Patent Description:
In the field of washing keratin materials, dry shampoos have existed for many years, either in a powder form or in aerosol form. They make it possible to remove excess sebum rapidly without wetting the head of hair. They act by taking up sebum by absorption by means of powders chosen for their sebum-absorbing qualities.

The powders used may be of mineral, organic or synthetic origin and may be wheat, rice and corn starch derivatives.

<CIT> describes an aerosol device comprising a propellant and a composition comprising a sebum-absorbing powder, the aerosol device comprising a distribution mean with one dispensing orifice, the mean for dispensing the composition does not display a body that is open at its two opposite axial ends, nor an engaging part that is open at its two opposite axial ends.

<CIT> et <CIT> discloses a mean for dispensing a cosmetic composition comprising a body that is open at its two opposite axial ends, an engaging part (<NUM>) that is open at its two opposite axial ends, at least partially defining a dispensing orifice (<NUM>), in particular for application of hair cosmetic composition.

<CIT> discloses a device for dispensing a composition comprising i) a dispensing head intended to be fitted on a container that contains said composition, comprising a body that is open at its two opposite axial ends, an engaging part that is open at its two opposite axial ends, at least partially defining at least one dispensing orifice ii) the composition comprising perlite particles.

In practice, the proposed dry shampoos are not entirely satisfactory, especially in terms of application and comfort. The aerosol sprays conventionally used generate a conical spray. This type of spray is not optimal for a localized application, especially at the root, and is generally uncomfortable to apply due to the relatively large impact force on the head of hair.

There is thus a need to develop a novel aerosol device comprising a dry shampoo composition which offers comfort on application.

There is also a need to develop such a device which offers optimum cleansing activity and gives the head of hair volume.

The applicant has found, surprisingly and advantageously, that the use of a device equipped with a dispensing means comprising a body that is open at its two opposite axial ends and an engaging part that is open at its two opposite axial ends, at least partially defining at least one dispensing orifice, for dispensing a composition comprising a sebum-absorbing powder makes it possible to facilitate the application of the composition with better dispersion and to offer more comfort on application, while at the same time offering the expected cleansing properties of a dry shampoo.

This particular combination allows easy application and uniform, fine and light distribution of the hair composition on the head of hair, thus leading to optimum sebum absorption with a natural result.

The composition according to the invention makes it possible to wash the hair satisfactorily while at the same time especially giving the head of hair suppleness, lightness and softness.

According to a first of its aspects, a subject of the invention is an aerosol device comprising:.

This particular combination makes it possible to offer comfort on application by limiting the impact force of the spray on the head of hair.

It also makes it possible to facilitate the application and distribution of the hair composition homogeneously at the root of the head of hair, and thus makes it possible to afford optimum cleansing.

Moreover, the composition leaves less white residue while at the same time being more styling than the known products.

By combining the sebum-absorbing powder with a styling powder comprising one or more water-insoluble mineral compounds, it is also possible to obtain a styling effect, especially for giving the head of hair volume and mass and for lifting the roots.

According to an other aspect, a subject of the invention is an aerosol device comprising:.

The present invention also relates to a process for the dry washing and treatment of the hair, comprising the use of the device as defined previously. In particular, the process comprises a step of spraying using the aerosol device according to the invention, onto keratin materials, of the composition according to the invention.

Other subjects, characteristics, aspects and advantages of the invention will emerge even more clearly on reading the description and the example that follows.

In that which follows and unless otherwise indicated, the limits of a range of values are included within this range, in particular in the expressions "of between" and "ranging from.

Moreover, the expression "at least one" used in the present description is equivalent to the expression "one or more".

According to the invention, the aerosol device comprises a container which contains a cosmetic composition comprising one or more sebum-absorbing powders with a sebum uptake of greater than or equal to <NUM>/<NUM>.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "sebum-absorbing powder" means a powder that is capable of absorbing and/or adsorbing sebum, which has a sebum uptake of greater than or equal to <NUM>/<NUM>.

The sebum uptake corresponds to the amount of sebum absorbed and/or adsorbed by the powder. It is expressed in ml of sebum per <NUM> of powder and is measured using the method for determining the oil uptake of powder described in standard NF T <NUM>-<NUM>.

The oil uptake of powder corresponds to the amount of sebum absorbed onto the available surface of the powder by measuring the "wet point" as indicated below.

The measuring method is as follows: an amount m (in grams) of between <NUM> and <NUM> of powder is placed on a glass plate, the amount depending on the density of the powder, followed by dropwise addition of artificial sebum having the following composition:.

After addition of <NUM> to <NUM> drops of artificial sebum, the artificial sebum is incorporated into the powder using a spatula, and addition of the artificial sebum is continued until conglomerates of artificial sebum and powder have formed. From this point, the artificial sebum is added at a rate of one drop at a time and the mixture is subsequently triturated with the spatula.

The addition of artificial sebum is stopped when a firm, smooth paste is obtained. This paste must be able to be spread on the glass plate without cracking or forming lumps. The volume Vs, in ml, of artificial sebum used is then noted.

The sebum uptake corresponds to the ratio Vs/m.

The sebum-absorbing powder(s) used in the aerosol device of the invention have a preferable sebum uptake ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM> and better still from <NUM> to <NUM>/<NUM>.

