EP2217105B1 - Applicator for a device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a hair-care product - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator for a device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a hair-care product, that comprises a dispensing head (18) provided with at least two application end pieces (34, 36) each including at least one product dispensing opening (52, 54) having a longitudinal axis (Y-Y'), and means (56, 58) axially protruding relative to said dispensing openings (52, 54), said means being capable of bearing against the scalp in order to guide the applicator and to massage the scalp during the movement of said applicator.

Description

The present invention relates to the general field of containers for the packaging and dispensing of a fluid product, a gel or a cream and in particular a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or veterinary product.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an applicator that can be used with such containers.

One of the interesting uses of the invention relates to the application on the scalp of a hair product comprising a care composition to prevent hair loss and / or encourage regrowth. Another use of the invention may be the application of a coloring composition to the hair. Another use of the invention may be the application to the skin of an animal of a composition used veterinary.

The invention, however, generally relates to a device for applying a product to an application surface.

The products to be applied can be classically stored in a storage tank with deformable walls provided with a neck having a thread on which is screwed an applicator for the distribution and distribution of the product. For more details, we can for example refer to the patent application FR-A1-2 810 857 .

By product is meant a hair product, a composition for pharmaceutical use, a composition for cosmetic use, or a composition for veterinary use.

It is known, by the patent application US 2002/0096184 , an applicator for applying a hair product comprising a mounting skirt and a row of teeth each having a product feed channel opening through outlet orifices provided on a dispensing head of the applicator.

To allow application of a hair product, US Pat. No. 4,617,949 also discloses an applicator fork-shaped having at their free end a dispensing orifice of the product.

Although it is effective for spreading a hair product on the scalp of a user, this applicator does not promote the penetration of the applied product.

The present invention therefore aims to overcome this disadvantage.

More particularly, the present invention aims to provide an applicator to obtain satisfactorily a distribution and penetration of the product inside the scalp.

The present invention also aims to provide a product applicator having a good user agreement.

The present invention finally aims to provide an applicator of simple design, economical and easy to use.

The subject of the invention is an applicator for a device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a hair or veterinary product, of the type comprising a container for storing said product, the applicator comprising a dispensing head provided with at least two applicator tips each comprising at least one product distribution orifice of longitudinal axis, and means projecting axially with respect to the dispensing orifices, said means being able to bear against the scalp to provide guidance of the applicator and a massage of the scalp during a displacement of said applicator.

The applicator also includes a mounting base of the applicator on the neck of the container which can be distinct from the dispensing head.

The dispensing head is movable relative to the mounting base to allow the passage of a relative relative position wherein a product distribution duct of the base is closed at a remote relative position in which said duct allows a product distribution towards the dispensing orifices.

The use of means projecting axially with respect to each dispensing orifice makes it possible to improve the treatment efficiency of the cosmetic product. Indeed, they form massage organs facilitating the penetration of the product applied into the scalp.

Moreover, these means also make it possible to wedge the applicator against the scalp of the user before the start of the application of the cosmetic product, and then during use to slide it along the scalp .

In one embodiment, each massage and guiding means extends from a front surface on which is formed the associated dispensing orifice. Each means may also extend along the associated dispensing orifice.

Preferably, the dispensing head comprises a skirt on which the applicator tips are connected, the bulk of said tips being circumscribed to the master-couple of the skirt. Thus, it is possible to provide an interlocking assembly of a closure cap on the dispensing head.

The dispensing head may be movable relative to the base around a longitudinal axis of said head.

In order to obtain the relative displacement of the dispensing head and the mounting base, the latter can comprise at least one ramp inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head and cooperating with a complementary thread of the head of the head. distribution.

Preferably, the mounting base includes stops on its outer surface for angular positioning. relative of the base and the dispensing head in the close and / or remote position.

In one embodiment, the dispensing head comprises a sealing pad adapted to come into sealed engagement in the dispensing duct in the close position.

To obtain a good seal of the applicator, the mounting base may also include an axial guide flange adapted to come into sealed engagement inside the neck of the container. For this purpose, it is also possible to provide an annular sealing surface in frictional contact with the dispensing head.

In one embodiment, the mounting base comprises an outer skirt provided with a fixing means for mounting on the neck of the container.

