WO2008031766A1

WO2008031766A1 - Preform for producing a device for packaging and applying a product

Info

Publication number: WO2008031766A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/059373
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Ramet
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2006-09-11
Filing date: 2007-09-07
Publication date: 2008-03-20

Abstract

Preform for producing a device for packaging and applying a product Preform (1) for manufacturing a device (2) for packaging and applying a product in stick form, the device having a base part (3), a sleeve (4) and a cup (5) configured to contain the stick, the cup being intended to interact with the base part and the sleeve, in such a way that a relative movement of the sleeve relative to the base part causes the cup to move axially in the sleeve, the preform having portions of at least two of the three elements formed respectively by the cup, the sleeve and the base part, the portions of these at least two elements being produced from a single moulded piece, a link of material (13, 14) being formed between these two portions.

Description

Preform for producing a device for packaging and applying a product The present invention relates to a preform for producing a device for packaging and applying a product, particularly a cosmetic product. In particular, the invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a product in stick form, particularly in the form of a lipstick.

The term "cosmetic product" denotes a product as defined in Council Directive 93/35/CEE of 14 June 1993.

The prior art documents disclose numerous examples of embodiment of devices for packaging and dispensing lipstick. Such devices are known, for example, from the teachings of US 4 422 545, US 4 208 144 and US 2 815 123.

These documents disclose devices having a base part, a sleeve, and a cup designed to contain the stick, the cup interacting with the base part and the sleeve in such a way that a movement of the sleeve relative to the base part causes the cup to move axially in the sleeve.

According to US 4 422 545, the base part has a slot extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the device, while the sleeve has a helical channel, such that pins projecting radially from the outer perimeter of the cup are engaged in the said channel through the slot. A rotation of the sleeve relative to the base part moves the cup axially along the said longitudinal axis. The cup can then be moved from a position in which the stick of product is at least partially protected by the sleeve to a position for use in which at least the free end emerges from the said sleeve. The device according to US 4 208 144 reverses the respective positions of the slot and the helical channel, the sleeve being positioned partially inside the base part.

As a variant, US 2 621 786 specifies an inner profile of the sleeve having a non-circular inner cross section and having a cross section complementary to a cross section of the outer perimeter of the cup with which it interacts. In this variant, the base part has pins interacting with a thread present in the cup, in such a way that the rotation of the base part relative to the sleeve also causes the elevation of the cup in the sleeve. As a general rule, each of the elements forming such devices is manufactured separately and then assembled in such a way that the stick of product is placed in a pre-assembled device.

The object of the present invention is to reduce the manufacturing costs of lipstick packaging devices, particularly the costs of manufacturing these devices before they are filled with a cosmetic compound such as lipstick. The invention is useful in that it proposes a technical solution to reduce the manufacturing costs, without departing from the conventional operations for using these prior art devices to which users are accustomed.

The invention proposes a preform for manufacturing a device for packaging and applying a product in stick form, the device having a base part, a sleeve and a cup configured to contain the stick, the cup being intended to interact with the base part and the sleeve, such that a relative movement of the sleeve relative to the base part causes the cup to move axially in the sleeve, the preform having portions of at least two of the three elements formed respectively by the cup, the sleeve and the base part, the portions of these at least two elements being produced from a single moulded piece, a link of material being formed between these two portions and intended to be broken during the assembly of the elements of the device or beforehand.

Advantageously, the link of material is broken during assembly of the said elements of the preform in order to form the said device. Thus an intermediate stage of breaking this link of material is avoided and can preferably even be achieved as a result of the specified movement for assembling the elements of the device.

For example, the assembly of the moulded elements of a single piece is achieved by translation in such a way that the link of material is broken by this translational movement of one of the said elements relative to the other. Thus the movements required for separating each of the moulded elements and for their assembly can be identical. The method of manufacturing the device is thus simplified. Advantageously, the three elements can be produced from a single moulded piece, each element being connected by at least one link of material to at least one other of the said three elements.

For example, the cup can be connected by a first link of material to the base part and by a second link of material to the sleeve.

In one embodiment, the base part can have a helical channel configured to interact with a pin projecting radially from the cup. In this case, the helical channel can be formed so that it passes through a lateral wall of the base part.

