DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING A COSMETIC PRODUCT

Abstract

A device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product includes a base including a first side wall having a free end, a removable support in which the cosmetic product is disposed, a protective shell housing the removable support, in which device the protective shell includes a first portion, a second portion slidably mounted to the base, and a bearing surface, and wherein the second portion is able to slide on the base until the removable support is uncoupled from the free end of the first side wall and the protective shell is removed, taking the removable support therewith.

Claims

1. A device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, comprising: a base extending about a longitudinal axis and comprising a first side wall, the first side wall having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a second end forming free end, a removable support comprising a housing in which the cosmetic product is disposed, the removable support being coupled to the free end of the first side wall; a protective shell inside which the removable support is housed, the protective shell forming a movable ring, the ring being able to be axially moved along the base, wherein the protective shell comprises: a first portion configured to surround and protect the cosmetic product; a second portion slidably mounted to the base, a bearing surface for lifting the removable support; and wherein the second portion of the protective shell is able to slide on the base until the removable support is uncoupled from the free end of the first side wall and the protective shell is removed, taking the removable support therewith.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a second side wall disposed about the first side wall so that the first and second side walls define therebetween an annular cavity in which the protective shell axially slides.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is slidably mounted to an outer surface of the first side wall.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the second portion of the protective shell is able to slide along the entire length of the first side wall.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the second portion of the protective shell and the outer surface of the first side wall are configured to form a helical slide connection.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the second portion of the protective shell comprises an inner helical thread and the outer surface of the first side wall comprises an outer helical thread corresponding to the inner helical thread.

7. The device according to claim 2, wherein the second portion is slidably mounted to an inner surface of the second side wall.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bearing surface of the protective shell is formed by a shoulder located between the first and second portions of the protective shell.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the base, the protective shell and the removable support are formed by a same material.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of the protective shell comprises inner ribs to guide the removable support.

11. The device according to claim 1, comprising means for coupling the removable support to the free end of the first side wall.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the means for coupling the removable support to the free end of the first side wall comprise: a first magnet attached to the removable support; and a second magnet with an opposite polarity attached to the first side wall.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the means to couple the removable support to the free end of the first side wall are provided in the removable support and/or in the base.

14. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a lid for cooperating with the base in order to close the device.

15. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall of the base are annular and concentric.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0081] The figures are set forth by way of indicating and in no way limiting purposes of the invention.

[0082] FIGS. 1a to 1b are perspective views of a same device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to a first embodiment, respectively when the protective shell is extended to its maximum length, the cosmetic product then being protected, and when the protective shell is pushed as far as possible into the annular cavity, the cosmetic product then being uncovered for application;

[0083] FIGS. 2a and 2b are front views of the device of FIGS. 1a and 1b, FIG. 2a being analogous to FIG. 1a and FIG. 2b being analogous to FIG. 1b;

[0084] FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are axial cross-section views of the device of FIGS. 1a and 1b, FIG. 3a being analogous to FIG. 1a, FIG. 3b being analogous to FIG. 1b, and FIG. 3c corresponding to the device closed by a lid;

[0085] FIG. 4 is an axial cross-section view of a base belonging to the device of FIGS. 1a and 1b;

[0086] FIG. 5 is an axial cross-section view of a removable support belonging to the device of FIGS. 1a and 1b;

[0087] FIG. 6 is an axial cross-section view of a protective shell belonging to the device of FIGS. 1a and 1b;

[0088] FIGS. 7a to 7b are perspective views of a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product as an alternative to the device of FIGS. 1a and 1b, FIGS. 7a and 7b being respectively analogous to FIGS. 1a and 1b;

[0089] FIGS. 8a to 8d are photographs of the device of FIGS. 1a and 1b after it has been customised with patterns, FIGS. 8a and 8c being analogous to FIGS. 1a and 1b, FIG. 8b representing the base and the protective shell positioned in an intermediate position, and FIG. 8d representing the closed device for storage;

[0090] FIG. 9 illustrates a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to a second embodiment;

[0091] FIGS. 10a to 10b are axial cross-section views of the protective shell, the removable support and the cosmetic product belonging to the device of FIG. 9 and forming a cosmetic product refill device, FIG. 10a showing the refill device not yet assembled, and FIG. 10b showing the refill device once assembled;

[0092] FIG. 11 is an enlarged axial cross-section view of the refill device as it is being mounted in a base, the refill device and the base belonging to an alternative device to the device of FIG. 9;

[0093] FIG. 12 shows an overall view of the device of FIG. 11 when the protective shell is pushed as far as it will go into the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] The figures are set forth by way of indicating and in no way limiting purposes of the invention.

