Refillable Device for Packaging and Applying Cosmetic Product

The present disclosure relates to the field of refillable devices for packaging and applying cosmetic products.

In the cosmetic field, in particular, users are particularly sensitive to the esthetics of application and packaging devices. However, the cost of esthetic application and packaging devices is high and this further increases the cost of cosmetic products sold in this form in commerce.

An idea arose consisting of providing an esthetic application and packaging device, including a separate refill that is possibly less esthetic, but which has less expensive packaging. Preferably, the refill is removable so that the application and packaging device can be refilled by replacing the removable refill.

The application and packaging device may, in particular, comprise a case formed by a base and a cap, the case being at least partially made of metal. Such a case is, in fact, particularly appreciated by users, especially from an esthetic point of view. In addition, such a refillable device may present an improved environmental footprint because only the refill is thrown away after the cosmetic product has been used.

However, in this case, fixing the refill into the cap may pose problems.

In fact, fixation of the refill into the case is advantageously carried out by snap-fitting. However, in this case, it is difficult to carry out an snap-fitting that is robust, to ensure that the refill is held in the case, and that may also be easily undone, to enable the refill to be removed and replaced.

The present disclosure improves the situation.

The present disclosure proposes a refillable cosmetic product application and packaging device, comprising:

Thus, advantageously, it is possible to make a cosmetic product application and packaging device implementing at least one snap-fitting relief of metal to fix a refill into a case. A fitting relief such as defined ensures both a permanent fixation of the refill in the case, and an easy disassembly, limiting the risks of damage to the refill and the case.

According to preferred embodiments, the cosmetic product application and packaging device may present one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination:

In the rest of the description, elements that are identical or that have identical functions bear the same reference signs. For the sake of brevity of the present description, identical elements in several examples are not described in detail, in the context of the detailed description of each of these examples. On the contrary, the description below first and foremost details the differences between the different examples.

schematically represents, in perspective view, a first example of a cosmetic product application and packaging device. According to this first example, the cosmetic product is presented in the form of a stick. In particular, the cosmetic product may be a lipstick, a skin or lip care product, particularly a lip balm, a sun protection product for the lips or the skin.

As illustrated in, the application and packaging deviceessentially comprises a caseand a refill. The casecomprises, here consists in, a baseand a cap. As illustrated, the application and packaging device, particularly the case, is of generally cylindrical shape, mainly extending along the direction of an axis of extension Aof the application and packaging device. Here, the application and packaging deviceis of generally cylindrical shape with an elliptical cross section. Of course, other general shapes of the application and packaging deviceare possible. In particular, the application and packaging devicemay be of generally cylindrical shape, with a circular or polygonal cross section.

The baseof the caseis represented in cross section in. The baseof the casefirst comprises a cylindrical outer shell, mainly extending along the direction of an axis of extension Aof the baseof the case, here corresponding to axis Ain the application and packaging device. Here the outer shellis of elliptical cross section. The outer shellmay be made of any material conceivable to the person skilled in the art to form a casing of a cosmetic product application and packaging devicein the shape of a stick, particularly of one from among glass, metal, particularly aluminum or an aluminum alloy, particularly Zamak, ceramic, porcelain, crystal, and plastic, particularly polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, ionomeric resin such as the ethylene vinyl copolymer known by the trade name of Surlyn®, wood, and urea formaldehyde.

On its radially inner surface, outer shellhas a ridge. Here, ridgeis rectilinear, parallel to axis Aof baseof case. Ridgehere extends over only one portion of the height of outer shell, oriented along the direction of axis Aof baseof case. For example, ridgeextends over at least two-thirds of the height of outer shell, preferably over at least three-fourths of the height of outer shell.

Baseof casealso comprises, according to the example illustrated, a capsulefixed to an end of outer shell. Capsulethus closes one longitudinal end of cylindrical outer shell. Capsulemay present, as illustrated, a base plateintended to form a longitudinal end of application and packaging device. One face of base plateof capsule, oriented to the outside of outer shell, may then include terms or decorations, formed directly on base plateor applied to this base plateof capsule.

