Cosmetic product dispensing head, packaging and dispensing device and associated process

Abstract

Cosmetic product dispensing head, conditioning and dispensing device and associated method The head (14) includes a product passage conduit (32) and a dip tube (30) defining a product sampling channel (31). It includes a product circulation closure element (34), movable between a closure position, in which the closure element (34) is retained on a support surface (62) provided between the sampling channel (31) and the dispensing chamber (33), and a dispensing position, in which the closure element (34) is located in the dispensing chamber (33) away from the support surface (62) and the dispensing orifice (40) is in fluidic communication with the sampling channel (31).The bearing surface (62) defines at least one groove (64) configured to ensure air intake between the channel (31) and the distribution chamber (33) when the sealing element (34) is in its sealing position. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1.

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing head, intended to be mounted on at least one cosmetic product reservoir, the dispensing head comprising:

[0002] - an applicator defining at least one product application surface cosmetic, the applicator defining at least one through orifice for distributing cosmetic product from the reservoir;

[0003] - a cosmetic product passage conduit defining a disinfection chamber distribution opening into the distribution orifice;

[0004] - a dip tube defining a product sampling channel extending between a first end opening into the distribution chamber and a second end intended to open into the reservoir;

[0005] - a cosmetic product circulation blocking element, the element the sealing element being movable between a sealing position, in which the sealing element is retained on a bearing surface provided between the sampling channel and the distribution chamber to oppose the passage of fluid between the sampling channel and the distribution chamber, and a distribution position, in which the sealing element is located in the distribution chamber away from the bearing surface and the distribution orifice is in fluidic communication with the second end through the sampling channel.

[0006] The cosmetic product is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a face and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

[0007] More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

[0008] To distribute a cosmetic product from a reservoir containing it, it is known, for example, to place a distribution mechanism on the reservoir.

[0009] The dispensing mechanism typically includes a dip tube that extends into the product to the bottom of the tank. To dispense the product, the user creates overpressure in the tank, for example, by applying pressure to the tank wall, if it is deformable. This overpressure causes the product to be dispensed from the tank to a dispensing orifice in the dispensing mechanism. During this movement, the product flows through a dispensing conduit defined at least in part by the dip tube.

[0010] Such a mechanism is simple to use. However, when the user ceases to exert overpressure, a fraction of the dispensed product may be drawn back into the tank during an air intake, due to a pressure rebalancing between the outside and inside of the tank and the elastic return of the tank wall, and this before the user has been able to use all of the dispensed product.

[0011] However, this fraction of the product may have been contaminated. For example, the fraction of the product may have oxidized or reacted with another product. The return of a contaminated fraction of the product to the tank creates a risk of contamination of the entire contents of the tank, which impairs the product's effectiveness during subsequent applications.

[0012] To ensure air intake and limit the return of previously distributed and potentially polluted product, WO20122014050 proposes a distribution head mounted on a reservoir comprising an applicator equipped with a distribution channel and a non-return valve.

[0013] The non-return valve includes a ball mounted axially movable within a distribution chamber between a closing position and a product distribution position.

[0014] In the closed position, the ball is positioned in a sealed manner, impervious to air and the liquid contained in the reservoir, against a ball seat. Conversely, in the dispensing position, under the effect of overpressure, the ball moves away from the seat, so as to allow the distribution of product to the dispensing orifice, through slots formed in a bearing surface against which the ball rests in the dispensing position.

[0015] To ensure the re-entry of air into the tank when the overpressure ceases, the ball described in WO20122014050 is made of a porous material, with porosity calibrated to ensure the re-entry of outside air through the ball, without allowing any product previously distributed between the ball and the distribution orifice to pass through.

[0016] The distribution head disclosed in WO20122014050 is not entirely satisfactory. Manufacturing the ball from porous materials with calibrated porosity is particularly delicate and costly.

[0017] In addition, in the presence of a product with a high viscosity, in particular a gel, there is a risk that the pores of the ball will be clogged by the product after a certain number of dispensing operations.

[0018] In this case, the ball no longer performs its intended air recovery function. The reservoir does not return to its initial shape through elastic rebound and remains in a position that is at least partially compressed, thus hindering subsequent product dispensing operations.

[0019] Other dispensing heads featuring a ball are described in the documents US3179300, EP1538099, EP1561699, CN210083930, CN115231124.

[0020] One object of the invention is to provide a distribution head applicable to any type of product, simple to operate and inexpensive, which ensures the recovery of air within the tank after a product distribution operation, while limiting the return of previously distributed and potentially polluted product into the tank.

[0021] For this purpose, the invention relates to a cosmetic product distribution head of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the support surface defines at least one groove configured to ensure air intake between the channel and the distribution chamber when the sealing element occupies its sealing position.

