EP2396240B1 - Packaging assembly - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging assembly comprising a card on which a fluid dispenser is mounted. The preferred field of application of the present invention is that of the samples of perfume or cosmetic product packaged in a reservoir provided with a dispenser member. However, the present invention can also be applied to other areas in which it is necessary to fix a fluid dispenser on a preferably flat support.

In the field of perfume samples, it has long been known to associate a small bottle of perfume with a card consisting of one, two or three flaps articulable with respect to each other. A typical configuration is that of a card comprising two flaps connected together by a slice section, the two flaps extending substantially parallel to each other in the manner of a book cover. The small perfume bottle, generally consisting of a tank closed by a stopper, is disposed between the two flaps, adjacent to the wafer section. A known configuration of the prior art provides for fixing the small bottle to the wafer section by means of one or two passers (s) which are formed by sections of the card. Thus, this packaging assembly consists only of two constituent elements, namely the small bottle on one side and the card on the other side, since the means for fixing the small bottle inside the card are an integral part of the map. This type of packaging set, widespread for many years, however, has some disadvantages. A first disadvantage lies in the fact that the configuration of the card (folded on itself) is very little modifiable or scalable, because it is necessary to arrange the small bottle inside the card. Given the thickness of the small bottle, it is essential to make the card with a slice section of sufficient thickness to allow the two flaps of the card to extend substantially parallel to both sides of the small bottle. Another disadvantage lies in the fact that the small bottle is not visible, at least directly, since it is inserted, and thus masked, inside the card. A third disadvantage lies in the fact that the two flaps of the card are generally not connected together at their free lateral edges, so that the two flaps of the card can move freely: there is no real predetermined open or closed position. Finally, another problem comes from the fact that the card has a certain thickness, which does not facilitate its packaging in large numbers.

The document DE 88 00 244 U1 describes a card comprising two flaps articulated on a common slice. A flap comprises a connecting element for receiving a pen. The connecting element is fixed to the flap of the card by gluing, which is not optimal because requiring a sizing operation always difficult to control and a gluing operation at a specific location of the flap. The present invention seeks to avoid the use of glue for fixing the connecting element on the flap of the card.

In the prior art, the document is also known FR-2,732,875 which discloses a sample presentation device comprising a card provided with a window and a lipstick tube provided with a dovetail-shaped rib which is engaged in the window. It is not possible to pass the lipstick through the window, only the rib being slidingly engaged in the window by an enlarged end. It is easy to understand that the insertion of the rib into the window is a complicated operation that is not automatable. The present invention also seeks to simplify the mounting of the connecting element on the card.

