Refillable packaging assembly for cosmetic products

Abstract

A packaging assembly (10) for a cosmetic product, comprising: a container (20) capable of containing the product; and an insert (30) carrying a delivery member (40) and removably attachable to the container (20), the insert (30) enabling delivery of the product by the delivery member (40) when attached to the container (20), the insert (30) being configured to cooperate with the container (20) such that, during each of the attachment and detachment operations of the insert (30) relative to the container (20), the insert (30) sequentially passes through a first position where the force required for the operation reaches a first maximum value and a second position where the force reaches a second maximum value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of packaging for solid, liquid or pasty products, and more particularly to a refillable packaging assembly capable of containing such products, for example in the field of cosmetics. [Background technology]

[0002] In cosmetics, packaging is an important aspect of the value that users ascribe to the product, and manufacturers therefore pay particular attention to the packaging assemblies and containers that house their products.

[0003] In an ecological and economical approach, users would like to be able to refill emptied cosmetic product containers rather than discarding the packaging assemblies. Therefore, a new kind of packaging assembly for cosmetic products is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To this end, the packaging assembly for a cosmetic product of the present disclosure comprises a container capable of containing the product, and an insert carrying a delivery member and removably attached to the container, the insert enabling delivery of the product by the delivery member when attached to the container, wherein the action of attaching and / or removing the insert from the container includes a rotation of the insert relative to the container, and wherein the insert is configured to cooperate with the container such that during each of the actions of attaching and removing the insert from the container, the insert sequentially passes through a first position where the force required for the action reaches a first maximum value and a second position where the force reaches a second maximum value.

[0005] The delivery member, when attached to the container, allows for delivery of the cosmetic product, such that the cosmetic product can pass through the delivery member, for example a pump or a valve.

[0006] The first and second positions may be intermediate positions in the operation, i.e., positions that are neither the beginning nor the end of the operation of attaching / detaching the insert to / from the container. In other words, the detachment operation may start before the first position and continue after the second position, and vice versa for the operation of attaching. In this disclosure, the abbreviation "attachment / detachment" means "attachment and / or detachment", i.e., at least one of attachment and detachment.

[0007] The "force required for operation" should be understood in a broad sense, and in the case of typical rotation, includes the concept of torque.

[0008] By definition of "maximum", the force required for said movement is less just before and just after the first position than the force required for said movement exactly at the first position. In other words, at the first position the user feels a hard spot, i.e. a resistance that requires a local increase in force to overcome. The same applies to the second position, it being understood that the first maximum and the second maximum may have the same value or different values.

[0009] Thanks to the fact that the insert is removably attached to the container and the action of attaching / removing the insert from the container requires passing through the two above-mentioned maxima, the user can remove and reattach the insert as desired to refill the container, while being objectively and subjectively assured to the user of satisfactory closure of the packaging assembly thanks to the two hard spots.

[0010] In some embodiments, when passing through the first position and the second position, one of the insert and the container induces an elastic deformation in the other of the insert and the container. A force maximum may correspond to a deformation maximum of the other of the insert and the container. Elastic deformation facilitates achieving the force maximum while ensuring reversibility of attachment and detachment.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the first position, a notch of the insert cooperates with a boss of the container, and in the second position, the notch or another notch of the insert cooperates with the boss or another boss of the container. Several variants can be envisaged, in particular, the insert comprises at least one notch and the container comprises at least two bosses, a notch cooperating with each of the bosses in turn, or the insert comprises at least two notches and the container comprises at least one boss, a boss cooperating with each of the notches in turn, or the insert comprises at least two notches and the container comprises at least two bosses, one of the notches cooperating with one of the bosses and then another notch cooperating with another boss.

[0012] For simplicity, but without loss of generality, in the following it is assumed that the insert has a notch and the container has two bosses, but all detailed characteristics regarding the notches and bosses can be transferred to other configurations.