Advantageously, the sebum-absorbing particle may have a BET specific surface area of greater than or equal to <NUM><NUM>/g, preferably greater than or equal to <NUM><NUM>/g, better still greater than <NUM><NUM>/g and preferentially greater than <NUM><NUM>/g, and especially less than <NUM><NUM>/g.

The BET specific surface area is determined according to the BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) method described in the <NPL>, which corresponds to International Standard ISO <NUM>/<NUM> (appendix D). The BET specific surface area corresponds to the total specific surface area (thus including micropores) of the particle and especially of the powder.

The sebum-absorbing powder may be a mineral powder or an organic powder.

More specifically, the sebum-absorbing powder may be chosen from:.

The sebum-absorbing powder may be a powder coated with a hydrophobic treatment agent.

The hydrophobic treatment agent may be chosen from fatty acids, for instance stearic acid; metal soaps, for instance aluminium dimyristate, the aluminium salt of hydrogenated tallow glutamate; amino acids; N-acylamino acids or salts thereof; lecithin, isopropyl triisostearyl titanate (ITT), and mixtures thereof.

The N-acylamino acids may comprise an acyl group containing from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, for instance a <NUM>-ethylhexanoyl, caproyl, lauroyl, myristoyl, palmitoyl, stearoyl or cocoyl group. The salts of these compounds may be the aluminium, magnesium, calcium, zirconium, zinc, sodium or potassium salts. The amino acid may be, for example, lysine, glutamic acid or alanine.

The term "alkyl" mentioned in the compounds cited above denotes in particular an alkyl group containing from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and preferably containing from <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

The starches that may be used in the present invention are, for example, corn starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, rice starch, wheat starch and cassava starch.

The starches may be modified or unmodified.

A modified starch is a starch that has been modified via processes known to those skilled in the art, for instance esterification, etherification, oxidation, acidic hydrolysis, crosslinking or enzymatic conversion.

Non-limiting examples of modified starches include aluminium starch octenylsuccinate, sodium starch octenylsuccinate, calcium starch octenylsuccinate, distarch phosphate, hydroxyethyl starch phosphate, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, sodium carboxymethyl starch and sodium starch glycolate.

In a particular embodiment, the starch is a starch octenylsuccinate, in particular of aluminium, the starch being corn, wheat or rice starch. Mention may be made especially of the product sold by Akzo Nobel under the name Dry Flo Plus.

Preferably, the calcium silicates used as sebum-absorbing powder have a sebum uptake of greater than <NUM>/<NUM>, better still between <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> and more preferentially of about <NUM>/<NUM>.

The specific surface area (BET) preferably ranges from about <NUM><NUM>/g to <NUM><NUM>/g, better still from <NUM><NUM>/g to <NUM><NUM>/g and even more preferentially from <NUM><NUM>/g to <NUM><NUM>/g.

The size of the silicate particles is preferably less than <NUM> micrometres.

These calcium silicates are generally prepared by reaction of reactive silica with an alkaline-earth metal reagent, preferably an alkaline-earth metal oxide or hydroxide, and a source of aluminium such as sodium aluminate or alumina. Since the final properties of the silicate depend on the reactivity of the silica, the preferred source of silica is the product of reaction of a soluble silicate, such as sodium silicate, and of a mineral acid such as sulfuric acid. Suitable amorphous synthetic alkaline-earth metal silicates are manufactured by the company JM Huber Corporation and are sold under the name Hubersorb®. Methods for preparing these silicas are disclosed in greater detail in patent <CIT>. Other suitable silicates are available from JM Huber Corporation, for instance the sodium aluminosilicate sold under the brand name Zeolexg and the sodium magnesium aluminosilicate sold under the brand name Hydrex®.

Sebum-absorbing powders that may also be used include perlites, which are generally aluminosilicates of volcanic origin and whose composition is as follows:.

Examples of zeolites that may especially be mentioned include sodium or potassium aluminosilicate compounds such as the product sold by Zeochem under the name Xmol.

The polylactic acids that may be used in the present invention are especially Accurel EP600 from Akzo Nobel or the product sold under the name Lactic Acid Polymer <NUM> by Dajac Labs.

Silica powders that may be mentioned include:.

A Nylon powder that may be mentioned is the Nylon powder sold under the name Orgasol <NUM> by the company Atochem.

Acrylic polymer powders that may be mentioned include:.

Silicone elastomer powders that may be mentioned include the powders sold under the names Trefil® Powder E-505C and Trefil® Powder E-506C by the company Dow Corning.

Preferably, the sebum-absorbing powder is chosen from modified starches such as starch octenylsuccinates, in particular of aluminium, perlite, polylactic acids and zeolites, and better still from starch octenylsuccinates.

When propellant(s) are present in the composition, the sebum-absorbing powder(s) are present in an amount preferably ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, better still from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight and even more preferentially from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

The composition may also comprise one or more styling powders comprising one or more water-insoluble inorganic compound(s) different from sebum absorbent powders.

The term "styling powder" is intended to mean a powder constituted of one or more water-insoluble inorganic compound(s) having a capacity for shaping the head of hair or for the durability of this shaping.

The water-insoluble inorganic compound(s) are chosen from metal carbonates, oxides and sulfates and from silicates containing magnesium.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "water-insoluble" is intended to mean a compound of which the solubility at spontaneous pH in water at <NUM> and at atmospheric pressure is less than <NUM>%.

