Thin-walled cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device and associated dispensing method

Abstract

Thin-walled cosmetic product packaging and distribution device and associated distribution method The device (10) comprises a container (16) including a reservoir (18) having an elevation axis (A-A'), the container (16) being formed of two half-shells (27) extending on either side of a median axial plane and delimiting a bottom (28) and an internal volume (30) containing a cosmetic product (14), the container (16) further comprising a neck (20) having a cylindrical downstream region (22) defining a distribution passage (26) for the cosmetic product (14). Each half-shell (27) has an average thickness of between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, the bottom (28) being configured to allow one of the half-shells (27) in contact with the other half-shell (27) to fold back from the bottom (28) over more than 80% of the area of ​​at least one half-shell (27). See Figure 1 for abbreviations.

Description

Title of the invention: Thin-walled cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device and associated dispensing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic product packaging and distribution device comprising a container including a reservoir having an elevation axis (A-A'), the container being formed of two half-shells extending on either side of a median axial plane and delimiting a bottom and an internal volume containing a cosmetic product, the container further comprising a neck having a cylindrical downstream region defining a distribution passage for the cosmetic product.

[0002] 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.

[0003] More generally, a cosmetic product is 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.

[0004] The proposal of eco-responsible, environmentally friendly solutions whose design and development take into account environmental issues is becoming a major concern in order to help meet global challenges.

[0005] It is therefore essential to design more durable products, thereby reducing the amount of materials used and / or replacing them with more environmentally friendly materials and / or using recyclable materials in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the product.

[0006] In this context, it is important to develop packaging that generates less waste, in particular optimized for the quantity of product transported, notably by modifying its design and / or resizing it in order to reduce the volume and weight of the amount of packaging.

[0007] The objective is to offer eco-responsible containers preferably reusable, in particular refillable at home or in store in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the containers.

[0008] For ecological, economic or practical reasons, cosmetic product packaging and distribution devices are now being made lighter, in particular by reducing the thickness of the device walls.

[0009] When the cosmetic product is a viscous product, such as a conditioner for example, it may prove necessary for the user, if the formula does not flow not quickly enough, to compress the walls of the device between his fingers, in order to accelerate the distribution of the product.

[0010] However, such devices, due to their thinness, generally have walls with limited elastic return. In other words, when the user compresses the walls of the device towards each other in order to dispense a dose of product, they do not return, or, at best, struggle to return, to their undeformed state.

[0011] When the time required for the wall to return to its undeformed state exceeds the time taken by the user to close the device after use, the wall remains in the deformed state.

[0012] This presents a first drawback when the contents of the container are almost exhausted. When the wall has been deformed, particularly when its faces have been compressed towards each other, and do not return to the undeformed state, the product remaining in the device may become trapped, its circulation being hindered by the faces of the wall pressed against each other.

[0013] JP2002255144 is known to describe a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device consisting of two foldable half-shells. The first half-shell is laminated with a layer of rigid material to give it greater rigidity than the second half-shell. The device has a rigid base with a concavity facing inwards. The second half-shell is more flexible and is configured to fold into contact with the first half-shell during use of the device and dispensing of the contained product.

[0014] However, such a device is not optimal in terms of usability. First, it is not pleasant for the user to handle, particularly because of the rigid, concave base that the user must squeeze to extract the maximum amount of cosmetic product contained in the device. Furthermore, the cosmetic product dispensing rate is not maximized, as some product may become trapped in the device, especially near the base, its flow towards the dispensing opening being obstructed by the folded halves of the shell.

[0015] Indeed, in JP2002255144 the half-shells fit together effectively in a central area of ​​the device but because of the concave bottom, which has increased rigidity, the bottom area is not easily deformed and the product risks getting stuck.

[0016] Other cosmetic product conditioning and distribution devices are described in US20150217894, EP2379043, EP3083421, EP3340959 or EP3321199.

