Massage applicator

Abstract

A massage applicator (10) for the massage application of a cream-like liquid into the skin is known. Such a massage applicator (10) has an end wall (20) with a massage area (22) on which massage elevations (26) are arranged. The end wall (20) is penetrated by at least one discharge channel (30) for a cream-like liquid. It is proposed that the massage applicator be provided with suitable markings in the massage area (22) in order to determine the liquid to be used; that the massage applicator be provided with a flap (70) which can be locked in an open manner and / or blocked in a closed manner in a special manner; and that an assembly be used on two valves (32, 36) in order to achieve safety against unintentional discharge.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a massage applicator for the massage application of a cream-like liquid into the skin and to a massage dispenser having such a massage applicator.

[0002] Massage applicators of the type in question have an end wall with a massage area on which massage elevations are arranged. The end wall is penetrated by at least one discharge channel for a cream-like liquid, which makes it possible for liquid to be discharged from a liquid reservoir through the discharge channel to the outside and to accumulate on the massage area first. BACKGROUND

[0003] The use of such a massage applicator as a component of a massage dispenser is carried out in such a way that liquid from a liquid reservoir is conveyed onto the massage area by the user and is pressed onto a skin portion next to the massage area on which the liquid should be applied or introduced. The liquid is massaged in by a massage movement, for example a circular movement, of the massage applicator on the skin.

[0004] Massage applicators and massage dispensers having such massage applicators which are available on the market also have some disadvantages, especially in terms of the dosability of the liquid, the comfort in handling, and the safety against unauthorized discharge by children or against accidental discharge due to overpressure in the liquid reservoir. SUMMARY

[0005] The task of the invention is to improve massage applicators of the type in question in such a way that they offer advantages in terms of the dosability of the liquid, the comfort in handling, and the safety against unauthorized discharge by children or against accidental discharge due to overpressure in the liquid reservoir at a lower production cost than known massage applicators.

[0006] According to the invention, for this purpose a massage applicator of the type in question for the massage application of a cream-like liquid is proposed, which is designed according to the further described aspects. In line with massage applicators of the type in question, the massage applicator according to the invention has an end wall with a massage area on which massage elevations are arranged. The end wall is penetrated by at least one and preferably exactly one discharge channel for a cream-like liquid, which makes it possible for liquid to be discharged from a liquid reservoir through the discharge channel to the outside and to accumulate on the massage area first. The massage area is preferably circular and especially preferably has a diameter of between 20 mm and 60 mm. If the desired amount of cream-like liquid has been discharged onto the massage area, the application can then be started in such a way that the massage area is pressed onto a skin portion to be supplied and here the liquid is distributed and / or introduced into the skin by means of the massage elevations by, for example, a circular movement of the massage applicator.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the application, it is proposed that markings configured as protrusions and / or recesses are provided on the massage area, which surround at least one discharge channel and which characterize different discharge quantities, when the liquid discharged through the discharge channel reaches the respective marking on the massage surface, then the discharge quantity is reached, respectively.

[0008] It is therefore provided in the massage applicator according to the application that markings are provided on the massage area itself, i.e. on the surface surrounding the discharge channel, which allow a detection of the quantity of liquid already discharged when liquid is discharged onto the massage area. If liquid is discharged by the user, the liquid accumulates in the massage area. The outer edge of the liquid accumulated on the massage area can serve as an indication of the quantity discharged due to the markings according to the application. Here, the markings can be arranged, in particular, depending on the type of liquid. Since a liquid of thin consistency forms a rather thin film, the thickness of which does not depend on the quantity of liquid, the quantity of liquid discharged occurs approximately as the square of the diameter of the accumulation of the discharged liquid. A liquid of thick consistency, on the other hand, forms a rather thick layer, the thicker the layer, the more liquid is discharged. Here, the quantity of liquid discharged occurs approximately as the cube of the diameter of the discharged liquid.

[0009] In the simplest case, the markings according to the application can be formed by scales extending radially outward from the discharge channel.

[0010] However, it is preferred that the markings are provided as circular markings surrounding at least one discharge channel, in particular as a ring-shaped structure, which is preferably closed around or at most has short perforations. Such a ring-shaped structure has the advantage that the liquid is thereby first stopped so that the inner ring is filled as completely as possible before the liquid gets over the inner ring and subsequently fills the next ring as completely as possible. It has shown that the estimation of the quantity of liquid discharged is then easy for the user.

[0011] A particularly simple design is possible, in which only one, in particular circular, marking is provided, so that a defined quantity of liquid can be determined purposefully. This is in particular suitable if the liquid always should be discharged in the same quantity depending on its type. However, it is preferred that at least two markings, in particular preferably at least three markings, are provided, which are suitable for determining two or three different quantities of liquid.

[0012] It is conceivable in principle that the markings are configured as protrusions and serve as massage protrusions as such, that is to say are also responsible for the application of a liquid massage into the skin. It is thus even conceivable to dispense with any further massage protrusions in the massage area. However, it is advantageous if, in addition to the mentioned markings for characterizing different discharge amounts, additional massage protrusions are also provided on the massage area which are not configured as such. The massage protrusions which do not serve as markings are preferably configured as small discrete protrusions, which can in particular be circular. Their outer contour preferably has an extension or diameter of between 1 and 5 mm. Particularly preferred is a design in which no such additional purely massage protrusions are provided inside the markings. These purely massage markings are preferably provided only, but at least partially, outside the outermost markings. They are preferably distributed in a surrounding annular area here.

[0013] In order to detect the significance of the markings and in particular to detect the respective assigned liquid amounts, a respective label is preferably provided on the massage dispenser, in particular the massage applicator. Such a label can in particular be a volume specification. However, as an alternative, other characterizing labels can be provided, for example "child", "teenager" and "adult". Through the label, the technical function of the markings can be directly recognized by the user. A possible solution for the placement of the label is that the markings are provided with a label each on the massage area, which indicates by means of the label what amount of liquid has been discharged when the liquid reaches the marking on the massage surface. In order to leave the distribution of the discharged liquid on the massage area unaffected by the label, the label is in this case preferably applied as a print.

