DEVICE FOR PACKAGING A PRODUCT SUCH AS A COSMETIC PRODUCT

A device for packaging a product, in particular a cosmetic product, having a sleeve having an open end, a support for the product, movable in the sleeve between a retracted position and a released position, an actuator able to be driven in rotation in a nominal stroke to cause the movement of the support, a return system configured to return the support to the released position and a stop provided so as to limit the stroke of the actuator relative to the nominal stroke when the support is in the released position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a packaging device, and more particularly a device for packaging a product, in particular a cosmetic product.

PRIOR ART

A packaging device, in particular for cosmetic products of the lipstick, cream, or vaporizer type, must be easily transported, for example in a bag or a handbag, and be used frequently. Thus, the packaging device must be light and space saving, and allow easy extraction of the product that it contains, i.e. requiring little effort and being usable in a simple manner, without the user having to pay special attention to the maneuver that he is accomplishing. The device must also allow storing the product using a simple maneuver and also not requiring particular attention from the user. In addition, this storage must be reliable, i.e. undesired release of the product must be avoided.

International application WO 2014/096651, by the Applicant, proposes a solution using magnetic elements to hold the cosmetic product, either in the distribution position, or released position, or in the storage position, or retracted position. Although this solution gives satisfaction, consumers now desire packaging devices having a reduced ecological impact, lacking magnets for example. There is therefore a need for a new type of packing device which, though not necessarily employing magnets, has a level of reliability at least as good.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the present disclosure relates to a packaging device for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a sleeve having an open end, a support for the product, movable in the sleeve between a retracted position and a released position, an actuator able to be driven in rotation in a nominal stroke to cause the movement of the support, a return system configured to return the support towards the released position and a stop provided so as to limit the stroke of the actuator relative to the nominal stroke when the support is in the released position.

The support can carry the product or an intermediate container containing the product, such as a reservoir, provided or not with a mechanism for distribution, vaporization, etc.

The movement of the actuator in the nominal stroke causes the movement of the support at least from the retracted position to the released position. The return system, which returns the support towards the released position, can assist the transition of the support towards the released position. In addition, in the released position, a stop limits the stroke of the actuator relative to the nominal stroke, so that the support cannot return to the retracted position inadvertently. In other words, in the released position, the possible stroke of the actuator is less than in the retracted position, due to the stop.

Moreover, as the actuator is configured to be driven in rotation, the actuating gesture is particularly agreeable for the user and inadvertent actuations are limited.

When the support is in the released position, it is subjected to the force exerted by the return system, which tends to hold it in the released position. The force exerted by the return system can be overcome by a force exerted by the user, in order to return the support to a position allowing the movement of the actuator over its entire nominal stroke and, ultimately, make the support return towards the retracted position.

The return system may comprise any element exerting a return force, for example an element exerting an elastic return force, such as an elastomer or a spring, or an element exerting a magnetic return force, such as a magnet. The return force can be attractive or repulsive.

Due to the cooperation between the actuator, the stop and the return system, the packaging device allows a simple gesture for the distribution of the product, while offering good retention of the product support in the released position. In addition, this retention relies on a mechanical stop, which can be implemented in a reliable manner and does not necessarily employ magnetic cooperation. If a magnet is used nevertheless as a return system, it can be relatively less powerful than in the prior art insofar as retention in the released position is ensured in part by the stop. As a result, the environmental impact of the packaging device is improved indeed.

In some embodiments, the return system is configured to return the support towards the released position in a first direction and the actuator is configured to be driven in rotation in a second direction different from the first direction, preferably orthogonal to the first direction. The stop can therefore limit the movement of the actuator in the second direction without impeding the movement of the support in the first direction.

In some embodiments, said stop forms a second stop and the packaging device also comprises a first stop provided so as to limit the movement of the support under the influence of the return system when the support is in the retracted position. In these embodiments, in the retracted position, the first stop limits the movement of the support under the influence of the return system, so that the support remains in the retracted position. By moving the actuator in its nominal stroke, it is possible to escape from the first stop so as not to block the return system anymore; the return system can then drive the support to the released position. Due to the first stop, the support is effectively retained in the retracted position.

