Shape memory bottle

Abstract

Shape memory bottle (1), of non-cylindrical overall shape, having a mass / volume ratio (m / V) when empty of greater than or equal to 0.035 g / ml and comprising at least one stiffening belt (10) extending in a zone situated between the lower quarter and the upper quarter of its height.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Shape memory bottle

[0003] Technical field

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

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Many shampoos, conditioners or shower gels are packaged in bottles which extend along a longitudinal axis, have a cross section of flattened overall shape, and thus a non-circular cross section, and are produced with a neck to which a dispensing cap is secured. A known example of a bottle, made of polyethylene terephthalate or PET and intended to contain 250 ml of shampoo, weighs 21.8 g.

[0007] In order to dispense a dose of product, the user holds the bottle upside down and exerts a pressure with their hand against the opposite main faces of the bottle, generally in a central area along the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

[0008] Once the required dose has been dispensed, the user releases the bottle, which returns to its initial shape owing to its elasticity. The number of doses which can thus be dispensed in succession until the bottle is emptied is typically at least twenty five, 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 return to their initial shape after use, ideally without blanching in the areas subjected to the greatest mechanical loading.

[0011] After having been produced, the empty bottles must also be able to withstand storage and transport in bulk in large- volume bags before they are 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 if they are stored one on top of another in the form of stacks of bottles.

[0012] One or more labels may also be glued to the body of the bottle. The applications WO2013 / 080926, EP1099638, JP2000309320 and CA2543687 describe containers made of thermoplastic material, the bodies of which have various reliefs.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] Proposing ecologically responsible, environmentally friendly solutions, the design and development of which take into account environmental issues, is becoming a major concern in terms of tackling global challenges.

[0015] It is therefore proving essential to design more durable products, thus making it possible to reduce the amount of materials used.

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

[0017] There is therefore a need to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production of the shape memory bottles used for the packaging of shampoos, conditioners and shower gels, among other things, and to make it easier to recycle them.

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

[0019] There is also an interest in making the dispensed dose more controllable.

[0020] It may also be of interest to make it easier to recycle the bottle.

[0021] Summary of the invention

[0022] The invention aims to meet all or some of these needs, and does so according to a first of its aspects, by providing a shape memory bottle of non-cylindrical overall shape, having a mass / volume ratio when empty of greater than or equal to 0.035 g / ml and comprising at least one stiffening belt extending in a zone situated between the lower quarter and the upper quarter of its height.

[0023] According to an advantageous arrangement, the bottle has a mass / volume ratio m / V when empty of less than or equal to 0.090 g / ml.

[0024] A bottle of this type can be produced with a wall which is relatively thin at least in a central contact area on which the user exerts a pressure while dispensing the product.

[0025] The bottle can thus be made more lightweight compared to 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 allow an approximately 25% to 50% saving on plastic compared to bottles of the prior art of the same volume. However, the stiffening belt means that the bottle is still stiff enough 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.

[0026] In addition, the stiffening belt causes the bottle to deform when pressure is exerted on one face, with a recess being formed in the opposite face, thereby increasing the variation in the interior volume for a given contact pressure. In other words, it is possible to dispense a given dose with a lower pressure compared with a bottle made without a belt and with more material, and this makes it easier to control the dispensed dose and makes the bottle easier to use.

[0027] This can also make it possible to reduce the mechanical stresses exerted on the plastic of the bottle, in spite of it having a thinner wall, and therefore the risk of weakened and potentially blanched areas appearing in the plastic during use. From a mechanical perspective, the service life of the bottle can thus be improved, therefore making it possible for the bottle to be used for longer by re-filling it multiple times. The appearance of areas blanched by the stress is delayed, or even avoided.

[0028] A bottle of this type is advantageously provided with a dispensing cap, preferably of the flip-top cap type, with a pivotable cover connected by a hinge to a base part which is secured to the neck of the bottle.

[0029] Preferably, as is known per se, the dispensing cap has a lid of flattened shape for stably resting the bottle vertically upside down on a planar horizontal surface.

[0030] The bottle can have a neck with a circular cross section and a flat base.

[0031] Preferably, the stiffening belt is recessed towards the inside of the bottle, and this can make it easier to glue labels on. The belt may be the only recessed relief extending about the longitudinal axis of the bottle. However, for reasons of aesthetics or use, in particular grip, this belt may form an outwardly projecting relief of dimensions suitable for obtaining the required stiffening.

[0032] The belt can have a maximum width (measured along the longitudinal axis of the bottle) which corresponds to less than 20% of the height H of the bottle, better to less than 15%, better still to less than 10%.

[0033] The bottle can receive one or more labels. The presence of the stiffening belt makes it possible to maintain a smooth surface elsewhere on the bottle for receiving one or more labels which do not have to surround the bottle in order to stay on it; it is possible to use labels glued by means of a hot-melt adhesive, which are easier to separate from the wall of the bottle when recycling takes place.

[0034] The bottle may comprise a label or a marking or be contained in a packaging that mentions said volume V.

[0035] The bottle can be filled with a volume V of composition.

[0036] With the bottle having a neck, said volume V can range 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.

[0037] Shape memory

[0038] The bottle according to the invention is a shape memory bottle, i.e. it is capable of returning to its initial shape as air is let back in by the elastic return of its wall, after a pressure has been exerted in a central contact-pressure area in order to dispense a dose of product.

