EP0678458B1 - Assembly for dispensing a liquid or solid product - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an application assembly for applying a liquid or solid to pasty product on a surface to be treated.

Among the products which can be applied by means of such an assembly, there may be mentioned, by way of example, cosmetic or dermo-pharmaceutical products, such as deodorants, blushes, insect repellents. More specifically, this application set is a body deodorant product.

An assembly for applying a product according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from application EP-A-037 903, which describes a waxing applicator comprising a dispensing head made of foam.

In the cosmetic field, deodorant applicators have already been proposed which use a liquid composition contained in a reservoir on which is fixed a dispensing head comprising an applicator dome made of a porous solid material. This type of applicator is described, for example, in patent FR-A-2 647 034. However, this device has the following drawbacks: during application, the user feels a certain stiffness on the skin. In addition, to ensure the closure of the reservoir, when the product is not used, it is necessary to provide a relatively complicated dispensing head, which increases the cost price; on the other hand, to use the product, it is necessary to perform a prior action, bringing the liquid into the porous dome which serves as an application member.

Generally, this equipment consists of several parts; this therefore results in complicated assembly during manufacture, resulting in a high cost price.

The object of the present invention is to propose a new application assembly which avoids the drawbacks mentioned above, by using a one-piece distribution system, in which the application member is linked to a fixing element, by means of flexible tabs, the whole being molded in one piece. In particular, this assembly can be produced for a reduced cost price. On the other hand, the user will appreciate the easy handling of this dispenser, its flexibility of operation and in particular its smoothness of application. Indeed, the applicator according to the invention allows the gentle application of a product, such as a liquid deodorant or depilatory, in particular on sensitive areas of the skin, for example the armpits.

The present invention therefore has for its object an assembly for applying a product, comprising an axis of symmetry, a movable part capable of moving along said axis and provided with a member for applying the product, a part fixed hollow, product distribution being effected via the moving part, characterized by flexible means of connection between the moving and fixed parts, constituted by several tongues distributed regularly between the two moving and fixed parts, each tongue being oriented in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis, the first end of each tongue being integral with the moving part, the second end of this tongue being integral with the fixed part, the tongues being arranged either so that the first end of a first tongue is close to the first end of a second tongue, or so that the first end of a first tab is opposite the second end of a second tab.

Admittedly, it is known, in particular from GB-A-1 168 278, a dispensing head comprising a push button linked by tabs to a cover fixed on the tank. However, these tabs are not close to each other.

By application set, it is necessary to understand a packaging containing a product, this product being applied directly to the surface to be treated, for example the skin.

Advantageously, the number of tabs is from 2 to 12.

The use of several tabs makes it possible to better orient the moving part with respect to the fixed part.

Preferably, a first end of a first tongue is opposite a second end of a second tongue. In other words, the tongues are thus arranged in staggered rows on a plane.

The use of these tongues makes it possible to give the applicator great flexibility or smoothness of operation when it is actuated.

According to the invention, the product to be dispensed can be volatile, liquid, pasty or solid. This product can be, for example, a perfumed body lotion, a liquid deodorant, a liquid depilation composition, or else a pasty or solid make-up product, crumbly.

Alternatively, the first end of a first tongue is in the vicinal position relative to the first end of a second tongue.

Thus, a monobloc sub-assembly is obtained consisting of the moving part, the fixed part and the tongues, the moving part being able to move relative to the fixed part in the axial direction with a gentle movement following a relatively large stroke, the stroke being depending on the length of the tabs.

Generally, the stroke is about a third of the length of a tongue. We can therefore adjust this stroke according to the particular use envisaged.

This sub-assembly can be molded or injected in a thermoplastic material. Preferably the thermoplastic material is polypropylene or polyethylene. However, this subassembly can be made of metal or of a flexible metal alloy.

According to another variant of the present invention, the tongues can comprise at least one zone protruding from the plane occupied by the tongues. This zone can be in the form of a simple meander, or can have a sinusoidal shape. This shape allows, during application, to obtain a significant elongation of the tongues which results in a maximum stroke of the moving part.

According to a first embodiment, the dispensing assembly may further include a reservoir in which the product to be dispensed is housed, the fixed part being mounted on said reservoir. In this case, the reservoir may be a reservoir pressurized with the aid of a propellant gas, equipped with a dispensing valve capable of bringing the reservoir into communication with the application member, an axial displacement, in the direction of tank, the moving part causing this communication.