[0014] An alternative design provides that the label is provided on other locations of the massage applicator or on a liquid reservoir connected to the massage applicator, in particular on the inner side of a cap, which indicates by means of the label what amount of liquid has been discharged when the liquid reaches the respective marking on the massage surface. Through this arrangement, the label can in particular be formed directly by the design of the massage applicator, thus eliminating the printing process. The arrangement on the inner side of a cap, which is preferably configured as a flip cap, is particularly advantageous, since this inner side can be seen simultaneously with the markings and the liquid flowing in the massage area after the flip-open. Furthermore, it has proven to be particularly intuitively comprehensible that the label spaced apart from the massage area likewise shows the markings which supplement the respective volume specification of the discharged liquid.

[0015] It is considered particularly advantageous to provide at least three markings, in particular in the form of concentric circles, with respective labels. It is considered particularly advantageous here that the discharge quantity difference identifiable by means of the labels between the two outermost markings is greater than the discharge quantity difference between the two innermost markings. Since the liquid quantity rises with the diameter of the respective marking as an exponent between 2 and 3 depending on the liquid and its viscosity, the respective circular markings must be positioned increasingly further outwards from one another in the case of the same discharge quantity difference, which makes the labelling between the markings difficult. An increased discharge quantity difference with, for example, three markings with labels of 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml and 2.0 ml is therefore more practically usable.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the application, the massage applicator has a base on which an end wall with a massage area and a discharge channel is arranged, and a lid which is designed to be able to be pivoted between a closed state, in which it covers the massage area, and an open state, in which it releases the massage area, by means of a hinge arranged laterally of the massage area. The hinge is preferably configured as a film hinge.

[0017] Such a lid has special advantages for the lid, in particular non-losability and intuitive operation. For the purpose of use on a massage dispenser, such a lid is configured according to the second aspect of the application in such a way that it remains in the flipped-open state. This is particularly important for the type of massage dispenser in question, since the massage area is pressed onto the skin here, if necessary quite forcefully, and an unintentional pressing together of the lid and its part-sharp edges here would be painful. It is also advantageous in terms of the labelling and its legibility on the lid side that the lid remains in the flipped-open state.

[0018] In order to keep the lid in the flipped-open state, at least one latching edge is arranged on the lid and the base respectively according to the second aspect of the application, which latching edges are arranged in such a way that they come into contact with one another when the lid is opened and engage or catch in one another on a continued opening movement, thereby locking the lid in the open state. These latching edges are preferably arranged in the region of the hinge, however distinguished from the hinge in that the contact of the latching edges takes place only during the flipping open. The continued movement leads to a deformation in the region of at least one of the two latching edges, by means of which the lid is then held in the open position.

[0019] This open position should be selected in such a way that the lid and in particular the side thereof which faces away from the hinge does not generally come into contact with the skin when the massage is being applied.

[0020] This aspect is determined by the position of the hinge relative to the massage area with respect to the longitudinal axis of the massage dispenser, wherein it is particularly preferred to provide that the flap has a locking element opposite the hinge in the manner described further below, which is closer to the massage area with respect to the longitudinal axis than the hinge, so that a narrowing of the peripheral side surface in the direction of the locking element can be achieved, which reduces the risk of contact between the flap and the skin by this shaping.

[0021] However, the risk of contact between the flap and the skin also depends on how far the flap pivots between the closed state and the open state. If a label is provided on the inner side of the flap according to the first aspect of the application, the following arrangement of the catch edges is particularly advantageous, which provides that the respective angle is 180° (+ / - 15°).

[0022] An alternative design provides that instead of a simple hinge a complex hinge device is provided. The hinge device has at least two connecting bridges between the base and the flap, wherein a first connecting bridge is hingedly connected on the side of the base and on the side of the flap in a manner pivotable about different bending axes. This means that this first connecting bridge can move about two bending axes, one on the side of the base and one on the side of the flap. Preferably, two such connecting bridges of the first type are provided. The second connecting bridge is of a different type and has at least one bending axis, but this bending axis is not arranged coaxially or symmetrically to any of the bending axes of the first connecting bridges. Preferably, the second connecting bridge has only one of the mentioned bending axes. It is particularly preferred that the second connecting bridge is formed only by a hinge, in particular a film hinge, which is arranged positionally fixed not only with respect to the base but also with respect to the flap and thus connects the flap and the base almost directly to each other. In this case, the base is very precisely guided with respect to the flap (Basis), which is advantageous, inter alia, in the implementation of child protection, which is described further below.

[0023] The different arrangement of the bending axes on the two connecting bridges results in the fact that the flap is loaded in the direction of the closed state and / or the pivoted end position depending on its opening angle. Thus, in an intermediate position between the closed state and the prescribed end position of the opening, the flap is thus pressed into at least one end position due to the arrangement of the connecting bridges. In the design of the so-called bistability, it is preferred that the flap is pressed in the direction of the closed position or in the direction of the pivoted end position depending on its opening angle.

[0024] This property is achieved in that the first connecting bridge, due to the different arrangement of the bending axes compared to the second connecting bridge, is subjected to an elastic elongation in an intermediate position between the closed state and the pivoted end position.

[0025] In order to prevent such elongation from causing wear, especially from causing plastic and thus permanent elongation, especially when used frequently or at high temperatures, it is provided that the first connecting bridge has a curved shape which enables an elastic elongation of at least 10%, especially at least 20%, of the first connecting bridge without plastic deformation of the first connecting bridge. The recognition on which this design solution is based is that a curved deformation which is suitable to achieve a given elongation exhibits a smaller tendency to plastic deformation of the connecting bridge. The avoidance of plastic deformation is important because such plastic deformation, especially plastic stretching, of the first connecting bridge leads to the fact that the flip-top can no longer be reliably held in its pivoted open position and thus increases the risk of contact between the flip-top and the skin when being applied. The described measure is advantageous precisely because of the pivoting angle of the flip-top which is preferably greater than 150° and especially approximately 180°, since with such a large pivoting angle also a relatively large maximum spacing between the bending axes of the first connecting bridge and thus a large elongation is accompanied.