[0017] An object of the invention is to propose a cosmetic product packaging and distribution device with a reduced environmental impact and cost, while being pleasant to use, and offering a maximized return of the product contained in the device.

[0018] To this end, the invention relates to a cosmetic product packaging and distribution device of the aforementioned type, characterized in that each half-shell has an average thickness of between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, the bottom being configured to allow the folding, from the bottom, of one of the half-shells in contact with the other half-shell, over more than 80% of the area of ​​at least one half-shell.

[0019] Since the base is configured to allow one of the half-shells in contact with the other half-shell to fold from the bottom over more than 80% of the area of ​​at least one half-shell, the cosmetic product contained in the container is efficiently distributed with maximized yield from the bottom of the container. The risk of cosmetic product becoming trapped inside the container in the bottom area is thus greatly reduced, as the half-shells can collapse onto each other from the bottom.

[0020] Furthermore, since the half-shells and the base are thin, the user can easily deform the half-shells, for example by pinching them between their fingers, and also the base, in order to dispense all of the cosmetic product from the bottom. The device is therefore easy to use and the product dispensing process is pleasant for the user.

[0021] In addition, the thickness of each half-shell advantageously has a maximum variation of 50%.

[0022] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - the bottom has a seam line connecting the half-shells together, the seam line having a thickness of less than 0.7 mm, in particular between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, and in particular between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0023] The thin seam line does not stiffen the bottom of the container, which can therefore be easily deformed by a user. This allows the two halves of the shell to be pressed together along the seam line in order to empty the entire contents of the container into the bottom area.

[0024] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - the bottom lacks concavity. - the bottom has a flat region with an area of ​​less than 15% and preferably less than 10% of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the container.

[0025] Because the base is convex, or has a slightly flat area of ​​limited size, it is easily deformed by a user. This shape facilitates folding one half-shell onto the other, without the formation of creases, as with a bottle. The contact between the half-shells is thus exclusively over a thickness corresponding approximately to the sum of the thicknesses of the first and second half-shells before folding.

[0026] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - the container has an elongated cross-section, taken in a plane perpendicular to the axis of elevation, for example an elliptical, almond-shaped or oval section.

[0027] The container having an elongated cross-section, the half-shells are easily compressed by a user, who also visually identifies the areas of the half-shells on which to press to distribute the cosmetic product.

[0028] This elongated shape also promotes the complete application of each half-shell onto the half-shell located opposite it.

[0029] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - the elongated cross section has a junction at the point where the half-shells are joined together, the junction having a radius of curvature greater than 4 mm and a thickness varying at most 30% compared to the average thickness of each half-shell.

[0030] Such a junction ensures an efficient folding of each half-shell onto the other while maintaining a non-angular interface between the half-shells.

[0031] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - it includes a capsule mounted around the neck, the device being configured to be positioned stably on a flat surface by resting on the capsule.

[0032] Since the device is configured to rest stably upside down, the cosmetic product is available for dispensing immediately after the container is opened. This feature delays the compression step of the half-shells and allows the container to maintain its undeformed state for longer, with each successive use of the device. This is particularly useful with formulas such as shampoo, which are relatively fluid, especially with viscosities such as those described below.

[0033] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - one of the half-hulls includes a stiffening structure giving it greater rigidity than the other half-hull, the stiffening structure being notably formed of ribs extending over said half- hull.

[0034] The stiffening structure increases the rigidity of the relevant half-shell without increasing its average thickness. Thus, the folding of one half-shell (the one without the stiffening structure) onto the other half-shell is guided, and the container retains its lightness and uniform aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the main face of the bottle is advantageously kept intact.

[0035] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - the tank is without a shoulder away from the neck or is provided with a shoulder away from the neck which, when projected into a plane perpendicular to the axis of elevation, has an area less than 50% of the area delimited by the projection into the same plane of the maximum cross-section of the tank, and advantageously, has an area greater than the area delimited by the projection of the maximum cross-section of the neck into the same plane.

