EP1221292B2 - Device for storing and applying a haircare product - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a device for applying a product, comprising a container configured to contain the product and an applicator head associated with the container. The applicator head comprises a plurality of applicator elements having a base and a free end, at least one opening communicating with the container and being configured to allow the product to be delivered outside the applicator elements at a location closer to the base than the free end, and a movable support configured to be movable between a first position in which the at least one opening is closed off and a second position in which the at least one opening is at least partially uncovered. In addition, at least some of the applicator elements are mounted on the movable support.

Description

The present invention relates to an assembly for the packaging and application of a hair product, in particular a styling gel or a coloring product, in particular in the form of a cream.

In the present application, for purposes of simplification, the term "user" will be used to designate a user of both male and female sex.

Capillary gels are typically applied by hand, which implies that the user, after application of the gel, wash their hands. In addition, experience shows that, after applying the gel with the hands, most users pass a comb or brush in their hair, so as to restore it, or give it the desired crease. Of course, the comb must then be rinsed. All this, from a practical point of view, is not satisfactory.

Bristle or applicator type devices are known for applying a hair gel. The product is conveyed either at the base of the teeth or at their end via a channel passing through them axially.

Such devices are described in particular in the US Patent 3,570,499 . In this document, the application elements consist of teeth traversed by a channel opening at the end of the teeth, and fed from a refill of flexible material, to perforate by means of a needle, before the first use.

Another arrangement in which the product is dispensed via a channel axially traversing a plurality of teeth is described in the patent US-A-4,090,522 .

The request for FR 2,744,890 discloses a device, equipped with a refill in the form of a bellows, and surmounted by an arrangement of teeth, at the base of which open a plurality of orifices. The application head is capped with a removable cover.

A similar device is described in the document GB 1 422 081 .

Devices comprising a container surmounted by an application head comprising a plurality of teeth, at the base of which open outlets, are also described in the utility models. German 89 06 735.5 and 89 12 220.8 . In these documents, between two uses, the orifices are closed by means of an auxiliary closure element mounted, either slidably or pivotally, on the application head. The closure element comprises means adapted, in the closed position of the closure element, to come into engagement with said orifices so as to close them. The closure element can be either permanently fixed to the device, in particular via a hinge, or can be detached from the device during application.

The request for WO88 / 09632 discloses an applicator device, in particular a coloring product, comprising an arrangement of teeth, at the base of which open outlets in communication with a container containing the product to be applied. Nothing is provided according to this document to directly seal said orifices.

The problems inherent in all these devices are multiple. By the arrangement of the orifices, that is to say, most often between the teeth of the same row, or at the ends of the teeth, the product leaves directly on the zone to be treated, in the plane of the teeth, the latter serving only for guide the installation of the product. When the applicator device is moved in the hair, there is therefore a simultaneity between the contacting of the product on the hair, and the passage of the applicator teeth. The homogeneous distribution of the product on the hair then in many cases requires an additional passage in the hair, either by means of the applicator device itself, or by means of an auxiliary comb.

In systems with an auxiliary sliding or articulated closure element, as described in the two utility models mentioned above, the closure element, in its retracted position (or open position), interferes with the displacement of the device in the hair, which can hinder the good application of the product. In addition, there is a risk that such a closure element, in its retracted position, be broken or damaged. Finally, in the closed position of the closure element, the latter makes it difficult to use such an applicator device in the manner of a simple comb. However, such use, without depositing additional product, may be desirable after application of the product, to perfect the shaping of the hair.

Furthermore, in embodiments using a closure element that can be detached from the application head, for application, the risk of forgetting to reposition it on the application head after use, or even the to lose, is not negligible.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide an applicator device of a hair product resolving in whole or in part, the problems discussed above with reference to the prior art.

It is particularly an object of the invention to provide an applicator device which is simple to use and which is economical to produce.

