EP0923323B1 - Dispenser for crumbly product - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a product application assembly disintegrable comprising a rigid protective envelope, the product being likely to slide in this envelope between two positions: a retracted position where the product is protected inside the envelope, and a exit position where the product can be applied to a surface to be treated.

This application set is intended, more particularly, to distribute and apply a cosmetic, dermatological or food product, such as for example a stick (or stick) of deodorant or depilatory, a gel, a cream, a make-up bar, a stick of lip product or blush, a blush, a foundation, or a stick of glue.

WO 96 03899 describes a set of application of a product which comprises a reservoir containing the product on which is mounted fixes an application grid 50 constituting an application surface.

We know, for example from document US-A-2,491,723, a case of lipstick in which is housed a product presented in the form of a stick. The stick is housed in a sliding cup inside the case. Basically an adjustment wheel is provided on the case, suitable for advancing or reversing the stick in the case: For this purpose, the wheel is secured to a helical spiral, whose free end carries the cup. A device is provided to immobilize axially a middle turn of the spring, so that a movement of rotation of the spring, by means of the wheel, causes, by translation, the advancement or retreat of the product cup. By fixing the product on the spring, this product is suspended, in a way, in an elastic manner.

The above prior art applicator has several disadvantages. On the one hand, the drive mechanism, according to US-A-2,491 723, is imprecise and has play, which prejudices precision of product application. On the other hand, at the start of product distribution, the operation of the mechanism is felt by the user to be too hard, and at the end of the race, as if too soft. Consequently, depending on the position of the cup in its envelope, the flexibility of application of the product is not constant. Indeed, at the start of use when the stick is blank, the stick application flexibility is determined by the compression of some few turns; as a result there is little flexibility application. However, at the end of use, when the stick is almost at the end of its exit stroke, the stick rests on a large number of turns spring; the result is that the application force is too weak to obtain a correct disintegration of the product, which is detrimental, too.

The present invention aims to avoid all the drawbacks of this prior applicator, by providing the consumer with a applicator of disintegrating product, gentle application, the operation of which is impeccable. According to the invention, thanks to an elastic suspension improved product, it can be gently applied to surfaces to be treat, for example sensitive areas of the skin, such as the lips or armpits, the softness of application being constant from the start of the application of the product until the end of its consumption.

The primary object of the present invention is a set of application of improved operation of very smooth application, usable in particular for a hard and not very crumbly product, ensuring a regular disintegration.

Another object of the invention is to avoid drying of the product, in associating with this applicator a closing element. In position of storage, the product application surface is in elastic contact permanent with this closing element, making it possible to reduce the maximum evaporation of volatile compounds that may be present, the if applicable, in the product.

Also, the present invention relates to a set of application of viscous to solid consistency product according to claim 1.

According to the invention, said drive means are distinct from the means elastic. Thus, the elastic restoring force is substantially constant, whatever the position of the support inside the envelope, which contributes to providing a constant softness of application over the uses.

By the term “ delitable product ” is meant any substantially solid or viscous product which can be spread on a surface by friction, such as for example, a gelled deodorant stick, a compacted makeup powder, a stick of lip product, a lotion, a cream or an ointment, or a stick of glue. When the product is solid, it can be shaped by compacting, by extrusion or by casting, followed by solidification.

The casing of the applicator is generally cylindrical and has a circular or oval section, but it can also be polygonal, or have any other form. Preferably, it is made of a material rigid, such as polypropylene.

In this envelope is mounted, in a conventional manner, the support of product, sliding axially, and carrying the product roll. Advantageously, this support extends radially, relative to the axis of a rod acting as a drive means, and bears against the walls internal sides of the envelope, serving as a support base for the product. This support can be in the form of a piston or a cup mobile. The means of training provided to cooperate with the support advantageously consist of a rod, this rod not having substantially no axial elasticity. The rod has means for coupling able to cooperate with the support, in order to adjust its height. In this Indeed, the support can be provided with a central orifice, comprising, by example, internal tapping. This tapping of the orifice is able to cooperate with a complementary thread of the rod. We can easily understand, that a rotation of the rod causes, by screwing, the advancement or retreat of the support, and so the product. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a rack-and-pinion mechanism to adjust the height of the support in the envelope.

