EP0945368B1 - Dispensing and applying head for a product, particularly a haircare product and packaging unit provided with such a head - Google Patents

Dispensing and applying head for a product, particularly a haircare product and packaging unit provided with such a head Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0945368B1
EP0945368B1 EP99400502A EP99400502A EP0945368B1 EP 0945368 B1 EP0945368 B1 EP 0945368B1 EP 99400502 A EP99400502 A EP 99400502A EP 99400502 A EP99400502 A EP 99400502A EP 0945368 B1 EP0945368 B1 EP 0945368B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
head
product
valve
reservoir
dispensing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99400502A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0945368A1 (en
Inventor
Vincent De Laforcade
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LOreal SA
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LOreal SA
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/28—Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor
    • B65D83/285—Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor for applying the contents, e.g. brushes, rollers, pads, spoons, razors, scrapers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a head for dispensing and applying a product, in particular a hair product according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention is particularly suitable for dispensing and applying coloring products, especially when these are in the form of foam.
  • the invention also relates to a packaging assembly equipped with a head according to the invention.
  • a valve on which is mounted a push button for actuating the valve and dispensing the product.
  • a push button must be movable either parallel to the axial plane of the button (in the case of a push-in valve) or perpendicular to the axial plane of the button (in the case of a toggle valve).
  • the applicator mounted on the push button, can be fixed relative to the can, in which case the structure of the assembly is complex. Indeed, the applicator must be arranged to leave the push button, all the latitude necessary for its movement. In addition, a tight connection must be provided between the reservoir and the applicator. Such a design leads to sets, currently marketed, with a large number of parts, and therefore a cost too high.
  • the applicator may be integral with the movable portion of the push button, which allows for a one-piece structure, in which the seal is easier to achieve in an efficient and economically viable manner.
  • a tilt valve also called valve "tilt”
  • the presence of "knots” in the hair can cause inadvertent actuation of the valve, and therefore the deposit of an excess amount of product on the hair.
  • Such surplus may either fall on the ground or on the shoulders of the user, or generate, particularly in the case of coloring, an unsatisfactory application quality.
  • the junction between the movable portion of the push button and the fixed body of the push button is generally provided by a film hinge, providing a flexible and solid connection when urged around its axis.
  • a film hinge providing a flexible and solid connection when urged around its axis.
  • one of the drawbacks inherent in such hinges lies in the fact that, when they are urged in directions other than around the normal axis of articulation, particularly when the applicator encounters a knot, they are subject to large torsional torques, which can go as far as causing them to tear, which renders the assembly totally unusable.
  • EP-A-0 223 418 discloses a head for dispensing shaving foam.
  • the head comprises a body provided with a rod provided at its end with a support ring of an applicator. The latter is secured to a frustoconical rod connecting to a push-button actuating a valve.
  • the applicator is non-articulatedly connected to the support ring.
  • the dispensing head has no hinge pin or actuating surface that can pivot about this axis of articulation to cause the actuation of the valve.
  • Such a dispensing head is relatively complex to manufacture and bulky.
  • a head for dispensing and applying a product in particular a capillary comprising a body intended to be mounted on a reservoir equipped with a pump or a valve, and a movable portion relative to the body, said movable portion having an actuating surface movable to cause, by pivoting about an axis of articulation connecting the movable portion to the body, actuating the pump or the valve, said movable part also comprising an applicator intended to be placed in communication with the reservoir during the actuation of the pump or the valve, in order to receive a dose of product to be applied to a surface, characterized in that the body comprises abutment means for substantially preventing any movement of the movable portion other than around the hinge axis.
  • the moving part can move only around the hinge axis (in particular when actuating the pump or the valve), any other movement being prevented by the presence of the means forming an abutment .
  • the applicator is mounted on the free end of an arm, said abutment means being constituted by two buttresses arranged on either side of the arm.
  • Such buttresses can extend over 1/4 to 3/4 of the axial height of the arm, and preferably over 1 ⁇ 2 to 3 ⁇ 4 of the axial height of the arm.
  • the applicator consists of a brush formed of a support on which are implanted, substantially perpendicular to an axis of the head, a plurality of bristles or teeth, said support comprising at least one orifice connected to a supply channel, for placing the applicator in communication with the reservoir.
  • the support may be of any shape, in particular oval.
  • the orifice may be partially obstructed by a diffusion member, of the porous grid or organ type (sintered), so as to allow an expansion or a better expansion of the product, and thus, a better distribution of the foam on the brush, when of his exit.
