Element for dispensing a mixture of water and cosmetic product, associated device
and method
The present invention relates to an element for dispensing a mixture of water and
cosmetic product.
Such an element is for example a shower head intended to be mounted at the free
end of a device for spraying fluid for washing and/or treating a body surface.
To perform this wash/treatment, the spraying device sprays in a first phase a
mixture of water and cosmetic product, and in a second phase rinsing water.
This device is used particularly for washing/treating a user's keratin fibers, such as
hair, or for washing/treating a user's skin.
The cosmetic product is advantageously a washing formula, such as a soap,
shower gel, powder and/or shampoo. Alternatively, the cosmetic product contains or
consists of a care product, particularly for the hands, face, body, hair. In a further
alternative, the cosmetic product is in the form of a capsule or free product, or more
generally in solid, paste or liquid galenic form.
"Cosmetic product" means in particular, in the sense of this invention, a product
such as defined in EC Regulation no. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of November 30, 2009 relating to cosmetic products.
Water consumption associated with operations for washing/treating a user's hair or
skin is generally very high, for example in the region of tens of liters for a shampoo. Such
consumption is thus only compatible with access to running water allowing a high water
supply capacity and a corresponding waste water treatment capacity. An adequate
spraying capacity is also required so as not pour out all the rinsing water in one go.
However, such access to running water is sometimes rendered difficult or
impossible, on a sporadic or ongoing basis, according to the region in which the user is
located.
The user generally seeks to be able to continue to have high capacities for
washing and/or treating the user's skin and hair, regardless of the region in which the user
is located, and without compromising the cosmetic qualities of the treatment.
Furthermore, for environmental reasons, it is desirable to reduce the quantity of
clean water used, and the quantity of waste water produced during operations for washing
and/or treating a user's skin or hair.
KR201 10001290 and KR201 0001 0882 describe a micro-bubble system associated
with a shower head, so as to reduce the quantity of washing product by 15% to 30%.
Such a system reduces skin irritations, reduces the quantity of water required for
treatment and facilitates waste water treatment.
Such a shower head does not however allow adequate lathering, without involving
a large quantity of water.
FR2906485, DE1 99081 2 1, DE2951318 and WO2008/1 55792 describe shower
heads suitable for mixing water and cosmetic products. However, these shower heads are
not suitable for reducing water consumption.
One aim of the invention is that of obtaining a dispensing element which reduces
water consumption very significantly, while offering the user similar or equivalent
sensations to that of a conventional wash or treatment.
For this purpose, the invention relates to an element of the type mentioned above,
comprising:
- a hollow body;
- a receptacle for receiving a cosmetic product, housed in the hollow body (19);
- a conduit for supplying water into the receptacle;
the hollow body defining a downstream chamber connected to the receptacle for
receiving a mixture of water and cosmetic product from the receptacle, the dispensing
element comprising:
- at least one nozzle for dispensing the mixture of water and cosmetic product from
the dispensing element;
the element comprising an inner water dispensing nozzle, connected to the water
supply conduit, the inner nozzle protruding into the receptacle to define a chamber for
mixing water and the cosmetic product contained in the receptacle.
The element according to the invention may include one or more of the following
features, taken alone or in any technically possible combination:
- the inner nozzle is suitable for generating a hollow cone type spray in the mixing
chamber.
- the inner nozzle is suitable for generating drops having an average size of less
than 3 mm, in particular comprised between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.
- the inner nozzle extends along an inner nozzle axis into the mixing chamber,
facing and axially shifted from a bottom wall of the receptacle, the length of the inner
nozzle inserted into the mixing chamber along the inner nozzle axis being advantageously
comprised between 25% and 50% of the length of the mixing chamber, measured along
the inner nozzle axis between a wall for accessing the mixing chamber, through which the
inner nozzle is inserted, and the bottom wall.
- the receptacle has an outlet for discharging the mixture of water and cosmetic
product to the downstream chamber flowing in the direction opposite the direction for
spraying water from the inner nozzle.
- the discharge outlet extends around the inner nozzle.