[0036] The absence of a shoulder away from the neck prevents unwanted product accumulation in recesses of the shoulder and further increases the cosmetic product recovery rate. This absence also simplifies demolding the device during manufacturing.

[0037]

[0038] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - the two half-shells are asymmetrical with respect to the median axial plane, at least one first half-shell having, in cross-section, a contour of greater length than a second half-shell, the first half-shell being configured to guide the folding of the second half-shell in contact with the first half-shell. Since the first half-shell has a longer outline than the second half-shell, the two halves fold together primarily with the second half-shell folding over the first. Furthermore, the contact area between the two halves is maximized, as they fit together perfectly to dispense the maximum amount of cosmetic product.

[0039] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - the radius of curvature of the half-shells in a bottom zone starting from the bottom in the median longitudinal section of the tank passing through the elevation axis with the largest area, is greater than 40 mm, in particular greater than 80 mm, for example between 40 mm and 150 mm.

[0040] Since the base has such a radius of curvature, no area of ​​the reservoir base is likely to form an unfolded zone in which cosmetic product could remain undesirably. The resulting return is therefore maximized.

[0041] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - the internal volume contains a cosmetic product, the cosmetic product having a viscosity greater than 5 UD, measured at 25°C using a Rhéomat 180 device, equipped with an MS-R4 mobile, in particular between 10 UD and 50 UD, or a viscosity greater than 5 UD, measured at 25°C using a Rhéomat 180 device, equipped with an MS-R3 mobile, in particular between 10 UD and 50 UD.

[0042] The cosmetic product having a high viscosity, it is suitable for such a device which allows its maximum restitution.

[0043] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - the container is formed of at least one polymer chosen from high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene or a copolymer or a mixture thereof, the container being advantageously made by blow molding of a single layer or a plurality of layers of polymer and / or copolymer including for example a gas barrier layer, each layer being able to be made from a polymer and / or a copolymer or a mixture of polymer and / or copolymer.

[0044] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention comprises the following feature: - at least one of the half-shells has a transverse reinforcement relative to the axis of elevation, the container advantageously having a peripheral belt of transverse reinforcement.

[0045] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a kit comprising a mother bottle and a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device as defined above, wherein the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device is a refill for the mother bottle, the neck being configured to be inserted into an orifice of the mother bottle to allow the transfer of cosmetic product from the internal volume of the cosmetic product packaging and distribution device to the internal volume of the mother bottle.

[0046] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for distributing a cosmetic product implemented with a cosmetic product packaging and distribution device as described above, the method comprising the following steps: - Gravity-fed distribution of a quantity of cosmetic product through the dispensing passage from the container, - deformation of at least one half-shell by manual pressure from a user on at least one of the half-shells and / or by folding, from the bottom, of one half-shell in contact with the other half-shell.

[0047] According to one variant, the method for distributing a cosmetic product according to the invention comprises the following feature: - after folding one half-shell onto the other half-shell from the bottom, the half-shells have a boat shape.

[0048] At least one half of the shell can be deformed by folding of the device in particular when the product present in the internal volume of the tank has been almost completely emptied (in particular when more than 90% of the volume of product initially present in the internal volume of the tank has been emptied).

[0049] The tray-like shape of the folded half-shells allows the container to rest stably on a flat surface by laying it on one of the two half-shells. The tray shape also ensures complete contact between the half-shells, thus maximizing the dispensing of the cosmetic product.

[0050] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0051] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention,

[0052] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a side view of the device of [Fig.1], and

[0053] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the device of [Fig.1], after folding one half of the container's shell onto the other half.

[0054] In all that follows, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are generally understood in relation to the normal direction of distribution of the product during use.

[0055] A device 10 for conditioning and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention is illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0056] The device 10 extends here along an elevation axis A-A' shown vertically on [Fig.1].

[0057] The packaging and distribution device 10 is intended to store a cosmetic product 14.