It is another object of the invention to provide such an applicator device that allows, in a single gesture, the application of the product, and its homogeneous distribution on the hair.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a device that can be used after application of the product, in the manner of a comb, to complete the shaping of the hair.

It is another object of the invention to provide such an applicator device equipped with a member adapted, in the storage position, to seal the orifice (s) communicating with the container, and does not interfere with the movement of the application elements in the hair, as well in position closed (or) orifice (s) in the open position of this (these) last (s).

Still other objects will appear in the following detailed description.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a device according to claim 1 or 18. For the purposes of this application, the terminology "near" to describe the position in which opens (s) the (or) opening (s) reflects the fact that, preferably, this (or these) last (s) leads (s) away from the free end of the application elements, preferably closer to their base than their free end . More preferably, it (s) opens (s) directly into the surface on which are implanted the application elements.

Thus, the opening / closing function of the orifice (s) communicating with the receptacle is provided by the application elements themselves, which makes it possible to generate substantially no interference, capable of disturbing the application or setting in the shape of the hair, when the device is moved in the hair.

The device thus configured is easy to use and economical to produce. The opening / closing function of the orifice (s) communicating with the container being provided by the application elements themselves, this allows a greater flexibility in the configuration of the application elements, in particular in the choice of their number, their spacings, or in the choice of their dimensions (length, section).

Advantageously, the application elements are configured as a first row mounted on said movable support. Preferably, when the movable support is in the second position, said (or said) opening (s) is (are) outside the average plane containing said first row of application elements. Thus, unlike some conventional devices in which the orifices are in alignment with the row of teeth, the configuration according to the invention makes it possible, in the first place, to deposit the product on the hair, then, to distribute it homogeneously by means of the application elements. This results from the fact that, relative to the movement of the device in the hair, the (or) orifice (s) are upstream with respect to at least a portion of the application elements.

Preferably, the device further comprises a second row, fixedly mounted on the application head, said (or said) opening (s) being preferably outside the average plane containing said second row of application elements. The first row of application elements can be mounted on the support so as to move relative to the second in a direction perpendicular to the latter. The first row is particularly involved in detangling the hair before application of the product, the second ensuring the distribution of the deposited product and the finish after application of the product.

For this purpose in particular, the application elements of the first row may differ from the application elements of the second row in at least one characteristic, including length, spacing, or cross section. For detangling, use a comb with teeth larger and relatively spaced. For finishing, use a comb with teeth narrower and thinner.

Preferably, in the second position of the mobile support, said opening (s) is (are) arranged on one side of the first row, or between the first and second rows.

According to a preferred embodiment, said aperture (s) is (are) constituted by at least one slot oriented parallel to the row (or rows) of application elements, and of length substantially equal to the length of the (or) row (s) of application elements. Its width can be of the order of 0.5 mm to 3 mm. Alternatively, it is possible to use a plurality of disjoint orifices, arranged in particular in the form of a row parallel to the row (or rows) of application elements. It is also possible to use a plurality of thin slots in parallel, extending over substantially the entire length of the row (s) of teeth, the relative position between the support and the fixed part of the head of application determining the number of slots through which the product can exit during the application, thus allowing to play on the output rate of the product.

Within a row, the application elements may be of the same or different length. Thus, the free ends of the application elements may extend along a straight or curved line, in particular a concave line, in order to match the curvature of the skull.

The container may comprise at least one compressible wall, preferably elastically, so as to, in response to a pressure exerted on said wall, axially or transversely, generate inside the container an overpressure capable of causing the product to exit through said (or said) opening (s) when the support is in the second position. Such a configuration of the container, especially in the form of a tube or tube flask, largely facilitates the distribution of highly viscous product, such as a gel or a cream of hair coloring. According to one possibility, the compressible wall may be formed of a portion of the body of the container, configured in the form of a bellows, compressible axially.

The container may be made, in whole or in part, of a material chosen from polyethylenes, in particular low or very low density, polyvinyl chlorides, or complexes based on aluminum, or of polyethylene / ethylene vinyl alcohol type (EVOH ) / Polyethylene.

