REFILLABLE PACKAGING DEVICE FOR A COSMETIC PRODUCT AND ASSOCIATED REFILL

Abstract

A Cosmetic product refill which is configured to be received in a covering shell, the refill including a hollow member configured to contain the cosmetic product and which has an opening for taking or dispensing cosmetic product, means, connected to the hollow member, for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell, and a breakable zone which is configured to detach at least partially the fixing means of the hollow member under the effect of traction applied by a user to the fixing means, the breakable zone extending in a discrete or continuous manner over at least 30% of the periphery of the hollow member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) that claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/238,717, filed Sep. 1, 2009, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from French Application No. 09 54891, filed Jul. 15, 2009, the entire contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to refillable packaging devices for a cosmetic product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Discussion of Background

There are known cosmetic product packaging devices having a covering shell and a cosmetic product refill which is configured to be received in the covering shell. The refill comprises means for fixing to the covering shell.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,016, the refill is fixed by snap-fitting an upper peripheral edge of the covering shell in a groove of the refill. With such a device, it is difficult to disengage the edge of the covering shell out of the groove of the refill.

FR 2715384 also describes a packaging device with a covering shell and a cosmetic product refill which is fixed to the covering shell. The hollow member of the refill has, in an outward direction, ribs which abut against the covering shell and thereby block the refill inside the covering shell. Again in this instance, it is difficult to withdraw the refill from the covering shell, the user having to apply great force to the refill. FR 2715384 describes that the hollow member may comprise pivoting tongues which carry reliefs provided to co-operate with complementary reliefs of the covering shell. Those tongues make the shape of the hollow member more complex and complicate the operating sequence necessary to separate the hollow member from the covering shell.

FR 2745276 describes a packaging device for a cosmetic product with an external covering shell and a refill whose base carries pins which are intended to be engaged with force in openings of the covering shell. In order to withdraw the refill, holes are provided in the base of the covering shell so as to allow introduction of a rod which allows the refill to be pushed upwards and the pins of the refill to be disengaged. Such a device is not convenient to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this context, an object of the invention is to provide a refillable packaging device and a refill which are more convenient to use.

To that end, the invention relates according to a first aspect to a cosmetic product refill which is configured to be received in a covering shell having a central axis, the refill comprising:

• • a hollow member which is intended to contain the cosmetic product and which has an opening for taking or dispensing cosmetic product;
  • means, connected to the hollow member, for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell;
  • a breakable zone which is configured for allowing the detaching of at least a part of the fixing means of the hollow member under the effect of traction applied by a user to the fixing means, the breakable zone extending in a discrete or continuous manner over at least 30% of the periphery of the hollow member, the hollow member remaining at a fixed axial position with respect to the covering shell during the detaching.

In this manner, it is easy for the user to separate the cosmetic product refill from the covering shell once the cosmetic product is completely used.

The refill may also have one or more of the following features, considered individually or in accordance with any technically possible combination:

The means for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell may be distributed in a discrete or continuous manner and extend over at least 30% of the periphery of the hollow member. It is thereby possible readily to vary the periphery length of the fixing means around the hollow member which allows adjustment of the force with which the refill is fixed to the covering shell. Furthermore, the user can break with a single action the breakable zone over the entire length of the fixing means, which simplifies use of the refill.

The means for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell may extend over a portion of the periphery of the hollow member, the breakable zone extending along the means for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell and being displaced towards the interior of the hollow member relative to the fixing means. In this manner, the user can separate the fixing means and the hollow member from each other by urging the fixing means radially or in the peripheral direction, or axially.

The breakable zone may constitute a connection between the fixing means and the hollow member. Only the fixing means are separated from the hollow member when the breakable zone is broken.

The breakable zone may comprise a line of reduced thickness of material and/or a plurality of material bridges which are separated from each other by through-holes. In this manner, the breakable zone may be constituted in several manners in accordance with constraints of appearance, production or use.

Furthermore, it is easy to adjust the effort to be applied by the user in order to break the breakable zone, with the material thickness being calibrated along the line of reduced thickness, or the section of the material bridges.

