The subject of the present invention is a device for packaging and dispensing a fluid composition by way of a pipette. It is used more particularly in the field of devices for packaging cosmetic products, in which the product has to be delivered in the form of doses.

The expression "cosmetic product" is understood to mean a product as defined in Council Directive 93/35/EEC of 14 June 1993.

Packaging and dispensing devices having different types of closure member exist.

A packaging and application device that makes it possible, with one and the same hand movement, both to detach the closure member in relation to the container and to fill a tubular portion firmly attached to the closure member is known from the teaching of document FR-2924696. The product is retained in this tubular portion by suction. This type of device is problematic inasmuch as it is necessary to return the closure member to its completely closed position in order to refill the tubular portion.

In the prior art, a packaging and application device comprising a container and a closure member equipped with a pipette is known from the teaching of document EP- 0248345. Said pipette is provided at its dispensing end with an applicator member such as a brush. This device teaches unscrewing the closure member in order to refill the pipette with product. The user then expels the product from the pipette by compressing a compressible chamber. The latter is formed in one piece, a portion thereof forming a push button protruding from the outside of the closure member.

The user of such a device is faced with a lack of compactness thereof.

He is also faced with the problem of rapid wear of the device. Specifically, there is a permanent risk of damaging the push button, for example if the latter is subjected to friction with other articles in a handbag or drawer. Since the deterioration of the push button results directly in deterioration of the compressible chamber, the device can rapidly become unusable by simple everyday contact of the device with personal objects.

Such a push button arrangement also has the drawback of allowing the user to press it accidentally.

Moreover, it is not easy to handle the assembly since a single finger, the thumb, has to carry out two actions, one of handling the button and the other of squeezing the chamber. If the push button according to EP-0248345 is impaired, as the compressible chamber is in fact damaged, product can escape from the device by passing through the compressible chamber. The product can soil personal effects, especially if it contains greasy, coloring or acidic substances. This constitutes a further drawback of this prior art device for the user.

There thus exists a need for packaging and application devices which are:

- compact and easy to store,

- robust and strong in the region of the cap,

- durable,

- safe.

The object of the invention is to solve at least one of the problems identified above by proposing a packaging and dispensing device comprising:

- a container containing a product,

- a pipette,

- a closure member firmly attached to the pipette,

- a compressible chamber entirely housed inside the closure member and configured to suck the product into the pipette as the closure member moves from a closed position to an opened position of the container,

it being possible for the compressible chamber to be compressed when the closure member is in the opened position of the container, in order to expel the product.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising the use of a device as defined above.

Thus, the user does not have to carry out excessive manipulations: simply opening the packaging device provides access to a pipette already filled with product.

Since the compressible chamber is entirely housed inside the closure member, there is no risk of it being damaged by the movements of everyday life.

This configuration of the compressible chamber entirely housed inside the closure member also limits any accidental actuation and excessive filling of the pipette when the device is in the closed position.

This configuration of the compressible chamber additionally optimizes the service life of the actuating mechanism of the pipette.

Moreover, the device according to the invention is composed of a limited number of pieces, thereby reducing its cost. It is easy to expel the product by holding the applicator member between the thumb and the middle finger and dosing using the forefinger.

Advantageously, the device has an elongate shape along the axis X.

According to the invention the "compressible chamber entirely housed inside the closure member" means that the compressible chamber is completely, wholly housed in the closure member.

The closure member provides a storage place for the container. It is a receptacle for the container. The closure member limits the course of the compressible zone. The closure member can cover totally or partially the compressible zone. It can for example be cut out in order to leave a space for an easier actuation of the compressible zone by the finger. In the case, the closure member can be cut out to provide a concave space for the position of the finger. In this case also, the "compressible chamber is entirely housed inside the closure member". Compressible zone

Advantageously, the compressible zone is an axially compressible zone.

An "axially compressible zone" is understood to mean a zone that is compressible along the longitudinal axis X of the device.

The compression of the compressible zone generally results from the user pushing approximately along the axis of the compressible zone, said axis being coincident with the axis X.

By virtue of the invention, the user can easily obtain a dose of product in a simple manner. This dose can be given if the user decides to depress the compressible zone to its maximum extent. He can also select the dose by pressing more or less firmly on the compressible zone.

The user can also easily use the device with one hand.

Advantageously, the compressible zone comprises a bellows.

The bellows is an elastic member which relaxes when it is not subjected to any compressive stress along its axis. It is compressed in the event of axial stress.

The compressible zone comprises a first region and a second region that are moved toward one another during its compression, the compression resulting from the user pushing approximately along the axis of the body of the device.

The thickness of the bellows is for example between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, and preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm. Advantageously, the number of folds in the bellows may be between two and six, better still between three and five.

The compressible zone may comprise a neck which makes it easier to secure the pipette.

Closure member

The closure member is advantageously molded in one piece. It defines an internal space that is able to receive the compressible chamber. The dimensions of this space have to allow the desired relaxation and compression of the chamber.

