Tubular cartridge for a cosmetic product, configured to be detachably coupled to a base
11350723 · 2022-06-07
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
A45D2040/0037
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A45D2040/0043
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A45D40/06
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A45D2040/0056
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A45D40/16
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
B43K21/08
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
A45D40/16
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
A cartridge for a cosmetic product includes a first longitudinal end for allowing access to the cosmetic product and a second longitudinal end. The cartridge further includes: an outer tube; a control sleeve; a receptacle for cosmetic product; and a bottom element, integral in rotation with the control sleeve. The cartridge is configured so as to be detachably coupled to a base such that a relative rotation of the base in relation to the cartridge causes a movement of the receptacle for cosmetic product. The bottom element contributes to closing off access to the cartridge via the second longitudinal end of the cartridge.
Claims
1. Tubular cartridge (13) for a cosmetic product (PC), comprising a first longitudinal end (P) intended to allow access to the cosmetic product (PC) and an opposite second longitudinal end (S) in relation to a longitudinal axis (X), the cartridge (13) further comprising: an outer tube (1) comprising at least one helical groove (12A), a control sleeve (2) comprising at least one longitudinal guide slot (2B), a receptacle (3) for cosmetic product (PC), engaging with the helical groove (12A) of the outer tube (1) and the longitudinal guide slot (2B) of the control sleeve (2), a bottom element (4), integral in rotation with the control sleeve (2), the cartridge (13) being configured so as to be detachably coupled to a base (8) such that a relative rotation of the base (8) in relation to the cartridge (13) causes a movement of the receptacle (3) for cosmetic product (PC) in relation to the outer tube (1) along a longitudinal axis (X) of the cartridge (13), wherein the bottom element (4) contributes to closing off access to the cartridge (13) via the second longitudinal end (S) of the cartridge (13), wherein the bottom element (4) comprises a ring of ferromagnetic material or a magnet (4B, MB) configured to contribute to providing a retention force between the cartridge and the base when the cartridge is coupled to the base, and wherein the bottom element (4) is covered radially outward by the outer tube (1).
2. The cartridge (13) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom element (4) closes off access to the cartridge (13) via the second longitudinal end (S) of the cartridge (13).
3. The cartridge (13) according to claim 1, wherein an outer radial edge of the bottom element (4) is in direct sliding contact with an inner radial surface of the outer tube (1).
4. The cartridge (13) according to claim 1, wherein the outer tube (1) extends substantially along the entire height of the cartridge (13).
5. The cartridge (13) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom element (4) is arranged at a distance from and set back from the second longitudinal end (S) of the cartridge (13).
6. The cartridge (13) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom element (4) comprises a first face facing the receptacle (3) for cosmetic product (PC) and a second longitudinally opposite face, the second face comprising a coupling member (MC, 4B, 47) configured to engage with the base (8).
7. The cartridge (13) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling member (MC, 4B, 47) comprises a three-dimensional coded pattern (47) configured to engage with an operating member (6) of the base (8), the operating member (6) comprising a counterpart three-dimensional coded pattern.
8. The cartridge (13) according to claim 7, wherein the three-dimensional coded pattern (67) and the counterpart three-dimensional coded pattern (47) are each circumscribed within a cylinder having a diameter (D6) of less than 8 mm.
9. The cartridge (13) of claim 8, wherein the cylinder has a diameter of less than 7 mm.
10. The cartridge (13) of claim 8, wherein the cylinder has a diameter of less than 6 mm.
11. The cartridge (13) according to claim 7, wherein the three-dimensional coded pattern (67) forms a male part and the counterpart three-dimensional coded pattern (47) forms a female part.
12. The cartridge (13) according to claim 11, wherein the three-dimensional coded pattern of the operating member (6) has a key shape (67), and the counterpart three-dimensional coded pattern of the operating counterpart (4A) has a lock shape (47).
13. The cartridge (13) according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetic product (PC) is a stick of lipstick.
14. The cartridge (13) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom element (4) has a substantially flat central outer face.
15. Dispensing device (10) for a cosmetic product (PC), comprising a cartridge (13) according to claim 1 and a base (8), the cartridge (13) and the base (8) being detachably coupled.
16. The dispensing device (10) according to claim 15, wherein there is provided in the base (8) a permanent magnet (9, MB) or a ring of ferromagnetic material associated with the ring of ferromagnetic material or the magnet (4B, MB) of the associated base element (4) in order to contribute to providing a retention force between the cartridge and the base when the cartridge is coupled to the base.
