RECHARGEABLE PACKAGING DEVICE FOR A COSMETIC ARTICLE

Abstract

This invention relates to a packaging device (10) of at least one cosmetic article, comprising a base element (12) and a refill (14) removably mounted in the base element (12). The base element (12) comprises a support (16) that defines a cavity (40) and the refill (14) comprises a receptacle (82) received in the cavity (40). The receptacle (82) interiorly defines a storage compartment (90) of a first cosmetic article opening outside of the receptacle (82) thorough an access opening (94). The packaging device (10) further comprises: —a cap (84) which can be displaced with respect to the receptacle (82) from a closed position of the receptacle (82) to an open position of the receptacle (82) when is applied on the cap (84) a lifting force greater than a first threshold less than or equal to 3 Newtons, and —additional cooperation members (180, 182) for ensuring the retaining of the refill (14) in the base element (12) when a pulling off force applied to the refill (14) is less than a second threshold greater than the first threshold.

Description

This invention relates to a packaging device for at least one cosmetic article, of the type comprising a base element and a refill removably mounted in the base element, with the base element comprising a support defining a cavity, and the refill comprising a receptacle received in the cavity, with the receptacle defining interiorly a storage compartment for a first cosmetic article opening outside of the receptacle through an access opening, with the packaging device further comprising a cap that can be displaced with respect to the receptacle between a closed position of the receptacle, wherein the cap closes off the access opening, and an open position of the receptacle, wherein the cap releases the access opening, and additional cooperation members in order to ensure the holding of the refill in the base element.

The term “cosmetic item” according to the present invention denotes a cosmetic product intended for application onto a human, such as for example a solid such as a powder, a liquid or a cream. A “cosmetic product” is more generally a product as defined in EC Regulation No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council of Nov. 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

The term “cosmetic article” also denotes a tool used for applying a cosmetic product onto a surface of the body, the tool being for example a brush, touch-up brush or sponge. A “cosmetic article” may also be a cosmetic treatment tool such as a nail file.

A packaging device is suitable for containing and moving a cosmetic article with a view to the storage, marketing and use thereof. The packaging device is for example a case or a box suitable for being received in a handbag. It most often comprises a base and a lid, with the lid generally having on its inner surface a mirror intended to monitor the application of the cosmetic product.

When the cosmetic item is a cosmetic product, it is advantageous to be able to refill the box when the product has been used up. In order to directly package the product in a receptacle, it is known to configure the base into two removable portions in relation to one another, with one of said portions containing the refill receptacle.

When this cosmetic product is of the fluid or powdery product type, it is advantageous to provide a tight closure of said refill receptacle by means of a cap. As such, the product is not liable to soil the inner surface of the lid.

Such a packaging box is in particular described in document FR 3 036 595.

A problem that is routinely encountered with this type of packaging device resides in the fact that, in order to ensure the seal of the cap with the refill receptacle, it is generally indispensable to provide device for maintaining the cap in closed position which requires a substantial effort to open. However, in order to prevent the opening of the refill receptacle from provoking the extraction of this refill receptacle outside of the box, it is necessary to provide a device for retaining the refill implying an extraction force that is even more substantial that the force for opening. Consequently, the extraction of the refill outside of the box often becomes a difficult operation for the user.

This invention as such has for objective to facilitate the method of dissociating the refill receptacle with the box of the packaging device. Another objective is to ensure a good seal of the refill receptacle when the box is closed.

To this effect, the invention has for object a packaging device of the aforementioned type, wherein the cap is able to be displaced from its closed position to its open position when is applied on the cap a lifting force that is greater than a first threshold, and the additional cooperation members are able to oppose a detaching of the refill with respect to the base element when a pulling off force applied to the refill is less than a second threshold, and to allow for the detaching of the refill with respect to the base element when the pulling off force is greater than the second threshold, with the second threshold being strictly greater than the first threshold, with the first threshold being less than or equal to 3 Newtons.

According to particular embodiments of the invention, the packaging device also has one or several of the following characteristics taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

