Applicator cap for a depilatory product

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator cap for a depilatory product to ensure the uniform application of the product onto a skin surface. The invention further relates to a kit comprising the cap and methods of use thereof.

Description

[0001] PAT15843-WO-PCT

[0002] APPLICATOR CAP FOR A DEPILATORY PRODUCT

[0003] Technical Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an applicator cap for a depilatory product to ensure the uniform application of the product onto a skin surface. The invention further relates to a kit comprising a container configured to house a depilatory composition and the cap according to the invention and also methods of use thereof.

[0005] Background to the Invention

[0006] Products for removing superfluous hair from mammals are well known. Such products include depilatory products which comprise a compound that degrades the keratin within the hair thus weakening it and allowing for removal. The depilatory products are applied to the area containing the superfluous hair, allowed to remain thereon to degrade the hairs and then removed from the area together with the degraded hairs.

[0007] Depilatory products of this type typically comprise depilatory compounds which have a thiol group, such as potassium thioglycolate, and typically contain potassium hydroxide to provide a high pH which aids hair removal efficacy.

[0008] Depilatory products are available in a range of formats, including depilatory creams and depilatory gels. Such formats are conventionally applied and removed using a spatula. Consumer research has shown that the use of a spatula represents a key barrier to product adoption. Application and removal of creams and gels using a spatula can be messy. Furthermore, because a spatula is typically provided as a separate item in the depilatory kit, it can easily be misplaced between use.

[0009] WO2012 / 123739 discloses a dispenser cap for a depilatory composition product container which includes a product application surface to dispense the composition onto the skin of the user, and a product removal edge for scraping the product from the skin of the user. Accordingly, the cap can function both as a product applicator and a product residue collector. As such the cap can replace the conventional spatula.

[0010] However, there remains a need for an improved cap that helps a user to consistently and quickly apply a uniform layer of a depilatory product onto the skin as users often find it a challenge to apply a uniform layer of the product, particularly to contoured or undulating skin surfaces.PAT15843-WO-PCT

[0011] Statement of the Invention

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an applicator cap for a depilatory product container, wherein the cap comprises:

[0013] (a) a product chamber for receiving the product from the container; (b) a product dispensing passage; and

[0014] (c) a product spreading surface for spreading the product onto a skin surface of a user, wherein the product spreading surface comprises a plurality of spaced apart teeth

[0015] The design of the product spreading surface ensures that a consistent and uniform layer of the depilatory product is applied to the skin surface, regardless of whether the skin is flat, contoured or undulating. When a user applies a downward pressure to the product spreading surface during a “product spreading motion" along the skin surface, the plurality of spaced apart teeth will essentially “flatten” the skin surface. In essence, the cap’s product spreading surface causes the skin surface to be temporarily transformed into a planar surface thus facilitating uniform spreading of the depilatory product by the teeth along the surface.

[0016] The flattening of the skin’s surface ensures a consistent height of the product is applied to the skin surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the product application surface is a substantially planar surface and the plurality of spaced apart teeth protrude from the surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cap includes a proximal end adjacent to the product chamber and a distal end, wherein a longitudinal axis (X) extends between the proximal end and the distal end.

[0019] In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of spaced apart teeth has a substantially curved outer profile, wherein each of said teeth is oriented substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis (X). The curved profile presents a smooth edge to the skin and provides a more comfortable user experience.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plurality of spaced apart teeth is positioned distally of the product dispensing passage.

[0021] In some embodiments, the product dispensing passage is configured as a mouth which is oriented substantially parallel to the plurality of spaced apart teeth.PAT15843-WO-PCT

[0022] In some embodiments, the mouth (i.e., the product dispensing passage) extends across the product spreading surface a first distance (Di) and the plurality of teeth extend across the product spreading surface a second distance of (D2). Preferably, Di and D2 are substantially equal.

[0023] During the application of the depilatory product, residual gaps or “tracks” (i.e., no product deposition) will be formed where the teeth have been drawn along the skin surface whilst spreading the product on the surface. In order to “fill in” these gaps a smoothing blade may be provided. The smoothing blade ensures a uniform application of the product with no “patchiness”.

[0024] The smoothing blade may protrude from the product application surface.

[0025] Typically, the smoothing blade is located distally of the plurality of spaced apart teeth. The smoothing blade is configured to smooth the product into the gaps formed by the teeth. As such, the user does not need to use a spatula to “fill in” the gaps.