[0039] The pressure exerted when dispensing is taking place typically corresponds to an indentation of at least 1 mm on one face. The displacement of the wall of the bottle can develop depending on the amount of composition remaining in the bottle and its level when the pressure is exerted; the indentation is thus for example from 1 to 3 mm at the start of use and then from 6 to 9 mm at the end of use.

[0040] The force exerted by the user on a face in order to dispense a dose ranges for example between 1 and 10 N, better still between 2 and 6 N.

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

[0042] The user typically exerts the pressure with their thumb on one of the faces of the bottle, and preferably with their thumb on one of the faces of the bottle and their four other fingers in opposition on the opposite face of the bottle.

[0043] In order to be suitable for dispensing multiple doses, the bottle must be able to return to its initial shape after at least 50 cycles, better more than 100 cycles, or better still more than 200 cycles of exerting / relaxing a pressure on its faces, and this corresponds for example to 4 re-fills for a dispensed dose of 5 ml on average for a bottle with a nominal content of 250 ml, each cycle being defined by dispensing a dose of composition. Overall shape of the bottle

[0044] The bottle has an overall shape which is not in the form of a cylinder of revolution, preferably which has a cross section of flattened overall shape.

[0045] It preferably has, at least halfway up, a non-circular cross section, with a larger outer dimension (i.e. larger width) in what is referred to as a flattening plane which is greater than its largest outer transverse dimension (i.e. larger thickness) in a plane perpendicular to this flattening plane.

[0046] Over at least a portion of its height situated between the upper quarter and the lower quarter, the bottle may in particular have a cross section of oblong overall shape, in particular oval or lenticular overall shape, for example elliptical overall shape.

[0047] The ratio LIE halfway up, with L denoting the width (measured on the outside of the wall of the bottle) and E denoting the thickness (measured on the outside of the wall of the bottle), preferably ranges between 1.2 and 3 (inclusive), better between 1.2 and 2 (inclusive).

[0048] The height of the bottle preferably ranges from 5 to 40 cm, better still from 10 to 30 cm.

[0049] The maximum width of the bottle preferably ranges between 3 and 9 cm, better still 5 and 7 cm.

[0050] The maximum thickness of the bottle preferably ranges between 2 and 8 cm, better still 3 and 6 cm.

[0051] The outside diameter of the neck ranges for example between 15 and 40 mm, better still between 20 and 35 mm.

[0052] The neck may have a collar or an external thread for securing the dispensing cap by snap-fastening or screwing it on.

[0053] Production of the bottle

[0054] The bottle is produced by moulding a thermoplastic material, preferably selected from PETs and polyolefins, preferably PE.

[0055] The bottle is preferably made of virgin PET or PE, or PCR or a mixture containing at least one of these.

[0056] The bottle may be produced by an injection blow moulding or extrusion blow moulding process. 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.

[0057] The thickness of the wall of the bottle excluding the neck and bottom, in particular when it is made of PET, is for example less than or equal to 0.35 mm in the thinnest areas and greater than or equal to 0.35 mm in the thickest areas.

[0058] The thickness of the wall of the bottle excluding the neck and bottom, in particular when it is made of PE or PET, is preferably always greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, including in the thinnest areas.

[0059] The thickness of the wall of the bottle excluding the neck and bottom, in particular when it is made of PE or PET, is preferably always less than or equal to 0.6 mm, including in the thickest areas.

[0060] The thickness of the wall of the body of the bottle ranges in particular between 0.15 mm and 0.35 mm at the belt, and / or ranges 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 ranges for example between 0.15 and 0.4 mm, better still between 0.2 and 0.3 mm.

[0061] Mass / volume ratio (m / V)

[0062] The volume V in question 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 in general this volume is either indicated on a label or appended in any other way to the bottle or its packaging, by any type of marking, for example an impression or reference mark which is moulded on at the same time as the bottle is moulded.

[0063] The nominal content is typically slightly less than the interior volume of the bottle measured to the top of the neck. The nominal content may represent between 80% and 98%, preferably between 85% and 95% of the interior volume measured at the level of the neck, and in particular it may be close to 90% of the interior volume of the bottle measured at the level of the neck.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The nominal content of the bottle is preferably less than or equal to 1000 ml, better less than or equal to 500 ml, or better still 400 ml. The nominal content of the bottle preferably ranges between 100 and 400 ml, 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.

[0066] The mass m of the bottle, in particular when it is made of PET, preferably ranges between 10 and 17 g, better still between 12 and 16 g, for a nominal content of 250 ml.

[0067] The mass of the bottle, in particular when it is made of PE, preferably ranges between 14 and 20 g, better still between 16 and 19 g, for a nominal content of 250 ml.

[0068] The ratio m / V, with V denoting the nominal content of the bottle and m denoting the mass of the bottle, preferably ranges from 0.035 g / ml to 0.090 g / ml, better still from 0.040 g / ml to 0.080 g / ml, and is for example between 0.045 and 0.070 g / ml. The mass is measured for the bottle alone when it is empty, without the dispensing cap, and without any label(s) that might be glued onto it.

[0069] When the bottle is made of PET, the ratio m / V preferably ranges between 0.035 g / ml and 0.070 g / ml, better still between 0.040 g / ml and 0.068 g / ml, and in particular between 0.048 g / ml and 0.064 g / ml.

[0070] When the bottle is made of PE, the ratio m / V preferably ranges between 0.045 g / ml and 0.090 g / ml, better still between 0.056 g / ml and 0.080 g / ml, and in particular between 0.064 g / ml and 0.076 g / ml.