To ensure that a relative movement of the sleeve relative to the base part causes the cup to move axially in the sleeve, the sleeve can have a longitudinal guide configured to interact with a pin projecting radially from the cup. For example, the longitudinal guide can be formed on the inner profile of the sleeve, the sleeve being assembled around the base part so as to form a cylindrical casing.

Advantageously, the preform can be produced by moulding from a thermoplastic material. This thermoplastic material can be a polypropylene and/or polyoxymethylene polymer.

The invention also proposes a device for packaging and applying a product in stick form, the device having a cup, a base part and a sleeve, forming three corresponding elements, such that portions of at least two of these three elements are produced from a preform according to the invention.

For example, the broken link of material of the preform can have a free end which contributes to the radial centring of one of the elements of the preform relative to at least one of the other elements of the device. The invention will be clarified by the following description and by the accompanying figures. The figures are provided for information only and do not limit the invention in any way. The figures show:

- in Figure 1 : a profile view of a preform according to the invention; - in Figure 2: a profile view of a packaging and application device produced from a preform according to the invention;

- in Figure 3: a view in longitudinal section of a preform according to the invention;

- in Figure 4: a view in longitudinal section of a detail identified as A in Figure 3;

- in Figure 5: a view in longitudinal section of a detail identified as B in Figure 3;

- in Figure 6: a view in longitudinal section of a packaging and application device produced from a preform, at an intermediate stage of assembly.

The invention relates to a preform 1 (Figure 1 ), usable in particular for forming a packaging and application device 2 of the type shown in Figure 2. The device 2 has three elements:

- a base part 3, - a sleeve 4, and

- a cup 5, not visible in Figure 2, in which a stick of product P is placed. The cup 5 is intended to interact with the sleeve 4 and the base part 3 so as to be movable between a position called the "outward" position, in which the stick of product P can emerge from the sleeve, and a position called the "storage" position, in which the stick of product P can be masked by the sleeve.

The device 2 is configured in such a way that a relative movement of the sleeve 4 relative to the base part 3 enables the cup 5 to be moved from the outward position to the storage position, and vice versa. In particular, in the illustrated device 2, a rotation of the sleeve 4 relative to the base part 3 enables the cup to be translated relative to the sleeve 4 between the storage position and the outward position. Advantageously, this translation of the cup 5 relative to the sleeve 4 is achieved by a helical movement of the cup relative to the base part 3. For this purpose, in the illustrated example, the base part 3 has at least one helical channel 6, in which a pin 7 projecting from the outer perimeter of the cup 5 can be engaged. The helical channel 6 is formed through a lateral wall 8 of the base part, in such a way that the pin 7 which is engaged in this channel 6 can also be engaged in a longitudinal guide 9 of the sleeve 4, this sleeve being mounted around the lateral wall 8.

Preferably, in order to facilitate the engagement of the pin 7 in the channel 6, the channel 6 opens into a passage 10 at the level of one end 1 1 of the lateral wall 8, this end 1 1 forming an edge delimiting an opening 12 through which the stick of product P emerges in the outward position.

In the illustrated example, the cup 5 has two diametrically opposed pins such as 7, and the base part has, in a complementary way, two helical channels such as 6. In this example, only one of the two helical channels has a passage such as 10, the other of the two pins being inserted into its helical channel without a passage 10 by local deformation of the base part. In this case, the sleeve 4 has two guides such as 9 in corresponding positions.

The filling of the cup with the stick of product P is preferably carried out after the device 2 has been formed using the preform 1. The stick of product P is, for example, a lipstick. Advantageously, if the device 2 is formed by the assembly of the said three elements, the cup 5 is then located in a high position relative to the sleeve, in such a way that the cup 5 in the outward position can penetrate one end of the lipstick, with fins present inside the cup 5 being pushed into the stick.

In the illustrated embodiment, the three elements of the device 2 are produced from the preform 1 which is made in such a way that it has each of the three elements solidly interconnected, in such a way that each of these elements is solidly connected to at least one other of the said elements.

In particular, the preform 1 is made as a one piece moulding from plastics material, particularly thermoplastic such as a polypropylene and/or a polyoxymethylene polymer. In this case, the elements of the embodiment of the preform which are solidly connected to each other are subsequently detached from each other to form a functional device such as 2.

Advantageously, each of the elements is solidly connected to at least one other of the said elements by means of links of material of the preform 1. In the illustrated example, there is at least a first link of material 13 between the base part 3 and the cup 5, and at least a second link of material 14 between the cup 5 and the sleeve 4.