According to this embodiment, the applicator member consists of a supply channel connected to a porous dispensing dome secured to the movable part, the latter serving as a support for the dome. It will be understood that a pressure exerted on the dome, when it is applied to the surface to be treated, will actuate the dispensing valve and thus cause the distribution of the product through the dispensing dome. This arrangement ensures easier use than that of the deodorant described in document FR-A-2 647 034.

When it is a liquid product conditioned under pressure in accordance with this embodiment, this product is advantageously a composition with cosmetic and / or dermatological action.

According to a second embodiment, the movable part serves as a support for a disintegrating product of pasty or solid consistency, the fixed part serving as a gripping member. Such a disintegrable product can be a solid compacted powder makeup block, a solid foundation, etc.

A makeup product can thus be applied to the skin of the face in a very gentle manner.

Yet another object of the present invention consists of a body deodorant consisting of a set of application of a deodorant as defined above, particularly suitable for the first embodiment.

• la figure 1 représente, en coupe axiale partielle, un ensemble d'application de liquide, selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2a représente une vue sur le plan P correspondant à la coupe suivant la ligne II-II de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 2b représente une vue d'une variante, analogue à celle de la figure 2a ;
• la figure 3a est une vue de dessus d'un second mode de réalisation de l'invention, comportant un produit solide ou pâteux ;
• la figure 3b est une vue en coupe, selon la ligne IIIb-IIIb de la figure 3a ;
• la figure 4a est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une variante de réalisation du dispositif de la figure 3a au repos ;
• la figure 4b est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la variante de réalisation du dispositif de la figure 4a, lors de l'application ;
• la figure 5 est une vue agrandie d'une languette, conforme au mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 4a et 4b.

To better understand the present invention, we will now describe, by way of purely illustrative and in no way limitative, three embodiments, shown in the accompanying drawings;

• Figure 1 shows, in partial axial section, a liquid application assembly, according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2a shows a view on the plane P corresponding to the section along line II-II of Figure 1;
• Figure 2 b shows a view of a variant similar to that of Figure 2a;
• Figure 3a is a top view of a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a solid or pasty product;
• Figure 3 b is a sectional view along the line IIIb - IIIb of Figure 3a;
• Figure 4a is a longitudinal section of a variant embodiment of the device of Figure 3 is at rest;
• Figure 4 b is a view in longitudinal section of the alternative embodiment of the device of Figure 4 has, upon application;
• Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a tongue according to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 4b.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a distribution assembly with axial symmetry of axis A of a body deodorant, according to a first embodiment.

According to FIG. 1, a cylindrical container, forming a reservoir 101 for a liquid deodorant product, is equipped with a porous application dome 109, by example in Porex®, fixed on a convex support plate 108, by an annular skirt 112 for attachment. The support 108 is connected on its peripheral portion on the side opposite to the skirt 112, to a cylindrical skirt 110 a . The support assembly - annular skirt - cylindrical skirt constitutes a central part 110, movable in the direction of the axis A.
The top of the reservoir 101 is shaped like a warhead 102 and has a peripheral groove 106 located in the junction zone between its cylindrical part and the warhead 102. In the groove 106 is engaged a peripheral ratchet bead 107a which is formed on the end turned towards the reservoir of a cylindrical hoop or fixed part 107. The hoop 107 concentrically surrounds part of the skirt 110a. A set of flexible tongues 111 is disposed in the free space formed between the hoop 107 and the skirt 110a.

The cylindrical skirt 110 a is integral, at its portion facing the reservoir, with a first end 111 a (see FIGS. 2 a and 2 b ) of the tongues 111. A second end 111 b of the tongues 111 is connected to the hoop 107 The tongues 111 are arranged in a plane P passing through the line II-II, perpendicular to the axis A. The hoop 107, the tongues 111 the skirt 110a and the support 108 constitute a one-piece sub-assembly, molded or injected in polypropylene.
The support 108 includes a central chimney 113 able to engage, in a sealed manner, a rod 5 fitted to a distribution valve 104, this valve 104 covering the top 102 of the tank 101. On the side opposite to the tank 101, the chimney 113 extended by a supply channel 14, so as to connect the rod 105 to the porous dome 109.

In the reservoir 101, a liquid composition, for example a body deodorant, having a viscosity of approximately 0.003 Pa.s was conditioned. This liquid is pressurized using a conventional propellant gas.

