COSMETIC PRODUCT DISPENSER

Abstract

A device for dispensing a plurality of products, in particular cosmetic products, including: a body, a selector including at least two compartments and a body cap cooperating with the body, each compartment being able to accommodate a packaging element containing a product movably housed in the body and including a packaging cap, the selector being configured to move each compartment between a dispensing position and a storage position, the body cap and the packaging cap being configured to that a removal of the body cap simultaneously cause a removal of the packaging cap.

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to a device and a system for dispensing products allowing selecting one of the products for dispensing as well as methods for using and reloading such a system.

More specifically, the invention relates to a device and a system for dispensing cosmetic products that are customisable enabling the selection of the different products by the user.

BACKGROUND

Many product dispensers are known. For example, the dispensers of liquid soap, mascaras, nail polishes, etc. However, these dispensers allow dispensing only one product. Thus, if a user needs several different products, he/she should buy as many dispensers as products needed. In addition, these dispensers are intended for one use thereby implying a large amount of wastes.

The American patent application US 2016/135567 describes a dispenser allowing dispensing a plurality of lipsticks. However, access to these different lipsticks is complicated. Indeed, the use of the dispenser requires an independent selector. Thus, the user has to hold the dispenser in one hand and the selector in the other. This creates a risk of loss of the selector making the dispenser unusable. In addition, the method for using this dispenser is quite different from the use of a unique product dispenser well-known to the users. Thus, the use of the dispenser of this patent application is complex and requires the user changing his/her use habits.

Hence, there is a need to provide an application device allowing dispensing several product types which is portable and compact while allowing for ergonomics that satisfy the user.

SUMMARY

To this end, the present invention relates to a device for dispensing a plurality of products, in particular cosmetic products, comprising:

• • a body comprising a lateral wall and a dispensing opening;
  • a selector comprising a product support comprising at least two compartments, each compartment being able to accommodate a packaging element containing a product, the product support being movably housed in the body, each packaging element comprises a packaging wall, a packaging axis, an open end substantially perpendicular to the packaging axis and a packaging cap cooperating with said packaging element in order to reversibly close the open end of said packaging element;
  • a body cap cooperating with the body in order to reversibly close the dispensing opening,wherein the selector is configured to move the product support in order to move each compartment between a dispensing position in which said compartment faces the dispensing opening in order to allow dispensing the product, and a storage position in which said compartment is brought away from the dispensing openingthe body cap and the packaging cap being configured so that a removal of the body cap off the dispensing opening simultaneously causes a removal of the packaging cap off the open end of the packaging element in the dispensing position.

Indeed, the device according to the invention enables a user to select a product among a plurality of products contained in one single device.

In addition, the device comprises a reduced number of elements necessary to the selection and dispense of the product. Hence, the device according to the invention is compact and easy to use.

The packaging element enables the user to handle the product packaged therein more easily. Thus, the user can easily insert or remove the packaging elements into or off the dispenser and therefore selecting the product that could be dispensed by the device. In addition, this allows obtaining a reusable device. Indeed, only the packaging elements could be replaced which reduces wastes.

One single body cap enables the user to independently handle different application devices or to access the inside of the selected packaging element. Hence, the morphology and the use of the device is close to that one known by a user for a one-product device.

Thanks to the closure of the packaging element, the packaging cap allows avoiding scattering the product out of the packaging element when handling the packaging element out of the device. The same applies when the packaging elements are in the device: handling the device does not cause spilling of the product inside the device thanks to the packaging cap.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the body has a body axis, the dispensing opening is comprised in a first end of the body and has a dispensing axis substantially parallel to the body axis, each compartment has a compartment axis, said compartment axis being, in the dispensing position, aligned with the dispensing axis, and said compartment axis being offset from the dispensing axis in the storage position.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, each compartment is positioned around a pivot axis parallel to the body axis, the compartment axis is parallel to the pivot axis and the selector comprises a rotary ring allowing moving each compartment between the dispensing position and the storage position by rotation of the product support about the pivot axis.

Positioning the compartments around the pivot axis allows optimising the compactness of the device and facilitates the movement of the compartments through a simple rotation about one single axis parallel to the body axis and therefore parallel to the dispensing axis.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, each packaging cap comprises an application device configured to apply the product, a first end of the application device being fastened to the packaging cap, and a second end configured to apply the product being placed in the packaging element when the packaging cap closes the open end of said packaging element.

Indeed, the application device enables an easy application of a liquid product, for example a lipstick or a mascara. The application device draws the product when the packaging cap closes the open end of said packaging element and conveys the drawn product out of the device by removal of the packaging cap.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the body cap comprises a first reversible fastening element and each packaging cap comprises a second reversible fastening element, the first reversible fastening element being able to cooperate, when the compartment is in the dispensing position, with the second reversible fastening element so as to fasten the packaging cap to the body cap.

