WO2014019898A1

WO2014019898A1 - Device for dispensing a calibrated dose of cosmetic product

Info

Publication number: WO2014019898A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/065553
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolas Albisetti
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2012-08-01
Filing date: 2013-07-23
Publication date: 2014-02-06
Also published as: FR2994069A1; FR2994069B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a dose of cosmetic product (P), comprising: - a body (1) comprising at least one compressible zone (2), - a dispensing means (3), - a cap (4) for limiting the deformation of the compressible zone (2), in which: the cap (4) covers the compressible zone (2) and engages with the compressible zone (2) in order to calibrate the dose.

Description

Device for dispensing a calibrated dose of cosmetic product

The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a dose of cosmetic product.

Numerous liquid dispensers which comprise a dosing device are currently known. In particular, devices exist in which the main reservoir communicates, via a siphon device, with a dosing chamber. Very often, these devices are complicated to use and, compared with conventional bottles, require additional manipulations on the part of the user, for example pumping operations. In addition, they generally have a large number of components, making their production relatively expensive.

Piston-type dosing dispensers are also known. These devices consist of a reservoir comprising a dispensing opening which is combined with a piston that moves in a chamber. The piston which is designed to close off the dispensing opening after a short period of time when liquid is poured out. When a dose of liquid is intended to be dispensed, the dispenser is inverted such that its dispensing opening is in the down position. The product then flows through this opening while the piston moves down progressively in the chamber until it blocks the dispensing opening of the bottle. Such dispensers are relatively unreliable with regard to the quantities of product that they allow to be dosed, said quantities depending on the pressures exerted on the piston at the moment of inversion and thus, generally, on the volume of liquid contained in the reservoir.

Document FR 2 350 083 describes a liquid dispenser comprising a container having a bendable or compressible side wall and an open top part. The side wall is compressed when a force is exerted downwardly by the hand of the user in order to reduce the volume of the container and cause the liquid to be delivered from the latter.

However, this device does not cause the bendable wall to be blocked at a given level of given compression. The user has to monitor himself the dose of product dispensed and alter the pressure exerted on the device.

Document FR 2 647 034 describes a liquid dispenser comprising a bottle provided with a neck to which a dispensing head is secured. The latter has an open/close element secured to the neck and provided with at least one opening and also a cap which is mechanically connected to the open/close element and is manually actuable in translation. The cap can be extended in the direction of the bottle by a cylindrical support skirt. The neck may comprise a flexible part, such as a bellows.

However, the cap does not provide protection for the bellows. It does not calibrate the dose with precision. For example, the user can compress the bellows by moving it away from the axis of the device or by moving it obliquely.

There thus exists a need for a device for automatically and precisely dosing, without complicated manipulation on the part of the user, quantities of dispensed product, said device having, moreover, a relatively simple and inexpensive structure and production.

The subject of the present invention is a device for dispensing a dose of cosmetic product (P), comprising:

- a body comprising at least one compressible zone,

- a dispensing means,

- a cap for limiting the deformation of the compressible zone, in which:

the cap covers the compressible zone and engages with the compressible zone in order to calibrate the dose.

Advantageously, the means for limiting the deformation of the compressible zone entirely covers said compressible zone.

Advantageously, the body is a body having an elongate shape along the axis

X.

Advantageously, the compressible zone is an axially compressible zone.

An "axially compressible zone" is understood to mean a zone that is compressible along the axis X of the device.

The compression of the compressible zone generally results from the user pushing approximately along the axis of the compressible zone, said axis being coincident with the axis X.

By virtue of the invention, the user can easily obtain a constant dose of product in a simple manner.

The user can also easily use the device with one hand.

Body The body is advantageously molded in one piece.

The compressible zone and the rest of the body can be firmly attached to one another by bi-injection molding. This process is simple and economical.

The compressible zone and the rest of the body can also be firmly attached to one another by screwing, snap-fastening, force-fitting or clip-fastening.