[0022] When the sealing element returns to the closed position in the absence of overpressure, at least one groove formed in the bearing surface of the sealing element retains the previously dispensed product and defines a passage section for air intake from the outside to the inside of the tank. This passage section resists the flow of the previously dispensed product towards the inside of the tank and significantly slows the re-aspiration of previously dispensed product that may be present between the sealing element and the dispensing orifice or outside of it, or even possibly within the at least one groove, the air intake occurring in particular through the product present at these locations following a previous dispensing operation.

[0023] Thus, the user has sufficient time to dispense and / or apply the dispensed cosmetic product and / or for the dispensed cosmetic product to spread, for example under its own weight, onto an application surface, before it is partially re-drawn back into the reservoir due to the release of overpressure. The risk of contaminated product returning to the reservoir is therefore considerably reduced.

[0024] Furthermore, the product located between the sealing element and the distribution orifice or possibly in at least one groove, following a previous distribution operation, is essentially not re-aspirated within the reservoir after the overpressure has stopped, the user will advantageously not have to re-prime the device implementing the distribution head according to the invention for a subsequent distribution operation.

[0025] In other words, after an initial dispensing operation, the portion of the product distribution circuit located between the sealing element in the closed position and the dispensing orifice remains essentially filled with product after air is drawn back into the reservoir following the cessation of overpressure, and will not need to be refilled with product during a subsequent dispensing operation. This improves the ease of use of a device implementing the dispensing head according to the invention, as well as the dosing accuracy during a dispensing operation. the user does not have to refill a dead volume, i.e. empty of product, in the product distribution circuit from the second distribution operation.

[0026] Such a result is obtained at a lower cost and reliably by creating the groove or grooves in the bearing surface, without having to adjust the porosity of the sealing element. Furthermore, the risk of product being re-aspirated into the tank through the groove or grooves is limited since the groove cross-section can be calibrated according to the product's viscosity.

[0027] According to one variant, the distribution head comprises the following feature:

[0028] - the bearing surface has a watertight contact with the sealing element at a distance of the or each bleeding in the obturator position.

[0029] The airtight contact between the bearing surface and the sealing element, away from the groove or grooves in the closed position, ensures a precise definition of the passage area intended for air intake.

[0030] The air recovery section is then limited to the cumulative passage section of the or each slit, and can be precisely defined to target a desired re-aspiration speed of the product according to its viscosity.

[0031] According to one variant, the distribution head comprises the following feature:

[0032] - the support surface has a divergent shape from the channel towards the chamber of distribution, in particular a roughly truncated conical shape.

[0033] The divergent shape implements a watertight contact between the bearing surface and the sealing element in a reliable and reproducible manner, since the sealing element is naturally guided to come into watertight contact when returning to the sealing position.

[0034] Alternatively, the support surface has the shape of a portion of a sphere or a portion of a paraboloid.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the distribution head comprises the following feature:

[0036] - the channel and the distribution chamber extend along a central axis of tribution, la or each bleed extending axially around the obturation element in the obturation position.

[0037] The axial arrangement of the groove or each groove ensures an air intake from the outside oriented along the distribution axis, even when the sealing element is in the sealing position resting on the bearing surface, thus facilitating air circulation in the groove or each groove.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the distribution head comprises the following feature:

[0039] - the passage conduit comprises a perforated retaining element disposed opposite the distribution orifice, the sealing element being retained by the perforated retaining member when the sealing element is in its distribution position, the perforated retaining member and the sealing element in its distribution position defining at minus a fluidic communication path between the distribution chamber and the distribution orifice.

[0040] The perforated retaining element holds the sealing element in place when the sealing element is in its dispensing position, while ensuring a fluid communication path between the dispensing chamber and the dispensing orifice. Thus, the dispensing orifice remains unobstructed under all circumstances, and the product can flow reliably out of the tank through the dispensing orifice.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the distribution head comprises the following feature:

[0042] - the ratio between the cumulative cross-sectional area of ​​the or each groove and the area of ​​a minimum intermediate passage section between the sealing element and the conduit in the distribution chamber is less than 0.15, preferably is between 0.01 and 0.11.

[0043] Such a minimum ratio between the cumulative cross-sectional area of ​​the bleed(s) and the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​an intermediate passage between the sealing element and the conduit in the chamber ensures that the re-aspiration time of the previously dispensed product is long enough to allow the user to dispense and / or apply the cosmetic product before the end of the re-aspiration. This limits the fraction of product re-aspirated and therefore the risk of reservoir contamination.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the distribution head comprises one or more of the following features:

[0045] - the number of grooves defined in the support surface is between 1 and 4;

[0046] - the or each groove has a passage cross-section between 0.1 mm2 and 0.2 mm2;

[0047] - the viscosity of the cosmetic product is greater than 0.1 Pa.s and is included before geously between 0.2 Pa.s and 0.4 Pa.s, notably between 0.28 Pa.s and 0.32 Pa.s.

