Device for dispensing and applying a fluid product, in particular a fluid cosmetic product

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for dispensing and applying a fluid product, in particular a fluid cosmetic product, comprising: - a reservoir (12) for containing the fluid product and extending along a principal longitudinal axis (X), and - a dispensing and application head (14) mounted on the reservoir (12), disposed at an open axial end of the reservoir (12), the dispensing and application head (14) comprising a body (34) mounted on the reservoir (12) and an applicator (36) extending from an external applicator end to an internal end in contact with the fluid product, the applicator (36) being movable in translation relative to the body (34) between a rest position and a position for dispensing the fluid product, the dispensing position being reached by pressure on the applicator end,the applicator (36) further comprising an opening and closing means for the device (10) cooperating with a distribution orifice in the body (34) so ​​as to prevent the distribution of the fluid product when the applicator (36) is in the rest position and with a means for returning the distribution and application head (14) to the fluid product distribution position so that the applicator (36) automatically returns to the rest position.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a device for distributing and applying a fluid product, in particular a fluid cosmetic product. Technical background

[0002] There are a number of cosmetic products on the market with applicators specific to the products, treatments or areas of application.

[0003] Some applicators need to be able to spread the product over a large area, others need to spread the product in a more localized, or even very localized, way.

[0004] In the latter case, there are dispensers with special arrangements to deliver the product by exerting pressure on the reservoir, or on one of the parts enabling distribution.

[0005] Very often these systems include valve and / or piston systems to move the cosmetic product to a dispensing orifice.

[0006] This involves a structure comprising a large number of parts assembled and arranged in a complex way to dispense the cosmetic product. Manufacturing such dispensers is therefore costly in terms of both time and materials.

[0007] It can also be dispensers where simply crushing the reservoir allows the product to be dispensed.

[0008] There is then a risk of damaging the dispenser with repeated use. The dispenser may also leak during storage if the reservoir is accidentally crushed.

[0009] Furthermore, the distribution is not very homogeneous, with a large quantity of product being distributed at the time of crushing the tank in a single area instead of a progressive distribution throughout the application.

[0010] There is therefore a need to improve distributors, in particular to obtain distributors with a homogeneous and regulated distribution in a precise area, and which remain simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention relates to a device for dispensing and applying a fluid product, in particular a fluid cosmetic product, comprising: a reservoir intended to contain the fluid product and extending along a main longitudinal axis, and a distribution and application head mounted on the reservoir, disposed at an open axial end of the reservoir, the dispensing and application head comprising a body mounted on the reservoir and an applicator extending from an external applicator end to an internal end in contact with the fluid product, the applicator being movable in translation relative to the body between a rest position and a fluid product dispensing position, the dispensing position being reached by pressure on the applicator end, the applicator further comprising an opening and closing means cooperating with a dispensing orifice of the body so as to prohibit the dispensing of the fluid product when the applicator is in the rest position and with a means of returning the dispensing and application head to the fluid product dispensing position so that the applicator automatically returns to the rest position.

[0012] In its rest position, the opening and closing mechanism seals the dispensing orifice, thus preventing the fluid from escaping the device. A tight seal is achieved through the interaction of the opening and closing mechanism with the dispensing orifice.

[0013] When pressure is applied to the applicator tip, the applicator undergoes a translation, causing the opening and closing mechanism to move away from the dispensing orifice. A passage for the fluid product is then formed at the dispensing orifice, allowing its exit and distribution, notably to the applicator tip of the applicator.

[0014] Furthermore, the return mechanism allows the applicator to automatically return to its rest position when the user no longer applies pressure, thus enabling the automatic return of the airtight seal and ensuring reliable sealing of the device.

[0015] By a simple pressure gesture of the applicator tip on the application area, the user obtains the distribution of the fluid product which is stopped as soon as the user moves the applicator tip away from the application area, i.e. when he stops applying pressure to it and the sealing of the device returns automatically without the need for an additional gesture from the user.

