EP1245506A1 - Device for storing and dispensing of a cosmetic product - Google Patents

Abstract

The cosmetic packaging and dispensing device comprises a container (2) fitted with a dispensing element (5). An activation part (6) moves along the dispensing element longitudinal axis (X). A dispensing head (10) is mounted on the container via a band (20). The dispensing head comprises an activating part (40) which moves relative to the band, the coupling between them being such that rotation of the activator causes displacement of the activation part along the axis and the dispensing of the product through an outlet orifice (46) in the dispensing head.

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging and distribution device of a product, in particular cosmetic or dermatological. Such a product can be distributed in particular in the form of a cream, gel, foam or spray.

With such devices, the product can be packaged in pressurized form at means of a gas placed in the container containing the product, the propellant being mixed with the product or separated from the product, the distribution under pressure applied via an aerosol valve type valve.

Alternatively, the pressurization of the product can be done during its distribution to by means of a manually operated pump.

Generally, in pressurized devices using a valve, the product distribution is done in response to a pressure exerted, either axially (push-in valve) or laterally (tilt valve), on an organ actuation in the form of a push button, also called "diffuser". Such push button is movable relative to a mounting hoop, arranged fixedly on the container. The pressure exerted on the actuator causes a displacement (depression or tilting) of an organ activation, in the form of a valve stem, and the product outlet via a outlet in the diffuser. When the actuation pressure ceases, a return means, in particular a spring, constrains the activation member in position valve closing.

In the case of a pump, the pump is generally actuated by a pressure exerted axially on a push button, which pressure causes the axial displacement of an activation member. The activation organ is coupled to a piston whose displacement inside the pump body, in a direction, causes the product to exit under pressure, and in the other direction, causes the suction of the product in the pump body. Generally the piston is constrained in its position corresponding to the maximum volume of the pumping by means of a spring.

The configuration of these conventional devices is such that sometimes it is difficult to operate the pump or valve with one hand and recover the product distributed by the same hand. However, this may be desirable, in particular for certain products in the form of a cream or gel.

Regardless of this possibility of actuation and recovery of the product distributed with one hand, it may be desirable, especially in the field of cosmetics, to allow simply different gestures conventional gestures.

Patent application FR-A-2 661 116 describes a device equipped with a pump manual actuation. The distribution of the product results from a pressure exerted axially on a push button. The push button is coupled to a ramp strongly sloping, and configured so that the axial pressure exerted on the push button causes the pump rod to sink in and out of the product through an outlet. Simultaneously with the sinking of the rod pump, the push button is driven on a rotation of about 30 ° so as to cause a corresponding angular displacement of the spray of product.

According to this document, due to the steep slope of the ramp formed by the hoop, it is not possible to directly drive the push button in rotation by compared to the fret. The rotary movement of the push button can only be the result of the axial pressure exerted on the push button. It's here axial pressure which simultaneously causes, on the one hand, the actuation of the pump, and on the other hand, the rotation of the push button when the product leaves. In other words, according to this document, the rotational movement is only a induced movement and not motor movement.

As a result, the gesture in use is identical to that of the pumps conventional described above.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a device for packaging and distribution under pressure of a product, in particular cosmetic, allowing a gesture of different use of the devices conventional.

It is in particular an object of the invention to produce such a device whose the actuation of the dispensing element may be caused by a rotational movement printed directly by the user on an organ actuating.

It is another object of the invention to produce such a device which allows with one hand, to control the output of the product, and on the same hand, to collect the product thus distributed.

It is yet another object of the invention to produce such a device which is simple to use and economical to make.

