Method of manufacturing a cellulosic fiber cup for a refillable packaging unit for a product, particularly a cosmetic product

A method for manufacturing a cellulose fiber cup with axial retention by molding, coating, and shaping tabs addresses the challenge of creating locking tabs, enabling efficient and eco-friendly refillable packaging solutions.

FR3160618A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-10-03LOREAL SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024003053
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-26
Publication Date
2025-10-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The challenge of manufacturing a cup made of cellulose fibers for refillable packaging that maintains axial retention similar to plastic cups, as creating locking tabs on cellulose fiber cups is difficult through conventional molding processes.

Method used

A manufacturing method involving molding a cup blank from cellulose fibers, applying a waterproof coating, cutting and shaping axial holding tabs, and heating and bending them to ensure mechanical axial retention, using a counterform and heating tool to achieve snap-fastening with the container.

Benefits of technology

Enables the production of a cup with at least 80% cellulose fibers that maintains effective axial holding on the container, reducing plastic material usage and waste, while ensuring mechanical stability and compatibility with refillable packaging systems.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Method (100) for manufacturing a cup made of a first material comprising at least 80% cellulose fibers comprising the following successive steps: - producing a cup blank by molding the first material, said cup blank comprising a flat molded annular collar; - positioning by lamination of a waterproof coating on the internal surface of the cup blank; - cutting the flat molded annular collar by a cutting tool comprising a cylindrical body and at least two ears projecting radially from the cylindrical body to obtain at least two flat axial holding tabs; - shaping the flat axial holding tabs by heating and bending said flat axial holding tabs using a cylindrical heating bending tool and a counterform; and - cooling the cup. Figure for abstract: Fig 4
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Description

Title of the invention: Method for manufacturing a cellulosic fiber cup for a refillable packaging unit for a product, particularly a cosmetic product.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of refillable assemblies for packaging a product, in particular a cosmetic product.

[0002] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “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 relating to cosmetic products.

[0003] More particularly, the invention relates to a refillable packaging assembly comprising a container or pot having a wide opening and equipped with a screw-on lid or cap.

[0004] The refillable assembly further comprises an insert or cup forming a refill suitable for being replaced when the product it contains is exhausted.

[0005] Conventionally, in known rechargeable assemblies, the cup is made of plastic. The cup generally comprises an axial locking system cooperating directly on the pot. The axial locking system is therefore determined in relation to the plastic material used for the cup.

[0006] The proposal of eco-responsible, environmentally friendly solutions, the design and development of which take environmental issues into account, is becoming a major concern to help meet global challenges.

[0007] It is therefore essential to design products that reduce the quantity of materials used and / or replace them with more environmentally friendly materials and / or use recyclable materials in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the product.

[0008] In this context, it is important to develop packaging that generates less waste, in particular optimized for the quantity of products transported, in particular by redesigning and / or resizing them in order to reduce the volume and weight of the quantity of packaging.

[0009] The objective is to offer reusable eco-responsible containers, particularly those that can be refilled at home or in stores, and made mainly from cellulose fibers in order to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging devices.

[0010] The present invention is part of this approach to developing containers for the field of cosmetic products, and in particular care products, for example a cream, with a view to its application to the epidermis of a user, or even a makeup product, such as for example foundation or eye shadow. plays.

[0011] However, by replacing the plastic cup with a cup made of cellulose fibers, it is necessary to modify the axial hold of said cup on the pot.

[0012] Indeed, the creation of locking tabs on the cellulose fiber cup is difficult to achieve by molding the cellulose pulp.

[0013] There is therefore a need to find a manufacturing process allowing the manufacture of a cup made at least 80% from cardboard to meet ecological constraints.

[0014] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the above drawbacks.

[0015] The present invention thus proposes an innovative manufacturing method allowing the manufacture of a cup made at least 80% from cellulose fibers with the aim of maintaining axial retention of said cup forming a refill relative to the container similar to the axial retention of a cup made from plastic material obtained by a molding process.

[0016] The subject of the invention is a method for manufacturing a cup made of a first material comprising at least 80% cellulose fibers, in particular for a refillable packaging assembly for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container extending along an elevation axis and a cup forming a refill and mounted removably along a direction of the elevation axis in the container.

