Description

The present invention relates to a system and a method for applying a product onto the skin of the human body.

It is common use today, especially when lying in the open air such as on the beach, at the lake, in the mountains or near a swimming pool, to apply onto the human skin, preferably onto the whole of it, cosmetic products designed to protect it from the damaging effects of sunlight exposure (sun protection lotions) or to moisturize it (moisturizing or after-sun lotions) or to promote the tanning thereof (melanin-stimulating lotions). This operation involving the application of the cosmetic products typically occurs manually.

The Applicant has observed that generally such manual application operation is considered by the user as annoying and/or tiring and/or boring, e.g. since it is necessary to rub the products with one's hands onto the whole skin, even in areas difficult to reach (e.g. the should blade area on the back), leaving the hands smeared with the cosmetic product. Moreover, the Applicant has observed that also the product itself has to be treated with care when buying it or carrying it to the place of use, and that it may have aged and lost its original cosmetic power when it has to be applied. Another drawback of known systems is the reservoir containing the product to be applied: this reservoir can have a complex structure and/or be expensive and/or be subject to obstruction phenomena and/or malfunction and/or require costly maintenance operations.

One of the aims of the present invention consists in providing a system and a method for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of the human body, which can obviate one or more the drawbacks mentioned here.

This aim and others that may better result from the following description are basically achieved by a system or device for applying a cosmetic product on the skin of the human body, and by a method for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of the human body according to one or more of the appended claims (which correspond to different aspects of the invention), and according to the following aspects and embodiments, variously combined one with the other and with the aforesaid claims.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of the human body, comprising a product loading station and a product delivery station, the loading station comprising a product discharge device and the delivery station comprising a plurality of nozzles for releasing into the outer environment the product discharged by the discharge device, the system for applying comprising a hydraulic duct which connects the discharge device to the nozzles. In one aspect, the discharge device is configured to deliver through the nozzles a given amount of product contained in a single-dose reservoir.

In the range of the present invention, the term "single-dose" means containing an amount of product corresponding to the amount required for the application onto one single user.

In one aspect, the delivery station comprises a platform configured to support a user of the system, and at least one upright associated with said platform and comprising said nozzles arranged in a row along the upright and configured to spray the product in aerosol form, the plurality of nozzles being arranged so as to deliver the product in a delivery space above the platform, said delivery space being in the open air.

In the framework of the present invention, "in the open air" basically means without a cabin or an enclosure surrounding it, so that the user is not enclosed in a confined space but lies "in the open air".

In one aspect, said at least one upright has a tubular shape and/or develops basically as a vertical arch.

In one aspect, the delivery station comprises a platform configured to support a user of the system, and a cabin lying above said platform and comprising said nozzles arranged in various positions on one or more inner walls of said cabin and configured to spray the product in aerosol form, the plurality of nozzles being arranged so as to deliver the product in a delivery space above the platform, said delivery space being inside said cabin.

In one aspect, the system is destined to receive at least one single-dose cartridge for said product, said cartridge being able to be removably associated with the loading station so that the product contained therein can be transferred - with said cartridge being associated with the loading station - to said discharge device, the discharge device comprising at least one compression element configured to pressurize the product and send it through the duct as far as the nozzles.

In one aspect, said cartridge has a capacity of 50 ml or above, preferably 100 ml, and of 300 ml or below, preferably 200 ml. _ The Applicant thinks that the use of the aforesaid cartridge advantageously enables to have a removable reservoir containing the exact amount of product to be delivered in an application cycle on the skin of a human body. Stated like this, the cartridge is a disposable reservoir which is associated with the system for the application and then is removed and replaced with a new cartridge for next product application. Thus, no "fixed" reservoir is required in the system: at every cycle the cartridge contains the product to be delivered and the loading station autonomously takes the product from the cartridge and releases it by means of the delivery station. This advantageously enables - by selecting a suitable cartridge - to apply a specific product without leaving residues in the system, which might be unwontedly delivered during next treatment; moreover, the application of a specific product does not affect in any way the following applications since there is no fixed reservoir that might required emptying, topping-up, cleaning and/or maintenance operations.

More to the point, the use of capsules enables to have on application a known amount of product having specific features and not subject to property degradation, due e.g. to a long time spent in the system; in other words, the product can be associated with the system when desired for the use thereof. Moreover, the use of easily interchangeable, single-dose cartridges makes a large variety of products to be applied available to the user, which variety cannot be achieved using fixed reservoirs and/or known systems.

In one aspect, the loading station comprises a loading unit operatively connected to said discharge device by means of a suction duct, said loading unit being equipped with a loading seat structured to receive said cartridge and to put the product contained in said cartridge in fluid communication with said suction duct and by means of the latter with the discharge device. In one aspect, said loading unit is associated - preferably unremovably - with said upright, preferably in an intermediate position between a lower end of the upright, associated with said platform, and an upper end of the upright. In one aspect, said suction duct is placed inside said upright. In one aspect, said cartridge comprises an inner volume apt to contain said product, and an opening for letting the product out, said opening being able to be selectively opened by means of a cap or a membrane.

In one aspect, said seat comprises a coupling element configured to receive said cartridge and to put said cartridge opening in communication with said suction duct, said coupling element preferably matching with said cartridge opening so that such opening is wrapped inside or outside said coupling element, said coupling element preferably comprising a collecting element designed to be inserted into the inner volume of the cartridge through said opening.

