Cosmetic product dispensing pipette comprising an air passage vent, associated packaging assembly and method
The pipette design with a vent system and shutter mechanism addresses involuntary leakage issues by separating air and product paths, achieving precise and homogeneous dispensing of cosmetic products.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023010422
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-09-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing cosmetic product dispensing pipettes fail to provide clean and precise dispensing, often leading to involuntary leakage and waste due to variations in product viscosity, especially with low-viscous products.
A pipette design featuring a vent system separate from the shutter, allowing air evacuation through vents positioned away from the shutter, with a closing member that opens under overpressure and a shutter that moves to an open position upon contact with the application surface, ensuring separate paths for air and product flow.
Prevents involuntary leakage and ensures homogeneous distribution of cosmetic products, even with low viscosity, by maintaining the shutter in a closed position until actuated by surface contact, thus avoiding mixing with air and ensuring controlled dispensing.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Cosmetic product dispensing pipette comprising an air passage vent, associated packaging assembly and method
[0001] The present invention relates to a pipette for dispensing cosmetic products comprising:
[0002] - a tubular conduit for dispensing cosmetic product defining a passage longitudinal for the cosmetic product, the tubular conduit having an upper end and a lower end,
[0003] - a deformable pear, mounted on the upper end of the tubular conduit,
[0004] - a shutter housed in the lower end of the tubular conduit, the shutter being movable between an open position, in which the shutter allows the passage of the cosmetic product, and a closed position, in which the shutter tightly closes the tubular conduit.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] For many applications in hair products or care, it is necessary to precisely apply a controlled dose of cosmetic product to a body surface. This application is done, for example, using a pipette comprising a deformable bulb capable of generating suction of the cosmetic product from a product storage container into a dispensing conduit of the pipette. The user is then free to dispense the cosmetic product contained in the dispensing conduit onto an application surface.
[0008] The viscosity of the product dispensed can vary significantly from one product to another. When dispensing a low-viscous product, cosmetic product contained in the dispensing conduit may flow out of the pipette when moving the latter after sampling, or in the event of involuntary pressure on the bulb of the pipette.
[0009] These disadvantages are detrimental to the proper use of the cosmetic product, which may be inadvertently distributed in areas not intended to receive the cosmetic product. Furthermore, such a phenomenon results in a loss of cosmetic product which is therefore wasted, or even unsightly stains on the product packaging.
[0010] KR10-1775945 describes a cosmetic product dispensing pipette comprising a deformable bulb mounted on the upper end of a tubular conduit defining a longitudinal passage for a cosmetic product. The pipette comprises, at its lower end, a shutter comprising a lower region movable between an open position, in which the shutter allows the passage of the cosmetic product from the outside to the inside, and a closed position. In addition, the pipette also comprises at its lower end lateral openings selectively closed by movable flaps of the shutter.
[0011] When the bulb is pressurized, the shutters open, either to evacuate the air present in the passage and generate a suction of product through the shutter, or to evacuate the product during dispensing.
[0012] Other cosmetic product dispensing pipettes are described in US 10098437, EP3281550, JP6342958, US20220312934, WO2023 / 054949, and CN217243048.
[0013] However, such dispensing pipettes are not entirely satisfactory. In particular, they do not guarantee a clean and precise dispensing of cosmetic product when using the pipette, the cosmetic product being able, for example, to be involuntarily dispensed when accidentally pressing the bulb of the pipette.
[0014] An aim of the invention is to propose a pipette for dispensing cosmetic product allowing a user to dispense cosmetic product efficiently, while avoiding unwanted leaks of cosmetic product outside the pipette, in particular when involuntarily pressing on the bulb.
[0015] To this end, the invention relates to a dispensing pipette of the aforementioned type, characterized in that it defines at least one vent intended for the evacuation of air, arranged in the tubular conduit longitudinally away from the shutter, the pipette comprising a member for closing the vent urged towards a position for closing the vent, the closing member being movable towards a position for opening the vent under the effect of an overpressure generated by a deformation of the bulb reducing its internal volume,
[0016] and in that, in the vent closed position, the shutter is configured to be moved to the open position by contact with a body surface to dispense cosmetic product onto the body surface from the longitudinal passage.
[0017] Since the shutter is normally in the closed position and configured to be moved to the open position by contact with a body surface, there is no risk of involuntary leakage of cosmetic product. Indeed, even if the user accidentally creates an overpressure in the tubular dispensing conduit of the pipette, the shutter, in the closed position, prevents the cosmetic product from being dispensed. out of the tubular conduit, and the excess pressure is released through the vents.
