U.S. patent application number 11/055051 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-08 for packaging, typically a case, with closure by magnets.
Invention is credited to Petit, Robert.
Application Number | 20050194384 11/055051 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31725874 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050194384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Petit, Robert |
September 8, 2005 |
Packaging, typically a case, with closure by magnets
Abstract
A case, includes a lid fitted with a first hinge portion, a
concave bottom possibly including an inner frame intended to
receive a trough containing the cosmetic product, the bottom or
inner frame being fitted with a second hinge portion, the first and
second hinge portions engaging to form a hinge, elements for
closing the lid relative to the bottom or inner frame wherein: a)
the closure elements include two magnets such that the lid is
attracted towards the bottom inner frame for an opening angle
.alpha. below a maximum angle of opening .alpha..sub.L, b) the
engagement is such that the maximum angle of opening .alpha..sub.L
is between 20.degree. and 90.degree., c) the magnets are fully or
partially concealed.
Inventors: |
Petit, Robert; (Cluny,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
745 SOUTH 23RD STREET
2ND FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
31725874 |
Appl. No.: |
11/055051 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/230 ; 16/320;
206/581 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 16/5401 20150115;
A45C 13/1069 20130101; A45D 40/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/230 ;
016/320; 206/581 |
International
Class: |
B65D 051/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 6, 2002 |
FR |
0211029 |
Claims
1. Packaging intended for the packaging of cosmetic products,
typically a case (1), including a lid (2) fitted with a first hinge
portion (20), a concave bottom (3) possibly including an inner
frame (4) integral with said bottom (3) intended to form or receive
a trough containing said cosmetic product, said bottom (3) or said
inner frame (4) being fitted with a second hinge portion (30), said
first and second hinge portions (20, 30) engaging to form a hinge
(10), ensuring a rotation of said lid (2) relative to said bottom
(3) or said inner frame (4), characterised in that: a) said closure
means (5) includes an engagement of two magnets (50, 51) facing
each other when said packaging is closed, so as to develop a force
of attraction F between said magnets (50, 51) and a torque c
between said lid (2) and said bottom (3) or said inner frame (4), a
first magnet (50) being anchored to said lid (2), a second magnet
(51) being anchored to said bottom (3) or said inner frame (4), in
such a way that said lid (2) is attracted towards said bottom (3)
or said inner frame (4) for an angle of opening a below a maximum
angle of opening aL, beyond which there no longer appears to be a
significant attraction between said lid (2) and said bottom (3) or
said inner frame (4), b) said engagement is chosen in such a way
that said maximum angle of opening .alpha..sub.L is between
20.degree. and 90.degree., c) said magnets (50, 51) are fully or
partially concealed, so as to give packaging for which the closure
means (5) are invisible from view, at least when said lid (2) is
closed, d) said engagement is such said first and second magnets
(50) (51) are located, on said lid (2) and on said bottom (3) or
said inner frame (4) respectively, in such a way that said force F
and said torque C is exerted at an average distance L from said
axis of rotation (11) of between 3 and 30 mm.
2. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein said average distance L
is between 5 and 20 mm.
3. Packaging according to claim 2 wherein said average distance L
is between 7 and 15 mm.
4. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein said first and second
magnets (50) and (51) have a surface S that is facing, and
typically in cantact, when said packaging is closed, said magnets
(50) and 51) and said surfaces S being chosen so as to have an
initial opening torque CI, for .alpha.=0, typically between 0.0015
N.m and 0.3 N.m.
5. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein said first magnet (50) is
typically located in said first hinge portion (20) or in a portion
of said lid (2) juxtaposing said first hinge portion (20).
6. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein said second magnet (51)
is typically located in said second hinge portion (30) or in a
portion of said bottom (3) or of said inner frame (4) juxtaposing
said second hinge portion (30).
7. Packaging according to claim 4 wherein said surface S is between
5 and 30 mm.sup.2, and preferably between 10 and 20 mm.sup.2.
8. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein said first and second
magnets (50) and (51) are anchored to said lid (2) and to said
bottom (3) or said inner frame (4) respectively, typically by being
fitted into a channel (21, 31) formed in said lid (2), said bottom
(3) or said inner frame (4), or by the bonding of the magnets (50,
51), by means of an adhesive layer (2), onto said lid (2), said
bottom (3) or said inner frame (4), possibly in said corresponding
channel (21,31), or possibly by inserting-moulding, said first
and/or second magnets (50, 51) being embedded in a moulded plastic
material constituting said lid, said bottom or said inner frame, a
layer of plastic material (53) of limited thickness then coating
said magnets (50, 51).
9. Packaging according to claim 8 wherein said first and/or said
second magnet (50, 51) is anchored to a support complementary to
said lid, or to said bottom or said inner frame, said complementary
support (34) forming a part cast in a single piece with said lid,
said bottom or said inner frame, or to an insert (22, 32) or a part
that can be anchored, typically by bonding or being snapped on, to
said lid (2), to said bottom (3) or to said inner frame (4).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the field of cosmetic product
packaging, typically cases of facial care powders.
THE PRIOR ART
[0002] Generally speaking, cases typically include:
[0003] a concave lid fitted with an inner mirror,
[0004] a concave bottom, typically fitted with an inner frame or
intermediate support for at least one trough intended to receive
said cosmetic product,
[0005] a hinge, constituting the connecting component between said
lid and said bottom, allowing said lid to articulate and said case
to open,
[0006] a clasp or any means of fastening and unfastening said lid
relative to said bottom, in such a way as to open and close said
case, a clasp being typically of the push-button type. This clasp,
located on the opposite side from the hinge of the case, is usually
formed by the engagement of a clasp component of the lid with a
clasp component of the bottom or of the inner frame integral with
the bottom, so as to guarantee that the case will remain closed
unless intentionally opened.
[0007] A great many case embodiments are known, embodiments which
may focus on one or more of the constituent parts of the case,
particularly on the clasp or on the case opening.
[0008] Thus, as regards patents in the name of the applicant, the
following may be cited:
[0009] the patent FR 2 661 080 which describes a make up case with
a compact clasp,
[0010] the patent FR 2 725 958 which relates to a case with
combined assisted opening and closure,
[0011] the patent FR 2 77 192 which describes a case with a swivel
lid provided with an articulation with flexible lugs,
[0012] the patent FR 2 755 352 which describes a case with assisted
opening,
[0013] patent FR 2 755 353 which describes a case with an
unfastening and pre-opening push-button,
[0014] and the patent 2 794 723 which describes a case with
improved pre-opening.
PROBLEMS POSED
[0015] On the one hand prior art cases generally include closure
means formed by engagement of mechanical means, some integral with
the lid, others integral with the bottom or with the inner frame,
typically including a push button that allows a closure tab to be
released by manual pressure.
[0016] These means generally include a resilient component which is
compressed when the lid is closed and which relaxes during
opening.
[0017] All these mechanical means involve both a high manufacturing
cost, given the precision of the parts forming these means and the
necessary absence of play, and a modification of the appearance of
the cases, and particularly of their front part, which is the most
visible.
[0018] On the other hand, as shown by the previously cited prior
art, the diversity of means already used in the prior art is very
great, each of these relatively specific means involving particular
and therefore costly modifications to each case.
[0019] The applicant has therefore sought a general means which is
applicable to a large number of cases without having to call back
into question the design of each case in particular.
