Fluid dispensing hair removal device

Background to the invention

Shaving devices enabling the dispensing of a fluid, e.g. a shaving or a moisturizer, are already known, but have a number of disadvantages.

The problem associated with some of the current razors that enable the dispensing of fluid is that the fluid is loaded directly into the container located in the razor and thus during dosing it may become aerated or come into contact with ambient air. or be in direct contact with the dispensing mechanism. Such solutions may increase the possibility of contamination, which in the case of a device such as a manual razor should be avoided, especially if the liquid remains in the razor between consecutive shaving activities, allowing accumulation of microbial flora.

Such a device construction is known from WO 05/058560 A1.

Patent Document FR-A-2 629 385 discloses a hand-held razor provided with an aerosol cartridge. Such devices are complex and expensive to produce. They also pollute the atmosphere, emitting propellants, and moreover, aerosol containers can not usually be used a second time, so they must also be disposed of. This patent application also suggests replacing the pressure cartridge with a liquid pump, but it has not been specified how this can be achieved or implemented in such a way that the administered product remains sterile.

WO 05/058560 A1 discloses a hand-held razor provided with a flexible bladder filled with a shaving preparation and contained in a razor handle. After pressing the button on the handle, the ratchet mechanism allows the piston to be displaced, which compresses the bladder, ensuring that the shaving product is ejected through the openings around the razor blades. This assembly is mechanically complex

This has the disadvantage that an uneven application of bladder pressure may lead to the accumulation of the shaving preparation in places where the pressure is lower, resulting in incomplete emptying of the bladder during shaving.

WO 05/065897 discloses a system comprising a bladder filled with a shaving preparation. A clamping roller driven by a drive mechanism is used to compress the bladder and eject the shaving preparation. Such a system is very complex in technical terms.

It is also possible to refer to GB 2 246 314 A, which describes a razor equipped with a cylindrical soap bag in a holder. When the pressure plates are compressed in the holder, pressure is applied to the elastic plates, which causes the bag to compress and to squeeze the shaving soap through the holes in the shaving head. Here, also, unevenly applying pressure to the outer surface of the pouch may cause the shaving soap to accumulate in places where there is lower pressure, and therefore the pouch can not be completely emptied while using the device.

The patent US 2006/0150386 A1 discusses a system similar to that described in the previous patent specification. The patent discloses a razor in which a flexible bladder containing a shaving preparation is placed in a holder. Dosing takes place by squeezing the elastic areas of the holder, which directly affects the bladder, ensuring its compression and ejection of the shaving preparation. Also in this case, this method of dispensing can cause incomplete emptying of the bladder and hence wastage of the shaving preparation.

Similarly, US2005 / 0144786 describes a shaving apparatus with one or more blades and a reservoir for additional, non-permanent shaving preparations, and at least one extension channel between the reservoir and one or more ports connected directly to the blades and the pump; the movement of the blades activates the pump and causes the preparation to move from the tank to the ports. WO98 / 08661 describes a pump for dispensing fluids and a shaving unit using such pumps.

US6,308,413 B1 discusses a system consisting of a body care device, a pump and a handle. The device contains a responsible mechanism

EP 2 349 657 for care treatments using a liquid. The fluid is in the holder and can be directed to the outlet via a pump. The wall of the handle is flexible. The pump can be separated from the handle and the entire device.

It is therefore desirable to provide a hair removal device that would be mechanically simple to build, prevent the aeration of the fluid or contact with the dispensing mechanism, and at the same time allow fuller dosing of the fluid in use compared to conventional hair removal devices with dispensing capability fluid.

Brief description of the invention

A hair removal device is provided as declared. The tank may be stiff or deformable depending on the intended use. In one of the models, some of the devices contain rigid tanks, and some contain fragments.

Brief description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shaving razor made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2A is a schematic view of a hand shaving razor made in accordance with the present invention illustrating the pump system in liquid dispensing mode.

Figure 2B is a schematic view of the shaving apparatus of Figure 2A illustrating the pump system in the fluid withdrawal mode.

Figure 3A is a schematic view of a shaving implement according to the present invention provided with an alternative pump actuating mechanism compared to the mechanism used in the razor shown schematically in Figures 2A and 2B; in Figure 3A, the pump system operates in liquid dispensing mode.

