EP0970650B1 - Applicator for easily disintegrated composition, device comprising said applicator and application method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the application to the skin of a cosmetic product and / or skin treatment and more particularly, but not exclusively, of a product disintegration obtained by extrusion and / or compaction and which must be dry packaged for conservation reasons for example.

We know from US-A-1,524,008 a sponge housing a soap having a free face which can be brought into contact with the skin.

An impermeable barrier separates the soap and the sponge, in order to allow this last to keep a solid consistency.

The invention aims to allow the application of a disintegrating product so homogeneous, under satisfactory hygienic conditions.

The invention also aims to make it possible to distribute a relatively large quantity large amount of product over a relatively large area if necessary, to treat the face for example.

• un logement débouchant sur une face de l'applicateur destinée à être amenée au contact de la peau pour l'application du produit,
• une réserve de produit contenue à l'intérieur dudit logement, cette réserve de produit et ledit logement étant conformés de telle sorte que le produit puisse venir directement au contact de la peau lors de l'application,
• un matériau poreux apte à retenir un liquide et à le restituer directement sur la réserve de produit ainsi que sur la face de l'applicateur amenée au contact de la peau lors de l'application du produit, ce dernier étant apte à se déliter au contact du liquide libéré par ledit matériau poreux.

It does this through an applicator characterized by the fact that it includes

• a housing opening onto one face of the applicator intended to be brought into contact with the skin for the application of the product,
• a reserve of product contained inside said housing, this reserve of product and said housing being shaped so that the product can come directly into contact with the skin during application,
• a porous material capable of retaining a liquid and of restoring it directly on the reserve of product as well as on the face of the applicator brought into contact with the skin during the application of the product, the latter being able to disintegrate on contact liquid released by said porous material.

The applicator, once loaded with the liquid used to disintegrate the product contained in the aforementioned housing, for example water, is moved over the skin to moisten it and allow the product contained in the applicator to disintegrate on contact.

Thanks to the invention, the user can easily apply the product in the manner sought after, for example in the form of a foam, a mask or a coating film.

The product thus applied is capable of exerting various effects on the skin, by example of bleaching, flaking or purifying it.

In all cases, the disintegrating product according to the present invention is a product which is used in close connection with the liquid released during application by the porous material, which is not the case for the applicator described in the patent application French FR-A-2 754 985 which is used in the dry state.

While in US-A-1,524,008 above, the water contained in the sponge is prevented from contacting the soap directly due to the existence of the barrier waterproof, in the invention the liquid impregnating the porous material is capable of being released not only on the skin but also in the product reserve, which promotes the disintegration.

Preferably, the reserve of product is used during a single use, so that if it remains at the end of the use of the product in the disintegrated state in the housing of the applicator, this is not a problem for the next use, which is done with a new applicator or with a new reserve of product after cleaning the applicator.

In a particular embodiment, the housing of the applicator intended to contain the disintegrating product is offset, which facilitates the use of the applicator and allows the user can easily dose the amount of product deposited on the skin, by pressing more or less strongly the applicator with your fingertips.

The product to be applied to the skin may be in the form of a lozenge to introduce into said housing, which may have the shape of a cavity open towards the outside and the bottom is wider than the opening.

In general, the applicator preferably comprises a part more smaller diameter than the pellet so as to retain the latter.

As a variant, this housing can be cylindrical and the product can be retained there by friction.

The applicator advantageously comprises an impermeable wall between its face intended to be used for the application of the product and its gripping face by the user, which allows the user not to get excessively wet fingers during application.

The applicator may include a specific gripping element, such as a handle, on its face opposite to that intended to be used for applying the product.

Alternatively, the applicator may be hollow and open at one end, so that to be able to engage the hand.

The applicator may also comprise at least one second housing suitable for contain another product to be applied to the skin, and allows the two products to be mixed with time of use only.

In a particular embodiment, the applicator is removably attached to a reservoir containing the liquid in contact with which the product disintegrates.

The supply of liquid from the reservoir to said porous material can be carried out by means of a feed member opening into said housing and comprising a deflector to avoid projecting liquid directly onto the product.