The invention also relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a product to be applied to the scalp, in particular a hair product, provided with a container for storing the product having a closed end and an open opposite end forming collar, and an applicator as defined above mounted on the neck.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un applicateur selon l'invention,
• les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues en coupe de l'applicateur de la figure 1 dans une position fermée,
• la figure 4 est une vue de détail en coupe de l'applicateur des figures 1 à 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe selon l'axe V-V de la figure 2,
• la figure 6 est une vue correspondant à la figure 5 dans une position ouverte de l'applicateur,
• la figure 7 est une vue de face d'une embase de l'applicateur de l'invention, et
• la figure 8 est une vue en coupe selon l'axe VIII-VIII de la figure 7.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description of an embodiment taken by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of an applicator according to the invention,
• the Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views of the applicator of the figure 1 in a closed position,
• the figure 4 is a detailed sectional view of the applicator of Figures 1 to 3 ,
• the figure 5 is a sectional view along the VV axis of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 6 is a view corresponding to the figure 5 in an open position of the applicator,
• the figure 7 is a front view of a base of the applicator of the invention, and
• the figure 8 is a sectional view along the axis VIII-VIII of the figure 7 .

We have shown on Figures 1 to 6 an applicator 10 provided to allow dispensing and application of a product contained inside a storage container 12. The applicator 10 is shown in a supposed vertical position on the Figures 2 and 3 .

In the application envisaged, the applicator 10 is intended for dispensing a cosmetic product, in particular a product for treating or caring for the scalp to prevent hair loss and / or to promote their regrowth. However, it is easy to see that it could also apply to the application of other types of products.

As will be described, the applicator 10 is intended not only to allow dispensing and application of product, but also to promote its penetration into the scalp of a user.

The storage container 12 is provided with a lower end (not shown) and an upper end which has a neck 14 extending along a longitudinal axis X-X '.

The applicator 10, X-axis X ', mainly comprises a base 16 for mounting on the container 12 on which is mounted a cap or head 18 of product distribution.

The mounting base 16 comprises an annular outer skirt 19 provided with a hook 20 to allow the axial attachment of the applicator 10 to the container 12. The hook 20 is circularly discontinuous and arranged on the inner edge of the skirt 19, substantially halfway up. The hook 20 is directed radially inwards and adapted to cooperate with a shoulder (not referenced) of the neck 14.

Alternatively, it is readily conceivable that it is also possible to provide a shoulder and a hook formed on the skirt 19 and the neck 14, respectively. Alternatively, it could also be possible to have a continuous hook in the circumferential direction. Of course, it could be possible to provide any other suitable fastening means on the inner skirt 19 for mounting the applicator 10 on the container 12. It is for example possible to provide an internal thread on the skirt 19 to obtain a mounting by screwing, or a sealing thereof on the container 12 for example by gluing or welding.

The mounting base 16 also comprises a radial portion 22 extending an upper end of the outer skirt 19, itself extended from a small diameter edge by a frustoconical portion 24. The frustoconical portion 24 extends axially from the side of the skirt 19, ie downwards, flaring inwards. It delimits internally a conduit 26 for dispensing the product contained in the storage container 12. The distribution duct 26 is centered on the X-X 'axis.

The base 16 also comprises an axial flange 28 extending axially downwards from the radial portion 22 and forming an inner guide skirt for mounting the base 16 inside the neck 14 of the container. The flange 28 is located radially between the outer skirt 19 and the frustoconical portion 24. The lower end of the flange 28 is here axially offset downwards and upwards relative to those of the frustoconical portion 24 and the skirt 19, respectively.

The flange 28, coaxial with the axis X-X ', engages sealingly inside the neck 14 of the container. The neck 14 is located radially between the flange 28 and the outer skirt 19 bearing against them to obtain a seal between the container 12 and the mounting base 16. For this purpose, the upper end of the neck 14 is also bearing against the radial portion 22.

In order to obtain a good seal between the distribution head 18 and the mounting base 16, the latter comprises, axially on the opposite side to the skirt 19, an annular sealing surface 30 extending axially from the radial portion 22 and bearing or rubbing against the bore of a cylindrical skirt 32 of the dispensing head 18. As illustrated in figure 8 , the base 16 also comprises two notches 66 diametrically opposite made at a lower end of the skirt 19 to allow its mounting on the neck 14 of the container and the passage of radial nipples (not referenced) of said neck.

The dispensing head 18 has applicator tips 34 and 36, here two in number, connecting to the skirt 32 and forming a fork. Said skirt 32 has on its inner surface a fastening means for mounting the distribution head 18 on the base 16. A thread 38 is here provided on the bore of the skirt 32 to cooperate with a corresponding ramp 40 arranged on the outer surface of the skirt 19, in the vicinity of the sealing surface 30. The ramp 40 extends helically around the longitudinal axis XX 'on a sector advantageously comprised between 260 ° and 320 °. In a variant, it would be possible to arrange respectively the thread 38 and the ramp 40 on the skirt 19 and on the skirt 32.

