Refillable cup including a locking ring and refillable packaging assembly for a product, particularly a cosmetic product, including such a cup.

Abstract

Cup (20) forming a refill comprising a main body made of a first material comprising at least 70% cellulose fibers and removably mounted in the container (10), characterized in that it comprises a locking ring (30) integral with the main body, made of a second material distinct from the first material, and comprising at least one complementary locking member (32) configured to cooperate with a locking member (17) provided on a container (10). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 3

Description

Title of the invention: Refillable cup comprising a locking ring and refillable packaging assembly for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising such a cup.

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

[0002] For the purposes of this invention, "cosmetic product" means, in particular, a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

[0003] More particularly, the 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 includes an insert or cup forming a refill suitable for replacement when the product it contains is exhausted.

[0005] Conventionally, in known refillable assemblies, the cup is made of plastic. The cup generally includes an axial locking system that operates directly on the container. The axial locking system is therefore determined by the type of plastic used for the cup.

[0006] The proposal of eco-responsible, environmentally friendly solutions, whose design and development take into account environmental issues, is becoming a major concern in order to contribute to meeting planetary challenges.

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

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

[0009] The objective is to offer eco-responsible reusable containers, in particular refillable at home or in stores, and made mainly from cellulosic fibers in order to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging devices.

[0010] The present invention falls within this approach of developing containers for the field of cosmetic products, and in particular skincare products, for example a cream, for application to the epidermis of a user, or another makeup product, such as foundation or blush.

[0011] Thus, by replacing the plastic cup with a cellulosic fiber cup, it is necessary to modify the axial hold of said cup on the pot.

[0012] Indeed, the creation of locking tabs on the cup made of cellulosic fibers such as correspond to the complementary locking means of the pot designed for tabs made of plastic material is difficult to achieve by molding the cellulose pulp constituting the cup.

[0013] There is therefore a need to improve the refillable packaging sets of a cosmetic product comprising a cup made of at least 70% cardboard to meet ecological constraints.

[0014] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the above disadvantages and to improve the refill cups made of at least 70% cellulosic fibers in order to improve the axial retention of said refill cup in relation to a container in a product use position ensuring a qualitative and secure locking of the cup in the container in the product use position.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to avoid any unexpected extraction of the cup forming the refill.

[0016] The invention relates to a cup forming a refill comprising a main body made of a first material comprising at least 70% cellulosic fibers and mounted in a removable manner in the container.

[0017] The cup includes a locking ring integral with the main body, made of a second material distinct from the first material, and comprising at least one additional locking member configured to cooperate with a locking member provided on a container.

[0018] Said locking ring is made of a second material distinct from the first material and includes at least one additional locking member intended to cooperate with a locking member provided on the container, in particular on the neck of the container.

[0019] The cup is made of paper pulp, in particular molded paper pulp.

[0020] Paper pulp can be prepared from wood but It can also be made of cotton, or theoretically any fibrous plant material. The preparation of paper pulp is well known and will not be described further.

[0021] Thus, it is possible to obtain a refillable cup made of at least 70% cellulosic fibers in order to reduce the amount of plastic and thus improve the recyclability of the cup, while ensuring reliable axial retention of said cup forming a refill in relation to a container in a product use position via the locking ring.

[0022] The locking ring ensures a qualitative and secure locking of the cup in the container in the product's operating position.

[0023] By "product" is meant a cosmetic product, such as, for example, a skincare product, for example a cream, for application to the epidermis or to the keratinous fibers of a user, or a makeup product, such as, for example, foundation or blush, 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.

[0024] However, the invention is not limited to a cosmetic product. Other types of products could also be envisaged, such as, for example, paint, or even food products, such as butter.

[0025] Preferably, the second material of the locking ring is plastic.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a rechargeable packaging assembly for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container extending along an axis of elevation; - a cupule as described previously.

[0027] The locking ring is fixed on the container between a locked position in which the cup is held axially on the container and an unlocked position in which the cup can be separated axially from the container along the elevation axis, said locking ring being configured to ensure axial retention of the cup in the container.

[0028] Advantageously, the cup comprises a body of generally cylindrical shape extending along the axis of elevation and comprising a closed bottom, a lateral wall, for example forming a substantially circular contour, and delimiting an internal cavity or volume intended to contain the product and an open end allowing access to the internal volume, the cup further comprising an end collar intended to bear axially on the container.

[0029] The locking ring is superimposed on the end collar, the locking ring and the end collar preferably each having a central opening of substantially equal cross-section.