- the downstream chamber comprises an upstream region for receiving the mixture
of water and cosmetic product and a downstream region for discharging the mixture of
water and cosmetic product flowing into the dispensing nozzle, the upstream region and
the downstream region being situated on either side of the receptacle.
- the downstream chamber comprises an upstream region for receiving the mixture
of water and cosmetic product and a downstream region for discharging the water
mixture, the element comprising a perforated member for treating the mixture of water and
cosmetic product separating the upstream region from the downstream region.
- the receptacle is formed by a removable capsule relative to the hollow body, the
element advantageously comprising a base for locking the removable receptacle in the
hollow body.
- the receptacle is permanently mounted in the hollow body.
- the hollow body forms a shower head advantageously intended to be connected
to a running water network.
- it comprises a nozzle for delivering a separate rinsing fluid from the dispensing
nozzle.
The invention also relates to a device for spraying fluid, comprising:
- a water container or a running water network;
- an element as defined above; and
- an assembly for conveying water from the water container or to the running water
network to the element, the container, the element and the conveying assembly being
advantageously jointly movable on a platform.
The device according to the invention may include one or more of the following
features, taken alone or in any technically possible combination:
- the maximum volume of clean water to be contained in the water container is less
than 50 liters.
The invention also relates to a method for dispensing a mixture of water and
cosmetic product applicator, including the following steps:
- supply of a device such as that defined above;
- supplying water from the container via the conveying assembly to the water
supply conduit;
- injecting water into the mixing chamber via the inner nozzle;
- mixing the water and cosmetic product in the mixing chamber;
- dispensing the mixture of water and cosmetic product via the dispensing nozzle.
The method according to the invention can include one or more of the following
features, considered alone or in any technically possible combination:
- it comprises a prior step for loading a receptacle containing cosmetic product into
the hollow body or a prior step for filling the receptacle in the hollow body with a cosmetic
product.
The invention will be easier to understand in view of the following description,
provided solely as an example, and with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
- figure 1 is a schematic view of a first device for spraying fluid comprising a
dispensing element according to the invention formed by a shower head;
- figure 2 is a partial bottom view of an end region of the shower head in figure 1,
with the cap in figure 3 having been removed;
- figure 3 is a partially sectional side view of a cap to be mounted on the end region
of the shower head in figure 1;
- figure 4 is a schematic sectional view along a median axial plane of the end
region of the shower head, when mixing water and the cosmetic product;
- figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of the end region, with the cap having been
removed;
- figure 6 is a similar view to figure 5 illustrating the cap;
- figure 7 is an end view of the interior of the cap in figure 6;
- figure 8 is a schematic sectional view along a median axial plane of a nozzle for
dispensing the mixture of water and cosmetic product mounted on the head in figure 1;
- figure 9 is a side view of a nozzle for delivering rinsing water, mounted on the
shower head in figure 1.
Hereinafter, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the normal direction
of flow of a fluid, particularly from inside to outside the device and from the dispensing
element.
A first device 10 for spraying fluid according to the invention is shown in figure 1.
This device 10 is intended to selectively dispense either a mixture of water and
cosmetic product, for washing and/or treating a body surface of a user, or water for rinsing
the body surface.
The cosmetic product is for example a washing product, a treatment product
and/or a care product, particularly for the hands, face, body, hair.
It is presented for example in solid or very concentrated form with a low water
content, in the form of gel, powder, particularly effervescent, paste, sachet, capsule,
tablet, solidified foam, sheets, liquid concentrated with active substances and/or in any
galenic form.
With reference to figure 1, the device 10 comprises a water container 12, a
dispensing element according to the invention, represented herein by a shower head 14,
and an assembly 16 for conveying water connecting the water container 12 to the shower
head 14.
In this example, the device 10 is suitable for being moved integrally manually by a
user. It comprises a platform 18 for moving the water container 12, the conveying
assembly 16, and the shower head 14 together.
The container 12 has a maximum water receiving volume of less than 50 liters and
particularly between 7 liters and 40 liters, or between 2 liters and 45 liters, particularly
between 10 liters and 35 liters, for example between 15 liters and 25 liters. It contains
rinsing water.
