Background
It is well known that women have been used to decorating their nails with various colors of nail polish since ancient times. It is also known that common nail polish (referred to in technical terms by the term "nail polish end") has the disadvantage of having a short duration.
More clearly, nail polish applied to nails tends to fade or flake off after several washes, forcing the user to reapply the nail polish after a short period of time.
In order to obtain nail polish with a higher permanence, so-called semi-permanent gel nail polishes (known in the technical term of the art as the term "nail polish") have been developed, which can last up to three weeks on the nails. The shelf life of the nail polish is extended by the use of special nail polish that polymerize (i.e., cure) when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Currently, nail polish and semi-permanent nail polish are contained in a can (e.g., a bottle or bottle) in liquid form. Application of the semi-permanent UV gel nail polish is performed by a small brush typically provided on the bottles used to sell the nail polish.
There are a number of serious problems associated with the current market of applying nail polish to nails using brushes, such as brush inaccuracy, color application, especially when their use is not by cosmetic professionals.
In particular, the use of brushes involves considerable time consumption; in fact, the average time to apply nail polish on all nails of the hand is not less than 40 minutes.
Furthermore, when used in a professional center, the application of nail polish using brushes can result in contamination of yeast, fungi, or mold or bacteria between one customer and another.
In order to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known art, it is known in the art to provide a bottle containing the above-mentioned nail polish, which is equipped with an applicator device provided at one end thereof, thereby avoiding the need to withdraw the above-mentioned brush from the bottle.
However, applicator devices of known type have also proven to be not without drawbacks in practice.
The main drawback is that the applicator devices of known type provide a hole formed at one end of the bottle for releasing the nail polish to be applied on the nail. The aperture is formed in such a way as to remain open at all times, so as to allow the nail polish contained in the bottle to be in continuous contact with the air of the external environment.
This constant contact with the external environment places the nail polish at risk of contamination with external agents, which can affect the quality of the nail polish, degrading it and causing it to be discarded in advance.
In the case of cosmetic products (also called "cosmetics") or skin care (also called "skin care"), the same problems are essentially present for the application of substances.
In particular, in the professional field of decorative cosmetics (or skin care), professionals (e.g. cosmetic artists or cosmeticians) often use the same applicator device in an indiscriminate way to apply a cosmetic substance (e.g. an eye primer or eye contour cone) on several subjects, where any infection or contamination of one subject risks being transmitted to the other. Furthermore, even in the consumer and non-professional fields, substances that escape from known applicator devices and are subsequently not applied to the body of the area remain accidentally in contact with the air, with the risk of contamination.
Currently, furthermore, in the case of skin care, different applicator devices are used depending on the body area to be treated, even if the substance to be applied is the device for dispensing and applying a fluid product described in EP0630597, comprising a bottle containing the product, a bristle holder equipped with bristle rings fixed around an impregnation channel configured to impregnate the bristles with the product to be dispensed/applied, and a needle holder equipped with needles. The bristle holder is translationally movable relative to the needle holder between a position in which the needle closes the infusion path and a position in which the infusion path is open. The device also includes a sleeve (sleeve) that is manually rotationally operable relative to the bottle to move the bristle holder longitudinally. Furthermore, the sleeve is configured such that in the closed position through the impregnation channel, the bristles are fully contained within the sleeve.
WO91/12992 discloses a portable dispensing device for highly volatile fluids which is pump-type and has a hydraulic drive. The device comprises an elongated structure defining an opening therein for discharging fluid towards the outside, and provided with bristles at one end thereof; furthermore, a displacement device is provided between a closed position, in which the displacement device prevents fluid from passing through said discharge opening towards the outside, and an open position, in which the displacement device allows fluid to pass through said discharge opening.
