Cap for cosmetic container

Abstract

The invention relates to a cap (200) for a cosmetic container, comprising an inner cap element (210) with a threaded inner wall (212) for screwing onto the upper thread (102) of a container (100). A pipette tube (230) is attached to this inner element and draws the contents of the container and then expels them. An outer cap (220) is rotatably mounted around the periphery of the inner element. In the upper part of the inner element (210), a pumping tube (214) extends axially upwards towards the opening (100a) of the container. Around this tube, an elastic element (240) has helical guide orifices (242) on its two opposite upper faces. A plunger (250) engages in these orifices; Depending on the direction of rotation, the lug follows their spiral trajectory, and the plunger moves up or down through a through orifice (222). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cap for cosmetic container technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap for a cosmetic container and, more particularly, to a self-pump cap in which an elastic element molded from synthetic resin is assembled to a rotating outer cap. During pumping, the restoring force of said element draws the liquid contained in the container. During dispensing or storage, even if the push button is housed or concealed inside the outer cap, the elastic element is not compressed, so its elasticity remains intact. The elasticity of the element is only stressed when the push button is extended by rotating the outer cap or when a user presses it directly, which prevents any loss of elasticity of the synthetic resin element, even after long periods of dispensing or storage. Technical context of the invention

[0002] Generally speaking, women wear makeup to illuminate and beautify their face.

[0003] According to their function, cosmetic products are divided into basic care, makeup, hair products, perfumes (fragrances), functional cosmetics, etc. Depending on their physical form, they are presented as a cream, powder or liquid, and each is kept in a container adapted to its consistency.

[0004] These containers are intended to hold basic care products, makeup products or functional cosmetics in order to allow their use by consumers.

[0005] As a general rule, basic care products are packaged in simple containers, with a narrow or wide neck, while functional cosmetics, used in very small quantities but with a relatively high cost, require containers and caps whose structure differs from conventional containers in order to guarantee their instructions for use and their functionality.

[0006] Functional cosmetics, often distributed as a solution or liquid for long periods, are frequently associated with a pipette integrated into the cap; the consumer then manually presses the cap's pusher to pump the solution contained in the container and aspirate it into the pipette before use.

[0007] When the plunger is pressed, the elastic element is compressed; when the pressure is released, the restoring force of the element causes the plunger to rise, thus drawing the liquid from the container towards the pipette.

[0008] However, the elastic element, mounted under the plunger, remains constantly under compression due to the pressure exerted by the latter, even when the plunger moves back and forth; over a long dispensing period, its elasticity decreases, reducing pumping performance and weakening the liquid's suction capacity. Furthermore, prolonged use by the user causes additional fatigue of the elastic element, which progressively accentuates the loss of elasticity.

[0009] Moreover, while most of the components of a cosmetic container cap are made of synthetic resin and therefore recyclable, the elastic element is generally metallic; its removal for selective sorting being difficult, recycling is complicated.

[0010] Manufacturing the elastic element from synthetic resin would facilitate its recycling and make the product more environmentally friendly; however, the continuous compression exerted by the pusher degrades the elasticity of a molded synthetic resin element even more rapidly, making its use problematic. Contents of the invention Problem to solve

[0011] The present invention was designed to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks: whether molded from metal or synthetic resin, the elastic element must not be subjected to any compression by the pusher or other components during transport or storage, so as to maintain its fatigue at zero. The objective is to provide a cap for cosmetic containers capable of eliminating any loss of elasticity in this element. Technical solution

[0012] This objective is achieved by means of a cap for cosmetic container comprising: an internal cap element whose internal surface has a thread intended to screw onto the thread provided at the upper end of a container containing a liquid or solution substance; a pipette tube attached to said internal element, capable of aspirating and then expelling the contents of the container; and an external cap rotatably mounted around the periphery of the internal element.

[0013] The cap is further characterized by a pumping tube passing through the upper part of the internal element towards the opening of the container and projecting axially upwards; by an elastic element inserted in the internal element and supported by a support collar formed at its periphery, which has, on its opposite upper faces, symmetrically arranged helical guide orifices of the same length; and by a plunger having a projecting guide lug, intended to engage in said orifices and guided along their trajectory. helical during rotation, to move up and down through a through-hole provided at the top of the outer cap.

[0014] A mechanism ensures the rotation of the plunger: when the outer cap, which is integral with the inner element, is rotated, it drives the plunger in its movement. Furthermore, a fixed sealing gasket, fitted onto the upper end of the pipette tube inserted into the pumping tube, has a pumping orifice communicating with the opening of the pipette tube and presses tightly against the internal bore of the pumping tube. At the base of the plunger is mounted a movable sealing gasket, fitted into a thrust boss and moving axially, maintaining a tight seal against the inner wall of the pumping tube as the plunger moves vertically.

[0015] The pusher rotation mechanism further includes upward-opening rotation grooves formed on either side of the external surface of the internal element, as well as a protruding actuating member on the internal face of the external cap; engaged in the grooves, this member interferes with the pusher guide lug.