[0095] Unless otherwise specified, a same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

[0096] The invention relates to a refillable, easy-to-use device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product.

[0097] A first embodiment is given with device 1, illustrated in whole or in part by FIGS. 1 to 8, more precisely in FIGS. 1a to 1b, 2a to 2b, 3a to 3c, 4, 5, 6, 7a to 7b and 8a to 8d.

[0098] A second embodiment is given with device 2, illustrated in whole or in part in FIGS. 9, 10a and 10b.

[0099] A third embodiment is given with device 3, illustrated in whole or in part in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0100] By cosmetic product, it is meant a product as defined in EC Regulation No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and Council, dated 30 Nov. 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

[0101] In the following description, a cosmetic product in the form of a lipstick is taken as an example. Of course, other cosmetic products can also be used, such as deodorants, foundation sticks, solid perfumes and brushes. For this reason, the terms stick, lipstick or product will be used interchangeably to designate the cosmetic product.

[0102] For an overview of device 1, FIGS. 1a to 1b, 2a to 2b, 3a to 3c, 7a to 7b and 8a to 8d will be referred to.

[0103] The device 1 for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, especially a lipstick 30, comprises a base 10, a removable support 20 for housing the stick 30, and a protective shell 40 forming a removable ring about the stick 30. Under the effect of manual action by a user, the protective shell 40 can slide in the base 10 in a first direction to uncover the product (see FIGS. 1b, 2b, 3b) or in a second opposite direction to protect it (see FIGS. 1a, 2a, 3a). The assembly formed by the protective shell 40, the removable support 20 and the product 30 constitutes a refill device 70 for the product 30, or a refill device 70, able to be mounted to or removed from the device 1.

[0104] With reference to FIG. 3c, the device 1 may further comprise a lid 50 cooperating with the base 10 to close the device 1 for storage.

[0105] The device 1 extends about a longitudinal axis X-X.

[0106] In the following description, the terms internal, external, inner and outer are used to refer to the position of a part or surface relative to the longitudinal axis X-X of the base 10, an internal or inner surface (for example) being closer to the longitudinal axis than an external or outer surface. The term axial means along the direction of the longitudinal axis and the terms radial and transverse mean along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The term lateral means which is located on the sides of a radially extending part.

[0107] The base 10 is more particularly represented in FIG. 4. It is a tubular part extending about the axis X-X and comprising a bottom 110, a first side wall 120, also known as the inner side wall, and a second side wall 130, also known as the external side wall. The first and second side walls 120, 130 are integral with the bottom 110 and define an annular cavity 140 therebetween.

[0108] The first side wall 120 has an outer surface 121, a first end 122 integral with the bottom and a second end 123 opposite to the first end, referred to as the free end 123.

[0109] The base 10 is to receive the removable support 20 containing the product as well as the protective shell 40.

[0110] The bottom 110 is a wall perpendicular to the axis X-X connecting the first and second side walls 120, 130. Preferably, the bottom 110 has an annular surface, so that the base 10 includes a port 150. The bottom 110 can then be covered with a self-adhesive patch (not represented) which closes the port 150.

[0111] Preferably, the first side wall 120 and the second side wall 130 are annular and concentric.

[0112] In a first example represented by FIGS. 1a-1b, 2a-2b and 3a-3c, the first side wall 120 and the second side wall 130 of the base 10 are circular in cross-section.

[0113] In a second example represented by FIGS. 7a to 7b, the first side wall 120 is circular in cross-section and the second side wall 130 is square in cross-section.

[0114] The second side wall 130 extends about the axis X-X of the bottom 110 up to a third open end 131 over a length, for example, equal to 43.5 mm.

[0115] The second side wall 130 has a single internal diameter, this diameter being, for example, 17.8 mm.

