Device for packaging and applying a hair product
5 The present invention relates to the general field of containers
for packaging and dispensing a liquid or semi-liquid product such as, a
cosmetic product such as a hair product, and more particularly to haircare
product such as hair serum, hair coloring, hair oil, cream hair or
to any product used for hair-care.
10 The expression "cosmetic product" is understood to mean a
product as defined in Article 2 of Regulation No. 1223/2009 of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009.
Such hair products are conventionally stored in a deformable
packaging having a body comprising a closed end and an opposite
15 opened end for dispensing the product. The opened end is generally
provided with a thread on which is screwed an applicator for
dispensing and distribution of the hair product. It is known to provide
an applicator having a plurality of hollow teeth for forming a comb in
order to uniformly distribute the hair-care product to the scalp of the
20 head.
However, such packaging and its applicator are of relatively
expensive structure. Otherwise, such packaging is designed to contain
a large quantity of product, and is not adequate to provide a single
dose of the hair product for a one time application.
25 Referenced can be made to document EP 0 799 588 (L'Oreal),
which describes a device for packaging and applying a hair product
comprising a receptacle, suitable for containing said hair product and
an applicator in the form of a comb having a plurality of hollow teeth
for dispensing the hair-care product within the hair. The receptacle is
30 constituted by two thermoformed shells assembled together so as to
form an opened end where the applicator is fixed ab initio. The hollow
teeth of the applicator are closed by a snap-off portion integrally
moulded with the applicator and designed to be broken in order to let
the hair product flow through the hollow teeth. Alternatively, the
ttELHi. !•» - 1-2 - 2 . S I S 17 :
2
applicator can be overmolded onto the opened end of the receptacle
portion. The receptacle is thus entirely overmolded and sealed in a
leakproof manner, preventing any fluidic product contained in said
receptacle from leaking out.
However, in such device, once the two shells of the receptacle
are assembled together, the hair product is filed in the inner volume
delimited between the two shells through the opened end of the
receptacle. The applicator is then fixed to the opened end of the
receptacle, so as to close the opened end of the receptacle in a
leakproof manner.
Such device is thus of particularly complex structure and the
time and cost for manufacturing such device is relatively important.
The aim of the present invention is to overcome the
aforementioned drawbacks.
One aim of the present invention is to provide a unit dose or
single application' package for packaging and dispensing hair product
of simple structure and easy to manufacture.
Another aim of the present invention is to provide a device
allowing the hair product to be uniformly applicated within the hair,
and the application time required to be significantly reduced.
The object of the present invention is to provide a device for
packaging and applying a hair product comprising a receptacle,
extending along a longitudinal axis and having a product container
portion delimiting a product cavity suitable for containing said hair
product, and an application portion in the form of a comb having at
least two hollow teeth for dispensing the hair product within the hair.
Said receptacle further comprises a break-off portion adjacent
to the application portion. The break-off portion is designed to close
said hollow teeth of the application portion before use and to be
separated from the application portion for use in order to let the hair
product flow through the hollow teeth.
The receptacle comprises a thermoformed base having, for
example, two thermoformed shells assembled together, and a tearable
HI 1.S- -12.-2ai.5-. 17--2
3
covering sheet covering at least one of the two shells. The tearable
covering sheet is bounded to the thermoformed base.
The thermoformed base is made in one part and comprises the
product container portion, the application portion and the break-off
5 portion. In other words the product container portion, the application
portion and the break-off portion form the body of the thermoformed
base. Each hollow tooth of the application portion delimits an opened
feed channel extending along the longitudinal axis from the product
cavity to an outlet for dispensing the hair product. The feed channel
10 thus communicates with the product cavity and the outlets of the teeth
are closed by the break-off portion before use.
The application portion and the break-off. portion are
connected through a pre-weakened junction line, allowing the breakoff
portion to be easily separated from the application portion, along
15 said pre-weakened junction line, leaving the outlets of the hollow teeth
opened longitudinally for dispensing the hair product contained in the
product cavity.
The covering sheet covers at least said pre-weakened junction
line and is able to be torn off when the break-off portion is separated
20 from the application portion, in order to open the end of each opened
feed channel for use.
By "opened feed channel" it should be understood that the feed
channels communicates with the product cavity.