[0016] In addition, the outer cap is provided, under its upper through orifice, with an anti-dislodgement shoulder which extends downwards in order to prevent any accidental separation of the elastic element or the pusher.

[0017] Finally, the elastic element is advantageously molded in synthetic resin or, where appropriate, in metal. Effects of the invention

[0018] The present invention, even when the elastic element is molded from metal or synthetic resin, prevents any compression of said element during transport or storage, thus maintaining its fatigue at zero and eliminating loss of elasticity. The user therefore benefits from operation without performance degradation. Furthermore, when the elastic element is made of synthetic resin, all the components of the cap are manufactured from the same material; the cap can then be recycled without prior disassembly, offering a clear environmental advantage. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] [Fig.l]: Cross section illustrating the general structure of the cap for cosmetic container according to the invention.

[0020] [Fig.2a]: Perspective view (outer cap omitted) showing the state where the outer cap is not yet turned; the pusher is engaged in the lower part of the helical orifices of the elastic element.

[0021] [Fig.2b]: Perspective view (outer cap omitted) showing the state where the cap external pivoted; the pusher moved to the upper part of the helical orifices of the elastic element.

[0022] [Fig.3a]: Front view corresponding to [Fig.2a] (outer cap omitted).

[0023] [Fig.3b]: Front view corresponding to [Fig.2b] (outer cap omitted).

[0024] [Fig.4a]: cross-section illustrating the configuration of [Fig.2b].

[0025] [Fig.4b]: Cross-section illustrating the pumping state when a pressure is exerted downwards on the pusher, from the configuration of [Fig.4a]. Detailed description of the invention

[0026] With reference to figures 1 to 4b, the structure of the cap for cosmetic container according to the present invention is described as follows.

[0027] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the invention comprises an internal cap element (210) adapted to be screwed-unscrewed onto the opening (100a) of the container (100), an external cap (220) assembled on this internal element (210), an elastic element (240) resting on said internal element, and a pusher (250) capable of either compressing the elastic element downwards or rising under the effect of the restoring force of the latter.

[0028] First, the thread (212) of the inner cap element (210) is screwed onto the thread (102) provided at the upper end of the container (100). On the upper part of this inner element is formed a pumping tube (214) which passes through the element towards the opening (100a) of the container and extends axially upwards over a determined length.

[0029] The pumping tube (214) thus constitutes a through-tubular structure, projecting upwards from the internal element. As shown in Figures 2a to 4b, the outer periphery of the internal element (210) has a raised support flange (216). This flange receives the elastic element (240), which is slid around the outer diameter of the pumping tube (214) and rests on said flange to be held vertically.

[0030] The elastic element (240) has helical guide holes (242) on its two opposite upper faces. These holes determine the radius of rotation and the vertical stroke of the pusher (250) described later; their length, radius and spiral angle are not limited and can be freely adapted to design requirements.

[0031] Thus, when the plunger (250) rotates, the guide lugs (252) projecting on either side of it move up and down along the helical orifices (242). They can describe a rotation equal to or less than / greater than 90°, which directly affects the pumping function performed via the pipette tube (230). The range Rotation and lifting height can therefore be defined in multiple ways depending on the intention of the designer or manufacturer.

[0032] The outer cap (220) fits onto the inner element (210): the hook groove (221) made at the bottom of the inner bore of the outer cap engages with the stop lip (219) protruding at the base of the inner element, ensuring their assembly.

[0033] The pipette tube (230) is inserted inside the pumping tube (214). A fixed sealing gasket (260) is mounted on the upper end of the latter, having a pumping orifice (262) communicating with the opening (232) of the pipette tube; the gasket adheres hermetically to the bore of the pumping tube.

[0034] Under the pusher (250) is a push boss (254) in which the movable sealing gasket (270) is fitted. When the pusher rises and falls, this gasket moves in contact with the inner wall of the pumping tube (214), allowing the suction and discharge of the contents of the container (100) through the opening (232) and the orifice (262).

[0035] An anti-dislodgement shoulder (226) extends downwards from the upper through hole (222) of the outer cap (220); it prevents any accidental disassembly of the internal components, in particular the elastic element (240) and the pusher (250), contained in said outer cap.

[0036] When the inner element (210), the outer cap (220), the elastic element (240), and the plunger (250) are assembled, the plunger guide (252) rests, as shown in [Fig. 1], in the lower part of the helical orifices (242). The plunger is thus lowered inside the through orifice (222) of the outer cap, without, however, exerting any pressure on the elastic element; the latter remains completely relaxed and is not compressed. Consequently, even if the dispensing phase is long, the elastic element does not experience any fatigue and retains the elasticity it possessed at the time of manufacture.

[0037] When the user wishes to use the product after the storage period, it is sufficient to make the pusher (250) flush in the orifice (222) and then press down; the intact elastic and return force of the elastic element (240) then ensures efficient pumping.

