KR20100125191A - A device having a tactile effect - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An apparatus with touch effects is provided to contain a makeup or care product composition. CONSTITUTION: An apparatus with touch effects includes first parts(2), second parts(10), and tabs(16). The second part is suitable for rotation of the first part. A part of tabs is elastically transformable and is formed in a thickness of the tube-shaped skirt.

Description

A device with a tactile effect {A DEVICE HAVING A TACTILE EFFECT}

The present invention relates to a container and an application device, and more particularly to a device used in cosmetics.

For example, this may be a device comprising a makeup or care product composition.

The production of mascara packaging containers and application devices with protrusions at the base of the neck of the container and with teeth at the closure cap is known, and the consumer has confirmed that the container is closed. To produce a tactile feel, the teeth can be deformed while moving over the protrusions.

It has been shown that when the plastic container continues to open and close several times, it tends to wear away and deform, resulting in a decrease in the strength of the touch or even unrecognizable.

To compensate for wear of the teeth, the solution of increasing the size of the teeth is not entirely satisfactory, since it increases the force exerted when opening and closing the container and can be perceived negatively by the consumer.

This creates a hard point when opening or closing a screw-fastened container and, more generally, tactile to a packaging, dispenser or application device in which one part can rotate relative to the other. There is a need to further improve the device capable of generating.

Devices with tactile effects are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,992,656, European Patent 0 732 271, and French Patent 2 646 066. French Patent Application No. 2 697 506 describes a locking device for locking a cap that is screw-fastened to a container.

In one of the embodiments, the invention comprises a first portion; And a second portion adapted to rotate about the first portion about an axis of rotation, wherein one of the portions includes an elastically deformable tab and the other portion includes a protrusion. Rotating the second portion relative to the first portion causes the tab to move over the protrusion due to the curvature with the component parallel to the axis of rotation, and the tab and the protrusion so that the movement over the protrusion creates a sensation suitable for the user to sense. Are co-located with each other.

The term "bend component" is in any direction, and it should be understood that at least a portion of the flexible tab moves in that direction.

The flexible tab of the present invention is different from the tab for preventing any manipulation, and can be bent switchably without damage, as well as when using the device for the first time.

By using the flexible tab in the present invention, it is possible to avoid the conventional problems such as the wear of the teeth and the deformation of the plastic material, and to obtain the benefits for a long time with the creation of a satisfactory touch without great difficulty in rotating the other part with respect to one part.

By way of example, during the lifetime of the device, it is possible to obtain a substantially constant hermetic torque.

The flexible tab may have a free end, or in a variant it may be connected to the part carrying the flexible tab at both ends, in which case it may for example have an intermediate part which moves while the tab is bent, the movement being a rotation axis Has components parallel to. Movement can only occur if it is parallel to the axis of rotation.

The length of the tab can be greater than or equal to 0.3 mm, for example.

In addition, the portion carrying the flexible tab may include an end-of-turning-stroke abutment that can be supported by the protrusion. The protrusion may provide an inclined surface on which the tab is supported while in contact with the pedestal. This may keep the second portion in a predetermined position at the end of the rotational stroke.

The first part may belong to or be constituted by the container, and the second part may belong to or be constituted by the sealing member of the container and may be a part involving the flexible tab.

For example, the second portion may be disposed screw-fastly to the first portion. Thus, the second portion may comprise a threaded skirt disposed screw-fastly to the threaded neck of the container. By way of example, the tab may be formed over a mounting skirt of the closure cap, for example a mounting skirt with internal threads, and the protrusions may be formed at the base of the neck of the container in which the mounting skirt is screw-fastened.

In addition, the second portion may constitute or belong to a push-button actuated by the user to act on a pump or valve of the aerosol flask, for example, a pushbutton that is axially movable relative to the first portion as well as rotationally movable. Can be.

By way of example, it is movable between a first position to activate a push-button to dispense a composition and a second position to prevent such dispensing. If the push-button is not in the first position, the protrusion can prevent the push-button from operating. The push-button may include a notch to receive the protrusion and to actuate when the push-button is in the first position. The second portion may include a rotationally actuated end pedestal adjacent the notch.

The push-button is combined with two corresponding protrusions in accordance with the invention in order to produce a first tactile sensation when reaching a position enabling operation and a second tactile sensation when reaching a position which prevents dispensing. It may include two flexible tabs.

Also, the second portion is movable relative to the first portion between the dispensing position and the closed position, in which the passageway through which the composition can be dispensed is opened and in the closed position the passageway is closed by the second portion.

By way of example, when in the dispensing position, the second portion may comprise a hole facing the feed channel for feeding the composition from the first portion. In the closed position, the second portion can close the channel. The second portion may comprise two flexible tabs each engaged with the closed and dispensing positions. Thus, one of the flexible tabs produces a tactile feel when reaching the closed position and the other produces a tactile feel when reaching the dispensing position.