Figure 3B is a schematic view of the shaving apparatus of Figure 3A illustrating the pump system in the fluid withdrawal mode.

Detailed description of the invention

Hair removal devices constructed in accordance with the present invention comprise a fluid fed from a collapsible reservoir that is built into the deformation of a rigid container. The container containing the folded container must be rigid enough that it does not fold together with the reservoir. In one of the models, the container is deformable.

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Suitably deformable materials for container construction include, e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, PVC and their mixtures. Otherwise, the container is stiff - resistant to deformation as a result of crushing and pressing by hand. The rigid container may be suitable especially when the actuator and pump are used. The container is an element of the handle of a hair removal device with a liquid dispensing function. If the holder is a container, it must be sufficiently stiffened that it not only retain its shape when folding the collapsible container, but it is also functional as a handle.

The collapsible reservoir can be manufactured separately and then introduced into the container, or both can be produced together in a joint process.

In one preferred manufacturing process, both elements are produced together in a single process in such a way that, after manufacture and prior to use, the foldable reservoir is detachably laminated to the container. An exemplary process includes extrusion blow molding a multilayer preform consisting of an outer layer that will form a container, an inner layer that will form a collapsible reservoir and an intermediate layer between the inner and outer layers, which is intended to prevent permanent bonding of the inner and outer layers. The intermediate layer may protrude beyond the surface of mutual contact between the inner and outer layers, or end at certain points of mutual contact between the layers, such as at the liquid outlet, to improve the mutual adhesion of internal and external layers in such places, preventing the stratification of these sites. During the manufacturing process, the multi-layer material is extruded and then blown out. During this phase of the operation, the air introduced between the inner and outer layers provides "delamination" or disconnection of the inner layer, creating a collapsible reservoir. As a result, the collapsible reservoir is separated from the outer layer forming the container, while the outer layer surrounding the collapsible reservoir substantially retains its shape. During this phase of the operation, the air introduced between the inner and outer layers provides "delamination" or disconnection of the inner layer, creating a collapsible reservoir. As a result, the collapsible reservoir is separated from the outer layer forming the container, while the outer layer surrounding the collapsible reservoir substantially retains its shape. During this phase of the operation, the air introduced between the inner and outer layers provides "delamination" or disconnection of the inner layer, creating a collapsible reservoir. As a result, the collapsible reservoir is separated from the outer layer forming the container, while the outer layer surrounding the collapsible reservoir substantially retains its shape.

In an alternative, preferred manufacturing process, the initial internal and external casting castings are folded,

And the extrusion blow molded in such a way that they form a collapsible container and a container.

Typical materials for the construction of a collapsible container include nylon, PET, PVC, LDPE polypropylene and mixtures of these materials. If the folded container and the surrounding container are made of similar or identical materials, then the necessary differences in stiffness can be achieved by applying methods known to qualified persons, such as the introduction of differences in wall thickness. You can refer to the following documents, where the technique of so-called "delamination" or the production of "multi-layer" containers is discussed; US 5,316,135; US 5,447,687; US 5,501,625; US 6,244,852; US 6,109,468; US 5,435,452; US 5,513,761; US 5,567, 377; US 5,711,454; US 5,921,438; US 6,691,494; US 6,266,943; US 6,691,494; US 6,266,943; US 6.670,007.

The liquid contained in the collapsible container must flow out of it as well as from the container during the hair removal operation. In order to allow this, the collector has an opening in the collapsible container, and the next opening is arranged in the container, the openings being aligned with each other and connected to each other during the manufacturing process, forming a liquid outlet. The collapsible reservoir can connect to the container at the outflow site of the fluid by methods known to those skilled in the art. One such method is described above and includes the bonding of the collapsible container and container during the manufacturing process, due to the fact that the materials used are naturally glued, and also by omitting the introduction of an intermediate layer to prevent bonding to the fluid outlet. The more folded container and container are set in such a way that so that they can be mechanically joined together at the fluid outlet. For example, the respective container sizes and the collapsible reservoir at the fluid outlet can form interference fit. If the collapsible container and container are manufactured during one manufacturing process, a mechanical connection may result from such operation.

