EP3411311A1

EP3411311A1 - Cap of cosmetic products dispenser, with associated dispenser and distribution process

Info

Publication number: EP3411311A1
Application number: EP17702645.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Cécile EURIPPINI; Laurie SAVOYEN
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2016-02-05
Filing date: 2017-02-03
Publication date: 2018-12-12
Also published as: WO2017134270A9; WO2017134270A1; FR3047425A1; FR3047425B1

Abstract

The cap (24) includes:- a cap body (26); - a dispensing tip (40); - at least two dispensing conduits (42), each being suitable for fluidically connecting at least one dispensing member (22) of a cosmetic product reservoir (12, 14) to the dispensing tip (40); - an actuation element (28) suitable for being actuated by a user, articulated on the cap body (26) by means of a first hinge (34), about a first axis (B-B'); - a transmission element (30), articulated on the cap body (26) by means of a second hinge (38), about a second axis (A-A'), the transmission element (30) being suitable for being pushed by the actuation element (28) in order to move the or each dispensing member (22) of the cosmetic product reservoir (14, 16) between a closed state and an open state; The actuation element (28) is configured so as to come into contact with the transmission element (30) at the level of a single contact zone situated between the dispensing conduits (42), said contact zone having, when projected perpendicularly along the second axis (A-A'), a quasi-punctual nature.

Description

Cap of cosmetic products dispenser, with associated dispenser and distribution process

The present invention relates to a cosmetic product dispenser cap, comprising the following elements:

- a cap body;

- a dispensing tip;

- at least two dispensing conduits, each being suitable for fluidically connecting at least one dispensing member of a cosmetic product reservoir to the dispensing tip;

- an actuation element suitable for being actuated by a user, articulated on the cap body by means of a first hinge, about a first axis;

- a transmission element, articulated on the cap body by means of a second hinge, about a second axis, the transmission element being suitable for being pushed by the actuation element in order to move the or each dispensing member of the cosmetic product reservoir between a closed state and an open state.

This cap is intended to be mounted on a receptacle containing at least two cosmetic products intended to be mixed. The receptacle, equipped with the cap thereof, forms a device for packaging and dispensing the cosmetic composition.

A cosmetic product is in particular a product as defined in EC Regulation N° 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and the Council of November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

The aforementioned dispensing cap can be used in particular to form a cosmetic composition from two different products, that react together and which cannot be stored in contact with one another, but which must be mixed just before use.

This is the case in particular for oxidation dyes for hair. In this type of compositions, the oxidant and the coloring agent must be stored separately and are mixed only at the time of application of the dyeing composition on the hair.

Oxidation dyes are sometimes marketed in a packaging containing a bottle filled with oxidant, a tube filled with a coloring paste, and a light tray made from a thermoformed plastic material, wherein the oxidant and the coloring agent are mixed. This mixture is then applied on the hair using a brush, lock by lock.

Such a method of packaging only allows very approximate control of the relative quantities of coloring agent and oxidant introduced into the mixture, which may modify the hair color obtained or reduce the coloring effectiveness. The coloring effectiveness is optimal for a precise value of the ratio between the quantities of oxidant and coloring agent mixed, generally, but not necessarily, one for one. Other methods of packaging and delivery of cosmetic compositions exist, in particular in the form of aerosols which are much more practical to use. In particular, there are dispensing caps that comprise a device that allows for the simultaneous actuating of the two stems of the aerosol, either with a single aerosol and two bags of products (such as for example in EP2597055 and EP2657151 ), or with two aerosols maintained together (FR2875797). The products can be mixed in the cap and the mixture is output via a dispensing tip.

The actuation device of such a cap is generally a button that the user presses, and the load distribution between the two stems of the aerosol is not always equal when the pressing is not perfectly orthogonal to the button. The actuation of the two stems of the aerosol is then not symmetrical and the ratio of the quantities of oxidant and coloring agent is not constant from one use to another, which gives rise to the problems cited above.

One aim of the invention is that of obtaining a cap of a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device which is suitable for simply forming and delivering a cosmetic composition formed from two cosmetic products, with an optimal and reproducible quality.

To this end, the invention relates to a cap of the type cited above, characterized in that the actuation element is configured so as to come into contact with the transmission element at the level of a single contact zone situated between the dispensing conduits, said contact zone having, when projected perpendicularly along the second axis, a quasi- punctual nature.

