EP1245506B1 - 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 device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic or dermatological product. Such a product may be distributed in particular in the form of a cream, a gel, a mousse or a spray.

With such devices, the product can be packaged in pressurized form by means of a gas disposed in the container containing the product, the propellant being mixed with the product or separated from the product, the pressure distribution being carried out via a valve aerosol valve type.

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

Generally, in the pressurized devices using a valve, the product is dispensed in response to a pressure exerted either axially (depression valve) or laterally (tilt valve) on an actuating member in the form of a valve. a push button, also called "diffuser". Such a push button is movable relative to a mounting band, fixedly disposed on the container. The pressure exerted on the actuating member causes a displacement (depression or tilting) of an activation member, in the form of a valve stem, and the exit of the product via an outlet orifice formed in the diffuser. When the actuating pressure ceases, a return means, in particular a spring, forces the activation member in the closed position of the valve.

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

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

Regardless of this possibility of actuation and recovery of the product dispensed from one and the same hand, it may be desirable, particularly in the field of cosmetics, to allow a gesture simply different from conventional gestures.

Patent Application FR-A-2 661 116 discloses a device equipped with a manually operated pump. The distribution of the product results from a pressure exerted axially on a push button. The push button is coupled to a steep ramp, and configured so that the axial pressure exerted on the push button causes depression of the pump rod and the output of the product through an outlet port. Simultaneously with the depression of the pump rod, the push button is rotated about 30 ° so as to cause a corresponding angular displacement of the product spray.

According to this document, because of the steep slope of the ramp formed by the hoop, it is not possible to directly drive the push button in rotation relative to the hoop. The rotational movement of the push button can only be the result of the axial pressure exerted on the push button. It is the axial pressure that 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 is released. In other words, according to this document, the rotational movement is only an induced movement and not a motor movement.

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

Also, is it one of the objects of the invention to provide a device for packaging and dispensing under pressure of a product, in particular a cosmetic product, allowing a gesture of use that is different from conventional devices.

It is particularly an object of the invention to provide such a device, the actuation of the dispensing element can be caused by a rotational movement printed directly by the user to an actuating member.

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

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

Still other objects will appear in the following detailed description.

• 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 packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising:

• (a) a container containing the product;
• b) a dispensing element fitted to the container and provided with an activating member movable 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 rotating 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 of the dispensing head.

Thus, the rotational movement, directly printed to the actuator by the user, causes the axial movement of the activation element and, therefore, the actuation of the dispensing element and the output pressurized product through the outlet. This results in a gesture of use of the device according to the invention substantially different from the gesture of use of the conventional devices to which reference has been made previously.

This configuration is the opposite of that described in the document FR-A-2 661 116 according to which the movement printed directly by the user to the push button is an axial movement, which axial movement causes the actuation of the distribution, and induces the rotational movement of the push button. The induced rotation movement of the push button plays no role in driving the pump.

In the case of a valve whose actuating stroke may be of the order of 0.5 mm, the actuation may result from a rotation of a few degrees of the actuating member relative to the hoop.

In the case of a pump whose operating stroke may be of the order of 2 mm or more, the actuation of the pump may result from a rotation of between 10 ° and 50 °, and preferably from about 30 °. The angle of rotation depends to a large extent on the configuration of the coupling between the actuator and the hoop.

When the actuation command stops, the activation member, under the effect of a return means (coil spring) of the dispensing element, rises axially, and automatically causes the rotation of the actuator member. actuation in the opposite direction of its rotation to actuate the distribution element. However, an auxiliary return means may be provided to return the actuating member in its rotational movement in the opposite direction.

Preferably, said axial displacement of the activation member results from the rotation around said axis X of the actuating member. This feature 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 actuating member (respectively by the hoop) and able to come into engagement with at least one guiding element formed by the hoop (respectively by the actuating member), said (or said) guiding element (s) each comprising a ramp configured so as, during the rotation of the body of actuation, cause said axial displacement of the activation member.

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

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

The engagement of a drive member with the guide means associated therewith may be via an opening opening on a free edge of the hoop.

According to a preferred embodiment, the driving element (s) is (are) formed by the actuating member, the guide element (s) being formed (s). ) by the fret.