The fixing means may comprise a retention skirt which is located radially at the outer side of the hollow member and retention means for the covering shell between the retention skirt and the hollow member. In this manner, the retention skirt masks to a large extent the peripheral edge of the covering shell which becomes engaged between the skirt and the hollow member. That zone which generally comprises functional reliefs and which is not decorative is thereby masked which improves the appearance of the product.

The retention means may be carried by an internal face of the skirt directed radially towards the hollow member. In this manner, detachment of the skirt completely disengages the connection between the covering shell and the refill.

The retention skirt may be radially spaced apart from the hollow member and define with the hollow member a groove for receiving an upper edge of the covering shell. In this manner, it is possible readily to bring about positioning and engagement of a new cosmetic product refill on the covering shell.

The groove may be closed opposite the base of the hollow member by a rim for connecting the retention skirt to the hollow member. Advantageously, the rim can be used to fix a heat-sealed protection film which is intended to isolate the cosmetic product before first use.

The retention means for the covering shell may be selected from snap-fit means, a threading, an adhesive band, a hook and loop band.

The retention skirt may have a peripheral interruption which separates two peripheral end portions of the retention skirt from each other, at least one of the two peripheral end portions being a start point which is provided to be held in order to separate the fixing means and the hollow member from each other. In this manner, the user can conveniently detach the fixing means.

The end portion forming the start point may be free with regard to the hollow member and be separated from the hollow member by a peripheral aperture. The start point is thereby particularly easy to grip.

The start point may be configured to form, after the fixing means and the hollow member have been separated from each other, a gripping member in order to withdraw the refill from the covering shell. In this manner, withdrawal of the refill is particularly convenient to carry out.

The hollow member, the means for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell and the breakable zone are integral with each other. For example, they are produced by plastics material being injected into a mould. That production method is particularly economical.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a packaging device which can be refilled with cosmetic product and which comprises a covering shell and a refill which has the above features and which is fixed to the covering shell.

Such a packaging device is simple to use and economical to produce.

As should be apparent, the invention can provide a number of advantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that, in practicing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to include one or more features or benefits of embodiments disclosed herein, but not others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the preferred embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting, particular since embodiments can be formed to practice the invention that do not include each of the features of the disclosed examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the invention will be gained from reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are offered purely as a guide and by way of example, and in no way limit the invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be appreciated from the detailed description thereof which is given below by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the refillable packaging device of the invention showing the arrangement of the different elements constituting the device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 1, showing the refill fixed to the interior of the covering shell, the cover being illustrated in a state separated from the covering shell;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the refill of FIG. 1 without cosmetic product and without a protection film;

FIG. 4 is a radial cross-section of the refill of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, the means for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell being illustrated in a partially detached state;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3 for a construction variant of the refill in which the retention skirt has a closed contour;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3 for a construction variant in which the breakable zone is a line of reduced thickness constituting the connection between the retention skirt and the hollow member;

FIG. 8 is a radial cross-section of the refill of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a radial cross-section of a construction variant of the refill of FIG. 8, in which the line of reduced thickness is provided in the hollow member;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the refill of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a radial cross-section for a construction variant of the refill, in which the means for retaining the covering shell in the groove of the refill are a threading;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are axial cross-sections for a construction variant, in which the packaging device is a make-up bottle, with a flexible pocket acting as a hollow member;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are axial cross-sections for construction variants, in which the packaging device is a bottle which is provided with an atomising member, with a flexible pocket acting as a hollow member; and

FIG. 16 is an axial cross-section for a construction variant, in which the packaging device is a canister provided with an atomising member, with a flexible pocket acting as a hollow member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals are utilized to designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is intended for packaging a cosmetic product. The term “cosmetic product” is intended in this instance to refer to a product in accordance with the Council Directive 93/95 EC of 14 Jun. 1993.

The device comprises an external covering shell 3 and a refill 5 which is fixed in a removable manner to the covering shell 3. It may also comprise a cover 7 which is provided to be received in a removable manner on the external covering shell 3.

The refill 5 is configured to be received in the covering shell 3. It comprises:

• • a hollow member 9 which is intended to contain the cosmetic product and which has an opening 11 for taking or dispensing the cosmetic product;
  • means 13 which are for fixing the hollow member 9 to the covering shell 3 and which are connected to the hollow member 9 and protrude outwards relative to the hollow member 9;
  • a breakable zone 14 which is configured to detach at least partially the fixing means 13 under the effect of traction applied by a user to the fixing means 13.