[0013] Each notch-boss pair may be further replicated, for example to ensure good distribution of forces as well as a symmetrical and balanced feel for the user. For example, the insert may include at least two notches, for example five (or any number) of distributed notches, each of which cooperates with a first boss in a first position and cooperates with a second boss in a second position. Thus, even if only one notch, first boss, and second boss are described for brevity, there are five notch-boss pairs in the first position and five notch-boss pairs in the second position. Furthermore, it should be noted that some first bosses may coincide with some second bosses, e.g., a first boss that cooperates with one notch in the first position may function as a second boss that cooperates with another notch in the second position.

[0014] Notches and bosses can refer to any type of protrusion or projection, such as a tab-type element.

[0015] By "the notch and the boss cooperate" is meant that they abut each other in the direction of the installation / removal movement, e.g., if said movement includes a rotation, the notch and the boss may abut each other in the circumferential direction, possibly causing a radial deformation of the insert.

[0016] In some embodiments, each of the notches on the insert protrudes toward the container and each of the bosses on the container protrudes toward the insert.

[0017] In some embodiments, the container comprises a thread for attachment of the insert, and the boss is provided on an annular bead located on one side of the thread. For example, the bead can have a varying thickness forming the boss. The bead may further comprise a localized recess. The bead facilitates the manufacture of the boss.

[0018] In some embodiments, the insert has a tubular wall protruding the notch, the wall having a nominal thickness at a portion relatively far from the notch and a reduced thickness compared to the nominal thickness at a portion relatively close to the notch. In other words, the wall has a reduced thickness in the vicinity of the notch. Thus, deformation of the insert in the vicinity of the notch is facilitated and deformation occurring in the portion of the insert relatively far from the notch is limited. Thus, the resistance of the insert to multiple mounting / removal operations is improved.

[0019] In some embodiments, the insert has a generally annular shape including a flat portion, and the notch protrudes from the flat portion. The notch can protrude inwardly or outwardly from the insert. The flat portion refers to a linear, relatively flat plate or flat portion that may possibly be provided along a chord of the annular overall shape, i.e. a line segment passing through the inside of the annular overall shape. In these embodiments, the presence of the flat portion leaves a space in which the insert can deform, in this case in the vicinity of the notch, facilitating the deformation of the insert and therefore the installation / removal action. This also limits the interaction between the insert and other parts, which further contributes to the life of the packaging assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the container has a neck defining an opening, and the insert is configured to be attached to the neck of the container.

[0021] In some embodiments, the act of attaching and / or removing the insert relative to the container includes rotating the insert relative to the container, where a first position is located within 90° of a second position. Thus, successive bosses (and / or, as the case may be, successive notches) corresponding to the first and second positions are spaced apart by an angle of 90° or less. The angle of 90° or less may be measured about an axis that serves as an axis of rotation for rotational movement of the insert relative to the container.

[0022] Furthermore, the attachment / detachment movement can include, in addition to the rotation mentioned above, a translation of the insert relative to the container. The translation can occur simultaneously with the rotation, for example when the insert and container cooperate by a screw thread, typically in the case of a helical movement. Alternatively, the translation can occur before or after the rotation, typically in the case of a bayonet-type movement.

[0023] In some embodiments, the packaging assembly further comprises a masking hoop assembled to the insert. The masking hoop may be provided for aesthetic reasons essentially and may be assembled to the insert by means known per se, typically by clamping, gluing, hooping, crimping, etc.

[0024] In some embodiments, the masking hoop has at one end a rounded portion adapted to come into contact with the container. The fact that the rounded portion of the masking hoop comes into contact with the container allows the insert to be effectively concealed while ensuring a soft contact between the hoop and the container, which limits wear on the container during the mounting / removal operations. In other words, at said end, the portion adapted to come into contact with the container does not have sharp ridges that could scratch the container or damage the decoration provided on the container, especially in view of the relatively frequent mounting / removal that such packaging assemblies are intended to undergo. Furthermore, the rounded portion can provide the end with a certain elasticity that allows it to accommodate possible mounting gaps.