[0017] The method comprising the following successive steps: - production of a cup blank by molding the first material, said cup blank comprising a hollow body extending along the elevation axis delimiting a lower closed bottom and a side wall together delimiting an internal surface, an open end, opposite the bottom and allowing access to the internal surface, and an annular collar molded flat and extending from the side wall of the cup to its open end radially outwards: - placed in position by laminating a waterproof or impermeable coating on the internal surface of the cup blank, i.e. by stretching towards the bottom of the cup, said waterproof coating delimiting an internal cavity or volume intended to contain a product; - cutting the flat molded annular collar by a cutting tool comprising a cylindrical body and at least two ears projecting radially from the cylindrical body to obtain at least two flat axial holding tabs; - shaping the axially flat holding tabs by heating and bending said axially flat holding tabs, in particular relative to the end collar, for example at an angle preferably equal to 90° relative to said end collar, using a cylindrical heating bending tool and a counterform whose shape is configured to provide the internal shape of the final axial retaining tabs; and - cooling of the cup blank to obtain the cup.

[0018] Thanks to the method of manufacturing the cup by flat molding of an annular collar and hot deformation of said collar to obtain axial holding tabs, it is possible to produce a cup with 80% cellulose fibers while ensuring mechanical axial holding of said cup on the container. This reduces the quantity of plastic material.

[0019] Cooling the lamination film ensures the rigidity and hold of the axial retaining tabs after deformation during the shaping stage.

[0020] Cooling may be carried out at room temperature or at a temperature below room temperature in order to accelerate the cooling process.

[0021] The body of the cup blank may be of generally cylindrical shape, hemispherical shape, or even any other shape, of parallelepiped section.

[0022] For example, the heated bending tool comprises heating means such as, for example, infrared, conduction, induction, and / or hot air heating means.

[0023] Advantageously, when shaping the axial holding tabs, the counter-form is moved axially from the bottom of the cup under the flat axial holding tabs and the cylindrical heating bending tool is brought axially closer to the cup blank in an axial direction opposite to the direction of movement of the counter-form until the flat axial holding tabs are pressed against said counter-form.

[0024] Preferably, the counterform comprises a first cylindrical skirt and a second cylindrical skirt with an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the first cylindrical skirt, the first cylindrical skirt and the second cylindrical skirt being connected to each other by a radial break.

[0025] For example, the outer diameter of the first cylindrical skirt is less than the inner diameter of the cylindrical heating bending tool.

[0026] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a cup made of cellulose fibers obtained by the method as described above.

[0027] Said cup comprises a hollow body extending along the elevation axis delimiting a lower closed bottom and a side wall together delimiting an internal surface, an open end, opposite the bottom and allowing access to the internal surface, a sealed or impermeable coating in contact with the internal surface and delimiting an internal cavity or volume intended to contain a product, said cup comprising at least two axial holding tabs each configured to cooperate by snap-fastening with a radial projection provided on the end of the container, in particular his collar.

[0028] The cup is held effectively on the container by means of the axial holding tabs.

[0029] The cup is made of paper pulp, in particular molded paper pulp.

[0030] The preparation of a paper pulp can be carried out from wood but also of cotton, or in theory of any fibrous vegetable material. The preparation of a paper pulp is known in itself and will not be described further.

[0031] The waterproof coating makes it possible to seal the cup in order to make it resistant to a wet or greasy product.

[0032] The waterproof coating may be a single-layer or multi-layer film to ensure the barrier function of the body of the cup.

[0033] The waterproof coating may be made of a polymeric film, for example polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene furanoate (PEF), polybutylene succinate (PBS), algae or algae derivative, Surlyn®, polyketone (PK), algae or algae derivative or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or a mixture or any laminated combination.

[0034] The waterproof coating could also be ensured by the deposition of a layer from a powder (for example polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyethylene furanoate (PEF), etc.), a molten wax or an emulsion datex of the acrylic, styrene-acrylic, styrene-butadiene type, wax microemulsion or any other barrier formulation, a dispersion of PE, PLA, PHA or any other type of barrier polymer in dispersion, a solution, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), alginate, agar agar or any other combination of natural or synthetic polymers.

[0035] The waterproof coating could be achieved by a combination of the two approaches.