In one aspect, said coupling element is configured to keep said cartridge stably and at the same time removably connected to it after said cartridge has been inserted into said seat, said insertion preferably causing a coupling pressure between said cartridge, preferably between said inner volume of the cartridge, and said coupling element or said hydraulic (or discharge) duct.

In one aspect, the compression element is configured to suck the product out of said cartridge when the latter is inserted into said seat, and comprises a cylinder including a compartment and a piston sliding in the compartment and hermetically separating the compartment into a first and a second half-compartment with variable volume and complementary to one another, the first half- compartment being designed to contain the product contained in said cartridge and the second half-compartment being filled with air, the second half-compartment being in communication with the outer environment by means of an air valve, wherein the cylinder comprises an electric actuator for actuating the piston.

In one aspect, the discharge device comprises a hydraulic circuit for the product comprising a three-way fitting, a first branch connecting the cartridge to a first fitting mouth, a second branch connecting a second mouth of the three-way fitting to the first half-compartment of the cylinder, and a third branch connecting a third mouth of the three-way fitting to the aforesaid duct. In one aspect, said first branch corresponds to said suction duct connected to said seat of said loading unit. In one aspect, the first and/or the third branch comprise each a respective valve arranged so as to let the product along the respective branch selectively in the direction from the cartridge to the three-way fitting and from the three-way fitting to the duct, respectively. In one aspect, said respective valve is one-way hydraulic valve or a solenoid valve.

In one aspect, said platform comprises an inner chamber structured to house said discharge device so that it is contained - preferably completely - inside said chamber and/or wherein said hydraulic duct (6) is placed inside said platform and said upright. In one aspect, said chamber is provided with a first access for the passage - from inside to outside the chamber - of said first branch of the hydraulic circuit, and with a second access for the passage - from inside to outside the chamber - of said third branch of the hydraulic circuit.

In one aspect, said first and second access are placed on a lower end of said upright associated with said platform, so that said first and third branch of the hydraulic circuit getting out of said first and second access, respectively, are introduced into the upright to reach said cartridge and said hydraulic duct connected the discharge device to the nozzles, respectively. In one aspect, the system comprises a set of said cartridges, each comprising a respective amount of product with a respective chemical, preferably homogeneous composition. In one aspect, the electronic control unit is configured and programmed - basically immediately after the step of moving the piston forward in the compartment, to repeat the two aforesaid operation of ordering the backward and forward movement of the piston with empty reservoir.

In one aspect, the loading station comprises a photovoltaic panel, preferably mounted above said upright, and a low-voltage supply battery connected to the photovoltaic panel for charging and electrically connected to the discharge device. The presence of a photovoltaic panel advantageously enables to supply the whole system and to avoid the need to connect the system to the power supply network; moreover, the panel - especially if placed above the upright - can acts as a shading element casting a shade over the user standing on the platform.

In one aspect, the system comprises moving means configured and arranged to enable the displacement of the whole system, said moving means preferably comprising at least one wheel associated with said platform and apt to enable at least a translation of the platform on a resting surface of the system. The moving means advantageously enable to easily shift the whole system, both in order to lay it in the place identified for the use thereof and in order to lodge it inside a building or storage area or other structure. The possibility of placing the system in a sheltered place, e.g. in a closed space, enables to prevent a long exposure thereof to weather, enables a swift lodging e.g. in case of bad weather and enables to place the system in a safe and protected place at night; the latter advantage is particularly relevant if the system has to be used on a beach or a bathing establishment. In one aspect, said moving means comprise a pair of wheels, preferably placed on the same side of said platform and on opposite sides with respect to said upright, said pair of wheels enabling the manual transport of the system by lifting the platform up pivoting on said upright, so that the platform is rotated with respect to the horizontal and resting only onto said pair of wheels, and then by handling the system by pulling the upright and subsequently shifting the platform on the pair of wheels.

In one aspect, the system comprises means for delivering a water flow, said delivery means preferably comprising at least one shower head. It is thus possible to integrate another function into the system designed to apply a cosmetic product onto the skin of a human body, i.e. the user of the system can wash or refresh with the aforesaid shower, e.g. before applying the product onto his/her skin.

In one aspect, said shower head is mounted above said upright and said delivery means comprise one or more ducts for supplying the shower head with water, e.g. a first duct for hot waster and a second duct for cold water, said one or more ducts being preferably placed inside said upright and/or said platform.

In one aspect, said delivery means preferably comprise a mixer tap configured to mix water from said one or more ducts and supply said shower head with a mixed water flow, said mixer tap being preferably associated with said loading unit. In one aspect, the system is characterized by a maximum overall width and/or length below 1.2 m or below 1 m or below 0.8 m, said maximum overall width being preferably the width of the platform and said maximum overall length being preferably the length of the platform, and/or having a maximum height, preferably calculated as the maximum height of said upright from a lower surface of said platform, below 2.5 m or below 2 m or below 1.5 m. The system can thus be easily lodged inside a building, since it can get through a conventional door of such building without problems.

In one aspect, said compression element is configured to pressurize the product to be delivered through said nozzles to a pressure of at least 4 bars or at least 8 bars or at least 12 bars. Thus, advantageously, it is not necessary to provide any cabin for delimiting said delivery space, since the delivery pressure is sufficient to effectively direct the cosmetic product onto the skin of the person using the system, thus preventing the product to be dispersed at a distance from the user. This advantageously enables to use the system in the open air; in other words, the delivery space is an air volume around the system - in particular above the platform and/or around and/or beside the upright - which is open to the outer environment.

