EP1384677A1 - Device including at least two superposed containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The system for dispensing cosmetics comprises a stack of boxes (2 - 4). Each box is connected to the one below by a hinge (7) and a block of boxes can swivel as a unit to expose the box below. An Independent claim is included for a cosmetic dispenser fitted with the system.

Description

The present invention relates to packaging devices, and more particularly those intended to contain at least one cosmetic product.

By “cosmetic product” is meant a product as defined in the Directive 93/35 / EEC of June 14, 1993.

There is a need to benefit from a device which facilitates the removal of different products contained in respective boxes, for example to apply successively or simultaneously different products taken from these boxes on a support for make-up or treatment.

According to one of its aspects, the invention relates to a device comprising at at least two boxes configured so that they can overlap along an axis stacking and at least one hinge for pivoting at least partially one of the housings relative to the other about a geometric axis of non-parallel rotation to the stacking axis, the housings each defining a housing.

The geometric axis of rotation can be perpendicular to the stacking axis.

The device can be configured so that the housings of the two boxes can be opened independently of each other.

The different boxes, when superimposed, form a column which is behaves like a single piece that can be easily transported or stored. At at the time of use, the user can "break" the column by rotating one by compared to the other two boxes, which allows access to the housing of one of the boxes.

The column can be manipulated while the user is holding it with one hand.

The user can be exempted from fitting a cover to access one of the housings, which facilitates the use of the device in particular in environments individuals such as the car or transport, in which the user does not have necessarily a stable horizontal flat surface where to put a cover. Avoiding having to put a cover also reduces the risk of bringing the cover in contact with clothes, for example, and stain them.

One of the cases may have a cover, connected by the hinge to this housing, and the other housing can be fixed on this cover, in particular removably.

One of the boxes can also be configured to form a cover for closing of the other box.

Each box can have a cover.

Except for the top cover, each cover can be secured to the case which is immediately superior to it when the cases are superimposed and the axis of the stack is vertical.

Alternatively, each box can be used, except for the lowest case, to closing cover for the box immediately below it when the housings are superimposed and the axis of the stack is vertical.

All boxes can be stacked in the same direction, or at least two of them, or even three boxes can be stacked in the same direction. Enclosures may each have an opening, the openings being directed in the same direction, especially up.

At least one of the housings can be sealed when the boxes are superimposed. All housings can be sealed.

The device can include at least two boxes, or even at least three enclosures, in particular four or even five enclosures, configured so that they can be overlap, and at least two hinges, or even at least three hinges.

The device can comprise at least two hinges offset angularly around the stacking axis of the boxes. Two hinges can be offset angularly from an angle other than 180 °.

At least one of the housings can contain a product, in particular a product cosmetic or care. At least two or more dwellings can contain different products, for example products with different colors or products containing different active ingredients.

At least one of the housings can also contain an application member, in particular the housing defined by an end box.

The device may include fixing means by screwing, snap-fastening or by friction on a container or on a closure cap of a container.

The device can also be devoid of snap fastening means, screwing or friction on a container.

The invention also relates to a device comprising at least two boxes configured so that they can be superimposed along a stacking axis, one at less of the housings having a hinged cover with a hinge, the other housing being attached to this cover, the hinge making it possible to pivot at least partially one of the housings relative to the other around a geometric axis of rotation not parallel to the stacking axis.

The cover can be arranged so as to allow the removable fixing of the other box.

The invention also relates to a device comprising at least three housings configured so that they can overlap along a stacking axis and at least one hinge making it possible to pivot at least partially one of the housings relative to another around a geometric axis of rotation not parallel to the stacking axis, these enclosures each defining a housing, each housing serving, except for the most bottom, closing cover for the case which is immediately below it when the boxes are superimposed and that the stacking axis is vertical.

The invention also relates to a device comprising at least two boxes configured so that they can be superimposed along a stacking axis, and at minus a hinge connecting the two housings and allowing to rotate at least partially one of the housings relative to the other around a geometric axis of rotation not parallel to the stacking axis, these housings each defining a housing, at least two of the dwellings with different products.

