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

Abstract

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

Description

Title of the invention: Device for dispensing and applying a fluid product, in particular a fluid cosmetic product. Technical field of the invention

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

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

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

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

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

[0006] This then refers to a structure comprising a large number of parts assembled and arranged in a complex way to distribute the cosmetic product. The manufacture of such dispensers is therefore costly in terms of both time and materials.

[0007] It can also be a dispenser where a simple crushing of the reservoir allows the product to be dispensed.

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

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

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

[0011] The invention relates to a device for dispensing and applying a fluid product, in particular a fluid cosmetic product, comprising:

[0012] - a reservoir intended to contain the fluid product and which extends along an axis main longitudinal, and

[0013] - a distribution and application head mounted on the tank, arranged at a open axial end of the tank,

[0014] the distribution and application head comprising a body mounted on the reservoir and an applicator extending from an external applicator end to an internal end in contact with the fluid product, the applicator being movable in translation relative to the body between a rest position and a fluid product distribution position, the distribution position being reached by pressure on the applicator end,

[0015] the applicator further comprising an opening and closing means for the device cooperating with a distribution orifice of the body so as to prohibit the distribution of the fluid product when the applicator is in the rest position and with a means for returning the distribution head to the fluid product distribution position so that the applicator automatically returns to the rest position.

[0016] In the rest position, the opening and closing means seals the dispensing orifice, thus preventing the fluid product from escaping the device. A tight seal is achieved through the cooperation of the opening and closing means with the dispensing orifice.

[0017] When pressure is applied to the applicator tip, the applicator undergoes a translation, causing the opening and closing mechanism to move away from the dispensing orifice. A passage for the fluid product is then formed at the dispensing orifice, allowing its exit and distribution, notably to the applicator tip of the applicator.

[0018] Furthermore, the recall means allows the applicator to return automatically to the rest position when the user no longer applies pressure, thus allowing the automatic return of the airtight closure and ensuring the device's airtight reliability.

[0019] By a simple gesture of pressing the applicator tip on the application area, the user obtains the distribution of the fluid product which is stopped as soon as the user moves the applicator tip away from the application area, i.e. when he stops applying pressure to it and the sealing of the device returns automatically without the need for an additional gesture from the user.

[0020] According to different embodiments, which may be taken together or separately:

[0021] - the applicator comprises a rod extending longitudinally from the end applicator towards the inside of the dispensing head,

[0022] - the rod allows the applicator to be guided from the rest position to the position of distribution of the fluid product and vice versa,

[0023] - the rod allows the fluid product to be guided from the reservoir to the applicator tip,

[0024] - the distribution and application head is mounted on the tank in such a way removable,

[0025] - the applicator end is rounded in shape,

[0026] - the applicator end is spherical in shape,

[0027] - the opening and closing means is in line with the end applicator,

[0028] - the opening and closing means is generally frustoconical in shape complementary to an internal truncated conical shape of the body delimited by an internal wall of the body so as to ensure a watertight seal of the device,

[0029] - the return means is of frustoconical shape similar to the frustoconical shape internal organs,

[0030] - the recall means extends from a first end cooperating with the means opening and closing towards a second end supported by an edge of the open end of the tank,

[0031] - the first end and the second end are connected by at least one strand flexible,

[0032] - at least one flexible strand winds in a helix,

[0033] - the return means is a conical spring

[0034] - the first end of the pulling means comprises a diameter smaller than that from the second end,

[0035] - the opening and closing means is supported on the first end of the a return means such that pressure on the applicator end causes compression of the return means and opening of the dispensing orifice of the dispensing head, and a release of pressure causes the applicator to return to its rest position,

[0036] - the second end of the retrieval means includes a through hole including a center through which the applicator rod passes so that the rod reaches the reservoir,

[0037] - the through hole comprises at least one branch extending radially from from the center so as to allow the fluid product to circulate

[0038] - the through hole is star-shaped,

[0039] - the reservoir includes a removable refill comprising an axial opening, the refill comprising an external thread cooperating with an internal thread of an external sheath of the reservoir.