According to the invention, the head 14 is suitable for selectively dispensing either
water for rinsing the user, or a mixture of water and cosmetic product for washing and/or
treating a body surface of a user consisting of skin and/or keratin fibers.
The head 14 comprises a hollow body 19, a module 20 for delivering rinsing water
and a parallel module 22 for dispensing water and cosmetic product, the modules 20, 22
being borne by the hollow body 19.
As illustrated in figures 1 to 3, 5, and 6, the hollow body 19 comprises herein a
handle 24, advantageously intended to be gripped by the user's hand, a support head 26
and a cap 28 removably mounted on the support head 26.
In this example, the handle 24 extends longitudinally along an axis A-A'.
The support head 26 is hollow. It protrudes herein transversally relative to the
handle 24. Further arrangements could be envisaged according to the chosen
ergonomics.
The cap 28 is removably mounted on the support head 26 between a position for
accessing the mixing module 22 and a closing position. It is advantageously suitable for
screwing or engaging on the support head 26 by means of a combined movement
translating toward the support head 26 and rotating about a central transverse axis B-B'
relative to the longitudinal axis A-A'.
With reference to figures 1, 2 and 9, the delivery module 20 comprises a conduit
30 for supplying rinsing water, and a nozzle 32 for delivering rinsing water,
advantageously suitable for producing drops of substantial size.
The supply conduit 30 extends herein through the handle 24. It opens transversally
into the delivery nozzle 32.
The delivery nozzle 32 is suitable for producing droplets greater than 1 mm in
diameter, and particularly between 1 mm and 5 mm, particularly between 1 mm and 3
mm, advantageously between 1 mm and 2 mm.
The delivery nozzle 32 receives a water flow from the supply conduit 30. The
nozzle is suitable for accommodating a flow rate of less than 3 liters per minute,
particularly less than 2 liters per minute.
The water flow accommodated by the delivery nozzle 32 then has a pressure
advantageously less than 5 bar, particularly between 2 bar and 4 bar, particularly equal to
3 bar.
Preferably, the delivery nozzle 32 is a solid cone male nozzle. With reference to
figure 9, it has a solid transverse free surface 34. The surface 34 is perpendicular to the
axis C- for delivering the liquid via the orifice 36 thereof.
The delivery nozzle 32 advantageously has an internal screw upstream from the
orifice 36. It is for example made of metal.
With reference to figure 9, the outlet angle A 1 of the flow of droplets generated by
the delivery nozzle 32 is less than 100°, and is particularly between 80° and 60°.
An example of delivery nozzle 32 is marketed by SODERCO under the reference
XL - FN 00 2.4 - 70.
The droplets generated by the set of nozzles enable effective wetting and rinsing
of the keratin fibers and/or skin, with a rinsing time in the region of one minute, and a
water consumption of less than 2 I, advantageously for 6 g of shampoo and mediumlength
hair (base of neck).
With reference to figures 1 to 8, the dispensing module 22 comprises a receptacle
40 for receiving cosmetic product and a conduit 42 for supplying water into the receptacle
40.
According to the invention, the dispensing module 22 comprises an inner nozzle
44 for injecting water, protruding into the receptacle 40 from the supply conduit 42, to
define a mixing chamber 46 between the water supplied by the supply conduit 42 and the
cosmetic product contained in the receptacle 40, seen in figure 4.
The dispensing module 22 further defines a downstream chamber 48 connected to
the receptacle 40 for receiving the mixture of water and cosmetic product. It comprises a
nozzle 50 for dispensing the mixture, flowing upstream into the downstream chamber 48,
and downstream from the shower head 14.
The dispensing module 22 further advantageously comprises a perforated member
52, inserted in the downstream chamber 48 and, in the example shown in figures 1 to 8, a
base 54 for supporting the receptacle 40.
The receptacle 40 contains a cosmetic product, as defined above.
