CN111148704B - Article of manufacture packaged with a product, associated method of manufacture and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

An article (1) of manufacture packaged with a product, comprising a support layer (3) and a sheet (5) for application to a body surface of a user, said sheet (5) comprising a product (7) for application to a body surface of a user and being disposed on said support layer (3). The article (1) can be transformed between a closed configuration, in which the support layer (3) defines an internal space (9) containing the sheets (5) in a folded-flat condition, and a first open configuration, in which the support layer (3) and the sheets (5) define a receptacle (11).

Description

Article of manufacture packaged with a product, associated method of manufacture and method of use

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a product-packaged article comprising a support layer and a sheet for application to a body surface of a user, the sheet comprising a product for application to a body surface of a user and being disposed on the support layer.

Background

The product held by the sheet is typically a cosmetic product. Cosmetic products are, for example, products for caring for or maintaining the body surface of a user, such as the skin or hair.

According to the present invention, the term "cosmetic product" refers to a cosmetic product intended for application to the human body, such as a solid, a powder, a liquid or a cream. More generally, "cosmetic products" refer to products defined by the european parliament and council as related to cosmetics in EC regulation No. 1223/2009 on day 11/30 of 2009.

Such articles for application to the body surface of a user are widely used. The effectiveness of such articles is related to the improved ability to absorb the cosmetic product through the skin of the user.

Document WO 2015001486 discloses an example of an article comprising a sheet for application to the face of a user.

However, there is still room for improvement in such articles. More specifically, the process for manufacturing such articles requires multiple steps and is therefore complex. Furthermore, the manner of use of such articles is not optimal.

Disclosure of Invention

One purpose of the present invention is to obtain an article which is easy to use for the user, easy to manufacture under safe conditions and which can be easily transported and stored without causing alterations to the article.

To this end, the invention relates to an article packed with a product, wherein the article is transformable between a closed configuration, in which the support layer defines an inner space containing the sheets in a flattened condition, and a first open configuration, in which the support layer and the sheets define a receptacle (receptacle).

Thus, the article according to the invention is easy to manufacture due to the reduced number of steps for manufacturing, and the shape of the receptacle prevents any product spillage during manufacture and use of the article.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the article comprises one or several of the following features, which may be present alone or in technically possible combinations:

according to various embodiments, in the closed configuration, the sheet and the support layer define a plurality of overlapping fold lines. According to various embodiments, the article as described above further comprises: in the first open configuration, an inner fold projects along the first fold line at least toward the central axis of the receptacle, and an outer fold projects along the second fold line at least away from the central axis of the receptacle. Due to the presence of the folding line, the article can be easily opened and closed.

According to a variant, the article as described above can also be transformed into a second open configuration, in which the support layer and the sheet are flat, i.e. the sheet is unfolded. The second open configuration facilitates use of the article by a user, allowing the article to be placed on a flat surface, such as a table, before the sheet is grasped by hand.

According to various embodiments, the support layer has a rounded outer edge. According to various embodiments, in the closed configuration, the article has the shape of a circular sector. The circular shape optimizes the ratio between the amount of material necessary to manufacture the article and the maximum extension of the support layer. Furthermore, the rounded outer shape of the support layer and the rounded part shape of the article in the closed configuration prevent potential injury to the user due to the angle of the protrusions.

According to some embodiments, in the closed configuration, the inner space defined by the support layer is sealed by at least one sealing point and/or at least one sealing line. According to some embodiments, in the closed configuration, the inner space defined by the support layer is fluid-tight. The sealing points and/or sealing strips strengthen the article and prevent it from opening during transport and storage. They keep the product within the inner space defined by the support layer. The fluid tightness of the inner space enables the product present in the sheet to retain properties (e.g. by avoiding oxidation phenomena).

In a variant, the sheet is applied on a support layer without being fixed by an additional agent. This is particularly advantageous because the risk of toxicity due to the use of additional agents, such as glue, or the risk of interaction between the additional agents and the product is excluded.