  • the hinge axis consists of a film hinge.
  • thermoplastic materials especially polyethylenes or polypropylenes, and therefore low cost.
  • the body comprises means for hooking the head on the reservoir.
  • Such means comprise for example a bead adapted to cooperate by breakdown with an annular groove provided on the upper part of a reservoir, or with a bead formed by a crimping flange of the valve on the reservoir.
  • a packaging, dispensing and application assembly comprising a reservoir surmounted by a pump or a valve is also realized, and, surmounting the pump or the valve, a head for the distribution and application of a product contained in the reservoir, characterized in that it uses a dispensing head according to the invention.
  • the product can be pressurized inside the tank by means of liquefiable or non-liquefiable gases.
  • liquefiable or non-liquefiable gases By way of example, mention may be made of nitrogen, a mixture of propane and butane, compressed air, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, or freons, etc.
  • the invention also relates to the use of such a set for packaging, dispensing and applying a hair product, in particular a coloring product, in particular in the form of a foam.
  • the device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A-3C comprises a tank 2, in the form of an aerosol can surmounted by a valve 41 comprising an emergent valve stem 3, of the depression type.
  • a dispensing and application head 10 is mounted on the reservoir.
  • This dispensing head 10 comprises a fixed part, consisting of a body 11 having a first cylindrical skirt 12 whose end has a free edge delimiting an opening 13.
  • the inner wall of the cylindrical skirt 12 has an inner bead 14 in the vicinity the opening 13, adapted to cooperate by breakdown with a bead 15 formed by a crimping flange of the valve 41 on the tank 2.
  • the first cylindrical skirt 12 is connected to a second cylindrical skirt 16 of smaller diameter by a shoulder 17.
  • the cylindrical skirt 16 is connected to a transverse wall 18 having a cutout 19 of corresponding shape to The form of an actuating member 20.
  • the actuating member 20 has a surface portion 21 for forming a bearing surface for actuating the valve.
  • the reservoir has in the vicinity of its upper end a groove 42 adapted to allow the removable mounting of a cap on the dispensing head 10 (not shown).
  • the actuating member 20 is integral with a movable portion 22, a portion opposite the actuating member 20 is connected to the transverse wall 18 by a film hinge 23.
  • the movable portion 22 comprises a channel 24 mounted to The channel 24 extends over the entire length of an arm 25, and opens onto an orifice 40 located substantially in the center of an applicator 35.
  • the applicator 35 consists of a surface ovoid 26 forming a support for a plurality of teeth 27 spaced evenly over the entire periphery of said ovoid surface.
  • the teeth 27 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis X of the device.
  • the orifice 40 may be partially obstructed, by means of a grid for example (not shown) or any other deflector member, so as to allow a better distribution of the foam on the surface of the brush.
  • the fixed part 11 carries on both sides of the arm 25 two buttresses 28, 29 each having an inner face 30, 31 disposed opposite a corresponding face 32, 33 of the arm 25.
  • the buttresses 28, 29 also each have an outer portion 37, 38 with a rounded profile.
  • the faces 30 and 31 are arranged in planes substantially perpendicular to the axis of articulation defined by the film hinge 23. A slight clearance is provided, however, between the arm 25 and the faces 30 , 31, so that the buttresses do not interfere with the actuation of the valve.
  • the buttresses 28, 29 extend to a height substantially equal to half the height of the arm 25.
  • the film hinge 23 is disposed between the transverse wall 18, and a first end of a junction zone 36 whose second end is connected to the arm 25 on one side of the latter, perpendicular to the faces 32 and 33.
  • the junction zone 36 is connected to the arm substantially at the free end of the flying buttresses.
  • the curvature of the junction zone 36 is such that, in the rest position illustrated in FIG. 1, the junction zone 36 forms with the rounded surface 37, 38 of the buttresses 28, 29, a substantially continuous surface.
  • the user actuates the valve by means of a pressure exerted on the surface 21, which causes the movable part 22 to tilt about the axis of the film hinge 23, and the depression of the valve stem 3 ( Figure 2). It should be noted that due to the presence of play (of the order of 0.5 mm to 1 mm) between the arm 25 and the buttresses 28, 29, the movement of the movable part 22, in order the actuation of the valve, is not significantly impeded.
  • the dispensing head according to the invention is characterized by an improved strength without this being detrimental, neither its simplicity, nor its cost, nor the softness of its operation.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a trait à une tête pour la distribution et l'application d'un produit, notamment capillaire selon le préambule de la revendication 1 . L'invention est tout particulièrement adaptée à la distribution et à l'application de produits de coloration, en particulier lorsque ceux-ci sont sous forme de mousse. L'invention concerne également un ensemble de conditionnement équipé d'une tête selon l'invention.The present invention relates to a head for dispensing and applying a product, in particular a hair product according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention is particularly suitable for dispensing and applying coloring products, especially when these are in the form of foam. The invention also relates to a packaging assembly equipped with a head according to the invention.