In the example represented in figures 1 to 8, the receptacle 40 is inserted
removably into the hollow body 19. It is suitable for being replaced by a further receptacle
40, when the cosmetic product contained in the receptacle 40 has been used up, or when
the user wishes to change cosmetic product.
In this example, the receptacle 40 consists of a capsule. The capsule is
disposable, being suitable for recycling and/or dissolution.
Alternatively, as seen hereinafter, the receptacle 40 is secured in the hollow body
19. It is then formed for example directly by the base 54.
The receptacle 40 is positioned in the downstream chamber 48, being
advantageously oriented along the central axis B-B'. It is herein borne by the cap 28.
With reference to figures 4 to 6, the receptacle 40 comprises a side wall 60, for
example of tapered shape, a bottom wall 62 and a wall 64 for accessing the container, the
walls 62, 64 extending on either side of the side wall 60.
Advantageously, the bottom wall 62 and the side wall 60 form a single piece. They
are for example made of a thermoplastic material.
The access wall 64 is mounted on the side wall 60. It is for example formed from a
material suitable for tearing or perforation, such as metal or plastic sheet.
It is suitable for being perforated by the nozzle 44.
The receptacle 40 is suitable for being inserted into the base 54. In this
configuration, the bottom wall 62 is aligned on the central part of the perforated member
52. It is situated relatively closer to the dispensing nozzle 50.
The access wall 64 is arranged relatively closer to the supply conduit 42. It is
perforated by the inner nozzle 44.
The walls 60 to 64 externally define the mixing chamber 46 when the inner nozzle
44 is inserted into the receptacle 40.
The supply conduit 42 protrudes into the downstream chamber 48, facing the
receptacle 40, preferably transversally relative to the central axis B-B'.
The inner nozzle 44 protrudes laterally from the supply conduit 42. It extends at
least partially into the receptacle 40 having passed through the access wall 64. It is
preferably perpendicular to the access wall 64.
The inner nozzle 44 extends along an inner nozzle axis, herein coaxial with the
axis B-B', in the mixing chamber 46. It extends facing and axially shifted from the bottom
wall 62 of the receptacle. The length L2 of the nozzle 44 inserted in the mixing chamber
46 along the axis B-B' is advantageously between 20% and 50% of the length L 1 of the
mixing chamber 46, measured along the axis B-B' between the access wall 64 and the
bottom wall 62.
The inner nozzle 44 flows axially along the axis B-B' toward the dispensing nozzle
50, opposite the supply conduit 42.
The inner nozzle 44 defines with the receptacle 40, a downstream outlet 66 for
discharging the mixture of water and cosmetic product, which flows into the downstream
chamber 48.
In this example, the downstream outlet 66 is defined internally by the inner nozzle
44, about said nozzle. It is defined externally by the access wall 64, in the region
perforated by the inner nozzle 44.
The downstream outlet 66 connects the mixing chamber 46 to the downstream
chamber 48. It flows toward the supply conduit 42, in the opposite direction of the spraying
direction of the inner nozzle 44 and the dispensing nozzle 50.
The inner nozzle 44 is suitable for producing droplets less than 3 mm in diameter,
and particularly less than 1 mm, particularly comprised between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.
The outlet angle of the flow of droplets generated by the delivery nozzle 44 is less
than 100°, and is particularly between 80° and 60°.
The downstream chamber 48 is defined between the head 26 and the cap 28. It
comprises an upstream region 70 defined by the head 26 and a downstream region 72
defined by the cap 28.
The upstream region 70 is arranged opposite the downstream region 72 relative to
the receptacle 40. It contains the supply conduit 42.
The downstream outlet 66 opens into the upstream region 70, toward the bottom in
figure 4.
The downstream region 72 flows into the dispensing nozzle 50.
The dispensing nozzle 50 protrudes above the cap 28. It is suitable for producing
droplets having a diameter less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm and particularly
comprised between 1 mhi and 1000 mhi .
It is suitable for accommodating a flow of mixture of water and cosmetic product at
a flow rate less than 1 liter per minute, particularly less than 0.9 liter per minute from the
downstream region 72 of the downstream chamber 48.