In the construction variants of FIGS. 1 to 11, the hollow member 9 is in the form of a cup, providing the user with a large opening in order to take the cosmetic product.

In this case, the refill may comprise a film 15 which is initially heat-sealed to the hollow member 9 and which is provided to be withdrawn by the user when first used.

The external covering shell 3 has an internal volume 17 which is delimited by a base 19 and a peripheral side wall 21 which extends from the base 19. The base 19 is substantially planar. The device may be provided to rest normally on a support by means of the base 19.

The side wall has, for example, a generally cylindrical shape having a centre axis X which is substantially perpendicular to the base 19. It has a substantially cylindrical lower portion 23, a substantially cylindrical upper portion 25 having reduced diameter relative to the portion 21 and a shoulder 27 which connects the portions 23 and 25 to each other. The shoulder 27 has an orientation substantially perpendicular to the axis X. The upper portion 25 carries the threading which allows the fixing of the cover 7.

The covering shell 3 is open opposite the base 19 via an opening 29. The opening 29 is delimited by a free upper edge 31 of the side wall 21. The opening 29 is provided to allow the refill 5 to be introduced into the internal volume 17.

The hollow member 9 is provided to be received in the internal volume 17. It has an internal space 33 for receiving a measure of cosmetic product which is not illustrated. The space 33 is delimited downwards by a base 35 and laterally by a peripheral wall 37 which is fixedly joined to the base 35. The removal opening 11 is located opposite the base 35 and is delimited by an upper peripheral edge 39 of the lateral wall 37 (FIG. 3). For example, the wall 37 is slightly frustoconical and widens from the base 35. The upper edge 39 has an outer diameter which is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the opening 29.

The means 13 for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell comprise, for example, a retention skirt 41 which is located radially outside the hollow member and means 43 for retaining the covering shell 3 between the retention skirt 41 and the hollow member 9 (FIGS. 3 and 4).

The retention skirt 41 may be a cylindrical ring which extends in a continuous manner around at least a portion of the periphery or circumference of the hollow member 9. It extends around the upper edge 39 of the side wall. Preferably, it extends along at least 30%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or 99% of the periphery or circumference of the hollow member. For example, it extends substantially completely around the hollow member and has only one circumferential interruption of small angular width. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the retention skirt extends continuously over 100% of the periphery or circumference of the hollow member. The retention skirt has a closed contour.

The retention skirt 41 is radially spaced-apart from the hollow member 9. It defines therewith a groove 45 for receiving the upper edge 31 of the covering shell. The groove 45 is open towards the base of the hollow member. Therefore, the retention skirt 41 has a lower free edge 47 which is directed towards the base of the hollow member 35.

However, the groove 45 may be at least partially closed opposite the base of the hollow member by a rim 49 for connecting the retention skirt 41 to the hollow member 9. For example, the rim 49 may be planar. It may optionally be within the plane of the removal opening 11. The connection rim 49 thereby defines a free planar surface which is provided to adhesively-bond the film 15.

The connection rim 49 fixedly joins an upper edge 51 of the skirt 41 to the upper edge 39 of the side wall 37.

The means 43 for retaining the covering shell in the groove 45 are located on a portion of the refill which is detached from the hollow member 9 when the breakable zone 14 is torn off in order to separate the fixing means 13 and the hollow member 9 from each other.

The retention means 43 are typically located in the groove 45. For example, they are located on an internal face 53 of the skirt directed towards the hollow member 9. Alternatively, they could be carried by the lateral wall 37 of the hollow member. In that case, the breakable zone 14 is located below the retention means 43, that is to say, nearer the base 35 than the retention means 43 in relative terms.

The retention means 43 may be distributed in a discrete or continuous manner around the hollow member 9.

When the retention means are distributed in a discrete manner, they may be distributed in a regular manner, equi-angularly, around the hollow member 9. In this manner, if the retention means comprise, for example, three separate retention reliefs, those reliefs may be spaced angularly apart from each other by approximately 120°. For example, they may each extend over approximately 10% of the periphery of the hollow member. The breakable zone in that case may also be discrete. It may comprise three continuous zones which are separated from each other and which each extend along a retention relief.