[0026] Depending on the material, an elongation of 10% which is caused by pure stretching and not by bending as described is already critical. For the preferred material PP, a stretching of 10% already leads to partial plastic deformation.

[0027] By "curved shape" is meant the shaping of the connecting bridge or of a part thereof which is locally upset and locally stretched with respect to the cross section of the bridge for the purpose of elongation of the connecting bridge, while the connecting bridge is stretched over the entire cross section during stretching of the connecting bridge. In particular, the curved shape can be formed by a curved section of the connecting bridge, the inner surface of which has a radius of at least 0.3 mm and preferably at least 0.8 mm, especially preferably at least 1.0 mm, in the open state of the flip-top, which radius is expanded during elongation. If the radius is not uniform over the width of the connecting bridge, the specification relates to the respective smallest, usually inner, radius.

[0028] In principle, however, the curved shape can be formed by a bridge which has no curved section but has flat partial sections which are angled with respect to one another and thus allow elongation.

[0029] A preferred design with a curved section or a curved shape with flat partial sections that are angled relative to one another provides that at least one end, preferably both ends, of the first connecting bridge are transferred in alignment from the curve in the connecting bridge into the peripheral side wall of the base and / or of the flap in the connecting region, wherein a mechanical decoupling is preferably established by at least one lateral free cut in the connecting region between the connecting bridge and the sections of the peripheral side wall that are offset in the peripheral direction. The preferably two free cuts preferably extend over a length of at least 0.5 mm, particularly preferably over a length of 1.0 mm, wherein the length of the free cut is the length over which the peripheral side surface is cut away below the underside of the connecting bridge.

[0030] The preferably two curves at the same time form the bending axis of the first connecting bridge. The inner diameter of these curves is preferably at least 1 mm in the open state, as is also the case in the other curved shapes.

[0031] A likewise advantageous variant provides that the connecting bridge as a whole or almost as a whole (> 60%) has a curved shape, especially a curved shape that opens upward in the open state and upwardly pointing massage region, which in addition has a radius of at least 2 mm on the inside, among other things.

[0032] It is preferably provided in terms of avoiding skin contact that the flap can be pivoted between a closed state and an open state by at least 150°, preferably by at least 180°, particularly preferably by at least 210°, and that the latching edge is configured for securing in the respective opening angle, or that the connecting bridge is designed to achieve such opening angles.

[0033] According to a third aspect of the application, in line with the second aspect of the application, it is provided that the massage applicator has a base and a flap, on the base an end wall with a discharge channel is provided, the flap being designed to be pivotable between a closed state, in which the flap covers the massage region, and an open state, in which the flap releases the massage region, by means of a hinge provided laterally of the massage region.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this third aspect of the application, it is provided that a child protection mechanism is provided for securing the flap in the closed state, wherein the child protection mechanism has locking elements provided on the base and on the flap, which locking elements engage with one another in a locking position, in particular form-locked, and prevent the opening of the flap. The child protection mechanism prevents children from possibly opening the lid and coming into contact with the liquid. It is important, especially for pharmaceutically effective creams, to prevent this.

[0035] For the release, the childproofing mechanism has at least two release surfaces which are spaced apart from one another and which are used for manual actuation, which are connected to one of the locking elements in such a way that a force application to the two release surfaces simultaneously moves the locking elements relative to one another, whereby the opening of the flap can be achieved.

[0036] The two release surfaces, which are preferably arranged on the peripheral side of the flap, must be pressed simultaneously and preferably towards one another. By this, the locking element on the lid side is moved, in particular radially outwards, by the oval deformation of the peripheral side of the flap, whereby the mentioned engagement with the other locking element is cancelled. In principle, the release surfaces could also be arranged on the base. However, this can lead to a greater construction size. Furthermore, depending on the thickness or stability of the end face, the release surfaces on the base can be deformed too easily, so that the force of a child is also sufficient for this.

[0037] The adaptation of the locking elements can influence the force which must be applied to the release surfaces. The required force which must be applied to the opposing surfaces is preferably between 10 and 100 Newton. Furthermore, it can be achieved by arranging support structures, for example support ribs, on the peripheral side of the flap and / or on the oppositely situated peripheral side of the base on the inside, that the release surfaces are reduced, i.e. that the desired success is achieved only with a small pressing.

[0038] As has also been described with respect to the second aspect of the application, it is also advantageous in terms of childproofing that the flap has a peripheral side on which the locking element of the flap and the hinge are arranged opposite one another, wherein the hinge is spaced apart from the massage area by at least 5 mm, preferably at least 8 mm and especially preferably at least 10 mm with respect to the central axis of the massage applicator. Here, the plane of the massage area is formed by its highest protrusion. The larger spacing is advantageous because it increases the spacing of the flap from the massage area in the open state, so that the risk of skin contact is less.

[0039] The locking element and the hinge are preferably arranged offset with respect to one another with respect to the central axis of the massage applicator in such a way that the locking element is closer to the massage area than the hinge. This makes the peripheral side have a widening shape between the locking element and the hinge, which widens from the locking element towards the hinge. This widening shape provides sufficient space for the release button, but at the same time enables a favourable position of the locking element when in use and a non-complicated opening and closing of the lid after the release.

[0040] It is preferred that the lid and the base each have a peripheral side, wherein these peripheral sides are aligned with one another at least in partial regions. Thereby, a substantially cylindrical basic shape of the massage applicator in the closed state can be achieved. In this design, it is preferred that, in the closed state, adjacent to the release surface on the peripheral side of the lid, recesses are provided in the peripheral side of the base, in the region of which the peripheral side of the base is retracted or interrupted with respect to the peripheral side of the lid. This makes it easier for an adult, in particular in the case of a smaller massage applicator, to press into the release surface.

[0041] In a design with aligned peripheral sides, the peripheral sides are transferred in at least one partial region into peripheral end faces pointing towards one another. If these peripheral end faces are too far apart from one another, then dirt can intrude here. However, if the peripheral end faces lie against one another overall, then this can make the release by pressing the release button difficult, in particular when there are cream residues between the release buttons. It is therefore proposed that, in a main portion of the peripheral end faces, a spacing of between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm is left between the peripheral end faces. It has been shown that this spacing reduces the risk of the lid being skewed on the base when the child protection mechanism is being manipulated, wherein the smaller spacing prevents intrusion of coarser dirt. It is particularly preferred that, in the peripheral end faces, protrusions are provided, for example in the form of short, flat spacers, whereas in the region of the protrusions the peripheral end faces lie against one another in order to provide a reliable contact surface despite the spacing. Thereby, a good protection against dirt intrusion is achieved in combination with good operability of the release surface.