The flow accommodated by the dispensing nozzle 50 then has a pressure
advantageously less than 5 bar, particularly between 2 bar and 4 bar, particularly equal to
3 bar.
Preferably, the dispensing nozzle 50 is a hollow cone male nozzle. With reference
to figure 8, it has a concave free surface 74, advantageously having a hollow conical
shape, through which the orifice 76 thereof flows axially.
It advantageously has an inner mixing chamber 78 upstream from the orifice 36. It
is for example made of metal.
The outlet angle A2 of the flow of droplets generated by the nozzle 32 is less than
100°, and is particularly between 70° and 90°.
An example of a dispensing nozzle 50 is marketed by ASJ SPRAY under the
reference HCC015.
The droplets generated enable effective wetting of the keratin fibers and/or skin,
and adequate lathering with the mixture of water and cosmetic product, with an application
time in the region of some ten seconds, and a water consumption of less than 100 ml,
particularly in the region of 50 ml.
The perforated member 52 consists of a grid inserted in the downstream chamber
48 to separate the upstream region 70 from the downstream region 72.
Advantageously, the perforated member 52 bears the receptacle 40 and the
support base 54. It extends transversally relative to the central axis B-B'.
The function of the perforated member 52 is that of filtering the mixture prior to the
passage thereof into the dispensing nozzle in order to retain any undissolved solid
fractions.
The size of the openings of the perforated member 52 is between 0.3 mm and 3
mm, particularly 0.5 mm to 2 mm and preferably approximately 1mm.
The base 54 is mounted under the perforated member 52 to protrude into the
upstream region 70. It has a bottom partition 80 and a peripheral partition 82 having a
complementary shape to the side wall 74 of the receptacle 40.
In this example, the bottom partition 80 is screwed under the perforated member
52. With reference to figure 1, the conveying assembly 16 comprises a pump 90, and a
hose 9 1 containing an upstream conveying conduit 92, a three-way valve 94, a first
downstream conveying conduit 96 and a second downstream conveying conduit 98
The pump 90 is suitable for drawing water in the container and for increasing the
pressure of the water drawn, to transport said water in the upstream conveying conduit
92. It is borne by the platform 18.
The hose 9 1 surrounds and protects the conduits 92, 96, 98. It is for example
formed from stapled metal tape. It is suitable for protruding away from the platform 18.
The shower head 14 is mounted at the free end of the hose 9 1.
The upstream conveying conduit 92 connects the outlet of the pump 90 to an inlet
of the three-way valve 94.
The first downstream conduit 96 connects a first outlet of the three-way valve 94 to
the delivery module 20. It is connected downstream to the supply conduit 30 in the shower
head 14.
The second downstream conduit 98 extends in parallel with the first downstream
conduit 96. It connects a second outlet of the three-way valve 94 to the delivery module
22. It is connected downstream to the supply conduit 42 in the shower head 14.
The three-way valve 94 is herein borne by the hose 9 1 . It is suitable for switching
between a first configuration for supplying water to the delivery module 20, for delivering
rinsing water, and a second configuration for supplying water to the dispensing module
22, for dispensing the mixture of water and cosmetic product.
It advantageously has an idle configuration, wherein neither the delivery module 20
nor the dispensing module 22 is supplied with water.
In the first supply configuration, the three-way valve 94 connects the upstream
conveying conduit 92 solely to the first downstream conduit 96. In the second supply
configuration, the three-way valve 94 connects the upstream conveying conduit 92 solely
to the second downstream conduit 98.
The platform 18 comprises a frame 100 receiving the container 12 and the pump
90. It preferably comprises wheels 102 for moving the frame 100 in order to move the
spraying device easily 10.
The hose 9 1 and the shower head 14 are suitable for being stored on or in the
frame 100, when the device 10 is not used.
The operation of the spraying device 10 will now be described, for washing and/or
treating a body surface of a user, for example for cleansing the user's hair.
Initially, the user takes hold of the shower head 14. He/she opens the removable
cap 28 and inserts a receptacle 40 containing the cosmetic product. He/she fits said
receptacle in the base 54.
