WO2000035312A1

WO2000035312A1 - Applicator

Info

Publication number: WO2000035312A1
Application number: PCT/EP1999/009585
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian William Nicholson; Guy Richard Thompson; Graham Andrew Turner
Original assignee: Unilever Plc; Unilever Nv; Hindustan Lever Limited
Priority date: 1998-12-15
Filing date: 1999-12-02
Publication date: 2000-06-22
Also published as: AU1971900A; GB9827613D0

Abstract

As an alternative to applying a cream or gel topically with fingers or with a fixed applicator head, the invention provides an interchangeable head for an applicator package having a convex outer surface (1) for applying the cream or gel, fluid connection means to a container (11) and means to connect to or disconnect the head from the container (11), such as cooperating screw threaded tubular connector and outlet (4, 5). The container (11) can comprise a sachet. The invention is hygienic by permitting multi-person use of a single container, each using his or her own applicator head, and also permits transfer of the head from one container to another.

Description

Applicator

The present invention relates to an applicator head and particularly an applicator head for topically applying a cream onto human skin and also to a package comprising an applicator head and a container.

Technical field

Background and prior art

Ant perspirant or other formulations are applied topically to human skin m a variety of physical forms, including aerosol sprays, solid sticks, extrudable solids, creams and liquids. Solids, creams and liquids could be applied directly such as by introducing a suitable measure of the formulation onto the fingers and rubbing them at the desired location. However, for antiperspirants and like formulations, this is potentially wasteful since a fraction of the formulation will be retained where it s of little benefit. Moreover, hands are used for many other purposes, such as eating or food preparation, and it is desirable to avoid the risk of cross-contammation . Accordingly, for each form of formulation, there has been devised a number of packages .

In the case of creams or gels, a conventional applicator package comprises a rigid tubular package with a first end provided with a convex distributing surface having an aperture connecting to the interior of the barrel and at a second end with a piston located within the barrel and a mechanism for moving the piston axially toward the convex surface at the first end, and thereby extruding formulation through the aperture. This is commonly called a mushroom package on account of its physical resemblance to a mushroom. It is a very effective package for dispensing and distributing creams or gels topically, but the package itself can represent a significant fraction of the overall cost of the package plus contents.

A number of people view antiperspirant applicators in a similar way to toothbrushes, namely as being for their private use and not for sharing. The conventional cream or gel applicator has a single distributing head and is therefore not directly suitable for multiple use by a family or other group of people who do not wish to share.

Applicators are also known which comprise a head or spreading surface made from a porous material such as a spongy pad, for example in GB 334314, GB 434198, GB 805997, GB 12842369 or EP-155350-A. The disadvantage of spongy materials is that they absorb and retain at least some of the material being dispensed, which can readily form irregularly shaped crusts or roughen the sponge as a result of volatile components evaporating before the dispenser is employed again, possibly the next day. This is not only wasteful of material, but crusts and hardened sponge impede the smooth application of the cream, for example by abrading the skin surface, especially skin that has been sensitised by shaving or dehairing. This is unpleasant for and undesired by consumers. Objects of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an applicator head or package suitable for topically applying antiperspirant creams or gels which ameliorates or avoids one or more of the disadvantages of a conventional mushroom dispenser.

It is a particular object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide an applicator head or package that is less expensive to produce.

It is a particular object of further embodiments of the present invention to provide an interchangeable applicator head, thereby permitting more than one person to fit a personal distributing head to a container that is useable by a plurality of users.

It is a particular object of other embodiments of the present invention to provide a package which comprises a container with one or more interchangeable applicator heads .

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an applicator head suitable for topically applying a cream to human skin which comprises a distributor for cream and a tubular connector, the distributor having a convex non-porous outer face and an inner face, and defines an aperture penetrating from its inner to its outer face, the tubular connector having one end sealed to the inner face of the distributor and in fluid connection with the aperture, and its other end being open and adapted to fit a tubular outlet from a cream container.