Still other objects will appear in the detailed description which follows.

a) un récipient contenant le produit ;

b) un élément de distribution équipant le récipient et pourvu d'un organe d'activation mobile selon un axe longitudinal X de l'élément de distribution ;

c) une tête de distribution montée sur le récipient via une frette, la tête de distribution comprenant un organe d'actionnement mobile par rapport à la frette, le couplage entre la frette et l'organe d'actionnement étant tel que la mise en rotation de ce dernier par rapport à la frette provoque un déplacement de l'organe d'activation selon ledit axe X et la distribution du produit au travers d'au moins un orifice de sortie de la tête de distribution.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a device for the packaging and distribution of a product, in particular cosmetic, comprising:

a) a container containing the product;

b) a dispensing element fitted to the container and provided with a movable activation member along a longitudinal axis X of the dispensing element;

c) a dispensing head mounted on the container via a hoop, the dispensing head comprising an actuating member movable relative to the hoop, the coupling between the hoop and the actuating member being such that the rotation of the latter relative to the hoop causes a displacement of the activation member along said axis X and the distribution of the product through at least one outlet orifice of the dispensing head.

Thus, the rotational movement, directly printed on the actuator by the user, causes the axial movement of the activation element and, as a result done, the actuation of the dispensing element and the outlet of the product under pressure through the outlet. This results in a gesture of use of the device according to the invention significantly different from the gestures for using the devices previously referred to.

This configuration is the opposite of that described in document FR-A-2 661 116 according to which the movement printed directly by the user at the button pusher is an axial movement, which axial movement causes actuation of the dispensing element, and induces the rotational movement of the pushbutton. The induced rotation movement of the push button does not play no driving role in the actuation of the pump.

In the case of a valve whose actuating stroke can be of the order of 0.5 mm, the actuation can result from a rotation of a few degrees of the organ actuation with respect to the hoop.

In the case of a pump whose actuating stroke can be of the order of 2 mm or more, the actuation of the pump may result from a rotation included between 10 ° and 50 °, and preferably about 30 °. The angle of rotation depends in a large measure of the configuration of the coupling between the actuator and the fret.

When the actuation command ceases, the activation member, under the effect of a return means (helical spring) of the distribution element, goes up axially, and automatically causes the actuator to rotate in the opposite direction of its rotation aimed at actuating the dispensing element. However, an auxiliary recall means can be provided to recall the organ actuation in its reverse rotation movement.

Preferably, said axial movement of the activation member results from the placing rotating around said axis X of the actuating member. This characteristic greatly simplifies the design of the dispensing head.

According to a specific embodiment, the device comprises at least one drive element, in particular in the form of a lug, formed by the member actuation (respectively by the hoop) and able to come into engagement with at least one guide element formed by the hoop (respectively by the member actuation), said (or said) guide element (s) each comprising a ramp configured so that when the member is rotated actuation, cause said axial movement of the activation member.

The guide elements can be produced in the form of through windows a side wall of the hoop and whose profile is chosen according to the profile of ramp sought, and depending on the desired speed at opening.

As an indication, the average slope of the ramp (s) is less than 50%, and preferably less than 30%.

The engagement of a drive element with the guide means associated with it can be done via an opening leading to a free edge of the fret.

According to a preferred embodiment, the (or) element (s) of drive is (are) formed by the actuating member, the guide element (s) being formed by the hoop.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention comprises a plurality of elements drive, including three, regularly spaced, and associated each with a corresponding guide element. Such a plurality of elements drive, and associated guide elements, promotes in a large measures the rotation of the actuating member and the actuation of the valve or pump.

The actuator is movable in rotation relative to the hoop between a first angular position and a second angular position, the coupling between the actuating member and the hoop being able to be such that the rotation of the member actuation between said first position and an intermediate position between said first and second positions, does not cause substantially any axial movement of the activation member. The position of the training means between the first position and the intermediate position constitutes a range of "locking" of the device, in which the risks of untimely actuation of the distribution element, especially during the installation of a possible cap, are reduced significantly.

The "locking" range can be separated from the ramp by a notch whose crossing is by snap-fastening. Crossing the notch can be done automatically due to the return force of the pump or valve, or manually by user action. Such a notch makes, for certain products less, the presence of an auxiliary cap even less essential.

To this end, during the rotation of the actuating member between the first position and the intermediate position, (or) element (s) drive can be in engagement with a portion of the corresponding guide element, substantially perpendicular to the X axis, and located upstream of the ramp of said corresponding guide element. Preferably, the opening through which the drive element is engaged with the guide element is angularly offset from the most upstream edge of the element guide, so that when the drive element abuts against the edge upstream (rest or storage position), the actuator cannot be detached from the hoop by a simple traction exerted on the organ actuating.