Il existe dans le domaine de la coloration capillaire, un besoin pour de nouveaux applicateurs, susceptibles notamment de faciliter la gestuelle à l'application. Un tel besoin existe en particulier pour l'application de produits capillaires, notamment des produits de coloration, sous forme de mousse, de crème ou de gel.There is in the field of hair coloring, a need for new applicators, particularly able to facilitate the gesture to the application. Such a need exists in particular for the application of hair products, especially coloring products, in the form of foam, cream or gel.

Il existe sur le marché, un très grand nombre d'applicateurs, destinés à être montés sur des aérosols, ou sur des récipients équipés d'une pompe. De tels applicateurs peuvent avoir des formes diverses et variées. Il peut s'agir de brosses ou de peignes présentant des dents qui, éventuellement peuvent être traversées par un ou plusieurs canaux d'alimentation. Un des problèmes, liés à ce genre d'applicateur est que, soit ils sont simples et économiques, mais très fragiles, soit ils sont robustes, mais constitués d'un nombre important de pièces, incompatible avec les besoins de rentabilité économique du marché.There exists on the market, a very large number of applicators, intended to be mounted on aerosols, or on containers equipped with a pump. Such applicators can have various shapes and varied. These may be brushes or combs having teeth which may be traversed by one or more feed channels. One of the problems related to this type of applicator is that they are simple and economical, but very fragile, or they are robust, but made up of a large number of parts, incompatible with the needs of economic profitability of the market.

En effet, dans le cas d'un récipient aérosol, ce dernier communique avec l'extérieur par une valve, sur laquelle est monté un bouton poussoir pour l'actionnement de la valve et la distribution du produit. Un tel bouton poussoir doit être mobile soit parallèlement au plan axial du bouton (dans le cas d'une valve à enfoncement) soit perpendiculairement au plan axial du bouton (dans le cas d'une valve à basculement).Indeed, in the case of an aerosol container, the latter communicates with the outside by a valve, on which is mounted a push button for actuating the valve and dispensing the product. Such a push button must be movable either parallel to the axial plane of the button (in the case of a push-in valve) or perpendicular to the axial plane of the button (in the case of a toggle valve).

L'applicateur, monté sur le bouton poussoir, peut être fixe par rapport au bidon, auquel cas la structure de l'ensemble est complexe. En effet, l'applicateur doit être disposé de manière à laisser au bouton poussoir, toute la latitude nécessaire à son mouvement. En outre une liaison étanche doit être assurée entre le réservoir et l'applicateur. Une telle conception conduit à des ensembles, actuellement commercialisés, comportant un nombre de pièces important, et donc d'un coût de revient trop élevé.The applicator, mounted on the push button, can be fixed relative to the can, in which case the structure of the assembly is complex. Indeed, the applicator must be arranged to leave the push button, all the latitude necessary for its movement. In addition, a tight connection must be provided between the reservoir and the applicator. Such a design leads to sets, currently marketed, with a large number of parts, and therefore a cost too high.

Selon une alternative, l'applicateur peut être solidaire de la partie mobile du bouton poussoir, ce qui permet de réaliser une structure en une seule pièce, dans laquelle l'étanchéité est plus facile à réaliser de manière efficace et économiquement viable. Toutefois, selon cette alternative, se pose un problème de fragilité. En effet, dans le cas d'une valve à basculement, dite aussi, valve "tilt", la présence de "noeuds" dans les cheveux peut provoquer un actionnement intempestif de la valve, et donc le dépôt d'une quantité excédentaire de produit sur la chevelure. Un tel excédent peut soit tomber par terre ou sur les épaules de l'utilisatrice, ou générer, notamment dans le cas d'une coloration, une qualité d'application non satisfaisante. Dans le cas d'une valve à enfoncement, la jonction entre la partie mobile du bouton poussoir et le corps fixe du bouton poussoir, est généralement assurée par une charnière film, réalisant une liaison souple et solide lorsque sollicitée autour de son axe. Toutefois, un des inconvénients inhérents à de telles charnières réside dans le fait que, lorsqu'elles sont sollicitées dans des directions autres qu'autour de l'axe normal d'articulation, notamment lorsque l'applicateur rencontre un noeud, elles sont soumises à des couples de torsion importants, pouvant aller jusqu'à provoquer leur déchirure, ce qui rend l'ensemble totalement inutilisable.Alternatively, the applicator may be integral with the movable portion of the push button, which allows for a one-piece structure, in which the seal is easier to achieve in an efficient and economically viable manner. However, according to this alternative, there is a problem of fragility. Indeed, in the case of a tilt valve, also called valve "tilt", the presence of "knots" in the hair can cause inadvertent actuation of the valve, and therefore the deposit of an excess amount of product on the hair. Such surplus may either fall on the ground or on the shoulders of the user, or generate, particularly in the case of coloring, an unsatisfactory application quality. In the case of a depression valve, the junction between the movable portion of the push button and the fixed body of the push button, is generally provided by a film hinge, providing a flexible and solid connection when urged around its axis. However, one of the drawbacks inherent in such hinges lies in the fact that, when they are urged in directions other than around the normal axis of articulation, particularly when the applicator encounters a knot, they are subject to large torsional torques, which can go as far as causing them to tear, which renders the assembly totally unusable.