Advantageously, the ramp 40 consists of two symmetrical distinct parts while considering a median plane of the applicator containing the longitudinal axis X-X '. Each portion extends helically around the longitudinal axis X-X 'on an angular sector advantageously between 130 ° and 160 °, preferably extending over 140 °. These two parts of the ramp 40 form an angle of 6 ° to 10 °, preferably 8 °, with respect to a plane perpendicular to the median plane containing the longitudinal axis x-x '.

The ramp 40 and the threading 38 make it possible to assemble the distribution head 18 on the base 16 but also to obtain a relative displacement between these two elements, without axial separation, in order to allow the passage of a position of closure of the applicator 10 illustrated on the Figures 2, 3 and 5 towards an open position illustrated at the figure 6 and vice versa, as will be described in more detail later. Of course, the thread pitch 38 and the helix pitch of the ramp 40 are adapted as a function of the desired axial displacement of the dispensing head 18 as it rotates about the axis X-X '.

The dispensing head 18 also has a central radial wall 42 extending radially inwardly an upper end of the skirt 32, and a stud 44 centered on the axis XX 'and closing off the conduit 26 of the distribution of the base 16 The closure block 44 extends axially downwards the radial wall 42. The radial wall 42 also has a skirt 46 radially surrounding the block 44 and abutting against the radial portion 22 of the base 16 in the close position. This provides a good support of the distribution head 18 on the mounting base 16.

The applicator tips 34, 36 of the head 18 internally delimit channels 48, 50 for conveying the product intended to be in communication with the interior of the container 12, via the conduit 26 for dispensing. Each applicator tip 34, 36 has a base 34a, 36a connected to the skirts 32, 36 and of greater cross section than the cross section of their free end 34b, 36b. The applicator tips 34, 36 extend axially by considering the longitudinal axis X-X ', and are symmetrical with respect to each other by considering the median plane of the applicator containing said axis. The size of the applicator bits 34, 36 remains circumscribed to the master torque of the skirt 32 in order to allow fitting by fitting of a cylindrical closing cap (not shown) on the distribution head 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing head 18 has two applicator tips. However, it is conceivable that it could also be possible to provide a greater number of tips.

Each free end 34b, 36b is delimited by an upper radial surface 35, 37 on which is provided a port 52, 54 for dispensing the cosmetic product in communication with the channels 48, 50 for routing. Each orifice 52, 54 distribution extends along a longitudinal axis YY 'parallel to the axis XX' and orthogonal to the plane defined by the front surface 35, 37 radial. In an alternative embodiment, it could of course be possible to provide the intersecting axes XX 'and YY'.

Each applicator tip 34, 36 has a protuberance 56, 58 or bulge extending axially from the front surface 35, 37 and provided to bear against the user's scalp when using the needle. The applicator 10. The protrusion 56, 58 extends transversely on the front surface 35, 37 along the orifice 52, 54 distribution. Each protrusion 56, 58 is offset radially towards the periphery of the front surface 35, 37, considering the Y-Y 'axis, relative to the orifice 52, 54 of distribution. The protuberances 56, 58 are in axial projection relative to the orifices 52, 54 of distribution. The protuberances 56, 58 may have an axial dimension of between two and five millimeters.

In other words, the applicator tips 34, 36 comprise teeth 56, 58 which are connected to the front surfaces 35, 37 and extend continuously in the transverse direction, on one side of the orifices 52, 54 distribution.

Here, the term "front surface" means the end surface axially delimiting the applicator endpieces and intended to face the user's scalp when using the applicator 10. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the front surfaces 35 and 37 extend radially by considering the Y-Y 'axis. Of course, alternatively, it could be possible to provide obliquely extending frontal surfaces or stepped surfaces.

The protuberances 56, 58 make it possible in particular to position the applicator 10 against the user's scalp and to guide the distribution head 18 during the movement of said applicator. Indeed, before the start of the application, the applicator 10 is positioned against the scalp, by means of the protuberances 56, 58. They therefore make it possible to come to bear on the scalp and to position stably distribution head 18. For this purpose, the protuberances 56, 58 may have a generally rounded shape so as not to injure the scalp of the user.

Then, the applicator 10 is moved along the area to be treated by keeping the protuberances 56, 58 in abutment against the scalp. During the displacement of the applicator 10 on the scalp and the application of the product, the protuberances 56, 58 make it possible to maintain a substantially constant spacing between the dispensing orifices 52, 54 and the scalp. This ensures a regular distribution of the product. With the applicator 10, the flow or the outlet of the product through the dispensing orifices 52, 54 is made in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the applicator 10. This promotes a good deposit of the product on scalp.

The protuberances 56, 58 also have the function of facilitating the penetration of the product after its application on the scalp of the user. Indeed, they form massage members located at the rear of the applicator 10, considering the direction of movement during use. Thus, once the product is applied to an area of the scalp and the applicator is slightly displaced, the protuberances 56, 58 massage the area in question. This promotes the penetration of the product into the scalp.

