WO2016008930A1 - Actuating and product dispensing head, related device and method - Google Patents

Actuating and product dispensing head, related device and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016008930A1
WO2016008930A1 PCT/EP2015/066181 EP2015066181W WO2016008930A1 WO 2016008930 A1 WO2016008930 A1 WO 2016008930A1 EP 2015066181 W EP2015066181 W EP 2015066181W WO 2016008930 A1 WO2016008930 A1 WO 2016008930A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rigid element
dispensing
head
protective cap
receptacle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2015/066181
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Anne Debauge
Lionel Drugeon
Thierry Ramboz
Charles Boussiquet
Jean-Marc Lebrand
Original Assignee
L'oreal
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by L'oreal filed Critical L'oreal
Publication of WO2016008930A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016008930A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/16—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
    • B65D83/20—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means operated by manual action, e.g. button-type actuator or actuator caps
    • B65D83/205—Actuator caps, or peripheral actuator skirts, attachable to the aerosol container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1052—Actuation means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an actuating and product dispensing head intended to be mounted on a receptacle, the head comprising:
  • first rigid element for actuating a dispensing member mounted on the receptacle, the first rigid element comprising at least one dispensing conduit discharging via a dispensing out of the head and being movable, along an axis of movement between an idle position and a product dispensing position via the dispensing opening;
  • a flexible protective cap covering the first rigid element and the second rigid element, the protective cap defining a product dispensing passage through which the dispensing conduit discharges.
  • This head is intended to be mounted at the end of a receptacle containing a cosmetic product, to form a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device.
  • the cosmetic product is for example a fluid product, such as a liquid, gel, foam, cream or powder.
  • the cosmetic product is a sun protection product, for protecting a surface of a user's body from exposure to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet radiation (UVA or UVB) or more generally a body surface care or makeup product.
  • UVA or UVB ultraviolet radiation
  • a cosmetic product is 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.
  • Some of these cosmetic products are used outdoors in environments that are dusty or contain macroscopic particles, such as grains of sand, or in wet environments, particularly by spraying or immersion. This particularly applies to sun creams, which are used for example on the beach or in the great outdoors.
  • the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device should be suitable for use, and above all for the contaminations liable to occur under the effect of the particles and/or dust, and moisture.
  • the dispensing mechanism may be simply blocked by these particles and/or dust, rendering dispensing of the product difficult or even impossible.
  • a dispensing head comprising flexible materials.
  • the document US 2006/0186139 describes a device and a head for dispensing a product, comprising a flexible part.
  • the product is dispensed by exerting a pumping action on the flexible part which limits the use of the movable components in the dispensing head.
  • the document FR 2 767 799 describes a device for dispensing a product with a dispensing mechanism protected by a flexible cap.
  • the flexible cap masks at least a portion of the dispensing mechanism which reduces the risks of contamination by particles and/or dust, and moisture.
  • the product is dispensed by exerting pressure on the flexible cap.
  • the dispensing head according to existing solutions has a complex structure comprising a large number of mechanical components rendering same delicate and expensive in terms of manufacture.
  • One aim of the invention is that of obtaining an actuating and product dispensing head having a particularly simple structure and suitable for simple and inexpensive manufacture.
  • the invention relates to a head such as that cited above wherein the protective cap connects the first rigid element and the second rigid element in a flexible manner, and wherein the protective cap, the first rigid element and the second rigid element are integral.
  • the head according to the invention can include one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any combination that is technically possible:
  • dispensing nozzle being mounted in the dispensing passage of the protective cap, wherein the dispensing nozzle is advantageously suitable for moving relative to the receptacle along an axis parallel with the axis of movement;
  • the protective cap is deformable at least along the axis of movement between a non-deformed configuration wherein the first rigid element occupies the idle position and a deformed configuration wherein the first rigid element occupies the dispensing position;
  • the first rigid element comprises an actuating plate
  • the protective cap comprises a pressing area arranged facing the actuating plate to engage therewith, the pressing area being suitable for being pushed by a user to move the first rigid element from the idle position thereof to the product dispensing position thereof;
  • the actuating plate is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the axis of movement;
  • the protective cap in the non-deformed configuration thereof has a substantially convex shape comprising a hollow area, the hollow area being adjacent to the product dispensing passage;
  • the first rigid element comprises a reinforcing element arranged facing at least one part of the hollow area, the reinforcing element engaging with the part of the hollow area to reinforce this part;
  • the protective cap comprises a free lower edge covering at least one part of the receptacle when the head is mounted on the receptacle, the second rigid element being arranged along the free lower edge and being suitable for engaging with the receptacle tightly when the head is mounted on the receptacle;
  • the second rigid element is a retaining ring
  • the first rigid element and the second rigid element are made of polypropylene thermoplastic material
  • the protective cap is made of metallocene polyethylene
  • the head is made using a bi-injection process of at least one material intended to be rigid to form the first rigid element and the second rigid element, and at least one material intended to be flexible forming the protective cap.