[0030] Preferably, the locking ring is secured to the end collar, for example by bonding, for example by overmolding, for example by laser welding.

[0031] It could also be envisaged that the side wall delimits two or more cavities, each intended to contain a product.

[0032] For example, the end collar is axially delimited by a lower surface having an annular groove and an upper surface having an axial projection extending axially outwards.

[0033] The axial projection is for example annular or may comprise a plurality of annular segments spaced circumferentially, in a regular or irregular manner.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the cup comprises an end wall connected to the side wall by a shoulder and having an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the side wall, the end wall being intended to come partly in radial support against an internal surface of the container, in particular its neck.

[0035] For example, the end wall extends in a direction forming a non-zero angle with the extension axis. This allows for easier insertion of the cup into the container. Alternatively, the end wall could extend along an axis parallel to the extension axis.

[0036] For example, the end collar of the cup extends radially outwards from an upper end of the end wall and has an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the end wall.

[0037] According to one embodiment, 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 bottom, for example substantially flat, a lateral wall forming a contour here parallelepiped and an upper end part forming a neck, connected to the lateral wall, for example by a shoulder, and forming a rim, for example annular, on which the cup forming a refill is intended to rest axially, the upper end wall comprising an opening allowing access to the internal space of the container.

[0038] Any shape could be provided for the body, for example parallelepiped, cylindrical or other.

[0039] Other contour shapes, regular or irregular, are also possible, including circular, square, polygonal or oblong shapes.

[0040] Preferably, the outer diameter of the end collar of the cup is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the neck of the container and the inner diameter of the end collar of the cup is strictly less than the inner diameter of the neck of the container.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the neck of the container further comprises at least two locking members, each intended to cooperate with a complementary locking member provided on the locking ring.

[0042] According to one embodiment, each locking member of the container comprises: - a housing formed within the thickness of the neck and delimited axially by the rim of the neck and by a lower surface, preferably located at a non-zero distance from the shoulder of the container; and - a radial projection extending axially into the housing from the rim of the neck and located at a non-zero axial distance from the lower surface of the housing, the radial projection extending circumferentially into said housing from a first edge of said housing to a second edge of said housing and circumferentially spaced from said second edge by a non-zero circumferential distance.

[0043] For example, the locking members are arranged at 180° to each other. Alternatively, three locking members could be provided arranged on the circumference of the neck of the container at 120° to each other.

[0044] One could also provide for a non-regular circumferential distribution of the locking members and / or a number greater than or equal to four of locking members.

[0045] Advantageously, each complementary locking member of the locking ring includes a locking lug extending axially from an outer end of the body of the locking ring and comprising a radial hooking projection extending radially from an inner surface of the locking lug inwards and intended to cooperate with the radial projection of a locking member of the container.

[0046] Alternatively, a different number of locking lugs could be provided, for example, two or more. The number of locking lugs corresponds to the number of locking elements provided on the neck of the container.

[0047] Preferably, the axial distance between the radial projection and the lower surface of the housing is strictly greater than the axial dimension of the hook projection, in particular so that the latter can be inserted under the radial projection in the locked position, and the circumferential distance between the radial projection and the second edge of the housing is strictly greater than the circumferential dimension of the locking tab, in particular so that the latter can be inserted into the housing of the locking member in the locked position.

[0048] In this example, each locking tab of the locking ring is intended to be inserted by an axial movement into the housing of the locking member of the container and to be positioned under the radial projection, by a relative rotational movement of the locking ring with respect to the container.

[0049] Alternatively, a variant could be provided in which each locking lug includes a notch intended to cooperate with the radial projection of the container locking member, or in which the container locking member includes a notch designed to cooperate with the hooking protrusion of the locking ring lug.

[0050] It could also be provided that the container locking member comprises only a radial projection and that the complementary locking member of the locking ring comprises a locking tab including a notch intended to cooperate with the radial projection of the locking member.

[0051] In this case, the locking tab is flexible. By "flexible" or "elastically deformable", we mean any element capable of deforming under the action of an applied stress, for example the radial outward movement of the locking tab when cooperating with the radial projection, and of returning to its initial shape after the cessation of said stress, for example, the engagement of the radial projection in the corresponding notch of the locking tab.

[0052] In general, any locking system for the locking ring on the container could be provided.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a cap removably fixed to the container and configured to seal the cup.

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

[0055] For example, the thread comprises two external thread segments.

[0056] For example, each of the external thread segments comprises an end of net engagement and one end of net end.