The container may be integral with a handle, formed in particular on a bottom of the container. In such a configuration, the application device is "threaded" in the manner of a glove. This arrangement is quite suitable for a container configuration at least a part of the body forms a bellows.

The application head can be mounted on the container by snapping, screwing, gluing or welding.

Means may be provided for, in the first position of the support, perfect sealing at the closure of the (or) opening (s). Such means may be formed of a bead adapted to engage in a corresponding profile formed by the edges delimiting the (or) opening (s).

The reversible locking of the support in the first and in the second position can be ensured, at least in part, by the same means as those used to perfect the seal.

Advantageously, the support is slidably mounted on the application head.

Advantageously, the application head is removably mounted on the container. This produces a device that can be rechargeable.

A removable cover may be provided for, especially during transport of the device, cover the application head, and protect it against any contamination likely to be caused by the external environment, or vice versa.

• les figures 1, 2, 3A-3B et 4 sont relatives à un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 5, 6, et 7A-7B sont relatives à un second mode de réalisation ; et
• la figure 8 est relative à un troisième mode de réalisation.

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:

• the figures 1 , 2 , 3A-3B and 4 relate to a first embodiment of the invention;
• the figures 5 , 6 , and 7A-7B relate to a second embodiment; and
• the figure 8 relates to a third embodiment.

In the embodiment shown in figures 1 , 2 , 3A-3B and 4 , the device 1 comprises a container 2 in the form of a bottle of generally parallelepiped shape, of elongated section along an axis of greater length, and one end of which is closed by a bottom 3. The other end has an edge 4 defining an opening 5 whose section is close to that of the bottle.

On the bottle 2, is mounted an application head 10. The application head 10 comprises a hoop 11 fixedly mounted on the container 2. For this purpose, the hoop 11 comprises a bead 12, formed on the outer surface of a side skirt 13, and adapted to cooperate by snapping with the edge 4 of the container. The side skirt has an open end, and an end closed by a transverse wall 14.

Substantially in the middle, the transverse wall 14 is traversed by a slot 15 extending over substantially its entire length along the axis of greater length. Parallel to the slot 15 extends a row of teeth 16 formed on a raised portion 17 of the wall 14. The row of teeth 16 is of length substantially equal to the length of the slot 15. The base of the teeth of the row 16 is a few mm from the slot 15.

At each of its ends (along the axis of greater length), the band 11 ends with an edge 18, 19 adapted to slide in a corresponding slide 20, 21 formed at each end of a movable support 22 of the application head 10.

The movable support 22 is of dimensions close to those of the hoop 11, and comprises a window 23 of width greater than the width of the raised portion 17 of the hoop so as, as will be seen in more detail later, allow a sliding of the support 22 relative to the hoop 11, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of greater length of the device 1. The length of the window 23 along the axis of greater length of the device 1 is slightly greater than the length of elevated portion 17.

On one side of the window 23 extends another row of teeth 24 of length substantially identical to the length of the row of teeth 16. According to this embodiment, the teeth of the row 16 are of identical height to that of the row 24 teeth.

A cover 25 is intended, after mounting of the application head 10, to removably cap the latter, in particular during the transport of the device 1. A groove 26 formed on the container in the vicinity of the opening 5 allows the hooking reversible cover 25 on the device 1.

The operation of the device 1 which has just been described will be discussed with reference to the Figures 3A-3B and 4 . In the position of the figure 3A , the mobile support 22 is in alignment with the hoop 11. In this position, the edge of the window 23 adjacent to the row of teeth 24 abuts against the corresponding edge of the raised portion 17 of the hoop 11. The movable support 22 covers the slot 15 and seals tightly to the product. This position corresponds to the storage position. In this position, the row of teeth 24 is substantially at the same level as the slot 15.