[0020] Lastly, one other problem is to offer cases which can be
distinguished from prior art cases by the "way they handle" or "the
way they feel", in other words by the tactile perception of the
manual effort involved in opening the case.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] According to the invention, the packaging intended for
packaging cosmetic products, typically a case, includes a lid
fitted with a first hinge portion, a concave bottom possibly
including an inner frame integral with said bottom intended to form
or to receive a trough containing said cosmetic product, said
bottom or said inner frame being fitted with a second hinge
portion, said first and second hinge portions engaging to form a
hinge ensuring a relative rotation of said lid relative to said
bottom along an axis of rotation, and a means of closing said lid
relative to said bottom or said inner frame, and is characterised
in that:
[0022] a) said closure means includes an engagement of at least two
magnets that face each other when said packaging is closed, so as
to develop a force of attraction F between said magnets and a
torque C between said lid and said bottom or said inner frame, a
first magnet being anchored to said lid, a second magnet being
anchored to said bottom or said inner frame, in such a way that
said lid is attracted towards said bottom or said inner frame for
an angle of opening .alpha. below a maximum angle of opening
.alpha..sub.L, beyond which there no longer appears to be a
significant attraction between said lid and said bottom or said
inner frame,
[0023] b) said engagement is chosen in such a way that said maximum
angle of opening .alpha..sub.L is between 20.degree. and
90.degree.,
[0024] c) said magnets are fully or partially concealed, so as to
give packaging for which the closure means are invisible from view,
at least when said lid is closed.
[0025] Typically, the packaging includes two magnets.
[0026] The means of the invention resolve the problems posed.
[0027] Indeed, these means allow all closure devices to be
eliminated, in all their great diversity.
[0028] They allow cases to be offered for sale that are wholly
changed in appearance, given the elimination of the conventional
closure means positioned on the opposite side from the hinge. It is
in particular possible to have a closure means that is wholly or
partially concealed when the case is open, and typically wholly
concealed when it is closed.
[0029] The means of the invention also radically alter the way it
feels on opening the lid.
[0030] These means are not specific to a particular from of case
and can therefore apply to any type of case, and more generally to
any type of packaging that includes a lid articulated by means of a
hinge.
[0031] As will be shown hereinafter, these means are both
straightforward to implement, and therefore relatively
cost-effective, and efficient.
[0032] The maximum angle of opening .alpha..sub.L was evaluated in
the following way: a case being open--with
.alpha.>.alpha..sub.L--the bottom was placed under a plane
support, with the hinge horizontal and the lid, free, in the
vertical position, the slope of the support is gradually increased
so as gradually to reduce the angle .alpha. until, for an angle of
the support with the horizontal plane from equal to
90.degree.-.alpha..sub.L, the lid tilts abruptly being attracted by
the bottom.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0033] All the figures relate to the invention.
[0034] So as not to overburden the figures, and given the absence
of any risk of confusion, the lid (2) and the bottom (3) have not
been hachured, and the magnets (50, 51)--generally in
cross-section--have been shown typically in the form of a rectangle
in bold.
[0035] FIGS. 1a to 1c show bare cases (1)--with no accessories--in
cross-section in a vertical median plane perpendicular to the axis
of the hinge (10).
[0036] FIGS. 1a and 1b correspond to a type of case (1), the case
being closed in FIG. 1a and partially open in FIG. 1b.
[0037] In the right-hand part of FIG. 1a are shown two types of
magnet profiles (50, 51) seen from behind, one S1 forming a
cylindrical pin, the other S2, with S2>S1, forming a
parallelepiped bar, of thickness E between 0.3 and 3 mm.
[0038] FIG. 1c, similar to FIG. 1a relates to another type of case
(1).
[0039] FIGS. 2a to 2d are partial--enlarged--views of the
right-hand part of the bottoms (3) of cases in FIGS. 1a to 1c which
show, by way of example, some modes in which a magnet engages with
the case, FIGS. 2a to 2d relating to the second magnet (51)
anchored to the bottom (3) of the case (1).
[0040] FIG. 2a shows the anchoring by insert-moulding of the second
magnet (51) in the plastic material forming the bottom (3), the
surface of said second magnet not being coated by plastic material
and being typically flush with the corresponding surface of said
bottom (3).
[0041] FIG. 2b shows the anchoring by forcibly fitting said second
magnet (51) into a channel or blind hole (31) formed in said bottom
(3).
[0042] FIG. 2c shows the anchoring by bonding of the second magnet
(51) onto said bottom (3) by means of an adhesive layer (52).
