AU2020257943A1

AU2020257943A1 - Applicator for applying a fluid product to the body

Info

Publication number: AU2020257943A1
Application number: AU2020257943A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stefano MASTRANTONIO
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-04-17
Filing date: 2020-04-06
Publication date: 2021-11-11
Also published as: FR3095113B1; FR3095113A1; WO2020212183A1; EP3955769A1

Abstract

The invention concerns an applicator intended for applying a fluid product to the body of a user, characterised in that it comprises: - a handle portion intended to be gripped in the user's hand, - an application portion intended to be in contact with a body surface intended to receive the fluid product, - a junction portion arranged between the handle portion and the application portion, characterised in that the application portion comprises a first surface intended to be in contact with the body surface, the first surface being a convex surface having a roughness Ra greater than or equal to 20 micrometers, in order to better retain the fluid product.

Description

Applicator for applying a fluid product to the body

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to the field of applicators for the body. It finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of cosmetics which can be fluid products, in particular solar products, but also pharmaceutical products and accessories for their application to the body, in particular in an autonomous manner.

PRIOR ART Conventionally, the application of cream, in particular sunscreen or other fluid product to the body is done either by means of his own hands or else the hands of another person. In particular, for some areas of the body which are difficult to reach by oneself, it is necessary to resort to another person. However, it is not always obvious that another person is available for this. There are therefore accessories to facilitate this type of application of product to the body. Devices are known for washing the back, scratching the back or else applying a product by an applicator. These devices have in common a shaft with an applicator part such as a roller or a flat circular surface intended to be in contact with the skin. However, the too linear geometric shape of the application part and the grip and the too rigid material of the structure of the device do not allow the homogeneous application of the product on all surfaces of the body and in particular the back where the relief of the bones creates inaccessible hollows. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an applicator which overcomes all or part of these disadvantages by being easily usable and ensuring a homogeneous application of the fluid product. The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon examining the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages can be incorporated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To achieve this purpose, according to one embodiment, the present invention provides an applicator intended for the application of a fluid product to the body of a user, characterised in that it comprises: a. a shaft portion intended to be gripped by the hand of the user, b. an application portion intended to be in contact with a body surface intended to receive the fluid product, c. a junction portion arranged between the shaft portion and the application portion, characterised in that the application portion comprises a first surface intended to be in contact with the body surface, advantageously the first surface being a convex surface. Advantageously, the first surface has a roughness Ra greater than or equal to 20 micrometres.

Advantageously, the application portion comprises a second surface opposite the first surface defining a thickness of the application portion, and advantageously the junction portion has a convexity opposite to the convexity of the first surface, and advantageously, the junction portion has greater flexibility than the shaft portion. The applicator according to the invention allows easier application of the fluid product to all parts of the body. The convex shape of the application portion allows application of the fluid product in non-planar areas such as the back where the bones of the shoulder blades and of the spine in particular create hollow areas which are not accessible with conventional devices. The combination of a convexity and the roughness of the first surface allows the fluid product to be retained on the surface of the applicator portion, in particular during use, to allow its penetration into the body surface and prevent the fluid product from escaping to the periphery of the first surface preventing its application to the skin. The roughness of the convex surface retains part of the fluid product, for gradual application to the skin. Advantageously, the first surface is biconvex, that is to say with a convexity in the longitudinal plane and a convexity in the transverse plane, orthogonal to each other. Advantageously, the first surface of the application portion has an ovoid shape. This configuration of the application portion allows compatibility with sinuous areas of the body and in particular of the back. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for using an applicator according to the invention to apply a fluid product to a body surface characterised in that it comprises successively: a. a step of depositing the fluid product to be applied on the first convex surface, b. a step of gripping, by a hand of the user, the shaft portion of the applicator, c. a step of applying the fluid product to the body surface by handling the applicator. The method according to the invention allows to ensure a homogeneous application. Preferably, the user applies the fluid product to at least one of his body surfaces, in an autonomous manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The aims, objects, as well as the features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the applicator according to an embodiment corresponding to a fixed version of the shaft portion. Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the travel version of the applicator with its extendable shaft portion. Fig. 2A illustrates a perspective view, with its expandable shaft portion not extended. Fig. 2B illustrates a perspective view thereof with its expandable shaft portion extended. Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the applicator according to the embodiment corresponding to a travel version, the shaft portion not comprising the extendable grip. Fig.3A illustrates a perspective view. Fig. 3B illustrates a side view thereof. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the extendable grip of the applicator according to the embodiment corresponding to a travel version. Fig.4A illustrates a perspective view. Fig. 4B illustrates a top view thereof.