[0048] The number of bleeds and the area of ​​their cumulative passage section are defined to obtain a re-aspiration time of previously distributed product long enough for a wide range of product viscosities.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the distribution head comprises the following feature:

[0050] - the distribution chamber has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, the area of ​​the distribution chamber cross-section being greater than the area of ​​the sampling channel cross-section.

[0051] The difference in area between the sections of the dip tube and the distribution chamber creates space for the bearing surface of the sealing element. A sealing element with a cross-sectional area greater than that of the dip tube is sufficient to prevent fluid from passing between the internal channel and the distribution chamber.

[0052] According to one variant, the distribution head includes the following feature:

[0053] - the sealing element is a ball.

[0054] The ball is easy to make and the spherical shape ensures effective sealing by contact between the sealing element and the bearing surface.

[0055] The invention also relates to a cosmetic product conditioning and distribution device comprising at least one reservoir, and at least one distribution head as defined above, mounted on the reservoir or each reservoir.

[0056] According to one variant, the conditioning and dispensing device comprises the following feature:

[0057] - the tank or each tank comprises an elastically deformable outer wall between a rest configuration and a deformed product distribution configuration, the outer wall being elastically stressed towards the rest configuration.

[0058] The deformable outer wall allows the user to easily create overpressure in the tank by simply applying pressure to the outer wall.

[0059] According to one variant, the conditioning and dispensing device comprises the following feature:

[0060] - it comprises at least two reservoirs, the distribution head comprising an ap- common folding mechanism defining a distribution orifice for each tank and for each tank:

[0061] - a cosmetic product passage conduit defining a disinfection chamber distribution opening into the distribution orifice,

[0062] - a dip tube defining a product sampling channel extending between one end opening into the distribution chamber and a second end intended to open into the reservoir,

[0063] - a cosmetic product circulation blocking element, the element The sealing element is movable between a sealing position, in which the sealing element is held against a bearing surface provided between the sampling channel and the distribution chamber to prevent fluid flow between the sampling channel and the distribution chamber, and a distribution position, in which the sealing element is located in the distribution chamber away from the bearing surface and the distribution orifice is in fluidic communication with the second end through the sampling channel. The bearing surface defines at least one groove configured to ensure air intake between the channel and the distribution chamber when the sealing element is in its sealing position.

[0064] The applicator common to the different reservoirs allows, for example, the products to be mixed directly on the application surface. The products in each reservoir are, for example, formulated to react together to obtain a new composition directly at the time of application.

[0065] Each reservoir preferably has a dip tube, a passage channel, and a separate sealing element. Thus, the fraction of product that has reacted with the other products returning to the respective tank is zero or very low, which avoids contamination of the entire product contained in the tank, particularly when the products in the respective tanks are likely to interact or react with each other.

[0066] The invention also relates to a method for distributing cosmetic products comprising the following steps:

[0067] - supply of a conditioning and dispensing device as defined above top, the sealing element being in the sealing position;

[0068] - creation of overpressure in the tank, causing the product to move cosmetic product through the dip tube to the sealing element;

[0069] - under the effect of overpressure, displacement of the sealing element towards the distribution position to allow the movement of cosmetic product through the distribution chamber around the sealing element to the distribution orifice;

[0070] - release of overpressure, causing displacement of the sealing element towards the obturating position, and causing air to be drawn through the gully or each gully.

[0071] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0072] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic view, taken in cross-section along a vertical plane, of a first conditioning and distribution device according to the invention comprising a reservoir and a distribution head, the sealing element being in its sealing position;

[0073] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view, taken in cross-section along a vertical plane, of the distribution head of the first conditioning and distribution device of the [Fig.1], the sealing element being in its product distribution position;

[0074] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a partial schematic view, taken in section along a plane rizontal, of the distribution head of the [Fig.2]; and

[0075] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic view, taken in cross-section along a vertical plane, of a second conditioning and distribution device according to the invention, the second conditioning and distribution device comprising two tanks.

[0076] A first device 10 according to the invention, intended for the packaging and distribution of a cosmetic product, is shown in figures 1 to 3.

[0077] The cosmetic product is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a face and / or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product. It has a liquid formulation or is in the form of a cream.

[0078] For example, the viscosity of the cosmetic product is greater than 0.1 Pa.s and of preference is between 0.2 Pa.s and 0.4 Pa.s.

[0079] In a particular example, the viscosity of the cosmetic product is between 0.28 Pa.s and 0.32 Pa.s.

[0080] The above viscosities were measured at a temperature of 25°C, using an RM200 viscometer, the measurements being carried out after 10 min of rotation of a mobile No. 2 within the cosmetic product, at a shear of 200 revolutions per minute.

