WO2016193251A1

WO2016193251A1 - Dispensing head having lateral actuating surfaces

Info

Publication number: WO2016193251A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/062239
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolas Albisetti
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2015-06-04
Filing date: 2016-05-31
Publication date: 2016-12-08
Also published as: FR3037047A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a dispensing head (1) for dispensing a cosmetic product in a dispensing direction (Y), having at least: - a connecting end piece (6) for connecting to a feed duct, - a body (12) defining a hollow space (2), said hollow space (2) having a longitudinal axis coincident with the dispensing direction (Y), - an inlet orifice (11) for allowing the product to enter the hollow space (2), - an outlet orifice (10) for allowing the product to exit the hollow space (2), characterized in that it has at least two lateral actuating surfaces (3, 4) on which the user can act in order to dispense the product.

Description

Dispensing head having lateral actuating surfaces

The present invention relates to a dispensing head for dispensing a cosmetic product, for example a deodorant, an antiperspirant or a tanning or care product.

More generally, a "cosmetic product" is a product as defined in Regulation (EC)

No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and Council of 30 November 2009 relating to cosmetic products.

Dispensing heads that are designed to direct a cosmetic product precisely onto the skin are known.

One drawback of these heads can be that a drop in pressure is created on account of the route of the product, which can include multiple changes in direction and right-angle returns. In addition, this route increases the risks of blockage when use is made of a product which produces a dry residue on drying.

Another drawback of such heads can be the dispensing of the product and the diffusion of the propellant gas in the room, for example the bathroom. In some cases, the user or her family can be sensitive to the fine droplets of product or to the propellant gas.

Patents US4420099 and CA2802570 propose a diffusion head that has a hollow space that serves as a space for confining the cosmetic product and the propellant gas. The hollow space is rotationally symmetrical. The latter is passed through by the spray of cosmetic product, which passes in through an inlet orifice and exits through an outlet orifice. It subsequently reaches the body region to be treated. The diffusion head is controlled by vertical actuation generated by the diffuser being pressed against the armpit.

This system provides the user with comfort of use that can be improved. This is because the pressure against the armpit can be painful. In addition, the rotationally symmetrical hollow space reduces the diffusion of the cosmetic product and of the propellant gas only within the confines of the dispensing head, and this can sometimes be too restrictive.

The use of an aerosol deodorant with a specific diffuser for confining the spray against the armpit is also known from FR 2 252 824. According to that patent, the diffusing head has an open hollow space. The hollow space forms a concave and asymmetric confinement region for presenting the container at 45°. The device has a single lateral actuating surface on which the user can act in order to dispense the product, as can be seen in Figure 1 of that document and on page 6 of the description.

In order to use the device according to that document, the user uses her thumb to move the single control button in an axial direction along the side wall of the diffusion head. She grips the diffusion head in her hand with the other fingers. According to further variants, the single control button can be moved by radial pressure or some other movement. It is stated, with reference to Figure 1 , that the control button has a connecting lever that is articulated with the valve stem of the device.

However, the use of a single lever that is moved axially in order to trigger the spray requires an additional part and thus an assembly. In addition, the hand movements are not truly ergonomic. This is because the user's wrist is bent at 90°. Actuation requires a degree of dexterity.

Finally, the asymmetric shape of the hollow space means that the device has to be brought particularly close to the armpit, around 1 cm from the latter. This distance is less than a reasonable safety distance. It can cause burns and/or runs.

There is a need to further improve dispensing heads in order, notably:

- to increase the precision of dispensing,

- to circumscribe the diffusion of the propellant around the body region to be treated,

- to provide easy actuation,

- to obtain a high degree of safety,

- to avoid any unpleasant sensations,

- to provide new ergonomic hand movements. DEFINITION OF THE INVENTION

The subject of the invention, according to one of its aspects, is a dispensing head for dispensing a cosmetic product in a dispensing direction, having at least:

- a connecting end piece for connecting to a feed duct,

- a body defining a hollow space, said hollow space having a longitudinal axis coincident with the dispensing direction,

- an inlet orifice for allowing the product to enter the hollow space,

- an outlet orifice for allowing the product to exit the hollow space, the head having at least two lateral actuating surfaces on which the user can act in order to dispense the product, the body and the at least two lateral actuating surfaces being in one piece.

Such a dispensing head can be produced easily, reducing the cost thereof.

