Bottle with shape memory

Abstract

A bottle with shape memory (1), having a generally flattened shape, comprising a strengthening belt (10) formed with at least one groove having at least one setback with at least one portion which extends on the main face of the bottle, with a depth Pmax, and at least one portion which extends on the side of the bottle, with a depth Pmin, where Pmax > Pmin.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Bottle with shape memory

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention concerns bottles with shape memory which are used for the packaging of fluid compositions, and more particularly, but not exclusively, the bottles which are used for the packaging and distribution of cosmetic compositions such as shampoos, conditioners or shower gels, on which the user exerts pressure in order to distribute the content thereof.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Many shampoos, conditioners or shower gels are packaged in bottles which extend along a longitudinal axis, having a transverse cross section with a generally flattened shape, and thus a transverse cross section which is not circular, and is produced with a neck on which a distribution cap is secured. A known example of a bottle, made of polyethylene terephthalate or PET, is designed to contain 250 mL of shampoo, and weighs 21.8 g.

[0007] In order to distribute a dose of product, the user holds the bottle with the head downwards, and exerts pressure with his hand on the main opposite faces of the bottle, generally in a central area along the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

[0008] Once the required dose has been distributed, the user releases the bottle, which regains its initial shape by resilience. The number of doses which can thus be distributed in succession until the bottle is emptied is typically at least twenty five, and typically 40 to 80 depending on the consumer.

[0009] To ensure that it regains its shape, the body of the bottle is produced with a relatively thick wall, made of a semi-rigid thermoplastic material such as PET or polyethylene (PE).

[0010] The bottles must be able to regain their initial shape after use, ideally without blanching in the areas subjected to the greatest mechanical stress.

[0011] After having been produced, the empty bottles must also be able to withstand storage and transport in bulk in bags with a large volume while they are waiting to be filled, without collapsing under the effect of the weight of the other bottles present above them in the bag. The bottles must also be able to withstand an axial stress in the case of storage on top of one another, in the form of stacks of bottles. One or more labels may also be glued onto the body of the bottle.

[0012] Applications WO2013 / 080926, EP1099638, JP2000309320 and CA2543687 describe containers made of thermoplastic material, the bodies of which have different reliefs.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] Proposing environmentally friendly eco-responsible solutions, the design and development of which take account of environmental considerations, is becoming a major preoccupation in contributing to overcoming the challenges facing our planet.

[0015] It is therefore proving essential to design more durable products which thus make it possible to reduce the quantity of materials used.

[0016] In this context, it is important to develop packaging that generates less waste and is in particular optimized for the quantity of products transported, in particular in order to reduce the weight of the packaging.

[0017] Consequently, there is a need to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production of the bottles with shape memory used for packaging of shampoos, conditioners and shower gels inter alia, and to facilitate their recycling.

[0018] There is also a need to allow users who wish to do so to reuse these bottles as many times as possible, by refilling them.

[0019] There is also an advantage in improving control of the dose distributed.

[0020] There can also be an advantage in facilitating recycling of the bottle.

[0021] Summary of the invention

[0022] The objective of the invention is to improve the control of the dose distributed, while reducing if required the quantity of material used for the production of the bottle.

[0023] The invention fulfils this need by proposing a bottle with shape memory, with a generally non-cylindrical shape, comprising a strengthening belt formed with at least one groove having at least one setback with at least one portion which extends on a main face of the bottle, this setback having a depth Pmax, and at least one portion which extends on the side of the bottle, with a depth Pmin, where Pmax>Pmin.

[0024] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to maintain relatively great rigidity at the main faces of the bottle, which is desirable in order to avoid a loss of resilience, and to increase the quantity distributed according to the displacement of the wall, without detracting excessively from the deformability of the bottle necessary to give rise to the decrease of the interior volume corresponding to the dose to be distributed.

[0025] In addition, the strengthening belt results in the bottle becoming deformed, in the case of pressure on a face, with hollowing of the face opposite, which increases the variation of interior volume for a given pressing pressure. In other words, it is possible to distribute a given dose with pressure which is lower compared with a bottle made without a belt and with more material, which facilitates the control of the dose distributed, and improves the convenience of use.

[0026] The bottle can be produced with a wall which is relatively thin, at least in a central pressing area on which the user exerts pressure during the distribution.

[0027] The bottle can thus be lightened in comparison with a known bottle which has the same nominal content, and is produced from the same material, and the carbon footprint is reduced. The invention can permit a saving of plastic material of approximately 25% to 50% in comparison with bottles according to the prior art with the same volume.

[0028] However, thanks to the strengthening belt, the bottle can maintain sufficient rigidity to regain its shape after each time it has been pressed, in particular at the end of its service life, and can withstand storage and transport in bulk.

[0029] This can also make it possible to reduce the mechanical stresses which are exerted on the plastic material of the bottle, despite it having a thinner wall, and therefore the risk of appearance of areas which become fragile and are potentially blanched in the plastic material during use. From the mechanical point of view, the service life of the bottle can thus be improved, therefore making it possible to be able to use the bottle for longer by carrying out multiple filling operations. The appearance of areas blanched by the stress is delayed, or even avoided.

[0030] A bottle of this type is advantageously provided with a distribution cap, preferably of the service cap type, with a pivoting cover connected by a hinge to a base part which is secured on the neck of the bottle.

[0031] Preferably, in a known manner, the distribution cap has a lid with a flattened shape which makes it possible to support the bottle vertically with the top downwards in a stable manner on a flat horizontal surface.

[0032] The bottle can have a neck with a circular cross section and a flat base. Preferably, the strengthening belt is formed hollowed towards the interior of the bottle, which can facilitate the gluing of labels. The belt can be the only relief formed hollowed extending around the longitudinal axis of the bottle. However, for reasons of appearance or usage, in particular grasping, this belt can be formed in relief projecting towards the exterior, while having dimensions suitable for obtaining the required strengthening.