17. The dispensing device (10) according to claim 16, wherein, in a configuration where the cartridge is assembled on the base, an interval representing an air gap (e) which separates an upper surface (9B) of the permanent magnet (9, MB) or of the ring of ferromagnetic material of the base (8) and a lower surface of the ring of ferromagnetic material (4M) or magnet of the associated base element (4) is less than 0.5 mm.
18. The dispensing device of claim 17, wherein the air gap is less than 0.2 mm.
19. The dispensing device of claim 15, further comprising a stick of lipstick.
20. The dispensing device for a cosmetic product (PC), comprising a cartridge (13) according to claim 1 and a base (8), the cartridge (13) and the base (8) being detachably coupled, wherein the bottom element (4) comprises a first face facing the receptacle (3) for cosmetic product (PC) and a second longitudinally opposite face, the second face comprising a coupling member (MC, 4B, 47) configured to engage with the base (8), wherein the operating member (6) of the base (8) is able to be coupled with the coupling member (MC, 4B, 47) of the bottom element (4) so that a relative rotation of the base (8) in relation to the cartridge (13) causes a movement of the receptacle (3) of cosmetic product (PC) along a longitudinal axis (X) of the cartridge (13).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1) We will now describe some embodiments of the invention as non-limiting examples, with the aid of the following figures:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TWO EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
(11) For clarity, only the elements useful in understanding the described embodiments have been shown and will be detailed.
(12) It should be noted that in the figures, structural and/or functional elements common to the different embodiments have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional, and material properties. The scales of representation may vary from one figure to another.
(13) A cosmetic product dispensing device 10 according to the invention comprises a base 8, a cartridge 13, and optionally a cap 15 represented with phantom lines in
(14) The base 8 and the cap 15 together form a decorative setting provided to enhance the cosmetic product dispensing device. The base and the cap may in particular have a highly aesthetic decoration, or even a decoration providing luxury customization.
(15) The cartridge 13 comprises an outer tube 1, a control sleeve 2, a receptacle 3 for the stick of lipstick PC, and a bottom element 4 as will be described in more detail below.
(16) In the embodiments described, the dispensing device 10 is a lipstick case. It thus contains a stick of lipstick PC. The stick of lipstick PC is in the form of a solid or semi-solid material, in particular pasty, and is applied by rubbing it on the lips of a user.
(17) In addition, the dispensing device 10 has a generally cylindrical shape and has a longitudinal axis X. It extends between a first longitudinal end P and a second longitudinal end S. The second longitudinal end S of the dispensing device 10 is the one furthest from the user's lips when the user is applying the stick PC to the lips. In the following description, reference will also be made to first P and second S longitudinal ends, defined as above, when describing members of the dispensing device 10. In addition, the adjectives “inner” and “outer” will be used in relation to the interior and exterior respectively of the dispensing device 10. In addition, a midplane is defined as being a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.
(18) The dispensing device 10 is able to be in a closed position, illustrated in
(19) One will note that the base 8 and the cap 15 are configured to cooperate, for example by magnetic or mechanical means, so that when the dispensing device 10 is in the closed position, the cartridge 13 is hidden from the exterior of the dispensing device 10, by the base 8 and cap 15.
(20) Furthermore, the base 8 and the cartridge 13 can be detachably coupled as will be described in more detail below. The base 8 and the cartridge 13 are coupled in
(21) For example, the user may wish to buy a replacement cartridge 13 when the stick of lipstick PC has been consumed. The user may also wish to keep, for example in a handbag, several cartridges 13 each containing a stick of lipstick PC of a different color. The user may also wish to use a specific base 8 and cap 15 to enclose the cartridge 13 in a certain situation, for example in a business setting, and use another base 8/cap 15 assembly to enclose the cartridge 13 in another situation, for example in a party setting. The cartridge 13 may thus often be uncoupled from the base 8, sometimes for a long period. There is therefore a risk of dust entering the cartridge 13 and contaminating the stick of lipstick PC.
(22) The base 8 has a generally cylindrical shape and comprises a protective shell 5 which forms an outer wall of the base 8. The protective shell 5 comprises a cylindrical wall 5A which extends along the longitudinal axis X. In addition, the protective shell 5 comprises a flat wall 5B which extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The flat wall 5B forms a bottom of the protective shell 5. The flat wall 5B thus forms a second longitudinal end S of both the protective shell 5 and the base 8.
(23) In addition, the base 8 comprises a coupling element 6 resting on a face of the flat wall 5B facing the bottom element 4 when the base 8 and the cartridge 13 are detachably coupled. The coupling element 6 has the function of making it possible to detachably couple the base 8 to the cartridge 13 as will be described in detail below.