The cap according to the invention can include one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any combination that is technically possible:

- the dispensing conduits are borne by the transmission element;

- the first axis and the second axis are substantially parallel with one another;

- the contact zone is situated on a median axis of the dispensing conduits;

- the contact zone is offset to the side away from a median axis of the dispensing conduits;

- the dispensing conduits are longitudinally spaced along an axis perpendicular to the second axis;

- the transmission element includes a rear protuberance projecting along an axis perpendicular to the second axis, the quasi-punctual contact zone between the transmission element and the actuation element being situated on the rear protuberance;

- the transmission element exhibits a rib on a face oriented toward the actuation element, on which the quasi-punctual contact zone is formed with the actuation element; - the actuation element has a linear protrusion on an internal face, advantageously perpendicular to the first axis, the rib being positioned so as to come into contact with the linear protrusion of the actuation element when the user presses on the actuation element, the contact zone between the linear protrusion and the rib being quasi-punctual in an orthogonal projection along the second axis;

- the rib of the transmission element extends along an axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis;

- the rib of the transmission element exhibits a cross-section converging toward a vertex whereon the quasi-punctual contact zone is formed, advantageously a semicircular or triangular cross-section ; and

- each dispensing conduit defines at least one orifice for receiving a dispensing member, the reception orifice being situated between the quasi-punctual contact zone with the actuation element and the second hinge.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic product packaging device comprising: - at least two cosmetic product reservoirs, each including a cosmetic product dispensing member;

- a cap according to any one of the previous alternative embodiments;

the product dispensing members being each fluidically connected to a dispensing conduit of the cosmetic product dispensing device cap.

The device according to the invention may have the following feature:

- each product dispensing member is suitable for moving exclusively in translation along the axis of the reservoir of cosmetic product upon movement of the actuation element.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic product dispensing method including the following steps:

- supply of a cosmetic product dispensing device according to any one of the previous alternative embodiments,

- pressing on the actuation element of the cosmetic product dispensing device;

- contact along a quasi-punctual contact zone between the actuation element and the transmission element to move the dispensing members of the cosmetic product reservoirs;

- flow of at least two cosmetic products from the reservoirs via the dispensing conduits, and dispensing of a cosmetic composition via the dispensing tip.

The method according to the invention may comprise the following feature:

- the ratio between the dispensed volumes of the different cosmetic products is constant regardless of the pressing angle on the actuation element. The invention will be easier to understand in view of the following description, provided solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

- figure 1 is a schematic front view of a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention;

- figure 2 is a schematic side view of a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device according to the invention;

- figure 3 is a rear view of the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device cap according to the invention, wherein the actuation element is raised.

A first device 10 for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic composition obtained by mixing a first cosmetic product and a second cosmetic product is shown in figures 1 to 3.

The cosmetic composition is for example a composition for coloring keratin fibers of a user, in particular the hair of a user.

In this case, the cosmetic composition is produced using a first cosmetic coloring product and a second oxidizing cosmetic product. The first cosmetic product and the second cosmetic product are stored separately in the device 10.

The first cosmetic product comprises for example an alkaline agent. The alkaline agent is for example mineral such as ammonia, organic, such as an organic amine or hybrid such as an amine salt. It advantageously comprises at least one coloring agent such as an oxidation dye precursor, a direct coloring agent or mixtures thereof. It may contain at least one anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant.

The second cosmetic product contains at least one oxidizing agent, different from the oxygen in the air, such as hydrogen peroxide. It comprises at least one fat. The term "fat" refers to an organic compound insoluble in water at ordinary temperature (25°C) and at atmospheric pressure (760 mm of Hg) (solubility less than 5% and preferably 1 % and even more preferably 0.1 %). The fats are chosen for example from hydrocarbons, oils, fatty alcohols, esters of fatty acid and/or of fatty alcohols different from triglycerides and plant waxes, non-silicone waxes, silicones, and mixtures thereof.

It may contain at least one anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactant.

In order to form the cosmetic composition, the first cosmetic product and the second cosmetic product are mixed in the device 10 which dispenses the cosmetic product formed as such.

As illustrated by figure 1 , the device 10 includes a receptacle 16, a band 20 mounted on the receptacle 16 and a dispensing cap 24 according to the invention mounted around the band 20. The receptacle 16 includes a first reservoir 12 and a second reservoir 14 which contain the first cosmetic product and the second cosmetic product, respectively.