[0043] FIG. 2d shows the anchoring by using an insert (32), said
second magnet being anchored to said insert (32), said insert (32)
being assembled with said bottom (3), typically by being snapped on
axially.
[0044] FIG. 2e is a partial--enlarged--view of the right-hand part
of the lid in FIGS. 1a to 1c, which shows the anchoring of said
first magnet (50) to the first hinge portion (20) by
insert-moulding, said first magnet being fully embedded in the
plastic material forming said lid, a thickness Ep of plastic
material forming an insert-moulding layer (24) coating the surface
S of said first magnet, said thickness Ep, typically between 0.1 mm
and 1 mm, being chosen to conceal said first magnet (50) from
view.
[0045] FIG. 3a is a view from behind of the cases according to FIG.
1c.
[0046] FIG. 3b shows four partial cross-section views, in the
horizontal plane A-A in FIG. 3a, of four variants of the magnets
(50, 51) corresponding to different contact surfaces S1, S2, S3 and
S3', with S<S2<S3 and S3' variable by variable coating of a
second so-called "anchored" magnet (51) and a first so-called
"mobile" magnet (51) more or less offset relative to the second
magnet (51).
[0047] FIG. 3c is a graph showing the variation in torque C, given
the force of attraction F between magnets, as a function of the lid
angle of opening .alpha., in the example of three magnet variants
with contact surfaces S1, S2 and S3 in FIG. 3b.
[0048] An additional curve in dotted lines corresponds to the
example--outside the invention--where the magnets are located in
the place of the traditional closure means: with torque of
identical magnets, the initial torque CI is higher, but the
decrease in the torque C is then very rapid.
[0049] FIGS. 4a and 4b are partial cross-sections corresponding to
the right-hand part of FIGS. 1a and 1b for a type of case in which
one of the magnets is carried by an inner frame integral with said
bottom.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] According to the invention, and as shown in all the figures,
said engagement can be such that said first and second magnets (50)
and (51) are located, on said lid (2) and on said bottom (3) or
said inner frame (4) respectively, in such a way that said force F
and said torque C is exerted at an average distance L from said
axis of rotation (11) of between 3 and 30 mm, said average distance
being taken at the distance separating the geometric centre or
centre of gravity of the magnets (50, 51), and the axis of rotation
(11) of the hinge (10).
[0051] Indeed, this makes it possible both to obtain a feel or a
sensation on opening that is different from that obtained with
prior art packaging or cases (1), and also different from what
would be obtained if said magnets were placed elsewhere and
typically in the place of the traditional clasp (see the curve in
dotted lines in FIG. 3c), and to fully or partially conceal these
magnets (50) and (51).
[0052] Said average distance L may be between 5 and 20 mm.
[0053] Said average distance L may again be between 7 and 15
mm.
[0054] Said distance L has been shown in FIGS. 1a, 1c, 3a and
4a.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1a, 1c, 3b and 4a, said first and second
magnets (50) and (51) may have a surface S that is facing, and
typically in contact, when said packaging is closed, said magnets
(50) and 51) and said surface S being chosen so as to have an
initial opening torque CI, for .alpha.=0, typically between 0.0015
N.m and 0.3 N.m.
[0056] This surface S corresponds to the magnetic flux circulation
surface. This is the contact or quasi contact surface, as in the
example in FIG. 2e where said first magnet (50) is coated with a
thin layer of plastic insert-moulding material (24).
[0057] Typically, said first magnet (50) may be located in said
fist hinge portion (20) or in a portion of said lid (2) juxtaposing
said first hinge portion (20).
[0058] Likewise, said second magnet (51) may typically be located
in said second hinge portion (30) or in a portion of said bottom
(3) or of said inner frame (4) juxtaposing said second hinge
portion (30).
[0059] Generally, and as a function particularly of the looked for
initial closing torque CI, said surface S of the magnets (50, 51)
may be between 5 and 30 mm.sup.2, and preferably between 10 and 20
mm.sup.2, the thickness E of the magnets (50, 51) being able to be
between 0.3 mm and 3 mm.
