FR3080840A1 - REMOVABLE INTERACTIVE COVER FOR CONTAINER - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a removable interactive cover (4) for containing, in particular for bottle-type container, comprising: • a source of electric current (6); A printed circuit board (8) connected to the electric power source (6); At least one emitter (10) of an interaction signal connected to the printed circuit (8). The cover (4) comprises spring means (12), a pusher (14) for triggering the interaction signal cooperating with the spring means (12), and a switch (16) connected to the printed circuit (8), in view of the pusher (14), and adapted to close or electrically open the printed circuit (8); the pusher (14) being configured to actuate the switch (16) by mechanical contact with the latter when the pusher (14) is pressed, so as to close or electrically open the printed circuit (8), allowing the circulation or breaking an electric current from the power source (6) to the emitter (10) of an interaction signal.

Description

Description

Title of the invention: INTERACTIVE REMOVABLE COVER FOR

CONTAINING

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a removable interactive cover for a container, in particular for a container of the vial type. The invention is however applicable for any type of container, for example jars of cosmetic product, bottles of wines and spirits, or even perfume bottles.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a cover and a bottle containing a product.

PRIOR ART In the field of removable covers for containers of the vial type, there is a need to obtain interactive effects triggered in the cover, for example in order to enhance the content of the container, to create a special atmosphere for the user, or to inform the same user.

To this end, it is known from patent document EP 1 724 204 A1 a removable interactive cover for a container, in particular for a bottle. The cover surrounds the neck of the bottle and includes an electric current source, a printed circuit connected to the electric current source, and an interaction signal transmitter connected to the printed circuit. The transmitter of an interaction signal can be a source of sound or light. Light or sound is triggered when a user unscrews the bottle cover, via an activation mechanism using conductive contact pins.

However, a disadvantage of such a removable interactive cover is that it does not activate the interaction signal when the cover is held on the container. Indeed, since the emission of the interaction signal is only triggered by unscrewing the cover, the activation of the interaction signal only allows to inform or create an effect for the user once the cover is detached from the container. Such a cover thus does not make it possible to enhance the content of the container, nor to create a particular atmosphere for the user when the cover is held on the container.

Another drawback of such a removable interactive cover is that it does not allow the user to easily perform the reversible action consisting in deactivating the interaction signal.

Summary of the Invention The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a removable interactive cover for a container, allowing a user to be able to activate the interaction signal when the cover is held on the container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a removable interactive cover for a container allowing a user to be able to activate or deactivate the interaction signal indifferently and easily.

To this end, the invention relates to a removable interactive cover for a container, of the bottle type, comprising:

a source of electric current (6);

a printed circuit (8) connected to the electric current source (6);

at least one transmitter (10; 52) of an interaction signal connected to the printed circuit (8);

comprising spring means (12), a pusher (14) for triggering the interaction signal cooperating with the spring means (12), and a switch (16) connected to the printed circuit (8), opposite the pusher (14 ), and able to electrically close or open the printed circuit (8); the pusher (14) being configured so as to actuate the switch (16) by mechanical contact with the latter when the pusher (14) is pressed, so as to close or open electrically the printed circuit (8), allowing circulation or cutting off an electric current from the electric current source (6) to the transmitter (10; 52) of an interaction signal.

Thanks to the presence of spring means, a push button for triggering the interaction signal cooperating with the spring means, and a switch connected to the printed circuit, opposite the push button, and capable of closing or electrically open the printed circuit, the user can advantageously activate the interaction signal when the cover is held on the container. This is particularly advantageous, especially in the case where the container is a perfume bottle or a jar of cosmetic product. Indeed, in these fields, it is particularly advantageous to be able to enhance the content of the container, and / or to create a particular atmosphere for the user when the cover is held on the container.

The pusher is configured so that, when the user presses the pusher, the pusher actuates the switch by mechanical contact with the latter. This actuation of the switch electrically closes or opens the printed circuit, allowing the flow or cut of an electric current from the electric current source to the transmitter of an interaction signal. Thus, to activate the emission of the interaction signal, the user makes a first press on the pusher, while to deactivate the emission of the interaction signal, the user makes a second successive press on the pusher. This has the advantage of being able to activate and deactivate the interaction signal indifferently and easily.