Preferably, the hair removal device according to the present invention has a first one-way valve to allow the fluid to escape and prevent it from entering the collapsible reservoir. This is an advantage because it reduces the possibility of fluid contamination by air or contaminated fluid that is sucked back in

EP 2 349 657 for a foldable container. Preferred one-way valves include elastomeric tubular, flap, ball, slit and umbrella valves.

To administer the fluid, the hair removal device must include a suction device that is advantageous for sucking the fluid from the collapsible reservoir through the fluid outlet. Preferred suction devices are known to those skilled in the art. According to the invention, the suction unit is a hermetic pump. As used herein, the term "hermetic pump" means a pump that can administer fluid without introducing air to replace the fluid being delivered. The advantage of such pumps is to maintain the sterility of the liquid to be administered. Hermetic pumps are known to persons with qualifications in this field of technology. Preferably, the suction device assists in providing a precisely reproducible dose of fluid from the hair removal device. Such a dose may be at any desired level, but is preferably between 0.001 and 4 ml.

In one embodiment, the hermetic pump includes a chamber having an inlet port of the chamber through which fluid enters the chamber, a chamber outlet port, and a piston that extends along the chamber, the piston having a shaft extending through the chamber outlet port in a fluid-tight manner, while a second unidirectional valve is provided on the intake port of the chamber to allow liquid to enter the chamber, but not lower it, and the piston has a drilled hole through which liquid can escape from the pump, the above-mentioned first unidirectional valve being in this opening. Elastic elements placed on the piston shaft are used to force the pressure force deflecting the piston towards the outlet port of the chamber.

During use, the user applies a pressing force to move the piston towards the inlet port. This in turn causes the fluid in the chamber to escape from it through the drilled hole and out through the first one-way valve. During this phase under the influence of force, the second unidirectional valve closes so that the fluid is not introduced back into the collapsible container under the influence of force. After the pressing force has been released, the elastic elements are used to move the piston back towards the chamber outlet port, which in turn leads to a vacuum in the chamber, which causes the closing of the first

The unidirectional valve is opened and the second one-way valve is opened and fluid is collected from the collapsible reservoir into the chamber.

The elements that exert a pressing force on the piston can be configured in the form of a button placed on the handle of the hair removal device which the user of the hair-care device manually operates to press the button directly to exert a pressing force on the piston shaft.

More preferably, the razor cartridge itself is received on the handle in such a way that the razor cartridge itself actuates the pump and pushes the liquid into the pump. The advantage of this embodiment is that it is the simplest to implement, because no button or flexible tube connecting the pump to the cartridge element is necessary. To facilitate commissioning, the portion of the razor head can be formed in the form of a finger or thumb pressure button so that the user can conveniently apply the necessary pressure force. Alternatively, the force applied by the user to contact the skin cartridge and move it along the skin may be sufficient to press the cartridge and start the pump.

After leaving the outlet, the liquid is introduced into the head of the hair removal device and spread on the skin of the user. This can be done through one or more openings or slits on the surface of the head in contact with the skin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the head of the hair removal device is provided with a liquid dispensing applicator. In one embodiment of the invention, the applicator is flat and wide for spreading a thin but widely distributed fluid path. In one embodiment, the applicator forms a dispensing orifice, comprising a small nozzle with a smaller dimension of from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, alternatively from about 1 mm to about 3 mm and a larger dimension from about 20 mm to about 80 mm, alternatively from about 30 mm to about 70 mm, alternatively from about 40 mm to about 50 mm. It is preferred that the smaller nozzle size is a vertical dimension and the larger nozzle size is a horizontal dimension. The smaller and larger dimension of the nozzle are measured as vertical and horizontal distances, respectively between the opposing edges of the applicator, which creates a nozzle. This type of applicator is particularly useful when the device contains a depilatory, lubricating or moisturizing liquid, or any other

EP 2 349 657 a hair removal composition. In one embodiment of the invention, the applicator is provided with a distribution member, separate from the dispensing openings. In the case of a distribution member, the device can deliver fluid through one or more openings or slits proximal to the handle (while the distribution member is located distally from the container); in such a way that in case the user pulls the device towards the handle, the fluid can be fed, and the distribution member can be used to distribute fluid to the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the distribution member has a length of from about 20 mm to about 80 mm, alternatively from about 30 mm to about 70 mm and alternatively from about 40 mm to about 50 mm.