[0116] The second side wall 130 has a first external side dimension on a first part 132 and a second external side dimension on a second part 133. The first part 132 extends for example over a length of 37.5 mm from the bottom 110, and the second part 133 is adjacent to the first part 132 and extends to the third open end 131.

[0117] The first external side dimension determines the external side dimension of the base 10. The first side dimension may be a diameter, for example 20.5 mm (FIGS. 1a to 1b, FIGS. 2a to 2b and FIGS. 3a to 3b) or a side of 21.5 mm (FIG. 7a to FIG. 7b).

[0118] The reduction in the external side dimension between the first and second parts 132, 133 of the second side wall 130 makes it possible to provide an annular surface 134 at the junction between both parts, perpendicular to the axis X-X and 1.04 mm thick, for example, for receiving the lid 50. In other words, the annular surface 134 forms a shoulder against which the lid 50 bears to close the device 1.

[0119] The second part 133 may further include one or more radial side hooks 135, 136 arranged outside and/or inside the second side wall 130. On the inside, the radial side hooks 135 are to cooperate with the lid 50. On the outside, the radial side hooks 136 are to cooperate with the protective shell 40. The radial side hooks 135, 136 are bosses, for example.

[0120] The first side wall 120 extends about the axis X-X from the bottom 110 to its free end 123 over a length preferably less than the length of the second side wall 130. The first side wall 120 additionally has an outer surface 121.

[0121] By free end 123, it is meant that the outer surface 121 adjacent to this free end 123 is free of any obstacle, lug, hook, cup, etc., likely to block sliding of the protective shell 40 on the first side wall 120.

[0122] The outer surface 121 of the first side wall 120 comprises means able to make the protective shell 40 slide. Preferably, the outer surface 121 of the first side wall 120 and the protective shell 40 are configured to form a helical slide connection, so that the user's gestures are conventional. A helical slide is for example formed by two complementary helical threads.

[0123] The first side wall 120 can thus have on its outer surface 121 an outer helical thread 124 able to cooperate with a complementary inner helical thread, this inner helical thread being arranged on the protective shell 40 as described below. The outer helical thread 124 preferably extends along the entire length of the first side wall 120. For example, the outer helical thread 124 has a screw pitch of 7 mm.

[0124] By way of example, the external diameter of the first side wall 120 is 10.9 mm and the internal diameter is 8.19 mm.

[0125] The base 10 may further comprise a first transverse wall 125 perpendicular to the axis X-X, located in proximity to the free end 123. The term proximity refers to a distance between the free end 123 and the first transverse wall 125 of between 0 and 10 mm. The first transverse wall 125 is for cooperating directly or indirectly with the removable support 20. Especially, it forms a housing 126 together with the first side wall 120.

[0126] The device further comprises coupling means 60 for coupling the removable support 20 to the free end 123 of the first side wall 120. The coupling means 60 comprise: [0127] a first magnet 61 attached to the removable support 20; and [0128] a second magnet 62 with an opposite polarity attached to the base 10.

[0129] The means 60 are arranged in the removable support 20 and/or in the first side wall 120. In FIGS. 3a to 3c, the first magnet 61 is housed in the removable support 20 and the second magnet 62 is housed in the first housing 126 of the base 10, against the first transverse wall 125.

[0130] Alternatively, the coupling means 60 are means provided in the removable support 20 and/or in the base 10, for example purely mechanical means. An example will be described subsequently in connection with FIGS. 9, 10a and 10b.

[0131] The removable support 20 is intended to contain the cosmetic product 30. The removable support 20 is housed inside the protective shell 40 and is temporarily coupled to the base 10, more precisely to the free end 123 of the first side wall 120.

[0132] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 3a to 3c, the removable support 20 is annular in shape and circular in cross-section. The removable support 20 has open ends and a second transverse wall 210.

[0133] The second transverse wall 210 partly delimits a first housing 220 for the lipstick 30 (represented in FIGS. 3a to 3c).

[0134] On the other side of the second transverse wall 210, the removable support 20 is provided with a circular edge 231 which axially extends from the second transverse wall 210 and delimits a second housing 230 together with this second transverse wall 210, the second housing being able to receive at least some of the coupling means 60. For example, the first magnet 61 of the coupling means 60 is housed in the removable support 20, in the housing 230.