[0026] In some embodiments, the product smoothing blade extends across the product spreading surface a third distance (D3). Preferably, D2and D3are substantially equal.

[0027] In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of teeth has a height of approximately 4mm and the smoothing blade has a height of approximately 1mm, such that the layer of product applied to the skin is approximately 3mm in depth.

[0028] The cap improves the user experience by facilitating a quick, simple-to-use, mess-free application process, whist also providing the user with the confidence that the optimal amount of depilatory product has been uniformly applied to the skin surface.

[0029] Advantageously, the risk of mislaying the spatula between uses is also eliminated. Plastic use is also reduced.

[0030] In some embodiments, the housing further comprises an attachment means configured for attaching the cap to a container comprising a depilatory product.

[0031] The attachment means may be configured such that the cap is reversibly attachable to the container. This is advantageous because it allows the same cap to be reused. This has environmental benefits, including a reduction in plastic waste. Examples of suitablePAT15843-WO-PCT

[0032] reversible attachment means are known to the skilled person and include, for example, a screw thread or a snap-fit mechanism complementary with the depilatory product container.

[0033] Typical containers for depilatory products, such as tubes, include a closure mechanism based on a threaded connection between (a) threads provided on the container’s nozzle and (b) complementary threads provided on a screw cap. Preferably, therefore the cap is provided with screw threads which are complementary to the screw threads on the nozzle. This is particularly advantageous as this design utilises part of the current closure mechanism. As such, this does not require a redesign of the nozzle, and additionally enables the cap to be retrofitted onto the nozzles of current containers.

[0034] After the required contact time between the unwanted hairs and the depilatory product has elapsed and the unwanted hairs have been degraded, the depilatory product and the degraded hairs are removed by any suitable means. Typically, a spatula or similar device especially one with a substantially straight edge, or a flexible object such as a foam / tissue / cloth / wipe type object may be used to remove the depilatory product and the degraded hairs. This is achieved simply by moving the spatula or flexible object around the area to which the depilatory product has been applied to ‘scoop’ up the same. In this way the depilatory product is lifted from the area to which it has been applied and can be removed. Any residual product may be removed by, for example, rinsing with water.

[0035] Advantageously, in some embodiments the cap further comprises a product removal edge, such that the cap can function as both product applicator and product residue collector. The product removal edge may be configured in such a way as to function in a similar manner to a spatula in order to “scoop” up the product. The product removal edge may be located at the distal end of the product application surface. Hence, when it is time to remove the depilatory product along with the degraded hairs, a user can simply orientate the cap so that the product removal edge is positioned against the skin surface.

[0036] In some embodiments, the depilatory product may be a depilatory cream or gel as these are typically the formats that are spread by the user onto the skin surface.

[0037] Non-limiting examples of the skin surfaces of a user to which the depilatory product may be applied include the face (e.g., the upper lip or chin area), legs, bikini area, underarm area, chest, scalp and intimate areas.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit which includes:

[0039] (a) a container arranged to house a depilatory product, comprising a dispensing outlet for the product, andPAT15843-WO-PCT

[0040] (b) an applicator cap according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the cap is configured to fit over the dispensing outlet.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of removing superfluous hair from a skin surface which includes the steps of:

[0042] (a) applying a depilatory product onto the skin surface using the cap according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0043] (b) allowing the product to remain in contact with the superfluous hair for a predetermined time; and

[0044] (c) subsequently removing the product and superfluous degraded hair from the skin surface.

[0045] Depilatory products are typically allowed to contact the skin surface (e.g., skin or hair), for at least 1 minute, preferably at least 3 minutes, such as 4 minutes. However, to reduce any potential skin irritation from the use of the products of the invention it is preferred that the contact time is 10 minutes or less, preferably 8 minutes or less, such as 7 minutes or less. Preferred contact times for depilatory products and the hair to be removed are in the range of from 2 to 8 minutes, more preferably 3 to 7 minutes, such as 4 to 7 minutes (including ranges there- between).

[0046] The step of removing the product may include using the product removal edge provided on the cap.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of an application cap according to the first aspect for applying a depilatory product to a skin surface.

