GB2145694A

GB2145694A - Dispenser for cosmetic fluids

Info

Publication number: GB2145694A
Application number: GB08323153A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ivo Farini; John Thomas Corden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-08-30
Filing date: 1983-08-30
Publication date: 1985-04-03
Also published as: GB8323153D0; GB2145694B

Abstract

This invention provides a device (10) for dispensing a cosmetic fluid or fluids comprising one or more reservoirs for containing the cosmetic fluid or different cosmetic fluids, a fluid release mechanism associated with each reservoir and a coin freed mechanism (14). The coin freed mechanism (14) enables operation of the fluid release mechanisms and, where a selection of cosmetic fluids are offered operation of an actuation button (26) triggers the respective fluid release mechanism so that the appropriate cosmetic fluid is issued from a respective nozzle (24). The dispenser (10) is optionally provided with indicator means (22) which indicate when a reservoir has reached its minimum operational level. A display panel enabling brand labels (28) to be interchangeably associated with respective reservoirs is also optionally provided. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Dispenser for cosmetic fluids This invention relates to a device for dispensing a cosmetic fluid or fluids.

Dispensers for cosmetic fluid are of course well known. Typical examples are pressurized perfume sprays and restricted release bottles as used for aftershave. Such known devices usually contain a relatively large quantity of fluid which usually entails a significant cost to the purchaser. In general such known devices are not carried by the consumer but are kept in one particular place such as a bedroom or bathroom. It is known for small quantity perfume dispensers to be carried by women but it is unusual for more than one such dispenser to be carried. The known devices are therefore not conveniently available to the consumer in public places or even if a small quantity dispenser is carried then a selection of products is not conveniently available in public places.

With a view to mitigating at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages the present invention provides a device for dispensing a cosmetic fluid comprising a reservoir for containing the cosmetic fluid, a fluid release mechanism for releasing a predetermined quantity of the fluid and a coin freed mechanism, the coin freed mechanism being arranged to enable operation ofthefluid release mechanism when a predetermined quantity of money has been inserted therein.

Preferably, the device is capable of dispensing a plurality of different cosmetic fluids and the device includes a plurality of reservoirs each containing a different cosmetic fluid, a plurality offluid release mechanisms each associated with a respective reservoir and a plurality of actuating means each associated with a respective fluid release mechanism. The device is arranged such that the coin feed mechanism enables all of the fluid release mechanism and actuation of one of the actuating means operates the respective fluid release mechanism and resets the coin freed mechanism.

The present invention provides a device which is particularly suitable for installation in common or public access areas such a toilet facilities, changing rooms and the like. The invention is considered to be particularly suitable for use in hotels. The device of this invention enables small quantities of cosmetic fluid to be readily available without the disadvantage of the product being carried by the consumer and preferably with the advantage of offering a range of products. A consumer will nearly always have money about their person with which to operate the present device and this can be convenient even for those in the habit of carrying a small quantity of cosmetic fluid with them.Such people may occasionally forget to carry their cosmetic fluid with them, they may wish to choose a different varity of cosmetic fluid or they may only wish to purchase a single application quantity of cosmetic fluid. Even the small quantity dispensers often carried by women hold sufficient quantity for many applications and particularly with certain brands of product this can be expensive.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying single Figure of drawings which shows a perspective view of a multi product cosmetic fluid dispenser.

Referring to the drawing there is shown a multi product cosmetic fluid dispenser 10. The dispenser 10 comprises a cabinet 12 which may be wall mounted. The dispenser 10 has a conventional coin freed mechanism 14 which has a coin slot 16, an instruction panel 18 and a coin return 20. A number of transparent containers are housed within the cabinet 12 and the appropriate number of windows 22 are provided in the front of the cabinet 12. The windows 22 enable the level of cosmetic fluid within the containers to be viewed and thus provides an indication of whether or not sufficient fluid remains for successful operation of the dispenser. This may be aided by appropriate markings on the windows 22 or on the containers within the cabinet 12. More sophisticated level indicators are viable.

Associated with each of the containers is a fluid release mechansim. The outlets of the fluid release mechanisms are provided with appropriate spray nozzles and covers 24 which project from the front of the cabinet 12. Each nozzle and cover 24 is situated directly above the appropriate window 22 and above each nozzle and cover 24 is an associated actuator button 26. Vertically between each actuator button 26 and its associated nozzle 24 is a display panel 28 which carries a brand label for the cosmetic fluid in the container behind the associated window 22. The cost per dispensed unit for each cosmetic fluid is marked in a convenient position such as on the front of the actuator button 26.

The front of the cabinet 12 is pivotally attached to the remainder of the cabinet and is secured in position by locks 30. This enables ready access for authorised personal for the purposes of refilling the containers, emptying the cash box associated with the coin freed mechanism 14 or repair should any malfunction occur. The dispenser 10 may incorporate additional security devices as appropriate.

Upon insertion of the correct quantity of cash into the coin freed mechanism 14 an enabled signal is produced and transferred to solenoids associated with valve actuators of the fluid release mechanisms, in a conventional manner. Subsequent actuation of one of the buttons 26 causes the respective fluid release mechanism to be triggered so that an application of cosmetic fluid is dispelled through the respective nozzle 24. The enable signal from the coin freed mechanism is then reset. The enable signal may have different levels so as to deal with different prices for different cosmetic fluids.

In particular it is envisaged that the cosmetic fluid will be a perfume or aftershave.

The dispenser 10 can be powered from an internal battery or may be connected to the mains supply.

References to a coin freed mechanism also include mechanisms which can be operated using bank notes in addition to those which are operated using actual coins.

An embodiment and modification of a dispenser has been described above. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the apended claims.

Claims

1. Adevicefordispensing a cosmeticfluid comprising a reservoir for containing the cosmetic fluid, a fluid release mechanism for releasing a predetermined quantity of the fluid and a coin free mechanism, the coin freed mechanism being arranged to enable operation of the fluid release mechanism when a predetermined quantity of money has been inserted therein.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 for dispensing a plurality of cosmetic fluids, comprising a plurality of reservoirs each containing a different cosmetic fluid, a plurality of fluid release mechanisms each associated with a respective reservoir and a plurality of actuator means for actuating a respective fluid release mechanism subsequent to the fluid release mechanism being enabled by the coin freed mechanism.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising indicator means for indicating when a reservoir has reached its minimum operational level.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the indicator means includes a transparent portion of each reservoir.

5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the each or each release mechanism includes a spray nozzle.

6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim comprising display means enabling a brand label to be interchangeably associated with the or each reservoir.

7. A device for dispensing a cosmetic fluid or fluids substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.