[0071] Stiffening belt

[0072] A "stiffening belt" denotes one or more indentations extending generally over a complete revolution about the longitudinal axis of the bottle, for example in the form of at least one indentation extending over at least 360°, or a plurality of indentations extending altogether over at least 360° about the longitudinal axis of the bottle, with an angular overlap between two successive indentations.

[0073] The depth of an indentation corresponds to less than 20% of the thickness (E) of the bottle measured halfway up, and preferably to less than 10%. The maximum depth of an indentation is preferably greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, better greater than or equal to 1 mm, better still greater than or equal to 1.5 mm. The depth of an indentation may be greater than the thickness of the wall with which this indentation is formed.

[0074] The stiffening belt is preferably positioned at least partly in the middle third of the bottle, i.e. between the upper third and the lower third of the bottle. There is preferably a single stiffening belt, which is for example situated either in the upper half of the bottle, or in the lower half.

[0075] It is possible for the bottle to not have any reliefs except for the stiffening belt. This can have the advantage of providing smooth surfaces which make it easier to glue one or more labels onto each face, these labels not being in the form of a sleeve. It is still possible, however, to use labels in the form of sleeves if necessary, in particular when the surface of the bottle is not developable.

[0076] Limiting the number of indentations to what is strictly necessary also makes it possible to avoid the formation of product traps that might slow the flow of product down when it is in the process of being dispensed.

[0077] The stiffening belt can be produced in various ways.

[0078] The belt may have at least one groove, i.e. a recessed relief (which therefore projects towards the inside on the inner surface of the bottle) which is delimited laterally by two indentations. These indentations may each be contained angularly over one complete revolution about the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

[0079] The two indentations can each be connected to the bottom of the groove, at a distance from one another.

[0080] In cross section, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the groove, the bottom of the groove may have a planar or rounded, outwardly concave shape.

[0081] The two indentations define the width of the groove between them.

[0082] The width of the groove can be constant or variable.

[0083] The two indentations laterally delimiting the groove may be connected on their outer edge to respective walls of the bottle which are situated at the same level (resting 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).

[0084] The belt may have two grooves which are spaced from one another and laterally delimit the belt.

[0085] These two grooves between them may delimit a band situated lower down with respect to the wall which borders the belt above and below.

[0086] It may be advantageous for the stiffening belt to have a depth which varies angularly (i.e. about the longitudinal axis of the bottle), so that it is less on the sides of the bottle than on the main faces of the bottle. This can make it easier for the bottle to deform by its opposite main faces coming closer together when a pressure is exerted on its main faces.

[0087] 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) may vary angularly, and the belt in particular may have a height which is greater on the sides of the bottle than on the main faces of the bottle.

[0088] The height of the belt can range between 2 and 40 mm.

[0089] The ratio Wf / Wc, of the height Wf of the belt measured in a median plane of the bottle intersecting its main faces half-way along the width to the height Wcmeasured in a median plane intersecting the sides of the bottle half-way through the thickness of the bottle, is for example less thanl / i.

[0090] The depth of at least one indentation may vary angularly about the longitudinal axis of the bottle. The depth is preferably smaller on the sides, thereby reducing the stiffness provided by the indentation on the sides. This makes it possible to maintain a relatively great stiffness at the main faces, and this is desirable in order to avoid a loss of elasticity, without excessively adversely affecting the deformability of the bottle necessary to cause the interior volume to decrease in correlation with the dose to be dispensed.

[0091] The stiffening belt may thus have a groove of which the depth varies angularly about the longitudinal axis of the bottle, being smaller on the sides than on the main faces of the bottle.

[0092] The ratio Pmax / Pmin of the maximum depth Pmax of the indentation to its minimum depth Pmin is for example greater than or equal to 2, better still greater than or equal to 3.

[0093] The stiffening belt may have at least two grooves which overlap when viewed in projection along the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

[0094] In some embodiments, the belt has two grooves which are each continuous over one complete revolution about 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 together over a narrow portion extending over at least one quarter of the width of each main face of the bottle, and parallel to one another over a widened portion which extends on the sides of the bottle, with for example a linear development of the width between the narrow and widened portions. A belt of this type may, between the grooves, define a band which is set back in relation to the wall of the bottle that outwardly borders the belt.

[0095] In some embodiments, the belt has both a central groove which extends over more than 180° about the longitudinal axis of the bottle between its main faces, and two grooves which each extend over more than 180° about the longitudinal axis of the bottle, angularly overlapping the central groove at their ends.

[0096] In some embodiments, the belt has a single groove which extends over more than 360° about the longitudinal axis of the bottle, and the ends of which are axially offset and overlap (in projection when seen from above along the longitudinal axis of the bottle) on one of the main faces of the bottle.

[0097] In some embodiments, the belt has two grooves which each extend over more than 180° through respective intersecting inclined planes, 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 vice versa. In a variant, the overlap may also be located on the sides.

[0098] In some embodiments, the belt has a main groove extending over less than 360° about 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 is axially offset from the main groove and longer than the gap separating the ends of the main groove such that it overlaps the latter when the bottle is viewed along its longitudinal axis.

[0099] In some embodiments, the belt has two indentations which laterally delimit the belt, and between these indentations a band which may be set back with respect to the adjacent wall of the bottle outside of the belt; decorative reliefs may be provided on this band, these reliefs preferably having a height such that they do not extend beyond the level of the adjacent wall of the bottle outside of the band. The indentations may each have an irregular contour.