[0042] A fourth aspect of the application relates to a reliable closure of a massage applicator of the type described. To this end, the massage applicator has a base and a lid in the manner and method already described, on the base of which the end wall with the discharge channel is provided, the lid being designed to be able to be pivoted between a closed state, in which the lid covers the massage area, and an open state, in which the lid releases the massage area, by means of a hinge provided laterally of the massage area.

[0043] According to the fourth aspect of the application, the massage applicator has a discharge valve, which is formed by a first valve pin arranged inside the discharge channel and an inlet opening into the discharge channel, and which can be opened by means of an overpressure in a valve chamber below the end face in such a way that this overpressure lifts the end wall with respect to the first valve pin. In doing so, the end wall is deformed under the pressure of the overpressure. The internal components, which close the valve chamber opposite one another, are not or only to a small extent deformed in the opposite direction.

[0044] The valve is opened when the dispenser is used, in particular in that an overpressure is generated in the valve chamber by pressing on the tube which serves as a liquid reservoir. It is also possible to provide such a discharge valve in the design according to the first three aspects of the application.

[0045] However, the mentioned discharge valve alone cannot prevent the discharge of liquid due to an overpressure in the valve chamber even when the lid is closed, at least up to the region between the lid and the end wall.

[0046] In order to prevent this, according to the fourth application aspect, a second valve pin or valve body is preferably provided on the lid in the region of the discharge channel, which forms a blocking valve with the outlet of the discharge channel, which is closed when the lid is closed or at least when the end wall is lifted relative to the first valve pin due to an overpressure. According to the design, this lifting can already be achieved at a low overpressure, since for many application purposes it is desirable that the discharge takes place only against a very low resistance of the discharge valve.

[0047] The described design results in the consequence that even in the case of an undesired overpressure in the valve chamber no or hardly any liquid is discharged, since the movement of the end wall relative to the surrounding parts of the base which is necessary for this opens the discharge valve, but the blocking valve is closed at the same time or has already been closed beforehand. The second valve pin or valve body is in particular provided on the end face of the inner side of the lid. The resistance of the lid against the displacement of the second valve pin or valve body is preferably greater than the force necessary for moving the end wall on the side of the base.

[0048] Although not mandatory, but advantageous for the described mode of functioning, the discharge valve and the blocking valve are designed in such a way that they clamp the end wall between them when the lid is closed and there is no overpressure in the valve chamber. This means that the lid is already under pretension when it is closed. The displacement of the second valve pin or valve body on the lid is therefore made difficult again.

[0049] The second valve pin or valve body provided on the lid side is preferably configured without enlargement towards its distal end. Thus, the second valve pin or valve body can in particular be configured cylindrically or tapering or have another shape which can seal without biting together with the outlet of the discharge channel. The background for this is a preferably soft material or a small wall thickness of the end wall which is penetrated by the discharge channel in order to allow the easy opening of the discharge valve. However, such a soft or thin material can be damaged by the biting of the second valve pin or valve body.

[0050] The second valve pin preferably has a narrowing shape in the direction of the discharge channel. It is particularly preferred that this shape is at least partially conically configured. The narrowing shaping is advantageous, in particular if comparatively rigid plastic materials, such as polypropylene (PP), are used for the cap and the second valve pin, in order to make it easy for the valve pin to enter into the discharge channel. The as central as possible entry is also supported by the use of a film hinge, which very precisely defines the movement path of the valve pin when the cap is closed in a suitable design.

[0051] The second valve pin preferably has a smaller cross-sectional area on the distal end than the opening of the outlet side of the discharge channel. It is thereby possible for the second valve pin to enter into the discharge channel when the cap is closed, in order to achieve a seal inside the discharge channel. The second valve pin can ensure a good seal with its narrowing shape and preferably together with the correspondingly outwardly enlarged shape of the discharge channel.

[0052] The sealing surface provided for this purpose on the side of the end wall is preferably formed by the inner side of a protruding sealing ridge, which surrounds the opening of the outlet side of the discharge channel. This sealing ridge preferably has a height which corresponds at least substantially (+ / - 20%) to the height of the massage protrusion. The sealing ridge facilitates the entry of the valve pin on the cap side. During use, the sealing ridge itself also functions in the manner of a massage protrusion.

[0053] Even if the fourth inventive aspect is not implemented, it is preferred that a discharge valve which opens according to pressure is provided in the massage applicator configured according to one of the first three inventive aspects, which is connected in front of the discharge channel. The massage applicator according to the application preferably has a plurality of the described inventive aspects, particularly preferably all of the described inventive aspects.

[0054] The application not only relates to the massage applicator itself, but also to a massage dispenser for outputting and massage- applying a cream-like liquid, which has a liquid reservoir for storing the cream-like liquid before discharge and a massage applicator of the described type.

[0055] The liquid reservoir is preferably configured as a squeeze bottle or tube here. The liquid to be discharged and to be massage-applied, i.e. in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic liquid, is stored in the liquid reservoir before discharge.

[0056] The described components of the massage dispenser are preferably made of plastic. It is advisable in the sense of simplified recycling that all components of the massage dispenser are made of a uniform plastic type, in particular polypropylene (PP). Although polypropylene for the tube does not represent an ideal material, the advantages of simplified recycling can counterbalance this disadvantage if necessary.

[0057] The massage applicator preferably has only two components, namely an outer component with the described elements of the base with the massage region and, if necessary, with the flap, and an inner component which forms the valve body of the discharge valve and together with the end wall of the base defines the valve chamber. The inner component preferably also has coupling means for coupling a liquid reservoir, in particular a sleeve or an internal thread for biting into a liquid reservoir. The inner component is preferably coupled to the outer component by biting. It is also conceivable for the massage applicator to be designed in such a way that it is constructed from only one component which is made in one piece.