[0058] Cosmetic product 14 is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a face and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

[0059] In a particular example, cosmetic product 14 is a conditioner or hair care product.

[0060] The cosmetic product 14, for example, has a viscosity generally greater than 5 UD, measured at 25 °C using a Rhéomat 180 device, equipped with an MS-R4 mobile, in particular between 10 UD and 50 UD.

[0061] In the case of a conditioner, this viscosity is for example between 10 UD and 35 UD.

[0062] In the case of a shampoo, the viscosity is generally greater than 5 UD, measured at 25°C using a Rhéomat 180 device, equipped with an MS-R3 mobile, in particular between 10 UD and 50 UD.

[0063] The viscosity of the cosmetic product is, for example, measured at 25°C by rotating the aforementioned device at a speed of 200 rpm*. The measurement is taken after 10 minutes of rotation. Viscosity measurements are carried out no later than 1 week after the cosmetic product has been manufactured.

[0064] Alternatively, in the case of a shampoo, the viscosity is measured with a Ford cup according to the ASTM D1200(10) of 2018 standard and is in particular between 80 s CF6 and 140 s CF10.

[0065] The packaging device 10 includes a container 16. The container 16 is obtained, for example, by extrusion blow molding.

[0066] The container 16 has a cross-section with respect to the elevation axis A-A', elongated along an axis BB' of elongation visible on figures 1 and 2, for example elliptical, almond-shaped or oval, taken in a plane perpendicular to the axis A-A'.

[0067] The container 16 includes a reservoir 18 extending along the elevation axis A-A', as well as a neck 20, extending the reservoir 18 downstream (upwards on the [Fig.1]).

[0068] It includes a capsule 40 intended to seal the neck 20 and to ensure that the conditioning device 10 is held upside down on a support.

[0069] The neck 20 comprises a cylindrical downstream region 22 and an upstream region 23 flaring upstream from the downstream region 22, to an upstream edge 24 extending a downstream edge 25 of the reservoir 18.

[0070] The downstream region 22 is cylindrical around the elevation axis A-A'.

[0071] The cylindrical downstream region 22 defines an internal distribution passage 26 in which cosmetic product 14 passes through before being distributed.

[0072] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the upstream edge 24 of the upstream region 23 has an elongated contour along an axis perpendicular to the elevation axis A-A'. For example, the contour of the upstream edge 24 is oblong.

[0073] The neck 20 has a reversible fixing system 20A for the capsule 40, for example a thread provided on an external surface of the neck 20.

[0074] The neck 20 is intended to be closed reversibly and hermetically by a closing element carried by the capsule 40, for example a movable sealing flap.

[0075] The container 16 is formed of two half-shells 27 extending on either side of a median axial plane defined by the axes AA' and B-B'.

[0076] The half-shells 27 comprise a bottom area defined by the region opposite the neck 20 along axis A-A', where the tangents to the lateral edges of the container 16 are inclined with respect to axis A-A'. In particular, in the bottom area, the lateral edges of the container 16 converge towards each other so as to close the contour of the container 16.

[0077] The half-shells 27 delimit a bottom 28 in the bottom area and an internal volume 30 containing the cosmetic product 14.

[0078] The length of the bottom area, taken along the axis A-A' from the bottom point 28 furthest from the bottom to the point where the lateral edges are parallel to the axis A-A', is generally less than 50%, in particular less than 30% of the length of the container 16, taken along the same axis A-A'.

[0079] The internal volume 30 has a volume, for example, greater than 10 mL, and for example between 50 mL and 500 mL.

[0080] The half-shells 27 are, for example, made from a polymer, or a copolymer, and / or a mixture of polymer and / or copolymer. The polymer and / or copolymer is notably selected from high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, or a mixture thereof.

[0081] The half-shells 27 are here made in one piece by being made from material, in particular by extrusion blow molding.