Advantageously, the closure member is substantially in the form of a hollow cylinder that is open at its two axial ends.

The compressible zone and the closure member can be firmly attached to one another by snap-fastening, force-fitting or clip-fastening or screwing.

The material of the closure member may be chosen from polyethylene, polypropylene, a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene, a polyester, a natural or synthetic rubber, a latex, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), a Kraton polymer, silicone, Santoprene®, SEBS® and SBS® or a mixture thereof.

The material of the closure member may be in a single layer or multiple layers.

The closure member may also be made of metal.

The closure member delimits a deformation of the compressible chamber between two end positions which define the travel of the compressible chamber.

Preferably, the closure member imposes an axial deformation travel (1) of the compressible chamber between a position of maximum decompression (d _max ) and a position of maximum compression (c _max ).

To this end, the closure member advantageously has a limit surface that forms a stop.

The compressible zone is advantageously partially relaxed in the position of maximum compression (c _max ) when the closure member is screwed completely. A loss of elasticity, brought about by aging under stress of the material, when the device is closed, is thus avoided.

On the other hand, the compressible zone may be entirely compressed by the user during the expulsion of the product. Advantageously, the device according to the invention is such that the compressible chamber is partially relaxed in the completely closed position of the closure member on the container.

More advantageously, the device according to the invention is such that in which the compressible chamber can be entirely compressed in the opened position of the container.

Actuation of the device

Preferably, the closure member comprises a passage so that a user can compress the compressible chamber. Thus, it is easy to actuate the pipette, since the user can, for example, introduce the pad of his finger into the passage and press axially on the chamber in order to compress the latter.

More preferably, the closure member is configured such that the passage from the closed position to the opened position causes a relaxation of the compressible chamber. This assembly is particularly simple and economical.

Advantageously, the return to the closed position, and thus the return of the compressible chamber into a retracted position, allows at least a part of the product contained in the pipette to be ejected back into the container. Thus, the majority of the product that remains to be dispensed is stored in the container, outside the pipette.

More advantageously, the closure member comprises a thread for engaging with a complementary thread on the container. In this case, the rotation of the closure member in relation to the container brings about the relaxation or compression of the compressible chamber, for example the elongation of the bellows along the axis X or the shortening thereof.

The rotation of the closure member in relation to the container can simultaneously bring about the unscrewing of the closure member in relation to the container and the extension of the compressible chamber in relation to the closure member. This relaxation of the chamber causes a suction action. It may also move the chamber into a position without an overhang, allowing it to be actuated by the user.

In order to completely detach the closure member from the container, it may optionally be necessary to carry out an additional unscrewing action which does not bring about any movement of the chamber, it being possible for the latter to have reached its maximum position without an overhang during an intermediate step in this unscrewing action.

The closure member may comprise a threaded ring. It may also have a thread on its inner wall. The closure member may comprise bars for guiding the movement of the compressible chamber. It is for example a ramp for longitudinal guidance so as to allow the compression of the compressible chamber.

The device according to the invention advantageously comprises a means for wiping the pipette, said wiping means being mounted on the container. The wiping means is effective especially in the case of a pasty formulation.

Preferably, the compressible chamber is in contact with a push button. In this case, the user can access the compressible chamber more easily. The push button may be disposed on the compressible chamber. It may also be placed on the side wall of the compressible chamber. In this case, the closure member may comprise a slot or a lateral opening defining the travel of the push button.

The push button may be held on the compressible chamber by snap-fastening.

According to the invention, if this push button is impaired, the compressible chamber remains intact. This is because the two elements form separate pieces.

The invention will be understood better from reading the following description and with reference to the accompanying figures. The latter are presented only by way of nonlimiting indication of the invention. Figures 1, 2 and 3 show characteristic positions of the bellows:

- figure 1 : a longitudinal section through a device according to the invention in a closed position;

- figure 2: a longitudinal section through a device according to the invention in an unscrewed position of the closure member from the container;

- figure 3: a longitudinal section through a device according to the invention in a completely unscrewed position of the closure member from the container, with the bellows compressed by the user;

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show suction phases of the pipette:

- figure 4: a perspective view of a device according to the invention in a closed position;

- figure 5: a perspective view of a device according to the invention with the closure member partially unscrewed;

- figure 6: a perspective view of a device according to the invention with the closure member completely unscrewed,

- figure 7: a perspective view of another device according to the invention in a closed position;

- figure 8: a perspective view of another device according to the invention with the closure member partially unscrewed;

- figure 9: a perspective view of another device according to the invention with the closure member completely unscrewed.

Figure 1 shows a device for packaging and dispensing a product. The closure member 1 is entirely screwed onto the container 4. The product contained is preferably a cosmetic product such as a care cream, a day cream, an antiwrinkle cream or an anti-aging serum. The product is generally in the form of a fluid, preferably a liquid. The device comprises a container 4 for containing and storing the product before it is sold and then during its useful life with a user.

