WO2012175422A1

WO2012175422A1 - Kit for assembling a packaging device for a cosmetic accessory and associated assembly method

Info

Publication number: WO2012175422A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/061439
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marine Roualdes
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2011-06-20
Filing date: 2012-06-15
Publication date: 2012-12-27
Also published as: FR2976462A1; FR2976462B1

Abstract

This kit comprises a first panel (16) defining a cavity (30) for receiving a cosmetic accessory (14) and a second panel (18) comprising a filled area to be positioned facing the cavity (30); It comprises means (21 A) for assembling the first panel (16) on the second panel (18), the assembly means (21 A) being intended to be mounted between the first panel (16) and the second panel (18). The first panel (16) and the second panel (18) are separated from each other. The assembly means (21 A) are inactive and are suitable for being activated by a user to assemble the packaging device (12).

Description

Kit for assembling a packaging device for a cosmetic accessory and associated assembly method

The present invention relates to a kit for assembling a packaging device for a cosmetic accessory, the kit comprising:

- a first panel defining a cavity for receiving a cosmetic accessory;

- a second panel comprising a filled area intended to be positioned facing the cavity;

- means for assembling the first panel on the second panel, the assembly means being intended to be mounted between the first panel and the second panel.

Such a kit is intended to be assembled by a user to form, for example, a case for receiving a cosmetic accessory, the cosmetic accessory possibly being a cosmetic product and/or an applicator and/or a cosmetic treatment tool.

A "cosmetic product" is particularly a product such as that defined in Council directive 93/35/EEC dated June 14, 1993.

A cosmetic product applicator generally has an active part intended to come into contact with a user's skin or keratin fibers for the application of the product. A cosmetic treatment tool is, for example, a nail file or a massage roller.

In particular, the packaging device intended to be assembled using the kit according to the invention is a makeup case containing a block of makeup product and, optionally, a tool for applying makeup on a user's skin.

FR 2 937 017 describes a packaging device of this type. This known device comprises a first fixed panel defining a housing, a second movable panel sealing the first panel, and a third panel acting as an extractable drawer from the first panel.

The panels are, for example, made from a cardboard paper base and are assembled together by hinges mounted between the panels.

This device is not completely satisfactory. Indeed, this device is supplied to the user assembled and is thus not suitable for customization by the user, particularly if the user wishes to obtain a specific shape, or a specific design. Moreover, the amount of adhesive required for the assembly of the device is large, which increases the weight and cost thereof and is liable to give rise to environmental constraints when the device is disposed of.

EP 928 745 also describes a container suitable for assembly by a user.

One aim of the invention is that of providing a kit for obtaining a packaging device for a cosmetic product, the device being suitable for easy customization by a user, while offering a lower cost. A further aim of the invention is that of providing kit for producing a light-weight packaging device suitable for easy disposal in compliance with environmental constraints.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a kit as described above, characterized in that the first panel and the second panel are separated from each other, the assembly means being inactive and being suitable for being activated by a user to assemble the packaging device.

The kit according to the invention may comprise one or several of the following features taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

- it comprises a part for sealing the cavity defined by the first panel, and breakable connection means between the sealing part and the first panel suitable for being broken by the user to open the cavity,

- the cavity of the first panel is opened,

- the cavity passes through the first panel between an upper surface of the first panel and a lower surface of the first panel,

- the kit comprises a support bearing the first panel and the second panel, and releasable means for attaching the first panel and the second panel on the support,

- the support comprises housings for receiving the first panel and the second panel having complementary inner contours with respect to the outer contour of the first panel and the outer contour of the second panel, respectively, at least one surface of the first panel and the second panel advantageously being flush with a surface of the support,

- one of the first panel and the second panel comprises a hinge defining a first area of one of the first panel and the second panel to be attached to the other of the first panel and second panel and a second area for forming a movable flap for sealing the cavity defined by the first panel,

- it comprises a member for closing the second area in a position for sealing the cavity,

- the kit comprises a third panel to be assembled on one of the first panel and the second panel and auxiliary means for assembling the third panel on one of the first panel and the second panel, the auxiliary assembly means being intended to be mounted between the third panel and one of the first panel and the second panel,

- the means for assembling the first panel on the second panel comprise an adhesive film having a first adhesive surface to be attached onto the first panel and a second adhesive surface to be attached to the second panel,

- the adhesive film is mounted on one of the first panel and the second panel when the first panel and the second panel are separated from each other, - the assembly means comprise a releasable closer covering at least one of the first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface when the assembly means are inactive.