In another particular embodiment, the applicator is fixed on a reservoir to deformable wall fitted with a valve opening under product pressure when the user presses said wall.

The invention also relates to an assembly consisting of an applicator such as mentioned above and at least one reserve of product packaged outside the applicator.

• introduire une quantité prédéterminée de produit dans le logement d'un applicateur tel que précité, cet applicateur comportant un matériau poreux capable d'absorber ledit liquide et de le restituer au contact de la peau lors de l'application,
• imbiber dudit liquide le matériau poreux,
• déplacer l'applicateur au contact de la peau.

The subject of the invention is also a method for applying to the skin a cosmetic product capable of disintegrating on contact with a liquid, this method being characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in:

• introducing a predetermined quantity of product into the housing of an applicator as mentioned above, this applicator comprising a porous material capable of absorbing said liquid and of restoring it in contact with the skin during application,
• soak the porous material with said liquid,
• move the applicator in contact with the skin.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un applicateur conforme à un premier exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique, en coupe dans un plan médian de symétrie, de l'applicateur de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un applicateur conforme à un deuxième exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique, en coupe dans un plan médian de symétrie, de l'applicateur de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue analogue à la figure 4, représentant un troisième exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique, en coupe dans un plan médian de symétrie, d'un quatrième exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique, en perspective, d'un applicateur conforme à un cinquième exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 8 est une vue schématique, en coupe, d'un applicateur conforme à un sixième exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 9 est une vue schématique, en perspective d'un applicateur conforme à un septième exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 10 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un applicateur conforme à un huitième exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 11 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un applicateur conforme à un neuvième exemple de réalisation,
• la figure 12 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un applicateur conforme à un dixième exemple de réalisation, et
• la figure 13 est une vue schématique et partielle, en perspective, d'un ensemble constitué par l'applicateur représenté sur la figure 3 et par des réserves de produit.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an applicator according to a first embodiment example,
• FIG. 2 is a schematic view, in section in a median plane of symmetry, of the applicator of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an applicator according to a second embodiment,
• FIG. 4 is a schematic view, in section in a median plane of symmetry, of the applicator of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing a third embodiment example,
• FIG. 6 is a schematic view, in section in a median plane of symmetry, of a fourth exemplary embodiment,
• FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of an applicator according to a fifth embodiment,
• FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view, in section, of an applicator according to a sixth embodiment,
• FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an applicator according to a seventh embodiment,
• FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view of an applicator according to an eighth exemplary embodiment,
• FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view of an applicator according to a ninth exemplary embodiment,
• FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of an applicator according to a tenth exemplary embodiment, and
• Figure 13 is a schematic and partial view, in perspective, of an assembly formed by the applicator shown in Figure 3 and by product reserves.

The applicator 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a housing 2 containing a reserve of product, which is in the form of a tablet 3 for use unique.

Alternatively, the reserve of product could still be in the form of a cube or with another non-cylindrical shape of revolution.

The housing 2 is, in the example considered, cylindrical of revolution around of an X axis and it is produced by cutting a support 4 constituted by a layer relatively thick of open cell foam.

Alternatively, the support 4 could consist of any other porous material capable of absorbing water and returning it during application.

The outline of the support 4 is substantially elliptical as can be seen on the Figure 1, the axis X of the housing 2 being eccentric.

The housing 2 is closed at its lower end by a wall 5 attached to one face 6 of the support 4, as shown in FIG. 2.

The opposite face of the applicator, which bears the reference 8, is intended to come to the skin contact when applying the product.

In the example described, the thickness of the patch 3 is substantially the same as that of the support 4, so that the outer face 7 of the patch 3 is located substantially at same level as face 8 of the applicator.

The nominal diameter of the housing 2 is slightly smaller than that of the patch 3, so that it is retained there by friction.

The patch 3 is directly in contact with the material constituting the support 4.

The wall 5, which is preferably made of an impermeable material, is fixed to the support 4 by any conventional means such as welding, bonding or sewing.

To use the applicator 1, the user soaks the support 4 with water, introduces the pad 3 and brings the face 7 of the latter as well as the face 8 of the applicator in contact skin.