[0135] With reference to FIG. 5, the first housing 220 may comprise a clamping rib 222 for the stick 50, as well as coupling pins 221 configured to cooperate with and hold the stick 50. The clamping ribs 222 and the coupling pins 221 are integral with the second transverse wall 210 and axially extend from this second transverse wall 210.

[0136] The protective shell is represented in isolation in FIG. 6 and in cooperation with the base 10 and the removable support 20 in the device 1 in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3a to 3c.

[0137] The protective shell 40 is preferably cylindrical in shape and circular in cross-section and forms a movable ring, this ring being able to move axially in the annular cavity 140, by surrounding the removable support 20.

[0138] The protective shell 40 comprises a first portion 410, a second portion 420 and a bearing surface 430 at the junction between both portions 410, 420.

[0139] The first portion 410 of the protective shell 40 is configured to surround and protect the product 30. FIGS. 3a to 3c, and more particularly FIGS. 8a to 8c illustrate the function of the first portion 410:

[0140] FIG. 8a represents the device 1 obtained immediately after separating the lid 50 or immediately before fitting the lid 50, the first portion 410 of the protective shell 40 being extended as far as possible from the base 10 so as to fully protect the stick 50. In this way, the product 50 cannot be damaged upon closing the device 1 with the lid 50;

[0141] FIG. 8b represents the device 1 with the first portion 410 of the protective shell 40 partially pushed into the annular cavity 140, so as to uncover part of the stick 30 for the application thereof;

[0142] FIG. 8c represents device 1 with the first portion 410 of the protective shell 40 fully pushed into the annular cavity 140, so as to fully uncover the product 30. The entire product can thus be used.

[0143] The first portion 410 has dimensions that enable it to be inserted into the 30 annular cavity 140. For example, its length is 50 mm and its outer diameter is 15.88 mm. Its inner diameter can vary; in the example given, it is 14.94 mm on a top part 411 (opposite to the bottom 110 of the base 10), and 13.9 mm along the rest of its length.

[0144] The first portion 410 advantageously comprises inner ribs 440 to guide the removable support 20.

[0145] The second portion 420 of the protective shell 40 is located as an extension of the first portion 410. The second portion 420 has preferably a lower length than the first portion, for example 5.6 mm. The second portion 420 also has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first portion 410, and an inner diameter of, for example, 10 mm. This arrangement enables the first portion 410 to be extended or, on the contrary, pushed in to its maximum length, while limiting the length of the device 1 to a length acceptable to the user, for example 89 mm with the lid 50 for a lipstick.

[0146] The second portion 420 is slidably mounted in the annular cavity 140, and more particularly on the outer surface 121 of the first side wall 120.

[0147] The first side wall 120 thus acts as a central axis along which the second portion 420 slides. This movement is achieved, for example, when the second portion 420 and the first side wall 120 are configured to form a helical slide connection. For this, the inner surface 421 of the second portion 420 comprises an inner helical thread 422 and the outer surface 121 of the first side wall 120 comprises an outer helical thread 124 which is complementary to the inner helical thread 422.

[0148] The outer helical thread 124 preferably extends along the entire length of the first side wall 120. The second portion 420 of the protective shell 40 is thus able to slide from the bottom 110 to the free end 123 of the first side wall 120, that is along the entire length of the first side wall 120.

[0149] The first portion 410 of the protective shell 40 and the second side wall 420 of the base 10 are devoid of any arrangement intended to move the protective shell 40.

[0150] The first portion 410 protects the product 30, in particular during closure of the device 1 with the lid 50 and during filling of the product 30.

[0151] Inside the protective shell 40, a bearing surface 430 is formed at the junction between the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 due to the difference in external diameter between the first and second portions 410-420. The bearing surface 430 of the protective shell 40 is then formed by a shoulder located between the first and second portions 410-420 of the protective shell 40.

[0152] The bearing surface 430 is to lift the removable support 20 under the effect of the movement of the protective shell 40. With reference to FIG. 3a, when the second portion 420 is slid until the first portion 410 has emerged as far as possible from the base 10, the bearing surface 124 comes into contact with the removable support 20. When the second portion 420 is further slid in the same direction, that is towards the free end 123, the bearing surface 430 lifts the removable support 20. Finally, when the second portion 420 is slid up to the free end 123, the protective shell 40 is detached from the base 10, taking the removable support 20 held on the bearing surface 420 (not represented in the figures) therewith.

