EP1384415B1 - Container with a neck having two parts of different diameters - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to packaging and dispensing devices, including containers for containing cosmetic products and applicators intended to be attached to these containers.

"Cosmetic product" means any product as defined in Council Directive 93/35 / EEC of 14 June 1993.

There are currently coloring kits comprising a bottle containing an oxidant, this bottle having a threaded neck of a certain diameter, closed before use by a plug having a corresponding diameter. The mold is used to make a mold with a large number of impressions and the cost is relatively high.

Accessories such as capillary applicators with several dispensing orifices are in particular proposed together with the bottles.

When, because of their nature or for manufacturing reasons, the proposed accessories can not be made in such a way that they can be screwed onto the threaded neck of the existing bottles, new bottles and stoppers must be made, which results in the manufacture new molds. In addition, the existing accessories can no longer be used on the new bottles, except to provide adapters, but this leads to additional costs and furthermore it may cause sealing problems or damage to the aesthetics.

• L'invention a ainsi pour objet, selon l'un de ses aspects, un ensemble selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 31.

The present invention aims in particular to remedy all or part of these disadvantages.

• The invention thus has, according to one of its aspects, an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 31.

It is possible to fix, for example by screwing or snapping, depending on the nature of the fixing means, on the first and second parts of such a container. accessories of different natures.

The first part may for example be configured to receive existing accessories, having the same diameter as the neck of existing bottles, and the second part to be configured for example to receive a newly developed accessory, this new accessory having a mounting skirt having a relatively large diameter.

Thus, the invention allows to continue to use the existing plugs, which avoids having to make new molds.

The invention also allows the use of a greater variety of accessories in combination with the same container, without having to use adapters.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the neck comprises a shoulder, in particular an internal shoulder, through which the first part connects to the second part. Such a shoulder may for example define a flat annular surface extending outside the neck, perpendicular to the axis thereof. This annular surface may be intended, as will be explained below, to cooperate with an accessory to obtain a seal.

At least one of the first and second parts may include a thread for screwing an accessory on the neck of the container. Such a thread can be made in different ways and include for example a single or multiple net.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the first and second parts comprises a snap-fitting relief comprising for example an annular bead and for snap-fitting an accessory on the neck of the container.

The neck of the container may comprise first and second fastening means of the same type, being constituted for example both by threads, which may allow screwing by rotating in the same direction, or latching means, or of different types , the first fixing means being for example constituted by a thread and the second fastening means by latching means or vice versa.

At least one of the first and second fastening means can be further configured, for example, to allow snapping at the end of a screwing movement, such snapping having for example the function of making it more difficult to unscrew, or simply to inform the user that he has sufficiently screwed the accessory.

The container may advantageously be made of plastic.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the accessory is configured to attach, for example to screw on the second part. The accessory may then include a mounting skirt configured to attach, for example to screw on the second part, this skirt having a sealing surface intended to abut against a shoulder connecting the first and second parts of the container. This sealing surface may be defined for example by an annular bead.

Thus, the seal between the accessory and the container can be made outside the neck, which allows in particular to achieve the accessory without sealing lip coming against the inside of the neck of the container. This may make it possible to use, for producing the accessory, a manufacturing process that would be incompatible with the presence of such a sealing lip.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the accessory is constituted by an applicator, in particular a capillary applicator.

This applicator may comprise teeth and at least one of these teeth may comprise at least one dispensing orifice, which may be remote from the free end of the corresponding tooth and be oriented so as to limit the risk of product distribution. elsewhere than between the teeth. Such a configuration is particularly useful in the case of a capillary applicator, because it avoids dispensing the product directly in contact with the scalp and can make it easier to treat strands.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the applicator comprises at least one row of teeth having end teeth at the ends of the row, these teeth being devoid of distribution orifice opening out of the space between the teeth, or without any dispensing orifice.

At least one of the teeth of the row located between the end teeth may comprise two distribution orifices opening laterally on either side of the tooth, in a direction parallel to the row.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, all the teeth located between the end teeth each comprise at least one dispensing orifice.

The applicator may be made by molding plastic material and at least one of the teeth may be provided with at least one groove which extends from its free end to a dispensing orifice made in this tooth, this groove for demolding the tooth by moving two mold parts away in a direction parallel to the axis of the tooth. The manufacture of the applicator can be simplified.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the applicator comprises at least six teeth, each provided with at least one dispensing orifice, and preferably with two dispensing orifices opening in opposite directions.

All the teeth of the applicator can have the same length.

When at least one of the first and second parts of the neck has a thread, the assembly may comprise at least one accessory configured to be screwed on this thread.