Object of the Invention
The object of the present invention is to propose a device for applying a substance to a body area which at least partly obviates the drawbacks of conventional solutions.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device which, when not used for dispensing, is able to separate the substance to be applied from the external environment.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device which allows substances to be applied to an area of the body quickly and easily.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device which generally does not require special skills on the part of the user in order to apply and use the substance.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device that can also be used with cans and/or bottles already on the market for containing the substances to be applied.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device which is highly versatile and which can be used, in particular, for applying different substances to different areas of the body and/or even between different persons.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device which allows a particularly clean and precise application of substances.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device which is particularly hygienic.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device which avoids or at least reduces the risk of contamination when it is desired to use between different persons.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device which avoids or at least reduces the risk of contamination of the substance to be applied.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device that can be obtained simply, quickly and at low cost.
It is a further object of the invention to propose a device having optional features in terms of both function and implementation with respect to conventional devices.
It is a further object of the invention to propose a device which is an improvement and/or alternative to conventional devices.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device which can be manufactured simply, quickly and at low cost.
Another object of the invention is to propose a device that is entirely reliable in terms of structure and function.
Another object of the present invention is to propose a device for applying nail polish to the nails which is able to separate the nail polish from the external environment.
Another object of the present invention is to propose a device for applying nail polish on nails which allows quick and simple application of the nail polish.
Another object of the present invention is to propose a device for applying nail polish on nails which does not require special skills on the part of the user to apply the nail polish.
Another object of the present invention is to propose a device for applying nail polish on nails which can also be used with cans and/or bottles of nail polish already on the market.
Detailed Description
The present invention relates to a device for applying a substance, such as nail polish, to a body area, such as a nail, which device is indicated as a whole with reference numeral 1 in the drawings.
Embodiments of the device according to the invention will be described and illustrated below, wherein in particular the substance to be applied consists of nail polish and wherein the area of the body to which the substance is applied consists of nails, however, it will be appreciated that in a substantially corresponding manner the same device described and illustrated below, with its basic features and/or with its optional preferred and advantageous features, can also be used for applying other substances on any area of the body and in particular it can be used for applying cosmetic substances on areas of the skin (body or face), for example corresponding to the mouth or eyes, but also for applying cosmetic substances on the hair or nails, or it can be used for applying medicinal substances on areas of the body, for example for applying medicinal substances in the area of treating skin wounds.
Conveniently, the substance applied by the device according to the invention may be a nail polish, preferably a UV semi-permanent nail polish, or it may be a cosmetic substance for the care of the skin (also called "skin care") or for the care of the skin make-up cosmetics (also called "make-up"), such as facial foundations, eye foundations, lip foundations, mascara foundations, foundations or concealers, moisturizers and/or dyes, make-up, eye shadows, mascaras/lips, blush, lipsticks, etc.
Conveniently, the substance applied by the device according to the invention may be a liquid or semi-liquid substance, or it may be in the form of a fluid or semi-fluid slurry, or it may be a gel or cream. Preferably, the substances applied by means of the device according to the invention can have various consistencies and viscosities as well as various constituents.
Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention can be applied, preferably in a removable manner, to a can, preferably to a can of nail polish or other substance to be applied, which can itself be known with reference to the art and is identified in the accompanying figures by reference numeral 100.
The device 1, preferably for applying nail polish, can advantageously be used for any type of nail polish and preferably can be used for applying semi-permanent nail polish, in particular suitable for polymerizing (i.e. curing) if exposed to ultraviolet light.
The device 1 is intended to be associated mechanically, preferably in a removable manner, with a tank 100, which tank 100 corresponds to an opening 101 (of said tank) for discharging said nail polish or other substance to be applied.
In more detail, according to the preferred but non-limiting embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the tank 100 comprises a bottle 102, which is substantially tubular and made of flexible material. Preferably, the bottle 102 is configured such that leakage of the substance through the opening 101 is caused by manual compression of the canister itself (preferably in a radial direction).
In operation, the user holds the bottle 102 and, in order to let the nail polish (or other substance to be applied) come out through the outlet opening 101, presses the bottle 102, the bottle 102 elastically yields and forces the nail polish (or other substance to be applied) contained in the bottle through the aforesaid outlet opening 101.