Particular forms of the cover are defined according to the invention.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the transmitter of an interaction signal is a light source, the interaction signal being a light signal.

Advantageously, the light source is a flexible light guide panel with light emitting diode, in particular with flat light emitting diode. This makes it possible to facilitate the positioning of the light source within the cover, while offering a reduced bulk and optimized performance for the light source.

According to a first variant of the first embodiment of the invention, the cover further comprises a protective shell provided with an upper opening and a lateral surface pierced with one or more patterns, the pusher actuation extending through the upper opening, and the light source extends inside the protective shell, at least partially facing the pattern or patterns. This allows the outside of the container to be lit when the cover is placed on the container, forming light patterns in the outside environment of the cover.

According to a second variant of the first embodiment of the invention, the light source is arranged in the cover so as to illuminate the interior of the container when the cover is placed on the container. This alternative embodiment allows a particularly effective development of the contents of the container, by illuminating the latter. A particular and spectacular aesthetic effect is thus obtained.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the transmitter of an interaction signal is a source of sound, the interaction signal being a sound signal.

Advantageously, according to this second embodiment, the printed circuit comprises storage means, and wireless communication means with an external device via a wireless network, connected to the storage means. This allows for example to download within the printed circuit, from the external device, a pre-recorded sound message, and to be able to store this message within the storage means. The audible message is then the interaction signal, and can be emitted via a loudspeaker or a built-in mini-speaker within the hood.

Advantageously, the cover further comprises means for closing the cover on the container, said closure means comprising at least one magnet, said magnet being intended to cooperate with a magnet of opposite polarity fixed on the container, for closing. from the cover to the container. This allows reliable, quick and easy closing of the cover on the container.

To this end, the invention also relates to an assembly comprising a bottle containing a product, as well as a cover as described above surrounding a means for diffusing the product contained in the bottle, the cover (4; 34 ; 50) being in accordance with any one of the preceding embodiments.

Brief Description of the Figures The aims, advantages and characteristics of the removable interactive cover according to the invention, as well as of the assembly comprising it, will appear better in the following description on the basis of at least one non-embodiment limiting illustrated by the drawings in which:

- [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a first assembly comprising a removable interactive cover according to a first variant of a first embodiment of the invention;

- [Fig · 2] is a view in longitudinal section of the removable interactive cover of FIG. 1, the cover comprising a printed circuit and a switch;

- [Fig. 3] is an enlarged view of the printed circuit and of the switch in FIG. 2;

- [Fig. 4] is a perspective view of a second assembly comprising a removable interactive cover according to a second variant of the first embodiment of the invention;

- [Fig. 5] is a view in longitudinal section of the removable interactive cover of FIG. 4; and

- [Fig. 6] is a longitudinal section view of a removable interactive cover according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention [0022] FIG. 1 represents an assembly 1 comprising a bottle 2 and a removable interactive cover 4 according to a first variant of a first embodiment of the invention. The bottle 2 contains a product and is provided with a means for diffusing the product. The cover 4 is placed on the bottle 2 and surrounds the means for diffusing the product. The cover 4 has for example a substantially cylindrical shape, although this is in no way limiting in the context of the present invention. Preferably, the bottle 2 is provided with at least one magnet on its upper surface, for example fixed on a pump cover of the bottle 2. Such a magnet is not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the cover 4 comprises an electric current source 6, a printed circuit 8, and a transmitter 10 of an interaction signal. The cover 4 further comprises spring means 12, a pusher 14 for triggering the interaction signal, and a switch 16. Preferably, the cover 4 also comprises a part 18 for supporting the source of electric current 6, of the circuit printed 8, of the transmitter 10 of an interaction signal and of the switch 16. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the cover 4 also includes a protective shell 20. More preferably, the cover 4 also comprises closing means comprising at least one magnet, such closing means not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. The magnet of the cover 4 is of opposite polarity to the magnet fixed on the bottle 2, and is able to cooperate with this magnet for closing the cover 4 on the bottle 2.

The electric current source 6 is connected to the printed circuit 8, and is for example received in an upper housing defined by the support part 18, bearing on a transverse portion 22 of the part 18. The electric current source 6 includes for example a battery or a solar battery. The cell is for example a flat cell having a nominal voltage of 3 V; a nominal capacity of 210 mAH; and a nominal current of 400 mA.