[0016] According to different modes of implementation, which may be taken together or separately: The opening and closing means extends from a first end cooperating with the dispensing orifice to a second end cooperating with the return means. The first end of the opening and closing means is adjacent to the applicator end. The opening and closing means extends axially between 1 / 15 and 1 / 3 of the applicator length. The opening and closing means extends axially between 1 / 10 and 1 / 6 of the applicator length. The dispensing orifice is located at a distal end of the body of the dispensing and application head. The applicator includes a rod extending longitudinally from the applicator end towards the interior of the dispensing and application head. The second end of the opening and closing means is adjacent to the rod. The rod guides the applicator from the rest position to the fluid product dispensing position and vice versa.The rod guides the fluid product from the reservoir to the applicator tip. The dispensing and application head is removably mounted on the reservoir. The applicator tip is rounded. The applicator tip is spherical. The opening and closing means is an extension of the applicator tip. The opening and closing means is generally frustoconical in shape, complementary to an internal frustoconical shape of the body, delimited by an internal wall of the body so as to ensure a tight seal of the device. The return means is frustoconical in shape, similar to the internal frustoconical shape of the body. The return means extends from a first end cooperating with the opening and closing means to a second end resting on an edge of the open end of the reservoir. The first and second ends are connected by at least one flexible strand.at least one flexible strand winds in a helix, the return means is a conical spring, the first end of the return means has a diameter smaller than that of the second end, the opening and closing means bears against the first end of the return means such that pressure on the applicator end causes compression of the return means and opening of the dispensing orifice of the dispensing and application head, and a release of pressure causes the applicator to return to its rest position, the second end of the return means includes a through hole having a center through which the applicator rod passes so that the rod reaches the reservoir, the second end of the return means includes openings for the passage of the fluid product, the passage openings are at least one branch extending radially from the center of the through hole,The opening hole includes at least one branch extending radially from the center to allow the fluid product to flow; the opening hole is star-shaped; the reservoir includes a removable refill comprising an axial opening; the refill comprising an external thread cooperating with an internal thread of an external sheath of the reservoir; the external thread is located near the axial opening of the refill; before first use, the axial opening of the refill is closed by a removable, leak-proof cap; the dispensing and application head includes a plurality of flexible legs extending longitudinally from an external surface of the body to a free end; the flexible legs are evenly distributed around the dispensing orifice of the dispensing and application head; the free end of the flexible legs is rounded; the free end of the flexible legs is spherical. Brief description of the figures

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the attached drawings in which: there figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing and application device according to the invention, comprising a first example of an embodiment of an applicator of a dispensing and application head with an open cap and in the rest position of an applicator; the figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of the figure 1 with the cap closed; the figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the device of the figure 1 ; there figure 4 is a detailed view of the figure 2 showing the distribution and application head; the figure 5 is a view similar to that of the figure 4showing the dispensing and application head without the cap and with the applicator in the dispensing position, the figure 6 is a perspective view of an initial example of a means of recalling the device of the figure 1 ; there figure 7 is a perspective view of a second example of a means of recalling the device of the figure 1 ; there figure 8 is a perspective view of a third example of a means of recalling the device of the figure 1 ; there figure 9 is a perspective view of a second example of an embodiment of an applicator for a dispensing and application head of a dispensing and application device according to the invention; the Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a distribution and application head of a distribution and application device according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0018] By convention, the "axial" or "longitudinal" direction in the figures corresponds to that of the principal X-axis of a fluid product dispensing and application device, and the "transverse" direction is orthogonal to the axial direction. In the detailed description of the figures that follows, the terms "upper" and "lower," or "top" and "bottom," will be used interchangeably with "upper" and "lower" to refer to the axial direction. The lower part of the dispensing and application device corresponds, in this case, to the area where a dispensing and application head is positioned.

[0019] Similarly, the terms "outside or external" and "inside or internal" are used with reference to the transverse direction, an outside element being radially further from the X axis than an inside element.

