EP0855155B1

EP0855155B1 - Dispenser for cosmetic products

Info

Publication number: EP0855155B1
Application number: EP19960830631
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paolo Botto
Original assignee: Benson SpA
Current assignee: Benson Srl
Priority date: 1996-12-18
Filing date: 1996-12-18
Publication date: 2005-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2016-12-18
Also published as: EP0855155A1; DE69635553D1

Description

The present invention relates to a dispenser for fluid cosmetic products such as mascara or the like, comprising an applicator disposed on a rod associated with the dispenser, a cylindrical container for the cosmetic product, and a closure cap, as described in the preamble of claim 1. This type of dispenser for fluid cosmetic is known from US-A-5,339,841.
Known dispensers generally have the rod fixed to the inside of the cap and projecting therefrom so as to be inserted in the container when the dispenser is closed.
The applicator is usually a brush, a small pad, or some means which can absorb or catch a quantity of cosmetic product to be applied to parts of the face such as, for example, the eyelashes, the lips, the outlines of the eyes, and the like.
The intimate contact which takes place between the product and the applicator when the dispenser is closed causes the absorbtion which allows the dispenser to be used as described above.
Once the dispenser is open, the applicator disposed on the tip of the rod can be manoeuvred by gripping of the cap which forms a kind of handle.
Known dispensers suffer from some disadvantages experienced, in particular, by the user.
In fact, whilst the applicator is being brought into contact with the aforementioned parts of the face, it may collect small quantities of impurities and micro-organisms. After use, the applicator is plunged back into the cosmetic product inside the cylindrical container.
This practice causes progressive contamination of the remaining product which may even become a form of culture for potentially harmful micro-organisms.
This problem is commonly solved by the addition of antibacterial additives or the like to the product, but these may cause allergies at the points where the cosmetic is applied.
Non-allergenic additives do not offer complete protection and are very expensive.
Moreover, known dispensers rarely supply a uniform dose to the applicator which is soaked to a greater or lesser extent according to the quantity of product remaining in the container.
As a result of this problem, dispensers which still contain small quantities of product are often considered empty and are thrown away, consequently wasting the cosmetic product.
The technical problem upon which the present invention is based is to devise a dispenser for cosmetic products which overcomes the disadvantages mentioned with reference to the prior art.
This problem is solved by a dispenser as specified above having the features as defined in the characterizing part of claim 1.
The main advantage of the dispenser according to the invention consists of the fact that the cosmetic product inside the cylindrical container and the applicator are structurally separated both during the application of the product and when the dispenser is closed, thus offering the required assurance of hygiene.
The need for non-allergenic antibacterial additives in the cosmetic product thus disappears.
At the same time, the dispenser defined above permits more convenient application owing to the optimal metering of the product onto the applicator.
Further characteristics and advantages of the dispenser for cosmetic products according to the invention will become clear from the description of embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a partially-sectioned, exploded, perspective view of a dispenser for cosmetic products according to the present invention;
figure 2 is a longitudinally-sectioned, perspective view of a detail of the dispenser of figure 1;
figure 3 is a partially-sectioned, perspective view of a portion of the dispenser of figure 1, on an enlarged scale;
figure 4 is a partially-sectioned, perspective view of the portion of the dispenser of figure 3, on an enlarged scale, showing its operation;
figures 5 to 7 are respective longitudinal sections of the portion of the dispenser of figure 3, showing its operation;
figure 8 is a schematic longitudinal section showing a different structural detail of the dispenser of figure 1;
figures 9 to 16 show respective possible variants of a detail of the dispenser of figure 1, and
figure 17 is a perspective view of a possible situation of use of any one of the preceding dispenser