[0025] In some embodiments, the packaging assembly further comprises a gasket configured to be compressed upon installation of the insert into the container. The gasket may be installed between the insert and the container. The gasket may be compressed when the insert passes the second position, and possibly also when the insert is between the first and second positions.

[0026] In some embodiments, the insert can be made of a polymer, such as polypropylene. Independently, in some embodiments, the container can be made of a transparent or translucent material, such as glass. It should be noted that the above-mentioned elastic deformation is preferably provided to occur at least in the most elastic elements of the insert and the container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] Further features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a packaging assembly according to one embodiment.

[0029] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an insert according to one embodiment.

[0030] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the packaging assembly along plane III-III of FIG. 1 at the start of the operation of removing the insert from the container.

[0031] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the packaging assembly along plane III-III of FIG. 1 at a later stage than in FIG. 3A during an operation of removing an insert on a container.

[0032] [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the packaging assembly along plane III-III of FIG. 1 at a later stage than in FIG. 3B during the operation of removing the insert from the container.

[0033] [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the packaging assembly along plane III-III of FIG. 1 at a later stage than FIG. 3C during the operation of removing the insert from the container.

[0034] [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view of the packaging assembly along plane III-III of FIG. 1 at a later stage than FIG. 3D during the operation of removing the insert from the container.

[0035] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section along the plane IV-IV of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] A packaging assembly 10 according to one embodiment is presented with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The packaging assembly 10 comprises a container 20 capable of containing a cosmetic product, such as a liquid, a paste-like or a powder-like product. In this case, the container 20 is bottle-shaped and comprises a body 18 and a neck 22 protruding from the body and defining an opening. The container may be made of glass or any other desired material. The body 18 may have a decorative pattern, such as color, embossing, engraving, etc.

[0037] The opening of the neck 22 extends around an axis X that defines the axial direction. The radial direction is the direction perpendicular to and intersecting this axis. Similarly, the axial plane is the plane that contains the axis X of the opening, and the radial plane is the plane perpendicular to this axis. The circumference can be understood as a circle that belongs to the radial plane and whose centre belongs to the axis X. The tangential or circumferential direction is the direction that is tangent to the circumference and perpendicular to the axis X but does not pass through it.

[0038] Furthermore, the packaging assembly 10 comprises an insert 30 carrying the delivery member 40. The insert 30 forms an interface for assembling the delivery member 40 to the container 20. In this case, the insert 30 is removably attached to the container 20, more specifically here to the neck 22. The delivery member 40 can be assembled to the insert 30 by means known per se, for example by gluing, crimping, etc. Alternatively, the insert 30 may form part of the delivery member 40, for example by being integrally formed with the pump body, etc.

[0039] The delivery member 40, here in the form of a pump known per se, may comprise a delivery head 42 and a dip tube 44. In this embodiment, the insert 30 thus supports the pump body. More generally, when the insert 30 is attached to the container 20, the delivery member 40 allows the delivery of the product contained in the container 20, in this case by pressure on the delivery head 42. As shown in more detail in FIG. 2, a gasket 46, such as a flat ring gasket, may be attached to the insert 30 or, as shown, to the delivery member 40. The gasket 46 is configured to be compressed when the insert 30 is attached to the container 20, in this case between the distal end of the neck 22 and the delivery member 40.

[0040] Additionally, the packaging assembly may optionally include a masking hoop 60 with a magnet 50, and may independently include a cap or cover 70. These elements are described below.

[0041] The details of Fig. 1 show in more detail the structure of the neck 22. The container 20, and more specifically the neck 22, has a thread 24 for mounting the insert 30. The thread 24 ends in a thread end stop 24a, which projects laterally relative to the thread 24. The thread 24 projects radially outwardly and is configured to cooperate with a corresponding thread 34 (see Fig. 2) provided on the insert 30, which projects radially inwardly. The insert 30 can thus be attached to / detached from the container 20 by screwing using the threads 24, 34. However, other methods of attachment / detachment between the insert 30 and the container 20 are also conceivable.

