VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS

Abstract

VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, in particular for compressible tubes, comprises a lid-like mounting base (1) with external means (2) for coupling the base in a liquid-tight manner to the bottleneck (3) of an usual compressible container (4), and with internal means (5) which form a passage (6) for the product and is also integral part of a valve (7) sliding upwards and downwards, with the lower end oriented to open and close the passage (6), while the upper end is centered inside a sleeve (9) which receives through its top the base of an applicator tip (9) into its inner part, and its external part receives a cap (10) that surrounds the applicator tip (9), the circular base of the cap being coupled to rotate inside the sleeve (8), combined with an actuation mechanism (11) formed in the two parts for moving upwards and downwards the valve (7) for opening and closing the passage (6) for the product, allowing or preventing the flow of the latter to the applicator tip, which is shaped like a finger, and in which the product accumulates in the desired quantity to be applied to the user's body.

Claims

1) VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, comprised of a lid-like mounting base (1) with external means (2) of leakproof attachment to the bottleneck (3) of a generally usual container (4) and with internal means (5) constituting a passage (6) for the product and also constitutes an integral part of the valve (7) that slides upwards and downwards and whose lower end is oriented to open and close the passage (6), while its end is centrally housed in a sleeve (8) that from above internally receives the base of a applicator tip (9), while the outer part receives the overcap (10) surrounding such applicator tip (9), the circular base is coupled to rotate in the sleeve (8), combined with an actuation mechanism (11) formed in the two parts for moving the valve (7) upwards and downwards in order to open and close the passage (6) for the product; such tip (9) is axially attached inside the sleeve (8) and the corresponding part of the valve (7) enough to turn freely in both directions, together with the cam (11) that moves the valve (7) upwards and downwards in order to open or close the passage (6).

2) VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, as set forth in claim 1, comprised of the external (2) and internal (5) means of the mounting base (1) being formed by two cylindrical, concentric sectors in which the first constitutes a circular skirt with an internal lock(12) forming a leakproof attachment to the corresponding lip (13) of the bottleneck (3) of a generally usual container (4), while on the upper side projecting perpendicularly inwards in the form of a blind flange (14) that is integrated with the second internal part (5) in the shape of a cup and whose diameter fits tightly into the bottleneck (3) fitted with a sealing washer (15) and with the bottom of such internal part being pierced to allow throughflow (6) and in the center of which there is an internal raised cylindrical stopper (16) with a tapered tip(17); the outer diameter of the part(2) also fitted with details for attachment to the bottom end of the sleeve (8) in the form of anti-rotational locking lugs (18) and annular channels (19) that form an intermediate axial locking step (20).

3) VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, as set forth in claim 1, comprised of the fact that the valve (7) is formed by a vertical plunger (21) pierced lengthwise by a feeder tube (22) and whose upper end widens internally forms a first sealing lip (23), which also occurs with a lower end, although in this case a circular channel (24) results in two concentric sealing lips (25 and 26), with the outer sliding over the inner part (5) of the base (1), while the other lip (26) surrounds the end of the feeder tube (22) forming a tip for penetrating the cylindrical stopper (16) that opens and closes the feeder tube (22); such outer diameter of the vertical plunger (21) is fitted with the longitudinal guide lugs (27) and two radially opposed follower studs (28) that couple on to the mechanism (11).

4) VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, as set forth in claim 1, comprised of the fact that the sleeve (8) is formed by a cylindrical skirt (29), with the wider bottom edge forming an external flap (30) that constitutes an slotback for the bottom end of the cap (10), while the inside of this flap has a plurality of grooves (31) and above them are two protuberant annular sectors (32), both attached to the base (1), where the grooves (31) engage with the anti-rotational locking lugs (18) and the two protuberant annular sectors (32) engage with the annular channels (19); the upper part of the sleeve (8) is defined by two other internal, circular and concentric walls (33) and (34), with two channels (35) and (36) formed between them, within which is attached in a revolving manner, the lower end of the applicator tip (10), with the smaller diameter inner wall (33) also constituting a slider housing for the upper end with the lip (23) of the plunger (21) and, to do so, also includes two diametrically opposed keyways that constitute the surfaces of the cam (37) pierced by the radially opposed follower studs (28), which are exposed in the channel or spacing (35) and in a position to couple with the lower end of the applicator tip (9); the upper edge of such wall (33) of the sleeve (8) is lowered over a length of 180 (38) ending in rabbet buffers and a light lock (39), that define the open and closed positions, with this rabbet (38) also forming a midline projection in the form of vertical pin (40) that constitutes a buffer and limit on the 90 movement, open or closed, for the cap (10) which also has a lock on the protruding inner edge (41) of the skirt (29) of the sleeve (8).

5) VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, as set forth in claim 1, comprised of the fact that the base of the applicator tip (9) is defined by three concentric walls, an internal wall which is a feeder tube and coupling (42), an intermediate wall (43) and an external wall (44), in which the first is shorter and has two diametrically opposed keyways (45), while the other two are the same height, with the lower edge of the external wall being slightly wider and forming a buffer step (46) and also between the two walls (43) and (44) there are two twist-control teeth (47); such walls (43) and (44) slip into the respective channels (35) and (36) of the cover (8), resulting in the steps (41) of the sleeve (8) and the step (46) of the applicator tip (9) slotting into each other and with the teeth (47) positioned on the rabbet (38) of the wall (34) and finally the pins (28) of the plunger (21) are coupled to the keyways (45) of the internal wall (42).

6) VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, as set forth in claim 1, comprised of the fact that the upper edge of the cylindrical skirt (29) of the sleeve (8) has a vertical indicator projection (48) facing the outside of the base of the applicator tip (9) that is aligned alternately with the two open and closed indicator buffer marks (49).

7) VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, as set forth in claim 1, comprised of the fact that the upper end of the applicator tip (9) extends in a shape similar to that of the tip of a forefinger, forming an elliptical tip whose longer axis is positioned vertically, which constitutes a hollow part in the form of a casing (50) that is slightly recessed in the rear wall (51), while its front wall forms a small open compartment (52), with the feeder tube formed by the wall (42) opening into its lower part and with this open compartment bordered by a double wall (53), forming a recessed border that constitutes an outer casing (54) and housing between the walls (55), both for holding the leakproof elastomer cap (56), whose front part is padded and finger-shaped, embossed in a manner defined by a set of concentric elliptical protuberances (57) and with a small slit valve (58) in the center thereof that releases the product, while on the rear side, such elastomer cap has a similar shape defined by walls (59) and (60) that is held in position between and on the details (53), (54) and (55) of the casing (50), whereby the compartment (52) of the casing serves as a delivery pouch for the product to be applied.

8) VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, as set forth in claim 1, comprised of the fact that the tip (9) includes anatomical recessed lateral grips (61) offering access for the tips of the thumb and forefinger.

9) VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, as set forth in claim 1, that includes a modified applicator tip (61) whose upper end is formed by two extended sectors of concentric walls, one internal (62) and one external (63), in which the former is an extension of the feeder tube and coupling (42), whose outer diameter is surrounded by a spacing (64), also having semicircular teeth (65), one on each side, above which is located an annular recess (66), which is repeated (67) at the top of the inner extension (62), which constitutes the sealing point, while the previous details (64), (65) and (66) form the coupling point for the lower cylindrical part of an elastomer tip (68), whose upper end is cylindrical (69) and whose top is slanted, constituting an application surface (70), in the second of which is a slit valve (71) that releases the product, while the lower part of such tip is tubular, with a slightly narrower outer diameter that forms a step (72), which also occurs with the inner diameter, although the cross-section of the inner step is shaped like the top sealing ring(73), below which the inner diameter includes an annular protuberance (74) and finally the lower edge extends in the shape of diametrically opposed hooks(75), that slot into the teeth (65) when the lower cylindrical part of the elastomer tip (68) is introduced into the spacing (64), where another coupling occurs when the annular protuberance (74) slots into the annular rabbet (66) and at the same time the sealing ring (73) fits into the top annular channel(67).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For a better understanding of this invention, a detailed description is given below, with references to the appended drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective of the mounted assembly;

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a perspective of the assembly with the top cap exploded, displaying the applicator tip;

[0011] FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively illustrate a top view of an indication of a slot and a view of such slot, showing the mounted assembly;

[0012] FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively show a top view with an indication of another slot and a view of such indicated slot, showing the mounted assembly;

[0013] FIG. 7 displays an isometric cross-section of the mounted assembly;

[0014] FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective, seen from above;

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded perspective, seen from below;