According to a different and possible embodiment, not shown in the figures, the tank 100 may comprise actuator means that can be operated to mechanically force the nail polish (or other substance to be applied) out of the outlet of the tank 100 itself, for example a plunger provided at the bottom of the tank.
Preferably, the canister 100 may be made of a shape memory polymeric material.
The device 1 comprises at least a dispensing body 2 equipped with at least one outlet mouth 5 intended to be placed in communication with said outlet opening 101 of said can 100 for dispensing said nail polish (or other substance to be applied) contained in said can 100.
Preferably, the dispensing body 2 is configured to internally delimit a dispensing channel (dispensing channel) 3 intended to be placed in direct and permanent fluid communication with the interior of the can 100 containing the substance to be applied, and which communicates with the outside only through said at least one outlet mouth 5, allowing said substance to escape from the interior chamber only through said at least one outlet mouth 5.
The device 1 comprises a valve device 6 mechanically associated with said dispensing body 2 and it further comprises a bristle body 80 having a plurality of bristles 18.
The valve means 6 are movable with respect to the dispensing body 2 between a closed configuration in which they prevent the passage of said substance to be applied from and/or through said at least one outlet mouth 5 towards the bristles 18 of the bristle body 80 and thus separate said substance to be applied from the external environment, and an open configuration in which they allow the passage of said substance to be applied from and/or through said at least one outlet mouth 5 towards said bristles 18 of the bristle body 80.
The bristle body 80 is configured to be mechanically associated to the valve device 6 in a removable manner and is configured to intercept (when the valve device 6 is in the open configuration) the substance coming out of the at least one outlet mouth 5 with the bristles 18, so as to dispense it onto at least one region of the user's body.
Preferably, the valve means 6 are movable between a closed configuration, in which they block said at least one outlet mouth 5 to fluidly separate said nail polish (or other substance to be applied contained in the can 100) from the external environment, and an open configuration, in which they release said at least one outlet mouth 5 to allow said nail polish (or other substance to be applied) to escape from said can 100 through said at least one outlet mouth 5.
In this way, the purpose of the device 1 of the present invention is to allow blocking of said at least one outlet mouth 5, preventing the nail polish (or other substance to be applied) from leaving the tank 100 and at the same time preventing air from the external environment from entering the tank, preventing accidental contamination of the nail polish itself.
The purpose of the device 1 of the present invention is therefore to allow the substance contained in the tank 100 to be rapidly and easily distributed over any area of the recipient user's body, and at the same time to allow the substance to remain isolated when the device is not in use, and this is due to the simple movement of the valve device from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In particular, the purpose of the device 1 of the present invention is to allow a quick and easy dispensing of the nail polish contained in the can on the nail of the user, and at the same time to allow a maintenance of the isolation of the nail polish when not in use, thanks to a simple movement of the valve device from the open configuration to the closed configuration.
Advantageously, said dispensing body 2 defines a dispensing channel 3 extending between an inlet mouth 4 and said at least one outlet mouth 5, the inlet mouth 4 being intended to be substantially opposite said outlet opening 101 of said can 100.
Conveniently, the dispensing body 2 comprises a tubular element 15 defining said dispensing channel 3 internally and extending between an inlet end, in which the inlet mouth 4 is formed, and an outlet end, in which said at least one outlet mouth 5 is formed.
Preferably, the device may comprise at least two outlet mouths 5, and more preferably (as shown in fig. 11A) may comprise four outlet mouths 5. Advantageously, the substance coming out of more than two outlet mouths 5 avoids air intake. Conveniently, the at least two outlet mouths 5 are in fluid communication with the same dispensing channel 3.
According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the tubular element 15 of the dispensing body 2 is made in one piece, i.e. in a monolithic (monolithic) manner. In addition, in other possible embodiments not shown in the figures, the tubular element 15 may be made in several parts connected together, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present patent.