  • the invention also relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a product, comprising:
  • the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an actuating and product dispensing head, comprising the following steps:
  • the first rigid element for actuating a dispensing member mounted on the receptacle, the first rigid element comprising at least one dispensing conduit discharging via a dispensing opening out of the head and being movable, along an axis of movement between an idle position and a product dispensing position via the dispensing opening;
  • a flexible protective cap covering the first rigid element and the second rigid element, the protective cap defining a product dispensing passage through which the dispensing conduit discharges; the protective cap connecting the first rigid element and the second rigid element in a flexible manner;
  • the protective cap, the first rigid element and the second rigid element being integral;
  • the method according to the invention may have the following feature:
  • the first injection of the material intended to be rigid is performed via a first injection opening of a mold
  • the second injection of the material intended to be flexible being performed via a second injection opening of the same mold
  • the method comprising between the first injection and the second injection, a movement in the mold of the preform comprising the first rigid element and the second rigid element, from a position facing the first injection opening to a position facing the second injection opening.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device for packaging and dispensing a product according to the invention
  • figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of an upper part of the device in figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-section view along an axial mid-plane of the upper part of the device in figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a detail marked V in figure 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of various steps of manufacture of a manufacturing method according to the invention.
  • the terms “inner” and “outer” are used relatively with respect to the contents of the receptacle.
  • the term “inner” generally means closer to the contents of the receptacle, whereas the term “outer” generally means further from the contents of the receptacle.
  • a device 10 for packaging and dispensing a product according to the invention is illustrated in figures 1 to 3.
  • the product is a cosmetic product.
  • the cosmetic product packaged and dispensed by the device 10 is for example a fluid product, such as a liquid, gel, foam, cream, or a powder.
  • the cosmetic product is a sun protection product, for protecting a surface of a user's body from exposure to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet radiation (UVA or UVB) or more generally a body surface care or makeup product.
  • UVA or UVB ultraviolet radiation
  • the device 10 comprises a receptacle 12 containing the cosmetic product, a product dispensing member 14 (seen in figures 2 and 3) mounted on one end of the receptacle 12, and a dispensing head 16 according to the invention, covering a part of the receptacle 12 and the dispensing member 14.
  • the receptacle 12 comprises a hollow wall 18, defining a reservoir 20 containing cosmetic product, and a neck 22 via which the reservoir 20 discharges.
  • the dispensing member 14 is herein formed by a pump. Alternatively, this member 14 is a valve.
  • the dispensing member 14 comprises a movable actuating element 24 suitable for moving along an axis A-A' of movement between an idle position and a dispensing position wherein it triggers dispensing of the product.
  • the actuating element 24 has for example a tubular conduit discharging through an inner opening 26.
  • the dispensing head 16 comprises a first rigid element 31 , a second rigid element 32, a flexible protective cap 33 covering the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32, and a dispensing nozzle 34.
  • the first rigid element 31 is mounted on the movable element 24 of the actuating member 14 and is movable in conjunction therewith along the axis of movement A-A' between the idle position and the product dispensing position.
  • the first rigid element 31 comprises a dispensing conduit 40, an actuating plate 42 and a reinforcing element 44.
  • the dispensing conduit 40 discharges on one side via a dispensing opening 48 out of the head 16 and is connected on the other side to the inner opening 26 of the actuating element 24.
  • the dispensing conduit 40 is thus suitable for dispensing the product outside the receptacle 12 along a dispensing axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement A-A'.
  • the actuating plate 42 is situated in the upper part of the first rigid element 31 substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement A-A'.
  • the reinforcing element 44 has a flattened part protruding with respect to the first rigid element 31 , inclined downwards and forming an angle less than 90° with the axis of movement A-A'.
  • the angle formed by the flattened part and the axis of movement A-A' is for example between 0° and 90°.
  • the plate 42 and reinforcing element 44 are adjacent to the protective cap 33. The role thereof shall be explained hereinafter.
  • the second rigid element 32 is intended to attach the head 16 to the upper part of the receptacle 12. It is suitable for remaining stationary relative to the first element 31 during the movement of the first element 31 .
  • the second rigid element 32 is arranged along a free lower edge of the protective cap 16 covering the neck 22 of the receptacle 12.