[0036] The waterproof coating may be a film placed in position on the internal surface by pel- lip plating, that is to say by stretching towards the bottom of the cup.

[0037] Skin packaging, or "skin packaging" in English terms, is a packaging technique consisting of applying a flexible plastic film to an object by suction through a porous support.

[0038] The waterproof coating is thus formed on the internal surface of the cup.

[0039] Advantageously, the cup comprises an end collar extending radially outward from an upper end of an end wall of the cup. Each of the axial retaining tabs comprises an axial skirt extending axially from the end collar and a hooking tab extending radially from a lower end of the axial skirt inward. and intended to be inserted into a notch provided on the container, in particular on its neck, in particular under the radial projection provided on the end of the neck of the container.

[0040] Alternatively, a different number of axial holding tabs could be provided, for example greater than or equal to two. The number of axial holding tabs corresponds to the number of notches provided on the container, in particular its neck.

[0041] The end collar has an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the end wall.

[0042] For example, and in a non-limiting manner, the end collar is axially delimited by a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface is, for example, provided with an annular groove.

[0043] The end collar, and in particular its lower surface, bears axially on an annular rim of the container.

[0044] Advantageously, each axial retaining tab is flexible and elastically deformable and flexes around a flexion axis perpendicular to the elevation axis at the end of the end collar between a free position and a locked position.

[0045] By "flexible" or "elastically deformable" is meant any member capable of deforming under the action of an exerted stress, for example the separation of the axial retaining tab radially outwards during cooperation with the radial projection, and of returning to its initial shape after the cessation of said stress, for example, the engagement of the hooking tab in the corresponding notch of the locking tab provided on the neck of the container.

[0046] For example, the end wall is connected to the side wall by a shoulder and has an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the side wall, and in particular less than the inside diameter of the neck of the container.

[0047] Preferably, the end wall extends in a direction forming a non-zero angle with the extension axis. This allows easier insertion of the cup into the container. Alternatively, an end wall could be provided extending along an axis parallel to the extension axis.

[0048] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a rechargeable assembly for packaging a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container extending along an elevation axis; and - a cup forming a refill as described previously, the cup being held axially on the container by the axial holding tabs in an axially retained position.

[0049] Advantageously, the container comprises a body delimiting an internal space for receiving the cup forming a refill, the internal space being delimited by a lower wall forming a base, a side wall forming an outline and a part upper end wall forming a neck, connected to the side wall by a shoulder and forming a rim on which the cup forming a refill is intended to come into axial support. The upper end wall or neck comprises an opening allowing access to the internal space of the container, a radial projection, preferably annular, at the end of said neck and at least two circumferential notches made on an external surface of the neck.

[0050] Each notch is intended to cooperate with an axial holding tab provided on the cup and each axial holding tab being configured to snap onto the radial projection provided on the neck of the container.

[0051] For example, the circumferential notches are arranged at 180° to each other. Alternatively, three circumferential notches could be provided arranged on the circumference of the neck of the container at 120° to each other. A non-regular circumferential distribution of the circumferential notches and / or a number greater than or equal to four of circumferential notches could also be provided.

[0052] For example, the neck of the container comprises a rim, preferably annular, which is intended to form an axial support for the cup, the rim having an external diameter greater than the external diameter of the external surface of the neck and forming the radial projection.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the assembly comprises a cover removably attached, for example by screwing, to the container and configured to close the cup.

[0054] For example, the neck of the container comprises, on its periphery, at least one thread intended to cooperate with a tapping made on the cap.

[0055] Each notch is preferably circumferentially delimited between two portions of an external thread segment of the thread.

[0056] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0057] [Fig.l] represents an exploded view of a refillable product packaging assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0058] [Fig.2] represents an assembled sectional view of the whole of [Fig.l], illustrated without the cover;

[0059] [Fig.2A] is a sectional view illustrating detail A of the whole of [Fig.2];

[0060] [FIG.2B] is a sectional view illustrating detail B of the whole of [Fig.2];

[0061] [Fig.3A], [Fig.3B], [Fig.3C], [Fig.3D], [Fig.3E], [Fig.3F] illustrate the steps of a method of manufacturing the cup of the assembly of [Fig.l]; and

[0062] [Fig.4] is a flowchart of the manufacturing process of the cup as a whole [Fig.l].