La demande EP-A-0 223 418 décrit une tête pour la distribution de mousse à raser. Dans un mode de réalisation, la tête comporte un corps pourvu d'une tige munie à son extrémité d'un anneau de support d'un applicateur. Ce dernier est solidaire d'une tige tronconique se raccordant à un bouton-pressoir d'actionnement d'une valve. L'applicateur est relié de manière non articulée à l'anneau de support. La tête de distribution ne comporte pas d'axe d'articulation ni de surface d'actionnement pouvant pivoter autour de cet axe d'articulation pour provoquer l'actionnement de la valve. Une telle tête de distribution est relativement complexe à fabriquer et encombrante.EP-A-0 223 418 discloses a head for dispensing shaving foam. In one embodiment, the head comprises a body provided with a rod provided at its end with a support ring of an applicator. The latter is secured to a frustoconical rod connecting to a push-button actuating a valve. The applicator is non-articulatedly connected to the support ring. The dispensing head has no hinge pin or actuating surface that can pivot about this axis of articulation to cause the actuation of the valve. Such a dispensing head is relatively complex to manufacture and bulky.

Aussi, est-ce un des objets de l'invention que de réaliser une tête de distribution, résolvant en tout ou partie les problèmes discutés ci-avant en référence aux dispositifs conventionnels.Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a dispensing head, solving all or part of the problems discussed above with reference to conventional devices.

C'est en particulier un objet de l'invention que de réaliser une tête de distribution, à la fois robuste et pouvant être obtenu à un faible coût de revient.It is particularly an object of the invention to provide a dispensing head, both robust and obtainable at a low cost.

C'est un autre objet de l'invention que de réaliser une tête de distribution, comportant un applicateur obtenu de moulage avec la tête de distribution, et qui soit agréable à l'utilisation, solide, et à coût de revient économiquement acceptable.It is another object of the invention to provide a dispensing head, comprising an applicator obtained by molding with the dispensing head, and which is pleasant to use, solid, and economically acceptable cost.

D'autres objets de l'invention apparaîtront de manière plus détaillée dans la description qui suit.Other objects of the invention will appear in more detail in the description which follows.

Selon l'invention, ces objets sont atteints en réalisant une tête pour la distribution et l'application d'un produit, notamment capillaire comprenant un corps destiné à être monté sur un réservoir équipé d'une pompe ou d'une valve, et une partie mobile par rapport au corps, ladite partie mobile comportant une surface d'actionnement pouvant être déplacée de manière à provoquer, par pivotement autour d'un axe d'articulation reliant la partie mobile au corps, l'actionnement de la pompe ou de la valve, ladite partie mobile comprenant également un applicateur destiné à être mis en communication avec le réservoir lors de l'actionnement de la pompe ou de la valve, afin de recevoir une dose de produit à appliquer sur une surface, caractérisée en ce que le corps comporte des moyens formant butée pour empêcher sensiblement tout mouvement de la partie mobile autre qu'autour de l'axe d'articulation.According to the invention, these objects are achieved by providing a head for dispensing and applying a product, in particular a capillary comprising a body intended to be mounted on a reservoir equipped with a pump or a valve, and a movable portion relative to the body, said movable portion having an actuating surface movable to cause, by pivoting about an axis of articulation connecting the movable portion to the body, actuating the pump or the valve, said movable part also comprising an applicator intended to be placed in communication with the reservoir during the actuation of the pump or the valve, in order to receive a dose of product to be applied to a surface, characterized in that the body comprises abutment means for substantially preventing any movement of the movable portion other than around the hinge axis.

Ainsi, lorsque l'applicateur est arrêté par la présence d'un noeud dans la chevelure, il vient en engagement contre les moyens formant butée latérale, ce qui empêche au niveau de l'axe d'articulation, sensiblement toute contrainte qui ne soit pas autour dudit axe. Ainsi, il n'y a pas de risque d'endommagement de la tête de distribution au niveau dudit axe. En d'autres termes, la partie mobile ne peut bouger qu'autour de l'axe d'articulation (notamment lors de l'actionnement de la pompe ou de la valve), tout autre mouvement étant empêché par la présence des moyens formant butée.Thus, when the applicator is stopped by the presence of a knot in the hair, it comes into engagement against the means forming lateral stop, which prevents at the axis of articulation, substantially any stress that is not around said axis. Thus, there is no risk of damage to the dispensing head at said axis. In other words, the moving part can move only around the hinge axis (in particular when actuating the pump or the valve), any other movement being prevented by the presence of the means forming an abutment .