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

The actuating member is rotatable relative to the hoop between a first angular position and a second angular position, the coupling between the actuating member and the hoop being such that the rotation of the member actuation between said first position and an intermediate position between said first and second positions, causes substantially no axial displacement of the activation member. The position of the drive means between the first position and the intermediate position constitutes a "locking" range of the device, in which the risks of inadvertent actuation of the distribution element, in particular during the installation of a eventual cap, are reduced significantly.

The "locking" range can be separated from the ramp by a notch whose crossing is done by snapping. The crossing of the notch can be done automatically under the effect of the force of return of the pump or the valve, or manually by action of the user. Such a notch makes, for some products at least, the presence of an auxiliary cap even less essential.

For this purpose, during the rotation of the actuating member between the first position and the intermediate position, the driving element (s) may 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 by which the drive member is engaged with the guide member is angularly offset from the leading edge of the guide member, so that when the The drive is in abutment against the upstream edge (rest or storage position), the actuating member can not be detached from the hoop by a simple traction exerted on the actuating member.

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

Advantageously, the actuating member comprises reliefs, in particular in the form of ridges, capable of favoring its rotation in relation to the mounting band. Such ridges are preferably oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuating member.

A removable cap may be provided for, in the storage position of the device, cover the outlet port.

The removable cap may comprise means, especially in the form of an elastomeric ball, adapted, in the closed position of the cap, to come sealingly against the outlet orifice. The actuation of the dispensing element being caused by rotation of the actuating member, the risk of inadvertent actuation of the dispensing element during the introduction of the cap, and in particular during the implementation of engagement of the sealing means with the outlet orifice, are reduced very significantly.

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

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

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

The hoop, the actuating member and, if appropriate, the cap, may 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, a mousse, a gel or a spray. It may include a personal care product, styling, hair coloring, skin care or hair care, makeup, or protection against harmful radiation from the sun.

• 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 described above, in 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 one embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in exploded view;
• FIG. 3 represents another exploded view of only a portion 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 FIGS. 1-4 and 5A-5B comprises a tin can 2 of which a free edge is rolled and defines an opening 3. On the rolled edge, is crimped a valve holder cup 4. The valve 5 is quite conventional and comprises a valve stem 6, of X axis coinciding 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, an actuating member 40 and a cap 60.

The hoop 20 comprises a hooking skirt 21 whose one end is intended for mounting on the container 2. The inner surface of the hooking skirt 21 comprises a plurality of beads 22, 23, adapted to cooperate by snapping with the bead of crimping 8 of the valve 5 on the can 2. Also on the internal surface of the attachment skirt 21 are formed a plurality of ribs 24, regularly spaced, and adapted to abut against the upper edge of the crimping bead 8, so as to ensure a fixed axial positioning of the hoop 20. The mounting of the attachment skirt 21 on the can 2 is relatively tight so as to substantially immobilize the hoop rotating on the can 2.

In the vicinity of its open end, the hooking skirt 21 of the hoop 20 is substantially cylindrical, then decreases progressively away from the can 2.

At substantially the same level as the base of the emerging portion of the valve stem 6, the hoop 20 forms a first recess 25. The recess 25 is disposed between the fastening skirt and a cylindrical portion 27 of smaller section than the skirt. 21. At substantially axial half-height, the portion of cylindrical skirt 27 has on its outer surface a bead 26, adapted to cooperate by snapping with a groove 61 provided on the inner surface of the cap 60.

The band 20 further forms a second recess 28 separating the cylindrical portion 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 traversed 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 comprises an upstream portion 37 (by relative to the direction of rotation at the opening) substantially perpendicular to the axis X, and a downstream portion 38 inclined towards the recess 28. The downstream portion 38, thus inclined, forms a ramp, whose function will be explained in more detail thereafter.

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

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

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

Substantially at mid-height of the operating portion 41 of the actuating member 40, on the inner surface of the actuating portion 41 radially project three lugs 42, 43, 44 spaced at 120 °, and intended to come into contact with each other. engagement with the windows 31, 32, 33 via their respective openings 34, 35, 36. The diameter of the lugs 42, 43, 44 is slightly less than the axial height of the windows 31, 32, 33 so as to allow guided movement pins 42, 43, 44 inside the windows 31, 32, 33.