The reversible fastening element allows fastening the packaging cap to the body cap so as to pull off the packaging cap and therefore open the packaging element through a simple removal of the body cap. The reversibility allows, when the body cap closes the dispensing opening (and therefore the packaging cap closes the packaging element), selecting another packaging element by moving the product support, the two caps, fastened together before, could then be separated then the body cap could be fastened to another packaging cap.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the first and second reversible fastening elements are respectively first and second magnetic contact surfaces, in particular transverse surfaces.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the body cap comprises an extension extending according to an axis of extension and configured to be aligned with the dispensing opening when the body cap cooperates with the body, the extension carrying the first magnetic contact surface, and a holding element configured to receive the packaging cap and slidably mounted on the extension according to the axis of extension between a stowed position when the body cap is placed on the body, and a secured position when the body cap is brought away from the body , such that in the secured position, the holding element receives the packaging cap of the packaging element accommodated in the compartment placed in the dispensing position, and in the stowed position, the holding element is brought away from the packaging cap of the packaging element at the compartment in the dispensing position.

The holding element allows securing fastening between the body cap and the packaging cap in order to avoid tilting of the application device by a shear force applied on the application device when applying the product by a user. This embodiment also enables an automatic positioning of the holding element around the body cap and the packaging cap when removing the body cap. Thus, securing is automatic and requires no intervention of the user which facilitates the use and safety of the device.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the device further comprises a separator configured to apply a shear force on the packaging cap when switching from the dispensing position into the storage position of the compartment accommodating the packaging element.

The separator allows facilitating separation between the body cap and the packaging cap upon selection of another packaging element by moving the product support.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the body comprises a second open end and the device further comprises a base able to reversibly close said second end, the product support could be dislodged from the body through the second open end.

The removable base allows facilitating the replacement of the packaging elements without being disturbed by the different elements placed on the other end of the body when dispensing the product (cap, dispensing opening, holding element, etc.).

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, each compartment comprises a bottom substantially perpendicular to the compartment axis opposite the dispensing opening, the packaging element is movable parallel to the compartment axis between a low position proximate to the bottom, a top position away from the bottom, and the device comprises a lifting element configured to urge the packaging element towards the top position.

Lifting the packaging element when it is in the dispensing position allows preserving the hygiene and cleanliness of the device. Indeed, replacing the application device inside the packaging element requires accuracy that is as great as the dispensing opening is narrow. Thus, the user might be inaccurate and scatters the product around the dispensing opening. Lifting the packaging element allows facilitating replacing the application device; the lack of accuracy implying a scattering of the liquid only over the edge of the open end of the packaging element (which is also interchangeable) rather than over the device.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the device is a lipstick.

Hence, the plurality of products that could be inserted into the device allows selecting among several lipstick tints using one single device.

In addition, the invention also relates to a system for dispensing a plurality of products, in particular cosmetic products, comprising the dispensing device and at least two products respectively received in the compartments of the product support.

In addition, the invention also relates to a method for using the dispensing system, wherein at least two products are placed in the compartments of the device for dispensing a plurality of products, the method comprising a step of selecting a cosmetic product by switching one of the compartments into the dispensing position

In addition, the invention also relates to a method for reloading a system for dispensing a plurality of products, in particular cosmetic products, comprising the steps of:

• • selecting at least one product by a user,
  • for each selected product, preparing the product,
  • receiving the product by the user and placing each product in one of the compartments of the device for dispensing a plurality of products.

Hence, the reloading method enables a complete customisation of the products inserted into the device in an environment-friendly manner thanks to the reduction of wastes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the description that is made hereinbelow, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate embodiments thereof which are in no way restrictive. In the figures:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the body.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional illustration of the device wherein the body cap closes the dispensing opening.

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional illustration of the device when used comprising a packaging element.

FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional illustration of the device comprising three packaging elements in a first embodiment wherein the device comprises a base enabling the removal of the product support out of the body using a pushbutton.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the product support.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the device when used comprising a packaging element.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the device wherein the body cap closes the dispensing opening.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a packaging element according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the body cap comprising an extension able to accommodate the holding element.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section showing the effect of the separator.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of the method for reloading the system.