Moreover, the protuberances 56, 58 make it possible to limit an excessive deposit of product on an area of the scalp that has already been treated. Indeed, during use, they form barriers to limit the flow of product to an area located behind them, considering the displacement of the applicator 10.

To obtain the passage of the applicator 10 from a closed position as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 2 to 5 at an open position as illustrated in figure 6 the rotation head 18 is rotated relative to the mounting base 16. During this rotation, the ramp 40 of the skirt 19 cooperates with the corresponding thread 38 to obtain an axial upward movement of the dispensing head 18. This releases the distribution conduit 26 previously sealed by the stud 44, which allows a flow of product contained in the container 12 to the channels 48, 50 for routing and then to the orifices 52, 54 distribution.

Thus, one moves from an axial close position of the dispensing head 18 relative to the base 16 in which the stud 74 obstructs the distribution conduit 26 and in which the skirt 46 bears against the radial portion 22, at a distance from remote position in which the stud 44 leaves free said distribution conduit 26 and an axial space is provided between the radial portion 22 and the skirt 46. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the passage from the close position to the remote position is performed by a rotation in the trigonometric direction of about 90 °.

In order to obtain the relative angular positioning of the mounting base 16 and of the distribution head 18 in the close position and in the remote position, the skirt 19 has on its external surface, axially below the ramp 40, stops 60 and 62 ( Figures 5 to 7 ) extending radially outwards. The abutments 60 and 62, four in number, are opposed in pairs and able to abut against two diametrically opposite stops 64 corresponding formed on the inner surface of the skirt 32. In the closed position of the applicator 10, stops 60 and 64 are supported one against the other and in the closed position the stops 62, 64 are in contact.

To obtain a particularly economical applicator 10, the mounting base 16 can advantageously be made in one piece, for example by molding a synthetic material such as polypropylene (PP). Similarly, the dispensing head 18 can be obtained by molding a synthetic material, for example polyethylene (PE).

Thanks to the invention, there is an applicator to promote the penetration of the product applied to the scalp of the user while giving a good comfort of comfort during use.

Claims (15)

1. Applicator for a device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a haircare product, of the type having a container (12) for storing said product, the applicator comprising a dispensing head (18) provided with at least two applicator tips (34, 36) each having at least one product dispensing orifice (52, 54) of longitudinal axis (Y-Y') and means (56, 58) protruding axially with respect to the dispensing orifices (52, 54), said means being able to press against the scalp in order to guide the applicator and massage the scalp while said applicator is moved, the applicator also comprising a base (16) for mounting it on the neck of the container (12), characterized in that the dispensing head (18) is able to move relative to the mounting base (16) in order for it to pass from a relatively closely spaced position, in which a dispensing duct (26) in the mounting base is closed off, to a relatively distanced position in which said duct enables product to be dispensed toward the dispensing orifices (52, 54).
2. Applicator according to Claim 1, in which each massage and guiding means (56, 58) extends from an end face (35, 37) in which the associated dispensing orifice (52, 54) is formed.
3. Applicator according to Claim 1 or 2, in which each massage and guiding means (56, 58) extends alongside the associated dispensing orifice (52, 54).
4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the dispensing head (18) comprises a skirt (32) to which the applicator tips (34, 36) are connected, the space requirement of said tips being circumscribed to the main cross section of the skirt (32).
5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the mounting base (16) is separate from the dispensing head (18).
6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the dispensing head (18) is able to move relative to the mounting base (16) about a longitudinal axis (X-X') of said head.
7. Applicator according to Claim 6, in which the mounting base (16) comprises at least one ramp (40) inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (X-X') and cooperating with a complementary thread (38) of the dispensing head.
8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the mounting base (16) comprises abutments (60, 62) formed on its external surface for the relative angular positioning of the mounting base and the dispensing head in the closely spaced position and/or the distanced position.
9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the dispensing head (18) comprises a closure plug (44) able to engage in a sealing manner in the dispensing duct (26) in the closely spaced position.
10. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the mounting base (16) has an axial guide collar (28) able to engage in a sealing manner inside the neck of the container.
11. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the mounting base (16) has an annular sealing surface (30) in frictional contact with the dispensing head (18).
12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the mounting base (16) has an external skirt (19) provided with a securing means (20) for mounting on the neck of the container.
13. Use of an applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, for applying a product for preventing hair loss and/or promoting hair regrowth.
14. Use of an applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, for applying a product for veterinary use.
15. Device for packaging and dispensing a product to be applied to the scalp, in particular a haircare product, provided with a container for storing the product, having a closed end and an opposite open end forming a neck, and with an applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 mounted on the neck.

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