[0081] With reference to [Fig.1], the conditioning and dispensing device 10 includes a reservoir 12, a dispensing head 14 for the cosmetic product, mounted on the reservoir 12 and optionally, a hood 16.

[0082] The reservoir 12 is for example a bottle comprising an outer wall 18 defining a hollow body 20 and a neck 22.

[0083] The outer wall 18 is self-supporting, in that it does not deform macroscopically under the effect of its own weight when placed on a support.

[0084] The outer wall 18 is advantageously elastically deformable from a rest configuration to a deformed configuration, for example by pressure between the user's fingers. The outer wall 18 is elastically forced back to its rest configuration once it is in its deformed configuration.

[0085] The outer wall 18 is for example made of plastic material, in particular polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and / or polypropylene, or of recyclable or recycled plastic material (in particular polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene high density polyethylene in particular Surlyn®, or poly-lactic acid).

[0086] The body 20 defines an internal volume 23 intended to receive the cosmetic product.

[0087] For example, the body 20 comprises several faces including a horizontal lower face defining a bottom 24 intended to be placed on a horizontal support to keep the tank 12 upright.

[0088] The neck 22 extends outward from the body 20 at the level of a shoulder 25 located opposite the bottom 24.

[0089] The neck 22 is configured to allow the filling of the reservoir 12 with cosmetic product.

[0090] In the example of figures 1 and 2, the neck 22 includes a fastening system 26 intended to receive the distribution head 14.

[0091] The fastening system 26 includes, for example, a thread formed as a projection of the neck 22. Alternatively, the fastening system 26 may include additional snap-in reliefs provided on the neck 22 and the distribution head 14.

[0092] The distribution head 14 is mounted on the reservoir 12 at the neck 22.

[0093] Advantageously, the distribution head 14 is removably mounted on the Reservoir 12 to allow, for example, its recycling, and / or refilling of the internal volume 23 in cosmetic product, when it is exhausted, and / or its cleaning.

[0094] With reference to [Fig.2], the dispensing head 14 includes an applicator 28, a dip tube 30 defining a product sampling channel 31 in the internal volume 23, a passage duct 32 defining a product distribution chamber 33 and a sealing element 34, movablely mounted in the distribution chamber 33 between a sealing position and a product distribution position.

[0095] The sampling channel 31 and the distribution chamber 33 extend here around a central axis A-A' of common distribution.

[0096] With reference to figures 1 and 2, the applicator 28 defines an external application surface 36, intended to be brought into contact with a body surface of the user during the application of the cosmetic product, an internal surface 38 opposite the application surface 36 and a through orifice 40 for distribution of cosmetic product from the reservoir 12 opening into the external surface 36.

[0097] The applicator 28 further includes an external skirt 42 fixed to the neck 22 of the reservoir 12 and an internal connecting skirt 44, onto which the dip tube 30 is fixed.

[0098] The applicator 28 also includes a perforated retaining member 46 disposed opposite the distribution orifice 40.

[0099] The applicator 28 is self-supporting. For example, the applicator 28 is made of plastic material, in particular polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and / or polypropylene, or of recyclable or recycled plastic material (in particular polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene).

[0100] The distribution through orifice 40 extends between the application surface 36 and the internal surface 38. In this particular example, the distribution orifice 40 is located at the center of the application surface 36 and is aligned with the central distribution axis A-A'.

[0101] The distribution orifice 40 opens into the distribution chamber 33.

[0102] As shown in [Fig.2], the retaining member 46 is disposed in the distribution chamber 33 and is configured to retain the sealing element 34 upstream of the distribution orifice 40, when the sealing element 34 is in its distribution position visible in [Fig.2].

[0103] The retaining member 46 is openworked to define a fluidic communication path between the distribution chamber 33 and the distribution orifice 40, particularly when the sealing element 34 is applied against the retaining member 46.

[0104] For example, the retaining member 46 is formed by a lattice which extends projecting from the internal surface 38 around the distribution orifice 40. The lattice includes, for example, at least one opening allowing the fluidic communication path to be defined around the sealing element 34.

[0105] In the example of figures 1 and 2, the outer skirt 42 includes a fastening system 48 complementary to the fastening system 26 of the neck 22.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the fastening system 48 of the outer skirt 42 and the fastening system 26 of the neck 22 are configured to be easily disassembled, in particular when filling the reservoir 12 with cosmetic product or when recycling the packaging and distribution device 10.

[0107] For example, the fastening system 48 includes a thread complementary to the thread of the neck 22.

[0108] Alternatively, the outer skirt 42 is fixed to the collar 22 by other means such as snap-fitting, gluing, and / or press-fitting.

[0109] Advantageously, the outer skirt 42 rests for example on the body 20 at the level of the shoulder 25.