Avantageusement, l'applicateur est monté sur l'extrémité libre d'un bras, lesdits moyens formant butée étant constitués de deux arc-boutants disposés de part et d'autre du bras. De tels arc-boutants peuvent s'étendre sur 1/4 à 3/4 de la hauteur axiale du bras, et de préférence, sur ½ à ¾ de la hauteur axiale du bras.Advantageously, the applicator is mounted on the free end of an arm, said abutment means being constituted by two buttresses arranged on either side of the arm. Such buttresses can extend over 1/4 to 3/4 of the axial height of the arm, and preferably over ½ to ¾ of the axial height of the arm.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière, l'applicateur est constitué d'une brosse formée d'un support sur lequel sont implantées, de façon sensiblement perpendiculaire à un axe de la tête, une pluralité de poils ou dents, ledit support comportant au moins un orifice relié à un canal d'alimentation, pour la mise en communication de l'applicateur avec le réservoir. Le support peut être de forme quelconque, en particulier ovale. L'orifice peut être partiellement obstrué par un organe de diffusion, du type grille ou organe poreux (fritté), de manière à permettre une expansion ou un meilleur foisonnement du produit, et ainsi, une meilleure répartition de la mousse sur la brosse, lors de sa sortie.According to a particular embodiment, the applicator consists of a brush formed of a support on which are implanted, substantially perpendicular to an axis of the head, a plurality of bristles or teeth, said support comprising at least one orifice connected to a supply channel, for placing the applicator in communication with the reservoir. The support may be of any shape, in particular oval. The orifice may be partially obstructed by a diffusion member, of the porous grid or organ type (sintered), so as to allow an expansion or a better expansion of the product, and thus, a better distribution of the foam on the brush, when of his exit.

Préférentiellement, l'axe d'articulation est constitué d'une charnière film. Une telle caractéristique permet la réalisation d'une tête de distribution mono-pièce, obtenue de moulage de matériaux thermoplastiques, notamment de polyéthylènes ou de polypropylènes, et donc à faible coût de revient.Preferably, the hinge axis consists of a film hinge. Such a feature allows the realization of a single-piece dispensing head, obtained by molding thermoplastic materials, especially polyethylenes or polypropylenes, and therefore low cost.

Avantageusement, le corps comporte des moyens pour l'accrochage de la tête sur le réservoir. De tels moyens comportent par exemple un bourrelet apte à coopérer par claquage avec une rainure annulaire prévue sur la partie supérieure d'un réservoir, ou avec un bourrelet formé par une collerette de sertissage de la valve sur le réservoir.Advantageously, the body comprises means for hooking the head on the reservoir. Such means comprise for example a bead adapted to cooperate by breakdown with an annular groove provided on the upper part of a reservoir, or with a bead formed by a crimping flange of the valve on the reservoir.

Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, on réalise également un ensemble de conditionnement, de distribution et d'application comprenant un réservoir surmonté d'une pompe ou d'une valve, et, surmontant la pompe ou la valve, une tête pour la distribution et l'application d'un produit contenu dans le réservoir, caractérisé en ce qu'il utilise une tête de distribution selon l'invention. Dans le cas d'un dispositif à valve, le produit peut être pressurisé à l'intérieur du réservoir au moyen de gaz liquéfiables ou non liquéfiables. A titre d'exemple, on peut citer de l'azote, un mélange de propane et de butane, de l'air comprimé, du protoxyde d'azote, du dioxyde de carbone, ou des fréons, etc..According to another aspect of the invention, a packaging, dispensing and application assembly comprising a reservoir surmounted by a pump or a valve is also realized, and, surmounting the pump or the valve, a head for the distribution and application of a product contained in the reservoir, characterized in that it uses a dispensing head according to the invention. In the case of a valve device, the product can be pressurized inside the tank by means of liquefiable or non-liquefiable gases. By way of example, mention may be made of nitrogen, a mixture of propane and butane, compressed air, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, or freons, etc.

L'invention concerne également l'utilisation d'un tel ensemble pour le conditionnement, la distribution et l'application d'un produit capillaire, notamment un produit de coloration, en particulier sous forme de mousse.The invention also relates to the use of such a set for packaging, dispensing and applying a hair product, in particular a coloring product, in particular in the form of a foam.