  • the second rigid element 32 is a retaining ring comprising an inner wall 50 and an outer wall 52.
  • the outer wall 52 is adjacent to the free lower edge of the protective cap 33.
  • the inner wall 50 is suitable for engaging with the neck 22 of the receptacle 12 to attach the head 16 tightly onto the receptacle 12.
  • the inner wall 50 comprises locking elements 54 seen in figure 4.
  • the elements 54 protrude with respect to the inner wall 50 and are suitable for being received in a recess of the neck 22 provided for this purpose to lock the head 16 on the receptacle 12.
  • the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32 are made of thermoplastic material, for example of polyolefin, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, metallocene polyethylene or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
  • polyolefin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, metallocene polyethylene or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
  • the protective cap 33 connects the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32 in a flexible manner
  • the protective cap 33 is deformable along this axis between a non- deformed configuration wherein the first rigid element 31 occupies the idle position and a deformed configuration wherein the first rigid element 31 occupies the dispensing position.
  • the protective cap 33 comprises a pressing area 58 situated in the upper part of the protective cap 33 and seen in figures 2 and 3.
  • the pressing area 58 is arranged facing the actuating plate 42 to engage therewith.
  • the pressing area 58 is suitable for being pushed by a user to deform the protective cap 33 and to thus move the first rigid element 31 from the idle position thereof to the product dispensing position thereof.
  • the protective cap 33 defines a product dispensing passage 60, through which the dispensing conduit 40 of the first rigid element 31 discharges.
  • the dispensing passage 60 is suitable for receiving the dispensing nozzle 34 which is then suitable for moving along an axis parallel with the axis of movement A-A' during deformations of the protective cap 33.
  • the protective cap 33 has a substantially convex shape comprising a hollow area 62.
  • the hollow area 62 is adjacent to the product dispensing passage 60 and is suitable for dispensing the product along the dispensing axis without interacting with the dispensed product flow.
  • the hollow area 62 comprises a reinforced part 64 arranged facing the reinforcing element 44 of the first rigid element 31 and suitable for engaging therewith to reinforce the hollow area 62.
  • the reinforcing element 44 prevents the hollow area 62 from being deformed.
  • the protective cap 33 is made of a more flexible material than the first rigid element 31 and than the second rigid element 32. This material is deformable to the touch. It has a Young's modulus, measured using the ISO 6721 -1 :1994 standard, of a value of less than 1000 MPa.
  • the cap 33 is for example made of metallocene polyethylene, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
  • the protective cap 33, the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32 are integral, i.e. not removable from one another.
  • a mold comprising two identical parts 1 1 1 and 1 12 movable along a separation axis C-C and a core 1 15 rotating about an axis B-B' of rotation perpendicular to the separation axis C-C, is provided.
  • the movable parts 1 1 1 and 1 12 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation B-B'.
  • Each movable part 1 1 1 and 1 12 has a complementary shape to the outer part of the dispensing head 16.
  • the core 1 15 is symmetric with respect to the axis of rotation B-B' and has on each side a complementary shape to the inner part of the dispensing head 16.
  • a first injection of a material intended to be rigid is performed via a first opening 125 of the movable part 1 1 1 of the mold to form a preform comprising the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32.
  • the movable parts 1 1 1 and 1 12 are separated from each other along the separation axis C-C to release the core 1 15.
  • the core 1 15 is then rotated by 180° about the axis of rotation B-B'.
  • a second injection of a material intended to be flexible is performed via a second opening 145 of the movable part 1 12 of the mold to form the protective cap 33 covering the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32.
  • the second opening 145 is arranged opposite the first opening 125.
  • a further first injection is performed via the first opening 125 to form the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32 of a further dispensing head.
  • the steps 130 and 140 are then repeated in cycles to form a dispensing head at each cycle.
  • the dispensing head 16 manufactured in this way is then suitable for being attached to the receptacle 12 to form the device 10.
  • the cosmetic product is dispensed when the user presses the pressing area 58 of the protective cap 33.
  • the actuating element 24 is then set to the product dispensing position.
  • the first rigid element 31 When the user stops applying pressure, the first rigid element 31 returns to the idle position thereof to stop dispensing the product.
  • the dispensing head 10 ensures satisfactory tightness of the inner elements, which considerably reduces the risks of contamination under the effect of particles and/or dust, and moisture.