In another variant, the supporting layer and/or the sheet comprise at least two gripping lugs projecting at the periphery of said supporting layer and/or said sheet. The gripping tabs facilitate use of the product, particularly during the opening step by the user and when the user separates the sheet from the supporting layer for application of the sheet to a body surface.

In some embodiments, the body surface on which the article is applied is the face of a user. In some embodiments, the sheet defines at least one opening adapted for placement in front of a facial organ. The sheet is then particularly adapted to conform to the shape of the face and to improve the comfort of the user during use.

In a variant, the sheet is impregnated with a product, in particular a cosmetic product. A large number of products can be stored in the sheet and an optimum action of the product on the body surface is ensured throughout the use. Furthermore, since the product is injected into a specific portion of the sheet and then the entire sheet is impregnated by capillary action, manufacturing is facilitated.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an article, comprising the steps of:

providing a support layer and a sheet material for application to a body surface of a user,

the sheet material is applied to a support layer,

the article is converted to the first open configuration by forming the support layer and the sheet material into a receptacle,

the product is injected into the receptacle using an injection device,

the article is transformed to a closed configuration, wherein in the closed configuration the support layer defines an interior space that receives the sheet in a flat-folded state.

This method is particularly advantageous because the number of steps of manufacturing the article is reduced and any risk of spillage is avoided due to the receptacle shape of the support layer.

The invention also relates to a method for using an article packed with a product, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an article as described above in a closed configuration,

the article is transformed to at least the first open configuration,

the sheet material is applied to the body surface of the user,

the sheet is separated from the support layer before and/or after application.

The method of using the article is simple and avoids potential spillage of the product when the user opens the article.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood on the basis of the following description, given purely by way of example, and with reference to the following drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a schematic view of an article in an open configuration,

figure 2 is a schematic view of the article of figure 1 in an open configuration defining a receptacle,

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the article of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration, an

Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of the step of applying the sheet of the article of fig. 1 to the face of a user.

Detailed Description

In figures 1 to 3 a cosmetic product 1 according to the invention is shown in various configurations.

The article 1 comprises a support layer 3 and a sheet 5 which is removable from the support layer 3 for application to the body surface of a user. The sheet 5 comprises products 7 and is arranged on the support layer 3. The product 1 can then be changed between a closed configuration (figure 3), in which the supporting layer 3 defines an internal space 9 containing the sheets 5 in the flattened condition, and a first open configuration (figure 2), in which the supporting layer 3 and the sheets 5 define a receptacle 11.

The body surface of the user is, for example, the face 13, as shown in fig. 4.

In a variant, the user's body surface is only a portion of the user's face 13, such as the nose, forehead or eye contour.

In another variation, the body surface is any visible or invisible body surface of the user.

The supporting layer 3 has any shape suitable for receiving the sheet 5 when in a flat unfolded state. For example, the support layer 3 has a circular outer edge, as shown in fig. 1.

The support layer 3 comprises an inner surface 15 and an outer surface 17.

The support layer has a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The multilayer structure contributes to the barrier function against oxygen and/or light, facilitating the preservation of the product 7. The multilayer structure includes, for example, a metal layer.

Preferably, the support layer 3 has on its inner surface 15 a thermoplastic layer in contact with the sheet 5. This facilitates the attachment of the sheet 5 to the support layer 3.

The term "thermoplastic" means a material that softens under the action of heat in a reversible manner and hardens upon cooling.

The thermoplastic material is for example a polyolefin, in particular a low-density or high-density polyethylene, a low-density and a high-density polypropylene.

Advantageously, the outer surface 17 of the support layer 3 is defined by a multilayer structure having at least one layer of metal (for example aluminium). The material may also comprise a layer of thermoplastic material, for example a layer of non-olefin material such as polyester, on which a metal layer may be deposited.