The material of the body may be chosen from polyethylene, polypropylene, a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene, a polyester, a natural or synthetic rubber, a latex, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), a Kraton polymer, silicone, Santoprene®, SEBS® and SBS® or a mixture thereof.

The material of the body may be in a single or multiple layers.

The body may also be made of metal.

Compressible zone

Advantageously, the compressible zone comprises a bellows.

The bellows is an elastic member which relaxes when it is not subjected to any compressive stress along its axis. It is compressed in the event of axial stress.

The compressible zone comprises a first region and a second region that are moved toward one another during its compression, the compression resulting from the user pushing approximately along the axis of the body of the device.

The thickness of the bellows is for example between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, and preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.6 mm.

The compressible zone advantageously takes up between 5% and 40% of the overall height of the device, preferably between 15% and 30% of the overall height of the device.

The number of folds in the bellows may be between one and six, better still between two and three.

The compressible zone may comprise a neck which makes it easier to secure a dispensing end piece.

The compressible zone delimits an internal space through which the product passes before being dispensed. Advantageously, the device comprises a dip tube which passes through this internal space. In this case, the product passes through this space in a manner confined in the dip tube. Dispensing means

According to the invention, the dispensing means may be any known dispensing means.

Advantageously, the dispensing means comprises a dip tube. Thus, it is possible to use the device with the head up.

The dispensing means advantageously also comprises a dispensing end piece.

Polypropylene, polyethylene, in particular high-density polyethylene or medium-density polyethylene, can be cited as materials that can be used to produce the various parts of the dispensing means, in particular the end piece and the dip tube. The various parts of the dispensing means may for example be bi- injection molded. They may also be firmly attached to one another by clip-fastening or screwing.

Advantageously, the end piece is firmly attached to the cap. It is in particular molded in one piece with the cap or force-fitted in the cap.

An outlet duct for allowing the product to emerge from the device passes through the end piece.

The end piece may comprise an outlet duct located in line with the axis of the container or, as a variant, in a direction approximately perpendicular thereto.

The end piece may comprise a plurality of outlet ducts.

According to a first embodiment of the device, the dispensing means is a means for axially dispensing the product. The product dispensing means preferably comprises an end piece having a planar or concave shape through which an orifice centered on the axis X passes. In particular, the end piece is connected to the dip tube. Preferably, the shape of the end piece is concave, and in particular it is a dish or bowl for collecting the dosed product.

The end piece having a concave shape may form a pressing surface for the user's fingers. The user takes hold of the end piece and exerts a pressure so as to compress the compressible element such as the bellows. For this purpose, he can in particular place his thumb and forefinger on the perimeter of the end piece. During compression, the overall volume of the body of the device decreases. The cosmetic product (P) under pressure is expelled toward the outside of the device. In particular, the product rises along the dip tube toward the end piece having a concave shape. The product can be collected by the user at the bottom of the end piece, for example with a piece of cotton wool.

According to a second embodiment of the device, the dispensing means is a means for laterally dispensing the product (P). In particular, it comprises a dispensing nozzle.

The dispensing nozzle may comprise a lateral duct communicating with the duct in the dip tube. The outlet orifice for the product is spaced apart laterally from the axis X. By applying pressure parallel to the axis X on the dispensing nozzle, the user compresses the bellows. The cosmetic product is delivered in the dip tube toward the outlet orifice of the nozzle.

Cap

The cap makes it possible to apply a deformation to the compressible zone between two end positions which define the travel of the cap.

Preferably, the cap imposes an axial deformation travel (1) of the compressible zone between a position of maximum decompression (d_max) and a position of maximum compression (c_max). The compressible zone is advantageously partially relaxed in the position of maximum compression (c_max) so as to limit fatigue and aging of this zone.

Advantageously, the cap limits the axial deformation travel (1) of the compressible zone both for the relaxation state and for the compression state, especially between the maximum relaxation state and the maximum compression state, both states being included.

More advantageously, the cap totally covers the compressible zone both for the relaxation state and for the compression state, especially at the maximum relaxation state and at the maximum compression state.