[0040] - the external thread is located near the axial opening of the refill,

[0041] - before first use the axial opening of the refill is closed by a Waterproof and removable lid,

[0042] - the distribution and application head comprises a plurality of flexible legs extending longitudinally from an external surface of the body towards a free end, the flexible legs being evenly distributed around the distribution orifice of the dispensing and application head,

[0043] - the free end of the flexible legs is rounded,

[0044] - the free end of the flexible legs is spherical. Brief description of the figures

[0045] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0046] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a dispensing and application device according to the invention comprising a first example of an embodiment of an applicator of a dispensing and application head with an open cap and in the rest position of an applicator;

[0047] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of the device of [Fig.1] with the cap closed;

[0048] [Fig.3] is an exploded perspective view of the device in [Fig.1];

[0049] [Fig. 4] is a detail view of [Fig. 2] showing the distribution head and application;

[0050] [Fig. 5] is a view similar to that of [Fig. 4] showing the distribution head and application without the cap and with the applicator in the dispensing position,

[0051] [Fig. 6] is a perspective view of a first example of a means of recalling the device of the [Fig.l];

[0052] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a second example of a means of recalling the device of [Fig.1];

[0053] [Fig. 8] is a perspective view of a third example of a means of recall of the device of [Fig.1];

[0054] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of a second example of an embodiment of an applicator of a distribution and application head of a distribution and application device according to the invention;

[0055] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a head of distribution and application of a distribution and application device according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0056] By convention, the "axial" or "longitudinal" direction corresponds in the figures to that of the principal X axis of a device for distributing and applying a fluid product, and the "transverse" direction is orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0057] In the detailed description of the figures that follows, the terms "upper" and "lower" or "top" and "bottom" will be used without limitation with reference to the axial direction. The lower part of the distribution and application device corresponds, here, to the part where a distribution and application head is positioned.

[0058] Similarly, the terms "outside or external" and "inside or internal" are used with reference to the transverse direction, an outside element being radially further from the X axis than an inside element.

[0059] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate an example of a device 10 for distributing and applying a fluid product, in particular a cosmetic product, extending along a main longitudinal axis X.

[0060] The fluid product is more particularly a hair cosmetic product, such as a hair tonic, a hair growth product, a hair treatment.

[0061] Advantageously, the device 10 is generally in the form of a pen.

[0062] The device 10 includes a reservoir 12 for containing the fluid product and a distribution and application head 14 mounted on the reservoir 12.

[0063] The reservoir 12 extends along the main longitudinal axis X from a closed bottom arranged at one axial end to an opposite open axial end.

[0064] The reservoir 12 delimits a reservoir volume of fluid product.

[0065] The distribution and application head 14 is disposed at the open axial end of the tank 12.

[0066] In the embodiment shown here, the reservoir 12 further includes a removable refill 16 intended to contain the cosmetic product and an external sheath 18 into which the refill 16 is intended to be inserted axially and fixed in a removable manner.

[0067] Such an arrangement makes it highly advantageous to retain the outer sheath 18 of the device 10 when it is necessary to change the refill 16, for example when it is empty, when the fluid product has become unusable, or when the user wishes to change the fluid product. Such a design is economical and environmentally friendly.

[0068] In particular, it is possible to provide the outer sheath 18 in a solid material and / or made with a high degree of finish, while the refill 16 is made in a lighter and less expensive material.

[0069] As shown in [Fig.3], the refill 16 has an elongated shape and extends along the main X axis from a base 20 arranged at one axial end to an opening 22 arranged at an opposite axial end.

[0070] The cross-section of the tank 12 is, here, circular. Alternatively, the cross-section of the tank 12 may have another shape, for example polygonal.

[0071] Advantageously, before the first insertion of the refill 16 into the outer sheath 18, the opening 22 of the refill 16 is closed by a watertight seal (not visible).

[0072] The cap can be removable, i.e. removed by a user before the insertion of the refill 16 into the outer sheath 18.

[0073] The seal can also be pierced by the dispensing and application head 14 when inserting the refill 16 into the outer sheath 18 and / or when placing the dispensing and application head 14 on the reservoir 12.

[0074] The outer sheath 18 has a tubular shape which extends along the main X axis and includes two opposite open ends: an orifice 24 for inserting the refill and an open end 26 for distributing the fluid product.

[0075] Advantageously, the outer sheath 18 has a shape complementary to the shape of the refill 16 so that the refill 16 can be inserted axially into the outer sheath 18 through the refill insertion orifice 24 located here at the opposite end to the distribution and application head 14.

[0076] Advantageously, the refill 16 includes an external thread 28 cooperating with an internal thread 30 (visible in [Fig.4]) of the outer sleeve 18 of the reservoir 12. The cooperation of the two external and internal threads 28, 30 allows the reversible fixing of the refill 16 in the outer sleeve 18 by screwing or unscrewing the refill 16 relative to the outer sleeve 18.

[0077] The open end 26 opposite the insertion orifice 24 of the refill 16 also includes an external thread 32 for mounting the distribution head 14 on it.

[0078] Advantageously, the distribution and application head 14 can thus be mounted on the reservoir 12, here the refill 16, in a removable manner.