Preferably, the outlet orifice is arranged along said axis X. This arrangement further facilitates actuation of the dispensing element and product collection distributed by the same hand.

Advantageously, the actuating member comprises reliefs, in particular in the form of striations, capable of promoting its rotation relative to the hoop mounting. Such streaks are preferably oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuator.

A removable cap can be provided for, in the device storage position, cover the outlet.

The removable cap may comprise means, in particular in the form an elastomer ball, suitable, in the closed position of the cap, to come apply tightly against the outlet. The actuation of the dispensing element being caused by rotation of the actuating member, the risks of inadvertent actuation of the dispensing element during the setting in place of the cap, and in particular when engaging the sealing means with the outlet orifice, are reduced very significantly.

The dispensing element may consist of a valve of the aerosol valve type. In this case, the container can be in the form of a metal or material container thermoplastic. The valve can be of the "male" type. In this case the organ activation consists of a hollow rod emerging outside the body of valve, and part of which disposed inside the valve body ensures opening / closing the valve.

Alternatively, the valve is of the "female" type. In this case, the activation device consists of an opening / closing element arranged in its entirety at inside the valve body and in engagement with which comes a portion tubular of the actuating member, in communication with the outlet orifice.

According to another embodiment, the distribution element consists of a manually operated pump. The container may in particular be made of glass or thermoplastic material.

The hoop, the actuating member and, if applicable, the cap, can be obtained by molding thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or polyvinyl chloride.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention can be used for the packaging and distribution of a cosmetic or dermatological product, especially in the form of a cream, foam, gel or spray. he can in particular a product for personal hygiene, styling, coloring of hair, skin or hair care, makeup, or protection against harmful solar radiation.

• la figure 1 représente une vue d'ensemble du dispositif selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente le dispositif de la figure 1 en vue éclatée ;
• la figure 3 représente une autre vue éclatée d'une portion seulement du dispositif de la figure 1.
• la figure 4 représente une vue en coupe du dispositif représenté aux figures 1-3 ;
• les figures 5A-5B illustrent le fonctionnement du dispositif des figures 1-4 ; et
• la figure 6 est relative à un second mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIG. 1 represents an overall view of the device according to an embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in exploded view;
• FIG. 3 represents another exploded view of a portion only of the device of FIG. 1.
• Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the device shown in Figures 1-3;
• Figures 5A-5B illustrate the operation of the device of Figures 1-4; and
• Figure 6 relates to a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

The device 1 which will now be described with reference to Figures 1-4 and 5A-5B includes a tin can 2 with a free edge rolled up and defines a opening 3. On the rolled edge, a valve holder cup 4 is crimped. The valve 5 is completely conventional and includes a valve stem 6, of axis X confused with the axis of the valve 5. The valve stem 6 emerges outside a valve body 7.

On the valve is mounted a dispensing head 10 comprising a hoop 20, a actuator 40 and a cap 60.

The hoop 20 comprises a hooking skirt 21, one end of which is intended for mounting on the container 2. The inner surface of the hanging skirt 21 comprises a plurality of beads 22, 23, capable of cooperating by snap-fastening with the crimping bead 8 of the valve 5 on the canister 2. Also on the inner surface of the hanging skirt 21 are formed a plurality of ribs 24, regularly spaced, and capable of abutting against the edge upper of the crimping bead 8, so as to ensure positioning fixed axial of the hoop 20. The mounting of the hanging skirt 21 on the container 2 is relatively tight so as to substantially immobilize the rotating hoop on container 2.

Near its open end, the fastening skirt 21 of the hoop 20 is substantially cylindrical, then gradually decreases away from the container 2.

Substantially at the same level as the base of the emerging part of the stem valve 6, the hoop 20 forms a first recess 25. The recess 25 is disposed between the attachment skirt and a cylindrical portion 27 of smaller section as the hanging skirt 21. Substantially at axial mid-height, the portion of cylindrical skirt 27 has on its external surface a bead 26, capable of cooperate by snap-fastening with a groove 61 provided on the internal surface of the cap 60.