The breakable zone may alternatively be continuous and may extend along all the retention reliefs.

A number of variants are possible. The retention means may be discrete but distributed in an irregular manner around the hollow member. The breakable zone may be discrete but comprise a number of continuous zones that is different from the number of retention reliefs, each continuous zone covering, for example, a plurality of reliefs.

The retention means 43 are selected, for example, from snap-fit means, a threading, an adhesive band or a hook and loop type band (Velcro® band), that list not being limiting.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, the retention means are snap-fit means which are clearly visible in the cross-section of FIG. 4. The retention means 43 comprise a protruding peripheral relief 55 which is provided on the internal face of the retention skirt. The protruding relief 55 is provided to co-operate with a complementary relief 57 (FIG. 1) which protrudes around the upper edge 31 of the external shell.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the retention means are a threading 59 provided in the internal face of the retention skirt. The threading is provided to co-operate with a complementary threading which is provided on the radially outer face of the covering shell along the upper edge 31.

The breakable zone 14 extends over at least a portion of the periphery of the hollow member 9 along the means 13 for fixing the hollow member 9 to the covering shell 3. It is displaced towards the interior of the hollow member 9 relative to the fixing means 13.

In greater detail, the breakable zone 14 extends over the whole of the peripheral length of the retention skirt 41. The peripheral length of the breakable zone is substantially equal to that of the retention skirt.

In a variant which is not illustrated, the breakable zone 14 has a peripheral length which is less than that of the retention skirt 41. A portion of the retention skirt 41 is fixedly joined to the hollow member in a non-breakable manner, for example, by a material bridge having a substantial cross-section. In this manner, when the breakable zone is broken in order to detach the hollow member and the fixing means from each other, the skirt remains connected to the hollow member. The breakable zone may serve to lift it. There is only one piece for the user to throw away and not two separate pieces (hollow member, skirt).

The breakable zone 14 may be provided in the fixing means 13. The breakable zone 14 may also constitute a connection between the fixing means 13 and the hollow member 9, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8. Alternatively, the breakable zone 14 may be provided in the hollow member 9, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 11.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8, the breakable zone is constituted by the connection rim 49 between the retention skirt and the hollow member.

Therefore, the breakable zone can be provided so as to have multiple refill locations in accordance with the configuration of that refill and the appearance which it is desirable to provide it with.

The breakable zone 14 extends continuously around at least a portion of the periphery or the circumference of the hollow member 9. It preferably extends over at least 30% or at least 50% or at least 75%, or 99%, of the periphery or circumference of the hollow member.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 9 to 11, the breakable zone 14 extends continuously over 100% of the periphery or circumference of the hollow member. The breakable zone 9 has a closed contour.

According to a first construction variant, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the breakable zone comprises a plurality of material bridges 61 which are distributed peripherally or circumferentially around the hollow member 9 and which are separated from each other by through-holes 63 (FIG. 3). The material bridges 61 are typically spaced apart from each other regularly around the hollow member. They typically have a small circumferential width in comparison with the through-holes 63. The material bridges 61, and in particular the cross-section thereof, are calibrated to allow detachment of the retention skirt under the effect of traction of moderate force applied by a user to the retention skirt.

The through-holes 63 open inside the groove 45. They extend over the entire thickness of the connection rim 49.

In a variant, the breakable zone comprises a line 65 of reduced material thickness. That variant is illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8. As is visible in FIGS. 6 and 7, the material thickness along the line 65 is less than in the other portions of the hollow member and is less than in the other portions of the means for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell.

As is visible in FIGS. 1 and 3, the retention skirt may have a peripheral or circumferential interruption 67, separating two circumferential or peripheral end portions 69, 70 of the retention skirt from each other. The two ends 69, 70 are free relative to each other. One of the two end portions constitutes a start point which is provided to be gripped by a user in order to detach the fixing means. The end portion 70 which forms a start point is free relative to the hollow member 9. It is separated from the hollow member by a circumferential or peripheral aperture 71 constituting a portion of the groove 45.