To solve these problems, the present invention provides a packaging assembly comprising a card comprising at least one flap, a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir and a fluid dispenser member mounted on the reservoir, a connecting element attached to the flap of the card, this connecting element comprising fixing means, the dispenser being engaged with these fastening means to hold it removably on the card, wherein the flap comprises a window, a connecting element being attached in this window, the connecting element comprises a base, advantageously flat, of dimension greater than that of the window, the fastening means projecting from this base, the base being arranged with a side of the shutter with the fastening means passing through the window so as to project from the other side of the shutter, characterized in that the fastening means are inserted through the window and have a dimension slightly greater than that of the window for thus maintain the connection element in the window, even in the absence of distributor. Thus, unlike the packaging assembly of the aforementioned prior art, the connecting element is not glued to the card, does not form an integral part of the card, nor is it an integral part of the dispenser. The connecting element constitutes a third constituent element of the packaging assembly which is attached on the one hand through the window on the card and fixed on the other hand to the distributor, so that this element connects the card and the distributor. The link member thus passes through the window, but can not pass entirely through this window, since the base of the link member has dimensions that prevent it from passing through the window. The base thus serves as a retaining member allowing the fastening means to pass through the window and extend on the other side of the flap, the fastening means being secured to the flap of the fact that the base can not pass through the window. According to an additional interesting feature, the fastening means may have a dimension slightly greater than that of the window to maintain the connecting element in the window, even in the absence of a distributor. When placing the connecting element on the flap, it is sufficient to force somewhat on the connecting element to pass, preferably with a certain elasticity, the fastening means through the window. Then, the connecting element is trapped in the window, given that the base can not pass through the window and that the fastening means can not freely disengage from the window. This configuration makes it possible to connect the link element to the card so as to constitute a captive subset. It can even be provided that the connecting element is snapped inside the window.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the fixing means can form a housing in which the dispenser is removably received. Preferably, the housing is elastically deformable and comprises a lateral access passage. The housing allows not only to remove the dispenser during the first use of the packaging assembly, but also allows the subsequent repositioning of the dispenser in the housing. In other words, the housing is not destroyed during the first withdrawal of the distributor: instead, the dispenser can be removed and replaced in the housing several times. The lateral access passage makes it possible to easily remove and replace the dispenser in its housing without having to thread it through one end, as is the case in the prior art with the cards forming one or two passer-bys. (s) in which to slide the small bottle. Because the housing is resilient, the side access passage opens upon removal and placement of the dispenser into the housing and returns to its initial rest position once the dispenser is in place or fully withdrawn.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the card comprises at least two flaps articulated with respect to each other so as to be able to superimpose them at least partially, namely a first flap forming the window and a second flap defining a lateral edge. free which extends under the dispenser when the two parts are superimposed, so as to maintain them in superimposed position. Advantageously, the second flap forms a cut-out in which the fixing means of the connecting element pass when the two flaps are superimposed. Preferably, the cutout is formed at a free lateral edge of the second flap so that it is open, the second shutter still being articulable with respect to the first flap without removing the dispenser from the fixing means. So, the connecting element, alone or in cooperation with the distributor, keeps the two overlapping components. The link element then performs a function of closure means for the card. However, it is possible to rotate the second flap relative to the first by disengaging the latter from the connecting element and / or the distributor. In this configuration, the card may comprise only two flaps simply connected together by a common edge forming the joint. According to an alternative embodiment, the flap comprises two sheets connected together in superimposed position, the base of the connecting element being disposed between the two sheets.

However, according to a preferred embodiment, the card may comprise a third flap which is arranged between the first and second flaps, so that the first and second flaps are articulated on the third flap so as to be able to overlay the three flaps at least partially. The card is then in the form of a triptych, the third component constituting the central flap on the vertical lateral edges of which are articulated the first and second flaps, provided respectively with the window for the first flap and the cutout for the second. shutter. The connecting element, alone or in combination with the dispenser, keeps the triptych closed, with the three superposed shutters. Advantageously, the base is disposed between the first and third flaps. It is conceivable to stick the first and third shutters together in a superimposed position permanently by wedging between them the base of the connecting element, which is thus perfectly and permanently invisible.

According to a practical embodiment, the connecting element is a part made by injection-molding of plastic material, the element comprising a flat base in the form of a pellet from which extend two arcuate elastic arms. to one another forming between them a housing for fixing the dispenser.

Advantageously, the fixing means comprise two arms whose maximum distance is slightly greater than the width of the window, so that the arms can be inserted through the window forcing somewhat. The connecting element is thus held of itself inside the window by its arms.

Advantageously, the fixing means comprise snap-fastening profiles cooperating with edges of the window to ensure a stable attachment of the connecting element inside the window.

Advantageously, the dispenser comprises an annular groove, the fastening means being received in this groove by filling at least partially.

An interesting principle of the present invention lies in the fact of using a separate connecting element to achieve the attachment of a dispenser on a card by passing the fastening means of the connecting element through a window of the card when there are several flaps, the connecting element advantageously serves as a clasp to maintain the flaps in superimposed position.

The invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings giving by way of non-limiting example an embodiment of the invention.

• La figure 1 représente une carte à trois volets pourvue d'un élément de liaison selon l'invention à l'état déplié,
• Les figures 2, 3 et 4 représentent la carte de la figure 1 au cours de différents stades de pliage,
• La figure 5 représente la carte des figures précédentes à l'état complètement plié avec tous les volets superposés, et
• La figure 6 est une vue de l'ensemble de conditionnement de l'invention avec son distributeur à l'état plié.