An embodiment of a dispenser for fluid cosmetic products, such as, for example, mascara, is generally indicated 1 in figures 1 to 7.
The dispenser 1 (figure 1) comprises an elongate, cylindrical container 2 which has a dispensing end 3 and an opposite, bottom end 4.
At the bottom end 4, the container 2 has a perforated base 5 fixed to the container 2.
Moreover, the container 2 has a piston-like structure, housing a plunger 6 of flexible plastics material, which is forced against the internal walls of the container 2 and is movable along it.
At the dispensing end 3, the dispenser 1 has suction means for the cosmetic product, the means being constituted by a positive-displacement pump structure 7 fixed inside the container 2.
The pump structure 7 comprises (figure 2) a housing 8 fixed to the walls of the container 2, a fixed portion 9 and a movable portion 10, both housed in the housing 8 which defines a chamber 11 of variable volume for holding a predetermined quantity of fluid cosmetic product.
In this connection, the two substantially cylindrical portions 9, 10 are disposed one inside the other and form between them a seal with respect to air and with respect to the cosmetic product.
In particular, the movable portion 10 is housed inside the fixed portion 9 and is free to move along a straight path defined by the relative positions of the two portions, parallel to the axis of the cylindrical container 2.
Alternatively, the movable portion 10 could be constituted by a deformable element, for example, such as a bellows or balloon housed inside or outside the fixed portion 9.
The fixed portion 9, which is substantially bell-shaped with its convexity facing towards the inside of the container 2, has a non-return valve 12 which allows the fluid to be admitted to the chamber 11 from the container 2.
The non-return valve 12 is conventionally of the type comprising a small ball 13 imprisoned in an antechamber 13a for closing against an inlet hole 14 opening into the container 2.
The plunger 6, the fixed portion 9 of the positive-displacement pump structure 7, and the container 2 (figure 1) define an airtight space 15 to which the mascara, indicated M below, is admitted.
The plunger 6 can move as a result of the suction of the said quantity of mascara M from the airtight space by means of the pump structure 7.
When the product M is extracted from the container 2, the movement of the plunger 6 thus always makes the necessary amount of space available for the remaining product M and does not allow air to leak into the space 15.
The lubricating effect of the product M on the walls of the container 2 contribute to the operation of the plunger 6. Moreover, the plunger 6 is made of smooth polyethylene which adheres perfectly to the walls of the container 2 with minimal friction.
A wide range of semi-rigid materials of rubbery consistency may, however, be used.
To ensure optimal operation, the plunger 6 has a disc 60 perpendicular to the axis of the container 2, concentric therewith and having a diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the container 2.
Tapered walls 61, 62 facing towards the dispensing end 3 and towards the bottom end 4, respectively, are connected to the edge of the disc 60.
The tapered walls 61, 62 terminate in a double rim 63 which is forced against the container 2.
The tapered, dished shape conferred on the plunger 6 by the tapered wall 61 and by the disc 60 is particularly effective in achieving a better seal.
In fact, during the extraction of the cosmetic product M from the container 2 and the consequent movement of the plunger 6, both the internal pressure of the cosmetic product M and the dynamic friction between the corresponding rim 63 and the container 2 act outwardly on the tapered wall 61. Both of the forces help to force the slightly resilient tapered wall 61 more effectively against the internal wall of the container 2.
Moreover, the opposite conical wall 62 ensures a second sealing point and makes the plunger 6 symmetrical, facilitating its mounting.
With reference once more to the positive-displacement pump structure 7, the movable portion 10 faces outwardly of the container 2 and is housed inside the housing 8.
The movable portion 10 comprises a pressure pad 65 of rigid structure facing towards the chamber 11 and associated with a first resilient element 16 which, in the present embodiment, consists of a helical spring extending between the fixed portion 9 and the movable portion 10 adjacent the compression pad 65.
To ensure the above-mentioned sealing of the space 15, the housing 8 is force-fitted inside the container 2 and the fixed portion 9 in turn is force fitted in the housing 8.
The movable portion 10 (figures 2 and 5 to 6) also has a rigid tube 17 which projects from the housing 8 coaxially with the container 2. The tube 17 communicates with the chamber 11 of variable volume.
The tube 17 extends through a hole 66 in the pad 65 as far as the chamber 11 and, in order to achieve better impact-resistance of the tube 17 and to provide the movable portion 10 with an intrinsic resilience, is connected to the pad 65 by means of a second resilient element 67 which is preferably a helical spring.
The pump 7 operates in conventional manner. Pressure on the movable portion 10 causes the chamber 11 to be emptied through the tube 17 whilst the non-return valve is closed.
The expansion of the first resilient element 16 and the consequent movement of the movable portion 10, which increases the internal volume of the chamber 11 causes the valve 12 to open and the product M flows through it into the chamber, filling it.
During this stage, owing to its small cross-section, the tube 17 is closed by the product M.
The dispenser 1 according to the invention also comprises a bell-like structure 18 (figure 1) which, in the closure position, is associated with the dispensing end 3 of the container 2 with its concave portion 18a facing towards the pump structure 7.
