Environmentally friendly valve

Abstract

An environmentally friendly valve includes an applicator head (10); a plunger (20) comprising a first annular flange (21), a fixing element (22) projecting from a first end of the first flange (21) with the applicator head (10) disposed thereon, a cylinder (23) extending from a second end of the first flange (21), and an axial channel (24) through the plunger (20); a sleeve (30) comprising a main body (32), an axial space (31) through the main body (32) to receive the cylinder (23), a conical element (33) projecting from a first end of the main body (32), a third annular flange (34) at a second end of the main body (32), and at least one outlet (332) on an edge of the conical element (33) and communicating with the space (31); and a hollow cylindrical elastic element (40) on the cylinder (23) and in space (31). Figure to be published: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Environmentally friendly valve FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to valves and more particularly to an environmentally friendly valve.

[0002] CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A conventional valve is placed in an opening of a cosmetic product applicator and comprises a sleeve, a hollow plunger, a metal helical spring, and an outlet element. The sleeve has a plurality of dispensing orifices at one end. The helical spring is placed on one end of the plunger, and together they are arranged in a space within the sleeve. The other end of the plunger is disposed in the outlet element. Finally, the sleeve is disposed at the opening of the cosmetic product applicator. The plunger can move axially in response to an expansion or compression of the helical spring. In turn, the dispensing orifices can open or close flexibly. Consequently, the cosmetic fluid contained in the applicator can flow for application or not in a leak-proof manner.

[0004] However, cosmetic fluid can leak into the dispensing element through the gaps between the components after prolonged use. The remaining cosmetic fluid can deteriorate if the leaking fluid comes into contact with the coil spring. Furthermore, the coil spring can rust. The cosmetic fluid can also clog the spaces between the coils of the coil spring. This can reduce the coil spring's elasticity. The cosmetic applicator can also be recycled once the cosmetic fluid is exhausted. However, the coil spring must be able to be separated from the other components of the cosmetic applicator before recycling due to the difference in materials between the components. In short, the recycling of the coil spring and that of the other plastic components (e.g., the dispensing element and the cosmetic applicator itself) are carried out using different processes.Otherwise, the recycling system may malfunction or even be damaged. Not only does this inconvenience the recycling company, but it is also not very environmentally friendly.

[0005] Thus, the need for improvement still exists. Summary of the invention

[0006] One of the objectives of the invention is therefore to provide a valve comprising an applicator head; a plunger comprising a first annular flange, an element of a fixation projecting from a first end of the first annular flange with the applicator head disposed thereon, a cylinder extending from a second end of the first annular flange, and an axial channel disposed through the plunger; a sleeve comprising a main body, an axial space disposed through the main body to receive the cylinder, a conical element projecting from a first end of the main body, a third annular flange disposed at a second end of the main body, and at least one outlet disposed on an edge of the conical element and communicating with the axial space; and a hollow cylindrical elastic element of flexible plastic disposed on the cylinder and in the axial space.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the applicator head comprises a plurality of first distribution orifices, and the fixing element comprises a plurality of second distribution orifices communicating with the axial channel.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the applicator head is made of thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE).

[0009] According to one embodiment, the valve further comprises a second annular flange on an external surface of the cylinder adjacent to the first annular flange); and an internal annular shoulder at the level of a junction portion of an internal surface of the main body and an internal surface of the conical element, the internal annular shoulder exerting pressure on an external surface of the cylinder; the conical element comprises an internal conical projection, and the cylindrical elastic element has a first end exerting pressure on the second annular flange, and a second opposite end exerting pressure on the internal annular shoulder.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical elastic element has smooth inner and outer surfaces.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the flexible plastic material is silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0012] According to one embodiment, the valve further comprises a connecting element extending outside one end of the applicator head, the fixing element comprises an outlet element projecting with the connecting element disposed thereon, the projecting outlet element having an axial passage communicating with the axial channel.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the pusher further comprises a hollow constricting element including a sleeve-type element at one end, the sleeve-type element disposed on the fastening element and exerting pressure on the first annular flange, and a narrow element at a second end with the joining element fixed on it so that the joining element is clamped by and between the fixing element and the hollow constricting element.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the applicator head is made of sponge.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the cylindrical elastic element has a surface corrugated exterior and a corrugated interior surface.

[0016] The invention offers the following advantages and benefits compared to conventional art: the elastic element is made of flexible plastic. Thus, the elastic element, along with its plastic cap and housing, can be recycled in a single step. It is environmentally friendly. Once the plunger, sleeve, and elastic element are assembled, an airtight valve is created. Air is prevented from entering the housing, and any leakage of cosmetic fluid is prevented from flowing into the housing. The quality of the cosmetic fluid is maintained. The elastic element is prevented from rusting. The service life of the cosmetic applicator is significantly extended.

