial housing (106) in the engaged position of the cover (10).

6. A device (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each retaining tab (44) comprises an upper edge (50), the upper edge (50) being bonded to the neck (14).

7. Device (2) according to claim 6, in which the or each retaining tab (44) comprises a lower edge (52) and lateral edges (54A, 54B), the lower edge (52) and the lateral edges (54A, 54B) being free, the free lower edge (52) being arranged radially away from the upper edge (50) relative to the axis of elongation (A) in the deployed configuration, the lower edge (52) approaching the axis of elongation (A) when the cover (10) occupies its engaged position.

8. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the base (4) comprises a lower part (12) having an upper rim (22), the neck (14) projecting relative to the upper rim (22), the neck (14) and the upper rim (22) forming an external shoulder (40), the or each retaining tab (44) projecting opposite the upper rim (22).

9. Device (2) according to claim 8, in which the lower part (12) defines a plurality of grooves (24) parallel to the axis of elongation (A), each groove (24) opening radially outwards relative to the axis of elongation (A).

10. Device (2) according to claim 9, in which each groove (24) is delimited radially inwards by a bottom surface (26), the bottom surface (26) being thickened radially towards the interior volume (18).

11. A device (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the base (4) comprises an outer hoop (16), the outer hoop (16) being engaged around the lower portion (12).

12. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a deployment mechanism (6) for a block of cosmetic product (8), the deployment mechanism (6) comprising a guide sleeve (60) mounted fixed relative to the base (4), a maneuvering skirt (62) mounted movable in rotation around the guide sleeve (60) and a cup (64) receiving the block (8) of cosmetic product, received in the guide sleeve (60), the cup (64) being movable in translation along the axis of elongation (A) between a storage configuration of the block (8) and a deployment configuration of the block (8), by rotation of the maneuvering skirt (62) relative to the guide sleeve (60).

13. Device (2) according to claim 12, wherein the block (8) of cosmetic product is a block of lipstick or lip care product.

14. A device (2) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, taken in combination with claims 8 or 9, wherein the deployment mechanism (6) is fixed in the lower part (12) of the base (4) and advantageously by being wedged between the bottom surfaces (26) of the grooves (24).

15. A method of using a cosmetic product, comprising the following steps: providing a device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, the cover (10) being in its engaged position. manual traction along the elongation axis (A) to move the cover (10) from the engaged position to a free position, the cover (10) separating from the base (4) to move into its free position, the or each retaining tab (44) moving from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration, application of the cosmetic product (8) to a body surface, passage of the cover (10) from the free position to the engaged position by sliding along the elongation axis (A), the or each retaining tab (44) moving from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration while being elastically biased towards its deployed configuration.

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