Advantageously, the support layer 3 is flexible. By "flexible", it must be understood that the supporting layer 3 can be easily folded or unfolded, for example by the hand of the user.

Typically, the outer surface 17 of the support layer 3 comprises printed information or graphics, e.g. useful to the user, such as instructions for use, composition of the product 7 or notes.

Advantageously, the supporting layer 3 comprises at least two gripping lugs 19 projecting outwards at the periphery of said supporting layer 3.

For example, the gripping lugs 19 are positioned such that they overlap each other when the article 1 is in the closed configuration (fig. 3).

The gripping lugs 19 facilitate the opening of the article 1 by the user from the closed configuration to the first open configuration (fig. 2).

Advantageously, the grip lug 19 defines a through hole 21. The through-hole 21 improves the grip of the user during opening of the article 1.

The sheet 5 has a shape adapted to fit the edges of the body surface to which it is applied.

In the embodiment of fig. 1-4, the sheet 5 is a mask and has a generally circular outer edge that fits over the face 13 of the user.

In a variant, the sheet 5 has an outer edge that is oval or rectangular.

Advantageously, the sheet 5 defines an opening 23 suitable for being placed in front of a facial organ. For example, the opening 23 is located in front of the eye or in front of the mouth.

Sheet 5 may also define at least one slit 25 adapted to be placed, for example, in front of the nose or around the ears of a user to hold sheet 5 on face 13.

Here, the sheet 5 is impregnated with a product 7.

The ability of the sheet 5 to absorb the product 7 may be related to the use of the article 1 and its final location.

The sheet 5 may be of a single-layer structure or have a multi-layer structure.

The sheet 5 is usually made of a porous, in particular fibrous, substrate, preferably made of nonwoven or paper.

The term "nonwoven" means a substrate comprising fibers, wherein the fibers are arranged in a random manner into a layered structure and are neither woven nor knitted. The fibres of the nonwoven are bonded together under the action of mechanical or thermal action or by the addition of a binder.

The nonwoven is defined in particular by the standard ISO 9092.

The fibres may be of various nature, in particular natural, modified natural, synthetic or man-made, or a mixture thereof in any proportion.

The nonwoven fibers preferably comprise hot melt fibers.

Hot melt fibers are, for example, polyolefin fibers, such as Polyethylene (PE); polypropylene (PP); or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers; alternatively, acrylic fibers, such as Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fibers; a polyurethane fiber; or thermoplastic fibers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), styrene polymers (e.g. polystyrene PS, expandable polystyrene EPS, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer ABS, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer SAN, styrene-butadiene copolymer SB), Polyamides (PA), Polycarbonates (PC), saturated polyesters (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate PETG, polybutylene terephthalate PBTG), polyacetals (e.g. polyoxymethylene POM, trioxane-ethylene oxide copolymers), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or other fluoropolymers (e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE, polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF, polychlorotrifluoroethylene PCTFE).

Other optional fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric are, for example, synthetic fibers derived from petroleum derivatives, natural fibers derived from plants or animals, and/or modified natural fibers derived from, for example, a treatment or regeneration process to form fibers.

Advantageously, the sheet 5 comprises at least two gripping lugs 27 projecting outwards at the periphery of said sheet 5.

The gripping lugs 27 facilitate the user's grip on the sheet 5 when the sheet 5 is detached from the supporting layer 3 and the step of positioning the sheet 5 on the user's face 13.

Advantageously, the sheet 5 is applied on the support layer 3 without being fixed by an additional agent, such as glue.

The sheet 5 is generally held on the support layer 3 by surface tension phenomena due to the physical and chemical properties of the product 7.

Thus, the sheet 5 can remain fixed to the support layer 3, whatever the structure of the article 1.

Advantageously, the sheet 5 is stretchable. Thus, the sheet 5 better contours the body surface.

The product 7 may be of any type and is used, inter alia, for maintenance, dermatology or other purposes.

Preferably, the product 7 is for maintenance or dermatological use.