[0082] In particular, the half-shells 27 are produced by blow molding of a single layer or a plurality of layers of polymer and / or copolymer, including, for example, a gas barrier layer. Each layer can be made from a polymer and / or a copolymer or a mixture of polymer and / or copolymer.

[0083] For example, the half-shells 27 are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and / or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), with, for example, between 0% by mass and 100% by mass of high-density polyethylene and between 100% by mass and 0% by mass of low-density polyethylene, for example between 15% by mass and 100% by mass of high-density polyethylene and between 85% by weight and 0% by weight of low-density polyethylene

[0084] Advantageously, the half-shells 27 are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and / or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), with, for example, between 40% by mass and 60% by mass of high-density polyethylene and between 60% by mass and 40% by mass of low-density polyethylene, or between 15% by mass and 25% by mass of high-density polyethylene and between 85% by mass and 75% by mass of low-density polyethylene.

[0085] Low-density polyethylene advantageously comprises at least a portion (in particular between 40% and 100%) of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE or "linear low-density polyethylene" in English)

[0086] A possible example is a co-extrusion of an outer layer forming between 20% by mass and 30% by mass, for example 25%, of the total mass, made from a mixture of 40% by mass to 60% by mass of linear low-density polyethylene and 60% by mass to 40% by mass of high-density polyethylene and an inner layer forming between 80% by mass and 70% by mass, in particular 75% of the total mass, made entirely of linear low-density polyethylene.

[0087] The barrier layer, when present, has a gas permeability at least 50% lower than the gas permeability of a high-density polyethylene layer. It is, for example, made of polyvinyl acetate, a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol (EVOH), or a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, or a mixture of these elements.

[0088] Each half-shell 27 has an average thickness of between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, in particular between 0.25 mm and 0.55 mm away from the bottom 28 and between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm in the bottom area 28. This average thickness can advantageously be between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0089] The thickness of each half-shell 27 has a maximum variation of less than 50% compared to its average value, in particular less than 40% over the entire surface of each half-shell.

[0090] With such a thickness of the half-shells 27, and with the materials used mentioned above, the container 16 is light and has a reduced environmental impact and cost.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3, the reservoir 18 is devoid of a shoulder away from the neck 20.

[0092] The absence of a shoulder away from the neck 20 promotes maximum restitution of the cosmetic product 14, in particular because the container 16 does not include any region likely to retain undesired cosmetic product 14.

[0093] In an alternative (not shown), the reservoir 18 is provided with a shoulder set apart from the neck 20 which, when projected into a plane perpendicular to the elevation axis A-A', an area less than 50% of the area delimited by the projection in the same plane of the maximum cross-section of the reservoir 18, and advantageously, of an area greater than the area delimited by the projection of the maximum cross-section of the neck 20 in the same plane.

[0094] With this same aim of maximizing the rate of restitution of the cosmetic product 14, the base 28 is configured to allow the folding, from the base 28, of one of the half-shells 27 in contact with the other half-shell 27, over more than 80% of the area of ​​at least one half-shell 27, preferably over more than 90% of the area of ​​at least one half-shell 27.

[0095] Figure 3 shows the device 10 after the half-shells 27 have been folded one on top of the other. The two half-shells 27 are in contact over substantially their entire surface. Once the half-shells 27 are folded one on top of the other, the reservoir 18 advantageously has a tray-like shape that is convenient for the user, who can place the device flat on one of the half-shells 27 after use.

[0096] In particular, the half-shells 27 folded one on top of the other delimit a bottom surface and a peripheral surface projecting from the periphery of the bottom surface.

[0097] The internal volume between the two half-shells 27, once the half-shells 27 have been folded back on themselves, is significantly less than the initial internal volume 30. For example, the internal volume after folding is less than 10% of the initial internal volume 30, and in particular less than 5% of the initial internal volume 30.

[0098] Thus, this reduction in internal volume, from the bottom 28, helps to restore a maximum quantity of cosmetic product 14.