(24) The base 8 may in particular be made of injected plastic. The protective shell 5 and the coupling element 6 may come as one piece or be formed separately and assembled by gluing for example. The protective shell 5 and the coupling element 6 are integral in rotation. In addition, the base 8 may have a circular, square, or even hexagonal cross-section.
(25) According to the first embodiment, the coupling element 6 comprises a flat disc, further extending in the midplane, which circumferentially carries a permanently magnetized element which here is in the form of a magnet MB. The magnet MB has a general ring shape and extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis X on a radial peripheral edge of the coupling member 6. The flat disc thus has a circumferential recess for carrying the magnet MB so that an upper surface of the flat disc and the magnet MB are arranged at substantially the same height along the longitudinal axis X. In this embodiment, the magnet MB essentially comprises iron, in particular in the form of ferrite, for example strontium ferrite or barium ferrite. In some variants, the magnet MB comprises an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron, or an alloy of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt, or a polymer material which contains a powder comprising one of the materials or alloys described above.
(26) In
(27) In a typical example, the outside diameter D92 of the annular magnet MB is 16 mm. In a typical example, the inside diameter D91 of the annular magnet MB is 12 mm.
(28) The axial thickness of the annular magnet 9 is between 1 mm and 2 mm.
(29) According to the second embodiment, the coupling element 6 comprises a member 67 in the shape of a key, visible in particular in
(30) One will note that in this figure, the base 8 is presented in a slight variant. The coupling element 6 has a cylindrical skirt, which extends longitudinally towards the second longitudinal end S from the magnet MB. The cylindrical skirt carries rotation-coupling grooves 72 in order to, if necessary, secure the protective shell 5 and the coupling member 6 to be integral in rotation.
(31) In the bases 8 of
(32) As indicated above, the cartridge 13 comprises the outer tube 1, the control sleeve 2, the receptacle 3 for the stick of lipstick PC, and the bottom element 4.
(33) The outer tube 1, also illustrated in
(34) As illustrated in
(35) In addition, the outer tube 1 has a first cylindrical portion 1A and a second cylindrical portion 1B arranged following the first cylindrical portion 1A. The first cylindrical portion 1A is closer to the first longitudinal end P of the cartridge 13 than the second cylindrical portion 1B. The second cylindrical portion 1B has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 1A, for example 17 mm and 16 mm respectively for the outside diameters.
(36) Thus, the cartridge 13 also has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion arranged following the first cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion.
(37) Similarly, the covering part 11 has a first cylindrical portion 11A and a second cylindrical portion 11B arranged following the first cylindrical portion 11A. The first cylindrical portion 11A is closer to the first longitudinal end P of the outer tube 1 than the second cylindrical portion 11B. The second cylindrical portion 11B has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 11A.
(38) One will note that the lower edge 110 of the outer tube forms an integral radial protection for the bottom element (skirt function) as well as for the control sleeve (2,22). In other words, the bottom edge 11C extends down to the bottom and forms the overall lengthwise dimension of the cartridge.
(39) For the assembly, the technical part 12 is inserted into the covering part 11 from below, until it abuts against the inside shoulder (see
(40) The covering part 11 and the technical part 12 may be formed of metal or injected plastic. They may be fixed to each other by gluing. The covering part 11 and the technical part 12 may also come as one piece.
(41) In addition, the outer tube 1 comprises, at its first longitudinal end P, a circumferential coupling edge 1C whose function will be described below.
(42) The control sleeve 2 also has a generally cylindrical shape. It is arranged against the inner cylindrical walls of the outer tube 1. As illustrated in
(43) In addition, on the radial periphery of its first longitudinal end P, the main body 2A comprises a flange 2E. The function of the 2E flange will be described below.
(44) In addition, the control sleeve 2 comprises a coupling member 22 arranged following the main body 2A, forming a second longitudinal end S of the control sleeve 2.
(45) One will note that the coupling member 22 can be used to couple the control sleeve 2 to a base for a dispensing device in which the base and the cartridge are non-detachably coupled. To do this, the coupling member 22 comprises a cylindrical wall comprising a plurality of coupling grooves 23.
(46) In addition, the coupling member 22 comprises an orifice 24, on a wall facing the base when the base and the cartridge are coupled, due to the fact that the control sleeve 2 is preferably formed by injection of a plastic material.
(47) In the case of the present invention, the outer tube 1 and in particular the second cylindrical portion 11B of the covering part 11 surrounds this coupling member 22. Thus, advantageously, the dispensing device 10 according to the invention can be implemented with a control sleeve 2 that is also suitable for a dispensing device 10 in which the base and the cartridge are non-detachably coupled. In addition, the coupling member also serves to couple the control sleeve 2 to the bottom element 4.