[0063] In the remainder of the description, we consider an orthonormal base X, Y, Z, with Z corresponding to an elevation or elongation axis representing the vertical direction in which we find:

[0064] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal;

[0065] - a transverse axis Y, horizontal, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X; and

[0066] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal axes X and transverse Y and extending from bottom to top on [Fig.l].

[0067] The expressions "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper part and the lower part of the figures, in the assembled position of the rechargeable assembly.

[0068] The terms "interior" or "internal" and "exterior" or "external" refer to the interior of the product packaging assembly, the internal or interior portions being closer to the elevation axis Z-Z' than the external or exterior portions.

[0069] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, a refillable assembly 1 for packaging a product extends axially along an axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical in [Fig.l].

[0070] The refillable assembly 1 for packaging a product comprises a container 10 or pot, a cup or insert forming a refill 20 removably mounted in the container 10 and a hood or cover 40 removably fixed on the container 10.

[0071] By "product" is meant a cosmetic product, such as, for example, a care product, for example a cream, for application to the epidermis or to the keratin fibers of a user, or a makeup product, such as, for example, foundation or blusher, or a finely ground, compacted solid product in the form of a compact powder, intended to be applied, for example, to the epidermis of the user. However, the invention is not limited to a cosmetic product. Other types of products could also be provided, such as, for example, paint, or food products, such as butter.

[0072] The container 10 comprises a body extending along an elevation axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical in the figures. Any shape could be provided for the body, for example parallelepiped, cylindrical or other.

[0073] The body of the container 10 delimits an internal space E for receiving the cup 20 forming a refill.

[0074] The internal space E is delimited by a lower wall 11 forming a bottom, here substantially flat, a side wall 12 forming a contour here parallelepiped and a upper end portion 13 forming a neck and connected to the side wall 12 by a shoulder 14. Other contour shapes, regular or irregular, are also possible, in particular circular, square, polygonal or oblong shapes.

[0075] The upper end wall 13 comprises an opening 15 allowing access to the internal space E of the container 10.

[0076] As illustrated, the upper end portion 13 has, on its periphery, a thread 16 intended to cooperate with a tapping (not visible in the figures, made on the cover 40.

[0077] As illustrated, and in a non-limiting manner, the container 10 comprises, on its periphery, in particular on the upper end portion 13, two external thread segments 16a, 16b.

[0078] Each of the external thread segments 16a, 16b includes a thread engaging end (not referenced) and a thread ending end (not referenced).

[0079] The end portion 13 of the container 10 comprises a rim 13a, here annular, which is intended to form an axial support for the cup 20 forming a refill.

[0080] The rim 13a has an external diameter greater than the external diameter of the external surface 13b of the neck 13. In other words, the neck 13 of the container 10 comprises an annular radial projection 13c at the end of said neck 13.

[0081] The neck 13 of the container 10 further comprises, here, two circumferential notches 17 made on the outer surface 13b of the neck 13, only one of which is visible in the figures. Each notch 17 is intended to cooperate with an axial holding tab 32 provided on the cup 20.

[0082] Each notch 17 is further circumferentially delimited between two portions of an external thread segment 16a, 16b.

[0083] The circumferential notches 17 are arranged at 180° to each other. Alternatively, three circumferential notches 17 could be provided arranged on the circumference of the neck 13 of the container 10 at 120° to each other. It would also be possible to provide a non-regular circumferential distribution of the circumferential notches 17 and / or a number greater than or equal to four of circumferential notches 17.

[0084] The cup or insert 20 is intended to be inserted into the internal space E of the container 10.

[0085] As illustrated in the figures, the cup 20 comprises a body of generally cylindrical shape extending along the elevation axis Z-Z'. The body of the cup 20 comprises a lower closed bottom 21, a side wall 22 forming a substantially circular contour and delimiting an internal surface 23 and an open end 24 allowing access to the internal surface 23.

[0086] The cup 20 comprises a sealed or impermeable coating 26 in contact with the internal surface 23 and delimiting an internal cavity or volume 27 intended to contain a product.

[0087] The waterproof coating 26 makes it possible to seal the cup 20 in order to make it resistant to a wet or greasy product.