Figure 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the applicator according to the embodiment corresponding to the travel version with the option of a replaceable anchor clip. The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic principle representations intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Before embarking on a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may optionally be used in combination or alternatively are set out below. Preferably, the first surface of the application portion has a curved shape, which is preferably ovoid. Advantageously, the application portion is a half ellipsoid. This configuration of the application portion allows compatibility with sinuous areas of the body and in particular of the back. The junction portion, thanks to its flexibility, allows the application portion to pivot slightly on these three axes, relative to the shaft portion, while remaining in contact with the skin which helps to spread the fluid product without loss. Advantageously, the applicator comprises a second surface opposite the first surface defining a thickness of the application portion. This thickness allows to ensure excellent rigidity to the application portion, promoting optimal contact with the body surface. Advantageously, the second surface is concave so that the application portion has a spoon shape. Advantageously, the application portion is made of thermoplastic. Advantageously, the junction portion is curvilinear. The shape of the application portion in combination with the flexibility of the junction portion ensures constant contact between the applicator and the skin. Advantageously, the junction portion has a convexity opposite to the convexity of the first surface. Advantageously, on the longitudinal plane, the junction portion has a radius of curvature which is reversed relative to the radius of curvature opposite to the convexity of the first surface of the application portion. Advantageously, the junction portion has greater flexibility than the shaft portion, and advantageously than the application portion. Advantageously, the application portion, the junction portion and the shaft portion form a single-piece assembly in the fixed version.

Advantageously, the applicator does not comprise points of weakness such as hinges between the portions so as to allow satisfactory flexibility of the applicator while ensuring sufficient contact between the application portion and the body surface to penetrate the fluid product and to obtain greater resistance of the assembly. Advantageously, the shaft portion is expandable in the travel version. Preferably, in the travel version, the shaft portion comprises a guide and a grip, the grip being configured to slide on the guide. Advantageously, the user applies the fluid product to at least one of his body surfaces. Advantageously, the body surface corresponds at least to the skin of the back. The invention relates to an applicator comprising a shaft portion 3, an application portion 1 and a junction portion 2 arranged between the two preceding portions. The application portion 1 is intended to be in contact with a body surface which is intended to receive the fluid product. The invention is not limited to one type of fluid product. In particular, any fluid having a viscosity allowing application to the skin via the convex surface of the invention falls within this scope. The fluid product can be, for example, a cream, a gel, a fluid, an oil for cosmetic use such as a moisturiser or sunscreen or for therapeutic use such as an anti-inflammatory gel. The application portion 1 comprises a first surface 4 intended to be in contact with the body surface and advantageously a second surface. According to one possibility, the second surface is concave. Advantageously, the junction of the first surface 4 and of the second surface 5 is rounded so as not to form a projecting angle which could be injurious during use. The first surface 4 and the second surface 5 define a concavity. The first surface 4 has a rough convex surface, that is to say advantageously not smooth. The roughness allows to retain the fluid product and promotes the homogeneous distribution of the product on the skin. The roughness of the first surface 4 is advantageously obtained by electroerosion of the injection mould of the application portion 1. The first surface 4 has a non-smooth, preferably rough surface, advantageously obtained by electroerosion of the injection mould. Roughness means the arithmetic mean deviation roughness Ra. The first surface 4 has a roughness at least equal to 20 micrometres, preferably of the order of 20 to 60 micrometres (of the order means + or 10%), more preferably of 30 micrometres. The roughness is an advantageously irregular relief promoting the retention of the product to be applied while ensuring easier application.