- at least one of the first panel and the second panel, advantageously each of the first panel and the second panel, are made from a cellulose material, such as cardboard,

- it comprises a cosmetic accessory to be received in the cavity defined by the first panel,

- the assembly means are to be mounted between the first panel and the second panel to keep at least one area of the first panel permanently immobile with respect to an area of the second panel.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a packaging device for a cosmetic accessory, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

- supply of a kit like that defined above;

- activation of the assembly means by the user;

- arrangement of the first panel on the second panel to position the cavity defined by the first panel facing the filled area defined by the second panel, and

- attachment of the first panel on the second panel by assembly means.

The invention will be better understood after reading the following description given solely as an example with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a top view of a first kit according to the invention for assembling a packaging device;

- Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a support bearing a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel intended to form the packaging device;

- Figure 3 is a view of the first panel, after separating the support;

- Figure 4 is a similar view to Figure 3 of the second panel;

- Figure 5 is a similar view to Figure 3 of the third panel;

- Figure 6 is a top view of the packaging device assembled using the kit in Figure

1 ; and

- Figure 7 is a sectional view along plane VII-VII in Figure 6;

Figures 1 to 7 illustrate a first kit 10 for assembling a packaging device 12 for a cosmetic accessory 14, where the assembled device 12 is shown in Figure 6.

As illustrated in Figure 1 , the kit 10 comprises a first panel 16, a second panel 18 separated from the first panel 16, intended to be assembled on the first panel 16, and, advantageously, a third panel 20 intended also to be assembled on the first panel 16.

The kit 10 may optionally comprise other panels. The kit 10 further comprises means 21 A for assembling the first panel 16 on the second panel 18, and additional means 21 B for assembling the third panel 20 on the first panel 16, when the third panel 20 is present.

In the example shown in Figure 1 , the kit 10 comprises a support 22, whereon the first panel 16, the second panel 18 and the third panel 20, a member 24 for closing the device 12 and one or more cosmetic accessories 14 represented schematically in Figure 1 are releasably attached.

In one particular embodiment, the support 22, the panels 16, 18, 20, the assembly means 21 A, 21 B, the closing member 24 and the or each accessory 14 are received in common packaging 26 represented schematically with dotted lines in Figure 1 .

The first panel 16 is formed of a flat body 28 defining at least one first cavity 30 intended to form a housing for receiving a cosmetic accessory 14.

The term "flat body" particularly indicates that the thickness of the body is less than 5% of the other dimensions thereof, particularly of the minimum transverse span thereof. In one example, the thickness of the body is approximately 1 mm, and the case will be at least 20 mm long.

The cavity 30 is through. It extends through the thickness of the body 28 and opens into the upper surface and into the lower surface of the body 28.

In the example shown Figure 1 , when the first panel 16 is mounted on the support 22, a sealing part 32 seals the cavity. The part 32 is connected to the body 28 via breakable connection means (not shown) suitable for being cut by the user to open the cavity 30.

In one alternative embodiment not shown, the cavity 30 is fully opened when the first panel 16 is mounted on the support 22.

The second panel 18 is independent from the first panel 16. It is arranged completely separate from the first panel 16.

The span of the first panel 16 is less than 50% of the span of the second panel 18.

Like the first panel 16, the second panel 18 consists of a flat body 40. The flat body 40 of the second panel 18 advantageously has the same thickness as the flat body 28 of the first panel 16.

The flat body 40 comprises a first area 42 intended to be attached to the first panel 16 and a second movable area 44 intended to be suitable for movement with respect to the first area 42 and with respect to the first panel 16 to seal the first panel 16. The flat body 40 further comprises an intermediate area 46 acting as a hinge. The first area 42 defines at least one filled area intended to be positioned facing the cavity 30 to continuously seal same in a first direction when the first panel 16 is attached to the second panel 18.

In this example, the first area 42 further defines a first slot 48 for inserting the closing member 24.