[0153] The second portion 410 of the protective shell 40 is thus able to slide up to the free end 123 of the first side wall 120, so as to uncouple the removable support 20 from the free end 123 and remove the protective shell 40, taking the removable support 20 therewith.

[0154] The base 10, the removable support 20, the protective shell 40 and the lid 50 are advantageously made of the same material, preferably a recyclable polymeric material. This material is, for example, recycled polypropylene (or rPP) or recycled polyethylene terephthalate (or rPET).

[0155] Like the base 10, the removable support 20, the protective shell 40 and the lid 50 can be one-piece parts made of polymeric material and manufactured rapidly by 3D printing or moulding. As regards the base 10, the annular shape of the bottom 110 makes mould release easy.

[0156] The device 1 is refillable: the removable support 20 is separable (or dismountable) simply, by voluntary action on the part of the user, using the same gestures as those used to protect the product 30.

[0157] The mechanism for moving the second portion 420 on the first side wall 120 is simple to make and is compatible with several types of cosmetic products, for example a foundation stick or a solid perfume.

[0158] The outer surfaces of the second side wall 130 and of the first portion 410 of the protective shell 40 are devoid of defects that could be related to the arrangement of grooves or slides on their inner surface. They therefore offer an aesthetically pleasing appearance. FIGS. 8a to 8d illustrate a lid 50, a base 10 and a protective shell made by 3D printing in a polymeric material and having been decorated and coloured. The possibility of customising these elements with patterns, decorations and various colours makes the device 1 original and attractive.

[0159] According to one alternative embodiment to the first embodiment, not represented in the figures, the second portion 420 is slidably mounted to an inner surface of the second side wall 130 of the base 10 (rather than on the outer surface of the first side wall 120). The second portion 420 of the protective shell 40 and the inner surface of the second side wall 130 are, for example, configured to form a helical slide connection. The inner surface 421 of the second portion 420 and the outer surface of the first wall 120 may then be free of connection means, such as the helical threads previously described. The other characteristics of the device may be unchanged.

[0160] The device 2 according to the second embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0161] Analogously to the device 1 according to the first embodiment, the device 2 enables the cosmetic product 30 to be refilled quickly, easily and naturally, while being simple to manufacture.

[0162] The main difference between the device 2 and the device 1 is that the base 10 does not have a second side wall 130, which can be subsequently assembled about device 2, for example by cosmetics manufacturers wishing to choose the appearance of the device (material, shape, decoration of the second side wall). Thus, with reference to FIG. 9, the bottom 110 of the device 2 comprises a single (first) side wall 120 about the axis X-X, the lateral dimensions d.sub.120 of which are preferably smaller than the lateral dimensions duo of the bottom 110. On the other hand, the first side wall comprises an opening 127 at the free end 120.

[0163] The device 2 additionally comprises a protective shell 40 and a removable support 20 which differ in several respects from the device 1.

[0164] Thus, the second portion 420 of the protective shell 40 of the device 2 is able to be temporarily unsecured from the first portion 410 when the protective shell 40 is removed from the base 10.

[0165] The protective shell 40 is therefore not made in one piece, but in two parts that fit together. These two parts may be made of the same material, for example recycled polypropylene (for reasons of cost, recyclability, etc.) or of different materials.

[0166] The second portion 420 comprises a screw pitch 422 arranged on its inner surface and assembly means (such as a lug 423) arranged on part of its outer surface for assembling (removably) the second portion 420 in the first portion 410, the first portion 410 comprising complementary assembly means (such as a groove 424 for receiving the lug 423). The second portion 420 thus configured forms a screw insert adapted, on the one hand, to be inserted into the first portion 410 (via the assembly means 423-424) and, on the other hand, to be screwed (via the screw pitch 422) into the base 10.

[0167] Furthermore, the removable support 20 of the device 2, and more precisely the part of the removable support 20 intended to be coupled to the base 10, does not comprise a housing, such as the housing 230 of the device 1, able to receive the first magnet 61 (see FIGS. 3a to 3c). Instead, the removable support 20 comprises a coupling side wall 240 extending from the second transverse wall 210 opposite to the housing 220, as well as a detachable coupling annulus 250 arranged about the coupling side wall 240 and connected to the second transverse wall 210 through one or more severable annulus portions 260.

