WO2020178132A1

WO2020178132A1 - Container having discontinuous closure reliefs

Info

Publication number: WO2020178132A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/055140
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolas Albisetti
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2019-03-05
Filing date: 2020-02-27
Publication date: 2020-09-10
Also published as: FR3093508B1; FR3093508A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cosmetic packaging and dispensing device (10) having a longitudinal axis X, comprising a container (12) containing a product and a cover (14) which is removably disposed on the container (12). The container comprises at least two isolated, protruding locking reliefs (4) capable of cooperating with two complementary protruding engagement reliefs (5) provided on the cover.

Description

Title: CONTAINER WITH DISCONTINUOUS CLOSURE RELIEFS

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of containers for packaging products and, more particularly, those intended to contain cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermato-pharmaceutical products.

By "cosmetic product" is meant a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of November 30, 2009 relating to cosmetic products.

An interesting application of the invention relates to the packaging of a product of pasty, viscous or fluid consistency, in particular in the form of a cream, an ointment, a balm, a gel, a mousse, etc.

Prior art

In the cosmetics field, it is relatively widespread to use a container in the form of a cylindrical jar for packaging this type of product insofar as it allows easy access to the product contained, in particular when it comes to taking a sample. the product directly with the fingers. In addition, due to the wide opening which characterizes such a container, it is possible to completely empty it.

Such containers typically have a capacity of between 30 and 150 milliliters. In addition, this type of container is generally made in one piece by molding a plastic material, for example polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). This type of plastic promotes the sliding of the container when it is held in the hand by the user, especially when the latter has wet hands.

Usually, the lid is screwed onto the container. Unscrewing can be complicated, especially for older people. There is a need to provide such easily, effortlessly opening containers without a continuous helical thread.

Lids are known from EP0900748 for removably covering a container comprising at least one notch carried by an elastically deformable part capable of crossing a snap-off edge of the container, in response to a force exerted on the cover along the longitudinal axis of the cover. . However, this type of assembly is more suited to the field of aerosols, or other spraying devices. Indeed, this type of assembly is not sufficiently safe to be used for fluid cosmetics or in powder form.

Bayonet-closing makeup devices are also known as described in patent application EP1847254 or EP2358345. However, this type of closure also requires a significant effort on the part of the user who must push and lift the cover.

There is a need to provide devices which can enclose such products, which can easily be opened or closed.

Disclosure of the invention

The subject of the invention is a cosmetic device for packaging and dispensing with a longitudinal axis X comprising a container containing a product and a cover removably disposed on the container, the container comprising at least two protruding isolated blocking reliefs capable of cooperate with two complementary isolated protruding engagement reliefs provided on the cover, between a closed position of the container in which the blocking relief blocks a movement of the cover by abutting against the engagement relief and an open position of the container in which the blocking relief is released from the engagement relief and, in the closed position of the lid, each blocking relief is in contact with a single engagement relief.

Preferably, the blocking reliefs are provided on a side wall of the container. Thus, the closure is better assured.

Preferably, the blocking reliefs are placed on an outer face of a side wall of the container. As a result, the blocking reliefs are separated from the cosmetic composition.

Preferably, the complementary engagement reliefs are provided on a cover fixing skirt. Thus, the closure is better assured.

Preferably, the complementary engagement reliefs are placed on an internal face of a cover fixing skirt. Contact with the cosmetic composition is reduced.

The structure of the blocking and engagement reliefs according to the invention has the effect of making it easier to hold, close and open the container. Indeed, as the reliefs are discontinuous, the effort to be provided is less than for conventional threads for example or for bayonet systems. In addition, due to the net positioned obliquely according to certain particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention, the cover can rise by itself when opening and sinks by itself when closing, which clearly facilitates assembly and disassembly. Such a device may especially be suitable for older people.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising the operations consisting in:

(a) Provide a device according to any one of the preceding claims,

(b) Optionally, hold the container with one hand and the lid with the other hand,

(c) Unscrew the cover by rotating around the longitudinal axis X,

(d) Lift the lid away from the container.

Preferably, the operation (c) of unscrewing the cover is carried out in a quarter turn or less.

Summary of the invention

By "longitudinal axis of a part" is meant the line joining all of the bary centers of the cross sections of the part.

The expression "axis W" denotes a longitudinal axis W.

A "cross section of an A-axis part" is a section perpendicular to the A-axis of the part.