In one aspect, the discharge device comprises a product reservoir having a capacity of 50 ml or above, preferably 100 ml, and/or of 1,000 ml or below, preferably 500 ml, still more preferably 300 ml. Such a limited capacity makes it advantageously possible, at the end of every single product application, to change the type of product using the same hydraulic circuit for delivery. In one aspect, the discharge device comprises a compression element configured to suck the product from the reservoir and pressurize the product so as to send it along the duct to the nozzles. Thus, advantageously, the reservoir can be filled by the user by gravity without complex solutions.

In one aspect, the compression element comprises a cylinder comprising a compartment and a piston sliding in the compartment and hermetically separating the compartment into a first and a second half-compartment with variable volume and complementary to one another, the first half- compartment being designed to contain the product and the second half-compartment being filled with air.

In one aspect, the second half-compartment is in communication with the outer environment by means of an air valve.

In one aspect, the discharge device comprises a hydraulic circuit for the product comprising a three-way fitting, a first branch connecting the reservoir (preferably the reservoir bottom) to a first fitting mouth, a second branch connecting a second mouth of the three-way fitting to the first half- compartment of the cylinder, and a third branch connecting a third mouth of the three-way fitting to the aforesaid duct. Preferably, the first and/or the third branch comprise/s a respective one-way valve arranged so as to let the product along the respective branch only in the direction from the reservoir to the three-way fitting and from the three-way fitting to the duct, respectively.

In one aspect, the cylinder comprises an actuator for actuating the piston, preferably the actuator is electric. Advantageously, the aforesaid solution is structurally simple, functional and with minimum energy requirements. In one aspect, the loading station comprises a column with a vertical development, in which said product discharge device is housed. In one aspect, said reservoir has an upper loading mouth which can be accessed from outside the column, Thus the user can autono- mously and easily load the product, also thanks to the aforesaid discharge device sucking the product from the reservoir. In one aspect, the loading station comprises an electronic control unit 90 configured and programmed to control the discharge device. In one aspect, the loading station (e.g. the column) comprises a start button (preferably without current) for sending a start signal to the control unit.

In one aspect, the electronic control unit 90 is configured and programmed to: upon receiving of the start signal, control the cylinder actuator so as to shift the piston backward in the compartment as far as a first stroke end (during the backward shift the volume of the first half-compartment increases); then, control the cylinder actuator so as to shift the piston forward in the compartment as far as a second stroke end opposite the first one; immediately after, repeat the two aforesaid operations to shift the piston backward and forward. Advantageously, thus the discharge device, after supplying the nozzles with the product, sucks from the reservoir an air volume and supplies the hydraulic circuit and the duct as far as the nozzles with the volume of compressed air so as to remove product residues. It is thus possible to use one after another different types of products without the need for a dedicated hydraulic circuit.

In one aspect, the loading station comprises a photovoltaic panel, preferably placed on top of the column and electrically connected to electronic control unit and/or to the discharge device, preferably to the compression element, e.g. the piston actuator.

In one aspect, the loading station comprises (e.g. housed inside the column) a supply battery (preferably a 12 V battery) for the electronic control unit and/or the discharge device (e.g. the cylinder actuator), preferably connected to the photovoltaic panel for charging.

In one aspect, the delivery station comprises a platform configured to support a user of the system, the plurality of nozzles being arranged so as to release the product in a delivery space above the platform. In one aspect, the nozzles are configured to spray the product in aerosol form. In one aspect, the nozzles are located along the duct. In one aspect, the distance between the loading sta- tion and the delivery station (and therefore the minimum duct length) is of 1.5 m or above, preferably of 2 m or above. It is thus avoided that during product delivery the user might come in contact with the electric supply of the system, which is present in the loading station only. In one aspect, the delivery station comprises at least one upright basically developing in vertical direction and comprising the nozzles placed one after the other along the upright. Preferably, the upright is shaped as a vertical arch (thus favoring product application onto feet and face).

In one aspect, the system for applying comprises a container, preferably refrigerated at a temperature of 20°C or below, more preferably of 16°C or below and/or of 10°C or above, containing a plurality of product bottles, preferably single-dose bottles (e.g. with a volume of 250 ml or below, preferably of 200 ml or below). Advantageously, the product is thus delivered at a temperature typically below ambient temperature, giving the user a cool feeling. Optionally, the plurality of bottles contains a plurality of bottle sub-sets to which corresponds a plurality of different cosmetic products (e.g. sun protection products, moisturizing products, after-sun products, melanin-stimulating products, etc.), all the bottles of every sub-set containing a respective products among such plurality of products.

In an independent aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of the human body, comprising the following steps:

- providing the system for applying according to any one of the aspects and/or of the claims;

- providing a given amount of product contained in a single-dose reservoir;

- transferring the content of the single-dose reservoir into the discharge device;

- actuating the discharge device so as to deliver the cosmetic product from the nozzles into a delivery space;

- arranging the human body in the delivery space for the application of the cosmetic product onto the skin. In one aspect, said delivery space lies in the open air.

