Cosmetic product dispensing head, device and associated process

Abstract

Cosmetic product dispensing head, device and associated method The head (20) comprises: - a neck (22), - a nozzle (24) mounted in a sealed manner in a dispensing passage of the neck (22), - a closing cap (26), comprising an outer skirt (42) defining an inner volume (64) and an inner cylindrical skirt (40) for hooking onto a downstream region (30) of the neck (22), projecting into the inner volume (64), and - a fixing system (28) of the closing cap (26) on the neck (22) comprising at least one hooking notch (54) projecting from one of the inner skirt (40) and the downstream region (30), and a receiving housing (58) for receiving the hooking notch (54) provided in the other of the inner skirt (40) and the downstream region (30). The latching notch (54) and the receiving housing (58) have an angular range, measured around the central axis of the collar (22), of less than 90°. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Cosmetic product dispensing head, device and associated method

[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic product dispensing head, comprising:

[0002] - a neck intended to be connected to a cosmetic product reservoir, the neck comprising a cylindrical downstream region with a central axis defining a distribution passage for the cosmetic product,

[0003] - a nozzle mounted in a sealed manner in the distribution passage, the nozzle ending a downstream orifice for distributing the cosmetic product,

[0004] - a closing hood, detachably mounted on the neck between a position mounted on the neck, in which the closing cap covers the end piece and the downstream region and a disassembled position releasing the end piece, the closing cap comprising an external skirt defining an interior volume for receiving the neck and an internal cylindrical skirt for attachment to the downstream region, projecting into the interior volume,

[0005] - a system for fixing the closing hood on the neck comprising at least one a latching notch projecting from one of the inner skirt and the downstream region, and a receiving housing for receiving the latching notch provided in the other of the inner skirt and the downstream region.

[0006] The invention also relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product closed by such a dispensing head.

[0007] The cosmetic product is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a facial and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

[0008] More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in Regulation EC No. 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

[0009] To close a dispensing head of the aforementioned type, it is known to screw the cap onto a thread provided on the outside of the neck. A thread ensures very effective fixing. However, it forms a retention zone for the formula dispensed from the head, which is very difficult to clean.

[0010] JP 10329855 describes a dispensing head of the aforementioned type. This head comprises a system for fixing a removable cap on the neck of a container. The fixing system comprises at least one hooking notch projecting from the internal skirt and an annular housing for receiving the hooking notch formed in the downstream region of the neck. The annular housing extends over the entire periphery of the neck, providing a large grip volume for the notch.

[0011] Such a technique remains effective for attaching the closure cap to the neck. However, it is not optimal in terms of hygiene, since product having been dispensed through the downstream product dispensing orifice is likely to flow into the receiving housing. Due to the annular shape of the housing, the formula is likely to be deposited over the entire periphery of the neck corresponding to the attachment zone.

[0012] Other fastening systems are described in FRI 197461, US4413753, WO200151379, WO201502110 and EP3718914.

[0013] An aim of the invention is to provide a head allowing the safe storage of a cosmetic product in a container, while avoiding clogging or facilitating the cleaning of the dispensing head.

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a dispensing head of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the hooking notch and the receiving housing have an angular extent, taken around the central axis, of less than 90°.

[0015] Surprisingly, the small angular extent of the housing(s) does not harm the quality of the attachment of the cap to the neck. Nevertheless, this small extent, in particular less than 90°, greatly limits the risk of accumulating cosmetic product. The risk of fouling is therefore very limited.

[0016] According to a variant, the dispensing head according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0017] - the angular extent is less than 45°, preferably less than 30°.

[0018] Reducing the angular extent to a value below 30° further limits the risk of fouling, while still providing sufficient grip for the notch. It also offers the possibility of having several housings, for example opposite ones on the periphery of the neck.

[0019] According to one variant, the dispensing head according to the invention comprises one or other of the following characteristics:

[0020] - the fixing system comprises two separate hooking notches projecting from one of the internal skirt and the downstream region, and for each latching notch, a separate receiving housing for receiving the latching notch provided in the other of the internal skirt and the downstream region, each latching notch and each receiving housing having an angular extent, taken around the central axis, less than 90°;

[0021] - the two hooking notches and the two receiving housings are located at opposite each other relative to the central axis.