The invention also relates to a device comprising at least three housings configured so that they can overlap along a stacking axis, and at least one hinge making it possible to pivot at least partially one of the housings relative to the other around a geometric axis of rotation not parallel to the stacking axis, these housings each defining a housing, at least one of the housings being fixed so removable on the immediately lower case.

The invention also relates to a device comprising at least two boxes configured so that they can be superimposed along a stacking axis, and at at least one hinge allowing one of the housings to be pivoted at least partially relative to each other around a geometric axis of rotation not parallel to the axis stacking, these boxes each defining a housing, at least the defined housing by the end box comprising an applicator member.

The subject of the invention is also a capsule for closing a container, comprising a device as defined above.

The capsule may include a base portion configured to attach to a container and allow the removable attachment of a device as defined above.

The invention also relates to a container equipped with a device such as defined above.

• un corps de récipient, et
• une capsule de fermeture, la capsule de fermeture comportant :

• au moins deux boítiers configurés de manière à pouvoir se superposer selon un axe d'empilement, et
• au moins une charnière permettant de faire pivoter au moins partiellement l'un des boítiers par rapport à l'autre autour d'un axe géométrique de rotation non parallèle à l'axe d'empilement, ces boítiers définissant chacun un logement.

The subject of the invention is also a container comprising:

• a container body, and
• a closure capsule, the closure capsule comprising:

• at least two housings configured so as to be able to overlap along a stacking axis, and
• at least one hinge for at least partially pivoting one of the housings relative to the other about a geometric axis of rotation not parallel to the stacking axis, these housings each defining a housing.

The container closure cap may include at least three housings.

At least one of the boxes can be removably attached to the box immediately lower.

• un corps de récipient, et
• une capsule de fermeture comportant au moins deux boítiers configurés de manière à pouvoir se superposer selon un axe d'empilement, et au moins une charnière permettant de faire pivoter au moins partiellement l'un des boítiers par rapport à l'autre autour d'un axe géométrique de rotation non parallèle à l'axe d'empilement, ces boítiers définissant chacun un logement, au moins l'un des boítiers comportant un organe d'application.

The subject of the invention is also a container comprising:

• a container body, and
• a closure capsule comprising at least two housings configured so as to be able to be superimposed along a stacking axis, and at least one hinge making it possible to pivot at least partially one of the housings relative to the other around a geometric axis of rotation not parallel to the stacking axis, these housings each defining a housing, at least one of the housings comprising an application member.

• la figure 1 représente en élévation un exemple de dispositif réalisé conformément à l'invention, les boítiers étant superposés et les logements correspondants fermés,
• la figure 2 représente le dispositif de la figure 1 après ouverture de la colonne,
• la figure 3 est une vue partielle et schématique, en perspective, d'un détail du dispositif des figures 1 et 2,
• la figure 4 est une vue partielle et schématique, en perspective, représentant le logement du boítier qui a été ouvert,
• la figure 5 est une vue analogue à la figure 4 illustrant une variante de réalisation dans laquelle le produit est contenu dans une coupelle placée à l'intérieur du boítier,
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique et partielle de dessus selon VI de la figure 1,
• les figures 7 à 9 illustrent, en coupe axiale, différentes possibilités parmi d'autres pour rendre les boítiers solidaires entre eux,
• la figure 10 illustre la possibilité de configurer le dispositif de manière à recevoir un organe d'application dans l'un des boítiers,
• la figure 11 représente un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention dans lequel le dispositif est associé à une capsule de fermeture d'un récipient,
• la figure 12 est une coupe partielle et schématique du dispositif de la figure 9,
• la figure 13 représente une variante de réalisation dans laquelle la colonne de boítiers peut être fixée de manière amovible sur une capsule de fermeture d'un récipient,
• les figures 14 à 16 sont des coupes axiales schématiques illustrant différentes possibilités de fixation de la colonne sur la capsule de fermeture,
• les figures 17 et 18 illustrent la possibilité de casser la colonne à différentes hauteurs en fonction du produit auquel on souhaite accéder, et
• la figure 19 illustre le prélèvement du produit effectué au moyen d'un organe d'application monté sur le récipient.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing in which:

• FIG. 1 shows in elevation an example of a device produced in accordance with the invention, the housings being superimposed and the corresponding housings closed,
• FIG. 2 represents the device of FIG. 1 after opening the column,
• FIG. 3 is a partial and schematic perspective view of a detail of the device in FIGS. 1 and 2,
• FIG. 4 is a partial and schematic perspective view showing the housing of the housing which has been opened,
• FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating an alternative embodiment in which the product is contained in a cup placed inside the housing,
• FIG. 6 is a schematic and partial view from above according to VI of FIG. 1,
• FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate, in axial section, different possibilities among others for making the boxes integral with one another,
• FIG. 10 illustrates the possibility of configuring the device so as to receive an application member in one of the housings,
• FIG. 11 represents an example of implementation of the invention in which the device is associated with a closure cap for a container,
• FIG. 12 is a partial and schematic section of the device of FIG. 9,
• FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment in which the column of housings can be removably attached to a closure cap for a container,
• FIGS. 14 to 16 are schematic axial sections illustrating different possibilities of fixing the column to the closure capsule,
• FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate the possibility of breaking the column at different heights depending on the product to which one wishes to access, and
• FIG. 19 illustrates the withdrawal of the product carried out by means of an applicator member mounted on the container.

There is shown in Figures 1 and 2 an example of device 1 made according to the invention, comprising a plurality of housings which can be superimposed along a stacking axis X, namely a lower housing 2 and an upper housing 3, and possibly between them one or more intermediate boxes 4. Hinges 7 allow each housing to be pivoted at least partially relative to a adjacent housing. Each hinge 7 is preferably a film hinge produced by plastic molding with at least one of the housings.

An example of such an example is shown on an enlarged scale in FIG. 3. hinge 7. This can include two bridges of material 8 each comprising a zone thinned 9 allowing pivoting around a geometric axis of rotation Z no parallel to the stacking axis X and between the two material bridges 8 a connecting tab 10, configured to tend to hold the hinge in the open position when both parts hinged to each other have pivoted beyond a certain angular travel, by example of the order of 90 °. The connecting tab 10 goes through a state of maximum stress when the opening stroke reaches this value. In the example considered, the Z axis is substantially perpendicular to the X axis.

Of course, other hinges could still be used without it being sort of the scope of the present invention, for example film hinges devoid of connecting lug 10 and comprising for example only one bridge of material 8.

Each box 2, 3 or 4 defines a housing 12 which can contain a product cosmetic P. The product P can be contained directly in the corresponding box, as illustrated in FIG. 4, or be contained in a cup 13, as illustrated in the Figure 5, this cup 13 can for example be removed if necessary from the housing 4 for replace it.

The housings can be made of a plastic material, in particular a transparent or translucent plastic material.

We see in Figures 5 and 6 that two consecutive boxes are integral with two respective gripping tabs 14 and 15 which are arranged diametrically at the opposite of a hinge 7 and facilitate the opening of the column at the desired height. The legs 14 and 15 are positioned side by side when the two housings correspondents are stacked.

It can also be seen in FIG. 6 that the hinges 7 are offset angularly with respect to each other around the stacking axis X. On the Figure 6, there is shown, for the sake of clarity of the drawing, that the first two housings. The offset of the hinges 7 facilitates access to the legs 14 and 15, in particular when each housing has a relatively low height.

Two consecutive boxes can be connected to each other in various ways, as will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

Each case may include a body 16 and a cover 17 connected to the body 16 by the corresponding hinge 7, and the housing which is immediately above it can have a bottom wall 18 which is fixed for example by means of a layer of adhesive 19 on the upper face of the cover 17, as shown in FIG. 7. It can be seen in additionally in FIG. 7 that the cover 17 may include a sealing lip 24 intended to be applied to the inner surface of the body 16 of the lower housing.