In one aspect, in the step of providing a given amount of product, said single-dose reservoir is a single-dose cartridge for said product, and such step of providing a given amount of product comprises the step of removably associating said cartridge with the loading station so that the product contained therein can be transferred - with the cartridge being associated with the loading station - to said discharge device. In one aspect, the step of transferring the content of the reservoir takes place by suction of the product contained in the cartridge by means of said compression element. In one aspect, said cartridge has a capacity of 50 ml or above, preferably 100 ml, and of 300 ml or below, preferably 200 ml.

In one aspect, in said step of transferring the content of the single-dose reservoir into the discharge device, said discharge device receive all the product contained in said cartridge only, and in said step of actuating the discharge device, the nozzles deliver all the said product contained in the cartridge. In one aspect, said steps of providing a given amount of product contained in a single-dose reservoir, of transferring the content of the reservoir and of actuating the discharge device so as to deliver the cosmetic product from the nozzles into a delivery space, perform a product application cycle upon receiving a product cartridge, being it possible to repeat such steps so as to perform a subsequent application cycle only after removing the used cartridge and receiving another product cartridge replacing the one previously used. In one aspect, said cartridge comprises an amount, preferably with a homogeneous composition, of a cosmetic product such as a sun protection product, having a given sun protection factor value, and/or a moisturizing product and/or an after-sun product and/or a melanin-stimulating product, and/or wherein said cartridge has a temperature of 20°C or below, or of 16°C or below and/or of 10°C or above, upon insertion into said loading unit. In one aspect, in said step of providing a given amount of product contained in a single-dose reservoir, said cartridge is inserted into said seat of said loading unit so as to put the product contained in the cartridge in fluid communication with said suction duct and through the latter with the discharge device, in order to perform said step of transferring the reservoir content.

In one aspect, the method comprises the following steps: - providing a refrigerated container (40) containing a plurality of said single-dose cartridges;

- taking a single-dose cartridge of cosmetic product out of the container and introducing it into said seat of said loading unit.

In one aspect, the method comprises the following steps: after pouring out the bottle content, actuating the start button which sends a start signal to the control unit; upon receiving of the start signal, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston backward in the compartment and thus suck the product out of the reservoir into the first half-compartment; then, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston forward in the compartment and push the product out of the first half-compartment as far as the nozzles.

In one aspect, basically immediately after pushing the product out of the first half-compartment, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston backward in the compartment and thus suck air out of the reservoir into the first half-compartment; then, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston forward in the compartment and push air out of the first half-compartment as far as the nozzles and thus remove product residues from the reservoir, from the hydraulic circuit, from the compartment, from the duct and from the nozzles. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of the human body, comprising the steps of:

- providing the system for applying according to any one of the aspects of the present invention and including said bottle container; - taking a single-dose bottle of the cosmetic product out of the container, preferably at a temperature of 20°C or below; - pouring the bottle content into the reservoir of the aforesaid system; - actuating the discharge device so as to release the cosmetic product from the nozzles into a delivery space; - arranging the human body in the delivery space for the application of the cosmetic product onto the skin.

In one aspect, the method comprises the following steps: after pouring out the bottle content, actuating the start button which sends a start signal to the control unit; upon receiving of the start sig- nal, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston backward in the compartment and thus suck the product out of the reservoir into the first half-compartment; then, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston forward in the compartment and push the product out of the first half-compartment as far as the nozzles. In one aspect, (basically) immediately after pushing the product out of the first half-compartment, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston backward in the compartment and thus suck air out of the reservoir into the first half-compartment; then, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston forward in the compartment and push air out of the first half-compartment as far as the nozzles and thus remove product residues from the reservoir, from the hydraulic circuit, from the compartment, from the duct and from the nozzles. Thus, the system advantageously undergoes self-cleaning with little or no intervention by an operator.

In one aspect, the method is performed in the open air in a bathing establishment or near a swimming pool.

The Applicant thinks that the solution of the present invention, in one or more of its aspects, avoids the need for a connection of the system to the power supply and/or water supply network, thus making the system easy to install even in places with high safety requirements and/or difficult accessibility (such as beaches or swimming pools).

Further characteristics and advantages will be more apparent from the detailed description of some exemplary, though not exclusive embodiments of a system and a method for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of the human body according to the present invention. Such description will be disclosed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided to a merely indicative and therefore non-limiting purpose, wherein:

- Figure 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary system for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of the human body according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary discharge device for a cosmetic product according to the present invention;

- Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a system for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of a human body according to the present invention;

- Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the system of Figure 3, in particular of the loading unit of the system;

- Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of another detail of the system of Figure 3, in particular of the loading unit shown in Figure 4;

- Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the discharge device of a system for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of a human body according to the present invention;

- Figure 7 is a side view of the discharge device of Figure 6;

- Figures 8 and 9 are two schematic perspective views of two other possible embodiments of a system for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of a human body according to the present invention.

Referring to the accompanying figures, a system for applying a cosmetic product onto the skin of the human body according to the present invention is globally referred to with the numeral 1. Preferably, the system is installed in the open air in a bathing establishment or near a swimming pool. The system 1 comprises a loading station 2 for the product and a delivery station 3 for the product. The loading station comprises a discharge device 4 for the product. The delivery station comprises a plurality of nozzles 5 for releasing into the outer environment the product discharged by the discharge device. A hydraulic duct 6 (or discharge duct) connects the discharge device to the nozzles. Referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the discharge device preferably comprises a reservoir 7 for the product having e.g. a capacity of 300 ml.