In order to preserve the product contained, the container is closed off by a closure member 1. The closure member 1 accommodates a compressible chamber 2. The latter comprises a bellows 22. The compressible chamber 2 is in the retracted position in figure 1. It does not protrude axially, along a longitudinal axis X, in relation to the closure member 3. This chamber 2 is completely hidden in the closure member 3 when the device is viewed from the front. It is invisible to an observer looking at the front of the device.

The movement of the bellows 22 can be surrounded by cylinder portions. The latter are located on the inner face of the closure member 1. The stiffness of the closure member 1 is also reinforced. These cylinder portions should resist the excess pressures which are exerted upon each actuation of the bellows 22.

The pipette is able to move in translation along the axis X, in an insert. It could also be rotated about the axis X.

Preferably, the pieces are arranged so as to limit friction between the plate 29 and the cylinder portions surrounding the movement of the bellows.

As a variant, a coupling may be provided between the plate 29 and the top of the bottle neck so as to ensure the extension of the bellows before the movement of the plate, during opening.

The closure member 1 has a tubular shape and has at one axial end a flange 7 that extends radially inward. This flange 7 forms a stop that limits the decompression of the chamber 2. The closure member 1 is produced for example from metal or from a thermoplastic material that may have on its outer periphery a lacquering with a metal effect.

The closure member 1 is provided locally on its inner periphery with a thread 16 that is intended to engage with a complementary thread 17 provided on the outer periphery of the container. In particular, the container 4 has a neck 18 having a cross section smaller than the section of the housing formed in this container for containing the product. The thread 17 is formed around this neck 18.

The movement of the bellows 22 in relation of the closure member 1 makes it possible to suck up product into a pipette 3. The latter leads into the inside of the compressible chamber 2. The pipette 3 is held by clamping at the end of the compressible chamber 2. When the end 3 of the pipette 31 is dipped into a fluid, the movement of the compressible chamber 2 in the closure member 1 makes it possible to suck up fluid into the pipette 3.

It may be produced in one piece from a thermoplastic material. Its end 32 may form a constriction with respect to the internal cross section of the pipette in order to limit the flow under gravity of the fluid which has been pumped. The constriction makes it possible to retain the product by capillary action.

Alternatively, the pipette 3 may be produced in two pieces. It may also be held by snap-fastening in a plate 29 located at the end of the bellows 22. It is produced for example from glass.

The container 4 is also produced for example from glass, or from a thermoplastic material. It may, for example, be obtained by an extrusion blow molding technique. It may also be obtained by joining together a number of components. It has, for example, a circular or ovoid cross section. The container 4 may be topped by a cover band in order to ensure the appearance and overall design of the device. This cover band may be produced from a different material in order to a create a material or color contrast with at least one of the container 4 and the closure member 1.

In this screwed position, the base 33 of the pipette 3 rests against a shoulder of an insert by way of a sealing lip so as to ensure a good level of sealing.

Figure 2 shows the device after the closure member 1 has been completely unscrewed. The compressible chamber 2 has extended along the axis X. In this intermediate position in accordance with the invention, the compressible chamber does not protrude from the top of the closure member 1. The travel of the bellows 22 is at a maximum. It is limited by the stop 7. The product has risen inside the pipette 3 in order to fill the depression associated with the increase in volume of the bellows 22. During the unscrewing of the closure member 1, the bellows 22 extends but the pipette 3 remains in a fixed position. Thus, the base 33 of the pipette is placed directly in an active position, without compensating for play during the compression of the bellows 22.

In figure 3, the closure member 1 has been removed from the container 4. It is positioned such that only the end 32 of the pipette 3 passes into the neck 18 of the container 4.

A user pushes with his forefinger against the compressible chamber 2 so as to compress the latter. The compression causes the product to be expelled from the pipette 3 into the container 4. Of course, depending on the position of the pipette 3, the product can be forced out of the pipette 3 in order to be deposited on the user's skin, his hair, his nails or any other surface.

Figures 4 to 6 show the filling of the pipette depending on the degree of unscrewing of the closure member 1.

In figure 4, the closure member 1 is entirely screwed onto the container 4. The pipette 3 is empty.

In figure 5, the closure member 1 is half screwed onto the container 4. The pipette 3 is half filled. The filling level of the pipette is hi.

In figure 6, the closure member 1 has been completely unscrewed from the container 4. It is simply resting on the neck 18. The pipette 3 has been filled. The filling level of the pipette is h ₂ , representing the filling level permitted at the end of opening by unscrewing. The product is ready to be applied to a surface. For example, it is deposited, after the closure member 1 has been moved, on a selected surface to be treated.

Figures 4 to 6 show a further compressible chamber 2 entirely housed inside the closure member 1.

The present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments that are illustrated in figures 1 to 6, but it will be understood that other variants can be envisaged by a person skilled in the art. In particular, the shape of the container and/or of the compressible part and/or of the closure member may be modified while keeping the compressible chamber 2 entirely housed inside the closure member 1.

In the entire description, the expression "comprising a" should be considered as being synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless specified to the contrary.