[0110] The connecting skirt 44 extends projecting from the internal surface 38 inside the neck 22 of the reservoir 12.

[0111] The connecting skirt 44 includes a fixing system 50 intended to receive the dip tube 30. The fixing system 50 here includes a thread.

[0112] The dip tube 30 comprises a cylindrical wall 52 of diameter DI defining the sampling channel 31 and a collar 54 mounted on the connection skirt 44 of the applicator 28.

[0113] The sampling channel 31 extends around the central distribution axis A-A' between an upstream end 58 opening into the internal volume 23 of the reservoir 12 and a downstream end 56 opening into the distribution chamber 33.

[0114] The collar 54 is attached to the connecting skirt 44 of the applicator 28. For this purpose, the collar 54 includes a fastening system 60 complementary to the fastening system 50 of the connecting skirt 44. For example, the collar 54 includes a thread complementary to the thread of the connecting skirt 44 allowing the applicator 28 to be screwed onto the dip tube 30.

[0115] Alternatively, the collar 54 is fixed to the connecting skirt 44 by other means such as snap-fitting, gluing, and / or press-fitting.

[0116] The collar 54 here comprises an outer sleeve 61A carrying the additional fastening system 60 and an inner sleeve 61B forming part of the passage conduit 32. The connecting skirt 44 is inserted between the sleeves 61A, 61B

[0117] The distribution chamber 33 defined by the passage conduit 32 extends around the central distribution axis A-A' between the downstream end 56 of the sampling channel 31 and the distribution orifice 40.

[0118] Preferably, the distribution chamber 33 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, particularly at the internal sleeve 61B. For example, the distribution chamber 33 has a circular cross-section with diameter D2. By For example, the diameter D2 is between 1 mm and 10 mm, specifically between 4 mm and 6 mm.

[0119] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the distribution chamber 33 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sampling channel 31. The diameter D2 of the distribution chamber 33 is greater than the diameter DI of the sampling channel 33.

[0120] The passage conduit 32 includes a bearing surface 62 provided between the sampling channel 31 and the distribution chamber 33.

[0121] As shown in [Fig. 1], the bearing surface 62 is configured to retain the sealing element 34, when the sealing element 34 is in its sealing position as will be described below.

[0122] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the support surface 62 has a divergent shape from the sampling channel 31 to the distribution chamber 33. In particular, the support surface 62 has a frustoconical shape extending from the downstream end 46 of the sampling channel 31 having diameter D1, to the distribution chamber 33 having diameter D2.

[0123] With reference to figures 2 and 3, the bearing surface 62 defines at least one groove 64 configured to ensure air re-entry between the sampling channel 31 and the distribution chamber 33 when the sealing element 34 occupies its sealing position, disposed in support on the bearing surface 62.

[0124] Each bleed 64 opens on one side into the sampling channel 31 and on the other side into the distribution chamber 33.

[0125] Each groove 64 extends mainly along the bearing surface 62.

[0126] In the example of [Fig.2], the groove 64 opens into the wall 52 of the tube diver 30 at the downstream end 56.

[0127] When the sealing element 34 occupies the sealing position visible on [Fig.1], supported on the bearing surface 62, each groove 64 defines a passage section S, taken in projection on a bearing plane of the sealing element 34 on the bearing surface 62, represented on [Fig.3].

[0128] This support plane is for example defined as the plane P perpendicular to the central distribution axis A-A' closest to the distribution orifice 40 passing through a point of contact between the sealing element 34 and the support surface 62 (see [Fig.1]).

[0129] Preferably, the number of grooves 64 defined by the bearing surface 62 is between 1 and 4. In the particular example of [Fig.3], the bearing surface 62 defines four grooves 64.

[0130] Advantageously, each groove 64 has a passage cross-section between 0.1 mm2 and 0.2 mm2, taken in projection in the support plane defined above.

[0131] Furthermore, the sealing element 34 and the passage duct 32 define between them, an intermediate passage section SI presenting a minimum area represented in grey on the [Fig.3], in projection onto the support plane P defined above.

[0132] The cross-section of each groove 64 is determined so that the ratio R between:

[0133] - the cumulative cross-sectional area of ​​the or each cut 64 (corresponding to the sum of the areas of each section S of each trench 64); and

[0134] - the minimum area of ​​the intermediate passage section SI between the element sealing 34 and the passage duct 32 in the distribution chamber 33;

[0135] be less than or equal to 0.15, preferably be between 0.01 and 0.10.

[0136] More generally, the maximum value of the ratio R between Faire of the cumulative passage section of the or each bleed 64 and Faire minimum of the intermediate passage section SI is advantageously chosen according to the viscosity of the cosmetic product and a desired product re-aspiration time after the distribution of a portion of product.