The product 7 is preferably in liquid form inside the container, but as a variant the product 7 may be in another form, for example in dry form or in gel form.

Product 7 may comprise an aqueous solvent or an alcoholic solvent. The product 7 may be a cosmetic product, a cleaning product or a care product.

Advantageously, the article 1 can be transformed between a closed configuration, a first open configuration and a second open configuration (fig. 1) in which the support layer 3 and the sheets 5 are substantially flat.

The transition between the various configurations is operated by at least one folding/unfolding step.

Typically, the support layer 3 and the sheet 5 define a plurality of fold lines 29, 31.

Typically, the support layer 3 and the sheet 5 define similar and aligned fold lines 29, 31.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the support layer 3 and the sheet 5 define six fold lines 29, 31.

For example, the fold lines 29, 31 comprise a common intersection point located approximately at the centre of the support layer 3 and the sheet 5, for example.

The fold lines 29, 31 define portions 33 of the support layer 3 and the sheet 5.

In the first open configuration (fig. 2), the article 1 comprises two inner folds 35 projecting along two first fold lines 29 towards the central axis 37 of the receptacle 11, and four outer folds 39 projecting along four second fold lines 31 away from the central axis 37 of the receptacle 11.

Receptacle 11 defines an interior space 9 extending about a central axis 37. The inner space 9 extends from the bottom to the top of the product 1. The inner space 9 is open at the top.

The portion 33 of the support layer defines a side wall 43 of the receptacle about the central axis 37.

The receptacle 11 completely contains the sheet 5 and the product 7.

The inner space 9 is delimited by at least a part of each section 33 of the support layer 3.

The side wall 43 has a closed outer peripheral surface having a closed bottom.

The intersection between the closed peripheral surface and a plane perpendicular to axis 37 defines at least a closed contour line.

Preferably, all the points of intersection between the closed peripheral surface and each plane perpendicular to the axis 37 in the height from the bottom of the article 1 in the first configuration to at least 50% of the maximum height define a closed contour line.

For example, in the closed configuration, the article 1 has a circular sector shape as shown in fig. 3.

In the closed configuration, the product 1 has a flat shape, which is suitable for optimizing the storage of the product 1.

Typically, in the closed configuration, at least two fold lines 31 overlap. The inner space 9 has a volume in the closed configuration which is smaller than the volume in the first open configuration.

In the closed configuration shown in fig. 3, the article 1 comprises a sealing line closing the inner space 9.

For example, the seal line is curved, as shown in fig. 3.

Typically, the sealing line extends from the first side 47 to the second side 49 of the article 1 along the outer edges of the support layers in the closed configuration.

Advantageously, the inner space 9 defined by the support layer 3 in the closed configuration is fluid-tight. Thereby preventing dehydration and oxidation interactions of the sheet 5 in the inner space 9 with the environment of the product 1.

In the closed configuration shown in fig. 3, the product 1 further comprises a sealing ring 51, which sealing ring 51 is located, for example, at the periphery of the product 1.

By "loop", it is understood that: one loop 51 corresponding to, for example, between 0.1 mm²And 100 mm²Preferably between 0.1 mm²And 10 mm²The sealing surface of the support layer 3 in between.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the article comprises four sealing rings 51 arranged symmetrically around the gripping lugs 19 of the supporting layer 3 at the periphery of the article 1.

The sealing ring 51 increases the resistance of the product 1, in particular of the product 1 during transport and handling of the product 1. The sealing ring 51 serves as a safety device against any accidental tearing of the sealing line.

Typically, in the closed configuration, the inner space 9 is sealed without cold contact with a pressure sensitive adhesive substance, such as glue.

Advantageously, the sealing ring 51 and the sealing wire are a welding ring and a welding wire, respectively.

The term "weld" means an attachment formed by locally melting at least one material. The melting may be carried out in particular by an ultrasonic welding process or by a conductive or convective thermal welding process and, more generally, by any process which enables the hot-melt compound of the support layer 3 to produce a complete or partial melting, optionally by the presence of a hot-melt adhesive on the support layer 3.