[0168] The coupling side wall 240 comprises, for example, a boss forming a snap-fit mechanism (or snap ring).

[0169] The coupling annulus 250 is detachable from the rest of the removable support 20 by virtue of the annulus portion or portions 260 which are adapted to be severed and thus detached from the second transverse wall 210 under the action of an axial mechanical force.

[0170] The fact that the second portion 420 of the protective shell 40 is able to be unsecured temporarily from the first portion 410 makes it easy to assemble (or disassemble) a refill device 70 for product 30, the refill device 70 being the assembly comprising the product 30, the removable support 20 and the protective shell 40.

[0171] The refill device 70 belonging to the device 2 and its assembly are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10a and 10b.

[0172] FIG. 10a represents the refill device 70 being assembled. The product 30 has been housed in the removable support 20, this removable support 20 having itself been housed inside the first portion 410 of the protective shell 40.

[0173] When the removable support 20 is inserted into the first portion 410 of the protective shell 40, the detachable coupling annulus 250 stops against an internal shoulder of the first portion 410.

[0174] The second portion 420 is positioned facing the first portion 410 without yet being secured to the first portion 410.

[0175] FIG. 10b represents the refill device 70 once assembled. The second portion 420 has been inserted into the first portion 410 and secured thereto. Thus assembled, the second portion 420 comprises, at the junction with the first portion 410, a bearing surface 430 on which the second transverse wall 210 of the removable support rests. The second portion 420 further immobilises the removable support 20 by retaining the coupling annulus 250 of the removable support 20 in a space delimited by the outer wall of the second portion 420 and the inner wall of the first portion 410.

[0176] The second portion 420 inserted into the first portion 410 ensures that the removable support 20, and therefore the product 30, is held in the protective shell 40. The refill device 70 can thus be handled easily, without the risk of dropping the product 30.

[0177] The fact that the removable support 20 comprises a coupling side wall 240 and a coupling annulus 250 makes it possible to create purely mechanical coupling means. Thus, the coupling side wall 240 and the coupling annulus 250 enable the removable support 20 (and more generally the refill device 70) and the base 10 to be coupled via the opening 127 in the first side wall 120 without resorting to the use of magnets. The refill device 70 can therefore be mounted to and dismounted from the base 10 using a coupling mechanism that is both simple to manufacture and use, and entirely recyclable.

[0178] This coupling mechanism without magnets is also adapted to a base 10 including a second side wall such as the second side wall 130 of the device 1 (see FIG. 3a).

[0179] FIGS. 11 and 12 thus show a device 3 according to a third embodiment, in which the removable support 20 and the protective shell 40 are identical to the device 2, and the base 10 includes, like the device 1, a second side wall 130.

[0180] More particularly, FIG. 11 shows an enlarged cross-section view of the refill device 70 at the start of coupling of the refill device 70 into the base 10, that is immediately after insertion of the coupling side wall 240 into the opening 127.

[0181] The second portion 420 is screwed (by the user) onto the outer surface 121 of the first side wall 120. While continuing to screw, an axial insertion force Fi (not represented) is exerted to snap the coupling side wall 240 into the opening 127 of the base 10, this force being directed towards the base 10 and produced by the user shortly after the refill device 70 begins to be mounted in the base 10.

[0182] This same snap-fit insertion force brings the second transverse wall 210 to abut on the free end 123.

[0183] Continuing to screw the second portion 420 onto the outer surface 121 produces a so-called separating force, having greater intensity than the snap-in insertion force Fi, which causes the annulus portion(s) 260 of the removable support 20 to be severed. The coupling annulus 250 is then unsecured from the second transverse wall 210.

[0184] FIG. 12 shows the entire device 3 when the protective shell 40 is pushed at its maximum length into the base 10.

[0185] By being pushed in the base 10, the protective shell 40 takes the coupling annulus 250 therewith. In particular, FIG. 12 shows the coupling annulus 250 unsecured from the removable support 20 and carried away by the second portion 420 of the protective shell 40.