The operating portion 41 of the actuating member is surmounted by a hemispherical dome 45 at the top of which opens an outlet orifice 46 formed in the axis X. An axial chimney 47 opens at a first end to the top of the hemispherical dome 45 through the orifice 46. 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 (before or after mounting it on the can 2) is done by putting the lugs 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 lugs 42, 43, 44 are in contact with the most upstream edge of the respective windows 31, 32, 33 (Figure 5A). Thus, in this position, corresponding to a storage or transport position, the actuating member 40 can not be easily disconnected from the hoop 20, in particular 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 introduction of the cap 60 (which will be discussed in more detail later), has no effect on the valve stem 6 .

To dispense a dose of product, the user grasps the can 2 by its upper part, positioning its thumb and middle finger in engagement with the actuating portion 41 of the actuating member and positioning its index in the vicinity of the outlet port 46. It prints a rotational movement to the actuating member, about the axis X. In doing so, and after reaching the ramps 38 formed by the windows 31, 32, 33, the lugs 42 , 43, 44 are guided down towards the can, which causes an axial movement of the valve stem 6. When the lugs 42, 43, 44 arrive near the lowest point of the ramps 38 (Figure 5B) the valve 5 opens and the product rises in the valve stem 6 and in the tubular conduit 47. The product, in the form of a cream, then leaves the device via the orifice 46 and can be collected on the index of the user.

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

After use, the user positions the cap 60 on the dispensing head 10 by snapping the groove 61 and the annular bead 26. In this position shown in section in Figure 4, an elastomeric ball 62 disposed, in particular by snapping, in a housing 63 formed on the inner surface of the bottom 64 of the cap 60 bears elastically against the outlet orifice 46.

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

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

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variations can be made without departing from the subject of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (15)

1. Device (1) for packaging and dispensing a product, such as a cosmetic product, comprising:

   a) a container (2, 70) containing the product;

   b) a dispensing element (5, 72) fitted to the container and provided with an activating member (6, 74) that can be moved along a longitudinal axis X of the dispensing element; and

   c) a dispensing head (10) mounted on the container by means of a collar (20), the dispensing head comprising an actuating member (40) that can be moved relative to the collar, and the connection between the collar (20) and the actuating member (40) being such that rotating the latter (40) relative to the collar (20) causes a displacement of the activating member (6, 74) along the said axis X and dispenses the product through at least one outlet orifice (46) of the dispensing head.
2. Device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said axial displacement of the activating member (6, 74) results from the rotation of the actuating member (40) about the said axis X.
3. Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one driving element (42, 43, 44), in the form of for example a pin, formed by the actuating member (40) (or conversely by the collar (20)) is able to engage with at least one guide element (31, 32, 33) formed by the collar (or conversely by the actuating member), the said guide element(s) (31, 32, 33) each comprising a cam (38) so configured as to cause the said axial displacement of the activating member (6, 74) when the actuating member (40) is rotated.
4. Device (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the driving element(s) (42, 43, 44) is (are) formed by the actuating member (40), the guide element(s) (31, 32, 33) being formed by the collar (20).
5. Device (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of driving elements (42, 43, 44), especially three, spaced out at regular intervals, each associated with a corresponding guide element (31, 32, 33).
6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating member (40) is rotatable relative to the collar (20) between a first angular position and a second angular position, the connection between the actuating member (40) and the collar (20) being such that the rotation of the actuating member (40) between the said first position and an intermediate position between the said first and second positions causes little or no axial displacement of the activating member (6, 74).
7. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, and according to Claim 6, characterized in that when the actuating member (40) is rotated between the first position and the intermediate position, the driving element(s) (42, 43, 44) are in engagement with a portion (37) of the corresponding guide element (31, 32, 33) that is approximately perpendicular to the axis X and that is upstream of the cam (38) of the said corresponding guide element (31, 32, 33).
8. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the engagement of a driving element (42, 43, 44) with its associated guide means (31, 32, 33) is effected via an opening (34, 35, 36) leading to a free edge (30) of the collar.
9. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the outlet orifice (46) lies on the said axis X.
10. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the actuating member (40) comprises reliefs, in the form of bands (48) for example, which can make it easy to rotate relative to the connecting collar (20).
11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a removable cap (60) for covering the outlet orifice (46) in the storage position of the device.
12. Device (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the removable cap (60) comprises means, in the form of for example an elastomeric ball (62), which, in the closed position of the cap (60), seal the outlet orifice (46).
13. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the dispensing element is an aerosol type valve (5).
14. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the dispensing element is a manually actuated pump (72).
15. Use of a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic or dermatological product, especially in the form of a cream, a foam, a gel or a spray.

Images