The operation of this device is as follows: The user applies the porous dome 109 directly to the surface to be treated, applying slight pressure. Thanks to the flexible deformation of the tongues 111, the rod 105 of the valve 104 is depressed, causing the dome 109 to be impregnated with the liquid deodorant product, via the rod 105 and the supply channel 114. Thus, the user can easily treat very sensitive areas of the body, such as the armpits, or areas that are difficult to access.

After use, the distribution dome 109 is protected by a protective cover (not shown).

Figure 2a shows the plane P , along the section line II-II of Figure 1, and illustrates the arrangement of the tabs 111 which connect the movable parts 110 and fixed 107, according to a first alternative embodiment. It can be seen that the tongues 111 have the same orientation, so that one end 111 a of a first tongue connected to the moving part 110, is opposite the end 111 b of a consecutive tongue connected to the peripheral part 107.

FIG. 2 b shows an alternative arrangement of the tongues 111 situated on the same plane P , where two ends 111 a of two consecutive tongues are arranged one next to the other and connected to the central part 110, the other two ends 111 b being arranged, one in the vicinity of the other, and attached to the peripheral part 107.

The tongues according to FIGS. 2a and 2b give this device a very soft and flexible operation.

The flexibility of operation of the piece 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the length and thickness of the tabs.

In the case of a cylindrical distributor, a tongue 111 can extend over an angular value of 20 ° to 180 °. The number of tabs is advantageously chosen from 2 to 12.

According to a second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, a fixed part 207 of substantially rectangular section with rounded corners serves as a gripping element for a block of solid makeup product S , for example a foundation, to apply directly to the skin. The product S is housed in a central part 210, in the form of a cup having a bottom 208. The cup and the fixed part are concentric. At its base, the cup is connected to the end 211 has tabs 211 which, in turn, are connected to the peripheral part 207 by their end 211b.

By grasping this assembly by the peripheral piece 207, the user applies the product S to the skin, where he obtains, thanks to the flexibility of the tongues 211, a precise makeup very smoothly.

Figures 4 a and 4 b show a variant of the device shown in Figures 3 a and 3 b. In order to further increase the flexibility of application, the tongues 311 connecting the central 310 and peripheral 307 parts have been provided with a wavy zone Z , which is situated outside the plane P (see FIG. 5). This zone Z is located, preferably approximately halfway between the ends 311 a and 311 b .

These wavy tongues 311 confer a great softness of application (materialized by the arrow F in FIG. 4 b ), as a result of an elongation in the opposite direction of the applied force. Of course, they can also be used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

Claims (11)

1. A unit for applying a product, comprising an axis of symmetry (A), a movable part (110, 210, 310) capable of displacement along the said axis (A) and provided with an element for applying the product, a hollow fixed part (107, 207, 307), the dispensing of the product being effected via the movable part, characterized by flexible connecting means between the movable and fixed parts constituted by several tongues (111, 211, 311) regularly interspaced between the two parts, the movable part (110, 210, 310) and the fixed part (107, 207, 307), each tongue (111, 211, 311) being orientated in a plane (P) substantially orthogonal to the axis (A), the first end (111a, 211a, 311a) of each tongue being joined to the movable part, the second end (111b, 211b, 311b) of this tongue being joined to the fixed part, the tongues being disposed either in such a way that the first end (111a, 211a, 311a) of a first tongue (111) is next to the first end of a second tongue, or in such a way that the first end (111a, 211a, 311a) of a first tongue (111, 211, 311) is opposite the second end (111b, 211b, 311b) of a second tongue.
2. A unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the applicator element is constituted by a porous dome (D) joined to the movable part (110), this element being capable of being impregnated by a liquid product.
3. A unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises, moreover, a pressurized reservoir (101) wherein the product is accommodated, which is provided with a dispensing valve (104) capable of causing the reservoir to communicate with the applicator element (D), the fixed part (107) being mounted on the said reservoir, an axial displacement (F) of the movable part (110) in the direction towards the reservoir producing the said communication.
4. A unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product contained in the reservoir (101) is a liquid composition with a cosmetic and/or dermatological action.
5. A unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable part supports a friable solid product (S).
6. A unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable part (110, 210, 310), the fixed part (107, 207, 307) and the tongue (111, 211, 311) form a monobloc subassembly.
7. A unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of tongues (111, 211, 311) ranges from 2 to 12.
8. A unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the subassembly is moulded or injection moulded from a thermoplastic material,
9. A unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the thermoplastic material is polypropylene.
10. A unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tongue (111, 211, 311) has at least one zone (Z) emerging from the plane (P).
11. An applicator for a body deodorant, characterized in that it consists of a dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims.

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