In a variant, the inner space 9 is sealed by a cold-contact pressure-sensitive adhesive substance, such as glue.

The method of manufacturing the article 1 will now be described.

The method comprises the steps of providing a support layer 3 and a sheet 5 for application to a body surface of a user.

The support layer 3, sheet 5 and body surface are for example as described above.

The method comprises the step of applying a sheet 5 to the support layer 3.

Advantageously, the application step consists in fixing the sheet 5 on the support layer 3 without using an additional agent.

The method further comprises the step of forming fold lines 29, 31 in the support layer 3 and the sheet 5.

Typically, the step of forming the fold lines 29, 31 includes forming at least one first fold line 29 and at least one second fold line 31, wherein the first fold line 29 is for forming the inner fold 35 in the first open configuration and the second fold line 31 is for forming the outer fold 39 in the first open configuration.

Thereafter, the method comprises transforming the product 1 into the first open configuration by forming the receptacles 11 with the support layer 3 and the sheet 5.

Advantageously, this transformation step is carried out by folding the supporting layer 3 and the sheet 5.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, in the converting step, the two inner folds 35 are symmetrically close to the central axis 37. Portion 33 then forms receptacle 11 as described above.

The method then comprises the step of injecting product 7 into receptacle 11 using an injection device (not shown).

Typically, product 7 is injected into the center of receptacle 11. Referring to fig. 2, product 7 is injected about a central axis 37 of receptacle 11.

The product 7 is injected into the receptacle 11, for example, through a filling nozzle. A filling nozzle is placed above or inside the open inner space 9 to deliver the product 7.

Generally, the method comprises a step of impregnating the sheet 5 with the product 7 by capillarity.

The method then comprises a second transformation step of transforming the article 1 into a closed configuration, in which the supporting layer 3 defines an internal space 9 housing the sheet 5 in a flattened condition.

The method further comprises the step of sealing the article 1 by welding or using a cold contact pressure sensitive adhesive substance, such as glue, as described above.

The sealing step advantageously comprises a first sub-step, in which the product 1 is sealed by a sealing line, and a second sub-step, in which the product 1 is sealed at the periphery of the product 1 by at least one sealing ring 51.

Finally, the method may comprise the step of printing information on the article 1 or applying a label on the article 1.

In a variant, the step of printing information or of applying a label is carried out before the first transformation step.

The method of use of the article 1 by a user will now be described.

The method comprises the step of providing an article 1 as described above in a closed configuration.

The method further comprises transforming the article 1 to the first open configuration.

Referring to fig. 3, the changing step comprises the steps of gripping the gripping lugs 19 of the carrier layer 3 and subsequently moving the two gripping lugs 19 in opposite directions to separate them.

The step of transforming may then comprise the step of tearing the sealing ring 51 and/or the sealing line.

With reference to the embodiment of fig. 3, the transformation step comprises the step of tearing the two sealing rings 51 located beside the gripping lug 19. The method further comprises the step of tearing the curved seal line. The method further comprises the step of tearing the other two sealing rings 51 located at the two corners of the product 1.

The method comprises the step of transforming the article 1 into a second open configuration in which the support layer 3 and the sheet 5 are flat. Thus, the method may comprise placing the article 1 on a flat surface, such as a table.

Typically, the method then comprises a step of gripping the sheet 5 from the supporting layer 3 by the user.

Advantageously, the gripping step comprises a sub-step for gripping a gripping lug 27 of the sheet 5. The sheet 5 is then removed from the support layer 3.

Finally, the method comprises the step of placing the sheet 5 on the body surface of the user (fig. 4).

In a variant, the article is kept in a first open configuration in which the support layer 3 and the sheets 5 define the receptacles 11 as described above.