Capsulefurther comprises a crown, projecting from base plate. Here, crownis of generally cylindrical shape along axis Aof baseof case, and is of elliptical cross section, substantially complementary to the inner cross section of outer shell. Crownmay thus be clamped into outer shell. Crownpresents indentationson its radially outer surface, one of which receives part of ridgeof outer shell. The receipt of one part of ridgein one particular indentationmay have a foolproofing function to fix capsulein a particular orientation in relation to outer shell. Here, crownalso presents indentationson its radially inner surface. Indentationson the radially inner surface of crownare angularly offset in relation to indentationson the radially outer surface of crown, such that, angularly, an indentationon the radially inner face is each time between two indentationson the radially outer face and an indentationon the radially outer face is each time between two indentationson the radially inner face. Such a configuration enables a capsuleto be obtained that is lighter and easier to make by molding, by limiting the thickness of crown.

Alternatively, capsulemay be integral with outer shell.

Baseof casefurther comprises an insertreceived in outer shell. Insertpresents for this a general shape substantially complementary to the shape of outer shell. In particular, in the example illustrated, insertpresents a cylindrical portioncomplementary to the cross section of outer shell. Groovesare on the radially outer surface of cylindrical portion. Groovesare substantially rectilinear parallel to axis Aof baseof case. One of the grooveshere receives ridgeon the radially inner surface of outer shell. Here again, the receipt of one portion of ridgein a particular groovemay have a foolproofing function with regard to the orientation of insertin relation to outer shell.

Alternatively, the receipt of one part of ridgein a grooveprevents the relative rotation of these two parts around axis Aof baseof case. In this case, however, it is preferable that several ridgesare at least partially received, each in a respective groove.

In addition, inserthere forms two tabs, projecting in the direction of axis Aof baseof case, in relation to cylindrical portion, and extending in the extension of the outer surface of cylindrical portion. However, insert, particularly cylindrical portion, forms a flangeat the base of tabs. Lugprojects from flange, in the direction of axis Aof baseof case.

Insertfurther forms meshing relief. Here meshing reliefis presented in the form of a relief with an outer cylindrical shape, along axis Aof baseof case. Here, meshing reliefhas a cross section in the shape of a-pointed star. Of course other shapes of the meshing relief are accessible to the person skilled in the art. In particular, meshing reliefmay a priori take any cylindrical shape with a non-circular cross section, particularly with a polygonal cross section.

Baseof casefurther comprises, according to the example illustrated, a magnet. Magnetis for example received in contact with flangeof insert, between two tabsof insert. Magnetalso comprises, in the example illustrated, a notchreceiving lugof insert. Therefore, the orientation of magnetis ensured in relation to insertand thus in relation to baseof case, since the orientation of insertis ensured by the foolproofing formed by the receipt of ridgein groove. This is particularly interesting when magnetis a quadrupole magnet.

Lastly, baseof casecomprises a sleeve. Here, sleeveis made of metal, for example of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy such as Zamak. Sleevecomprises a cylindrical portion, with a circular cross section, a first annular portion, projecting radially to the outside in relation to cylindrical portion, at a first end of cylindrical portion, and a second annular portion, projecting radially to the inside, in relation to cylindrical portion, at a second end of cylindrical portion. The second annular portiondefines a central opening through which extends cylindrical baseof circular cross section, of meshing reliefof insert. First annular portiondefines, with outer shell, insert, particularly cylindrical portionof insert, and cylindrical portionof sleeve, a housing for receiving magnet.

In addition, as is more particularly visible in, cylindrical portionof sleeveforms two snap-fitting reliefs(or clipping reliefs). Here, the two snap-fitting reliefsare symmetrical with relation to axis Aof baseof case. Each snap-fitting reliefcomprises, as illustrated, a clipping tabextending between two slots.

Slotsare here all identical. Here slot is understood to refer to an opening, traversing the wall of cylindrical portionof sleevealong a radial direction in relation to axis Aof baseof case. Thus, each slottraverses the thickness of sleeve, particularly the cylindrical portion of sleeve, in which it is formed. Each slotmay be made by removing material from sleeve. Alternatively however, each slotmay be made by cutting sleeve, particularly cylindrical portionof sleeve, substantially without removing material from sleeve. In all cases, each slothere separates along an orthoradial direction two edges of material of sleeve, particularly cylindrical portionof sleeve. Each slothere extends longitudinally, parallel to axis Aof baseof case. Each slotis thus rectilinear in the example illustrated.