Then, the user repositions the cap 28 on the support head 26, arranging the
access wall 64 facing the inner nozzle 44. The inner nozzle 44 perforates the wall 64 and
creates a downstream outlet 66 around the nozzle. It is partially inserted into the
receptacle 40.
The user then switches the three-way valve 94 to set it to the idle configuration.
He/she then positions the dispensing nozzle 50 facing the body surface to be
treated and activates the pump 90 or opens a supply valve.
He/she then switches the three-way valve 94 to the second configuration for
supplying the dispensing module 22. Water is then pumped from the container 12
successively via the upstream conveying conduit 92, the three-way valve 94, the second
downstream conveying conduit 98, and the supply conduit 42, to the inner nozzle 44.
With reference to figure 4, water is then sprayed in the receptacle 40 via the orifice
76 of the inner nozzle 44, in a first feed direction advantageously away from the supply
conduit 42.
The mixing chamber 46 is thus created in the receptacle 40. Intense mixing of the
cosmetic product with the water takes place, advantageously inducing dispersion of
cosmetic product in water and adequate lathering, if applicable.
The mixture is extracted toward the upstream region 70 from the downstream
chamber via the downstream outlet 66, in a second direction opposite the water feed
direction in the mixing chamber 46.
The mixture is then rerouted in the first direction via the bottom of the head 26 and
rises to the downstream region 72 around the receptacle 40, outside same (see figure 4).
The mixture then passes through the perforated member 52 and enters the
downstream region 72.
It is then discharged from the shower head 14 via the dispensing nozzle 50. It
forms droplets having a diameter less than 1 mm, and particularly comprised between 1
mhi and 1000 mhi with a discharge angle less than 100° and particularly between 70° and
90°.
The discharged mixture flow rate is kept low, advantageously less than 2 I per
minute, and advantageously in the region of 0.8 I per minute.
The pressure of the mixture discharged by the dispensing nozzle 50 is
advantageously less than 5 bar, and is particularly between 2 bar and 4 bar, particularly
equal to 3 bar.
In view of the transfer into the mixing chamber 46 via the inner nozzle 44 and the
dispersion taking place via the dispensing nozzle 50, a very small volume of mixture, less
than 100 ml, and for example in the region of 50 ml for medium-length hair (lower neck), is
sufficient to wet and disperse the mixture on the body surface, for example the hair, with
adequate lathering.
The user then sets the valve 94 to the idle configuration thereof or deactivates the
pump 50 or closes the valve. The user can then massage the hair or rub the skin as usual.
Then, if the user wishes to rinse the body surface, he/she switches the three-way
valve 94 to set said valve to the first configuration. He/she activates the pump 90 to
circulate water from the container 12 successively via the upstream conveying conduit 92,
the first downstream conduit 96, and the supply conduit 30 to the delivery nozzle 32.
The rinsing water is then discharged from the shower head 14 via the delivery
nozzle 32. It forms droplets having a diameter greater than 1 mm, and particularly
comprised between 1 mm and 5 mm with a discharge angle less than 100° and
particularly between 60° and 80°.
The discharged mixture flow rate is kept moderate, advantageously less than 3 I
per minute, particularly between 1.0 I per minute and 2.0 I per minute, and
advantageously in the region of 1.5 I per minute.
The pressure of the mixture discharged by the delivery nozzle 32 is
advantageously less than 5 bar, and is particularly between 2 bar and 4 bar, particularly
equal to 3 bar.
The drops formed are sufficiently large and heavy to speed up rinsing, while
retaining moderate sizes to limit consumption.
Effective rinsing may then be obtained with a consumed water value of less than 2
I and in the region of 1.5 I for medium-length hair (base of neck).
The overall water consumption of the washing and treatment operation is thus
particularly low, due to the complementary presence of nozzles 32, 50 having suitable
dispersion characteristics for each phase. The nozzle 44 breaks up the water effectively
during mixing with the cosmetic product and favors lather development.
