EP0872193B1 - Device for storing and applying a liquid product - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging and application unit of a liquid product. The invention is particularly suitable for packaging and application of cosmetic products such as nails, lipsticks, oils, gelled oils, etc. Applications in fields other than cosmetics can also be envisaged, especially in the field of glues, writing correctors, household stain removers, etc. Liquid products with viscosities included between that of water and an oil or even a gelled oil are particularly adapted to be used according to the present invention.

There are devices such as detaching buffers consisting of a product surmounted by a neck at the top of which is placed an applicator under form a thin foam pad that is applied to a surface to be treated, for example on the skin or on a fabric. The applicator pad being confined in the upper part of the neck, the product loading thereof requires turning it over and pressing its surface several times on the surface to be treat in order to "pump" and load it with product before proceeding to its application, the pressure exerted on the applicator, causing the opening of a valve which, in the closed position, isolates the applicator from the product. Indeed these applicators, generally containing formulas comprising polymers dry quickly when not in use because they are too far from the solvent universe surrounding the product contained in the tank, and separated physically liquid by means of valve or pump type.

For other products, such as shoe polish, the applicator pad is isolated from the product by means of a valve, which further accelerates the drying of the applicator, the sometimes rendering it unusable after a long period of non-use, or requiring cleaning operations prior to any new use.

We also know applicators in the form of a block of foam that we soak in the product to be applied then, after wringing, either on the neck of the bottle, either through a mechanical wringer, which is applied to the surface to be treated. The applicator is generally secured to the stopper. Its use remains however delicate in certain circumstances, in public transport by example, due to the independent nature of the applicator and the reservoir, this which implies in certain conditions of use to hold the container with one hand and proceed with the application of the product with the other.

Patent application EP-A-0 721 748 describes a product applicator viscous cosmetic comprising a body constituting a reservoir for the product cosmetic, and an applicator member capable of being moved between a closed position in which the applicator member is completely engaged in inside the body and an open position in which the applicator member does protrusion from the body of the applicator which can be closed off by a plug when the applicator member is located inside. Sealing means are provided to, in closed position of the device, prevent any liquid communication between the reservoir and the applicator. These sealing means authorize the solvent, volatilizing above the surface of the product, coming into contact with the applicator, in order to limit the risks of drying out, but exclude from the same suddenly the possibility of having the applicator ready for use, when opening the plug.

Patent application EP-A-435,758 describes a perfume or other applicator product comprising a bottle defining a bottom, and, at the opposite end of the bottom, a permeable cap for applying the product, in particular to the skin. The permeable plug is supplied with product by capillary action using including a wick or a capillary tube. One of the problems associated with such design is linked to the supply of the applicator tip, which supply, essentially by capillary action, requires a certain time to elapse between two applications. In addition, such a mode of feeding does not allow to supply the application surface with products containing pigments of the type of those that can be found in the cosmetic industry, in particular mascaras, nail polish or the like.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to provide a set of packaging and application, automatic, clean and easy to use in all circumstances.

It is another object of the invention to provide a packaging unit and application, in which the applicator does not dry out so substantial, so that it is always ready for use, even after a long unused period.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a reliable system, and economical to achieve.

Other objects will appear in more detail in the description which follows.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a set of packaging and application of a liquid product comprising: a reservoir X axis, containing said product, and having an opening; means removable for sealing said opening; a mounted applicator inside the reservoir, said applicator having a first end in permanent liquid communication with the product inside the tank, and a second end opposite to said first end, said second end forming an application surface, axially movable between a first position in which the application surface emerges outside the tank through of said opening, for the application of the product, and a second position wherein said application surface is contained inside the tank, said applicator comprising at least one block of material absorbent, capable of being compressed at least in part, especially during applying the product, or when the applicator is in said second position. Preferably, in the second position, the application surface is contained in the pass.

So when the compressed foam block is released, either after an application, either at the opening of the cap which can keep it compressed, or during any another decompression phase, this pumps product via open cells or semi open that compose it, so that the applicator is always loaded in product, and therefore always ready for a new application. In others terms, according to the invention, the loading of the applicator with product is done essentially, by compression / decompression of the compressible part and absorbent of the applicator. Using an applicator with cells open or semi open appropriate to the size of the pigments contained possibly in the product, a pumping of products is authorized that it would not be not possible to obtain with conventional "felt" type applicators or wick.

