GB2371041A

GB2371041A - A closure assembly with an applicator device.

Info

Publication number: GB2371041A
Application number: GB0100684A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nilson Satoshi Arai; Claudia Bugni
Original assignee: Unilever PLC
Current assignee: Unilever PLC
Priority date: 2001-01-11
Filing date: 2001-01-11
Publication date: 2002-07-17
Also published as: GB0100684D0

Abstract

A closure assembly with an applicator device comprises a cap 10 attached to the neck 5 of a container the cap being provided with a set of elements 1,2,3, at least one of which serves as a dispenser 1 for the contents of the container, the cap further being able to rotate about an axis X between an open (fig 5) and a closed (fig 4) position wherein the at least one dispensing element shuts off the container outlet. In use, the closure assembly with an applicator device massages a users skin during the application of a skin-care product. The set of elements may comprise a plurality of balls, bristles, feathers or any other means suitable for the purpose of applying a fluid product massaging a users skin.

Description

"APPLICATOR DEVICE".

The subject utility model relates to a device having a cap for applying products such as skin care products, liquid detergents or any other product for personal care or for home cleaning (for example in liquid or gel form) from its respective container (bottle, bag or any other) and directly to the skin of a user or to the surface to be cleaned. In the case of application to the body of a person, the device promotes massaging during said application.

Therefore, on object of the present utility model is to feature a synergetic combination of a product dispensing system for skin care and a massaging device.

The subject utility model will be disclosed specifically with reference to the application of a product for skin care concomitant with massaging in a person, but it should be made clear that the mechanism to be described is to be employed in the same manner for application of liquid detergents, cleaning and personal care products in general, on several other surfaces other than specifically human skin.

Following the opinion of consumers, massage can bring some benefits to the skin. It is said that daily massage causes the skin to display a healthier aspect, since it helps blood circulation and stimulates skin tissues. Massage can make the consumer to feel the skin more firm and provide a tonic. As a result, the subject utility model was developed for a device allowing massaging during the application of skin care products. This can be done, for example, during a shower or bath.

The surface (e. g. skin) contacting part of the device in accordance with the present utility model is optimally formed by balls, (although the utility model will be described in connection with balls, elements such as bristles, feathers, sponges or any other element which is able to play the same role, can be substituted for the balls) which can roll around themselves, at lest one of the balls being responsible for dispensing

the product. In a preferred embodiment three balls are retained by the body of the applicator device which works along with the container cap.

There are two ways of avoiding leakage, namely two sealing means: The first sealing means is when the applicator (or the cap) is in the"closed"position and so no product can be dispensed. By turning down the applicator to the"open"position, it is possible to gather the product which is inside the container. An inclination of the application at the"open" position is intended to facilitate and improve massaging, but it is not an actual need.

The second sealing means is that the applicator can be sealed by a cap, whereby pressure is applied on the applicator balls. With this pressures, the balls go down, preventing dispensing of the product.

The present utility model can be better appreciated from the attached drawings in which: Figure 1 represents a front view of a cap including the applicator device in accordance with the present utility model.

Figure 2 represents a side view of the cap of the applicator device of Figure 1 in accordance with the present utility model in the closed position.

Figure 3 represents a side view of the cap of the applicator device of Figure 1 in accordance with the present utility model in the open position.

Figure 4 represents a sectional side view of the cap of the applicator device of Figure 1 in accordance with the present utility model in the closed position.

Figure 5 represents a sectional side view of the cap with the applicator device of Figure 4 in accordance with the present utility model in the open position.

Figure 6 represents a front view of another version of the applicator device in accordance with the present utility model.

Figure 7 represents a side view to the applicator device of figure 6, in the open position.

Figure 8 represents a side view of the applicator device of figure 6, in the closed position.

Figure 9 represents a sectional side view of the applicator device of figure 6, in the open position.

Figure 10 represents a sectional side view of the applicator device of figure 6, in the closed position.

As it is seen in the drawing, the applicator device of the present utility model comprises a cap 10, for example a dome-shaped dispenser or applicator cap on which are mounted balls (or alternatively, feathers, bristles, or other convenient means), for example in the case Figures 2 and 3 are shown by the three reference numerals 1, 2,3. In the case of a massaging and applicator device, one ball serves both as a product outlet and a massaging element, and the other balls for massaging the user's skin. In side view, the cap shows an inclination. Figures 4 and 5 represent in section a cap of an applicator device in accordance with the present utility model. The cap is rotated to open about a rotation axis X into at rotation plane P wherein the rotation point 0 lies. In figure 4 the cap is the closed position, so that the product flow is shut by a seal 7 for the product outlet. Cap includes a stopper 4 over the neck 5 of the container. There are also represented a lock 6 for positioning the cap and a conducting passage 9 for fluid outlet. Rotation of cap 10 causes ball 1, which in the closed position blocks fluid passage, to displace allowing product to escape over the surfaces thereof as indicated by the respective arrows in figure 5. It is noted that the junction line 8 moves from a vertical configuration in the close position (figure 4) to an inclined configuration in the open position (figure 5) indicating that fluid is going out.

The embodiment of figures 6 through 10 is a version in which the balls (or alternatively, bristles, feathers, or other convenient means) are mounted on a cap 10'and remain aligned, although having an operation principle substantially identical to that of the version of figures 1 through 5.

Thus, ball 2'is in the ball of product outlet and the other two balls l'and 3' are product-dispensing or massaging balls. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the product dispensing mechanism and like in figures 4 and 5, product dispensing ball 2'is illustrated. The cap is open or closed by rotating about a rotation axis X passing through a rotation plane P and based on a rotation point O. Reference numeral 71 illustrates the seal for the product outlet whereas reference numeral 4'indicates an stopper adapted to neck 5'of the container.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Applicator device characterised in that it is made up of a cap (10,10"), coupled to a neck (5,5') of a container, the cap being able to rotate about a rotation axis (X, X') and being comprised of a set of elements (1,2, 3; 1', 2', 3') from which at least one (1,2") serves for dispensing the product to be applied so that, at the closed position, this at least one product dispensing element shuts off a conduct of product outlet
2. Applicator device in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the other elements (2,3 ; 1", 3') of the set of elements area intended to massage user's skin in the case of application of a skin care product.
3. Applicator device in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the elements (1,2, 3; or 1'. 2', 3') are disposed alternately on the cap (10 or 10').
4. Applicator device in accordance with anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the elements (1,2, 3; or 1'. 2', 3') are balls.
5. Applicator device in accordance with anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the elements (1, 2,3 ; or 1'. 2', 3') are bristles, feathers, or any other means serving the purpose of applying a fluid product and massaging a user's skin.