• • the second threshold is between 3 and 30 Newtons,
  • the cap comprises a first portion and second portion connected to each other by an annular wall that is elastically deformable between a configuration at rest, wherein the first and second portions are separated from each other and the annular wall has a first diameter less than the diameter of the access opening, and a compressed configuration, wherein the first and second portions are moved towards each other and the annular wall has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the receptacle has a shoulder inside the storage compartment, with said shoulder facing the access opening and being at a distance from the access opening less than the separation between the first and second portions of the cap when the annular wall is at rest, with the second portion of the cap being suitable to be in contact with the shoulder when the cap is in an intermediate position between its open and closed positions,
  • the packaging device comprises a device for maintaining the cap in closed position able to oppose the opening of the receptacle when the lifting force applied on the cap is less than the first threshold,
  • the device for maintaining comprises a member integral with the first portion of the cap,
  • the cavity is bordered at its periphery by an annular wall of the support, and the additional cooperation members comprise snap-fitting tabs formed in said annular wall,
  • the snap-fitting tabs are masked by the refill when the receptacle is received in the cavity,
  • each snap-fitting tab has a flat surface and comprises a tooth protruding radially inwards of the support with respect to said flat surface, with this tooth having a width substantially equal to 8 mm and extending towards the inside of the support by a distance less than 0.4 mm,
  • the packaging device comprises elements for connecting the cap to the receptacle constituted by a single hinge,
  • the storage compartment contains a cosmetic makeup and/or care product.
  • the cosmetic product is a foundation,
  • the support and the receptacle together form a base and the cap comprises a first and a second end opposite each other, with the cap being connected to the base by a hinge on the first end, with the lifting force being applied on the second end,
  • the first and second ends of the cap belong to the first portion of the cap,
  • the device for maintaining comprises a member arranged on the second end of the cap,
  • the base element comprises a lid mounted mobile in rotation on the support about a first axis of rotation between a closed position, wherein the lid covers the orifice, and an open position, wherein the lid allows free access to the orifice,
  • the support and the refill comprise additional foolproof members suitable for that, when the refill is retained at the support by the additional cooperation members, the hinge that connects the cap to the receptacle of the refill is oriented along a second axis of rotation that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis of rotation,
  • the lid comprises an inner face oriented towards the support when the lid is in closed position, said inner face being at a distance from the shoulder, when the lid is in closed position, less than the separation between the first and second portions of the cap when the annular wall is at rest,
  • the packaging device has a contact configuration wherein the second edge of the plate is in contact with the inner surface of the lid, moving said lid toward its closed position then tending to move the plate toward its closed configuration by sliding said second edge against the inner surface, and
  • the support comprises a bottom and an orifice opposite the bottom, with the cavity opening outside of the support through the orifice, the lifting force is outside of the packaging device and is oriented opposite the receptacle, and the pulling off force is outside of the packaging device and is oriented along a direction going from the bottom of the support to the orifice.

Further features and advantages of the invention will emerge after reading the following description given solely as an example with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging device according to the invention, empty, in a first configuration,

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the packaging device of FIG. 1, filled, taken along the plane II-II of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a top view of the packaging device of FIG. 1, in a second configuration,

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view along plane IV-IV of the packaging device of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view along plane V-V of the packaging device of FIG. 3, and

FIG. 6 is a view of a detail marked VI of FIG. 3.

The packaging device 10 shown in the Figures is of the makeup container type and is intended for the packaging of at least one cosmetic article. It comprises, as can be seen in FIG. 1, a base element 12 and a refill 14 removably mounted in the base element 12.

The base element 12 comprises a support 16 and a lid 18 movably mounted in rotation on the support 16. In what follows, an orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z) is considered, shown in the Figures, attached to the support 16.

In reference to FIG. 2, the support 16 comprises a bottom 20 constituted by a substantially flat lower wall and arranged in a plane (X, Y). As can be seen in FIG. 3, this bottom 20 has an elliptical outer peripheral edge 22 that has a focal axis 24 oriented along the direction X and small axis 26 oriented along the direction Y. The focal axis 24 cuts the outer peripheral edge 22 on a front end 27 and a rear end 28 of the support 16.

The support 16 also comprises a top wall 30, substantially planar and arranged in a plane (X, Y). This wall 30 has a substantially circular contour 32.

Returning to FIG. 1, the support 16 further comprises a peripheral wall 34 joining the outer peripheral edge 22 of the bottom 20 to the contour 32.

The support 16 defines a central cavity 40 that opens via an orifice 42 arranged in the top wall 30 outside of the support 16. This cavity 40 is centered on an axis 44 parallel to the axis Z and, in particular has a symmetry of revolution about the axis 44.

The orifice 42 is also centered on the axis 44. Moreover, this orifice 42 has, in the example shown, a circular contour.

The contour 32 of the top wall 30 is also centered on the axis 44.

In the example shown, the cavity 40 also opens outside of the support 16 via a cut 46 (FIG. 2) arranged in the bottom 20. This cut 46 is also centered on the axis 44 and has a circular contour.

In reference to FIG. 2, the cavity 40 comprises, starting from the bottom 20, a first section 48 having a diameter, taken in a plane (X, Y), substantially equal to the diameter of the cut 46, i.e. such that the difference in diameter between the cut 46 and the first section, according to the largest of the two diameters, is less than 5%. The first section 48 is in particular cylindrical of revolution.

The cavity 40 then comprises a second section 50 of a diameter greater than that of the first section 48. The diameter of this second section 50 is substantially equal to the diameter of the orifice 42. This second section 50 is also cylindrical of revolution.

The cavity 40 is bordered at its periphery by an annular wall 52 of the support 16. At the junction between the first and second sections 48, 50, this annular wall 52 defines a shoulder 54 arranged in a plane (X, Y) and facing the top wall 30.

The lid 18 is mobile in rotation with respect to the support 16 about a first axis of rotation 56 between a closed position, shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in which the lid 18 covers the orifice 42, and an open position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the lid 18 allows free access to the orifice 42. To this effect, the lid 18 is hinged at the support 16 by a hinge 58 that materializes the first axis of rotation 56 and arranged at the rear end 28 of the support 16.