[0099] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the base 28 has a seam line 32 connecting the half-shells 27 to each other. In other words, the seam line 32 is the connecting line of the half-shells 27 during the finalization of the manufacturing process of the device 10.

[0100] The seam line 32 is a continuous line, starting from the neck 20, connecting the two half-hulls 27 to each other on a first side of the tank 18, then crossing the bottom 28 and connecting the two half-hulls 27 to each other on a second side of the tank 18, opposite to the first side, up to the neck 20 substantially in the median axial plane defined by the axes AA' and B-B'.

[0101] The seam line 32 advantageously has a thickness of less than 0.7 mm, in particular between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, and in particular between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0102] The thinness of the half-shells 27, the bottom 28, and the seam line 32 allows the reservoir 18 to be flexible. The reservoir 16 is thus easily deformed by the user in order to bring the half-shells 27 into contact with each other and to return a maximum of cosmetic product 14.

[0103] In particular, the neck 20 is more rigid in bending than the half-shells 27, the base 28, and the seam line 32, and therefore exhibits less flexibility. Thus, the distribution passage 26 is not obstructed by a folding of the walls of the neck 20, and the distribution of the cosmetic product 14 is permitted regardless of the deformation state of the half-shells 27.

[0104] In the example of Figures 1 to 3, the bottom 28 is devoid of concavity. In other words, the bottom 28 is convex and / or is convex except for a flat region 34 having an area less than 10% of the maximum cross-section of the container 16.

[0105] The radius of curvature of the half-shells 27 in the bottom area in the median longitudinal section of the tank 18 passing through the elevation axis A-A' presenting the largest area (here in front view of the tank 18), is greater than 40 mm, in particular greater than 80 mm, for example between 40 mm and 150 mm.

[0106] Without a convex area, the base 28 is easily deformed by the user, without creating folds of material that would unintentionally retain cosmetic product 14.

[0107] In particular, in the bottom area, in which, when projected onto the median axial plane, the seam line 32 is curved, the half-shells 27 fold over each other without forming an intermediate fold. The thickness of the folded bottom area is then less than 110% of the sum of the thicknesses of the two half-shells 27.

[0108] The device 10 further comprises, for example, a capsule 40, shown in dotted lines in Figures 1 and 2, mounted reversibly around the neck 20. The capsule 40 carries, for example, the closure member mentioned above, reversibly and hermetically closing the neck 20 in a closed position. For this purpose, the capsule 40 has, for example, a movable sealing flap and is thus configurable to be moved into an open position, allowing the passage of the cosmetic product 14 from the dispensing passage 26 to an external application surface.

[0109] In the closed position, the device 10 is configured to be stably positioned on a flat surface by resting on the capsule 40.

[0110] In other words, the device 10 is normally stored upside down (with the neck 20 opening downwards) and the cosmetic product 14 is then immediately made available to the user by gravity flow during its distribution.

[0111] On the contrary, the bottom 28 being convex and / or the flat region 34 being of small extent, the device is unsuitable for being stored upside down (with the neck 20 opening upwards).

[0112] In the example shown in [Fig. 3], the two half-shells 27 are asymmetrical with respect to the median axial plane. At least one first half-shell 27 has by For example, in cross-section, a contour with a length greater than a second half-shell 27, for example, with a length between 101% and 110% of the length of the second half-shell 27. Thus, the first half-shell 27 is configured to guide the folding of the second half-shell 27 into contact with the first half-shell 27.

[0113] Thus, the folding of the half-shells 27 onto each other is optimal and the residual internal volume between the half-shells 27 after folding is minimized. This increases the restitution rate of the cosmetic product 14.

[0114] In an alternative, not shown, one of the half-shells 27 includes a stiffening structure giving it greater stiffness than the other half-shell 27. For example, the stiffening structure is formed of ribs extending over said half-shell 27.

[0115] This stiffening structure is, for example, present on the half-shell 27 in the form of a frame bearing a label. Thus, during folding, the unstiffened half-shell is guided towards the stiffened half-shell and the label remains intact.