In one of the models the applicator and / or distribution member are provided with a flat, convex or concave edge in contact with the skin. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various shapes of the edge in contact with the skin can be advantageous, depending on to which body part the device is intended. For example, a facial hair removal device may be provided with a straight edge applicator. The hair removal device for legs may be provided with an applicator with a concave edge. Non-limiting examples of suitable head configurations are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. D399,601 (Desnos), No. D203,892 (Muscatiello) and No. 651,420 (Haglock); as well as in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,088,470 (Hall), No. 3,858,985 (Fiveash) 2004, No. 0168743A1 (Garwood); in WO publication No. 97 / 18043A1 (Weiss); and in British Patent No. 1 390 153 (Laboratorio Guidotti & C.

Spa)

Those skilled in the art will understand that the applicator can also serve as a second fluid dosing unit. In one embodiment of the invention, the applicator is provided with a slit nozzle that remains closed until pressure is applied, which causes the slit opening to open, allowing the liquid to be dispensed.

The handle of the hair removal device can be attached to the device in a permanent or detachable manner. Preferably, the handle can be detachable from the hair removal device. If the holder contains a container that accommodates a collapsible reservoir, changing the reservoir is easier.

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In this case, when the reservoir is emptied, the handle, including the container with the collapsible reservoir, is simply detached and replaced with a new one, also comprising a container with a new reservoir full of liquid. The empty handle can then be used for refilling.

The liquid hair removal device made according to the present invention, such as a manual razor, but not limited to such devices, may also use other hair removal means, such as light, in particular laser light or even depilatories (disclosed in US patents No. 4618344, 5645825A,

6743419, and in US Publication No. US2004 / 0228820A1). In one of the models, the device includes a scraper or scraping edge that improves hair removal. Like the spreading edge, the scraper or scraping edge can have a straight, convex or concave shape.

In the case where the hair removal device is in the form of a hand razor, the razor cartridge is provided with blades that can be fixed or removable. Preferably, the cartridge is detachable from the hair removal device and can therefore be replaced as needed.

The liquid contained within the container of the hair removal device is preferably a lotion, and more preferably a shaving preparation. Examples of such fluids may include, but are not limited to: oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions, single-phase aqueous solutions of polymers, high-order surfactant solutions. Additional components can be included in such fluids, for example: high molecular weight polymers, cationically charged polymers, lipid based materials, silicone based compounds, surfactants, vitamins and vitamin derivatives, skin conditioners, hair removal waxes and other hair removal compositions and depilatories.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present device could comprise a deformably rigid and rigid container. A rigid container requires a suction device to extract fluid from the collapsible reservoir. A pressure from the outside can be applied to the deformable container to force air into the fluid when collecting liquid from the reservoir. In addition, dosing may occur in the same model by activation

EP 2 349 657 or applying external pressure to the body of the device. Thus, an alternative dispensing method is provided.

Described below are descriptions referring to figures that disclose a non-exclusive embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a hair removal device (1) in the form of a razor comprising a handle (2) and a razor cartridge (18) which itself comprises blades (not shown) and a button (17) for dispensing fluid.

Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate an embodiment of the model shown in Figure 1. The figures show a flexible reservoir (3) containing a fluid, the reservoir being contained within the container (4), while both the flexible reservoir (3) and the container (4) have aligned openings that together form the fluid outlet (5) through which liquid can escape from the collapsible reservoir (3) and container (4). At least one nozzle (6) in the container (4) allows air to enter the container, thus allowing the pressure to equalize during collapsing of the collapsible reservoir (3).