Other means of fixing the upper case to the cover of the case lower can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention and the upper box can be fixed for example by snap-fastening, possibly so removable, on the cover of the lower case, as illustrated in figure 8.

In this figure, we see that the upper housing may include means for attachment 21 intended to cooperate with complementary attachment means 22 integral of the cover 17. The fixing means 20 and 21 are configured to cooperate by latching in the example illustrated, but they could still cooperate by screwing or by friction.

Preferably, the force required to separate the housing from the cover is greater than that required to cause the lid to open.

It is also possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to produce the wall bottom of the upper case so that it serves as a cover for the lower case, as illustrated in Figure 9. In this figure, we see that the bottom wall 18 of the upper housing has a sealing lip 24 configured to adjust sealingly on the inner surface of the body of the lower case.

At least one of the housings 12 can be configured to receive not a product but an applicator member 27, as illustrated in FIG. 10. In this figure, partially shown the end box 3 with a cover 17 comprising a wall 28 configured to allow the application member 27 to be housed in the housing 3.

The column of housings can be part of a closure capsule 29 of a container 30, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

Such a closure cap 29 may include, as can be seen in the Figure 12, a skirt 32 configured to be screwed onto a threaded neck of the container 30 and a sealing lip 33 intended to be applied against a corresponding surface of the container 30, in order to obtain a tight closure thereof. The upper part of the closure cap is configured so as to form the body 34 of a first housing of the column, this body defining a housing 12 containing a product P.

It is also possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to allow the removable fixing of a column of housings on a closure cap of a container, as will now be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

FIG. 13 shows a column of housings 2, 3, 4 similar to that described with reference to Figures 1 to 8, the housing 2 being further provided with means for attachment to a closure cap 39 of a container 30. There is shown in Figure 13 the container 30 with a shape different from that of the container of FIG. 11, to illustrate the fact that the invention was not limited to a container having a particular shape.

Different means of fixing the case 2 to the capsule 39 can be used.

For example, as illustrated in Figure 14, the housing 2 can be provided with a thread 40 intended to cooperate with a corresponding thread 41 of the capsule 39.

We can also provide a snap fastening of the housing 2 on the capsule 39, as shown in Figure 15. The housing 2 can be provided for this purpose, by example, of an annular bead 43 intended to snap into an annular groove corresponding 44 produced on the capsule 39.

We can also, as illustrated in Figure 16, provide that the housing has a fixing part 45 configured to cooperate by friction with a surface 46 of the capsule 39.

To use the device shown in Figure 13, the user can "break" the column at the height corresponding to the product he wishes to use. For exemple, there is shown in Figure 17 the column "broken" at the end box 2, and FIG. 18, the “broken” column at the level of a housing adjacent to the housing 2.

Before or after having “opened” the column to the desired level, the user can separate the capsule 39 from the container 30 and use for example an applicator member 48 integral with the container 30 for taking the product P contained in the housing which has been open, as illustrated in figure 19. The user can take only one product and then apply it on the support to be treated or, alternatively, remove for example by means of the same applicator body 48 several products successively in different housings of the column, for example to create a mixture of colors or textures.

At least one of the products contained in the various housings 12 of the column can for example be composed of solid bodies of a relatively large important, for example glitter, which would be unable to pass through the organ application 48 if they were contained in the container 30, in the case where this member Application 48 would consist of a porous material, for example a foam. The product contained in the container 30 may for example be a liquid foundation and the user can come and collect with the application member 48, in one of the housings, glitter having the desired color.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been given.

In particular, the column of boxes can include a number of boxes different from those of the examples illustrated, for example two boxes only, or three boxes, or even four boxes.

The column of housings can also be associated with a container on which is fixed an application member other than a foam, for example a frit.