[0020] THE figures 1 to 5illustrate an example of a device 10 for distributing and applying a fluid product, in particular a cosmetic product, extending along a main longitudinal axis X.

[0021] The fluid product is more specifically a hair cosmetic product, such as a hair tonic, a hair growth product, a hair treatment.

[0022] Advantageously, device 10 is generally in the form of a pen.

[0023] The device 10 includes a reservoir 12 for containing the fluid product and a distribution and application head 14 mounted on the reservoir 12.

[0024] The tank 12 extends along the main longitudinal axis X from a closed bottom arranged at one axial end to an opposite open axial end.

[0025] Tank 12 delimits a reservoir volume of fluid product.

[0026] The distribution and application head 14 is located at the open axial end of the reservoir 12.

[0027] In the embodiment shown here, the reservoir 12 further includes a removable refill 16 intended to contain the cosmetic product and an external sheath 18 into which the refill 16 is intended to be inserted axially and fixed in a removable manner.

[0028] This arrangement is highly advantageous for retaining the outer sheath 18 of the device 10 when changing the refill 16, for example, when it is empty, when the fluid has become unusable, or when the user wishes to change the fluid. This design is economical and environmentally friendly.

[0029] In particular, it is possible to provide the outer sheath 18 in a solid material and / or made with a high degree of finish, while the refill 16 is made in a lighter and less expensive material.

[0030] As depicted in the figure 3 , the refill 16 has an elongated shape and extends along the main X axis from a base 20 arranged at one axial end to an opening 22 arranged at an opposite axial end.

[0031] The cross-section of tank 12 is, in this case, circular. Alternatively, the cross-section of tank 12 may have another shape, for example polygonal.

[0032] Advantageously, before the first insertion of the refill 16 into the outer sheath 18, the opening 22 of the refill 16 is closed by a watertight seal (not visible).

[0033] The cover can be removable, i.e. removed by a user before the insertion of the refill 16 into the outer sheath 18.

[0034] The seal can also be pierced by the dispensing and application head 14 when inserting the refill 16 into the outer sheath 18 and / or when placing the dispensing and application head 14 on the reservoir 12.

[0035] The outer sheath 18 has a tubular shape which extends along the main X axis and includes two opposite open ends: an orifice 24 for inserting the refill and an open end 26 for distributing the fluid product.

[0036] Advantageously, the outer sheath 18 has a shape complementary to the shape of the refill 16 so that the refill 16 can be inserted axially into the outer sheath 18 through the refill insertion hole 24 located, here, at the end opposite the dispensing and application head 14. Advantageously, the refill 16 includes an external thread 28 cooperating with an internal thread 30 (visible in figure 4 ) of the outer sleeve 18 of the reservoir 12. The cooperation of the two external and internal threads 28, 30 allows the reversible fixing of the refill 16 in the outer sleeve 18 by screwing or unscrewing the refill 16 relative to the outer sleeve 18.

[0037] The open end 26 opposite the insertion hole 24 for the refill 16 also includes an external thread 32 for mounting the dispensing and application head 14 onto it. Advantageously, the dispensing and application head 14 can thus be removably mounted on the reservoir 12, in this case the refill 16.

[0038] The dispensing and application head 14 comprises a body 34 mounted on the reservoir 12 and an applicator 36 for the fluid product. The body 34 has a generally frustoconical external shape extending from a wide end with a large diameter to a narrow opposite end comprising a dispensing orifice 38 for the discharge of the fluid product.

[0039] Advantageously, the dispensing orifice 38 is located at the distal end of the body 34 of the dispensing and application head 14. This prevents the product from accumulating and drying out in the resting position. The wide end of the body 34 has an internal thread 40 that cooperates with the external thread 32 of the reservoir 12, here of the outer sheath 18. The interaction of the two internal and external threads 40 and 42 allows the dispensing and application head 14 to be removably mounted on the reservoir 12, here on the outer sheath 18.