The concave portion 18a (figures 5 to 7) houses the tube 17 which is structurally independent of the bell-like structure 18. The tube 17 also has an end outlet portion 24 on which the bell-like structure 18 bears.
A rod 19 fixed to the tip of the convex side of the bell-like structure 18 coaxially with the tube 17 and with the cylindrical container 2 supports an applicator 20 for the mascara M. Figures 1 to 9 show a mascara applicator having a spiral shape forming a series of projections and recesses in which the mascara M to be applied is housed.
The bell-like structure 18 has a duct 21 (figures 5 to 7) for dispensing mascara M, extending between a dispensing hole 22, disposed in the vicinity of the applicator 20 at the base of the rod 19, and an inlet hole 23 inside the bell-like structure 18.
The inlet hole 23 opposite the dispensing hole of the duct 21 is positioned adjacent the outlet portion 24 of the tube 17 in order to form a path for the cosmetic product M between the space 15 inside the container 2 and the applicator 20.
Since the bell-like structure 18 bears on the tube 17 which is an extension of the movable portion 10 of the pump 7, it is in abutment with the movable portion 10.
Moreover, the bell-like structure 18 is housed inside the container 2 at its dispensing end 3, and is free to move, as a result of the operation of actuator means 30 of the dispenser 1 which will be described below, in opposition to the helical spring 16, between a position in which the chamber of variable volume is compressed and a position in which the chamber 11 has a maximum volume.
The dispenser 1 comprises a substantially cylindrical, hollow closure cap 25 (figure 3) which has a top end 26 and an entry end 27, and which is intended to be associated with the cylindrical container 2, at the dispensing end 3, and to be fitted on the applicator 20.
For this purpose, the dispenser 1 comprises means 28 for fixing the cap 25 to the container 2, at the dispensing end 3.
In the present embodiment, the fixing means 28 comprise a bayonet coupling (figure 1) which has a pin 29 projecting from the container 2, at the end 3, for engagement in a corresponding L-shaped groove 31 formed inside the cap 25.
As mentioned above, the dispenser 1 according to the invention comprises actuating means 30 which can be operated by the user of the dispenser 1 in order to dispense a quantity of cosmetic product M in the vicinity of the applicator 20.
In the dispenser 1 according to the invention, the actuating means 30 comprise a capsule 32 (figures 3 and 4) housed inside the cap 25 and structurally independent thereof.
The capsule 32 is cylindrical and a space 33 is defined inside it. The capsule 32 is open adjacent the entry end 27 of the cap 25 so that, when the cap 25 is closed onto the cylindrical container 2, the applicator 20 can be housed inside the space 33 which fits it so as to eliminate unnecessary empty spaces between the surface defined by the applicator 20 and the internal walls of the space 33.
The capsule 32 is free to move inside the hollow cap 25 along a path parallel to the axis of the cylindrical container 2, the path being defined by the cap 25.
When the cap 25 is disposed on the dispensing end 3, the capsule 32 is in abutment with the outer surface of the bell-like structure 18 and is intended to be urged against it, in opposition to the helical spring 16, with a movement such as to cause compression of the chamber 11 of variable volume of the positive-displacement pump structure 7 and, when released, to cause the cosmetic product M to be drawn from the space 15 in the container 2 into the chamber 11 which returns to its maximum volume, as a result of the extension of the helical spring 16.
As described above, subsequent pressure causes the cosmetic product M to be dispensed through the tube 17, the outlet portion 24, the duct 21 and the dispensing hole 22 in the vicinity of the applicator 20 inside the space 33, causing the product M to be absorbed or caught by the applicator 20.
In the present embodiment of the dispenser 1 according to the invention, the actuating means 30 also comprise a plurality of straight grooves 34 on the top of the capsule 32, parallel to the axis of the container 2 and facing towards the internal surface of the cap 25 for engagement by a corresponding plurality of rib-like projections 35 parallel to the axis of the container 2, formed integrally with the cap 25 and projecting from its interior in the vicinity of the top end 26.
Since it is structurally independent of the capsule 32, once it is released by the bayonet coupling 28, the cap 25 is free to slide axially and to rotate relative to the capsule between a closure position in which the projections 35 are disposed in the grooves 34 and the cap 25 can cooperate with the fixing means 28 and a dispensing position, in which the projections 35 are offset from the grooves 34 and interfere with the cap 32 which can be urged against the bell-like structure 18 by means of a suitable pressure applied manually to the cap 25, causing compression of the chamber 11 of the positive-displacement pump structure 7 and consequent dispensing of the cosmetic product M contained therein.
The actuating means 30 also comprise a spring 36 (figure 4) disposed in the cavity 37 defined by the top end 26 of the cap 25 and the capsule 32. The ends of the spring 36 are fixed to the top end 26 and to the capsule 32, respectively, so as to permit limited relative rotation between the cap 25 and the capsule 32 and so as to facilitate the lifting of the cap 25 from the capsule 32 when the bayonet coupling 28 is released, with consequent disengagement of the grooves 34 and the projections 35.
The operation of the dispenser 1 will be described below with reference to the embodiment specified above.
It is assumed that the dispenser 1 has never been used, the chamber 11 is empty and the non-return valve 12 is in contact with the mascara M held in the sealed space 15 in the container 2 (figure 5).