Advantageously, the cap has approximately the shape of a hollow cylinder which is open at at least one axial end.

Preferably, the cap has a limit surface which is able to move between a first stop surface and a second stop surface in order to calibrate the dose dispensed.

Advantageously, the first stop surface is a bulge and the second stop surface is a shoulder.

More preferably, the two stop surfaces delimit a boss and the cap comprises at least one relief that is able to move under this boss by screwing or unscrewing said cap.

Even more preferably, the device is shaped so as to prevent complete unscrewing of the cap. Thus, the device is perfectly safe.

The cap may be produced from one or more plastics material(s) selected from the following list: EPDM elastomer, nitrile, latex, thermoplastic elastomer of PS, PET, PU, EVA, PVC, "Polynorborden" or a relatively rigid thermoplastic such as PP, PE, PS, PET or PC. The cap may also be made of metal.

Advantageously, which the cap prevents actuation of the bellows when the cap is positioned on the limit surface. The device is thus even more safe.

More advantageously, the device furthermore comprises an anti-drip system or a foam-generating system.

Even more advantageously, the device comprises a means for avoiding clogging.

A further subject of the invention is a cosmetic process involving the use of a device as specified above.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the following detailed description of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

- figure 1 shows a schematic axial section through a device in accordance with the invention having a boss, the end piece being a dish,

- figure 2 shows a schematic axial section through the upper portion of a device in accordance with the invention, identical to the one in figure 1 apart from the cap/bottle engagement,

- figure 3 shows a schematic axial section through the upper portion of a device in accordance with the invention, identical to the one in figure 1 except that the end piece is a nozzle.

Figure 1 shows a device 1 comprising: - a body 1 comprising a bellows 2 that is compressible along the axis X,

- a cap 4 for limiting the deformation of the bellows 2,

- a dispensing means formed by a dip tube 9 and an end piece 3,

- an intermediate joining piece 50.

The end piece 3 is formed by a dish in figures 1 and 2. It is formed by a nozzle in figure 3.

The body 1 may be made of PET. In figure 1, it is molded in one piece.

The cap 4 may also be made of PET and molded in one piece with the dispensing end piece 3.

The body 1 comprises a lower portion 10 formed by a container that contains the product P and an upper portion 20 comprising the bellows 2. The bellows is connected to the container via a first side wall 21 which is mounted on a transverse wall 7 that forms a constriction.

The transverse wall extends perpendicularly to the axis X of the body 1. The container 10 is connected to the bottom of the bellows 2 via the transverse wall 7 and the wall 31 defining a hollow shaft.

In the example described, the bellows 2 comprises a fold 21.

The bellows 2 is connected at the top to a second side wall 21. The latter is connected to a mounting skirt 41 (bottle neck) via a shoulder 22. The mounting skirt 41 has an external thread. The end piece 3 is mounted on an internally threaded mounting support 50 which is able to be screwed onto the skirt 41.

The mounting support 50 also comprises means for ensuring sealing with the skirt 41.

In the exemplary embodiment described, these sealing means consist of an annular sealing lip 51 that bears in a sealing manner against the radially inner surface of the skirt 41.

The mounting support 50 is connected to a cylindrical skirt 52 of the end piece 3. This skirt 52 defines an outlet duct 22 for the product and has an axis parallel to and coincident with the axis X. An axial dispensing orifice 33 passes through the end piece 3.

The mounting support 50 comprises protrusions 45 that are able to slide on helical ramps inside the end piece 3. The movement defines the travel of the cap and the compression of the bellows 2. This movement is limited by the stop 502 on the ramp 602 and by the lip 501 on the shoulder of the bottle 7.

Of course, the mounting support may be a connecting ring for example.

In the example in figure 1, the end piece 3 is in the form of a dish.

The support 50 comprises a cylindrical central duct 53 of axis X, into which the upper end 91 of the dip tube 9 is inserted.

In the example described, the dip tube is force-fitted in the duct 53. It could also comprise elastically deformable tabs that are able to be snap-fastened into the duct 53.