[0058] The massage dispenser preferably has a massage applicator and a liquid reservoir and thus comprises two components or preferably only three components in total. The manufacture of the massage dispenser is comparatively advantageous due to this lower number of components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] Further advantages and aspects of the application result from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the application, which are explained below with the aid of the drawings. Therein:

[0060] Figure 1 A massage dispenser according to the application is shown in a perspective overall view;

[0061] Figure 2 A massage dispenser of the type Figure 1 is shown in a cutaway view;

[0062] Figure 3 A massage applicator of a massage dispenser is shown in a separate view;

[0063] Figures 3A-3C The situation of the massage applicator when different quantities of liquid are discharged is shown;

[0064] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The situation of the massage applicator in a cutaway view and in the closed state and in the open state is shown;

[0065] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The situation of the closed massage applicator in the rest state and when the liquid in the liquid reservoir is loaded with pressure is shown in a cutaway view;

[0066] Figure 6 , Figure 6A and Figure 7 A second variant of the massage applicator is shown, which is distinguished in particular by a further design of the hinge means;

[0067] Figure 8 and Figure 8A A third variant is shown, which illustrates a further alteration in the structural form of the hinge mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Figure 1 A massage dispenser 100 according to the present invention is shown. The massage dispenser has a massage applicator 10 and a liquid reservoir 110 in the form of a tube, the massage applicator 10 being disposed at the outlet of the tube.

[0069] The massage applicator 10 has a base 40 that serves as a component of the external member 12 and has... Figure 1 The internal components 14 are not visible. The flip cover 70 is mounted on the base 40 of the massage applicator 10 by means of a hinge 60. Figure 1 It is open in this state.

[0070] The dispenser is a massage dispenser. Therefore, the massage applicator 10 has an end wall 20 on which a massage area 22 is provided. This massage area has protrusions 24, 28A, 28B, and 28C, which enable the application of liquid pre-existing in the massage area 22 to the user's skin for effective massage. To place the liquid on the massage area 22, a discharge channel 30 connected to the liquid reservoir 110 is provided at the center of the massage area 22. The discharge channel 30 is surrounded on the outlet side by a sealing ridge 31, which is constructed to protrude from the surrounding end wall 20 to approximately the same degree as the massage protrusions 24.

[0071] If the tubular liquid reservoir 110 is squeezed, then liquid is discharged here for subsequent application.

[0072] Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shows Figure 1 The massage applicator 100. It can be seen that the massage applicator 10 consists of the two components 12 and 14 mentioned above. Component 12 forms the outer component 12, which in particular forms an end wall 20 having a massage area 22 and a flap 70 that covers the massage area 22 in the closed state. The second component 14 is an inner component 14, which serves to couple the liquid reservoir 110 on one hand and engages with the outer component 12 on the other. A protrusion acting as a valve body 92 is provided in the middle of the inner component 14, which presses against the inlet of the discharge channel 30 in the resting state and thus closes the discharge channel.

[0073] A valve chamber 94 is formed between the end wall 20 of the outer member 12 and the inner member 14 provided with the through channel. If the pressure in the valve chamber 94 is also increased as a result of the pressure acting on the liquid reservoir 110 via the perforations in the inner member 14, this results in the end wall 20 with the massage area 22 being lifted upwards, so that the discharge valve 32 formed by the discharge channel 30 and the valve body 92 is opened and liquid can be discharged onto the massage area 22. If the pressure acting on the liquid reservoir 110 is removed, the discharge valve 32 closes again.

[0074] Figures 3-5B The special aspect according to the application of the massage dispenser 100 and its massage applicator 10 is shown.

[0075] In Figure 3 The outer member 12 of the massage applicator 10 is shown in an enlarged view. As already described above, the massage area 22 is provided on the end wall 20 of the base 40 which can be deformed relatively easily for the purpose of opening the valve. The protrusions provided in this massage area 22 serve different purposes. All protrusions 24, 28A, 28B, 28C serve the purpose of being able to apply a liquid massage to the skin, while the annular protrusions 28A, 28B, 28C have a significance beyond this. These protrusions form markings which facilitate the discharge of a defined liquid quantity. As can be seen on the right side in Figure 3 On the inner side of the flap 70, labels 78A, 78B, 78C are provided. Such a label comprises three concentric circles which each belong to one of the protrusion-like rings 28A, 28B, 28C in the massage area 22 and which each are provided with a volume value. It can thus be seen that when the liquid reaches the innermost protrusion-like ring 28A upon discharge, a volume of 0.5 ml has been reached upon discharge of the liquid. If the liquid is to be discharged beyond this, the liquid will pass the ring 28A and first extend to the ring 28B. The user then knows that he has discharged approximately 1 ml of liquid according to the label 78B. If more liquid is required, the user can discharge further liquid until the liquid reaches the last protrusion-like ring 28C. Thereafter, approximately 2 ml of liquid quantity has been discharged according to the label 78C.

[0076] The question of what diameter the annular protrusions 28A, 28B, 28C must have in order to be able to accommodate the respective assigned volume on the inside also depends on the liquid to be discharged and its viscosity. The diameter of the annular protrusions 28A, 28B, 28C is therefore preferably adapted to the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir 110 accordingly.

[0077] Figures 3A-3CThe distribution of liquid volumes of 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, and 2.0 ml is shown.

[0078] The annular markings 28A to 28C thus allow the user to dispense the desired, and possibly physician-prescribed, volume of fluid in a simple manner and without requiring a complex dispensing mechanism, such as one using a pump. Furthermore, the markings 28A, 28B, and 28C are also suitable as raised areas when applying the fluid during massage.

[0079] Other protrusions 24, constructed in the form of smaller, round protrusions, are used solely for massage purposes.