The fact that the head has at least two lateral actuating surfaces provides better ergonomics. The spray is easy to trigger, keeping the hand in line with the arm, without bending the wrist. The user simply exerts an action on the two control buttons. She can exert this pressure without difficulty while controlling the distance between the dispensing head and her skin. Thus, she can choose the distance that is suitable for her and adjust it at any time. She avoids any unpleasantness. The hand movements are precise, new and effective for tonic dispensing. She can use mainly the two most agile fingers: the thumb and the index finger. Dexterity is improved for dispensing. Her movements are controlled and she can control the position of the device with respect to her skin. The effectiveness of the product is improved.

The invention also relates to an aerosol device equipped with a dispensing head as defined above.

MAIN DEFINITIONS

The "X axis" means a longitudinal axis.

The "longitudinal axis of an element" is the line connecting all of the centres of mass of the cross sections of this element. The longitudinal axis may be a central axis, or even an axis of symmetry for this element, notably when the latter has a cross section which is circular or in the overall shape of a regular polygon. The longitudinal axis may be rectilinear or curved and may be contained in a plane, which may be a plane of symmetry for some or even for all of the cross sections of the element. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the applicator member is rectilinear.

A "cross section" of an element is a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of this element.

The "dispensing direction" is the direction in which the cosmetic product is sprayed. It is coincident with the axis of the spray.

A "lateral actuating surface" is a control region situated on the external lateral surface of the dispensing head. It is accessible to the user. It has, preferably, a region delimiting the application of an actuating force. This region is identifiable by the user. For example, it can be defined by a relief, a line, a cutout or a colour.

The lateral actuating surface may notably move:

- parallel to the dispensing axis,

- radially in the direction of the dispensing axis,

- perpendicularly to the dispensing axis.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The device head according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken separately or in any technically possible combination(s):

- the actuating surfaces are movable in the direction of the dispensing axis, notably perpendicularly to the dispensing axis,

- the dispensing head has at least two median planes of symmetry,

- the dispensing head has two median planes of symmetry,

- the actuating surfaces are situated on a mounting skirt for mounting the head on a container,

- the dispensing head has at least two actuating levers that are moved radially,

- the hollow part has a shape that diverges with increasing distance from the connecting end piece,

- the dispensing head has at least two additional inlet orifices for allowing the product to enter the hollow space, the additional inlet orifices having axes that are parallel to one another, converge towards one another or diverge from one another,

3 3

- the volume of the hollow space is between 0.5 cm and 20 cm , preferably between 2 cm 3 and 10 cm 3 , more preferably between 3 cm 3 and 7 cm 3 ,

- the cross-sectional area of the outlet orifice for allowing the product to exit the

2 2 2 2 hollow space is between 1 cm and 20 cm , preferably between 3 cm and 10 cm , and

2 2

more preferably between 5 cm and 7 cm ,

- the dispensing head is moulded in one piece,

- the product is a deodorant.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof and from examining the appended, schematic and partial drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 is a front view of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 2 is a side view of the device from Figure 1 ,

- Figure 3 shows an inclined perspective view of another example of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 4 shows an inclined perspective view of the head from Figure 3 in cross section,

- Figure 5 shows an inclined perspective top view of the head from Figure 4,

- Figure 6 is an inclined perspective view of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 7 is a view in longitudinal section of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 8 is a view in longitudinal section of a dispensing head according to the invention,

- Figure 9 shows a perspective side view of a dispensing head according to the invention in longitudinal section,

- Figure 10 illustrates the application of deodorant with the aid of the device according to the invention.

Figures 1 to 3 schematically show a packaging and dispensing device 10 in accordance with the invention, having a pressurized container 20 provided with a dispensing head 1 in accordance with the invention.

The dispensing head is chosen for example from plastics materials such as PP, POM, ABS, PBT.

The pressurized container 20 has for example, in its upper part, a support dish for a valve (not visible), this dish being crimped onto the body of the container. The valve has a hollow control stem (also not visible), the valve being opened by this control stem being depressed. If the pressurized container is replaced by a container provided with a pump, this does not represent a departure from the scope of the present invention.

The dispensing head 1 has two actuating surfaces 3 and 4 disposed on a mounting skirt 9 that serves to fix the head 1 to the container 20. In the example described, the actuating surfaces 3 and 4 are produced in one piece, by moulding plastics material, with the body 12 of the dispensing head 1, being made of the flexible plastics material.

The body 12 defines a hollow space 2 in the form of a dish having a longitudinal axis coincident with the product dispensing direction Y. The hollow space 2 is delimited in its upper part by a rim 51.

The mounting skirt 9 can be provided, in its lower part, with a bead that protrudes radially inwards and is intended to be snap-fastened into a groove formed in the upper part of the container 20, in a conventional manner.

The dispensing head 1 has two median planes of symmetry, for better ergonomics and to conform better with the shape of the armpit. Also to conform better with the armpit, the rim 51 is not situated in one and the same plane.

As can be seen in Figure 4, the dispensing head has a connecting end piece 6 intended to receive the upper end of a feed duct with a tight fit. The two actuating surfaces 3 and 4 can be disposed in a diametrically opposed manner on the skirt 9.

As can be seen in Figure 5, the actuating surfaces 3 and 4 are produced in the wall of the skirt 9, which is in the form of a cylinder of revolution about the longitudinal axis of the dispensing head, and have a generally rectangular contour, as can be seen in Figure 2. The actuating surfaces 3 and 4 are symmetrical with one another about the longitudinal axis of the head.

The product outlet orifice 10 defined by the body 12 preferably has, as illustrated, a non-planar cross section for greater ergonomics. The axis of the outlet orifice 10 is identical to the product dispensing axis.

The cross section of the product outlet orifice 10 can for example form a concave and/or convex surface.

As can be seen in Figure 6, the connecting end piece 6 can define a passage 50 for admitting product into the hollow space 2. This passage 50 can be cylindrical.

The inlet orifice 11 for allowing product to enter the hollow space 2 is shown in Figure 7. The axis of the inlet orifice 11 is identical to the product dispensing axis Y. The axis of the outlet orifice 10 is identical to the product dispensing axis Y.

The vertically positioned inlet orifice 11 or nozzle makes it possible to produce the dispensing head 1 in one piece while retaining the dimensional properties necessary for proper operation. In addition, it avoids any assembly that is costly especially in terms of investment. The dimensions of the inlet orifice 11 can be easily optimized with respect to the cosmetic products by simply changing the pin that defines this orifice 11.

The head 1 has two additional inlet orifices 7 and 8 for allowing the product to enter the hollow space 2. The additional inlet orifices 7 and 8 have axes Z that are parallel to one another and parallel to the dispensing direction Y. The axes Z could also converge towards one another or diverge from one another.

Figure 8 shows that the actuating surfaces 3 and 4 are each connected to a movable cutout 14 in the body 12. This movable cutout 14 defines two movable parts 15 and 16 that are symmetrical with one another about a median plane of the dispensing head 1. The movable cutout 14 is connected to the passage 50. The actuating surface 3 is connected to the movable part 16 by a bridge of material 17. The actuating surface 4 is connected to the movable part 15 by a bridge of material 18.

One or more reinforcing ribs can be provided in the space situated:

- between the actuating surface 3 and the movable part 16, and

- between the actuating surface 4 and the movable part 15.

These reinforcing ribs can stiffen the actuating surfaces in order to facilitate the action by the user.

Reinforcing fins 19 and 20 can moreover be disposed between the skirt 9 and the body 12. They improve the hold of the skirt 9 on the container 20.

Figure 9 shows that the body 12 is formed by a fixed part 21 and the movable cutout 14. The actuation of the lateral surfaces 3 and 4 causes product to be ejected from the container 20 to the hollow space 2. This ejection is brought about by the movable parts 15 and 16 forming a double lever arm for acting on the connecting end piece 6. The double lever arm has:

- a first axis of rotation A situated at the base of each actuating surface 3 and 4,

- a second axis of rotation B situated in the hinge region between the admission passage 50 and each movable part 15 and 16. This hinge region bends by plastic deformation (triangle or rhombus) during the action on the actuating surfaces 3 and 4. It allows axial mobility of the connecting end piece 6. Additional diametrically opposed inlet orifices 7 and 8 facilitate this deformation. At least one actuating lever that is moved radially can make it possible to trigger the spray, can be as one with the diffusion head 1 and forms part of the same component. A bracket system can convert the radial movement into a vertical movement, and this allows high actuating smoothness and a large triggering force.

Ideally, in order to make the system even more successful and also for better handling, a second, symmetrically opposite lever steps down this force. In addition, this pair of symmetrical levers that are moved radially brings about an axial movement of the nozzle on the stem and allows the spray to be triggered. The pressure that the user needs to apply is very comfortable. Nevertheless, it makes it possible to avoid any accidental triggering in particular in the event of high pressure on a single lever.

Figure 10 illustrates the use of an aerosol device 10 according to the invention.

The hollow space 2 forms a symmetrical confinement cone at the end of the device 10. It makes it possible to position the device 10 correctly (vertically) close to the armpit. It also helps to confine the spray. It is not necessary for the user to raise her arm but only to move it away from her body a little. It is also not necessary to move the container 20 under the armpit. It is enough to position the device 10 once in order to treat an armpit. A variable distance ranging from 0 to 10 cm for example between the rim 51 of the diffusion head and the armpit allows the user to adapt to these needs (more or less cold, more or less confined, more or less wide).

Generally, the spray is in the form of a cone. The height of the cone is defined so as to avoid any risk of burns. A distance of 45 mm between the inlet orifice 11 and the top part of the cone is advantageous. The diameter of the cone is advantageously configured to obtain a wide confinement cone while maintaining easy handling.

In order to use the device 10 containing a deodorant, the user can start by moving the applicator 10 towards an armpit.

Next, the user can apply the product contained in the device 10 to her skin by exerting one or more pressures on the actuating surfaces 3 and 4.

By the lever effect, each pressure causes product to pass from the container 20 to the dispensing head 1.

When the user releases the actuating surfaces 3 and 4, the latter tend to return to their initial shape by inherent elasticity, causing the inlet valve allowing deodorant to enter the dispensing head to close. The user can repeat the operation for the other armpit.

The invention is not limited to the described examples. The body 12 may have any other shape. The system for driving the opening of the container 20 by the actuating surfaces 3 and 4 may be different.

The volume of the hollow space 2 may be greater than that of the container 20. The hollow space 2 may have an oval cross section, for example. The height of the hollow space 2 may be more or less high depending on the type of spray to be generated, its force and its width.

Depending on the dimensions, the relief of the region to be treated and the cosmetic products, additional orifices can be created. They can be contained either in the diameter of the stem housing in order to maintain the one-piece part, or on a nozzle fitted on the dispensing head 1.

The expression "having a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one".

Claims

1. Dispensing head (1) for dispensing a cosmetic product in a dispensing direction (Y), having at least:

- a connecting end piece (6) for connecting to a feed duct,

- a body (12) defining a hollow space (2), said hollow space (2) having a longitudinal axis coincident with the dispensing direction (Y),

- an inlet orifice (11) for allowing the product to enter the hollow space (2),

- an outlet orifice (10) for allowing the product to exit the hollow space (2),

characterized in that it has at least two lateral actuating surfaces (3, 4) on which the user can act in order to dispense the product, the body (12) and the at least two lateral actuating surfaces (3, 4) being in one piece.

2. Dispensing head (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the actuating surfaces (3,

4) are movable in the direction of the dispensing axis (Y), notably perpendicularly to the dispensing axis (Y).

3. Dispensing head (1) according to either of the preceding claims, which has at least two median planes of symmetry.

4. Dispensing head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating surfaces (3, 4) are situated on a mounting skirt (9) for mounting the head (1) on a container (20).

5. Dispensing head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which has at least two actuating levers that are moved radially.

6. Dispensing head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow part (2) has a shape that diverges with increasing distance from the connecting end piece (6).

7. Dispensing head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which has at least two additional inlet orifices (7, 8) for allowing the product to enter the hollow space (2), the additional inlet orifices (7, 8) having axes (Z) that are parallel to one another, converge towards one another or diverge from one another.

8. Dispensing head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

3 3

the volume of the hollow space (2) is between 0.5 cm and 20 cm , preferably between 2

3 3 3 3

cm and 10 cm , more preferably between 3 cm and 7 cm .

9. Dispensing head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-sectional area of the outlet orifice (10) for allowing the product to exit the hollow

2 2 2 2 space (2) is between 1 cm and 20 cm , preferably between 3 cm and 10 cm , and more

2 2

preferably between 5 cm and 7 cm .

10. Dispensing head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is moulded in one piece.

11. Dispensing head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the product is a deodorant.

12. Aerosol device (10) equipped with a dispensing head (1) as defined in any one of the preceding claims.