The printed circuit 8 is for example arranged on the electric current source 6, in the upper housing defined by the support part 18.

The transmitter 10 of an interaction signal is connected to the printed circuit 8. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the transmitter 10 is a light source, and the interaction signal is a light signal. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the light source 10 is a flexible light guide panel with light-emitting diode, in particular with flat light-emitting diode. According to the first variant of the first embodiment of the invention, the flexible light guide panel 10 is for example arranged on an outer periphery of the support piece 18, for example around the whole of a substantially vertical lateral surface of Exhibit 18.

The spring means 12 are for example formed of a helical compression spring fixed on the one hand on an upper surface of the printed circuit 8 and on the other hand on a lower surface 26 of the pusher 14. The spring means 12 are configured to exert an elastic stress on the pusher 14 upwards, away from the printed circuit 8. The spring means 12 are for example arranged in the upper housing defined by the support part 18.

The pusher 14 thus cooperates with the spring means 12. The pusher 14 is provided with a lower base 24 provided with a lower support surface 26. The pusher 14 extends through an upper opening 28 formed in the protective shell 20. The pusher 14 is for example made of a plastic material, in particular polypropylene (PP) or even acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

As shown in Figure 3, the switch 16 is connected to the printed circuit 8. The switch 16 is arranged opposite the pusher 14, more precisely opposite the lower base 24 of the pusher 14, as illustrated in Figure 2. Switch 16 is a two-state switch, for example a toggle switch. The switch 16 is capable, depending on its position and therefore its activation state, of closing and electrically opening the printed circuit 8. The pusher 14 is configured so as to actuate the switch 16 by mechanical contact with the latter when the pusher is pressed, so as to electrically close or open the printed circuit 8. Mechanical contact takes place in particular between the lower bearing surface 26 of the pusher 14 and the switch 16, when the pusher 14 is pressed and guided in the upper housing defined by the support piece 18. This allows the circulation or cutting of an electric current from the electric current source 6 to the light source 10. More specifically, to activate the emission of the light signal by the light source 10, the user makes a first press on the pusher 14, while to deactivate the emission of the light signal, the user performs a second successive press on pusher 14.

The support part 18 comprises an upper part 18A and an annular lower base 18B defining an external rim with the upper part 18A. The upper part 18A comprises an intermediate flat portion forming the transverse portion 22. The upper part 18A has for example a substantially cylindrical external shape. Seen in longitudinal section, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper part 18A has a shape substantially in "H", the upper recessed part of the "H" forming the upper housing defined by the support piece 18. The lower annular base 18B serves as a support for the light source 10.

Besides the upper opening 28, the protective shell 20 is provided with a lateral surface 30, for example a substantially cylindrical lateral surface 30. The protective shell 20 is typically made of a metallic material, for example aluminum. As visible in FIG. 1, the lateral surface 30 of the shell is pierced with several decorative patterns 32. The light source 10 extends inside the protective shell 20, at least partly opposite the patterns 32 so as to illuminate the exterior of the bottle 2. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source 10 extends between the protective shell 20 and the support part 18, around the whole of a substantially vertical lateral surface of the upper part 18A of the part 18. In this way a single light source 10 can advantageously illuminate all of the patterns 32.

4 shows an assembly 33 comprising a bottle 2 and a removable interactive cover 34 according to a second variant of the first embodiment of the invention. In this second variant of the first embodiment of the invention, the elements described with the same reference numbers as those of the first variant are identical to the latter and will therefore not be described in detail again.

The cover 34 is arranged on the bottle 2 and surrounds the means for diffusing the product. Preferably, the bottle 2 is provided with at least one magnet on its upper surface, for example fixed on a pump cover of the bottle 2. Such a magnet is not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the cover 34 comprises a source of electric current 6, a printed circuit 8, and a light source 10. The cover 34 further comprises spring means 12, a pusher 14 for triggering the interaction signal, and a switch 16. Preferably, the cover 34 also comprises a part 38 for supporting the electric current source 6, the printed circuit 8 and the switch 16; as well as a lower base 39. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the cover 34 also comprises a protective shell 40. More preferably, the cover 34 also comprises closing means comprising at least one magnet, of such closing means not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. The magnet of the cover 34 is of opposite polarity to the magnet fixed on the bottle 2, and is able to cooperate with this magnet for closing the cover 34 on the bottle 2.

Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 5, the light source 10 is a flexible light guide panel with light emitting diode, in particular with flat light emitting diode. According to the second variant of the first embodiment of the invention, the flexible light guide panel 10 is for example arranged on the lower base 39, in an internal housing 44 defined by the support part 38 and by the lower base 39, so as to illuminate the inside of the bottle

2. In fact, the lower base 39 is capable of letting the light pass at least partially, as will be detailed later. The flexible light guide panel 10 has, for example, according to this second variant, a ring shape.

The support part 38 comprises an upper part 38A and a lower part 38B. The upper part 38A comprises an intermediate flat portion forming the transverse portion 22. The upper part 38A has for example a substantially cylindrical external shape. Seen in longitudinal section, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper part 38A has a shape substantially in "H", the upper recessed part of the "H" forming an upper housing defined by the support piece 38. The lower part 38B longitudinally extends the upper part 38A on its outer surface. On its internal surface, the lower part 38B defines a lateral recess with the upper part 38A.

The lower base 39 is secured to an internal lateral surface of a lower end 46 of the support piece 38. The lower end 46 is located on the lower part 38B of the support piece 38. The lower base 39 for example has a ring shape. The lower base 39 is arranged in the lateral recess defined by the lower part 38B, and defines the internal housing 44 with the support piece 38. The internal housing 44 thus corresponds to a part of the lateral recess defined by the upper parts and lower 38A, 38B of the support piece 38.

The lower base 39 is capable of letting the light pass at least partially. In the illustrative example of FIG. 5, the lower base 39 is a translucent light diffuser. The translucent light diffuser 39 is for example made of glass, or else of a plastic material, in particular polypropylene (PP) or else polyethylene (PE). In a variant not shown, the lower base 39 consists of a block of material pierced with one or more patterns. The patterns are suitable for letting light through. According to this variant, the lower base 39 and the support part 38 are preferably made of one piece.

In addition to an upper opening 28, the protective shell 40 has no other opening. The protective shell 40 is for example of substantially cylindrical shape. The protective shell 40 is typically made of a metallic material, for example aluminum.

In operation, to activate the emission of the light signal by the light source 10 and thus illuminate the interior of the bottle 2, the user makes a first press on the pusher 14. To deactivate the emission of the light signal , the user makes a second successive press on the pusher 14.

Figure 6 shows a removable interactive cover 50 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The cover 50 is intended to be mounted on a container, for example a bottle. In this second embodiment of the invention, the elements described with the same reference numbers as those of the first embodiment are identical to the latter and will therefore not be described in detail again.

The cover 50 includes an electric current source 6, a printed circuit 8, and a transmitter 52 of an interaction signal. The cover 50 further comprises spring means 12, a pusher 14 for triggering the interaction signal, and a switch 16. Preferably, the cover 50 also comprises a part 54 for supporting the source of electric current 6, of the circuit printed 8, switch 16, and transmitter 52 of an interaction signal. More preferably, the cover 50 also comprises a protective shell 40. More preferably, the cover 50 also comprises closing means comprising at least one magnet, such closing means not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. The magnet of the cover 50 is of opposite polarity to a magnet fixed to the container, and is able to cooperate with this magnet for closing the cover 50 on the container.

The transmitter 52 of an interaction signal is connected to the printed circuit 8. According to the second embodiment of the invention, the transmitter 52 is a source of sound, and the interaction signal is a audible signal. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the sound source 52 is a mini-speaker. In a variant not shown, the sound source 52 can be a loudspeaker. In the illustrative example of FIG. 6, the sound source 52 is arranged under the electric current source 6, in an upper housing defined by the support piece 54.

Preferably, the printed circuit 8 includes storage means, and wireless communication means with an external device via a wireless network. Such means are not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. The wireless communication means are connected to the storage means. A user can thus download within the printed circuit, from the external device, a prerecorded sound message, and store this message within the storage means. Once stored in the storage means, the message can then be read by the sound source. The audio message thus becomes the interaction signal. The external device is for example a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone, provided with a specific dedicated application. The wireless network is for example a network conforming to the Wi-Fi protocol.