In some embodiments, said return system forms a first return system, and moreover the packaging device comprises a second return system to return the support towards the retracted position. Thus, while the first return system assists the movement of the support towards the released position, the second return system assists the movement of the support towards the retracted position. The movement of the support is thus easy for the user. In addition, the second return system helps retain the support in the retracted position, which limits the inadvertent release of the support.

In some embodiments, the second return system is configured to return the support in a different direction from the first return system. Two different directions signify two directions which form a nonzero angle between them, and not only two opposite orientations of the same direction. Thus, the return systems exert no or little concurrent action, which facilitates the movement of the support between the released position and the retracted position. If necessary, the first (respectively second) return system is configured to return the support in a direction in which it is potentially blocked by the first (respectively second) stop.

In some embodiments, the return force exerted by the first return system is greater than or equal to the return force exerted by the second return system. The return force exerted by one or the other of the systems being potentially alterable, this condition is verified at least in the states in which the support is likely to move toward one or the other of the retracted position and the released position. Thus it is provided that the support is preferentially returned toward the released position, in order to ensure good accessibility of the product for the user.

In some embodiments, the first return system and the second return system are formed by a same prestressed elastic component. Thus the return systems are particularly simple and low in cost. For example, the same elastic component may be prestressed in one direction to form the first return system, and in another direction to form the second return system. In other embodiments, the first return system and the second return system may be formed by different components, independent of one another.

In some embodiments, the support is longitudinally movable in the sleeve.

In some embodiments, the orientation of the support relative to the sleeve is retained between the retracted position and the released position. The device is therefore more practical to use. In addition, in the event of corresponding decorations on the sleeve and the support, this allows better control of the esthetic rendering of the packaging device.

In some embodiments, a first element among the support and the actuator engages with a guide of a second element among the support and the actuator. The support and the actuator cooperate so that the movement of the actuator, particularly in rotation, causes, as previously disclosed, a movement of the support. The first element may comprise a following element which engages with the guide and follows it, for example in the form of a protrusion, a slot, a prong, etc. Other types of cooperation are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the guide has a first portion corresponding to the nominal stroke of the actuator and a second portion, connected to the first portion, corresponding to the movement of the support relative to the sleeve under the influence of the return system. Thus, the first portion of the guide is traveled over due to the movement of the actuator, and the second portion due to the (first) return system. As the case may be, the second return system, for its part, can influence the movement of the support in the first portion.

In some embodiments, the guide has the general shape of an L. The branches of the L can form an angle comprised between 45° and 135°.

In some embodiments, the packaging device also comprises a product container provided on the support. The container may be removable relative to the support, the packaging device then functioning like a storage case, possibly rechargeable and usable with different products.

In some embodiments, the product container is a lipstick mechanism. Other containers contemplated include vials, vaporizers and other distribution devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1to4illustrate a packaging device100according to one embodiment.

As previously indicated, the packaging device100comprises a sleeve10. In this particular case, the sleeve10is tubular, and more particularly cylindrical around an axis X, defining a longitudinal direction (hereafter “longitudinal direction X”). A radial direction is a direction perpendicular to this axis X and intersecting this axis X. Likewise, an axial or longitudinal plane is a plane containing the axis X of the sleeve, and a radial plane is a plane perpendicular to this axis X. A circumference is intended to mean a circle belonging to a radial plane and the center of which belongs to the axis X of the sleeve. A tangential or circumferential direction is a direction tangent to a circumference; it is perpendicular to the axis X of the sleeve but does not pass through this axis.

Unless otherwise stated, the adjectives inner and outer are used with reference to a radial direction so that the inner portion of an element is, in a radial direction, closer to the axis than the outer portion of the same element.

Here the sleeve10has a circular cross section.

The sleeve10has two opposite ends12,14. One of these ends, illustrated in the upper part of the figures, is an open end12. The other end14, illustrated in the lower part of the figures, is intended to be closed by a base20which will be described subsequently.