[0042] Furthermore, the container 20 has at least one boss, and here a plurality of bosses, more specifically two pairs of bosses 26b, 26c. In this case, each boss 26b, 26c of each pair is located diametrically opposite. The neck may therefore be symmetrical by 180° rotation, i.e. have two-fold rotational invariance (since 360°=2×180°). More generally, the neck may have N-fold rotational invariance, which is 2 or more. As mentioned above, only one boss of each pair is described below.

[0043] The bosses 26b, 26c may project radially outwardly and are here provided at the neck 22 on one side of the thread 24 (in this case the side of the thread 24 opposite the opening formed by the neck 22). The bosses 26b, 26c may project radially further than the thread 24.

[0044] 1, the bosses 26b, 26c may be formed by a bead 26, for example a bead of varying thickness. It will be understood that the bead 26 may be annular about the axis X and may include a recess 26a. Thus, as mentioned above, the bosses 26b, 26c may be provided on an annular bead 26 located on one side of the thread 24, where the bead 26 faces the thread 24 and abuts the thread end stop 24a.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows the insert 30 and the delivery member 40 in more detail. In this embodiment, the insert 30 has a generally annular shape about the axis X. The insert can have one or more notches 36, in this case a pair of diametrically opposed notches 36. The insert thus has an invariance with N rotations, which is 2 or more, where N=2. As mentioned above, only one notch 36 is described below. The notch 36 projects inwardly from the insert 30, i.e. towards the bosses 26b, 26c, which project towards the notch 36. The notch 36 can include a chamfered edge, at least with respect to its edge in the circumferential direction, to facilitate cooperation with the bosses 26b, 26c.

[0046] In this embodiment, the wall of the insert 30 is cut off radially outwardly in line with the notch 36. The insert therefore has a flat portion 32 which projects the notch 36. Moreover, this has the consequence that the tubular wall of the insert 30 which projects the notch 36 can have a reduced thickness in the vicinity of the notch 36, said wall having a nominal radial thickness in a portion 31a relatively far from the notch 36 and a reduced radial thickness compared to the nominal thickness in a portion 31b relatively closer to the notch 36.

[0047] The insert 30 may be made of a plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene. For ease of manufacture, the insert 30 may include a molded castellation 38.

[0048] The outer diameter of the container thread 24 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the notch 36, such that the notch 36 does not cooperate with the thread 24 when the insert 30 is attached to the container 20. When attaching / removing (here: screwing / unscrewing) the insert 30 to the container 20, the notch 36 cooperates with the bosses 26b, 26c, according to an example described with reference to Figures 3A-3E. In this case, Figures 3A-3E represent the removal action between the insert 30 and the container 20 by unscrewing and thus rotating the container 20 relative to the insert 30.

[0049] 3A shows the initial position of the insert 30 when it is installed in the container 20, in which the gasket 46 is compressed to ensure a tight seal of the container 20. In this position, the notch 36 may face the recess 26a of the bead 26. Movement of the insert 30 in a clockwise direction is prevented by the thread end stop 24a, while movement in a counterclockwise direction is prevented by the first boss 26b.

[0050] To start the removal, the user must rotate the insert 30 in a counterclockwise direction and, to do so, must bring in excess torque (or, more generally, force) so that the notch 36 passes the first boss 26b. This situation, shown in FIG. 3B, corresponds to a first position where the force required for the removal operation reaches a first maximum. For example, the torque required for the passage of the first boss in the removal direction can be set between 40 Newtons (N) and 110 N, preferably equal to 55 N.

[0051] In the first position shown in Fig. 3B, the notch 36 cooperates with the first boss 26b. The container 20, and more specifically the first boss 26b, induces an elastic deformation in the insert 30. In this case, the radial deformation of the insert 30 is facilitated, on the one hand, by the presence of a flat 32 that provides space on the radially outer side of the insert 30 to accommodate deformations, and, on the other hand, by the presence of a portion 31b of relatively small radial thickness that facilitates bending in the region of the insert 30 that includes the notch 36.