L'invention consiste, mises à part les dispositions exposées ci-dessus, en un certain nombre d'autres dispositions qui seront explicitées ci-après, à propos d'exemples de réalisation non limitatifs, décrits en référence aux figures annexées, parmi lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution, surmonté d'une tête de distribution selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention;
  • la figure 2 représente l'ensemble de la figure 1, avec la tête de distribution en position d'actionnement; et
  • les figures 3A-3C illustrent différentes vues d'une tête de distribution conforme à celle équipant l'ensemble de conditionnement et de distribution illustré aux figures 1 et 2.
The invention consists, apart from the arrangements described above, in a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging and dispensing assembly, surmounted by a dispensing head according to one embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 2 shows the assembly of Figure 1, with the dispensing head in the actuating position; and
  • 3A-3C illustrate different views of a dispensing head according to that fitted to the packaging and distribution assembly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Le dispositif 1 illustré aux figures 1, 2 et 3A-3C comporte un réservoir 2, sous forme d'un bidon aérosol surmonté d'une valve 41 comportant une tige de valve émergente 3, du type à enfoncement. Une tête de distribution et d'application 10 est montée sur le réservoir. Cette tête de distribution 10 comprend une partie fixe, constituée d'un corps 11 comportant une première jupe cylindrique 12 dont l'extrémité présente un bord libre délimitant une ouverture 13. La paroi intérieure de la jupe cylindrique 12 présente un bourrelet interne 14 au voisinage de l'ouverture 13, apte à coopérer par claquage avec un bourrelet 15 formé par une collerette de sertissage de la valve 41 sur le réservoir 2. La première jupe cylindrique 12 est raccordée à une seconde jupe cylindrique 16 de plus faible diamètre par un épaulement 17. A son extrémité opposée à l'épaulement 17, la jupe cylindrique 16 est raccordée à une paroi transversale 18 présentant une découpe 19 de forme correspondante à la forme d'un organe d'actionnement 20. L'organe d'actionnement 20 présente une portion de surface 21 destinée à former une surface d'appui pour l'actionnement de la valve. Le réservoir présente au voisinage de son extrémité supérieure une gorge 42 apte à permettre le montage amovible d'un capuchon sur la tête de distribution 10 (non représenté).The device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A-3C comprises a tank 2, in the form of an aerosol can surmounted by a valve 41 comprising an emergent valve stem 3, of the depression type. A dispensing and application head 10 is mounted on the reservoir. This dispensing head 10 comprises a fixed part, consisting of a body 11 having a first cylindrical skirt 12 whose end has a free edge delimiting an opening 13. The inner wall of the cylindrical skirt 12 has an inner bead 14 in the vicinity the opening 13, adapted to cooperate by breakdown with a bead 15 formed by a crimping flange of the valve 41 on the tank 2. The first cylindrical skirt 12 is connected to a second cylindrical skirt 16 of smaller diameter by a shoulder 17. At its end opposite to the shoulder 17, the cylindrical skirt 16 is connected to a transverse wall 18 having a cutout 19 of corresponding shape to The form of an actuating member 20. The actuating member 20 has a surface portion 21 for forming a bearing surface for actuating the valve. The reservoir has in the vicinity of its upper end a groove 42 adapted to allow the removable mounting of a cap on the dispensing head 10 (not shown).

L'organe d'actionnement 20 est solidaire d'une partie mobile 22 dont une portion opposée à l'organe d'actionnement 20 est reliée à la paroi transversale 18 par une charnière film 23. La partie mobile 22 comporte un canal 24 monté à force sur la tige de valve 3. Le canal 24 s'étend sur toute la longueur d'un bras 25, et débouche sur un orifice 40 situé sensiblement au centre d'un applicateur 35. L'applicateur 35 est constitué d'une surface ovoïde 26 formant un support pour une pluralité de dents 27 espacées de manière régulière sur toute la périphérie de ladite surface ovoïde. Les dents 27 sont orientées de manière sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe X du dispositif. L'orifice 40 peut être obstrué partiellement, au moyen d'une grille par exemple (non représentée) ou de tout autre organe déflecteur, de manière à permettre une meilleure répartition de la mousse sur la surface de la brosse.The actuating member 20 is integral with a movable portion 22, a portion opposite the actuating member 20 is connected to the transverse wall 18 by a film hinge 23. The movable portion 22 comprises a channel 24 mounted to The channel 24 extends over the entire length of an arm 25, and opens onto an orifice 40 located substantially in the center of an applicator 35. The applicator 35 consists of a surface ovoid 26 forming a support for a plurality of teeth 27 spaced evenly over the entire periphery of said ovoid surface. The teeth 27 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis X of the device. The orifice 40 may be partially obstructed, by means of a grid for example (not shown) or any other deflector member, so as to allow a better distribution of the foam on the surface of the brush.