[0017] The objects, features and advantages of the invention described above and others will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, in the light of the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an environmentally friendly valve according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0019] [Fig.2] is an exploded view of the environmentally friendly valve;

[0020] [Fig.3] is another exploded view of the environmentally friendly valve seen from the opposite angle;

[0021] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve respecting the environment ;

[0022] [Fig. 5] is an exploded view of a cap, a housing and the valve respecting the environment ;

[0023] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal sectional view of the assembly of the cap, the housing and of the environmentally friendly valve;

[0024] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.6] with the cap removed and the fluid cosmetic product released for application;

[0025] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of an environmentally friendly valve according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0026] [Fig.9] is an exploded view of the environmentally friendly valve in the [Fig. 8]; and

[0027] [Fig. 10] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the environmentally friendly valve in [Fig.8]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, an environmentally friendly valve, according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, comprises the following components, as described in detail below.

[0029] A hollow applicator head 10 includes a plurality of first distribution orifices 11. In the embodiment, the applicator head 10 is hemispherical and made of thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE).

[0030] A hollow plunger 20 comprises a first annular flange 21, a fastening element 22 projecting from a first end of the first flange 21 with the applicator head 10 disposed thereon, the fastening element 22 having a plurality of second distribution ports 221, a hollow cylinder 23 extending from a second end of the first flange 21 and having a second annular flange 231, the second flange 231 on an external surface of the cylinder 23 being adjacent to the first annular flange 21, and an axial channel 24 through the plunger 20 for communicating with the second distribution ports 221.

[0031] A sleeve 30 comprises a main body 32 with an axial space 31 disposed thereon to receive the cylinder 23, a conical element 33 projecting from a first end of the main body 32, the conical element 33 having an internal conical projection 331 and a plurality of outlets 332 on an edge and communicating with the space 31, a third annular flange 34 at a second end of the main body 32, and an internal annular shoulder 35 at the level of a junction portion of an inner surface of the main body 32 and an inner surface of the conical element 33, the shoulder 35 exerting pressure on an outer surface of the cylinder 23.

[0032] A hollow cylindrical elastic element 40 is made of a flexible plastic material such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) in this embodiment. The elastic element 40 has smooth inner and outer surfaces, for non-limiting purposes. The elastic element 40 is disposed on the cylinder 23 and in the space 31. The elastic element 40 has a first end 41 exerting pressure on the second flange 231, and a second opposite end 42 exerting pressure on the shoulder 35.

[0033] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the environmentally friendly valve cooperates with a cap 50 and a housing 60 filled with a cosmetic fluid during use. The cap 50 comprises an internally threaded element 51 on an inner surface and an annular shoulder element 52 at an inner end of the internally threaded element 51. The housing 60 comprises an opening 61 in which the sleeve 30 and the third flange 34 are disposed, exerting pressure on one end of the opening 61, and an externally threaded element 62 on an external surface of the opening 61 and fixed by thread to the internally threaded element 51 so as to enclose the applicator head 10 in the cap 50.

[0034] The plug 50 is threaded to the housing 60, with the internally threaded element 51 threaded to the externally threaded element 62 in an unused position. Furthermore, the shoulder element 52 exerts pressure on the first flange 21, the first flange 21 exerts pressure on the third flange 34, and the second flange 231 compresses the elastic element 40. Thus, the cylinder 23 moves towards the projection 331 and exerts pressure on it. As a result, the outlets 332 are blocked to prevent the cosmetic fluid from flowing out of the housing 60.

[0035] With reference to [Fig. 7] in conjunction with [Fig. 6] concerning the application of the cosmetic fluid, the user can first detach and remove the cap 50. Once the cap 50 is removed, the second flange 231 is pushed by the elastic element 40 until it is blocked by the third flange 34, in which the pusher 20 moves axially to disengage the first flange 21 from the third flange 34 and disengage the cylinder 23 from the projection 331 to open the outlet 332. At this point, the cosmetic fluid contained in the housing 60 flows through the outlets 332 into the channel 24 and then flows through the second distribution ports 221 and the first distribution ports 11. The cosmetic fluid flowing from the first distribution ports 11 can be applied uniformly to a desired part of the body by the user holding the head applicator 10.The invention provides that, with the cooperation of the pusher 20, the sleeve 30 and the elastic element 40, it is possible to obtain the following advantages: the application of a uniform and measured quantity of cosmetic fluid, the prevention of leakage of cosmetic fluid in an airtight manner and the prevention of contamination of the cosmetic fluid by air.