[0018] When the user wishes to dispense the cosmetic product contained in the tubular conduit, external contact with a body surface (or more generally a product application surface) precisely authorizes the passage of cosmetic product via the shutter in the open position.
[0019] Furthermore, the or each vent intended for the evacuation of air being positioned away from the shutter, the evacuation of air from the pipette is carried out by a passage separate from the dispensing of the cosmetic product from this pipette. This prevents the evacuation of air from being prevented or hindered by product residues.
[0020] According to a variant, the dispensing pipette according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0021] - in the vent closing position, the shutter is configured to be moved from the closed position to the open position under the effect of a depression generated by a deformation of the bulb increasing its internal volume, in order to suck cosmetic product into the longitudinal passage.
[0022] The product is advantageously sucked up by creating a vacuum in the tubular conduit resulting from a deformation of the bulb, and successively moving the shutter to the open position in order to allow the passage of cosmetic product from the container into the tubular conduit. This mechanism of sucking up the product by releasing the pressure on the bulb is instinctive for the user.
[0023] Furthermore, the product is sucked in through the lower end of the tubular conduit, via the shutter in the open position, and, the closing members being in the normal position for closing the vents, there is no risk of the product being dispensed through the vents.
[0024] According to a variant, the dispensing pipette according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0025] - the or each vent formed in the tubular conduit is positioned in the vicinity of the upper end of the tubular conduit.
[0026] The or each vent being positioned in the vicinity of the upper end of the tubular conduit, the distance between the shutter and the vents is sufficiently large to create two separate paths for the evacuation of air, on the one hand, and the suction / distribution of the cosmetic product, on the other hand.
[0027] Furthermore, when the pipette is in a packaging position, mounted on the container, the vents, located in the vicinity of the upper end of the conduit, are sufficiently high to prevent any unwanted entry of cosmetic product through the vents.
[0028] According to a variant, the dispensing pipette according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0029] - in the shutter position, the shutter protrudes longitudinally beyond the lower end of the tubular conduit.
[0030] Since the shutter protrudes longitudinally from the lower end of the tubular conduit, it is easy for a user to move the shutter into the open position by contact with an application body surface.
[0031] According to a variant, the dispensing pipette according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0032] - the shutter is movable in translation in a longitudinal direction in the longitudinal passage, between at least the open position, in which the shutter is located at a first distance, in a longitudinal direction, from the upper end, and the closed position, in which the shutter is located at a second distance, in the longitudinal direction, from the upper end, the first distance being less than the second distance.
[0033] The shutter being movable between the closing position and the open position, by translation along the tubular conduit, the sealing of the pipette when the shutter is in the closing position is ensured, and leaks of cosmetic product are therefore avoided. The mobility of the shutter also clears the passage for the circulation of the cosmetic product when the cosmetic product is sucked into the container, and when the product is dispensed by contact with the body surface of application.
[0034] According to a variant, the dispensing pipette according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0035] - the closing member comprises a membrane deformable between the position of vent closing position and a vent opening position, the vent closing position being a rest position.
[0036] The deformability of the closing member ensures a sealed closure of the vents in the normal position, and a reversible opening of the vents in the open position.
[0037] According to a variant, the dispensing pipette according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0038] - the closing member extends outside the tubular conduit, being applied on the tubular conduit at the periphery of the vent in the vent closing position.
[0039] The closing member being located outside the tubular conduit, it closes the vent from the outside of the conduit in a sealed manner, and does not create an obstacle inside the tubular conduit which could hinder the circulation of air and / or the cosmetic product.
[0040] According to one variant, the dispensing pipette according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0041] - the closing member is in one piece with the pear.
[0042] The closing member being in one piece with the bulb, the number of parts to be manufactured and assembled is limited and the production costs of such a pipette are therefore minimized.
[0043] According to one variant, the dispensing pipette according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0044] - the lower end defines a receiving area of the shutter, the area of reception delimiting a plurality of longitudinal channels arranged around the shutter and a sealing seat arranged under the longitudinal channels.
[0045] The presence of the plurality of longitudinal channels allows guided and continuous fluid communication between the tubular conduit and the exterior of the pipette, in a position for dispensing / aspirating the cosmetic product. Furthermore, even if one of the longitudinal channels is blocked by the cosmetic product or any other obstacle causing a blockage of the channel, the remaining channels ensure the proper functioning of the pipette.