(48) The receptacle 3 for the stick of lipstick PC here is in the form of a receiving cup. In addition, it comprises a main body 3A of regular generally cylindrical shape, in other words of constant diameter along the longitudinal axis X. As illustrated in
(49) The bottom element 4 occupies the second longitudinal end S of the cartridge 13. In addition, the bottom element 4 comprises first means for coupling to the base 8. The bottom element 4 also comprises second means for coupling to the control sleeve 2 so that the bottom element 4 and the control sleeve 2 are integral in rotation.
(50) According to the embodiments shown, the first means for coupling to the base 8 comprise a radial peripheral rim 4M of the bottom element 4.
(51) In the examples illustrated in
(52) More specifically, the ferromagnetic material is a material having a passive magnetic property, in other words a material which does not induce a permanent magnetic field under normal conditions but which is attracted by a magnet.
(53) For example, particles of such a ferromagnetic material may be inserted into the plastic substrate to be molded.
(54) For example, the plastic substrate to be molded is a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or any other polymer suitable for molding and/or injection. The passive magnetic particles may be, for example, iron particles, ferrite particles, or passivated ferric oxide particles.
(55) According to an alternative solution illustrated in
(56) In one embodiment, the magnet MC essentially comprises iron, particularly in the form of ferrite, for example strontium ferrite or barium ferrite. According to some variants, the magnet MC comprises an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron, or an alloy of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt, or a polymer material which contains a powder comprising one of the materials or alloys described above. According to some variants, the magnet MC may be a part of ferromagnetic material which is magnetized by an incident magnetic field.
(57) The magnet or ring made of ferromagnetic material MC is arranged on a face of the bottom element 4 facing the flat wall 5B of the base 8 when the base 8 and the cartridge 13 are coupled.
(58) At this location, the air gap in the coupled position will be less than 0.5 mm and preferably less than 0.2 mm. Knowing that the force of attraction between two elements under the action of a magnetic field decreases with the cube of the air gap distance, we will seek to obtain as small a space as possible and in practice we will seek to have the ring of ferromagnetic material NC directly in contact with the magnet 9, as shown in phantom lines in
(59) According to the second embodiment of the invention, the first means for coupling to the base 8 comprise a coupling member 4B having a portion 47 in the form of a lock as illustrated in
(60) According to some embodiments of the invention, the second means for coupling to the control sleeve 2 comprise a support portion 4A which extends in the midplane and which supports the coupling member 22 which thus forms a second longitudinal end S of the control sleeve 2. This support portion 4A is circumferential.
(61) According to the first embodiment, the second means for coupling to the control sleeve 2 comprise at least one tongue 4C cooperating with at least one complementary member, for example a tongue, of the coupling member 22 of the control sleeve 2.
(62) According to the second embodiment, the second means for coupling to the control sleeve 2 comprise a member 4D having a shape close to that of the tongue 4C, and which also cooperates with at least one member having a shape complementary to the coupling member 22 of the control sleeve 2.
(63) These second means for coupling are carried by a face axially opposite the receptacle 3.
(64) In addition, the bottom element 4 closes off access to the interior of the cartridge 13 via the second longitudinal end S of the cartridge 13. It thus forms a bottom of the cartridge 13. According to one variant, the bottom element 4 contributes to closing off access to the interior of the cartridge 13, for example by engaging with a flanged edge of the outer tube 1 which extends in the midplane.
(65) Thus, even when the cartridge 13 is uncoupled from the base 8, the stick of lipstick PC is protected from particles which could enter the cartridge 13 via the second longitudinal end S of the cartridge 13.
(66) Note that the central portion 4A of the bottom element illustrated in
(67) In the various embodiments, the outer tube 1 radially surrounds and extends longitudinally over the entire height of the bottom element 4. In the current case, the second cylindrical portion of the cartridge 13 comprises the bottom element 4. In addition, a radial edge of the bottom element 4 is in direct contact with a radially inner face of the outer tube 1. Thus, as can be seen in particular in
(68) One will note that according to an advantageous variant, the bottom element 4 is arranged at a distance from and set back from the second longitudinal end S of the cartridge 13.
(69) We will now describe more precisely a detachable coupling between the base 8 and the cartridge 13.
(70) According to the first and second embodiments, the magnet MB of the base 8 and the magnet MC of the bottom element 4 are arranged facing one another when the base 8 and the cartridge 13 are detachably coupled. In addition, their facing sides have opposite polarities. They thus cooperate and generate a force that detachably couples the base 8 and the cartridge 13. According to the first embodiment, this coupling force is sufficient to secure the base 8 and the bottom element 4 such that they are integral in rotation about the longitudinal axis X.