The first axis of rotation 56 is in particular oriented along the direction Y.

The lid 18 comprises a substantially flat top wall 60 which, when the lid 18 is in closed position, is arranged in the plane (X, Y). As can be seen in FIG. 3, this top wall 60 has an elliptical outer peripheral edge 62 with a focal axis 64 oriented along the direction Y and a small axis 66 oriented along the direction X.

In reference to FIG. 5, the lid 18 also comprises a peripheral wall 68 protruding from the outer peripheral edge 62 of the wall 60 to the support 16. This wall 68 has a lower edge 70 contained in a plane substantially parallel to the top wall 60. This lower edge 70 is substantially circular.

When the lid 18 is in closed position, the top wall 60 and the lower edge 70 of the peripheral wall 68 are substantially centered on the axis 44.

The lid 18 further comprises a rigid tongue 72 protruding from the lower edge 70 of the peripheral wall 68, in the extension of the peripheral wall 68, on the rear end 28 of the support 16. This tongue 72 forms a portion of the hinge 58. It is received in a recess 74 arranged in the support 16 and opening into the top 30 and peripheral 34 walls and forming an additional portion of the hinge 58.

The top wall 60, the peripheral wall 68 and the tongue 72 are in a single piece.

The lid 18 finally comprises, in the example shown, a mirror 80 added onto the face of the top wall 60 which, when the lid 18 is in closed position, faces the support 16. This mirror 80 defines an inner face of the lid 18.

Optionally, the lid 18 comprises in addition perforations or vents (not shown).

The base element 12 further comprises a mechanism 76 for locking the lid 18 in closed position. This mechanism 76 comprises, in the example shown, a pusher 77 formed in the peripheral wall 34 of the support 16, on the front end 27, and mobile along the direction X, a hook 78 integral with the pusher 77, and a notch 79 formed in the peripheral wall 68 of the lid 18 and able to cooperate with the hook 78. Alternatively, the pusher 77 is added to the peripheral wall 34 of the support 16.

Returning to FIG. 1, the refill 14 comprises a receptacle 82 and a cap 84 that can be displaced with respect to the receptacle 82.

In reference to FIG. 2, the receptacle 82 comprises a bottom 86 substantially flat arranged along a plane (X, Y), a substantially flat top wall 88 and arranged parallel to the bottom 86, and peripheral wall 89 joining the bottom 86 top the top wall 88. Moreover, the receptacle 82 interiorly defines a storage compartment 90 bordered by the bottom 86 and the walls 88, 89.

The bottom 86 has a substantially complementary shape of the cut 46 of the support 16. It is centered on an axis 92 oriented along the direction Z.

The top wall 88 is substantially discoidal. It has a larger dimension, taken in the plane (X, Y) between opposite ends of the top wall 88, greater than the largest dimension of the bottom 86 of the receptacle 82 and greater than the diameter of the orifice 42. It has an opening 94 through which the compartment 90 opens to the outside of the receptacle 82.

This opening 94 is substantially circular and is centered on the axis 92. It has in particular a diameter greater than the diameter of the bottom 86 of the receptacle 82 and less than the diameter of the orifice 42.

The peripheral wall 89 comprises, starting from the bottom 86, a first section 96 having an outer diameter, taken in a plane (X, Y), substantially equal to the first section 48 of the cavity 40. This first section 96 is in particular cylindrical of revolution.

La peripheral wall 89 then comprises a second section 98 that has an inner diameter and outer diameter greater than those of the first section 96. The outer diameter of this second section 98 is substantially equal to the diameter of the second section 50 of the cavity 40. The inner diameter of this second section 98 is substantially equal to the diameter of the opening 94. This second section 98 is also cylindrical of revolution.

At the junction between the first and second sections 96, 98, the peripheral wall 89 defines an inner shoulder 100 arranged in a plane (X, Y) and facing the top wall 88, and an external shoulder 102 also arranged in a plane (X, Y) but oriented opposite the inner shoulder 100, i.e. the normal (not shown) to the external shoulder 102 is directed in a direction opposite the inner shoulder 100.

The distance of the external shoulder 102 to the outer face 104 of the bottom 86 of the receptacle 82 is substantially equal to the distance from the shoulder 54 to the outer face 106 of the bottom 20 of the support 16.

The receptacle 82 also comprises an annular protrusion 108 protruding radially inwards from the peripheral wall 89, in the extension of the inner shoulder 100. This protrusion 108 has a free annular edge 109 centered on the axis 92.

In the example shown, this annular edge 109 is substantially circular. It is moreover curved towards the bottom 86.

The compartment 90 is centered on the axis 92 and is in particular cylindrical of revolution about the axis 92. The compartment 90 formed from a first portion 110, bordered by the first section 96 of the peripheral wall 89, and by a second portion 112 bordered by the second section 98 of the peripheral wall 89. These two portions 110, 112 are separated from one another by the annular protrusion 108.

The first portion 110 forms a first housing receiving a first cosmetic article 113 (FIG. 2). This first cosmetic article 113 is for example a cosmetic makeup and/or care product intended to be applied on a surface of the body, such as a powder or a cream. Advantageously, the first cosmetic article 113 is a foundation.