[0046] The plurality of longitudinal channels also ensures uniform distribution of the cosmetic product on the shutter.
[0047] The invention also relates to a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing assembly, comprising a container containing a cosmetic product, a dispensing pipette as described above, the dispensing pipette being movable between a packaging position mounted on the container, the tubular conduit being inserted into the container and a cosmetic product dispensing position removed from the container, the tubular conduit being arranged outside the container.
[0048] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing assembly according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0049] - when the dispensing pipette is in the conditioning position, the container has a gaseous sky present above the cosmetic product contained in the container, the or each vent being positioned in the gaseous sky.
[0050] Since the or each vent is located at the level of the gaseous ceiling, the cosmetic product cannot enter the tubular conduit through the vent(s). This feature allows the pipette to define two separate paths, one for the evacuation of air and one for the circulation of the cosmetic product. Thus, the cosmetic product is not subject to being dispensed or sucked in simultaneously with air. This ensures a more homogeneous distribution of the cosmetic product, and improves the user experience.
[0051] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing assembly according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0052] - the cosmetic product is a composition comprising a mixture of water and of alcohol, for example comprising between 15% by mass and 60% by mass of alcohol relative to the total mass of the composition, preferably between 20% by mass and 50% in mass of alcohol relative to the total mass of the composition.
[0053] According to one variant, the cosmetic product packaging and dispensing assembly according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:
[0054] - the cosmetic product has a viscosity of less than 30 UD, measured at 25°C at using a Rhéomat 180 device, equipped with an MS-R2 mobile, in particular between 10 UD and 20 UD.
[0055] The cosmetic product is then sufficiently low in viscosity to be deposited homogeneously on the shutter and to be applied without difficulty to the body application surface by flow via the shutter in the open position.
[0056] Furthermore, the pipette also makes it possible to avoid any leakage of cosmetic product, even when it has a low viscosity.
[0057] The invention also relates to a method for dispensing a cosmetic product, comprising the following steps: - supply of a packaging and dispensing assembly as described above, the pipette occupying its packaging position, - deformation of the bulb by reducing its internal volume, urging the closing member towards the open position of the or each vent, the air evacuating through the or each vent, the shutter being in the closed position, then - depression of the longitudinal passage carried out by increasing the internal volume of the bulb, the shutter being moved from the shutter position to the open position, cosmetic product being sucked through the lower end into the longitudinal passage, - moving the pipette from its packaging position to its dispensing position, - movement of the shutter to the open position by contact with a body surface, and - distribution of the cosmetic product on the body surface from the longitudinal passage of the tubular conduit through the lower end.
[0058] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:
[0059] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a sectional view along a median vertical plane of an assembly for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product comprising a pipette,
[0060] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a sectional view along a median vertical plane of the packaging assembly of [Fig.l], in a position for evacuating air through the vents of the dispensing conduit,
[0061] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a sectional view along a median vertical plane of the assembly of packaging of [Fig.l], enlarged on an upper end of the pipette dispensing conduit, and
[0062] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a sectional view along a median vertical plane of the assembly packaging of [Fig.l], in a position for dispensing the cosmetic product onto an application surface.
[0063] In all that follows, the term "longitudinal" is understood to mean the direction in which the pipette has its maximum dimension, and the term "transverse" is understood to mean a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0064] A cosmetic product packaging and dispensing assembly 1 is illustrated in [Fig.l]. The packaging and dispensing device 1 comprises a container 12 containing a cosmetic product 14, a dispensing pipette 16 comprising a deformable bulb 18, the dispensing pipette 16 being movably mounted on the container 12, between a packaging position and a product dispensing position, and a hoop 20 carrying the dispensing pipette 16.
[0065] The dispensing pipette 16 is configured to dispense cosmetic product 14 contained in the container 12 onto a body application surface S. The application surface S is, for example, a skin surface such as the skin, or the scalp.
[0066] The cosmetic product 14 is contained in the container 12.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the cosmetic product 14 is a composition comprising a mixture of water and alcohol, for example comprising between 15% by mass and 60% by mass of alcohol relative to the total mass of the composition, preferably between 20% by mass and 50% by mass of alcohol relative to the total mass of the composition.
[0068] For example, the cosmetic product is a cosmetic composition comprising active ingredients capable of reducing hair loss and / or promoting the regrowth of keratin fibers and / or limiting the appearance of dandruff. For example, cosmetic product 14 is a composition as described in one of the French applications filed under No. 2213545, No. 2213539, or No. 2213542.