[0038] The present invention provides, for rotating the pusher (250), a mechanism controlled by the rotation of the outer cap (220) mounted on the inner element (210). Upward-opening rotation grooves (218) are provided on both sides of the inner element — see Figures 2a and 3a. The inner face of the outer cap carries a projecting actuating member (224) housed in these grooves. This member also interacts with the guide (252) of the pusher, which is engaged in the helical orifice (242) of the elastic element.

[0039] When the outer cap is rotated (Figures 2a and 3a), the actuating member (224) moves inside the groove (218) without driving the inner element; it thus rotates the guide (252) and, consequently, the plunger (250) along the helical spiral (242). The plunger then rises to the position shown in Figures 2b, 3b, and 4a. If the user then presses down, only the plunger descends, the outer cap (220) and the inner element (210) remain stationary, compressing the elastic element (240) and lowering the moving seal (270) under the pumping tube (214). The pumping motion illustrated [Fig. 4b] then begins.

[0040] If, during rotation, the actuating member (224) comes out of the groove (218), it abuts against its edge and this time carries the internal element (210). The thread of the container (102) and that of the internal element (212) can then tighten or loosen; in order to move only the pusher, it is therefore necessary to limit the rotation of the external cap to the radius defined by the groove (218).

[0041] Once the pumping phase is complete, the user can, at will, rotate the outer cap (220) in the opposite direction; the guide (252) lowers the coil (242) without compressing the elastic element, which retains its integrity. From this lowered position, a further rotation of the outer cap raises the plunger, and the movable packing (270) draws the contents of the container (100) into the pipette tube (230): a self-pumping function is then performed without stressing the elastic element.

[0042] To dispense more product, the user can repeat the sequence (reverse rotation / normal rotation) or, more simply, manually press the plunger; the elastic element compresses and, upon release, its springback causes the plunger to rise and draw the fluid through the pipette tube. The invention thus allows for several actuation methods according to the user's preference.

[0043] By designing the device so that the elastic element (240) is never compressed during transport or storage, the invention completely eliminates any loss of elasticity, whether it is molded from metal or synthetic resin, and guarantees a long service life. Furthermore, if the elastic element is metallic, it can be disassembled for recycling; if it is molded from resin, since all the components of the cap are made of the same material, the entire product can be sorted without disassembly, which gives the whole a considerable environmental advantage.

[0044] Legend 100: Container 102: Container thread 210: Inner cap element 212: Cap thread 214: Pump tube 216: Support collar 218: Rotation groove 219: Stop lip 220: Outer cap 221: Hook groove 222: Through orifice 224: Actuating member 226: Anti-dislodgement shoulder 230: Pipette tube 232: Opening orifice 240: Elastic element 242: Guide orifice 250: Pusher 252: Guide lug 254: Push boss 260: Fixed sealing gasket 270: Movable sealing gasket

Claims

Demands

1. A cap (200) for fitting a container (100) designed to contain a liquid or solution, said container having a screw thread (102) at its upper end, the cap comprising: - an internal cap element (210) having, on its internal surface, a thread (212) suitable for cooperating with the screw thread (102) of the container (100); - a pipette tube (230) attached to the internal cap element (210) and configured to draw the contents of the container (100) and then expel them during use; - an external cap (220) rotatably mounted around the internal cap element (210); characterized in that it further comprises: - a pumping tube (214) formed in the upper part of the inner cap element (210), extending axially upwards over a predetermined length and opening towards the opening (100a) of the container (100); - an elastic element (240) disposed inside the inner cap element (210) and resting on a support collar (216) formed on the periphery thereof, said elastic element having, on its two opposite upper faces, helical guide holes (242) of the same length, arranged symmetrically; - a pusher (250) equipped with a protruding guide lug (252), configured to fit into said guide holes (242) and, depending on the direction of rotation, to move axially following the helical trajectory of said holes, through a through hole (222) provided at the top of the outer cap (220); - a pusher rotation mechanism, capable of causing the pusher (250) to rotate when the outer cap (220) is rotated relative to the inner cap element (210); - a fixed sealing gasket (260) mounted on the upper end of the pipette tube (230) inserted into the pumping tube (214), said gasket having a pumping orifice (262) in communication with the opening (232) of the pipette tube (230) and being applied in a hermetic manner against the internal bore of the pumping tube (214); - a movable sealing gasket (270) fixed to a thrust boss (254) formed at the base of the pusher (250), said gasket being able to move axially, while remaining in tight contact with the inner wall of the pumping tube (214), depending on the vertical movement of the pusher (250).

2. Cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the pusher rotation mechanism comprises: - upwardly open rotation grooves (218), formed on either side of the external surface of the internal element (210); - an actuating member (224) projecting on the internal surface of the external cap (220) and engaged in the rotation grooves (218), the member being arranged so as to cooperate with the guide lug (252) of the pusher (250).

3. Cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic element (240) is made of a synthetic resin or a metal.

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