The first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14 are situated in an interior volume of the receptacle 16 which also contains a pressurized propellant gas, in the space external to the two reservoirs 12, 14. Alternatively, the propellant gas is contained inside each reservoir 12, 14.

Though illustrated with aerosol device type reservoirs, it is important to mention that the present invention is applicable to pump type devices, and more generally to devices comprising dispensing members delivering a quantity of product that can vary according to the travel of said dispensing member.

This is the case in particular of aerosol devices and pumps where the quantity of product delivered (flow rate) is dependent on the degree of engagement of the dispensing valve control rod.

The receptacle 16 has a neck 18, about which the band 20 is mounted.

Each reservoir 12, 14 is equipped at the top end thereof with a product dispensing member 22, opening onto the top face of the band 20. The dispensing member 22 is herein a rod movable in axial translation, controlling the opening of a valve. Preferably, the rod is only movable in axial translation. The dispensing member 22 is suitable for being maneuvered between a closed state and an open state. It changes from the closed state to the open state by a movement along the axis of translation of the movable rod, toward the reservoir 12, 14, which allows the dispensing of cosmetic product from inside the reservoir 12, 14 to the outside.

The two dispensing members 22 are generally identical, so as to deliver the same quantity of the first cosmetic product and the second cosmetic product when they are moved equally. Alternatively, they have different delivered flow rate characteristics, for example different internal diameters, in order to deliver different quantities of the first cosmetic product and the second cosmetic product when they are moved equally. This is particularly useful for cases where the cosmetic composition sought is not a mixture of equal parts of both products, but with a precise proportion of each of the two products.

With reference to figure 1 , the dispensing cap 24 is attached to the band 20.

As described in figure 2, the cap 24 comprises a cap body 26 attached to the band 20, an actuation element 28, suitable for being actuated by the user to trigger the preparation and dispensing of the product, a transmission element 30, suitable for transferring the movement of the actuation element 28 to the dispensing members 22, along with a dispensing tip 40, and two dispensing conduits 42, opening into the dispensing tip 40. In this example, the cap 24 also comprises a mixer 32 suitable for mixing the first cosmetic product and the second cosmetic product, and dispensing the cosmetic composition obtained.

The cap body 26 has a general shape revolving about a cap axis X-X', shown vertically in figure 2.

The actuation element 28 and the transmission element 30 are each articulated on the cap body 26 in the manner of levers.

The cap body 26 defines a front passage opening of the dispensing tip 40 and a rear passage opening 31 of the actuation element 28.

The rear opening 31 is defined laterally by two vertical flat sections 33 for guiding the actuation element 28.

The actuation element 28 is articulated on the cap body 26 via a first hinge 34 about a first axis B-B', horizontal on figure 1 . It has an external face suitable for receiving pressure from a user's finger in order to the move the actuation member inwardly with respect to the cap body 26.

The actuation element 28 includes two lateral faces 35 suitable for engaging with the vertical flat guiding section 33, in order to be held in position with respect to the cap body 26 upon the rotation thereof. It includes two locking stops 37 preventing the removal of the actuation element 28 out of the rear opening 31 .

The actuation element 28 is thus suitable for being pushed by rotation about the axis B-B' toward the inside of the cap 24 from a resting position to a product dispensing position.

The actuation element 28 further has a linear protrusion 36 on an internal face, extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis B-B'.

With reference to figures 2 and 3, the transmission element 30 is articulated on the cap body 26 via a second hinge 38 about a second axis A-A'. It extends along a median longitudinal axis C-C between the dispensing conduits 42. It includes a base 39 bearing the dispensing tip 40 and the two dispensing conduits 42, along with a rear protuberance 44.

The two axes B-B' and A-A' associated with the first hinge 34 and with the second hinge 38 respectively are parallel with one another. They are situated on either side of a median plane P of the cap 24 and parallel with the axis A-A' and the axis B-B', via the cap axis X-X'.

The dispensing tip 40 is substantially rectilinear and orthogonal to the axis A-A'. It protrudes partially out of the cap body 26 to receive the mixer 32. The dispensing tip 40 has a bottom face 41 connected to the second hinge 38. Advantageously, the mixer 32 is engaged removably in the dispensing tip 40, and makes it possible to deliver a homogeneous mixture of the first and second cosmetic products. Alternatively, the mixer is formed integrally in the tip.