The hoop 20 also forms a second recess 28 separating the portion cylindrical 27 of a cylindrical end skirt 29, of smaller diameter than the portion 27. The end skirt 29 ends with a free edge 30. The skirt end 29 is crossed by three windows 31, 32, 33 spaced at 120 °, and each opening on the free edge 30 via an opening 34, 35, 36. Each window 31, 32, 33 includes an upstream portion 37 (relative to the direction of rotation at the opening) substantially perpendicular to the axis X, and a downstream portion 38 inclined towards the step 28. The downstream portion 38, thus inclined, forms a ramp, the function of which will be explained in more detail later.

For each window 31, 32, 33, the opening 34, 35, 36 is offset angularly relative to the most upstream edge of the window. Preferably, the distance is about equal to the diameter of the pins which we will discuss in more detail by after.

As an indication, the upstream portion 37 extends over approximately ¼ of the width window 33. The ramp 38 extends over approximately ¾ of the width angular. The slope of the ramp 38 is approximately 20 °.

The dispensing head 10 also includes an actuating member 40. The actuating member 40 comprises an operating part 41 in the form a skirt forming a truncated sphere, the external surface of which comprises grooves 48 oriented parallel to the X axis. The skirt 41 includes an open edge 49 disposed at a distance from the recess 28 at least equal to the axial height ramps 38 formed by the windows 31, 32, 33.

Substantially halfway up the operating part 41 of the organ actuation 40, on the internal surface of the operating part 41 protrude radially three pins 42, 43, 44 spaced at 120 °, and intended to come in engagement with windows 31, 32, 33, via their respective openings 34, 35, 36. The diameter of the pins 42, 43, 44 is slightly less than the axial height windows 31, 32, 33 so as to allow guided movement of the pins 42, 43, 44 inside windows 31, 32, 33.

The operating portion 41 of the actuating member is surmounted by a dome hemispherical 45 at the top of which opens an outlet orifice 46 formed in the X axis. An axial chimney 47 opens, at a first end, at the top of the hemispherical dome 45 via the orifice 45. The other end of the axial chimney 47 is force fitted on the valve stem 6.

The mounting of the actuating member 40 on the hoop (previously or after mounting it on the container 2) is done by putting the pins 42, 43, 44 in engagement with the windows 31, 32, 33, via the openings 34, 35, 36, taking care to angularly position the axial chimney 47 on the valve stem 6 so that the pins 42, 43, 44 are in contact with the edge the most upstream of the respective windows 31, 32, 33 (FIG. 5A). So in this position, corresponding to a storage or transport position, the organ actuation 40 cannot easily be detached from the hoop 20, especially by a simple pull.

In this position of FIG. 5A, a pressure exerted axially on the top of the dome 45, in particular during the fitting of the cap 60 (of which we will speak in more detail below), has no effect on the valve stem 6.

To dispense a dose of product, the user grasps the can 2 by its part superior, by positioning his thumb and middle finger in engagement with the operating portion 41 of the actuating member and by positioning its index in the vicinity of the outlet orifice 46. It gives a rotational movement at the actuator, around the X axis. In doing so, and after reaching the ramps 38 formed by the windows 31, 32, 33, the pins 42, 43, 44 are guided down towards the container, which causes axial movement of the rod valve 6. When the pins 42, 43, 44 arrive in the vicinity of the lowest point of the ramps 38 (FIG. 5B) the valve 5 opens and the product rises in the rod valve 6 and in the tubular conduit 47. The product, in the form of a cream, leaves then the device via the orifice 46 and can be collected on the user's index finger.

By releasing the operating portion 41 of the actuating member, the force of return of the valve spring brings up the valve stem 6. In doing so, the member actuation 40, under the action of pins 42, 43, 44 guided along the ramps 38, is rotated in the opposite direction to the actuation direction, and this, until the pins 42, 43, 44 are again in the vicinity of the most upstream of windows 31, 32, 33.