[0080] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The external component 12 of the massage applicator is shown in cross-section. It can be seen that... Figure 4A In the closed state, the locking element 50, which is in the form of a pin on the base side, engages with the locking element 80, which is in the form of a hole on the cover side, making it difficult for the flip cover 70 to be easily opened from this locked state. To open the flip cover 70, the user must press together the locking element 80 located on the opposite side of the peripheral surface 74 of the flip cover 70. Figure 3 The release surface 84 is shown. This causes an elliptical deformation of the peripheral side surface 74 of the flap 70 and thus causes the locking element 80 on the flap side to move in the direction of arrow 4. The flap can only be opened when the locking elements 50, 80 disengage from each other. This design requires a force that cannot be applied to the release surface 84 by a child, especially since it is already difficult for a child to touch and manipulate both release surfaces 84 simultaneously with only one hand, given that they are spaced approximately 4 cm apart.

[0081] To prevent friction or residual cream in the areas of the peripheral end faces 46 and 76 from hindering opening for adults, a plurality of pointed protrusions 48 are provided on the side of the peripheral end face 46 on the base side, which contact the peripheral end face 76 of the flip cap. This results in reproducibility even in the presence of the aforementioned cream residue, requiring the force applied by an adult to the release surface 84.

[0082] To facilitate manipulation by adults, a recess 54 is provided on the circumferential side 44 of the base 40, which is aligned with the circumferential side 74. This facilitates forceful compression of the release surface 84.

[0083] Refer again Figure 4A and Figure 4B It can be seen that locking elements with locking edges 82 and 52 are respectively provided in the areas of the hinge 60 on the flip cover 70 and the base 40.Figure 4A In the closed state, these locking edges 52, 82 are clearly spaced apart from each other. However, if the flip cover 70 is now flipped after the locking elements 50, 80 have been unlocked, then these locking edges 82, 52 come into contact with each other and engage after a slight elastic deformation. Figure 4B In the state shown, the flip cover 70 is effectively locked in the open state. This locking is particularly advantageous because the flip cover 70 and its locking element 80, thus secured, typically cannot come into contact with the skin when liquid is applied. If the flip cover 70 is closed again by returning to its pivot position, a slight elastic deformation of the locking edges reappears before the aforementioned locking edges 52, 82 separate and the flip cover 70 can be closed.

[0084] With the help of Figure 4B Furthermore, it can be seen that the flip cover 70 has a special shape, with the base 40 correspondingly constructed thereto. This special shape lies in the fact that the locking element 80 and the hinge 60 are offset from each other about the central axis 2. This allows the relatively sharp locking element 80 to be placed away from the end wall 20 for the purpose of applying liquid, thereby also reducing the risk of skin contact with the locking element 80. Moreover, the offset arrangement of the hinge 60 and the locking element 80 allows for a distinctive shape of the circumferential side surface 74, as seen in… Figure 5A As can be clearly seen from the side, the flap 70 is constructed to narrow towards the locking element 80. This also reduces the risk of contact between the flap 70 and the skin. Furthermore, the circumferential side 74 provides sufficient space for the already mentioned release surface 84 in this manner and method.

[0085] Figure 5B and Figure 5B The working principle of the interaction between the discharge valve 32 and the blocking valve 36 has been explained. The discharge valve 32 has been described previously. The discharge valve is formed by a valve body 92 on one side of the internal member 14 and an inlet leading to the discharge passage 30 on the other side. If the pressure in the valve chamber 94 increases due to the operation of the dispenser, the end wall 20 is raised, allowing liquid to overflow from the valve chamber 94 toward the massage area 22. This is not intended when the dispenser is closed. If overpressure is unintentionally built into the liquid reservoir 110 when the dispenser is closed, no liquid should reach the massage area 22 as much as possible.

[0086] To achieve this, a valve body 86 is also provided on the inner side of the end face 72 of the lid 70, which in the closed state is arranged mainly above the discharge channel 30 and projects into this. The valve body 86 has a narrowing and preferably at least sectionwise conical shaping, so that it reliably enters into the discharge channel 30 when the lid 70 is closed.

[0087] If now a pressure increase occurs in the valve chamber 94 in the closed state and thereby a displacement of the end wall 20, as is shown in Figure 5A , then the blocking valve 36 formed by the valve body 86 and the discharge channel 30 with its sealing bead 31 is closed. In correspondence therewith, no or only a small amount of liquid can spill over into the massage area 22.

[0088] In the design according to Figure 5B and Figure 6 , the discharge valve 32 and the blocking valve 36 are not reliably closed at the same time. Only through the displacement of the end wall 20 due to the pressure increase is the blocking valve 36 closed. However, it is also possible in the alternative design that, with the lid 70 closed, the valve body 86, which is preferably slightly conically configured, already presses from above onto the end wall 20, so that this is clamped between the valve bodies 86, 92. The pretension present in the end face 72 of the lid 70 then causes a particularly reliable closure of the two valves 32, 36. However, such a configuration is not only advantageous because the persistent clamping of the end wall 20 and the repeated pulling of the valve body 86 out of the discharge channel 30 can damage the easily deformable end wall 20. Therefore, a design with a blocking valve that is not permanently closed in the closed state also has its justification.

[0089] Figure 6A , Figure 7 and Figure 6 shows a variant of the massage head, which differs from the previously described variants, inter alia, in the hinge device 55. In line with the first variant, a film hinge 60 is also provided here, by means of which the base 40 and the lid 70 are directly connected to one another and can be pivoted relative to one another about the bending axis 6. The film hinge 60 thus forms the intermediate connecting bridge 57. Two further connecting bridges 56 are provided laterally symmetrically to the film hinge. These likewise connect the lid 70 and the base 40, but are longer than the intermediate connecting bridge 57, which is configured only by the film hinge 60.

[0090] The lateral connecting bridges 56 project approximately perpendicularly from the respective peripheral side 44, 74 of the base 40 and the lid 70 to the connecting regions 58, 59. The two connecting regions 58, 59 are connected to one another by means of the intermediate piece 61, which is curved in the Figure 6A and Figure 6A in the manufactured state forms a curved shape which is arched downward and open upward, the inner radius of the curved shape being approximately 2 to 3 mm. The transition between the connecting regions 58, 59 and the intermediate piece 61 forms the bending axes 7, 8. Figure 8 This is shown again in a cutaway view.