Preferably, as schematically shown in Figure 2, the discharge device 4 comprises a compression element 8 configured to pressurize the product and send it along the duct 6 to the nozzles. Preferably, the compression element comprises a cylinder 9 comprising a compartment 10 and a piston 11 sliding in the compartment and hermetically separating the compartment into a first half- compartment 12 and a second half-compartment 13 with variable volume and complementary to one another. Preferably, the second half-compartment communicates with the outer environment by means of an air valve 14. Preferably, the discharge device comprises a hydraulic circuit 15 for the product comprising a three-way fitting 16, a first branch 17 connecting the reservoir bottom to a first fitting mouth, a second branch 18 connecting a second mouth of the three-way fitting to the first half-compartment of the cylinder, and a third branch 19 connecting a third mouth of the three-way fitting to the aforesaid duct. Preferably, the first and the third branch comprise a respective one-way valve 20 arranged so as to let the product along the respective branch only in the direction from the reservoir to the three-way fitting and from the three-way fitting to the duct, respectively. Preferably, the cylinder 9 comprises an actuator 21 for actuating the piston, preferably an electric actuator. Preferably, the loading station comprises a column 22 with a vertical development housing the product discharge device, the reservoir 7 having an upper loading mouth 23 which can be accessed from outside the column, so as to enable reservoir filling.

Preferably, the loading station comprises an electronic central unit (not shown in the figure since it is housed e.g. inside the column 22) and a start button 24 for sending a start signal to the control unit. Preferably, the loading station comprises a photovoltaic panel 25, preferably placed on top of the column and electrically connected to the electronic control unit and to the compression element 8, e.g. to the piston actuator.

Preferably, the loading station comprises a 12 V supply battery (not shown) for the electronic control unit and for the discharge device, housed in the column and connected to the photovoltaic panel for charging. The electric circuit of the loading station is not shown in the figure. Preferably, the delivery station comprises a platform 30 configured to support a system user 31, the plurality of nozzles 5 being arranged so as to release the product into a delivery space 32 above the platform. Preferably, the nozzles are configured to spray the product in aerosol form. Preferably, the nozzles are placed along an end portion of the duct 6 at the same distance one from the other.

Preferably, the delivery station 3 comprises at least one upright 33 with a development basically as a vertical arch and comprising the nozzles placed in a row along the upright.

Preferably, the system for applying comprises a container 40, preferably a refrigerator, containing a plurality of single-dose (e.g. with a volume of about 130-150 ml) product bottles (not shown).

Reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in Figures 3-9. The system 1 comprises the aforesaid loading station 2 for the product, comprising the discharge device 4, and the aforesaid delivery station 3 for the product, comprising the plurality of nozzles 5, and further comprises the hydraulic duct 6 connecting the discharge device to the nozzles. In such embodiments, the discharge device is configured to release by way of the nozzles a given amount of product contained in a single-dose reservoir, i.e. a reservoir containing an amount of product for a single application onto the skin of a user is empty - i.e. without residual product inside - at the end of the application and is removed and replaced for a new application.

As shown by way of example in Figures 3, 8 and 9, the delivery station comprises the platform 30, which supports a user 31 of the system, and the upright 33 associated with the platform. The nozzles 5 are arranged in a row along the upright and configured to spray the product in aerosol form and they are arranged so as to release the product into the delivery space 32 above the platform: such delivery space is in the open air, i.e. it is not delimited on the sides and on top by walls or by a cabin. In other words, considering the outer environment in which the system is positioned, the delivery space is a portion of such environment extending above the platform and around the upright; in the figures the upright is associated basically on the side with the platform, with the nozzles being all positioned on the same side of the upright and facing the platform. The delivery space can also be defined as the volume of environment in which the system is positioned which is reached during use by the product released by the nozzles. The shape of the system of the present invention enables to accurately limit the delivery space around the platform on which the user is standing 1

during product application, thus avoiding product spills and/or avoiding the need for physical barriers (e.g. a cabin) apt to physically delimit the delivery space. The nozzles of the present system are structured to deliver the product accurately, both as far as linear distance reached by the product with respect to the nozzle outlet and angular extension of the outlet cone of the product from the nozzle are concerned.

As shown in Figures 3, 8 and 9, the upright has a tubular shape and develops basically like a vertical arch. In a possible embodiment (not shown), the system can comprise several uprights, e.g. two opposed uprights facing each other, or four uprights on the four sides of the platform; this can enable to define a delivery space with a particular geometry, depending on the installation.

Still referring to Figures 3-9, the system is designed to receive at least one single-dose cartridge 50 of said product; in this embodiment, such cartridge represents the aforesaid single-dose reservoir. The cartridge 50 can be removably associated with the loading station 2 so that the product contained therein can be transferred - with the cartridge being associated with the loading station - to the discharge device 4. The discharge device therefore comprises the aforesaid at least one compression element 8 configured to pressurize the product and send it through the duct 6 as far as the nozzles 5. The aforesaid cartridge 50 has a capacity of 50 ml or above, preferably 100 ml, and of 300 ml or below, preferably 200 ml. By way of example, the cartridge has a capacity of 250 ml. As schematically shown in Figures 3, 8 and 9, the loading station 2 preferably comprises a loading unit 60 operatively connected to the discharge device 4 by means of a suction duct 6a. Such loading unit 60 (shown in detail in Figure 4) is equipped with a loading seat 61 structured to receive the cartridge 50 and put the product contained therein in fluid communication with the suction duct 6a and through the latter with the discharge device 4. Preferably, the loading unit 60 comprises an operating portion 64 and a mounting portion 63, preferably distinct from one another, as shown in Figure 4. The mounting portion 63 surrounds the upright 33 and connects the loading unit to the upright itself. The operating portion 64 extends on the side of the mounting portion and is connected there- to. In a possible embodiment, the loading unit 60 can be made as one box-shaped body.