The receptacle 82 further comprises a peripheral skirt 114 extending from an outer peripheral edge 116 of the top wall 88. This peripheral skirt 114 protrudes from the outer peripheral edge 116 substantially along the direction Z, in the direction of the bottom 86 of the receptacle 82. It terminates with a free edge 118 contained in a plane (X, Y), with the distance from this plane to the external shoulder 102 being substantially equal to the distance from the shoulder 54 to the top wall 60 of the support 16.

In the embodiment shown, the receptacle 82 is formed of a lower portion 120 and of an upper portion 122 assembled in a removable manner. The lower portion 120 is formed by the bottom 86, as well as by an inner portion 124 of the first section 96 of the peripheral wall 89. The upper portion 122 comprises an outer portion 126 of the first section 96 of the peripheral wall 89, as well as the second section 98 of the peripheral wall 89, the annular protrusion 108 and the peripheral skirt 114.

The internal portion 124 is assembled to the external portion 126, in the example shown by snap-fitting, alternatively by screwing, in such a way as to form the first section 96 of the peripheral wall 89. The bottom 86 is as such made integral with the rest of the receptacle 82.

According to an alternative not shown, the receptacle 82 is monoblock. The lower portion 120 and the upper portion 122 are then in a single piece.

The receptacle 82 is received in the cavity 40 of the support 16, with the axis 92 being confounded with the axis 44. The external shoulder 102 of the receptacle 82 rests against the shoulder 54 of the support 16, and the outer surface 104 of the bottom 86 of the receptacle 82 is flush with the outer surface 106 of the bottom 20 of the support 16, in such a way that said bottoms 86, 106 as such form a continuous surface. The receptacle 82 and the support 16 as such form a base 128.

The cap 84 is mounted mobile in rotation on the receptacle 82 about a second axis of rotation 132 between a closed position, in which the cap 84 closes off the opening 94, and a released position, in which the cap 84 releases the opening 94. To this effect, the cap 84 comprises a plate 130 articulated to the receptacle 82 by a hinge 134 materializing the second axis of rotation 132.

The second axis of rotation 132 is in particular oriented along the direction X. It is as such orthogonal to the first axis off rotation 56.

The cap 84 is able to be displaced from its closed position to its released positions when is applied on the cap 84 a lifting force outside the device 10 and oriented opposite the receptacle 82, with this lifting force being greater than a first threshold less than or equal to 3 Newtons.

The cap 84 also comprises a sealing system 136 in order to provide a seal between the plate 130 and the receptacle 82 when the cap 84 is in closed position.

The plate 130 is monoblock. It is centered on an axis 138 that, when the cap 84 is in closed position, is confounded with the axis 92.

The plate 130 comprises a peripheral portion 140, with a shape and dimensions similar to those of the top wall 88 of the receptacle 82. In particular, the peripheral portion 140 has a substantially circular contour.

When the cap 84 is in closed position, such as shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral portion 140 is arranged in a plane (X, Y).

A portion of the hinge 134 is formed in said peripheral portion 140, on one lateral end 141 of the peripheral portion 140.

The plate 130 also comprises a central portion 142 offset along the axis 136 with respect to the peripheral portion 140 in such a way as to be arranged set back towards the inside of the receptacle 82 with respect to the peripheral portion 140 when the cap 84 is in closed position.

The plate 130 as such defines a central housing 144 centered on the axis 138. This central housing 144 is intended to receive a second cosmetic article (not shown) typically constituted by an applicator intended to apply the cosmetic product contained in the first housing 110, for example a sponge 42.

The central housing 144 is bordered by an annular boss 146 extending from the peripheral portion 140 to the opposite of the central portion 142. Notches (not shown) are formed in this boss 146 in such a way as to facilitate the grasping of the second cosmetic article. This annular boss 146 defines an upper end 147 of the plate 130.

The sealing system 132 comprises a rigid wall 150, substantially flat and parallel to the peripheral portion 140 of the plate 130, and a flexible annular wall 152 connecting a peripheral edge 153 of the rigid wall 150 to the plate 130.

The rigid wall 150 is substantially discoidal. It has an upper face 154 facing the plate 130, a lower face 156 opposite the plate 130, and an edge 158 that forms the junction between the upper 154 and lower 156 faces at the periphery of the wall 150. Each one of the lower and upper faces 154, 156 has a central recess 160, in such a way that the rigid wall 150 is thinner at its center than on its peripheral edge 153. An annular groove 162 is arranged in the edge 158.

In the example shown, the lower face 156 of the rigid wall 150 is smooth and even. According to a first alternative embodiment (not shown), the lower face 156 includes spikes or rough areas. According to a second alternative embodiment (not shown), the lower face 156 includes a decoration or writing. According to a third alternative embodiment (not shown), the lower face 156 comprises a housing for a third cosmetic article, with this third cosmetic article being for example a second cosmetic product, of the same nature as the product contained in the first housing 110 but of a different color.

The rigid wall 150 is centered on the axis 138. It is arranged in such a way as to be received in the second portion 112 of the storage compartment 90 when the cap 84 is in closed position.