[0069] The cosmetic product 14 has, for example, a viscosity at 25°C of less than 30 UD, in particular between 10 UD and 20 UD.
[0070] The viscosity of the cosmetic product is for example measured at 25°C using a Rhéomat 180 (from the company LAMY) equipped with an MS-R2 spindle, rotating at a rotation speed of 200 rpm *. The measurement is taken after 10 min of rotation. The viscosity measurements are carried out at most 1 week after manufacture of the cosmetic product 14.
[0071] The container 12 comprises a reservoir 24 comprising a bottom 25 and a side wall 26. The bottom 25 and the side wall 26 define an internal volume 27 of receipt of the cosmetic product 14.
[0072] The container 12 also comprises a neck 30 defining a passage for the pipette 16. The neck 30 has an external thread 32 disposed on its external surface opposite the passage.
[0073] In a packaging position, the pipette 16 is mounted on the container 12, by means of the hoop 20. In this configuration, the hoop 20 is arranged around the neck 30 of the container 12.
[0074] The hoop 20 comprises a peripheral wall 33 surrounding the neck 30 and a transverse wall 34 connecting the peripheral wall 33 at its upper end to the bulb 18.
[0075] The transverse wall 34 extends transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. It closes the hoop 20.
[0076] In this example, the hoop 20 has an internal surface 35 extending longitudinally from the transverse wall 34 onto the peripheral wall 33.
[0077] The internal surface 35 has a complementary thread 35A. When the hoop 20 is mounted on the container 12, in the packaging position, the internal surface 35 is arranged opposite the neck 30, and the complementary thread 35A cooperates with the external thread 32 so as to secure the pipette 16 to the neck 30.
[0078] The bulb 18 is for example made of a deformable material such as rubber, or rubber derivatives usually used on cosmetic pipettes such as thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefins, low density polyethylene, etc.
[0079] The pear 18 is for example obtained by compression, injection, injection-blow molding or even extrusion-blow molding.
[0080] The bulb 18 is in particular deformable between a rest position in which the bulb 18 has a first volume VI, and a deformed position, shown in [Fig.2], in which the bulb 18 has a second volume V2, less than the first volume VL. A user, by pinching the bulb 18 between his fingers, causes the deformation of the bulb 18 from the rest position to the deformed position.
[0081] In addition to the bulb 18, the dispensing pipette 16 comprises a tubular conduit 36 for dispensing cosmetic product 14 defining a longitudinal passage 38 for the cosmetic product 14. The tubular conduit 36 extends between an upper end 36A and a lower end 36B.
[0082] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the internal surface 35 of the hoop 20 extends around the upper end 36A of the tubular conduit 36, defining an annular space for receiving the neck 30 with the tubular conduit 36.
[0083] The bulb 18 is fixed on the upper end 36A of the tubular conduit 36.
[0084] The pipette 16 is then movable between the packaging position, in which the pipette 16 is mounted on the container 12, the tubular conduit 36 being inserted into the container 12 and a cosmetic product dispensing position 14, in which the pipette 16 is removed from the container 12, the tubular conduit 36 being arranged outside the container 12.
[0085] When the bulb 18 is pressed by a user, it displaces air, initially included in the first volume VI, towards the tubular conduit 36.
[0086] When the user releases the pressure exerted on the bulb 18, the bulb 18 returns from its deformed position to its rest position. During this step, the bulb 18 is able to suck in gas contained in the tubular conduit 36, causing the cosmetic product 14 contained in the reservoir 24 to rise towards the tubular conduit 36, as will be described in more detail later.
[0087] The pipette 16 defines at least one vent 39 intended for the evacuation of air, arranged in the tubular conduit 36. The or each vent 39 is located longitudinally away from the lower end 36B of the tubular conduit 36. In the example shown in [Fig. 3], the or each vent 39 formed in the tubular conduit 36 is positioned in the vicinity of the upper end 36A of the tubular conduit 36.
[0088] “In the vicinity of the upper end” generally means that the distance separating the upper end 36A from each vent 39 is less than 40%, preferably less than 20%, of the length of the tubular conduit 36 taken between the upper end 36A and the lower end 36B.
[0089] The vents 39 are here through holes, arranged through the peripheral wall of the tubular conduit 36. Each vent 39 here extends transversely. It opens on the one hand into the internal passage 38 and on the other hand through an external surface of the tubular conduit 36.
[0090] When the pipette 16 is in the packaging position, the container 12 has a gaseous sky G above the cosmetic product 14 contained in the container 12. In this configuration, the or each vent 39 is positioned in the gaseous sky G.