[0057] For example, the housing of the container locking member is further circumferentially delimited between two portions of the thread, in particular between two portions of an external thread segment.

[0058] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] [Fig.1] represents an assembled view of a rechargeable product packaging unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0060] [Fig.2] represents an assembled cross-sectional view of the whole of [Fig.1];

[0061] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the whole [Fig.l];

[0062] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the container alone of the whole of the [Fig.l];

[0063] [Fig.5] is a top view of the container in [Fig.4];

[0064] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of the cupule alone of the whole of the [Fig.l];

[0065] [Fig.6A] represents a detail of [Fig.6];

[0066] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view of the locking ring alone of the assembly of [Fig. 1]; and

[0067] [Fig.7A] represents a detail of [Fig.7].

[0068] In the following description, we consider an orthonormal basis X, Y, Z, with Z corresponding to an axis of elevation or extension representing the vertical direction in which we find:

[0069] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal;

[0070] - a horizontal transverse axis Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X; and

[0071] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and transverse axis Y and extending from bottom to top on the [Fig.l].

[0072] The expressions "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower parts of the figures, in the assembled position of the rechargeable unit.

[0073] The terms "inside" or "internal" and "outside" or "external" refer to the inside of the product packaging assembly, the internal or inner parts being closer to the Z-Z' elevation axis than the external or outer parts.

[0074] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, a rechargeable packaging assembly 1 for a product extends axially along an axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical on the [Fig.1].

[0075] The refillable packaging assembly 1 for a product includes a container 10 or jar, a cup or insert forming a refill 20 removably mounted in the container 10, a locking ring 30 fixed to the container 10 and a cap or lid 40 removably fixed to the container 10. The locking ring 30 ensures the axial retention of the cup 20 in the container 10.

[0076] The term "product" means a cosmetic product, such as, for example, a skincare product, for example, a cream, intended for application to the epidermis or keratin fibers of a user, or a makeup product, such as, for example, foundation or blush, or a finely ground, compacted solid product in the form of a compact powder, intended for application, for example, to the user's epidermis. However, the invention is not limited to cosmetic products. Other types of products could also be considered, such as, for example, paint, or even food products, such as butter.

[0077] The container 10 comprises a body extending along an elevation axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical in the figures. The body could be any shape, for example parallelepiped, cylindrical or other.

[0078] The body of the container 10 delimits an internal space E for receiving the cup 20 forming a refill.

[0079] The internal space E is delimited by a lower wall 11 forming a bottom, here substantially flat, a lateral wall 12 forming a contour here parallelepiped and an upper end part 13 forming a neck and connected to the lateral wall 12 by a shoulder 14. Other contour shapes, regular or irregular, are also possible, in particular circular, square, polygonal or oblong shapes.

[0080] The upper end wall 13 includes an opening 15 allowing access to the internal space E of the container 10.

[0081] As illustrated, the upper end part 13 has, on its periphery, a thread 16 intended to cooperate with a tapped hole 42 made on the hood 40.

[0082] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the container 10 comprises, on its periphery, in particular on the upper end part 13, two external thread segments 16a, 16b.

[0083] Each of the external thread segments 16a, 16b comprises a thread engagement end (not referenced) and a thread end end (not referenced).

[0084] The end part 13 of the container 10 includes a rim 13a, here annular, which is intended to form an axial support for the cup 20 forming a refill.

[0085] The neck 13 of the container 10 further includes, here, two locking members 17 each intended to cooperate with a complementary locking member 32 provided on the locking ring 30.

[0086] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, each locking member 17 comprises a housing 17a made in the thickness of the neck 13 and delimited axially by the rim 13a of the neck 13 and by a lower surface 17b located at a non-zero distance from the shoulder 14 of the container 10. The housing 17a is further circumferentially delimited between two portions of an external thread segment 16a, 16b.

[0087] Each locking member 17 further includes a radial projection 17c extending axially into the housing 17a from the rim 13a of the neck 13 and located at a non-zero axial distance DI from the lower surface 17b of the housing 17a.

[0088] The radial projection 17c extending circumferentially in said housing 17a from a first edge 17d of said housing 17a to a second edge 17e of said housing 17a and circumferentially spaced from said second edge 17e by a non-zero circumferential distance D2.

[0089] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the locking members 17 are arranged at 180° to each other. Alternatively, three locking members 17 could be provided arranged on the circumference of the neck 13 of the container 10 at 120° to each other. A non-regular circumferential distribution of the locking members and / or a number greater than or equal to four locking members could also be provided.