[0040] The applicator 36 extends through the body 34 from an external applicator end 44 to an internal end 46 in contact with the fluid product. In other words, the applicator end 44 of the applicator 36 is located outside the body 34 and the internal end 46 is located inside the body 34. The applicator 36 includes a rod 48 extending longitudinally from the applicator end 44 through the inside of the body 34 of the dispensing and application head 14 to the internal end 46.

[0041] The rod 48 passes through the distribution orifice 38 and then extends inside the body 34 to the inner end 46 of the applicator 36 which is located at the open end 26 of the outer sheath 18 so as to be in contact with the fluid product.

[0042] Advantageously, the rod 48 allows the fluid product to be guided from the reservoir 12 to the applicator end 44.

[0043] The fluid product will flow along the rod 48 to the applicator tip 44, which will allow the application of the fluid product to the treatment area 49. In the case of a refill 16, the rod 48 can pierce the refill's seal 16 during its initial insertion into the outer sheath 18 and / or during the placement of the dispensing and application head 14 onto the reservoir 12. Preferably, the applicator tip 44 is rounded. It could be, for example, a sphere, as in the examples illustrated here.

[0044] The size of the applicator tip 44 can vary. It can be, for example, a large-diameter sphere as illustrated in the figures 1 to 5 or even a sphere of reduced diameter as illustrated in the figure 9 .

[0045] The type, design, shape, and size of the applicator tip 44 can be chosen, for example, according to the product to be applied, the desired feel, and user preferences. Advantageously, the dispensing and application head 14, in particular the applicator tip 44, can be protected by a cap 50.

[0046] The cap 50 also prevents accidental pressure from being applied, which could cause leakage of the fluid. The cap 50 encloses the dispensing and application head 14 and rests on a shoulder 52 of the reservoir 12, here of the outer sheath 18.

[0047] The cap 50 is removable. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 50 is held axially on the reservoir 12 by cooperation of an internal bead 54 of the cap 50 with an external bead 56 of the external sheath 18.

[0048] The applicator 36 is movable in translation between a rest position (illustrated in the figure 4 ) and a fluid product distribution position (illustrated in the figure 5 The dispensing position is reached by applying pressure to the applicator tip 44. In the rest position, the fluid product is not dispensed and the applicator tip 44 is in an extended position. In the dispensing position, the fluid product can exit the dispensing and application head 14 through the dispensing orifice 38 and the applicator tip 44 is in a retracted position.

[0049] Thus, in the rest position, the portion of the applicator 36 outside the body 34 is larger than the portion of the applicator 36 outside the body 34 in the distribution position.

[0050] Advantageously, the rod 48 of the applicator 36 will allow the guide of the applicator 36 from the rest position to the position of distribution of the fluid product, and vice versa, allowing the applicator 36 to keep its axial alignment and promoting its good translation inside the body 34 of the distribution and application head 14.

[0051] The distribution and application head 14 further includes a return means 58 allowing the automatic return of the applicator 36 to the rest position when pressure on the applicator end 44 is no longer exerted.

[0052] The retrieval means 58 extends from a first end 60 located at the distribution orifice 38 of the body 34 to a second end 62 resting on a border 64 of the open end 26 of the reservoir 12. The first end 60 and the second end 62 are connected by at least one flexible strand 66.

[0053] Preferably, the return means 58 is of frustoconical shape similar to an internal frustoconical shape of the body 34 delimited by an internal wall of the body 34.

[0054] Preferably, at least one flexible strand 66 is wound helically. This could be, for example, a conical spring. In other words, the first end 60 of the return means 58 has a smaller diameter than the second end 62.

[0055] The number of turns of the return means 58 depends on the force that the user is required to exert on the applicator end 44 to distribute the fluid product.

[0056] The greater the pressure required from the user to dispense the fluid, the higher the number of turns. For example, a return mechanism 58 might have 3.5 turns, as illustrated in the... figure 6 .