The second area 44 has a span substantially equal to that of the first area 42.

The second area 44 is filled, with the exception optionally of a second slot 50 for inserting the closing member 24 arranged in the vicinity of the periphery thereof.

As seen hereinafter, when the first area 42 is attached under the first panel 16, the second area 44 forms a movable flap between a position for accessing the contents of each housing, and a position for sealing the or each housing.

The intermediate area 46 comprises at least one transverse hinge 52A, 52B.

In the example shown in Figure 1 , the intermediate region 46 comprises two parallel hinges 52A, 52B. The hinges 52A, 52B are formed for example by a local reduction of the thickness of the body 40.

The third panel 20 has a similar contour to that of the first panel 16.

It consists of a flat body 60 defining a first cavity 62 intended to be positioned facing the first cavity 30 of the first panel 16 and, advantageously, a second cavity 64 intended to be positioned facing a filled area of the first panel 16.

The flat body 60 of the third panel 20 has substantially the same thickness as the flat body 28 of the first panel 16 and as the flat body 40 of the second panel 18.

In this example, each cavity 62, 64 is through. Each cavity 62,64 thus opens into an upper surface and into a lower surface of the body 60.

When the third panel 20 is attached to the support 22, each cavity 62, 64 is sealed by a sealing part 66A, 66B, having a complementary shape to that of the cavity 62, 64, respectively. Each sealing part 66A, 66B is connected to the body 60 by breakable connection means (not shown).

In an alternative embodiment, the cavities 62, 64 are opened.

The assembly means 21 A and the auxiliary assembly means 21 B each consist of an adhesive film 70, shown in figure 7. The adhesive film 70 comprises, in a known manner, a self-supporting support 72 having a first adhesive upper surface 74 and a second adhesive surface 76.

In the kit 10 shown in Figure 1 , the assembly means 21 A between the first panel 16 and the second panel 18 are attached to one of the first panel 16 and the second panel 18, without being attached to the other of the first panel 16 and the second panel 18. The means 21 A comprise for example an adhesive film 70 having a first adhesive surface 74 applied on a surface of the first panel 16.

In the kit 10, the assembly means 21 A are inactive. In particular, a peel-off closer removably covers the second adhesive surface 76 of the film 70 when the first panel 16 is attached to the support 22.

The assembly means 21 A are suitable for being activated by the user of the kit 10 to release the second adhesive surface 76, so as to assemble said surface 76 on the second panel 18. This activation is carried out by removing the peel-off closer and releasing the second surface 76.

In one alternative embodiment, the adhesive surface 76 is uncovered in the kit 10.

It is then suitable for activation by applying an external energy source, such as a light source or a heat source.

In a further alternative embodiment, the assembly means 21 A are completely independent from each panel, and particularly from the first panel 16 and the second panel 18. When these assembly means 21 A consist of an adhesive film 70, the film 70 comprises peel-off closers covering each of the adhesive surfaces 74, 76 and thus forms an adhesive label.

The film 70 has a low thickness, for example less than 0.8mm. Moreover, this thickness is less than the minimum thickness of each panel 16, 18, 20. This makes it possible to limit the amount of adhesive required for assembling the device 12.

The auxiliary assembly means 21 B consist of an adhesive film 70 similar to that described for the first assembly means 21 A. They are advantageously pre-assembled on the third panel 20 via the adhesive surface 24 thereof.

In one alternative embodiment, the assembly means comprise a liquid or solid adhesive, suitable for activation during assembly. Once activated, the liquid or solid adhesive is applied on the first panel 16 and/or the second panel 18 and/or the third panel to prevent separation between the panels.

In this example, the closing member 24 consists of a strap intended to be inserted into the respective slots 48, 50 to keep the area movable in the sealing position thereof.

The or each cosmetic accessory 14 may be chosen from a cosmetic product, an applicator and/or a cosmetic treatment tool, or a mirror. In the example shown in Figure 1 , the kit 10 comprises at least one cosmetic product 80, advantageously received in a receptacle 82, and at least one applicator 84 intended for the application of the product The support 22 consists of a base 90 in plate form defining a plurality of housings 92A, 92B, 92C for receiving the first panel 16, the second panel 18 and the third panel 20, respectively.