[0090] The cup or insert 20 is intended to be inserted into the internal space E of the container 10.

[0091] As illustrated in the figures, the cup 20 comprises a generally cylindrical body extending along the elevation axis Z-Z'. The body of the cup 20 has a lower closed bottom 21, a lateral wall 22 forming a substantially circular contour and delimiting an internal cavity or volume 23 intended to contain a product, and an open end 24 allowing access to the internal volume 23.

[0092] It could also be envisaged that the side wall 22 delimits two or more cavities each intended to contain a product.

[0093] The cup 20 includes an end wall 25 connected to the side wall 22 by a shoulder 26 and having an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the side wall 22.

[0094] The end wall 25 is intended to bear partly radially against the inner surface 13b of the neck 13 of the container 10.

[0095] As illustrated, the end wall 25 extends in a direction forming a non-zero angle with the extension axis Z-Z'. This allows for easier insertion of the cup 20 into the container 10. Alternatively, an end wall 25 could be provided extending along an axis parallel to the extension axis Z-Z'.

[0096] The cup 20 further includes an end collar 27 extending radially outwards from an upper end 25a of the end wall 25 and having an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the end wall 25.

[0097] The locking ring 30 is superimposed on the end collar 27.

[0098] The locking ring 30 and the end collar 27 have preferably each with a central opening of substantially equal cross-section.

[0099] The locking ring 30 is secured to the end collar 27, for example by bonding, for example by overmolding, for example by laser welding.

[0100] As illustrated, and in no way limitingly, the end collar 27 is axially delimited by a lower surface 27a and an upper surface 27b. The lower surface 27a is provided here with an annular groove 27c and the upper surface 27b is provided here with an axial projection 27d extending axially outwards. The axial projection 27d is, for example, annular or may include a plurality of annular segments spaced circumferentially, regularly or irregularly.

[0101] As illustrated in figures 6 and 6a, the end collar 27, and in particular its lower surface 27a, is axially supported on the annular rim 13a of the container 10.

[0102] The outer diameter of the end collar 27 of the cup 20 is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the neck 13 of the container 10 and the inner diameter of the end collar 27 of the cup 20 is strictly less than the inner diameter of the neck 13 of the container 10.

[0103] The cupule 20 is made of paper pulp, in particular molded paper pulp.

[0104] Paper pulp can be prepared from wood but It can also be made of cotton, or theoretically any fibrous plant material. The preparation of paper pulp is well known and will not be described further.

[0105] The locking ring 30 has a body 31 of generally annular shape and extending along an elevation axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical in the figures.

[0106] As illustrated, the locking ring 30 comprises two complementary locking members 32, each intended to cooperate with a locking member 17 provided on the neck 13 of the container 10.

[0107] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, each additional locking member 32 comprises a locking lug 33 extending axially from an outer end 31a of the body 31 of the locking ring 31.

[0108] Alternatively, a different number of locking tabs 33 could be provided, for example, two or more. The number of locking tabs 33 corresponds to the number of locking elements 17 provided on the neck 13 of the container 10.

[0109] Each locking tab 33 includes, here, a radial hooking projection 33a extending radially from the inner surface 33b inwards and intended to cooperate with the radial projection 17c of the locking member 17 of the container 10.

[0110] The axial distance DI between the radial projection 17c and the lower surface 17b of the housing 17a is dimensioned according to the axial dimension of the latching projection 33a. Indeed, said axial distance DI is strictly greater than the axial dimension of the latching projection 33a so that the latter can be inserted under the radial projection 17c in the locked position.

[0111] In the illustrated example, each locking tab 33 of the locking ring 30 is intended to be inserted by an axial movement into the housing 17a of the locking member 17 of the container 10 and to be positioned under the radial projection 17c, by a relative rotational movement of the locking ring 30 with respect to the container 10.

[0112] The circumferential distance D2 between the radial projection 17c and the second edge 17e of the housing 17a is dimensioned according to the circumferential dimension of the locking tab 33. Indeed, the said circumferential distance D2 is strictly greater than the circumferential dimension of the locking tab 33 so that it can be inserted into the housing 17a of the locking member 17.

[0113] Alternatively, a variant could be provided in which each locking lug 33 includes a notch intended to cooperate with the radial projection 17 of the locking member 17 of the container 10, or that the locking member 17 of the container 10 includes a notch intended to cooperate with the hook projection 33a of the locking lug 33 of the locking ring.

