U.S. patent application number 11/355902 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for stopper cap and packaging device furnished with such a cap.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Vincent De Laforcade.
Application Number | 20060191936 11/355902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36931127 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060191936 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
De Laforcade; Vincent |
August 31, 2006 |
Stopper cap and packaging device furnished with such a cap
Abstract
A stopper cap includes a first tubular skirt having a
longitudinal axis (X) and a base defined transversely to the first
tubular skirt. The cap is configured to close off an opening
presented at a neck of a receptacle, and the stopper cap includes a
tab extending along the outer periphery of the first tubular skirt.
This tab is configured to allow the sampling of a product contained
in the receptacle by at least partial insertion of the tab into the
opening when the cap is detached from the said receptacle. The cap
includes a second tubular skirt having the same longitudinal axis
in an illustrated example, with the second tubular skirt having a
maximum cross section greater than that of the first tubular skirt
so that the space requirement of the cap is limited to the frontal
area of the second tubular skirt.
Inventors: |
De Laforcade; Vincent;
(Rambouillet, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
36931127 |
Appl. No.: |
11/355902 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60656383 |
Feb 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/278 ;
215/228; 215/231; 215/297 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/223 20130101;
B65D 51/246 20130101; B65D 2201/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/278 ;
215/228; 215/231; 215/297 |
International
Class: |
B65D 39/00 20060101
B65D039/00; B65D 17/44 20060101 B65D017/44 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 17, 2005 |
FR |
05 50448 |
Claims
1. A stopper cap comprising: a first tubular skirt having a
longitudinal axis and a base extending transversely to said
longitudinal axis, wherein the cap is configured to close off an
opening of a receptacle when the first skirt is mounted around a
neck of the receptacle having the opening; wherein the stopper cap
further comprises a tab extending along an outer periphery of the
first tubular skirt, and wherein said tab is configured to allow
the sampling of a product contained in the receptacle by at least
partial insertion of the tab into the opening when the cap is
detached from the receptacle; and wherein the stopper cap further
comprises a second tubular skirt having the same longitudinal axis,
wherein the second tubular skirt has a maximum cross section
greater than a maximum cross-section of the first tubular skirt,
and wherein the space requirement of the tab is limited to a
frontal area of the second tubular skirt.
2. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the tab extends
substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
3. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the tab is spaced at a
distance from the outer periphery of the first tubular skirt.
4. A cap according to claim 1, wherein a first junction is provided
between the outer periphery of the first tubular skirt and an inner
face of the tab.
5. A cap according to claim 4, wherein said first junction is
formed by a wall extending radially relative to said outer
periphery of said first tubular skirt.
6. A cap according to claim 1, wherein a free end of the tab is
flush in a plane in which a rim of the first skirt is defined.
7. A cap according to claim 1, wherein a free end of the tab
protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to a plane in which
a rim of the first skirt is defined such that said tab protrudes
beyond said plane.
8. A cap according to claim 7, wherein the tab protrudes by at
least 1 mm beyond said plane.
9. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the tab is arched inwardly
toward said longitudinal axis.
10. A cap according to claim 3, wherein the second tubular skirt
rises from said base in a direction opposed to that of the first
tubular skirt.
11. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second
tubular skirts extend in opposite directions relative to said
base.
12. A cap according to claim 11, further comprising a center punch
protruding from the base in a direction axially opposed to a
direction which the first skirt extends.
13. A cap according to claim 12, wherein a free end of the center
punch is situated in the inner volume delimited by the second
skirt.
14. A cap according to claim 13, wherein the center punch has a
height less than the height of the second tubular skirt along said
longitudinal axis.
15. A cap according to claim 4, wherein a second junction is
provided between the tab and a free edge of the second skirt.
16. A cap according to claim 1, wherein said tab is joined to a
free edge of the second skirt at a junction.
17. A cap according to claim 16, wherein the tab is movable
relative to the second skirt about an axis formed at said
junction.
18. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the second tubular skirt
has anti-slip gripping means on its outer periphery.
19. A cap according to claim 1, further including fastening means
capable of interacting with complementary fastening means presented
by the neck of the receptacle for fastening the cap to of the
receptacle.
20. A cap according to claim 19, wherein fastening means of the cap
includes a thread provided on an inner periphery of the first
tubular skirt which cooperates with a complementary thread provided
on the outer periphery of the neck of the receptacle.
21. A cap according to claim 19, wherein the fastening means of the
cap includes one of a flange or a groove on the first tubular skirt
which engages the other of a flange or a groove provided on the
receptacle.
22. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises sealing
means to seal the cap upon the receptacle.
23. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises an
annular seal to be compressed against a rim of the neck of the
receptacle, in the closed position of the cap on the
receptacle.
24. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the base includes an
annular sealing lip arranged to be pressed on the inner surface of
the neck of the receptacle, in the closed position.
25. A cap according to claim 1, wherein at least prior to a first
use, said tab is positioned with respect to a radial direction from
said longitudinal axis between said outer periphery of said first
skirt and an outer periphery of said second skirt.
26. A cap according to claim 1, in combination with a receptacle
capable of containing a cosmetic product, wherein the receptacle
comprises an opening for the distribution of the product, the
opening being presented at the end of a neck, wherein the cap and
receptacle form at least part of a packaging device, wherein the
cap closes off said opening in a closed position, and wherein the
receptacle has a maximum cross section greater than the cross
section of the second skirt.
27. A device according to claim 26, wherein the receptacle is a
flexible-walled tube.
28. A device according to claim 27, wherein the opening is sealed
by a film at least prior to a first use.
29. A device according to claim 26, wherein the receptacle contains
a cosmetic product, and wherein the product is at least a component
of a hair dye compound.
30. A method for achieving a test dab in order to check the
harmlessness of a product to be applied to the keratinous
materials, such as skin or hair, said product being packaged in a
receptacle comprising a neck delimiting an opening reversibly
closed off by a stopper cap according to claim 25, said method
comprising: i) opening the receptacle; ii) sampling the product
residing in the neck by means of the tab of the stopper cap capable
of being engaged at least partially inside the neck; and iii)
applying the product thus sampled onto the said keratinous
materials.
31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the tab is engaged in
the neck, the cap is deformed so as to orient the tab radially
relative to the outer periphery of the second skirt.
32. A method according to claim 30, wherein for the sampling of the
product by means of the tab, the cap is presented so that the
longitudinal axis of the cap is secant to a longitudinal axis of
said neck.
33. A stopper cap comprising: a first skirt having a base and a
longitudinal axis, wherein the cap is configured to close off an
opening of a receptacle when the first skirt is mounted around a
neck of the receptacle having the opening; wherein the stopper cap
further comprises a tab extending along an outer periphery of the
first tubular skirt, and wherein said tab is configured to allow
the sampling of a product contained in the receptacle by the at
least partial insertion of the tab into the opening when the cap is
detached from the receptacle; and wherein the stopper cap further
comprises a second skirt having an outer periphery, wherein at
least a portion of the outer periphery of said second skirt is
radially spaced from the outer periphery of said first skirt with
respect to said longitudinal axis such that a radial space is
provided, and wherein at least prior to a first use of said tab
said tab is positioned in said radial space.
34. A cap according to claim 33, in combination with a receptacle
contains a cosmetic product.
35. A device according to claim 34, wherein said first and second
skirts are tubular, and wherein said first and second skirts extend
in opposite directions relative to said base.
36. A cap according to claim 33, wherein said tab is coupled to an
end of said second skirt.
37. A cap according to claim 36, wherein said tab is also coupled
to said first skirt.
38. A cap according to claim 33, wherein said tab is coupled to
said first skirt.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:
[0001] This document claims priority to French Application Number
05 50448, filed Feb. 17, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/656,383, filed Feb. 28, 2005, the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a stopper cap intended to
close off an opening of a receptacle, this cap having means for
making a "test dab".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
DISCUSSION OF BACKGROUND
[0003] A sensitivity test or test dab is particularly recommended
before applying any hair dye (oxidative dye or direct dye).
Experience shows that very few consumers do this, one of the
reasons given being that it is currently not practical to do this
test.
[0004] Solutions have been proposed in the prior art to allow a
user to make this test dab, on a small area of her skin, in order
to ensure, in advance, and preferably at least 48 hours beforehand,
that the local physiology of a product is harmless before it is
applied more generally onto the user's skin and more precisely onto
her scalp.
[0005] In particular, patent application FR-A-2 806 271 discloses a
hair dyeing kit that includes two receptacles capable of
communicating with one another to allow, at the moment of use, the
mixing of the products contained respectively in these receptacles.
One of the receptacles also includes an orifice, which can be
closed off by a stopper, so that it is possible, before producing
the mixture, to sample a test dose. Although satisfactory in a
number of respects, the solution described in this document has the
disadvantage of requiring a substantial modification to the
packaging containing the dye product itself. This modification
increases the cost of the packaging.
[0006] Another dye assembly, fitted with an arrangement for
allowing the use of this test dab, is described in patent
application FR-A-2 857 567. Here again, the proposed assembly has a
complex design and expensive to produce.