By holding, for example, the applicator between the thumb and middle finger, the user moves the applicator over the skin in small circular motions, this causes moistening of the skin and of the face 7 of the patch 3, which can thus be gradually disintegrate on contact with the skin and form, for example, a foam.

Throughout the application, the user can measure the amount of product that is disintegrates and / or water by pressing the applicator more or less strongly on the skin, and in particular by pressing with the index finger on the wall 5.

Water is delivered into the housing 2 in contact with the pellet 3, which accelerates the disintegration of the latter.

In a variant, the applicator comprises a second housing 9 shown schematically in dotted lines in FIG. 1, intended to contain a second pellet of a product to be stored separately and mixed during application only with the product constituting the tablet 3.

We can thus place in a single applicator a tablet containing acid citric and a lozenge containing baking soda for example the mixture of these produced during application causing effervescence, which can promote creation of foam and / or the penetration of active ingredients and / or even providing a feeling of freshness to the user.

The face 8 of the support 4 could comprise, without going beyond the framework of the present invention, a coating of a woven, nonwoven or flocked material, intended by example to increase the comfort of use.

The applicator 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is produced by assembling with conventional means a support 12 and a retaining layer 13, both made up by porous materials, for example open cell foams having a certain elasticity.

By way of example, FIG. 3 shows an assembly line 16 by welding, the materials used being hot-melt.

The support 12 has a shape substantially identical to that of the support 4 previously described, without the housing 2.

The retaining layer 13 is thinner than the support 12 and does not extend substantially only on half of it, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4.

It is pierced in its center to form an opening 15 allowing the introduction of a product tablet 14.

The diameter of this patch 14 is greater than that of the opening 15.

The pad 14 can be introduced by elastically deforming the layer of holding 13 to sufficiently widen the opening 15.

The assembly line 16 is sufficiently set back from the opening 15 to allow the pellet 14 to be housed under the retaining layer 13.

The pellet 14 is retained after its introduction into the space 11 formed between the support 12 and the retaining layer 13.

To use the applicator 10, once the tablet 14 is in place, soak the support 12 and to move the retaining layer 13 in contact with the skin.

The water contained in the support 12 diffuses into the retaining layer 13 and moistens the skin, to allow the pellet 14 to disintegrate on contact.

The pellet 14 rests on one side against the support 12, and the liquid contained in the support 12 is thus returned directly to the pellet 14, which accelerates its disintegration.

FIG. 5 shows an applicator 20 comprising a housing 21 to contain a tablet 22 of product.

The housing 21 has, before the introduction of the patch 22, a shape generally cylindrical of revolution, and it is produced by cutting a support 23 consisting of a relatively thick layer of a porous material, for example a foam with open cells.

The support 23 comprises, on its face 24 intended to be applied to the skin, a flocking 25 and on its opposite face 26 an impermeable wall 27 which completely covers it and closes the housing 21 at one end.

The pad 22 is retained by friction in the housing 21.

The patch 22 comes directly into contact with the support 23 at its periphery.

The presence of the wall 27 allows the user not to wet his fingers during of the application, which is carried out in a manner analogous to what has been described in reference to Figures 1 to 4.

The user must press the applicator enough for the tablet 22 come in contact with the skin when necessary.

The applicator 30 shown in FIG. 6 is produced by assembling two layers 31, 32 superimposed each made of a porous material such as a cell foam open.

The layers 31 and 32 are in the example described assembled by welding at their periphery at 33 on the one hand and on the other hand around a circular opening 37 made in layer 31.

The layers 31 and 32 can deviate from one another in the vicinity of the opening 37 to constitute a housing 34 for accommodating a pellet of product 35.

The diameter of the opening 37 is less than that of the pellet 35, so that the latter remains trapped in housing 34 once it has been introduced there.

Layer 32 is coated on its outer face with an impermeable wall 38 which is assembled to layers 31 and 32 by welding at 33.

The pad 35 rests on one side on the layer 32.

FIG. 7 shows an applicator 40 which comprises, on its face opposite to that intended to be applied to the skin, a gripping element 41 such than a handful.

This applicator is substantially similar for the rest to the applicator 20 described. upper.