As revealed byFIG.1in particular, the sleeve10has a slot16. The slot16may lead to an end of the sleeve10, in this particular case to the end14opposite to the open end12. Here the slot16extends in a first direction, namely the longitudinal direction, but other directions are contemplated. Here the slot16is rectilinear.

As shown byFIG.2, in reality, the sleeve10comprises, in this embodiment, two diametrically opposed slots16. The number and arrangement of the slots16may vary.

Moreover, the packaging device100comprises a support30for a product, such as a cosmetic product. The product may be supplied as a solid, liquid, paste or powder. Typically, the product may be a lipstick. If necessary, and as illustrated in the figures, the product may be provided in an ad hoc container32, possibly provided with means of distribution (pump, cam, vaporizer, etc. not illustrated in the figures). Alternatively, the product may be directly provided on the support30, with no intermediate container. Hereafter, for the sake of conciseness but without loss of generality, the case where the product is contained in a container32will be described. Providing a container32independent of the support30allows detaching the container32for the application of the product, the packaging device100then being essentially a storage case. In any case, the fact that the container32is independent of the support30allows making the packaging device100compatible with different products, and possibly rechargeable.

The support30is mounted movable inside the sleeve10, more particularly movable in the longitudinal direction X. The support30is intended to move between a retracted position, illustrated inFIG.2, in which the product is normally inaccessible, and a released position, illustrated inFIG.3, in which the support30facilitates access to the product. Typically, in the released position, the container32may extend beyond the sleeve10, while in the retracted position, the container32is housed in the sleeve10, preferably entirely housed in the sleeve10.

In this particular case, the support comprises a pedestal34from which a jacket36, tubular here, protrudes, the pedestal34and the jacket36defining together a receptacle able to accommodate the container32. More precisely, the jacket36protrudes longitudinally from the base, in the direction of the open end12of the sleeve10. Instead of being tubular, the jacket36could comprise one or more grippers able to cooperate with the container32, or could take any other shape configured to removably bond the container32to the support30. In this particular case, the container32is mounted by force in the jacket36, where it is held by friction. The level of friction obtained can be adjusted so that the container32can be manually removed from the support30.

The support30may be matched with a cap38to enclose the container32between the cap38, the jacket36and the pedestal34, as shown inFIG.2. For example, the cap38may be supported on the free end of the jacket36, and be located optionally at a distance from an end of the container32, so that it does not risk inadvertently actuating a possible distribution head provided at the top of the container32. According to another example, the cap38may be supported on an end of the container32and be located optionally at a distance from the jacket36.

In this embodiment, the cap38extends the support30. The cap38may be designed to be entirely housed in the sleeve10, at least in the retracted position of the support30. Moreover, it is noted that the jacket36is entirely housed in the sleeve, both in the retracted position of the support (FIG.2) and in the released position (FIG.3).

As previously mentioned, the cap38is optional and may not be provided, or may be replaced by other elements, removable or not, such as a vaporizer pushbutton, a decorative element, etc., such elements being able to be associated with the container32.

The support30, and more particularly its pedestal34, may define a channel37, here between two protrusions37awhich protrude from the pedestal34in a direction opposite to the container32. The channel37allows bonding, in rotation around the axis X, the support30with a first end of a spring40. To accomplish this, said first end, labeled42inFIG.1, may have a shape complementary to that of the channel37in the direction of rotation. In this particular case, the first end42of the spring40may comprise a rectilinear portion, so as to distribute the rotation torque over a larger portion of the protrusions37aand thus make more reliable the bonding in rotation between the first end42of the spring40and the support30.

Of course, other means may be implemented to make the support30and the first end42of the spring40integrally rotatable.

In this embodiment, the spring40is a helical spring; however other types of spring are contemplated. The first end42extends radially toward the inside of the spring40.

The second end44of the spring40may have a shape similar to the first end42, as illustrated, or a different shape. The second end44, for its part, is integrally rotatable with an insert50. To accomplish this, the second end44may be received in a channel52of the insert, similar to the channel37of the support30. However, other means of making integrally rotatable are contemplated in replacement of the channel(s)37,50, for example one or more openings or any other at least partial complementarity of shapes.

Finally, the packaging device100comprises an actuator60the movement, and more particular the driving in rotation of which cause the movement of the support30between the retracted position and the released position.