When at least one of the first and second parts of the neck comprises at least one detent relief, the assembly may comprise at least one accessory provided with at least one complementary snap-fitting relief configured to cooperate with the relief of snap of the container.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the assembly comprises at least two accessories of different types, in particular for fixing, for example to screw on the first and second parts of the neck. One of these accessories may be constituted by a plug and the other by an applicator, for example a capillary applicator as defined above.

The assembly may also comprise an accessory configured to be fixed, for example to be screwed on the first or second part of the neck, this accessory may be different from a cap or a capillary applicator comprising a row of teeth and be constituted for example by a dispensing nozzle or a container.

The container may be filled with a cosmetic product, for example a hair coloring product.

The assembly may also include an accessory comprising a mounting skirt configured to attach to the container and provided with an annular bead formed on an inner surface of the skirt, away from the free end thereof. Such an annular bead makes it possible to obtain a seal, as indicated above.

• réaliser le récipient,
• remplir le récipient avec un produit cosmétique,
• fixer, par exemple visser, un bouchon sur la première partie du col,
• conditionner le récipient muni du bouchon avec un applicateur configuré pour pouvoir se fixer, par exemple se visser, sur la deuxième partie du col.

The subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, a method of manufacturing an assembly according to the invention, the accessory being able to be in particular a capillary applicator, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

• make the container,
• fill the container with a cosmetic product,
• fix, for example screw a cap on the first part of the neck,
• conditioning the container provided with the plug with an applicator configured to be fixed, for example to screw on the second part of the neck.

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, un ensemble conforme à l'invention, comportant un récipient et un bouchon vissé sur la première partie filetée du col,
• la figure 2 représente schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, un ensemble conforme à l'invention, comportant le récipient de la figure 1, le bouchon étant remplacé par un applicateur vissé sur la deuxième partie filetée du col,
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique et partielle, en coupe axiale et en perspective, de l'ensemble de la figure 2,
• la figure 4 est une vue de détail, schématique et partielle, en coupe axiale, de la partie supérieure de l'une des dents de l'applicateur de l'ensemble de la figure 2,
• la figure 5 représente schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, un autre exemple d'ensemble conforme à l'invention, comportant le récipient de la figure 1 sur la première partie filetée duquel est vissé un embout de distribution,
• la figure 6 représente schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, un ensemble conforme à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, comportant le récipient de la figure 1 sur la première partie filetée duquel est vissé le col d'un second récipient,
• la figure 7 représente schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, une variante de l'ensemble de la figure 1, et
• les figures 8 et 9 représentent schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, deux variantes de mise en oeuvre de l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• the figure 1 schematically and partially, in axial section, an assembly according to the invention, comprising a container and a cap screwed onto the first threaded part of the neck,
• the figure 2 represents schematically and partially, in axial section, an assembly according to the invention, comprising the container of the figure 1 , the plug being replaced by an applicator screwed onto the second threaded portion of the neck,
• the figure 3 is a schematic and partial view, in axial section and in perspective, of the whole of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 4 is a detail view, schematic and partial, in axial section, of the upper part of one of the teeth of the applicator of the whole of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 5 represents schematically and partially, in axial section, another example of an assembly according to the invention, comprising the container of the figure 1 on the first threaded portion of which is screwed a dispensing nozzle,
• the figure 6 represents schematically and partially, in axial section, an assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, comprising the container of the figure 1 on the first threaded portion of which is screwed the neck of a second container,
• the figure 7 represents schematically and partially, in axial section, a variant of the whole of the figure 1 , and
• the Figures 8 and 9 show schematically and partially, in axial section, two alternative embodiments of the invention.

We have shown on the figure 1 an assembly 1 according to the invention, comprising a container 2 and a closure cap 3.

In the example described, the container 2 is made of plastic.

The container 2 comprises a body 4 containing a cosmetic product, for example a hair coloring product P, and a neck 5 of axis X.

This neck 5 comprises in the upper part a first part 6 and at its base a second part 7, the latter being situated between the body 4 and the first part 6 and having a diameter greater than that of the first part 6. The latter is provided on its outer surface, in this example, with a thread 28 and the second part 7 is provided on its outer surface with a thread 29.

The first and second threaded portions 6 and 7 are connected by a shoulder 8 defining a flat annular surface 9, which extends outside the neck 5, perpendicular to the axis X.

The cap 3 comprises a tubular skirt provided with an internal thread 10 allowing it to be screwed onto the first threaded portion 6 of the neck 5, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .

The seal between the neck 5 and the plug 3 is formed by means of a sealing lip 11 of the plug 3, coming to bear against the radially inner surface, cylindrical of revolution of axis X, of the first threaded part 6.