[0091] In the example of [Fig.3], the pipette 16 comprises at least two vents 39 angularly distributed around the longitudinal axis of the tubular conduit 36.
[0092] The pipette 16 also comprises at least one closing member 40 of the or each vent 39 urged towards a closing position of the vent 39. In the closing position, the or each closing member 40 seals the vents 39.
[0093] In the example of [Fig. 3], the pipette 16 comprises a closing member 40 comprising a peripheral skirt closing the vents 39. By “peripheral skirt”, it is meant that the closing member 40 extends all around the tubular conduit 36, in a continuous manner.
[0094] The or each closing member 40 is movable from a closing position forming a rest position towards an open position of the vent 39, under the effect of an overpressure generated by a deformation of the bulb 18 reducing its internal volume.
[0095] In the open position of the vent 39, gas, such as air, is able to pass through the or each vent 39, from the inside of the tubular conduit 36 to the outside of the pipette 16.
[0096] In other words, when the user presses the bulb 18 and causes a reduction in its internal volume, gas, in particular air, initially included in the first volume VI, is displaced towards the tubular conduit 36. The overpressure generated moves the closing members 40 from the closed position of the vent 39 to the open position of the vent 39. The air is then evacuated through the or each vent 39, from the inside of the tubular conduit 36 towards the outside of the pipette 16.
[0097] The or each vent 39 being positioned in the gaseous air space G in the packaging position of the pipette 16, there is no risk of involuntary entry of cosmetic product 14 through the vents 39 when they are open.
[0098] For example, the skirt of the vent 39 is formed from a membrane that is deformable between the closed position of the vent 39 and the open position of the vent 39, the closed position of the vent 39 being a rest position.
[0099] The deformable membrane is for example an elastic membrane, passing from the closed position of the vent 39 to the open position of the vent 39 without residual deformation of the membrane. This ensures the sealed closure of the vents 39 during successive uses of the dispensing pipette 16.
[0100] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 3], the closing member 40 extends outside the tubular conduit 36, being applied to the tubular conduit 36 at the periphery of the vent 39 in the closing position of the vent 39. Thus, in the closing position of the vent 39, the closing member 40 seals the vent 39 from outside the tubular conduit 36.
[0101] The closing member 40 is for example formed in a single piece with the pear 18, preferably made in one piece with the pear 18.
[0102] The pipette 16 also comprises a shutter 42 housed in the lower end 36B of the tubular conduit 36.
[0103] The lower end 36B of the tubular conduit 36 defines a receiving zone 44 configured to receive the shutter 42. The receiving zone 44 has a flare relative to the tubular conduit 36 configured to house the shutter 42 in a sealed manner, in at least the rest position of the bulb 18.
[0104] The receiving zone 44 defines from top to bottom, advantageously a plurality of longitudinal channels 50, arranged around an upper region of the shutter 42 and a sealing seat 52 arranged under the longitudinal channels 50.
[0105] The or each longitudinal channel 50 is formed by a longitudinal groove formed in an inner surface 44A of the receiving zone 44. The groove opens longitudinally at its ends and radially towards the shutter 42. It is closed radially away from the shutter 42. In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], each longitudinal channel 50 opens upwards above the shutter 42 and downwards opposite the seat 52.
[0106] The seat 52 defines, on its internal surface, at least one continuous and closed peripheral line of a shape complementary to the external surface of the shutter 42.
[0107] The shutter 42 is movable in longitudinal translation between an open position, in which the shutter 42 allows the passage of the cosmetic product 14, and a shutter position, in which the shutter 42 sealably closes the internal passage of the tubular conduit 36 by sealed contact between at least the peripheral line of the seat 52 and the external surface of the shutter 42. The shutter position of the shutter 42 is a rest position of the shutter 42.
[0108] For this purpose, the or each longitudinal channel 50 is for example configured to allow the flow of the cosmetic product 14 around the shutter 42 between the exterior of the dispensing pipette 16 and the tubular conduit 36, in the open position of the shutter 42. The shutter 42 is then released from the seat 52 and at least one gap exists between the seat 52 and the shutter 42 to allow the circulation of cosmetic product 14 between the interior passage 38 and the exterior of the pipette 16 in both directions of circulation.
[0109] Furthermore, in order to ensure the sealing of the tubular conduit 36 when the shutter 42 is in the closing position, the sealing seat 52 has a shape complementary to the external surface of the shutter 42, suitable for sealingly closing the tubular conduit 36.