According to an interesting aspect of the invention, the rod is slidably mounted axially, with respect to the envelope. In accordance with a first mode of embodiment, the rod has a support element, for example a stop axial, integral with the rod or not, serving to support the elastic means, these means can then be arranged between the bottom and the axial stop. Of generally, the elastic means are, for example metal or plastic, and can be constituted by a helical spring. In this case, the elastic spring is crossed by the rod. Alternatively, the elastic means may also consist of a block of cellular foam elastically compressible, or be in the form of one or more elastic spring leaves, or have a structure of the type elastically deformable bellows. This bellows can be an integral part of the outer envelope and be disposed between said envelope and the bottom. In this configuration, the bellows is elastically stretchable.

If the spring is made of plastic, it can be made in one single piece with rod. Advantageously, the rod crosses the bottom of the envelope. The end of the stem, emerging from the bottom to the outside of the envelope, is integral with the actuation means, accessible to the user. The other end of the rod is, in this case, embedded in the product. This arrangement allows the rod to slide axially, in deforming the elastic means, against the restoring force of said elastic means.

The actuating means can be mounted operable by rotation. Preferably, they are constituted by a cylindrical wheel secured to one end of the rod, in the vicinity of the bottom of the envelope. The rod, the wheel, the support and the product roll form a whole, suitable for slide axially in the envelope, when pressure is exerted on the product bread application surface, applying it on an object to treat. This pressure causes an elastic recoil of the product bread, as well as the support and rod, compressing the spring. So a product loaf can be gently applied to a surface, which is suitable particularly when applying a solid, breakable product to areas sensitive skin. When using a rack and pin mechanism to adjust the position of the product, the operating member is a push button, which the user can press by axial pressure.

The stem may be hollow. In this case, a central channel crosses the entire rod, extending from its end. This is advantageous when packaging of this application set, because by turning it over, the product can, if necessary, be poured hot through the hollow rod in the envelope. In this case, the open end of the envelope is closed by a protective cover, the cover serving as a mold. So the hood has an internal surface having a shape complementary to that of the product bread application surface, for example in the form of dome.

In the storage position of the application assembly, the surface of application of the product bread can be permanently in elastic support against the inner surface of the hood. This arrangement reduces considerably drying out of a product containing constituents volatile, for example body deodorant sticks with alcohol or grapes lipstick with volatile silicones. This also allows prevent the product from degrading under the effect of ambient air.

According to a second embodiment, the elastic means are arranged between the wheel and the bottom of the envelope. In this case, the wall side of the envelope has a cylindrical shape, of oval section or flattened, two rectangular windows being provided near the bottom on the large faces of the oval, leaving at least part of the wheel, relative to the outer contour of the envelope. Between the face circular wheel and the bottom is then arranged the elastic means, by example in the form of an elastic blade, helical spring or block elastically compressible foam. This block is, for example, an ethylene foam plate. Pressure on the application surface product bread is therefore transmitted, via the support and the rod, on the wheel, which moves back a certain distance, compressing the foam plate.

According to a third embodiment, the elastic means are located between the rod and the product support. In this case, the rod does not cooperate not directly with the support, as in the embodiments described above, but with an intermediate member carrying itself the elastic means and on which the support is mounted, in a mobile manner axially. This intermediate member can carry tabs elastic, a coil spring or a cellular foam plate elastically compressible, pressing against the support.