  • the dispensing head 10 has a particularly simple structure, formed of a single piece and produced using an inexpensive manufacturing method.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

Actuating and product dispensing head (16) intended to mounted on a receptacle (12) and comprising: a first rigid element (31) for actuating a dispensing member (14) and suitable for moving along an axis of movement between an idle position and a product dispensing position; a second rigid element (32) for attaching the head (16) to the receptacle (12) and suitable for remaining stationary with respect to the first element (31) when moving the first element (31); and a flexible protective cap (33) covering the first rigid element (31) and the second rigid element (32) and defining a product dispensing passage (60), whereby the head is made using a bi-injection process such that the first (31) and second (32) rigid elements are integral and the protective cap (33) connects both these rigid elements in a flexible manner.

Description

Actuating and product dispensing head, related device and method
The present invention relates to an actuating and product dispensing head intended to be mounted on a receptacle, the head comprising:
- a first rigid element for actuating a dispensing member mounted on the receptacle, the first rigid element comprising at least one dispensing conduit discharging via a dispensing out of the head and being movable, along an axis of movement between an idle position and a product dispensing position via the dispensing opening;
- a second rigid element for attaching the head to the receptacle, the second element being suitable for remaining stationary with respect to the first element when moving the first element between the idle position and the dispensing position; and
- a flexible protective cap covering the first rigid element and the second rigid element, the protective cap defining a product dispensing passage through which the dispensing conduit discharges.
This head is intended to be mounted at the end of a receptacle containing a cosmetic product, to form a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device.
The cosmetic product is for example a fluid product, such as a liquid, gel, foam, cream or powder.
In particular, the cosmetic product is a sun protection product, for protecting a surface of a user's body from exposure to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet radiation (UVA or UVB) or more generally a body surface care or makeup product.
More generally, a cosmetic product is 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.
Some of these cosmetic products are used outdoors in environments that are dusty or contain macroscopic particles, such as grains of sand, or in wet environments, particularly by spraying or immersion. This particularly applies to sun creams, which are used for example on the beach or in the great outdoors.
In this case, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device should be suitable for use, and above all for the contaminations liable to occur under the effect of the particles and/or dust, and moisture.
It is then conceivable that these particles and/or dust may damage the movable components of the device, such as the dispensing mechanism for example, to the point of rendering the device unfit for use.
Furthermore, the dispensing mechanism may be simply blocked by these particles and/or dust, rendering dispensing of the product difficult or even impossible. To protect the movable components or at least to reduce the number thereof, it is known in the prior art to use a dispensing head comprising flexible materials.
As such, for example, the document US 2006/0186139 describes a device and a head for dispensing a product, comprising a flexible part. The product is dispensed by exerting a pumping action on the flexible part which limits the use of the movable components in the dispensing head.
The document FR 2 767 799 describes a device for dispensing a product with a dispensing mechanism protected by a flexible cap. As such, the flexible cap masks at least a portion of the dispensing mechanism which reduces the risks of contamination by particles and/or dust, and moisture. The product is dispensed by exerting pressure on the flexible cap.
However, the dispensing head according to existing solutions has a complex structure comprising a large number of mechanical components rendering same delicate and expensive in terms of manufacture.
One aim of the invention is that of obtaining an actuating and product dispensing head having a particularly simple structure and suitable for simple and inexpensive manufacture.
To this end, the invention relates to a head such as that cited above wherein the protective cap connects the first rigid element and the second rigid element in a flexible manner, and wherein the protective cap, the first rigid element and the second rigid element are integral.
The head according to the invention can include one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any combination that is technically possible:
- a dispensing nozzle, the dispensing nozzle being mounted in the dispensing passage of the protective cap, wherein the dispensing nozzle is advantageously suitable for moving relative to the receptacle along an axis parallel with the axis of movement;
- the protective cap is deformable at least along the axis of movement between a non-deformed configuration wherein the first rigid element occupies the idle position and a deformed configuration wherein the first rigid element occupies the dispensing position;
- the first rigid element comprises an actuating plate, and wherein the protective cap comprises a pressing area arranged facing the actuating plate to engage therewith, the pressing area being suitable for being pushed by a user to move the first rigid element from the idle position thereof to the product dispensing position thereof;
- the actuating plate is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the axis of movement; - the protective cap in the non-deformed configuration thereof has a substantially convex shape comprising a hollow area, the hollow area being adjacent to the product dispensing passage;
- the first rigid element comprises a reinforcing element arranged facing at least one part of the hollow area, the reinforcing element engaging with the part of the hollow area to reinforce this part;
- the protective cap comprises a free lower edge covering at least one part of the receptacle when the head is mounted on the receptacle, the second rigid element being arranged along the free lower edge and being suitable for engaging with the receptacle tightly when the head is mounted on the receptacle;
- the second rigid element is a retaining ring;
- the first rigid element and the second rigid element are made of polypropylene thermoplastic material;
- the protective cap is made of metallocene polyethylene;
- the head is made using a bi-injection process of at least one material intended to be rigid to form the first rigid element and the second rigid element, and at least one material intended to be flexible forming the protective cap.