As can be seen in Figures 3, 8 and 9, the loading unit 60 is associated, preferably in an unremovable manner, with a position of the upright 33 in between a lower end of the upright, associated with the platform, and an upper end of the upright. Preferably, as shown in the figures, the suction duct 6a is positioned inside the upright 33. Basically, the suction duct beings with a first end placed on the seat 61 (e.g. partially projecting from the seat itself), then goes on inside the loading unit 60 and from here gets into the upright and reaches inside it the platform below, in which it terminates with a second end connected to the first branch 17 of the hydraulic circuit 15 of the discharge device. The cartridge 50 comprises an inner volume apt to contain the cosmetic product to be delivered, and an opening for letting the product out; such opening can be selectively opened by means of a cap or a membrane. In the case of cap opening, on use the system user unscrews and removes the cap from the cartridge and inserts the latter into the seat of the loading unit. In the case of membrane opening, e.g. a silicone membrane or made of another plastic material, the seat is provided with suitable opening means, e.g. a tip, needle or another element, which are able to perforate the membrane and make the inner volume of the cartridge accessible. In this case, on use the user insert the cartridge directly into the seat, where the opening means as a result of the cartridge insertion thrust exerted by the user open the membrane, preferably in an irreversible manner (i.e. without the possibility of closing again the membrane).

As shown by way of example in Figure 5, the seat preferably comprises a coupling element 65 configured to receive the cartridge 50 and to put the cartridge opening in communication with the suction duct 6a. The coupling element preferably matches with the cartridge or the cartridge opening so that such opening is wrapped inside or outside the coupling element. Figure 5 shows three different examples of coupling element. The coupling element 65 is basically shaped as a vertical "C" and comprises two opposite faces having a corresponding passage section matching with the cross section of the cartridge. One or both faces of the element 65 can be provided with protrusions ex- tending inside the passage section and apt to interfere with the cartridge when the latter is inserted in order to keep it in place inside the seat. The coupling element 66 is shaped as a horizontal "C" and resembles a pliers keeping the cartridge in place inside the seat. The element 66 comprises a central portion and two lateral hooks facing each other; such hooks can be bent outwardly (away from each other) upon insertion of the cartridge, so as to exert an elastic force keeping the cartridge in place inside them. The coupling element 67 is basically ring-shaped and a section of the inner hole of the ring basically matches with the cartridge in order to enable the passage thereof and at the same time to keep it in place inside the seat.

In any case, the coupling element is preferably configured to keep the cartridge 50 stably and at the same time removably connected thereto after the cartridge has been inserted into the seat 61. Such insertion can advantageously give rise to a coupling pressure between the cartridge, preferably between the inner volume of the cartridge, and the coupling element or the hydraulic (or discharge) duct.

Preferably, the coupling element can comprise a collecting element 68; such collecting element can be e.g. the end portion of the suction duct 6a (or said first end of the suction duct). The collecting element or the suction duct are designed to insert into the inner volume of the cartridge through the opening in order to reach the product and suck it.

Preferably, the system comprises an actuating device configured to enable system activation and the execution of an application cycle of the cosmetic product onto the skin of a user. Preferably, the actuating device comprises a coin- or token-operated control device structured to receive a coin or a token and activate the system after such receiving. Preferably, the control device comprises an opening for inserting a coin or a token and detection means apt to detect the insertion or a coin or a token. Preferably, the control device, when the detection means detect the insertion of a correct number and/or type of coin or token, send a control signal to the aforesaid control unit 90 which actuates the discharge device and executes a product application cycle. The aforesaid coin- or token- operated control device advantageously enables to manage the use of the system simply and safely, in particular a public use and/or in uncontrolled environments; it further enables to economically manage in an efficient manner the use of the system .