Examples include more particularly the carbonates, oxides and sulfates of alkaline earth metals such as beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium and radium, better still magnesium and calcium; the oxides, sulfates and carbonates of aluminium, gallium and indium; and silicates containing magnesium, more particularly those containing an amount of magnesium of more than <NUM>% by weight (on a dry basis) as expressed in terms of magnesium oxide, such as Li-Mg-Na silicates, for instance Laponite XLG, which is provided by the company Rockwood.

More preference will be given to using calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, alumina, barium sulfate and/or magnesium oxide, and better still calcium carbonate. Preferably, these compounds have a mean particle size of from <NUM> to <NUM>, as water-insoluble inorganic compound(s).

When they are present, the water-insoluble inorganic compound(s) are present in an amount ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, even better still from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, and even more preferentially from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, when the propellant(s) are present in the composition.

The composition may also comprise one or more C<NUM>-C<NUM> monoalcohols.

C<NUM>-C<NUM> monoalcohol(s) which can be used in the aerosol device of the invention include, in particular, ethanol or isopropanol, or better still ethanol.

When they are present, the C<NUM>-C<NUM> monoalcohol(s) are preferably present in an amount ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, even better still from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, and even more preferentially from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, when the propellant(s) are present in the composition.

The composition according to the invention may contain one or more additional organic solvents such as polyols, for instance glycerol, propylene glycol or polyethylene glycols.

Preferably, the composition according to the invention contains less than <NUM>% by weight of water relative to the total weight of the composition, when the propellant(s) are present in the composition. Even more preferentially, it does not contain any added water. The composition is then said to be anhydrous.

The container of the device according to the invention also comprises one or more propellants.

Examples of propellants that may be used in the aerosol device of the present invention are liquefied gases such as dimethyl ether, <NUM>,<NUM>-difluoroethane, or C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkanes, such as propane, isopropane, n-butane, isobutane or pentane, or compressed gases such as air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and mixtures thereof.

Mention may be made preferably of C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkanes and in particular propane, n-butane, isobutane and mixtures thereof.

The agent(s) may be present in the composition or, as a variant, in the container containing the composition, but separate from the composition.

The agent(s) are preferably present in the composition.

When the propellant(s) are present in the composition, they are preferably present in an amount ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, even better still from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight and even more preferentially from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Preferably, the composition of the invention may also comprise one or more silicones.

Preferably, the additional silicone(s) are silicone gums.

The silicone gums that may be present in the composition according to the invention are especially polydiorganosiloxanes, used alone or as a mixture in a solvent. This solvent can be chosen from volatile silicones, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oils, polyphenylmethylsiloxane (PPMS) oils, isoparaffins, polyisobutylenes, methylene chloride, pentane, dodecane and tridecane, or mixtures thereof.

Examples of silicone gums that may be mentioned more particularly include the following products:.

Products that may be used more particularly are the following mixtures:.

The high-viscosity silicone gums used in the invention generally have a viscosity of greater than or equal to <NUM> × <NUM>-<NUM> m<NUM>/s (<NUM> cSt), preferably ranging from <NUM> × <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM> × <NUM>-<NUM> m<NUM>/s. The viscosity is measured using a Brookfield viscometer at <NUM>.

When the non-elastomeric silicone(s) are present in the device of the invention, their amount preferably ranges from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, when the propellant(s) are present in the composition.

The composition of the invention also optionally comprises one or more fatty esters.

The fatty esters optionally used in the invention are liquid or non-liquid.

The term "liquid fatty ester" means an ester derived from a fatty acid and/or from a fatty alcohol that is liquid at standard temperature (<NUM>) and at atmospheric pressure (<NUM> mmHg, i.e. <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> Pa).

The esters are preferably liquid esters of saturated or unsaturated and linear or branched C<NUM>-C<NUM> aliphatic mono- or polyacids and of saturated or unsaturated and linear or branched C<NUM>-C<NUM> aliphatic mono- or polyalcohols, the total number of carbon atoms in the esters being greater than or equal to <NUM>.

Preferably, for the esters of monoalcohols, at least one from among the alcohol and the acid from which the esters of the invention are derived is branched.

Among the monoesters of monoacids and of monoalcohols, mention may be made of ethyl palmitate, isopropyl palmitate, alkyl myristates, preferably of C<NUM>-C<NUM>, such as isopropyl myristate or ethyl myristate, isocetyl stearate, <NUM>-ethylhexyl isononanoate, isononyl isononanoate, isodecyl neopentanoate and isostearyl neopentanoate.

Esters of C<NUM>-C<NUM> dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and of C<NUM>-C<NUM> alcohols and esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and of C<NUM>-C<NUM> dihydroxy, trihydroxy, tetrahydroxy or pentahydroxy non-sugar alcohols may also be used.

Mention may be made especially of diethyl sebacate, diisopropyl sebacate, bis(<NUM>-ethylhexyl) sebacate, diisopropyl adipate, di-n-propyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, bis(<NUM>-ethylhexyl) adipate, diisostearyl adipate, bis(<NUM>-ethylhexyl) maleate, triisopropyl citrate, triisocetyl citrate, triisostearyl citrate, glyceryl trilactate, glyceryl trioctanoate, trioctyldodecyl citrate, trioleyl citrate, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, and diethylene glycol diisononanoate.