[0137] This value should generally increase when the viscosity of the product increases, to allow sufficient air re-entry, while being minimized so as not to decrease the re-aspiration time.

[0138] The aforementioned values ​​of the R ratio are particularly suitable for cosmetic products of viscosity in the range mentioned above.

[0139] The sealing element 34 of the cosmetic product circulation is mobile between a sealing position, visible on [Fig.1] and a distribution position, visible on [Fig.2].

[0140] When the sealing element 34 is in the sealing position, the sealing element 34 is retained on the bearing surface 62 to oppose the passage of fluid between the sampling channel 31 and the distribution chamber 33.

[0141] According to a preferred embodiment, the contact between the bearing surface 62 and the sealing element 34 in the sealing position is sealed apart from each groove 64. In other words, no fluid flows between the bearing surface 62 and the sealing element 34 in the sealing position, apart from each groove 64.

[0142] Furthermore, in the closed position, each groove 64 extends axially around the closing element 34. Each groove 64 opens into the distribution chamber 33 in the intermediate space between the closing element 34 and the passage duct 32.

[0143] The sealing element 34 is preferably sealed against the product flowing around it. Thus, all the product circulating around the sealing element 34 passes through the groove or grooves 64, without passing through the sealing element 34.

[0144] In the dispensing position, the sealing element 34 is located in the dispensing chamber 33, downstream and axially offset from the bearing surface 62. In particular, in distribution position, the sealing element 34 is retained by the retaining member 46.

[0145] In the example of figures 1 to 3, the sealing element 34 is a ball.

[0146] For example, the sealing element 34 is a ball of diameter D3, the diameter D3 being less than the diameter D2 of the distribution chamber 33 and greater than the diameter DI of the sampling channel 31.

[0147] For example, the diameter D3 is between 2 mm and 7 mm.

[0148] In a particular illustrative example, the diameter D2 of the distribution chamber 33 is equal to 5 mm and the diameter D3 of the sealing element 34 is equal to 4 mm. The intermediate passage area between the sealing element 34 and the passage conduit 32 in the distribution chamber 33 in the distribution position is then equal to 7.06 mm².

[0149] In this particular example, each groove 64 advantageously presents a passage area of ​​0.17 mm2. The ratio R between Faire of the cumulative passage area of ​​the groove or of each groove 64 and the minimum area of ​​the intermediate passage area SI between the sealing element 34 and the passage duct 32 is equal to 0.096.

[0150] The ratios between the areas of the passage sections of the air return slits and the area of ​​the intermediate passage section between the sealing element 34 and the passage duct 32 are adjustable to provide more or less air recovery, but also in the case of more air return.

[0151] Advantageously, since the product located between the sealing element and the dispensing orifice, or possibly in at least one groove 64, following a previous dispensing operation, is essentially not re-aspirated into the reservoir 12 after the overpressure is released, the user will advantageously not have to re-prime the device incorporating the dispensing head according to the invention for a subsequent dispensing operation. This is beneficial to ease of use.

[0152] The cover 16 is removably mounted on the applicator 28. The cover 16 prevents the outlet 40 from being visible when the conditioning and dispensing device 10 is not in use.

[0153] In the example, [Fig.1], the hood 16 rests on the body 20 at the shoulder 25.

[0154] In addition, the hood 16 includes a finger 66 extending outward from an internal surface 68 of the hood 16 to plug the distribution orifice 40 when the hood 16 is mounted on the applicator 28.

[0155] A method for distributing cosmetic product stored in the packaging and distribution device 10 according to the invention will now be described.

[0156] Before product distribution, the outer wall 18 is in its resting configuration and The sealing element 34 is in the sealing position, with the sealing element 34 disposed on the support surface 62. In addition, the internal volume 23 contains fluid cosmetic product.

[0157] To use the conditioning and dispensing device 10, the user removes the cover 16.

[0158] During a pressurization step, the user creates an overpressure in the tank 12. For example, the user presses the outer wall 18 at the body 20 to reduce the internal volume 23 and creates an overpressure within it.

[0159] Overpressure causes the cosmetic product to move from the internal volume 23 to the sealing element 34 through the sampling channel 31.

[0160] When the cosmetic product reaches the first end 56 of the sampling channel 31, it pushes the sealing element 34 towards the dispensing position to allow the product to move through the dispensing chamber 33.

[0161] The sealing element 34 butts against the openwork retaining element 46 present in the distribution chamber 33.

[0162] The product then flows around the sealing element 34 to the distribution orifice 40, the fluidic communication between the distribution chamber 34 and the distribution orifice 40 being ensured through the openwork retaining element 46.

[0163] The user then retrieves the product coming out through the dispensing orifice 40. For example, the user brings a body surface into contact with the application surface 36 onto which the dispensed product flows.