[0016] FIG. 10 has several perspectives illustrating the mounting base;

[0017] FIG. 11 presents several views in perspective and cross-section showing details of the valve that is formed by a plunger;

[0018] FIG. 12 presents several views in perspective and cross-section showing details of the sleeve surrounding the plunger-type valve;

[0019] FIGS. 13 to 18 illustrate several views in perspective and cross-section, showing the construction details of the applicator tip;

[0020] FIGS. 19 to 21 present several views in perspective and cross-section, showing the construction details of a modified applicator tip; and

[0021] FIGS. 22 and 23 are views illustrating the functioning of the assembly;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] As shown in these illustrations and their details, more particularly FIGS. 1 to 9, this invention, being a VALVE MECHANISM WITH APPLICATOR TIP FOR COSMETIC CONTAINERS, is comprised by the fact that it initially encompasses a lid-like mounting base (1) with external means (2) of leak proof attachment to the bottleneck (3) of a generally usual container (4) and with internal means (5) constituting a passage (6) for the product and that also constitutes an integral part of a valve (7) that slides upwards and downwards and whose lower end is oriented to open and close the passage (6), while its end is centrally housed in a sleeve (8) that internally receives the base of an applicator tip (9) from above, while the outer part receives the overcap (10) surrounding such applicator tip (9), the circular base is coupled to rotate in the sleeve (8), combined with an actuation mechanism (11) that is formed between the two parts and constitutes the means for moving the valve upwards or downwards (7) in order to open and close the passage (6) for the product.

[0023] The tip (9) is axially attached inside the sleeve (8) and the corresponding part of the valve (7) whereby it may be twisted in both directions and with the mechanism (11) moving the valve upwards and downwards (7) in order to open or close the passage (6).

[0024] The mounting base (1) is illustrated with details in FIG. 10, showing that the external (2) and internal (5) means are formed by two cylindrical concentric sectors, in which the first constitutes a circular skirt with an internal lock (12) forming a leakproof attachment to the corresponding lip (13) of the bottleneck (3) of a generally usual container (4), while on the upper side projecting perpendicularly inwards in the form of a blind flange (14) that is integrated with the second internal part (5) in the shape of a cup and whose diameter fits tightly into the bottleneck (3) like a stopper, with a sealing washer (15) and with the bottom of such internal part being pierced to allow throughflow (6) and in the center of which there is an internal raised cylindrical stopper (16) with a tapered tip (17), and with the external diameter of the part (2) also endowed with details for attachment to the bottom end of the sleeve (8) in the form of twist-prevention lock-lugs (18) and annular channels (19) that form an intermediate axial locking step (20).

[0025] The valve (7) is illustrated with details in FIG. 11, showing that it consists of a vertical plunger (21) pierced lengthwise by a feeder tube (22) and whose upper end widens internally forms a first sealing lip (23), which also occurs with a lower end, although in this case a circular channel (24) results in two concentric sealing lips (25 and 26), with the outer part sliding over the inner part (5) of the base (1), while the other lip (26) surrounds the end of the feeder tube (22) forming a tip penetrating the cylindrical stopper (16) that opens and closes the feeder tube (22), with the external diameter of the vertical plunger (21) fitted with the longitudinal guide lugs (27) and two radially opposed tips follower studs (28) that couple on to the mechanism (11).

[0026] The sleeve (8) is illustrated with details in FIG. 12, showing that it initially consists of the cylindrical skirt (29), with the wider bottom edge forming an external flap (30) that constitutes a slotback for the bottom end of the cap (10), while the inside of this flap has a plurality of grooves (31) and above them are two protuberant annular sectors (32), both attached to the base (1), where the grooves (31) engage with the anti-rotational locking lugs (18) and the two protuberant annular sectors (32) engage with the annular channels (19), comprising a coupling and permanent attachment between the two components, thus avoiding the entire assembly coming loose or preventing any movement among the components (1), (4) and (8).