The interruption 67 may have a variable circumferential or peripheral length. The length may be greatly reduced, as illustrated in FIG. 10, and cover an angular sector less than 5°. It may be wider, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3 and cover, for example, an angular sector of 15°.

In a variant, the start point 70 may be connected to the hollow member 9 by the breakable zone 14, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

The cover 7 is provided to cover the refill 5 and to close the removal opening 11. It has a lower peripheral edge 73 which is provided to move into abutment against the shoulder 27 when the cover is fixed to the covering shell.

The assembly and disassembly of the packaging device will now be set out in detail, with particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5.

The user purchases a cosmetic product refill with a hollow member, a measure of cosmetic product filling the internal space 33 of the refill, and a film 15 which is heat-sealed on the hollow member so as to close the removal opening. In this manner, the cosmetic properties of the product are preserved, with it being isolated from ambient air.

The refill comprises the means 13 necessary to fix the hollow member to the covering shell 3. The refill also comprises the breakable zone 14 which is provided to allow separation of the refill and the external covering shell once the cosmetic product has been completely used.

In order to fix the refill to the covering shell 3, the user orientates the refill so that the base 35 of the hollow member is positioned above the opening 29 of the covering shell, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The user subsequently introduces the refill into the internal volume 17 of the covering shell, the base 35 being introduced first.

During this movement, the upper edge 31 of the external shell is introduced inside the groove 45. Consequently, the retention means 43 block the upper edge 31 in the groove between the retention skirt 41 and the hollow member 9. The snap-fit relief 57 moves into engagement with the corresponding snap-fit relief 55 carried by the retention skirt. For example, the edge 31 may be in abutment against the connection rim 49 in this situation.

The retention skirt 41 is pressed against the outer surface of the covering shell, as is visible in FIGS. 2 and 5.

The refill is practically completely accommodated in the internal volume 17 of the covering shell. Only the retention skirt 41 and the connection rim 49 remain visible, as well as the heat-sealed film 15 on the connection rim 49.

The user can reposition the cover 7 so as to close the opening 11 and to completely mask the refill.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the positioning of the cosmetic product refill on the covering shell is carried out by screwing.

At first use, the user removes the cover 7, separates the film 15 from the hollow member and takes the quantity of cosmetic product needed. Subsequently, the user puts the cover 7 back in place.

When the cosmetic product stored in the refill has been completely used, it is possible for the user to separate the refill from the covering shell and to replace the empty refill with a new full refill of the same type.

To that end, the user grips the end portion 70 of the retention skirt which forms a start point. The user moves the end portion 70 radially away from the refill, applying sufficiently large traction to break the breakable zone in the region of the start point 70. In the example of FIGS. 1 to 5, the user moves the start point 70 far enough away from the refill to break the material bridges 61 which are immediately beside the start point 70.

Subsequently, the user continues to move the retention skirt radially away, rotating the covering shell, in order thereby to successively break all the material bridges 61. When enough material bridges have been broken, the user can readily separate the empty refill from the covering shell by applying axial traction to the refill. Small axial traction is sufficient to disengage the upper edge 31 of the covering shell out of the groove.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the region where the material bridges are broken, the retention skirt can be moved away from the hollow member and no longer retains the free upper edge 31 of the external shell. The edge is blocked only at a portion of the periphery thereof, in the zone where the material bridges have not been broken. In this manner, the force retaining the free edge in the groove is greatly reduced so that it is easy for the user to disengage the edge 31 out of the groove by drawing the refill upwards.

During the breaking of the breakable zone, the start point becomes deployed in the form of a band which is configured to act as a gripping member in order to withdraw the refill out of the covering shell.

The user can also withdraw the empty refill from the covering shell by gravity, with the packaging device being turned upside down.

The user could also draw the start point 70 upwards, that is to say, along the axis X away from the base 35 of the hollow member. The user can break, practically in a single action, all the material bridges and disengage the refill 5 from the covering shell 3.

In any case, the hollow member 9 remains at a fixed position along the central axis X with respect to the covering shell 3 during the detaching. More precisely, the hollow member 9 remains stationary, at a fixed axial position with respect to the covering shell 3, at least during an initial period of the detaching, when only a part of the breakable zone has been broken. The hollow member 9 remains at a fixed axial position with respect to the covering shell 3 until the breakable zone has been broken along a length such that the connection between the hollow member and the covering shell is sufficiently weak and the hollow member can be removed out of the covering shell.