[0052] Continuing the rotation of the container 20 in the counterclockwise direction R passes through the position shown in FIG. 3C where the notch 36 is located between the two bosses 26b, 26c. The shape of the first boss 26b is not symmetrical, and the slope of the first boss 26b is gentler on the installation side (the side facing the second boss 26c) than on the removal side (the side facing away from the second boss 26c). More generally, the first slope of the first boss 26b encountered in the removal direction is the steepest of the slopes of the bosses 26b, 26c. Thanks to these arrangements, the first boss 26b provides a better closure during installation, more difficulty during removal, and a steeper hard spot that ensures good compression of the gasket 46.

[0053] The radial thickness of the bead 26 between the first boss 26b and the second boss 26c can be made small enough to allow the notch 36 to return to its rest position, as evidenced by the gap between the notch 36 and the bead 26 in Figure 3C. In this way, the user must apply significant excess force when approaching the next boss requiring a new maximum value of force.

[0054] 3C position, the gasket 46 may no longer be fully compressed to ensure a sealed closure to the container 20. However, in other embodiments, the gasket 46 may be fully compressed whenever the notch 36 is between the two bosses 26b, 26c, or more generally, when the installation / removal operation is between a first position and a second position described below.

[0055] Continuing the rotation of the insert 30 in the counterclockwise direction R again requires excessive torque (or, more generally, force) to pass the notch 36 over the second boss 26c. This situation, shown in FIG. 3D, corresponds to a second position, in which the force required for the removal operation reaches a second maximum. For example, the torque required for the passage of the second boss in the removal direction can be set between 8N and 25N, preferably equal to 15N. The values ​​of the torque required for the passage of the first and second positions can be different (one larger or smaller than the other), or they can be the same, depending on whether installation or removal is performed. Typically, in the installation direction, the torque required for the passage of the first boss 26b can be set between 2N and 15N, preferably 6N, and independently of this, the torque required for the passage of the second boss 26c can be set between 30N and 45N, preferably 37N.

[0056] 3D, the notch 36 cooperates with the second boss 26c, causing the container 20, and more specifically the second boss 26c, to undergo an elastic deformation in the insert 30 similar to that described with respect to the first position.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 3D, the first location is located within 90° of the second location. More specifically, the outer circumferential ends of the first boss 26b and the second boss 26c may be spaced apart from each other by an angle A about the axis X, the angle A being less than or equal to 90°. Alternatively or additionally, the bosses 26b, 26c may be shaped such that they do not include any undercuts in the sector of the angle A. In this way, the manufacture of the bead 26 may be facilitated, for example, during molding of the container 20.

[0058] Continuing the rotation of the insert 30 in the counterclockwise direction R passes the position shown in FIG. 3E, where the notch 36 is located behind the second boss 26c. Similar to the position of FIG. 3C, the insert 30 can return to the rest position. The unscrewing operation can then continue without the notch 36 encountering any obstacle, and before the first boss 26b is reached again in the circumferential direction, the insert has shifted axially sufficiently so that the notch 36 no longer encounters this boss. Conversely, the pitch of the thread 24 and the axial height of the notch 36 and the bosses 26b, 26c are dimensioned such that the axial displacement of the insert 30 between the first and second positions is small enough to allow the notch 36 to cooperate with these bosses.

[0059] The attachment movement is performed in the opposite direction with the same steps.

[0060] 4 shows a masking hoop 60 in longitudinal section. The masking hoop 60 has at one end a rounded portion 64 that can come into contact with the container 20 (in this case the body 18). To do so, in this case said end is here rounded radially inwards to form the rounded portion 64. Alternatively, the rounded portion 64 can be formed by a bead that is devoid of sharp ridges in the part that is intended to come into contact with the container 20.