[0100] In some embodiments, the belt extends at different heights on the sides and on the main faces, being for example closer to the bottom on the main faces. This can provide a larger space for gluing a label above the belt on at least one main face.

[0101] The width of the belt ranges for example between 3 mm and 40 mm.

[0102] Outside of the stiffening belt, it is possible for the bottle to not have 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 upside down and little product is left, and when it is inverted at the last moment in order to dispense a dose of product.

[0103] The response of the bottle to the displacement of the wall depending on the force exerted by a contact pressure defined by a punch having a spherical head with a radius of curvature equal to 8.5 mm and truncated at its top over a radius of 1 mm, halfway up and in the middle of a large face, may range between 1 and 6.5 mm, better still between 2 and 6.5 mm for a force of 10 N.

[0104] For example, the thickness E of the bottle decreases by 35% under the 10 N pressure exerted by the punches, i.e. for E = 40 mm, -35% corresponds to a 14 mm indentation for the 2 faces, i.e. 7 mm per face. In particular, the response of the bottle to the displacement of the wall depending on the force exerted by a contact pressure 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, half-way up and in the middle of a large face, may be in the range Z in grey in Figure 20, for a bottle with a nominal content of 250 ml made of PET, and in particular it can have a displacement of between 1 and 6 mm, better still between 2 and 6 mm for a force of 10 N.

[0105] The response of the bottle to the volume of air being expelled (depending on the force exerted by two opposite contact pressures 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 half-way up and in the middle of a large face) may be greater than 2 ml, better still greater than 3 ml, for a force of 4 N exerted by each punch.

[0106] The volume of air expelled corresponds to the initial volume of the bottle minus the volume obtained when the punches are exerting pressure on the bottle.

[0107] In particular, for a bottle made of PET with a nominal content of 250 ml, the response of the bottle to the volume of air expelled depending on the force exerted by two opposite contact pressures, 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 half-way up and in the middle of a large face, may be greater than 2 ml, better still greater than 3 ml, for a force of 4 N exerted by each punch.

[0108] The bottle may have an elastic response to the pressure exerted by two opposite contact pressures 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 half-way up and in the middle of a large face, as far as an indentation travel for each contact pressure of at least 5 mm, better still at least 10 mm. In other words, after each punch has been pressed in by 3 mm or even 6 mm and withdrawn, the wall returns to its initial shape on account of its own elasticity.

[0109] The stiffening belt may 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.

[0110] Label

[0111] The bottle may comprise an adhesive label, in particular a label which at least partly covers the stiffening belt, this label extending preferably over less than one revolution about the longitudinal axis of the bottle. This label in particular makes it possible to strengthen the bottle in the area of the belt, in order to give it good resistance to collapsing.

[0112] In a variant, the bottle comprises an adhesive label which does not cover the belt, in particular when the belt has a decorative pattern.

[0113] The bottle can receive one or more labels, which can be glued onto the main faces of the bottle, outside or not outside the stiffening belt, this or these label(s) not extending on the sides of the bottle.

[0114] The label(s) can be glued with a hot-melt adhesive which makes it easier to take them off when the bottle is recycled, as mentioned above.

[0115] The label(s) may be made of a polyolefin, in particular of PE or polypropylene (PP).

[0116] Contents

[0117] The bottle can contain any fluid product suitable for being dispensed in successive doses by pressing on the body of the bottle.

[0118] The product is for example a liquid cosmetic composition, such as a shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, sunscreen 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 type of packaging, for example a food product.

[0120] Packaging device

[0121] The invention also relates to a device for packaging a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a bottle according to the invention, filled with said product, and a dispensing and.or closure system secured to the neck. The dispensing and / or closure system may be a cap comprising a base part secured to the neck, and a pivotable lid connected to the base part by a hinge. The dispensing and / or closure system may also be a flow limiter secured in the neck and a closing stopper screwed or snap-fastened to the neck. The dispensing and / or closure system may also be a simple stopper.

[0122] Brief description of the figures

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

[0124] [Fig. 1] schematically shows an elevation view, from the front, of an example of a packaging and dispensing device according to the invention,

[0125] [Fig. 2] is a side view of the device in Figure 1 ,

[0126] [Fig. 2A] shows a detail of Figure 2,

[0127] [Fig. 3] shows the bottle of the device in Figure 1, on its own,

[0128] [Fig. 4] is a view, similar to Figure 3, of an alternative bottle according to the invention,

[0129] [Fig. 5] is a partial and schematic section through V-V in Figure 4,

[0130] [Fig. 6] shows the detail VI in Figure 4,

[0131] [Fig. 7] is a side view of the bottle in Figure 4,

[0132] [Fig. 8] is a perspective view of the bottle in Figure 4,

[0133] [Fig. 9] shows an elevation view, from the front, of an alternative bottle,

[0134] [Fig. 10] is a view similar to Figure 9 of an alternative bottle,

[0135] [Fig. 11] schematically shows a perspective view of an alternative bottle,

[0136] [Fig. 12] shows a front view of the bottle in Figure 11,

[0137] [Fig. 13] shows a side view of the bottle in Figure 11,

[0138] [Fig. 14] shows a perspective view of an alternative bottle,

[0139] [Fig. 15] shows a schematic and partial front view of an alternative bottle,