[0022] The presence of several housings, for example opposite, on the periphery of the neck reinforces the fixing of the hood, while avoiding substantial fouling due to their small extent. Their arrangement opposite each other reinforces the gripping capacity.

[0023] According to one variant, the dispensing head according to the invention comprises one or other of the following characteristics:

[0024] - the or each receiving housing is formed from a half-oval notch;

[0025] - in section in at least one axial plane passing through the central axis, the or each receiving housing is delimited laterally by a curved surface and downstream by a surface perpendicular to the central axis.

[0026] The half-oval shape of the housing, possibly associated with the combination in section of a transverse surface and a curved surface, promotes the evacuation of residues which could accumulate in each housing, while providing adequate resistance to fix the notch.

[0027] According to a variant, the dispensing head according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0028] - the internal skirt defines downstream and axially away from the hooking notch and / or the receiving housing, an axial reinforcing rib.

[0029] The presence of at least one rib in the inner skirt stiffens the inner skirt axially away from the notches and / or the housings, which ensures improved deformation of the region of the inner skirt carrying the notches and / or the housings. Locking the hood onto the neck is therefore made easier.

[0030] According to one variant, the dispensing head according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0031] - the closing hood comprises a plurality of internal radial wedging fins the end piece, projecting towards the central axis from the internal skirt downstream and axially away from the hooking notch and / or the receiving housing.

[0032] The internal fins are applied to the end pieces to axially and radially wedge the cover on the end piece, positioning it precisely.

[0033] According to one variant, the dispensing head according to the invention comprises one or other of the following characteristics:

[0034] - the closing hood comprises a closing wall closing the external skirt, the internal skirt projecting from the closing wall;

[0035] - the closing hood has an axial sealing stud, projecting from the wall closing, the axial nipple being inserted into the downstream orifice in the position mounted on the neck.

[0036] The presence of the closing wall, possibly associated with a nipple, ensures effective closing of the end piece by the cover.

[0037] According to one variant, the dispensing head according to the invention comprises one or other of the following characteristics:

[0038] - the neck has an upstream region widening upstream from the downstream region up to an upstream edge, the upstream edge of the upstream region being of complementary shape to the upstream free edge of the external skirt;

[0039] - the upstream edge of the upstream region has an elongated contour along an axis of elongation perpendicular to the central axis, and in which, in projection in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the axis of elongation crosses the attachment notch and / or the receiving housing.

[0040] The complementary shape of the free edge of the external skirt with the upstream edge of the upstream region of the neck ensures an effective and aesthetic closure of the head by the hood, particularly when the upstream region is of elongated shape.

[0041] According to a variant, the dispensing head according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

[0042] - the closing hood comprises at least one radial external fin connecting the inner skirt to the outer skirt and / or at least one external stiffening rib projecting towards the outer skirt from the inner skirt, without contact with the outer skirt.

[0043] The presence of at least one external rib on the internal skirt and / or a fin stiffens the internal skirt angularly away from the notches and / or the housings, which ensures improved deformation of the region of the internal skirt carrying the notches and / or the housings while maintaining the shape of the cover.

[0044] The invention also relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product, comprising a reservoir containing a cosmetic product, and a dispensing head as described above closing the reservoir.

[0045] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0046] - supply of the closing cap and the dispensing nozzle, the dis tribute being mounted wedged in the internal skirt of the closing hood;

[0047] - provision of the neck, away from the closing cap and the dispensing nozzle;

[0048] - insertion of the neck into the internal volume of the closing hood and assembly of the tip in the distribution passage of the cylindrical downstream region;

[0049] - simultaneous insertion of the hooking notch into the receiving housing for activate the fixing system.

[0050] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0051] - [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is an exploded perspective view of a first device of product packaging and distribution including a dispensing head arranged at the end of a product storage tank,

[0052] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view of the dispensing head, taken in section along a median vertical plane containing a central axis of the neck and passing through the fixing system,

[0053] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view of the dispensing head, taken in section along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, and

[0054] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below the hood.

[0055] In all that follows, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are generally understood as in relation to the normal direction of distribution of the product during use.

[0056] A device 10 for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product 14 is illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0057] The cosmetic product 14 is for example a hair product, a hygiene product, a facial and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

[0058] The device 10 extends here along a central axis A-A' shown vertically in [Fig.l].