[0033] The belt can have a maximal width (measured along the longitudinal axis of the bottle) which corresponds to at least 20% of the height H of the bottle, or better to less than 15%, or better still to less than 10%.

[0034] The bottle can receive one or more labels. The presence of the strengthening belt makes it possible to maintain a smooth surface elsewhere on the bottle, in order to receive one or more labels which do not need to surround the bottle in order to adhere to it; it is possible to use labels glued by means of a heat-setting adhesive, which are easier to separate from the walls of the bottle during the recycling.

[0035] The bottle can comprise a label or marking, or it can be contained in packaging which specifies a nominal content (or volume V).

[0036] The bottle can be filled with a volume V of composition.

[0037] With the bottle having a neck, said volume V can be between 80% and 98%, and in particular between 85% and 95% of the interior volume of the bottle measured at the level of the neck. In particular, said volume V can be close to 90% of the interior volume of the bottle measured at the level of the neck.

[0038] Shape memory

[0039] The bottle according to the invention has shape memory, i.e. it can regain its initial shape with the re-admission of air by resilient return of its wall, after pressure has been exerted in a central pressing area, in order to distribute a dose of product.

[0040] The pressure which is exerted during the distribution typically corresponds to indentation of at least 1 mm on one face. The displacement of the wall of the bottle can develop according to the quantity of composition remaining in the bottle and its level at the moment of the pressing; the indentation is thus for example from 1 to 3 mm at the start of use, then from 6 to 9 mm at the end of use. The force which is exerted by a user on a face in order to distribute a dose is for example between 1 and 10 N, or better between 2 and 6 N.

[0041] A dose corresponds for example to a volume distributed of between 1 and 10 mL, better between 2 and 8 mL, or between 3 and 5 mL.

[0042] The pressure is typically exerted by the user at least with his thumb on one of the faces of the bottle, and preferably with his thumb on one of the faces of the bottle and his four other digits in opposition on the opposite face of the bottle.

[0043] In order to be suitable for the distribution of multiple doses, the bottle must be able to regain its initial shape after at least 50 cycles of pressing / release of pressure on its faces, or better more than 100 cycles, or even better more than 200 cycles, which corresponds for example to 4 re-fillings for a distributed dose of 5 mL on average for a bottle with a nominal content of 250 mL, with each cycle being defined by the distribution of a dose of composition.

[0044] General shape of the bottle

[0045] The bottle has a general shape which is not cylindrical of revolution, preferably with a transverse cross section with a generally flattened shape.

[0046] At least mid-height, it preferably has a transverse cross section which is not circular, with a larger exterior dimension (i.e. a larger width) on a so-called flattening plane which is larger at its largest exterior transverse dimension (i.e. the greatest thickness), on a plane perpendicular to this plane of flattening.

[0047] In particular, on at least a portion of its height situated between the upper quarter and the lower quarter, the bottle can have a transverse cross section which has a generally oblong shape, in particular oval or lenticular, for example elliptical.

[0048] The ratio at mid-height, LIE, where L designates the width (measured on the exterior of the wall of the bottle), and E designates the thickness (measured on the exterior of the wall of the bottle), is preferably between 1.2 and 3 (including ends), or better between 1.2 and 2 (including ends).

[0049] The height of the bottle is preferably from 5 to 40 cm, or better from 10 to 30 cm.

[0050] The maximal width of the bottle is preferably between 3 and 9 cm, or better 5 and 7 cm. The maximal thickness of the bottle is preferably between 2 and 8 cm, or better

[0051] 3 and 6 cm.

[0052] The outer diameter of the neck is for example between 15 and 40 mm, or better between 20 and 35 mm.

[0053] The neck can have a flange or exterior thread, in order to allow the distribution cap to be secured by snapping-on or screwing.

[0054] Production of the bottle

[0055] The bottle is produced by molding of a thermoplastic material, preferably selected from among PETs and polyolefins, preferably PE.

[0056] The bottle is preferably made of PET or PE, which is unaltered, or PCR, or a mixture containing at least one of these.

[0057] The bottle can be produced by an injection-blowing or extrusion-blowing process.

[0058] Preferably, the thermoplastic material used has a Young’s modulus of between 2000 and 3500 MPa for a PET, and between 900 and 1500 MPa for a PE.

[0059] The thickness of the wall of the bottle excluding the neck and base, in particular when it is made of PET, is for example 0.35 mm or less in the thinnest areas and 0.35 mm or more in the thickest areas.

[0060] The thickness of the wall of the bottle excluding the neck and base, in particular when it is made of PE or PET, is preferably always 0.1 mm or more, including in the thinnest areas.

[0061] The thickness of the wall of the bottle excluding the neck and base, in particular when it is made of PE or PET, is preferably always 0.6 mm or less, including in the thickest areas.

[0062] The thickness of the wall of the body of the bottle is in particular between 0.15 mm and 0.35 mm at the belt, and / or between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm outside the belt. The thickness of the wall of the bottle on its main faces immediately above or below the belt is for example between 0.15 and 0.4 mm, or better between 0.2 and 0.3 mm.

[0063] Ratio of mass to volume (m / V)

[0064] The volume V taken into consideration in this ratio m / V is the nominal content of the bottle, i.e. the volume of composition with which it is filled for sale, and according to the regulations, this volume is either indicated on a label or added in any other manner onto the bottle or its packaging, by any type of marking, for example printing or information molded together with the bottle.