[0140] [Fig. 16] schematically shows an elevation view of an alternative bottle,

[0141] [Fig. 17] is a view similar to Figure 16 of an alternative bottle,

[0142] [Fig. 18] is a view similar to Figure 16 of an alternative bottle,

[0143] [Fig. 19] is a view similar to Figure 16 of an alternative bottle, [Fig. 20] illustrates the effect of the presence and the positioning of a stiffening belt on the response of the bottle in terms of the displacement of the wall depending on the force exerted on it,

[0144] [Fig. 21] schematically shows a partial view of the shape of the tool used to exert the pressure on the wall,

[0145] [Fig. 22] illustrates the impact of the presence of the stiffening belt on the bottle in Figures 1 to 3, in terms of the displacement of the wall (X axis) depending on the force exerted on it (Y axis),

[0146] [Fig. 23] illustrates the impact of the presence of the stiffening belt on the bottle in Figures 1 to 3, in terms of the volume of air expelled (X axis) depending on the displacement of the wall (Y axis),

[0147] [Fig. 24] illustrates the impact of the presence of the stiffening belt on the bottle in Figures 1 to 3, in terms of the volume of air expelled (X axis) depending on the force exerted on the wall (Y axis),

[0148] [Fig. 25] illustrates the impact of the presence of the stiffening belt on the bottle in Figures 4 to 8, in terms of the displacement of the wall (X axis) depending on the force exerted on the wall (Y axis),

[0149] [Fig. 26] illustrates the impact of the variation in the depth of the grooves of the stiffening belt on the bottle in Figures 1 to 3, in terms of the displacement of the wall (X axis) depending on the force exerted on the wall (Y axis),

[0150] [Fig. 27] illustrates the impact of the presence of the stiffening belt on the bottle in Figure 14, in terms of the variation in the interior volume (X axis) depending on the force exerted on the wall (Y axis),

[0151] [Fig. 28] illustrates the impact of the presence of the stiffening belt on the bottle in Figure 14, in terms of the displacement of the wall (X axis) depending on the force exerted on the wall (Y axis),

[0152] [Fig. 29] illustrates the impact of the presence of the stiffening belt on the bottle in Figure 14, in terms of the volume of air expelled (X axis) depending on the force exerted on the wall (Y axis), and

[0153] [Fig. 30] is a view similar to Figure 1 of another embodiment variant of the bottle. Detailed description

[0154] In the remainder of the description, elements that are identical or have similar functions can bear the same reference signs. For the sake of conciseness, their description is not repeated with respect to each of the figures.

[0155] In the figures, the actual proportions of the various constituent elements have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0156] The measurements or simulation of the deformation and displacement of the wall of the bottles were carried out with empty bottles not containing any composition.

[0157] 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 to the bottle.

[0158] The bottle 2, which is shown on its own in Figure 3, comprises a body 4 and a neck 5 which serves for the mounting of the closure cap 3.

[0159] The body 4 has an elongate overall shape of longitudinal axis X.

[0160] The cross section of the body 4 has a flattened overall shape, for example an oval overall shape.

[0161] The bottle 2 has a bottom 9, the outer shape of which is preferably chosen, as illustrated, to allow the bottle to stand vertically when it is placed with its bottom on a planar horizontal surface.

[0162] The upper part of the body of the bottle has a shoulder 7 which connects the central part of the body to the neck 5.

[0163] The bottle 2 comprises a stiffening belt 10 which in the example in question extends continuously around the entire circumference of the body 4.

[0164] Labels 6 and 7 may be glued to the main faces of the bottle, below and above the belt 10, respectively, as shown in Figure 1.

[0165] The belt 10 is located between the first and the last quarter of the total height H of the bottle 2, as illustrated in Figure 3. In the example in question, the belt 10 is also situated at least partly in the middle third of the height H’ of the portion of the body extending between the base of the shoulder 8 and the start of the bottom 9, i.e. where the rounding towards the lower end of the bottle begins, when the bottle is viewed from the front, as in Figure 3. Figure 1 uses an ellipse to schematically show the area A on which the user normally presses to dispense a dose of the product contained in the bottle. This area A is situated in the central third of the bottle 2.

[0166] 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 at its greatest approximately at the start of the bottom 9. Its thickness E can be constant between the shoulder 8 and the start of the bottom 9, apart from in the area where the belt 10 is located.

[0167] The closure cap 3 may be a flip-top cap, comprising a base part 30 secured to the neck 5, for example by being snap-fastened or screwed on, and a lid 31 articulated on the base part 30.

[0168] In the example illustrated, the belt 10 has two grooves 11 and 12 recessed in the wall of the bottle and offset axially along the longitudinal axis of the bottle 2.

[0169] Each groove 11 or 12 extends continuously and angularly, about the axis X, over one complete revolution.

[0170] The grooves 11 and 12 delimit between them a band 15 of width k and have a spacing which varies about the axis X, being at its smallest on the main faces of the bottle and at its largest on the sides of the bottle.

[0171] In the example illustrated, the width Wf of the belt at the main faces of the bottle is smaller than the width Wc at the sides.

[0172] The grooves 11 and 12 have two portions Ila and 12a which are parallel to one another on each main face of the bottle, and two other portions 11b and 12b which are parallel to one another and extend over the sides of the bottle, with the portions I la and 1 lb being connected by inclined transition portions 16 in the same way as the portions 12a and 12b. The portions 1 la and 12a preferably extend over more than half of the width L, better still over at least two thirds of the width L.