In either embodiment, at rest, each of the flexible tabs can be inclined toward another portion.

Each flexible tab may be formed in the thickness of the tubular skirt of the corresponding part, for example the second part, for example in the range of 0.4 millimeter (mm) to 2 mm. That is, the flexible tab can have two opposing faces that are cylindrical and coaxial. The tubular skirt can form a gripping surface that allows its rotation.

The tubular skirt can directly or indirectly support the application member, for example a bag carrying a mascara brush. In some embodiments, the bag may be molded integrally with the tubular skirt.

The tubular skirt can be inserted into the outer cap, which forms a gripping surface that can be manipulated by the user.

The tubular skirt may have two flexible tabs located opposite each other in the radial direction. The two tabs may be symmetrical with one another about an axis of rotation.

While moving over the protrusion, the clearance of the flexible tab can be greater than 0.1 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, for example.

The flexible tab may or may not have a bead at the free end.

The height of the protrusions may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

The flexible tab (s) can be molded integrally with the tubular skirt from the same material.

The protrusion may be molded integrally with the neck of the container.

The invention may be better understood with reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a side view of the apparatus constituting the first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
3 is a side view showing a separate container of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2;
4 is a perspective view showing the container of FIG. 3 being separated;
FIG. 5 is a partial schematic view showing a separate application apparatus of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.
6 and 7 are views similar to FIG. 5 showing modified embodiments of the application apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a partial schematic view showing a separate application apparatus of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.
9 is a perspective view showing a variant embodiment of the device according to the invention.
10 shows the device of FIG. 9 after a push-button is activated.
11 and 12 are side views corresponding to FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively.
13 is a perspective view of a device constituting another embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 shows the device of FIG. 13 in a closed position. FIG.
FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 14 with a longitudinal cross section of the device in the closed position; FIG.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 17.
19 shows a modified embodiment of the flexible tab.

The packaging container and dispensing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a container 2 and an application device 3 which can be removably fixed to the container 2.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the container 2 may have a main body 5 and, for example, a neck 6 with threads formed on the outside. The container 2 may comprise a shoulder 7 at the base of the neck 6, from which the protrusion 8 may protrude from the shoulder 7.

In an embodiment, the container 2 provides an elongate shape along the longitudinal axis X and can be formed by injection-molding or blow-molding among the possible techniques. Thus, the protrusion 8 can be molded integrally with the neck 6 from the same material.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the applicator 3 may comprise a closure cap 10, and a stem 11 carrying an applicator 12, such as a mascara brush, The application member 12 may be of any kind, for example, a flocked endpiece, a nail varnish brush, or an endpiece holding the composition by capillary action.

The bag 11 is molded integrally with the sealing cap 10 from a thermoplastic material, or first molded in the inner cap, and then in the outer cap, the inner cap forming a gripping surface which allows the application device 3 to rotate. It may be prepared in the form of being inserted.

As shown, when the applicator 3 is screw-fastened to the container 2, the cap 10 may comprise a tubular skirt 14 arranged to at least partially cover the neck 6.

The skirt 14 may be formed with internal threads, or may support internal caps with such internal threads.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, the skirt 14 can have two flexible tabs 16 which are opposite to each other in the radial direction, and likewise two projections 17 which are opposite to each other in the radial direction. Each projection 17 provides a straight flank 18 parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the applicator 3. In a variant, the skirt 14 has only one flexible tab 16 and one protrusion 17.

By way of example, the skirt 14 has two flexible tabs 16 and two protrusions 17 when it is not necessary to position them with respect to the container 2.

In certain embodiments, the number of protrusions 8 is equal to the number of protrusions 17 and flexible tabs 16.

When the application device 3 is fixed to the container 2, the axes X and Y coincide. Each tab 16 and each projection 17 protrudes downward with respect to the corner 20 of the applicator 3, the corner 20 extending between the tab 16 and the projection 17, eg For example, it is circular in the plane perpendicular to the Y axis.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 8, each tab 16 extends obliquely with a small downward slope when the applicator 3 is observed and held perpendicular to the bottom applicator 12.

By way of example, each tab 16 protrudes downward with respect to the edge 20 by a distance greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, for example a distance d in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

The projection 17 protrudes by a distance greater than the distance d, ie a distance greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, for example a distance h in the range from 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

The width w of the slot 25 located above the tab 16 is greater than or equal to 0.4 mm, for example in the range of 0.4 mm to 2 mm.

By way of example, when the applicator 3 is observed to be held perpendicular to the applicator 12 at the bottom, the free end 24 of the tab 16 is inclined upwardly toward the projection 17.

The tab 16 is formed to the thickness of the skirt 14, ie the circular dimension of the tab 16 can be the same as the circular dimension of the skirt 14 outside of the tab 16.