[0065] The nominal content is typically slightly less than the interior volume of the bottle measured at the top of the neck. The nominal content can represent between 80% and 98% of the interior volume measured at the level of the neck, preferably between 85% and 95%, and in particular it can be approximately 90% of the interior volume of the bottle measured at the level of the neck.

[0066] A bottle which initially contains 250 mL of composition (or a nominal content of 250 mL) when it is offered for sale has for example an interior volume of 280 mL at the level of the neck.

[0067] The nominal content of the bottle is preferably 1000 mL or less, or better 500 mL or less, or even better 400 mL.

[0068] The nominal content of the bottle is preferably between 100 and 400 mL, or better between 200 and 400 mL. The volume of product contained in the bottle is for example 250 mL, 280 mL, 300 mL, 370 mL, 400 mL or 500 mL.

[0069] The mass m of the bottle, in particular when it is made of PET, is preferably between 10 and 17 g, or better between 12 and 16 g, for a nominal content of 250 mL.

[0070] The mass of the bottle, in particular when it is made of PE, is preferably between 14 and 20 g, or better between 16 and 19 g, for a nominal content of 250 mL.

[0071] The ratio m / V, where V designates the nominal content of the bottle, and m designates the mass of the bottle, is preferably 0.035 g / mL or more.

[0072] Furthermore, the ratio m / V is preferably 0.090 g / mL or less.

[0073] In particular, the ratio m / V is preferably between 0.035 g / mL and 0.090 g / mL, or better between 0.040 g / mL and 0.080 g / mL, and is for example between 0.045 and 0.070 g / mL. The mass is measured for the bottle only, empty, without the distribution cap, and without any label(s) glued onto it.

[0074] When the bottle is made of PET, the ratio m / V is preferably between 0.035 g / mL and 0.070 g / mL, or better between 0.040 g / mL and 0.068 g / mL, and in particular between 0.048 g / mL and 0.064 g / mL.

[0075] When the bottle is made of PE, the ratio m / V is preferably between 0.045 g / mL and 0.090 g / mL, or better between 0.056 g / mL and 0.080 g / mL, and in particular between 0.064 g / mL and 0.076 g / mL. Strengthening belt

[0076] “Strengthening belt” designates one or more setbacks extending globally on a complete revolution around the longitudinal axis of the bottle, for example in the form of at least one setback extending on at least 360°, or a plurality of setbacks extending altogether on at least 360° around the longitudinal axis of the bottle, with angular overlapping between two successive setbacks.

[0077] The depth of the setback corresponds to less than 20% of the thickness (E) of the bottle measured halfway up its height, and preferably to less than 10%. The maximal depth of a setback is preferably 0.5 mm or more, or better 1 mm, or even better 1.5 mm. The depth of a setback can be greater than the thickness of the wall together with which this setback is formed.

[0078] The strengthening belt is preferably positioned at least partly in the median third of the bottle, i.e. between the upper third and the lower third of the bottle.

[0079] Preferably, there is a single strengthening belt, which is for example situated either in the upper half of the bottle, or in the lower half.

[0080] The bottle need not comprise reliefs other than the strengthening belt. This can have the advantage of providing smooth surfaces which facilitate the adhesion of one or more labels on each face, these labels being other than in the form of a sleeve. Nevertheless, it remains possible to use labels in the form of sleeves if necessary, in particular when the surface of the bottle is non-developable.

[0081] Limiting the setbacks to the number strictly necessary also makes it possible to avoid the formation of product traps which would be liable to slow down its flow during the distribution.

[0082] The strengthening belt can be produced in various ways.

[0083] The belt can comprise at least one groove, i.e. a hollow relief (which therefore projects towards the interior on the interior surface of the bottle), that is delimited laterally by two setbacks. These setbacks can each be contained angularly on a complete revolution around the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

[0084] The two setbacks can each be connected to the base of the groove, spaced from one another. In transverse cross section, on a plane perpendicular to the axis of extension of the groove, the base of the groove can have a flat or rounded shape which is concave towards the exterior.

[0085] The two setbacks define the width of the groove between one another.

[0086] The width of the groove can be constant or variable.

[0087] The two setbacks which delimit the groove laterally can be connected on their exterior edge to respective walls of the bottle which are situated at the same level (being supported on a single straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle) or at different levels (one of the walls can thus be closer to the longitudinal axis of the bottle than the other).

[0088] The belt can have two grooves which are spaced from one another, and delimit the belt laterally.

[0089] These two grooves can delimit between one another a strip situated at a level lower than the wall which borders the belt above and below.

[0090] The height of the belt (i.e. the dimension of the belt measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle, also known as the width of the belt) can vary angularly, and in particular the belt can have a height which is greater on the sides of the bottle than on its main faces.

[0091] The height of the belt can be between 2 and 40 mm.

[0092] The ratio Wf / Wcof the height Wf of the belt measured on a median plane of the bottle intersecting its main faces halfway along the width, to that Wcmeasured on a median plane which intersects its sides halfway along the thickness of the bottle, is for example less than Yi.

[0093] The strengthening belt can comprise a groove, the depth of which varies angularly around the longitudinal axis of the bottle, being smaller on its sides than on the main faces of the bottle. The ratio Pmax / Pmin of the maximal depth Pmax of the setback to its minimal depth Pmin is for example 2 or more, or better 3 or more.

[0094] The depth Pmin can be between 0.2 and 0.8 mm.

[0095] The depth Pmax can be 1.5 mm or more, or better 1.6 mm, or even better 1.8 mm, preferably being between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0096] The strengthening belt can comprise at least two grooves which overlap when observed in projection along the longitudinal axis of the bottle. In some embodiments, the belt comprises two grooves which are each continuous on a complete revolution around the axis of the bottle, and the spacing between which varies, being greater on the sides of the bottle where they delimit a widened portion of the belt, the grooves being for example parallel to one another, and closer on a narrow portion which extends on at least a quarter of the width of each main face of the bottle, and parallel to one another on a widened portion which extends on the sides of the bottle, with, for example, linear development of the width between the narrow and widened portions. A belt of this type can define between the grooves a strip which is situated recessed in relation to the wall of the bottle which borders the belt on the exterior.