This low consumption enables use of the device 10 in regions where access to
running water is restricted or non-existent, in view of the compact and portable design of
the device 10, with much more effective and convenient treatment/washing than with a
bucket while maintaining consistent cosmetic qualities, for example in terms of lathering,
treatment procedure and time.
If the shower head 14 is connected to a running water supply, the water
consumption is reduced (compared to a conventional shower head).
The development of the dispersion and advantageously of the lather in the mixing
chamber 46 also reduces the amount of cosmetic product required for the operation. This
respects the body surface and facilitates rinsing further.
The tactile sensations on the body surface are further enhanced, particularly with
respect to softness.
The use of removable receptacles 40 makes it possible to precisely control the
dose of cosmetic product used.
In one alternative embodiment, the receptacle is permanently mounted in the
shower head 14. It is for example formed directly by the base 54. When opening the cap
28, the user fills the receptacle 54 with cosmetic product from a container (for example
when it is used up) or the user wishes to change cosmetic product.
Advantageously, the base 54 may be used either to receive a removable container
40, or to form a container receiving the product directly. If the base 54 is used to receive
the product directly, it may be optionally closed by a closer.
In a further alternative embodiment, the three-way valve 94 is borne by the shower
head 14.
In a further alternative embodiment, the hose 9 1 is connected directly to a water
distribution network.
In a further alternative embodiment, the device 10 comprises a temperature probe
suitable for measuring the temperature of the water introduced into the shower head 14
and a heating member for heating the water to a set-point temperature.
Illustrative examples of embodiments of the method according to the invention,
using the device 10 will now be described.
The protocol applied is tested on medium-length straight hair to the base of the
neck, with water at 38°C, having a hardness equal to 40°F. The following steps are
applied:
- loading 6 g of DOP shampoo in capsule or on head or directly in the cap 28 of the
shower head;
- supplying the dispensing module 22 with a water flow rate of 0.8 l/min and
application for 10 seconds on the initially dry hair, producing partial wetting of the hair;
- stopping;
- massaging to start developing lather and distributing the product and water all
over the hair, producing complete wetting of the hair and plentiful lather;
- supplying the dispensing module 22 with a water flow rate of 0.8 l/min for 5
seconds to finish applying all the shampoo;
- stopping;
- developing the lather and massaging;
- manually removing excess lather
- supplying the delivery module 20 with a flow rate chosen between 0.6 l/min and
1.6 l/min, until the product has been completely rinsed;
- stopping;
- between two applications, supplying fresh water to the dispensing module 22 to
rinse the mixing chamber 46 and the downstream chamber 48.
In the table above, the terms are defined as follows:
- "Wapple": connection to running water network with water pressure control;
- "Full": connection to a mobile standalone pump 90;
- Dispensing nozzle 50: hollow cone, theoretical flow rate of 1 l/min to 3 bar,
- Rinsing nozzles 32: " 1 .2": Solid cone, theoretical flow rate of 1.2 l/min to 3 bar,
"2.4": Solid cone, theoretical flow rate of 2.4 l/min to 3 bar.
A shower head with a flow limiter of approximately 50% (theoretically to 6 l/min)
was used for experiment 9. Under the pressure conditions above, it indeed reduces the
flow rate by approximately 50% (3.6 l/min instead of 6.5 l/min).
Examples 1 to 6 demonstrate that the quantity of water is markedly reduced
relative to comparative example 8, with a gain in the quantity of lather obtained. The use
of the shower head 14 with a conventional routine (product applied directly on the head,
experiment 7) also reduces the quantity of water to a lesser degree than when a capsule
or a dose is introduced into the shower head 14.
The use of a so-called "eco" shower head with a flow limiter penalizes the quantity
of water required for shampooing, particularly for rinsing (experiment 9)
The connection of the shower head to a pump 90 also reduces the quantity of
water with a gain on lather (experiments 10 to 11).