The composition may also comprise, as liquid fatty ester, sugar esters and diesters of C<NUM>-C<NUM> and preferably C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty acids. It is recalled that the term "sugar" means oxygen-bearing hydrocarbon-based compounds containing several alcohol functions, with or without aldehyde or ketone functions, and which comprise at least <NUM> carbon atoms. These sugars may be monosaccharides, oligosaccharides or polysaccharides.

Examples of suitable sugars that may be mentioned include sucrose, glucose, galactose, ribose, fucose, maltose, fructose, mannose, arabinose, xylose and lactose, and derivatives thereof, especially alkyl derivatives, such as methyl derivatives, for instance methylglucose.

The sugar esters of fatty acids may be chosen especially from the group comprising the esters or mixtures of esters of sugars described previously and of linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C<NUM>-C<NUM> and preferably C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty acids. If they are unsaturated, these compounds may comprise one to three conjugated or unconjugated carbon-carbon double bonds.

The esters according to this variant may also be chosen from mono-, di-, tri- and tetraesters, and polyesters, and mixtures thereof.

These esters may be, for example, oleates, laurates, palmitates, myristates, behenates, cocoates, stearates, linoleates, linolenates, caprates or arachidonates, or mixtures thereof, such as, especially, oleopalmitate, oleostearate or palmitostearate mixed esters.

More particularly, use is made of monoesters and diesters and especially of sucrose, glucose or methylglucose mono- or dioleates, stearates, behenates, oleopalmitates, linoleates, linolenates or oleostearates.

Finally, use may also be made of natural or synthetic glycerol esters of mono-, di- or triacids.

Among these, mention may be made of plant oils.

As oils of plant origin or synthetic triglycerides that may be used in the composition of the invention as liquid fatty esters, examples that may be mentioned include:.

Fatty esters that will preferably be used include liquid fatty esters derived from monoalcohols, such as isopropyl myristate or palmitate, and more particularly isopropyl myristate.

The non-liquid fatty esters are especially solid esters derived from C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty acids and from C<NUM>-C<NUM> fatty alcohols.

Among these esters, mention may be made of cetyl lactate, stearyl octanoate, octyl octanoate, cetyl octanoate, decyl oleate, myristyl stearate, octyl palmitate, octyl pelargonate, octyl stearate, alkyl myristates such as cetyl myristate, myristyl myristate or stearyl myristate, and hexyl stearate.

Esters of C<NUM>-C<NUM> dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids and of C<NUM>-C<NUM> alcohols and esters of mono-, di- or tricarboxylic acids and of C<NUM>-C<NUM> di-, tri-, tetra- or pentahydroxy alcohols may also be used.

Examples that may especially be mentioned include diethyl sebacate, di-n-propyl adipate, dioctyl adipate and dioctyl maleate.

Among all the esters mentioned above, it is preferred to use myristyl, cetyl or stearyl palmitates, and alkyl myristates such as cetyl myristate, stearyl myristate and myristyl myristate.

When the fatty ester(s) are present in the device of the invention, their amount preferably ranges from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight and better still from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, when the propellant(s) are present in the composition.

The composition contained in the aerosol device of the invention may also comprise propylene carbonate, preferably in an amount ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, when the propellant(s) are present in the composition.

The compositions defined in the invention may further comprise one or more additives chosen from anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic conditioning or fixing polymers, fragrances, dyes, protective screening agents, acids, bases, nacres and flakes.

These additives may be present in the composition according to the invention in an amount ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, when the propellant(s) are present in the composition.

Those skilled in the art will take care to choose these optional additives and their amounts so that they do not harm the properties of the compositions of the present invention.

The compositions in accordance with the invention are packaged in an aerosol device comprising a container, also known as a reservoir.

The container is pressurized and comprises the composition to be dispensed. The container containing the pressurized composition may be opaque or transparent. It may be made of glass, of polymer or of metal, optionally coated with a protective varnish coat.

As already mentioned previously, the container contains both the propellant(s) and the other ingredients of the composition, in a single compartment, or as a variant in two compartments. According to the latter variant, the container may be constituted of an outer aerosol can comprising an inner bag hermetically welded to a valve. The various ingredients of the composition are introduced into the inner bag and a propellant is introduced between the bag and the can at a sufficient pressure to make the product come out in the form of a spray.

The container is equipped at its top end with a valve that seals the system.

Onto this valve is fitted a dispensing means, on which the user can press to make the product come out. This dispensing means is also known as a diffuser.

As indicated above, the dispensing means according to the invention comprises a body that is open at its two opposite axial ends and an engaging part that is open at its two opposite axial ends, at least partially defining at least one dispensing orifice.

In particular, the dispensing orifice is preferably defined between the body and the engaging part but may, alternatively, be defined entirely by the engaging part.

By virtue of the device of the invention, a passage is formed through the dispensing means and more particularly through the body and the engaging part, allowing a flow of air to be established through the dispensing means when the product to be dispensed is emitted, and this can prove advantageous when the product is emitted in the form of a spray, allowing a current of air to be created through the dispensing means in order to accompany the flow of the spray.

Moreover, the passage through the dispensing means can be produced with dimensions sufficient to allow, if desired, a finger or a lock of hair to be inserted into this passage. This can make it easier to apply a product to the finger or the lock of hair.

A plurality of dispensing orifices are formed between the body and the engaging part, for example in order to dispense the product in the form of a number of sprays or jets. The number of dispensing orifices can in particular be between, limits included, <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>. It may for example be equal to <NUM>. The dispensing orifices each have for example a cross section greater than or equal to <NUM><NUM>, better still <NUM><NUM> and are preferably spaced apart from one another (measurement along a straight line between the centres of mass of the orifices) by a distance of more than <NUM>.