"The side wall widens as the container and lid move closer together" means that in cross section, the average maximum sidewall width increases as the container is closed by the lid.

"The side wall decreases in height under the effect of the container and the lid coming closer" means that the average maximum height of the side wall, measured along the X axis, is reduced when the lid is closed. Two "isolated" reliefs are two consecutive reliefs separated from each other by a space or by a spacing. Two isolated reliefs are distant from each other.

Preferably, the device according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination:

Each complementary relief extends along a non-helical longitudinal axis Z. Manufacturing is simplified by not requiring precise measurements of the screw thread on the container.

Each blocking relief extends along a non-helical longitudinal axis Y. Manufacturing is simplified by not requiring precise measurements of the screw threads on the cover.

At least one blocking relief is of different shape from at least one complementary engagement relief 5. The engagement between the reliefs is more easily detachable.

- In the closed position of the container, the longitudinal axis Y of a projecting blocking relief and the longitudinal axis Z of a complementary engagement relief cooperating with the blocking relief extend in different directions. The container opens with less effort.

- The side wall and the fixing skirt are free from cutouts able to engage with a blocking relief or with an engagement relief. The manufacturing cost is reduced.

- The separation pitch between two consecutive projecting blocking reliefs measured around the longitudinal axis X is greater than or equal to 10 °, and preferably greater than or equal to 12 °, and more preferably still greater than or equal to 15 °. These separation steps optimize the device in terms of its manufacture and handling.

- At least one of the longitudinal axis Y of a projecting blocking relief or of the longitudinal axis of a complementary engagement relief extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the device. A spring effect occurs as a result of this positioning of the axis facilitating the detachment of the cover.

- At least one of the longitudinal axis of a projecting blocking relief or of the longitudinal axis of a complementary engagement relief elongates parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The gesture is natural for the user.

- At least one of the blocking relief or of the engagement relief extends over an angular extent a around the longitudinal axis X less than or equal to 25 °, preferably less than or equal to 15 °, and more preferably still less than or equal to 5 °. This angular extent is optimal for better closing and sealing of the device.

It has between 4 and 30 engagement reliefs, 4 and 20 being included and preferably between 6 and 20 engagement reliefs, 6 and 18 being included and more preferably between 8 and 16 engagement reliefs, 8 and 16 being included . This number is optimal to facilitate manufacture while ensuring good handling.

- The cover is provided with a sealing system comprising a side wall provided with an elastically deformable material, the side wall widening under the effect of the container and the cover being brought together, forming a seal coming into contact with the container in the closed position of the container. This system acts as a spring to lift the cover.

- At least one of the protruding isolated blocking reliefs or of the protruding isolated complementary engagement reliefs is elongated along a longitudinal axis and has a base of cross section, in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, oblong, circular, oval, square, triangular or parallelepiped. The closure of the device is better assured.

- The isolated protruding blocking reliefs are regularly spaced and the complementary isolated projecting engagement reliefs are regularly spaced. The device is more airtight.

- The height of the protruding isolated blocking reliefs and of the protruding isolated complementary engagement reliefs is between 0.05 and 5 mm, in particular between 1 and 3 mm. The grip between the reliefs is better. - At least one of the blocking relief or the engagement relief comprises a tab, a claw, a notch, a ramp, a lug, a thread, a tooth, a stud, a claw or a projection. These reliefs are suitable for rapid unscrewing.

It has as many blocking reliefs as engagement reliefs. The device is easier to open.

It has 4, 8 or 16 engagement reliefs. This number is optimal for an airtight and easy closure.

It has an anti-rotation system to prevent accidental opening of the container. The device is secure.

- The blocking relief is integral with the container and the engagement relief is integral with the lid. Manufacturing is simplified.

- The cover includes an elastically compressible gasket facilitating the passage from the closed position to the open position. Opening is made easier.

Brief description of the drawings

[Figure 1] is a perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention, and

[Figure 2] is a perspective view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

[Figure 3] is a longitudinal sectional view of a device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[Figure 4] is a perspective view of a longitudinal section of a device according to Figure 3,

[Figure 5] is a perspective view of detail A of Figure 3.

detailed description

In Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a device 10 according to the invention, intended for packaging a cosmetic product.