[0173] As illustrated in Figure 2A, the groove 11 is formed by two indentations 13 and 14, which are for example inclined obliquely by an angle s of more than 45° with the adjacent wall 21 of the body of the bottle 2.

[0174] The same applies to the groove 12, which is symmetrical with the groove 11 with respect to a median plane of symmetry M which is perpendicular to the axis X and intersects the band 15 half-way along its width, as illustrated in Figure 3.

[0175] The depth d of the groove 11 or 12 can vary about the axis X. The depth d of the grooves 11 and 12 is preferably greater at the portions Ila and 12a situated on the main faces of the bottle, where it reaches its maximum value Pmax, than at the portions 1 lb and 12b situated on the sides. This depth d is measured between the bottom 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.

[0176] The indentations 13 and 14 are not symmetrical with respect to one another, and the band 15 is set back from the plane N by a distance g, as illustrated in Figure 2A.

[0177] The bottle 2 can be produced from PET by injection blow moulding.

[0178] The belt 10 makes it possible to produce the bottle 2 with a lower weight, while maintaining the mechanical properties required for use.

[0179] As a result, the bottle, for a nominal content of 250 ml, can be produced with a weight of approximately 14 g instead of more than 21 g in the prior art, for the same nominal content and the same material.

[0180] Figures 4 to 8 show another example of a bottle according to the invention, also preferably made from PET.

[0181] In this example, the bottle 2 is produced with a neck 5 which is externally threaded, thus allowing for example a stopper (not shown) to be screwed on. If required, a flow limiter is secured inside the neck 5.

[0182] Figure 5 shows that, like in the exemplary embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, the belt 10 can have a symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane M.

[0183] In the example of Figures 4 to 8, the belt 10 has two grooves 11 and 12 which are spaced apart along the axis X on each of its main faces, with straight portions I la and 12a which are perpendicular to the axis X and parallel to one another, and end portions 11c and 12c which are curved inwards towards the median plane M.

[0184] The groove 12 is formed by indentations 18 and 19 and the width of the belt, measured half-way through the depth of the outermost indentations 13 and 19, ranges for example between 8 and 12 mm, being for example approximately 10 mm.

[0185] The band 15, in the widest area situated between the portions 1 la and 12a of the grooves 11 and 12, may, as shown in Figure 4, have patterns 40 which can be of any type, for example alphanumerical patterns or patterns in the form of symbols.

[0186] Figure 5 shows that in this example the band 15 is also set back from the plane N by a distance g. Grooves 17 formed by indentations 51 and 52 extend on the sides of the bottle 2, as shown in particular in Figure 6, the bottom of the grooves 17 continuing the band 15 situated between the grooves 11 and 12.

[0187] The depth of the indentations 51 and 52 is less than that at the main faces, which is d.

[0188] In the example in Figure 9, the bottle 2 comprises a stiffening 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.

[0189] In the example in Figure 10, the bottle 2 comprises a stiffening belt 10 which differs from that of the example in Figures 1 to 3 by the path taken by the grooves 11 and 12; in this example, the portions 1 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 1 lb 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.

[0190] In the example in Figures 11 to 13, the bottle 2 is produced with a stiffening belt 10 which is non- symmetrical with respect to a median plane M perpendicular to the axis X.

[0191] The bottle 2 is produced with a single groove 17 which extends continuously all the way around the axis X, with portions 17a on the main faces of the bottle which are offset along the axis X from those 17b which extend on the sides of the bottle, the portions 17a being closer to the bottom 9 than the portions 17b. The depth of the portions 17a is greater than that of the portions 17b.

[0192] The bottle 2 shown in Figure 14 is preferably made of PE, with a stiffening belt 10 having a single, relatively wide groove formed between the indentations 13 and 19.

[0193] As illustrated, these indentations follow for example an irregular path all the way around the longitudinal axis X of the bottle.

[0194] Decorative reliefs 40 may be formed between the indentations 13 and 19.

[0195] The depth of the groove is non-constant and smaller on the sides of the bottle.

[0196] In the example in Figure 15, the stiffening belt 10 is formed with outermost grooves 11 and 12, and between them there are additional grooves 41 which can be inclined differently.

[0197] The depth of the grooves 11 and 12 is not constant and is smaller on the sides of the bottle. Figure 16 illustrates that it is possible for the stiffening belt 10 not to be formed by grooves extending continuously all the way around the axis X. In this example, the belt 10 has two axially offset grooves 11 and 12 which are both perpendicular to the axis X, extending around only a part of the circumference of the bottle 2, for example the left half, as illustrated.

[0198] A single groove 17 extends around the right half.

[0199] The grooves 11 and 12 extend to the right of the longitudinal median plane which intersects the bottle half-way 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.

[0200] In this example, the belt 10 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane of symmetry M.

[0201] In the example in Figure 17, the bottle 2 comprises a stiffening belt 10 formed by a single groove 17 which extends along a helical path over more than one revolution about the axis X.

[0202] The ends of the groove 17 overlap, in projection along the axis X, over a distance y-

[0203] In the example in Figure 18, the stiffening belt 10 is formed by two nested C- shaped grooves 11 and 12, each inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis X, the grooves 11 and 12 having opposite inclinations with respect to the axis X, and the groove 11 extending between the ends of the groove 12, and vice versa.