FIG. 8 shows an applicator 50 comprising two layers 51 and 52 made of a porous material, for example an open cell foam.

These layers 51 and 52 are assembled at their periphery at 53 while sparing an opening on one side to allow the user to insert their hand between them or one or more fingers.

A retaining piece 54 is fixed by welding, for example on the outer face 55 of the layer 51 to constitute a housing 56 intended to accommodate a reserve of product 57.

The product is introduced in the example considered in the housing 56 under the form of a paste, through an opening 58 of the holding part 54, which is produced in a porous material.

The product 57 is directly in contact with the layer 51.

The applicator 50 is used by wetting the layers 51 and 52 and then introducing the hand or one or more fingers between them and then moving the holding piece 54 and if necessary, the layer 51 also in contact with the skin.

The layer 51 soaked in water constitutes a reserve of water making it possible to moisten the skin so that product 57 disintegrates on contact.

FIG. 9 shows an applicator 80 according to another example of implementation of the invention.

This applicator 80 comprises a support 83 made of a porous material such as a open cell foam, provided in its center with a housing allowing to retain a tablet 84 of a product to be applied to the skin.

The pellet 84 is thus directly in contact with the material constituting the support. 83.

The support 83 is fixed on a plate 81 made of rigid plastic material, extended by a handle 82.

FIG. 10 shows an applicator 60 according to another example for implementing the invention.

This applicator 60 comprises a housing 61 produced in a block 62 of a porous material, subject to a support 63 forming part of a device 64 for feeding a liquid.

This device 64 comprises a container 65 containing the liquid, which can be by example of water to which active substances are mixed which have an effect on the skin, and distribution means 66, which are controlled for example by the depression of the support 63, for example when the applicator 60 is pressed on the skin.

The distribution means 66 make it possible to inject the liquid contained in the container directly within block 62.

The housing 61 contains a reserve of product in the form of a pellet 66 retained by force therein, the liquid contained in the container 65 being chosen so that the product constituting the pellet 66 can disintegrate on contact.

Appropriate reliefs 67 can be produced in the housing 61, as illustrated schematically, to reinforce the maintenance of the patch 66.

FIG. 11 shows an applicator 90 comprising a block of a porous material 91 provided in its center and on its underside with a housing 92, the bottom contains a tablet 93 of the product to be applied.

The block 91 is fixed by its upper face on a support 94 provided with a handle 95.

The product constituting the tablet 93 is intended to disintegrate in contact with a liquid contained in a tank 96.

The block 91 is inserted, to be recharged with liquid, in a cup 97 serving actuating a dispensing valve of which only the member 98 has been shown in the drawing for bringing the liquid onto the porous material constituting the block 91.

This member 98 opens into the housing 92 and includes a deflector 99 which allows the liquid to be projected onto the side wall of the housing 92, avoiding sending it directly on the pad 93.

Prior to application to the skin, the user presses the cup 97 while the applicator 90 is in place, which causes the distribution of a dose of liquid and moistening block 91.

Then, the user can grasp the handle 95 and pass the block 91 over the skin, bringing the pastille 93 into contact with the latter.

The tablet 93 disintegrates in contact with the liquid left on the skin by the block 91.

FIG. 12 shows an applicator 100 comprising a block 101 of a porous material and a reserve of product 102 contained in a housing 103.

The block 101 is fixed on a support 104 made of rigid plastic material, screwed onto the neck 105 of a container 106 with a deformable wall, containing the liquid used to disintegrate the product 102.

A valve 107 is mounted in the neck of the bottle to ensure that the liquid is only delivered to block 101 when the user presses the deformable wall of the container 106.

An applicator according to the invention, such as for example that described with reference in Figures 1 to 8, is advantageously offered for sale with several reservations of products, each product reserve corresponding to a single use.

By way of example, FIG. 13 shows a plurality of pellets contained in the housings 70 of a tablet 71, the applicator being contained in a separate housing, the assembly being protected during storage by a film of removable protection 72.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described.

It is notably possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to combine between them the various particularities of embodiment of each of the examples described with reference to the figures.

One can in particular provide the face of the applicator intended to come into contact with the skin of a coating intended to increase the comfort of use, such as for example a flocked fabric.