[0059] The device 10 comprises a reservoir 12 containing the cosmetic product 14 and a product dispensing head 20, closing the reservoir 12 downstream, at the top in [Fig.l].

[0060] The reservoir 12 has a side wall 16, a bottom 17 and a downstream edge 18 from which the dispensing head 20 extends to close the reservoir 12.

[0061] The dispensing head 20 comprises a neck 22 closing the reservoir 12 downstream, a nozzle 24 configured to dispense the cosmetic product 14, a removable closing cap 26 configured to close the neck 22, and a reversible fixing system 28 of the cap 26 on the neck 22.

[0062] The neck 22 comprises a cylindrical downstream region 30 and an upstream region 32 widening upstream from the downstream region 30, to an upstream edge 34 extending the downstream edge 18 of the reservoir 12.

[0063] The downstream region 30 is cylindrical around the central axis A-A' which is vertical in [Fig.l].

[0064] The cylindrical downstream region 30 defines an internal dispensing passage 36 through which the cosmetic product 14 passes before being dispensed.

[0065] The upstream edge 34 of the upstream region 32 has an elongated contour along an elongation axis B-B' perpendicular to the central axis A-A'. In this example, the contour of the upstream edge 34 is oblong and has two end segments connected by two transverse segments of curvature greater than that of the end segments.

[0066] The upstream edge 34 and the downstream edge 18 define a support shoulder of the cover 26.

[0067] As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the end piece 24 is mounted in a sealed manner in distribution passage 36 of pass 22.

[0068] The tip 24 ensures the distribution of the cosmetic product 14 downstream of the distribution passage 36. The tip 24 has a cylindrical upstream region, engaged in a sealed manner in the distribution passage 36 and a downstream region of convergent shape towards the downstream, for example of truncated cone shape, projecting axially beyond the neck 22.

[0069] The nozzle 24 opens at its downstream end through a downstream distribution orifice 38. In this example, the downstream orifice 38 extends along the central axis A-A'.

[0070] The closing cover 26 is detachably mounted on the neck 22 between a position mounted on the neck 22 in which the cover 26 covers the end piece 24 and the downstream region 30 and a disassembled position releasing the end piece 24.

[0071] As shown in [Fig.4], the closing hood 26 comprises an external skirt 42, an internal skirt 40, arranged in the external skirt 42, and a closing wall 44 closing the external skirt 42 and the internal skirt 40 downstream.

[0072] The closing wall 44 is here oblong in shape. The cover 26 comprises an axial closing stud 48, projecting upstream from the center of the closing wall 44. The stud 48 is inserted in a sealed manner into the downstream distribution orifice 38 when the cover 26 occupies its position mounted on the neck 22.

[0073] The external skirt 42 projects from the periphery of the closing wall 44 to an upstream free edge 66. The upstream edge 34 of the upstream region 32 is of a shape complementary to the upstream free edge 66 of the external skirt 42. In the mounted position, the free edge 66 is arranged to bear on the shoulder defined by the upstream edge 34 and the downstream edge 18.

[0074] The internal skirt 40 is of cylindrical tubular shape with axis AA'. It projects from the closing wall 44, away from the external skirt 42, into the internal volume 64 defined by the closing wall 44 and the external skirt 42 (visible in [Fig.4]).

[0075] The cover 26 advantageously comprises a plurality of internal radial fins 46 for wedging the end piece 24 projecting towards the axis A-A' from the internal skirt 40, around the stud 48.

[0076] The cover 26 also comprises at least one radial external fin 50 connecting the internal skirt 40 to the external skirt 42 and / or at least one external stiffening rib 52 projecting towards the external skirt 42 on the internal skirt 40.

[0077] As visible in [Fig.4], the cover 26 comprises two radial external fins 50 connecting the internal skirt 40 to the external skirt 42, diametrically opposite with respect to the axis A-A' and two stiffening ribs 52.

[0078] With reference to [Fig. 3], the two external stiffening ribs 52 project towards the external skirt 42 from the internal skirt 40, without contact with the external skirt 42. They are arranged diametrically opposite relative to the axis A-A' while being angularly offset relative to the external fins 50, preferably by an angle equal to 90°.