[0088] The waterproof coating 26 can be made of a polymeric film, for example polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene furanoate (PEF), polybutylene succinate (PBS), algae or algae derivative, Surlyn®, poly-lyketone (PK), algae or algae derivative or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or a mixture or any laminated combination.

[0089] The waterproof coating 26 could also be ensured by the deposition of a layer from a powder (for example polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyethylene furanoate (PEF), etc.), a molten wax or an emulsion datex of acrylic, styrene-acrylic, styrene-butadiene type, wax microemulsion or any other barrier formulation, a dispersion of PE, PLA, PHA or any other type of barrier polymer in dispersion, a solution, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), alginate, agar agar or any other combination of natural or synthetic polymers.

[0090] The waterproof coating 26 could be achieved by a combination of the two approaches.

[0091] The waterproof coating 26 may be a film placed in position on the internal surface 23 by lamination, that is to say by stretching towards the bottom of the cup 20.

[0092] Skin packaging, or "skin packaging" in English terms, is a packaging technique consisting of applying a flexible plastic film to an object by suction through a porous support.

[0093] The waterproof coating 26 is thus formed on the internal surface 23 of the cup 20.

[0094] The cup 20 comprises an end wall 28 connected to the side wall 22 by a shoulder 29 and having an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the side wall 22 and less than the inside diameter of the neck 13.

[0095] As illustrated, the end wall 28 extends in a direction forming a non-zero angle with the extension axis Z-Z'. This allows easier insertion of the cup 20 into the container 10. Alternatively, an end wall 28 could be provided extending along an axis parallel to the extension axis Z-Z'.

[0096] The cup 20 further comprises an end collar 30, visible in FIGS. 2A and 2B, extending radially outward from an upper end 28a of the end wall 28 and having an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the end wall 28.

[0097] As illustrated, and in a non-limiting manner, the end collar 30 is axially delimited by a lower surface 30a and an upper surface 30b. The lower surface 30a is here provided with an annular groove 30c.

[0098] As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the end collar 30, and in particular its lower surface 30a, bears axially on the annular rim 13a of the container 10.

[0099] As illustrated, the cup comprises two axial holding tabs 32 each intended to cooperate by snap-fastening with the radial projection 13c provided on the end of the neck 13 of the container 10.

[0100] As illustrated, and in a non-limiting manner, each axial holding tab 32 comprises an axial skirt 33 extending axially from the collar 30 of the cup 20 and a hooking tab 34 extending radially from a lower end of the axial skirt 33 towards the inside and intended to be inserted into a notch 17 provided on the neck 13 of the container 10 under the radial projection 13c provided on the end of the neck 13 of the container 10.

[0101] Alternatively, a different number of axial holding tabs 32 could be provided, for example greater than or equal to two. The number of axial holding tabs 32 corresponds to the number of notches 17 provided on the neck 13 of the container 10.

[0102] The circumferential dimension of each notch 17 is greater than the circumferential dimension of each axial holding tab 32 so that the latter can be inserted into the corresponding notch 17.

[0103] Each axial retaining tab 32 is flexible and elastically deformable and flexes around a flexing axis perpendicular to the elevation axis Z-Z' at the end of the collar 30 between a free position and a locked position.

[0104] By “flexible” or “elastically deformable” is meant any member capable of deforming under the action of an exerted stress, for example the separation of the axial retaining tab 32 radially outwards during cooperation with the radial projection 13c, and of returning to its initial shape after the cessation of said stress, for example, the engagement of the hooking tab 34 in the corresponding notch 17 of the locking tab provided on the neck 13 of the container 10.

[0105] The cup 20 is held effectively on the container 10 by means of the axial holding tabs 32.

[0106] The cup 20 is made of paper pulp, in particular molded paper pulp.

[0107] The preparation of a paper pulp can be carried out from wood but also of cotton, or in theory of any fibrous vegetable material. The preparation of a paper pulp is known in itself and will not be described further.

[0108] The cover 40 is configured to close the cup 20.

[0109] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the cover 40 is understood along an elevation axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical in the figures.

[0110] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the cover 40 is made in a single piece.

[0111] It could also be provided that the hood comprises two separate parts integral in rotation with one another.