[0007] Furthermore, in the medical or food field, documents U.S.
Pat. No. 4,373,640 and DE-29 511 971 U1 disclose a stopper fixedly
attached to a spoon protruding from its outer periphery. Since
these spoons are intended to be put into the mouth, they are
voluminous and considerably increase the space requirement of the
stopper. Document DE-91 00 409-U1 discloses a cap of a toothpaste
tube that includes an outer relief making it possible to interact
by snapping in a toothbrush handle in order to hold the two items
together. Although effective, there is a risk that the user may
forget to replace the brush on the cap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is one of the objects of the invention to provide one of
the parts and particularly the stopper cap intended to close off
the distribution opening of a device for packaging a product, in
particular a hair dye product, partially or completely solving the
problems discussed hereinabove. The stopper cap according to a
preferred example of the invention provides a simple and economic
solution for producing a test dab of a dye product before it is
used more extensively. By way of example, the stopper cap according
to the invention may be made by molding in a single piece, and it
may also be easily mounted industrially onto a receptacle to be
closed off.
[0009] At the factory, the various parts to be assembled are
usually placed in vibrating bowls so that they can subsequently be
brought one by one to the assembly station. The part to be mounted
should not cause a blockage between the vibrating bowl and the
assembly station. The stopper caps according to the invention may
be assembled industrially with an assembly station supplied by
vibrating bowls because they do not tend to cluster together.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide a cap that
allows the use of a test dab, and that does not require the
modification of the receptacle onto which the cap is intended to be
mounted, nor the sealing of the closure provided by this cap.
[0011] Furthermore, it is another object of the invention to
provide an arrangement for making this test dab while retaining the
handling action of the receptacle and its stopper cap.
[0012] According to a preferred example of the invention a stopper
cap is provided which includes a first tubular skirt having a
longitudinal axis X and a base defined transversely to the first
tubular skirt, with the cap being configured to close off an
opening of a receptacle when the first skirt is mounted around a
neck of the receptacle having the opening. The stopper cap includes
a tab extending along the outer periphery of the first tubular
skirt, with this tab being configured to allow the sampling of a
product contained in the receptacle by the at least partial
insertion of the tab into the opening when the cap is detached from
the said receptacle, so that it includes a second tubular skirt of
the same longitudinal axis. The second tubular skirt has a maximum
cross section greater than that of the first tubular skirt so that
the space requirement of the tab is limited to the frontal area of
the second tubular skirt. In other words, in an illustrated
example, the tab is included in the volume delimited by the
generatrix of the second tubular skirt, when the latter is
cylindrical. The tab can be positioned in a radial space between an
outer peripheral portion of the second skirt and an outer periphery
of the first skirt.
[0013] When the receptacle is opened, the user holds the cap in her
hand and can then, by way of the tab presented on its outer
periphery, insert it into the opening made in the neck of the
receptacle and sample therefrom a quantity of product in order to
carry out the sensitivity test. An advantage of this arrangement
lies in particular in the fact that handling is easy and prevents
the user from soiling her hands at the time of the test. The test
may thus be carried out locally.
[0014] Advantageously, according to an example, the cap is
configured in order to be handled without the user having to change
the position of her fingers on the outer periphery of the cap,
whether it be in order to be detached from the receptacle, in order
to sample the product or in the context of the application of the
sampled product.
[0015] By way of example, the tab extends substantially parallel to
the longitudinal axis X. Advantageously, the tab extends at a
distance from the outer periphery of the first tubular skirt.
[0016] Also by way of example, preferably, to stiffen the
positioning of the tab relative to the first tubular skirt, a first
junction is provided between the outer periphery of this first
skirt and an inner face of the tab. For example, this first
junction can be formed by a wall extending radially relative to the
outer periphery. This first junction also has the advantage of
preventing the caps from nesting inside one another when they are
handled on the packaging lines.
[0017] Preferably, a free end of the tab is flush in a plane in
which a rim of the first skirt is defined. This arrangement makes
it possible to propose the same positioning of the stopper cap
relative to the receptacle as the placement that would have been
obtained with a cap having no such tab.
[0018] Alternatively, the free end of the tab may protrude along
the longitudinal axis relative to the plane in which a rim of the
first skirt is defined, at its free edge. For example, the free end
can protrude by at least 1 mm. The free edge of the first skirt
corresponds to the edge that is furthest from the opening when the
cap is mounted on the neck. Such a configuration makes it possible
to form a grip in order to be able to move the tab relative to the
first skirt, and particularly move it away from this first skirt.