In the figures:

• The figure 1 represents a tri-fold card provided with a connecting element according to the invention in the unfolded state,
• The figures 2 , 3 and 4 represent the map of the figure 1 during different stages of folding,
• The figure 5 represents the map of the preceding figures in the completely folded state with all the superposed shutters, and
• The figure 6 is a view of the packaging assembly of the invention with its dispenser in the folded state.

We will first refer briefly to the figure 6 which shows a card 1 of substantially rectangular shape in the folded or closed state, and a fluid dispenser 2 which is arranged and fixed on the card 1. As will be seen below, the card 1 comprises three parts superimposed which are not easily visible on this figure 6 since they are superimposed. However, we can notice a first part 11 on which substantially extends a second flap 12. The card 1 further comprises a third flap 13 which extends behind the first flap 11. The first flap 11 is hinged relative to the third flap 13 along a common edge 14 , acting as hinge. Symmetrically, the second flap 12 is connected to the third flap 13 by a common edge 15 which acts as a hinge. Thus, the first and second flaps 11, 12 are connected together and articulable via the third flap 13. The card 1 will be described in more detail with reference to the Figures 1 to 4 .

The distributor 2 is disposed in this embodiment in part on the first flap 11 and partly on the second flap 12. It can also be said that the distributor 2 extends on the second flap 12 which extends over the first flap 11 which extends over the third flap 13. The dispenser 2 comprises a reservoir 21 for containing a fluid, such as perfume. The reservoir comprises a bottom at one end and an opening at its other end. The distributor 2 comprises a dispensing member 22 which is mounted on the opening of the reservoir 21. For fixing the dispensing member 22 on the reservoir 21, there is provided a fixing ring 23 in which the organ is received. 22 and which comprises means for its attachment to the reservoir 21. Between the dispensing member 22 and the fixing ring 23 the distributor forms an annular groove 24 in the state of rest. When the dispensing member 22 is actuated, this groove disappears or narrows: the dispenser member 22 then moves towards the fixing ring 23. This is a quite conventional design for a fluid dispenser of the sample type in the field of perfumery, or else cosmetics. For mainly aesthetic reasons, the distributor 2 has a substantially cylindrical configuration, and advantageously circular. The dispensing member 22 is here a pump, but it can very well replace this pump 22 by a simple plug or a sampling member or an applicator tip.

The distributor 2 is held in place on the card 1 by means of a connecting element 3, which is practically not visible on the figure 6 . One can simply notice two elastic arms 32 which serve as means removable attachment: these arms 32 being housed in the groove 24 of the distributor 2. The connecting element 3 will be described in more detail below.

The card 1, the dispenser 2 and the connecting element 3 form a complex packaging assembly which can find a preferred application in the field of perfume or cosmetic product samples. The dispenser performs a known function of storage and distribution of fluid product, while the card 1 fulfills a technical support function for the distributor, but also a function of presenting information relating to the origin and the nature of the dispenser . Of course, the card 1 also fulfills a major aesthetic function for the packaging assembly. The card 1 can support any form of indication, such as text, logo, image, colors, etc. The card 1 can be perfectly flat, or can form reliefs, cutouts, openings, slots, etc. to give an aesthetic appearance to the map.

It can be immediately noted that the distributor 2 is not inserted inside the card 1, but is instead arranged on the card 1 so that it is perfectly visible from different angles. As for the card 1, it has a very compact superimposed configuration, the three flaps 11, 12 and 13 being superimposed in contact with each other. The cumulative thickness of the card 1 in the folded state as shown in FIG. figure 6 is of the order of mm.

The card 1 which has been used to illustrate this particular embodiment of the present invention comprises three shutters 11, 12 and 13, as previously seen. However, without departing from the scope of the invention, the card 1 may comprise only two components, or even only one. We can totally imagine from the figure 6 that the first flap 11 is directly connected by a common joint edge to the second flap 12. It can also be imagined that the card 1 consists of only one flap formed by the three flaps glued together.