The surface 4 has a curved shape, which is preferably ovoid in projection on a plane. Ovoid means that the first surface 4 has the shape of a half-egg cut into two symmetrical portions along the height. The application portion 1 has at least one axis of symmetry along its largest dimension. The ovoid shape comprises a rounded top and a flattened top. The application portion 1 has the shape of a spoon. The second surface 5 of the application portion advantageously has a shape similar to the first surface 4. Thus, the first surface 4 and the second surface 5 are the two opposite faces of the application portion 1. Preferably, the first surface 4 and the second surface 5 are concentric. The first surface 4 and the second surface 5 are advantageously in contact with one another over their entire surface. The second surface 5 has a concave outer surface giving the application surface a spoon shape. According to one possibility, the application portion 1 therefore has an external shape similar to a semi-ellipsoid, advantageously having a concavity. The application portion 1 is integral with a junction portion 2. Advantageously, the application portion 1 is fixed on the junction portion 2. Preferably, the application portion 1 and the junction portion 2 are joined by a thinner end of the junction portion 2 and a proximal end of the application portion 1. That is to say that the application portion 1 is not movable relative to the junction portion. Advantageously, the application part 1 is secured by a top of the ellipsoid or by the flattened top of the ovoid. The junction portion 2 has a curvilinear shape. The junction portion 2 is elongated so as to ensure the junction between the application portion 1 and the shaft portion 3. The junction portion 2 has a radius of curvature which is reversed relative to the convexity of the application portion 1. Thus, in side view as illustrated in Figure 1, the application portion 1 and the junction portion 2 form a corrugation promoting access to the different areas of the body surface, in particular the back, while ensuring contact with a satisfactory pressure for the penetration of the fluid product. The junction portion 2 is advantageously flat, in particular unlike the shaft portion 3 and in particular the guide 6 which has projections 12 on either side of a plane, promoting the flexibility of the junction portion 2. Preferably, the junction portion 2 has a longitudinal dimension oriented identically to that of the application portion 1. The two portions are then continuous along their lengths. The junction portion 2 has an advantageously smaller section than the section of the shaft portion 3, as can be seen in Figure 3. Preferably, the thickness of the junction portion 2 gradually decreases from its end integral with the shaft portion 3 and its end integral with the application portion 1, until it reaches the same thickness as that used in the application portion 1. The junction portion 2 has greater flexibility than the shaft portion 3 and more particularly at the point where the junction portion 2 is integral with the application portion 1. Advantageously, the application part 1 uses the elastic property of the material used to perform movements on its three axes, even in the absence of hinges. The junction portion 2 acts as a leaf spring. Preferably, the junction portion 2 has a flexural modulus of 5600 MPa and/or a flexural strength of 180 MPa and/or a tensile modulus of 5800 MPa and/or a break stress of 115 MPa. The junction portion thus has rigidity and dimensional stability allowing optimum application. The junction portion 2 is made of plastic or thermoplastic material. As a preferred example, the junction portion 2 is made of polyamide which can be reinforced with glass fibres and/or glass beads. The junction portion is advantageously obtained by injection moulding. The shaft portion 3 extends the junction portion 2. The shaft portion 3 has according to one possibility illustrated in the figures an at least partially curvilinear shape, in this case its radius of curvature is greater than the radius of curvature of the junction portion 2 and of the application portion 1. By way of example, a radius of curvature of 1000mm, that is to say approximately seventeen times greater than the radius of curvature of the junction portion 2 which has a radius of curvature of 60mm. Preferably, the curvature is in the same direction as the application portion 1, that is to say the reverse of the junction portion 2. According to another possibility not shown, the shaft portion may be rectilinear. The shaft portion 3 has greater rigidity than the junction portion 2. According to a preferred possibility, by virtue of its shape and its thickness, the shaft portion 3 is less flexible and/or less elastic than the junction portion 2 while at the same time keeping the same material. The shaft portion comprises a grip 7 intended to be gripped in the hand of the user. The grip 7 can be ergonomic, but advantageously, the grip 7 is adapted for handling by one of the right or left hands without distinction. According to a first embodiment, the shaft portion 3 is of fixed length, as illustrated in Figure 1. According to a second embodiment, the shaft portion 3 is of variable length as illustrated in particular in Figure 2. In the travel version, the shaft portion 3 advantageously comprises a guide 6 and a grip 7. The grip 7 is intended to slide on the guide 6. An exemplary embodiment of the shaft portion 3 is illustrated in Figures 3A, 3B and 4A, 4B. The grip 6 is a sleeve having a profile 10 complementary to the guide 7. By way of example, the profile 10 has two grooves 11 intended to receive two projections 12 formed on the guide 6. The two projections 12 extend in parallel from a plane to form a U. Advantageously, the shaft portion 3 comprises elements for holding the grip 7 in position. According to a preferred example, the shaft portion comprises at least one slot 9, preferably two slots formed in the grip 7 and an anchoring clip 8 formed in the guide 6 configured to be inserted into one of the two slots 9. When the anchoring clip 8 is inserted into one of the two slots 9, the grip can no longer slide on the guide 6. It is necessary to release the anchoring clip 8 from the slot 9 by pressing on the anchoring clip 8 to again allow the extendable grip 7 to slide on the guide 6. Preferably, the shaft portion 3 comprises at least two slots 9 formed on the extendable grip 7 so as to maintain the extendable grip 7 in the transport position as illustrated in Figure 2A or in the use position as illustrated in Figure 2B. According to a preferred embodiment, the extendable grip 7 can be removed from the guide 6, in particular so as to replace the anchoring clip 8 in the event of damage, thus avoiding changing the entire applicator. The applicator thus has a longer life. An exploded view of the shaft portion 3 is illustrated in Figure 5. The anchoring clip 8 comprises, according to this illustrated embodiment, two tenons 13 intended to be received respectively by two mortises 14 formed on the guide 6. Regardless of the embodiment, the minimum length advantageously of the shaft portion 3 in the use position, in particular in the extended position, is 350mm while the length of the junction portion 2 is 50mm and the length of the application portion is 110mm. Advantageously, the applicator according to the invention is manufactured by injection. Preferably, the injection is done in a single step. According to one possibility, the mould of the applicator comprises a single imprint in the fixed version or else two imprints in the travel version, corresponding on the one hand to the application portion, the junction portion and to the guide of the shaft portion and on the other hand to the extendable grip of the shaft portion or else three imprints with the same two as before, the interchangeable anchoring clip 8 in addition. According to the invention, the method for using the applicator is advantageously intended for self-application. Preferably, the method of use is carried out autonomously. The user applies the fluid product to the first surface 4 then grasps the applicator in one of his hands by its shaft portion 3, in particular the grip 7. He can then apply the first surface 4 to the chosen body surface, in particular the back. By reciprocating movements from bottom to top, from top to bottom, from right to left and/or from left to right, but also in rotation until penetration of the fluid. The applicator makes the application of the fluid product hygienic without requiring recourse to the hands of another person. In addition, the applicator is configured to be washed with water. Advantageously, the applicator according to the invention does not have any projecting angles that risk contacting the body when used. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCES 1.application portion 2.junction portion 3. shaft portion 4.first surface 5.second surface 6.guide 7.grip 8.anchor clip 9.slot 10. profile 11. groove 12. projections 13. tenons 14. mortises