The invention also relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a product, comprising:
- a receptacle defining a reservoir intended to contain product;
- a member for dispensing product mounted on the receptacle;
- an actuating and dispensing head as described above, covering the receptacle and the dispensing member, the first rigid element being engaged on the dispensing member.
The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an actuating and product dispensing head, comprising the following steps:
- a first rigid element for actuating a dispensing member mounted on the receptacle, the first rigid element comprising at least one dispensing conduit discharging via a dispensing opening out of the head and being movable, along an axis of movement between an idle position and a product dispensing position via the dispensing opening;
- a second rigid element for attaching the head to the receptacle, the second element being suitable for remaining stationary with respect to the first element when moving the first element between the idle position and the dispensing position; and
- a flexible protective cap covering the first rigid element and the second rigid element, the protective cap defining a product dispensing passage through which the dispensing conduit discharges; the protective cap connecting the first rigid element and the second rigid element in a flexible manner;
the protective cap, the first rigid element and the second rigid element being integral;
the method comprising the following steps:
- first injection of a material intended to be rigid to form the first rigid element and the second rigid element;
- second injection of a material intended to be flexible to form a protective cap. The method according to the invention may have the following feature:
- the first injection of the material intended to be rigid is performed via a first injection opening of a mold, the second injection of the material intended to be flexible being performed via a second injection opening of the same mold,
the method comprising between the first injection and the second injection, a movement in the mold of the preform comprising the first rigid element and the second rigid element, from a position facing the first injection opening to a position facing the second injection opening.
The invention will be easier to understand in view of the following description, provided solely as an example and with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
- figure 1 is a perspective view of the device for packaging and dispensing a product according to the invention;
- figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of an upper part of the device in figure 1 ;
- figure 3 is a cross-section view along an axial mid-plane of the upper part of the device in figure 1 ;
- figure 4 is an enlarged view of a detail marked V in figure 3; and
- figure 5 is a schematic view of various steps of manufacture of a manufacturing method according to the invention.
Hereinafter, the terms "inner" and "outer" are used relatively with respect to the contents of the receptacle. The term "inner" generally means closer to the contents of the receptacle, whereas the term "outer" generally means further from the contents of the receptacle.
A device 10 for packaging and dispensing a product according to the invention is illustrated in figures 1 to 3. The product is a cosmetic product.
The cosmetic product packaged and dispensed by the device 10 is for example a fluid product, such as a liquid, gel, foam, cream, or a powder. In particular, the cosmetic product is a sun protection product, for protecting a surface of a user's body from exposure to solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet radiation (UVA or UVB) or more generally a body surface care or makeup product.
The device 10 comprises a receptacle 12 containing the cosmetic product, a product dispensing member 14 (seen in figures 2 and 3) mounted on one end of the receptacle 12, and a dispensing head 16 according to the invention, covering a part of the receptacle 12 and the dispensing member 14.
The receptacle 12 comprises a hollow wall 18, defining a reservoir 20 containing cosmetic product, and a neck 22 via which the reservoir 20 discharges.
The dispensing member 14 is herein formed by a pump. Alternatively, this member 14 is a valve.
With reference to figure 3, the dispensing member 14 comprises a movable actuating element 24 suitable for moving along an axis A-A' of movement between an idle position and a dispensing position wherein it triggers dispensing of the product.
The actuating element 24 has for example a tubular conduit discharging through an inner opening 26.
As illustrated in figure 2, the dispensing head 16 comprises a first rigid element 31 , a second rigid element 32, a flexible protective cap 33 covering the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32, and a dispensing nozzle 34.
The first rigid element 31 is mounted on the movable element 24 of the actuating member 14 and is movable in conjunction therewith along the axis of movement A-A' between the idle position and the product dispensing position.
With reference to figures 2 and 3, the first rigid element 31 comprises a dispensing conduit 40, an actuating plate 42 and a reinforcing element 44.
The dispensing conduit 40 discharges on one side via a dispensing opening 48 out of the head 16 and is connected on the other side to the inner opening 26 of the actuating element 24.
The dispensing conduit 40 is thus suitable for dispensing the product outside the receptacle 12 along a dispensing axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement A-A'.
The actuating plate 42 is situated in the upper part of the first rigid element 31 substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement A-A'.
The reinforcing element 44 has a flattened part protruding with respect to the first rigid element 31 , inclined downwards and forming an angle less than 90° with the axis of movement A-A'. The angle formed by the flattened part and the axis of movement A-A' is for example between 0° and 90°.