[0112] Generally, the cover 40 comprises a mounting skirt 41 comprising, on its internal surface, a thread (not visible in the figures) intended to cooperate with the thread 16 provided on the container 10.

[0113] Alternatively, any removable means of fixing the cover 40 to the container 10 could be provided.

[0114] The cover 40 further comprises a closed upper wall 42 extending from the upper end of the mounting skirt 41.

[0115] The cup 20 is manufactured according to the manufacturing method 100 illustrated in [Fig.4] and the successive steps of which are visible in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E and 3F.

[0116] During a first step 101, a cup blank 20' is produced by molding a cellulose fiber paste and the open end of which is molded flat and forms an annular collar 36 extending from the side wall 22 of the cup 20 to its open end radially outwards.

[0117] During a second step 102, the waterproof coating 26 is put into position by pellicle plating to cover the internal surface 23 of the cup blank 20' obtained after the first step 101.

[0118] At the end of the first and second steps 101, 102, the cup blank 20' visible in [Fig.3A] is obtained.

[0119] During a third step 103, visible in [Fig.3B], the flat-molded annular collar 36 is cut by a cutting tool 50 comprising a cylindrical body 50 and two ears 52 projecting radially from the cylindrical body 50.

[0120] The cutting tool 50 makes it possible to produce the axial holding tabs 32 flat, to obtain the cup 20 as visible in [Fig.3C].

[0121] The axially flat holding tabs 32 of the cup 20 are shaped during a fourth step 104, visible in FIGS. 3D and 3E, during which said tabs 32 are heated and bent relative to the collar 30 at an angle of 90° using a cylindrical heating bending tool 60 and a counterform 70 whose shape is configured to give the internal shape of the final axially holding tabs 32.

[0122] Thus, in the example illustrated, the counterform 70 comprises a first cylindrical skirt 71 and a second cylindrical skirt 72 with an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the first cylindrical skirt 71. The first cylindrical skirt 71 and the second cylindrical skirt 72 are connected to each other by a radial offset 73.

[0123] The outer diameter of the first cylindrical skirt 71 is less than the inner diameter of the cylindrical heating bending tool 60.

[0124] As illustrated in [Fig.3E], the counter-form 70 is moved axially from the bottom 21 of the cup under the axially flat holding tabs 32 and the cylindrical heating bending tool 60 is brought axially closer to the cup blank 20' in an axial direction opposite to the direction of movement of the counter-form 70 until the axially flat holding tabs 32 are pressed against said counter-form 70.

[0125] The cup blank 20' thus formed, visible in [Fig.3F], is then cooled during a final cooling step 105, for example, to room temperature or to a temperature below room temperature in order to accelerate the cooling process, to obtain the final cup 20.

[0126] The cooling of the lamination film 26 ensures the rigidity and the holding of the axial holding tabs 32 after deformation in the shaping step 104.

[0127] Of course, the invention also covers any possibility of technically conceivable structural inversion of the elements implemented within the device.

[0128] Thanks to the method of manufacturing the cup by flat molding of an annular collar and hot deformation of said collar to obtain axial holding tabs, it is possible to produce a cup with 80% cellulose fibers while ensuring mechanical axial holding of said cup on the container. This reduces the quantity of plastic material.

Claims

Claims

1. Method (100) for manufacturing a cup (20) made of a first material comprising at least 80% cellulose fibers, in particular for a refillable assembly (1) for packaging a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container (10) extending along an elevation axis (Z-Z') and a cup (20) forming a refill and mounted removably along a direction of the elevation axis in the container (10), the method (100) comprising the following successive steps: - production of a cup blank (20') by molding the first material, said cup blank (20') comprising a hollow body extending along the elevation axis (Z-Z') delimiting a lower closed bottom (21) and a side wall (22) together delimiting an internal surface (23), an open end (24), opposite the bottom and allowing access to the internal surface (23), and an annular collar (36) molded flat and extending from the side wall (22) of the cup (20) to its open end radially outwards; - placed in position by lamination of a waterproof coating (26) on the internal surface (23) of the cup blank (20'), said waterproof coating (26) delimiting an internal cavity (27) intended to contain a product; - cutting the annular collar (36) molded flat by a cutting tool (50) comprising a cylindrical body (50) and at least two ears (52) projecting radially from the cylindrical body (50) to obtain at least two axial holding tabs (32) flat; - shaping the axial holding tabs (32) flat by heating and bending said axial holding tabs (32) flat using a cylindrical heating bending tool (60) and a counterform (70) whose shape is configured to give the internal shape of the final axial holding tabs (32); and - cooling of the cup blank (20') to obtain the cup (20).