[0027] The upper part of the sleeve (8) is defined by two other internal, circular and concentric walls (33) and (34), with two channels (35) and (36) formed between them, within which is attached in a revolving manner, the lower end of the applicator tip (10), with the smaller diameter inner wall (33) also constituting a slider housing for the upper end with the lip (23) of the plunger (21) and, to do so, also includes two diametrically opposed keyways that constitute the surfaces of the cam (37) pierced by the radially opposed follower studs (28) that are exposed in the channel or spacing (35) and in a position to couple with the lower end of the applicator tip (9), whereby the latter can move such tips over the surfaces of the cams (37) and thus move the valve upwards or downwards (7), opening or closing it with 90 twists in both directions and, to do so, the upper edge of the wall (33) of the sleeve (8) is lowered over a length of 180 (38) ending in rabbet buffers and a light lock (39) that define the open and closed positions, with this rabbet (38) also forming a midline projection in the form of vertical pin (40) that constitutes a buffer and limit on the 90 movement, open or closed, for the cap (10) which also has a lock on the protruding inner edge (41) of the skirt (29) of the sleeve (8).

[0028] The applicator tip (9) is illustrated with details in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, showing that its lower end is defined by three concentric walls, an internal wall which is a feeder tube and coupling (42), an intermediate wall (43) and an external wall (44), in which the first is shorter and has two diametrically opposed keyways (45), while the other two are the same height, with the lower edge of the external wall being slightly, forming a stopper step (46) and also between the two walls (43) and (44) there are two twist-control teeth (47). Such walls (43) and (44) are slid into the respective channels (35) and (36) of the cover (8), resulting in the steps (41) of the sleeve (8) and the step (46) of the applicator tip (9) slotting into each other and with the teeth (47) positioned on the rabbet (38) of the wall (34) and finally the pins (28) of the plunger (21) are coupled to the keyways (45) on the internal wall (42). In this position, such applicator tip (9) cannot move axially, although it is free to slide and twist in this both directions, which are the opening and closing movements, both with a radius of 90 and limited by the teeth (47) and the vertical pin (40); concomitantly, the plunger (21) is twisted as its pins (28) are inserted in the keyways (45) of the applicator tip (9) and consequently the cam (37) moves the valve upwards or downwards (7), allowing the inward or outward movement of the stopper (16) in the passage (6) and thus opening or closing such valve (7).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 16, in the upper edge of the cylindrical skirt (29) of the sleeve (8) a vertical indicator projection (48) faces the outside of the base of the applicator tip (9) and is aligned alternately with the two open and closed indicator buffer marks (49).

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the upper end of the applicator tip (9) which extends in a shape similar to that of the tip of the forefinger, constituting an elliptical tip whose longest axis is positioned vertically, constituting a hollow part in the form of a casing (50) that is slightly recessed in the rear wall (51), while its front side forms a small open compartment (52), with the feeder tube formed by the wall (42) opening into its lower part and with this open compartment bordered by a double wall (53), forming a recessed border that constitutes an outer casing (54) and housing between the walls (55), both for holding the leakproof elastomer cap (56), whose front part is padded and finger-shaped, embossed in a manner defined by a set of concentric elliptical protuberances (57) and with a small slit valve (58) in the center thereof that releases the product, while on the rear side, such elastomer cap has a similar shape defined by walls (59) and (60) that is held in position between and on the details (53), (54) and (55) of the casing (50), whereby the compartment (52) of the casing serves as a delivery pouch for the product to be applied, which occurs only when light pressure is created in this inner part by pressing the container (4). Under these conditions, this pressure increases against the inner side of the cap (56) imposing demands on its elastic characteristics, at which time the slit valve (58) is forced open, although only narrowly, to the extent that a desired quantity of the product is released onto the fingertip-shaped surface (57) and when the desired quantity has been established, pressure is no longer applied to the container (4) and the elastic memory of the cap (56) completely closes the slit valve (58), keeping the applicator tip (9) properly closed, with a product inside ready for a new operation.

[0031] Still with regard to FIG. 17, the tip (9) includes anatomical recessed lateral grips (61) offering access for the tips of the thumb and forefinger, making it easier to twist such tip (9).

[0032] The applicator tip (9) described above features construction details and an anatomical shape that work together to ensure a specific application of the product on the user's skin, particularly around the eyes, principally products defined generically as cosmetics, although this also includes drug products applied in the same areas around the eyes.

