WO2025210271A1

WO2025210271A1 - Packaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2025210271A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/059370
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcel Sanchez; François BOUCHER
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2024-04-04
Filing date: 2025-04-04
Publication date: 2025-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-04
Also published as: FR3160962A1

Abstract

Packaging device (1) for a product (P), comprising: - a base (10) having a lateral wall (13) at its periphery, - a cup (30) attached to the base (10) and intended to contain the product (P), - a lid (20) configured to be attached removably to the base in order to free access to the product contained in the cup when detached from the base by the user, this lid having a mounting skirt (25) engaging inside the lateral wall (13).

Description

Title: Packaging device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a packaging device comprising a base, a cup fixed to the base and a closure lid.

Prior art

Certain cosmetic products, such as care creams, are conventionally packaged in pots, notably with a glass body.

Moreover, numerous packaging devices that anticipate replacing just part of the device once its contents have been used up have been proposed.

The design of these devices dictates that the user must be able to perform this replacement easily, and that the refillable nature of the device must not impede its ease of use or the quality of the packaging, notably where airtight closure is sought.

In addition, certain packaging devices use material of a quality appearance, such as glass or metal, and it is advantageous for this to be able to be incorporated into the refillable device if such an aspect is sought.

Application FR3067327 describes a packaging device comprising a primary container which accepts a secondary container consisting of a refill, a closure lid being provided for screwing onto the secondary container, over the top of the primary container.

Application W02019058087A1 describes a packaging device comprising a refill received in a base, the device being closed by means of a lid provided with an internal screw thread that screws onto an external screw thread belonging to the base.

Application DE 102008037371 Al discloses a packaging device comprising a base onto which can be clip-fastened a cup comprising an externally threaded neck and an embellishing exterior skirt. A closure lid is screwed onto the neck.

Application JP 2021-172426 describes a packaging device comprising a base having a housing to receive a cup. The base has a solid part with a lateral wall provided with catching reliefs on its interior face. An intermediate cup-retainer part for holding the cup on this solid part is fixed on top by clip-fastening, this retainer part being mounted on the solid part with the closure lid itself fixed to the retainer part. Once the retainer part is in place, the lid can be detached by the user from this retainer part in order to access the product. The retainer part thus forms part not of the closure lid but of the base, remaining secured to the solid part when the lid is removed. Disclosure of the invention

Proposing ecologically responsible, environmentally-friendly solutions, of which the design and development take into account environmental issues, is becoming a major concern for tackling global challenges.

In this context, it is important to develop packagings that generate less waste and are in particular optimized for the amount of products transported, notably by redesigning and/or redimensioning them in order to reduce the amount of packaging in terms of volume and of weight.

It is therefore essential to design more durable products that thus make it possible to reduce the amount of materials used and/or to substitute them with more environmentally- friendly materials and/or to use recyclable materials in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the product.

There is therefore still a need to make further improvements to packaging devices comprising a base, a cup fixed to the base, and a closure lid, so as to have use of a packaging device that is easy to use and offers novel design possibilities, while at the same time meeting the requirements in terms of the keeping-qualities of the product and of refilling with product by replacing the cup, where that is sought.

There is also a benefit to reducing the quantity of glass in the conventional pots used for containing cosmetic products.

Summary of the invention

The invention seeks to address all or some of these requirements and notably, where such a thing is sought, to propose environmentally-friendly reusable containers, particularly ones that can be refilled at home or at the boutique in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the packagings.

It achieves this, according to a first of its aspects, by virtue of a packaging device for a product, comprising: a base having a lateral wall at its periphery, a cup attached to the base and intended to contain the product, a lid configured to be attached removably to the base in order to free access to the product contained in the cup when detached from the base by the user, this lid having a mounting skirt engaging inside the lateral wall.

Such a structure offers numerous advantages.

First of all, it makes the lid and the cup easier to hold because these are able to offer a relatively large surface area for grasping. That makes the device easier to use, and when the cup is mounted removably on the base, makes it easier to handle for the purposes of replacing it. The device thus becomes easier to use for individuals who have difficulties with manipulating objects.

The cup may contribute to the centring of the lid when it is being fitted onto the base with a view to closing the device.

In addition, the cup may, if so desired, be produced with a flared shape, giving a wide opening that makes it easier to access the product contained inside it, notably at the bottom of the cup when little product remains. That also allows the user to assess the remaining quantity of product more easily.