Advantageously, the valve means 6 comprise at least one valve body 7 arranged/mounted externally with respect to said dispensing body 2 and comprising a preferably wall-shaped shutter element 8 movable between a first position, in which it is adjacent to or in contact with said at least one outlet mouth 5, and a second position, in which it is spaced with respect to said at least one outlet mouth 5, defining said closed configuration and said open configuration of the valve means 6, respectively. Conveniently, when the valve means 6 is in the closed configuration, the shutter element 8 is in a first position in which it prevents the escape of substance from the dispensing body 2 through said at least one outlet mouth 5, and when the valve means 6 is in the open configuration, the shutter element 8 is in a second position in which it allows the escape of substance from the dispensing body 2 through said at least one outlet mouth at said at least one outlet mouth 5.
Conveniently, when the valve means 6 is in the closed configuration, the shutter element 8 is in a first position in which the shutter element 8 prevents the flow of substance from the dispensing body 2 to the valve means 6; and when the valve means 6 is in the open configuration, the shutter element 8 is in a second position in which it allows the substance to flow from the dispensing body 2 to the valve means 6.
Preferably, with the valve device 6 in the closed configuration, the valve device shutter element 8 is configured to abut against the outlet end of the tubular element 15 of the dispensing body 2, to thereby externally close the at least one outlet mouth 5.
Advantageously, the valve body 7 is configured to translate in a guided manner with respect to the dispensing body 2 along a movement direction X, so as to move the shutter element 8 between the first position and the second position.
Preferably, the inlet mouth 4 and the outlet mouth 5 are made to intersect the axis of motion X. Preferably, the inlet mouth 4 and the outlet mouth 5 face each other.
The dispensing channel 3 defined in the dispensing body 2 advantageously extends parallel to the axis of movement X.
Advantageously, the valve body 7 of the valve device 6 comprises a gripping portion 9 configured to be gripped by a user to translate the valve body 7 along the movement direction X. Preferably, the grip portion 9 is accessible from the outside by a user and is gripped to move the valve body 7.
According to a possible embodiment shown in the drawings, the valve body 7 comprises the aforesaid gripping portion 9 provided with a side wall 9' of tubular and/or frustoconical shape, which externally defines a gripping surface that can be gripped by a user.
Preferably, the valve body 7 of the valve device 6 is configured such that the valve body 7 abuts/contacts the canister 100 when the valve device is in the closed configuration.
Preferably, the side wall 9' of the gripping portion 9 of the valve body 7 of the valve device 6 ends with an abutment edge 9 "configured to abut against a shoulder 103 made on the can 100.
Furthermore, conveniently, the object of the device 1 of the present invention may comprise guiding means 10, mechanically interposed between said dispensing body 2 and said valve body 7 of said valve device 6, adapted to guide said valve body 7 during its movement in said direction of movement X.
In more detail, the guiding means 10 may comprise at least one pin 11 protruding radially from the dispensing body 2 with respect to the direction of movement. Preferably, the guiding means 10 may further comprise at least one slot 12 formed on said valve body 7, which extends parallel to said movement direction X and is in sliding engagement with said pin 11.
Advantageously, said groove 12 extends along said movement direction X between a first and a second end-of-travel wall opposite each other, configured to abut said pin 11 against said valve body 7 in an open configuration and a closed configuration of the valve device, respectively.
According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the dispensing body 2 comprises a fixing portion 13, which fixing portion 13 is configured to be mechanically fixed (preferably in a removable manner) to the can 100. Preferably, the fixing portion 13 is configured to be screwed to the can 100.
Preferably, the pin 11 of the guiding means 10 protrudes from the outer surface at the fixing portion 13.
Advantageously, the fixing portion 13 defines internally a nut 13', which nut 13' is configured to engage in a screw-nut type shape relationship with a thread obtained in correspondence of the end of the can 100 in which the outlet opening 101 for the nail polish or other product to be applied is formed.
Preferably, the valve body 7 is slidingly associated/mounted around the dispensing body 2.