The plate 42 and reinforcing element 44 are adjacent to the protective cap 33. The role thereof shall be explained hereinafter.
The second rigid element 32 is intended to attach the head 16 to the upper part of the receptacle 12. It is suitable for remaining stationary relative to the first element 31 during the movement of the first element 31 .
The second rigid element 32 is arranged along a free lower edge of the protective cap 16 covering the neck 22 of the receptacle 12.
As illustrated in figures 2 and 4, the second rigid element 32 is a retaining ring comprising an inner wall 50 and an outer wall 52.
The outer wall 52 is adjacent to the free lower edge of the protective cap 33.
The inner wall 50 is suitable for engaging with the neck 22 of the receptacle 12 to attach the head 16 tightly onto the receptacle 12.
For this purpose, the inner wall 50 comprises locking elements 54 seen in figure 4. The elements 54 protrude with respect to the inner wall 50 and are suitable for being received in a recess of the neck 22 provided for this purpose to lock the head 16 on the receptacle 12.
The first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32 are made of thermoplastic material, for example of polyolefin, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, metallocene polyethylene or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
According to the invention, the protective cap 33 connects the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32 in a flexible manner;
As such, by following the movement of the first rigid element 31 along the axis of movement A-A', the protective cap 33 is deformable along this axis between a non- deformed configuration wherein the first rigid element 31 occupies the idle position and a deformed configuration wherein the first rigid element 31 occupies the dispensing position.
The protective cap 33 comprises a pressing area 58 situated in the upper part of the protective cap 33 and seen in figures 2 and 3.
The pressing area 58 is arranged facing the actuating plate 42 to engage therewith.
As such, the pressing area 58 is suitable for being pushed by a user to deform the protective cap 33 and to thus move the first rigid element 31 from the idle position thereof to the product dispensing position thereof. As illustrated in figures 1 to 3, the protective cap 33 defines a product dispensing passage 60, through which the dispensing conduit 40 of the first rigid element 31 discharges.
The dispensing passage 60 is suitable for receiving the dispensing nozzle 34 which is then suitable for moving along an axis parallel with the axis of movement A-A' during deformations of the protective cap 33.
In the non-deformed configuration, the protective cap 33 has a substantially convex shape comprising a hollow area 62.
The hollow area 62 is adjacent to the product dispensing passage 60 and is suitable for dispensing the product along the dispensing axis without interacting with the dispensed product flow.
The hollow area 62 comprises a reinforced part 64 arranged facing the reinforcing element 44 of the first rigid element 31 and suitable for engaging therewith to reinforce the hollow area 62.
As such, when the protective cap 33 is in the deformed position thereof, the reinforcing element 44 prevents the hollow area 62 from being deformed.
The protective cap 33 is made of a more flexible material than the first rigid element 31 and than the second rigid element 32. This material is deformable to the touch. It has a Young's modulus, measured using the ISO 6721 -1 :1994 standard, of a value of less than 1000 MPa. The cap 33 is for example made of metallocene polyethylene, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
According to the invention, the protective cap 33, the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32 are integral, i.e. not removable from one another.
They thus form a single piece made using a manufacturing method 100 according to the invention consisting of bi-injection of a material intended to be rigid to form the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32, and of a material intended to be flexible forming the protective cap 33.
The various steps of the manufacturing method 100 are illustrated schematically in figure 5.
As such, during an initial step 1 10, a mold comprising two identical parts 1 1 1 and 1 12 movable along a separation axis C-C and a core 1 15 rotating about an axis B-B' of rotation perpendicular to the separation axis C-C, is provided.
The movable parts 1 1 1 and 1 12 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation B-B'.
Each movable part 1 1 1 and 1 12 has a complementary shape to the outer part of the dispensing head 16. The core 1 15 is symmetric with respect to the axis of rotation B-B' and has on each side a complementary shape to the inner part of the dispensing head 16.
During a subsequent step 120, a first injection of a material intended to be rigid is performed via a first opening 125 of the movable part 1 1 1 of the mold to form a preform comprising the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32.
During a subsequent step 130, the movable parts 1 1 1 and 1 12 are separated from each other along the separation axis C-C to release the core 1 15.
The core 1 15 is then rotated by 180° about the axis of rotation B-B'.
Then, the movable parts 1 1 1 and 1 12 are moved closer to take the initial positions thereof.
During a subsequent step 140, a second injection of a material intended to be flexible is performed via a second opening 145 of the movable part 1 12 of the mold to form the protective cap 33 covering the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32. The second opening 145 is arranged opposite the first opening 125.