[0114] It could also be provided that the locking member 17 of the container 10 includes only a radial projection and that the complementary locking member 32 of the locking ring 30 includes a locking tab comprising a notch intended to cooperate with the radial projection of the locking member 17.

[0115] In this case, the locking tab is flexible and elastically deformable and flexes around a bending axis perpendicular to the elevation axis Z-Z' between a free position and a locked position.

[0116] By "flexible" or "elastically deformable" is meant any part capable of deforming under the action of an applied stress, for example the radial outward movement of the locking tab when cooperating with the radial projection, and of returning to its initial shape after the cessation of said stress, for example, the engagement of the radial projection in the corresponding notch of the locking tab.

[0117] In general, any locking system for the locking ring 30 could be provided on the container 10.

[0118] For example, the locking ring 30 is made of a material with a high elastic deformation threshold. For example, the locking ring 30 is made of plastic. In particular, the use of polyolefins to manufacture the locking ring 30 promotes the recycling of the locking ring 30 and thus meets environmental requirements.

[0119] The cup 20 is held effectively on the container 10 by means of the locking ring 30 locked onto said container 10.

[0120] The hood 40 is configured to seal the cup 20.

[0121] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the hood 40 is understood along an elevation axis Z-Z' assumed to be vertical in the figures.

[0122] As illustrated, and in no way limiting, the hood 40 is made in one piece.

[0123] It could also be envisaged that the hood comprises two separate parts fixed together in rotation to each other.

[0124] Generally, the hood 40 includes a mounting skirt 41 comprising, on its internal surface, a tapping 42 intended to cooperate with the thread 16 provided on the container 10.

[0125] Alternatively, any means of removable fixing of the hood 40 to the container 10 could be provided.

[0126] The hood 40 further includes a closed upper wall 43 extending from the upper end of the mounting skirt 41.

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

[0128] Thanks to the specific structure of the refillable product packaging assembly, it is possible to produce a cup made of 70% cellulose fibers while ensuring the mechanical retention of said cup on the container by means of a locking ring made of plastic material. This reduces the amount of plastic material and separates the refilling and axial retention functions.

Claims

Demands

1. Cup (20) forming a refill comprising a main body made of a first material comprising at least 70% cellulosic fibers and removably mounted in a container (10), characterized in that it comprises a locking ring (30) integral with the main body, made of a second material distinct from the first material, and comprising at least one complementary locking member (32) configured to cooperate with a locking member (17) provided on a container (10).

2. Cup (20) according to claim 1, wherein the second material of the locking ring (30) is plastic.

3. A refillable assembly (1) for packaging a product, in particular a cosmetic, comprising: - a container (10) extending along an elevation axis (Z-Z'); and - a cup according to claim 1 or 2, in which the locking ring (30) is fixed on the container (10) between a locked position in which the cup (20) is held axially on the container (10) and an unlocked position in which the cup (20) can be separated axially from the container (10) along the elevation axis (Z-Z'), said locking ring (30) being configured to ensure the axial retention of the cup (20) in the container (10).

4. Assembly according to claim 3, wherein the cup (20) comprises a body of generally cylindrical shape extending along the elevation axis (Z-Z') and comprising a lower closed bottom (21), a side wall (22) delimiting an internal volume (23) intended to contain the product and an open end (24) allowing access to the internal volume (23), the cup (20) further comprising an end collar (27) intended to bear axially on the container (10), the locking ring (30) being superimposed on the end collar (27), the locking ring (30) and the end collar (27) preferably each having a central opening of substantially equal cross-section.

5. Assembly according to claim 4, wherein the locking ring (30) is secured to the end flange (27), preferably by bonding, for example by overmolding, for example by laser welding.

6. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein the end collar (27) of the cup (20) extends radially outwards from an upper end (25a) of the end wall (25) and having an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the end wall (25).

7. Assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein 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 part (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 rest axially, the upper end wall (13) comprising an opening (15) allowing access to the internal space (E) of the container (10).

8. Together according to claim 7 taken in combination with any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the outside diameter of the end collar (27) of the cup (20) is less than or equal to the outside diameter of the neck (13) of the container (10) and the inside diameter of the end collar (27) of the cup (20) is strictly less than the inside diameter of the neck (13) of the container (10).

9. Assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the neck (13) of the container (10) further comprises at least two locking members (17) each intended to cooperate with a complementary locking member (32) provided on the locking ring (30).

10. Assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 9, comprising a cap (40) removably fixed to the container (10) and configured to seal the cup (20).

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