Selon une caractéristique importante de l'invention, la partie fixe 11 porte de part et d'autre du bras 25 deux arc-boutants 28, 29 comportant chacun une face intérieure 30, 31, disposée en regard d'une face correspondante 32, 33 du bras 25. Les arc-boutants 28, 29 présentent également chacun une portion extérieure 37, 38 à profil arrondi. Comme il apparaît clairement aux figures 2 et 3B, les faces 30 et 31 sont disposées dans des plans sensiblement perpendiculaires à l'axe d'articulation défini par la charnière film 23. Un léger jeu est prévu toutefois entre le bras 25 et les faces 30, 31, de manière à ce que les arc-boutants ne gênent pas l'actionnement de la valve. Les arc-boutants 28, 29 s'étendent sur une hauteur égale sensiblement à la moitié de la hauteur du bras 25. La charnière film 23 est disposée entre la paroi transversale 18, et une première extrémité d'une zone de jonction 36 dont la seconde extrémité est reliée au bras 25 sur une face de ce dernier, perpendiculaire aux faces 32 et 33. La zone de jonction 36 est reliée au bras sensiblement au niveau de l'extrémité libre des arc-boutants. La courbure de la zone de jonction 36 est telle que, en position de repos illustrée à la figure 1, la zone de jonction 36 forme avec la surface arrondie 37, 38 des arc-boutants 28, 29, une surface sensiblement continue.According to an important characteristic of the invention, the fixed part 11 carries on both sides of the arm 25 two buttresses 28, 29 each having an inner face 30, 31 disposed opposite a corresponding face 32, 33 of the arm 25. The buttresses 28, 29 also each have an outer portion 37, 38 with a rounded profile. As clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3B, the faces 30 and 31 are arranged in planes substantially perpendicular to the axis of articulation defined by the film hinge 23. A slight clearance is provided, however, between the arm 25 and the faces 30 , 31, so that the buttresses do not interfere with the actuation of the valve. The buttresses 28, 29 extend to a height substantially equal to half the height of the arm 25. The film hinge 23 is disposed between the transverse wall 18, and a first end of a junction zone 36 whose second end is connected to the arm 25 on one side of the latter, perpendicular to the faces 32 and 33. The junction zone 36 is connected to the arm substantially at the free end of the flying buttresses. The curvature of the junction zone 36 is such that, in the rest position illustrated in FIG. 1, the junction zone 36 forms with the rounded surface 37, 38 of the buttresses 28, 29, a substantially continuous surface.

Pour appliquer du produit sur la chevelure, l'utilisatrice actionne la valve au moyen d'une pression exercée sur la surface 21, ce qui provoque un basculement de la partie mobile 22 autour de l'axe de la charnière film 23, et l'enfoncement de la tige de valve 3 (figure 2). Il est à noter qu'en raison de la présence du jeu (de l'ordre de 0,5 mm à 1 mm) entre le bras 25 et les arc-boutants 28, 29, le mouvement de la partie mobile 22, en vue de l'actionnement de la valve, n'est pas gêné de manière sensible. Le produit sort de la tige de valve 3, et monte dans le canal 24, où il est acheminé jusqu'à l'applicateur 35, entre les dents 27 portées par la surface 26, et remplit sensiblement tout le volume délimité par les dents 27. L'utilisatrice porte ensuite l'applicateur sur la chevelure à la manière d'une brosse conventionnelle et déplace l'applicateur dans la chevelure de façon à appliquer le produit sur la chevelure, aux endroits désirés. Si l'applicateur rencontre notamment un noeud ou tout autre obstacle, lors de son déplacement dans la chevelure, le bras 25 viendra immédiatement en butée latérale contre l'une ou l'autre (en fonction du sens de déplacement de la brosse) des faces 30 ou 31 des arc-boutants 28 ou 29, ce qui empêchera toute torsion au niveau de la charnière film 23, et par conséquent tout endommagement de celle ci. En outre, il ne se produit aucun actionnement intempestif de la valve lorsque l'applicateur rencontre un tel obstacle.In order to apply the product to the hair, the user actuates the valve by means of a pressure exerted on the surface 21, which causes the movable part 22 to tilt about the axis of the film hinge 23, and the depression of the valve stem 3 (Figure 2). It should be noted that due to the presence of play (of the order of 0.5 mm to 1 mm) between the arm 25 and the buttresses 28, 29, the movement of the movable part 22, in order the actuation of the valve, is not significantly impeded. The product exits the valve stem 3, and rises in the channel 24, where it is conveyed to the applicator 35, between the teeth 27 carried by the surface 26, and fills substantially the entire volume defined by the teeth 27 The user then wears the applicator on the hair in the manner of a conventional brush and moves the applicator in the hair so as to apply the product on the hair, at the desired locations. If the applicator encounters in particular a knot or any other obstacle, during its movement in the hair, the arm 25 will immediately abut laterally against one or the other (depending on the direction of movement of the brush) of the faces 30 or 31 of the buttresses 28 or 29, which will prevent any twisting at the hinge film 23, and therefore any damage thereof. In addition, there is no inadvertent actuation of the valve when the applicator encounters such an obstacle.

Au vu de la description qui précède, il ressort que la tête de distribution selon l'invention se caractérise par une solidité améliorée sans que ce cela ne nuise, ni à sa simplicité, ni à son coût de revient, ni à la douceur de son fonctionnement.In view of the foregoing description, it appears that the dispensing head according to the invention is characterized by an improved strength without this being detrimental, neither its simplicity, nor its cost, nor the softness of its operation.