[0097] In some embodiments, the belt comprises a central groove which extends on more than 180° around the longitudinal axis of the bottle between its main faces on the one hand, and on the other hand two grooves which each extend on more than 180° around the longitudinal axis of the bottle, while overlapping the central groove angularly at their ends.

[0098] In some embodiments, the belt comprises a single groove which extends on more than 360° around the longitudinal axis of the bottle, and the ends of which are offset axially and overlap (in projection when seen from above along the longitudinal axis of the bottle), on one of the main faces of the bottle.

[0099] In some embodiments, the belt comprises two grooves which each extend on more than 180° along respective inclined planes which intersect, one of the grooves having on one of the main faces its end situated at a height greater than that of the other groove, and conversely. The overlapping can also be located on the sides as a variant.

[0100] In some embodiments, the belt comprises a main groove which extends on less than 360° around the longitudinal axis of the bottle, interrupted on each of the main faces of the bottle, and a complementary groove on each of the main faces, which groove is offset axially from the main groove, and is longer than the gap which separates the ends of the main groove, such as to cover it when the bottle is observed along its longitudinal axis.

[0101] In some embodiments, the belt comprises two setbacks, which delimit the belt laterally, and, between these setbacks, a belt which can be recessed in relation to the adjacent wall of the bottle on the exterior of the belt; decorative reliefs can be provided on this strip, these reliefs preferably having a height such that they do not extend beyond the level of the adjacent wall of the bottle on the exterior of the strip. The setbacks can each have an irregular contour. In some embodiments, the belt extends at different heights on the sides and on the main faces, being for example closer to the base on the main faces. This can provide a larger space for the adhesion of a label above the belt on at least one main face.

[0102] The width of the belt is for example between 3 mm and 40 mm.

[0103] Outside the strengthening belt, the bottle can be without ribs or grooves extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bottle; the absence of such reliefs is advantageous in that it allows the fluid contained in the bottle to flow faster to the outlet, in particular when the bottle has been stored with the head uppermost, and little product remains, and when it is inverted at the last moment in order to distribute a dose of product.

[0104] The bottle can have a response to the displacement of the wall according to the force exerted by pressing defined by a punch having a spherical head with a radius of curvature equal to 8.5 mm, truncated at its top over a radius of 1 mm, halfway up and in the middle of a large face, of between 1 and 6.5 mm, for a force of 10 N, or better between 2 and 6.5 mm.

[0105] For example, the thickness E of the bottle decreases by 35% under the 10 N pressure of the punches, i.e. for E = 40 mm, -35% corresponds to 14 mm of indentation for the 2 faces, i.e. 7 mm per face. In particular, the bottle can have a response to the displacement of the wall according to the force exerted by pressing defined by a punch having a spherical head with a radius of curvature equal to 8.5 mm, truncated at its top over a radius of 1 mm, halfway up and in the middle of a large face, which is in the range Z in gray in figure 20, for a bottle with a nominal content of 250 mL made of PET, and in particular it can have displacement of between 1 and 6 mm for a force of 10 N, or better between 2 and 6 mm.

[0106] The bottle can have a response to the volume of air expelled (according to the force exerted by two opposite pressings each defined by a punch having a spherical head with a radius of curvature equal to 8.5 mm, truncated at its top over a radius of 1 mm, and each halfway up and in the middle of a large face), which is greater than 2 mL, or better than 3 mL, for a force of 4 N exerted by each punch.

[0107] The volume of air expelled corresponds to the initial volume of the bottle, less the volume obtained during the pressure exerted by the punches on the bottle.

[0108] In particular, for a bottle made of PET with a nominal content of 250 mL, the bottle can have a response to the volume of air expelled according to the force exerted by two opposite supports, each defined by a punch having a spherical head with a radius of curvature equal to 8.5 mm, truncated at its top over a radius of 1 mm, and each halfway up and in the middle of a large face, which is greater than 2 mL, or better than 3 mL, for a force of 4 N exerted by each punch.

[0109] The bottle can have a resilient response to the pressure exerted by two opposite pressings each defined by a punch having a spherical head with a radius of curvature equal to 8.5 mm, truncated at its top over a radius of 1 mm, and each halfway up and in the middle of a large face, as far as a course of indentation of each pressing of at least 5 mm, better of at least 10 mm. In other words, after having pressed in each punch by a distance of 3 mm, or 6 mm, and withdrawal of the punch, the wall regains its initial shape as a result of its own resilience.

[0110] The strengthening belt can be offset along the longitudinal axis of the bottle in the middle of the height H’ of the body of the bottle, by a distance of at least H76.

[0111] Label

[0112] The bottle can comprise an adhesive label, in particular a label which covers the strengthening belt at least partly, with this label preferably extending on less than a revolution around the longitudinal axis of the bottle. In particular, this label makes it possible to reinforce the bottle in the area of the belt, in order to provide it with good resistance to collapsing, to snapping noise, as well as a reduction of the sound generated by this phenomenon.

[0113] As a variant, the bottle comprises an adhesive label which does not cover the belt, in particular when the belt comprises a decorative pattern.

[0114] The bottle can receive one or more labels, which can be glued on the main faces of the bottle, outside or not outside the strengthening belt, with this or these label(s) not extending on the sides of the bottle.

[0115] The label(s) can be glued with a heat-setting adhesive which facilitates its / their detachment during the recycling of the bottle, as previously stated.