FIG. 12 is a three-dimensional illustration of the device according to second embodiment comprising the packaging elements in the embodiment wherein the device comprises a base enabling the removal of the product support out of the body by means of a tapping.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the device according to the second embodiment in use comprising a packaging element.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the device according to the second embodiment wherein the body cap closes the dispensing opening.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of the blocking crown.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of the method for reloading the system comprising the device according to the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 to 11 show a device (100) for dispensing a plurality of products according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The products that could be dispensed may be in a solid or liquid form. Preferably, the products consist of cosmetic products. For example and without limitation, the products may consist of a foundation, a mascara (in the form of a cake or liquid), a lipstick (in the form of a stick or liquid) or a nail polish. Different product types may be included in the device (100). For example, the device (100) may allow dispensing liquid mascara, lipstick in the form of a stick or liquid lipstick. In the case where the products are of the same kind, for example liquid lipsticks, the products may differ from each other by one or more characteristic(s), in particular a colour.

The device (100) comprises:

• • a body (110) comprising a lateral wall (112) and a dispensing opening (117); and
  • a selector comprising a product support (140) comprising at least two compartments (144).

Preferably, the parts forming the general structure of the dispensing device (100) are non-ferromagnetic. Preferably, the parts are also sealed to water, dusts and air, and resistant to shocks and scratches. The used materials may be bio-sourced, recycled or recyclable.

The Body

The body (110) is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The lateral wall (112) may have a substantially longitudinal shape and therefore define a body axis (Z) show in FIGS. 1 to 3. For example, the lateral wall (112) of the body may have a parallelepiped, ellipsoidal, cylindrical shape or other. For example, when the lateral wall (112) of the body is cylindrical, the body axis (Z) corresponds to the axis of revolution of the cylinder. Preferably, the body (110) has a size enabling the device (100) to be held in the hand of a user. The lateral wall (112) may comprise an inspection opening (119) enabling visual access to the inside of the body (110) as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

The lateral wall (112) defines two ends (114, 116) of the body corresponding to two surfaces delimited by opposite edges of the lateral wall (112) according to the body axis. Thus, the volume defined by the lateral wall (112) and the two ends (114, 116) of the body allows separating the inside of the body (110) outwards the body (110).

In the figures, the dispensing opening (117) is formed in a first end (114) of the body. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first end (114) of the body may comprise a sealing wall (118) in which a dispensing opening (117) is formed. Advantageously, the sealing wall (118) may be detachable off the body (110) in order to have easy access to the inside of the body (110). To facilitate the description of the invention, the first end (114) comprising the dispensing opening (117) may be defined as the top end (the above or the top) of the body (110). Conversely, the second end (116) which does not comprise the dispensing opening (117) may be defined as the low end (the underside or the lower portion) of the body (110).

The dispensing opening (117) has a dispensing axis (D) substantially parallel to the body axis (Z) (FIGS. 1 and 3). Preferably, the dispensing axis (D) is distinct from the body axis (Z) but contained inside the body (110).

The device (100) may further comprise a base (120) able to reversibly close the second end (116) of the body. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7 and 11, the base (120) may close the second end (116) with a clip system (122) comprising at least one pushbutton (121) (FIG. 4) accessible from outside the body (110). The user can then push on the at least one pushbutton (121) to detach the base (120) and then replace the base (120) on the second end (116) by exerting a pressure towards the inwards the body (110). The inside of the wall of the body (110) may comprise at least one guide groove (123) able to cooperate with the clips (122) in order to lock the base (120) on the second end (116) of the body (cf. FIG. 11C described in more detail hereinafter). Advantageously, the guide groove (123) may be present all along the circumference of the lateral wall (112) of the body. This enables the base (120) to be free to rotate relative to the lateral wall (112) of the body. The reversible closure of the base (120) is advantageous because the product support (140) could then be dislodged from the body (110) by the second open end (116). Indeed, the product support (140) may be fastened on the base (120) so that the removal of the base (120) causes a removal of the product support (140) as shown in FIG. 4.

The Body Cap

The device (100) may further comprise a body cap (130) cooperating with the body (110) in order to reversibly close the dispensing opening (117) as shown in particular in FIG. 2. The body cap (130) may also cover the entirety of the first end (114) of the body.

As shown in FIG. 9, the body cap (130) may comprise an extension (132) extending according to an axis of extension (132) and configured to be aligned with the dispensing opening (117) when the cap cooperates with the body (110). In addition, the body cap (130) may comprise a holding element (134). For example, the holding element (134) may be hollow and comprise an inner section corresponding to the outer section of the extension (132).

Finally, the body cap (130) may comprise a first reversible fastening element (136a). For example, this first reversible fastening element (136a) may be carried by the extension (132).

The Selector

As described hereinabove, the selector comprises a product support (140) comprising at least two compartments (144). The product support (140) is movably accommodated in the body (110). Thus, the body (110) should be large enough to allow wrapping the entirety of the product support (140). The product support (140) is also removable from the body (110) as it could be inserted therein or be removed therefrom.