Hereinafter, except where the context expressly or clearly indicates otherwise, the term "cream" is employed to represent both cream and gel. The term non-porous indicates a surface which does not contain pores, such as a sponge .

Advantageously, such an applicator head is replaceable and interchangeable. This offers several benefits to the user. First, the applicator head can be personal to a particular user and a separate head can be employed by each member of a family using the same container. This minimises the number of separate packages of an active material, for example antiperspirant or deodorant, that a family need have at any one time and thereby minimise the total amount of money that is tied up in part -used packages of the material . The heads can comprise suitably distinctive markings to enable them to be distinguished.

Secondly, the capability of providing separate applicator heads improves hygiene in that it minimises the risk of cross infection from one family member to another, whilst enabling a single container of antiperspirant or deodorant to be used by all . Thirdly, the applicator head can be disconnected from one container and retained for connection to a second container. By enabling the applicator head to be re-used readily, the cost per unit application of the packaging is reduced because the cost of the head can be spread over its use of a plurality of containers. This has an associated benefit that the same applicator head can be employed for applying different formulations, such as for example a deodorant formulation or an antiperspirant formulation.

Fourthly, it enables applicator heads of different sizes to be provided, for example heads of larger size for men.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package for an antiperspirant or like cream comprising a replaceable applicator head and a container, the container having a tubular outlet and the applicator head comprising a distributor for cream and a tubular connector, the distributor having a convex non- porous outer face and an inner face, and defines an aperture penetrating from its inner to its outer face, the tubular connector having one end sealed to the inner face of the distributor and in fluid connection with the aperture, and its other end being open and adapted to fit removeably the tubular outlet from the cream container.

The applicator head of the first aspect is employable as the replaceable applicator head of the package of the second aspect. It can be removed from and replaced onto the outlet from the container as the user so desires . It will be recognised that the package may be supplied with the applicator head already in place and attached to a cream container, or the two components be supplied separately and the user attaches the applicator head to the container. In the latter circumstances, the outlet from the container would normally be capped by a replaceable cap which is removed before the head is attached. After use, the head can be removed and the cap replaced.

According to a third and related aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of applying an antiperspirant or other cream topically to skin in which an antiperspirant or like cream is held in a package which comprises a removable applicator head and a container for the cream, the container having a tubular outlet and the applicator head comprising a distributor for cream and a tubular connector, the distributor having a convex non-porous outer face and an inner face, and defines an aperture penetrating from its inner to its outer face, the tubular connector having one end sealed to the inner face of the distributor and in fluid connection with the aperture, and its other end being open and adapted to fit removeably the tubular outlet from the cream container, the container is squeezed to exude cream onto the outer face of the applicator head and the applicator head is wiped in contact with and across the skin.

The container desirably has a deformable sidewall, enabling it to be squeezed. A preferred form of container comprises a sachet. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a) a cream container fitted with a tubular outlet closed by a removable cap, the cap preferably being replaceable, b) a applicator head suitable for topically applying a cream to human skin which comprises a distributor for cream and a tubular connector, the distributor having a convex non-porous outer face and an inner face, and defines an aperture penetrating from its inner to its outer face, the tubular connector having one end sealed to the inner face of the distributor and in fluid connection with the aperture, and its other end being open and adapted to fit the tubular outlet from the cream container and c) instructions for forming a package from the container and applicator head.

Detailed Description of the Invention

An applicator head according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a distributor and a tubular connector. The distributor has a non-porous outer convex face, and an inner face to which is attached a tubular connector. All the outer face in many instances is convex, but in some instances may comprise a flat area located centrally, and an annular convex skirt. Most desirably, the outer face is symmetrical. The face may have a constant radius of curvature or may have a decreasing radius towards the edge of the face. A narrow radius of curvature at the edge of the face assists the distributor to glide across the skin smoothly. The convex distributor most desirably provides a smooth surface that is free from obstructions. The distributor has an inner face which most conveniently is parallel with the outer face, so that the distributor resembles a moulded sheet. The inner surface may be provided, if desired, with strengthening ribs, preferably extending radially from the apex or circumferentially . The provision of the distributor in the form of a sheet is advantageous because it minimises the amount of packaging material required, for example in comparison with a solid block. Not only is the use of less packaging material intrinsically beneficial, but it also reduces the overall cost of the package, which is advantageous for applicators intended at least in part for lower-income consumers. Such a distributor head can readily be produced by moulding a thermoplastic.