The invention also makes it possible, when the intention is to use a quality material such as glass for the base, to reduce the quantity of glass used since the base can be of a height that is small in comparison with the lid. The base can thus be made with a glass bottom of small height, for example of a height representing less than 20% of the total height of the device when closed.

The mounting skirt of the lid preferably comprises a radially external screw thread. Thus, the lid can be attached to the base by screwing the lid into this base.

The free end of the mounting skirt of the lid may lie below the lowest level of the product contained in the cup when the lid is attached to the base. This embodies the fact that the lid may have a height that is relatively great, compared to that of the base.

The lid may house a seal that presses against an upper edge of the cup when the lid is in place on the base. This seal is for example attached by clip-fastening into the lid.

As a preference, the cup is attached removably to the base. That enables the device to be refilled by replacing an empty cup with a full one.

The cup may comprise a bowl-shaped part, extended downwards by a stem attached to the base.

The stem of the cup may comprise an outer skirt surrounding first attachment means belonging to the cup and designed to collaborate with second attachment means belonging to the base, in order to hold the cup on the base.

The first and second attachment means are, for example, selected from attachment using clip-fastening, attachment using screw-fastening, attachment of the bayonet-fastening type, or attachment using a tight grip.

As a preference, the first and second fastening means collaborate by clipfastening, which may allow the cup to rotate in the base and reduce the wearing of the seal, as explained later. As a preference, the outer skirt of the stem of the cup is of a length at least equal to that of the first attachment means, so as to allow the cup to stand vertically when set down via its stem on a horizontal flat surface.

The base may comprise a housing to accept the stem of the cup. The depth of this housing may be greater than more than half the height of the outer skirt, or better still, than the entire height of the outer skirt.

The bowl-shaped part of the cup may have an outside diameter at least 50% greater than that of the stem. That makes it possible to have a relatively wide opening at the upper end of the cup, for accessing the product. The greatest diameter of the cup may be situated at its upper end, and this greatest diameter corresponds for example to at least 70% of the greatest outside diameter of the device, and better still, to at least 80%, or even 90% thereof. The stem may have a greatest outside diameter that is at least a factor of two smaller than a greatest outside diameter of the device.

As a preference, the cup is mounted on the base with the possibility of rotating about an axis of rotation without moving axially. That offers the advantage, when using a lid comprising a seal pressing against the upper edge of the cup in the closed position, of allowing the cup to rotate relative to the base at the start of the lid-unscrewing movement, so as to accompany said lid in its movement and thus reduce the shearing of the seal at the time of opening and the wearing of the seal.

The base advantageously comprises a bottom made of glass. This bottom may be surmounted by a part made of plastic, produced by injection moulding, which defines the lateral wall of the base and the housing that receives the cup.

The visible height of the lid may represent more than half the total height of the device when closed, better still, more than 2/3 and even better still, more than 3/4 thereof. In particular, the lower edge of the lid may be positioned below the lowest level of the product in the cup, in the closed position.

The lid may comprise an external embellishment part and an insert attached therein. The screw thread of the lid may be produced on the insert. The external embellishment part may be made of metal, notably of aluminium. The insert may be made of a thermoplastic.

A weight, notably of annular shape, may be inserted between the insert and the external embellishment part.

As a preference, the cup is completely concealed by the lid when the device is closed.

The visible part of the base may represent less than 30% of the total weight of the device when closed. The height of the bottom may represent less than 20% thereof. That makes it possible to minimize the amount of glass used.

The invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, also relates to a packaging device for a product, comprising: a base having a lateral wall at its periphery, a cup attached to the base and intended to contain the product, a lid comprising a seal pressing against the upper edge of the cup in the closed position, and configured to be attached removably to the base in order to free access to the product contained in the cup when detached from the base by the user, the cup being mounted on the base with the possibility of rotating about an axis of rotation without moving axially so as to allow the cup to rotate relative to the base at the start of the lid-unscrewing movement, so as to accompany said lid in its movement.

In particular, the cup may be attached to the base by clip-fastening, in a way that permits this rotation.

The invention, according to this second aspect, makes it possible to reduce the shearing of the seal at the end of screwing-on or at the start of the opening movement.

The invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, also relates to a packaging device for a product, comprising: a base having at its periphery a lateral wall provided with an internal screw thread, a cup attached to the base and intended to contain the product, a lid comprising an external screw thread configured to screw into the screw thread of the lateral wall of the base.