Dans la description détaillée qui précède, il a été fait référence à des modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention. Il est évident que des variantes peuvent y être apportées sans s'écarter de l'invention telle que revendiquée ci-après. Ainsi, à titre d'exemple, une structure du même type pourrait être envisagée avec une valve du type à basculement, ou une pompe surmontée d'une tige de pompe. De même, il peut être envisagé de fabriquer l'ensemble sous forme d'un ou plusieurs sous-ensembles, assemblés de façon appropriée, notamment par claquage ou collage, sans pour autant sortir du cadre de l'invention. Cette dernière configuration permet notamment une plus grande flexibilité dans le design de l'applicateur, et permet l'utilisation de moules moins coûteux.In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variations can be made without departing from the invention as claimed hereinafter. Thus, by way of example, a structure of the same type could be envisaged with a valve of the tilting type, or a pump surmounted by a pump rod. Similarly, it may be envisaged to manufacture the assembly in the form of one or more subassemblies, assembled in an appropriate manner, in particular by breakdown or gluing, without departing from the scope of the invention. This latter configuration allows greater flexibility in the design of the applicator, and allows the use of less expensive molds.

Claims (8)

  1. Head (10) for dispensing and applying a product, particularly a haircare product, comprising a body (11) designed to be mounted securely on a reservoir (2) equipped with a pump or with a valve (41), and a part (22) that is movable relative to the body, said movable part (22) including an actuating surface (21) that can be displaced so as to give rise, by pivoting about an articulation axis (23) connecting the movable part (22) to the body (11), the actuating of the pump or of the valve, said movable part (22) also comprising an applicator (35) designed to be placed in communication with the reservoir (2) when the pump or the valve (41) is actuated in order to receive a measure of product to be applied to a surface, characterized in that the body (11) includes means (28, 29) forming a stop to prevent a movement of the movable part other than about the articulation axis (23).
  2. Head according to Claim 1, characterized in that the applicator (35) is mounted on the free end of an arm (25), said means (28, 29) forming a stop consisting of two buttresses arranged on either side of the arm (25).
  3. Head according to Claim 2, characterized in that the buttresses (28, 29) extend over 1/4 to 3/4 of the axial height of the arm (25) and, preferably, over 1/2 to 3/4 of the axial height of the arm.
  4. Head according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the applicator (35) consists of a brush formed from a support (26), on which are installed, substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis X of the reservoir, a plurality of bristles or teeth (27), said support (26) including at least one orifice (40) connected to a supply channel (24) for placing the applicator (35) in communication with the reservoir (2).
  5. Head according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the articulation axis consists of a film hinge (23).
  6. Head according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (11) includes means (14) for attaching the head (10) to the reservoir (2).
  7. Packaging and dispensing assembly (1) comprising a reservoir (2) surmounted by a pump or by a valve and, surmounting the pump or the valve (41), a head (10) for dispensing and applying a product contained in the reservoir, characterized in that the head (10) is in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
  8. Use of an assembly according to Claim 7 for the packaging, dispensing and application of a haircare product, particularly a dye product.
EP99400502A 1998-03-24 1999-03-02 Dispensing and applying head for a product, particularly a haircare product and packaging unit provided with such a head Expired - Lifetime EP0945368B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9803600 1998-03-24
FR9803600A FR2776629B1 (en) 1998-03-24 1998-03-24 HEAD FOR THE DISTRIBUTION AND APPLICATION OF A PRODUCT, IN PARTICULAR HAIR CARE, AND PACKAGING ASSEMBLY EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A HEAD

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0945368A1 EP0945368A1 (en) 1999-09-29
EP0945368B1 true EP0945368B1 (en) 2007-01-17

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99400502A Expired - Lifetime EP0945368B1 (en) 1998-03-24 1999-03-02 Dispensing and applying head for a product, particularly a haircare product and packaging unit provided with such a head

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US (1) US6000405A (en)
EP (1) EP0945368B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3207179B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2264256C (en)
DE (1) DE69934836T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2279607T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2776629B1 (en)

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FR2828999B1 (en) * 2001-08-31 2004-09-10 Oreal DEVICE FOR APPLYING A PRODUCT TO HAIR
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2264256A1 (en) 1999-09-24
FR2776629A1 (en) 1999-10-01
ES2279607T3 (en) 2007-08-16
US6000405A (en) 1999-12-14
EP0945368A1 (en) 1999-09-29
FR2776629B1 (en) 2000-05-12
CA2264256C (en) 2003-08-19
DE69934836T2 (en) 2007-10-18
DE69934836D1 (en) 2007-03-08
JP3207179B2 (en) 2001-09-10
JPH11314690A (en) 1999-11-16

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