In the illustrated embodiment, yet without limitation, the product support (140) has a support axis (corresponding to the pivot axis (P) shown in FIG. 5) and comprises three compartments (144) distributed around the support axis. Each compartment (144) may have a parallelepiped, cubic, ellipsoidal, cylindrical, spherical shape or other. Each compartment (144) may have a compartment axis (E) (FIGS. 4 and 5). For example, in the case where the compartment (144) has a cylindrical general shape (the compartment wall (144) being closed or not), the compartment axis (E) corresponds to the axis of revolution of the cylinder.

As shown in FIG. 5, the product support (140) may be formed by three portions: an inner structure (141), an outer structure (142) and a guide element (143). These three portions may be coaxially nested so that the inner structure (141) fits into the outer structure (142) thereby creating, for each compartment (144), a closed compartment (144) wall delimiting the different compartments (144). The guide element (143) could then fit onto the outer structure (142). This guide element (143) comprises as many openings as compartments (144). Thus, the openings form open ends (145) of the compartments (144).

Each compartment (144) is able to accommodate a packaging element (150) containing a product, as shown in FIG. 4. Advantageously, this allows changing the cosmetic product to be expended simply by changing a packaging element (150) without necessarily emptying and cleaning the corresponding compartment (144) as is the case when the compartment (144) directly comprises the product. For example, each packaging element (150) may be inserted by the open end (145) of the corresponding compartment (144), the opening of the guide element allowing guiding the packaging element (150) parallel to the compartment axis (144).

The selector is configured to move the product support (140) in order to make one of the compartments (144) switch between a dispensing position in which said compartment (144) faces the dispensing opening (117) and a storage position in which said compartment (144) is brought away from the dispensing opening (117). In the dispensing position, the compartment axis (E) may be aligned with the dispensing axis (D) (FIGS. 6 and 7). The compartment axis (E) is brought away from the dispensing axis (D) in the storage position. Hence, the selector allows selecting a product to be dispensed among the products that could be placed in the different compartments (144).

The selector may comprise a rotary ring and each compartment (144) is positioned around a pivot axis (P) parallel to the body axis (Z). Preferably, the pivot axis (P) is coincident with the body axis (Z) (FIG. 7). The compartment axis (E) is then parallel to the dispensing axis (D) and preferably parallel to the pivot axis (P) so as to allow, when the rotary ring is actuated, making one of the compartments (144) switch between the dispensing position and the storage position by rotation of the product support (140) about the pivot axis (P) relative to the lateral wall (112) of the body. The rotary ring can make the product support (140) rotate in a first direction, in a second direction opposite to the first direction or in the first and second directions relative to the lateral wall (112) of the body. The body cap (130) and the dispensing opening (117) being secured in rotation relative to the lateral wall (112) of the body, the rotation of the product support (140) allows placing one of the compartments (144) in its dispensing position. Preferably, the rotary ring is accessible from outside the body (110). For example, the rotary ring is superimposed with the lateral wall (112) of the body. In the first embodiment, the rotary ring is the base (120) of the body, the latter being free to rotate thanks to the clip (122) and guide groove (123) system explained hereinabove. The rotary ring may be actuatable by the user or may be actuated automatically, mechanically, electronically and/or magnetically.

The Lifting Element

Each compartment (144) may comprise a bottom substantially perpendicular to the compartment axis (E) opposite the dispensing opening (117) (on the bottom side of the body). When a packaging element (150) is placed in a compartment (144), this packaging element (150) may be movable parallel to the compartment axis (E) between a low position proximate to the bottom, a top position away from the bottom. Each compartment (144) then comprises a lifting element (146) configured to move the packaging element (150) towards the top position of the body (110). Thus, when said compartment (144) comprising the packaging element (150) is in the dispensing position, the open end (152) of the packaging element (150) (and where appropriate its packaging cap (154)) is lifted throughout the dispensing opening (117). Conversely, the packaging element (150) is in the low position when the compartment (144) is in its storage position. For example, the lifting element (146) may be an elastic biasing element such as a compression spring (FIGS. 6 and 11A described hereinafter) or a flexible elastomer. The lifting element (146) may also consist of a pair of magnets, one positioned at the unopen end of the packaging element (150), the other one positioned on the bottom of the compartment (144). The magnets are then configured to generate a repulsive force. The lifting element (146) may also consist of a magnet positioned at the unopen end of the packaging element (150) and a metallic surface positioned on the bottom of the compartment (144) or vice versa. The magnet is then configured to generate a repulsive force opposite to the metallic surface.