The support 22 further comprises breakable connection means (not shown) between the base 90 and each of the panels 16, 18, 20.

In this example, each housing 92A, 92B, 92C has an inner contour similar to the outer contour of the respective panel 16, 18, 20 received therein.

Advantageously, the housings 92A, 92B, 92C pass through the base 90. The base 90 has substantially the same thickness as each of the panels 16, 18, 20.

In this way, at least one surface of the support 22, advantageously both surfaces of the support 22 are flush with at least one surface of each panel 16, advantageously both surfaces of each panel 16, 18, 20.

In one particular embodiment, the support 22 and the panels 16, 18, 20 form a single piece. The panels 16, 18, 20 are formed in the support 22 by cutting, keeping material bridging between the base 90 of the support 22 and each panel 16, 18, 20.

Advantageously, the panels 16, 18, 20 and the support 22 are made of a cellulose material.

The term "cellulose material" refers to a material comprising at least 1 % cellulose fibers by mass, particularly more than 10% cellulose fibers by mass. The cellulose material is cardboard, for example.

In one alternative embodiment, the support and each of the panels 16, 18, 20 consist of a plastic material, particularly a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) polymer.

Advantageously, the kit 10 further comprises decorative layers, intended to be applied on surfaces of the first panel 16, second panel 18, or third panel 20 visible to the user after assembling the device 12.

A method for assembling a packaging device 12 for a cosmetic accessory 14, using the kit 10 will now be described.

Initially, the kit 10 is supplied.

The user opens the packaging 26, if present. The user then detaches each of the panels 16, 18, 20, to render same independent from the support 22, and independent from each other so as to be suitable for free movement with respect to each other.

If the sealing parts 32, 66A, 66B are present, the user detaches same from the respective panels 16, 20 to which they are attached, so as to release the first cavity 30 completely from the first panel 16, and each cavity 62, 64 from the second panel 18. The user then activates the assembly means 21 A between the first panel 16 and the second panel 18. For this purpose, in the particular example described above, the user removes the peel-off closer to release the adhesive surface 76, and then applies the adhesive surface 76 on the fixed area 42 of the second panel 18, thus attaching the first panel 16 to the second panel 18.

In this configuration, the cavity 30 is sealed in a first direction (downwards in figure 7) by the filled area of the first area 42. It opens into a second direction opposite the first direction (upwards in Figure 7).

If the connection member 24 is present, the user inserts same between the first panel 16 and the second panel 18 and engages the ends of the connection member 24 through the first slot 48 and the second slot 50, respectively.

Then, if a third panel 20 is present, the user activates the auxiliary assembly means 21 B. In the example described above, the user thus releases the peel-off closer present on the second adhesive surface 76 of the film 70 attached to the third panel 20 and applies the second adhesive surface 76 on the first panel 16.

The first cavity 62 defined by the third panel 20 is arranged facing the first cavity 32 defined by the first panel 16. The user also positions the second cavity 64 of the third panel 20 facing a filled area of the first panel 16.

In this way, the cavities 30, 62 form a first housing 100 for receiving a first cosmetic accessory and the cavity 64 forms a second housing 102 for receiving a second cosmetic accessory. Each of the housings 100, 102 opens at the top and is sealed at the bottom in a second direction in Figure 7.

In the particular example in Figure 7, the first housing 100 has a height greater than that of the second housing 102.

The user then optionally applies a decorative layer on the outer surface 104 of the second panel 18 and optionally on the upper surface 106 of the third panel 20.

The user then places the or each accessory 14 in a suitable housing 100, 102. For example, the user places the cosmetic product 80 received in the receptacle 82 in the housing 102 and the applicator 84 in the housing 100.

The user then closes the device 12 again by moving the movable portion 44 with respect to the fixed portion 42 about the intermediate portion 46 acting as a hinge.

The invention described above thus provides a kit 10 suitable for easy assembly and customizable as required by the user, a device 12 for packaging a cosmetic product. The user can thus adapt the shape of the device 12 to be obtained and the decoration thereof according to preferences. Since the device 12 advantageously consists of cardboard and a thin adhesive film, the amount of adhesive required to assemble the device 12 is small, reducing the cost and weight thereof and enabling recycling of the device 12.