In another variant, several dispensing orifices are formed entirely in the engaging part. The orifices may be constructed in such a way that the jet exiting from each orifice swirls, especially by virtue of at least two swirl ducts oriented tangentially around the axis of the orifice. The engaging part may have a U-shaped axial half-section. The body may have two concentric mounting skirts between which the engaging part is fastened. The body may comprise a crown into which the engaging part is inserted, the crown possibly bearing one or more reliefs defining, with the engaging part, ducts, especially swirl ducts, for supplying the dispensing orifice.

The body may define a housing that receives the engaging part, which is then called a core.

The dispensing orifice(s) may be open at rest. The expression "at rest" should be understood as meaning before the engaging part is exposed to the pressure of the product to be dispensed. Thus, in this case, the dispensing orifice(s) are already formed and open when the product is sent into the dispensing means in order to be dispensed. Alternatively, the dispensing orifice is formed at the time the product is dispensed, by virtue for example of the elasticity of at least a portion of the body or of the engaging part, which deforms under the pressure of the product at the time it is dispensed.

By virtue of the invention, in the case of spraying, the spray can be emitted at a relatively high flow rate, if desired, while having a dispensing means which has a relatively simple design and functions reliably. In particular, the dispensing orifice may be produced with well-defined dimensions. In addition, the dispensing means may be aesthetically pleasing to the consumer.

The body may have a first surface that flares towards the outside, or converges towards the outside, and the engaging part may have a second surface, opposite the first surface, that diverges towards the outside, or converges towards the outside. The first surface may be conical. The second surface may be conical, with the same angle as the first surface or with a greater or smaller angle.

A different angle that results in a narrowing of the space may lead to an acceleration of the jet before it exits, and this may be advantageous in the context of a spray.

The dispensing orifice(s) may have rotational symmetry, in particular around the dispensing axis. The dispensing axis is defined by the general direction in which the product is dispensed by the dispensing means.

When the dispensing means comprises several dispensing orifices, they preferably have the following characteristics.

Their cross section is advantageously a disc.

They are preferably cylindrical in shape or approximately cylindrical in shape.

The depth of each orifice is advantageously between <NUM> and <NUM>. A long length makes it possible to create an individual spray with a reduced cone so as to create a tubular effect with a sizeable number of orifices. A short length allows a very wide individual spray and even further enlarges the application surface of the multi-orifice diffuser.

The sum of the cross sections of the orifices in the ring is preferably chosen to be close to the surface area of the orifice in the nozzle.

With the same valve, it is possible to obtain various types of spray by choosing the number and the cross section of the orifices. Use may, for example, be made of a dispensing means according to the invention equipped with <NUM> orifices of <NUM><NUM> so as to obtain a gentle mist or a dispensing means according to the invention equipped with <NUM> orifices of <NUM><NUM> so as to obtain a powerful spray.

The orifices may be distributed in various ways. They may be equidistant on the periphery of the ring, equidistant from one another on a portion of the ring, or distributed in equidistant groups composed of several equidistant orifices.

It is possible to create a ring fully supporting the dispensing orifices which may be cylindrical. In this configuration, it is possible to produce small swirl orifices with a different design from the internal and external rings so as to allow the creation of a ring intended to create the "centre post" function at the rear.

The engaging part is preferably attached, thereby making it, and the body, easier to manufacture. Alternatively, the engaging part is moulded in one piece with the body, in particular in the case of the dispensing of a foam, it then being possible for the dispensing orifice to have a larger cross section than in the case of the spraying of a spray.

The space formed between the body and the engaging part is supplied by at least one supply duct, the section of which is preferably greater than that of the dispensing orifice, thereby making it easier to fill this space before the product emerges through the dispensing orifice.

A product dispensing chamber may advantageously be formed, between the engaging part and the body, upstream of the dispensing orifice. This can make the emission of a homogeneous spray, in particular, easier.

The supply duct for the product may open into this chamber, which preferably has an annular shape. Its width, which corresponds to the gap between the engaging part and the body, is preferably greater than the maximum width of the passage, via which the dispensing chamber communicates with the dispensing orifice.

At least one of the body and the engaging part, preferably the body, may have at least one relief for centring the engaging part in relation to the body, and preferably at least ten, better still at least twenty, and even better still at least forty reliefs. These reliefs may extend as far as the edge of the part in which they are produced so as to generate a multitude of orifices via which jets of product exit, the centring reliefs being oriented in particular parallel to the dispensing axis or obliquely in the same circumferential direction around the axis, and optionally also being able to define, between one another, sectional narrowings that cause the jet of product to be accelerated. This or these reliefs are preferably located set back from the dispensing orifice when it is desired to generate a spray in the form of a single jet. The reliefs can be produced on the body, being for example in the form of axial ribs that are distributed regularly around the entire surface of the body opposite the engaging part.

The centring reliefs may optionally ensure alone that the engaging part is held on the body. Alternatively, the engaging part is fixed to the body somewhere other than in the region of the centring reliefs, it being possible in this case for the centring reliefs to have or not have a function of holding the engaging part on the body.