During the same step, a further first injection is performed via the first opening 125 to form the first rigid element 31 and the second rigid element 32 of a further dispensing head.
The steps 130 and 140 are then repeated in cycles to form a dispensing head at each cycle.
It is thus understood that a dispensing head is released when rotating the core 1 15 during the step 130.
The dispensing head 16 manufactured in this way is then suitable for being attached to the receptacle 12 to form the device 10.
The cosmetic product is dispensed when the user presses the pressing area 58 of the protective cap 33.
This gives rise to a deformation of the cap 33 and a movement of the first rigid element 31 along the axis of movement A-A'.
The actuating element 24 is then set to the product dispensing position.
When the user stops applying pressure, the first rigid element 31 returns to the idle position thereof to stop dispensing the product.
It is then conceivable that the dispensing head 10 according to the invention ensures satisfactory tightness of the inner elements, which considerably reduces the risks of contamination under the effect of particles and/or dust, and moisture.
Furthermore, the dispensing head 10 has a particularly simple structure, formed of a single piece and produced using an inexpensive manufacturing method.

Claims

1 . - Actuating and product dispensing head (16) intended to be mounted on a receptacle (12), the head (16) comprising:
- a first rigid element (31 ) for actuating a dispensing member (14) mounted on the receptacle (12), the first rigid element (31 ) comprising at least one dispensing conduit (40) discharging via a dispensing opening (48) out of the head (16) and being movable, along an axis (Α-Α') of movement between an idle position and a product dispensing position via the dispensing opening (48);
- a second rigid element (32) for attaching the head (16) to the receptacle (12), the second element (32) being suitable for remaining stationary with respect to the first element (31 ) when moving the first element (31 ) between the idle position and the dispensing position; and
- a flexible protective cap (33) covering the first rigid element (31 ) and the second rigid element (32), the protective cap (33) defining a product dispensing passage (60) through which the dispensing conduit (40) discharges;
wherein the protective cap (33) connects the first rigid element (31 ) and the second rigid element (32) in a flexible manner, and wherein the protective cap (33), the first rigid element (31 ) and the second rigid element (32) are integral;
- the head (16) being made using a bi-injection process of at least one material intended to be rigid to form the first rigid element and the second rigid element, and at least one material intended to be flexible forming the protective cap.
2. - Head (16) according to claim 1 further comprising a dispensing nozzle (34), the dispensing nozzle (34) being mounted in the dispensing passage (60) of the protective cap (33), wherein the dispensing nozzle (34) is advantageously suitable for moving relative to the receptacle (12) along an axis parallel with the axis of movement (Α-Α').
3. - Head (16) according to any of the above claims, wherein the protective cap (33) is deformable at least along the axis of movement (Α-Α') between a non-deformed configuration wherein the first rigid element (31 ) occupies the idle position and a deformed configuration wherein the first rigid element (31 ) occupies the dispensing position.
4. - Head (16) according to any of the above claims, wherein the first rigid element (31 ) comprises an actuating plate (42), and wherein the protective cap (33) comprises a pressing area (58) arranged facing the actuating plate (42) to engage therewith, the pressing area (58) being suitable for being pushed by a user to move the first rigid element (31 ) from the idle position thereof to the product dispensing position thereof.
5. - Head (16) according to claim 4, wherein the actuating plate (42) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement (Α-Α').
6. - Head (16) according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the protective cap (33) in the non-deformed configuration thereof, has a substantially convex shape comprising a hollow area (62), the hollow area (62) being adjacent to the product dispensing passage (60).
7. - Head (16) according to claim 6, wherein the first rigid element (31 ) comprises a reinforcing element (44) arranged facing at least one part of the hollow area (62), the reinforcing element engaging with the part of the hollow area (62) to reinforce this part.
8. - Head (16) according to any of the above claims, wherein the protective cap (33) comprises a free lower edge covering at least one part of the receptacle (12) when the head (16) is mounted on the receptacle (12), the second rigid element (32) being arranged along the free lower edge and being suitable for engaging with the receptacle (12) tightly when the head (16) is mounted on the receptacle (12).
9. - Head (16) according to claim 8, wherein the second rigid element (32) is a retaining ring.
10. - Head (16) according to any of the above claims, wherein the first rigid element (31 ) and the second rigid element (32) are made of polypropylene thermoplastic material.
1 1 . - Head (16) according to any of the above claims, wherein the protective cap (33) is made of metallocene polyethylene.
12. - Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic composition, comprising:
- a receptacle (12) defining a reservoir (20) intended to contain product;
- a member (14) for dispensing product mounted on the receptacle (12); - an actuating and dispensing head (16) according to any of the above claims, covering the receptacle (12) and the dispensing member (14), the first rigid element (31 ) being engaged on the dispensing member (14).