Conveniently, the valve body 7 is translatable along the direction of movement X. Conveniently, the valve body 7 is mounted on the dispensing body 2 so as to prevent and inhibit rotation of the valve body 7 relative to the dispensing body 2 and relative to the can 100.
In more detail, preferably, the gripping portion 9 of the valve body 7 of the valve device 6 is arranged around the fixed portion 13 of the dispensing body 2.
Conveniently, the valve means 6 comprises at least one gallery hole (passage hole) 16 configured to put the at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body in communication with the bristles 18 of the bristle body 80.
Preferably, the at least one gallery hole 16 is always in communication with the external environment and in particular with the bristles 18, so as to allow the passage towards the outside of the substance to be applied, which is expelled from the dispensing body 2 through the at least one outlet mouth 5, and in particular towards the bristles 18, when the valve device 6 is in the open configuration.
Advantageously, the valve body 7 is provided with at least one gallery hole 16, which gallery hole 16 extends parallel to the direction of movement X and through which the nail polish or other product to be applied can pass when the valve device 6 is in the open configuration. Preferably, the gallery holes 16 are through and advantageously obtained on the shutter element 8. Preferably, the gallery holes 16 pass through the thickness of the shielding element 8. Preferably, gallery holes 16 include gallery channels having elongated extensions parallel or corresponding to the X-direction.
Conveniently, when the valve arrangement 16 is in the open configuration, the gallery aperture 16 is in fluid communication with the at least one outlet mouth 5. Advantageously, the gallery holes 16 are configured to receive and deliver the substance coming out of the at least one outlet mouth 5. Preferably, a single gallery aperture 16 is provided which receives material exiting the at least two outlet mouths 5.
Preferably, in order to block the gallery hole 16 of the valve body 7, the dispensing body 2 may comprise a shutter member 17, which preferably protrudes from the outlet end of the dispensing body 2 itself, and in particular protrudes in correspondence with the at least one outlet mouth 5 formed on the tubular element 15. Preferably, the at least two outlet mouths 5 are arranged around a shielding member 17.
Preferably, the valve body 7 of the valve device 6 comprises a shutter element 8 for closing the at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body 2, while the dispensing body 2 comprises a shutter member 17 to close the at least one gallery hole 16 obtained in the valve body 7 of the valve device 6. In particular, when the valve device is in the closed configuration, the shutter element 8 closes and blocks the at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body 2, while the shutter member 17 closes the at least one outlet gallery hole 16.
Advantageously, the valve body 7 can be moved in the direction of movement X by a stroke greater than or equal to the extension of the shutter member 17 parallel to the direction of movement X.
In this way, movement of the valve body 7 makes it possible to disengage the gallery holes 16 from the shutter member 17, allowing the nail polish to escape with the valve device 6 in the open configuration.
Otherwise, with the valve device 6 in the closed configuration, the shutter member 17 is housed within the gallery hole 16 of the valve body 7, thereby blocking the gallery hole and preventing passage of nail polish or other products.
Preferably, once the dispensing body 2 is associated with the can 100, the dispensing channel 3 is always in communication with the interior of the can itself.
Preferably, the valve device 6 and the dispensing body 2 are configured such that, when the valve device 6 is in the closed configuration, fluid communication between the at least one gallery hole 16 and the dispensing passage 3 is prevented, thereby avoiding fluid communication between the external environment and substances present in the dispensing passage 3 and/or the canister 100. Preferably, the valve device 6 and the dispensing body 2 are configured such that when the valve device 6 is in the closed configuration, the at least one gallery hole 16 is closed/blocked and the at least one outlet mouth 5, which is always in fluid communication with the dispensing channel 3, is also closed/blocked. Conveniently, the closing of said at least one gallery hole 16 of the valve device 6 and/or of said at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body 2 can be achieved by striking/contacting a respective substantially flat wall and/or by inserting into the respective hole/mouth an element protruding and suitably shaped inversely with respect to the hole/mouth.