[0110] Thus, when the shutter 42 is in the normal closed position, the tubular conduit 36 is sealed from the outside of the pipette 16 and the internal passage 38 is closed downwards, downstream of the channels 50 when they are present.
[0111] In the closure position, the closure member 42 projects longitudinally from the lower end 36B of the tubular conduit 36. For example, when the closure member 42 is a ball 10 mm in diameter, the closure member 42 projects from the lower end 36B towards the outside of the pipette 16, and more precisely towards the bottom 25 of the reservoir 24 in the packaging position and / or towards the body application surface S in the dispensing position, by a length of between 1 mm and 4 mm.
[0112] In other words, the shutter 42 projects from the lower end 36B towards the outside of the pipette 16, and more precisely towards the bottom 25 of the reservoir 24 in the packaging position and / or towards the body application surface S in the distribution position, of a length for example between 10% and 40% of the diameter of the shutter 42.
[0113] More generally, the shutter 42 projects from the lower end 36B towards the outside of the pipette 16, and more precisely towards the bottom 25 of the reservoir 24 in the packaging position and / or towards the application body surface S in the dispensing position, by a length depending on the body surface S to be reached and the geometric shape of the shutter 42.
[0114] The shutter 42 is for example movable in translation longitudinally in the longitudinal passage 38, between at least the open position, in which the shutter 42 is located at a first distance, in the longitudinal direction, from the upper end 36A of the tubular conduit 36, and the closed position, in which the shutter 42 is located at a second distance, in the longitudinal direction, from the upper end 36A, the first distance being less than the second distance.
[0115] The translation of the shutter 42 from the shutter position to the open position is carried out, for example, over a maximum stroke of between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm and over a minimum stroke of between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, in order to allow the passage of the cosmetic product 14. This stroke allows the continuous dispensing and / or suction of the cosmetic product 14, while allowing, in particular during dispensing, the dispensing of a controlled dose of cosmetic product 14.
[0116] Thus, more generally, the maximum stroke of the shutter 42 is adjusted as a function of the cosmetic product 14 to be dispensed, in particular as a function of its viscosity, and of the dose of cosmetic product 14 to be delivered and / or of the flow rate of the product 14 desired for an application.
[0117] In particular, in the closed position of the vent 39, the shutter 42 is configured to be moved into the open position by contact with a body surface S to dispense cosmetic product 14 onto the body surface S from the longitudinal passage 38.
[0118] Thus, when the user wishes to apply the cosmetic product 14 contained in the tubular conduit 36, he pushes the shutter 42 towards its open position by contact with the body surface S, and the cosmetic product 14 is delivered by the lower end 36B of the tubular conduit 36, as will be described in more detail later.
[0119] Thus, the pipette 16 defines two separate paths for the air and the cosmetic product 14. The air escapes through the vents 39 above the cosmetic product 14 when the closing members 40 are in the open position. The cosmetic product 14 circulates between the exterior of the pipette 16 (container 12 or body surface S) and the longitudinal passage 38 via the lower end 36B of the conduit tubular 36 and shutter 42 in the open position.
[0120] The insertion zone 44 defines a constriction 56 projecting internally and cooperating with the external surface of the shutter 42 so as to block the longitudinal translation, beyond a determined and limited stroke of the shutter 42 towards the upper end 36A of the tubular conduit 36. In other words, the constriction 56 prevents the shutter 42 from rising longitudinally in the longitudinal passage 38, beyond the determined stroke.
[0121] According to the example shown in Figures 1 to 4, the shutter 42 is a ball mounted to rotate relative to the tubular conduit 36.
[0122] Alternatively, the shutter 42 is a non-rotating member movable in translation in the longitudinal direction at the lower end 36B of the tubular conduit 36, for example a movable tip as described in FR2835509A1.
[0123] In another variant, the shutter 42 is movable by tilting between the open position and the shutter position.
[0124] In a variant, not shown, the vents 39 are not through holes but external through grooves or grooves provided through the peripheral wall of the tubular conduit 36 and opening on the one hand into the internal passage 38 and on the other hand through an external surface of the tubular conduit 36.
[0125] A method of dispensing a cosmetic product 14 using a packaging and dispensing assembly 1 as described above will now be described.
[0126] Initially, a packaging and dispensing assembly 1 as described in [Fig.l] is provided.
[0127] When a user wishes to apply the cosmetic product 14 to a body surface S, he first turns the hoop 20 around the longitudinal axis. Thus, he unscrews the complementary thread 35A from the external thread 32 of the neck 30 and detaches the hoop 20.