To apply the product P to the hair, the user unscrews the cap 3 and screws onto the second threaded portion 7 a capillary applicator 15, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 .

This applicator 15 is made in one piece by molding plastic material, and comprises in the lower part a mounting skirt 16 and halfway about a transverse wall 17 on which is connected a row 18 of teeth.

This row 18 comprises two end teeth 19 between which are disposed six intermediate teeth 20, called active, of the same length as the end teeth 19.

In the example considered, the row 18 extends over substantially the entire diameter of the transverse wall 17 and the six intermediate teeth 20 extend over a length greater than the diameter of the first threaded portion 6.

The intermediate teeth 20 each comprise an inner channel 21 opening at its lower end through the transverse wall 17 and communicating with the outside through two dispensing orifices 22.

In the example considered, each tooth 20 has two lateral faces 23 substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of the row 18, and the two dispensing orifices 22 respectively open on these two faces 23 at a non-zero distance from each other. free end of the tooth, as can be seen in particular on Figures 2 to 4 .

Grooves 25 extend on each face 23 of the tooth 20, from the dispensing orifice 22 present on this face to the free end of the tooth. The dispensing orifices 22 may be made by means of two mold parts movable relative to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis of the teeth 20, coming into contact with the dispensing orifices 22.

The end teeth 19 are devoid of dispensing orifice.

Thus, the dispensing orifices 22 of the teeth 20 always open into a space situated between two teeth, thus making it possible to limit the risk of projecting product outside the row 18.

The mounting skirt 16 has, at its lower part, an internal thread 26 allowing its screwing on the second threaded portion 7 of the neck 5.

The mounting skirt 16 also comprises an annular bead 27 formed on an inner surface of the skirt 16, located immediately above the internal thread 26 in the example in question.

This annular bead 27 is intended to be applied against the annular surface 9 of the neck 5, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , so as to ensure the seal between the neck 5 and the applicator 15.

The fact that the seal is made outside the neck 5 avoids having to provide a sealing lip coming against the inner surface of the threaded portion 6, so that it is possible to provide the applicator 15 active teeth 20 over a distance greater than the diameter of the first threaded portion 6, so to achieve a relatively large number, for example six as in the example shown.

To treat the hair, the user moves the applicator in the hair, the product P flowing in the channels 21 to the dispensing orifices 22.

The container 2 may be associated with accessories other than a plug 3 or a capillary applicator 15.

For example, there is shown on the figure 5 an accessory 30 constituted by a nozzle with a single dispensing orifice adapted to be screwed onto the neck 5 of the container 2.

This endpiece 30 has a mounting skirt 31 internally threaded so as to be screwed onto the first threaded portion 6 of the neck 5.

The tip 30 further comprises an inner sealing skirt 32 coming against the inner surface of the first threaded portion 6.

The tip 30 is provided at its upper end with a breakable portion 33 that the user detaches at the time of use.

It is also possible to use an accessory constituted for example by a second container 35, as illustrated in FIG. figure 6 , in order to achieve the extemporaneous mixing of two products, in particular an oxidant and a dye, for application to the hair.

This second container 35 has an internally threaded collar 36, configured to be screwed onto the first threaded portion 6 of the neck 5. The seal can be obtained for example by pressing the end of the neck 36 on the annular surface 9, which can be provided, if necessary, a sealing means such as a deformable seal.

The cap 3 described with reference to the figure 1 could also be configured, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to be screwed on the second threaded portion 7 of the neck 5, as shown in FIG. figure 7 .

In the examples described above, the accessories are fixed by screwing on the neck 5 of the container.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention by providing other fastening means on the outer surface of the parts 6 and 7 of the neck 5.

As an illustration, we have Figures 8 and 9 , a container provided with a neck 5 'differentiating from the neck 5 described above in that the threads of the first 6 and second 7 parts are replaced by annular beads 40 and 41, respectively.

The accessories, for example a cap 3 'and an applicator 15', are then each provided with an annular groove 42, respectively 43, adapted to cooperate by snapping with the annular bead 40 or 41 corresponding.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

In particular, the capillary applicator 15 could be replaced by any other type of applicator, comprising, for example, teeth devoid of distribution orifices, the latter being for example made at the base of the teeth.