We will now refer to Figures 1 to 5 to describe in detail the structure and the dynamics of the card 1 associated with its connecting element 3, the distributor 2 being omitted for the sake of clarity and simplicity of the figures.

On the figure 1 it can be seen that the card 1 comprises three substantially rectangular planar flaps 11, 12 and 13 connected together in one piece. The first flap 11 is connected to the third flap 13 by a common hinge edge 14, while the second flap 12 is connected to the third flap 13 by another common hinge edge 15, as previously described. The third flap 13 thus constitutes the intermediate central flap on which are articulated the two lateral flaps 11 and 12, in the manner of a triptych. Thus, the first flap 11 comprises a free vertical lateral edge 114 and the second flap 12 also comprises a free vertical lateral edge 124. The flap 11 comprises an inner side 111 and an outer side 112. Similarly, the second flap 12 comprises an inner side 121 and an outer side 122. The third intermediate flap 13 also includes an inner side 131 and an outer side (not referenced since not visible in the figures). We understand easily from the figure 1 that the first flap 11 can pivot relative to the third flap 13 around an axis formed by the common hinge edge 14. Similarly, the second flap 12 can pivot about an axis constituted by the common edge articulation 15. Thus, the flaps 11 and 12 can be folded or folded on the central flap 13, or on the contrary be unfolded so as to have for example the three flaps 11, 12 and 13 in the same common plane. All sides of the shutters, or only some can be provided with indications of various kinds. The inner sides 111, 121 and 131 may for example comprise information texts, while the sides 112, and especially 122 can serve as a support for more aesthetic creations.

It can be seen that the second flap 12 comprises a cut-out 123 in the form of an elongate notch which opens out on the free vertical lateral edge 124. This is a particular non-limiting embodiment: indeed, a cutout similar can be made at another location of the flap 12, in particular away from its edges. However, the 123 cut opening on the free edge 124 is a preferred embodiment, the advantages of which will be visible below.

On the other hand, the first flap 11 comprises a window 113, which is not visible on the figure 1 but which is perfectly visible on Figures 2 to 5 . This window 113 presents in this particular embodiment an elongated rectangular shape similar to a slot. The window 113 is here disposed near the common joint edge 14, and in the upper part of the flap 11. In fact, the window 113 and the cutout 123 are arranged mutually relative to one another. such that they come into alignment with one another when the two flaps 11 and 12 are folded down on the flap 13, as is the case on the Figures 5 and 6 . It is understood that the positions of the cutout 123 and the window 113 are directly connected to one another. The window 113 could have been arranged near the free edge 114: in this case, the cutout 123 would have been positioned near the common joint edge 15.

As mentioned above, the packaging assembly comprises a connecting element 3 which is in the form of a part which is distinct from both the card 1 and the distributor 2. This connecting element 3 can for example be made by injection molding of suitable plastic material. The connecting piece 3 is preferably made in one piece. It comprises a base 31 from which projection means 32 are projected, which may for example be in the form of two arcuate arms which extend towards each other, but which do not meet, thus defining between a side access passage 34. The arms 32 define between them a housing 33 which will serve to receive the distributor 2. More specifically, the arms 32 enclose the distributor 2 at the groove 23 formed between the body of the distribution 22 and the fixing ring 23. The arcuate arms 32 are resilient, thus allowing the distributor to be inserted and extracted from the housing 33 by elastically separating the arms 32, which amounts to varying the size of the access passage lateral 34. The particular embodiment constituted by the two arcuate arms 32 should not be considered as limiting: indeed, one can imagine fixing means using another technique and thereby having another structural form. The arcuate arms 32 use a traditional reversible latching technique, allowing the distributor 2 to be removably attached. The distributor 2 can not only be removed from the housing 33, but can also be inserted again without damaging the tabs 32. As for the base 31, it is here in the form of a substantially flat round pellet. One can however imagine other forms for the base 31.