This movement leads to a local deformation of the cap, for example
at a junction between this tab and the second skirt.
[0019] For example, the tab may be arched inwards. In this case,
the free end of the tab may be flush with or be in contact with a
generatrix of the outer periphery of the first tubular skirt, and
even, where appropriate, be in contact with a generatrix of the
inner periphery of this first skirt. In these cases, preferably, it
is not connected by a first junction to the outer periphery of the
first skirt. This configuration nevertheless also makes it possible
to prevent the caps from bunching together before they are
respectively mounted onto their receptacles.
[0020] In addition, according to a disclosed example, the free end
of the tab is configured to be able to be inserted into the opening
because it locally modifies the enveloping surface defined by this
first skirt. In addition, it preferably has a free end that is
rounded so that the surface of application of this tab causes no
injury during the application on the skin.
[0021] The cap can includes a center punch protruding from the
base, in a direction axially opposed to that of the first skirt.
This center punch can be particularly useful when the opening is
sealed by a film that can be torn by forcing this center punch
against the outer surface of the film. In particular, a free end of
the center punch may be situated in the inner volume delimited by
the second skirt.
[0022] By way of example, a center punch is provided on the cap,
the latter is surrounded by the second tubular skirt so as to make
it easier to position this center punch inside the opening.
Specifically, the second tubular skirt has an inner diameter
slightly greater than the outer diameter of the neck, and serves as
a guide so that the cap may be moved in translation along its axis
X in order to insert the center punch into the opening.
[0023] Preferably, and also by way of example, the center punch has
a height less than the height along the axis X of the second skirt.
It is thus defined inside the enveloping surface delimited by this
second skirt. This arrangement makes it possible to store devices
fitted with such a cap without risking the center punch of one
device coming to pierce the wall of a receptacle of another
device.
[0024] Advantageously, the second tubular skirt can rise from the
base in a direction opposed to that of the first tubular skirt. The
first and the second tubular skirts are then coaxial and extend
either side of the base.
[0025] By way of example, a second junction may be provided between
the tab and a free edge of the second skirt. For example, this
second junction may be deformable so as to tolerate a movement of
the tab relative to the second skirt, particularly a rotation about
an axis formed at this second junction.
[0026] To prevent any manual contact between the tab and the
fingers of the user, the second tubular skirt may have anti-slip
gripping means on its outer periphery for easier handling of the
cap. Accordingly, the outer periphery of the second tubular skirt
may be knurled.
[0027] Advantageously, according to an example, the cap includes a
fastening arrangement capable of interacting with a complementary
fastening arrangement presented by the neck of the receptacle for
the stopping of the said receptacle. In particular, stopping is
obtained by interaction of a thread provided on an inner periphery
of the first tubular skirt with a complementary thread provided on
the outer periphery of the neck of the receptacle. Alternatively,
and/or in addition, stopping may be obtained by engaging a flange
in a groove, with the flange and the groove being respectively
formed on the first tubular skirt and on the receptacle, or vice
versa.
[0028] Preferably, the base includes a sealing arrangement making
it possible to seal the stopping of the receptacle. For example,
the base may include an annular seal intended to be compressed
against a rim of the neck of the receptacle, in the closed position
of the cap on the receptacle. Alternatively, the base can have an
annular sealing lip arranged to be pressed on the inner surface of
the neck of the receptacle, in the closed position.
[0029] Further by way of example, preferably, the device for the
packaging of a cosmetic product includes a receptacle capable of
containing the product, with the receptacle including an opening
for the distribution of the product, and with the opening being
presented at the end of a neck. A stopper cap according to the
invention is provided to close off the opening in the closed
position, with the receptacle having a maximum cross section
greater than the cross section of the second skirt.
[0030] In this case, the receptacle is preferably a flexible-walled
tube and the product may be taken out, after detaching the stopper
cap, for example, by exerting a pressure on the outer periphery of
the flexible walls.
[0031] Preferably, by way of example, the opening is sealed
beforehand by a film in order to ensure the sealing of the stopper
during storage, before the first sampling of the product.
[0032] The invention is particularly advantageous where the product
contained is a product forming, or being intended to form, a hair
dye product.
[0033] The cap according to the invention and the device furnished
with such a cap are particularly advantageous where the user
desires to check the harmlessness of a product. The invention is
beneficial in allowing the sampling of a sufficiently small dose so
as not to allow the occurrence of physiological problems with the
user, while ensuring the reliability of the result of the
sensitivity test carried out.