The Packaging Element

Preferably, the packaging element (150) shown in FIG. 8 is movably placed in the compartment (144). Preferably, it can move along the compartment axis (E) but also, as explained hereinabove, be removed from or inserted into the compartment (144) and therefore be removed from or inserted into the device (100).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the packaging element (150) is in the form of a reservoir or a cartridge. It comprises a packaging wall, an open end (152) and a packaging cap (154) cooperating with said packaging element (150) in order to reversibly close the open end (152) of said packaging element (150). Advantageously, this configuration of the packaging element (150) allows packaging liquid products.

Each packaging element (150) may also comprise a packaging axis (C) shown in FIG. 8. The open end (152) is then substantially perpendicular to the packaging axis (C). Preferably, when a packaging element (150) is accommodated in a compartment (144), the packaging axis (C) is aligned with the compartment axis (E) is aligned with the compartment axis (E) and the open end (152) is directed towards the top of the body (110) as shown for example in FIG. 4.

Each packaging cap (154) may comprise an application device (156) configured to apply the product. Preferably, the application device (156) has a longitudinal shape comprising two ends. A first end of the application device (156) cooperates with the packaging cap (154) and a second end is placed in the corresponding packaging element (150) when the packaging cap (154) closes the open end (152) of the packaging element (150). Hence, the length of the application device (156) is preferably smaller than the length of the packaging element (150) measured along the packaging axis (C). Similarly, the width of the application device (156) is configured to be inserted by the open end (152) of the packaging element (150).

In the case where the product to be applied is solid like a mascara cake or a stick of a lipstick, the application device (156) is in the form of a screw or a protrusion over the surface of the packaging cap (154) facing the inside of the packaging element (150). The solid product is then screwed or fitted onto the application device (156). Thus, the removal of the packaging cap (154) implies the removal of the product for application thereof.

When the product to be applied is liquid, the length of the application device (156) is preferably configured to reach the bottom of the packaging element (150) when the packaging cap (154) closes the open end (152) of the packaging element (150), as shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 8. For example, the application device (156) is a brush enabling the application of mascara or a paintbrush enabling the application of a liquid lipstick or a nail polish. Preferably, the packaging cap (154) is configured to hermetically and reversibly close the open end (152) of said packaging element (150).

In the case where the packaging cap (154) comprises an application device (156) enabling the application of a liquid product, the corresponding packaging element (150) may also comprise a wiper (158) positioned at its open end (152). The wiper (158) is hollow and has a lateral wall (112) extending upwards from a lower edge which has a minimum inner diameter substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the application device (156). This allows, when removing the packaging cap (154), and therefore by extraction of the application device (156) out of the packaging element (150), removing the excess liquid product along the application device (156) or at its second end. Advantageously, the wiper (158) may comprise a flexible inner wall such that elastomer in order to increase the efficiency of removal of the excess product.

Finally, the packaging element (150) may also comprise a protrusion extending radially over its wall. Each location (144) then comprises a constriction configured to cooperate with the protrusion when inserting the packaging element (150) into the compartment (144). Advantageously, this serves as a foolproof in order to guarantee a proper orientation between the packaging element (150) and the body cap (130).

The Dispensing Position

As explained hereinabove, when one of the compartments (144) accommodates a product, its dispensing position allows dispensing the product outside the body (110) via the dispensing opening (117). Thus, the dispensing opening (117) should have a size that is large enough to allow dispensing the product. Dispensing the product may be done by removal of the body cap (130) configured to enable the removal of the packaging cap (154) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. For example, each packaging cap (154) comprises a second reversible fastening element (136b) able to cooperate with the first reversible fastening element (136a) of the body cap (130) when the compartment (144) comprising the packaging element (150) corresponding to said packaging cap (154) is in its dispensing position so as to fasten the packaging cap (154) to the body cap (130), the removal of the body cap (130) then simultaneously causing the removal of the packaging cap (154) via the dispensing opening (117). Advantageously, lifting the packaging element (150) into its top position allows bringing the body cap (130) and the packaging cap (154) into contact upon switching into the dispensing position so as to facilitate cooperation thereof. The first and second reversible fastening elements (136a, 136b) may be a magnet-magnetic metal or magnet-magnet pair. The fastening elements (136a, 136b) may also be configured to enable a hook-and-loop fastening or a coupling by suction cups, by screws, by pinching or by locking pin. Preferably, the reversible fastening elements are in the form of substantially planar surfaces, in particular transverse. In the case where the reversible fastening elements (136a, 136b) consist of a magnet-magnetic metal or magnet-magnet pair, at least two pairs may be present as shown in FIGS. 4, 7, 8 and 9. Advantageously, this serves as a foolproof and guarantees a proper orientation between the body cap (130) and the packaging cap (154) each time they are fastened.