The width w of the slot 25 is sufficient to resiliently move the tab 16 so that the tab 16 moves over the protrusion 8 while the application device 3 is open or closed.

The protrusion 8 is formed with an inclined flank 30 on one side and a vertical flank 31 on the opposite side, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where the application device 3 is completely closed. At this time, the vertical flank 31 is in contact with the vertical flank 18 of the projection 17.

Thus, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the free end 24 of the tab 16 can be supported by the inclined flank 30. In a variant, when the application device 3 is fully closed, the tab 16 does not contact the protrusion 8.

When opened, the warp of the warp flank 30 facilitates lifting the tab 16 up.

When closed, the tab 16 moves over the protrusion 8 such that the movement of the tab over the protrusion 8 just before the flank 18 contacts the flank 31 creates a tactile sensation that the user can feel.

6 shows a variant embodiment in which the slot 25 is shorter, ie the length z is less than or equal to 1 mm, for example in the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

By comparison, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, for example, the length z is greater than 1 mm, for example 2 mm.

7 shows the possibility of forming a tab 16 with no free ends, for example a tab 16 with two ends 34 connected to a skirt 14.

By way of example, the tab 16 provides a downward arch shape, and the cavity 25 located above the tab 16 is positioned so that the tab 16 moves over the protrusion 8 while the applicator 3 is closed. ) Is elastically upwardly deformed.

The present invention is not limited to a suitable applicator device that is screw-fastened to the container, and by way of example, FIGS. 9-12 show a variant embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a push-button.

The figures show a packaging and dispensing device 1 comprising a push button 40 movable relative to a container 2, for example a pump flask or an aerosol flask. The push-button 40 may have a tubular skirt 42 carrying a dispensing endpiece 43, which may be in communication with, for example, a bag of pumps or valves.

The push-button 40 may rotate about the X axis between the dispensing position and the locking position that prevents dispensing.

The skirt 42 includes a notch 44 and, as shown in FIG. 10, when the push-button 40 is pressed by moving along the X axis, a pump (or valve) is operated to dispense the composition. 2) has a projection 45 that can be engaged in the notch 44.

In addition, the push-button 40 may include a protrusion serving as an abutment 17, at least one first flexible tab 16 coupled with the slot 25, and a second flexible coupled with the slot 47. With a tab 46. The dimensions of the tabs and slots may be the same as the embodiment of FIG. 1.

9 to 12, when observing the device with the push-button 40 on top, the flexible tabs 16, 46 extend obliquely downward and on each other on both sides of the pedestal 17. Extend in the circumferential direction.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 11, when the push-button 40 is in the non-locked position, the protrusions 45 are inclined flanks 48 where the ends of the tabs 16 are supported or accessible. The pedestal 17 is supported on the flank 49 of the protrusion 45 to enable dispensing.

In order to turn the push-button 40 from the dispensing position shown in FIG. 11 to the locked position, when the user rotates the push-button 40 about the X axis, the flexible tab 16 moves over the protrusion 45. To create a tactile touch to the user. While the rotational movement continues, after the tab 46 passes over the protrusion 45, the protrusion 45 may contact the vertical flank 50 opposite the protrusion 17 of the push-button 40, which is a user It is accompanied by a perceptible touch.

By the edge of the skirt 42 in contact with the protrusion 45 in the locked position, the push-button 40 is prevented from being pressed more than one stroke along the X axis sufficient for the composition to be dispensed. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-12, the protrusion 45 can perform two functions, firstly, blocking the push-button 40, and secondly, generating a tactile feel.

In the variant embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 18, the device 1 comprises a container 2 with a dispenser head 60 adapted to rotate about the X axis with respect to the container 2.

The dispenser head 60 includes a dispenser orifice 61, by way of example the dispenser orifice 61 is formed as a hole in the tubular skirt 62 of the dispenser head 60.

The dispenser head 60 may include an inner portion 64 provided with a supply channel 65 for supplying the composition, and the skirt 62 may be orifice 61, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. ) Is a dispensing position that allows composition dispensing in line with channel 65 and a closed position where orifice 61 is offset from channel 65 to prevent composition dispensing, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Can occupy.

The skirt 62 may be provided with flexible tabs 16, 46 that can create a tactile feel and can keep the skirt 62 in respective positions of dispensing and closing. In this embodiment, the tabs 16, 46 are formed to the thickness of the skirt 62 while extending obliquely downward and away from each other from the common portion 69 of the skirt 62.

The skirt 62 has two pedestals 64, 65 which can be supported on the projections 66 of the container 2 in respective positions of closure and dispensing. Tabs 16, 46 are located between pedestals 64, 65.