According to a fourth embodiment, an elastic means is used working in elongation. In this case, these means are located between two peripheral zones of the envelope, advantageously arranged near from the bottom of it. Thus, the cylindrical wall of the envelope comprises a large area which is a gripping area, for handling by the user, and, on the bottom side, a narrow zone, axially movable by relative to the gripping area, following a determined stroke. Of preferably, these elastic means are constituted by a bellows elastically extensible, secured on both sides of the two wide zones and narrow of the envelope. Pressure on the application surface of the bread product is therefore transmitted, via the support and the rod, to the bottom and the area narrow of the envelope. Consequently, the bottom then moves back a distance determined, by stretching the elastic bellows.

Generally, the product is of solid and crumbly consistency, such as a deodorant stick or a lipstick grape. It is possible, however to use a more or less viscous consistency product such as body cream or deodorant lotion, in which case the product is maintained in the envelope by means of a sieve constituting the surface of application of said product, this screen being mounted to slide axially in the envelope on the side of the open end, this open end comprising advantageously means for preventing the sieve from coming out of the envelope.

To better understand the present invention, we will describe now, by way of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples, several embodiments of applicators in accordance with the invention, shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 represents an axial section of an applicator, according to a first embodiment of the invention, in the storage position.

Figure 2 shows an axial section of the applicator of Figure 1 in position of use.

FIG. 3 represents an axial section of an applicator, according to a second embodiment of the invention, in the storage position.

Figure 4 shows, in axial section, another embodiment applicator of the invention.

FIG. 5 represents a perspective view of another mode of realization of the applicator of the invention.

FIG. 6 represents, in axial section, an applicator according to the mode of realization of figure 5.

Figure 7 shows an axial sectional view of yet another mode of the applicator of the invention.

Figure 8 shows an axial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of Figure 1, the applicator shown being specially designed for distribution of a liquid to pasty consistency product.

FIG. 9 finally shows another embodiment of an applicator comprising a rack-and-pinion mechanism for removing, will, the product, as it is consumed.

In the drawings, in particular with reference to Figures 1 and 2, we see a applicator designated as a whole by the reference 1. It comprises a cylindrical casing 3 of oval section provided with a central axis X, this envelope being closed at its lower end by a bottom 32, and open at the upper end 30 located on the side opposite the bottom.

The bottom 32 is provided with a cylindrical recess 38 whose diameter is greater than the dimension of the minor axis of the oval. So two notches (no shown) are formed in the envelope 3. The recess 38 is formed by a cylindrical wall 37 and a circular plate 39 provided with a central orifice 35. In the recess 38 is housed a cylindrical wheel 5 movable in rotation, integral with a central adjustment rod 6 passing through the orifice 35 and extending over almost the entire height of the envelope 3. The axis of the rod 6 coincides with the applicator's X axis. The outer cylindrical wall of the wheel has longitudinal grooves 52 for easy handling. The wheel is accessible from the outside by the notches, where it can turn around the X axis, by user action.

On the side opposite to the wheel, substantially from its mid-height, the upper part of the rod is provided with a thread 62 cooperating with a corresponding thread of a cylindrical sleeve 42, this sleeve making part of a cup 4, of oval section, the periphery of which carries a lip sealing 44 turned on the opposite side to the bottom 32. The sealing lip 44 is in contact with the inner wall of the envelope 3.

The rod 6 further comprises a radial flange 8, located at the end lower thread 62, substantially halfway up the rod. A spring helical spiral 7 with double inlet, axially compressible, includes, a first end, two legs 72, which bear against the flange radial 8 of the rod. The spring 7 is made of a plastic material. The second end 74 of the spring bears against the plate 39. The spring 7 is placed in compression between the plate 39 and the collar.

In the vicinity of the opening 34, the wall of the envelope has an area of reduced thickness 36, which constitutes a seat for a protective cover 9, able to close the open end of the envelope 3. Inside this cover is arranged a sub-cover 91, comprising a concave bottom 92, the concavity is turned towards the bottom 32 of the applicator.

Thus, a product reservoir is defined by the support 4, the casing 3 and the under-cover 91, tank in which a gelled block of product P is placed erodible. This block of product P has, as visible in FIG. 2, a application surface 2, emerging from the open end 30 of the envelope 3, this surface 2 matching the concave bottom 92 of the under-cover 91 and being in elastic support against it under the action of spring 7 (Figure 1).