Furthermore, the holding element (134) shown in FIG. 9 is configured, when one of the compartments (144) is in the dispensing position and comprises a packaging element (150) comprising an application device (156), to hold the application device (156) substantially parallel to the packaging axis (C). The holding element (134) is mounted on the extension (132) of the body cap (130) and can slide according to the axis of extension (132) between a stowed position when the body cap (130) is placed on the body (110) (FIG. 7), and a secured position when the body cap (130) is brought away from the body (110) (FIG. 8). In addition, the holding element (134) is configured to receive the packaging cap (154). Thus, in the secured position, the holding element (134) receives the packaging cap (154) of the packaging element (150) of said compartment (144). This allows securing fastening between the body cap (130) and the packaging cap (154). Indeed, the holding element (134) in its secured position prevents shearing which would imply a separation between the packaging cap (154) and the body cap (130). In the stowed position, the holding element (134) is brought away from the packaging cap (154). To do so, the outer diameter of the holding element (134) may advantageously be larger than the size of the dispensing opening (117). This allows, when replacing the application device (156) in the packaging element (150) by closing the dispensing opening (117) by the body cap (130), pressing the holding element (134) against the sealing wall (118) in order to make it slip along the extension (132) so that in its stowed position. In this embodiment where the holding element (134) is configured to slip along the extension (132), the switch of the holding element (134) into the secured position is facilitated by the presence of an elastic biasing element between the bottom of the body cap (130) and one of the ends of the holding element (134) as shown in FIG. 9.

The Separator

The device (100) may also further comprise a separator configured to apply a shear force on the packaging cap (154) when switching from the dispensing position into the storage position of the compartment (144) accommodating the packaging element (150) comprising said packaging cap (154). This allows facilitating separation between the body cap (130) and said packaging cap (154). For example, in the case where fastening between the body cap (130) and the packaging cap (154) is magnetic, the separator is the sealing wall (118) or comprises a separation ring and a pusher. Upon movement of the compartment (144), and therefore of the packaging element (150), or rotation of the separation ring, the edge of the opening or the pusher abuts against the packaging cap (154) thereby applying thereon a force that is not parallel to the packaging axis (C) (FIG. 10).

The Pawl System

The dispensing device according to the first embodiment may comprise a pawl system included in the product support (140). The pawl system allows emitting a brief sound informing the user on the proper positioning of a compartment (144) in its dispensing position. The pawl system may comprise at least one ball contained in the product support (140) (shown in FIG. 11) and at least one recess contained in the inner surface of the body lateral wall (112). A portion of the at least one ball and the at least one recess being configured to cooperate when a compartment (144) is in its dispensing position. The cooperation between the portion of the at least one ball and the at least one recess may, depending on the used materials, emit a sound informing the user on the positioning of a compartment (144) in its dispensing position. In addition, when the at least one ball and at least one recess cooperate, the product support (140) may be slightly blocked so that the compartment (144) does not come out of its dispensing position when dispensing the product. The blockage is configured to enable the movement of the product support (140) by the user by applying a minimum force on the selector.

The Use Method

The invention also relates to a method for using the dispensing system in which at least two products are placed in the compartments (144) of the device (100) for dispensing a plurality of products. For example, the products are placed in packaging elements which are placed in the compartments (144).

The method comprises a step of selecting a cosmetic product by switching one of the compartments (144) into its dispensing position. For example, the switch may be done when the user rotates the rotary ring up to its dispensing position (optionally indicated by the pawl system). As explained hereinabove, when the compartment (144) is in the dispensing position, the packaging cap (154) is fastened to the body cap (130).

Advantageously, the inspection opening (119) allows verifying that the product located in the compartment (144) in the dispensing position is the selected product. To this end, the different compartments (144) or the packaging elements may have distinctive signs over their wall. For example, the colour of each packaging element (150) corresponds to the colour of the product contained in this packaging element (150). In another example, the name of the contained product may be marked over each packaging element (150) or over the wall of the compartment (144). Advantageously, the wall of the compartments (144) and, where appropriate, of the packaging elements may be partially transparent. This allows verifying the available amount of product via the inspection opening (119) when the compartment (144) is in the dispensing position.

The method may also comprise a step of removing the body cap (130). Thus, as explained hereinabove, this removal enables dispensing the product accommodated in the compartment (144) in the dispensing position. For example, the removal of the body cap (130) causes the removal of the packaging cap (154). Thus, the application device (156) allows transporting the product inside the packaging element (150) outwards the body (110).

Afterwards, the dispensed product can be used by the user. For example, in the case of a liquid lipstick, the user holds the body cap (130) between his/her fingers and can apply the liquid lipstick over his/her lips using the second end of the application device (156). The holding element (134) is then advantageous in this case because the contact between the lips and the second end of the application device (156) produces a force having a component that is not parallel to the axis of extension (132). This component of the force may cause a separation between the body cap (130) and the packaging cap (154). Thus, the holding element (134) avoids any tilting of the application device (156).