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, in which during the shaping of the axial holding tabs (32), the counter-form (70) is moved axially from the bottom (21) of the cup under the axial holding tabs (32) flat and the cylindrical heating bending tool (60) is brought axially closer to the cup blank (20') according to a axial direction opposite to the direction of movement of the counter-form (70) until the axial holding tabs (32) are pressed flat against said counter-form (70).

3. Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the counterform (70) comprises a first cylindrical skirt (71) and a second cylindrical skirt (72) with an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the first cylindrical skirt (71), the first cylindrical skirt (71) and the second cylindrical skirt (72) being connected to each other by a radial break (73).

4. The method (100) of claim 3, wherein the outer diameter of the first cylindrical skirt (71) is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical heating bending tool (60).

5. Cup (20) made of cellulose fiber obtained by the method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, said cup (20) comprising a hollow body extending along the elevation axis (Z-Z') delimiting a lower closed bottom (21) and a side wall (22) together delimiting an internal surface (23), an open end (24), opposite the bottom and allowing access to the internal surface (23), a sealed coating (26) in contact with the internal surface (23) and delimiting an internal cavity (27) intended to contain a product, said cup (20) comprising at least two axial holding tabs (32) each configured to cooperate by snap-fastening with a radial projection (13c) provided on the container (10).

6. A cup (20) according to claim 5, comprising an end flange (30) extending radially outwardly from an upper end (28a) of an end wall (28) of the cup (20), wherein each of the axial retaining tabs (32) comprises an axial skirt (33) extending axially from the end flange (30) and a hooking tab (34) extending radially from a lower end of the axial skirt (33) inwardly and intended to be inserted into a notch (17) provided on the container (10).

7. A cup (20) according to claim 6, wherein each axial retaining tab (32) is flexible and elastically deformable and flexes about a flexing axis perpendicular to the elevation axis (Z-Z') at the end of the end collar (30) between a free position and a locked position.

8. A cup (20) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the end wall (28) is connected to the side wall (22) by a shoulder (29). and has an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the side wall (22).

9. Cup (20) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, in which the end wall (28) extends in a direction forming a non-zero angle with the extension axis (Z-Z').

10. Refillable assembly (1) for packaging a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (10) extending along an elevation axis (Z-Z'); and - a cup (20) forming a refill according to any one of claims 5 to 9, the cup (20) being held axially on the container (10) by the axial holding tabs (32) in an axially retained position.

11. Assembly (1) according to claim 10, in which the container (10) comprises a body delimiting an internal space (E) for receiving the cup (20) forming a refill, the internal space (E) being delimited by a lower wall (11) forming a bottom, a side wall (12) forming a contour and an upper end portion (13) forming a neck, connected to the side wall (12) by a shoulder (14) and forming a rim (13a) on which the cup (20) forming a refill is intended to come into axial support, the neck (13) comprising an opening (15) allowing access to the internal space (E) of the container (10), a radial projection (13c) at the end of said neck (13) and at least two circumferential notches (17) made on an external surface (13b) of the neck (13),each notch (17) being intended to cooperate with an axial holding tab (32) provided on the cup (20) and each axial holding tab (32) being configured to snap onto the radial projection (13c) provided on the neck (13) of the container (10).,

12. Assembly (1) according to claim 11, in which the neck (13) of the container (10) comprises a rim (13a) intended to form an axial support for the cup (20), the rim (13a) having an external diameter greater than the external diameter of the external surface (13b) of the neck (13) and forming the radial projection (13c).

13. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising a cover (40) removably fixed, for example by screwing, on the container (10) and configured to close the cup (20).

14. Assembly according to claim 13 taken in combination with claim 11, in which the neck (13) of the container (10) comprises, on its periphery, at least one thread (16) intended to cooperate with a tapping made on the cover (40).

15. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein each notch (17) is further circumferentially delimited between two portions of an external thread segment (16a, 16b) of the thread (16).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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