Preferably, the engaging part is fixed in relation to the body. Alternatively, the engaging part is fixed in an adjustable manner in relation to the body, in order for example to allow the user to adjust the width of the dispensing orifice or to close the latter when not in use, for example by screwing it through a quarter turn, this screwing being accompanied by an axial movement of the engaging part in relation to the body.

The engaging part may be flush with the front end of the body so as to generate a spray with an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the engaging part.

The engaging part may extend axially beyond the front end of the body by an amount between <NUM> and <NUM>, better still between <NUM> and <NUM>. The spray may then diverge towards the axis of the engaging part.

The engaging part may be axially set back from the front end of the body by an amount between <NUM> and <NUM>, better still between <NUM> and <NUM>. The spray may then converge towards the axis of the engaging part.

The invention makes it possible to easily produce, if desired, a dispensing orifice having a circular internal contour. The inside diameter of the passage formed through the dispensing means is for example greater than or equal to <NUM>, better still greater than or equal to <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. When the passage does not have a circular section, the "inside diameter" denotes the diameter of the largest circle inscribed in this passage.

The dispensing means may comprise at least two housings and two engaging parts that are disposed in the housings and each define with the body, at rest, a dispensing orifice according to the invention. The dispensing axes may then be parallel or not parallel, intersecting or not intersecting, for example may converge towards one another.

The dispensing orifice may have, in axial half-section, an axis that converges or diverges in relation to the spraying direction.

The invention also relates to an aerosol device comprising:.

The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in which:.

In the drawing, the actual respective proportions of the various constituent elements have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

The dispensing means <NUM> shown in <FIG> is intended to be fitted on a container (not shown) provided with a hollow valve rod or hollow pump rod, through which the product to be dispensed that is contained in the container is conveyed towards the dispensing means <NUM>.

The container may in particular be a pressurized container of the aerosol can type, containing a propellant gas such as compressed air, for example, or a liquefied gas.

The container may be provided with a valve and the valve may be opened for example by pressing the hollow rod or alternatively by tilting the latter. When the container is provided with a pump, the pump may be actuated for example by pressing the hollow rod along its longitudinal axis.

The dispensing means <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> which may be produced in an integral manner by moulding a single part or may comprise a plurality of elements produced separately and joined together.

The dispensing means <NUM> may comprise, as can be seen in <FIG>, a housing <NUM> intended to engage with the hollow rod in order to allow the product delivered through the latter to reach a supply duct <NUM> which opens into a housing <NUM> in the body <NUM>. The housing <NUM> has a size adapted to the outside diameter of the rod, so as to obtain a sealed fit of the rod in the housing <NUM>, in order that the product delivered through the rod passes entirely into the supply duct <NUM>. The latter is for example coaxial with the rod of the container but could be oriented in some other way and have for example a plurality of differently oriented portions.

An engaging part <NUM>, called core in the following text when it is inside the body, is fixed in the housing <NUM> and defines for example with the body <NUM> a dispensing orifice <NUM> having an annular cross section, as illustrated.

The expression "annular cross section" should be understood within the meaning of the present invention as meaning any cross section that follows a closed contour, whether this contour is circular, elliptical, polygonal or some other shape.

Passing axially through the core <NUM> is an opening <NUM>, the inside diameter D of which may be relatively large, for example greater than or equal to <NUM>, better still <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> helps to give the dispensing means a particularly aesthetic appearance. In addition, the opening <NUM> can allow air to flow through the dispensing means under the entrainment effect of a spray emitted through the dispensing orifice <NUM>. This can help to increase the range of the spray and can increase the freshness effect provided thereby, if need be.

The opening <NUM> may also allow a finger or a lock of hair to be inserted through the dispensing means, and this can make it possible to apply a product in a single movement over the entire circumference of the element inserted through the dispensing means. This can be an advantage for applying for example an antiseptic or care product to a finger or for treating a lock of hair.

The dispensing axis Z may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the container on which the dispensing means is fitted, as illustrated.

The dispensing means <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> which defines a surface <NUM> on which the user can press in order to bring about dispensing.

The bottom of the base <NUM> can be extended by an enclosing skirt <NUM> which covers the upper part of the container.

The housing <NUM> which receives the core <NUM> is defined by a crown <NUM> of axis Z, the lower side of which is joined to the base <NUM>. The supply duct <NUM> passes through the base <NUM> and leads into the housing <NUM> at a distance from the axial ends, along the axis Z, of the crown <NUM>, being preferably closer to the rear end 94a than to the front end 94b, as can be seen in <FIG>.

The body <NUM> may have, as illustrated, a shoulder <NUM> close to the rear end 94a, against which the core <NUM> can come into axial abutment, if need be, at the end of its fitting.

The core <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may have annular surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, in sealed contact, in order to close the space formed between the core <NUM> and the body <NUM> at the rear of the supply duct <NUM>.

Preferably, the circumferential width I of the dispensing orifice <NUM>, around the spraying direction Z, is constant. If this width I varies, for example so as to take into account the possibly non-uniform pressure drop experienced by the flow of product upstream of the dispensing orifice <NUM>, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention. This non-uniform pressure drop results for example from the geometry of the space between the core and the body, in particular the presence of angles or intersections. By varying the width I, it is possible to ensure that the product can emerge more easily at the point where this pressure drop is greatest, if a spray which is as homogeneous as possible is desired.

The width I of the dispensing orifice is for example between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The core <NUM> can be fixed to the body <NUM> in various ways. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the core <NUM> is retained on the body <NUM> by friction.