The particular structure of such device allows having a
25 thermoformed base which is designed like a comb at one end, having a
plurality of cuts on a pre-weakened junction line and which is covered,
at least on said pre-weakened junction line, by a tearable covering or
lidding sheet for sealing the device in a leakproof manner. In other
words, the pre-cuts on the pre-weakened junction line are made after
30 the thermoformed base is overmolded. It is thus the covering sheet that
assures the sealing of the thermoformed base. Manufacturing time and
cost for such device can thus be significantly reduced. The preweakened
junction line of the thermoformed base allows having a
FO: D E L H I . 1 8 . - 1 . 2 - 2 8 1 5;
4
clean cut between the break-off portion and the application portion,
without opening the product containing portion of the thermoformed
base.
Advantageously, the covering sheet is provided with a plurality
5 of pre-cuts facing said pre-weakened junction line.
The pre-cuts of the covering sheet are easily torn off when the
break-off portion is separated from the application portion.
The pre-weakened junction line can be, for example, laser
scored, perforated or punched, and the break-off portion can be
10 designed to be separated from the application portion for example, by
pulling and tearing, snapping and tearing or twisting and tearing along
the junction line. The pre-weakened junction line is made once the
thermoformed base has been overmolded.
When the pre-weakened junction line is perforated, the break-
15 off portion comprises a connecting end having a plurality of
protrusions along the pre-weakened junction line, each protrusion
facing one tooth.
Advantageously, notches are provided at each side of the
junction line. These notches mark the location of the junction line for
20 the user.
The thermoformed base comprises a first shell delimiting an
opened product cavity suitable for containing said hair product and a
second shell adapted to close said opened cavity. Said shells are sealed
together along a sealing flange surrounding respectively the first and
25 second shells.
By "opened product cavity" it should be understood that the
product cavity is opened in a direction perpendicular to the plane of
the thermoformed base and is closed by the second shell of the
thermoformed base.
30 For example, the product cavity has a cone shape having a
smaller volume capacity near a first end and a larger volume capacity
near a second end opposite to the first end, the application portion
being located at the second end of the product container portion.
1P-Q. D E L H I . . I S - 1 2 - 2 8 1 . 5 17. : 2 5
5
Advantageously, a second end of the break-off portion,
opposite to the end designed to close the outlets of the hollow teeth,
forms a cap able to re-close the outlets of the hollow teeth after being
used. For example, said second end is provided with a plurality of
5 sprockets designed to be inserted within the feed channel of each tooth
of the application portion for re-closing the product cavity after being
used.
The thermoformed base may be made of plastic material, such
as for example a thermoformable material, comprised between
10 amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate,
polyethylene, high impact polystyrene or biaxially oriented
polystyrene. The thermoformed base may comprise a single layer or a
plurality of layers of the above said materials or a combination of the
above said materials.
15 In one embodiment, the thermoformed base can be made of a
sheet comprising a layer of cast polypropylene, having a thickness for
example comprised between 30um and 50um, for example of 40um, a
layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness
comprised between 90um and HOum, for example of lOOum and a
20 layer of polyethylene having a thickness comprised between 40um and
50um, for example of 45um.
In another embodiment, the thermoformed base can be made of
a sheet comprising a layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate
having a thickness comprised between 130um and 170um, for example
25 of 150um and a layer of polyethylene having a thickness comprised
between 40um and 50u, for example of 45um.
In another embodiment, the thermoformed base can be made of
a sheet comprising a layer of high impact polystyrene having a
thickness comprised between 180um and 210um, for example of
30 200um and a layer of polyethylene having a thickness comprised
between 40um and 50um, for example of 45um.
In another embodiment, the thermoformed base can be made of
a sheet comprising a layer of biaxially oriented polystyrene having a
I P a B 1 L H I 1.8 - 1 2 ze i, s 1 7 :• 2 5
6
thickness comprised between 180um and 210um, for example of
200|im and a layer of polyethylene having a thickness comprised
between 40um and 50um, for example of 45um.
The covering sheet may be made in a material comprised
5 between cast polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate
or polypropylene co polymer, and may comprise a single layer or a
plurality of layers. The covering sheet may also be made in paper with
lamination and sealable coating.