In the case of FIGS. 7 to 11, the traction applied by the user to the start point 70 allows the breakable zone to be broken along the line 65 of reduced material thickness. The hand actions of the user in order to break the breakable zone are practically the same as for the embodiment of the FIGS. 1 to 5.

Once the empty refill has been separated from the covering shell, the user may put in place a new, full cosmetic product refill in accordance with the above-described sequence of operations.

The packaging device and its refill may have a large number of variants.

In the above embodiments, the external shell and the refill have circular geometry. However, they could have any type of cross-section, whether rectangular, oval, regular or irregular.

The retention skirt may have axially any length and is not necessarily of small height in comparison with the hollow member.

The retention skirt advantageously has a peripheral or circumferential interruption so as to create a start point provided to be gripped by the user. It could also comprise two peripheral or circumferential interruptions, or more than two peripheral or circumferential interruptions, thereby subdividing the retention skirt into a plurality of continuous portions separated from each other.

The cosmetic product may be of any type, solid, liquid, gaseous, pasty, more or less fluid. The cosmetic product may be a care product for the face, or for the body, a make-up product, such as a foundation, a styling product, such as a gel or a hair wax, a hair mask, a hygiene product, such as a deodorant, etcetera.

The invention has been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 in an application in which the hollow member is a cup, for example, intended to receive a creamy product. However, the hollow member could be a flexible pocket, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 16. The covering shell could be a bottle (FIGS. 12 to 15) or an aerosol canister (FIG. 16).

The flexible pocket can be constructed with different materials and particularly with a composite sheet. Such a sheet may comprise, for example, a multi-layer complex comprising:

• • a metal layer, for example, constructed from aluminium or an alloy comprising aluminium,
  • an agent for adhesively bonding a side of that metal layer, for example, comprising a copolymer comprising at least 7% by weight of carboxylic and/or carboxylate units, the carboxylic units being able to be of acid form and
  • a non-metal layer of material connected to the metal layer via the adhesion agent, for example, a thermoplastic material, preferably polymer, for example, polyethylene.

The carboxylate unit is, for example, an acrylate or methacrylate unit, for example, ethyl acrylate. The carboxylic unit is, for example, acrylic or methacrylic acid. The copolymer may comprise at least a second monomer having an alkylene unit whose alkyl chain comprises from 2 to 10 carbon atoms.

The adhesion agent is, for example, a copolymer of ethylene and ethyl acrylate or a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid. The adhesion agent may comprise, for example, between 7 and 19%, more particularly between 8 and 11%, or between 8.5 and 10.5% and preferably 9.7% by weight, of an acrylic acid or an acrylic ester.

The composite structure may comprise a second external structure which is attached to the metal layer, that external structure being able to be produced from a thermoplastic material, in particular polymer, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, and being intended to define the outer surface of the pocket. That external structure can be fixedly joined to the metal layer by means of a layer of a second adhesion agent, in particular a polyurethane-based adhesive. Other composite sheet structures are possible.

Such a pocket is particularly suitable for packaging a cosmetic or dermatological product, such as a hair colouring product to be stored without exposure to air.

In a variant, the flexible pocket may be in the form of a tube, optionally provided with an outer collar. That tube can be constructed from one or more elastomer material(s), for example, natural or synthetic rubber. It is particularly advantageous for the device of FIGS. 12 and 13 which is intended for packaging a make-up product.

The invention is not limited to a specific form of pocket and it may be more or less elongate, the terms “pocket” and “tube” being considered to be synonymous in the present application.

It should also be noted that this flexible pocket can be provided for a system with or without air regain. That pocket can thus be configured to become retracted each time product is dispensed or taken.

The construction variants of FIGS. 12 to 16 will now be set out in detail. The elements which are identical or perform the same function as in the construction variants of FIGS. 1 to 11 will be indicated using the same reference numerals. Only the aspects by which the variants of FIGS. 12 to 16 differ from the variants of FIGS. 1 to 11 will be described below.

