WO2012114257A1

WO2012114257A1 - Device for packaging and applying a product

Info

Publication number: WO2012114257A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/050765
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Louis Gueret
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2011-02-25
Filing date: 2012-02-20
Publication date: 2012-08-30
Also published as: FR2971920A1; FR2971920B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for packaging and dispensing at least one cosmetic or dermatological product (P), comprising: - a container (2) containing the product (P) to be applied, having a longitudinal axis (X), - an application surface (7) onto which at least one orifice (16) for dispensing the product (P) opens, the application surface (7) being defined by an application member (6), - a member (4) that is axially moveable in the container (2), the internal transverse cross section (S_i) of the container (2) representing less than four times the largest transverse cross section (s_max) of the moveable member (4), over more than a third of the maximum axial displacement travel (C) of the moveable member (4).

Description

Device for packaging and applying a product

The present invention relates to devices for packaging and dispensing a cosmetic or dermato logical product.

Many packaging devices comprise a flexible-walled container that can be squeezed in order to force the product to leave the container through a dispensing orifice. The aesthetics of these devices is not in line with the wishes of certain users.

Other devices comprising a pump, a spray system, a stick of product moved by a screw or a piston system may also be used, but are relatively complex and expensive. Furthermore, it is not always easy to correctly measure out the amount of product dispensed.

The manufacturers of cosmetic products are also confronted with problems of emptying the container when the product contained therein tends to adhere to the walls of the container, for example due to its viscosity. Depending on the nature of the product, its descent time along the walls of the container may be of varying length.

It is known to introduce into containers containing cosmetic compositions, in particular nail varnish, a moveable member constituted of a metal ball, in order to enable the user to homogenize the product before the use of the device.

US 6 386 781, EP 1 407 973, FR 2 846 205, US 7 125 189, EP 1 314 373 and US 2007/0140773 thus describe devices comprising a moveable ball inside a container.

There is a need to further improve the packaging and dispensing devices and to facilitate the dosing of a cosmetic or dermatological product.

The invention aims to satisfy this need and, according to one of its aspects, one subject of the invention is a device for packaging and dispensing at least one cosmetic or dermatological product, comprising:

- a container containing the product to be applied, having a longitudinal, preferably straight, axis,

- an application surface onto which at least one orifice for dispensing the product opens, preferably a capillary orifice, the application surface being defined by an application member,

- a member that is axially moveable in the container, the internal transverse cross section Si ui mc wuiamci icpicscimng less than four times the largest transverse cross section s_max of the moveable member, over more than a third, better still more than half, even better still more than three quarters, of the maximum axial displacement travel of the moveable member in the container.

The movement of the moveable member towards the dispensing orifice, especially after upturning the container, bringing the latter from an upright position to an upside down position, tends to expel the product through this orifice.

Owing to the invention, bringing the product to the application surface is facilitated. Each time the device is used, the moveable member may, by simple upturning or shaking of the device, propel product towards the application member and supply the dispensing orifice with product.

The approach of the moveable member close to the application member and/or the dispensing orifice makes it possible to drive product towards the dispensing orifice and to promote the flow of the product through the dispensing orifice. This may especially promote the wetting of the dispensing orifice by the product and enable a flow via capillary action on contact with the skin or other surface to be treated.

Moreover, owing to the moveable member, the walls of the container may be scraped clean and the product moved towards the dispensing orifice, which may ensure a better rate of emptying of the container than in the absence of the moveable member and may enable the mixing of the product.

A device according to the invention may also be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, since it does not require a complex mechanical system.

The size of the moveable member makes it possible to control the amount of product driven towards the dispensing orifice, and it is possible, during manufacture, to measure out the amount dispensed by playing with the size of the moveable member.

The closer the moveable member is to the wall of the container, the greater the piston and scraping effect linked to its displacement. Thus, preferably the ratio Si/s_max≤ 3, better still Si/s_max≤ 2, preferably Si/s_max≤ 1.5.

The largest gap j between the moveable member and the container, over at least a third of the axial travel, is preferably less than 2 mm, better still 1.5 mm.

The expression "largest transverse cross section of the moveable member" should be understood to mean the largest cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. The transverse cross section of the moveable member may be a maximum at one point of the moveable member, namely its centre in the case of a ball, or may be a maximum over the entire height of the moveable member, in the case of a moveable member of cylindrical shape for example. In this case, the axial travel is defined by the displacement of one and the same point of the moveable member through which the largest cross section passes.

In the case, for example, where the moveable member is a ball, the internal diameter d, of the container is thus less than two times the diameter d_max of the moveable member, over more than a third of the axial travel of the moveable member. Preferably, d_max≤ 1.5 d better still d_max < 1.2 d

The largest transverse dimension of the moveable member may be between 10 and 30 mm.

The moveable member may have a largest transverse dimension that is greater than or equal to 1/3, better still greater than or equal to 1/2, of the largest internal dimension of the container.

The application surface is used for applying product to the skin, mucous membranes or hair, for example, by being brought into contact with the surface to be treated.

The application surface preferably has an area of greater than 0.5 cm², better still greater than 1 cm².

The expression "capillary dispensing orifice" should be understood to mean that upturning the container is insufficient by itself, in the absence of the moveable member, to cause the product to flow out of the container at a flow rate greater than 0.008 ml/s.

The container is preferably longer than it is wide, better still at least two times longer than it is wide, even better still three times longer than it is wide. This makes it possible to avoid having to use a very wide moveable member and to benefit from a relatively large range of movement of the moveable member.

The container may be single-walled or double-walled. In the case of a double- walled container, the moveable member may move in a space defined by a first inner wall, it being possible for the second outer wall to be constituted by a design that makes it possible to give the container any aesthetic shape desired. The second wall may be added onto the first or produced at least partially by material moulding with the first wall. The two walls may be coaxial. The first wall may have an internal cross section that is constant for example over more than half of its width. The internal transverse cross section of the container containing the product, within the meaning of the invention, is defined by the inner wall in the case of a double-walled container. The use of an inner wall makes it possible to easily produce the latter with a constant internal cross section, adapted to the cross section of the moveable member, without detracting from the aesthetics of the device.

The moveable member may have a spherical shape. The moveable member may also be a disc, especially in the case of a relatively wide container, of pot shape for example. Yet other shapes can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention, especially ovoid or gel capsule shapes.

The moveable member may be grooved.

The moveable member may have at least one through-hole.

The moveable member is preferably denser than the product. The moveable member may also be less dense than the product. In this case, the kinetic energy, during the upturning of the container, enables the displacement of the moveable member towards the dispensing orifice. Next, the moveable member may optionally rise to the surface of the product, which may free the dispensing orifice and facilitate the flow of the product.

The choice of the density of the moveable member may also make it possible to control the amount of product propelled towards the dispensing orifice, by having an influence on the descent rate of the moveable member in the event of the container being upturned.

The moveable member may be made of metal, especially stainless steel, aluminium, metal alloy, for example Zamak^®, or of non-metallic materials, especially ceramic, glass, or plastic. The moveable member may comprise a metal core and a non- metallic shell.

The moveable member may have, where appropriate, biocidal and/or magnetic properties.

The moveable member advantageously comes close to the dispensing orifice when the container is upside down, preferably less than 10 mm, better still less than 5 mm, even better still less than 2 mm away. Thus, the piston effect linked to the displacement of the moveable member may take place even when the rate of emptying is high.

The moveable member may, in one exemplary embodiment of the invention, come into contact with the application member when the container is turned upside down.

The moveable member may, where appropriate, come to completely close off the dispensing orifice. The moveable member then acts, during the use of the device and after dispensing a dose of product, as a closure member for reducing the risk of dispensing a surplus of product.

The moveable member may also not close off the dispensing orifice when the container is upside down, owing for example to the presence of a spacer that is inserted between the moveable member and the application member. A space allowing circulation of product is thus preserved between the moveable member and the dispensing orifice. The spacer is for example produced in the form of one or more fins.

The container may have a flexible wall, which may facilitate the dispensing of the product, enabling the user to squeeze its wall. However, the invention makes it possible to use a container without a flexible wall, which offers more possibilities from an aesthetic point of view. The container may have a constant internal volume. The product may be expelled due to the movement of the moveable member.

The container may be produced with a rigid wall and the user may simply move the device upside down over the treated zone so that product, driven by the moveable member towards the dispensing orifice, flows via capillary action through this orifice.

The application member may have, in certain exemplary embodiments, a substantially constant thickness in the region of the dispensing orifice, for example between 0.1 and 5 mm. A small axial dimension of the dispensing orifice may facilitate a flow of the product via capillary action, from the container to the treated zone, when the application surface is kept in contact with the treated zone.

The application member may be chosen from a rigid wall, a foam, a membrane, especially a flexible membrane, or a felt tip.

The application member may have a general cup shape, convex towards the outside of the container. This cup may define a dome-shaped application surface, with or without indentation or flat at the dispensing orifice. The application member may be defined by a metal cup, especially formed by stamping or injection moulding. The shape of the inner surface of the dispensing member may match that of the moveable member, where appropriate.

The application member may be defined by a body that can move relative to the container, such as a ball of roll-on type. In the case of such an application member, the dispensing orifice is defined, for example, by an annular gap that exists between said body and its seat.

The dispensing orifice may or may not be the only one. The presence of a single dispensing orifice is advantageous in that this facilitates the dosing of the product and makes the closure of the orifice easier, when not being used, via a closure member added onto the container, provided for example with a closure pin that is inserted into the orifice.

The dispensing orifice may be produced by cutting or punching of the application member, or with a laser, or by moulding.

In the case where the application member is porous, the latter may comprise a plurality of dispensing orifices that correspond to the pores of the porous material. It is also possible to use a porous material in which one or more orifices are made by piercing, cutting or moulding.

The application member, especially in the case of use of a metal cup, is advantageously embedded at its periphery in a thermoplastic body, especially a thermoplastic body overmoulded onto the application member. The thermoplastic may cover the application member at its periphery both internally and externally. This may facilitate the mounting of the application member onto the body of the container, while avoiding leaks of product at the application member.

The application member is firmly attached to the container during the use of the device and the application of the product onto the surface to be treated. The application member may be fixed or moveable relative to the container, during the application of the product.

The dispensing orifice communicates directly with the internal space of the container containing the product. The communication of the dispensing orifice with the internal space of the container containing the product is not obstructed by any flap, valve or tap, the product being able to freely come into contact with the dispensing orifice when the container is upturned. The product, which is liquid, may be in the form of oil, cream, milk or lotion, or gel. The product may contain an aqueous, oily or alcoholic solvent. The product contains a cosmetic or dermatological active agent.

The invention may be used for multiple cosmetic or dermatological treatments. During the use of the device, the container is shaken or upturned, and the application member moved into contact with the surface to be treated.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 represents, in schematic and partial axial cross section, an example of a packaging and dispensing device produced in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 represents the device from Figure 1 after upturning, Figure 3 is a transverse cross section of the device, taken along III-III from

Figure 1,

- Figures 4A and 4B illustrate various configurations of the device after upturning the container, according to two embodiment variants,

Figures 5 to 9 are views similar to Figure 2, of embodiment variants of the device, and

Figures 10A to IOC represent embodiment variants of the moveable member.

The packaging and application device 1 represented in Figure 1 comprises a container 2, having a shape that is elongated along a longitudinal axis X, containing a product P to be applied to human keratin materials, especially to the skin, lips or hair.

The container 2 is preferably, as illustrated, at least three times longer than it is wide, having for example a general pen shape. The length L of the container is measured with the container open, and the width 1 is measured where the outer cross section is largest.

The container 2 may have a rigid wall, which is substantially incapable of being deformed by the user during the application, which is for example the case in Figure 1.

The container 2 is for example produced by injection moulding of a rigid thermoplastic. As a variant, the container is made from glass or from metal. Generally, for producing the body of the container 2, especially the part defining the surface for gripping during use, it is possible to use any known thermoplastic, for example a polyolefm, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, a polyamide, especially RILSA ^®, PET, POM or PS.

The wall of the container 2 may or may not be transparent.

The container 2 may also be produced with at least one flexible wall.

The container comprises a body 2a.

The device 1 comprises an application member 6 that defines an application surface 7, brought into contact with the keratin materials to be treated during the use of the device 1.

The container 2 may comprise a support piece 8 bearing the application member 6, for example added onto the body 2a, as illustrated.

This support piece 8 is for example snap-fastened to a neck 10 of the body 2a of the container 2 and may comprise an annular sealing lip 1 1 that is applied to the inner surface 12 of the body 2a of the container.

Of course, the support piece 8 may be fastened in a different way to the body 2a of the container, for example by overmoulding, screwing, crimping, friction, adhesive bonding or welding, this list not being limiting.

The application member 6 may also be directly in contact with the body of the container, the latter then comprising, for example, an added base.

The support piece 8 is also used, in the example illustrated, for the mounting of a removable closure cap 14, which makes it possible to close off, when it is in place, a dispensing orifice 16 of the application member 6. The cap 14 may for this purpose comprise a closure pin 18 that may be inserted, at least partially, into the dispensing orifice 16.

The application member 6 may have a generally convex outer surface, defining the application surface 7, as illustrated.

The application member 6 may have, at its periphery, an annular lip 20, which may facilitate anchorage in the support piece 8. The latter is for example overmoulded onto the application member, such that this member is covered by the material of the support piece 8 both internally at 22 and uppermost at 23, as illustrated. In one aforementioned variant, the body of the container 2 is overmoulded directly onto the application member 6.

The application member 6 is formed for example by a metal cup, for example made of stainless steel. The metal wall may comprise a coating, for example of PTFE or of another material, or may have undergone a treatment, for example an anodization. The coating is for example in the form of film, of metallization, or of discontinuous deposit, formed for example by spraying.

The support piece 8 defines, in the example illustrated, a neck 26 used for mounting of the closure cap 14, for example by snap-fastening or screwing.

As can be seen in the figures, the communication of the dispensing orifice 16 with the internal space 3 of the container 2 containing the product P is permanent, not being obstructed by any flap, valve or tap, the product P being able to freely come into contact with the dispensing orifice 16 when the container 2 is upturned.

In the case where the application member is a metal cup, the axial dimension of the dispensing orifice 16, measured axially along the longitudinal axis X of the device, with which it coincides in the example illustrated, may correspond to the thickness of the metal cup. The orifice may also be defined by an inwardly pointing lip, formed for example by stamping, which increases its axial dimension.

The thickness e of the application member 6, especially at the dispensing orifice 16, is for example between 0.1 and 5 mm.

The largest transverse dimension of the dispensing orifice 16, for example its diameter in the context of a dispensing orifice 16 of circular cross section, is preferably less than or equal to 5 mm, better still 3 mm.

The dimensions of the dispensing orifice 16 are preferably chosen so as to render the orifice capillary, that is to say to prevent a continuous flow of the product through the dispensing orifice 16 when the device 1 is upturned.

For example, the dimensions of the dispensing orifice 16 are small enough to ensure that the product P is retained inside the container 2 via capillary action when this container is turned upside down, without being brought into contact with the surface to be treated.

The container 2 may have, over at least one part of its height, a constant internal cross section Si, as illustrated in Figure 1. The container 2 contains, as illustrated, a member 4 that can be moved over a maximum axial travel C along the longitudinal axis X of the container 2, making it possible to facilitate the flow of the product P towards the outside during use and helping to mix the product.

The upturning of the container 2 may be insufficient by itself, in the absence of the moveable member, to cause the product P to flow out of the container at a flow rate greater than 0.008 ml/s.

The moveable member 4 is, in the example illustrated in Figure 1 , a ball of diameter d_max.

The movement of the moveable member 4 towards the dispensing orifice 16 tends to expel the product P through this orifice.

The internal transverse cross section Si of the container 2 represents, in accordance with the invention, less than four times the largest transverse cross section s_max of the moveable member 4, over more than a third of the maximum axial displacement travel C of the moveable member 4.

In the case where the moveable member 4 is a ball, the internal diameter d, of the container 2 is less than two times the diameter d_max of the moveable member 4, as illustrated in Figure 3.

Preferably, the distance j between the moveable member 4 and the inner surface 12 of the container 2, during the movement thereof, which is less than or equal to (di - dmax) in the example considered, remains less than or equal to 6 mm, better still 5 mm, even better still 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm or 0.5 mm. Care will be taken, as a function of the viscosity of the product, to avoid the gap j from being too small and preventing the moveable member from moving under the effect of gravity from top to bottom in the container.

The moveable member 4 may be made of stainless steel, especially when it has a ball or disc shape.

The moveable member 4 may move, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, between two end positions, one corresponding to the moveable member 4 resting on the base 15 of the container, as illustrated in Figure 1 , and the other to the moveable member 4 coming to a stop against the application member 6, as illustrated in Figure 2. In particular, when the container is upturned, as illustrated in Figure 2, the moveable member 4 may come substantially into contact with the dispensing orifice 16.

The application member 6 may have a shape such that, in the presence of the moveable member 4, the latter comes to substantially close off the dispensing orifice 16 when the device 1 is upside down, as illustrated in Figure 4B. This may slow down the flow rate of the product P flowing onto the treated surface. The movement of the moveable member 4 approaching the dispensing orifice 16 may push the product P towards the application surface 7.

As a variant, as illustrated in Figure 4A, a spacer 40 may be provided between the inner surface of the application member 6 and the moveable member 4, so that the latter remains at a distance from the dispensing orifice 16 and does not impede the flow of the product P. A reserve of product may then be created between the moveable member 4 and the dispensing orifice 16.

The spacer 40 is for example formed by an element that is added onto the application member 6, for example adhesively bonded, welded, overmoulded or fastened in a different way to this member, or by a relief of the application member.

The spacer 40 may also originate from an extension of the support piece 8 or of the body of the container 2, which extension may be made from a single piece by moulding with the support piece 8 or the body of the container, or be added on thereto.

The moveable member 4 may be a disc, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.

In the embodiment from Figure 6, the container 2 has a pot shape.

The moveable member 4 may come into contact with the application member 6 when the container is upturned.

Represented in Figure 7 is an embodiment variant in which the application member 6 comprises a body such as a ball, which may be fixed but preferably can be moved relative to the body of the container 2, in the style of a roll-on. The body defining the application surface 7 may be solid or hollow, being made for example from a metal, a thermoplastic or a ceramic. The body of the application member 6, especially the ball, is held in a seat 44 as illustrated, which has the general shape of a spherical cavity, into which the body may be snap-fastened. A closure cap 14 may be provided to seal the device when it is not being used. The dispensing orifice 16 is defined by the annular gap 46 that exists between the body of the application member 6 and the seat 44 that surrounds it. The dispensing orifice 16 thus opens onto the portion of the body that is used for the application, located outside of the container when the cap 14 is removed. The annular gap formed between the body of the application member 6 and the seat 44 communicates with the internal space 3 of the container 2 that contains the product P by means of a passage 48 that is, for example, centred about the longitudinal axis X of the device 1 and has a circular cross section.

Represented in Figures 8 and 9 are two examples of containers in which the internal transverse cross section Sj of the container varies between the base 15 and the application member 6, for example by decreasing as in the example from Figure 8 or by passing through a maximum as in the example from Figure 9.

Preferably, each of the containers has a neck 10, the internal cross section of which is, for example, only slightly larger than the largest transverse cross section s_max of the moveable member 4.

In each of the examples from Figures 8 and 9, the application member 6 is defined by a dome, the peak of which is passed through by a dispensing orifice 16, but the scope of the present invention is not departed from when the application member 6 is different, for example being formed of a ball of roll-on type, the dispensing orifice 16 being, in this case, defined by an annular gap that exists between the ball and its seat.

Represented in Figures 10A to IOC are various examples of moveable members 4, other than a ball.

It is seen in Figure 10A that the moveable member 4 may have a gel capsule shape, with for example a cylindrical frustum of revolution and two spherical dome-shaped ends.

It is seen in Figure 10B that the moveable member 4 may be grooved, and in

Figure IOC that it may be passed through by a hole 49, extending for example axially along the longitudinal axis of the moveable member 4.

The grooves 41 in the example from Figure 10B may have various orientations, extending for example axially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the moveable member 4.

The invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described. It is especially possible to combine together features from embodiment variants that are illustrated, within variants that are not illustrated. Illustrated by dotted lines in Figure 2 is the possibility of having a container 2 that is double-walled, namely having an outer wall 5a and an inner wall 5b. In this case, the moveable member 4 can be moved in the internal space 3 defined by the inner wall 5b.

The application member 6 may have various other shapes than those illustrated, and may be located inside or outside of the container 2.

The container may contain several products to be dispensed extemporaneously, where appropriate. In this case, the container may comprise several compartments each containing a moveable member and the product is dispensed through respective dispensing orifices.

The device may comprise a vibrating source that makes it possible to subject the application member to vibrations during the application.

The application member may be placed in the cold, for example in a refrigerator, prior to it coming into contact with the zone to be treated.

The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one".

Claims

1. Device (1) for packaging and dispensing at least one cosmetic or dermato logical product (P), comprising:

- a container (2) containing the product (P) to be applied, having a longitudinal axis (X),

- an application surface (7) onto which at least one orifice (16) for dispensing the product (P) opens, the application surface (7) being defined by an application member (6),

- a member (4) that is axially moveable in the container (2),

the internal transverse cross section (Si) of the container (2) representing less than four times the largest transverse cross section (s_max) of the moveable member (4), over more than a third of the maximum axial displacement travel (C) of the moveable member (4).

2. Device according to Claim 1 , the dispensing orifice being capillary, upturning the container (2) being insufficient by itself, in the absence of the moveable member, to cause the product (P) to flow out of the container (2) at a flow rate greater than 0.008 ml/s.

3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, the container (2) being at least three times longer than it is wide.

4. Device according to Claims 1 to 3, the moveable member (4) being a ball.

5. Device according to Claims 1 to 3, the moveable member (4) being a disc, of ovoid or gel capsule shape.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the moveable member (4) being denser than the product (P).

7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, the moveable member (4) being less dense than the product (P).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the moveable member (4) closing off the dispensing orifice (16) when the container (2) is upturned.

9. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, the moveable member (4) not closing off the dispensing orifice (16) when the container (2) is upturned.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member (6) being a metal cup or a ball of "roll-on" type.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the dispensing orifice (16) communicating directly with the internal space (3) containing the product (P).

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the maximum gap (j) between the moveable member (4) and the container (2), measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X), being less than or equal to 6 mm, better still 3 mm, over at least a third of said maximum axial travel (C).

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the dispensing orifice (16) being the only one.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the container having an internal cross section that is constant over at least half of its length.

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the container having a rigid-walled body (2a).

16. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, the moveable member (4) being grooved.

17. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, the moveable member (4) having at least one through-hole (49).

18. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 17, the largest transverse dimension (d_max) of the moveable member (4) being between 10 and 30 mm.

19. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, the moveable member (4) having a largest transverse dimension (d_max) that is greater than or equal to 1/3, better still greater than or equal to 1/2, of the largest internal dimension of the container (2).

20. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 19, the ratio between the internal transverse cross section (Si) of the container (8) and the largest transverse cross section (s_max) of the moveable member (4) being less than or equal to 2.