Such a device is advantageously suitable for use for packaging a variety of cosmetic products, such as solid makeup products, particularly compact powders (in single or multiple trays, or a patch for poured gloss), and the applicators required to remove the product.

More generally, the number of independent panels 16, 18, 20 contained in the kit 10, prior to the assembly of the device 12 may be variable, and the shape and thickness thereof.

The terms "one", "two" and "three", etc. should be understood as meaning at least "one", "at least two", "at least three", unless mentioned otherwise.

Claims

1 .- Kit (10) for assembling a packaging device (12) for a cosmetic accessory (14) comprising:

- a first panel (16) defining a cavity (30) for receiving a cosmetic accessory (14); - a second panel (18) comprising a filled area intended to be positioned facing the cavity (30);

- means (21 A) for assembling the first panel (16) on the second panel (18), the assembly means (21 A) being intended to be mounted between the first panel (16) and the second panel (18), characterized in that the first panel (16) and the second panel (18) are arranged separated from each other, the assembly means (21 A) being inactive and being suitable for being activated by a user to assemble the packaging device (12), and in that it comprises a support (22) bearing the first panel (16) and the second panel (18), and releasable means for attaching the first panel (16) and the second panel (18) on the support (22).

2.- Kit (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a part (32) for sealing the cavity (30) defined by the first panel (16), and breakable connection means between the sealing part (32) and the first panel (16) suitable for being broken by the user to open the cavity (30).

3. - Kit (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the cavity (30) of the first panel (16) is opened.

4. - Kit (10) according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the cavity (30) passes through the first panel (16) between an upper surface of the first panel (16) and a lower surface of the first panel (16).

5. - Kit (10) according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the support (22) comprises housings (92A, 92B) for receiving the first panel (16) and the second panel

(18) having complementary inner contours with respect to the outer contour of the first panel (16) and the outer contour of the second panel (18), respectively, at least one surface of the first panel (16) and the second panel (18) advantageously being flush with a surface of the support (22).

6.- Kit (10) according to any of the above claims, characterized in that one of the first panel (16) or the second panel (18) comprises a hinge defining a first area (42) of one of the first panel (16) and the second panel (18) to be attached to the other of the first panel (16) and the second panel (18) and a second area (44) for forming a movable flap for sealing the cavity (30) defined by the first panel (16)

7.- Kit (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a member (24) for closing the second area (44) in a position for sealing the cavity (30).

8. - Kit (10) according to any of the above claims, characterized in that it comprises a third panel (20) to be assembled on one of the first panel (16) or the second panel (18) and auxiliary means (21 B) for assembling the third panel (20) on one of the first panel (16) and the second panel (18), the auxiliary assembly means (21 B) being intended to be mounted between the third panel (20) and one of the first panel (16) and the second panel (18).

9. - Kit (10) according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the means (21 A) for assembling the first panel (16) on the second panel (18) comprise an adhesive film (70) having a first adhesive surface (74) to be attached onto the first panel (16) and a second adhesive surface (76) to be attached to the second panel (18).

10. - Kit (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the adhesive film (70) is mounted on one of the first panel (16) and the second panel (18) when the first panel (16) and the second panel (18) are separated from each other,

1 1 . - Kit (10) according to any of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the assembly means (21 A) comprise a releasable closer covering at least one of the first adhesive surface (74) and the second adhesive surface (76) when the assembly means (21 A) are inactive.

12. - Kit (10) according to any of the above claims, characterized in that at least one of the first panel (16) and the second panel (18), advantageously each of the first panel (16) and the second panel (18), are made from a cellulose material, such as cardboard.

13. - Kit according to any of the above claims, characterized in that it comprises a cosmetic accessory (14) intended to be received in the cavity (30) defined by the first panel (16).

14.- Method for assembling a packaging device (12) for a cosmetic accessory (14), characterized in that it comprises the following step:

- supply of a kit (10) according to any of the above claims;

- activation of the assembly means (21 A) by the user;

- arrangement of the first panel (16) on the second panel (18) to position the cavity (30) defined by the first panel (16) facing the filled area defined by the second panel (18), and

- attachment of the first panel (16) on the second panel (18) by assembly means

(21 A).