Preferably, the seat can comprise at least one sensor or at least one switch apt to detect the presence of a cartridge inserted therein; such sensor or switch can be connected to the aforesaid electronic control unit 90. In use the electronic control unit can e.g. wait for the signal from the coin- or token-operated control device (which indicates the insertion of the coin or token) and the respective signal from the sensor or switch in the seat (which indicates the insertion of the capsule). Thus, the system operating cycle is correctly executed and unwanted actuations of the discharge device are avoided.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, the compression element 8 is configured to suck (by means of the suction duct 6a) the product out of the cartridge 50 - when the latter is inserted into the seat 61 - and comprises a cylinder 9 including a compartment 10 and a piston 11 sliding in the compartment and hermetically separating the compartment into a first 12 and a second 13 half- compartment with variable volume and complementary to each other. The first half-compartment is designed to contain the product contained in the cartridge and the second half-compartment is filled with air; the second half-compartment communicates with the outer environment by means of an air valve 14. Preferably, the cylinder comprises an electric actuator 21 configured to actuate the aforesaid piston. Still referring to Figures 6 and 7, the discharge device 4 comprises a hydraulic circuit 15 for the product, comprising a three-way fitting 16, a first branch 17 connecting the cartridge to a first fitting mouth, a second branch 18 connecting a second mouth of the three-way fitting to the first half-compartment of the cylinder, and a third branch 19 connecting a third mouth of the three-way fitting to the aforesaid duct 6. Preferably, the first branch 17 corresponds to the aforesaid suction duct connected to the seat 61 of the loading unit 60, or the suction duct coming from the upright flows into the first branch 17 of the discharge device 4. Preferably, the first 17 and/or the third branch 19 comprise each a respective valve 20 arranged so as to enable product passage along the respective branch selectively in the direction from the cartridge 50 to the three-way fitting and from the three-way fitting to the duct 6, respectively. The valves 20 can be hydraulic valves, preferably one-way valves, or solenoid valves. The use of solenoid valves ensures a faster and more efficient operation of the hydraulic circuit 15, avoiding even the smallest unwanted fluid (i.e. product) leakage through the valves. In a possible embodiment, the hydraulic circuit comprises at least one, e.g. only one, solenoid valve constituting the aforesaid three-way fitting. Preferably, such solenoid valve is a three-way valve and comprises a first access corresponding to said first branch, a second access corresponding to said second branch, and a third access corresponding to said third branch, the solenoid valve being configured to manage the passage of the product, both sucked and discharged, through said first, second and third access. The use of only one solenoid valve instead of two valves (or solenoid valves) on the first and third branch enables to simplify the hydraulic circuit and manage the operation thereof rapidly and efficiently. Preferably, the platform 30 comprises an inner chamber structured to house the discharge device 4 so that it is contained inside the chamber, preferably completely. Preferably, the aforesaid hydraulic duct 6 is placed inside said platform (preferably inside said platform chamber) and said upright. Preferably, the discharge device is contained in only one box-shaped body 70 (schematically shown in Figures 6 and 7) housed in the platform chamber. Preferably, the box-shaped body 70 - which can be housed in the chamber - is provided with a first access 70a for the passage - from inside to outside the box- shaped body - of the first branch 17 of the hydraulic circuit 15, and with a second access 70b for the passage - from inside to outside the box-shaped body - of the third branch 19 of the hydraulic circuit 15.

Preferably, the first 70a and the second access 70b are placed on a lower end of the upright 33, associated with the platform 30, so that the first and the third branch of the hydraulic circuit, getting out from said first and third access, respectively, are introduced into the upright 33 to reach the car- tridge 50 and the hydraulic duct 6 connecting the discharge device to the nozzles 5, respectively. Preferably, the first access 70a and the second access 70b are configured to enables the passage - from inside to outside the box-shaped body - of the suction duct 6a and of the hydraulic (or discharge) duct 6, respectively. Preferably, the system comprises a supply device A and at least one battery B (connected to the supply device A) for the operation of the system itself (in particular of the discharge device). The supply device can be connected, if desired, to the power network. The supply device (or power supply) A and the battery B can be placed inside the box-shaped body 70. Preferably, the whole system is operated with an electric voltage e.g. of 24 V.

Preferably, the aforesaid electronic control unit 90 is housed inside the box-shaped body 70. Preferably, the control unit is connected by means of suitable electrical connections to the elements of the system which require for a correct operation an interface with the control unit. Preferably, the electric control unit 90 is connected to actuator 21 (to supply it with power and/or control it) by means of a first electrical connection 90a, and/or it is connected to a solenoid valve 20 of the first branch 17 of the hydraulic circuit by means of a second electrical connection 90b, and/or it is connected to a respective solenoid valve 20 of the third branch 19 of the hydraulic circuit by means of a third electrical connection 90c, said electrical connections being wire or wireless (e.g. radio) connections.

Preferably, the box-shaped body can comprise at least a third access 70c configured to enable the passage - from inside to outside the box-shaped body - of at least one connection cable 91 connecting the electronic control unit 90 and outer means to the box-shaped body, e.g. the power supply A and/or the battery B. In a possible embodiment, the box-shaped body can comprise further accesses for the passage of other electric cables (e.g. from the coin- or token-operated control device).

Preferably, the box-shaped body comprises a first, a second and a third connector associated with said first, second and third access, respectively, said first and second connector being connectors for fluid pipes (e.g. quick couplings for pressure insertion of a fluid pipe, such as the hydraulic duct 6 and the suction duct 6a), and the third connector being an electric connection for electrical connection terminals for cables.

Preferably, said box-shaped body can be removably associated with said platform, preferably with said platform chamber, by connecting and disconnecting ducts and/or cables from said first, second and third access. This advantageously enables to execute simply and rapidly operations involving maintenance and replacement of the discharge device. As a matter of fact, the whole box-shaped body, and thus the whole discharge device, can be completely removed from the system (in particular from the platform) without acting upon other parts of the system. In other words, the box- shaped body makes the discharge device structurally independent inside the system and integrated into one container. An exemplary configuration of the accesses of the box-shaped body and of the respective ducts or cables is shown schematically in Figure 7.