For example, the covering sheet comprises a layer of
10 polypropylene co polymer and a layer of polyethylene. As another
example, the covering sheet comprises a layer of metalized polymer, in
which the polymer is coated with a thin layer of metal, such as for
example aluminium.
The present invention will be better understood from studying
15 the detailed description of a number of embodiments considered by
way of entirely non-limiting examples and illustrated by the attached
drawings in which:
- Figures la and lb are respectively a front and a rear view of a
device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
20 - Figures 2a and 2b are respectively a front and a rear view of a
device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and
- Figures 3a and 3b are respectively a front and a rear view of a
device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
As illustrated on the Figures la and lb, a device for packaging
25 and dispensing a product, denoted by the general reference number 10,
extends along a longitudinal axis Y.
The device 10 is intended for packaging and dispensing a
liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic product, particularly a hair product,
such as, hair-care product, for example, hair serum, hair dye, hair oil,
30 cream hair or the any product used for hair. However, it might be
possible to provide the packaging and dispensing of other types of
products. The device 10 is suited for a single-dosage.
D E L H I 1 S - - 1 2 - 2 : 0 1 5 2, 7 - 2:, §•
7
The device 10 comprises a thermoformed base 12 having two
thermoformed shells bounded together so as to form a unitary
receptacle or body of the device 10 delimiting a closed volume or
cavity adapted to receive the hair product.
The thermoformed base 12 comprises a product container
portion 14 suitable for containing the liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic
product, an application portion 16, extending longitudinally from the
product container portion 14, for dispensing the hair product on the
hair and a break-off portion 18 adjacent to the application portion 16
and designed to longitudinally close the application portion 16 before
use.
The product container portion 14 delimits a volume or product
cavity 14a adapted to receive the hair product. As illustrated on Figure
la and lb, the product cavity 14a has a cone shape having a smaller
volume capacity near a first end 12a and a larger volume capacity near
a second end 12b opposite to the first end 12a. The application portion
16 is located at the second end 12b of the product container portion
14.
However, the product cavity 14a is not limited to such shape
and may have any other shape.
Both shells of the thermoformed base 12 are surrounded by a
sealing flange 20 or border having two side edges 20a, 20b, a first end
edge 20c, a second end edge 20d delimiting the application portion 16,
opposite to the first end edge 20c, and the brake-off portion 18. The
two shells of the thermoformed base 12 are sealed together along the
sealing flange 20.
Alternatively, the thermoformed base may be moulded in one
single shell having an opened part, for example at the second end 12b,
for inserting the hair product into the product cavity.
The application portion 16 comprises a plurality of regularly
space-apart parallel hollow teeth 22, arranged in a longitudinal
transverse row for dispensing the cosmetic product. The row of hollow
teeth 22 may be used as a comb. In other words, the second end edge
T rg-iz-zais- 1.T-ZS8
20d delimiting the application portion 16 has a jagged profile. One end
of the thermoformed base 12 is thus designed like a comb.
As illustrated, the application portion 16 is provided with four
hollow teeth 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d. However, the application portion 16
may be provided with a number of teeth different than four, for
example two, three or more than four teeth.
As illustrated, each tooth 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d has a conical
shape, tapering upwards. Each hollow tooth 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d is
provided with an opened inner longitudinal feed channel 24a, 24b, 24c,
24d extending axially from the product cavity 14a to an outlet 26a,
26b, 26c, 26d for dispensing the product. Each opened feed channel
24a, 24b, 24c, 24d thus communicates with the product cavity 14a.
The outlets 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d of the teeth 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d
are closed by the break-off portion 18. As illustrated, the break-off
portion 18 comprises a connecting end 18a having a shape matching
the shape of the row of teeth 22.
The application portion 16 is connected to the break-off
portion 18 by a pre-weakened area or junction line 28, having a
plurality of cuts (not referenced), such as perforations or scored lines,
allowing the break-off portion 18 to be easily separated from the
application portion 16, along the transverse junction line 28, leaving
the hollow teeth 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d opened in a longitudinal direction
for dispensing the product contained in the product cavity 14a.