[0057] Conversely, if low user pressure is required to dispense the fluid product, then the number of turns is low. This could then be, for example, a return means 58 comprising 1.5 turns as illustrated in the figure 8 It may also be desirable for the user to apply intermediate pressure to obtain the distribution of the fluid product, and the return means 58 will then comprise, for example, 2.5 turns. As illustrated in the figure 7 .

[0058] Advantageously, the second end 62 of the return means 58 includes a through hole 68 comprising a center 70 through which the rod 48 of the applicator 36 passes so that the rod 48 reaches the reservoir 12.

[0059] As seen in figures 6 to 8The through hole 68 includes at least one branch 72 extending radially from the center 70 so as to allow the fluid product to flow. In other words, advantageously, the through hole 68 is star-shaped.

[0060] According to the invention, the applicator 36 further includes an opening and closing means 74 of the device 10 cooperating with the distribution orifice 38 of the distribution and application head 14 so as to prohibit the distribution of the fluid product when the applicator 36 is in the rest position.

[0061] The opening and closing means 74 extends from a first end cooperating with the distribution orifice 38 to a second end cooperating with the return means 58.

[0062] The first end of the opening and closing means 74 is adjacent to the applicator end 44 of the applicator 36. The second end of the opening and closing means 74 is adjacent to the rod 48.

[0063] Advantageously, the opening and closing means 74 extends axially between 1 / 15 and 1 / 3 of the length of the applicator 36, preferably between 1 / 10 and 1 / 6 of the length of the applicator 36.

[0064] The opening and closing means 74 also cooperates with the return means 58 of the dispensing and application head 14 to the fluid dispensing position so that the applicator 36 automatically returns to its rest position. In the rest position, the opening and closing means 74 seals the dispensing orifice 38 of the body 34, thus preventing the fluid from escaping the device 10. A tight seal is achieved by the cooperation of the opening and closing means 74 with the dispensing orifice 38 of the body 34. When pressure is applied to the applicator end 44, the applicator 36 undergoes a translation, causing the opening and closing means 74 to move away from the dispensing orifice 38. A passage for the fluid is then formed at the dispensing orifice 38, allowing its exit and dispensing, in particular to the applicator end 44 of the applicator 36.

[0065] Furthermore, the return means 58 allows an automatic return of the applicator 36 to the rest position when the user no longer exerts pressure, thus allowing the automatic return of the airtight closure and ensuring a reliable seal for the device 10.

[0066] By a simple pressure action of the applicator tip 44 on the application area, the user obtains the distribution of the fluid product which is stopped as soon as the user moves the applicator tip 44 away from the application area, i.e. when he stops applying pressure to it and the sealing of the device 10 returns automatically without the user needing an additional action.

[0067] Advantageously, the opening and closing means 74 is supported on the first end 60 of the return means 58 so that pressure on the applicator end 44 causes compression of the return means 58 and opening of the distribution orifice 38 of the distribution and application head 14 and a release of pressure causes the applicator 36 to return to its rest position.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening and closing means 74 is in line with the applicator end 44.

[0069] The opening and closing means 74 has a generally frustoconical shape complementary to the internal frustoconical shape of the body 34, ensuring a tight seal of the device 10. Indeed, the complementary shape between the opening and closing means 74 and the interior of the body 34 allows the distribution orifice 38 of the dispensing and application head 14 to be blocked in its rest position. The fluid product is thus contained within the device 10 without risk of leakage. When pressure is applied to the applicator tip 44, the opening and closing means 74 moves away from the internal wall of the body 34, allowing the fluid product to be dispensed to the distribution orifice 38.In other words, in the dispensing position, a space is formed between the opening and closing means 74 and the inner wall of the body 34 allowing the fluid product stored in the reservoir 12 to pass to the applicator end 44 as can be seen on the . figure 5 .

[0070] The opening and closing means 74 corresponds to a bulge in the rod 48 in the extension of the applicator end 44. This bulge is frustoconical and has a small diameter adjacent to the applicator end 44 and a large diameter opposite.