Conveniently, the at least one outlet mouth 5 is formed around the shutter member 17 such that the shutter element 8 blocks the at least one outlet mouth 5 itself with the valve device 6 in the closed configuration, and the shutter member 17 blocks the gallery aperture 16 of the valve body 7, thereby hermetically closing any passage of nail polish or other substances towards the outside and/or any passage of ambient air towards the inside of the can 100.
Advantageously, with the valve device 6 in the open configuration, a gallery chamber 30 is kept defined between the outlet end of the dispensing body 2 and the shutter element 8 of the valve body 7, which can be filled with nail polish, in particular, before it comes out through the gallery holes 16 obtained on the shutter element 8 itself.
Conveniently, the device 1 comprises a bristle body 80 comprising a plurality of bristles 18, and which is mechanically associated in a removable manner on said valve device 6 so as to intercept the substance to be applied coming out of the gallery hole 16, so as to apply it on a region of the body by means of said bristles 18.
Conveniently, the bristle body 80 is mechanically associated to the valve device 6 in a removable manner by removable mechanical engagement with a shape/interlock ratio and/or by hooking (e.g. by clips or clamps) and/or by snap-fitting (also referred to as "snap-locking") and/or press-fitting.
Conveniently, the bristle body 80 is mounted at one end of the valve body 7 of the valve device 6, and in particular at the end of the valve body 7 into which the at least one gallery hole 16 opens. Preferably, the bristle body 80 is externally mounted at said end of the valve body 7, towards which said at least one gallery hole 16 opens.
In particular, when the valve device 6 is in the open configuration, the bristles 18 intercept the substance emerging from the at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body 2 to enter the gallery hole 16 of the valve device 6.
Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a plurality of bristles 18 mechanically associated with said valve means 6 and configured to intercept said nail polish or other substance coming out of said at least one outlet mouth 5 and to dispense it on at least one nail of the receiving user. Advantageously, the bristle body 80 can be mechanically fixed in a removable manner to said valve body 7 of said valve device 6. The bristles 18 of the bristle body 80 are configured to receive the nail polish (or other product) at the outlet of the at least one outlet nozzle 5 and the gallery holes 16 to evenly distribute it over the user's nails or other areas of the body.
Preferably, the bristles 18 of the bristle body 80 are made of an elastically yielding material.
Preferably, the bristles 18 extend parallel to the direction of movement X from the outer surface of the shielding element 8 of the valve body 7.
Preferably, the bristle body 80 comprises a substantially annular shaped base 81 from which the bristles 18 start, and wherein the base 81 is configured to be mechanically associated with and/or removably mounted to the valve device 6.
Conveniently, the base 81 and bristles 18 may be made in one piece, preferably by moulding. Conveniently, the base 81 and bristles 18 may be made in one piece and from the same polymeric material. Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, the bristles 18 may be fixed to the base 81.
Advantageously, the valve body 7 of the valve device 6 may comprise a protruding portion 90 in which the gallery hole 16 is at least partially formed. In particular, gallery hole 16 opens at the upper end of protruding portion 90. Preferably, the protruding portion 90 may include one or more radially narrowed or other suitably shaped regions. Preferably, the base 81 of the bristle body 80 is mechanically engaged in a removable manner on the protruding portion 90 of the valve body 7, preferably the base 81 of the bristle body 80 is engaged on the protruding portion 90 of the valve body 7 by means of a removable mechanical engagement in connection with shape/interlocking and/or by means of hooking (for example by means of clips or clamps) and/or by means of snap-fitting (also called "snap-fitting") and/or press-fitting.
Preferably, the bristles 18 of the bristle body 80 are disposed about the gallery aperture 16 and are configured to intercept nail polish or other matter exiting the gallery aperture 16 for uniform application thereof on the user's nails or other areas of the body. And (5) receiving.
In more detail, according to a possible and preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the bristles 18 of the bristle body 80 are arranged around the gallery holes 16 so as to define a substantially rectangular (oblong) shape, in particular a substantially oval (active), on the outer surface of the shutter element 8.