[0036] With reference to Figures 8 to 10, an environmentally friendly valve according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The characteristics of the second preferred embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first preferred embodiment, except for the following:

[0037] The applicator head 10 is made of sponge. The first distribution orifices 11 are omitted because the cosmetic fluid can pass directly through the sponge. A connecting element 12 extends outward from one end of the applicator head 10. The mounting element 22 includes an outlet element 222 projecting with the connecting element 12 disposed thereon. The outlet element 222 has an axial passage 223 communicating with the channel 24, and the second distribution orifices 221 are thus eliminated in the mounting element 22. The plunger 20 further includes a hollow constricting element 25 comprising a sleeve-type element 251 at one end disposed on the mounting element 22 and exerting Pressure is applied to the first flange 21, and a narrow element 252 is attached to a second end with the connecting element 12 fixed to it. Thus, the connecting element 12 is clamped by and between the fixing element 22 and the constricting element 25. As a result, the applicator head 10 is fixed. The elastic element 40 has a corrugated outer surface and a corrugated inner surface. This greatly increases the compression and expansion capacities of the elastic element 40.

[0038]

[006] The invention has the following advantages and benefits compared to art Conventional: The elastic element 40 is made of flexible plastic. Therefore, the plastic elastic element 40 can be recycled along with the plastic applicator head 10, the plastic cap 50, and the plastic housing 60 in a single step. It is environmentally friendly; once the plunger 20, the sleeve 30, and the elastic element 40 are assembled, an airtight valve is created. Air is prevented from entering the housing 60, and any leakage of cosmetic fluid is prevented from flowing into the housing 60. The quality of the cosmetic fluid is maintained. The elastic element 40 is prevented from rusting. The service life of the cosmetic applicator is significantly extended.

[0039] Although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, persons competent in the field will recognize that the invention can be implemented with modifications in the spirit and scope of the attached claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Valve, characterized in that it comprises: an applicator head (10); a plunger (20) comprising a first annular flange (21), a fixing element (22) projecting from a first end of the first annular flange (21) with the applicator head (10) disposed thereon, a cylinder (23) extending from a second end of the first annular flange (21), and an axial channel (24) disposed through the plunger (20); a sleeve (30) comprising a main body (32), an axial space (31) disposed through the main body (32) to receive the cylinder (23), a conical element (33) projecting from a first end of the main body (32), a third annular flange (34) disposed at a second end of the main body (32), and at least one outlet (332) disposed on an edge of the conical element (33) and communicating with the axial space (31);and a hollow cylindrical elastic element (40) made of flexible plastic material and disposed on the cylinder (23) and in the axial space (31).;

2. Valve of claim 1, characterized in that the applicator head (10) comprises a plurality of first distribution orifices (11), and the fixing element (22) comprises a plurality of second distribution orifices (221) communicating with the axial channel (24).

3. Valve of claim 1, characterized in that the applicator head (10) is made of thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE).

4. Valve of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a second annular flange (231) on an outer surface of the cylinder (23) adjacent to the first annular flange (21); and an internal annular shoulder (35) at a junction portion of an inner surface of the main body (32) and an inner surface of the conical element (33), the internal annular shoulder (35) exerting pressure on an outer surface of the cylinder (23); the conical element (33) comprises an internal conical projection (331), and the cylindrical elastic element (40) has a first end (41) exerting pressure on the second annular flange (231), and a second opposite end (42) exerting pressure on the internal annular shoulder (35).

5. Valve of claim 1, characterized in that the cylindrical elastic element (40) has smooth inner and outer surfaces.

6. Valve of claim 1, characterized in that the flexible plastic material is silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

7. Valve of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a connecting element (12) extending outside one end of the applicator head (10), the fixing element (22) comprises an outlet element projecting (222) with the connecting element (12) disposed thereon, the outlet element projecting (222) having an axial passage (223) communicating with the axial channel (24).

8. Valve of claim 7, characterized in that the pusher (20) further comprises a hollow constricting element (25) comprising a sleeve-type element (251) at a first end, the sleeve-type element (251) disposed on the fixing element (22) and exerting pressure on the first annular flange (21), and a narrow element (252) at a second end with the joining element (12) fixed thereto so that the joining element (12) is clamped by and between the fixing element (22) and the hollow constricting element (25).

9. Valve of claim 7, characterized in that the applicator head (10) is made of sponge.

10. Valve of claim 7, characterized in that the cylindrical elastic element (40) has a corrugated outer surface and a corrugated inner surface.