Figures 2A and 2B also show a suction device (7) configured in this case in the form of a hermetic pump. The hermetic pump includes a chamber (9) with the inlet of the chamber (10) through which the fluid enters the chamber (9), the chamber outlet (11) and the piston (12) of the runner across the chamber (9), the piston having a pin (13) running through the outlet of the chamber (11) in a fluid-tight manner, where the second non-return valve (14) opens towards the inlet of the chamber (10) to allow fluid to enter the chamber and prevent it from flowing outward. The hole in the piston allows fluid to pass through the piston. In addition, the piston shaft (13) is empty (15) in the middle so that the fluid can flow through the piston bore into the shaft opening (15) and outside the pump. The first non-return valve (8) is located in the space inside the shaft (15) to allow the liquid to pass outside, at the same time preventing its retraction inside the pin (15). The elastic means (16) arranged on the piston shaft (13) serve to exert a force which opens the piston (12) towards the outlet of the chamber (10). The elastic elements are shown in the Figures in the form of a helical spring, but they can also be implemented in other manners known to those skilled in the art.

The hermetic pump can be activated by pressing the button (17) shown with dotted lines to collect fluid through

The first check valve (8) for a flexible tube (19) connecting the hermetic pump to the razor head (18) from which it is dispensed directly onto the wearer's skin. This can be done through one or more openings or slits (not shown) on the surface of the head in contact with the skin.

In use, the force applied to the button (17) is transferred through the piston shaft (13) to the piston (12) and moves it towards the inlet of the chamber (10). This in turn causes the fluid in the chamber (9) to escape from this chamber (9) through the internal bore (15) of the piston shaft (13) and out through the first check valve (8). During this phase under the influence of force, the second non-return valve (14) closes under the influence of the force applied by the piston (12) to prevent liquid from flowing back from the chamber into the collapsible reservoir (3). After the application of the pressing force, the spring elements (16) are used to move the piston (12) back towards the outlet of the chamber (11). This in turn causes a pressure drop in the chamber (9), which leads to closing of the first check valve (8), opening the second non-return valve (14) and collecting the fluid from the collapsible reservoir (3) into the chamber (9) to prepare the reserve for the next activation of the pump. When the foldable reservoir (3) folds in, air is sucked into the container (4) through the hole (s) (6) to compensate for the volume reduction of the collapsible reservoir (3).

Figures 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of an alternative method of activating the suction unit (7). The numbered elements in these Figures are the same and perform the same functions as the elements with the same numbers in Figures 2A and 2B. The differences between the models shown in Figures 2A and 2B and Figures 3A and 3B consist in that the pump is not activated by pressing the button, but by the movement of the razor cartridge itself (18) which is reciprocally received on the handle.

When using the model shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the contact force is applied by the user to the cartridge (18) to overcome the force of interaction of the elastic elements (16) and reduce the position of the cartridge (18) in relation to this neutral state. The pressure can be applied, as shown by the arrows shown in Figure 3A, to the fingertips (20). Alternatively, the force applied by the user to contact the cartridge (18) with the skin and move it along the skin may be sufficient to overcome the force

EP 2 349 657 of elastic elements (16) and pressing the cartridge (18) relative to the neutral position. The lowering of the cartridge (18) transfers the axial force through the piston shaft (13) to the piston (12), moving it towards the inlet of the chamber (10). This, in turn, causes the fluid in the chamber (9) to escape from it through the opening (15) in the piston shaft (13) and out through the first one-way valve (not shown). During this phase, under the influence of the piston thrust force (12), the second one-way valve (14) closes so that the fluid is not returned to the collapsible reservoir (3). Upon completion of the pressure force, as shown in Figure 3B, the elastic means (16) serve to move the cartridges (18) back to a neutral position. At this time, the piston (12) is moved back to the mouth of the chamber (11). This in turn causes a pressure drop in the chamber (9), which leads to closing the first check valve (not shown) and opening the second check valve (14) and withdrawing the fluid from the folding tank (3) into the chamber (9) to prepare the store for the next activation of the pump. The advantage of this solution in relation to the solution shown in Figures 2A and 2B is technical simplicity - no need to use a separate button and no flexible tube connecting the cartridges to the pump.

Dimensions and sizes disclosed here should not be taken as strictly limited to the numerical values ​​quoted in this description. However, unless otherwise stated, each such dimension is intended to mean both a desirable value and a functionally equivalent range around such a value. For example, the dimension defined as "40 mm" is to mean "about 40 mm".

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that any other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

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