Disposable capsules and cosmetic-product dispenser

Abstract

An assembly for dispensing a cosmetic product. The assembly includes: a disposable capsule having a casing containing the cosmetic product, the casing having a first part forming a cavity; a dispenser having a housing intended to receive the capsule, a hollow needle with a tip having a suction opening, a suction device and a dispensing circuit coupled to the hollow needle, and an element for driving the hollow needle between a position in which the capsule is not pierced and position of suction of the cosmetic product, the capsule, in a receiving position inside the housing, having a collection zone forming a low point of the cavity and, in the suction position of the hollow needle, the tip being located in the collection zone.

Claims

1. A assembly for dispensing a cosmetic product, the assembly comprising: at least one disposable capsule comprising a casing containing the cosmetic product, the casing comprising a first part forming a cavity and a second part to be pierced containing the cavity; and a dispenser comprising a housing to receive the capsule, a hollow needle with a tip having a suction opening, a suction device and a dispensing circuit coupled to the hollow needle, and a drive for driving the hollow needle between a position in which the capsule is not pierced and a position of suction of the cosmetic product, wherein the casing has a recess projecting onto the outside of the first part of the casing, the recess defining a zone for collecting the cosmetic product, the dispenser comprises a positioning element to position the capsule in a receiving position inside the housing so that the collection zone forms a low point of the cavity, in the suction position of the hollow needle, the tip is located in the collection zone, the drive is configured to drive the needle from top to bottom and vice-versa between the position in which the capsule is not pierced and the suction position, passing through the second part to be pierced of the capsule in the receiving position thereof inside the housing.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first part of the casing is formed by a shell, and the second part (12) to be pierced of the casing is formed by a cap (120).

3. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein, in the suction position of the hollow needle, the suction opening presented by the tip extends in height in the recess, and the tip of the hollow needle forms a space for the cosmetic product to pass between the tip and the casing of the capsule.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the positioning element comprises guide runners complementary to a shape of the casing.

5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein the dispenser comprises a passage for inserting the capsule in the housing, the insertion passage being delimited by a wall having the guide runners, the insertion passage narrowing from an entrance of the insertion as far as the housing.

6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a shape at least partially asymmetric along a vertical central plane parallel to an axis of insertion of the capsule in the housing.

7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the capsule has an essentially flattened shape, the first part of the casing having a plane portion, and wherein the dispenser comprises a heater for heating the cosmetic product and comprising a heating member in the immediate vicinity of the housing, the heating member being positioned so as to be in contact with the plane portion of the casing when the capsule is received in the housing.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein in a view from below of the capsule received in the housing, the recess is off-centre and the plane portion is centred on the casing, the plane portion being inclined in the direction of the recess.

9. A cosmetic product dispenser, the dispenser comprising: a housing to receive a capsule containing a cosmetic product; a hollow needle with a tip having a suction opening; a suction device and a dispensing circuit both coupled to the hollow needle; a drive for driving the hollow needle between a position in which the capsule is not pierced and a position of suction of the cosmetic product, the capsule comprising a casing containing the cosmetic product, the casing comprising a first part forming a cavity and a second part to be pierced enclosing the cavity; and a positioning element, which is configured to position the capsule in a receiving position inside the housing wherein the second part to be pierced is oriented upwards, the drive being designed to drive the needle from top to bottom and vice-versa between the position in which the capsule is not pierced and the suction position.

10. A disposable capsule, the capsule comprising a casing containing the cosmetic product, the casing comprising a first part forming a cavity and a second part to be pierced enclosing the cavity, the second part to be pierced being formed by a cap and being the only part designed to be pierced when the cosmetic product is extracted, the first part of casing being formed by a shell, the shell comprising: a peripheral rim; a floor; a wall extending over a height from the peripheral rim as far as the floor; wherein the floor comprises a flat portion and a recess, the recess projecting onto the outside of the floor of the shell of the casing, the recess defining a zone for collecting the cosmetic product, in a suction position wherein the connection zone forms a low point of the cavity, the plane portion being inclined in the direction of the recess.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly upon reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limitative example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0063] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation along a cross-section of an assembly for dispensing a cosmetic product according to the invention, wherein a disposable capsule is inserted inside a housing of a dispenser;

[0064] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the disposable capsule according to the invention, seen from below;

[0065] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the disposable capsule according to the invention, in a side view;

[0066] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the disposable capsule according to the invention in a front view;

[0067] FIG. 5 is a representation in perspective illustrating a disposable capsule according to the invention, inserted inside the housing of the dispenser through the insertion passage;

[0068] FIG. 6a is a schematic representation illustrating an erroneous attempt at insertion of the capsule according to the invention, inside the housing of the dispenser;

[0069] FIG. 6b is a schematic representation illustrating a disposable capsule according to the invention, correctly inserted inside the housing of the dispenser;

[0070] FIG. 7 is a schematic view along a cross-section centred on the capsule according to the invention, inserted inside the housing, and wherein a hollow needle is in a position in which the capsule is not pierced;

[0071] FIG. 8 is a schematic view in a cross-section centred on the disposable capsule according to the invention, and the housing in which the hollow needle pierces the casing and is in the position of suction of the cosmetic product;

[0072] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation centred on the hollow needle in the position of suction of the cosmetic product, the tip of the hollow needle being located in the collection zone of the disposable capsule.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0073] With reference to FIG. 1, an assembly for dispensing a cosmetic product comprising a disposable capsule 1 and a dispenser 2 is illustrated.

[0074] The assembly according to the invention makes it possible to dispense a cosmetic product that may for example correspond to a care cream for the hands or for the face. The cosmetic product may also correspond for example to a massage oil or cream.

[0075] As illustrated by FIGS. 1, 5, 6a and 6b, and as is described in more detail hereinafter, the dispenser 2 comprises a housing 21 intended to receive the capsule 1, and means 27 for positioning the capsule 1 in a receiving position inside the housing 21.

[0076] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the disposable capsule 1 according to the invention comprises a casing 10 containing the cosmetic product.

[0077] The capsule 1 is intended to be pierced to enable the cosmetic product to be extracted.

[0078] For this purpose, the casing 10 of the capsule 1 comprises a first part 11 forming a cavity C wherein the cosmetic product is located, as well as a second part 12 to be pierced. The second part 12 encloses the cavity C.

[0079] According to the present embodiment, the first part 11 of the casing 10 is formed by a shell 110.

[0080] This shell 110 can in particular be formed from a thermoformable plastics material such as PET.

[0081] According to the present embodiment, the second part 12 to be pierced is the only part designed to be pierced when the cosmetic product is extracted. This second part 12 that encloses the cavity C is in particular formed by a cap 120. This cap 120 is in particular made from aluminium.

[0082] In fact, according to the present embodiment, the shell 110 has a flat portion. This flat portion is described hereinafter in more detail.

[0083] According to the principle of the invention, the casing 10, and in particular the shell 110, has a recess 100 projecting onto the outside of the first part 11 of the casing 10.

[0084] This recess 100 defines a zone 101 for collecting the cosmetic product inside the cavity C.

[0085] The collecting zone 101 constitutes in other words a subspace of the cavity C formed by the first part 11 (and in particular by the shell 110).

[0086] According to the principle of the invention, in a position of receiving the capsule 1 inside the housing 21 of the dispenser 2, the zone 101 collecting the cosmetic product forms a low point of the cavity C.

[0087] As illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 4, the capsule 1 has an essentially flattened shape.

[0088] With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6A and 6B, the capsule 1, and in particular the shell 110, comprises: [0089] a peripheral rim 111; [0090] a wall 112 extending in height from the peripheral rim as far as a floor.

[0091] According to FIG. 2, the floor 113 comprises: [0092] a flat portion 114; [0093] the recess 100.

[0094] As is detailed hereinafter, the form of the casing 10 allows the guidance and positioning of the capsule 1 inside the dispenser 2.

[0095] This casing 10 has a shape that is partially asymmetric along a vertical central plane CV that is parallel to an axis I of insertion of the capsule 1 in the housing 21, as illustrated by FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0096] In fact, the shape of the capsule 1 constitutes a positive-location device for inserting the capsule 1 in the housing 21.

[0097] As illustrated by FIG. 2, the shell 110, and in particular the wall 112, has, on one side of the vertical central plane CV, a flat 115, and on the side opposite to the vertical central plane CV, a curved portion 116.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 6a, the capsule 1 cannot be introduced into the housing 21.

[0099] On the other hand, with reference to FIG. 6b, the capsule 1 has been correctly introduced into the housing 21, and the vertical central plane CV is coincident with the axis I of insertion of the capsule 1 in the housing 21.

[0100] The shell 110, and more precisely the wall 112, also has a portion 1120 recessed with respect to the end of the peripheral rim 111, which forms a gripping zone 117 of the capsule 1. This gripping zone 117 can for example be gripped between the thumb and index finger of a hand for manipulating the capsule 1.

[0101] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in a view from below of the capsule 1 received in the housing 21, the recess 100 is off-centre, and the flat portion 114 is centred on the casing 10.

[0102] This flat portion 114 is inclined in the direction of the recess 100. Thus the cosmetic product can flow along the flat portion 114, by gravity, in the direction of the recess and of the collection zone 110.

[0103] As mentioned previously, the dispenser 2 receiving the capsule 1 comprises a housing 21.

[0104] This dispenser 2 also comprises a body 20 having a base 200 enabling the dispenser 2 to be placed on a surface in a stable manner.

[0105] The dispenser 2 also comprises a cover 201 able to move with respect to the body 20.

[0106] The cover 201, as illustrated by FIG. 1, can adopt a position in which it is closed. In this closed position, the cover 201 prevents access to the housing 21. This cover 201 also prevents the capsule 1 from emerging from the housing 21.

[0107] The cover 201 must be open for inserting a capsule 1 and closed during use of the dispenser 2 according to the invention.

[0108] As illustrated by FIGS. 1, 5, 7, 8 and 9, the dispenser 2 also comprises: [0109] the housing 21 intended to receive the capsule 1; [0110] a hollow needle 22; [0111] suction means 24; [0112] a dispensing circuit 25 coupled to the hollow needle 22; [0113] means 26 for driving the hollow needle 22 between a position in which the capsule 1 is not pierced, illustrated by FIG. 7, and a position of suction of the cosmetic product in which the hollow needle 22 pierces the capsule 1, this position being illustrated by FIGS. 8 and 9; [0114] the means 27 for positioning the capsule 1 in a receiving position inside the housing 21; [0115] means 28 for heating the cosmetic product.

[0116] The positioning means 27 are configured so that, in the position of receiving the capsule 1 inside the housing 21, the zone 101 collecting the cosmetic product forms a low point of the cavity C.

[0117] As mentioned previously, the shape of the casing 10 optimises the positioning of the capsule 1 in the dispenser 2.

[0118] This is because the positioning means 27 comprise guide runners 270 that are complementary to the shape of the casing 10.

[0119] As illustrated by FIGS. 5, 6a and 6b, the dispenser 2 also comprises a passage 3 for inserting the capsule of the housing 21.

[0120] This insertion passage 3 is delimited by a surface 30. This surface 30 has the guide runners 270.

[0121] The guide runners 270 are in particular formed by a reproduction of the shape of the capsule (impression of the capsule) along the axis I of insertion of the capsule in the housing.

[0122] The insertion passage 3 narrows from an entrance of the insertion passage 3 as far as the housing 21. In this manner, the impression of the capsule reproduced by the surface 30 of the insertion passage 3 allows the guiding and the positioning of the capsule 1 in the housing 21.

[0123] With reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the guide runners 270 comprise in particular: [0124] a first guide runner 271 intended to cooperate with the recess 100 of the capsule 1; [0125] a second guide runner 272 intended to cooperate with the wall 112 of the capsule 1 (this second guide runner 272 having in particular a shape complementary to the flat 115 and to the curved portion 116 of the shell 110 of the capsule 1); [0126] a third runner 273 complementary to the peripheral rim 111 of the capsule 1.

[0127] These guide runners 270 are in particular stepped in height and allow correct insertion of the capsule 1 as well as correct positioning of the capsule in the housing 21.

[0128] With reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the hollow needle 22 comprises a tip 220 that has a suction opening 23.

[0129] According to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the suction position of the hollow needle 22 and when the capsule 1 is in its receiving position inside the housing 21, the tip 220 of the hollow needle 22 is located in the collection zone 101.

[0130] In this way, the suction position of the hollow needle 22 allows suction of the cosmetic product from the lowest point of the capsule 1.

[0131] According to the principle of the invention, the drive means 26 are designed to drive the hollow needle 22 from top to bottom and vice-versa between the non-piercing position and the suction position while passing through the second part to be pierced of the capsule 1 in its receiving position inside the housing 21.

[0132] According to the present embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, 7 and 8, the drive means 26 comprise an electric motor and gearing able to cause a translation of the hollow needle 22.

[0133] As illustrated by FIG. 9, in the suction position of the hollow needle 22, the suction opening 23 presented by the tip 220 is located in the collection zone 101.

[0134] In this suction position, the tip 220 of the hollow needle forms a space for the cosmetic product to pass between it and the casing 110 of the capsule 1.

[0135] With reference to FIGS. 1, 7, 8 and 9, the heating means 28 of the dispenser 2 comprise a heating member 280 in the immediate vicinity of the housing 21.

[0136] The heating member 280 in particular takes the form of a heating plate forming a floor on which the flat portion 114 of the capsule 1 rests when the capsule 1 is in its receiving position inside the housing 21 of the dispenser 2.

[0137] Thus the heating member 280 is positioned so as to be in contact with the flat portion 114 of the casing 10 in the position of receiving the capsule 1 in the housing 21.

[0138] With reference to FIG. 5, according to the present embodiment, the suction means 24 are formed by a peristaltic pump 240, coupled to an emerging end 221 of the hollow needle 22 by means of a tube, not shown.

[0139] According to FIG. 1, the dispensing circuit 25 for its part comprises a dispensing nozzle 250.

[0140] An example of operation of the dispensing assembly, i.e. of the dispenser 2 and of the capsule 1, is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0141] Initially, the user lifts the cover 201 of the dispenser 2.

[0142] The user grips the gripping zone 117 of the capsule 1 and directs the capsule 1 towards the insertion passage 3.

[0143] They then proceed with the insertion of the capsule 1 in the housing 21. The positioning means 27 then orient and guide the capsule 1 as it is inserted in the insertion passage 3, along the insertion axis I.

[0144] When the user has completely introduced the capsule 1 and it has arrived in abutment in the housing 21, they close the cover 201 of the dispenser 2 again.

[0145] Next, the user activates the dispenser 2. The heating means 27 can begin heating of the cosmetic product contained in the capsule 1.

[0146] The drive means 26 lower the hollow needle 22 from its non-piercing position as far as its position of suction of the cosmetic product in which the hollow needle 22 pierces the capsule 1. The hollow needle 22 then perforates the second portion to be pierced 12 and the tip of the hollow needle comes to be housed in the collection zone 101 of the capsule 1.

[0147] Following a triggering of a dispensing of a dose of cosmetic product, the peristaltic pump of the suction means 24 causes the suction of the cosmetic product contained in the capsule 1 by means of the suction opening 23 presented by the hollow needle 22 in the collection zone 101.

[0148] The cosmetic product then flows in the dispensing circuit 25 until it arrives at the dispensing nozzle 250, where the user collects the required dose of cosmetic product.

[0149] Following the application of the cosmetic product, the user opens the cover 201, which causes the hollow needle 22 to rise again from its position of suction of the cosmetic product to its non-piercing position. The user can thus grip the capsule 1 to remove it and dispose of it.

[0150] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more examples, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure and/or the appended claims.