Claims (27)

1. An applicator for applying a dispersible substance to the skin, the applicator being characterized by the fact that it comprises:

   an off-centered housing (2; 9; 11; 21; 34; 56) opening out in a face of the applicator for putting into contact with the skin to apply the substance;

   a supply of substance (3; 15; 22; 35; 57; 84; 66) suitable for dispersing only on contact with a liquid and contained within said housing, said supply of substance and said housing being shaped in such a manner that the substance can come directly into contact with the skin during application; and

   a porous material (4; 12; 13; 23; 31; 32; 51; 52; 54; 83; 62) suitable for retaining a liquid and for giving it back directly onto the supply of substance and also onto the face of the applicator that is bought into contact with the skin during application of the substance, the substance being suitable for dispersing on contact with the liquid released by the porous material.
2. An applicator according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said housing (2; 21; 61) is formed in the body of said porous material.
3. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said substance for application to the skin is inserted into said housing in the form of a pellet (3; 15; 22; 35; 84; 66).
4. An applicator according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that it includes a portion of smaller diameter than the pellet so as to retain the pellet.
5. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said housing is in the form of an outwardly open cavity (11; 34; 56) having an end wall that is larger than its opening.
6. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that said housing (2; 21) is cylindrical and by the fact that the substance is retained therein by friction.
7. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it has a wall (27; 38) that is impermeable to the liquid used and that extends between the face for applying the substance and the face held by the user.
8. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes an element (41; 82) for grasping on its face opposite from its face that is for applying the substance.
9. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it is hollow and open at one end so that the hand can be engaged therein.
10. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes at least one second housing (9) suitable for containing a second substance for application to the skin.
11. An applicator according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it is releasably secured to a container containing the liquid for causing the substance to disperse on coming into contact therewith.
12. An applicator according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that it includes a feed member for feeding the liquid from the tank to said porous material, said feed member opening out into said housing and including a deflector to avoid discharging liquid directly against the substance.
13. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact that it is secured to a tank containing the liquid which causes the substance to disperse on coming into contact therewith, the tank having a deformable wall and being fitted a valve that opens under the pressure of the liquid when the user presses against said wall.
14. An assembly comprising an applicator as defined in any preceding claim, and at least one supply of substance packaged outside the applicator.
15. A method of applying a cosmetic substance to the skin, the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps consisting in:

    inserting a predetermined quantity of substance in a housing of an applicator including a porous material capable of absorbing a liquid and of giving it back during application;

    soaking said porous material in said liquid; and

    moving the applicator in contact with the skin, said liquid being selected in such a manner that said substance can disperse on coming into contact therewith.
16. A method according to claim 15, characterized by the fact said housing is formed in the body of said porous material.
17. A method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by the fact that said substance for application to the skin is inserted into said housing in the form of a pellet.
18. A method according to claim 17, characterized by the fact said applicator includes a portion of smaller diameter than the pellet so as to retain the pellet.
19. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized by the fact said housing is in the form of an outwardly open cavity having an end wall that is larger than its opening.
20. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized by the fact said housing is cylindrical and by the fact that the substance is retained therein by friction.
21. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized by the fact that said applicator has a wall that is impermeable to the liquid used and that extends between the face for applying the substance and the face held by the user.
22. A method according to anyone of claims 15 to 21, characterized by the fact that said applicator includes an element for grasping on its face opposite from its face that is for applying the substance.
23. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized by the fact that said applicator is hollow and open at one end so that the hand can be engaged therein.
24. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized by the fact that said applicator includes at least one second housing suitable for containing a second substance for application to the skin.
25. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized by the fact that said applicator is releasably secured to a container containing the liquid for causing the substance to disperse on coming into contact therewith.
26. A method according to claim 25, characterized by the fact that said applicator includes a feed member for feeding the liquid from the tank to said porous material, said feed member opening out into said housing and including a deflector to avoid discharging liquid directly against the substance.
27. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized by the fact that said applicator is secured to a tank containing the liquid which causes the substance to disperse on coming into contact therewith, the tank having a deformable wall and being fitted a valve that opens under the pressure of the liquid when the user presses against said wall.

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