The distributor may be circular in cross section or preferably, it can be an oval. In many suitable embodiments, the distributor has a maximum cross section diameter, normally at or near its edge, that is in the range of 25 to 100 mm, and in many preferred embodiments from 35 to 55 mm. When the distributor is oval, the minimum cross section diameter is normally not less than 15 mm, preferably up to 40 mm. The ratio of minimum to maximum diameters in an oval distributor is often from 1:3 to 2:3. These dimensions, both for round or oval distributors, are well suited for axillary application.

The distributor outer face in many embodiments has a maximum depth from apex to rim of at least 4 mm, and desirably not more than 20 mm. The distributor is pierced by an aperture, preferably centrally located, at or near the apex through which cream can be exuded. The aperture is narrow, for example in the region of 0.5 to 4 mm. Although the invention is described for one aperture, a plurality of narrow apertures can be contemplated, for example from 2 to 7, which preferably are disposed symmetrically at or near the apex. The aperture is desirably closed by a plug, or the plurality by an array of plugs, which preferably is a friction fit into the aperture. The plug or array can be located on the inner face of a cap dimensioned to fit and cover the outer face of the distributor. In some preferred embodiments, the plug is attached to the inner face of a disk. Preferably the cap or disk is attached to the distributor, most preferably on its inner surface or edge by a suitably dimensioned flexible strap. In a number of other embodiments, and especially where the aperture is especially narrow, the plug sits on the outside of the aperture to seal it, being urged towards the aperture by pressure from the cap. This can be achieved by the cap snap fitting over the rim of the distributor head. Where the cap snap fits over the head, it is desirably attached to the connector, rather than directly to the distributor, and is swivelled away from the distributor so as to reduce the risk of the cap interfering with the smooth stroking of the distributor across the skin during topical application of the cream.

The connector is tubular, by which is meant that it comprises an outer wall defining a hollow axial passageway. The connector is preferably orthogonal to the inner face of the distributor. One end of the tubular connector is sealed to the inner face of the distributor, surrounding the aperture in the distributor. The other end of the connector is open and adapted to connect with a tubular outlet from a cream container. Although the connector could be attached by adhesive to the distributor, the two components preferably constitute a single moulding, eg of a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Other thermoplastics may also be employed.

Preferably, where the aperture in the distributor is plugged by a plug that is attached via a strap to the distributor, they constitute a single moulding, and most preferably together with the connector constitute a single moulding. The moulding is conveniently an injection moulding. The moulded head can be readily recycled when eventually discarded by the user.

The tubular connector is preferably cylindrical, and correspondingly also the tubular outlet from the container, the two having suitable respective interior and exterior diameters that they can connect in a reasonably fluid manner. The connection can be by friction fit, or more preferably by co-operating screw threads on their contacting faces. Preferably, the outlet fits within the tubular connector.

The applicator head may be plain, or advantageously it can be marked so as to distinguish it from similar applicator heads such as those owned by other members of the same family. The marking can be by way of visible tags or labels, for example attached to the inner face of the distributor, and they can be pictorial or can identify members of the family generically (mother father, son, etc) or by name. Alternatively, the distributor head can be coloured, most conveniently by incorporating a pigment in the material from which the distributor is formed. The heads can be sold individually or in sets, the members of which being suitably distinguished. It will be recognised that it is a practical and convenient matter to provide colour- distinguished heads, which may be sold separately. By providing means for distinguishing between heads, it is much easier for family members to avoid using other member's applicator head inadvertently, and thus, for example, coloured heads promote hygienic practices.