[0164] At the end of the product use step, the user releases the overpressure creating a suction in the internal volume 23. For example, the user releases the pressure exerted on the external wall 18, the external wall 18 then being elastically stressed towards its rest configuration.

[0165] The release of the overpressure causes the rapid movement of the sealing element 34 towards the sealing position.

[0166] To rebalance the pressure between the inside and outside of the tank 12, the release of the overpressure further causes air to be drawn in through the groove or each groove 64.

[0167] Air aspiration is potentially accompanied by the re-aspiration of a minimal quantity of product through the or each bleed 64.

[0168] When the outer wall 18 has returned to its rest configuration, the user optionally repositions the cover 16.

[0169] The passage section of the groove or each groove 64 opposes resistance to the flow of the previously dispensed product towards the interior of the reservoir 12 and significantly slows down the re-aspiration of previously dispensed product possibly present between the sealing element 34 and the dispensing orifice 40 or outside of it, while allowing air to be drawn back into the tank.

[0170] Thus, the user has sufficient time to dispense and / or apply the dispensed cosmetic product before it is re-aspirated. The risk of previously dispensed and potentially contaminated product being returned to the reservoir is therefore considerably reduced.

[0171] Such a result is obtained at a lower cost and reliably, by making the groove or each groove 64 in the bearing surface 62, without having to adjust a porosity in the sealing element 34. Furthermore, the risk of product accumulating in the groove or each groove 64 is limited since the cross-section of the groove 64 can be calibrated according to the viscosity of the product.

[0172] A second conditioning and distribution device 10 will now be described with reference to [Fig.4].

[0173] In this example, the conditioning and distribution device 10 includes two separate storage tanks 12 for products, in particular cosmetic products.

[0174] Cosmetic products are, for example, two products intended to be stored separately and to be dispensed simultaneously from the packaging and dispensing device 10 to be applied jointly or as a mixture formed outside the packaging and dispensing device 10 onto a body surface of a user.

[0175] These products are, for example, liquid products capable of forming an antiperspirant when brought into contact. Thus, the two cosmetic products are capable of reacting to form a solid compound capable of blocking the sweat pores of a user of the conditioning and dispensing device 10.

[0176] In the example of [Fig.4], the two reservoirs 12 came from material.

[0177] Here, each tank 12 has an identical internal volume 23.

[0178] The dispensing head 14 includes a common applicator 26 and, for each reservoir 12, a dip tube 30, a passage channel 32, and a sealing element 34 as described above. In particular, the passage channel 32 associated with each reservoir 12 includes a bearing surface 62 for the sealing element 34, provided between the sampling channel 31 and the dispensing chamber 33, which defines at least one groove 64 as described above.

[0179] The applicator 26 defines, for each reservoir 12, a distribution orifice 40.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the distribution orifices 40 of each reservoir 12 open adjacently to each other at the level of the application surface 36, in particular to allow mixing of the products distributed by each orifice, before application, if necessary.

[0181] Each dip tube 30, each passage conduit 32 and each element The sealing element 34 is associated respectively with a reservoir 12 to ensure exclusively the distribution of the product contained in the internal volume 23 of said reservoir 12.

[0182] In the closed position, each sealing element 34 prevents the return of contaminated product, for example, product that has reacted with the other product, into the respective internal volume 23. As described previously, the presence of the groove or grooves 64 slows down the re-aspiration of product during the release of overpressure, while allowing air to be drawn back into the internal volume 23.

[0183] As an alternative to each of the preceding embodiments, the conditioning and distribution device 10 includes a pressurization element.

[0184] The pressurizing device is configured to pressurize each tank 12.

[0185] The pressurizing device is for example a ring that at least partially encloses each tank 12. The ring is for example adapted to move from a rest position in which the ring and each tank 12 are at rest, to a distribution position in which the ring is pressed against each tank 12 to compress each tank 12.

[0186] The distribution head 14 according to the invention ensures air recovery through each groove 64 by limiting the return of previously distributed and potentially polluted product.

[0187] Indeed, as soon as the pressure is released, the sealing element 34 is moved to its sealing position, which limits the passage section through which the cosmetic product can return within the reservoir 12 to the cumulative section of the or each bleed 64.

[0188] Each groove 64 is preferably sized to allow the user time to retrieve the product before it is aspirated. The cross-sectional area of ​​the cosmetic product passing through each groove 64 is chosen to be small enough to ensure slow re-aspiration.

[0189] Each groove 64 is also dimensioned to avoid being totally blocked by the product and to ensure air intake.

[0190] Thus, the distribution head 14 according to the invention is applicable to several types of cosmetic products.