In the framework of the embodiments contemplating the use of a cartridge 50, such cartridge is a single-dose reservoir configured to provide the cosmetic product to deliver in a single product application cycle onto the skin of the human body. This means that in a single cycle the loading station receives only the product contained in the cartridge and in a single cycle the delivery station releases only the product contained in the cartridge.

Preferably, the system is configured to perform a product application cycle upon receiving of a product cartridge and to perform a subsequent application cycle only after removing the used cartridge and receiving another product cartridge replacing the cartridge previously used. Preferably, the cartridge comprises an amount, preferably with a homogeneous composition, of a cosmetic product such as a sun protection product, having a given sun protection factor value, and/or a moisturizing product and/or an after-sun product and/or a melanin-stimulating product. Preferably, the cartridge has a temperature of 20°C or below, or of 16°C or below and/or of 10°C or above, upon insertion into said loading unit. Preferably, the loading station comprises a start button and an electronic control unit configured and programmed to: upon receiving of the start signal from the start button, control the cylinder actuator so as to shift the piston backward in the compartment as far as a first stroke end; then, control the cylinder actuator so as to shift the piston forward in the compartment as far as a second stroke end opposite the first one. Preferably, the control button 69 is placed on said loading unit 60. Preferably, the system can be configured to perform the product application cycle after inserting the coin or the token into the control device, without the need to press a button; in this case only the opening 62 for the coin or the token is present on the loading unit. As an alternative, the system can be activated both by inserting the coin or the token and by pressing a button. Preferably, the loading station 2 comprises a photovoltaic panel 25 (shown in the different system embodiments of Figure 1 and Figure 8) structured to supply the system with power. Preferably, the photovoltaic panel supplies the system will all the energy it needs for its operation, so that the system needs not be connected to the power network, with evident advantages in terms of positioning options, of independence from power sources external to the system, and of absence of risks of electric shocks due to external supply cables. Preferably, the photovoltaic panel 25 (Figure 8) is mounted above the upright 33; the panel is connected to a low-voltage supply battery and supplies it with energy. Preferably, the photovoltaic panel 25 is connected to an electronic central unit 90 by means of the electrical connection 91 getting into the box-shaped body 70.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the system preferably comprises moving means 80 configured and arranged to enable he displacement of the whole system. Such moving means comprise a pair of wheels 80 mounted to the platform 30 and enabling the translation or roto-translation of the platform on a resting surface of the system.

Preferably, the wheels 80 of such pair of wheels are placed on the same side of the platform 30 and on opposite sides of the upright 33. The pair of wheels enables the manual transport of the system. As an alternative, the moving means can be motorized (e.g. the aforesaid wheels 80 can be actuated by an electric motor). Referring to Figure 9, the system preferably comprises delivery means 85 for a water flow, e.g. a shower head 85. Preferably, the shower head 85 is mounted above the upright 33 and the delivery means comprise one or more ducts (not shown) for supplying the shower head with water, e.g. a first duct for hot waster and a second duct for cold water; such ducts are preferably placed inside the upright and the platform. The delivery means preferably comprise a mixer tap configured to mix water from the ducts and supply the shower head with a mixed water flow; the mixer tap is preferably associated with the loading unit 60. In a possible embodiment which can be obtained by combining the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9, the system can comprise both the photovoltaic panel 25 and the shower head 85, both being preferably placed above the upright 33.

Preferably, the system has at least one of a maximum overall width and a maximum overall length below 1.2 m or below 1 m or below 0.8 m. Such maximum overall width is e.g. the width of the platform (having in the example of the figures a rectangular or square shape) and the maximum overall length is e.g. the length of the platform, Preferably, the system has a maximum height, calculated as the maximum height of the upright from a lower surface of the platform, below 2.5 m or below 2 m or below 1.5 m. Preferably, the compression element 8 is configured to pressurize the product to be delivered through the nozzles 5 to a pressure of at least 4 bars or at least 8 bars or at least 12 bars. In use the user takes from the container 40, typically after paying a certain sum, a bottle of the selected product among said plurality of products. Preferably, the product is at a temperature of 10°C to 20°C (e.g. 16°C). The user pours the content of the bottle into the reservoir 7 of the loading station through the loading mouth 23 or inserts the cartridge 50 into the seat 61 of the loading unit 60. Then the user presses the start button 24 or 69 and/or inserts a coin or a token into the opening 62, thus actuating the discharge device so as to release the cosmetic product from the nozzles into the delivery space 32. Preferably, upon receiving of the start signal from the start button, the electronic control unit control the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston backward in the compartment and thus suck the product out of the reservoir into the first half-compartment; then, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston forward in the compartment and push the pressurized product out of the first half-compartment through the second branch 18 of the hydraulic circuit 15, the three-way fitting 16, the third branch 19 of the hydraulic circuit 15, the duct 6, as far as the nozzles 5. While the compression element sucks the product from the reservoir 7, the user has enough time to reach the delivery space 32 and receive the cosmetic product on the skin, Preferably, immediately after (basically, i.e. within 30 seconds) pushing the product out of the first half-compartment, with the piston lying on the second stroke end, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston backward in the compartment and thus suck air out of the reservoir into the first half-compartment; then, the control unit controls the actuator of the cylinder so as to shift the piston forward in the compartment and push pressurized air out of the first half-compartment as far as the nozzles and thus remove product residues from the reservoir, from the compartment, from the hydraulic circuit, from the duct and from the nozzles.