The details of the links of material 13 and 14 are shown in Figures 4 and 5 respectively. Each of these links of material has a portion extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the preform 1 . The preform 1 is made in such a way that the base part 3, the cup 5 and the sleeve 4 each have a longitudinal axis which can be superimposed on the axis X. This arrangement makes it possible to break the links of material 13 and 14 by, respectively, causing a translation of the cup 5 relative to the base part 3 and causing a translation of the sleeve 4 relative to the cup 5.

This translation is produced in such a way that the cup 5 is moved towards the base part 3 in order to break the first link of material 13. Preferably, in order to ensure that this movement causes both the separation of the elements and their corresponding engagement to form the device 2, the pin 7 is located in alignment with the passage 10. The translation is therefore carried out along the axis X.

Similarly, the sleeve 4 is moved towards the cup 5 in order to break the second link of material 14. If the first link of material 13 has already been broken, then the cup 5 is preferably in the high position in the base part 3, and the helical channel 6 is configured in such a way that it has a bearing surface 15 against which the pin 7 bears. This bearing surface 15 is positioned opposite the passage 10. The position of the cup 5 is then axially stable relative to the base part, as shown in Figure 6. The bearing surface 15 is configured in such a way that a stable position of the pin 7 on the bearing surface 15 is achieved when the pin 7 is slightly offset with respect to the axis of the passage 10. This is because the bearing surface 15 has a stopping point positioned in such a way that the pin is in an unstable position when it is in the axis of the passage 10. Another advantage of this stopping point is the sensitive limit indication which can thus be provided.

A translation of the sleeve 4 towards the base part 3 then enables the second link of material 14 to be broken. Advantageously, in order to prevent the deformation of the base part 3 by the force exerted on the sleeve and transmitted by the cup 5, it is possible to provide external shape maintaining means for the base part, and/or means for maintaining the cup in a fixed axial position relative to the sleeve which is translated.

Preferably, in order to ensure that this movement causes both the separation of the elements and their corresponding engagement to form the device 2, the longitudinal guide 9 is located in alignment with the pin 7 and the passage 10.

The translational movements of the different elements of the preform 1 are therefore imparted along the axis X, preferably in succession.

Advantageously, the preform 1 has at least two, and preferably four, links of material such as 13, equally distributed over the perimeter of the edge 1 1 , and at least two, and preferably four, links of material such as 14, equally distributed over the perimeter of the cup 5. Thus the resistance to translation is equally distributed, and the risk of oscillation of the translated element relative to the element held in a fixed position is thus reduced.

The first links of material 13 are positioned in such a way that they are remote from the passage 10 and the edges of the helical channels 6, regardless of the position of the cup 5 inside the base part 3. In particular, the links of material are in positions which are not caused to intersect with the helical channel, thus avoiding the risk of jamming the cup driving mechanism.

Additionally, the second links of material 14 are preferably not in axial alignment with the first links of material 13. Advantageously, to ensure that the sleeve 4 is immobilized axially relative to the base part 3 when the device 2 is formed, the base part 3 has an annular bead 16 projecting from the outer perimeter of the longitudinal wall 8 and intended to interact with a protrusion 17 projecting from the inner perimeter of the sleeve 4.

To limit the axial movement of the cup 5 relative to the sleeve 4 and to the base part 3 when the device 2 is assembled, at least one of the pins of the cup 5 is made to bear on the inside of the helical channel 6 which has no passage 10.

To improve the radial positioning of the cup 5 relative to the base part 3, the links of material 13 are configured in such a way that, when broken, the free ends 18 of each of the links of material remaining attached to the cup interact by friction with the inner perimeter of the longitudinal wall 8. This provides a radial centring of the cup relative to the base part 3. Correspondingly, in order to improve the radial centring of the base part inside the sleeve 4, the links of material 14 are configured in such a way that the free ends of the links of material remaining attached to the sleeve interact by friction with the outer perimeter of the longitudinal wall 8. This configuration improves the interaction of the pin 7 in the helical channel 6 and the longitudinal guide 9.

For example, the links of material 13 and 14 each have a thin portion extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis X over a distance d. This distance d is preferably less than 2 mm.