The expression "permanent liquid communication" reflects the fact that at any time, both in application position (first position) and in storage position (second position), at least the first end of the applicator is in contact or is likely to come into contact with the liquid contained in the tank. In other words, it is not physically separated from the product by a valve, a pump, or by any other means of obturation. This is reflected in the fact that, either the first end is dipped in the product, or it is connected by a member wick type, soaking in the product, or it is simply contained physically in the same volume (above the free surface of the product), so that during a movement, such as may result from the transport of the whole, the first end is inevitably brought into contact with the product. The applicator comprising at least one block of cell foam type open or semi open, suitable for pumping liquid, it will always be loaded, even saturated, with product, and will therefore always be ready for use. Pumping of the product itself is mainly mechanical (compression-loosening foam). In addition, for certain formulas, depending on their rheology, it solvent may rise towards the surface of the applicator, by capillarity or surface tension effect with the cells of the foam block or other cellular or porous material. This further minimizes the drying of the applicator during a long period of non-use.

Advantageously, the reservoir consists of a body, a first of which end is closed by a bottom, and a second end of which is surmounted by a neck, said opening being delimited by a free edge of said neck, the applicator being at least partly arranged inside the neck. The internal surface of the cervix can have at least one groove, in a helix for example, so as to improve the return air passage, which return air is also permitted by the presence of open or semi-open cells forming all or part of the applicator. The neck may have an axis different from the X axis. Alternatively, the tank consists of a tube closed by a weld line. The mounting of the applicator can be done either by opening the tube or by the front bottom closing. A pressure exerted on the flexible walls of the tube allows possibly improve the loading of product with the applicator, in particular by compression / decompression of part of the applicator through tube walls.

The first end may be located flush with the lower edge of the neck. Of preferably, however, the first end is noticeable inside of the reservoir, and emerges in particular inside the body of the reservoir, through of the lower part of the neck. Generally, in the uncompressed position, the height of the applicator is preferably at least equal to once the height of the neck, and more preferably, at least 1.5 times the height of the neck. This further reduces the volume of air present between the applicator and the product, which, combined with a good seal against closure, avoids any problem of drying of the applicator. The applicator is indeed maintained in an atmosphere saturated with product and is itself saturated of product. The applicator is thus always ready for use. In position application, the product does not drip even if the applicator is saturated. The application is clean and can be dosed at will. The application is carried out in applying the application surface to the surface to be treated. Return of the product is done by compression, at least partially of the compressible block of the applicator. By compressing the applicator more or less, the product deposited on the surface, the hardness of the foam being chosen so that the pressure to be applied to be able to apply a given maximum amount of product is less than the force required to pass the surface from the first position (application position) to the second (position return). Once the product has been distributed, it remains to spread it evenly over the surface to be treated. This spreading occurs by passing the surface of application to the surface to be treated, by simple capillary contact, so as to stretch the product in the form of a film, under the action of tension forces surface acting between the application surface and the surface to be treated, via the liquid, without necessarily having to exert any pressure on the applicator. We can therefore, depending on the percentage of open cells or semi open of the applicator, adjust the product output flow according to its rheology.

According to a first embodiment, the reservoir has a bottom opposite to said opening, the first end being located substantially in the vicinity of the bottom, so as to be in permanent contact with the product. Every opening of the reservoir, or after each compression of the applicator in view of a product application on a surface to be treated, there is a decompression of the foam block, thus causing a pumping of product in direction of the application surface. In addition, between two uses, the solvent contained in the product can to some extent be pumped into the applicator by capillary action or by surface tension effect up to the surface application.

According to another embodiment, the first end is located above the level of product in the tank. Putting the applicator in contact with the product is done in a completely natural and automatic way, each time movement of the assembly, during its transport for example, in the handbag of the user. The impregnation of the applicator, in particular with solvent, can be favored by making the applicator integral with a wicking type organ soaking in the product.

Advantageously, the reservoir has a bottom opposite to said opening, and a body connecting said bottom to the neck, said bottom being axially movable relative to the body so as to facilitate contact between the product and the applicator, and favor the loading of the applicator with product. For example, the body is connected to the bottom by an expandable part of the "bellows" type. Pressure on the bottom can be used to compress at least part of the applicator, which when relaxing, will absorb product.