In order to obtain the pre-weakened area 28, the thermoformed
base 12 can be laser scored after being manufactured by a
thermoforming process. The break-off portion 18 can be separated
from the application portion 16 by pulling and tearing along the preweakened
junction line 28. Once the break-off portion 18 is separated
from the application portion 16, the low depth of the teeth may deliver
the hair product on the hair surface, just below the hair layers.
As illustrated, notches 30a, 30b are provided at each side of
the pre-weakened junction line 28. These notches 30a, 30b mark the
location of the opening line for the user.
T. 18-12-2.©1-S 17 ••
9
The break-off portion 18 may be provided, on the second end
18b, opposite to the connecting end 18a, with a plurality of sprockets
(not shown) designed to be inserted within the feed channel of the
teeth of the application portion for re-closing the product cavity after
being used.
The device 10 further comprises a tearable covering sheet 32
or lidding film designed to cover of the thermoformed base 12, as
shown on Figure lb.
As illustrated, the tearable covering sheet 32 covers entirely
one of the shells. Alternatively, the tearable covering sheet may cover
the entire thermoformed base 12 or only the pre-weakened junction
line 28 of the thermoformed base.
The covering sheet 32 is bounded with the thermoformed base
12 at its sealing flange 20, for example by heat sealing, in order to
close and seal the ends of the hollow teeth which have been cut, for
example mechanically perforated or laser scored to form the preweakened
junction line 28.
As illustrated, the covering sheet 32 is sealed with the two side
edges 20a, 20b, the first end edge 20c and the second end edge 20d
delimiting the hollow teeth of the application portion 16.
The hair product is filled in the product cavity 14a of one shell
of the thermoformed base 12 and sealed by the second shell of the
thermoformed base 12 which is then recovered by the covering sheet
32 along the side edges 20a, 20b, the first end edge 20c, the
application portion 16 and the brake off portion 18, in order to cover
the pre-weakened junction line 28 and to prevent any fluidic product
contained in the product cavity from leaking out along the preweakened
junction line.
In an alternative way, the hair product may be filled in the
product cavity 14a once the thermoformed base is manufactured and
after the pre-weakened junction line is formed on the thermoformed
base.
I- 1S.~ 12; - 2 0 , 1 5 17 - 25
>->
10
In a preferred embodiment, the hair product is filled in the
product cavity after the covering sheet recovers the pre-weakened
junction line. However, it is also possible fill the hair product in the
product cavity before bounding the covering sheet with the
5 thermoformed base at the pre-weakened junction line.
As an alternative, the hair product may be filled through an
opening provided, for example, on the bottom of the thermoformed
base. In this case, the covering sheet may also recover said opening.
The covering sheet may also recover the entire thermoformed base.
10 In all cases, the covering sheet allows to seal the pre-weakened
junction line, and more generally the thermoformed base in a leakproof
manner.
The covering sheet 32 can be a laminate sheet. By "laminate
sheet", it should be referred to a single sheet or a multi-layer laminate.
15 The covering sheet 32 is provided with a plurality of pre-cuts
32a facing the pre-weakened junction line 28.
As illustrated, the pre-cuts 32a separate the covering sheet 32
into a first part 32b covering the product container portion 14 and the
application portion 16 and into a second part 32c covering the break-
20 off portion 18, once the covering sheet is torn off along the pre-cuts
32a. The plurality of pre-cuts 32a forms a pre-weakened junction line
between the first and second parts 32b, 32c of the covering sheet 32.
Thanks to the pre-cuts 32a, the covering sheet 32 can be torn
off easily when the break-off portion 18 of the thermoformed base 12
25 is separated from the application portion 16.
As illustrated on Figure lb, the pre-cuts 32a of the covering
sheet 32 have a shape matching the jagged edge profile of the
application portion 16.
When the user intends to use the product contained in the
30 product cavity, the user has to separate the break-off portion 18 from
the application portion 16 and to tear off the covering sheet 32 by
pulling and tearing along the opening or pre-weakened junction line 28
and apply pressure on the deformable thermoformed base 12 to release
^Q BELM l*-li-2Q1.5
11
the^ hair product contained in the product cavity 14a onto the hair
surface.
The thermoformed base 12 is made of relatively flexible
plastic material, thereby enabling the product contained in the product
5 cavity 14a to be expelled therefore by using finger pressure.