(71) According to the second embodiment, the key-shaped member 67 of the coupling element 6 of the base 8 engages with the coupling member 4B having the lock-shaped portion 47 of the bottom element 4. This engagement also contributes to securing the base 8 and the bottom element 4 so that they are integral in rotation about the longitudinal axis X.
(72) One will note that the respective key and lock shapes of the coupling element 6 of the base 8 and of the coupling member 4B of the bottom element 4 may be of any type. For example, these shapes may represent an “A” as illustrated in
(73) According to a variant third embodiment, with particular reference to
(74) The snap-fitting tabs 60 comprise a bead 63 and an annular groove 64. The bead 63 is received in a complementary annular groove 73 of the base element 7. The annular groove 64 receives a complementary bead 74 of the base element 7. This forms a solid and durable snap-fit. Advantageously, a reliable and durable assembly is thus formed without the use of glue.
(75) In addition, an upper annular edge 62 is provided which forms a shoulder to hold the element 9 in position against the outer rim 78 of the base element 7. The upper annular edge 62 may be continuous or discontinuous in the circumferential direction.
(76) The outside diameter D72 of the base element is preferably within the range of values [15 mm-17 mm]. One will note that this diameter D72 is preferably advantageously identical to the diameter D22 of the coupling member of the control sleeve, which makes it possible to optimize the assembly means.
(77) The inside diameter D70 of the base element is preferably within the range of values [8 mm-12 mm].
(78) If we consider the air gap denoted e which separates the upper surface 9B of the permanent magnet and the lower surface of the ferrite ring 4B of the bottom element, in the coupled configuration this is preferably less than 0.5 mm, or even close to zero.
(79) In the example of
(80) We will now describe an operation of the dispensing device 10, in particular to access the stick of lipstick PC. Thus, below we will describe the movements of the members of the cartridge 13 in relation to each other.
(81) The flange 2E of the control sleeve 2 has the function of engaging with the circumferential coupling edge 10 of the outer tube 1 as illustrated in
(82) The bottom element 4 is integral in rotation about the longitudinal axis X in relation to the control sleeve 2. Thus, when the base 8 and the cartridge 13 are detachably coupled, the base 8 and the control sleeve 2 are integral in rotation about the longitudinal axis X.
(83) In addition, the receptacle 3 engages with the helical groove 12A of the outer tube 1 and the longitudinal guide slot 2B of the control sleeve 2. To achieve this, each of the two guide studs 36 of the receptacle 3 engages with one of the two longitudinal guide slots 2B of the control sleeve 2 and traverses said slot. The receptacle 3 is thus movable in longitudinal translation relative to the control sleeve 2, between the two end-of-travel positions 2C and 2D for the guide stud 36. In addition, each guide stud 36 engages with one of the two helical grooves 12A of the outer tube 1 when arranged within said groove. The receptacle 3 is thus movable in rotation about the longitudinal axis X and in longitudinal translation relative to the outer tube 1.
(84) When the control sleeve 2 begins to rotate relative to the outer tube 1 in relation to the longitudinal axis X, each guide stud 36 of the receptacle 3 thus moves along a helical groove 12A and a longitudinal groove 2B. The receptacle 3 thus begins to rotate about the longitudinal axis X and to move in longitudinal translation relative to the outer tube 1.
(85) Thus, when the user wishes to move the receptacle 3 longitudinally relative to the outer tube 1, for example to cause the stick of lipstick PC to project beyond the first longitudinal end P of the outer tube 1, he or she locks the outer tube 1 against longitudinal translation and rotation about the longitudinal axis X. Next, he or she imparts a rotational movement to the protective shell 5 of the base 8, about the longitudinal axis X relative to the outer tube 1. The bottom element 4 and the control sleeve 2 thus begin to rotate about the longitudinal axis X relative to the outer tube 1. Each guide stud 36 of the receptacle 3 will then move along a helical groove 12A and a longitudinal guide slot 2B. The receptacle 3 thus moves longitudinally along the cartridge 13. It can therefore be seen that a relative rotation of the base 8 in relation to the cartridge 13 causes the receptacle 3 for the stick of lipstick PC to move in relation to the outer tube 1 along the longitudinal axis X of the cartridge 13.
(86) Of course, many variations can be applied to the invention without departing from the scope thereof.
(87) The bottom element 4 and the control sleeve 2 in particular may come as one piece.
(88) Advantageously, as illustrated in