[0079] The fixing system 28 comprises two hooking notches 54 opposite relative to the central axis A-A', of limited angular extent, and two opposite housings 58 for receiving the hooking notches 54, also of limited angular extent.

[0080] In this example, the notches 54 protrude towards the central axis A-A' from the internal skirt 40. They have a bead shape extending perpendicular to the central axis A-A'.

[0081] The hooking notches 54 extend over an angular extent around the central axis A-A', less than 90°, preferably less than 30°.

[0082] As visible in [Fig.4], the internal skirt 40 defines downstream and axially away from the notches 54, an axial reinforcing rib 67 defining a flat towards the central axis A-A'.

[0083] The receiving housings 58 are here arranged in the cylindrical downstream region 30 of the neck 22, opening opposite the central axis A-A'. They extend in the same angular sectors of axis A-A' as the angular sectors of axis A-A' angularly delimiting the end segments of the upstream edge 34. The elongation axis B-B' passes through the notches 54 and / or the housings 58.

[0084] According to the invention, the angular extent of each housing 58 around the central axis A-A' is less than 90°, preferably less than 30°. Thus, the risk of fouling is minimized, while providing sufficient grip for the notch 54 that the housing 58 receives.

[0085] In this example, each receiving housing 58 is formed of a half-oval notch, in side view, with an upper edge of constant height along the central axis A-A' and a rounded lower edge of concavity directed downstream.

[0086] With reference to [Fig. 3], in section in at least one axial plane passing through the central axis A-A', each housing 58 is delimited laterally towards the central axis A-A' by a curved surface 60 and downstream by a surface 62 perpendicular to the central axis A-A'.

[0087] For the manufacture and filling of the device 10, the closing cap 26 and the dispensing nozzle 24 are initially provided.

[0088] The end piece 24 is mounted in the internal skirt 40 of the closing cap 26. The axial closing stud 48 of the closing cap 26 closes the downstream orifice 38 of the distribution end piece 24. The end piece 24 is wedged between the internal fins 46.

[0089] The reservoir 12, provided with the neck 22, is then filled via the distribution passage 36.

[0090] Then, the neck 22 is introduced into the internal skirt 40 of the closing hood 26 carrying the tip 24. The cylindrical upstream region of the tip 24 is forcefully inserted into the distribution passage 36 of the cylindrical downstream region 30 of the neck 22.

[0091] Simultaneously, each hooking notch 54 on the internal skirt 40 is introduced into a corresponding receiving housing 58 provided in the neck 22, which activates the fixing system 28. The closing cap 26 is then locked onto the neck 22.

[0092] The cosmetic product is thus packaged in the reservoir 12. To use the device 10, the fixing system 28 is deactivated by extracting each hooking notch 54 from its receiving housing 58. The closing cap 26 is moved from its mounted position to its dismounted position.

[0093] The cosmetic product can then be dispensed from the reservoir 12 to the dispensing tip 24 through the dispensing passage 36 and the downstream orifice 38.

[0094] After use, the closing hood 26 is replaced in its mounted position on the neck 22 and the fixing system 28 is reactivated as described previously.

[0095] In a variant not shown, the two receiving housings 58 opposite relative to the central axis A-A' are arranged in the internal skirt 40 opening towards the central axis A-A'. They always extend over an angular extent around the central axis of less than 90°, advantageously less than 30°.

[0096] In the same variant, the neck 22 is provided with two hooking notches 54 which project opposite the central axis A-A'.

[0097] As previously, the hooking notches 54 extend over an angular extent around the central axis of less than 90°, advantageously less than 30°.

[0098] The operation of this variant of device 10 is analogous to that described previously.

[0099] Advantageously, the opening of the cover 26 can be produced by pivoting the cover 26 by a few degrees (for example less than 10°). The notches 54 of the cover 26 then come out of the receiving housing 58, which then facilitates the separation between the cover 26 and the neck 22.

[0100] In the above, the fixing system comprises two notches 54 and two housings 58 respectively associated with the two notches 54. The number of notches 54 and the associated number of housings 58 can vary from 1 to N (N being an integer, for example less than or equal to 10). The cover 26 and the neck 22 are then angularly located so that during assembly each notch 54 finds a housing 58 opposite.