The cosmetic product can be in pasty, viscous or fluid form and can in particular be a cream, an ointment, a balm, a gel, a moisturizing lotion, a foundation, an concealer, an eye shadow, an anti-eye cream. -age or deodorant. The device 10 comprises a storage container 12 and a cover 14 removably attached to the container between a closed position of the container and an open position. The container 12 and the cover 14 can be configured to promote an ergonomic grip of the container 10 by the user.

The container 12 is made in one piece, advantageously by molding a plastic material, for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

The device 10 extends along a longitudinal geometric X axis.

The container 12 comprises an internal wall 16 internally delimiting an internal reservoir 18 for storing the cosmetic product. The reservoir 18 is closed by the cover 14. The internal wall 16 of the receptacle comprises an annular axial skirt 161 and a bottom 162 extending a lower end of said skirt.

The container 12 also includes peripheral outer skirt 200 surrounding the inner wall 16 and forming a covering skirt for the container 12. The outer skirt 200 here has an annular shape in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

The outer skirt 200 of the container has a frustoconical shape widening out towards the end face 203. The outer skirt 200 has a radial thickness, for example of the order of a few millimeters. Given its small radial thickness, the outer skirt 200 of the container can be elastically deformable in the radial direction. Moreover, the outer skirt 200 could be split in the circumferential direction, which would increase its deformability.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer skirt 200 has a circular cross section. Alternatively, it could be possible to provide a polygonal section, in particular a square section, or else an oval section, etc. Similarly, the inner wall 16 may alternatively have a section other than a circular cross section.

The container 12 also comprises a neck 22 delimiting an opening for access to the reservoir 18 from the internal wall. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the outer skirt 200 of the container has a stepped shape and delimits an annular outer shoulder 19 oriented towards the cover 14 and forming a stop therefor. As a variant, it is possible to provide an outer skirt 200 of substantially constant diameter. The cover 14, of longitudinal axis X, comprises an upper front end wall 30 and an annular peripheral skirt 32 extending said wall. The skirt 32 axially extends an edge of large diameter of the end wall 30. The skirt 32 of the cover may have an annular shape.

To promote the ergonomics of handling the cover 14, the peripheral skirt 32 of the cover may have a frustoconical shape widening out on the side opposite to the container 12. For this purpose, the upper end wall 30 of the cover may be of convex shape.

The container 12 and the cover 14 can each be made in one piece, advantageously by molding a plastic material, for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.

In FIG. 1, the neck 22 of the container 12 is provided on the outside with sixteen lugs 4 regularly spaced around the longitudinal axis X for fixing the cover 14 on the container 12. In the example shown, the neck 22 forms a wall. side 61 of the container, the internal face of which 63 is provided with lugs 4.

The skirt 32 of the cover 14 is internally provided with sixteen ramps 5 able to engage with the lugs 4 to close the container 12. The ramps can extend over a circumferential dimension greater than their axial dimension and are arranged on the internal face. 62 of the skirt 32.

In the example illustrated, the ramps extend over an angular extent a, measured around the axis X, which corresponds to approximately one sixteenth of the circumference of the internal surface of the skirt 32, i.e. 22.5 °, l 'angular extent being measured between the longitudinal ends 51 and 52 of each ramp 5 along their longitudinal axis Y.

To use the device 10, the person places the skirt 32 of the cover 14 on the shoulder 19 of the container. It screws the lid onto the container by rotating around the longitudinal axis X equal to 360 ° divided by the number of reliefs on the container 12 or on the lid 14, ie 360 ° divided by 16. The person rotates 22.5 ° to open the device, by sliding the pins 4 on the ramps 5. This angle of rotation is small, for easy and effortless opening. In FIG. 2, the neck 22 forming a lateral surface 62 of the container 12 is provided on the outside with eight threads 4 regularly spaced around the longitudinal axis X and able to engage with eight threads 5 arranged on the internal face of the skirt. 32 of cover 14.

Each thread extends over an angular extent a around the longitudinal axis X of 1/8 of a turn, i.e. 45 °, the angular extent being measured between the longitudinal ends 51 and 52 of each thread 5 along their longitudinal axis Y To close the cover, the person rotates the cover around the longitudinal axis X equal to 45 °.

In Figures 3 to 5, the cover 14 is provided with a cup 141 assembled by means of a deformable side wall 40 fixedly mounted between the internal skirt 142 of the cover and an insert 140.