[0061] The assembly of the masking hoop 60 onto the insert 30 can be carried out as follows: On the one hand, the insert 30 carrying the delivery member 40 is mounted on the container 20 as described above. Since the screwing movement of the insert 30 along the thread 24 is blocked at a specific position by the thread end stop 24a, the relative orientation between the insert 30 and the container 20 is predetermined and can be guaranteed when the insert 30 is removed and then remounted on the container 20.

[0062] On the other hand, the masking hoop 60 is inserted into the cap 70. The relative orientation between the masking hoop 60 and the cap 70 can be ensured by magnetization. In this case, a magnet is housed in the cap 70 and configured to attract the magnet 50 immovably embedded in the masking hoop 60, typically by gluing. The magnet 50 may be attached below the flange 62 of the masking hoop 60, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0063] The cap 70 and the container 20 can include decorations. To ensure a good relative orientation of these decorations, the cap 70 carrying the masking hoop 60 is aligned with respect to the container 20, for example by a camera. Once the correct orientation is obtained, the cap 70 carrying the masking hoop 60 is pressed into the insert 30. The masking hoop 60 is configured to ensure a part-to-part fixation on the insert 30 that is not normally removable, for example thanks to the axial ribs 66 that bite into the insert 30. In this way, with the magnetized masking hoop 60 correctly oriented with respect to the container 20, the cap 70 is automatically properly oriented, whatever the orientation in which it is subsequently placed back on the container 20.

[0064] Although the description refers to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, although a radial cooperation between the bosses 26b, 26c and the notches 36 has been described, it is possible to envisage an axial cooperation, for example by axial notches 36 or axially deformable tabs, and / or bosses provided on the body 18 of the container 20 rather than on the neck 22. Furthermore, the number and shape of the notches and bosses may be varied, as long as the insert passes successively through a first position, where the force required for said movement reaches a first maximum, and a second position, where said force reaches a second maximum.

[0065] More generally, individual features of the various embodiments shown or mentioned can be combined in further embodiments. Accordingly, the description and drawings should be regarded in an illustrative sense, rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A packaging assembly (10) for a cosmetic product, comprising: a container (20) capable of containing said product; and an insert (30) carrying a delivery member (40) and removably attachable to said container (20) and enabling delivery of the product by said delivery member (40) when attached to said container (20); a movement of mounting and / or removal of the insert from the container includes a rotation of the insert with respect to the container, the insert being configured to cooperate with the container such that, during each movement of mounting and removal of the insert from the container, the insert passes successively through a first position at which a force required for said movement reaches a first maximum and a second position at which said force reaches a second maximum, In the first position, a projection (36) of the insert (30) cooperates with a boss (26b) of the container (20), and in the second position, the projection (36) or another projection of the insert cooperates with the boss or another boss (26c) of the container (20); A packaging assembly, wherein the insert (30) has a tubular wall from which the projection (36) protrudes, the wall having a first portion (31a) having a reference thickness and a second portion (31b) having a thickness smaller than the reference thickness, the second portion (31b) being closer to the projection (36) than the first portion (31a).

2. 2. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein one element of the insert (30) and the container (20) causes elastic deformation in the other element of the insert (30) and the container (20) when passing through the first position and the second position.

3. 3. The packaging assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container (20) has a screw thread (24) for mounting the insert (30), and the bosses (26b, 26c) are provided on an annular bead (26) located on one side of the screw thread (24).

4. The packaging assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insert (30) has a generally annular shape including a flat portion (32), and the protrusion (36) protrudes from the flat portion (32).

5. The packaging assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container (20) has a neck (22) defining an opening, and the insert (30) is configured to be attached to the neck (22) of the container (20).

6. The packaging assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first position is located within 90° of the second position.

7. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a masking hoop (60) assembled to the insert (30).

8. 8. The packaging assembly of claim 7, wherein the masking hoop (60) has a rounded portion (64) at one end configured to contact the container (20).

9. The packaging assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a gasket (46) configured to be compressed upon installation of the insert (30) into the container (20).

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