The dispensing conduits 42 each open into the dispensing tip 40 by a downstream end. They have an upstream end defining a reception orifice receiving the dispensing member 22 of one of the reservoirs 14, 16. The two reception orifices of the dispensing members are situated at the level of the base 39 between the second hinge 38 and the rear protuberance 44, on either side of the median longitudinal axis C-C of the transmission element 30. In this example, the axis C-C is also a median axis of the dispensing conduits 42.

The rear protuberance 44 extends the base 39 of the transmission element 30 in the opposite direction of the dispensing tip 40. It extends perpendicularly to the axis A-A' along the median longitudinal axis C-C, and projects toward the actuation element 28.

The rear protuberance 44 is suitable for being pushed by the actuation element 28 upon the user pressing the actuation element 28, and thus suitable for moving the dispensing members axially 22 via the dispensing conduits 42.

The rear protuberance 44 has a rib 46 on a top face oriented toward the actuation element, extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis A-A'. The rib 46 is positioned so as to come into contact with the linear protrusion 36 of the actuation element 28 when the user presses on the actuation element 28.

As such, the contact zone between the linear protrusion 36 and the rib 46 is quasi- punctual in an orthogonal projection along the axis of rotation A-A'.

Consequently, the push of the actuation element 28 on the transmission element 30 is concentrated on a contact zone having a width, measured in an orthogonal projection along the axis of rotation A-A', less than 1 .5 mm or less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm or even 0.2 mm, between the linear protrusion 36 and the rib 46.

In this instance, the rib 46 has a cross-section converging toward a vertex, for example a semicircular or triangular cross-section. The cross-section has a base extending over a width less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, in this instance of approximately 1 .2 mm and the vertex at the level whereof the contact zone is formed.

The torsion-free rotational guidance of the actuation element 28 is provided by the engagement between the flat sections 33 of the cap body and the lateral faces 35 of the actuation element 28 maintaining at all times the contact of the linear protrusion 36 on the rib 46.

The push on the transmission element 30 is performed exclusively along the longitudinal axis C-C, which guarantees an actuation force of the dispensing members which is very symmetrical on either side of the longitudinal axis C-C and very reproducible.

The assembly of the device 10 shall now be briefly described.

Initially, the first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14 are filled respectively with the first cosmetic product and with the second cosmetic product in the receptacle 16. The cap 24 is placed on the assembly band 20 which is then assembled on the neck 18.

During assembly, the dispensing conduits 42 are connected to the respective dispensing members 22 of the first reservoir 12 and the second reservoir 14 by inserting each dispensing member 22 at the upstream end of a dispensing conduit 42.

The mixer 28 is provided separately and is inserted into the dispensing tip 40.

The use of the device 10 shall now be described.

Initially, the user holds the receptacle 16 and presses on the actuation element 28. The lever movement of the actuation element 28 about the axis B-B' causes contact between the linear protrusion 36 situated below the actuation element 28 and the rib 46 situated on the protuberance 44 of the transmission element 30.

This quasi-punctual contact pushes the transmission element 30 rotationally. The lever movement of the transmission element 30 is then transmitted to the dispensing members 22 which are moved exclusively in translation. The contact being quasi-punctual between the protrusion 36 and the rib 46, the pressing of the actuation element 28 on the transmission element 30 is balanced and reproducible. As such, the actuation force applied to the dispensing members 22 is substantially equal.

This causes the simultaneous dispensing of the first cosmetic product from the first reservoir 12 and of the second cosmetic product from the second reservoir 14, in relative proportions that do not vary regardless of the angle of rotation of the actuation element 28.

The first cosmetic product and the second cosmetic product rise via the dispensing conduits 42 into the dispensing tip 40, and enter the mixer 32, the geometry whereof makes it possible to obtain a homogeneous mixture during flow.

Such a device guarantees homogeneous pressing on the dispensing members 22 regardless of the angle of rotation of the actuation element 28 and always obtaining a mixture of the two cosmetic products in the desired proportions. As such, a cosmetic composition having the sought properties is delivered.