The thermoformed base 12 can be made of any thermoformable
materials, such as polymer material, such as amorphous polyethylene
terephthalate (APET), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene
(PE), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) or biaxially oriented polystyrene
10 (BOPS).
The thermoformed base 12 may be made of a sheet having a
thickness less than or equal to 250 um and having a multilayer
complex.
For example, the thermoformed base 12 may be made of a
15 sheet comprising a layer of cast polypropylene (CCP) having a
thickness, for example, of 40um, a layer of amorphous polyethylene
terephthalate (APET) having a thickness, for example, of lOOum and a
layer of polyethylene (PE) having a thickness, for example, of 45um.
In another example, the thermoformed base 12 may be made of
20 a sheet comprising a layer of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate
(APET) having a thickness, for example, of 150um and a layer of
polyethylene (PE) having a thickness, for example, of 45um.
In another example, the thermoformed base 12 may be made of
a sheet comprising a layer of high impact polystyrene (HIPS) having a
25 thickness, for example, of 200um and a layer of polyethylene (PE)
having a thickness, for example, of 45um.
In another example, the thermoformed base 12 may be made of
a sheet comprising a layer of biaxially oriented polystyrene (BOPS)
having a thickness, for example, of 200um and a layer of polyethylene
30 (PE) having a thickness, for example, of 45um.
The covering sheet 32 or lidding film can be made in cast
polypropylene (CCP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) or polypropylene co polymer (PPCP).
XFO> DELHI. 1.8 - 1.2„-2Bl-5:- 17" : 2-S
12
For example, the covering sheet 32 may comprise a layer of
polypropylene co polymer (PPCP) and a layer of polyethylene (PE).
In another example, the covering sheet 32 may comprise a
layer of metalized polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
5 in which the polymer film is coated with a thin layer of metal, for
example aluminium.
Figures 2a and 2b, in which identical parts are given identical
references, illustrates another example of the application portion and
the break-off portion of Figures la and lb.
10 The device 10 comprises the thermoformed base 12 made in
one part comprising the product container portion 14 suitable for
containing the liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic product, an application
portion 40 for dispensing the product on the hair and a break-off
portion 42 adjacent to the application portion 40 and designed to close
15 the application portion 40 before use and to be separated from the
application portion 40 for use in order to let the hair product flow
through the application portion 40.
The application portion 40 comprises a plurality of regularly
spaced-apart parallel hollow teeth 44, arranged in a longitudinal
20 transverse row for dispensing the cosmetic product. In other words, the
row of hollow teeth 44 may be used as a comb. One end of the
thermoformed base is designed like a comb.
As illustrated, the application portion is provided with four
hollow teeth 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d. However, the application portion
25 may be provided with a number of teeth different than four, for
example two, three or more than four teeth. A flange 46a, 46b, 46c is
located between two adjacent teeth.
As illustrated, each hollow tooth 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d has a
conical shape, tapering upwards. Each hollow tooth 44a, 44b, 44c, and
30 44d is provided with an opened inner longitudinal feed channel 48a,
48b, 48c, 48d extending axially from the product cavity 14a to an
outlet 50a, 50b, 50c* 50d for dispensing the hair product. Each feed
channel 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d thus communicates with the product cavity.
IPi DELHI. IS - 1.2 - 2M.5 17 *- 2 S:
13
The outlets 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d of the teeth row 44 are closed
by the break-off portion 42 along a pre-weakened junction line 53. The
break-off portion 42 comprises a connecting end 42a having a plurality
of protrusions 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, such as for example, mechanical
5 punchings. Each protrusion faces one tooth. The thickness of the
protrusion 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d is hollowed out internally in line with
the axial bore of each tooth, so than, when the break-off portion 42 is
separated from the ends of the teeth, the outlets of the teeth are
thoroughly opened so as to allow the product contained in the product
10 cavity 14a to flow out in a satisfactory manner.
The area between the application portion 40 and the break-off
portion 42 is a pre-weakened area or junction line 53 allowing the
break-off portion 42 to be easily separated from the application
portion 40, along a transverse junction line, leaving the hollow teeth
15 opened for dispensing the product contained in the product cavity 14a.