The annular wall 152 has the shape of a torus portion, in a rest position, a circular section of a diameter close to the inner diameter of the second section 98 of the peripheral wall 89 of the receptacle 82.

Moreover, the annular wall 152 is able to be deformed elastically in a plane passing through the axis 138. To this effect, the annular wall 152 is preferably formed from an elastically deformable material, such as for example a thermoplastic elastomer such as SEBS, or a nitrile rubber (NBR), or a silicone. In addition, the annular wall 152 has a curvature in a plane passing through the axis 138, a convexity of the curvature being directed opposite the axis 138. As such, the annular wall 152 is able to increase in diameter under the effect of a coming closer together of the rigid wall 150 and of the plate 130.

A first edge 164 of the annular wall 152 is engaged in the groove 162, and the opposite second edge 166 is fixed, for example overmolded, to the peripheral portion 140 of the plate 130.

When the annular wall 152 is in its rest position, the rigid wall 150 is at a first distance along the axis 138 from the peripheral portion 140 of the plate 130 and at a second distance along the axis 138 from the upper end 147 of the plate 130.

This first distance is greater than the distance between the shoulder 100 and the plane (X, Y) passing through the hinge 132. As such, when the cap 84 is in its closed position, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the rigid wall 150 is bearing against the inner shoulder 100 and is brought closer to the plate 130, in such a way that the lateral wall 152 is compressed, which has for effect to increase the diameter of the annular wall 152, which then comes into contact with the peripheral wall 89 of the receptacle 82. The outer surface of the annular wall 152 as such has a function of a seal, forming a tight contact with the peripheral wall 89 of the receptacle 82.

Moreover, the second distance is greater than the distance between the shoulder 100 and the inner face of the lid 18 when the lid 18 is in closed position. As such, when the lid 18 is in closed position, it bears on the plate 130, which makes it possible to ensure that the cap 84 remains in closed position and the annular wall 152 compressed, as such ensuring a good seal between the cap 84 and the receptacle 82.

The cap 84 is preferably molded by bi-injection, firstly of the plate 130 and of the rigid wall 150, then of the annular wall 152. Alternatively, the plate 130, the rigid wall 150 and the annular wall 152 are molded separately, then assembled.

The refill 14 further comprises elements 168 for connecting the cap 84 to the receptacle 82. These connecting elements 168 comprise the hinge 134. In the example shown, they also comprise a device 170 for maintaining the cap 84 in closed configuration.

This device for maintaining 170 is able to oppose a displacement of the cap 84 away from the receptacle 82 when the lifting force applied on the cap 84 is less than the first threshold, and to allow the displacement of the cap 84 away from the receptacle 82 when the lifting force applied on the cap 84 is greater than the first threshold. This lifting force must then be applied at the lateral end 172 of the plate 130 opposite the hinge 134.

To this effect, the device for maintaining 170 is formed, in the example shown, by a system for snap fitting the plate 84 to the receptacle, with this system comprising a hook 174 carried by the lateral end 172 of the plate 130 and a notch 176 formed in the top wall 88 of the receptacle 82 is able to cooperate with the hook 174. Thanks to the spring effect provided by the compression of the lateral wall 152 when the cap 84 is in closed position it is sufficient to apply a very weak lifting force in order to provoke the opening of the cap 84. As such the opening of the receptacle 82 is permitted with lifting forces less than or equal to 3 Newtons.

Note that the constraint of having a first threshold less than or equal to 3 Newton can be complied with by means of devices for maintaining 170 that are difference from the one described here.

Alternatively, the refill 14 does not include any device for maintaining the cap 84 in closed position. The elements 168 for connecting the cap 84 to the receptacle 82 are then comprised only by the hinge 134. Moreover, the cap 84 is able to be displaced from its closed position to its released position without a lower limit to the lifting force that has to be applied on the cap 84 in order to provoke the displacement thereof; the first threshold is then equal to 0 Newton.

To measure this first threshold, a measuring device is used comprising a stand, a column fixed to the stand, a nacelle mounted mobile on the column between a close position of the stand and a position separated from the stand, an actuator for displacing the nacelle between its close position and its separated position, a hook integral with the nacelle, and a dynamometer for measuring the tensile force exerted on the hook. The packaging device 10 is installed in this measuring device, with the lid 18 being in open position, the refill 14 nested in the support 16 and the cap 84 in its closed position, in such a way that the support 16 is fixed to the stand of the measuring device. The hook of the measuring device is hooked to the lateral end 172 of the plate 130, and the actuator is configured in such a way as to drive a displacement of the nacelle at a speed between 155 and 175 mm per minute. Finally, the actuator is turned on, and the tensile force exerted on the hook is measured using a dynamometer, until, under the effect of the force exerted by the hook, the cap 84 opens. The first threshold is then constituted by the maximum force measured by the dynamometer before opening of the cap 84.