The applicator can be secured to the neck in an intermediate zone between said first and second ends, the transition from said first position to the second effected by axial compression of at least the portion of the applicator between the application surface and the intermediate zone, in response to closing said opening by said removable closing means. As non-limiting example, the applicator is made integral with the neck by bonding, welding, or by any other appropriate means (fins, legs, etc.). As again as an example, the internal surface of the neck of the device forms a bead capable of receive a groove formed all around the applicator.

According to another embodiment, the applicator is slidably mounted at inside the neck, the passage from one of said first or second positions to the other being effected by an axial translational movement of the assembly of the applicator. Such a sliding movement of the applicator can be carried out thanks to ballasting means arranged on the applicator, the passage of a "head up" position to a "head down" position of the set of conditioning and application causing the application surface in said first position, the transition from a "head down" position to a "head down" position top "of the packaging and application unit causing the surface of application in said second position. Preferably, the ballasting means consist of weights attached to the outside of the applicator, inside the tank, and thus advantageously constitute mixing means for homogenize the product. Again, the ballast is chosen so that the force necessary for the introduction of the applicator into the reservoir, greater than the compression force of the applicator necessary for the distribution of the quantity wanted product. Advantageously, and to allow to be able to use the application set in any position, including head up, means are provided to immobilize the applicator in said first position.

According to yet another embodiment, the reservoir comprises a bottom at the neighborhood of which the first end is located, and a body connecting said bottom to the neck, said bottom being axially movable relative to the body, the applicator being sliding mounted inside the neck, means being provided for selectively vary the axial distance between the bottom and the neck, so as to pass the applicator from one of said first or second positions to the other, means being provided for holding the first end of the applicator substantially in the vicinity of the bottom. Thus, the bottom can be connected to the body by a bellows portion. Alternatively, the bottom consists of a membrane flexible, elastically deformable.

Advantageously, the means able to selectively modify the axial distance between the bottom and the body include an attached bottom, screwed onto the body of the assembly, the screwing operation causing a reduction in the axial height of the reservoir, and the outlet of the second end of the applicator through the neck of the device.

The means capable of keeping the first end of the applicator in contact with the bottom may include elastic return means, one of which first end is in abutment against an area located near the neck, and a second end of which bears on an area secured to the applicator. AT by way of example, these elastic return means consist of a spring helical.

The applicator can be placed inside the neck via an intermediate member mounted inside the collar. Such an intermediate member can be mounted inside of the neck, in force or, by snap-fastening, screwing, gluing, welding, etc.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the applicator is mounted so as to be able to pivot angularly with respect to its axis, or with respect to a plane passing through its axis. By way of illustration, the applicator is mounted by through a ball joint mechanism.

Advantageously, the applicator consists of at least one block of foam chosen among polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester and chloride foams polyvinyl, polyether, NBR (natural rubber), SBR (synthetic rubber), etc. The nature of the foam and the size of the cells making it up are chosen function of the rheology of the material to be applied, in particular its viscosity, and its surface tension, and also depending on the desired output flow of the product.

Preferably, the applicator comprises at least 10% of open cells or semi open.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the applicator consists of a stack foam blocks of different nature and / or density and / or thickness. This characteristic allows in particular to modulate the smoothness on application and the amount of product applied, and also allows the applicator to be adapted to products of different rheologies. Alternatively, the applicator consists of a stack comprising at least one block of foam and at least one block of a material capable of pumping product, chosen in particular from sintered materials type, sintered polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, felts, etc. In this latter configuration, the foam block is preferably that located in contact with the application surface. As previously mentioned, the presence of a compressible block allows, in addition to pumping product at each decompression phase, to measure the amount of product applied to the surface to treat.

The application surface can be of variable shape depending on the profile of the surface to be treated. For example, the application surface is of concave shape, convex, flat, bevel or double bevel, etc.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the surface can be covered with a permeable coating, such as textile, perforated plastic, felt, and / or can be covered with a flocking. Alternatively, the foam can be used directly as a surface application. A good quality of application will be obtained in particular thanks to the surface resulting from the cutting of the cells at the level of the application surface. Satisfactory cutting quality can be obtained by cutting the laser or water jet foam. Cut edges of cells, oriented perpendicular to the application surface, i.e. axially with respect to with the applicator, will act like the bristles of a brush. Such cut edges promote the retention of the product and its smoothing on the surface to be treated.