[0048] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a depilatory product comprising:

[0049] (a) a container configured to house the depilatory product; and (b) an applicator cap according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0050] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0051] Definitions

[0052] By the term "depilatory product" as used herein is meant a compound which acts upon the keratin in the hair to chemically degrade it by breaking down the disulphide bonds in the keratin. This chemical degradation weakens the hair and allows for the degraded, and thusPAT15843-WO-PCT

[0053] weakened, hair to be removed. It does not include resin materials or waxes or any other ingredient(s) which do / does not exert a chemical-degradation action on the hair, but which rather, provide(s) an “epilatory” effect by adhering to the hair.

[0054] By the term "skin surface" as used herein is meant an external surface of a mammal, for example a human. Mucosal membranes are not included within this definition of "skin surface".

[0055] Form of the products

[0056] Depilatory products of the present invention may be of any suitable flowable form. Preferred forms of the products include gels and creams. The form may be chosen according to the intended area of application for the products.

[0057] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following nonlimiting examples and Figures. Further examples within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

[0058] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a kit according to the second aspect of the present invention which includes the applicator cap according to the first aspect;

[0059] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the cap of Figure 1 ;

[0060] Figure 3 shows another perspective view of the cap of Figure 1 ;

[0061] Figure 4 shows another perspective view of the cap of Figure 1, in the “product application orientation”;

[0062] Figure 5 shows another perspective view of the cap of Figure 1 , in the “product removal orientation”.

[0063] Figure 1 shows the applicator cap (100) attached to a container (200). In this view container is depicted in the form of a squeezable tube containing a depilatory product such as a cream or gel.

[0064] Figures 2 and 3 show perspective views of the applicator cap (100). The cap includes a product chamber (112) for receiving the product from the container (200). It is envisaged that the cap will be provided either as (i) an integral part of the product or (ii) as a separatePAT15843-WO-PCT

[0065] item which the user will then attach to the container. In either case, the dispensing outlet (not shown) of the container, which may take the form of a nozzle, will be provided with an air-tight and / or water-tight seal (e.g. foil seal) which can be broken or removed by the user prior to use, and which will ensure the product remains “inactive” during storage.

[0066] As also depicted in Figures 2 and 3, the applicator cap (100) has a proximal end (114) configured for attachment to the container (200) and a distal end (116). A longitudinal axis (X), shown as a dotted line extends between the proximal and distal ends (114, 116), respectively.

[0067] As depicted in the embodiment shown, the product dispensing passage (118) may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

[0068] As depicted in the embodiment shown, the product dispensing passage (118) may extend across the product spreading surface (120) a first distance (Di).

[0069] The product spreading surface (120) is provided with a plurality of spaced apart teeth (122) and preferably with a smoothing blade (124) which protrude from said planar surface.

[0070] As depicted in the embodiment shown, the plurality of spaced apart teeth (122) may be positioned distally of the product dispensing passage (118) and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

[0071] As depicted in the embodiment shown, the plurality of spaced apart teeth may extend across the product spreading surface (120) a second distance (D2).

[0072] As depicted in the embodiment shown, Di is the substantially equal to D2.

[0073] As depicted in the embodiment shown, each one of the plurality of spaced apart teeth (122) may have a substantially curved outer profile with each of said teeth being oriented substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis (X).

[0074] The height (Hi) of each one of the plurality of spaced apart teeth (122) may be approximately the same, for example, approximately 4mm.

[0075] As depicted in the embodiment shown, the smoothing blade (124) is provided distally of the plurality of spaced apart teeth. The height (H2) of the smoothing blade (124) may be approximately 1mm.PAT15843-WO-PCT

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4a to apply a depilatory product (126) to a skin surface (128) the user will orient the applicator cap (100) so that the product dispensing passage (118) and the product spreading surface (120) are near or adjacent to the skin surface (128). The user then applies sufficient pressure to the container (e.g., a squeezable tube) to force a portion of the depilatory product (126) through dispensing outlet (not shown) of the container and into the chamber (112) of the applicator cap. The pressure will subsequently force the depilatory product (126) out of the product dispensing passage (118) of the applicator cap and onto the skin surface (128).

[0077] As shown in FIG. 4b, whilst maintaining the orientation of the cap, the user effects a “product spreading motion" by drawing the product spreading surface (120) along the skin surface. During this “product spreading motion", the plurality of spaced apart teeth (122) of the product spreading region (120) will apply a pressure to any undulating or contoured skin surface to thereby temporarily transform the skin surface into a planar surface. This will help to ensure uniform spreading of the product onto the skin surface.