CLAIMS
1. - Element for dispensing a mixture of water and cosmetic product, comprising:
- a hollow body (19);
- a receptacle (40) for receiving a cosmetic product, housed in the hollow body
( 1 9);
- a conduit (42) for supplying water into the receptacle (40);
the hollow body ( 19) defining a downstream chamber (48) connected to the
receptacle (40) for receiving a mixture of water and cosmetic product from the receptacle
(40), the dispensing element comprising:
- at least one nozzle (50) for dispensing the mixture of water and cosmetic product
from the dispensing element;
the element comprising an inner water dispensing nozzle (44), connected to the
water supply conduit (42), the inner nozzle (44) protruding into the receptacle (40) to
define a chamber (46) for mixing water and the cosmetic product contained in the
receptacle (40), the inner nozzle (44) being suitable for generating drops having an
average size of less than 3 mm.
2. - Element according to claim 1, wherein the inner nozzle (44) is suitable for
generating a hollow cone type spray in the mixing chamber (46).
3. - Element according to any of the above claims, wherein the inner nozzle (44)
extends along an inner nozzle axis (B-B') into the mixing chamber (46), facing and axially
shifted from a bottom wall (62) of the receptacle (40), the length (L2) of the inner nozzle
(44) inserted into the mixing chamber (46) along the inner nozzle axis (B-B') being
advantageously comprised between 25% and 50% of the length (L1) of the mixing
chamber (46), measured along the inner nozzle axis (B-B') between a wall (64) for
accessing the mixing chamber (46), through which the inner nozzle (44) is inserted, and
the bottom wall (62).
4. - Element according to any of the above claims, wherein the receptacle (40) has
an outlet (66) for discharging the mixture of water and cosmetic product to the
downstream chamber (48) flowing in the direction opposite the direction for spraying water
from the inner nozzle (44).
5. - Element according to claim 4, wherein the discharge outlet (66) extends
around the inner nozzle (44).
6. - Element according to any of the above claims, wherein the downstream
chamber (48) comprises an upstream region (70) for receiving the mixture of water and
cosmetic product and a downstream region (72) for discharging the mixture of water and
cosmetic product flowing into the dispensing nozzle (50), the upstream region (70) and the
downstream region (72) being situated on either side of the receptacle (40).
7. - Element according to any of the above claims, wherein the downstream
chamber (48) comprises an upstream region (70) for receiving the mixture of water and
cosmetic product and a downstream region (72) for discharging the water mixture, the
element comprising a perforated member (52) for treating the mixture of water and
cosmetic product separating the upstream region (70) from the downstream region (72).
8. - Element according to any of the above claims, wherein the receptacle (40) is
formed by a removable capsule relative to the hollow body ( 1 9), the element
advantageously comprising a base (54) for locking the removable receptacle (40) in the
hollow body ( 1 9).
9. - Element according to any of the above claims, wherein the receptacle (40) is
permanently mounted in the hollow body ( 1 9).
10. - Element according to any of the above claims, wherein the hollow body ( 19)
forms a shower head (14) advantageously intended to be connected to a running water
network.
11. - Element according to any of the above claims, comprising a nozzle (32) for
delivering a separate rinsing fluid from the dispensing nozzle (50).
12. - Device ( 10) for spraying fluid, comprising:
- a water container ( 12) or a running water network;
- an element according to any of the above claims; and
- an assembly ( 16) for conveying water from the water container ( 12) or to the
running water network to the element, the container ( 1 2), the element and the conveying
assembly ( 16) being advantageously jointly movable on a platform (18).
13. - Device ( 10) according to claim 12, wherein the maximum volume of clean
water to be contained in the water container ( 12) is less than 50 liters.
14. - Method for dispensing a mixture of water and cosmetic product, comprising
the following steps:
- providing a device ( 10) according to any of claims 12 or 13;
- supplying water from the container ( 12) via the conveying assembly ( 16) to the
water supply conduit (42);
- injecting water into the mixing chamber (46) via the inner nozzle (44);
- mixing the water and cosmetic product in the mixing chamber (46);
- dispensing the mixture of water and cosmetic product via the dispensing nozzle
(50).
15. - Method according to claim 14, comprising a prior step for loading a
receptacle (40) containing cosmetic product into the hollow body ( 19) or a prior step for
filling the receptacle (40) in the hollow body ( 19) with a cosmetic product.