In this embodiment, the actuator60is tubular around the longitudinal direction X, more particularly cylindrical with a circular cross section. The actuator60has an end61, illustrated in the upper part of the figures, which is open, and an end63, illustrated in the lower part of the figures, which is intended to be closed by the insert50. In this embodiment, the insert50is assembled longitudinally to the actuator60by a collar54, which protrudes from the insert50and is housed in a corresponding groove of the actuator60. Here, the collar54is circumferentially continuous, but it might also not be continuous. More generally, other assemblies would be possible for longitudinally coupling the actuator60and the insert50.

Moreover, the actuator60and the insert50are integrally rotatable around the axis X. To accomplish this, it is possible to provide at least one catch56on the insert50, here two diametrically opposed catches56, intended to engage into a corresponding indentation of the actuator60. The catches56are spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. However, other assemblies would be possible for making the actuator60and the insert50integrally rotatable.

Thus, the insert50is integrally rotatable and translatable with the actuator60.

Moreover, the actuator60may comprise a ring62at its open end61, to facilitate its handling, as will be seen hereafter. The ring62may be assembled to the actuator60, in particular be integrally rotatable, by any suitable means (gluing, interlocking, etc.), or perhaps be integrally formed with the actuator62. Moreover, the ring62may be radially larger than the actuator60. The open end61or the ring62extends beyond the sleeve10or the hoop18(mentioned below) to be accessible to and handled by the user.

As shown byFIGS.1and3, the actuator60comprises a guide64. Here in fact, the actuator60comprises two diametrically opposed guides64, but without loss of generality a single guide64will be described hereafter, it being understood that the number and the arrangement of the guides may vary and that the guides may be identical or not with one another.

Here the guide64is provided in the form of a cutout of the actuator60, but it might comprise a channel, a rib, a rail, etc. The actuator60therefore forms a second element, having the guide64with which a first element, namely here the support30, engages. More precisely, the support30comprises at least one lug35, for example as many lugs as the actuator comprises guides64. The lug35engages with (here, into) the guide64when the support30is fitted into the actuator60. The lug35may protrude from the support30, here from the jacket36, towards the actuator60. As revealed byFIG.2, the lug35is sufficiently protruding to extend beyond the actuator60and also engage in the slot16of the sleeve10when the actuator60and the support30are, in turn, fitted into the sleeve10.

The cooperation between the support30, the actuator60and the sleeve10defines the positions that the support30can assume relative to the sleeve10, and in particular the retracted position and the released position.

To facilitate the insertion of the lug35into the guide64, the guide64may open on one end of the actuator60, in this particular case the end63opposite to the open end61. That is however not necessary, the lug35also being able to be inserted by benefiting from an elastic deformation of the actuator60or of the support30.

The assembly of the packaging device100can be carried out in the following manner. Unless otherwise stated or a constraint arising from the context, the order of the steps may be modified.

The container32is placed in the support30, in this particular case inside the jacket36. The container32may be fixed to the support30, reversibly or not. The actuator60is fitted to the support30, the lug35being inserted through the open end of the guide64. The spring40is installed, its end42engaging with the support30. The other end44of the spring40is engaged with the insert50, then the insert50is assembled with the actuator60, for example by means of the collar54previously described.

The spring40, which is an example of an elastic component, or more generally of a return system, is dimensioned so as to be prestressed when it is located between the support30and the insert50. More precisely, the spring40is prestressed in compression, in the sense that it tends to separate the support30from the insert50. In this respect, the spring40forms a first return system configured to return the support30towards the released position, as will be seen hereafter. The first return system (the compressed spring40) is therefore configured to return the support30in a first direction, namely here the longitudinal direction.

Moreover, the ends42,44of the spring40being integrally rotatable with the support30and the insert50respectively, it is possible to also prestress the spring40in torsion. In this respect, the spring40forms a second return system configured to return the support30towards the retracted position, as will be seen hereafter. The second return system (the spring40in torsion) is configured to return the support30in a second direction, namely here the circumferential direction.