[0204] In a variant which is not illustrated, the nested C-shaped grooves 11 and 12 are both offset angularly by 90° about the axis X, and consequently overlap at the main faces of the bottle and not on its sides.

[0205] In the example in Figure 18 or the variant above, the nested grooves may overlap over a non-zero distance in projection along the axis X.

[0206] In the example in Figure 19, the stiffening 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 viewed in projection along the axis X. Each groove 12 extends for example over 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. As illustrated, the belt 10 can have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal median plane which contains the axis X and intersects the bottle half-way along its width, and the groove 12 may be closer than the groove 11 to the plane situated half-way along the length of the bottle 2.

[0207] In the example in Figure 30, the bottle 2 comprises a stiffening belt formed by a single groove 17, which describes undulations as it goes around the axis X.

[0208] As illustrated, the groove 17 has for example a semi-circular overall cross section.

[0209] On each main face, the groove 17 can have an undulation which brings it closer to the bottom of the bottle in the median plane which intersects the bottle half-way along its width, and further away from the bottom in the median plane which intersects the bottle halfway through its thickness.

[0210] Figure 20 illustrates the impact of the axial position of the stiffening belt on the development of the displacement of the wall of the bottle 2 (on the X axis) depending on the force exerted (on the Y axis).

[0211] The pressure is exerted on a main face of the bottle, substantially half-way up its height, by means of a tool O as illustrated in Figure 21.

[0212] This tool O has a spherical head with a radius of curvature equal to 8.5 mm, truncated at its top over a radius of 1 mm.

[0213] The bottles A to E and V8 in question in Figure 20 have a non-cylindrical overall shape and are made of PET, and the bottles A to E comprise a single stiffening belt situated at various heights on the bottle.

[0214] The bottle V8 corresponds to a comparative version which is not inventive, is more lightweight than the prior art and is produced from a mass of PET of 14.2 g, without a stiffening belt.

[0215] The versions A to E have substantially the same weight but comprise the stiffening belt.

[0216] The versions A and E are not inventive, the grooves being situated outside an area which is between the first quarter and the last quarter of the height H’ of the portion of the bottle situated between the base of the shoulder and the start of the bottom. 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 version C is in the middle of the second third, and the groove of version D is at the end of the second third, starting from the top.

[0217] The area Z is that in which the behaviour of the bottle is similar to bottles of the prior art.

[0218] It can be seen that the bottle without a belt does not make it possible to obtain a satisfactory displacement for a force of 10 N, since the displacement is too great.

[0219] It can also be seen that the bottle C has an indentation U of between 6 and 8 mm of displacement of its wall, which corresponds to a weakening of the bottle. In this respect, moving the belt a little away from the contact-pressure area, as for bottles B and D, is advantageous. It may thus be advantageous to position the belt around the boundary between the first third and the second third of the height H’ or around the boundary 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’.

[0220] Figure 22 illustrates the mechanical behaviour of a bottle V9 identical to the one shown in Figures 1 to 3, in comparison with a more lightweight bottle V8 without a stiffening belt, having the same weight.

[0221] The pressure is applied to the main opposite faces, at areas marked by a circle.

[0222] It can be seen that the bottle V8 does not exhibit satisfactory behaviour, by contrast to the bottle V9, in particular on the basis of a force of approximately 7 N.

[0223] Figure 23 illustrates, for the same empty bottle V9, the development of the volume of air expelled depending on the displacement of the wall, in comparison with the bottle V8 without a stiffening belt.

[0224] Figure 24 illustrates, for the same bottle V9, the development of the volume of air expelled depending on the force exerted on the wall, in comparison with the bottle V8 without a stiffening belt.

[0225] Figures 23 and 24 show that the presence of the stiffening belt makes it possible to increase the dispensed dose, both because a displacement of the wall of the bottle on a face side causes deformation, towards the inside, of the wall of the opposite side, and because a smaller force is necessary to expel a given dose.

[0226] Figure 25 is a simulation showing the impact of the stiffening belt on a bottle V8 2C with a nominal content of 370 ml, weighing 21 g, similar to that shown in Figures 4 to 8, compared with a non-inventive bottle V6 with the same nominal content but slightly more lightweight, weighing 23.5 g, and without a stiffening belt.

[0227] Figure 26 shows the development of the displacement of the wall (X axis) depending on the force exerted on it (Y axis) for various empty bottles with the same nominal content, made of PET, with the contact-pressure area being embodied by a circle C.

[0228] The bottles V8 are not part of the invention, and do not comprise a stiffening belt. The one weighing 14.2 g is not stiff enough to exhibit the required behaviour (grey area Z). A bottle with a thicker wall and a weight equal to 17.7 g is required to obtain the desired behaviour.

[0229] The stiffening belt of the bottle V9_l .9 with a weight of 14.2 g and made of PET has relatively deep grooves, the depth of which is 1.9 mm and remains constant all the way around the longitudinal axis of the bottle. A belt of this type provides a high level of stiffening, and the bottle no longer exhibits the desired behaviour when the displacement is greater than or equal to approximately 4.5 mm.

[0230] By contrast, the bottle V9, with the same belt shape and the same weight, but with a variable groove depth ranging from a maximum value Pmax equal to 1.9 mm on the main faces of the bottle to a minimum value Pmin equal to 0.6 mm on the sides, has lower stiffness on the sides, and maintains the desired behaviour even for a displacement of up to 14 mm.

[0231] Reducing the depth of the grooves to 1.6 mm (constant value) instead of 1.9 mm maintains the desired behaviour, as illustrated by the bottle D08 weighing 14.2 g. The behaviour of the bottle V9 is better, because it provides better elasticity (resistance / spring force) in the area of use, and the improved flexibility of its sides affords a controlled weakening of its faces.

[0232] Figure 27 illustrates the gain in the variation in interior volume as a function of the displacement of the contact-pressure points associated with the presence of the stiffening belt for a PE bottle similar to that described with reference to Figure 14.

[0233] In this example, the belt is delimited by indentations with a depth of 1.6 mm.

[0234] Figure 28 illustrates, for the same bottles as Figure 27, the variation in the displacement (X axis) depending on the force exerted (Y axis). It can be seen that the bottle comprising the stiffening belt exhibits virtually the desired behaviour, whereas the bottle produced without a belt moves away from the desired behaviour for a displacement greater than 10 mm.

[0235] Figure 29 illustrates, still for the same bottles as those in Figures 27 and 28, the development of the interior volume depending on the force exerted; it can be seen that the presence of the belt makes it possible to obtain a greater variation in volume with the same force.

[0236] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described. In particular, the stiffening belt can be produced with yet other shapes.

Claims

Claims1. Shape memory bottle (1) of non-cylindrical overall shape, having a mass / volume ratio (m / V) when empty of greater than or equal to 0.035 g / ml and comprising at least one stiffening belt (10) extending in a zone situated between the lower quarter and the upper quarter of its height.

2. Bottle according to Claim 1, wherein the ratio LIE halfway up the bottle, with L denoting the width (measured on the outside) and E denoting the thickness (measured on the outside), ranges between 1.2 and 3, better still between 1.2 and 2.

3. Bottle according to either of Claims 1 and 2, wherein it is made from PET.

4. Bottle according to either of Claims 1 and 2, wherein it is made from PE.

5. Bottle according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the volume V is less than or equal to 1000 ml, better still less than or equal to 500 ml, in particular ranges between 200 ml and 400 ml.

6. Bottle according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the stiffening belt is positioned at least partially in the middle third of the bottle.

7. Bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle does not have any reliefs except for the stiffening belt.

8. Bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt has at least one groove (11; 12; 17).

9. Bottle according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, the belt (10) having two mutually spaced grooves laterally delimiting the belt.

10. Bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt (10) has two grooves (11; 12) which are each continuous over a complete revolution about 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 together over a narrow portion which extends over at least one quarter of the width of each main face of the bottle, and parallel to one another over a widened portion which extends on the sides of the bottle, with in particular a linear development of the width between the narrow and widened portions.

11. Bottle according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the belt has a central groove which extends over more than 180° about the longitudinal axis (X) of the bottle between its main faces on one side, and on the other side two grooves which each extend over more than180° about the longitudinal axis of the bottle, angularly overlapping the central groove at their ends.

12. Bottle according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the belt has a single groove which extends over more than 360° about the longitudinal axis (X) of the bottle, and of which the ends are axially offset and overlap on one of the main faces of the bottle.

13. Bottle according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the stiffening belt has at least two grooves which overlap when viewed in projection along the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

14. Bottle according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the belt has two grooves which each extend over more than 180° through respective intersecting inclined planes, 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 vice versa.

15. Bottle according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the belt has a main groove extending over less than 360° about 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 is axially offset from the main groove and longer than the gap separating the ends of the main groove such that it overlaps the latter when the bottle is viewed along its longitudinal axis (X).

16. Bottle according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the belt has two indentations which laterally delimit the belt, and between these indentations a band which is preferably set back with respect to the adjacent wall of the bottle outside of the belt.

17. Bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stiffening belt has a groove of which the depth varies angularly about the longitudinal axis of the bottle, being smaller on the sides than on the main faces of the bottle.

18. Bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises an adhesive label, in particular a label at least partly covering the stiffening belt, this label preferably extending over less than one revolution about the longitudinal axis of the bottle, this label preferably being glued with a hot-melt adhesive.

19. Bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the belt ranges between 2 mm and 40 mm.

20. Bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio m / V ranges between 0.035 g / ml and 0.090 g / ml, better still between 0.040 g / ml and 0.080 g / ml, and ranges for example between 0.045 g / ml and 0.070 g / ml.

21. Bottle according to Claim 20, wherein the bottle is made from PET and the ratio m / V ranges between 0.035 g / ml and 0.070 g / ml, better still between 0.040 g / ml and 0.068 g / ml, and in particular between 0.048 g / ml and 0.064 g / ml.

22. Bottle according to Claim 20, wherein the bottle is made from PE and the ratio m / v ranges between 0.045 g / ml and 0.090 g / ml, better still between 0.056 g / ml and 0.080 g / ml, and in particular between 0.064 g / ml and 0.076 g / ml.

23. Bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a label or a marking or is contained in a packaging that mentions said volume V.

24. Bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it is filled with a volume V of composition.

25. Bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle has a neck and said volume V ranges between 80% and 98%, in particular between 85% and 95% of the interior volume of the bottle measured at the level of the neck.

26. Device for packaging a cosmetic product, in particular a shampoo, conditioner or a shower gel, comprising a bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, filled with a cosmetic product, and a dispensing and / or closure system secured to the neck, the dispensing and / or closure system preferably being a cap comprising a base part secured to the neck and a pivotable cover connected to the base part by a hinge.

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