The cup 141 comprises a bottom wall 20 and a lateral upright 21 defining an interior space 42 of cylindrical shape. The upright 21 is terminated by a flange which defines with an annular bead 64, an annular groove 73 for fixing the side wall 40 to the cup 141.

The side wall 40 is for example made from a thermoplastic elastomer such as SEBS, or a nitrile rubber (NB R), or a silicone.

In the embodiment shown, the wall 40 can be overmolded on the support part 140 and assembled with the cup 141.

The side wall 40 has a substantially circular contour. However, other contour shapes can be considered, for example an oval or square contour.

In the example described, the side wall 40 is made in one piece. It is crushed by increasing in diameter and by decreasing in height under the effect of bringing the cover 12 and the container 14 closer together, coming into abutment against the internal shoulder 29 of the container located between the neck 22 of the container and the skirt 161.

In the closed configuration, an outer surface 56 of the side wall 40 contacts the inner wall of the container 12, to form a seal closing the container.

In the open position of the cover 14, the height of the side wall is for example 8.1 mm and its width 5.4 cm. In the closed position of the cover, the height of the side wall is for example 6.7 mm and its width 7.1 cm. The neck 22 of the container 12 is provided on the outside with sixteen lugs 4 regularly spaced around the longitudinal axis X and of complementary structure with sixteen threads (not shown) arranged on the internal side wall 144 of the insert 140.

To close the device, the person grasps the cover 14 and brings it closer to the container 12. This movement causes the side wall 40 to be crushed, until a sealed contact is formed with the cover 14, when the side wall 40 is clamped between the 'base and cover.

In a single gesture, the user can thus form a sealed contact between the container 12 and the cover 14 and put the housing 10 in the closed configuration.

In the closed position, the cover 14 exerts a homogeneous pressure on the seal.

Conversely, to open the housing from the closed position of the cover, the decompression of the side wall 40 tends to lift the cover 14 to its opening configuration. The cover 14 and the container 12 thus move apart more easily and the effort required by the user to lift the cover is reduced.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment which has just been described.

The invention applies in particular to all shapes and structures of receptacles.

Claims

1. Cosmetic device (10) for packaging and dispensing with a longitudinal axis X comprising a container (12) containing a product and a cover (14) removably disposed on the container (12), characterized in that the container (12) comprises at least two protruding isolated blocking reliefs (4) able to cooperate with two complementary protruding insulated engagement reliefs (5), provided on the cover (14), between a closed position of the container ( 12) in which the blocking relief (4) blocks a movement of the cover (14) by abutting against the engagement relief (5) and an open position of the container (12) in which the blocking relief ( 4) is released from the engagement relief (5) and, in the closed position of the cover, each locking relief (4) is in contact with a single engagement relief (5).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each complementary relief (5) extends along a non-helical longitudinal axis (Z).

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each blocking relief (4) extends along a non-helical longitudinal axis (Y).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one blocking relief (4) is of different shape from at least one complementary engagement relief (5).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the closed position of the container, the longitudinal axis (Y) of a projecting blocking relief (4) and the longitudinal axis (Z ) a complementary engagement relief (5) cooperating with the locking relief (4) extend in different directions.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation pitch between two blocking reliefs (4) projecting consecutive measured around the longitudinal axis (X) is greater than or equal to 10 °, and preferably greater than or equal to 12 °, and more preferably still greater than or equal to 15 °.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the longitudinal axis (Y) of a blocking relief (4) projecting or longitudinal tax (Z) of a complementary engagement relief elongates obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis (X) of the device.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the blocking relief (4) or of the engagement relief (5) extends over an angular extent (a) around the longitudinal axis X less than or equal to 25 °, preferably less than or equal to 15 °, and more preferably still less than or equal to 5 °.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises between 4 and 30 engagement reliefs, 4 and 20 being included and preferably between 6 and 20 engagement reliefs, 6 and 18 being included and more preferably between 8 and 16 engagement reliefs, 8 and 16 being included.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (14) is provided with a sealing system comprising a side wall (40) provided with an elastically deformable material, the side wall ( 40) widening under the effect of bringing the container (12) and the cover (14) closer together, forming a seal coming into contact with the container (12) in the closed position of the container (12).

11. A method comprising the operations of:

- Provide a cosmetic device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,

- If necessary, hold the container (12) with one hand and the cover (14) with the other hand,

- Unscrew the cover (14) by rotating around the longitudinal axis (X),

Lift the cover (14) away from the container (12).