The connecting element 3, consisting of its base 31 and its fastening means 32, is attached to the card 1, at the window 113 of the first flap 11. The arms 32 are inserted through the window 13 from on the inner side 111, so that they finally protrude from the other outer side 112, as can be seen on the figure 2 . The connecting element 3 can thus be inserted through the window 113 until its base 31 comes into contact with the inner side 111, as can be seen on the figure 1 . The final mounting position is then reached in which the arcuate arms 32 project as far as possible from the plane defined by the outer side 112 of the flap 11. This is represented on the figure 2 . It may be noted that the housing 33 is entirely arranged on the side 112, only the root of the arms 32 being disposed at the level of the plane of the window 113. According to an advantageous optional feature, the maximum distance separating the two arms 32 is slightly greater than the width of the window 113, so that we can insert the arms 32 through the window 113 forcing somewhat. This ensures a maintenance of the connecting element 3 inside the window 113, thus making the subassembly card 1 / connecting element 3 captive. Of course, the base 31 must have dimensions such that it can not be passed through the window 113. Very simply, the base 31, here consisting of a round pellet, has a diameter greater than the dimension maximum of the window 113, in this case its width. One can still imagine other techniques or systems for securing the connecting element 3 on the flap 11. It can possibly be imagined that the arms 32 have profiles latching, preferably irreversible, cooperating for example with the edges of the window 113 to ensure a stable attachment, and advantageously permanent, the connecting element 3 inside the window 113. This could be expected two small grooves at the base of the arms 32 for receiving two opposite edges of the window 113.

Once the connecting element 3 and in place in the window 113 of the first flap 11, we can begin to fold the flaps 11 and 12 on the central flap 13, as seen on the figure 2 . We begin by folding the flap 11, while the flap 12 remains momentarily motionless. This operation continues until the flap 11 comes into contact with the flap 13, as shown in FIG. figure 3 . In this position, the base 31 is no longer visible, since disposed between the flap 11 and the flap 13. It is thus particularly advantageous to make the base 31 with a very small thickness so as not to prevent the superposition of the two flaps 11 and 13. The flap 12 can then be folded back onto the flap 11 as seen on the figure 4 . In the end, represented on the figure 5 , the shutter 12 is superimposed on the shutter 11, with the cut 123 receiving the arms 32 of the connecting element 3. It can also be said that the cutout 123 has been positioned on the window 113. It can then be noted that the free edge 124 of the flap 12 does not extend to the level of the common joint edge 14. On the contrary, the free edge 124 extends on the window 113, so that the arm 32 is located out of the cutout 123. Thus, the distributor 2 can be attached to the card 1 and fixed in the housing 33 between the arms 32 by passing through the lateral access passage 34. The distributor 2 covers the free edge 124 of the second shutter 12, as can be seen on the figure 6 . However, since the cut 123 is open on the edge 124, it is still possible to remove the flap 12 from below the dispenser 2 by sliding its edge 124 under the dispenser 2, bending the flap 12 slightly This still requires voluntary manipulation of the user. In other words, the flap 12 can not disengage from below the distributor 2 inadvertently or accidentally. The distributor 2 then performs a function of means for closing or blocking the card 1 in the closed state, by blocking the flap 12 under the distributor 2. When the distributor 2 is removed from the housing 33, it is then in the configuration shown in FIG. figure 5 and the flap 12 can freely be articulated by moving it away from the flap 11. Alternatively, it can be provided at the arm 32 included in the cutout 123 a small notch or notch for snap-fastening the flap 12 in the configuration represented on the figure 5 . The connecting element 3 then also performs a function of closing means, blocking or retaining the shutter 12 in the closed state.

This closure function or retaining function filled by the connecting element 3, alone or in collaboration with the distributor 2, can also be implemented on a card 1 comprising only two flaps hinged relative to each other around a common joint edge. By analogy with the embodiment shown in the figures, this could be the case by removing the flap 13 and directly connecting the flap 11 to the flap 12.

