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[0001] This application claims priority to French application 0109527 filed Jul. 17, 2001, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0002] The invention relates to devices for packaging and dispensing a substance. The invention is particularly advantageous for dispensing a cosmetic, for example makeup, in powder or semisolid form. The preferred form includes a housing containing the substance and a screen through which the substance is fed or dispensed.
[0003] Devices that contain and dispense various cosmetic substances are well known. However, there continues to be a need for improved devices which are relatively simple in structure and practical to use. Devices are also needed that can easily be filled with a substance for subsequent dispensing.
[0004] The novel device of the invention includes a first element and a second element capable, in a first state of the device prior to the filling with said substance, of enabling one of the elements to be positioned in a predetermined position relative to the other element. In a subsequent state, one of the elements of the device can slide, corresponding to a decrease in the volume of the housing.
[0005] With the arrangement of the invention, the housing can present a predetermined volume while it is being filled without requiring an arrangement or assembly outside of the device for positioning one of the elements relative to the other. The operation of filling the device with a substance is thereby simplified.
[0006] In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the device includes at least two cooperating portions arranged to enable one of the elements to be prepositioned relative to the other. Examples of arrangements to provide prepositioning of the elements include a projection and/or a recess disposed on one or both of the elements. In one form, the two elements are arranged to co-operate with each other with a snap-fastening or snap-connection in the predetermined position. The first element can include an end wall of the housing, and the other element can include a side wall of the housing.
[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, a screen is carried by the second element, i.e., the element having a housing side wall. Advantageously, a seal arrangement is carried by one of the elements to press against the other element so as to prevent leakage of the substance or of a component of the substance through any sliding clearance that exists between the two elements. The seal arrangement can include, e.g., a sealing lip made integrally with a wall of one of the elements, in particular the first element, or an O-ring received in a groove formed in a wall of one of the elements.
[0008] By way of example, in accordance with one embodiment, the first element can include an inner skirt and an outer skirt defining groove between them. The second element can be engaged in the groove and free to slide. The outer skirt can advantageously have an outside thread, with the device also including a lid that can be screwed onto the outer skirt. When the first and second elements are in the predetermined position discussed above and while the lid is being screwed on, the lid can be arranged to move one of the elements relative to the other so as to vary the volume of the substance-containing housing. In particular, the lid can include a shoulder suitable for bearing against the outer periphery of the screen or other portion of the second element when the second element is in the predetermined position relative to the first element. Thus, the first time the cap or lid is mounted upon the device after filling, the second element can be moved from the predetermined position. Thereafter, with the first and second elements movably disposed relative to each other, the tube elements can move to reduce the volume of the housing as the product is used.
[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the device can include a powder puff housed beneath the lid and above the screen. Also, the screen can be held by a support overmolded on the screen.
[0010] The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a packaging and dispensing device in which a housing contains the substance and a screen through which the substance is fed or dispensed. In addition, two elements are capable of sliding relative to each other, with relative movement thereof corresponding to a change in the volume of the housing. In accordance with the method, the two elements are brought into a predetermined position, and the housing is filled with a substance. In a particular implementation of the invention, the method further includes the step of putting the screen into place after the device has been filled with substance.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect, one of the elements is caused to move relative to the other by fitting the lid onto one of the elements, with the other element being arranged in such a manner that the lid can bear against it and move it while being put into place, e.g., by being screwed on. The two elements can be brought into the predetermined position by cooperating relief portions on the two elements.
[0012] Other features and advantageous aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013]
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[0020]
[0021] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numbers designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views,
[0022] The body
[0023] The inner and outer skirts
[0024] In the embodiment illustrated, the second element
[0025] It is to be understood that various alternate configurations are also possible for the first and second elements. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the annular lip
[0026] The applicator, such as a powder puff
[0027] The lid
[0028] The following describes how the end wall
[0029] As progressively more of the substance is used, the second element
[0030]
[0031] As noted earlier, various alternate arrangements can be utilized in accordance with the invention. By way of example, alternate assemblies or structures can be utilized for the first and/or second elements, and an alternate seal arrangement can be provided between the two elements instead of the O-ring
[0032] As should be readily apparent from the foregoing, many variations are possible, and therefore the invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described above. By way of further example, the arrangement enabling the second element to be held in a predefined position relative to the first element while the housing is being filled with the substance P can be implemented in many other ways. Although it is advantageous for the cooperating portions in relief on the two elements to be formed integrally therewith, it is possible to make a portion in relief on one of the elements by depositing a drop of adhesive or other material for example, or by fixing an alternate form of stop or abutment.
[0033] 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.