The method may also comprise a step of closing the dispensing opening (117) by replacing the body cap (130) on the body (110). This enables the user to transport the dispensing device (100) while avoiding any undesired dispense of the products.

The Reloading Method

The invention also relates to a method for reloading a system for dispensing a plurality of products, in particular cosmetic products.

The first step of the reloading method is selecting at least one product by a user. Indeed, the user can customise his/her dispensing system by selecting a plurality of products he/she could afterwards place or interchange with the products already contained in his/her dispensing system. This enables a complete customisation of the dispensing system. The selection may be done via a dedicated website or in a shop.

Afterwards, for each selected product, the product is prepared in particular remotely, for example in a cosmetic product factory, or locally in the shop. For example, the product is inserted into a packaging element (150) so that a packaging element (150) contains one single product.

Afterwards, the product is received by the user and placed in one of the compartments (144) of the device (100) for dispensing a plurality of products. For example, each packaging element (150) is placed in one of the compartments (144) of the dispensing device (100) (FIG. 11B). Preferably, the open end (152) of each packaging element (150) is directed towards the top of the body (110). Advantageously, the presence of a base (120) detachable off the body (110) at its second end (116) enables the user to easily place or replace the packaging elements. Indeed, the user has just to detach the base (120) to slip the product support (140) out of the body (110) (FIG. 11B) and insert the packaging elements into the compartments (144) before replacing the product support (140) in the body (110) and close the second end (116) of the body with the base (120) (FIG. 11C). In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 11, the user pushes on the at least one pushbutton (121) to bring the clips (122) away from the guide groove (123) and then pulls the base (120) towards the bottom of the body to detach it. To close the second end (116), the user inserts the product support (140) into the body and pushes the base (120) towards the top of the body until the clips (122) cooperate in the guide groove (123).

Afterwards, the body cap (130) may close the first end (114) of the body again (FIG. 11D). The placement may also be done by the manufacturer or by the user himself/herself.

Second Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, a dispensing device according to a second embodiment is now described. Reference numerals that are common to FIGS. 1 to 11 refer to the same elements. Only components that differ from those of the first embodiment are described in details. As regards the other components, identical to those of the first embodiment, reference will be made to the description thereof which has already been made.

This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the base (120) closes the second end (116) of the body using a tapping (123) present on the product support (140). The base (120) being secured in rotation with the product support (140), the user could unscrew the base (120) to detach it off the body (110) and dislodge the product support (140) then insert the product support (140) into the body and screw the base (120) against to close the second end (116) again Like in the first embodiment, the product support comprises at least two compartments (144) comprising an open end (145) by which a packaging element (150) could be inserted.

The device according to the second embodiment may further comprise a blocking crown (127) comprising at least one blocking groove (124). The blocking crown (127) is inserted into the base (120) whereas the product support (140) is inserted into the blocking crown (127) as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 15. The blocking crown is fixed with respect to the body (110) whereas the base (120) fastened to the product support (140) is free to rotate relative to the blocking crown (127). At least one lug (126) may be contained inside the lateral wall (112) of the body (FIG. 16D) so as to cooperate with the at least one blocking groove (124). Thus, when the product support (140) is screwed onto the body (110), each lug (126) cooperates with one of the blocking grooves (124) when screwing is completed so as to block an unintentional opening of the base (120). The at least one blocking groove (124) may have a pathway forming a concave curve towards the top of the body. Thus, when the user wishes to unblock the base, he/she may for example apply a force on the base towards the top of the body and rotate the base in order to make each lug come out of the blocking groove (124). In addition, in this example, blocking may also be secured by the force exerted on the product support (140) towards the bottom of the body (110) thanks to the lifting elements (146) (FIG. 16A).

Finally, the blocking crown (127) may comprise at least one magnetic attraction element (128b) and the bottom portion of the product support (140) may comprise at least one magnetic attraction element (128a) able to cooperate with the at least one magnetic attraction element (128b) of the blocking crown (127) when at least one compartment (144) is in its dispensing position. Advantageously, this allows preventing an inadvertent rotation of the product support (140) when dispensing the product. Preferably, each of the blocking crown (127) and the bottom portion of the product support (140) comprises twice as many magnetic attraction elements (128b) as compartments (144) as shown in FIG. 15 (6 magnetic attraction elements (128a, 128b) for 3 compartments (144)). This allows, when the magnetic attraction elements (128b) are properly configured, obtaining as many dispensing positions as compartments (144), switching from one dispensing position to the next one being facilitated by the repulsive force exerted between two non-successive magnetic attraction elements of the blocking crown (127) and of the bottom portion of the product support (140). Hence, these magnetic attraction elements (128a, 128b) fill a similar role as the above-described pawl system.