In the event that the application surface is covered with a flocking, it may consist of bristles of different diameters, and / or nature, and / or height, or of a mixture of such hairs. The combination of a foam whose cells are relatively large in size (typically between 200 µm and 3 mm, and preferably between 700 µm and 2 mm, and more preferably between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm) with a flock coating on the application surface proven to produce quite remarkable results.

The flow rate and the application capacity of the product can be increased by carrying out center of the applicator a thin channel, or one or more slots (arranged in a cross for example), passing axially through said applicator.

The tank can be made of metal, glass, or chosen thermoplastic material among polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylene terephthalates, etc. In the case of a thermoplastic material, it can be achieved by injection blowing, by extrusion blowing, or by simple injection.

Ball type means can be arranged inside the reservoir of so as to promote the homogenization of the product and to facilitate the impregnation of the applicator.

If the applicator is axially free inside the neck, it can have its first end mounted on a spring (for example, plastic) in support against the bottom of the tank. This feature allows you to submit the applicator at a lower compressive stress, when the cap is put back on the device. The spring is chosen so that the force necessary for its compression to be greater than the compression force of the foam, required by certain applications depending on the amount of desired product.

According to another variant, the assembly according to the invention can comprise two applicators mounted head to tail, inside the tank, the tank comprising in this hypothesis a body whose first end is surmounted by a first neck, and the second end of which is surmounted by a second neck. Each necks has a free edge defining a first and a second opening, inside which the first and the second are mounted respectively applicator. The operation of each of the applicators is identical to what has been described previously. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous in that it makes it possible to use applicators having sizes and / or different application characteristics. For example, in the case of a nail polish, we use a first applicator of given section for large nails, and a relatively smaller section applicator for small nails.

The product can be a cosmetic product such as a nail polish, or a red lip, or can be a glue, an oil, a gelled oil, a corrector writing (typex), stain remover, etc.

• les figures 1A-1C illustrent différentes vues d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'ensemble selon l'invention;
• les figures 2A-2B illustrent l'application d'un vernis à ongles au moyen d'un dispositif conforme aux figures 1A et 1B;
• la figure 3 illustre une variante du mode de réalisation des figures 1A-1C;
• les figures 4A-4E illustrent différents profils de la surface d'application de l'ensemble de conditionnement et d'application selon l'invention;
• la figure 5 illustre un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention;
• la figure 6 illustre encore un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention;
• les figures 7A-7B illustrent encore un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention;
• la figure 8 illustre encore un autre mode de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention; et
• la figure 9 illustre une variante du mode de réalisation de la figure 8.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• Figures 1A-1C illustrate different views of a first embodiment of the assembly according to the invention;
• Figures 2A-2B illustrate the application of a nail varnish by means of a device according to Figures 1A and 1B;
• FIG. 3 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C;
• FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate different profiles of the application surface of the packaging and application assembly according to the invention;
• FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention;
• FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention; and
• FIG. 9 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

Figures 1A to 1C to which reference is now made illustrate different views of a first embodiment of the packaging assembly and Application 1 according to the invention. This one appears in this configuration under shaped like a lipstick case, or "eye liner" and has mainly a tank 2 consisting of a body 6, one end of which is closed by a bottom 3. The other end ends with a neck 4, comprising on its outer surface of the means 7 (of the screw thread or snap-off type) to allow the removable mounting of a plug or cover 5, capable of closing off sealingly the opening 8 delimited by the free edge of the neck 4.

As it appears more precisely in Figures 1B and 1C, an applicator 10 is fixedly mounted inside the neck 4. For this purpose, an annular bead 9 is formed on the internal surface of the neck and is capable of receiving an annular groove 11 provided on the external surface of the applicator (substantially halfway up the applicator) so as to axially immobilize the applicator in the neck. Alternatively, the applicator can be mounted in the neck by a system with fins regularly arranged on the inner surface of the neck. Applicator 10 is present in the form of a block of foam 12 including a first end 13 emerges inside the tank 2 (substantially up to mid-height of the body of the tank), so as to be above the level of product P in the tank 2.