In a variant, in the second open configuration, the support layer 3 and the sheet 5 are in an extended configuration, wherein in the second open configuration the support layer 3 and the sheet 5 have a stable three-dimensional structure, which is generally due to the material used for the support layer 3 and/or the sheet 5.

The article 1 according to the invention has many advantages, in particular in terms of manufacture and use.

Due to the shape of the receptacle of the product 1 in the first open configuration, the number of steps of manufacturing the product 1 is reduced and spillage of the product 7 is prevented both during the manufacturing steps and during the use steps.

The sheet 5 retains its properties within the inner space 9 and the article 1 can be safely handled and transported.

Furthermore, there is no additional agent, such as glue, between the sheet 5 and the support layer 3, thereby reducing the risk of toxicity and interaction between the additional agent and the product 7.

Claims (16)

1. An article (1) of manufacture packaged with a product, the article (1) of manufacture packaged with a product comprising a support layer (3) and sheets (5) for application to a body surface of a user, the sheets (5) comprising a product (7) for application to a body surface of a user and being arranged on the support layer (3), wherein the article (1) is transformable between a closed configuration in which the support layer (3) defines an inner space (9) containing the sheets (5) in a flattened condition, and a first open configuration in which the support layer (3) and the sheets (5) define a receptacle (11), the support layer (3) and the sheets (5) defining a plurality of similar and aligned fold lines (29, 31), the fold lines (29, 31) defining a plurality of portions (33) of the support layer (3) and the sheets (5), the portion (33) defines a side wall (43) of the receptacle (11) about a central axis (37).

2. The article (1) according to claim 1, wherein, in the closed configuration, the sheet (5) and the support layer (3) define a plurality of overlapping fold lines (31).

3. An article (1) according to claim 2, further comprising, in the first open configuration, an inner fold (35) projecting along a first fold line (29) towards a central axis (37) of the receptacle (11), and an outer fold (39) projecting along a second fold line (31) away from the central axis (37) of the receptacle (11).

4. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, said article (1) being further transformable to a second open configuration in which said support layer (3) and said sheet (5) are flat, said sheet (5) being unfolded.

5. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support layer (3) has a rounded outer edge.

6. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the closed configuration, the article (1) has a circular sector shape.

7. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the closed configuration, an inner space (9) defined by the support layer (3) is sealed by at least one sealing point (51) and/or at least one sealing line.

8. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the closed configuration, an inner space (9) defined by the support layer (3) is fluid-tight.

9. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sheet (5) is applied on the support layer (3) without being fixed by an additional agent.

10. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support layer (3) and/or the sheet (5) comprise at least two gripping lugs (19, 27) projecting at the periphery of the support layer (3) and/or the sheet (5).

11. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body surface to which the article (1) is applied is the face (13) of the user.

12. The article (1) according to claim 11, wherein said sheet (5) defines at least one opening (23) suitable for being placed in front of a facial organ.

13. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sheet (5) is impregnated with a product (7).

14. The article (1) according to claim 13, wherein the sheet (5) is impregnated with a cosmetic product.

15. A method of manufacturing an article (1) packaging a product, the method comprising:

providing a support layer (3) and a sheet (5) for application to a body surface of a user,

applying the sheet (5) on the support layer (3),

transforming the product into a first open configuration by forming the support layer (3) and the sheet (5) into a receptacle (11), the support layer (3) and the sheet (5) defining a plurality of similar and aligned fold lines (29, 31), the fold lines (29, 31) defining portions (33) of the support layer (3) and the sheet (5), the portions 33 defining side walls (43) of the receptacle (11) about a central axis (37),

injecting a product (7) into the receptacle (11) using an injection member,

transforming the article into a closed configuration, wherein the support layer (3) defines an inner space (9) containing the sheet (5) in a flat folded condition.

16. A method of using an article (1) containing a product, the method comprising:

providing an article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 in a closed configuration,

transforming the article (1) into a first open configuration,

applying the sheet (5) to a body surface of a user,

separating the sheet (5) from the support layer before and/or after application.

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