In order to obtain the pre-weakened junction line 53, the thermoformed
base is punched mechanically after being manufactured by a
thermoforming process.
The break-off portion can be separated from the application
20 portion by snapping and tearing along the pre-weakened junction line
53. Once the break-off portion is separated from the application
portion, the low depth of the teeth may deliver the hair product on the
hair surface, just below the hair layers.
As illustrated, the break-off portion 42 is provided with a
25 rounded shape to mark the location of the opening line for the user.
As an alternative, the break-off portion 42 could be provided
with a parallelepiped shape, as shown in the embodiment of Figures la
and lb, and provided with notches are provided at each side of the
opening line. These notches mark the location of the opening line for
30 the user.
The break-off portion may also be provided, on the second
end, opposite to the connecting end 42a, with a plurality of sprockets
(not shown) designed to be inserted within the feed channel of the
PO DELHI 1 & - I 2 - 2 & 1 * 1 7 -
14
teeth of the application portion for re-closing the product cavity after
being used.
The device 10 further comprises a tearable covering sheet 54
or lidding film, designed to cover the thermoformed base 12. As
5 illustrated, the tearable covering sheet 54 covers entirely one of the
shells. Alternatively, the tearable covering sheet 54 may cover the
entire thermoformed base 12 or only the pre-weakened junction line 53
of the thermoformed base.
The covering sheet 54 is bounded with the thermoformed base
10 at its sealing flange 20, for example by heat sealing, in order to seal
the ends of the hollow teeth, which have been cut, for example by
mechanical punching. The covering sheet allows sealing the preweakened
junction line 53, and more generally the thermoformed base
in a leakproof manner.
15 The product is filled in the product cavity of the thermoformed
base and sealed by the covering sheet along the side edges 20a, 20b,
the first end edge 20c, the flanges 46a, 46b, 46c between two adjacent
teeth of the application portion 40 and the brake off portion 42. In
other words, the covering sheet 54 is bounded with the two side edges
20 20a, 20b, the first end edge 20c and the second end edge 20d
delimiting the hollow teeth of the application portion 40.
The covering sheet 54 is provided with a plurality of pre-cuts
54a forming a pre-weakened junction line facing the pre-weakened
junction line 53 of the thermoformed base 12.
25 As illustrated, the pre-cuts 54a separate the covering sheet 54
into a first part 54b covering the product container portion 14 and the
application portion 40 and into a second part 54c covering the breakoff
portion 42, once the covering sheet is torn off along the pre-cuts
54a.
30 Thanks to the pre-cuts 54a, the covering sheet 54 can be easily
torn off when the break-off portion 42 of the thermoformed base 12 is
separated from the application portion 40.
BELKX ia-l;2-2ea.5: 17 '-
15
The thermoformed base 12 and the covering sheet 54 may be
made from the same materials as described above.
Figures 3a and 3b, in which identical parts are given identical
references, illustrates another example of the application portion and
5 the break-off portion of Figures la arid lb.
The device 10 comprises the thermoformed base 12 made in
one part comprising the product container portion 14, suitable for
containing the liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic product, an application
portion 60 for dispensing the product on the hair and a break-off
10 portion 62 adjacent to the application portion 60 and designed to close
the application portion 60 before use and to be separated from the
application portion 60 for use in order to let the hair product flow
through the application portion 60.
The application portion 60 comprises a plurality of regularly
15 spaced-apart parallel hollow teeth 64, arranged in a longitudinal
transverse row for dispensing the cosmetic product. The row of hollow
teeth 44 may be used as a comb. In other words, one end of the
thermoformed base is designed like a comb.
As illustrated, the application portion is provided with four
20 hollow teeth 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d. However, the application portion
may be provided with a number of teeth different than four, for
example two, three or more than four teeth. A flange 66a, 66b, 66c is
located between two adjacent teeth 64.
As illustrated, each hollow tooth 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d has a
25 conical shape, tapering upwards. Each hollow tooth 64a, 64b, 64c, and
64d is provided with an opened inner longitudinal feed channel 68a,
68b, 68c, 68d extending axially from the product cavity 14a to an
outlet 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d for dispensing the product. Each feed
channel 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d thus communicates with the product cavity.