[0091] If the lid is closed, the connecting bridges 56 are folded in the region of the bending axes 7, 8. Due to the position of the bending axis 6 of the intermediate connecting bridge 57, the intermediate piece 61 is stretched during the closure. This is achieved by a bending deformation of the intermediate piece 61, which is configured in a curved shape, the intermediate piece expanding its radius of curvature slightly here.

[0092] The expansion of the radius of curvature in the curved region of the intermediate piece 61 takes place completely elastically, thus without permanent elongation. If the intermediate piece were configured flat, such that a pure stretching of the intermediate piece 61 would take place, such permanent elongation would be feared. This elongation would partly be accompanied by a plastic deformation and would lead to the opened lid 70 no longer being held stably in the desired position pivoted through 180°, but rather to a pivoting through a smaller angle, so that there would be a risk of injury to the skin during the massage.

[0093] For the design variant of Figure 8A and Figure 6 the two outer connecting bridges 56 are configured differently. In the manufactured state shown, they are largely flat. As in the design variant of Figure 7 and Figure 8 the lateral connecting bridges 56 do not have a bending axis which coincides with the bending axis 6 of the film hinge 60, but rather are configured for folding in mainly in the connecting regions 58, 59, so that these regions form the respective bending axes 7, 8.

[0094] The connecting regions 58, 59 are configured as curved regions 58, 59 in which the connecting bridges 56 are curved continuously with an inner bending radius of approximately 1 mm in the manufactured state of Figure 8 i.e. without a sharp edge being transferred from the peripheral side wall 44, 74 in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal intermediate section 61 of the connecting bridge 56. Figure 8A and Figure 7 The connecting regions 58, 59 are configured as curved regions 58, 59 in which the connecting bridges 56 are curved continuously with an inner bending radius of approximately 1 mm in the manufactured state of

[0095] If the lid 70 is closed in order to establish Figure 6In the closed state of the lid 70, this movement takes place about the bending axis 6 and, as previously described with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 6 the elongation of the connecting bridge 56 is required at least during this time. This elongation is achieved mainly in the bending regions 58, 59, on which the bending radius is slightly reduced during this time. In order to be able to achieve this enhanced bending, the bending regions 58, 59 are each separated from the adjacent peripheral side wall 44, 74 of the base 40 and the lid 70 by a free cutout 45, 55 on both sides.

[0096] The enhanced bending in the bending regions 58, 59 also takes place here completely elastically, so that no permanent elongation occurs.

[0097] As an alternative, the shaping of the bending regions can also be identical in the design variant of Figure 7 and Figure 8 to that of the design variant of ​ , i.e. with a connecting bridge 56 which projects aligned from the peripheral side wall 44, 74 and is separated from the adjacent peripheral side wall by a free cutout.

Claims

1. Massage applicator (10) for the application of a cream-like liquid, having the following features: a. the massage applicator (10) has an end wall (20) with a massage area (22) on which massage elevations (24) are arranged, which enable the application of a liquid present beforehand on the massage area (22) to the skin of a user, and b. the end wall (20) is penetrated by at least one discharge channel (30) for a cream-like liquid, characterized in that the following further features: c. the massage applicator (10) has a base (40) on which the end wall (20) with the massage area (22) and the discharge channel (30) is arranged, and d. the massage applicator (10) has a flap (70), which is designed to be pivotable by means of a hinge (60) arranged laterally of the massage area (22) between a closed state, in which the flap (70) covers the massage area (22), and an open state, in which the flap releases the massage area (22), and e. the hinge (60) has at least two connecting bridges (56, 57) between the base (40) and the flap (70), wherein a first connecting bridge (56) is hingedly articulated on a side of the base (40) and on a side of the flap (70) in a manner pivotable about different bending axes (7, 8), and the bending axes (7, 8) of the first connecting bridge (56) are oriented differently from the bending axis (6) of the second connecting bridge (57), respectively, so that the flap (70) is force-loaded in the direction of the closed state and / or in the direction of a pivoted end position depending on its opening angle, and f. the first connecting bridge (56) has a curved shape, which enables an elastic elongation of at least 10% of the first connecting bridge without plastic deformation of the first connecting bridge.

2. The massaging applicator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the curved shape enables an elastic elongation of at least 20% of the first connecting bridge without plastic deformation of the first connecting bridge.

3. Massage applicator (10) according to claim 1, having at least one of the following further features: a. at least one end of the first connecting bridge (56) is alignedly transferred from a curvature in the first connecting bridge (56) into a peripheral side (44, 74) of the base (40) and / or flap (70) in a connecting region, wherein a mechanical decoupling is established by at least one lateral free cutout (45, 75) in the connecting region between the connecting bridge (56, 57) and a circumferentially adjacent section of the peripheral side (44, 74), and / or b. The curved shape of the first connecting bridge (56) comprises curved sections (58, 59) on opposite end portions, which curved sections have an inner radius of curvature of at least 0.3 mm, the first connecting bridge (56) being transferred into the peripheral side (44, 74) of the base (40) and / or of the lid (70) by means of the curved sections, and / or c. A plurality of connecting bridges in the pattern of the first connecting bridge (56) are provided, which first connecting bridges are arranged on both sides of at least one second connecting bridge (57), d. The second connecting bridge (57) is formed by a hinge (60), which is arranged position- fixedly not only with respect to the base (40) but also with respect to the lid (70).

4. The massaging applicator (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The curved sections (58, 59) have an inner radius of curvature of at least 0.8 mm.

5. The massaging applicator (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that Two first connecting bridges (56) are provided.

6. The massaging applicator (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The first connecting bridges (56) are arranged symmetrically with respect to at least one second connecting bridge (57).

7. The massaging applicator (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The hinge (60) is a film hinge.

8. Massage applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, with the following further features: a. The lid (70) can be pivoted between the closed state and the open state by at least 150°.

9. The massaging applicator (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that The lid (70) can be pivoted between the closed state and the open state by at least 180°.

10. The massaging applicator (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lid (70) can be pivoted between the closed state and the open state by at least 210°.

11. Massage applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, with the following further features: a. At least one latching edge (52, 82) is provided on the lid (70) and on the base (40), respectively, which latching edges are arranged such that they come into contact with one another when the lid (70) is opened and engage or catch one another on a continued opening movement, thereby locking the lid (70) in the open state.

