FR3143011A1 - Cosmetic product dispensing head, packaging and dispensing device, and associated method - Google Patents

Abstract

Cosmetic product dispensing head, packaging and dispensing device, and associated method This head comprises a cap (95) covering a base (90), at least one of the cap (95) and the base (90) having a region (123) deformable relative to the other of the cap (95). and the base (90). The deformable region (123) is arranged adjacent to a distribution orifice (104), the deformable region (123) being able to move from a rest configuration in which it rests on the other of the cap (95). and from the base (90) to the periphery of the orifice (104), and a product distribution configuration, in which the deformable region (123) is deformed by the product exiting the orifice (104). At least one leak path (130) is then formed between the other of the cap (95) and the base (90) and the deformable region (123) up to an outlet orifice (125) of product out of the head. Figure for abstract: figure 7

Description

Cosmetic product dispensing head, packaging and dispensing device, and associated method

The present invention relates to a cosmetic product dispensing head, intended to be mounted on at least one cosmetic product reservoir, the dispensing head comprising:

- a base defining at least one through orifice for dispensing product from the tank,

- a headdress, having at least one region fixed on the base.

The dispensing head is intended in particular to be mounted on a cosmetic product reservoir to form a cosmetic product packaging and dispensing device intended to be used by a user.

The cosmetic product is, for example, a cosmetic care product, a cosmetic coloring product or a cosmetic makeup product.

More generally, a “cosmetic product” is a product as defined in Regulation CEN-1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated 30 November 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

To dispense cosmetic products from a reservoir containing them, it is known, for example, to have a pump mechanism actuated by a movable pusher on the reservoir.

The pump mechanism comprises a dip tube that is immersed in the product at the bottom of the tank. To dispense the product, the user presses the movable pusher, which causes product to be dispensed from the tank by moving a piston inside the pump. During this movement, the product flows through a dispensing conduit to an outlet orifice generally located in a spout that projects transversely from the pusher.

Such a dispensing head is easy to use. However, it is not entirely satisfactory, particularly in cases where the product dispensed is sufficiently viscous that it is not completely distributed to the user.

In this case, it is known that product stagnates in the distribution pipe once its distribution is complete, the pusher having been raised to its rest position. The remaining product which is then in the distribution pipe, or possibly at the outlet of the latter, is subject to oxidation and drying.

This causes a risk of partial or total obstruction of the dispensing duct, particularly when the product is likely to dry out and solidify. In addition, the remaining product is likely to contaminate the product dispensed subsequently, particularly when the pusher is next pressed, which is detrimental to the user's comfort, who may have the impression that the dispensing head is dirty and/or contaminated.

To overcome this problem, the user usually discards the first dose of product redistributed, which causes product waste.

An aim of the invention is therefore to provide a product dispensing head which allows simple dispensing of cosmetic product, in particular through a pusher mechanism or by simple application of excess pressure in a cosmetic product reservoir, while avoiding or significantly limiting the formation of a product residue after dispensing.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a dispensing head of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the cap covers the base, at least one of the cap and the base having at least one region deformable relative to the other of the cap and the base, the deformable region being arranged opposite or adjacent to the dispensing orifice, the deformable region being able to pass from a rest configuration in which the deformable region bears on the other of the cap and the base at least at the periphery of the dispensing orifice, and a product dispensing configuration, in which the deformable region is deformed by the product leaving the dispensing orifice, at least one leakage path being formed between the other of the cap and the base and the deformable region to a product outlet orifice outside the dispensing head.

Thanks to the presence of the deformable region, it is possible to create, in a reversible manner between the base and the cap, a sealed path for product leakage, this sealed path closing once the product has been dispensed. In this way, the dead volume in which product could stagnate is minimized, or even eliminated. This generally leads to the elimination of the formation of solid residue, which prevents the clogging of the distribution conduit and also avoids polluting the distributed product during a new distribution.

In one embodiment, the cover has an internal face, intended to be placed opposite the base, and an external face, the base having a support surface through which the dispensing orifice opens, the internal face of the cover being applied to the support surface in the rest configuration.

Thanks to the intimate association between the cap and the base, with the application of the internal face of the cap on the base, the dispensing head has a compact appearance and does not generate excess volume for the packaging and dispensing device.

In one embodiment, the outlet orifice is defined between the deformable region and the other of the cap and the base in the dispensing configuration.

Thanks to this feature, it is possible to create a transverse outlet orifice, so as to adapt to the particular geometry of a pusher.

In one embodiment the outlet orifice is defined through the cap, in the deformable region.

When the outlet orifice is thus defined, it is possible to discharge the cosmetic product directly onto the external face of the cap, which allows the cap to be used as an applicator on a body surface of the user.

In one embodiment at least one fixed region of the cap or base extends opposite at least one internal peripheral fixing line defining the periphery of the leakage path, located around and away from the dispensing orifice, the deformable region being defined inside the internal peripheral fixing line.

The presence of a peripheral fixing line at the periphery of the deformable region ensures a robust fixing and sealing of the cap around the deformable region, which guarantees a simple and reproducible deformation of the deformable region.

In one embodiment the internal peripheral attachment line has a drop shape.

The drop shape of the peripheral fixing line in turn defines a deformable region that converges towards the outlet orifice, ensuring reproducible guidance of the product during its dispensing.

In one embodiment the base or cap has, at the inner peripheral attachment line, a plurality of through holes provided through the base or through the cap, the attached region of the cap or base having portions of the cap overmolded through the through holes.

The creation of an internal fixing line by means of holes made in the base, in which overmolded regions of the cap are placed, makes the manufacture of the head simple and reduces its manufacturing cost, while ensuring an extremely robust fixing of the cap on the base.

In one embodiment:

- at least one fixed region of the cap or base extends opposite an external peripheral line of fixation, located around and away from the internal peripheral line of fixation;

- the base or cap has a support surface on which the deformable region is applied, and a rim projecting relative to the support surface, the internal peripheral fixing line being located on the support surface, the external peripheral fixing line being located on the rim.

The presence of an external peripheral line, around the internal peripheral line, ensures reinforced cooperation between the cap and the base, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the head and ensures the shape concordance between the base and the cap, in particular when the base has a projecting external rim.

In one embodiment, the base defines at least two dispensing orifices, the cap or base having a region fixed to the base or cap for each dispensing orifice, each region fixed to the base or cap extending opposite an internal peripheral fixing line arranged around each dispensing orifice, the internal peripheral fixing lines defining separate leakage paths, each connected to a separate dispensing orifice and each opening through a separate outlet orifice.

The presence of two separate leak paths connected to two separate product passage orifices makes it possible to distribute two cosmetic products stored separately in one or more tanks completely separately and to ensure their extemporaneous mixing only after distribution.

In one variant, the base or cap has a boss disposed at the periphery of the dispensing orifice, the deformable region in the rest configuration being applied to the boss.

The presence of the boss prevents the obstruction of the product dispensing orifice when the cap is pressed. The opening delimited by the boss also guides the product towards the outlet orifice.

In one embodiment, the dispensing head comprises a pump having a fixed part intended to be mounted on the neck of a container, the base and the cap forming a pusher mounted movably in the fixed part.

The dispensing head according to the invention thus advantageously forms a pump which can be mounted simply on a container, and which can be used using natural gestures by a user.

In one variant, the base and the cap form a product applicator, the base being intended to be fixedly mounted on the or each container.

In one variant, the outlet has an oblong or rectangular shape.

Alternatively, the dispensing head can directly form an applicator which receives the dispensed cosmetic product, allowing its direct application to a body surface.

The invention also relates to a device for packaging and dispensing cosmetic products comprising at least one reservoir, and at least one dispensing head as defined above, mounted on the or each reservoir, the dispensing orifice being in fluid communication with the or each reservoir.

The invention also relates to a method for distributing cosmetic products, comprising the following steps:

- provision of a packaging and distribution device as defined above, the deformable region occupying its rest configuration;

- creation of excess pressure in the tank, causing the cosmetic product to move through the dispensing orifice;

- under the effect of overpressure, elastic deformation of the deformable region towards its distribution configuration to create a leakage path from the distribution orifice to a product outlet orifice, the cosmetic product being distributed through the outlet orifice;

- elastic return of the deformable region to its rest configuration.

The invention will be better understood from reading the following description, given solely as an example, and made with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

- there is an exploded perspective view of a packaging and dispensing device according to the invention;

- there is a sectional view of the packaging and distribution device of the ;

- there is a sectional view, along the same cutting plane as the , of an applicator of the packaging and dispensing device of figures 1 and 2;

- there is a perspective view of the base of the applicator of the packaging and dispensing device of the ;

- there is a top view of the cosmetic product applicator of the ;

- There is a sectional view, taken analogously to the of a second packaging and distribution device according to the invention;

- There is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing head of the packaging and dispensing device of the ;

- there is a top view of the distribution head of the device of the .

A first example of a dispensing head according to the invention, in a product packaging and dispensing device 10 is illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 4.

In this example, the packaging and dispensing device 10 comprises two tanks 15 for separate storage of products, two intermediate chambers 20 for separate distribution of products, a pressurizing member 30, a product dispensing head which here forms an applicator 35 and optionally a cover 37.

The reservoirs 15 have, for example, respectively the shape of a bottle comprising a body 40 and a neck 45.

Each reservoir 15 defines an internal volume 50 suitable for storing a respective cosmetic product.

The cosmetic products are for example two products intended to be stored separately and to be distributed simultaneously outside the packaging and distribution device 10 to be applied jointly or in the form of a mixture formed outside the packaging and distribution device 10 on a body surface of a user.

For example, cosmetic products are cosmetic products for coloring, makeup, hygiene or care of a body surface of the user.

These products are, for example, liquid products capable of forming an antiperspirant when brought into contact. Thus, the two cosmetic products are capable of reacting to form a solid compound capable of blocking the sweat pores of a user of the packaging and dispensing device 10.

The 15 tanks came from the material here.

The tanks 15 are for example made of a flexible material capable of being deformed under manual action. Advantageously, the tanks 15 are formed of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) or of several layers of several materials if an increased barrier is required for sensitive formulas.

In the example shown in the , each reservoir 15 defines at its periphery at least one bulge 55. Preferably, each reservoir 15 defines two bulges 55 opposite each other relative to the body 40. Each bulge 55 is a privileged zone allowing, when it undergoes support, to deform and compress in a reliable and reproducible manner the associated reservoir 15.

Each neck 45 advantageously defines an annular boss 60 (see ) suitable for cooperating with the pressurizing member 30 as will be described below.

As visible on the , each intermediate chamber 20 is arranged in the internal volume 50 of the respective tank 15. The intermediate chambers 20 preferably extend over a height less than a height of each body 40.

Each intermediate chamber 20 preferably has the shape of a cup. The two intermediate chambers 20 are, for example, identical to each other.

Each intermediate chamber 20 defines an intermediate volume 62 substantially smaller than the internal volume 50. For example, the intermediate volume 62 is less than 10% of the internal volume 50 and is in particular between 1% and 5%, and in particular close to 2% of the internal volume 50.

Each intermediate chamber 20 is in fluid communication with the corresponding internal volume 50. Preferably, at least one window 65 is provided through each intermediate chamber 20, ensuring fluid communication between the intermediate chamber 20 and the internal volume 50 in which the intermediate chamber 20 is arranged. For example, a plurality of windows 65, for example between two and six windows 65, in particular four windows 65, are provided in each intermediate chamber 20. The windows 65 are distributed around each intermediate chamber 20. Material bridges 70 separate two contiguous windows 65.

Preferably, the quantity of cosmetic product stored in each internal volume 50 is such that the corresponding intermediate chamber 20 is not immersed in the cosmetic product. However, thanks to the windows 65, the cosmetic product is able to move between the internal volume 50 and the intermediate volume 62.

The pressurizing member 30 is configured to pressurize each of the reservoirs 15, this pressure being transmitted to the intermediate chambers 20 via the windows 65.

The pressurizing member 30 is for example a hoop at least partially enveloping the two tanks 15.

The hoop 30 comprises, for example, two opposite flexible flanks 75. It comprises, for each flank 75, two internal projections (not shown) forming support elements. Each projection bears on the reservoirs 15, more particularly on the bulges 55 of the reservoirs 15. The projections are capable of pressing on the reservoirs 15 in order to compress the reservoirs 15 when the flanks 75 move together.

The hoop 30 is for example capable of passing from a rest position in which the hoop 30 and the reservoirs 15 are at rest, to a distribution position in which the hoop 30 is pressed against the reservoirs 15 to compress the reservoirs.

In the dispensing position, the sides 75 of the hoop 30 are brought closer to each other, in particular by being gripped between the fingers of a user.

The fret 30 and the intermediate chambers 20 are preferably made of one material, forming a single piece.

The hoop 30 defines for example an end plate 79 connecting the upper edges of the sides 75 and, for each reservoir 15, a neck 80A defining an annular groove 80 suitable for receiving the boss 60 of each neck 45 in order to be snapped onto the reservoirs.

The neck 80A projects away from the body 40 on the end plate 79.

The collar 30 is preferably hermetically snapped onto the reservoirs 15. In other words, the snap-fastening is such that no fluid can substantially circulate in the annular grooves 80, between the neck 80A and the bosses 60.

In reference to the , the applicator 35 here comprises two dip tubes 85. It further comprises in this example a base 90 and an at least partially deformable cap 95 covering the base 90.

Each dip tube 85 is associated respectively with a tank 15 to dive exclusively into the chamber 20 received in this tank.

Each dip tube 85 extends between a distal end 100 and a proximal end 105. The distal end 100 opens into a respective intermediate chamber 20. The proximal end 105 opens outside the associated reservoir 15.

Each dip tube 85 is capable of circulating the cosmetic product from the intermediate chamber 20 to an exterior of the reservoir 15. Thus, the only fluid communication between the internal volumes 50 and the exterior of the packaging and distribution device 10 passes through the dip tubes 85.

As visible on the , the base 90 comprises a bearing surface 106 of the cap 95, an internal surface opposite the bearing surface 106 and a rim 107 projecting relative to the bearing surface 106 at the periphery thereof, in the same direction as the dip tubes 85, around them.

The dip tubes 85 open at their proximal end 105 through a product distribution orifice 104 extending through the support surface 106.

The base 90 preferably delimits a plurality of holes 110 passing through it from side to side.

The holes 110 extend over at least one internal fixing line 108 of the cap 95 located respectively around each outlet orifice 104 opening at the proximal end of a dip tube 85.

The holes 110 further define at least one external fixing line 109, of the cap 95 extending outside the internal fixing lines 108.

In the example shown in the , at least one external fixing line 109 advantageously extends through the rim 107 to ensure peripheral fixing of the cap 95 on the rim 107.

Each internal fixing line 108 here has a closed contour, advantageously in the shape of a drop, with a rounded body 109A surrounding the orifice 104, and a point 109B.

In the example of the , the points 109B of the internal lines 108 are arranged in a staggered pattern.

The internal fixing lines 108 are here devoid of overlap so that the internal regions which they delimit are totally disjoint.

The base 90 is for example made of a rigid material that is less deformable than the cap 95, such as metal or a plastic material, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or even polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyketone (PK), for example the POKETONE™ material marketed by the HYOSUNG Company, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), or a mixture of these materials.

The cap 95 has a shape substantially complementary to the bearing surface 106 and to the rim 107 in order to be applied at rest to the bearing surface 106 and to the rim 107. It thus comprises a central part 121A applied to the bearing surface 106, and a peripheral fallen edge 121B applied to the rim 107.

The cap 95 defines an internal face 115 oriented towards the base 90 and an external face 120 oriented towards the outside of the packaging and dispensing device 10. The internal 115 and external 120 faces are opposite each other with respect to the cap 95.

The cap 95 is overmolded onto the base 90. More particularly, each hole 110 of the base 90 is overmolded by the cap 95. Material of the cap 95 extends through each hole 110 and forms a bridge of material outside the hole 110, on the surface opposite the bearing surface 106, to enclose the base 90 between the internal face 115 and the bridge of material.

There is therefore a continuity of material between an external part of the cap 95 applied to the support surface 106 of the base 90 and an internal part of the cap 95 formed by the bridges of material through each hole 110 and by blocking stops extending in projection on the internal surface of the base 90.

The base 90 is thus sandwiched between the internal and external parts of the cap 95.

This arrangement of the cap 95 on the base 90 reinforces the fixing of the cap 95 on the base 90 and limits the risk of the product escaping.

The cap 95 thus defines, opposite each internal fixing line 108, and each external fixing line 109, a region 122 fixed to the base 90. Inside each region 122 fixed to the base 90 located opposite an internal fixing line 108, the cap defines a deformable region 123 during the dispensing of the product, freely deformable relative to the support surface 106. The deformable region 123 extends in particular opposite the product dispensing orifice 104.

The cap 95 is for example made of an elastically deformable plastic material such as polyethylene (PE), poly(styrene-ethyl-butyl-styrene) (SEBS), polyethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or other.

Preferably, the proximal end 105 of each dip tube 85 opens onto the internal face 115. The cap 95 comprises, for each dip tube 85, an outlet orifice 125 passing through it from the internal face 115 to the external face 120.

The external face 120 is suitable for being applied directly to a part of the user's body, such as the user's armpits. When the cosmetic products exit through the outlet orifices 125, they are suitable for mixing on the external face 120.

The cap 95 is elastically deformable between a rest configuration and a distribution configuration.

In the rest configuration, the deformable region 123 of the cap 95 is in sealed support on the support surface 106. It covers the proximal end 105 of each dip tube 85, opposite the passage orifice 104, by its internal face 115, to prevent the dispensing of product outside the dip tube 85.

In the dispensing configuration, the deformable region 123 of the cap 95 is elastically deformed by the cosmetic product exiting the proximal end 105 and passing through the dispensing orifice 104.

The deformable region 123 locally deviates from the support surface 106. It thus forms an escape path 130 between the base 90 and the cap 95.

The leak path 130 is delimited between the support surface 106 of the base 90 and the internal face 115 of the cover 95. The leak path is delimited at its periphery by the internal fixing line 108 defined by the holes 110 of the base 90 overmolded by the cover 95.

Each leak path 130 is configured to conduct the cosmetic product from the dispensing orifice 104 to the associated outlet orifice 125.

The internal fixing lines 108 being without overlap, each leakage path 130 is hermetically separated from the other.

For example, each leak path 130 takes the form of a drop in which the associated outlet orifice 125 is located at the top of the drop.

The cover 37 is removably mounted on the cap 95. The cover 37 prevents the outlet orifices 125 from being visible when the packaging and dispensing device is not in use.

A method of dispensing cosmetic products stored in the packaging and dispensing device 10 will now be described.

Initially, the packaging and dispensing device 10 stores two cosmetic products in the internal volumes 50. The intermediate chambers 20 are at least partially empty. The hoop 30 is in the rest position and each deformable region 123 of the cap 95 is in the rest configuration, applied in a complementary manner against the support surface of the base 90.

The cosmetic products are thus stored in a sealed manner and separated from each other in each tank 15.

To use the packaging and dispensing device 10, the user removes the cover 37.

During a filling step, each intermediate chamber 20 is filled with the cosmetic product stored in the reservoir 15 associated with the intermediate chamber 20. For example, the user turns over and/or shakes the packaging and dispensing device 10. The cosmetic product stored in the internal volume 50 is then stirred and enters the intermediate chamber 20 through the windows 65.

At the end of the filling step, each intermediate chamber 20 contains cosmetic product, preferably filled with cosmetic product.

Then, during a pressurization step, the user actuates the pressurization member 30. To do this, the user presses the hoop 30 between his fingers to move it from its rest position to its dispensing position. He thus brings the sides 75 closer together by deforming them.

The hoop 30 then presses, advantageously via its internal projections (not shown), on the reservoirs 15, advantageously via the bulges 55. The reservoirs 15 compress and the pressure in the internal volumes 50 increases. The increase in pressure in the internal volumes 50 induces a pressurization of the intermediate chambers 20.

During a distribution step concomitant with the pressurization step, the cosmetic products circulate simultaneously, from their intermediate chamber 20 in the associated dip tube 85, to the proximal end 105 of the tube 85.

Under the effect of the pressure of the cosmetic product through the dispensing orifice 104 at the proximal end 105, each deformable region 123 of the cap 95 deforms to pass from its rest configuration to its dispensing configuration. The leakage path 130 is formed between the deformable region 123 and the base 90, in which the cosmetic product circulates until reaching the outlet orifice 125.

Each cosmetic product then flows onto the external face 120 of the cap 95. The user applies the external face 120 against a body surface.

This application ensures the extemporaneous mixing of the two cosmetic products in contact with the user's body. The two cosmetic products react when mixed, forming for example a solid compound in the user's sweat pores, thus preventing him from sweating.

When the intermediate chambers 20 are empty or when the user stops pressing the hoop 30, each deformable region 123 of the cap 95 returns to its rest configuration.

The internal face 115 returns into contact against the bearing surface 106 and seals the distribution orifice 104 at each proximal end 105 of a dip tube 85. Each leak path 130 therefore closes in a sealed manner by the spontaneous elastic return of the deformable part 123 against the bearing surface 106.

Any excess cosmetic product present in each leak path 130 is therefore advantageously expelled through the outlet orifices 125 and/or partly returns to the dip tubes 85.

In this way, no cosmetic product remains stored in a part in contact with the air outside the packaging and distribution device 10, upstream of the outlet orifice 125. The formation of a residue of solidified and/or degraded product after distribution is therefore completely prevented or very limited, which increases the comfort of the user.

When the user stops pressing the 30 fret, the 30 fret returns to the rest configuration.

Optionally, the user repositions the cover 37 on the cap 95.

The packaging and dispensing device 10 according to the invention is very practical to use. A single press is required to dispense at least two cosmetic products simultaneously.

Furthermore, in the particular case where the volume displaced in each reservoir 15 by pressing on the hoop 30 is much greater than the volume of the intermediate chambers 20, the quantity of cosmetic product dispensed from each reservoir 15 depends on the size of each intermediate chamber 20. Thus, when the intermediate chambers 20 are identical, the same quantity of each of the cosmetic products is dispensed, without the user needing to control this quantity.

In this particular case, a different proportion between each of the two cosmetic products is likely to be obtained if the intermediate chambers are of different dimensions.

In a more general case, the volume displaced in each tank 15 by the pressure on the hoop 30 is less than the volume of the intermediate chambers 20 (corresponding to a partial emptying of the intermediate chambers 20 under the effect of the pressure on the hoop 30).

In this case, the dosage of the quantity of product leaving each of the tanks 15 is substantially identical.

If we want to vary the proportion of one product in relation to the other, we can for example play on the dimensioning of the support zones 55, to generate a different deformation of the reservoirs 15. This can be obtained by creating a delay or by favoring the support on one reservoir 15 in relation to the other to obtain a different dose.

Thus, the packaging and dispensing device 10 is adaptable to the desired composition of the mixture of the two cosmetic products.

In all cases, an air intake occurs in the tanks 15 after dispensing by pressing on the hoop 30. This air intake is carried out for example via the dispensing orifices 125, by the same path as that by which the products are dispensed. Alternatively, the tanks 15 are tanks without air intake, such as “bag in bottle” tanks formed for example by a flexible bag containing the product, the flexible bag being received in a more rigid bottle. The flexible bag compresses as the product it contains is dispensed.

A second packaging and distribution device 210 according to the invention will now be described, with regard to the .

The device 210 comprises a reservoir 15, for example formed from a flask or a bottle, and a dispensing head 212 according to the invention, forming a pump mechanism, mounted on the reservoir 15.

The head 212 comprises a movable pusher 214, a pump 216 activated by the movement of the movable pusher 214, and a collar 218 for fixing to the tank 15.

The head 212 advantageously comprises a dip tube 220, fixed to a distal end of the pump 216 to plunge towards the bottom of the tank 15.

The pusher 214 is mounted to move relative to the pump 216 along a displacement axis A-A’ (here vertical), between a proximal rest position and a distal actuation position.

The pusher 214 here has a structure according to the invention, similar to that of the applicator 35 described previously. As illustrated by the , it thus comprises a base 90, and a deformable cap 95, applied to the base 90.

In this example, the base 90 has the shape of a beak. As previously, it has a support surface 106, which is concave in this example. It also has a rim 107 projecting towards the reservoir 15 from the support surface 106.

The base 90 has a tip 222 intended for the distribution of the product. With reference to the , the base 90 has a single product dispensing orifice 104 passing through it, and an internal fixing line 108 formed of through holes 110 surrounding the dispensing orifice 104. Unlike the lines 108 described previously, this internal fixing line 108 has a C shape opening opposite the tip 222.

Furthermore, the support surface 106 has, around the distribution orifice 104, a peripheral boss 224 which also has a C shape.

As will be seen below, the boss 224 prevents the obstruction of the dispensing orifice 104, when a user's finger presses on the cover 95 to move the pusher 214.

The C-shaped boss 224 opens towards the tip 222, also allowing guidance of the product exiting through the orifice 104 towards the tip 222 through the opening provided in the internal fixing line 108.

As before, the base 90 has an external fixing line 109 which is formed by through holes 110 provided on the periphery of the rim 107.

The cap 95 comprises a central part 121A applied to the support surface 106, and a dropped edge 121B applied to the rim 107. It defines a product outlet orifice 125, formed in the dropped edge 121B, opposite the tip 222.

As before, the cap 95 is overmolded onto the base 90, and bridges of material are formed in the holes 110, and through them, opposite the bearing surface 106.

Material of the cap 95 extends through each hole 110 and forms a material bridge outside the hole 110, on the surface opposite the bearing surface 106, to enclose the base 90 between the inner face 115 and the material bridge.

There is therefore a continuity of material between an external part of the cap 95 applied to the support surface 106 of the base 90 and an internal part of the cap 95 formed by the bridges of material through each hole 110 and by blocking stops extending in projection on the internal surface of the base 90.

The base 90 is thus sandwiched between the internal and external parts of the cap 95.

Thus, the cap 95 has a peripheral region 122 fixed on the support surface 106 opposite the internal fixing line 108, and a deformable region 123, freely deformable relative to the support surface 106, formed at the center of the fixing region 122 up to the outlet orifice 125. The deformable region 123 extends in particular opposite the distribution orifice 104.

In reference to the , the pusher 214, comprises, in addition to the base 90 and the cap 95, an external guide skirt 226, and an internal guide skirt 228 which project towards the reservoir 15 along the axis of movement AA′ of the pusher 214.

The skirts 226, 228 delimit between them an annular intermediate space 229 for guiding the movement of the pusher 214.

As illustrated by the , the pump 216 comprises a fixed part formed by a hollow pump body 230, defining an internal chamber 232 for receiving product, and advantageously, an internal guide 234 fixedly mounted in the pump body 230. The fixed part of the pump 216 further comprises a non-return valve 236 mounted at the distal end of the internal chamber 232.

The internal guide 234 defines an internal guide sleeve 238, comprising an upper part suitable for being inserted into the intermediate space 229 to guide the translation of the pusher 214 along the axis A-A’.

The non-return valve 236 comprises in this example a lower seat 239 of revolution around the axis A-A’, an open upper seat 240 and a movable member 242 formed here by a ball, capable of moving between a distal position of sealed support on the lower seat 239 and a proximal position for passing product through the upper seat 240.

In the distal position of support on the lower seat 239, the movable member 242 seals the lower seat 239 and prevents the passage of fluid from the outside of the container 20 to the inside of the container 20.

In the proximal product passage position, the movable member 242 rests on the upper seat 240 and allows the passage of fluid from the inside of the container 20 to the outside of the container 20.

The pump 216 further comprises a movable part jointly with the pusher 214 comprising an actuating rod 244, a pumping piston 246, circulating in the chamber 232 and a piston stop 248.

It further comprises an elastic biasing member 249 of the actuating rod 244 and the pusher 214 towards the proximal rest position.

The actuating rod 244 extends through the sleeve 238 to be moved longitudinally by the movable pusher 214 along the sleeve 238. It has an external movable proximal stop 250 on which the internal skirt 228 of the movable pusher 214 is engaged.

The actuating rod 244 internally defines a product circulation conduit 252 which opens proximally by being fluidically connected to the product dispensing orifice 104 through the internal skirt 228.

The elastic biasing member 249 is interposed between the external stop 250 and a fixed distal stop 253 projecting towards the axis A-A’ from the internal guide 234. It is formed for example by a helical spring.

The piston 246 tightly delimits the internal product receiving chamber 232, upwards and on the walls of the body 230. The piston 246 is wedged between the end of the actuating rod 244 and the piston stop 248 to be moved jointly with the latter.

In the example shown in the , the air intake downstream of the piston 246 is ensured by a lateral orifice 256 provided through the pump body 230 and/or through the guide sleeve 238.

The piston stop 248 is mounted at the distal end of the rod 242. It defines at least one window 254 for the passage of product connecting the internal chamber 232 and the circulation conduit 252.

The assembly formed by the pusher 214, the rod 244, the piston 246, the piston stop 248 is thus movable along the axis A-A’, under the effect of the movement of the movable pusher 214 between the proximal rest position and the distal actuation position.

The operation of head 212 will now be described.

Initially, before the first use, the movable pusher 214, the actuating rod 244, the piston 246, and the piston stop 248 are in their proximal rest position. They are held in this position by the elastic stress of the stress member 249 which is applied between the stops 250, 253.

When the user wishes to dispense product, he presses the movable pusher 214, for example by placing his finger on the cap 95, opposite the support surface 106, to move it along the axis A-A’ towards the distal actuation position.

During this movement, the movable pusher 214 moves towards the reservoir 15 in translation along the axis A-A’, while being guided by sliding on the sleeve 238. The stops 250, 253 move closer to each other, compressing the elastic stress member 249.

The movement of the movable pusher 214 generates that of the actuating rod 244, which in turn pushes the piston 246 towards the non-return valve 236.

The movable member 242 is applied against the lower seat 239 and prevents the passage of fluid towards the reservoir. The fluid present in the chamber 232 flows through the window 254, then rises in the circulation conduit 232 to the orifice 104. The deformable region 123 deforms, to allow the passage of this fluid under pressure by creating a leakage path 130 to the outlet orifice 125.

Then, when the movable pusher 214 reaches its distal actuation position, the user releases the movable pusher 214.

The elastic biasing member 249 redeploys to move the movable stop 250 away from the fixed stop 253, and causes the movable pusher 214 to return to the proximal rest position.

During this return, the piston stop 248 brings the piston 246 away from the reservoir 12 along the axis A-A’. This causes a suction of product into the chamber 232 via the dip tube 220, and the movement of the movable member 242 towards the upper seat 240,

When the user pushes the movable pusher 214 again towards the distal actuation position, the movable member 242 passes again over the lower seat 239 sealingly closing the chamber 232, and causing, as previously described, the expulsion of the product contained in the chamber 232 through the window 254, the circulation conduit 252, and the dispensing orifice 104.

The pressure of the product elastically deforms the deformable region 123 into its dispensing configuration to create a leak path 130 to the outlet orifice 125.

The product is then distributed outwards through the outlet orifice 125.

Then, when the movable pusher 214 rises, the deformable region 123 spontaneously returns to its rest configuration by elastic return, closing the escape path 130.

The residual product present in the leak path 130 is returned to the circulation conduit 252, which is sealed by applying the deformable region of the cap 95 to the base 90. Thus, no product stagnates in the vicinity of the outlet orifice 125, which prevents the formation of a residue, and its solidification. The product distribution is therefore still as effective, but the risk of contamination and/or obtaining a product residue at the first distribution is avoided, which increases the comfort of the user, while limiting the risk of product loss.

In a variant not shown, the head 212 is just formed by a fixed spout in the form of a pusher similar to the pusher 214, without the presence of a pump 216. The container 12 is deformable, and the deformation of the container 12 causes the product to pass through to the dispensing orifice 104, then the reversible deformation of the deformable region 123 to establish a leak path 130 to the outlet orifice 125.

The return of air into the container is also ensured either through the outlet orifice 25, or by slow leakage between the deformable region 123 and the support surface 106 of the base 90.

In a variant (not shown) of each of the preceding embodiments, the outlet orifice 125 is delimited between the deformable region 123 of the cap 95 and the base 90 in the dispensing configuration, without being provided through the cap 95.

In a variant not shown of each of the preceding embodiments, the deformable region 123 is located on the base 90 and not on the cap 95. At least one region of the cap 95 opposite the deformable region 123 located on the base 90 is then rigid. As previously, in the rest configuration, the deformable region 123 is arranged to bear on the opposite region of the cap 95 at least at the periphery of the dispensing orifice 104. In the product dispensing configuration, the deformable region 123 is deformed by the product leaving the dispensing orifice 104, at least one leakage path 130 being formed between the cap 95 and the deformable region 123 to the outlet orifice 125.

Alternatively, each of the base 90 and the cap 95 has a deformable region 123, the deformable regions 123 being applied against each other in the rest configuration, the deformable regions 123 being deformed by the product leaving the dispensing orifice to form a leakage path 130 between the deformable regions 123 to the outlet orifice 125.

Claims (15)

Cosmetic product dispensing head, intended to be mounted on at least one cosmetic product reservoir (15), the dispensing head comprising:
- a base (90) defining at least one through orifice (104) for dispensing product from the reservoir (15),
- a cap (95), having at least one fixed region (122) on the base (90),
characterized in that the cap (95) covers the base (90), at least one of the cap (95) and the base (90) having at least one region (123) deformable relative to the other of the cap (95) and the base (90), the deformable region (123) being arranged opposite or adjacent to the dispensing orifice (104), the deformable region (123) being able to pass from a rest configuration in which the deformable region (123) bears on the other of the cap (95) and the base (90) at least at the periphery of the dispensing orifice (104), and a product dispensing configuration, in which the deformable region (123) is deformed by the product leaving the dispensing orifice (104), at least one leakage path (130) being formed between the other of the cap (95) and the base (90) and the region deformable (123) to an outlet orifice (125) of product outside the dispensing head. Dispensing head according to claim 1, in which the cap (95) has an internal face (115), intended to be placed opposite the base (90), and an external face (120), the base (90) having a support surface (106) through which the dispensing orifice (104) opens, the internal face (115) of the cap (95) being applied to the support surface (106) in the rest configuration. A dispensing head according to any preceding claim, wherein the outlet orifice (125) is delimited between the deformable region (123) and the other of the cap (95) and the base (90) in the dispensing configuration. A dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the outlet orifice (125) is defined through the cap (95), in the deformable region (123). A dispensing head according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one fixed region (122) of the cap (95) or base (90) extends opposite at least one internal peripheral fixing line (108) defining the periphery of the leakage path (130), located around and away from the dispensing orifice (104), the deformable region (123) being defined inside the internal peripheral fixing line (108). Dispensing head according to claim 5, in which the internal peripheral fixing line (108) has a drop shape. A dispensing head according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the base (90) or the cap (95) has, at the internal peripheral fixing line (108), a plurality of through holes (110) formed through the base (90) or through the cap (95), the fixed region (122) of the cap (95) or the base (90) comprising parts of the cap (95) overmoulded through the through holes (110). Dispensing head according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in which at least one fixed region (122) of the cap (95) or of the base (90) extends opposite an external peripheral fixing line (109), located around and away from the internal peripheral fixing line (108). Dispensing head according to claim 8, in which the base (90) or the cap (95) has a bearing surface (106) on which the deformable region (123) is applied, and a rim (107) projecting relative to the bearing surface (106), the internal peripheral fixing line (108) being located on the bearing surface (106), the external peripheral fixing line (109) being located on the rim (107). Dispensing head according to any one of claims 5 to 9, in which the base (90) defines at least two dispensing orifices (104), the cap (95) or the base (90) having a fixed region (122) on the base (90) or on the cap (95) for each dispensing orifice (104), each fixed region (122) on the base (90) or on the cap (95) extending opposite an internal peripheral fixing line (108) arranged around each dispensing orifice (104), the internal peripheral fixing lines (108) defining disjoint leakage paths (130), each connected to a separate dispensing orifice (104) and each opening through a separate outlet orifice (125). Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the base (90) or the cap (95) has a boss (224) arranged at the periphery of the dispensing orifice (104), the deformable region (123) in the rest configuration being applied to the boss (224). Dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pump (216) comprising a fixed part intended to be mounted on the neck of a container (15), the base (90) and the cap (95) forming a pusher (214) mounted movably in the fixed part. Dispensing head according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the base (90) and the cap (95) forming a product applicator (35), the base (90) being intended to be fixedly mounted on the or each container (15). Device (10) for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic product comprising at least one reservoir (15), and at least one dispensing head according to any one of the preceding claims, mounted on the or each reservoir (15), the dispensing orifice (104) being in fluid communication with the or each reservoir (15). Method for dispensing cosmetic products, comprising the following steps:
- providing a packaging and dispensing device according to claim 14, the deformable region (123) occupying its rest configuration;
- creation of an overpressure in the reservoir (15), causing the movement of cosmetic product through the dispensing orifice (104);
- under the effect of the overpressure, elastic deformation of the deformable region (123) towards its dispensing configuration to create a leakage path (130) from the dispensing orifice (104) towards a product outlet orifice (125), the cosmetic product being dispensed through the outlet orifice (125);
- elastic return of the deformable region (123) to its rest configuration.