[0034] The invention also provides a method for achieving a test
dab in order to check the harmlessness of a product to be applied
to keratinous materials, such as the skin or the hair, with the
product being packaged in a receptacle including a neck delimiting
an opening reversibly closed off by a stopper cap. The method
includes opening the receptacle; sampling the product residing in
the neck by using a tab of the stopper cap which is capable of
being engaged at least partially inside the neck; and applying the
product thus sampled onto the keratinous materials.
[0035] Preferably, before the tab is engaged in the neck, the cap
may be deformed so as to orient the tab radially relative to the
outer periphery of the second skirt.
[0036] Preferably, by way of example, for the sampling of the
product using the tab, the cap is presented so that the
longitudinal axis of the cap is secant to a longitudinal axis of
the said neck.
[0037] As should be apparent, the invention can provide a number of
advantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that, in
practicing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to
include one or more features or benefits of embodiments disclosed
herein, but not others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that
the preferred embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples
and are not to be construed as limiting, particularly since
embodiments can be formed to practice the invention that do not
include each of the features of the disclosed examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] A better understanding of the invention will be gained from
reading the following description in conjunction with the
accompanying figures. The figures are offered purely as examples
and in no way limit the invention.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a cap according to the
invention mounted in the closed position on a receptacle;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of a cap according to the
invention presented relative to the receptacle so as to be able to
sample a dose of product;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a view in perspective of the top of a cap
according to the invention;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a view in perspective from beneath a cap according
to the invention;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a view in profile of a cap according to the
invention;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a view from beneath a cap according to the
invention;
[0045] FIG. 7 is a view in profile of a cap according to a variant
embodiment of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 8 is a view in longitudinal section of the cap of FIG.
7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] FIG. 1 shows a cap 1 according to an example of the
invention mounted so as to close off an opening of a receptacle 2.
In the example shown, the receptacle 2 is a flexible-walled
tube.
[0048] FIG. 2 shows this same cap 1 detached from its receptacle
and presented so that a tab 3 of the cap is partially inserted into
the opening 4 made by a neck 5 of the receptacle 2.
[0049] In the example shown, product is available at this opening
4. If the product cannot be sampled by the tab 3 because there is
no product in the neck, the user exerts an actuation command, for
example a slight pressure on the outer walls of the receptacle when
the latter are flexible, so as to bring product close to this
opening and sample it by means of the tab 3.
[0050] Preferably, the tab 3 is configured to be only partially
inserted into the opening, so as to be covered by a small quantity
of product, in particular a quantity of product lying between 0.01
ml and 5 ml, preferably lying between 0.05 ml and 1 ml.
Specifically, the product is sufficiently viscous to adhere to the
tab when it is dipped therein.
[0051] After sampling, the tab 3 charged with product is directly
applied by the user to the zone of her body in which she desires to
carry out the sensitivity test. Preferably, she chooses to carry
out this test at the base of the hair, behind the ears so that the
test whose results can be read only after a few hours, preferably
48 hours, does not inconvenience her.
[0052] If the test is conclusive (e.g., no undesirable reaction
after 48 hours), then she may proceed with the application of the
product on her hair. Where necessary, the product is applied as a
mixture with other products, in a conventional manner in the hair
dyeing field.
[0053] Preferably, the product contained in the receptacle forms,
or is intended to form, a hair dye compound.
[0054] A hair dye compound may be a direct dyeing compound. It
typically contains one or more direct dyes usually used in hair
dyeing.
[0055] "Direct dye" means a dyed and dyeing molecule having an
affinity for the keratinic fibers and being soluble in a hair
dyeing medium formed of water or a mixture of water and at least
one organic solvent.
[0056] This or these direct dyes may be, for example, of a
non-ionic, anionic, cationic or amphoteric nature. They may for
example be chosen from the nitrated benzene direct dyes,
anthraquinone direct dyes, triarylmethane direct dyes, xanthene,
azo or methine direct dyes.
[0057] Alternatively, also by way of example, the hair dye compound
may be an oxidative dye compound containing at least one oxidative
dye. The oxidative dyes may be bases and/or couplers.
[0058] The product contained in the receptacle may then be an
oxidating compound or a dye compound, with the latter being able to
be subsequently mixed extemporaneously in order to obtain the hair
dye product.
[0059] Amongst the oxidative bases, the dye can include, for
example, the para-phenylenediamines, the para-aminophenols, the
ortho-aminophenols, and the heterocyclic bases such as the
pyridine, pyrimidine or pyrazolic bases.