The base element 12 and the refill 14 moreover comprise additional cooperation members 180, 182 in order to ensure the retaining of the refill 14 in the base element 12. These additional cooperation members 180, 182 are able to oppose a detaching of the refill 14 with respect to the base element 12 when is applied on the refill 14 a pulling off force outside of the packaging device 10 and oriented along the direction Z from the bottom 20 of the support 16 to the orifice 42, said pulling off force being less than a second threshold, and to allow for the detaching of the refill 14 with respect to the base element 12 when the pulling off force applied on the refill 14 is greater than the second threshold. The second threshold is in particular strictly greater than the first threshold, in such a way as to prevent attempts to open the refill 14 from causing the ejection of the refill 14 outside of the base element 12.

In reference to FIG. 5, the additional cooperation members 180, 182 form, in the example shown, a system for snap-fitting the refill 14 in the base element 12. To this effect, the additional cooperation members 180, 182 comprise a plurality of snap-fitting tabs 180, typically three, formed in the annular wall 52 of the support 16, with each one being elastically deformable between a rest position, in which the snap-fitting tab 180 is close to the axis 44, and a flexed position, in which the snap-fitting tab 180 is separated from the axis 44. Due to their position in the annular wall 52, the snap-fitting tabs 180 are as such masked by the refill 14 when the receptacle 82 is received in the cavity 40, i.e. they are not visible from the outside of the packaging device 10.

These snap-fitting tabs 180 are distributed in the annular wall 52 in such a way as to be at a substantially equal distance from one another; as such, in the example shown, the snap-fitting tabs 180 are substantially at 120° from one another.

In reference to FIG. 6, each snap-fitting tabs 180 comprises a body 183 with a proximal end 184 for connection to the rest of the annular wall 52 and a free opposite distal end 185. This body 180 has an inner surface 186, oriented towards the axis 44, substantially flat. Each snap-fitting tab 180 also comprises a tooth 187 arranged at the distal end 185 of the body 180 and radially protruding inwards towards the support 16 with respect to the inner surface 186. This tooth 187 has a width substantially equal to 8 mm, taken along a direction orthoradial to the axis 44, and extends inwards towards the support 16, with respect to the inner surface 186, by a distance less than 0.4 mm and preferably substantially equal to 0.38 mm. The tooth 187 moreover has a radius of curvature, taken in a plane including the axis 44, substantially equal to 1 mm.

The additional cooperation members 180, 182 also comprise a plurality of grooves 182 formed in an external face 188 of the peripheral wall 89 of the receptacle 82, with each groove 182 extending in a plane (X, Y) and being suitable for cooperating with a respective snap-fitting tab 180. To this effect, each groove 182 has a shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of the tooth 187 of the respective snap-fitting tab 180.

A second threshold is as such reached between 3 and 30 Newtons, preferable between 3 and 20 Newtons.

Note that this second threshold is not specific to the example shown, and that similar values can be obtained using cooperation members 180, 182 that are different from those described here.

In order to measure this second threshold, the same device is used as for measuring the first threshold. The packaging device 10 is installed in this measuring device, with the lid 18 being in open position, the refill 14 nested in the support 16 and the cap 84 in its released position, in such a way that the support 16 is fixed to the stand of the measuring device. An arch is fixed to the top wall 88 of the receptacle 82, for example by means of an adhesive strip, and the hook of the measuring device is engaged in said arch. The actuator is configured in such a way as to drive a displacement of the nacelle at a speed between 155 and 175 mm per minute. Finally, the actuator is turned on, and the tensile force exerted on the hook is measured using a dynamometer, until, under the effect of the force exerted by the hook, the refill 14 becomes separated from the support 16. The second threshold is then constituted by the maximum force measured by the dynamometer before the detaching of the refill 14.

Returning to FIG. 5, the base element 12 and the refill 14 further comprise foolproof members 190, 192 in order to ensure a correct positioning of the refill 14 in the base element 12 and in particular to ensure that the first and second axis of rotation 56, 132 are correctly positioned with respect to one another, and that the cooperation members 180, 182 are positioned facing one another in such a way as to be able to ensure the retaining of the refill 14 in the base element 12.

These foolproof members 190, 192 comprise, in the example shown, a tongue 190 integral with the refill 14 and protruding from the free edge 118 of the peripheral skirt 114 of the receptacle 82, parallel to the axis 92 and opposite the top wall 88. The foolproof members 190, 192 also comprise a window 192 arranged in the top wall 60 of the support 16 and able to receive the tongue 190 when the first and second axes of rotation 56, 132 are substantially orthogonal to one another.

Preferentially, with the exception of the mirror 80 and the annular wall 152, the various elements forming the device 10 are molded by injecting a polymer type thermoplastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) or a polypropylene,

A method of operating the device 10 will now be described. In the open position of the lid 18 and in the cleared position of the cap 84, as in FIG. 1, a user can extract cosmetic product using the sponge received in the central housing 144 and apply this cosmetic product on surfaces of the body. Application is optionally monitored using the mirror 80. The bottom face 156 of the rigid wall 150 is optionally used for working the product using the sponge, or for wiping away excess product, before application. In the case where the bottom surface 156 includes a housing for a second cosmetic product, both products can be used simultaneously.