The container can conveniently be made from a deformable material which can be squeezed to cause its contents to flow out of its outlet. An especially convenient form of container comprises a tube or sachet, which is made from cream-non-porous material. In many instances, the sachet is made from a laminated foil or a plastic laminate or thin plastic sheeting, sealed along its edges. Such material is thin and thus the packaging contains relatively little material relative to its contents. Thus, it is not only convenient to use, and can be relatively cheap to produce, but also satisfies the global objectives of reducing the volume of packaging material consumed. The sachet is normally provided with a reinforcement along one edge adjacent to its tubular outlet. The reinforcement can comprise two ribs extending radially from and moulded integrally with the outlet. The volume of the sachet or other container is at the discretion of the manufacturer. A convenient volume is often selected in the range of from 4 to 100 ml, and particularly from 5 to 60 ml.

If the sachet is not connected to the head, it is preferably capped by a removable cap. A screw threaded cap is preferable since it can be easily replaced onto the outlet if the applicator head is removed.

When the container described hereinabove is attached a removable distributor head described hereinabove, it constitutes a package in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.

Where the container is sold together with, but not attached to one or more distributor heads and with instructions for fitting them together, it constitutes a kit of parts. The instructions can be in writing or pictorial, and conveniently indicate the removal of the cap or otherwise opening the outlet from the container and the fitting of the open end of the tubular connector on the head to the open outlet. The instructions may also accompany the individual components of the kit, namely the applicator head or the container. The instructions may also given verbally, for example by the seller of the kit or its individual components. The instructions can also include instructions on the topical application of the cream by squeezing the container to extrude composition onto the convex outer surface of the distributor and wiping the distributor across the skin, preferably using several strokes. The use instructions may be present in the same sheet as those for fitting the head to the container or on separate sheets.

The term cream herein encompasses an active material that is a viscous fluid that is capable of flowing through a narrow aperture under the application of hand pressure. The size of the aperture is often chosen in conjunction with the viscosity of the formulation to be employed. In many instances, it has a diameter of between 0.5 and 4 mm. It is possible to employ a plurality of apertures, if desired. The aperture or apertures in the applicator head often provide together an opening of from 1 to 20 mm², and particularly from 3 to 10 mm². The viscosity of the cream (as distinct from a gel) is often in the range of from 10000 to 100000 mPas . s . A relatively narrow aperture of eg from 0.5 to 1 mm diameter can readily be contemplated for dispensing a cream. More viscous formulations, more usually considered to be gels, can be contemplated, such as up to 1000000 mPas . s by employing a comparatively wide aperture. Viscosity measurements herein correspond to those made using a Brookfield ™ RVT viscometer, No 2 spindle, at 20 rpm at 25°C.

The creams employed in the invention package or replacement containers (sachets) can comprise any deodorant or antiperspirant composition having the appropriate viscosity. The compositions normally comprise one or more of a) an antiperspirant active and/or b) a deodorant active, a) normally being selected in the range of 0.5 to 60%, often from 5 to 40% and b) normally being selected in the range of from 0.1 to 90% and often up to 60%.

The antiperspirant active a) is often an astringent aluminium zirconium or mixed aluminium zirconium salt or a complex thereof, such an aluminium chlorohydrate or a zirconium aluminium complex or an activated chlorohydrate or complex. The deodorant active can comprise a monohydric C1-C4 alcohol such as ethanol or isopropanol, in which case it is often present at a concentration of at least 10% especially at least 20%, and can function at least in part as a carrier as well as deodorant . The deodorant can additionally or alternatively comprise bactericides such as chlorinated aromatics or biguanides, often at a concentration of not more than 5% and particularly up to 2%.