[0033] FIG. 19 shows an assembly modified to receive an anatomically different tip, designed for other parts of the body, particularly those related to the lips, although this shape for this region is more versatile and may also be used in other areas, principally on the face. This modified assembly has almost the same parts as already described, namely the mounting base (1) which presents the same details for leakproof connection to the bottleneck (3) of a generally usual container (4) and with internal means constituting a passage (6) for the product and also constitutes an integral part of the valve (7) moving upwards and downwards and whose lower end is oriented to open and close the passage (6), while its end is centrally housed in a sleeve (8) that internally holds the base of the modified applicator tip (61), while the outer part receives the overcap (10) surrounding such applicator tip (61), the circular base is coupled to rotate in the in the double sleeve (8), where an actuation mechanism (11) is formed by the two parts, constituting the means for moving the valve upwards or downwards (7) in order to open and close the passage (6) for the product, similar to the previous assembly.

[0034] The modified applicator tip (61) is also axially attached inside the double sleeve (8) whereby it may be twisted in both directions and with the mechanism (11) moving the valve upwards or downwards (7) in order to open and close the passage (6).

[0035] The modified applicator tip (61) is presented in greater detail also in FIGS. 20 and 21, showing that its upper end consists of two prolonged concentric wall sectors, one internal (62) and one external (63), with the former being an extension of the feeder tube and coupling (42), whose outer is surrounded by a spacing (64) and also has semicircular teeth (65), one on each side, above which is located an annular recess (66), which is repeated (67) at the top of the inner extension (62), which constitutes the sealing point, while the previous details (64), (65) and (66) form the coupling point for the lower cylindrical part of an elastomer tip (68), whose upper end is cylindrical (69) and whose top is slanted, constituting an application surface (70), in the second of which is a slit valve (71) that releases the product, while the lower part of such tip is tubular, with a slightly narrower outer diameter that forms a step (72), which also occurs with the inner diameter, although the cross-section of the inner step is shaped like the top sealing ring (73), below which the inner diameter includes an annular protuberance (74) and finally the lower edge extends in the shape of diametrically opposed hooks (75) that slot into the teeth (65) when the lower cylindrical part of the elastomer tip (68) is introduced into the spacing (64), where another coupling occurs when the annular protuberance (74) slots into the annular rabbet (66) and at the same time the sealing ring (73) fits into the top annular channel(67).

[0036] Similar to the previous tip, the pressure against the inner surface (70) imposes demands on its elastic characteristics, at which time the slit valve (71) is forced open, although only narrowly, and just enough for a desired quantity of the product to be released on the surface (70) and when the desired quantity has been established, pressure is no longer applied to the container (4), with the elastic memory of the tip (68) completely closing the slit valve (71) and keeping the tip (68) properly closed, with a product inside ready for a new operation.

[0037] Pursuant to the matters set forth above, it may be noted that the assembly in question materializes the above-mentioned advantages, including functioning of the valve points (7) and (58) or (71), one activated manually and the other functioning automatically, together with the first one. FIG. 22 illustrates the first valve point in the closed position, defined by the plunger (7). In this position, such plunger is in its lowest position and consequently the stopper (16) enters into its feeder tube (22) and establishes a leakproof seal that does not allow the product to run from the container (4) to the inside of the of the applicator tip (9). It opens only when such applicator tip (9) is twisted. At this time, as shown in FIG. 23, the mechanism (11) defined by the pins (28) of the plunger, the cam (37) and the rotating base of the applicator tip (9) simultaneously pulls such pins (28) to the upper part of the surface of the cam (37), whereby the plunger (7) moves upwards and its lower end models out of the stopper (16), exposing the feeder tube (22); in this condition, when the container (4) is pressed, the product flows into the applicator head (9). At this point, once filled, if pressure is maintained on the container (4), the product begins to press against the wall of the elastomer cap (56), forming controlled internal pressure that is sufficient to gradually open the slit valve (58), allowing the controlled flow of the product that in turn accumulates on the surface (57). When the user releases the pressure on the container (4) the product concomitantly ceases to flow into the applicator tip (9) and the internal pressure equalizes with the external pressure, and the elastic memory of the cap (56) allows the slit valve (58) to close again. Once this occurs, the user then twists the applicator tip (9) in the opposite direction, allowing the plunger (7) to return to the closed position.

[0038] The product accumulated in the elastomer cap (56) is applied with great comfort, as this part of the cap is soft and padded, like the tip of a forefinger, ensuring extremely easy application of the product to the skin.

[0039] The user may thus keep the plunger (7) in the open position while applying the product of the skin, or may leave the plunger (7) in the closed position, after selecting the desired quantity of the product. This situation allows excellent control of the applied product.