In the position of the figure 3B , or dispensing position, the movable support 22 has been slidably displaced perpendicular to the axis of greater length of the device 1, and this until the edge of the window 23, opposite the row of teeth 24 is in abutment against the corresponding edge of the raised portion 17 of the hoop 11. In this position, the slot 15 is opposite the window 23. It is thus disengaged, and the product can be applied as shown in FIG. figure 4 . Typically, the maximum displacement to move from the position of the figure 3A to that of the figure 3B is of the order of 5 mm, it being understood that one can choose to apply the product in an intermediate position between these two extreme positions, intermediate position in which the slot 15 is only partially disengaged. This adjusts the output rate of the product at will.

To use the device according to the invention, especially with a view to applying a coloring cream, the user slides the movable support 22 relative to the band 11 so as to release at least part of the slot 15. It returns the device 1 so as to put the rows of teeth 16 and 24 in engagement with the scalp. It presses on the walls of the container 2 so as to force the product to exit, via the slot 15, between the two rows of teeth 16 and 24. Simultaneously, it moves the device 1 on the hair so as to apply it to the places desired. During movement, as represented by the arrow, the device 1 is rotated so that the slot 15 does not close under the effect of the resistance offered by the hair. For this purpose, the user orients the device 1 so that, when moving in the hair, the fixed row 16 is upstream.

Unlike what is shown in the drawing, for a styling gel, the application device will generally be moved from the front of the head towards the rear.

By proceeding in the above manner, the row of teeth 16 prepares the hair, and in particular detangles them, before they are brought into contact with the product contained between the two rows of teeth 16 and 24. Next, the row teeth 24 distributes the product homogeneously on the hair.

Optionally, during a finishing step, the user puts the device 1 in the position of the figure 3A , and uses it as a comb to perfect the shaping of the hair. In this finishing step, it directs the device 1 to the opposite of its orientation during the application, so that the resistance offered by the hair does not cause displacement of the mobile support 22, and the inadvertent release of the slot 15 .

After use, it can pass the application head 10 under the tap so as to rid of any product residue, likely to dry between two uses.

1. 1. - II comporte une seule rangée de dents 24. Ainsi, à l'inverse du mode de réalisation précédent, la frette 11 ne comporte pas de rangée de dents.
2. 2. - Les extrémités libres des dents de la rangée 24 s'étendent selon une ligne concave de manière à se conformer au profil bombé du crâne.
3. 3. - Le verrouillage réversible de la tête d'application 10 dans la position d'ouverture, respectivement de fermeture, est assuré au moyen d'un bourrelet 30 formé sur la face intérieure du support mobile 22. Le bourrelet 30 s'étend sensiblement au niveau de la rangée de dents 24, sur une longueur sensiblement identique à celle de la fente 15.

The embodiment of the figures 5 , 6 and 7A-7B differs from the previous embodiment, mainly in that:

1. 1. - It comprises a single row of teeth 24. Thus, unlike the previous embodiment, the hoop 11 has no row of teeth.
2. 2. The free ends of the teeth of the row 24 extend in a concave line so as to conform to the curved profile of the skull.
3. 3. - The reversible locking of the application head 10 in the open position, respectively closure, is provided by means of a bead 30 formed on the inner face of the movable support 22. The bead 30 extends substantially at the row of teeth 24, over a length substantially identical to that of the slot 15.

In the open position represented in Figure 7B , the bead 30 is in engagement with a groove 31 formed on the upper face of the transverse wall 14 of the hoop 11. The groove 31 extends parallel to the slot 15, over a substantially identical length. In this position of the Figure 7B the slot 15 is facing the window 23 of the movable support 22. The product can be applied. In this embodiment, it is possible to dispense with the window 23, the bead 30, in combination, on the one hand with the groove 31 and, on the other hand, with the slot 15, delimiting the maximum stroke of the movement slide of the mobile support 22.