Formulations employed herein commonly comprise from 10 to 90% of a carrier and especially from 30 to 80%. The carrier can comprise a single phase, be it hydrophobic or hydrophilic, or can comprise a mixture of such phases, normally present as an emulsion. Suitable hydrophobic carriers can include volatile silicone oils such as cyclomethicones (especially tertramer, pentamer and/or hexamer) or corresponding volatile linear methicones, and/or non-volatile hydrocarbon oils. Other suitable carriers include aliphatic ethers or esters containing a C8 to C30 group.

Hydrophilic carriers include water, aliphatic monohydric alcohols, glycols or tri or polyhydric alcohols. The formulations normally contain one or more structurants , gellants or thickeners in an amount selected from 0.2 to 15% and particularly from 0.5 to 12% to increase the viscosity to the formulation to within the desired range for a cream. Suitable structurants include synthetic or natural carbon-based waxes, eg beeswax hydroxystearic acid or castor wax or silicone waxes, or silicone elastomers. Suitable gellants include fatty alcohols, certain amide derivatives of tricarboxylic acids, dibenzylidene sorbitol and N-acyl amino acid derivatives, eg n-lauroyl-L-glutamic acid dibutylamide . Suitable thickeners can include gums, starches and inorganic thickeners such as clays or silica.

The formulation can also contain one or more conventional minor additives, such as in an amount of up to 10%, such as fragrance, talc, or humectant (glycerol or sorbitol) .

Except in operative or comparative examples, all numbers herein indicating amounts or ratios of materials, such as limits of ranges are to be understood as modified by about, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Having described the invention in general terms, one embodiment according to the present invention will now be described more fully by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -

Figure 1 represent a view of an applicator head from one side and below; Figure 2 represents a vertical cross-section through the applicator head of Figure 1 viewed from the reverse side; Figure 3 represents a vertical cross section of the applicator of Figure 1, orthogonally to the cross section of Figure 2 ;

Figure 4 represents a reverse side view of a package comprising an applicator head of Figure 1 fitted onto a sachet .

In the Figures, the applicator head comprises a convex outer face 1 and a parallel inner face 2, ie a convex sheet, pierced by an aperture 3 located at the apex of the outer face 1. A tubular connector 4 is moulded with and extends perpendicularly from the head inner face 2. The connector 4 is in fluid connection with the aperture 3 and on its inward-face has a screw threaded section 5 adjacent to its mouth 6. A flexible strap 7 is attached to the edge of the head outer face 1 and terminates in a flat disk 8 from which a peg 9 is upstanding. The applicator head is moulded from thermoplastic so that the convex outer face is non-porous.

The package of Figure 4 comprises the applicator head of Figures 1 to 3 connected through a screw threaded outlet tube 10 to a sachet 11.

In use, the applicator head is screw connected to the sachet 11, thereby enabling the head and sachet to be fitted by bringing the tubular connector 4 and the outlet tube 10 into contact in axial alignment and rotating the one relative to the other appropriately. The head and sachet are disconnected by the contrary procedure. The aperture 3 is opened by lifting the disk 8 away from the outer surface 1, thereby withdrawing the peg 9 from the aperture 3 and is closed by the contrary process. The sachet 11 is squeezed to force the contents of the sachet 11 through the outlet tube 10, the tubular connector 4 and the aperture 3 onto the outer face 1 of the applicator head.

Claims

Cl aims

1. An applicator head suitable for topically applying a cream to human skin which comprises a distributor for cream and a tubular connector, the distributor having a convex non-porous outer face and an inner face, and defines an aperture penetrating from its outer to its inner face, the tubular connector having one end sealed to the inner face of the distributor and encompassing the aperture, and its other end being open and adapted to fit a tubular outlet from a cream container.

2. An applicator head according to claim 1 wherein the distributor comprises a convex sheet.

3. An applicator according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a means to plug the aperture which preferably comprises a plug extending from a disk and dimensioned to fit or cover the aperture.

4. An applicator head according to claim 3 wherein the disk is attached to the distributor by a flexible strap or the cap is swivel mounted on the tubular connector.