The support piece 54 comprises an intermediate flat portion forming the transverse portion 22. The support piece 54 has for example a substantially cylindrical outer shape. View in longitudinal section, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the support part 54 has a shape substantially in "H", the upper hollowed part of the "H" forming the upper housing defined by the support part 54.

In operation, to activate the emission of the sound signal by the sound source 52, the user makes a first press on the pusher 14. To deactivate the emission of the sound signal, the user makes a second successive press on pusher 14.

The first and second embodiments of the invention can also be combined. In this case, the cover has two interaction signal transmitters, namely a light source and a sound source. The emission of a light signal and the emission of a sound signal can then be combined.

The invention is applicable for any type of container and for any type of industry, for example for cosmetic product jars, bottles of wines and spirits, or even perfume bottles. The invention is also applicable in the pharmaceutical field, for example to inform children or the visually impaired of the dangerous nature of certain products. In this case, a sound or a light signal can be triggered and serve as information.

Claims (1)

claims [Claim 1] Removable interactive cover (4; 34; 50) for container (2), in particular for container (2) of the vial type, comprising: an electric current source (6); a printed circuit (8) connected to the electric current source (6); at least one transmitter (10; 52) of an interaction signal connected to the printed circuit (8); characterized in that it comprises spring means (12), a pusher (14) for triggering the interaction signal cooperating with the spring means (12), and a switch (16) connected to the printed circuit (8), opposite the pusher (14), and capable of electrically closing or opening the printed circuit (8); the pusher (14) being configured so as to actuate the switch (16) by mechanical contact with the latter when the pusher (14) is pressed, so as to close or open electrically the printed circuit (8), allowing circulation or cutting off an electric current from the electric current source (6) to the transmitter (10; 52) of an interaction signal. [Claim 2] Hood (4; 34) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitter (10) of an interaction signal is a light source, the interaction signal being a light signal. [Claim 3] Hood (4; 34) according to claim 2, characterized in that the light source (10) is a flexible light guide panel with light emitting diode, in particular with flat light emitting diode. [Claim 4] Hood (4) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the hood (4) further comprises a protective shell (20) provided with an upper opening (28) and a side surface (30) pierced with one or more patterns (32), the actuating pusher (14) extending through the upper opening (28), and in that the light source (10) extends inside the protective shell (20), at least partly opposite the pattern (s) (32) so as to illuminate the exterior of the container (2) when the cover (4) is disposed on the container (2). [Claim 5] Cover (34) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the light source (10) is arranged in the cover (34) so as to illuminate the interior of the container (2) when the cover (34) is arranged on the container (2). [Claim 6] Hood (34) according to claim 5, characterized in that the hood (34) further comprises a part (38) for supporting the current source electrical (6), the printed circuit (8) and the switch (16); as well as a lower base (39) secured to an internal lateral surface of a lower end (46) of the support piece (38), the lower base (39) defining an internal housing (44) with the support piece (38) and being able to let light pass at least partially, and in that the light source (10) extends on the lower base (39), in the internal housing (44), so as to illuminate the interior of the container (2) when the cover (34) is disposed on the container (2). [Claim 7] Hood (34) according to claim 6, characterized in that the lower base (39) is a translucent light diffuser. [Claim 8] Hood (34) according to claim 6, characterized in that the lower base (39) and the support part (38) have come in one piece, and in that the lower base (39) is pierced with one or more patterns . [Claim 9] Hood (50) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitter (52) of an interaction signal is a sound source, the interaction signal being a sound signal. [Claim 10] Hood (50) according to claim 9, characterized in that the printed circuit (8) comprises storage means, and means for wireless communication with an external device via a wireless network, connected to the storage means. [Claim 11] Hood (4; 34; 50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hood (4; 34; 50) further comprises means for closing the hood on the container (2), said closing means comprising at least one magnet, said magnet being intended to cooperate with a magnet of opposite polarity fixed on the container (2), for closing the cover (4; 34; 50) on the container (2). [Claim 12] Assembly (1; 33) comprising a bottle (2) containing a product, as well as a cover (4; 34; 50) surrounding a means for diffusing the product contained in the bottle (2); characterized in that the cover (4; 34; 50) conforms to any one of the preceding claims. 1/3