When the user applies the surface 2 of the product P to the skin, with a view to apply the product to it, the product comes into contact with the skin sweetness. In fact, when a pressing force is applied to the surface 2 of the product, as symbolized by the arrow F in FIG. 2, the product bread P back axially towards the bottom 32, compressing the spring 7. When of this axial translation, the product drives the support 4, the rod 6 and the wheel 5 which emerges from its housing 38.

FIG. 3 represents a second embodiment of the invention, substantially similar to that of Figures 1 and 2. In this figure, the parts identical or playing a role similar to those of FIGS. 1 and 2, bear the references of these figures increased by 100; their description will not be repeated only partially. In Figure 3, only the plastic spring 7 of Figures 1 and 2 has been replaced by a metal spring 107 of oval section, placed between a support plate 107a and the bottom 132.

The plate 107a has a central opening 135, through which the rod 106. At mid-height, the rod comprises a flange 108 pressing against tray 107a.

It is understood, that the spring 107 can be replaced by any other axially elastically deformable means, for example by a ring foam.

Figure 4 shows, in axial section, another embodiment of a applicator 201, provided with elastic damping means 207 in the form a curved elastic tongue. The embodiment of Figure 4 is substantially similar to that of Figures 1 and 2. In this figure, the parts identical or playing a role similar to those of FIGS. 1 and 2, bear the references of these figures increased by 200; their description will not be repeated only partially.

The applicator 201 comprises a cylindrical envelope 203 of shape oval provided with a bottom 232 provided with a recess 238, designed to accommodate a cylindrical knob 205 for actuation. This wheel, mobile in rotation, is secured to a free end 206a of a threaded rod passing through the bottom 232 at level of the recess 238. In the casing 203 is slidably mounted axially, a first cylindrical guide skirt 204a provided, at near its upper part, a transverse support plate 204, supporting a loaf of delitable product P. In the part 204b of the skirt 204a which extends towards the bottom 232, is mounted, also with axial sliding, a regulation plate 240 which has a central orifice 242 threaded, crossed by a threaded rod 206. The periphery of the plate 240 is folded square and forms a second guide skirt 246.

The tongue 207 is integral with the plate 240 and has one end flexible free 207a, in elastic support against the support plate 204, exerting a determined pressure on it. A protective cover 209 is provided to close the applicator and to protect product P. If necessary, the support plate 204 can be provided with a filling orifice (not shown) for the hot pouring of product P, in the inverted position of the applicator.

The distribution and application of product P by this applicator are performed in a similar way to those of figure 1.

In FIGS. 5 and 6 there is shown, in axial section (FIG. 6) and in cross section (Figure 5, representing a section along the V-V plane of the FIG. 6) an applicator 301, substantially similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2. In these figures, the parts identical or playing a role similar to those Figures 1 and 2 bear the references of these figures increased by 300; their description will only be repeated partially. In Figure 5, only the plastic spring 7 in FIGS. 1 and 2 has been replaced by a plate elastically compressible foam 307, for example foam of polyethylene, this foam plate being placed between the wheel 305 and the bottom 332.

FIG. 7 represents another embodiment of the invention, substantially similar to that of Figures 1 and 2. In this figure, the parts identical or playing a role similar to those of FIGS. 1 and 2, bear the references of these figures increased by 400; their description will not be repeated only partially. In FIG. 7, the damping means is constituted by a elastically extensible bellows 407. This bellows is part of the envelope outer 403 of the applicator 401. In fact, the bellows 407 divides the envelope 403 into two peripheral zones: a wide zone 403a serving as a zone of grip and, on the bottom side, a narrow zone 403b, the narrow zone 403b carrying a wheel 405 secured to the rod 406 to control reentry and the product outlet P. Thanks to the bellows, the narrow zone 403b is movable axially, relative to the gripping area, along a given stroke.