During the application of the method for reloading the dispensing system according to the second embodiment, the user applies a force on the base (120) towards the top of the body and rotates the base (120) in order to make the at least one lug (126) come out of the corresponding blocking groove (124) and then unscrews the product support (140) to open the second end (116) and load or replace the products (FIG. 16B).

To close the second end (116), the body cap (130) being mounted on the first end (114) of the body (FIG. 16C), the user screws the product support (140) into the body (FIG. 16D). The at least one lug (126) automatically fits into the at least one blocking groove (124) when screwing is completed. The user then continues screwing the base (120) while exerting a force towards the top of the body in order to block the at least one lug (126).

Claims

1. A device for dispensing a plurality of products comprising: a body comprising a lateral wall and a dispensing opening;a selector comprising a product support comprising at least two compartments, each compartment being able to accommodate a packaging element containing a product, the product support being movably housed in the body, each packaging element comprises a packaging wall, a packaging axis, an open end substantially perpendicular to the packaging axis and a packaging cap cooperating with said packaging element in order to reversibly close the open end of said packaging element;a body cap cooperating with the body in order to reversibly close the dispensing opening;

2. The device for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 1, wherein the body has a body axis, the dispensing opening is comprised in a first end of the body and has a dispensing axis substantially parallel to the body axis, each compartment has a compartment axis, said compartment axis being, in the dispensing position, aligned with the dispensing axis, and said compartment axis being offset from the dispensing axis in the storage position.

3. The device for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 2, wherein each compartment is positioned around a pivot axis parallel to the body axis, the compartment axis is parallel to the pivot axis and the selector comprises a rotary ring allowing moving each compartment between the dispensing position and the storage position by rotation of the product support about the pivot axis.

4. The device for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 1, wherein each packaging cap comprises an application device configured to apply the product, a first end of the application device being fastened to the packaging cap, and a second end configured to apply the product being placed in the packaging element when the packaging cap closes the open end of said packaging element.

5. The device for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 1, wherein: the body cap comprises a first reversible fastening element, andeach packaging cap comprises a second reversible fastening element, the first reversible fastening element being able to cooperate, when the compartment is in the dispensing position, with the second reversible fastening element so as to fasten the packaging cap to the body cap.

6. The device for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 5, wherein the first and second reversible fastening elements are respectively first and second magnetic contact surfaces.

7. The device for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 6, wherein the first and second magnetic contact surfaces are transverse surfaces.

8. The device for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 6, wherein the body cap comprises: an extension extending according to an axis of extension and configured to be aligned with the dispensing opening when the body cap cooperates with the body, the extension carrying the first magnetic contact surface, anda holding element configured to receive the packaging cap and slidably mounted on the extension according to the axis of extension between a stowed position when the body cap is placed on the body, and a secured position when the body cap is brought away from the body, such that in the secured position, the holding element receives the packaging cap of the packaging element accommodated in the compartment placed in the dispensing position, and in the stowed position, the holding element is brought away from the packaging cap of the packaging element at the compartment in the dispensing position.

9. The device for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 5, further comprising a separator configured to apply a shear force on the packaging cap when switching from the dispensing position into the storage position of the compartment accommodating the packaging element.

10. The device for dispensing a plurality of cosmetic products according to claim 1, wherein: each compartment comprises a bottom substantially perpendicular to the compartment axis opposite the dispensing opening,the packaging element is movable parallel to the compartment axis between a low position proximate to the bottom, a top position away from the bottom,the device comprises a lifting element configured to urge the packaging element towards the top position.

11. The device for dispensing a plurality of cosmetic products according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a second open end and the device further comprises a base able to reversibly close said second end, the product support could be dislodged from the body through the second open end.

12. The device for dispensing a plurality of cosmetic products according to claim 1, wherein the products are cosmetic products.

13. The device for dispensing a plurality of cosmetic products according to claim 1, wherein the device is a lipstick.

14. A system for dispensing a plurality of products comprising: The device for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 1; andAt least two products respectively received in the compartments of the product support.

15. A method for using the system for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 14, wherein at least two products are placed in the compartments of the device for dispensing a plurality of products, the method comprising selecting a cosmetic product by switching one of the compartments into the dispensing position.

16. A method for reloading a system for dispensing a plurality of products comprising: selecting at least one product by a user,for each selected product, preparing the product,receiving the product by the user and placing each product in one of the compartments of the device for dispensing a plurality of products according to claim 1.