Throughout the description, including the claims, the phrase "having one" should be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (33)

1. A kit comprising:

   - a receptacle(2) for containing a cosmetic,

   - a body (4); and

   - a neck(5), comprising:

   - a first portion (6) having a first inside diameter, and having first fixing means (28;40); and

   - a second portion (7) situated between the body of the receptacle and the first portion, said second portion having a second inside diameter greater than the first diameter, and having second fixing means(29;40), and,

   - at least one accessory (3;3';15;15';30;35) configured for fixing on the neck (5;5'), and comprising an assembly skirt (16) configured for fixing on the second portion, said assembly skirt comprising a sealing surface (27), the kit being characterized by the fact that the sealing surface (27) comes to bear against a shoulder (8) connecting together the first and second portion of the receptacle.
2. A kit according to the preceding claim , characterized by the fact that the sealing surface is defined by an annular bead (27).
3. A kit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that the accessory (15) does not have a sealing lip that comes to bear against the inside of the neck of the receptacle.
4. A kit according to any one of claim 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the accessory is constituted by an applicator (15;15').
5. A kit according to the preceding claim , characterized by the fact that the applicator includes teeth (19;20).
6. A kit according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that at least one of said teeth (20) includes at least one dispenser orifice (22).
7. A kit according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the said at least one dispenser orifice (22) is at a distance from the free end of the corresponding tooth.
8. A kit according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said at least one dispenser orifice (22) is oriented in such a manner as to limit the risk of substance being dispensed other than between the teeth.
9. A kit according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized by the fact that the applicator (15;15') includes at least one row (18) of teeth having end teeth (19) situated at the ends of the row, said end teeth (19) having no dispenser orifices that open out other than into a gap between teeth.
10. A kit according to preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the end teeth (19) have no dispenser orifices.
11. A kit according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that at least one of the teeth (20) of the row, situated between the end teeth (19) has two dispenser orifices (22) opening out sideways on either side of the tooth in a direction parallel to the row.
12. A kit according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that all of the teeth (20) situated between the end teeth have at least one dispenser orifice (22).
13. A kit according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized by the fact that at least one of the teeth (20) is provided with a groove (25) extending from its free end to a dispenser orifice (22).
14. A kit according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterized by the fact that the applicator has at least six teeth (20) each provided with at least one dispenser orifice (22).
15. A kit according to any one of claims 5 to 14, characterized by the fact that all of the teeth (19;20) of the applicator are of the same length.
16. A kit according to any one of claims 4 to 15, characterized by the fact that the applicator (15) is made by molding.
17. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 16, at least one of the first (6) and second (7) portions including a thread (28;29), characterized by the fact that the kit includes at least one accessory (3;15;30;25) configured for screwing onto said thread (28).
18. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, at least one of the first and second portions including at least one snap-fastening shape in relief, characterized by the fact that the kit includes at least one accessory (3';15') provided with at least one complementary snap-fastening shape in relief (42;43) suitable for cooperating with the snap-fastening shape in relief (40;41) of the receptacle.
19. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by the fact that it includes at least two accessories(3;3';15;15') of different kinds.
20. A kit according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that two accessories are designed for fixing respectively to the first (6) portion and to the second (7) portion.
21. A kit according to claims 19 or 20, characterized by the fact that one of the accessories is constituted by a cap (3;3') and the other accessory by an applicator (15;15').
22. A kit according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized by the fact that it includes an accessory configured for fixing on the first portion (6).
23. A kit according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the accessory configured for fixing on the first portion is selected from a cap (3;3'), an endpiece (30), and a receptacle (35).
24. A kit according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized by the fact that the receptacle (2) is filled with a cosmetic (P).
25. A kit according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the cosmetic is a substance for coloring the hair (P).
26. A kit according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the shoulder (8) defines a plane annular surface (9) extending outside the neck (5;5'), perpendicularly to the axis (x) of the neck.
27. A kit according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the second portion (7) includes a thread (28;29).
28. A kit according to claim 27, characterized by the fact that the first portion includes a thread, the thread of the first and second portions enabling screw fastening to be performed by turning in the same direction.
29. A kit according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that the snap-fastening shape in relief comprises an annular bead (90;41).
30. A kit according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the receptacle is made of a plastics material.
31. A kit according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the neck has an inside shoulder connecting the first portion and the second portion together.
32. A kit according to claim 2 or claim 2 and any one of claims 3 to 31, characterized by the fact that said annular bead (27) is made on an inside surface of the assembly skirt (16), at a distance from the free end thereof, said annular bead (27) being capable of coming to bear against an annular surface (9) of said neck (5), in such a manner as to permit sealing between said neck (5) and said accessory.
33. A method of manufacturing a kit according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized by the fact it comprises the following steps:

    - making the receptacle,

    - filling the receptacle with a cosmetic,

    - fixing a cap on the first portion of the neck, e.g. by screw fastening ,

    - packaging the receptacle carrying the cap with an applicator configured to be capable of being fixed on the second portion of the neck, e.g. by screw fastening.

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