By applying the product on a support, for example on the skin, a pressure is exerted on the application surface 402 of the product P bread, this pressure being transmitted, via the support 404 and the rod 406, on the bottom and the narrow area 403b of the envelope, which causes, by stretching the bellows 407, an elastic recoil from the bottom relative to the wide area 403a.

FIG. 8 represents, in axial section, an embodiment of a applicator, substantially similar to that of FIG. 1. With respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the applicator 501 of FIG. 8 has been modified for the distribution of a liquid to pasty consistency product. In this figure, the identical parts or playing a role similar to those of FIGS. 1 and 2, bear the references of these figures increased by 500; their description does will only be partially taken over.

According to FIG. 8, the applicator 501 contains a viscous product P, by example an antiperspirant gel. This product is packaged in a volume defined on the one hand, by the internal wall of a cylindrical envelope 503 and a piston 504, and on the other hand by a screen 502 provided with a multitude of orifices distribution 550, distributed regularly over its entire surface. The 502 sieve has a curved outward shape and advantageously forms a sort of grid. This screen is slidably mounted axially in the envelope 503. In addition, the envelope 503 has, on the side of its free end 530, a flange 531, extending radially inwards, so that the screen cannot come out of the envelope.

By rotation of the wheel 505, and consequently of the rod 508, the height of the piston can be adjusted, so that the screen 502 protrudes slightly from the end 530 of the casing 503. By applying the grid to a support, by example on the skin, a pressure F is exerted on the product P. Simultaneously, the piston 504, the rod 506 and the thumbwheel 505 recede in compressing the spring 507. At the same time, the product leaves through the orifices 550 of the sieve and can be distributed regularly on the skin. When the pressure F on the screen 502, the dispensing of the product P stops completely.

FIG. 9 finally shows yet another embodiment of a applicator 601 comprising a ratchet mechanism for making take out, at will, a solid, breakable product P, as and when it is consumption. The applicator 601 has a cylindrical envelope 603 provided with a bottom 632 and, on the opposite side, with an open end 630. The bottom 632 has an opening 634, in which is housed a push button 605. The push button 605 is integral with a rack and pinion 606, extending towards the open end 630 of the envelope. At the bottom of the casing 603 is disposed a helical spring 607, bearing against a support plate 639 for rod 606. This plate is mounted so as to ability to slide axially between two extreme positions, a bead peripheral 645 being provided on the internal wall of the envelope 603 for limit the stroke of the plate upwards. The tray 639 has a central opening 639a, this opening being traversed by a portion cylindrical 610 of the rod 606. The cylindrical portion 610 ends with a side, by push button 605, and on the other side, by a radial projection 609. A plurality of tabs 660 disposed between the push button 605 and the plate 639 maintain the projection 609 in elastic support against the plate 639. Beyond the projection 609, the rod 606 has a portion shaped rack 606a. The rack goes through a central hole 604a, formed in the center of a piston 604, placed in the envelope 603, of so as to support a solid block of product P, in which is submerged the free end 606b of the rack. The piston 604 has, on its opposite side to the product, fins 640 resting on the rack. So, the piston is axially movable, unidirectionally, the fins preventing the rack from sinking into product P.

The operation of the applicator 601 is as follows: by depressions of the push button 605 against the restoring force of the elastic tabs 660, the user takes out the product P, so appropriate, through the open end 630 of the envelope. Each actuation of the push button advances the piston 606 one notch of the rack and remove the product evenly. The surface 602 of the product can then be applied to an appropriate support, such as the skin, by exerting a bearing force on it, as symbolized by the arrow F. When the application of the product on the skin, the pressing force causes a recoil elastic of the assembly: product block P - piston 604 - rack and pinion 606 - push button 605 and tabs 660 - by compressing the spring 607.

Thanks to this mechanism, the product can be applied to the skin of gentle way. This application occurs, moreover, homogeneously, because the bearing force of product P on the skin is always appreciably constant.