In the closed position shown in Figure 7A , the bead 30 is in engagement with the slot 15, thus improving the tightness at closing of the latter. In addition, the cooperation of the bead 30 and the slot 15 ensures the reversible locking of the application head in the closed position.

The device 1 is also identical in all respects to the device of the previous embodiment.

On application, the process is similar to that described with reference to the previous embodiment, it being understood that the device 1 is oriented so that the slot 15 is upstream with respect to the row of teeth 24. With this method of realization, the product is applied directly without preliminary preparation of the hair, as can be obtained with the row of teeth 16 of the previous embodiment.

In the embodiment of the figure 8 , the application head 10 is identical to that of the first embodiment, except that the teeth of the row 16 are of slightly lower height than the height of the teeth of the row 24. This difference in height facilitates the gesture and informs the user on the preferred orientation of the device 1 during its movement on the hair.

Furthermore, the container is of circular cross section and is shaped as a bellows 40. The bottom 3 of the container is integral with a handle 50 which allows the gripping of the device 1 in the manner of a glove.

At application, the interaction between the application head, the product, and the hair, is similar to that of the embodiment of figures 1 , 2 , 3A-3B and 4 . The only thing that differs is the grip of the device via the handle 50, and the output of the product generated by axial compression of the container via the bellows 40, instead of the lateral compression of the previous embodiment.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Claims (33)