[0060] Amongst the couplers, the dye can include, for example, the
meta-aminophenols, the meta-phenylenediamines, the meta-diphenols,
the naphthols, the heterocyclic couplers such as the indolic
couplers, the couplers of the benzomorpholine type, the pyridine
couplers, and the sesamol derivatives.
[0061] Also by way of example, the hair dye compound may be
formulated in any usual oxidative dye or direct dye medium that may
flow freely under the effect of its weight (liquid, fluid gel, or
fluid cream). This medium may be quite simply water, where
necessary with the addition of one or more solvents and one or more
reducing and/or antioxidant agents.
[0062] Preferably the hair dye compound advantageously contains at
least one compound chosen from the tensioactive agents and the
solvents other than water.
[0063] The solvent agent is preferably chosen from the monoalcohols
such as, for example, ethanol or isopropanol, the polyols such as,
for example glycerol or propylene glycol, or the ethers of these
monoalcohols or of these polyols, such as, for example, propylene
glycol monomethyl ether.
[0064] The tensioactive agent or agents is (are) amongst the
non-ionic, anionic, cationic or amphoteric tensioactive agents.
They are preferably chosen from the polyoxyalkylene compounds such
as for example the polyoxyethylenes, the polyoxypropylenes or the
polyglycerols.
[0065] The hair dye compounds that can be used in the context of
the present invention have been the subject of many detailed
descriptions, particularly in the patent literature. Consequently,
they do not require further detailed description.
[0066] In the illustrated example, the cap 1 includes a first
tubular skirt 6 capable of interacting with the neck 5. An inner
periphery 7 of this first tubular skirt 6 includes means capable of
being kept on the outer periphery 8 of the neck 5 so as to hold the
cap 1 on the receptacle 2, and thus retain the closed position of
the device formed by the receptacle 2 and its stopper cap 1. In the
example shown, the first tubular skirt 6 is of circular internal
cross section and has a thread 9 on its inner periphery 7 to
interact with a complementary thread 10 presented by the neck 5.
However, other suitable means could alternately be used.
[0067] In the position in which the cap 1 is mounted on the neck 5,
a base 11 of the cap 1, defined transversely to the tubular skirt
6, comes to close off the opening 4. For example, the base 11 comes
to press on a rim 12 of the neck 5 delimiting this opening 4. In
this position in the illustrated example, a free edge 100 of the
first skirt 6 is a short distance from a collar 101 of the
receptacle flaring out around the neck 5. This free edge 100 is
axially opposed, relative to the axis X, to the base 11. It is
preferably substantially defined in a secant plane perpendicular to
the axis X.
[0068] For example, the base 11 may have or include an elastically
deformable structure capable of being squeezed against this rim 12
to provide the seal. As a variant, and also by way of example, the
base 11 may have an annular sealing lip arranged in order to be
pressed on an inner surface 13 of the neck 5 in the closed
position. Other suitable seal arrangements could also be used.
[0069] An axis X about which the cap 1 may be rotated to obtain its
disengagement from the neck 5 corresponds to the longitudinal axis
about which the first tubular skirt 6 is defined. Nevertheless, the
first tubular skirt extending along this axis X may have a height
relative to the said axis X smaller, greater or else equal to the
diameter presented by a cross section of this skirt relative to the
axis.
[0070] As a variant not shown, the inner periphery 7 can have a
snap-fit arrangement intended to interact with a complementary
snap-fit arrangement presented by the outer periphery 8. With such
an arrangement, the axis X can also correspond to an axis of
translation of the cap 1 relative to the neck 5 to obtain the
engagement of the snap-fit parts.
[0071] In the illustrated example, the tab 3 extends along the axis
X, and preferably has a longitudinal axis Z parallel to the axis X.
Preferably, the tab has an outer face 14 extending at a distance
from an outer periphery 15 of the first annular skirt 6. In
particular, the axis X may correspond to an axis of symmetry of
revolution of the outer periphery 15 of the first skirt 6. The tab
3 includes an inner face 16 opposite this outer periphery 15. This
inner face 16 extends at a distance from the said outer periphery
15.
[0072] In the illustrated example, this outer face 14, and also
preferably the inner face 16, extends parallel to the axis X.
Preferably, this outer face 14 is smooth and is parallel to a plane
tangential to the outer periphery 15 of the first skirt 6 which is
cylindrical in the example shown, and in particular annular of
circular section.
[0073] The tab 3 is attached to the first tubular skirt 6 by a
first junction 17. In the example shown, the first junction 17
corresponds to a wall 17 connecting the inner face 16 to the outer
periphery 15. Preferably, this wall 17 extends radially to the
outer periphery 15 and is placed so that it is connected to the
inner face 16 at a mid-line or along the center line of the tab 3,
this mid-line extending along the axis Z at a distance from the
longitudinal borders respectively 18a and 18b of the tab 3.