The packaging device of FIGS. 12 and 13 is a bottle which is intended to receive a make-up product. It may comprise, besides the covering shell 3 and the refill 5, a cap 77 and a removal member 79 which is fixedly joined to the cap 77. The removal member may be, for example, a small brush or a mascara brush.

The hollow member 41 is a flexible tube 81 which is provided with an outer collar 83 which delimits the removal opening 11. The flexible tube is as described above.

The refill further comprises a tubular dryer 85 which is coaxial with the covering shell 3. An upper portion of the dryer 85 carries external threading 87 which is intended to co-operate with a tapped portion 89 provided in a blind hole 91 of the cap. The dryer has an internal channel 93. A lower portion of the dryer is curved so as to partially close the internal channel 93 and to define an opening 95 for drying the removal member. The opening 95 is provided to remove surplus cosmetic product located on the applicator.

The refill further comprises an annular plate 97 which is fixedly joined to an outer peripheral face of the dryer 85 and which protrudes radially outwards from the dryer 85. For example, the plate is substantially perpendicular to the centre axis of the covering shell.

The retention skirt 41 extends around the annular plate 97. The connection rim 49 joins the upper edge of the skirt 41 to the plate 97.

The breakable zone 14 can be provided in the connection rim 49, in the skirt 41, or in the lower portion of the dryer 85, that is to say, between the annular plate 97 and the drying opening 95.

The packaging device is illustrated in FIG. 13 in the assembled state.

The flexible tube 81 is engaged inside the covering shell 3, the outer collar 83 being in axial abutment against the upper edge 31 of the covering shell.

The dryer 85 is partially engaged in the tube 81 through the removal opening 11. The annular plate 97 is in axial abutment against the outer collar 83 and squeezes that collar against the upper edge 31 of the covering shell. The retention skirt 41 is located around the covering shell, the upper edge 31 of the shell being engaged and blocked between the flexible tube 81 and the retention skirt 41.

The removal member 79 can be introduced inside the hollow member 9 through the internal channel 93 of the dryer. The end of the removal member is then dipped in the cosmetic product. The cap can subsequently be screwed onto the threading 87 of the dryer.

When the removal member 79 is withdrawn from the hollow member, that member is dried by passing through the dryer opening 95.

When all the cosmetic product has been consumed, the user can readily separate the refill 5 from the covering shell 3 by tearing off the breakable zone, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11. The user can separate, from the shell 3, the dryer 85 with the annular plate 97, then the hollow member 9.

The packaging devices of FIGS. 14 and 15 are bottles which are intended to receive a cosmetic product which is liquid or in the form of an aerosol.

The hollow member 9 of the refill comprises a flexible pocket 98 as described above and a fixing ring 99. The refill 5, besides the hollow member 9, comprises a member 100 for dispensing the cosmetic product. Therefore, the opening 11 of the hollow member is a dispensing opening in this instance and not a removal opening.

The flexible pocket 98 is tightly fixed to the peripheral ring 99. It is, for example, welded to the peripheral ring.

The dispensing member 100 comprises a member 101, an actuation rod 103 which is movable relative to the member 101 and a sleeve 105 for connection to a plunger tube 107. The plunger tube is arranged inside the hollow member.

The member 101 is tightly mounted in the peripheral ring 99.

The dispensing member may comprise a pump or a valve (not illustrated) which is intended to remove from the hollow member 9 a metered or non-metered quantity of cosmetic product to be dispensed. In this manner, that dispensing member can define a chamber for metering the product to be dispensed, where applicable provided with an inlet valve and an outlet valve (not illustrated).

The member 101 internally defines a guiding surface for the actuation rod 103. That rod can be moved axially by sliding inside the member 101 in order to dispense the product. The actuation rod 103 internally defines a product dispensing channel. The rod is capable of being moved against the member so as to vary the volume of the metering chamber in order to expel the product through the dispensing channel. The rod 103 is typically integral with return means (not illustrated) which are received in the member 101 and which urge the rod axially towards the outer side of the container. The rod 103 is located outside the hollow member.

The dispensing member 100 may further comprise an actuation member 111 which is arranged, where applicable to be fitted, on the actuation rod 103 of the dispensing member. The actuation member is, for example, a push-button.