Consequently, the same elastic component, namely here the spring40, can be prestressed differently in two different directions so as to form two return systems configured to return the support in different directions.

The assembly of the packaging device100may continue by fitting the sleeve10around the actuator60. A hoop18, possibly decorative, may be mounted around the sleeve10. In this embodiment, the hoop18extends beyond the sleeve10on the side of the end14opposite to the open end12. In particular, the hoop18may cover the slot16. The hoop18allows assembling the sleeve10to the base20, which finishes closing the end14of the sleeve10and masks the insert50. According to one variant, the base20could be assembled directly to the sleeve10. In any case, the base20is decorative and plays no role in the movement of the support30; the base20could also be integrally formed with the hoop18.

As revealed byFIG.2, the actuator60may be held longitudinally in the sleeve10: at the end61, the ring62extends radially beyond the actuator60, and exceeds the inner diameter of the sleeve10; at the end63, the insert50extends radially beyond the actuator60, and exceeds the inner diameter of the sleeve10. In other words, the sleeve10is held longitudinally between the ring62and the insert50.

The packaging device100being assembled, the actuator60has a portion accessible to the user, in this particular case the ring62. The ring62nevertheless does not allow the actuator to be removed from the sleeve10, due to longitudinal blockage by the insert50.

In this embodiment, the actuator60is fixed in longitudinal translation within the sleeve10. Moreover, the actuator60can be movable in rotation within the sleeve10, particularly around the longitudinal direction X. Here, the actuator60can be driven by simple action of the user on the ring62. However other, more sophisticated mechanisms for driving in rotation may be considered.

The packaging device100is therefore such that the (first) return system, i.e. here the compressed spring40, is configured to return the support30towards the released position in a first direction, namely here the longitudinal direction, and the actuator60is configured to be moved in a second direction, in this particular case the circumferential direction, different from the first direction. In this particular case, the second, circumferential direction and the first, longitudinal direction are even orthogonal to one another.

FIG.2illustrates the packaging device100in the retracted position of the support30. As illustrated inFIG.4, which shows a detail ofFIG.1, the support30is held in the retracted position due to the fact that the packaging device, here the actuator60and more particularly the guide64, has a first stop65designed so as to limit the movement of the support30under the influence of the (first) return system when the support30is in the retracted position. More precisely, the lug35of the support30is located in the position labeled A inFIG.4, and the spring40, compressed, pushes the lug35toward the first stop65. Due to the presence of this stop65, the support30cannot further depart from the sleeve10, and it is located in the position ofFIG.2where, for example, the cap38is level with the ring62.

When the user desires to release the container32for the purpose of distributing the product, he can drive the ring62in rotation. A third stop67, against which the lug35rests in the A position (retracted position of the support), limits the direction of rotation of the actuator60.

The user therefore drives the actuator60, in rotation in this particular case, in order to move it along a so-called nominal stroke. This nominal stroke, which will ultimately cause the movement of the support30to the released position, corresponds to a first portion64aof the guide60. The first portion64aextends mainly in the circumferential direction, or more generally in the aforementioned second direction. Optionally, a corner65amay be provided in the continuation of the first stop65to avoid having the support30leave the retracted position inadvertently; the driving force of the user must then allow overcoming this corner65aso that the nominal stroke can be traveled.

At the end of the nominal stroke (to the left inFIG.4), the shape of the guide64is such that the first stop65no longer opposes the movement of the support30under the influence of the return force in the longitudinal direction. Under these conditions, the first return system (compressed spring40) moves the support30to the released position. The support30is then located in the released position illustrated inFIG.3, and the lug35is located in the position B illustrated inFIG.4. In this position, the user can easily remove the cap38, distribute product contained in the container32and replace the cap38, or extract the container32, for example a lipstick mechanism, then reinsert it on the support30after having used it.

For transition to the released position, the lug35passes through a second portion64bof the guide64, the second portion64bbeing connected to the first portion64aand corresponding to the movement of the support30in the sleeve10under the influence of the (first) return system. The second portion64bextends mainly in the longitudinal direction, or more generally in the aforementioned first direction.