[0116] The label(s) can be made of a polyolefin, in particular of PE or polypropylene (PP).

[0117] Contents

[0118] The bottle can contain any fluid product which is suitable for distribution in successive doses by pressing on the body of the bottle. The product is for example a liquid cosmetic composition, such as a shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, sun-protection product, etc.

[0119] The invention is not limited to the packaging of a cosmetic product, and covers more generally any fluid product suitable for this packaging mode, for example a food product.

[0120] Packaging device

[0121] The subject of the invention is also a device for packaging of a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a bottle according to the invention, filled with said product, and a system for distribution and / or closure secured on the neck. The system for distribution and / or closure can be a cap comprising a base part which is secured on the neck, and a pivoting lid which is connected to the base part by a hinge. The system for distribution and / or closure can also be a flow-reducer which is secured in the neck, and a closure stopper which is screwed or snapped onto the neck. The system for distribution and / or closure can also be a simple stopper.

[0122] Brief description of the figures

[0123] The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

[0124] [Fig 1] represents in elevation, schematically and from the front, an example of a packaging and distribution device according to the invention;

[0125] [Fig. 2] is a side view of the device of figure 1;

[0126] [Fig 2A] represents a detail of figure 2;

[0127] [Fig. 3] represents in isolation the bottle of the device of figure 1;

[0128] [Fig. 4] is a view, similar to figure 3, of a variant of a bottle according to the invention;

[0129] [Fig 5] is a partial and schematic cross section along V-V of figure 4;

[0130] [Fig. 6] represents the detail VI of figure 4;

[0131] [Fig 7] is a side view of the bottle of figure 4;

[0132] [Fig. 8] is a view in perspective of the bottle of figure 4;

[0133] [Fig. 9] represents a variant of a bottle, in elevation, from the front;

[0134] [Fig. 10] is a view similar to figure 9 of a variant of a bottle; [Fig. 11] represents a variant of a bottle, schematically in perspective;

[0135] [Fig. 12] represents the bottle of figure 11 in a view from the front;

[0136] [Fig. 13] represents the bottle of figure 11 in a view from the side;

[0137] [Fig. 14] represents a variant of a bottle in perspective;

[0138] [Fig. 15] represents a variant of a bottle schematically and partly, in a view from the front;

[0139] [Fig. 16] represents a variant of a bottle schematically, in elevation;

[0140] [Fig. 17] is a view similar to figure 16, of a variant of a bottle;

[0141] [Fig. 18] is a view similar to figure 16, of a variant of a bottle;

[0142] [Fig. 19] is a view similar to figure 16, of a variant of a bottle;

[0143] [Fig. 20] illustrates the effect of the presence of a strengthening belt, and its positioning, on the response of the bottle, in terms of displacement of the wall according to the force exerted on it;

[0144] [Fig. 21] represents schematically and partly the form of a tool used to exert the pressure on the wall;

[0145] [Fig. 22] illustrates the impact of the presence of the strengthening belt on the bottle of figures 1 to 3, in terms of displacement of the wall (X-axes) according to the force exerted on it (Y-axes);

[0146] [Fig. 23] illustrates the impact of the presence of the strengthening belt on the bottle of figures 1 to 3, in terms of volume of air expelled (X-axes) according to the displacement of the wall (Y-axes);

[0147] [Fig. 24] illustrates the impact of the presence of the strengthening belt on the bottle of figures 1 to 3, in terms of volume of air expelled (X-axes) according to the force exerted on the wall (Y-axes);

[0148] [Fig. 25] illustrates the impact of the presence of the strengthening belt on the bottle of figures 4 to 8, in terms of displacement of the wall (X-axes) according to the force exerted on the wall (Y-axes);

[0149] [Fig. 26] illustrates the impact of the variation of the depth of the grooves of the strengthening belt on the bottle of figures 1 to 3, in terms of displacement of the wall (X- axes) according to the force exerted on the wall (Y-axes); and

[0150] [Fig. 27] is a view similar to figure 1 of another variant embodiment of the bottle. Detailed description

[0151] In the remainder of the description, elements that are identical or have similar functions can bear the same reference signs. For the purpose of concision, their description is not repeated with reference to each of the figures.

[0152] In the figures, the real proportions of the various constituent elements have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0153] The measurements of simulation of deformation and displacement of the wall of the bottles were carried out with bottles empty of composition.

[0154] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a packaging device 1 according to the invention, comprising a bottle 2 and a closure cap 3 secured on the bottle.

[0155] The bottle 2, which is represented in isolation in figure 3, comprises a body 4 and a neck 5 which is used for fitting of the closure cap 3.

[0156] The body 4 has a generally elongate shape with a longitudinal axis X.

[0157] The transverse cross section of the body 4 has a generally flattened form, which for example is oval.

[0158] The bottle 2 has a base 9, the exterior shape of which is preferably selected, as illustrated, in order to make it possible for the bottle to stand vertically when it is placed via its base on a horizontal flat surface.

[0159] In its upper part, the body of the bottle has a shoulder 7 which connects the central part of the body to the neck 5.

[0160] In the example concerned, the bottle 2 comprises a strengthening belt 10 which extends continuously on the entire circumference of the body 4.

[0161] Labels 6 and 7 can be glued on the main faces of the bottle, respectively below and above the belt 10, as shown in figure 1.

[0162] The belt 10 is located between the first and the final quarter of the total height H of the bottle 2, as illustrated in figure 3. In the example concerned, the belt 10 is also situated at least partly in the median third of the height H’ of the portion of the body extending between the base of the shoulder 8 and the start of the base 9, i.e. where the rounded part begins towards the lower end of the bottle, when the bottle is observed from the front, as in figure 3. In figure 1, an ellipse schematizes the area A on which the user normally presses to distribute a dose of the product contained in the bottle. This area A is situated in the central third of the bottle 2.