[0074] The tab 3 has a free end 19, with this free end 19
corresponding to an axial end, along the axis Z, of the tab 3. This
free end 19 is flush in the plane defined by the rim 12. This free
end 19 is rounded so as to form a curved end connecting the two
longitudinal borders 18a and 18b in the illustrated example. This
free end 19 is configured to be able at least partially to be
inserted into the opening 4 in order to sample the product.
[0075] In the illustrated example, the dipping of this free end 19
into the opening 4 is limited by the size of the opening 4, the
dimensions of the tab 3, of the free end 19 and of the junction
wall 17.
[0076] Specifically, in the example shown, the opening 4 has an
internal diameter of the order of 3 to 10 mm and a neck of a
thickness, measured radially between the outer periphery 15 and the
inner periphery 7, of the order of 1 to 3 mm. Furthermore, the
width of the tab 3, measured in a plane perpendicular to the axis
X, lies preferably between 2 and 8 mm, and corresponds to an
angular coverage 20 of the outer periphery 15, measured about the
axis X, representing between 10 and 60.degree., and preferably
30.degree. of this outer periphery 15. Furthermore, the junction
wall 17 connects the inner face 16 and the outer periphery 15 over
a height lying between 10% and 100% of the height of the tab 3
along the axis X. Finally, the junction wall 17 has a width,
measured radially relative to the outer periphery 15 and in a
direction perpendicular to the axis X, lying between 1 and 5
mm.
[0077] The further the tab 3 is distant via the wall 17 from the
outer periphery 15, and the smaller the angular coverage 20 of the
tab 3, particularly at the free end 19, the easier it is to insert
the tab 3 into the opening 4.
[0078] In particular, in the cases where the junction wall 17
connects the tab 3 to the outer periphery 15 up to its free end 19,
the product is sampled by presenting the tab 3 in the opening 4 in
an oblique orientation, that is in which the axis X of the cap is
secant with an axis Y of the neck 5.
[0079] Advantageously, preferably only the outer face 14 of the tab
3 is placed in contact with the product, so that this outer face 14
serves as an application surface when the user seeks to transfer
the sampled product to a zone of her skin.
[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the opening 4 is sealed by a
film, for example a plastic film. Thus, irrespective of the
position of the stopper cap relative to the neck, the opening 4 is
sure to be sealed closed, before the first use. Thus it is possible
where necessary to dispense with a complex sealing means on the
stopper cap. Where appropriate, it is possible to tolerate an
approximate tightening of the stopper cap on the neck.
[0081] To access the product, this film must first be broken.
Accordingly, the stopper cap in the illustrated example includes a
center punch 21 protruding from its base 11. In order to avoid any
risk of piercing the film, this center punch 21 protrudes from the
base 11, while running along the axis X, in a direction opposite to
that of the first tubular skirt 6 relative to this same base 11.
Specifically, the first tubular skirt protrudes from a first face
22 of this base 11, while the center punch 21 protrudes from a
second face 23 of the said base 11 opposite to the first face 22.
The first face 22 is intended to be placed facing the opening 4
when the cap is mounted in the closed position on the receptacle 2.
However, when the user desires to access the product, she then
detaches the stopper cap 1 from the receptacle 2 so as to be able
to present the second face 22 opposite the opening 4. Preferably,
the center punch 21 is then moved in translation along this axis X
and presses against this film until the film is broken.
[0082] To provide the guidance in translation of the cap 1 relative
to the receptacle 2 when the center punch 21 is to be pressed
against the film, the cap includes a second tubular skirt 24, of
longitudinal axis X, whose inner periphery 25 is of a section such
that it is capable of being translated about the neck 5, along the
axis Y of the neck. Preferably this second tubular skirt 24 has a
circular inner section, with the axis X corresponding to an axis of
symmetry of revolution of its inner periphery 25. The inner
periphery 25 is preferably smooth so as to slide along the neck,
with the section of the inner periphery being of such a dimension
that it does not interact with the thread 10 provided on the neck
5.
[0083] In the illustrated example, the maximum cross section of the
second tubular skirt 24 has a cross section greater than the
maximum cross-section of the first tubular skirt 6. In particular,
these maximum cross sections correspond respectively to the cross
sections defined by the outer periphery of the skirts. The latter
in the examples shown are of circular external cross section. For
example, in the case in which these cross sections are respectively
circular and concentric, the difference D1 between the maximum
radius of the outer periphery 26 of the second skirt 24 and that of
the outer periphery 15 of the first skirt 6 is greater than 2 mm,
even greater than 5 mm.