In order to avoid the complete departure of the support30relative to the sleeve10, the movement of the support30in the longitudinal direction may be limited by a fourth stop68, opposing the return force of the first return system (compressed spring40). What is more, when the lug35is pressed against the fourth stop68during transition of the support into the released position, a clicking sound is heard, which gives the user the feeling that the released position has been attained, and therefore the feeling of proper operation of the packaging device.

The support30is held in the released position due to the fact that the packaging device, here the actuator60and more particularly the guide64, has a second stop66configured to limit the stroke of the actuator60relative to the nominal stroke when the support30is in the released position. In fact, as illustrated inFIG.4, when the lug35is in the position B, the actuator60can not be driven in rotation in its nominal stroke (to the right inFIG.4), because it would strike the second stop66. It is therefore impossible to store the support30in the retracted position by a mere movement of the actuator60.

To move the support30from the released position to the retracted position, the user must press on the support30with a force sufficient for overcoming the force exerted by the first return system. To accomplish this, the user may press on the cap38or re-engage the container32, the cap38or the container32pressing in turn on the support30, if necessary via the jacket36. In so doing the lug35passes along the second portion64bof the guide in the other direction (downward inFIG.4), until the second stop66no longer opposes an actuation of the actuator60. For example, the user may push the support30to the border between the second portion64band the first portion64a.

The shape of the guide64can be designed so as to facilitate the transition between the first portion64aand the second portion64b, as illustrated inFIG.4. For example, an intermediate portion of the guide may extend in a direction intermediate between the first direction and the second direction.

Once the support30, more particularly the lug35, has reached the transition between the second portion64band the first portion64a, the return of the support30to the retracted position may be facilitated by the second return system, namely the spring40in torsion. In fact, the torsion of the spring40has been increased in one direction by the actuation of the actuator60to release the support30from the retracted position. This torsion, which is no longer overcome by the user holding the actuator60, is exerted here in the opposite direction to return the support30to the retracted position, and in particular to automatically re-arm the actuator60by the engagement of the spring40with the insert50. It follows that the lug35returns to the position A ofFIG.4. When the lug35is pressed against the third stop67under the influence of the second return system, a clicking sound is heard, which gives the user the feeling that the retracted position has been attained, and therefore the feeling of proper operation of the packaging device.

The assistance of the second return system for returning to the retracted position also allows reducing the necessary clearance, in the guide64, to ensure proper return to the retracted position. The movements to be carried out by the user are therefore of less amplitude than in the prior art, which makes them more agreeable while being at least equally reliable.

In the present embodiment, the guide has the general shape of an L as can be seen inFIG.4. The branches of the L can form, respectively, the first portion64aand the second portion64b. Other shapes can of course be contemplated. For example, the guide64could have the shape of a half-moon. The guide64optionally comprises, as illustrated inFIG.4, rounded portions to facilitate rapid actuations.

Optionally, at least at the points where the movement of the support is limited neither by the first stop65nor by the second stop66, the return force exerted by the first return system (compressed spring40) is greater than or equal to the return force exerted by the second return system (spring40in torsion). This allows favoring transition into the released position over transition into the retracted position, given that the force of the first return system can be more easily overcome by the user by means of a simple pressure.

As seen previously, the lug35of the support engages in the slot16of the sleeve10, which bonds the support30in rotation relative to the sleeve10. It follows that the orientation of the support30relative to the sleeve10is maintained between the retracted position and the released position. Here only the actuator60is movable in rotation relative to the support30and to the sleeve10.

Although the present description refers to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications may be applied to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, in addition to the variants already indicated in the progress of the description, the following modifications might be contemplated:the actuator60may be provided outside the sleeve10rather than inside;the guide64may be provided in the sleeve10and the slot16in the actuator60. In this case, the support30would be integrally rotatable with the actuator60and would rotate in the sleeve10between the retracted position and the released position;the lug35might be provided on the sleeve10and the slot16on the support30; more generally, all the mechanical cooperations could be inverted;the directions of translation and rotation could be exchanged.

More generally, individual features of the different embodiments illustrated or mentioned can be combined into additional embodiments. Consequently, the description and the drawings must be considered in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense.