WO2019185325A1

WO2019185325A1 - Fluid composition dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2019185325A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/055769
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joe GOLDSMITH
Original assignee: Unilever Plc; Unilever N.V.; Conopco, Inc., D/B/A Unilever
Priority date: 2018-03-28
Filing date: 2019-03-07
Publication date: 2019-10-03
Also published as: AR114456A1

Abstract

A dispenser (1) comprising an applicator head (2), an outer body (3) defining a chamber (4) for holding a fluid to be dispensed, and a base unit which may be rotated or otherwise affected such as to result in the upward axial displacement of a platform (9) located within the chamber and the extrusion of the fluid contained within the chamber, through one or more orifices (5A, 5B) in the applicator head and onto a convex outer surface of the applicator head, characterised in that the one or more orifices has a curved, elongated and tapering shape, tapering predominately in one angular direction only, the shape of a sectored crescent, comprising two curved sides approaching one another in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

Description

Fluid Composition Dispenser

Field of Invention

The present invention is in the field dispensers for fluid compositions. It is particularly concerned with such dispensers suitable for use in topical application.

Background

Dispensers for fluid compositions are well known in the art.

US 8,469,621 B2 (P&G, 2013) discloses a personal care product comprising a shear- thinning personal care composition and a dispenser designed to preserve the G’ of the composition.

WO 3005/085084 (P&G, 2005) discloses shear-thinning structured liquids and a container fitment comprising a top panel having a non-circular dispensing orifice.

Unilever widely market a dispenser for cream antiperspirant compositions that comprises many of the features of the present invention, this dispenser having a circular orifice centrally located in its convex applicator surface. Images of this dispenser may be found in Database GNPD Mintel, Aug. 2014, anonymous,“Anti-Perspirant Deodorant”, Record ID. 2619589.

Summary of Invention

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an aesthetically pleasing extrusion of a fluid composition onto the outer surface of an applicator head in preparation for topical application.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a dispenser comprising an applicator head, an outer body defining a chamber for holding a fluid to be dispensed, and a base unit which may be rotated or otherwise affected such as to result in the upward axial

displacement of a platform located within the chamber and the extrusion of the fluid contained within the chamber, through one or more orifices in the applicator head and onto a convex outer surface of the applicator head, characterised in that the one or more orifices has a curved, elongated and tapering shape, tapering predominately in one angular direction only.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the topical delivery of a cosmetic composition comprising the use of a dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacture of a dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description of Invention

Herein, a feature described as“preferred” is preferred for use in any aspect of the invention.

Herein, a feature described as“preferred” is particularly preferred for use with any other feature described as“preferred”.

Herein,“topical application” refers to application to the surface of the human body and preferably refers to application to the underarm regions of the human body.

Herein, locational terms, such as terms denoting relative positioning, such as“above", “below”,“upper”, lower”,“top”,“bottom”, refer to the dispenser orientated such that its applicator head is uppermost, other than any associated over-cap.

Herein, a“cosmetic composition” denotes a composition suitable for application to the surface of the human body. In particularly, it denotes a composition suitable for application to the skin of the human body, i.e., excluding the oral cavity.

Herein,“cosmetic” should be understood to mean non-therapeutic.

Herein, an“antiperspirant composition” denotes a cosmetic composition capable of reducing perspiration from the skin of the human body. Herein a“cosmetic composition dispenser” is a dispenser suitable for topical delivery of a cosmetic composition, i.e. delivery of the cosmetic composition to the skin of the human body.

The dispenser used in the present invention comprises an applicator head, an outer body defining a chamber for holding a fluid to be dispensed, and a base unit. The base unit may be rotated or otherwise affected to result in the upward axial displacement of a platform located within the chamber. This is typically achieved by use of a rotatable base unit and an associated axial shaft.

In preferred embodiments, the base unit is rotatable and rotation of the base unit causes rotation of an associated axial shaft, which interacts with a screw thread within the platform causing its upward axial displacement.

The outer body of the dispenser is preferably cylindrical.

The base unit is considered to be“rotatable” when it comprises a component that is rotatable and rotation of that component causes upward axial displacement of the platform within the chamber.

In alternative embodiments, the base unit may cause upward axial displacement of the platform located within the chamber by means of a toggle switch located within the base unit.

The platform within the chamber typically provided a base for the fluid to be dispensed.

Upward axial movement of the platform then forces the fluid to be dispensed upwards and ultimately through the one or more orifices in the applicator head and onto the surface of the applicator head.

The dispensing rate or“flow rate” for the dispenser is preferably from 0.16 to 0.66 g/s and more preferably from 0.25 to 0.50 g/s.

Herein, a“fluid” or“fluid composition” is a material capable of flow at 25°C and 1 atmosphere pressure. The fluid may be a serum, lotion, cream or soft solid. The fluid to be dispensed by the dispensers of the present invention is preferably a cosmetic composition and more preferably an antiperspirant or deodorant composition.

Fluids particularly suitable for use with the present invention are shear-thinning, meaning that they have lower viscosities at higher shear rates. Shear-thinning compositions preferably have a yield stress of from 20 to 300 Pa, more preferably from 20 to 120 Pa and most preferably from 30 to 100 Pa.

The fluid used with dispensers according to the present invention is preferably a structured liquid, i.e. one or more liquid components structured by one or more structuring agents.

The fluid preferably comprises a structuring agent and a liquid component. The liquid component preferably comprises an oil, such as a silicone oil, ester oil or hydrocarbon oil. In some embodiments, multiple liquid components may be present, preferably as a

homogeneous solution or as an emulsion.

Herein,“liquid” components are non-gaseous materials capable of flow at 25°C.

Herein, a“structuring agent” is a material that increases the viscosity of a liquid when added thereto. The structuring agent may comprise any of those known in the art at sufficient level to attain the desired viscosity for the fluid. Preferred structuring agents are elastomers, especially silicone elastomers.

Fluids that are shear-thinning and particularly those having the preferred properties described above are particularly aesthetically attractive during extrusion from dispensers according to the present invention.

The applicator head typically sits above the chamber for the composition. The outer surface of the applicator head, herein the applicator surface, is contacted with the surface of the skin to transfer the composition from said surface to the skin. The applicator surface is convex, this shape aiding the delivery of a cosmetic composition from the applicator surface onto the surface of the skin, particularly in the underarm regions of the body. The term“convex” should be understood to mean outwardly curved in two orthogonal dimensions. The convex outer surface of the applicator head may alternatively be termed “domed”.

The radius of curvature of the convex outer surface of the applicator head is preferably from 26 to 56 cm over at least the 50% of its surface area closest to its centre. It is particularly preferred that this radius of curvature is from 31 to 51 cm over the 50% of the applicator head outer surface area closest to its centre and especially preferred this radius of curvature is from 36 to 46 cm over said area.

The one or more dispensing orifices have a curved, elongated and tapering shape, tapering predominately in one angular direction only. This excludes shapes such as crescents, which taper in two angular directions, clockwise and anticlockwise around the crescent. A feature that“tapers predominately in one angular direction only” tapers in a second angular direction for less than 20% and preferably less than 10% of its entire angular extent. More preferably, such a feature tapers in only one direction throughout its entire angular extent, other than for the possibility of an outwardly curved end to its wider angular end.

The one or more dispensing orifices preferably have the form of a tapering annular sector, wherein the taper is predominately in only one angular direction. An“annulus” is defined as a plane figure consisting of the area between two concentric circles. An“annular sector” is a portion of such an annulus extending over a given angular extent, say, 90° or 60°.

A“tapering annular sector” is one that tapers, i.e. decreases in radial dimension as one moves angularly around the angular sector. Tapering angular sectors are not in themselves angular sectors, since the taper means that the sector is no longer of an area between two concentric circles.

The dispensing orifice has an angular extent that is preferably 180° or less. In some embodiments, it may be 120° or less or even 90° or less.

Herein, the angular extent of a tapering annular segment refers to the angular extent of the outer arc comprising said tapering annular segment. In certain preferred embodiments, the orifice has the shape of a sectored crescent, comprising two curved sides approaching one another in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. The crescent is sectored such that it steadily decreases in width in one angular direction only. The wider end of the sectored crescent may be termed its“head” and the narrower end may be termed its“tail”. Preferred orifices have the shape of sectored crescents having one head and one tail.

The dispensing orifice has a wider end angularly separated from a narrower end and linked by a region in which the width of the annulus decreases in either a clockwise or

anticlockwise direction. This may involve a decrease in the radius of curvature of an outer side of the orifice and/or an increase in the radius of curvature of an inner side of the orifice.

In preferred embodiments, the applicator head comprises a plurality of orifices. It is particularly preferred that there are precisely two such orifices. We have found that particularly attractive dispensing occurs when two such orifices are orientated in a yin yang pattern. The wider end of each such orifice may be termed its“head” and the narrower end may be termed its“tail”. In the“yin tang” pattern, the head of one orifice faces towards the tail of the other and vice versa.

In particularly preferred embodiments, there are precisely two orifices which are diagonally offset from one another. This means that there are no inner or outer arcs bounding (and partially defining) the orifices that share a common centre. Further, the centres of the inner or outer arcs of each of the orifices are diagonally spaced from one another, the diagonal used for this definition being a diagonal of the outer surface of the applicator head. It is preferred that the inner arcs of each of the orifices are diagonally spaced from one another.

In embodiments comprising a plurality of orifices, it is preferred that the orifices are of substantially the same shape or are of identical shape. When the orifices are of substantially the same shape, it is preferred that they are identical to the naked eye.

In embodiments comprising a plurality of orifices, it is further preferred that the orifices are relatively close to one another, the aim being that the fluid extruded from one orifice may interact with the fluid extruded from another. It is preferred that the minimum distance between any two of the orifices is from 50% to 150% of the maximum radial dimension of any of the orifices, this radial dimension being measured along the radius of the arc defining the radially outer edge of the orifice. It is particularly preferred that the minimum distance between any two of the orifices is from 60% to 140% of the maximum radial dimension of any of the orifice and it is especially preferred that the minimum distance between any two of the orifices is from 70% to 130% of the maximum radial dimension of any of the orifices.

The desired spacing of the orifices may typically be achieved by spacing the orifices at from 1 to 6 mm from one another, preferably 2 to 5 mm from one another along substantially their whole lengths. These spacings are particularly preferred when the orifices have a similar width, i.e. a width of from 1 to 6 mm and preferably 2 to 5 mm, where the width of the orifice is measured radial to the curve of the orifice and across the least tapered section of the orifice.

It is preferred that the one or more orifices comprises only a limited percentage of the surface area of the applicator head, this enhancing the comfort in use of the dispenser, in particular the comfort with which a cosmetic composition on the outer surface of the applicator head may be massaged into the skin. The one or more orifices preferably comprise less than 40%, more preferably less than 25% and most preferably less than 10% of the total surface area of the applicator head.

It is preferred that the one or more orifices have edges that are flush with the outer surface of the applicator head. This means that the edges of the one or more orifice do not protrude outwards, beyond any other part of the outer surface of the applicator head. This feature aids comfort in use.

Herein, the essential and preferred features of the shape of the orifice enhance the aesthetics of the flow of the serum onto the outer surface of the applicator head of the dispenser.

A preferred feature of the dispenser is a dose indicator. Typically, the dose indicator informs the user when a pre-set dose of the liquid composition has been applied. Typically, the dose indicator is associated with the dispensing means.

When a dose indicator is employed, this may take the form of a hard or“partial stop” to the rotation of a dial used to raise an axially mobile platform located beneath the liquid. When a “hard” stop is employed, it is preferable that the dial causes elevation of the platform when rotated in a first direction and can then be re-set by counter-rotation without loss of elevation of the platform. In this way, the platform may be prepared for a further elevation when dial is rotated again in its first direction.

In preferred embodiments, the dose indicator indicates that the required dose has been achieved in a haptic manner, i.e. the user receives a tactile signal that the dose has been achieved.

In preferred embodiments, a dose indicator that takes the form of a“partial stop” of a rotational dial is employed. Herein, a“partial stop” means that the user feels a resistance to turning of the dial when the pre-set dose is approached. The dose indicator may take the form of rotational resistance elements between the dial and a main body of the dispenser with which the dial is associated.

In certain preferred embodiments, there is a removable over-cap covering the applicator head. The over-cap preserves the upper surface of the applicator head from damage and must be removed from said surface prior to use of the dispenser.

Preferred over-caps for use in the present invention stand proud of the upper of the surface applicator head towards its centre and comprise a chimney feature protruding downwards from inner surface of the over-cap and surrounding each of the one or more orifices in the applicator head. This feature serves to reduce the spread fluid accidentally dispensed on the surface of the applicator head during transit of the dispenser.

In certain preferred embodiments, the area of the upper surface surrounding each of the one or more orifices are covered with a label, preferably having a pressure-sensitive adhesive on its side applied to the surface applicator head. This serves to reduce the egress of fluid from the dispenser chamber onto the surface of the applicator head during transit. In such embodiments, it is preferred that the there is also an over-cap having a downwardly protruding chimney, as described in the paragraph immediately above. The chimney preferably contacts the label and helps to hold it in place.

Dispensers according to the present invention may be prepared by injection moulding of plastic components followed by assembly. It is preferred that the dispenser comprises one or more components made from a plastic selected from the list polypropylene, poly(oxymethylene) and polyethylene (especially linear low density polypropylene [LLDPE]).

Specific Embodiments

Figures 1 to 9 illustrate a first embodiment.

Figure 1 illustrates a dispenser suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-section through the dispenser of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top view of the dispenser of Figures 1 and 2, illustrating the applicator surface.

Figure 4 is an illustration of a dial unit and associated axial shaft used in association with the dispenser of Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 5 is an illustration of a platform used in association with the dispenser of Figures 1 to 4 and particularly the dial unit and associated axial shaft of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is magnified view of a screw-thread generator that is used in association with the platform, as illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the top surface of the dial unit as illustrated in Figure 4, with the associated axial shaft truncated.

Figure 8 is a bottom view of the base of an outer body (3) which defines a chamber (4) in which the composition is located when the dispenser is ready for use.

Figure 9 is a further (partial) view of the base the outer body as illustrated in Figure 8.

Figures 10 to 15 illustrate the appearance of a composition extruding from the applicator surface shown in Figures 1 to 9.

Figures 16 to 19 are top view representations of alternative applicator surfaces that may be used in accordance with the invention. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a dispenser (1 ) suitable dispensing and applying a shear-thinning composition. The dispenser comprises applicator head (2), an outer body (3) defining a chamber (4) and various components responsible for forcing the composition from the chamber (4), through a pair of orifices (5A and 5B), and onto the outer surface of the applicator head (2).

The dispenser (1 ) also comprises a dial (6) which sits below the outer body (3) and which may be rotated by the user of dispenser (1 ). Firmly attached to centre of the dial (6) there is an axial shaft (7). The axial shaft (7) is of predominately uniform diameter apart from two wider sections (7A and 7B) located towards its lower end.

The axial shaft (7) passes through a central orifice (8) in a base plate (3B) of the outer body (3). The axial shaft (7) is held in place within the central orifice (8) by an annular projection (3A) from the rim of the central orifice interacting with an annular recess (7R) in the wider section (7B) of the axial shaft (7) located closest to the dial (6).

With reference to Figure 2 and Figure 5, the axial shaft (7) also passes through a central orifice (8A) in platform (9) upon which the composition sits, when the dispenser (1 ) is ready for use. The central orifice (8A) in the platform (9) has a screw-threader (10) inserted. This a screw-threader (10) serves to carve a thread into the one on the axial shaft (7) as the dial (6) is rotated.

Before start of use of the dispenser (1 ), the screw-threader (10) sits upon the top of the wider section (7A) of the axial shaft (7) located farthest to the dial (6). As the dispenser (1 ) is used, the screw threader (10) is screwed upwards on the axial shaft (7).

The dispenser (1 ) also comprises a collar (11 ) that sits above the outer body (3) and supports the outer surface of the applicator head (2).

The platform (9) is illustrated in further detail in Figure 5. The platform (9) is held non- rotatably within the outer body (3). To aid this, the platform (9) has a vertically-extending circumferential flange (12) which seals tightly against the inner surface of the chamber (4) defined by the outer body (3). The platform (9) has a central orifice (8A) defined by an inner tubular structure (13) within the platform (9). The screw-threader (10) is inserted into this central orifice (8A) during manufacture of the dispenser (1 ). The screw-threader (10) is illustrated in greater detail in Figure 6. Rotation of the dial (6) causes rotation of the associated axial shaft (7) which passes through the centre of the screw-threader (10). The screw-threader (10) is held non-rotatably in the centre of the platform (9) by vertically extending beads (14) on its outer surface which interact with the inner surface of tubular structure (13) centrally located in the platform (9).

On the inner surface of the screw-threader (10) there an axially extending screw thread (15). This interacts with the axial shaft (7) and causes the screw-threader (10) and the associated platform to move axially when the dial (6) and associated axial shaft (7) are rotated.

Towards the top of the screw-threader (10) there is an inwardly tapered section (16) which aids its insertion into the tubular structure (13) centrally located in the platform (9).

Figure 7 further illustrates the dial unit (6). On the top surface (18) of the dial unit (6) are two vertically extending struts (19 and 20) which serve as a part of a“dose indicator” for the dispenser (1 ) (see below). The struts (19 and 20) create three raised circumferential arcs (19A, 20A and 20B) that are radially spaced at 120° from each other.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the bottom surface (21 ) of the outer body (3). When the dispenser (1 ) is assembled, this is in contact with the top surface (18) of the dial unit (6). Depending from the outer edge bottom surface (21 ) of the outer body (3) there is a shallow skirt (22). This shallow skirt is designed to sit within a shallow recess (23) located circumferentially around the outer edge of the dial unit (6) (see Figure 7).

Projecting radially inward from the inner surface of the aforementioned skirt (22) are three narrow sets of radially chamfered projections (23A and 23B, 24A and 24B, 25A and 25B) that are radially spaced at 120° from each other. Each set has a gap (one labelled as 26 in Figure 9) at its centre designed to accommodate one of the three raised circumferential arcs (19A, 20A and 20B) on the top surface (18) of the dial unit (6).

When the dial (6) is turned, the three raised circumferential arcs (19A, 20A and 20B) rotate around the inner surface of the skirt (22) depending from the outer body (3). As these arcs (19A, 20A and 20B) pass over the chamfered projections (e.g. 23A, 24A and 25A) and click into the gaps (26) the user of the dispenser (1 ) is given a tactile indication that a“dose” has been completed. Figures 10 to 15 are consecutive still images taken from a video recording of gel being dispensed from a dispenser (1 ) as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9. These figures are illustrative of the aesthetically pleasing extrusion dynamic obtained from use the present invention.

Figures 16 to 19 illustrate alternative applicator surfaces to that illustrated in Figure 3. These represent alternative embodiments that may be used in conjunction with some or all of the other features of the specific embodiment described herein with regard to Figures 1 to 3 and 4 to 9.

Claims

1. A dispenser comprising an applicator head, an outer body defining a chamber for holding a fluid to be dispensed, and a base unit which may be rotated or otherwise affected such as to result in the upward axial displacement of a platform located within the chamber and the extrusion of the fluid contained within the chamber, through one or more orifices in the applicator head and onto a convex outer surface of the applicator head, characterised in that the one or more orifices has the shape of a sectored crescent, comprising two curved sides approaching one another in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction such that the width of the sector decreases in one angular direction only.

2. A dispenser according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more orifices comprises less than 40%, preferably less than 25% and more preferably less than 10% of the surface area of the applicator head.

3. A dispenser according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more orifices have edges that are flush with the outer surface of the applicator head.

4. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein all the orifices are of substantially the same shape.

5. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum distance between any two of the orifices is from 50% to 150% of the maximum radial dimension of any of the orifices.

6. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein there are precisely two orifices.

7. A dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the two orifices are orientated in a yin yang pattern, with the head of the first sectored crescent located towards the tail of the second sectored crescent and vice versa.

8. A dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the two orifices are diagonally offset from one another.

9. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit is rotatable and rotation of the base unit causes rotation of an associated axial shaft, which interacts with a screw thread within the platform causing its upward axial displacement.

10. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the radius of curvature of the convex outer surface of the applicator head is 26 to 56 cm over at least the 50% of its surface area closest to its centre.

11. A dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser

comprises a dose indicator.

12. A dispenser according to claim 1 1 , wherein the dose indicator indicates that the

required dose has been achieved in a haptic manner.

13. A product comprising a dispenser according to any of the preceding claims and a cosmetic composition held within the chamber of the dispenser and capable of topical applicator using the dispenser.

14. A product according to claim 13, wherein the cosmetic composition is shear-thinning.

15. A method for the topical delivery of an antiperspirant or deodorant composition to the underarm regions, said method comprising the use of a product according to claim 13 or 14, the method involving the transfer of the composition from the chamber of the dispenser to its convex applicator surface, followed by contact transfer of the composition from the applicator surface onto the of the skin in the underarm regions.