Claims

1. An applicator intended for the application of a fluid product to the body, of a user characterised in that it comprises - a shaft portion (3) intended to be gripped by the hand of the user, - an application portion (1) intended to be in contact with a body surface intended to receive the fluid product, - a junction portion (2) arranged between the shaft portion (3) and the application portion (1), characterised in that the application portion (1) comprises a first surface (4) intended to be in contact with the body surface and a second surface (5) opposite the first surface (4) defining a thickness of the application portion (1), the first surface (4) being a convex surface, and that the junction portion (2) has a convexity opposite to the convexity of the first surface (4), and that the junction portion (2) has greater flexibility than the shaft portion (3).

2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first surface (4) of the application portion (1) has an ovoid shape.

3. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the application portion (1) is a semi-ellipsoid.

4. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface has a roughness Ra greater than or equal to 20 micrometres.

5. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the application portion (1) is made of thermoplastic.

6. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the junction portion (2) is curvilinear.

7. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface (4) is biconvex, that is to say with a convexity in the longitudinal plane and a convexity in the transverse plane, orthogonal to each other.

8. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the application portion (1), the junction portion (2) and the shaft portion (3) form a single-piece assembly.

9. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft portion (3) is expandable.

10. A method for using an applicator according to any one of the preceding claims to apply a fluid product to a body surface characterised in that it comprises successively: - a step of depositing the fluid product to be applied on the first convex surface (4) of the application portion (1), - a step of gripping, by a hand of the user, the shaft portion (3) of the applicator, - a step of applying the fluid product to the body surface by handling the applicator.

11. The method according to the preceding claim wherein the user applies the fluid product to one of his body surfaces.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body surface corresponds at least to the skin of the back.