30 The outlets 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d of the teeth row 64 are closed
by the break-off portion 62. The break-off portion 62 comprises a
connecting end 62a having a plurality of teeth ends 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d,
running on respectively from one tooth 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64d.
I P -O D E L H I 1 S - 1 2 . - 2 B 1 5 1 7 : 2 5 .
16
The junction line 74 between the application portion 60 and
the break-off portion 62 is pre-weakened, for example by mechanical
punching. In order to obtain the pre-weakened junction line 53, the
thermoformed base is punched mechanically after being manufactured
5 by a thermoforming process.
The thickness of the teeth ends 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d is hollowed
out internally in line with the axial bore of each tooth, so than, when
the break-off portion 62 is separated from the application portion 60,
the outlets of the teeth are thoroughly opened so as to allow the
10 product contained in the product cavity 14a to flow out in a
satisfactory manner.
The break-off portion 62 can be separated from the application
portion 60 by twisting and tearing along the junction line 74. Once the
break-off portion is separated from the application portion, the low
15 depth of the teeth may deliver the hair product on the hair surface, just
below the hair layers.
The break-off portion may also be provided, on the second
end, opposite to the connecting end 62a, with a plurality of sprockets
(not shown) designed to be inserted within the feed channel of the
20 teeth of the application portion for re-closing the product cavity after
being used.
Notches may also be provided at each side of the junction line
74 to mark the location of the opening/junction line for the user.
The device 10 further comprises a tearable covering sheet 76
25 or lidding film designed to cover the thermoformed base 12. As
illustrated, the tearable covering sheet 76 covers entirely one of the
shells of the thermoformed base. Alternatively, the tearable covering
sheet 76 may cover the entire thermoformed base 12 or only the preweakened
junction line 74 of the thermoformed base 12.
30 The covering sheet 76 is bounded with the thermoformed base
12 at its sealing flange 20, for example by heat sealing, in order to
seal the ends of the hollow teeth, which have been cut, for example by
mechanical punching. The covering sheet 76 allows sealing the pre-
DE.L.HX 1,8.-12.-2 0> IS 17' : 2 S
17
weakened junction line 74, and more generally the thermoformed base
in a leakproof manner.
The product is filled in the opened product cavity 14a of the
first shell of the thermoformed base 12 and sealed by the second shell
5 of the thermoformed base which is then recovered by the covering
sheet 76 along the side edges 20a, 20b, the first end edge 20c, the
flanges 66a, 66b, 66c between two adjacent teeth 64 of the application
portion 60 and the brake-off portion 62. In other words, the covering
sheet 76 is bounded with the two side edges 20a, 20b, the first end
10 edge 20c and the second end edge 20d delimiting the hollow teeth of
the application portion 60.
The covering sheet 76 is provided with a plurality of pre-cuts
76a facing the pre-weakened junction line 74 of the thermoformed base
12.
15 As illustrated, the pre-cuts 76a separate the covering sheet 76
into a first part 76b covering the product container portion 14 and the
application portion 60 and into a second part 76c covering the breakoff
portion 62, once the covering sheet is torn off along the pre-cuts
76a.
20 Thanks to the pre-cuts 76a, the covering sheet 76 can be easily
torn off when the break-off portion 62 of the thermoformed base 12 is
separated from the application portion 60.
The thermoformed base 12 and the covering sheet 76 may be
made from the same material as described above.
25 The expression "comprising a" is synonymous with "comprising
at least one", unless specified to the contrary.
Thanks to the device according to the present invention, it is
possible to provide a unit dose or single application package for
packaging and dispensing hair care product of simple structure and
30 easy to manufacture.
Furthermore, hair product may be uniformly applicated on the
hair surface, just below the hair layers. The skull is thus not directly
XP'Q- DEt-.BX. i l ' - 1 2 - 2 Q i5
18
in contact with the hair product, reducing risks of allergies with the
hair-care product.