When the operations of application are completed, the user folds down the cap 84 in the direction of the receptacle 82, in such a way as to have the rigid wall 150 enter into the compartment 90. The rigid wall 150 also arrives in contact with the shoulder 100. The cap 84 is then in an intermediate position.

In order to facilitate the passage in closed position of the cap 84, the user the folds down the lid 18 until its inner face is in contact with the plate 130. The cap 84 and the lid 18 are then in a contact configuration.

From the contact configuration, the user applies a force on the lid 18 tending to move the lid 18 to the closed position. For example, the user presses on the top of the lid 18. The displacement of the lid 18 slides the point of contact of the plate 130 with the inner face of the lid 18, along said inner face, in the direction of the first axis of rotation 56.

The inner surface formed by the mirror 80 has a smooth texture which facilitates the sliding of the plate 130.

The plate 130 is as such folded back to the upper surface 88 of the receptacle 82. The rigid wall 150 abutting against the shoulder 100, the distance between the rigid wall 150 and the plate 130 decreases. This decrease induces an increase in diameter of the outer surfaces of the peripheral wall 152, until a tight contact is formed with the annular wall 89 of the receptacle 82.

The lid 18 is then situated in the closed position, as shown for example in FIG. 5. The notch 79 fits onto the hook 78, locking the lid 18.

In a single action, the user can thus form a tight contact between the cap 94 and the receptacle 82 and place the lid 18 in the closed position. The movement of the cap 84 by means of the lid 18 provides leverage which minimizes the force required to switch the cap 84 to the closed configuration.

In the closed position, the inner surface of the lid 18 applies homogeneous pressure on the seal formed by the wall 152 and the wall 89. In particular, such homogeneity of pressure is promoted by the fact that the inner face of the lid 18 is formed by the mirror 80.

Inversely, to open the device 10 from the closed position of the lid 18, the user presses on the pusher 77 so as to disengage the hook 78 from the notch 79. Once the lid 18 is unlocked, the compression force exerted by the peripheral wall 89 of the receptacle 82 on the annular wall 152 of the cap 84 tends to eject the plate 130 outside of the compartment 90. Consequently, the plate 130 moves away from the bottom 86 of the receptacle 82 and slightly lifts the lid 18. This displacement is however stopped by the device for maintaining 170.

The user can then displace the lid 18 to its open position, then grasp the sponge arranged in the central housing 144.

It is then sufficient for the user to pass a finger between the plate 130 and the top wall of the receptacle 82 on the lateral end 172 opposite the hinge 134 and exert from this point a lifting force greater than the first threshold in order to overcome the resistance opposed by the device for maintaining 170. Then, the user accompanies the displacement of the cap 84 until its released position, in such a way as to release the access to the cosmetic product contained in the first housing 110.

The device 10 is then situated in the configuration of FIG. 1, suitable for using cosmetic articles.

It is thus possible to switch the device 10 from its closed transport configuration to its configuration for use without changing the handling of the device 10.

When the cosmetic product contained in the first housing 110 is used up, the user dissociates the refill 14 from the base element 12 in order to refill the packaging device 10 with product. To this effect, the user displaces the lid 18 to open position, such as described hereinabove, then the user exerts on the bottom 86 of the receptacle 82 a pulling-off force oriented along the axis Z in the direction of the orifice 42 and greater than the second threshold. The refill 14 is as such pushed in the direction of the orifice 42. The force exerted being greater than the second threshold, it makes it possible to overcome the resistance of the cooperation members 180, 182, and the refill 14 is therefore ejected outside of the cavity 40.

The user then assembles in place of the refill 14 a new identical refill (not shown) and of which the first housing 110 contains cosmetic product. To this effect, the user positions the new refill in the cavity 40 of the support 16, then the user exerts on the top of this new refill a force oriented along the axis Z in the direction of the bottom 20 of the support. By exerting a force greater than the second threshold, this force makes it possible to overcome the resistance of the cooperation members 180, 182, and the new refill then as such becomes engaged with the base element 12. The shoulder 54 prevents, under the effect of the thrust exerted by the user, the new refill from extending beyond the position in which it is engaged with the base element 12 and from being ejected through the cut 46.

Thanks to the invention, replacing the refill 14 is particularly easy. Indeed, it is sufficient for the user to exert a slight pressure on the refill 14 in order to eject it, and the pressure that needs to be exerted on the new refill in order to put it in place is also weak.

Claims

1. A packaging device for at least one cosmetic product, comprising a base element and a refill removably mounted in the base element, the base element comprising a support defining a cavity and the refill comprising a receptacle received in the cavity, with the receptacle interiorly defining a storage compartment for a first cosmetic article opening outside of the receptacle through an access opening, the packaging device further comprising: a cap that can be displaced with respect to the receptacle between a closed position of the receptacle, in which the cap closes of the access opening, and an open position of the receptacle, in which the cap releases the access opening, andadditional cooperation members for ensuring the retaining of the refill in the base element,wherein the cap is able to be displaced from its closed position to its open position when is applied on the cap a lifting force that is greater than a first threshold, and the additional cooperation members are able to oppose a detaching of the refill with respect to the base element when a pulling off force applied to the refill is less than a second threshold, and to allow for the detaching of the refill with respect to the base element when the pulling off force is greater than the second threshold, with the second threshold being strictly greater than the first threshold, the first threshold being less than or equal to 3 Newtons.

2. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the second threshold is between 3 and 30 Newtons.

3. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to each other by an annular wall that is elastically deformable between a configuration at rest, wherein the first and second portions are separated from each other and the annular wall has a first diameter less than the diameter of the access opening, and a compressed configuration, wherein the first and second portions are moved towards each other and the annular wall has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and the receptacle has a shoulder inside the storage compartment, with said shoulder facing the access opening and being at a distance from the access opening less than the separation between the first and second portions of the cap when the annular wall is at rest, with the second portion of the cap being suitable to be in contact with the shoulder when the cap is in an intermediate position between its open and closed positions.

4. The packaging device according to claim 1, comprising a device for maintaining the cap in closed position able to oppose the opening of the receptacle when the lifting force applied on the cap is less than the first threshold.

5. The packaging device according to claim 3, and further comprising a device for maintaining the cap in closed position able to oppose the opening of the receptacle when the lifting force applied on the cap is less than the first threshold, wherein the device for maintaining comprises a member integral with the first portion of the cap.

6. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the cavity is bordered at its periphery by an annular wall of the support, and the additional cooperation members comprise snap-fitting tabs formed in said annular wall.

7. The packaging device according to claim 6, wherein the snap-fitting tabs are masked by the refill when the receptacle is received in the cavity.

8. The packaging device according to claim 6, wherein each snap-fitting tab has a flat surface and comprises a tooth protruding radially inwards of the support with respect to said flat surface, with this tooth having a width substantially equal to 8 mm and extending towards the inside of the support by a distance less than 0.4 mm.

9. The packaging device according to claim 1, comprising elements for connecting the cap to the receptacle constituted by a single hinge.

10. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the storage compartment contains a cosmetic makeup or care product.

11. The packaging device according to claim 10, wherein the cosmetic product is a foundation.

12. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the support and the receptacle together form a base and the cap comprises a first and a second ends opposite each other, with the cap being connected to the base by a hinge on the first end, with the lifting force being applied on the second end.

13. The packaging device according to claim 3, wherein the support and the receptacle together form a base and the cap comprises a first and a second ends opposite each other, with the can being connected to the base by a hinge on the first end, with the lifting force being applied on the second end, and wherein the first and second ends of the cap belong to the first portion of the cap.

14. The packaging device according to claim 4, wherein the support and the receptacle together form a base and the cap comprises a first and a second ends opposite each other, with the cap being connected to the base by a hinge on the first end, with the lifting force being applied on the second end, wherein the first and second ends of the cap belong to the first portion of the cap, and wherein the device for maintaining comprises a member arranged on the second end of the cap.

15. The packaging device according to claim 12, wherein the base element comprises a lid mounted mobile in rotation on the support about a first axis of rotation between a closed position, wherein the lid covers the orifice, and an open position, wherein the lid allows free access to the orifice.

16. The packaging device according to claim 15, wherein the support and the refill comprise additional foolproof members suitable for that, when the refill is retained at the support by the additional cooperation members the hinge that connects the cap to the receptacle of the refill is oriented along a second axis of rotation that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis of rotation.

17. The packaging device according to claim 15, wherein the cap comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to each other by an annular wall that is elastically deformable between a configuration at rest, wherein the first and second portions are separated from each other and the annular wall has a first diameter less than the diameter of the access opening, and a compressed configuration, wherein the first and second portions are moved towards each other and the annular wall has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and the receptacle has a shoulder inside the storage compartment, with said shoulder facing the access opening and being at a distance from the access opening less than the separation between the first and second portions of the cap when the annular wall is at rest, with the second portion of the cap being suitable to be in contact with the shoulder when the cap is in an intermediate position between its open and closed positions, and wherein the lid comprises an inner face oriented towards the supporter when the lid is in closed position, said inner face being at a distance from the shoulder, when the lid is in closed position, less than the separation between the first and second portions of the cap when the annular wall is at rest.

18. The packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the support comprises a bottom and an orifice opposite the bottom, with the cavity opening outside of the support through the orifice, the lifting force is outside of the packaging device and is oriented opposite the receptacle, and the pulling off force is outside of the packaging device and is oriented along a direction going from the bottom of the supporter to the orifice.

19. The packaging device according to claim 2, wherein the cap comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to each other by an annular wall that is elastically deformable between a configuration at rest, wherein the first and second portions are separated from each other and the annular wall has a first diameter less than the diameter of the access opening, and a compressed configuration, wherein the first and second portions are moved towards each other and the annular wall has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and the receptacle has a shoulder inside the storage compartment, with said shoulder facing the access opening and being at a distance from the access opening less than the separation between the first and second portions of the cap when the annular wall is at rest, with the second portion of the cap being suitable to be in contact with the shoulder when the cap is in an intermediate position between its open and closed positions.

20. The packaging device according to claim 2, comprising a device for maintaining the cap in closed position able to oppose the opening of the receptacle when the lifting force applied on the cap is less than the first threshold.