12. Massage applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, with the following further features: a. A child protection mechanism (62) is provided for securing the lid (70) in the closed state, and b. The child protection mechanism (62) has locking elements (50, 80) on the base (40) and on the lid (70), which locking elements engage one another in a locking position and prevent the lid (70) from being flipped open, and c. The child protection mechanism (62) has at least two release faces (84) for manual actuation, which are spaced apart from one another, which release faces are so functionally connected to one of the locking elements (80) that a force loading of the two release faces (84) simultaneously moves the locking elements (50, 80) relative to one another, whereby the flipping open of the lid (70) can be achieved thereby.

13. Massage applicator (10) according to claim 12, with the following further features: a. the lid (70) has a peripheral side (74) on which the locking element (80) of the lid and the hinge (60) are arranged opposite one another, and b. the hinge is spaced apart from the massage area (22) by at least 5 mm with respect to the central axis (2) of the massage applicator (10).

14. The massaging applicator (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that The hinge is spaced apart from the massage area (22) by at least 8 mm with respect to the central axis (2) of the massage applicator (10).

15. The massaging applicator (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that The hinge is spaced apart from the massage area (22) by at least 10 mm with respect to the central axis (2) of the massage applicator (10).

16. The massage applicator (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, having the following additional features: c. the locking element (80) and the hinge (60) are arranged offset from one another with respect to the central axis (2) of the massage applicator (10) such that the locking element (80) is closer to the massage area (22) than the hinge (60), and d. the peripheral side (74) has a widening contour from the locking element (80) toward the hinge (60) between the locking element (80) and the hinge (60), wherein the release face (84) is arranged in the region of this widening contour.

17. The massage applicator (10) according to claim 12, having the following additional features: a. the lid (70) and the base (40) each have a peripheral side (44, 74), wherein the peripheral sides (44, 74) are aligned with one another at least in partial regions, and b. adjacent to the release face (84) on the peripheral side of the lid, a recess (54) is arranged in the peripheral side (44) of the base (40), in the region of which the peripheral side (44) of the base (40) is recessed or interrupted with respect to the peripheral side (74) of the lid (70).

18. The massage applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, having the following additional features: a. the lid (70) and the base (40) each have a peripheral side (44, 74), wherein the peripheral sides (44, 74) are aligned with one another at least in partial regions, and b. the peripheral sides (44, 74) are transferred into peripheral side end faces (46, 76) facing one another in at least one partial region, and c. in the main part of the peripheral side end faces (46, 76) a spacing of between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm is left between the peripheral side end faces (46, 76), wherein at least on the peripheral side end face (46) a protrusion (48) is arranged, in the region of which the peripheral side end faces (46, 76) abut one another.

19. The massage applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, having the following additional features: a. The massage applicator (10) has a discharge valve (32) which is formed by a first valve pin (92) arranged inside the discharge channel (30) and an inlet (34) leading into the discharge channel (30), and which can be opened by means of an overpressure in a valve chamber (94) below the end wall (20) in such a way that this overpressure lifts the end wall relative to the first valve pin (92), and b. A second valve pin (86) is provided on the flap (70) in the region of the discharge channel (30), which forms a blocking valve (36) with the outlet (38) of the discharge channel (30), which is closed at least when the end wall (20) is lifted relative to the first valve pin (92) by an overpressure, in the case of a closed flap (70).

20. Massage applicator (10) according to claim 19, with the following further features: a. The discharge valve (32) and the blocking valve (36) are designed in such a way that they clamp the end wall (20) between them in the case of a closed flap (70) and in the absence of an overpressure in the valve chamber (94).

21. Massage applicator (10) according to claim 19, with the following further features: a. The second valve pin (86) has a narrowing shape in the direction of the discharge channel (30), and b. The second valve pin (86) has a cross-sectional area on the distal end which is smaller than the opening of the outlet side of the discharge channel (30), so that the distal end of the second valve pin (86) is arranged in the discharge channel (30) in the case of a closed flap (70).

22. Massage applicator (10) according to claim 19, with the following further features: a. The opening of the outlet side of the discharge channel (30) is surrounded by a protrusion-like sealing ridge (31).

23. Massage applicator (10) according to claim 22, with the following additional features: b. The sealing ridge (31) has a height which is at least substantially comparable to the height of the massage protrusions (24).

24. Massage applicator (10) according to claim 19, with the following further features: a. The opening of the outlet side of the discharge channel (30) is surrounded by a protrusion-like sealing ridge (31).

25. Massage applicator (10) according to claim 19, with the following further features: a. The flap (70) is made of polypropylene.

26. Massage applicator (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, with at least one of the following further features: a. The massage applicator (10) has a discharge valve (32) which opens according to pressure, which is connected in front of the discharge channel (30), and / or b. The massage area has a substantially circular shape and a diameter of between 20 mm and 60 mm.

27. The massage applicator (10) according to claim 26, characterized in that The massage area has a diameter of between 30 mm and 40 mm.

28. Massage dispenser (100) for output and for the application of a cream-like liquid by massage, having the following features: a. The massage dispenser (100) has a liquid reservoir (110) for storing a cream-like liquid before discharge, and b. The massage dispenser (100) has a massage applicator (10) connected to the liquid reservoir (110), which massage applicator has an end wall (20) with a massage area (22), which end wall is penetrated by at least one discharge channel (30) for a cream-like liquid, characterized in that the following additional features: c. The massage applicator (10) is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. The liquid massage dispenser (100) according to claim 28, having at least one of the following additional features: d. The massage dispenser (100) has a total of three components, wherein the massage applicator (10) and the liquid reservoir (110) are involved, the massage applicator having an outer component (12) and an inner component (14), the outer component comprising at least the end wall, and / or e. All components (12, 14, 110) of the massage dispenser (100) are made of polypropylene (PP), and / or f. The liquid reservoir (110) is filled with a pharmaceutically or cosmetically effective cream.

30. The liquid massage dispenser (100) according to claim 29, characterized in that The liquid reservoir (110) is in the form of a tube.

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