In the dispensing position shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the protrusion 66 is positioned between the tab 16 and the pedestal 65. In the closed position shown in FIGS. 16-18, the protrusion 66 is positioned between the pedestal 64 and the tab 46. One or the other of the tabs 16, 46 moves over the protrusion 66, thereby enabling haptic creation.

It is a matter of course that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The tabs 16, 46 may be formed in other shapes, in particular as shown in FIG. 19, with rounded beads 70 protruding downward from the free end. As can be seen in FIG. 19, the slot 25 need not extend obliquely, but can extend substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the portion involving the flexible tab 16.

Unless otherwise stated, the expression "including one" should be understood to be equivalent to "including at least one."

One; Packaging Containers and Dispensing Devices 2: Containers
3: coating device 5: main body
6: pastor 7: shoulder
8, 45, 66: protrusion 10: sealing cap
11: bag 12: coating member
14, 42, 62: tubular skirts 16, 46: flexible tab
17: protrusion, base 18: straight flank
20: corner 25, 47: slot, cavity
30, 48: oblique flank 3, 49: vertical flank
34: end 40: push-button
43: end piece 44: notch
60: dispenser head 61: dispenser orifice
64: inner part 65: supply channel
69: common part 70: bead

Claims (17)

In the packaging container and the application device,
First portion (2) 64; And
A second portion (10) (40) (62) adapted to rotate about said first portion about a rotation axis (X),
One of the portions includes elastically deformable tabs 16, 46 formed to the thickness of the tubular skirt of the corresponding portion, and the other portion includes protrusions 8, 45, 66, wherein the first Rotating the second portion relative to the portion causes the tab to move over the protrusion by bending with components parallel to the axis of rotation, and the movement over the protrusion creates a tactile feel suitable for the user to sense. And the protrusions are arranged cooperatively with each other. The method of claim 1,
Packaging tabs and applicators, characterized in that the tabs (16) have free ends. The method of claim 1,
The length z of the tab is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm. The method of claim 1,
Said portion carrying said tab comprises an end-of-turning-stroke-abutment (17) (64) (65) which can be supported on said protrusion. Device. The method of claim 4, wherein
The protrusions (8) are packaging containers and applicators, characterized in that they provide an inclined surface (30) supported on the tab while in contact with the pedestal. The method of claim 1,
Said first part belongs to the container (2), said second part preferably comprising said tab and belonging to a sealing member of said container. The method of claim 6,
And the second portion comprises a threaded skirt disposed screw-mounted in the first portion and threaded-locked in the threaded neck of the container. The method of claim 1,
The second portion belongs to a push-button 40 actuated by a user to act on a pump or valve of an aerosol flask, the push-button being in a first position to actuate the push-button to dispense the composition. A packaging container and application device, characterized in that it is movable between second positions that prevent dispensing. The method of claim 8,
The second portion comprises two tabs (16) (46), each engaging with the first position and the second position of the push-button. The method of claim 8,
The second portion comprises a notch (44) for receiving the protrusion and actuating when the push-button is in the first position. The method of claim 10,
Said portion carrying said tab comprises a rotationally actuated end pedestal that can be supported by said protrusion, said pedestal adjacent said notch. The method of claim 1,
The second portion 69 includes a hole 61 facing the supply channel 65 for supplying the composition from the first portion when in the dispensing position and the channel 65 when in the closed position. Packaging container and coating device, characterized in that for closing. The method of claim 12,
And the second portion includes two tabs each engaging a closed and dispensing position. The method of claim 1,
At rest, each of said tabs is inclined toward said other portion. The method of claim 1,
While moving over the protrusion, the clearance of the tab is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm. In the packaging container and the application device,
First portion 2; 64; And
A second portion (10) (40) (62) adapted to rotate about said first portion about a rotation axis (X),
One of the portions includes elastically deformable tabs 16 and 46 and the other portion includes protrusions 8 and 45 and 66, rotating the second portion relative to the first portion. The tabs move over the protrusions by curvature with components parallel to the axis of rotation, and the tabs and the protrusions are cooperatively arranged with each other such that movement over such protrusions creates a sensation suitable for the user to sense, The movement of the tab is parallel to the axis of rotation characterized in that the packaging container and application device. In the packaging container and the application device,
First portion (2) 64; And
A second portion (10) (40) (62) adapted to rotate about said first portion about a rotation axis (X),
One of the portions includes elastically deformable tabs 16 and 46 and the other portion includes protrusions 8 and 45 and 66, rotating the second portion relative to the first portion. The tabs move over the protrusions by curvature with components parallel to the axis of rotation, and the tabs and the protrusions are cooperatively arranged with each other such that movement over such protrusions creates a sensation suitable for the user to sense, The second part belongs to a push-button 40 actuated by a user to act on the pump or valve of the aerosol flask, the push-button being in a first position and actuating the push-button to dispense the composition. Packaging container and application device, characterized in that movable between second positions preventing dispensing.

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