The fact that the screw thread of the base is an internal screw thread avoids the user having to come into contact with the screw thread when grasping the base, thereby improving the ergonomics.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention may be understood better from reading the following detailed description of a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment thereof, and from studying the appended drawing, in which:

[Fig 1] Figure 1 shows an elevation view of an example of a packaging device according to the invention, [Fig 2] Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 after removal of the lid,

[Fig 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 after removal of the lid, and

[Fig 4] Figure 4 is a view in axial section of the device of Figure 1.

Detailed description

Figure 1 depicts a packaging device 1 according to the invention, comprising a base 10 and a closure lid 20 attached to the base 10.

The base 10 comprises a bottom 11 which is preferably made of glass, and a mounting piece 12, for example made of thermoplastic, which is attached to the bottom 11, for example by adhesive bonding, and which comprises a lateral wall 13.

The lid 20 has a visible height He, visible when the device 1 is closed, which is greater than the visible height Hb of the base 10. For example Hc>1.2 Hb and better still, Hc>1.4 Hb.

The base 10 has a rounded lower face with an annular flat 14 allowing the device to stand vertically on a horizontal flat surface.

The greatest outside diameter D of the lid 20 is for example greater than the visible height He thereof, or even than the total height Hb+Hc of the device.

The lid 20 may have a visible lateral surface 21 that exhibits symmetry of revolution about the axis X of the device 1 and is hollowed out on the inside. The lateral wall 13 of the mounting piece 12 of the base 10 may have a curvature that is substantially the same as that of the lateral surface 21 so as to lie in the continuity thereof.

With reference to Figures 2 to 4, it may be seen that the device 1 comprises a cup 30, attached to the base, which contains a product P to be taken up and applied, for example a cosmetic product such as a cream.

The cup 30 comprises a flared bowl-shaped upper part 31, extended downwards by a stem 32 serving to attach the cup to the base 10.

The stem 32 comprises an outer skirt 33 which surrounds the first attachment means 34. These means comprise for example one or more clip-fastening reliefs 35, for example in the form of bulges, borne by one or more elastically deformable mounting tabs or, as a variant, by an angularly-continuous inner skirt.

The mounting piece 12 belonging to the base 10 comprises second attachment means in the form, for example, of an annular lip 15 of axis X, having on its radially external surface a discontinuity 16 onto which the reliefs 35 belonging to the stem of the cup 30 may clip-fasten.

The lip 15 is connected at the bottom to a wall 18 that is flat and perpendicular to the axis X and defines the closed end of a housing that accepts the stem 32 of the cup 30.

This housing is delimited radially by an upright 19 that is substantially a cylinder of revolution of axis X, extending over the entire height of the outer skirt 33.

The upright 19 has a chamfer 40 at its upper end, facilitating centring and insertion of the stem 32 as the cup 30 is being mounted on the base 10.

The lateral wall 13 is connected to the upright 19 by a wall 41, which exhibits symmetry of revolution about the axis X, having a shape that is rounded in axial section, as visible in Figure 4, with its concave side facing upwards.

The lateral wall 13 has a screw thread 43 on its radially internal surface.

In order to centre the mounting piece 12 on the bottom 11, the latter comprises an annular rib 44 and the lateral wall 13 has an annular groove 45 into which the rib 44 becomes inserted.

The wall 41 may be thinned where it meets the lateral wall 13, so as to form an annular groove 46 into which the lower end 47 of the lid 20 may engage at the end of being screwed on, as may be seen in Figure 4.

The lid 20 may comprise an external part 22, for example made of metal, notably of aluminium, in which an insert 23 made of thermoplastic is attached, for example by adhesive bonding.

A metal weighting ring 24 may be placed between a mounting skirt 25 belonging to the insert, and the external part 22. The skirt 25 may be connected at the top to a transverse wall 26 extending perpendicular to the axis X.

This wall 26 may on its upper face have annular ribs 27 and 28 that press against the interior face of the top of the external part 22.

The skirt 25 has an annular bulge 27 which serves to hold a disc- shaped seal 50 positioned against the underside face of the transverse wall 26.

In the closed position, the free edge 51 of the cup 30 comes to press against this seal 50, as illustrated in Figure 4.