1. Device (1) for packaging and applying a haircare product, particularly in the form of a gel, comprising a container (2) containing the product, the said container being surmounted by an applicator head (10) comprising a plurality of applicator elements (16, 24), in particular in the form of teeth, this applicator head comprising a band (11) mounted fixedly on the container provided with at least one opening (15) in communication with the container and arranged in such a way as to allow the product to emerge outside the applicator elements, at least some (24) of the applicator elements being mounted on a support (22) which can move relative to the said band (11) between a first position in which the said opening (15) is closed off and a second position in which the said opening (15) is at least partially uncovered, characterized in that the said at least one opening (15) is arranged in such a way as to allow the product to emerge outside the applicator elements, near their base, in that means (15, 30, 31) are provided for reversibly locking the movable support (22) in the first and in the second position, and in that a row of applicator elements is provided on the said band (11).
2. Device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the applicator elements are configured in the form of a first row (24) mounted on the said movable support (22).
3. Device (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that, when the movable support (22) is in the second position, the said opening(s) (15) is (are) outside the mid-plane containing the said first row of applicator elements (24).
4. Device (1) according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it also comprises a second row (16) mounted fixedly on the applicator head (10), the said opening(s) (15) being outside the mid-plane containing the said second row of applicator elements (16), the first row of applicator elements (24) being mounted on the movable support (22) in such a way as to move with respect to the second (16) in a direction perpendicular to the latter (16).
5. Device (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the applicator elements of the first row (24) differ from the applicator elements of the second row (16) in terms of at least one feature, in particular length, spacing or cross section.
6. Device (1) according to either of Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that in the second position of the movable support (22), the said opening(s) (15) is (are) arranged on one side of the first row (24), or between the first (24) and second (16) rows.
7. Device (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the said opening(s) (15) consist(s) of at least one slot oriented parallel to the row(s) of applicator elements (16, 24) and of a length substantially equal to the length of the row(s) of applicator elements (16, 24).
8. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, within one row (16, 24), the applicator elements are of identical or different lengths.
9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said container (2) comprises at least one wall (40) which is compressible, preferably elastically compressible, in such a way as, in response to pressure exerted transversely or axially on the said wall, to generate inside the container (2) an excess pressure capable of causing the product to emerge through the said opening(s) (15) when the support (22) is in the second position.
10. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the container (2) is made, entirely or partly, of a material selected from polyethylenes, in particular low-density or very low-density polyethylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, or complexes based on aluminium, or of the polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/polyethylene type.
11. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the container (2) is integral with a handle (50), formed in particular on an end wall (3) of the container.
12. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the applicator head (10) is mounted on the container by snap-fastening, screwing, bonding or welding.
13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (30) are provided to improve the sealing of the opening(s) (15) when they are closed, when the support (22) is in the first position.
14. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the movable support (22) is mounted so as to be able to slide on the applicator head (10).
15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator head (10) is mounted removably on the container (2).
16. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a lid (25) for removably covering the applicator head (10).
17. Use of a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims for applying a haircare product, particularly a styling gel or dye.
18. Device (1) for packaging and applying a haircare product, particularly in the form of a gel, comprising a container (2) containing the product, the said container being surmounted by an applicator head (10) comprising a plurality of applicator elements (16, 24), in particular in the form of teeth, at least one opening (15) in communication with the container being arranged in such a way as to allow the product to emerge outside the applicator elements, at least some (24) of the applicator elements being mounted on a support (22) which can move between a first position in which the said opening (15) is closed off and a second position in which the said opening (15) is at least partially uncovered, characterized in that the said at least one opening (15) is arranged in such a way as to allow the product to emerge outside the applicator elements, near their base, in that means (15, 30, 31) are provided for reversibly locking the movable support (22) in the first and in the second position, and in that these means are provided to improve the sealing of the opening(s) (15) when they are closed, when the support (22) is in the first position.
19. Device (1) according to Claim 18, characterized in that the applicator elements are configured in the form of a first row (24) mounted on the said movable support (22).
20. Device (1) according to Claim 19, characterized in that, when the movable support (22) is in the second position, the said opening(s) (15) is (are) outside the mid-plane containing the said first row of applicator elements (24).
21. Device (1) according to Claim 19 or 20, characterized in that it also comprises a second row (16) mounted fixedly on the applicator head (10), the said opening(s) (15) being outside the mid-plane containing the said second row of applicator elements (16), the first row of applicator elements (24) being mounted on the movable support (22) in such a way as to move with respect to the second (16) in a direction perpendicular to the latter (16).
22. Device (1) according to Claim 21, characterized in that the applicator elements of the first row (24) differ from the applicator elements of the second row (16) in terms of at least one feature, in particular length, spacing or cross section.
23. Device (1) according to either of Claims 21 and 22, characterized in that in the second position of the movable support (22), the said opening(s) (15) is (are) arranged on one side of the first row (24), or between the first (24) and second (16) rows.
24. Device (1) according to Claim 23, characterized in that the said opening(s) (15) consist(s) of at least one slot oriented parallel to the row(s) of applicator elements (16, 24) and of a length substantially equal to the length of the row(s) of applicator elements (16, 24).
25. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 19 to 24, characterized in that, within one row (16, 24), the applicator elements are of identical or different lengths.
26. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 18 to 25, characterized in that the said container (2) comprises at least one wall (40) which is compressible, preferably elastically compressible, in such a way as, in response to pressure exerted transversely or axially on the said wall, to generate inside the container (2) an excess pressure capable of causing the product to emerge through the said opening(s) (15) when the support (22) is in the second position.
27. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 18 to 26, characterized in that the container (2) is made, entirely or partly, of a material selected from polyethylenes, in particular low-density or very low-density polyethylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, or complexes based on aluminium, or of the polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/polyethylene type.
28. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 18 to 27, characterized in that the container (2) is integral with a handle (50), formed in particular on an end wall (3) of the container.
29. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 18 to 28, characterized in that the applicator head (10) is mounted on the container by snap-fastening, screwing, bonding or welding.
30. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 18 to 29, characterized in that the movable support (22) is mounted so as to be able to slide on the applicator head (10).
31. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 18 to 30, characterized in that the applicator head (10) is mounted removably on the container (2).
32. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 18 to 31, characterized in that it comprises a lid (25) for removably covering the applicator head (10).
33. Use of a device (1) according to any one of Claims 18 to 32 for applying a haircare product, particularly a styling gel or dye.

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