In one alternative embodiment (not shown), the quasi-punctual contact zone is offset to the side away from the median axis of the dispensing conduits 42 formed herein by the median longitudinal axis C-C of the transmission element 30. This makes it possible to dispense products with a flow rate ratio other than 1 for 1 . In one alternative embodiment, the dispensing members 22 and the corresponding dispensing conduits 42 are spaced longitudinally along the longitudinal axis C-C of the transmission element 30. They are actuated by the transmission element with different lever arms.

In one alternative embodiment, the linear protrusion 36 has a cross-section converging toward a vertex, for example a semicircular or triangular cross-section. The cross-section has a base extending over a width less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, in this instance of approximately 1 .2 mm and the vertex at the level whereof the contact zone is formed.

Claims

1 . A cosmetic product dispensing device cap (24), comprising:

- a cap body (26);

- a dispensing tip (40);

- at least two dispensing conduits (42), each being suitable for fluidically connecting at least one dispensing member (22) of a cosmetic product reservoir (12, 14) to the dispensing tip (40);

- an actuation element (28) suitable for being actuated by a user, articulated on the cap body (26) by means of a first hinge (34), about a first axis (B-B');

- a transmission element (30), articulated on the cap body (26) by means of a second hinge (38), about a second axis (Α-Α'), the transmission element (30) being suitable for being pushed by the actuation element (28) in order to move the or each dispensing member (22) of the cosmetic product reservoir (14, 16) between a closed state and an open state;

characterized in that the actuation element (28) is configured so as to come into contact with the transmission element (30) at the level of a single contact zone situated between the dispensing conduits (42), said contact zone having, when projected perpendicularly along the second axis (Α-Α'), a quasi-punctual nature.

2. The cap (24) according to claim 1 , wherein the contact zone is situated on a median axis of the dispensing conduits (42).

3. The cap (24) according to claim 1 , wherein the contact zone is offset to the side away from a median axis of the dispensing conduits (42).

4. The cap (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing conduits (42) are spaced longitudinally along an axis (C-C) perpendicular to the second axis (Α-Α').

5. The cap (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission element (30) includes a rear protuberance (44) projecting along an axis (C- C) perpendicular to the second axis (Α-Α'), the quasi-punctual contact zone between the transmission element (28) and the actuation element (30) being situated on the rear protuberance (44).

6. The cap (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission element (30) has a rib (46) on a face oriented toward the actuation element (28), whereon the quasi-punctual contact zone with the actuation element (28) is formed.

7. The cap (24) according to claim 6, wherein the rib (46) of the transmission element (30) extends along an axis (C-C) substantially perpendicular to the second axis (Α-Α').

8. The cap (24) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the rib (46) of the transmission element (30) exhibits a cross-section converging toward a vertex whereon the quasi-punctual contact zone is formed, advantageously a semicircular or triangular cross-section.

9. The cap (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each dispensing conduit (42) defines at least one orifice for receiving a dispensing member

(22), the reception orifice being situated between the quasi-punctual contact zone with the actuation element (28) and the second hinge (38).

10. The cap (24) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hinge (34) and the second hinge (38) are situated on either side of the median plane of the cosmetic product dispensing cap (24) parallel with the first axis (Β-Β') and with the second (Α-Α') axis.

1 1 . A device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product, comprising: - at least two cosmetic product reservoirs (12, 14), each including a cosmetic product dispensing member (22);

- a cap (24) according to any one of the preceding claims;

the product dispensing members (22) being each fluidically connected to a dispensing conduit (42) of the cosmetic product dispensing device cap (24).

12. The device according to claim 1 1 , wherein each product dispensing member (22) is suitable for moving exclusively in translation along the axis of the reservoir (12, 14) of cosmetic product upon movement of the actuation element (28).

13. A cosmetic product dispensing method including the following steps: - supply of a cosmetic product dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 1 to 12,

- pressing on the actuation element (28) of the cosmetic product dispensing device

(10);

- contact along a quasi-punctual contact zone between the actuation element (28) and the transmission element (30) to move the dispensing members (22) of the cosmetic product reservoirs (12, 14);

- flow of at least two cosmetic products from the reservoirs (12, 14) via the dispensing conduits (42), and dispensing of a cosmetic composition via the dispensing tip (40).

14. The cosmetic product dispensing method according to claim 13, wherein the ratio between the dispensed volumes of the different cosmetic products is constant regardless of the pressing angle on the actuation element (28).