13. - Method (100) for manufacturing an actuating and product dispensing head (16) intended to be mounted on a receptacle (12), the head (16) comprising:
- a first rigid element (31 ) for actuating a dispensing member (14) mounted on the receptacle (12), the first rigid element (31 ) comprising at least one dispensing conduit (40) discharging via a dispensing opening (48) out of the head (16) and being movable, along an axis (Α-Α') of movement between an idle position and a product dispensing position via the dispensing opening (48);
- a second rigid element (32) for attaching the head (16) to the receptacle (12), the second element (32) being suitable for remaining stationary with respect to the first element (31 ) when moving the first element (31 ) between the idle position and the dispensing position; and
- a flexible protective cap (33) covering the first rigid element (31 ) and the second rigid element (32), the protective cap (33) defining a product dispensing passage (60) through which the dispensing conduit (40) discharges;
the protective cap (33) connecting the first rigid element (31 ) and the second rigid element (32) in a flexible manner;
the protective cap (33), the first rigid element (31 ) and the second rigid element (32) being integral;
the method comprising the following steps:
- first injection (120) of a material intended to be rigid to form the first rigid element (31 ) and the second rigid element (32);
- second injection (140) of a material intended to be flexible to form a protective cap (33).
14. - Method (100) according to claim 13, wherein the first injection of the material intended to be rigid is performed via a first injection opening (125) of a mold, the second injection of the material intended to be flexible being performed via a second injection opening (145) of the same mold,
the method (100) comprising between the first injection and the second injection, a movement (130) in the mold of the preform comprising the first rigid element (31 ) and the second rigid element (32), from a position facing the first injection opening (125) to a position facing the second injection opening (145).
PCT/EP2015/066181 2014-07-15 2015-07-15 Actuating and product dispensing head, related device and method WO2016008930A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1456794A FR3023733B1 (en) 2014-07-15 2014-07-15 ACTUATING AND DISPENSING HEAD OF A PRODUCT, DEVICE AND METHOD THEREOF
FR1456794 2014-07-15

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WO2016008930A1 true WO2016008930A1 (en) 2016-01-21

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017178284A1 (en) * 2016-04-15 2017-10-19 L'oreal Thermoplastic elastomer blend with antistatic properties comprising at least one unfunctionalized tps and at least one peba
USD915218S1 (en) * 2018-11-01 2021-04-06 Conopco, Inc. Package
USD918732S1 (en) * 2019-10-21 2021-05-11 Glaspray Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Cosmetic container

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB787830A (en) * 1956-05-11 1957-12-18 Abplanalp Robert H Improvements in or relating to a dispensing head for an aerosol container
EP0370842A1 (en) * 1988-11-21 1990-05-30 L'oreal Attachment for dispensing a product, especially a foaming product
EP0669268A1 (en) * 1994-02-24 1995-08-30 L'oreal Dispensing device for a product and press-button for such a device
EP0863089A1 (en) * 1997-03-03 1998-09-09 L'oreal Dispensing head and dispenser with such head
US20050121474A1 (en) * 2002-07-25 2005-06-09 L'oreal Product dispensing head and packaging with variable flow

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB787830A (en) * 1956-05-11 1957-12-18 Abplanalp Robert H Improvements in or relating to a dispensing head for an aerosol container
EP0370842A1 (en) * 1988-11-21 1990-05-30 L'oreal Attachment for dispensing a product, especially a foaming product
EP0669268A1 (en) * 1994-02-24 1995-08-30 L'oreal Dispensing device for a product and press-button for such a device
EP0863089A1 (en) * 1997-03-03 1998-09-09 L'oreal Dispensing head and dispenser with such head
US20050121474A1 (en) * 2002-07-25 2005-06-09 L'oreal Product dispensing head and packaging with variable flow

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017178284A1 (en) * 2016-04-15 2017-10-19 L'oreal Thermoplastic elastomer blend with antistatic properties comprising at least one unfunctionalized tps and at least one peba
FR3050209A1 (en) * 2016-04-15 2017-10-20 Oreal ELASTOMERIC THERMOPLASTIC MIXTURE WITH ANTISTATIC PROPERTIES COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE NON-FUNCTIONALIZED GST AND AT LEAST ONE PEBA
USD915218S1 (en) * 2018-11-01 2021-04-06 Conopco, Inc. Package
USD918732S1 (en) * 2019-10-21 2021-05-11 Glaspray Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Cosmetic container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3023733B1 (en) 2019-05-17
FR3023733A1 (en) 2016-01-22

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