[0163] As illustrated in figures 1 and 3, the width L of the bottle can increase slightly towards the bottom, apart from in the area where the belt 10 is located, until it is maximal substantially at the beginning of the base 9. Its thickness E can be constant between the shoulder 8 and the beginning of the base 9, apart from in the area where the belt 10 is located.

[0164] The closure cap 3 can be a service cap, comprising a base part 30 secured on the neck 5, for example by being snapped or screwed on, and a lid 31 articulated on the base part 30.

[0165] In the example illustrated, the belt 10 comprises two grooves 11 and 12 formed hollowed in the wall of the bottle, and offset axially along the longitudinal axis of the bottle 2.

[0166] Each groove 11 or 12 extends continuously, angularly, around the axis X, on a complete revolution.

[0167] The grooves 11 and 12 delimit between one another a belt 15 with a width k, and have spacing which varies around the axis X, being minimum at the main faces of the bottle, and maximum on the sides of the bottle.

[0168] The width Wf of the belt at the main faces of the bottle is smaller in the example illustrated than that Wc at the sides.

[0169] The grooves 11 and 12 have two portions I la and 12a which are parallel to one another on each main face of the bottle, and two other portions 1 lb and 12b parallel to one another, extending on the sides of the bottle, with the portions I la and 1 lb being connected by incline transition portions 16 in the same way as the portions 12a and 12b. The portions I la and 12a preferably extend on more than half of the width L, and better on at least two thirds of the width L.

[0170] As illustrated in figure 2A, the groove 11 is formed by two setbacks 13 and 14, which are for example inclined obliquely by an angle s of over 45° with the adjacent wall 21 of the body of the bottle 2.

[0171] The same applies to the groove 12, which is symmetrical with the groove 11 in relation to a median plane of symmetry M which is perpendicular to the axis X, and intersects the belt 15 halfway along its width, as illustrated in figure 3. The depth d of the groove 11 or 12 varies around the axis X.

[0172] The depth d of the grooves 11 and 12 is greater at the portions I la and 12a situated on the main faces of the bottle, where it reaches its maximal value Pmax, than at the portions 1 lb and 12b which are situated on the sides. This depth d is measured between the base of the groove 11 or 12, and the plane N which is tangent to the wall 21 adjacent to the body of the bottle 2, as illustrated in figure 2A.

[0173] The setbacks 13 and 14 are not symmetrical relative to one another, and the strip 15 is situated recessed from the plane N by a distance g, as illustrated in figure 2A.

[0174] The bottle 2 can be made of PET by injection blowing.

[0175] The belt 10 makes it possible to produce the bottle 2 with a lower weight, while maintaining the mechanical properties required for its usage.

[0176] Thus, for a nominal content of 250 mL, the bottle can be produced with a weight of approximately 14 g instead of more than 21 g according to the prior art, for the same nominal content and the same material.

[0177] Figures 4 to 8 represent another example of a bottle according to the invention, also preferably made of PET.

[0178] In this example, the bottle 2 is made with a neck 5 which is threaded on the exterior, thus permitting for example the screwing of a stopper (not represented). If applicable, a flow-reducer is secured on the interior of the neck 5.

[0179] In figure 5, it can be seen that, as in the embodiment of figures 1 to 3, the belt 10 can have a symmetrical form in relation to a median plane M.

[0180] In the example of figures 4 to 8, the belt 10 comprises two grooves 11 and 12, which are spaced along the axis X on each of its main faces, with portions I la and 12a which are straight, perpendicular to the axis X, and parallel to one another, and end portions 11c and 12c which are curved towards the median plane M.

[0181] The groove 12 is formed by setbacks 18 and 19 and the width / of the belt, measured halfway up the depth of the outermost setbacks 13 and 19, is for example between 8 and 12 mm, being for example approximately 10 mm.

[0182] The strip 15, in the widest area situated between the portions I la and 12a of the grooves 11 and 12, can, as can be seen in figure 4, have patterns 40 which can be of any type, for example alphanumerical or in the form of symbols. In figure 5, it can be seen that, in this example, the strip 15 is also situated recessed from the plane N by a distance g.

[0183] Grooves 17 formed by setbacks 51 and 52 extend on the sides of the bottle 2, as shown in particular in figure 6, with the base of the grooves 17 extending in the continuity of the strip 15 situated between the grooves 11 and 12.

[0184] The depth of the setbacks 51 and 52 is less than that at the main faces, which is equivalent to d.

[0185] In the example of figure 9, the bottle 2 comprises a strengthening belt 10 formed by two grooves 11 and 12 which are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the axis X. The depth of the grooves 11 and 12 is not constant, and is smaller on the sides of the bottle.

[0186] In the example of figure 10, the bottle 2 comprises a strengthening belt 10 which differs from that of the example of figures 1 to 3 in the form of the path followed by the grooves 11 and 12; in this example, the portions I la and 12a of the ribs 11 and 12 situated on the main faces of the bottle are further away from one another along the axis X than the portions 11b and 12b extending on the sides of the bottle. The depth of the grooves 11 and 12 is not constant, and is smaller on the sides of the bottle.

[0187] In the example of figures 11 to 13, the bottle 2 is produced with a strengthening belt 10 without symmetry in relation to a median plane M perpendicular to the axis X.

[0188] The bottle 2 is produced with a single groove 17 which extends all around the axis X continuously, with portions 17a on the main faces of the bottle which are offset along the axis X in relation to those 17b which extend on the sides of the bottle, with the portions 17a being closer to the base 9 than the portions 17b. The depth of the portions 17a is greater than that of the portions 17b.