The projections 35 are disengaged from the corresponding grooves 34 (figure 6) by the release of the cap 25 by the bayonet coupling 28 and its rotation relative to the capsule 32, which is braked by the friction between it and the inclined surface of the bell-like structure 18.
If the cap 25 is pressed so that the projections 35 interfere with the capsule 32 causing it to move downwards, the chamber 11 is compressed, consequently expelling the air contained therein through the dispensing hole 22 (figure 5).
The release of the cap 25 allows the chamber 11 to expand and the mascara M flows into it through the valve 12.
At the same time, the plunger 6 advances along the container 2 by a volume corresponding to the maximum volume of the chamber 11. The perforated base 5 allows air to pass into the cylindrical container 2 into the space left free during the movement of the plunger 6 towards the dispensing end 3.
The exertion of further pressure on the cap 25 dispenses mascara M in the vicinity of the applicator 20.
The operation may be repeated so as to fill the space 33 completely, ensuring precise metering of the product M.
The seal between the capsule 32 and the bell-like structure 18 is such as to permit leakage of the air previously contained in the space 33.
Upon completion of the dispensing, it suffices to remove the cap 25, which will entrain the capsule 32 by means of the spring 36, and to apply the product M.
It is important to note that it is the cylindrical container 2 and not the cap which forms the handle of the dispenser 1 when the cap 25 has been removed (figure 17).
Upon completion of the application, the cap 25 can be fixed to the container 2 and the applicator 20 remains clean and ready for a subsequent application.
There are possible variants of the dispensing dispenser described above.
For example, the bayonet coupling, screw coupling and pressure fixing means 28 are structurally and functionally interchangeable on the various embodiments of the dispenser, irrespective of from the actuating means 30 used.
Figure 8 shows the upper end of a dispenser 1 according to the invention in which the tube 21 extends from the bell-like structure 18 into the interior of the rod 19 which is hollow and has a plurality of dispensing holes 22 spaced uniformly inside the applicator 20 and in communication with the duct 21.
A further variant may be constituted by the formation of the tube 17 and the bell-like structure as a single integral structure in which they constitute a single piece.
It is thus possible to prevent leakages between the bell-like structure 18 and the tube 17 without the need to impose very precise working tolerances on the two parts.
Moreover, the applicator 20 may have shapes other than that shown in figure 9.
Figure 10 shows an applicator 20, typically for mascara, constituted by a plurality of discs piled up and supported by the rod 19. It is suitable for making-up eyelashes.
Figure 11 shows an applicator 20 in the form of a small comb with a plurality of springs 41 which project from the rod 19. This is also suitable for the eyelashes.
In Figure 12 the applicator 20 has two opposed faces, indicated 39a and 39b, respectively, arranged longitudinally relative to the rod 19.
A first face 39a is formed as a comb and the other is formed substantially as an applicator for mascara M similar to that shown in figure 12.
Figure 13 shows an applicator 20 formed as a brush. It is suitable, for example, for making-up the eyelids, the regions surrounding the eyes, the lips, and the nails by the deposition of a coloured product.
Figure 14 shows an applicator 20 comprising a spongy and absorbent pad 40 with a soft structure suitable, for example, for making-up the skin of the face in order to hide blemishes by means of a coloured product, or for making-up the lips.
Figure 15 shows an absorbent pad 40 with a rigid structure, for example, made of felt.
Figure 16 shows a conventional mascara brush or pencil with bristles 42 which project radially from the rod 19.
This may be used, for example, for making-up the eyes or the lips by the tracing of coloured lines.
All of the cosmetic products suitable for application as shown are either liquid or pasty fluid cosmetic products which may even have high viscosity.
In addition to the advantages mentioned above, the container which houses the cosmetic product is airtight and the product is therefore not subject to drying or oxidation and does not deteriorate during the entire useful life of the dispenser.
The quality of the product remains unchanged as does the final cosmetic result.
Moreover, the metering takes place precisely and in a reproducible manner over time by a volumetric principle determined both by the type of suction means and by the space inside the capsule, irrespective of the quantity of product remaining in the container.
This metering takes place in a closed and protected environment, so that splashes, spills and the like which might soil the user are prevented.
Moreover, this dispenser is suitable for very many types of greatly differing cosmetic products, the structure remaining substantially unchanged even for different methods of application or parts of the face to be made up.
Moreover, as already mentioned, the container which itself is elongate and thus convenient to grip like a pencil, performs the function of the handle of the applicator, considerably improving the ergonomic characteristics of the dispenser.
This advantage also enables the cap to be kept within suitable dimensions without the need to lengthen it.
In order to satisfy further and contingent requirements, an expert in the art will be able to apply to the dispensers described above many further modifications and variations all of which, however, are included in the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A dispenser for fluid cosmetic products (M) comprising:

an applicator (20) disposed on a rod (19) associated with the dispenser (1);

a cylindrical container (2) for the cosmetic product (M) including a dispensing end (3);

bell-like structure (18) associated with the dispensing end (3) in the closure position, having the rod (19) fixed to it externally and having at least one duct (21) extending between the cylindrical container (2) and at least one dispensing hole (22) located in the vicinity of the applicator (20);

suction means for the cosmetic product (M) disposed within said cylindrical container (2), at the dispensing end (3) thereof and communicating with said at least one duct (21); said suction means comprising a positive-displacement pump structure (7) having a chamber (11) of variable volume defined by a fixed portion (9), comprising at least one non-return valve (12) for the admission of the cosmetic product (M) from the cylindrical container (2) into the chamber (11), and a movable portion (10) associated with a resilient element (16);

actuating means (30), operable by a user, for actuating the suction means in order to dispense a quantity of cosmetic product (M) through said at least one dispensing hole (22) situated in the vicinity of the applicator (20);

a cap (25) intended to be associated with the cylindrical container (2) at the dispensing end (3), and to be fitted on the applicator (20); and

means (28) for fixing the cap (25) onto the cylindrical container (2);

characterized in that:

the bell-like structure (18) is associated with the dispensing end (3), in abutment with the movable portion (10) of the suction means and free to move inside the cylindrical container (2), as a result of the operation of the actuacting means (30), in opposition to the resilient element (16), between a position in which the chamber (11) is compressed and a position in which the chamber (11) has a maximum volume;

the actuating means (30) comprise a capsule (32) which is housed inside the cap (25) and is structurally independent thereof, and which defines a space (33), open towards the dispensing end (3) of the cylindrical container (2), and such as to fit the applicator (20) which is housed therein when the cap (25) is closed onto the cylindrical container (2), the capsule (32) being arranged in abutment with the bell-like structure (18) and being intended to be pushed, in opposition to the resilient element (16) of the positive-displacement pump structure (7), with a movement such as to cause the cosmetic product (M) to be drawn in and dispensed in the vicinity of the applicator (18) inside the space (33); and

the capsule (32) is provided in its top with a plurality of grooves (34) for engagement by a corresponding plurality of projections (35) fixed inside the cap (25), the cap (25) being free to slide axially and to rotate relative to the capsule (32) between a closure position in which the projections (35) are disposed in the grooves (34) and the cap (25) can cooperate with the fixing means (28) between the cap (25) and the cylindrical container (2), and a dispensing position, in which the projections (35) interfer with the capsule (32) which can be urged against the bell-like structure (18) by means of a suitable pressure on the cap (25), causing compression of the chamber (11) of the positive-displacement pump structure (7) and dispensing of the cosmetic product (M).