[0078] Any residual gaps or “tracks” in the depilatory product layer formed where the teeth have moved along the skin surface will be “filled in” by the trailing (i.e. distally located) smoothing blade (124).

[0079] In embodiments in which the height (Hi) of each one of the plurality of spaced apart teeth (122) is approximately 4mm and the height (H2) of the smoothing blade is approximately 1mm, the final layer of product applied to the skin surface will be approximately 3mm in depth.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5, the cap may also be provided with a product removal edge (130). This edge can scrape the cream from the skin of the user, such that the cap can function both as product applicator and product residue collector.

[0081] The product removal edge (130) may be located, as shown in FIG. 5, at the distal end of the cap. To remove the depilatory product and any superfluous hair, the user can simply “flip over” the cap such that the product removal edge is adjacent to the skin surface. In this orientation of the cap 100, the product spreading surface is facing way from the skin surface.

[0082] Following use, the cap (100) can be easily cleaned by a quick rinse under running water.PAT15843-WO-PCT

[0083] In some embodiments, the cap may be 3D printed. In some embodiments, the cap is injection moulded.

[0084] The cap may be manufactured as a monolith.

Claims

PAT15843-WO-PCTCLAIMS1. An applicator cap for a depilatory product container, wherein the cap comprises:(a) a product chamber for receiving the product from the container;(b) a product dispensing passage; and(c) a product spreading surface for spreading the product onto a skin surface of a user, wherein the product spreading surface comprises a plurality of spaced apart teeth.

2. The cap according to claim 1, wherein the cap includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a longitudinal axis (X) extends between the proximal end and the distal end, and wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart teeth are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).

3. The cap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart teeth has substantially curved outer profile, and wherein each of said teeth is oriented substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis (X).

4. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of spaced apart teeth is positioned distally of the product dispensing passage.

5. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the product dispensing passage is configured as a mouth which is oriented substantially parallel with the plurality of spaced apart teeth.

6. The cap according to claim 5, wherein the mouth extends across the product spreading surface a first distance (Di) and the plurality of teeth extend product spreading surface a second distance of (D2), and wherein Di and D2are substantially equal.

7. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap further comprises a smoothing blade.

8. The cap according to claim 7, wherein the smoothing blade is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X).PAT15843-WO-PCT9. The cap according to any claims 7 or 8, wherein the smoothing blade is positioned distally of the plurality of spaced apart teeth.

10. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein the smoothing blade extends across the product spreading surface a third distance (D3) and wherein the second distance (D2) and the third distance (D3) are substantially equal.

11. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein each one of the plurality of spaced apart teeth has a height of approximately 4mm and the smoothing blade has a height of approximately 1mm, such that the layer of product applied to the skin is approximately 3mm.

12. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap further comprises a product removal edge such that the cap can function as both product applicator and product residue collector.

13. The cap according to claim 12, wherein the product removal edge is located at the distal end of the product spreading surface.

14. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprises an attachment means configured for attaching the cap to the container.

15. The cap according to claim 14, wherein the cap is removably attachable to the container.

16. The cap according to claim 15, wherein the cap includes a screw thread or a snap-fit mechanism complementary with the depilatory product container.

17. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the depilatory product is a depilatory cream or gel.

18. A kit for a depilatory product, wherein the kit includes:(a) a container arranged to house a depilatory product, comprising a dispensing outlet for the product, and(b) an applicator cap according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the cap is configured to fit over the dispensing outlet.PAT15843-WO-PCT19. The kit according to claim 18, wherein the container is arranged to receive a depilatory product in the form of a cream or gel.

20. A method of removing superfluous hair from a skin surface which includes the steps of:(a) applying a depilatory product onto the skin surface using the applicator cap according to any one of claims 1 to 17;(b) allowing the product to remain in contact with the superfluous hair for a predetermined time; and(c) subsequently removing the product and superfluous degraded hair from the skin.

21. The method according to claim 20, when dependent on any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the step of removing the depilatory product and superfluous hair comprises using the product removal edge.

22. The use of an application cap according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for applying a depilatory product to a skin surface.

23. A depilatory product comprising:(a) a container configured to house a depilatory composition; and(b) an applicator cap according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

24. The depilatory product according to claim 23, wherein the container is deformable, preferably squeezable, more preferably a squeezable tube.

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