The applicator 10 comprises a second end 14, which, in the closed position of the assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, is contained inside the neck of the tank. According to this figure, the device is shown with the plug 5 sealing the opening 8 delimited by the free edge of the neck 4. A for this purpose, a sealing member 17 is disposed inside the plug 5. In this position, the applicator is partially compressed (in reality, in this mode only the part between the application surface 15 and the area of the applicator on the neck, is significantly compressed) by the bearing force exerted by the plug 5, and in particular by the member 17, on the application surface. The application surface is located inside the neck 4. A ball 16 is arranged in the tank so as to allow homogenization of product P.

Typically, the applicator has a diameter between 2 mm and 35 mm, and preferably between 3 mm and 20 mm. Its height, in the non position compressed, can vary between 5 mm and 150 mm.

In FIG. 1B, the device has been freed from its plug 5. On opening, the foam block decompresses, causing pumping of product. After opening, the foam block is no longer compressed. In this position, the second end 14 of the foam emerges outside the tank 2, above the edge free from the neck 4 delimiting the opening 8. The second end 14 of the applicator 10 defines an application surface 15 whose shape is chosen according to the profile of the surface to be treated. In the example shown, the application surface 15 has a beveled profile. Other profiles will be discussed in more detail in reference to Figures 5A-5E.

To use the application set according to the invention, the user removes the cap 5, which causes the block of foam 12 forming the applicator to decompress, and the outlet of the application surface 15 from the device 1. This decompression is accompanied by a pumping of product P towards the application surface 15. The applicator is thus saturated with product, and can now be used. The device, even turned upside down, for product application, is perfectly waterproof, due to the presence of the applicator saturated with product in the neck of the bottle. It should be noted that in such an embodiment, the implementation contact of the applicator with the product, takes place permanently, in particular at each movement caused by the transport of the whole in a hand for example.

The application operation is illustrated diagrammatically in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in which the application of a varnish to the nails of a wearer. To do this, the user turns the application surface 15 over the nail, and puts pressure on the applicator depending on the dose of product desired pressure which causes partial compression of the applicator and the acceleration of the product release (Figure 2A). Then, after having released the pressure exerted on the applicator, spreading the product by means of the application surface (Figure 2B). Releasing the applicator pressure on the nail is accompanied by a pumping of product. The applicator is immediately ready for a new application. As mentioned previously, the product is spread by passing the surface of application to the surface to be treated, by simple capillary contact, so as to stretch the product in the form of a film, under the action of tension forces surface acting between the application surface and the surface to be treated, via the liquid without exerting any pressure on the applicator.

Figure 3 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C. In this embodiment, the impregnation of the applicator is facilitated by the presence a compressible bellows type member 20, disposed between the bottom 3 and the body 6 of the reservoir 2. In the case of a device made of thermoplastic material, the bellows is obtained from molding with the entire container. So before you open the cap 5, for the purpose of applying the product, the user exercises one or more several presses on the bottom 3, which has the effect of displacing the product P by contact with the applicator, and at least partially compress the applicator. In releasing the pressure exerted on the bottom, the applicator decompresses, thus causing a pumping of product. It then remains to open the cap, view of a use similar to that described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. The pumping of product is also carried out when the cap 5 is opened, releasing the end of the applicator compressed in the reservoir. Likewise, the decompression which follows each application also makes it possible to pump into the applicator a certain amount of product. This embodiment is particularly suitable for fluid products with higher viscosity. In all these embodiments, the section of the applicator is circular. It is obvious that the applicator can be of different shape (circular, triangular, square, oval, teardrop, etc.).