As shown in the detail view in Figure 4, the thickness of the link of material

13 decreases radially from the cup 5 towards the inner perimeter of the edge 1 1 of the lateral wall 8. The link of material 13 is connected to the cup 5 at the position of a tab extending longitudinally from a transverse base 19 of the cup.

Similarly, the thickness of the link of material 14 decreases progressively radially from the inner perimeter of the sleeve 4 towards the outer perimeter of an upper edge 20 of the cup 5.

The transverse base 19 is open in its centre. Since the preform is produced by moulding, an inner parting line Pi is formed at the position of this transverse base 19 between the lower inner mould and the upper inner mould.

Preferably, the mould used to form the base part 3 has an inner mould and an outer mould, and the parting line between the lower inner mould and the lower outer mould is located in the helical channel 6 on the inner perimeter of the lateral wall 8.

Preferably, an outer parting line Pe between the lower outer mould and the upper outer mould intersects the sleeve transversely to the axis X, in such a way that the upper moulds can be translated without rotation and without the risk of pulling the moulded material away. The lower outer mould preferably has a plurality of mould parts which can be detached radially from each other. Finally, the preform 1 produced in this way is ejected from the lower inner mould by a push rod.

Without departure from the scope of the invention, the preform can have only two of the said three elements configured to form the device 2. In particular, the preform can be an assembly formed by the cup 5 connected solidly to the sleeve 4, or by the cup 5 connected solidly to the base part 3, or by the sleeve 4 connected solidly to the base part 3.

Without departure from the scope of the invention, the preform 1 can have only portions of the said elements. The preform 1 can have a portion of one of the said elements, this portion being such that it must be combined with at least one other portion to form the said element. These portions of an element can be combined by any means, for example by snap-fitting, by clamping, by gluing, or by welding.

For example, the preform 1 can have a first portion of the sleeve 4 intended to be covered subsequently by a second complementary portion of the said sleeve. This first portion is, for example, connected solidly to at least one portion of the cup. The second portion, to be mounted on the first portion of the sleeve, is then, for example, configured to form a casing made from a material different from that of the first portion.

Without departure from the scope of the present invention, the longitudinal axes of the elements of the preform 1 can be non-collinear and the links of material can be broken by a method other than translation, for example by rotation.

Throughout the description, the expression "having a" is to be considered synonymous with "having at least one", unless specified otherwise.

Claims

1 - Preform (1 ) for manufacturing a device (2) for packaging and applying a product in stick form, the device having a base part (3), a sleeve (4) and a cup (5) configured to contain the stick, the cup being intended to interact with the base part and the sleeve, in such a way that a relative movement of the sleeve relative to the base part causes the cup to move axially in the sleeve, characterized in that it has portions of at least two of the three elements formed respectively by the cup, the sleeve and the base part, the portions of these at least two elements being produced from a single moulded piece, a link of material (13, 14) being formed between these two portions.

2 - Preform according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the link of material is broken during the assembly of the said elements of the preform in order to form the said device.

3 - Preform according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the assembly of the moulded elements of a single piece is achieved by translation in such a way that the link of material is broken by this translational movement of one of the said elements relative to the other.

4 - Preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the three elements are produced from a single moulded piece, each element being connected by at least one link of material to at least another of the said three elements.

5 - Preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cup is connected by a first link of material (13) to the base part and by a second link of material (14) to the sleeve.

6 - Preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base part has a helical channel (6) configured to interact with a pin (7) projecting radially from the cup. 7 - Preform according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the helical channel is formed to pass through a lateral wall (8) of the base part.

8 - Preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve has a longitudinal guide (9) configured to interact with a pin (7) projecting radially from the cup.

9 - Preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal guide is formed on the inner perimeter of the sleeve, the sleeve being assembled around the base part in order to form a cylindrical casing.

10 - Preform according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is produced by moulding from a thermoplastic material.

11 - Preform according to Claim 10, characterized in that the thermoplastic material is a polypropylene and/or polyoxymethylene polymer.

12 - Device for packaging and applying a product in stick form, the device having a cup, a base part and a sleeve, forming three corresponding elements, such that portions of at least two of these three elements are produced from a preform according to the any one of the preceding claims.

13 - Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the broken link of material of the preform can have a free end which contributes to the radial centring of one of the elements of the preform relative to at least one of the other elements of the device.