Claims (33)

Device comprising at least two housings (2, 3, 4) configured to so as to be able to overlap along a stacking axis (X), at least one of the housings comprising a hinged cover with a hinge (7), the other housing being attached to this cover, the hinge making it possible to pivot at least partially one of the housings relative to each other around a geometric axis of rotation (Z) not parallel with the stacking axis. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the housings each define a housing (12), the device being configured so that the housings (12) can be opened independently of each other. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each housing has a closure cover. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that , except for the top cover, each cover (17) is integral with the case which is immediately superior to it when the cases are superimposed and the stacking axis is vertical. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the housings each defining a housing, characterized in that at least one of the housings (12) is closed in a sealed manner when the housings are superimposed. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover is arranged so as to allow the removable fixing of the other housing. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two hinges (7). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the hinges are angularly offset around the axis (X) of stacking the housings. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the housings (12) contains a cosmetic or care product (P). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the housings contains an application member (27). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for fixing by screwing, snap-fastening or by friction to a container (30) or to a capsule (39) for closing a container. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it does not have means for fixing by snap-fastening, screwing or friction on a container. Device comprising at least two housings (2, 3, 4) configured to so as to be able to overlap along a stacking axis (X) and at least one hinge (7) connecting the two housings and making it possible to pivot at least partially one of the housings relative to each other around a geometric axis of rotation (Z) not parallel to the stacking axis, these housings each defining a housing (12), at least two of the housing with different products. Device comprising at least three housings configured so as to ability to overlap along a stacking axis and at least one hinge allowing at least partially rotate one of the housings relative to another around an axis geometric rotation not parallel to the stacking axis, these boxes each defining a housing, each case serving, except for the lower case, as a cover for closure for the case immediately below it when the cases are superimposed and that the stacking axis is vertical. Device comprising at least three housings configured so as to ability to overlap along a stacking axis, and at least one hinge allowing rotate at least partially one of the boxes relative to the other about an axis geometric rotation not parallel to the stacking axis, these boxes each defining a housing, at least one of the housings being removably attached to the housing immediately lower. Device comprising at least two housings configured so as to ability to overlap along a stacking axis, and at least one hinge allowing rotate at least partially one of the boxes relative to the other about an axis geometric rotation not parallel to the stacking axis, these boxes each defining a housing, at least the housing defined by the end box comprising a member application. Capsule for closing a container, characterized in that it comprises a device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 or 14 to 16. Capsule according to Claim 18, characterized in that it comprises a base part configured to be fixed on a container and to allow the removable fixing of a device as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 11 or 14 to 16. Container equipped with a device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 or 14 to 16. Container comprising: a container body, and a closure capsule, the closure capsule comprising: at least two housings configured so as to be able to overlap along a stacking axis, and at least one hinge for at least partially pivoting one of the housings relative to the other about a geometric axis of rotation not parallel to the stacking axis, these housings each defining a housing. Container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the capsule comprises at least three housings. Container according to any one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the housings is removably attached to the immediately lower housing. Container according to any one of Claims 20 to 22, characterized in that it is configured in such a way that the housings (12) can be opened independently of each other. Container according to any one of Claims 20 to 23, characterized in that one of the housings has a cover (17), connected by the hinge (7) to this housing, and by the fact that the other housing is attached to this cover. Container according to any one of Claims 20 to 23, characterized in that one of the housings is configured to form a closure cover for the other housing. Container according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that each case has a closing cover. Container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that , except for the top cover, each cover (17) is integral with the housing which is immediately above it when the housings are superimposed and the stacking axis is vertical. Container according to claim 25, characterized in that , except for the lowest case, each case serves as a closure cover for the case which is immediately below it when the cases are stacked and the stacking axis is vertical . Container according to any one of claims 20 to 28, characterized in that at least one of the housings (12) is closed in a leaktight manner when the housings are stacked. Container according to any one of Claims 20 to 29, characterized in that it comprises at least two hinges (7). Container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the hinges are angularly offset around the axis (X) of stacking the housings. Container according to any one of Claims 20 to 31, characterized in that at least one of the housings (12) contains a product (P), in particular a cosmetic or care product. Container according to any one of Claims 20 to 32, characterized in that at least one of the housings contains an applicator member (27).

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