In the example illustrated, the core <NUM> is produced separately from the body <NUM> and is attached to the latter. The core <NUM> can be produced from the same thermoplastic material as the body <NUM> or alternatively from a different thermoplastic material. It is also possible to use a metal material to produce the core <NUM>.

Axial ribs <NUM> are formed on the internal circumference of the housing <NUM>, as can be seen in particular in <FIG> and <FIG>, in order to centre the core <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The centring reliefs <NUM> may be, as illustrated in <FIG>, parallel or oblique in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis Z, or curved. Each relief <NUM> may have, when seen in a top view, a contour that is polygonal, in particular rectangular or trapezoidal, or that has a shape that is flared in the direction of the dispensing edge. Two centring reliefs <NUM> may define, between one another, a narrowing <NUM> in the vicinity of the dispensing orifice so as to accelerate the fluid via the Venturi effect. The number of centring reliefs <NUM> is preferably at least <NUM>, better still <NUM>, even better still <NUM>.

The space <NUM> formed between the core <NUM> and the body <NUM> may have the configuration illustrated schematically in <FIG>, and open onto the dispensing orifice <NUM> by way of an annular terminal portion 22c formed between two surfaces 3a and 10a which are in the form of cylinders of revolution about the axis Z.

The terminal wall 22c is attached to a proximal portion 22a by way of an inclined intermediate portion 22b formed between opposite surfaces 3b and 10b.

The centring reliefs <NUM> extend in the proximal portion 22a. The latter is supplied with product via the dispensing chamber 22d.

When the user actuates the dispensing means <NUM>, the product passes through the supply duct <NUM> into the space <NUM> between the core <NUM> and the body <NUM> and can be delivered in the form of a spray through the dispensing orifice <NUM>.

In the example in <FIG>, the spray is continuous angularly around the dispensing axis on account of the absence of contact between the core <NUM> and the body <NUM> in the region of the dispensing orifice <NUM>. Specifically, the bearing region or regions between the core <NUM> and the body <NUM> are for example located, as illustrated, set back from the dispensing orifice <NUM> by a distance (measured along the dispensing axis Z) of at least <NUM>.

The spray may be discontinuous angularly around the dispensing axis on account of the presence, in particular at the reliefs <NUM>, of contact between the core <NUM> and the body <NUM> where the product emerges.

Preferably, the cross section of the supply duct <NUM> is greater than the section of the dispensing orifice <NUM> so as to allow the space located upstream of the dispensing orifice to be filled rapidly with the product, this being able to help to form a homogeneous spray right from the start of spraying.

The dispensing chamber 22d formed upstream of the space 22a in which the centring reliefs <NUM> extend receives the product delivered through the supply duct <NUM>.

The width ω of the dispensing chamber 22d is greater than that I of the terminal portion 22c which opens onto the dispensing orifice <NUM>.

The dispensing chamber 22d improves the dispensing of the product before the latter reaches the narrower portions of the passage through which the product is evacuated.

<FIG> illustrate different other examples of possible configurations for the space <NUM> formed between the core <NUM> and the body <NUM> for the product to flow to the dispensing orifice.

In the example in <FIG>, the space <NUM> formed between the core and the body comprises a proximal portion 22a in which the reliefs <NUM> for centring the core <NUM> in relation to the body <NUM> extend, extended by an intermediate portion 22b which forms an angle with the spraying direction Z, for example a re-entrant angle. This intermediate portion 22b can be attached to a terminal portion 22c, which opens onto the dispensing orifice <NUM>, this terminal portion being defined for example, as illustrated, between two surfaces 3a and 10a, in the form of cylinders of revolution, parallel to the dispensing direction Z. The variant in <FIG> does not have a dispensing chamber.

In the variant in <FIG>, the terminal portion 22c communicates directly with that portion 22a in which the centring reliefs <NUM> extend. The terminal portion 22c forms, for example, an angle with the dispensing direction Z. Thus, in axial half section, the axis Z1 of the orifice <NUM> is for example convergent, as illustrated.

In the variant in <FIG>, the engaging part <NUM> is outside the body <NUM>. The engaging part <NUM> is fixed to the body <NUM> so as to form with the latter the dispensing chamber 22d, facing the supply duct <NUM>. The portions 22a, 22b and 22c allow the product to be conveyed to the dispensing orifice <NUM>.

The supply duct <NUM> opens for example into the dispensing chamber 22d via a portion oriented parallel to the dispensing axis Z.

Centring reliefs <NUM> are produced for example on the body <NUM>. The engaging part <NUM> can be produced, as illustrated, with an annular lip <NUM> which partially delimits the dispensing chamber 22d and makes it possible to form a narrowing <NUM> of the section between the chamber 22d and the portion 22a.

<FIG> illustrates the possibility of having an angle which is divergent between the axis Z2, in axial half-section, of the orifice <NUM> and the dispensing axis.

In the variant in <FIG>, the possibility of having no angle between the dispensing axis and the axis Z of the engaging part <NUM> is illustrated. The supply duct <NUM> opens for example onto a dispensing chamber 22d. The product is conveyed towards the dispensing orifice <NUM> via ducts <NUM> comprising the reliefs <NUM>. The reliefs <NUM> extend as far as the edge of the dispensing orifice <NUM> and define a plurality of orifices allowing the product to be delivered in the form of a plurality of jets.