[0116] A method for distributing a cosmetic product 14 implemented with a cosmetic product packaging and distribution device 10 as described above will now be described.

[0117] Initially, the device 10 is positioned on a flat surface, upside down, i.e. resting on the capsule 40.

[0118] In order to dispense cosmetic product 14, the user holds the device 10 upside down and allows the passage, for example by moving the capsule 40 from its closed position to its open position, of the cosmetic product 14 through the dispensing passage 26 from the container 16. By gravity, a quantity of cosmetic product 14 is dispensed to the user towards a body application surface such as the hand or such as a hair application surface, for example a lock of hair.

[0119] In some cases, if the cosmetic product 14 has a high viscosity, or if the container 16 contains a small amount of product 14, the user is required to deform at least one half-shell 27 by manually pressing on at least one of the half-shells 27.

[0120] In order to maximize the rate of restitution of the cosmetic product 14, the user presses on at least one half-shell 27, and this by folding, from the bottom 28, one half-shell 27 in contact with the other half-shell 27.

[0121] Given the structure of the half-shells 27, the folding from the base area is substantially complete and without the formation of an intermediate fold between the half-shells 27 from the seam line 32 at the base 28 to a region of the internal volume 30 containing cosmetic product 14. Thus, the cosmetic product 14 present from the folded base 28 is substantially completely evacuated by continuous application half-hulls 27 one on top of the other along the elevation axis A-A' from the bottom 28.

[0122] After folding one half-hull 27 onto the other half-hull 27 from the bottom 28, the half-hulls 27 have a boat shape, as shown in [Fig.3].

[0123] Such a folded shape offers a maximized cosmetic product restitution rate 14, for example greater than 95%.

[0124] Such a device 10 for conditioning and distributing cosmetic products has many advantages.

[0125] The base 28 being configured to allow the folding, from the base, of one of the half-shells in contact with the other half-shell, over more than 80% of the area of ​​at least one half-shell, the cosmetic product contained in the container 16 is efficiently distributed with maximized restitution, and this progressively during the distribution from the base 28 of the container 16.

[0126] The characteristics of the container 16, taken individually or in combination, such as the absence of a shoulder, the ranges of values ​​of the radii of curvature, the geometry of the bottom, reduce the risk of undesired retention of the cosmetic product 14 inside the container 16, for example by partial obstruction, and thus maximize the rate of product restitution.

[0127] Furthermore, the thinness of the half-shells 27 and the base 28 as well as the particular geometry of the container 16 make the deformation of the half-shells 27 easy for the user, who can, for example by pinching the half-shells 27 between his fingers, distribute all of the cosmetic product 14 from the base 28.

[0128] In one embodiment, at least one of the half-shells 27, preferably each half-shell 27, has a transverse reinforcement with respect to the elevation axis A-A'. The container 18, for example, has a peripheral transverse reinforcement belt, for example arranged on the half-shells 27 between the bottom 28 and the neck 20.

[0129] The cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device 10, as illustrated above, is a bottle that can be used as such. Alternatively, the packaging device 10 is a refill for a master bottle (not shown).

[0130] Advantageously, the mother bottle has a product dispensing orifice into which the neck 20 of the refilling device 10 is configured to be inserted. This allows the product to be discharged from the internal volume 30 of the device 10 into the internal volume of the mother bottle.

Claims

Demands

1. A cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device (10) comprising: - a container (16) including a reservoir (18) having an elevation axis (A-A'), the container (16) being formed of two half-shells (27) extending on either side of a median axial plane and delimiting a base (28) and an internal volume (30) containing a cosmetic product (14), the container (16) further comprising a neck (20) having a cylindrical downstream region (22) defining a dispensing passage (26) for the cosmetic product (14), characterized in that each half-shell (27) has an average thickness of between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, the base (28) being configured to allow the folding, from the base (28), of one of the half-shells (27) in contact with the other half-shell (27), over more than 80% of the area minus half a hull (27).