[0189] The bottle 2 represented in figure 14 is preferably made of PE, with a strengthening belt 10 comprising a single groove, which is relatively wide, formed between the setbacks 13 and 19.

[0190] As illustrated, these setbacks follow for example an irregular path all around the longitudinal axis X of the bottle.

[0191] Decorative reliefs 40 can be formed between the setbacks 13 and 19.

[0192] The depth of the groove is non-constant and smaller on the sides of the bottle. In the example of figure 15, the strengthening belt 10 is formed with grooves 11 and 12 which are outermost, and between these there are additional grooves 41 which can be inclined differently.

[0193] The depth of the grooves 11 and 12 is smaller on the sides of the bottle.

[0194] Figure 16 illustrates the possibility of the strengthening belt 10 not being formed by grooves which extend continuously all around the axis X. In this example, the belt 10 comprises two grooves 11 and 12 which are offset axially, and are both perpendicular to the axis X, extending on only a part of the circumference of the bottle 2, for example the left half, as illustrated.

[0195] A single groove 17 extends on the right half.

[0196] The grooves 11 and 12 extend to the right of the longitudinal median plane which intersects the bottle halfway along its width, and the groove 17 extends to the left of this plane, such that the grooves 11, 12 and 17 overlap in projection along the axis X by a distance y-

[0197] In this example, the belt 10 has a symmetrical form in relation to a median plane of symmetry M.

[0198] In the example of figure 17, the bottle 2 comprises a strengthening belt 10 formed by a single groove 17 which extends along a helical path on more than one revolution around the axis X.

[0199] The ends of the groove 17 overlap in projection along the axis X, over a distance y-

[0200] In the example of figure 18, the strengthening belt 10 is formed by two imbricated grooves 11 and 12 in the form of a C, each inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis X, with the inclinations of the grooves 11 and 12 relative to the axis X being opposite, and with the groove 11 extending between the ends of the groove 12, and conversely.

[0201] In a variant not illustrated, the imbricated grooves 11 and 12 in the form of a C are both offset angularly by 90° around the axis X, and consequently overlap at the main faces of the bottle, and not on its sides.

[0202] In the example of figure 18 or the variant above, the imbricated grooves can overlap over a non-zero distance in projection along the axis X. In the example of figure 19, the strengthening belt 10 is formed by two opposite grooves 11 which extend on the sides of the bottle 2 and on the main faces thereof, and two grooves 12 which extend respectively on the main faces, and overlap the grooves 11 by a distance y, when the grooves 11 and 12 are observed in projection along the axis X. Each groove 12 extends for example on approximately half of the width of the bottle. The grooves 11 and 12 are for example all parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis X.

[0203] As illustrated, the belt 10 can have a shape that is symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal median plane which contains the axis X and intersects the bottle halfway along its width, and the groove 12 can be closer than the groove 11 to the plane which is situated halfway along the length of the bottle 2.

[0204] In the example of figure 27, the bottle 2 comprises a strengthening belt formed by a single groove 17, which describes undulations as it goes around the axis X.

[0205] As illustrated, the groove 17 has for example a transverse cross section which is generally hemi-circular.

[0206] On each main face, the groove 17 can have an undulation which brings it closer to the base of the bottle on the median plane which intersects the bottle halfway along its width, and further from the base on the median plane which intersects the bottle at midthickness.

[0207] Figure 20 illustrates the impact of the axial position of the strengthening belt on the development of the displacement of the wall of the bottle 2 (on the X-axis) according to the force exerted (on the Y-axis).

[0208] The pressure is exerted on a main face of the bottle, substantially halfway up its height, by means of a tool O as illustrated in figure 21.

[0209] This tool O has a spherical head with a radius of curvature equal to 8.5 mm, truncated at its top on a radius of 1 mm.

[0210] The bottles A to E and V8 considered in figure 20 have a generally non- cylindrical shape, they are made of PET, and the bottles A to E comprise a single strengthening belt situated at different heights on the bottle.

[0211] The bottle V8 corresponds to a comparative version excluded from the invention, which is lightened in comparison with the prior art, and is produced with a PET mass of 14.2 g, without a strengthening belt. The versions A to E have substantially the same weight, and comprise the same strengthening belt.

[0212] The versions A and E do not form part of the invention, with the grooves being situated on the exterior of an area situated between the first quarter and the final quarter of the height H’ of the portion of the bottle situated between the base of the shoulder and the beginning of the base.

[0213] The groove of version B is situated at the end of the first third of the height H’ starting from the top, the groove of the version C is in the middle of the second third, and the groove of the version D is at the end of the second third, starting from the top.

[0214] The area Z is that for which the behavior of the bottle is similar to those of the prior art.

[0215] It can be seen that the bottle without a belt does not make it possible to obtain satisfactory displacement for a force of 10 N, since the displacement is too great.

[0216] It can be seen that the bottle C has a setback U of between 6 and 8 mm of displacement of its wall, corresponding to weakening undergone by the bottle which can be accompanied by a snapping noise. It is preferable to avoid a snapping noise of this type, and, in this respect, the fact of moving the belt away slightly from the pressing area, as for bottles B and D, is advantageous. It can thus be advantageous to position the belt around the frontier between the first third and the second third of the height H’, or around the frontier between the second and the third third of the height H’, as illustrated for example at 1 / 3 H’ + / - 1 / 10 H’ or at 2 / 3 H’ + / - 1 / 10 H’.

[0217] Figure 22 illustrates the mechanical behavior of a bottle V9 identical to the one represented in figures 1 to 3, in comparison with a lightened bottle V8 without a strengthening belt, with the same weight.