Claims

Claims

1. Cosmetic product dispensing head (20), comprising: - a neck (22) intended to be connected to a reservoir (12) of cosmetic product, the neck (22) comprising a cylindrical downstream region (30) with a central axis (A-A') defining a passage (36) for dispensing the cosmetic product, - a nozzle (24) mounted in a sealed manner in the dispensing passage (36), the nozzle (24) defining a downstream orifice (38) for dispensing the cosmetic product, - a closure cap (26), detachably mounted on the neck (22) between a position mounted on the neck (22), in which the closure cap (26) covers the nozzle (24) and the downstream region (30) and a disassembled position releasing the nozzle (24), the closure cap (26) comprising an external skirt (42) defining an interior volume (64) for receiving the neck (22) and a cylindrical internal skirt (40) for attachment to the region downstream (30), projecting into the interior volume (64),- a fixing system (28) for the closing cap (26) on the neck (22) comprising at least one hooking notch (54) projecting from one of the internal skirt (40) and the downstream region (30), and a receiving housing (58) for receiving the hooking notch (54) formed in the other of the internal skirt (40) and the downstream region (30), characterized in that the hooking notch (54) and the receiving housing (58) have an angular extent, taken around the central axis (A-A'), of less than 90°.,

2. Head (20) according to claim 1, wherein the angular extent is less than 45°, preferably is less than 30°.

3. Head (20) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the fixing system (28) comprises two separate hooking notches (54) projecting from one of the internal skirt (40) and the downstream region (30), and for each hooking notch (54), a separate receiving housing (58) for receiving the hooking notch (54) formed in the other of the internal skirt (40) and the downstream region (30), each hooking notch (54) and each receiving housing (58) having an angular extent, taken around the central axis (A-A'), less than 90°.

4. Head (20) according to claim 3, in which the two hooking notches (54) and the two receiving housings (58) are located at opposite each other with respect to the central axis (A-A').

5. A head (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each receiving housing (58) is formed from a half-oval notch.

6. Head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which in section in at least one axial plane passing through the central axis (A-A'), the or each receiving housing (58) is delimited laterally by a curved surface (60) and downstream by a surface perpendicular (62) to the central axis (A-A').

7. Head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the internal skirt (40) defines downstream and axially away from the attachment notch (54) and / or the receiving housing (58), an axial reinforcing rib (67).

8. Head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the closing cap (26) comprises a plurality of internal radial fins (46) for wedging the end piece (24), projecting towards the central axis (A-A') from the internal skirt (40) downstream and axially away from the hooking notch (54) and / or the receiving housing (58).

9. Head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the closing hood (26) comprises a closing wall (44) closing the external skirt (42), the internal skirt (40) projecting from the closing wall (44).

10. Head (20) according to claim 9, in which the closing cap (26) comprises an axial sealing stud (48), projecting from the closing wall (44), the axial stud (48) being inserted into the downstream orifice (38) in the position mounted on the neck (22).

11. Head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the neck (22) comprises an upstream region (32) widening upstream from the downstream region (30) to an upstream edge (34), the upstream edge (34) of the upstream region (32) being of complementary shape to the upstream free edge (66) of the external skirt (42).

12. Head (20) according to claim 11, in which the upstream edge (34) of the upstream region (32) has an elongated contour along an elongation axis (B-B') perpendicular to the central axis (A-A'), and in which, in projection in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (A-A'), the elongation axis (B-B') passes through the hooking notch (54) and / or the receiving housing (58).

13. Head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the closing cap (26) comprises at least one radial external fin (50) connecting the internal skirt (40) to the external skirt (42) and / or at least one external stiffening rib (52) projecting towards the external skirt (42) from the internal skirt (40), without contact with the external skirt (42).

14. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product, comprising a reservoir (12) containing a cosmetic product (14), and a head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, closing the reservoir (12).

15. A method of manufacturing a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device (14) according to claim 14, comprising the following steps: - providing the closure cap (26) and the dispensing end piece (24), the dispensing end piece (24) being mounted wedged in the internal skirt (40) of the closure cap (26); - providing the neck (22), away from the closure cap (26) and the dispensing end piece (24); - inserting the neck (22) into the internal volume (64) of the closure cap (26) and mounting the end piece (24) in the dispensing passage (36) of the cylindrical downstream region (30); - simultaneously inserting the hooking notch (54) into the receiving housing (58) to activate the fixing system (28).

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