[0084] To make the cap easier to handle, the second tubular skirt
24 preferably has an outer periphery 26 making handling easier. In
particular, this outer periphery 26 is knurled in the illustrated
example.
[0085] To prevent the point 27 of the center punch 21 risking
damaging, or even piercing, of other devices beside which it could
be placed during the storage of the mounted assembly (including the
receptacle 2 and its stopper cap 1), the height of the second
tubular skirt 24, along the axis X is preferably greater than the
height of the center punch 21 along this same axis X, with the
height being measured along the axis X from the level defined by
the second face 22 of the base 11. Thus, the end 27 of the center
punch 21 does not protrude beyond a plane passing through a first
free edge 28 of this second skirt 24. Preferably, this plane in
which the first free edge 28 is defined is transverse to the axis
X.
[0086] Since the second tubular skirt 24 has an inner cross section
greater than the maximum section of the neck 5, its thread 10
included, its outer periphery 26 is then preferably of a cross
section greater than the cross section of the first skirt 6. In
particular, the maximum cross section of the second skirt 24 is
greater than all the cross sections of the outer periphery of the
first skirt 6. Thus the tab 3 may be confined to the inside of the
frontal area of the second skirt 24.
[0087] Since the respective outer peripheries of the tubular skirts
6 and 24 are of different cross section, preferably the base 11 of
the cap has a portion 31 whose outer periphery is frustoconical to
connect the first skirt 6 to the second skirt 24.
[0088] In the embodiment shown, the tab 3 is included in the volume
delimited by the generatrix of the second tubular skirt 24. Thus
the presence of the tab 3 does not change the maximum cross
section, transverse to the axis X, of the cap 1 defined by the
second skirt 24.
[0089] The tab 3 protrudes beyond a second free edge 29 of the
second skirt 24, opposite to the free edge 28. Since this second
free edge 29 is defined in a plane transverse to the axis X, the
tab 3 rises or extends perpendicular to the free edge 29. The tab 3
is attached at a second axial end 30, opposite to the free end 19
relative to its longitudinal axis Z, with this axis Z being
parallel to the longitudinal axis X. This axial end 30 defines a
second junction making it possible to fixedly attach the tab 3 to
the outer periphery of the cap. The tab 3 may thus be fixedly
attached to the cap 1 via the first junction 17 and/or the second
junction 30.
[0090] In particular, in the embodiment represented in FIGS. 7 and
8, the tab 3 is held to the cap 1 by only the second junction 30,
while in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the tab 3 is
fixedly attached via the first and the second junction respectively
17 and 30.
[0091] In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the free end 19 of
the tab 3 protrudes by a length D2 measured along the axis X,
relative to the free edge 100 of the first skirt 6. In particular,
it protrudes by a length of the order of 1 mm, for example. On the
other hand, in FIGS. 1 to 6, the tab 3 is shown with its free end
19 defined in the plane of this free edge 100.
[0092] In these two embodiments, the space requirement of the tab 3
is limited to the frontal area of the second tubular skirt 24.
[0093] In the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, the tab 3 is arched
inwards so that the free end 19 of the tab may be flush with or in
contact with a generatrix of the outer periphery 15 of the first
tubular skirt 6. In particular, the shortest distance between the
outer periphery 15 and the free end 19, measured as "e", is
strictly less than the shortest distance between the outer
periphery 15 and a generatrix of the outer periphery 26 of the
second skirt 24. "e" is for example of the order of 1 mm.
[0094] The variant embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 makes it
possible, when carrying out the test dab, to first twist the tab 3
at the second junction 30 so as to stand or extend it substantially
radially to the outer periphery of the second skirt 24. Thus the
tab 3 becomes easier to insert in the neck 5. This arrangement also
makes it possible to increase the convenience of handling the cap 1
by increasing the distance between the outer periphery of the
second skirt 24, forming the gripping zone, and the free end 19
forming a member for application of the product.
[0095] In a variant of the invention not shown, the tab 3 may be
arched to the point such that the free end 19 is situated inside
the frontal area of the first skirt 6. In this case, the free end
19 protrudes -necessarily axially, along the axis X, relative to
the plane of the free edge 100.
[0096] In all the description, expressions such as "comprising a,"
"having a," "has a" or "includes a" must be considered as being
synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless the contrary is
specified.
[0097] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It
is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
* * * * *