The actuation member may comprise a channel 113 for dispensing cosmetic product terminating at one end in a blind housing 115 for receiving the actuation rod. The other end of the dispensing channel 113 constitutes a nozzle for projecting the cosmetic product. The actuation member may also comprise an atomiser which is provided in order to eject the cosmetic product outwards.

The retention skirt 41 extends around the fixing ring 99. It defines with the fixing ring the groove 45 for receiving the upper edge 31 of the covering shell. The connection rim 49 joins the upper edge of the skirt 41 to the fixing ring 99.

The breakable zone 14 can be arranged in the connection rim 49, in the fixing ring 99 or the skirt 41.

In FIG. 14, the upper edge 31 of the covering shell is engaged in the groove and is in abutment simultaneously against the retention skirt 41 and against the fixing ring 99. The flexible pocket 98 is in abutment against the base 19 of the covering shell.

In FIG. 15, the upper edge 31 of the covering shell is engaged in the groove but is in abutment only against the retention skirt 41. It is remote from the fixing ring 99. The flexible pocket 98 is suspended on the fixing ring and is not in abutment against the base 19 of the covering shell.

The devices of FIGS. 14 and 15 may comprise a cover (not illustrated) which is provided to cover the actuation member and to be fixed in a removable manner to the covering shell.

The packaging device of FIG. 16 is a canister which is intended to receive a cosmetic product which is liquid or in the form of an aerosol. It is very similar to that of FIG. 14. The device of FIG. 16 differs from the one of FIG. 14 owing to the shape of the covering shell. It is also distinguished by the shape of the peripheral ring 99 which is wider in FIG. 16.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described therein.

Claims

1. A cosmetic product refill which is configured to be received in a covering shell having a central axis, the refill comprising:

a hollow member configured to contain the cosmetic product and which has an opening configured to take or dispense cosmetic product;

means, connected to the hollow member, for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell; and

a breakable zone configured to allow the detaching of at least a part of the fixing means of the hollow member under the effect of traction applied by a user to the fixing means, the breakable zone extending in a discrete or continuous manner over at least 30% of a periphery of the hollow member,

wherein the hollow member remains at a fixed axial position with respect to the covering shell during the detaching.

2. The refill according to claim 1, wherein the means for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell are distributed in a discrete or continuous manner and extend over at least 30% of the periphery of the hollow member.

3. The refill according to claim 1, wherein the means for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell extend over a portion of the periphery of the hollow member, and wherein the breakable zone extends along the means for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell and is displaced towards the interior of the hollow member relative to the fixing means.

4. The refill according to claim 1, wherein the breakable zone constitutes a connection between the fixing means and the hollow member.

5. The refill according to claim 1, wherein the breakable zone includes a line of reduced thickness of material and/or a plurality of material bridges which are separated from each other by through-holes.

6. The refill according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means includes a retention skirt which is located radially at the outer side of the hollow member and retention means for the covering shell between the retention skirt and the hollow member.

7. The refill according to claim 6, wherein the retention means are carried by an internal face of the skirt directed radially towards the hollow member.

8. The refill according to claim 6, wherein the retention skirt is radially spaced apart from the hollow member and defines with the hollow member a groove for receiving an upper edge of the covering shell.

9. The refill according to claim 8, wherein the groove is closed opposite the base of the hollow member by a rim for connecting the retention skirt to the hollow member.

10. The refill according to claim 6, wherein the retention means for the covering shell are selected from snap-fit means, a threading, an adhesive band, a hook and loop band.

11. The refill according to claim 6, wherein the retention skirt has a peripheral interruption which separates two peripheral end portions of the retention skirt from each other, at least one of the two peripheral end portions being a start point which is provided to be held in order to separate the fixing means and the hollow member from each other.

12. The refill according to claim 11, wherein the end portion forming the start point is free with regard to the hollow member and is separated from the hollow member by a peripheral aperture.

13. The refill according to claim 11, wherein the start point is configured to form, after the fixing means and the hollow member have been separated from each other, a gripping member in order to withdraw the refill from the covering shell.

14. The refill according to claim 1, wherein the hollow member, the means for fixing the hollow member to the covering shell, and the breakable zone are integral with each other.

15. A packaging device comprising a covering shell and a refill according to claim 1 fixed to the covering shell.