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate different profiles of the application surface 15. At the FIG. 4A, the application surface 15 has a bevel-shaped profile. To the FIG. 4B, the application surface has a convex dome-shaped profile. In this version, the application surface is covered with a flocking 21. The flocking may include bristles of different nature and / or length and / or diameter, or a mixture of such hairs. Flocking 21 allows, depending on the choice fibers used, to play on the smoothness of application and on the amount of applied product. In FIG. 4C, the surface 15 has a double bevel profile. In FIG. 4D, the profile of the application surface is slightly concave. In the embodiment of FIG. 4E the application surface is substantially plane and perpendicular to the axis of the assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the packaging assembly and of application according to the invention. In this embodiment, the tank is present in the form of a bottle (in glass for example). The applicator soaks in product P, and at its first end 13 substantially in contact with the bottom 3. In the same way as for the previous embodiment, in position closed, the cap 5 presses on the application surface so as to compress at least partially the applicator. The applicator is mounted in the neck of the same way as that of FIGS. 1A-1C, that is to say by means of a groove 9 / groove 11 arrangement, or a fin system. However the applicator is not mounted directly in the neck, but in an intermediate piece 22, mounted inside the collar. This piece 22 can be mounted inside the neck by any suitable technique (bonding, welding, breakdown, etc.). Such a configuration gives more flexibility as to the shape of the tip application. In addition, and unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the applicator consists of a stack of foam blocks 12, 12 ', 12 ", laminated on top of each other. The foam blocks 12, 12 ', 12 "can be of different nature, and / or hardness, and / or thickness and / or density. We can thus play on the load of the applicator 10, on its flow rate. Furthermore this characteristic makes it easier to adapt the applicator to the rheology of the product. Alternatively, a block of foam can be used in combination with a block or several blocks of another material capable of pumping the product P by capillarity or by surface tension effect. For example, we use a block foam in combination with a sintered block of polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, or with a felt. Preferably, the block in contact with the application surface 15 consists of a block of compressible foam.

Advantageously still, the flow rate of the applicator is increased, by doing so cross axially through a very thin channel (not shown), or through one or several fine slits. The operation of the device according to this mode of embodiment is identical to the operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, and therefore does not require any additional detailed description.

In the embodiment of Figure 6, the applicator is mounted in the neck 4 by means of an intermediate piece 22, acting as a ball joint 23. A such ball 23 allows, as illustrated by the dotted lines, to rotate the applicator 10 relative to the axis X of the bottle. This feature facilitates the application gestures. The tank can be made of metal, glass, or material thermoplastic chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, chlorides polyvinyl, polyethylene terephthalates, etc. The other parts of the device, as well as its operation, comply with what has been described previously.

In the embodiment of Figures 7A and 7B, the foam is mounted sliding inside the neck 4. In this embodiment, the passage of the application position (Figure 7A) to the "retracted" position (Figure 7B) and vice versa, is carried out by sliding the applicator in the neck 4 of the bottle 1. For this purpose, the applicator is equipped with a counterweight 24 fixed on the applicator, inside the tank. The counterweight is mounted on the applicator so as to allow applicator stroke between 3 mm and 15 mm, and preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm. The counterweight can be fixed by gluing, or by any other means appropriate. When the user wishes to apply product P to a surface, it removes the cap 5, and turns the bottle upside down, which has the effect, under the effect of the counterweight 24, to drive the applicator down, and to cause the exit from the application surface 15 through the opening 8. The counterweight has a frustoconical profile on its surface opposite the neck 4 of the bottle, suitable for forcefully enter a complementary frustoconical part 25 provided on the lower part of the neck 4, which causes the applicator to lock in position application, which blockage allows compression of at least part of the applicator for applying the product, and the subsequent pumping of product when the pressure exerted on the application surface is released. The applicator can then be used regardless of the position of the bottle. The mode of application is identical to that described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. After use, the user causes the applicator to retract into the neck of the bottle, by applying pressure to the application surface 15 by means of the cap 5. The applicator falls back under the effect of the counterweight in the bottom of the reservoir 2. Sealing is ensured by the mere presence of the applicator in foam in the neck 4 of the bottle. However, additional means may be provided to complete the seal.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the passage of the applicator 10 in application position is effected by a pressure exerted on the bottom 3 of the reservoir. AT For this purpose, the bottom 3 is connected to the body 6 of the tank 2, by a structure of the bellows 26. The end 13 of the applicator is in contact with the bottom 3. A spring helical 27 is disposed on the applicator. A first end of the spring is resting against a shoulder located between the body 6 of the reservoir 2 and the neck 4. The other end of the spring is in abutment against a projecting part 28 carried by the applicator. The projecting part 28 may consist of an attached part, glued for example on the applicator, or an annular allowance formed by the applicator, in the case of a foam of sufficient hardness. A reported background 29 is screwed onto the body 6 of the tank 2. By screwing the bottom fitted relative to the body 6, this causes the bottom 3 to rise, the bellows to be compressed, the ascent of the applicator in the neck, compression of the spring 27, and the outlet of the application surface through the opening 8. Optionally, depending on the force of the spring in relation to the hardness of the foam, part of the applicator can also be compressed. The applicator is then used in the manner indicated with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. After use, the user trains the bottom reported in the opposite direction, which causes the bottom to move away relative to the body 6, and this up to a stop position. Under the force elastic return, the applicator is returned to the bottom of the reservoir 2, which recall causes, if necessary, a decompression of the compressed part of the applicator and a pumping of product. The spring can be mounted as well in extension than in compression. Alternatively, one could plan to secure the end of the applicator to the internal surface of the base 3. In the embodiment shown, in the closed position of the plug 5, the applicator is not significantly compressed. According to a variant, it is possible to provide that at least the end 14 of the applicator, in the closed position of the plug, either in compression so as to cause a pumping effect additional to the opening. This also applies to the realization of FIGS. 7A and 7B.