Claims

Demands

1. A cosmetic product dispensing head (14) intended to be mounted on at least one cosmetic product reservoir (12), the dispensing head (14) comprising: - an applicator (28) defining at least one cosmetic product application surface (36), the applicator (28) defining at least one through-hole for dispensing cosmetic product from the reservoir (12), - a cosmetic product passage channel (32) defining a dispensing chamber (33) opening into the dispensing hole (40), - a dip tube (30) defining a product collection channel (31) extending between a first end (56) opening into the dispensing chamber (33) and a second end (58) intended to open into the reservoir (12), - a cosmetic product flow closure element (34), the closure element (34) being movable between a closure position,in which the sealing element (34) is retained on a bearing surface (62) provided between the sampling channel (31) and the distribution chamber (33) to prevent the passage of fluid between the sampling channel (31) and the distribution chamber (33), and a distribution position in which the sealing element (34) is located in the distribution chamber (33) away from the bearing surface (62) and the distribution orifice (40) is in fluidic communication with the second end (58) through the sampling channel (31); characterized in that the bearing surface (62) defines at least one groove (64) configured to ensure air intake between the channel (31) and the distribution chamber (33) when the sealing element (34) is in its sealing position.

2. Distribution head (14) according to claim 1, wherein the bearing surface (62) has a tight contact with the sealing element (34) away from the or each groove (64) in the sealing position.

3. Distribution head (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bearing surface (62) has a divergent shape from the channel (31) to the distribution chamber (33), in particular a substantially frustoconical shape.

4. Distribution head (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (31) and the distribution chamber (33) extend along a central distribution axis (A-A'), the groove or each groove (64) extending axially around the sealing element (34) in the sealing position.

5. Distribution head (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passage conduit (32) comprises a perforated retaining member (46) disposed opposite the distribution orifice (40), the sealing element (34) being retained by the perforated retaining member (46) when the sealing element (34) occupies its distribution position, the perforated retaining member (46) and the sealing element (34) in its distribution position defining at least one fluidic communication path between the distribution chamber (33) and the distribution orifice (40).

6. Distribution head (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between the cumulative passage area of ​​the or each groove (64) and the area of ​​a minimum intermediate passage area between the sealing element (34) and conduit (32) in the distribution chamber (33) is less than 0.15, preferably between 0.01 and 0.

11.

7. Distribution head (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of grooves (64) defined in the bearing surface (62) is between 1 and 4.

8. Distribution head (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the groove or each groove (64) has a passage cross-section between 0.1 mm2 and 0.2 mm2.

9. Dispensing head (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the viscosity of the cosmetic product is greater than 0.1 Pa.s and is advantageously between 0.2 Pa.s and 0.4 Pa.s, in particular between 0.28 Pa.s and 0.32 Pa.s.

10. Distribution head (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution chamber (33) has a cylindrical shape of circular cross-section, making the cross-section of the distribution chamber (33) greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sampling channel (31).

11. Distribution head (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (34) is a ball.

12. Product conditioning and dispensing device (10) cosmetic comprising at least one reservoir (12), and at least one distribution head (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, mounted on the or each reservoir (12).

13. Packaging and dispensing device (10) according to claim 12, in which the tank or each tank (12) has an external wall (18) elastically deformable between a rest configuration and a deformed product dispensing configuration, the external wall (18) being elastically stressed towards the rest configuration.

14. A packaging and dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 12 and 13, comprising at least two reservoirs (12), the dispensing head (14) comprising a common applicator (28) defining for each reservoir (12) a dispensing orifice (40) and for each reservoir (12): - a cosmetic product passage conduit (32) defining a dispensing chamber (33) opening into the dispensing orifice (40), - a dip tube (30) defining a product collection channel (31) extending between a first end (56) opening into the dispensing chamber (33) and a second end (58) intended to open into the reservoir (12), - a cosmetic product flow closure element (34), the closure element (34) being movable between a closure position,in which the sealing element (34) is retained on a bearing surface (62) provided between the sampling channel (31) and the distribution chamber (33) to prevent the passage of fluid between the sampling channel (31) and the distribution chamber (33), and a distribution position in which the sealing element (34) is located in the distribution chamber (33) away from the bearing surface (62) and the distribution orifice (40) is in fluidic communication with the second end (58) through the sampling channel (31); the bearing surface (62) defining at least one groove (64) configured to ensure air intake between the channel (31) and the distribution chamber (33) when the sealing element (34) is in its sealing position.

15. A method for dispensing a cosmetic product, comprising the following steps: - providing a packaging and dispensing device (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, the element obturator (34) being in obturator position; - creation of an overpressure in the reservoir (12), causing the cosmetic product to move through the dip tube (30) to the sealing element (34); - under the effect of overpressure, displacement of the sealing element (34) towards the distribution position to allow the movement of cosmetic product through the distribution chamber (33) around the sealing element (34) to the distribution orifice (40); - release of overpressure, causing the obturator element (34) to move to the obturator position, and causing air to be drawn through the groove or groove (64).

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