CLAIMS
1. Device for packaging and applying a hair product
comprising a receptacle, extending along a longitudinal axis (Y) and
having a product container portion (14) delimiting a product cavity
(14a) suitable for containing said hair product, and an application
5 portion (16; 40; 60) in tho form of a comb having at least two hollow
teeth (22a, 22b; 44a, 44b; 64a, 64b) for dispensing the hair product
within the hair, said receptacle further comprises a break-off portion
(18; 42; 62) designed to close said hollow teeth (22a, 22b; 44a, 44b;
64a, 64b) and to be separated from the application portion (16; 40; 60)
10 for use in order to let the hair product flow through the hollow teeth,
characterized in that:
- the receptacle comprises a thermoformed base (12) and at
least one tearable covering sheet (32; 54; 76) assembled together, in
that
15 - the thermoformed base (12) is made in one part and
comprises the product container portion (14), the application portion
(16; 40; 60) and the break-off portion (18; 42; 62); each hollow tooth
(22a, 22b; 44a, 44b; 64a, 64b) of the application portion (16; 40; 60)
delimiting an opened feed channel (24a, 24b; 48a, 48b; 68a, 68b)
20 extending along the longitudinal axis (Y) from the product cavity
(14a) to an outlet (26a, 26b; 50a, 50b; 70a, 70b) for dispensing the
hair product and closed by the break-off portion, in that
- the application portion (16; 40; 60) and the break-off portion
(18; 42; 62) are connected through a pre-weakened junction line (28;
25 53; 74), allowing the break-off portion (18; 42; 62) to be separated
from the application portion (16; 40; 60) along said pre-weakened
junction line (28; 53; 74), leaving the outlets (26a, 26b; 50a, 50b; 70a,
70b) of the hollow teeth (22a, 22b; 44a, 44b; 64a, 64b) opened
longitudinally for dispensing the hair product contained in the product
30 cavity (14a), and in that
I PO DEt-HI 1.8-12" 2 0: I S I ? *- 2 5
. . „ . . 20 ,.. .—--.-
- the covering sheet (32; 54; 76) covers said pre-weakened
junction line (28; 53; 74), and is able to be torn off when the break-off
portion is separated from the application portion (16; 40; 60).
2. Device according to Claim 1, wherein said covering sheet
5 (32; 54; 76) is provided with a plurality of pre-cuts (32a; 54a; 76a)
facing the pre-weakened junction line (28; 53; 74).
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2. wherein the pre weakened
junction line (28; 53; 74) is laser scored, perforated or punched.
4. Device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein
10 the break-off portion (18) is designed to be separated from the
application portion (16; 42; 62) by pulling and tearing, by snapping
and tearing, or by twisting and tearing along the junction line (28; 53;
74).
5. Device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein
15 the break-off portion (42) comprises a connecting end (42a) having a
plurality of protrusions (52a, 52b) along the pre-weakened junction
line (53), each protrusion (52a, 52b) facing one tooth (44a, 44b).
6. Device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein
notches (30a, 30b) are provided at each side of the pre-weakened
20 junction line (28; 53; 74) of the thermoformed base (12).
7. Device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein
the thermoformed base comprises a first shell delimiting an opened
cavity suitable for containing said hair product and a second shell
adapted to close said opened cavity, said shells being sealed together
25 on a sealing flange (20) surrounding respectively the first and second
shell.
8. Device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein
the product cavity (14a) has a cone shape having a smaller volume
capacity near a first end (12a) and a larger volume capacity near a
30 second end (12b) opposite to the first end (12a), the application
portion (16; 40; 60) being located at the second end (12b) of the
product container portion (14).
9. Device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein a
second end of the break-off portion, opposite to the end designed to
XP;0- DELHI 18-12: 2.8: IS 1? : 2S
21 , .
close the outlets of the hollow teeth, forms a ca$' able to re-close the
outlets of the hollow teeth after being used.
10. Device according to Claim 9, wherein said second end
comprises a plurality of sprockets designed to be inserted within the
5 feed channel of each tooth of the application portion.
11. Device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein
the thermoformed base (12) is made of plastic material, in particular at
least une thermoformable material, chosen among amorphous
polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene,
10 high impact polystyrene or biaxially oriented polystyrene.
12. Device according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein
the covering sheet (32; 54; 74) is made in a material chosen among
cast polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or
polypropylene co polymer or paper with lamination and sealable
15 coating.
13. Device according to Claim 12, wherein the covering sheet
(32; 54; 74) comprises a layer of met'alized polymer, in which the
polymer is coated with a thin layer of metal.