The device of Figure 9 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of Figure 8. According to this variant, it overcomes the presence of the bellows 26, by performing the bottom 3 in the form of an insert 30 made of elastically material deformable, elastomer type. The insert 30 can be screwed, glued, slammed, welded, or produced by bi-injection. The operation of the assembly is identical to that of the embodiment of FIG. 8, and does not require therefore, no further detailed description.

The packaging and application unit according to the invention is particularly advantageous in that it also allows the use of formulas requiring high humidity not to clot, especially formulas based on polymers, due in particular to the permanent saturation of the applicator. Such formulas would inevitably dry out in conventional devices.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (37)

1. Unit (1) for packaging and applying a liquid product (P), comprising: a reservoir (2) of axis X containing the said product and having an opening (8); removable means (5) for closing off the said opening in a leaktight manner; an applicator (10) fitted inside the reservoir and including a first , end (13) in permanent liquid communication with the product, inside the reservoir, and a second end (14) opposite the said first end (13), the said second end (14) forming an application surface (15) which is movable axially between a first position in which the application surface (15) emerges outside the reservoir (4) through the said opening (8), in order to apply the product, and a second position in which the said application surface (15) is contained in a leaktight manner inside the reservoir (2) when the removable means (5) close off the said opening, the said unit being characterized in that the applicator comprises at least one block (12, 12', 12") of an absorbent material which is capable of being compressed at least partially, particularly when the product is applied or when the applicator is in the said second position and in that the volume of the reservoir can vary.
2. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the absorbent material includes open cells with an average size of between 200 µm and 3 mm and preferably between 700 µm and 2 mm and more preferably still between 0.1 mm and 1. 5 mm.
3. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the second position, the applicator (10) is at least partially compressed inside the reservoir (2).
4. Packaging and application unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reservoir (2) consists of a body (6), a first end of which is closed by a base (3) and a second end of which is surmounted by a neck (4), the said opening (8) being delimited by a free edge of the said neck (4), the applicator (10) being at least partially inside the neck.
5. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 4, characterized in that the neck has an axis which is different from the axis X.
6. Packaging and application unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reservoir (2) has a base (3) opposite the said opening (8), the first end (13) being located substantially in the vicinity of the base (3) so as to be permanently in contact with the product (P) .
7. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first end (13) emerges substantially inside the body and is located above the level of product in the reservoir.
8. Packaging unit according to Claim 7, characterized in that the base (3) is movable axially with respect to the body (6) so as to facilitate contact between the product (P) and the applicator (10) and to promote loading of the applicator with product.
9. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 8, characterized in that the base is connected to the body by means of a "bellows"-type mechanism (20).
10. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 7, characterized in that the applicator (10) is secured to a wick-type member soaking in the product.
11. Packaging and application unit according to any one of Claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the said applicator (10) is secured to the neck in an intermediate zone (9, 11) between the said first and second ends (13, 14), the passage from the said first position to the second taking place by axial compression of at least that portion of the applicator (10) which is between the application surface (15) and the intermediate zone, in response to the closing-off of the said opening (8) by the said removable closure means (5).
12. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 11, characterized in that the said applicator (10) is secured to the neck (4) by gluing, welding or by any other appropriate means.
13. Packaging and application unit according to any one of Claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the applicator (10) is fitted so as to slide inside the neck (4), the passage from one of the said first or second positions to the other taking place by means of an axial translation movement of the entire applicator (10).
14. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 13, characterized in that ballasting means (24) are provided on the applicator (10), the passage from a "head-up" position to a "head-down" position of the packaging and application unit entraining the application surface (15) into the said first position, the passage from a "head-down" position to a "head-up" position of the packaging and application unit entraining the application surface into the said second position.
15. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 14, characterized in that it comprises means (24, 25) for locking the said applicator (10) in the said first position.
16. Packaging unit according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first end (13) is located in the vicinity of the base (3), the said base being movable axially with respect to the body, the applicator (10) being fitted so as to slide inside the neck, means (26, 29, 30) being provided for selectively varying the axial distance between the base (3) and the neck (4) so as to cause the applicator (10) to move from one of the said first or second positions to the other, means (27) being provided to hold the first end of the applicator substantially in the vicinity of the base.
17. Packaging and application assembly according to Claim 16, characterized in that the base (3) is connected to the body (6) by means of a portion which forms a bellows (26).
18. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 16, characterized in that the base (3) consists of an elastically deformable flexible membrane (30).
19. Packaging and application unit according to any one of Claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the said means capable of selectively modifying the axial distance between the base and the neck comprise an attached base (29) which is screwed onto the body (6) of the unit (1).
20. Packaging and application unit according to any one of Claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the said means capable of holding the first end (13) of the applicator (10) in contact with the base (3) include elastic return means (27), a first end of which bears against a zone located in the vicinity of the neck and a second end of which bears on a zone (28) secured to the applicator.
21. Packaging and application unit according to any one of Claims 3 to 20, characterized in that the applicator (10) is fitted inside the neck by means of an intermediate member (22) fitted inside the neck (4).
22. Packaging and application unit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the intermediate member (22) is fitted inside the neck by means of snap-fitting, screwing, gluing, welding, etc.
23. Packaging and application unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator is fitted so as to be able to pivot angularly with respect to its axis or with respect to a plane passing through its axis.
24. Packaging and application unit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the applicator (10) is fitted by means of a pivot mechanism (23).
25. Packaging and application unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator (10) consists of at least one block (12, 12', 12") of foam chosen from polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyether, polyester, NBR (natural rubber), SBR (synthetic rubber), foams etc.
26. Packaging and application unit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the applicator comprises at least 10% open or semi-open cells.
27. Packaging and application unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator (10) consists of a stack of blocks (12, 12', 12") of foam of various types and/or densities and/or thicknesses.
28. Packaging and application unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the applicator (10) consists of a stack comprising at least one block (12) of foam and at least one block (12', 12") of a material chosen, in particular, from the sintered materials of sintered type of polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, felts, etc.
29. Packaging and application unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface (15) has a shape which is concave, convex, flat, bevelled or double-bevelled, etc.
30. Packaging and application unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface (15) is covered with a permeable covering of textile, perforated plastic or felt type and/or is covered with a flock coating (21).
31. Packaging and application unit according to Claim 30, characterized in that the flock coating (21) consists of pile fibres of different diameters and/or type and/or height, or a mixture of such pile fibres.
32. Packaging and application unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator (10) has a narrow channel or one or more slots passing axially through it, substantially centrally, so as to increase its product-application capacity.
33. Packaging and application unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (2) is made from metal, glass, or a thermoplastic material chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylene terephthalates, etc.
34. Packaging and application unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (16) of ball or weight type are provided inside the reservoir (2) so as to promote homogenization of the product and to facilitate loading of the applicator.
35. Application unit according to Claim 7, characterized in that the applicator (10) is axially free inside the neck (4) and, at its first end (13), mounted on a spring bearing against the base (3) of the reservoir.
36. Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two applicators mounted head-to-tail inside the reservoir (2).
37. Packaging and application unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (P) is a cosmetic product such as a nail varnish, a lipstick, or an oil, a gel-type oil, a glue, a writing corrector or a stain remover.

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