After use, the user positions the cap 60 on the dispensing head 10 by snap-fastening of the groove 61 and the annular bead 26. In this position illustrated in section in FIG. 4, an elastomeric ball 62 disposed, in particular by snap-fastening, in a housing 63 formed on the internal surface of the bottom 64 of the cap 60 is in elastic abutment against the outlet orifice 46.

In the embodiment of Figure 6, the device 1 comprises a container in glass 70 of which a free edge forms a bead 71 delimiting an opening. The pump 72 is mounted on a cup 76 crimped on the bead 71. The pump 72 is connected to a dip tube 75, one free end of which is situated substantially near the bottom of the container 70. From the body 73 of the pump 72, opposite the dip tube 75, emerges a pump rod 74 on which is mounted a head distribution 10 similar to that discussed with reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 5A-5B, except that the angle of rotation of the actuator 40 is greater than that of the actuating member 40 of the previous embodiment, due to the longer actuation stroke of the pump 72 than that of the valve 5.

The device, including its operation, is also similar in all points to that described with reference to the previous embodiment, and by therefore does not require additional detailed description.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (15)

Device (1) for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic, comprising: a) a container (2, 70) containing the product; b) a dispensing element (5, 72) equipping the container and provided with an activating member (6, 74) movable along a longitudinal axis X of the dispensing element; c) a dispensing head (10) mounted on the container via a hoop (20), the dispensing head comprising an actuating member (40) movable relative to the hoop, the coupling between the hoop (20) and the actuator (40) being such that the rotation of the latter (40) relative to the hoop (20) causes a displacement of the activator (6, 74) along said axis X and the dispensing the product through at least one outlet orifice (46) of the dispensing head. Device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that said axial displacement of the activation member (6, 74) results from the rotation around said axis X of the actuation member (40). Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that at least one drive element (42, 43, 44), in particular in the form of a lug, formed by the actuating member (40) (respectively by the hoop (20)) is capable of coming into engagement with at least one guide element (31, 32, 33) formed by the hoop (respectively by the actuating member), said (or said) element (s) ) guide (31, 32, 33) each comprising a ramp (38) configured so as, when the actuating member (40) is rotated, to cause said axial displacement of the activating member (6, 74). Device (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that the drive element (s) (42, 43, 44) is (are) formed by the actuating member (40), the guide element (s) (31, 32, 33) being formed by the hoop (20). Device (1) according to claim 3 or 4 characterized in that it comprises a plurality of drive elements (42, 43, 44), in particular three, spaced regularly, and each associated with a corresponding guide element (31, 32, 33). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating member (40) is movable in rotation relative to the hoop (20) between a first angular position and a second angular position, the coupling between the actuating member (40) and the hoop (20) being such that the rotation of the actuating member (40) between said first position and a position, intermediate between said first and second positions, does not substantially cause no axial movement of the activation member (6, 74). Device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, as well as according to claim 6 characterized in that during the rotation of the actuating member (40) between the first position and the intermediate position, the ( or the) drive element (s) (42, 43, 44) are in engagement with a portion (37) of the corresponding guide element (31, 32, 33), substantially perpendicular to the axis X, and located upstream of the ramp (38) of said corresponding guide element (31, 32, 33). Device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7 characterized in that the engagement of a drive element (42, 43, 44) with the guide means (31, 32, 33) which is associated is made via an opening (34, 35, 36) opening onto a free edge (30) of the hoop. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that the outlet orifice (46) is arranged along said axis X. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the actuating member (40) comprises reliefs, in particular in the form of ridges (48), capable of promoting its rotation relative to the mounting band (20). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a removable cap (60) capable, in the device's storage position, of covering the outlet orifice (46). Device (1) according to claim 11 characterized in that the removable cap (60) comprises means, in particular in the form of an elastomer ball (62), capable, in the closed position of the cap (60), coming press tightly against the outlet (46). Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the dispensing element consists of a valve (5) of the aerosol valve type. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the dispensing element consists of a manual actuation pump (72). Use of a device (1) according to any one of the claims above for the packaging and distribution of a cosmetic product, or dermatological, in particular in the form of a cream, a foam, a gel or of a spray.

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