[0060] As shown by way of examples in FIGS. 2a to 2e, said first
and second magnets (50) and (51) may be anchored to said lid (2)
and to said bottom (3) or said inner frame (4) respectively,
typically by being fitted into a channel or blind hole (21, 31)
formed in said lid (2), said bottom (3) or said inner frame (4), or
by bonding of the magnets (50, 51), by means of an adhesive layer
(2), onto said lid (2), said bottom (3) or said inner frame (4),
possibly in said corresponding channel (21, 31), or possibly by
insert-moulding, said first and second magnets (50, 51) being
embedded in a moulded plastic material constituting said lid, said
bottom or said inner frame, a layer of plastic material (53) of
limited thickness Ep then coating said magnets (50, 51)--see FIG.
2e.
[0061] This thickness Ep--typically of a few {fraction (1/10)}ths
of a millimetre may be chosen to be fairly substantial so as to
conceal said magnet (50, 51) and yet limited enough not to reduce
the initial opening torque CI.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 1c, said first and/or second magnet (50,
51) may be anchored to a support complementary to said lid, or to
said bottom or said inner frame, said complementary support (34)
forming a part cast in a single piece with said lid, said bottom or
said inner frame.
[0063] In the example shown on FIG. 1c, the additional support (34)
forms part of the bottom (3) although crossing the horizontal plane
(12) of opening of the case. This additional support has the dual
advantage of increasing the distance L, and therefore the initial
torque CI of constant force F, and of concealing to a large extent
said first magnet (50) carried by the lid (2).
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 2d and 2e, said first and/or second magnet
(50, 51) may be anchored to an insert (22, 32) or a part that can
be anchored, typically by bonding or being snapped on, to said lid
(2), to said bottom (3) or to said inner frame (4).
[0065] It can be seen in FIG. 2e that the mirror (23) may be used
as a means of fastening or locking said insert (22). Likewise, in
FIG. 2d, it should be noted that the insert (32) may be locked into
a groove (34) formed in said bottom (3).
[0066] This type of anchoring means may be advantageous in so far
as it is possible on the one hand to manufacture separately inserts
(22, 32) fitted with magnets (50, 51), said inserts being of
pre-set "standard" dimensions, and on the other hand, to
manufacture components for packaging or cases (1), namely lids (2)
or bottoms (3) or inner frames (4) that include a "standard"
channel intended to engage with said inserts, in such a way as to
ensure cost-effective rational production of any type of packaging
or case.
[0067] The invention applies to any type of packaging or case
including a hinge and which requires a closure means, said closure
means not necessarily being sealed given that, as in the case of
cosmetic product cases, these cosmetic products are typically
compressed powders.
EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES
[0068] All the FIGS. 1a to 1c, 2a to 2e, 3a and 3b, 4a and 4b,
constitute examples of embodiments of cases (1) or of components of
cases (1) according to the invention.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0069] The invention makes it possible to simplify the manufacture
of packaging and cases (1) for cosmetic products in particular by
simplifying the closure means (5). In particular, it offers the
possibility of replacing the conventional closure means by a means
that is both discrete, and virtually invisible, adaptable as a
function of the needs or wishes of users, and potentially
applicable to any type of case (1) or packaging.
[0070] In this way, the invention, which affects at one and the
same time the economic aspect, the aesthetic aspect and the
functional aspect of packaging and cases (1), allows an
advantageous renewal of the product offer, a renewal which is
necessary and on-going in the packaging field, particularly in
respect of cosmetic products, and in the field of cases in
particular.
1 LIST OF IDENTIFIERS Case 1 Hinge 10 Axis of rotation 11
Horizontal plane of opening 12 Lid 2 First hinge portion 20 Channel
for 50 21 Insert 22 Mirror 23 Insert-moulding layer 24 Bottom 3
Second hinge portion 30 Channel for 51 31 Insert 32 Complementary
support 33 Inner frame 4 Means of closing 2 with 3 or 4 5 First
magnet which engages with 2 50 Second magnet which engages with 3
or 4 51 Adhesive layer 52 Layer of plastic material 53
* * * * *