The dip tube 9 passes through the entire body 1, in particular the skirt 41, the bellows and the container.

The tube 9 makes it possible to extract the product P from the container when the bellows 2 relaxes.

It will be noted that the tube 9 remains connected to the support 50 such that it does not impede the dispensing of the product.

The hollow shaft 30 comprises a relief 8 that forms a boss. The contour of the boss 8 delimits guide ramps 601, 602 for the cap 4.

The cap 4 comprises a skirt 42 of axis X, which is designed to cover the bellows 2. This cap 4 ends at its lower end in an annular lip 5 that is able to slide along the ramp 601, 602 defined on the relief 8.

In order to use the device, the person axially depresses the cap 4 toward the body 1.

The periphery of the dish 3 defines a pressing surface 3 for the thumb and forefinger of the user.

The latter exerts a pressure which can be broken down in particular as follows:

a simple rotation about the axis X, and

- a rotation about/translation along the axis X, and

- a simple rotation about the axis X.

In the device according to figure 2, the end piece 4 comprises additional lateral tabs 44 and 46 compared with the device according to figure 1. Said tabs make it easier to center the cap. The lateral tabs 44 comprise teeth 441 which surround the fold 21 of the bellows.

The tabs 44, 46 move axially along the bellows 2. They axially guide the bellows 2 in its travel.

The length of the travel of the tabs 44 and 46 is identical.

The limit surface 5 of the cap 4 comes into abutment against the transverse wall 7 when the bellows 2 is partially compressed.

In order to use the device according to figure 2, the user depresses the cap 4 along the axis X. When the tabs 44 and 46 come into abutment against their respective limit surfaces, the maximum compression permitted by the device is reached. The user releases the pressure. The cap 4 rises back toward its initial position, as does the bellows.

The device according to figure 3 is identical to the one shown in figure 1, except that the end piece has a nozzle. The nozzle comprises a lateral duct 31 and an axial duct 32 which are connected together to form an elbow.

In order to use the device, the user exerts an axial pressure on the nozzle. The product flows laterally with respect to the axis X.

The present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments which are illustrated in figures 1 to 3, but it will be understood that other variants can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, in particular the shape of the container and/or of the compression part and/or of the cap may be modified while retaining engagement of the cap with the compressible zone in order to calibrate a dose of product.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing a dose of cosmetic product (P), comprising:

- a body (1) comprising at least one compressible zone (2),

- a dispensing means (3),

- a cap (4) for limiting the deformation of the compressible zone (2), in which:

the cap (4) covers the compressible zone (2) and engages with the compressible zone (2) in order to calibrate the dose.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, in which the compressible zone (2) is an axially compressible zone.

3. The device as claimed in either of the preceding claims, in which the compressible zone (2) comprises a bellows.

4. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the compressible zone (2) is partially relaxed in the position of maximum compression.

5. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the cap (4) has a limit surface (501, 502, 5) which is able to move between a first stop surface (6) and a second stop surface (7) in order to calibrate the dose dispensed.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, in which the two stop surfaces (601, 602) delimit a boss (8) and the cap (4) comprises at least one relief (502) that is able to move under this boss (8) by screwing or unscrewing said cap (4).

7. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is shaped so as to prevent complete unscrewing of the cap.

8. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the dispensing means (3) comprises a dip tube (9).

9. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the dispensing means (3) is a means for axially dispensing the product (P).

10. The device as claimed in claim 9, in which the product dispensing means (3) furthermore comprises an end piece having a concave shape.

11. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the dispensing means (3) is a means for laterally dispensing the product (P).

12. The device as claimed in claim 11, in which the dispensing means (3) comprises a dispensing nozzle.

13. The device as claimed in either of claims 5 and 6, in which the cap (4) prevents actuation of the bellows when said cap (4) is positioned on the limit surface (7).

14. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising an anti-drip system or a foam-generating system.

15. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising a means for avoiding clogging.