[0079] The distribution and application head 14 includes a body 34 mounted on the reservoir 12 and an applicator 36 of the fluid product.

[0080] The body 34 has a general frustoconical external shape extending from a wide end having a large diameter to an opposite narrow end comprising a distribution orifice 38 allowing the exit of the fluid product.

[0081] The wide end of the body 34 is provided with an internal thread 40 cooperating with the external thread 32 of the reservoir 12, here of the outer sheath 18. The cooperation of the two internal and external threads 40, 42 allows the removable mounting of the distribution and application head 14 on the reservoir 12, here on the outer sheath 18.

[0082] The applicator 36 extends through the body 34 from an external applicator end 44 to an internal end 46 in contact with the fluid product. In other words, the applicator end 44 of the applicator 36 is located outside the body 34 and the internal end 46 is located inside the body 34.

[0083] The applicator 36 includes a rod 48 extending longitudinally from the applicator end 44 into the body 34 of the dispensing head 14 to the inner end 46.

[0084] The rod 48 passes through the distribution orifice 38 and then extends inside the body 34 to the inner end 46 of the applicator 36 which is located at the open end 26 of the outer sheath 18 so as to be in contact with the fluid product.

[0085] Advantageously, the rod 48 allows the fluid product to be guided from the reservoir 12 to the applicator end 44.

[0086] The fluid product will flow along the rod 48 to the applicator end 44 which will allow the application of the fluid product to an application area 49 to be treated.

[0087] In the case of a refill 16, the rod 48 can allow the perforation of the refill 16's seal during its first insertion into the outer sheath 18 and / or during the placement of the distribution and application head 14 on the reservoir 12.

[0088] Preferably, the applicator end 44 is rounded in shape. It may be, for example, a sphere as in the examples illustrated here.

[0089] The size of the applicator tip 44 can vary. It can be, for example, a large diameter sphere as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 or a small diameter sphere as illustrated in [Fig. 9].

[0090] The type, design, shape, size of the applicator tip 44 can be chosen, for example according to the product to be applied, the desired feel, the user's preferences.

[0091] Advantageously, the dispensing and application head 14, in particular the applicator end 44, can be protected by a cap 50.

[0092] Cap 50 also allows accidental pressure to be exerted, which could cause leakage of the fluid product.

[0093] The cap 50 encloses the dispensing and application head 14 and rests on a shoulder 52 of the reservoir 12, here of the outer sheath 18.

[0094] The cap 50 is removable. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 50 is held axially on the reservoir 12 by cooperation of an internal bead 54 of the cap 50 with an external bead 56 of the outer sheath 18.

[0095] The applicator 36 is mobile in translation between a rest position (illustrated in [Fig.4]) and a position for distributing the fluid product (illustrated in [Fig.5]), the distribution position being reached by pressure on the applicator end 44.

[0096] In the rest position, the distribution of the fluid product does not occur and the applicator end 44 is in a deployed position.

[0097] In the dispensing position, the fluid product can exit the dispensing head 14 through the dispensing orifice 38 and the applicator end 44 is in a retracted position.

[0098] Thus, in the rest position, the portion of the applicator 36 outside the body 34 is larger than the portion of the applicator 36 outside the body 34 in the distribution position.

[0099] Advantageously, the rod 48 of the applicator 36 will allow the guide of the applicator 36 from the rest position to the position of distribution of the fluid product, and vice versa, allowing the applicator 36 to keep its axial alignment and promoting its good translation inside the body 34 of the distribution head 14.

[0100] The distribution head 14 further includes a return means 58 allowing the automatic return of the applicator 36 to the rest position when pressure on the applicator end 44 is no longer exerted.

[0101] The retrieval means 58 extends from a first end 60 located at the distribution orifice 38 of the body 34 to a second end 62 resting on an edge 64 of the open end 26 of the reservoir 12. The first end 60 and the second end 62 are connected by at least one flexible strand 66.

[0102] Preferably, the retrieval means 58 is of frustoconical shape similar to an internal frustoconical shape of the body 34 delimited by an internal wall of the body 34.

[0103] Preferably, at least one flexible strand 66 is helical. This could be, for example, a conical spring. In other words, the first end 60 of the return means 58 has a diameter smaller than that of the second end 62.

[0104] The number of turns of the return means 58 depends on the force that the user is required to exert on the applicator end 44 to distribute the fluid product.

[0105] The greater the required pressure from the user to obtain the distribution of the fluid product, the higher the number of turns. This could then be, for example, a return means 58 comprising 3.5 turns as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0106] Conversely, if low user pressure is required to obtain the distribution of the fluid product, then the number of turns is low. This could then be, for example, a return means 58 comprising 1.5 turns as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0107] It may also be desirable for the user to exert an intermediate pressure to obtain the distribution of the fluid product, and the return means 58 will then comprise, for example, 2.5 turns. As illustrated in [Fig. 7].