[0071] The large diameter forms a shoulder 76 which cooperates, here with a shoulder 78 of the return means 58 located at its first end 60. Thus, the first end 60 of the return means 58 cooperates with the opening and closing means 74. Thus, when a user exerts pressure on the applicator end 44, this causes the return means 58 to be compressed and the dispensing orifice 38 of the dispensing and application head 14 to open, and a release of pressure causes the applicator 36 to automatically return to its rest position.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment of the distribution and application head 14 of the device 10 illustrated in the Figure 10 , the distribution and application head 14 comprises a plurality of flexible legs 80 extending longitudinally from a base 82 connected to an external surface of the body 34 to a free end 84.

[0073] The 80 flexible tabs allow for the application of the fluid product, but also for separating the hair and / or massaging the scalp, which may be desired and advantageous in the case of certain hair products.

[0074] Preferably, the flexible legs 80 are evenly distributed around the distribution orifice 38 of the distribution and application head 14.

[0075] In the embodiment, the dispensing and application head 14 includes four flexible legs 80.

[0076] Each of the free ends 84 of the flexible legs 80 is rounded, and more specifically are spherical in shape.

Claims

1. Device (10) for dispensing and applying a fluid product, in particular a fluid cosmetic product, comprising: - a reservoir (12) for containing the fluid product and extending along a main longitudinal axis (X), and - a dispensing and application head (14) mounted on the reservoir (12), disposed at an open axial end of the reservoir (12), the dispensing and application head (14) comprising a body (34) mounted on the reservoir (12) and an applicator (36) extending from an external applicator end (44) to an internal end (64) in contact with the fluid product, the applicator (36) being movable in translation relative to the body (34) between a rest position and a position for dispensing the fluid product, the dispensing position being reached by pressure on the applicator end (44),the applicator (36) further comprising an opening and closing means (74) of the device (10) cooperating with a dispensing orifice (38) of the body (34) so ​​as to prevent the dispensing of the fluid product when the applicator (36) is in the rest position and with a return means (58) of the dispensing and application head (14) to the fluid product dispensing position so that the applicator (36) automatically returns to the rest position.

2. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the distribution and application head (14) comprises a rod (48) extending longitudinally from the applicator end (44) towards the interior of the distribution and application head (14), the rod (48) enabling the guide of the applicator (36) from the rest position to the fluid product distribution position and vice versa and the guide of the fluid product from the reservoir (12) to the applicator end (44).

3. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opening and closing means (74) is of a generally truncated conical shape complementary to an internal truncated conical shape of the body (34) delimited by an internal wall of the body (34) so ​​as to ensure a tight closure of the device (10).

4. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the return means (58) is of frustoconical shape similar to the internal frustoconical shape of the body (34).

5. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the retrieval means (58) extends from a first end (60) cooperating with the opening and closing means (74) to a second end (62) bearing on an edge of the open end (26) of the reservoir (12), the first end (60) and the second end (62) being connected by at least one flexible strand (66).

6. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the opening and closing means (74) is supported on the first end (60) of the return means (58) such that pressure on the applicator end (44) causes compression of the return means (58) and opening of the distribution orifice (38) of the distribution and application head (14) and a release of pressure causes the applicator (36) to return to its rest position.

7. Device (10) according to any one of claims 5 or 6 taken in combination with claim 2, wherein the second end (62) of the retrieval means (58) comprises a through hole (68) including a center (70) through which the rod (48) of the applicator (36) passes so that the rod (48) reaches the reservoir (12).

8. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the through hole (68) comprises at least one branch (72) extending radially from the center (70) so as to allow the fluid product to flow.

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir (12) comprises a removable refill (16) including an axial opening (22), the refill (16) comprising an external thread (28) cooperating with an internal thread (30) of an external sheath (18) of the reservoir (12).

10. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing and application head (14) comprises a plurality of flexible tabs (80) extending longitudinally from an external surface of the body (34) to a free end (84), the flexible tabs (80) being regularly distributed around the dispensing orifice (38) of the dispensing and application head (14).

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