It should be noted that in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 9, the drive means that constitute the rod are axially linked to elastically deformable means, so that when pressure is exerted, in particular during application, on the surface of the product, the rod moves back in at the same time as the elastic means compress. On the other hand, the actuation of the drive means by the wheel, does not cause substantial modification of the restoring force exerted by the means elastic.

Claims (24)

1. Assembly (1 ... 601) for applying a slakable product (P) of viscous to solid consistency, having a surface (2 ... 602) for application to a surface to be treated, this application assembly comprising:

   a) a casing (3 ... 603) that is open at one of its ends (30 ... 630), the end of the casing that is opposite the open end (30 ... 630) having a base (32 ... 632),

   b) a support (4 ... 604) on which the product (P) is mounted, said support being able to slide axially, in a leaktight manner, inside the casing,

   c) drive means (6 ... 606) designed to adjust the height of the support inside the casing,

   d) actuating means (5 ... 605) that are accessible from the base of the casing to operate said drive means, and

   e) elastic means (7 ... 607) that are axially deformable so as to allow, under the action of pressure exerted on the application surface (2 ... 602), in a substantially axial manner, a relative axial movement between the product (P) and the casing (3 ... 603) against a return force exerted by the elastic means (7 ... 607),

   said drive means (6 ... 606) being separate from the elastic means (7 ...607), the application surface being designed such that its height inside the casing can be adjusted by the drive means.
2. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the drive means consist of a rod (6 ... 606) that has substantially no axial elasticity.
3. Assembly according to Claim 2, characterized in that the rod (6 ... 606) is mounted so as to slide axially with respect to the casing (3 ... 603).
4. Assembly according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the rod (106) is hollow, said rod having a central channel passing right through it.
5. Assembly according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the rod (6) comprises coupling means (62, 42) able to cooperate with the support (4), so as to adjust its height.
6. Assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that the rod (6, 106, 306, 406, 506) cooperates with the support (4, 104, 304, 404, 504) by screwing.
7. Assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that the rod (606) cooperates with the support (604) by means of a rack mechanism (606a).
8. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the rod (206) is integral with an intermediate member (240), on which the support (204) is mounted so as to be axially movable.
9. Assembly according to Claim 8, characterized in that the elastic means (207) are arranged between the support (204) and the intermediate member (240).
10. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the elastic means (7) are arranged between an axial stop (8), formed on the rod (6), and the base (32).
11. Assembly according to Claim 10, characterized in that the axial stop is integral with the actuating means (305), the elastic means (307) being arranged between the actuating means and an attached base (332).
12. Assembly according to Claim 10, characterized in that the axial stop consists of a plate (107a) that is integral with the rod (106) and located between the support (104) and the base (132).
13. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the elastic means consist of a bellows-type structure (407), placed between the casing (403) and the base (432).
14. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the elastic means consist of a helical spring (7, 107, 507, 607).
15. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the elastic means consist of an elastically compressible foam block (307).
16. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the elastic means consist of a leaf spring (207).
17. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the actuating means consist of a rotary knob (5, 105, 205, 305, 405, 505) that is integral with the rod (6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506).
18. Assembly according to Claim 17, characterized in that the knob (305) has at least one part (305a) projecting, in the vicinity of the base (332), with respect to the outer contour of the casing (303).
19. Assembly according to Claim 7, characterized in that the actuating means consist of a push-button (605) that is integral with the rod (606).
20. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with a protective cover (9 ... 409) comprising an internal surface (92 ... 492) with a shape that complements that of the application surface (2 ... 402) of the product (P).
21. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the cover (9 ... 409) is in place, the application surface (2 ... 402) of the product (P) bears elastically against the internal surface (92 ... 492) of the cover (9 ... 409).
22. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (P) is in the form of a solid crumbly block.
23. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (P) has a viscous consistency and is retained in the casing (503) by means of a mesh (502) forming the application surface of said product.
24. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (P) is a body cream, a lipstick, a face powder or a deodorant stick.

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