[0218] The pressure is applied on the main opposite faces, at areas marked by a circle.

[0219] It can be seen that the bottle V8 does not have satisfactory behavior, contrary to the bottle V9, in particular starting from a force of approximately 7 N.

[0220] Figure 23 illustrates for the same bottle V9 the development of the volume of air expelled according to the displacement of the wall, in comparison with the bottle V8 without a strengthening belt. Figure 24 illustrates for the same bottle V9 the development of the volume of air expelled according to the force exerted on the wall, in comparison with the bottle V8 without a strengthening belt.

[0221] Figures 23 and 24 show that the presence of the strengthening belt makes possible a saving in the dose distributed, both because displacement of the wall of the bottle on the side of a face gives rise to deformation, towards the interior, of the wall of the opposite side, and because a lower force is necessary to give rise to the expulsion of a given dose.

[0222] Figure 25 is a simulation making it possible to see the impact of the strengthening belt on a bottle V8 2C with a nominal content of 370 mL, weighing 21 g, similar to that represented in figures 4 to 8, compared with a bottle V6 with the same nominal content but slightly lightened, weighing 23.5 g, and without a strengthening belt, which bottle does not form part of the invention.

[0223] Figure 26 represents the development of the displacement of the wall (X-axes) according to the force exerted on it (Y-axes) for different empty bottles with the same nominal content, made of PET, with the pressing area taking the form of a circle C.

[0224] The bottles V8 do not form part of the invention, and do not comprise any strengthening belt. The one weighing 14.2 g does not have sufficient rigidity to have the required behavior (area in gray Z). It is necessary to have a bottle with a thicker wall, and a weight equal to 17.7 g, in order to obtain the required behavior.

[0225] The strengthening belt of the bottle V9 with a weight of 14.2 g made of PET has relatively deep grooves, the depth of which is 1.9 mm, and remains constant all around the longitudinal axis of the bottle. The strengthening provided by a belt of this type is of a high level, and the bottle no longer has the required behavior when the displacement is approximately 4.5 mm or more.

[0226] On the other hand, the bottle V9, with the same form of belt and the same weight, but with a variable depth of groove, ranging from a maximal value Pmax equal to 1.9 mm on the main faces of the bottle, to a minimal value Pmin equal to 0.6 mm on the sides, has lower rigidity on the sides, and maintains the required behavior even for a displacement of up to 14 mm.

[0227] Reducing the depth of the grooves to 1.6 mm (constant value) instead of 1.9 mm maintains the required behavior, as illustrated by the bottle D08 weighing 14.2 g. However, the behavior of the bottle V9 is better, since it provides better resilience (resistance / spring force) in the area of usage, and controlled weakening of its faces is obtained thanks to better flexibility of the sides.

[0228] It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described. In particular, the strengthening belt can be produced with yet other shapes.

Claims

Claims1. A bottle with shape memory (1), with a generally non-cylindrical shape, comprising a strengthening belt (10) formed with at least one groove (11; 12; 17) having at least one setback with at least one portion which extends on a main face of the bottle, this setback having a depth Pmax, and at least one portion which extends on the side of the bottle, with a depth Pmin, Where Pmax>Pmin.

2. The bottle as claimed in claim 1, the ratio Pmax / Pmin being 2 or more, or better 3 or more.

3. The bottle as claimed in one of the preceding claims, the depth Pmin being between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm.

4. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the depth Pmax being 1.5 mm or more, or better 1.6 mm or more, or even better 1.8 mm or more, preferably being between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

5. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, being made of PET.

6. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, being made of PE.

7. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having when empty a ratio of mass / volume (m / V) of 0.035 g / mL or more, preferably 0.090 g / mL or less, preferably being between 0.040 g / mL and 0.080 g / mL, or better between 0.045 and 0.070 g / mL.

8. The bottle as claimed in claim 7, the bottle being made of PET, the ratio m / V being between 0.035 g / mL and 0.070 g / mL, or better between 0.040 g / mL and 0.068 g / mL, and in particular between 0.048 g / mL and 0.064 g / mL.

9. The bottle as claimed in claim 7, the bottle being made of PE, the ratio m / V being between 0.045 g / mL and 0.090 g / mL, or better between 0.056 g / mL and 0.080 g / mL, and in particular between 0.064 g / mL and 0.076 g / mL.

10. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the ratio at mid-height, LIE, of the bottle, where L designates the width (measured on the exterior), and E designates the thickness (measured on the exterior), being between 1.2 and 3, or better between 1.2 and 2.

11. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the nominal content (V) of the bottle being 1000 mL or less, or better 400 mL or less, in particular between 200 mL and 400 mL.

12. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, with the strengthening belt being positioned at least partly in the median third of the bottle.

13. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, with the bottle being without reliefs other than the strengthening belt.

14. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, with the belt (10) having two grooves (11, 12) which are spaced from one another and delimit the belt laterally.

15. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the belt (10) comprising two grooves (11; 12) which are each continuous on a complete revolution around the axis (X) of the bottle, and the spacing between which varies, being greater on the sides of the bottle where they delimit a widened portion of the belt, the grooves being preferably parallel to one another, and closer on a narrow portion which extends on at least a quarter of the width of each main face of the bottle, and parallel to one another on a widened portion which extends on the sides of the bottle, with, in particular, linear development of the width between the narrow and widened portions.

16. The bottle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the width of the belt being between 2 mm and 40 mm.

17. A device (1) for packaging of a cosmetic product, in particular a shampoo, conditioner or a shower gel, comprising a bottle (2) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, filled with a cosmetic product, and a system for distribution and / or closure secured on the neck, the system for distribution and / or closure preferably being a cap comprising a base part which is secured on the neck, and a pivoting lid connected to the base part by a hinge.

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