The skirt 25 comprises a radial rib 52 that closes the space between the external part 22 and the skirt 25 and acts as a lower end-stop for the ring 24.

Below the rib 52, the skirt 25 has a screw thread 55 that engages with the screw thread 43 of the lateral wall 13.

When the lid 20 is removed, the cup 30 becomes visible and forms around it, with the base 10, an annular space 60 around the stem 32, below the flared wall 31.

The height Ha of the visible part of the cup, in side view as in Figure 2, may represent at least 50% of the total height Ht, better still from 60 to 70% of the total height Ht, as illustrated in Figure 2.

The lateral wall 13 has an exterior surface that is inclined inwards and upwards, and this may improve the purchase on the base 10 when the user places it in the palm of their hand.

The means for attaching the cup 30 to the base 10 are hidden by the outer skirt 33, and this improves the aesthetics of the whole. Likewise, the screw thread of the wall 13 is not visible when the base 10 is viewed in elevation, as in Figure 2.

As a preference, the mounting of the cup 30 on the base 10 is such that the cup 30 retains the possibility to rotate about the axis X in the housing defined by the upright 19.

This is possible for example on account of the axisymmetrical shape of the lip 15. This presents an advantage, because the cup 30 is able to rotate relative to the base 10 at the end of screwing-on or at the start of unscrewing of the lid 20 when the edge 51 is pressing against the seal 50, thereby limiting the wearing of said seal.

When the cup 30 is empty, it can be replaced by detaching it from the base 10 by pulling axially. The shape of the base 10 and that of the cup 30 facilitates manual gripping during this operation. In particular, the visible height Ha of the cup 30 makes it easier to grasp.

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

For example, the lid 20 may be made using different materials. The same is true of the base 10, the bottom 11 of which may be made from a material other than glass, for example from metal or from a ceramic.

The mounting piece 12 may be attached to the bottom 11 in some way other than by adhesive bonding, for example using crimping or clip-fastening.

The cup 30 may be attached to the base 10 in some way other than by clipfastening, for example by screw-fastening or by bayonet-fastening.

The cup 30 may be given a less-flared, more straight-sided shape, while still maintaining its outside diameter for example.

Airtightness when closed may be achieved in some way other than with a discshaped seal, for example using an annular sealing lip formed on the insert of the lid, which engages on the cup.

The above-mentioned ratios between visible heights may be maintained in variants in which the shape of the cup or of the base is modified.

Claims

1. Packaging device (1) for a product (P), comprising: a base (10) having a lateral wall (13) at its periphery, a cup (30) attached to the base (10) and intended to contain the product (P), a lid (20) configured to be attached removably to the base in order to free access to the product contained in the cup when detached from the base by the user, this lid having a mounting skirt (25) engaging inside the lateral wall (13).

2. Packaging device according to Claim 1, the mounting skirt (25) comprising a radially external screw thread (55).

3. Packaging device according to Claim 1 or 2, the free end of the mounting skirt lying below the lowest level of the product contained in the cup when the lid is attached to the base.

4. Device according to either one of the preceding claims, the lid (20) housing a seal (50) that presses against an upper edge of the cup when the lid is in place on the base.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the cup (30) being attached removably to the base (10).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the cup comprising a bowlshaped part (31) extended downwards by a stem (32) attached to the base.

7. Device according to the preceding claim, the stem of the cup comprising an outer skirt (33) surrounding the first attachment means (35) belonging to the cup and designed to collaborate with second attachment means (16) belonging to the base, in order to hold the cup on the base.

8. Device according to Claim 7, the first and second attachment means collaborating by clip-fastening.

9. Device according to one of Claims 7 and 8, the outer skirt (33) being of a length at least equal to that of the first attachment means, so as to allow the cup to stand vertically when set down via its stem on a horizontal flat surface.

10. Device according to one of Claims 7 to 9, the base (10) comprising a housing to accept the stem of the cup.

11. Device according to any one of Claims 6 to 10, the bowl- shaped part (31) of the cup having an outside diameter at least 50% greater than that of the stem.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the stem having a greatest outside diameter that is at least a factor of two smaller than a greatest outside diameter of the device.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the cup being mounted on the base with the possibility of rotating about an axis of rotation (X) without moving axially.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the base comprising a bottom (11) made of glass.

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the visible height of the lid (He) representing more than half the total height of the device when closed.

16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the cup (30) being completely concealed by the lid (20) when the device is closed.