It is also possible to make a two-part hinged card from the three-panel card 11, 12 and 13 by gluing or welding the flap 11 on the flap 13. It can then be noted that the base 31 of the element liaison is definitely a prisoner, since it is wedged between the two parts, which then form only one.

The card 1 could possibly comprise only one flap, for example the flap 11, but in this case, the closure or retaining function is no longer implemented. One can very well imagine that the distributor 2 is directly reported on the flap 11.

Protection could be sought for the link element considered in isolation, that is to say independently of the card.

The connecting element 3 is fixed to the card through the window 113. However, it is conceivable to directly fix the base of the connecting element on the flap 11, for example by gluing or welding.

Thanks to the invention, it is easy to fix a dispenser on a single card or to fix a dispenser on a hinged flap card. further performing a function of closing or retaining the card in the closed position.

Claims (14)

1. A packaging assembly comprising:

   a card (1) comprising at least one panel (11, 12, 13);

   a fluid dispenser (2) comprising a fluid reservoir (21) and a fluid dispenser member (22) that is mounted on the reservoir;

   a connection element (3) fitted on the panel (11) of the card (1), the connection element (3) including fastener means (32), the dispenser (2) being engaged in the fastener means (32) for being held in removable manner on the card (1);
   wherein the panel (11) includes a window (113), the connection element (3) being fitted in the window (113), the connection element (3) includes a base (31), advantageously a flat base, of dimension that is greater than the dimension of the window (113), the fastener means (32) projecting from the base (31), the base being disposed on one side (111) of the panel (11) with the fastener means (32) passing through the window (113) in such a manner as to project from the other side (112) of the panel (11);
   the packaging assembly being characterized in that the fastener means (32) are inserted through the window (113) and present a dimension that is slightly greater than the dimension of the window (113), thereby holding the connection element (3) in the window (113), even in the absence of a dispenser (2).
2. A packaging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fastener means include two arms (32) having a maximum distance apart that is slightly greater than the width of the window (113), such that the arms (32) may be inserted through the window (113) by being forced a little.
3. A packaging assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fastener means include snap-fastener profiles that co-operate with edges of the window (113) so as to fasten the connection element (3) in stable manner inside the window (113).
4. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener means (32) form a housing (33) in which the dispenser (2) is received in removable manner.
5. A packaging assembly according to claim 4, wherein the housing (33) is elastically deformable and incudes a side access passage (34).
6. A packaging assembly according to any receding claim, wherein the card (1) comprises at least two panels (11, 12) that are hinged relative to each other in such a manner as to be capable of being superposed at least in part, namely a first panel (11) forming the window (113), and a second panel (12) defining a free site edge (124) that extends under the dispenser when the two panels are superposed, in such a manner as to hold them in the superposed position.
7. A packaging assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second panel (12) forms a cutout (123) through which the fastener means (32) of the connection element (3) pass when the two panels are superposed.
8. A packaging assembly according to claim 7, wherein the cutout (123) is formed at the free side edge (124) of the second panel (12), such that said cutout is open.
9. A packaging assembly according to claim 6, 7, or 8, wherein the card (1) includes a third panel (13) that is disposed between the first and second panels (11, 12), such that the first and second panels (11, 12) are hinged on the third panel (13) in such a manner as to be capable of superposing the three panels at least in part.
10. A packaging assembly according to claim 9, wherein the three panels are blocked in the superposed position by the dispenser that is held on the card by the connection element.
11. A packaging assembly according to claim 10, were the base is disposed between the first and third panels (11, 13).
12. A packaging assembly according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the panel (11) include two sheets that are connected together in the superposed position, the base (31) of the connection element being disposed between the two sheets.
13. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection element (3) is a part that is made by injection-molding a plastics material, the element comprising a disk-shaped flat base (31) from which there extend two resilient arms (32) that curve towards each other, forming between them a housing (33) for fastening the dispenser (2).
14. A packaging assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the dispenser includes an annular groove (24), the fastener means (32) being received in the groove (24), filling it at least in part.

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