[0108] Advantageously, the second end 62 of the return means 58 includes a through hole 68 comprising a center 70 through which the rod 48 of the applicator 36 passes so that the rod 48 reaches the reservoir 12.

[0109] As seen in figures 6 to 8, the through hole 68 includes at least one branch 72 extending radially from the center 70 so as to allow the fluid product to flow.

[0110] In other words, advantageously, the through hole 68 is star-shaped.

[0111] According to the invention, the applicator 36 further comprises an opening and closure 74 of the device 10 cooperating with the distribution orifice 38 of the distribution and application head 14 so as to prohibit the distribution of the fluid product when the applicator 36 is in the rest position.

[0112] The opening and closing means 74 also cooperates with the return means 58 of the distribution head 14 in the fluid product distribution position so that the applicator 36 automatically returns to the rest position.

[0113] In the rest position, the opening and closing means 74 closes the distribution orifice 38 of the body 34 and thus prevents the fluid product from exiting the device 10. A tight seal is obtained by cooperation of the opening and closing means 74 with the distribution orifice 38 of the body 34.

[0114] When pressure is exerted on the applicator end 44, the applicator 36 undergoes a translation resulting in a movement of the opening and closing means 74 away from the distribution orifice 38. A passage of the fluid product is then formed at the distribution orifice 38 allowing its exit and distribution, in particular to the applicator end 44 of the applicator 36.

[0115] Furthermore, the return means 58 allows an automatic return of the applicator 36 to the rest position when the user no longer exerts pressure, thus allowing the automatic return of the airtight closure and ensuring a reliable seal for the device 10.

[0116] By a simple gesture of pressing the applicator end 44 on the application area, the user obtains the distribution of the fluid product which is stopped as soon as the user moves the applicator end 44 away from the application area, i.e. when he stops applying pressure to it and the sealing of the device 10 returns automatically without the user needing an additional gesture.

[0117] Advantageously, the opening and closing means 74 is supported on the first end 60 of the return means 58 so that pressure on the applicator end 44 causes compression of the return means 58 and opening of the distribution orifice 38 of the distribution head 14 and a release of pressure causes the applicator 36 to return to its rest position.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening and closing means 74 is in line with the applicator end 44.

[0119] The opening and closing means 74 has a generally frustoconical shape complementary to the internal frustoconical shape of the body 34 so as to ensure a tight seal of the device 10. Indeed, the complementary shape between the opening and closing means 74 and the interior of the body 34 allows, in the rest position, the distribution orifice 38 of the dispensing and application head 14 to be blocked. The fluid product is thus contained within the device 10 without risk of leakage.

[0120] When pressure is exerted on the applicator end 44, the opening and closing means 74 moves away from the inner wall of the body 34, leaving a passage for the distribution of the fluid product to the distribution orifice 38. In other words, in the distribution position, a space is formed between the opening and closing means 74 and the inner wall of the body 34, allowing the fluid product stored in the reservoir 12 to pass to the applicator end 44, as can be seen in [Fig. 5].

[0121] The opening and closing means 74 corresponds to a bulge in the rod 48 in the extension of the applicator end 44. This bulge is frustoconical and has a small diameter adjacent to the applicator end 44 and a large diameter opposite.

[0122] The large diameter forms a shoulder 76 which cooperates, here with a shoulder 78 of the return means 58 located at its first end 60. Thus, the first end 60 of the return means 58 cooperates with the opening and closing means 74. Thus, when a user exerts pressure on the applicator end 44, this causes the return means 58 to be compressed and the dispensing orifice 38 of the dispensing head 14 to open, and a release of pressure causes the applicator 36 to automatically return to its rest position.

[0123] In an embodiment of the distribution and application head 14 of the device 10 illustrated in [Fig. 10], the distribution and application head 14 comprises a plurality of flexible legs 80 extending longitudinally from a base 82 connected to an external surface of the body 34 to a free end 84.

[0124] The 80 flexible legs allow on the one hand the application of the fluid product but also the separation of the hair and / or the massage of the scalp which may be desired and advantageous in the case of certain hair products.

[0125] Preferably, the flexible legs 80 are regularly distributed around the distribution orifice 38 of the distribution and application head 14.

[0126] In the embodiment, the application head 14 comprises four flexible legs 80.

[0127] Each of the free ends 84 of the flexible legs 80 is rounded, and more particularly are spherical in shape.

Claims

Demands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Images