2. A cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the base (28) has a seam line (32) connecting the half-shells (27) to each other, the seam line (32) having a thickness of less than 0.7 mm, in particular between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm, and in particular between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.

3. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom (28) is devoid of concavity.

4. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (28) has a flat region (34) with an area less than 15% and preferably less than 10% of the area of ​​the maximum cross-section of the container (16).

5. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (16) has an elongated cross-section, taken in a plane perpendicular to the elevation axis (A-A'), for example an elliptical, almond-shaped or oval section.

6. A cosmetic product packaging and distribution device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the elongated cross-section has a junction at the point where the half-shells (27) are joined together, the junction having a radius of curvature greater than 4 mm and a thickness varying at most 30% with respect to the average thickness of each half-shell (27).

7. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a capsule (40) mounted around the neck (20), the device (10) being configured to be stably positioned on a flat surface by resting on the capsule (40).

8. A cosmetic product packaging and distribution device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the half-shells (27) comprises a stiffening structure giving it greater rigidity than the other half-shell (27), the stiffening structure being in particular formed of ribs extending over said half-shell (27).

9. Device (10) for conditioning and dispensing cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir (18) is devoid of a shoulder away from the neck (20).

10. A cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the reservoir (18) is provided with a shoulder away from the neck (20) having, in projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis of elevation (A-A'), an area less than 50% of the area delimited by the projection in the same plane of the maximum cross-section of the reservoir (18), and advantageously, an area greater than the area delimited by the projection of the maximum cross-section of the neck (20) in the same plane.

11. A device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two half-shells (27) are asymmetrical with respect to the median axial plane, at least one first half-shell (27) having, in cross-section, a contour of greater length than a second half-shell (27), the first half-shell (27) being configured to guide the folding of the second half-hull (27) into contact with the first half-hull (27).

12. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radius of curvature of the half-shells (27) in a bottom area extending from the bottom (28) in the median longitudinal section of the reservoir (18) passing through the elevation axis (A-A') having the largest area, is greater than 40 mm, in particular greater than 80 mm, for example between 40 mm and 150 mm.

13. A device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal volume (30) contains a cosmetic product (14), the cosmetic product (14) having a viscosity greater than 5 UD, measured at 25°C using a Rhéomat 180 apparatus equipped with an MS-R4 mobile, in particular between 10 UD and 50 UD, or a viscosity greater than 5 UD, measured at 25°C using a Rhéomat 180 apparatus equipped with an MS-R3 mobile, in particular between 10 UD and 50 UD.

14. A cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (18) is formed of at least one polymer selected from high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene or a copolymer or a mixture thereof, the container (18) advantageously being made by blow molding of a monolayer or a plurality of layers of polymer and / or copolymer including, for example, a gas barrier layer, each layer being able to be made from a polymer and / or a copolymer or a mixture of polymer and / or copolymer.

15. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the half-shells (27) has a transverse reinforcement with respect to the elevation axis (A-A'), the container (18) advantageously having a peripheral transverse reinforcement belt.

16. A device comprising a mother bottle and a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (10) cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device is a refill for the mother bottle, the neck (20) being configured to be inserted into an orifice of the mother bottle to allow transfer of cosmetic product from the internal volume (30) of the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device (10) to the internal volume of the mother bottle.

17. A method for distributing a cosmetic product implemented with a device (10) for packaging and distributing cosmetic products according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - distribution by gravity flow of a quantity of cosmetic product (14) through the distribution passage (26), from the container (16), - deformation of at least one half-shell (27) by manual pressure by a user on at least one of the half-shells (27) and / or by folding, from the bottom (28), one half-shell (27) in contact with the other half-shell (27).

18. A method for dispensing a cosmetic product according to claim 17, wherein, after folding one half-shell (27) onto the other half-shell (27) from the bottom (28), the half-shells (27) have a tray shape.

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