[0128] Then, it pinches the bulb 18 and deforms it from its rest position to its deformed position. The bulb 18 then passes from its internal volume VI to its internal volume V2 by reducing its volume, as shown in [Fig.2]. The closing members 40 are then urged towards the open position of the or each vent 39. The overpressure gas in the tubular conduit 36, in particular the air, is evacuated through the or each vent 39. During this step, the shutter 42 is in the closed position.
[0129] Then, the user releases the bulb 18. The bulb 18 then moves from its internal volume V2 to its internal volume VI by increasing its volume. The closing members 40 return to the closing position of the or each vent 39. A vacuum is created inside the tubular conduit 36. This vacuum causes the shutter 42 to move from the closing position to the open position, allowing the cosmetic product 14 to be sucked into the longitudinal passage 38.
[0130] During this step, the shutter 42 moves longitudinally towards the upper end 36A of the tubular conduit 36, until it comes up against the constriction 56 of the insertion zone 44.
[0131] The cosmetic product 14 is sucked in by the bulb 18 and enters the tubular conduit 36 by flowing from the reservoir 24 around the shutter 42. For example, the cosmetic product 14 enters the tubular conduit 36, by flowing around the shutter 42, through at least one longitudinal channel 50 under the suction of the bulb 18.
[0132] The suction of the cosmetic product 14 towards the tubular conduit 36 continues until the bulb 18 again occupies its rest position and regains its initial volume VL. A volume of cosmetic product 14 is then present in the tubular conduit 36.
[0133] When the suction of the cosmetic product 14 is finished, the shutter 42 returns to its closed position within the tubular conduit 36, in particular under the effect of the weight of the cosmetic product 14 applying itself to the shutter 42 and urging it against the seat 52.
[0134] Thanks to the sealing seat 52, even if the tubular conduit 36 comprises a volume of cosmetic product 14, the cosmetic product 14 remains totally confined in the longitudinal passage 38, including at the level of the longitudinal channels 50. The user can then move the pipette 16 to the body surface S without any risk of leakage of the cosmetic product 14 from the inside of the tubular conduit 36 to the outside of the pipette 16, even if the latter is very fluid, in particular if it comprises the compositions described above.
[0135] When the user wishes to apply the cosmetic product 14 contained in the pipette 16 to the body surface S, he brings the pipette 16 close to the body surface so as to put the shutter 42 in contact with the body surface S. The shutter 42 being projecting from the lower end 36B of the tubular conduit 36, this step is simplified for the user.
[0136] By contact with the body surface, the user moves the shutter 42 from the closed position to the open position. In other words, by contact with the body surface S, the user pushes the shutter 42 longitudinally in the longitudinal passage 38 so as to allow the flow, for example through the longitudinal channels 50, and between the seat 52 and the shutter 42 of the cosmetic product 14 from the inside of the tubular conduit 36 to the outside of the pipette 16. The cosmetic product 14 advantageously flows around the shutter 42 and its application to the body surface S is facilitated in particular if the shutter 42 is moved, in particular driven in rotation on the body surface S.
[0137] The dispensing pipette 16 according to the invention has numerous advantages.
[0138] Since the shutter 42 is normally in the closed position and is configured to be moved to the open position by contact with a body surface S, there is no risk of involuntary leakage of cosmetic product. Even if the user accidentally creates excess pressure in the tubular conduit 36 by pressing the bulb 18, the shutter 42, in the closed position, prevents the cosmetic product 14 from being dispensed out of the tubular conduit 36.
[0139] Furthermore, the pipette 16 defines a circulation passage intended for air and distinct from the longitudinal circulation passage of the cosmetic product. This makes it possible to distribute the cosmetic product more homogeneously, without air bubbles mixing with the dispensed product.
[0140] Such a pipette 16 is therefore particularly suitable for the simple dispensing and sealed packaging of a very fluid product such as a composition comprising a mixture of water and alcohol, for example comprising between 15% by mass and 60% by mass of alcohol relative to the total mass of the composition, or preferably between 20% by mass and 50% by mass of alcohol, in particular containing active ingredients preventing hair loss or promoting hair regrowth.