As seen in, each slothas no outlet, in that each slotextends between two longitudinal ends formed in sleeve, in particular in cylindrical portionof sleeve. Slotsmake sleevesubstantially more flexible, particularly cylindrical portionof sleevebetween two adjacent slots, where cylindrical portionof sleeveforms a clipping tab.

Each clipping tabpresents a reliefradially projecting towards the inside. Thus, each reliefis projecting in relation to the rest of the clipping tabfrom which it comes. Here, projecting reliefis formed by a boss of the clipping tab. Such a boss is made by deformation of clipping tab. Thus, clipping tabdoes not substantially present added thickness at the projecting relief. Here, bossis substantially orthoradial, in that the entire portion extending between two adjacent slotsis domed, substantially in the shape of an angular sector of a cylinder. Alternatively, however, projecting reliefmay be formed by a bead or by any other shape accessible to the person skilled in the art.

As illustrated in, each tabis integral, at each of its ends, with the rest of sleeve, particularly with the cylindrical sheath of cylindrical portionof sleeve. Each tabis separated from the rest of sleeve, along the lateral sides of tab, extending parallel to axis Aof baseof case, by slotsthat each extend along a lateral side of tab.

Each tabmay extend, except for projecting relief, where appropriate, in the extension of the cylindrical sheath of cylindrical portionof sleeve. In this case, only projecting reliefis not included in the extension of the cylindrical sheath of cylindrical portionof sleeve. Alternatively, however, each tabdoes not extend in the extension of the cylindrical sheath of cylindrical portionof sleeve.

Each tab—and thus each slot—may have a length, here measured according to the direction of axis Aof baseof case, equal to or greater than 1 mm, preferably equal to or greater than 2 mm, and/or equal to or less than 10 mm, preferably equal to or less than 5 mm.

Each projecting reliefextends longitudinally along a direction perpendicular to axis Aof baseof case, here along an orthoradial direction in relation to axis Aof baseof case. Each projecting reliefmay be over the entire width of the corresponding tab. Alternatively, however, each projecting reliefis on only one portion of the width of tab, between two slots. In particular, each projecting reliefmay be on at least half of the width of tab, preferably on at least three-fourths of the width of tab.

Each projecting reliefmay be substantially formed between one-third and two-thirds of the height of corresponding tab, particularly at the middle of the height of corresponding tab. Deformation of tabis in fact more significant towards the middle of its height, than at its longitudinal ends, in particular.

Projecting reliefpresents a height, measured along the direction of axis Aof baseof case, that is less than the height of slots, measured along the same direction of axis Aof baseof case. For example, the height of projecting reliefis equal to or greater than 0.1 mm, preferably equal to or greater than 0.5 mm, and/or equal to or less than 3 mm, preferably equal to or less than 2 mm. The height of projecting reliefis preferably limited in relation to the height of clipping tab. For example, the height of projecting reliefrepresents less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, of the height of clipping tab. The width of projecting relief, measured along a circumferential or orthogonal direction, may be equal to or greater than 1 mm, preferably equal to or greater than 2 mm, and/or equal to or less than 10 mm, preferably equal to or less than 5 mm. The distance between the top of projecting reliefand the cylindrical sheath of cylindrical portionof sleeve, measured along a radial direction in relation to axis Aof baseof case, may be less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. Tabthus presents good flexibility, while conserving satisfactory mechanical strength.

Each tabequipped with a projecting relief, extending between two slots, thus forms an snap-fitting relief, on cylindrical portionof sleeve. Preferably, each snap-fitting reliefconsists of such a tabextending between two slotsand equipped with projecting relief. In a remarkable manner, such an snap-fitting reliefis formed by a metal part, in this case sleeve. In other words, it is thus possible to make an snap-fitting reliefpresenting sufficient elasticity to be deformed, even if this snap-fitting reliefis formed by a metal part, in this case sleeve. Making a metal snap-fitting reliefis interesting in more ways than one. First, metal is easier to recycle than plastic. In addition, metal is stronger than plastic, such that the risk of Brinelling of snap-fitting relief, of metal, is reduced.

Sleevepresents a thickness that may, for example, be equal to or greater than 0.1 mm and/or equal to or less than 1 mm. Thus, sleeveis also rigid, such that it is difficult or even impossible to deform sleevewith bare hands if not at the level of tabs.

schematically represents, in cross section, a refillintended to be received in casedescribed previously, particularly in baseof case.