Advantageously, the plurality of bristles 18 may define half-groups (half-groups) of two generally arcuate shaped bristles 18', 18", wherein each of the half-groups of two bristles 18', 18" defines a recess, preferably partially containing a gallery hole 16, opposite the recesses of the other half-group (semi-group) 18", 18 '. Thus, conveniently, the two half-groups 18', 18 "of the plurality of bristles 18 define the generally oval shape described above.
Advantageously, the bristle body 80 may be disposable, or may be sanitized or sterilized.
Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a locking element 19 configured to mechanically lock the bristle body 80 to the valve device 6, and in particular to the valve body 7, in a removable manner. Preferably, the locking element 19 is configured to be externally mounted or inserted around the bristle body 80 (and preferably around its base 81) and is configured to be removably mechanically associated with the valve body 7 in order to keep the bristle body 80 (and preferably its base 81) coupled to the valve body 7.
Preferably, the locking element 19 is configured to mechanically engage on the valve body 7 of the valve device 6, so as to retain the base 81 of the bristle body 80 associated with the valve body 7 itself. In particular, the engagement of the locking element 19 on the valve body 7 allows the bristle body 80 to remain in place, preventing its removal.
In more detail, the locking element 19 preferably comprises a crown 20 which blocks the base 81 of the bristle body 80 against a shoulder formed on the valve body 7.
Preferably, the locking element 19 (see fig. 13A and 13B) is shaped like a cap and is open at the top and bottom.
According to a preferred embodiment of the figures, the locking element 19 is internally hollow and has a substantially tubular and/or substantially frustoconical shape.
Preferably, the locking element 19 is mechanically connected to the valve body 7 by a threaded coupling. In particular, the valve body 7 is externally provided with a thread which is engaged in a threaded connection by means of an oppositely shaped thread formed in the interior of the locking element 19.
Preferably, the locking element 19 is mechanically connected to the valve body 7 by a mechanical coupling that is actuated by rotating the locking element 19 around the valve body 7. Preferably, the valve body 7 may be provided with a protrusion 70, which protrusion 70 is inserted through the inlet portion 71 into a helical groove 72 obtained on the inner surface of the locking element 19, such that after a rotation (e.g. half a turn or more) between the locking element 19 and the valve body 7, the protrusion reaches into the locking seat. Advantageously, the nail polish or other substance pushed by the can 100 passes through the at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body 2, and preferably through the gallery hole 16 of the valve body 7, and intercepts the bristles 18.
Advantageously, the bristles 18 are made of a polymeric material, in particular an elastomer, preferably a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPC-ET).
Conveniently, as mentioned above, in particular by removing the locking element 19, the bristle body 80 is removable to allow it to be replaced by a bristle body 80 having bristles of the same or different types (in terms of number, shape and/or size) for application to another user and/or to a different area of the body.
In this way, the device object of the present invention provides a high degree of hygiene for its use with different receiving users, avoiding the risk of contamination of the nails or other areas of the body of the receiving user with any bacteria or fungi etc. of the previously receiving user. Basically, the bristle body 80 can be advantageously easily and quickly changed according to the receiving user.
In addition, bristles 18 are made of the polymeric materials described above that are suitable for sterilization prior to and/or during use.
Furthermore, advantageously, the bristle body 80 can be easily and quickly changed to use the bristle body with the most appropriate bristles 18 depending on the application. For example, in the nail polish field, it may be desirable to use a bristle body 80 (see fig. 20) with fewer bristles, which thus defines a finer tip for "nail art" precision applications; while it may be desirable to use a bristle body 80 (see fig. 19) with more bristles, which thus defines a wider tip for complete and quick coloring of the entire nail. Furthermore, for example in the field of body care ("skin care"), it may be desirable to use bristle bodies 80 (see fig. 20) with fewer bristles, thus defining finer tips for application of substances corresponding to skin wrinkles, or in areas such as the contours of the eyes; while a bristle body 80 (see fig. 19) with more bristles may be required, thus defining a wider tip for applying substances to a larger skin area such as the forehead or hand.