The invention is not limited to a dispensing head comprising only one dispensing orifice <NUM> produced in accordance with the invention.

By way of example, <FIG> illustrates a dispensing head <NUM> which comprises two dispensing orifices <NUM>.

When there are a plurality of dispensing orifices, these may be distributed in multiple ways on the dispensing means. For example, the spraying axes are parallel, or form an angle, in that, for example, they intersect.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the possibility for the dispensing means to have a plurality of dispensing orifices <NUM> formed entirely in the core <NUM> in order to dispense the product in the form of a plurality of jets for example. The dispensing orifices <NUM> may have many shapes when observed along their transverse axis, especially being circular or triangular, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The dispensing orifices <NUM> may be drilled into the core <NUM>, for example by laser drilling.

The core <NUM> may have a U-shaped axial half-section, as illustrated in <FIG>. The body <NUM> may comprise two concentric mounting skirts <NUM> which define between them a space for mounting the core <NUM>, and may comprise, at its centre, a crown <NUM> serving to support the engaging part <NUM>. The skirts <NUM> define, with the crown <NUM>, two annular ducts <NUM> into which the arms of the U fit. The crown <NUM> may have, for each orifice <NUM>, two ducts <NUM> for supplying liquid to this orifice <NUM>.

During mounting, as illustrated in <FIG>, the core <NUM> may bear against the protrusion <NUM>, the end face <NUM> of the crown <NUM> being in contact with the internal face <NUM> of the core <NUM>. The arms of the U of the core <NUM> are fixed in the ducts <NUM>, the internal face <NUM> of the mounting skirts <NUM> being in contact with the face <NUM> of the core <NUM>. The internal faces <NUM> of the arms of the U and the lateral surfaces <NUM> of the crown <NUM> may define, between one another, the ducts <NUM> for supplying liquid to the dispensing orifice <NUM>. The crown <NUM> may have, especially in the form of impressions, on its outer face <NUM>, supply ducts <NUM> allowing the liquid to pass from the supply ducts <NUM> to the dispensing orifice <NUM>.

The core <NUM> may extend, as illustrated in <FIG>, forwards relative to the body <NUM> by an amount between <NUM> and <NUM>, better still between <NUM> and <NUM>. The spray can then be divergent.

If an additional dispensing orifice is provided, for example by attaching inside the core <NUM> a second core <NUM> which defines with the first core <NUM> a second dispensing orifice <NUM> which is coaxial with the first dispensing orifice, as illustrated in <FIG>, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention. A passage <NUM> continues to be formed through the dispensing means.

The dispensing orifice may be supplied with more than one product.

The dispensing means may be supplied with two products which are dispensed through separate dispensing orifices.

It is possible for the axis Z not to be perpendicular to the axis of the rod of the container on which the dispensing means is fitted, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this example, the axis Z is oriented upward when the container is vertical with the dispensing means at the top.

The supply duct <NUM> can be oriented substantially parallel to the dispensing axis Z, at least in the case of the portion which opens out facing the engaging part <NUM>. The latter may be produced with an annular lip <NUM> which defines a narrowing of the section <NUM>.

The configuration may be similar to that in <FIG> apart from the fact that the engaging part <NUM> is outside the body <NUM> in the example in <FIG> and inside it in the example in <FIG>.

The dispensing means may be arranged so as to allow a protective cap to be fitted and to comprise, if need be, an on/off system that makes it possible to prevent the actuation of the device when the dispensing means is in a certain position with respect to the container or when a locking element of the dispensing means is in a certain position in relation to the latter.

In variants which are not illustrated, the dispensing orifice is formed between a body and an engaging part, the body being radially on the inside with respect to the engaging part, the supply duct for the product passing through the body. All of the features described with reference to the figures can be found in variants in which the body is radially on the inside with respect to the engaging part.

The example that follows serves to illustrate the invention.

In the examples that follow, all the amounts are indicated as weight percentage of product as active materials relative to the total weight of the composition.

The following compositions were prepared from the compounds indicated in the table below.

The aerosol device according to the invention, shown in <FIG>, was used to package the compositions above. It comprises the following characteristics:.

The compositions were sprayed onto a head of hair. A wide and vaporous diffusion is obtained which allows an extremely fine and light deposit, uniformly distributed over the head of hair.

Claim 1:
Aerosol device comprising:
- a container containing:
- one or more propellants, and
- a composition comprising one or more sebum-absorbing powders with a sebum uptake of greater than or equal to <NUM>/<NUM>,
it being possible for the propellant(s) to be present in the composition or, in the container, separate from the composition,
when the propellant(s) are present in the composition, the sebum absorbent powder(s) are present in an amount ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition,
- a means for dispensing said composition comprising:
- a body (<NUM>) that is open at its two opposite axial ends,
- an engaging part (<NUM>) that is open at its two opposite axial ends, at least partially defining a dispensing orifice (<NUM>),
it being understood that:
- the dispensing orifice (<NUM>) is defined between the engaging part (<NUM>) and the body (<NUM>);
- the dispensing orifice (<NUM>) has axial symmetry; and
- the engaging part (<NUM>) at least partially defines a plurality of dispensing orifices (<NUM>);
- the term "sebum uptake" corresponds to the amount of sebum absorbed and/or adsorbed by the powder, expressed in ml of sebum per <NUM> of powder and measured using the method for determining the oil uptake of powder described in standard NF T <NUM>-<NUM>.