Refillcomprises, here is composed of, lipstick mechanism, schematically represented in. Refillis of a generally cylindrical shape, mainly extending along the direction of axis A, which coincides with axis Aof application and packaging devicewhen the latter is assembled.

In a matter that is known in itself, mechanismreceives a stick of cosmetic product B. Mechanismcomprises, for example, base plate, a cupand a neck. Mechanismis adapted to move cupto which the stick of cosmetic product B is fixed in relation to neck, between a retracted position illustrated in, enabling application and packaging deviceto be closed by means of cap, and a deployed position, for applying the cosmetic product, in which the stick of cosmetic product B projects from neck. In this type of lipstick mechanism, generally the stick of cosmetic product B moves between its two positions, by causing neckto pivot in relation to base plateof mechanism. Base platemay present a helical groove (not represented) to guide at least one projection integral with cuprotated in relation to base plate, via neck.

It may be noted that base platelacks longitudinal ridges, parallel to axis Aof refill, on its outer surface. However, base plateforms an indentationcomplementary to the cross section of meshing relief. Thus, base plateis integral in rotation with casearound axis Aof refill, by the receipt of meshing reliefin complementary indentation. It is thus possible to control lipstick mechanismby causing neckto turn in relation to baseof case. Other means of making base plateand baseof caseintegral in rotation are accessible to the person skilled in the art. For example, base platemay present grooves on its outer surface, extending for example parallel to axis Aof refill, and receiving complementary ridges formed on the radially inner surface of insert, integral in rotation with outer shellof base.

In addition, base platepresents a groove, here circular, on its outer contour.

Caseof cosmetic product distribution and packaging devicefurther comprises a cap, here in the form of a cover.

Coverpresents a generally cylindrical shape, mainly extending along the direction of axis A, which coincides with axis Aof application and packaging device, when it is assembled.

Coverfirst comprises outer shell. Here outer shellis cylindrical, along axis Aof cover. Here outer shellis of elliptical cross section substantially identical to the cross section of outer shellof case.

Outer shellof covermay be made of any material conceivable to the person skilled in the art to form a casing of a cosmetic product application and packaging devicein the shape of a stick, particularly of one from among glass, metal, particularly aluminum or an aluminum alloy such as Zamak, ceramic, porcelain, crystal, and plastic, particularly polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, ionomeric resin such as the ethylene vinyl copolymer known by the trade name of Surlyn®, wood, and urea formaldehyde.

Preferably, outer shellof coveris of the same material as outer shellof baseof case.

On its radially inner surface, outer shellhere has a ridge. Here, ridgeis rectilinear, parallel to axis Aof cover. Ridgehere extends over only one portion of the height of outer shell, oriented along the direction of axis Aof cover. For example, ridgeextends over at least two-thirds of the height of outer shell, preferably over at least three-fourths of the height of outer shell.

In addition, covercomprises a capsulefixed to one end of outer shell. Capsulethus closes one longitudinal end of cylindrical outer shell. Capsulemay present, as illustrated, a base plateintended to form a longitudinal end of application and packaging device. One face of base plateof capsule, oriented to the outside of outer shellmay then include terms or decorations, formed directly on base plateor applied to this base plateof capsule. Capsuleis here applied to outer shell. Alternatively, however, capsulemay be integral with outer shell.

Capsulefurther comprises a crown, projecting from base plate. Here crownis of a generally cylindrical shape, along axis Aof cover. Crownhas a cross section in a generally elliptical shape. Crownis substantially complementary to the inner cross section of outer shell. Crownmay thus be clamped into outer shell. Crownhere presents indentationson its radially outer surface, one of which receives part of ridgeof outer shell, and on its radially inner surface. The receipt of ridgeof outer shellin a particular indentationalso enables a foolproofing with regard to the orientation of capsulein relation to outer shell.

Coverfurther comprises an insertreceived in outer shell. Insertpresents for this a general shape substantially complementary to the shape of outer shell. In particular, in the example illustrated, insertpresents a cylindrical portioncomplementary to the cross section of outer shell. Groovesare on the radially outer surface of cylindrical portionof insert. Groovesare substantially rectilinear, parallel to axis Aof cover. One of the grooveshere receives ridgeon the radially inner surface of outer shell. Ridgeand groovereceiving ridgethus form a foolproofing for the assembly of insertinto outer shellof cover, insertthus being assembled with a given orientation in relation to outer shell.