Preferably, the device 1 comprises at least one cap 21, which is removable and configured to cover the bristles 18.
Advantageously, the cap 21 is configured to cover the bristles 18 and the locking element 19 and is preferably provided with a lower edge capable of resting against a shoulder of the gripping portion 9 of the valve body 7.
The device 1 described so far can be applied to a tank 100 of known type or, advantageously, can be mechanically connected to the tank 100, the shape and size of which are adapted to connect the device described above, without departing from the scope of protection of the present patent.
The invention also relates to a device for applying substances to a body area, for example for applying nail polish, in particular UV semi-permanent polish, comprising:
at least one tank 100 containing a substance to be applied, said at least one tank being compressible and/or elastically yielding and being further provided with an outlet opening 101 for said substance;
the device 1, as described herein with one or more of its basic features and/or its preferred, optional and advantageous features, is mechanically or associable with said at least one tank 100 at said outlet opening 101 of said tank 100.
In particular, the device comprises a device 1 having at least one dispensing body 2 mechanically connected to said tank 100 and equipped with at least one outlet mouth 5 placed in communication with said outlet opening 101 of said tank 100 for dispensing said nail polish or other substances.
Conveniently, the apparatus further comprises valve means 6 mechanically associated with the dispensing body 2 and movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration; in the closed configuration, the valve means block said at least one outlet mouth 5 to fluidly separate said nail polish or other substance from the external environment; in the open configuration, the valve means releases the at least one outlet mouth 5 to allow the nail polish or other substance to escape from the can 100 through the at least one outlet mouth 5.
Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises a bristle body 80 having a plurality of bristles 18 and is mechanically removably associated with said valve means 6, such that the bristles 18 intercept said nail polish or other substance to be applied at the outlet of said at least one outlet mouth 5, distributing it over at least one nail or other body area of the receiving user.
All the features described above with reference to the device 1 and/or the tank 100 and with reference to any part thereof should be understood as also referring to the description of the apparatus described above.
The device is particularly advantageous in that:
it is able to separate the nail polish or the substance to be applied from the external environment.
Allowing you to apply nail polish or other substances quickly and easily.
No special skill of the user is required to apply the nail polish or other substance.
It is highly hygienic in that it allows quick and easy replacement of the bristle body in contact with the user.
It is highly versatile in that the bristle body can be quickly and easily replaced for the most suitable bristle to be used, depending on the type of application and/or the body area to be treated.
It can also be used with cans and/or bottles already on the market.
It has alternative features in terms of both function and implementation compared to traditional features.
It is a conventional improvement and/or replacement.
It can be manufactured simply, quickly and at low cost.
It is completely reliable in structure and function.
Since the valve body is moved only once in the direction of movement, it is simple and intuitive to use.
Unlike EP0630597 and WO91/12992, in the device according to the invention the bristle body is mechanically connected in a removable manner to the valve means; in contrast, in EP0630597, bristles are integrated and fixed within the tip of a longitudinally movable bristle-holding body, and removal/replacement of the bristles necessarily requires complete replacement or modification of the entire dispensing device. The fact that the bristle body is associated with the valve device in a mechanically detachable manner is particularly advantageous in the device according to the invention, since this makes the device very hygienic, in particular allowing quick and easy replacement of the bristle body (i.e. the body provided with the bristles), which is the only part of the device that is in direct contact with the body area of the receiving user and is therefore highly and easily contaminated. Furthermore, in the device according to the invention, the fact that the bristle body is associated in a mechanically detachable manner with the valve device is particularly advantageous, since this makes the device particularly versatile in its use, particularly allowing for quick and easy replacement of the bristle body in order to be able to use the most suitable bristles depending on the type of application and/or the body area to be treated. Furthermore, unlike WO91/12992, in the device according to the invention the bristle body is mounted on a valve device movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration.
The present invention has been illustrated and described in some preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that in practice, practical changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.