FR3148228A1 - Cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device, and associated method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products, and associated method of use The device (10) comprises: - a container (12) comprising a reservoir (20) containing a cosmetic product (14) and a neck (22) defining a dispensing passage (36), - a dispensing tip (16) mounted in a sealed manner in the dispensing passage (36) and defining a dispensing channel between an upstream inlet and a downstream orifice. The cosmetic product (14) has a viscosity of between 0.001 Pa.s and 1.5 Pa.s, the dispensing channel of the cosmetic product (14) is clear between the upstream inlet and the downstream orifice and comprises at least one region for regulating the flow of product having a transverse extent relative to an axis of the channel, less than 2 mm over a height taken in projection on an axis parallel to the axis of the channel of at least 5 mm. Figure for the abstract: figure 1

Description

Cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device, and associated method of use

The present invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products comprising:

- a container comprising a reservoir containing a cosmetic product and a neck having a cylindrical downstream region defining a passage for dispensing the cosmetic product,

- a dispensing tip converging from the reservoir to a downstream orifice, the dispensing tip being mounted in a sealed manner in the dispensing passage and defining a channel for dispensing the cosmetic product having an upstream inlet opening towards the reservoir and emerging downstream through the downstream orifice.

The cosmetic product is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a facial and/or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

More generally, a cosmetic product is a product as defined in Regulation EC No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated 30 November 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

For many applications in makeup, hair products or skincare, it is necessary to precisely apply a controlled dose of cosmetic product to a body surface. This application is generally done by squeezing the deformable walls of a container containing the product and collecting the product at the outlet of a tip.

Such an application is sometimes made difficult, in particular depending on the viscosity of the product delivered, which can vary significantly from one product to another, and the nature of the packaging device which can be more or less rigid.

It is then common for a user to find himself faced with the difficulty of obtaining a sufficient dose of product by having to deploy a significant effort to compress the packaging device. On the contrary, applying too great a compression force can lead to an excess of product being delivered, sometimes with difficulties in sucking it back into the container.

WO 2015/028733 discloses a device for packaging and applying a makeup composition comprising a flexible tube container having a passage section of the composition between the container and the air distribution orifice of between 0.2 mm ² and 3 mm ² , allowing regular and controlled distribution of the composition on an application surface.

Other cosmetic product packaging and dispensing devices are described in JP05319446, US20040245290, US7758553, and US20210244157.

However, such devices can still be improved, in particular to further facilitate the dosing of the product by obtaining a regular flow of product.

One aim of the invention is to provide a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product, allowing a user to easily control the flow and to easily and precisely dose the quantity of cosmetic product at the outlet.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the cosmetic product has a viscosity of between 0.001 Pa.s and 1.5 Pa.s, the distribution channel of the cosmetic product being clear between the upstream inlet and the downstream orifice, the distribution channel comprising at least one region for regulating the flow of product having a transverse extent D3 relative to an axis of the channel, less than 2 mm over a height H1 taken in projection on an axis parallel to the axis of the channel of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm.

Surprisingly, the combination of very specific geometric parameters for the distribution channel, with a viscosity adapted to the cosmetic product used, offers precise control of the flow and quantity of the product delivered, without the risk of excessive distribution and without having to exert too much effort to obtain the desired dose of product.

According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

- the product distribution channel is conical in shape, the ratio of the minimum cross-sectional area to the maximum cross-sectional area being between 0.6 and 1.

The weakly conical geometry of the distribution channel precisely regulates the flow of product circulating in the distribution channel and therefore helps in the delivery of a precise and controlled dose of product at the outlet of the distribution channel.

According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

- the downstream orifice located downstream of the regulation region has an angular outlet opening greater than 15°, in particular greater than 45°.

The wide angular outlet opening of the orifice slows the speed of the product leaving the distribution channel, ensuring smooth distribution, and prevents any unwanted excess material from blocking the outlet of the distribution channel.

According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

- the tank comprises at least one side wall and a bottom, the side wall having a minimum average deformation greater than 1 mm when a force of 30 N is applied to the geometric center of the wall, with a preload speed of 20 mm/min, the minimum average deformation being in particular greater than 2 mm, and in particular between 3 mm and 5 mm.

The presence of a side wall having the deformation characteristics as described above allows the reservoir to be flexible and easily compressed by the user by pressure on the walls to deliver the desired dose of cosmetic product.

According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

- the tank comprises at least one side wall and a bottom, the side wall having an average absence of elastic return greater than -8% when a force of 30 N is applied to the geometric center of the wall, with a preload speed of 20 mm/min, the average absence of elastic return being in particular greater than -3%, and in particular between -1% and 0%.

When the walls of the reservoir are deformed by the user who applies pressure and then releases the applied pressure, their elasticity allows them, on the one hand, to return to their initial shape and avoid permanent deformation of the reservoir, and on the other hand, to generate a suction effect which eventually sucks the excess cosmetic product towards the inside of the reservoir. The user can therefore precisely dose the quantity of product which is delivered.

According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

- the minimum average sidewall deformation is between 3 mm and 5 mm, and the average sidewall springback is between -1% and 0%.

The combination of the deformability and elasticity characteristics of the tank walls optimizes the use of the packaging and storage device, both through more easily implemented and controlled delivery and offers cleaner distribution, without delivery of excess product.

According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

- the tank is made of plastic material selected from polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and high density polyethylene.

The plastic materials used to form the tank have suitable flexibility, giving it mechanical properties appropriate for the application.

According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention comprises one or other of the following characteristics:

- the tank is at least partially transparent, preferably completely transparent;

- the dispensing tip is made of at least partially transparent material, preferably completely transparent.

The partial or total transparency of the reservoir and/or the tip allows for better visual dosage of the quantity of product delivered and implies an aesthetic effect where the user can see the cosmetic product through the packaging and dispensing device.

According to one variant, the device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention comprises the following characteristic:

- the dispensing tip comprises a plurality of ribs for guiding product towards the dispensing channel.

The presence of a plurality of guide ribs in the dispensing tip of the cosmetic product towards the dispensing channel makes it possible, in the case where balls are used to homogenize a product capable of phase shifting, to keep the balls at a distance from the outlet channel so as not to obstruct it. On the other hand, the ribs provide an aesthetic appearance to the dispensing tip in the case where it is partially or totally transparent.

The invention also relates to a method of using such a device for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product comprising the following steps:

- supply of a device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products as described above,

- support by the user on a side wall of the tank with a force less than or equal to 30 N,

- delivery of at least one dose of cosmetic product to the body surface.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- there is an exploded perspective view of a first product packaging and dispensing device comprising a container and a dispensing tip,

- there is a view of a first dispensing tip, taken in section along a median vertical plane containing a central axis of the tip, and

- there is a view of a second dispensing nozzle, taken in section along a median vertical plane containing a central axis of the nozzle.

In all that follows, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are generally understood in relation to the normal direction of distribution of the product during use.

A device 10 for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention is illustrated in the .

The device 10 extends here along a central axis A-A' shown vertically on the .

The packaging and dispensing device 10 comprises a container 12, a cosmetic product 14 contained in the container 12, a dispensing tip 16 for the cosmetic product outside the container 12. In this example, the device 10 also comprises a cover 18 closing the container 12 downstream, at the top on the .

The cosmetic product 14 is, for example, a hair product, a hygiene product, a facial and/or body care product, a makeup product, or a sun protection product.

According to the invention, the cosmetic product has a viscosity of between 0.001 Pa.s and 1.5 Pa.s.

The viscosity of the cosmetic product is for example measured at 25°C using a Rhéomat 180 (LAMY Company) equipped with a MS-R1, MS-R2, MS-R3, MS-R4 or MS-R5 spindle chosen according to the consistency of the cosmetic product, rotating at a rotation speed of 200 rpm ^-1 . The measurement is taken after 10 min of rotation. The viscosity measurements are carried out at most 1 week after manufacture of the cosmetic product 14.

The container comprises a reservoir 20 and a neck 22.

The tank 20 is made of polymer, notably chosen from polypropylene, high density polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. The tank 20 is advantageously partially or totally transparent. By transparent it is understood that the interior of the tank 20 is visible to the naked eye from the outside of the tank 20.

The tank 20 here has a side wall 24, a bottom 26, and a downstream edge 28. The tank 20 has in this example an elongated contour following an elongation axis B-B’ perpendicular to the central axis A-A’.

The internal volume of the reservoir 20 is greater than 10 mL and is for example between 15 mL and 100 mL.

The side wall 24 of the tank 20 has a minimum average deformation greater than 1 mm when a force of 30 N is applied to the geometric center of the side wall 24, with a preload speed of 20 mm/min. The geometric center is taken in projection in a vertical plane, the bottom 26 being placed on a horizontal support. The minimum average deformation is advantageously greater than 2 mm, and is in particular between 3 mm and 5 mm in projection in a vertical plane.

The deformation of the side wall 24 undergoing the force of 30 N is measured at 25°C as the difference in height of the tank 20 when it is lying on the side wall 24, between a configuration before deformation and a deformed configuration when the applied force has reached 30 N. Three tests are carried out on each side of the side wall 24 and an average deformation in millimeters is calculated for the tank 20.

The side wall 24 of the tank 20 also has an average absence of elastic return greater than -8%, after applying a force of 30 N to the geometric center of the side wall 24 with a preload speed of 20 mm/min. As previously, the geometric center is taken in projection in a vertical plane on the wall, the bottom 26 being placed on a horizontal support. Advantageously, the average absence of elastic return is greater than -3%, and in particular between -1% and 0%.

The absence of elastic return is measured as the residual deformation of the side wall 24 of the tank 20 in percent after release of the 30 N force, during tests carried out as above. Three tests are carried out on each side of the side wall 24 and the average absence of elastic return is determined on the tank 20.

Advantageously, the side wall 24 has a minimum average deformation greater than 1 mm and an absence of average elastic return greater than -8% when a force of 30 N is applied to the geometric center of the wall with a preload speed of 20 mm/min. Advantageously, the minimum average deformation is between 3 mm and 5 mm, the absence of average elastic return being in particular between -1% and 0%.

In the example shown in the , the neck 22 comprises a cylindrical downstream region 30 and an upstream region 32 widening upstream from the downstream region 30, to an upstream edge 34 extending the downstream edge 28 of the reservoir 20.

The downstream region 30 is cylindrical around the central axis A-A' which is vertical on the .

The cylindrical downstream region 30 defines an internal dispensing passage 36 through which the cosmetic product 14 passes before being dispensed.

In this particular example, the upstream edge 34 of the upstream region 32 has an elongated contour along the elongation axis B-B’ perpendicular to the central axis A-A’. In this example, the contour of the upstream edge 34 is oblong and has two end segments connected by two transverse segments of curvature greater than that of the end segments. The upstream edge 34 and the downstream edge 28 define a support shoulder of the cover 18.

As visible on the , the distribution tip 16 is mounted in a sealed manner in the internal distribution passage 36 of the neck 22.

The dispensing tip 16 ensures the dispensing of the cosmetic product downstream of the internal dispensing passage 36. The dispensing tip 16 has a cylindrical upstream region 38, as visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, engaged in a sealed manner in the internal dispensing passage 36 and a downstream region 40 of a shape converging towards the downstream, for example of a truncated cone shape, projecting axially beyond the neck 22.

The downstream region 40 of convergent shape is formed by an external skirt which comprises an internal surface 42 and an external surface 44, as visible in the .

The dispensing tip 16 is advantageously partially or completely transparent. By transparent it is understood that the interior of the tip 16 is visible to the naked eye from the exterior of the tip 16.

The dispensing tip 16 comprises a dispensing channel 46 for the cosmetic product 14 defined by an internal cylindrical skirt extending into the external skirt. The dispensing channel 46 extends between an upstream inlet 48 and a downstream orifice 50.

The dispensing tip 16 comprises ribs 52 for supporting the channel and guiding the cosmetic product interposed between the internal skirt and the external skirt.

The support ribs 52 comprise, from the external skirt defining the distribution channel 46 towards the internal surface 42, a first radial part relative to the axis A-A’ projecting from the distribution channel and a second curved part connecting the radial part to the internal surface 42.

Each support rib 52 connects the inner skirt to the inner surface 42. The support ribs 52 are distributed so as to form, for example, a helix inside the distribution tip 16.

The support ribs 52 project upstream of the upstream inlet 48 of the distribution channel 46 as visible in the .

In the example where the dispensing tip 16 is partially or completely transparent, the support ribs 52 provide an aesthetic effect.

The distribution channel 46 extends axially along the axis A-A′ and is completely clear between the upstream inlet 48 and the downstream outlet orifice 50.

In the example of the , the distribution channel 46 is conical in shape, widening from the upstream inlet 48 to the downstream orifice 50. It has a maximum transverse extent D1 at the downstream orifice 50 and a minimum transverse extent D2 at the upstream inlet 48. The ratio of the minimum transverse extent D2 to the maximum transverse extent D1 is for example between 0.6 and 1.

The downstream outlet orifice 50 forms a downstream flare 54 having an angular extent ѱ greater than 15°, in particular greater than 45° relative to the axis A-A′ of the distribution channel 46.

The distribution channel 46 comprises, upstream of the downstream orifice 50, a regulation region 56 of the product flow extending along the axis A-A′.

The regulation region 56 has a transverse extent D3 relative to the axis A-A′ of less than 2 mm over a height H1 taken in projection on the axis A-A′ of at least 5 mm, for example greater than 10 mm.

The cross-sectional area of the distribution channel 46 in the regulation region 56 is less than 2 mm ² and is in particular between 0.7 mm ² and 1.5 mm ² .

The closing hood 18, visible on the , is detachably mounted on the neck 22 between a position mounted on the neck 22, in which the cover 18 covers the dispensing tip 16 and the cylindrical downstream region 30, and a disassembled position, releasing the dispensing tip 16.

The cover 18 here defines an external closing wall 58 of oblong shape, elongated along the axis B-B’.

The cover 22 includes an axial sealing stud 60 projecting upstream from the center of the closing wall 58. The stud 60 is inserted in a sealed manner into the downstream distribution orifice 50 when the cover 18 occupies its mounted position on the neck 22.

To use the device, the closing cover 18 is moved from its mounted position to its dismounted position.

The user then applies pressure to the side wall 24 of the reservoir 20. The cosmetic product 14 is pushed and directed towards the dispensing tip 16 towards a body application surface such as the back of the hand or the finger.

The flexibility of the side wall 24 of the reservoir 20, combined with the dimensions of the internal dispensing passage 36 and the specific viscosity of the cosmetic product 14, allows the user to provide sufficient pressure, but nevertheless without requiring too much effort in order to dispense the cosmetic product 14.

The dimensions of the regulation region 56 of the flow of cosmetic product, as well as the geometry of the downstream orifice 50 of the dispensing tip 16 ensure precise and controlled dispensing of the product.

When the user has delivered the desired dose of cosmetic product 14, he releases the pressure applied to the side wall 24 of the reservoir 20. By elastic return of the side wall 24 of the reservoir 20, the reservoir 20 resumes its initial shape and by suction effect sucks the excess cosmetic product 14 towards the inside of the reservoir 20. The dispensing tip 16 thus remains clean, without excess product deposited and lost around the tip.

After use, the closing hood 18 is returned to its mounted position on the neck 22.

As an example, several tests have been carried out.

Test 1 Test 2 3.04 4.43 Average PET 7.5g



PET -0.65% 0.22 Spring effect 2.24 Average PET 8.5g -0.12% Spring effect 1.72 Average PET 9g -0.96% Spring effect 1.11 Average PET 10.2g 0.11% Spring effect 4.46 Average HDPE 7.3g

HDPE -0.90% Spring effect 3.20 Average HDPE 7.8g -5.86% Spring effect 3.21 Average PPc 7.15g

PP -6.87% Spring effect 3.57 Average PPc 7.8g -2.25% Spring effect

Mechanical tests were carried out on tanks made of polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene and polypropylene. For each material, several tanks 20 distinguished by the thickness of their side wall 24, and therefore by their mass, were tested.

A force of 30 N is applied to the geometric center of the side wall 24 of the tank 20 in vertical projection with a preload speed of 20 mm/min. A measurement of the deformation of the side wall 24 undergoing the force of 30 N was recorded.

As specified above, three tests were carried out on each side of the tank 20 and an average deformation in millimeters was calculated for each tank 20 characterized by a material and a specific mass (column "average" in table 1).

Similarly, the average absence of elastic return was determined on each tank 20. The absence of elastic return (column “spring effect” in table 1) corresponds to the residual deformation of the side wall 24 of the tank 20 in percentage after release of the force of 30 N.

Sufficient deformation of the side wall 24 of the reservoir 20, combined with less residual plastic deformation, not only allows the user not to have to exert too much effort to compress the reservoir 20 and thus deliver the cosmetic product 14, but also to deliver a precise quantity of cosmetic product 14 in a controlled manner. The elastic return of the side walls 24 generates a suction effect of the residual cosmetic product 14 which is sucked inside the reservoir 20 when the user releases the pressure. Better dosing of the quantity delivered is thus obtained and the dispensing tip 16 is kept clean, without excess product blocking the downstream outlet orifice 50.

Nature of the cosmetic product Viscosity (Pa.s) Bottle Flow control Refund rate Makeup 1.48 PET 7.5g OK Skin care 1.36 PET 9g OK Skin care 1.36 PET 9g OK Skin care 0.94 PET 9g OK Makeup 0.94 PET 7.5 and 9g OK 95% Makeup 0.86 PET 9g OK 96% Skin care 0.86 PET 9g OK Skin care 0.82 PET 9g OK Skin care 0.328 PET 9g OK Makeup 0.312 PET 9g OK Skin care 0.286 PET 9g OK Skin care 0.245 PET 9g OK Skin care 0.245 PET 9g OK Skin care 0.1 PET 9g OK Hair care 0.093 PET 9g OK Hair care 0.067 PET 9g OK Water (reference) 0.00089 PET 9 100%

Distribution tests were carried out on different types of cosmetic products (moisturizer, foundation, serums, hair care, etc.) with viscosities ranging from 0.001 Pa.s to 1.5 Pa.s.

Containers 12, of varying masses, comprising a reservoir 20 made of polyethylene terephthalate were used to package and distribute the cosmetic product 14.

At the geometric center of the side wall 24 of the reservoir 20 in a vertical projection, a preliminary force of 5 N is applied with a preload speed of 20 mm/min, then a force of 30 N is applied with a preload speed of 165 mm/min. Ten charging and discharging cycles are performed. The controllability of the flow of cosmetic product 14 dispensed and the restitution rate corresponding to the quantity of product returned relative to a desired dose have been determined and are reported in Table 2.

The viscosity range from 0.001 Pa.s to 1.5 Pa.s provides satisfactory results both in terms of product flow control and restitution rate.

According to a second embodiment, shown in the , the distribution channel 46 is conical in shape, widening from the downstream orifice 50 to the upstream inlet 48 and having a maximum transverse extent D4 at the upstream inlet 48 and a minimum transverse extent D5 at the downstream orifice 50. The ratio of the minimum transverse extent D5 to the maximum transverse extent D4 is for example between 0.6 and 1.

Claims (12)

Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products, comprising:

• a container (12) comprising a reservoir (20) containing a cosmetic product (14) and a neck (22) having a cylindrical downstream region (30) defining a dispensing passage (36) for the cosmetic product (14),
• a dispensing tip (16) converging from the reservoir (20) to a downstream orifice (50), the dispensing tip (16) being mounted in a sealed manner in the dispensing passage (36) and defining a dispensing channel (46) for the cosmetic product (14) having an upstream inlet (48) opening towards the reservoir (20) and emerging downstream via the downstream orifice (50),

characterized in that the cosmetic product (14) has a viscosity of between 0.001 Pa.s and 1.5 Pa.s, the distribution channel (46) of the cosmetic product (14) being clear between the upstream inlet (48) and the downstream orifice (50), the distribution channel (46) comprising at least one regulation region (56) of the product flow having a transverse extent D3 relative to an axis of the channel, less than 2 mm over a height H1 taken in projection on an axis parallel to the axis of the channel of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to claim 1, in which the product dispensing channel (46) is conical in shape, the ratio of the minimum transverse extent (D2; D5) to the maximum transverse extent (D1; D4) being between 0.6 and 1. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to claim 1 or 2, in which the downstream orifice (50) located downstream of the regulation region (56) has an angular outlet opening (ѱ) greater than 15°, in particular greater than 45°. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reservoir (20) comprises at least one side wall (24) and a bottom (26), the side wall (24) having a minimum average deformation greater than 1 mm when a force of 30 N is applied to the geometric center of the wall, with a preload speed of 20 mm/min, the minimum average deformation being in particular greater than 2 mm, and in particular between 3 mm and 5 mm. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reservoir (20) comprises at least one side wall (24) and a bottom (26), the side wall (24) having an average absence of elastic return greater than -8% when a force of 30 N is applied to the geometric center of the wall, with a preload speed of 20 mm/min, the average absence of elastic return being in particular greater than -3%, and in particular between -1% and 0%. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product according to claims 4 and 5 taken together, in which the minimum average deformation of the side wall (24) is between 3 mm and 5 mm, and the average absence of elastic return of the side wall (24) is between -1% and 0%. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reservoir (20) is made of plastic material chosen from polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and high density polyethylene. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reservoir (20) is at least partially transparent, preferably completely transparent. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the dispensing tip (16) is made of at least partially transparent material, preferably completely transparent. Device (10) for packaging and dispensing cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the dispensing tip (16) comprises a plurality of guide ribs (52) for the product (14) towards the dispensing channel (46). A method of dispensing cosmetic product (14) onto a body surface, comprising the following steps:
- provision of a device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product according to any one of the preceding claims,
- support by the user on a side wall (24) of the tank (20) with a force less than or equal to 30 N,
- delivery of at least one dose of cosmetic product (14) to the body surface. Method according to claim 11, in which the release of the pressure exerted by the user causes the re-aspiration of the cosmetic product (14) by elastic return of the side wall (24) deformed by the user.