Claims
Claims
1. Dispensing pipette (16) for cosmetic product (14), comprising: - a tubular conduit (36) for dispensing cosmetic product (14) defining a longitudinal passage (38) for the cosmetic product (14), the tubular conduit (36) having an upper end (36A) and a lower end (36B), - a deformable bulb (18), mounted on the upper end (36A) of the tubular conduit (36), - a shutter (42) housed in the lower end (36B) of the tubular conduit (36), the shutter (42) being movable between an open position, in which the shutter (42) allows the passage of the cosmetic product (14), and a closed position, in which the shutter (42) tightly closes the tubular conduit (36), characterized in that it defines at least one vent (39) intended for the evacuation of air, arranged in the tubular conduit (36) longitudinally away from the shutter (42),the pipette (16) comprising a closing member (40) of the vent (39) urged towards a closing position of the vent (39), the closing member (40) being movable towards an opening position of the vent (39) under the effect of an overpressure generated by a deformation of the bulb (18) reducing its internal volume, and in that, in the closing position of the vent (39), the shutter (42) is configured to be moved into the open position by contact with a body surface (S) to dispense cosmetic product (14) onto the body surface (S) from the longitudinal passage (38).,
2. Pipette (16) according to claim 1, in which in the closed position of the vent (39), the shutter (42) is configured to be moved from the closed position to the open position under the effect of a depression generated by a deformation of the bulb (18) increasing its internal volume, in order to suck cosmetic product (14) into the longitudinal passage (38).
3. A pipette (16) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each vent (39) formed in the tubular conduit (36) is positioned adjacent the upper end (36A) of the tubular conduit (36).
4. A pipette (16) according to any preceding claim, wherein, in the closed position, the shutter (42) projects longitudinally beyond the lower end (36B) of the conduit tubular (36).
5. Pipette (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the shutter (42) is movable in translation in a longitudinal direction in the longitudinal passage (38), between at least the open position, in which the shutter (42) is located at a first distance, in a longitudinal direction, from the upper end (36A), and the shutter position, in which the shutter (42) is located at a second distance, in the longitudinal direction, from the upper end (36A), the first distance being less than the second distance.
6. Pipette (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the closure member (40) comprises a membrane deformable between the closed position of the vent (39) and an open position of the vent (39), the closed position of the vent (39) being a rest position.
7. Pipette (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the closure member (40) extends outside the tubular conduit (36), being applied to the tubular conduit (36) at the periphery of the vent (39) in the closed position of the vent (39).
8. A pipette (16) according to any preceding claim, wherein the closure member (40) is integral with the bulb (18).
9. A pipette (16) according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower end (36B) defines a receiving area (44) for the shutter (42), the receiving area (44) defining a plurality of longitudinal channels (50) arranged around the shutter (42) and a sealing seat (52) arranged under the longitudinal channels (50).
10. Packaging and dispensing assembly (1) for a cosmetic product (14), comprising a container (12) containing a cosmetic product (14), a dispensing pipette (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, the dispensing pipette (16) being movable between a packaging position mounted on the container (12), the tubular conduit (36) being inserted into the container (12) and a cosmetic product dispensing position (14) removed from the container (12), the tubular conduit (36) being arranged outside the container (12).
11. Assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein when the pipette of distribution (16) is in the packaging position, the container (12) has a gaseous sky (G) present above the cosmetic product (14) contained in the container (12), the or each vent (39) being positioned in the gaseous sky (G).
12. Set (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the cosmetic product (14) is a composition comprising a mixture of water and alcohol, for example comprising between 15% by mass and 60% by mass of alcohol relative to the total mass of the composition, preferably between 20% by mass and 50% by mass of alcohol relative to the total mass of the composition.
13. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the cosmetic product (14) has a viscosity of less than 30 UD, measured at 25°C using a Rhéomat 180 device, equipped with an MS-R2 spindle, in particular between 10 UD and 20 UD.
14. A method of dispensing a cosmetic product (14), comprising the following steps: - providing a packaging and dispensing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, the pipette (16) occupying its packaging position, - deforming the bulb (18) by reducing its internal volume, urging the closure member (40) towards the open position of the or each vent (39), the air being evacuated through the or each vent (39), the shutter (42) being in the closed position, then - placing the longitudinal passage (38 under vacuum, carried out by increasing the internal volume of the bulb (18), the shutter (42) being moved from the closed position to the open position, cosmetic product (14) being sucked through the lower end (36B) into the longitudinal passage (38), - passing the pipette (16) from its packaging position to its distribution position,- moving the shutter (42) to the open position by contact with a body surface (S), and - dispensing the cosmetic product (14) onto the body surface (S) from the longitudinal passage (38) of the tubular conduit (36) through the lower end (36B).,