5. An applicator head according to claim 2 wherein the applicator head further comprises a cap for the distributor and the means for plugging the aperture is located on the inner face of the cap and positioned to engage the aperture.

6. An applicator head according to claim 5 wherein the cap is swivel mounted on the tubular connector.

7. An applicator head according to claim 4 or 6 wherein the distributor, and either the strap and the disk and plug or the cap and plug are an integral moulding.

8. An applicator head according to any preceding claim in which the tubular connector is integrally moulded with the distributor.

9. An applicator head according to any preceding claim wherein the tubular connector is cylindrical.

10. An applicator head according to any preceding claim wherein the tubular connector is adapted for friction fit connection with the outlet from the cream container.

11. An applicator head according to claim 10 wherein the tubular connector is adapted for screw threaded connection with the outlet from the cream container.

12. An applicator head according to claim 11 wherein the tubular connector is internally threaded and the outlet from the container is externally threaded.

13. An applicator head according to any preceding claim wherein the distributor is circular or oval in cross section orthogonally to the tubular connector.

14. An applicator head according to claim 13 wherein the distributor cross section has a maximum diameter of from 25 to 100 mm, preferably 35 to 55 mm.

15. An applicator head according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the distributor is oval and has a minimum diameter of 15 to 40 mm, in a ratio to the maximum diameter of from 1:3 to 2:3.

16. An applicator head according to any preceding claim wherein the distributor has a maximum depth of from 4 to 20 mm

17. An applicator head according to any preceding claim wherein the convex face bears a marking to distinguish it from other applicator heads.

18. An applicator head according claim 16 wherein the convex face is coloured.

19. An applicator head according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the head is a member of a set of heads which are differently marked or differently coloured.

20. A package for an antiperspirant or like cream comprising a replaceable applicator head and a container, the container having a tubular outlet and the applicator head comprising a distributor for cream and a tubular connector, the distributor having a convex non-porous outer face and an inner face, and defines an aperture penetrating from its inner to its outer face, the tubular connector having one end sealed to the inner face of the distributor and in fluid connection with the aperture, and its other end being open and adapted to fit removeably the tubular outlet from the cream container.

21. A package according to claim 20 wherein the cream container comprises a sachet fitted with a tubular outlet .

22. A package according to claim 21 wherein the sachet is made from foil or a plastic laminate.

23. A package according to any of claims 20 to 22 wherein the applicator head is substantially as described herein in accordance with any one of claims 2 to 17.

24. A method of applying an antiperspirant or other cream topically to skin in which an antiperspirant or like cream is held in a package which comprises a removable applicator head and a container for the cream, the container having a tubular outlet and the applicator head comprising a distributor for cream and a tubular connector, the distributor having a convex non-porous outer face and an inner face, and defines an aperture penetrating from its inner to its outer face, the tubular connector having one end sealed to the inner face of the distributor and in fluid connection with the aperture, and its other end being open and adapted to fit removeably the tubular outlet from the cream container, the container is squeezed to exude cream onto the outer

face of the applicator head and the applicator head is wiped in contact with and across the skin.

25. A kit of parts comprising: a) a cream container fitted with a tubular outlet closed by a removable cap, the cap preferably being replaceable, b) an applicator head suitable for topically applying a cream to human skin which comprises a distributor for cream and a tubular connector, the distributor having a convex non-porous outer face and an inner face, and defines an aperture penetrating from its inner to its outer face, the tubular connector having one end sealed to the inner face of the distributor and in fluid connection with the aperture, and its other end being open and adapted to fit the tubular outlet from the cream container and c) instructions for forming a package from the container and applicator head.

26. A kit according to claim 25 which comprises a plurality of applicator heads.

27. A kit according to claim 26 in which the heads are distinguishingly marked.

28. An applicator head substantially as described herein with respect to any of Figures 1 to 3.

9. A package substantially as described herein with respect to Figure 4.