EP1050231B1 - Device for storing and applying cosmetic products - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging and applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product.

The invention relates more particularly to a device of the type comprising a container for containing said product, an applicator provided with an application element, and a wiper member having an elastically deformable wall traversed by at least one slot allowing the passage of the application element and defining wiping lips.

Many devices of this type are known.

International application WO 88/02608 describes a makeup assembly comprising a wiper member provided with an orifice of circular section.

International application WO 97/07705 describes a packaging unit comprising an applicator and a wringer in rigid or semi-rigid material.

Patent GB 683,932 describes a container provided with a wiper comprising two wiping lips.

However, there is a need to improve the quality of the wringing of the application element, on which the quality of make-up depends to a large extent.

The invention thus aims to propose a new packaging and application device which is of relatively simple construction and which makes it possible to improve the quality of the wiping of the application element.

The device according to the invention is of the aforementioned type having an elastically deformable wall which is capable of taking, under the effect of an axial stress exerted by the applicator, a first and a second different configuration respectively during the introduction and of the withdrawal of the applicator, said elastically deformable wall is produced with an initial non-planar shape at rest and in the absence of an applicator, characterized by the fact that the elastically deformable wall is crossed by at least one slot serving for the passage of the application element and defining the wiping lips, this initial shape being chosen in such a way that the wiping lips are applied with different forces on the applicator respectively during its introduction and its withdrawal, due deformations undergone by said elastically deformable wall to pass from its initial shape to one of said configurations, and by fa it that the applicator has a flat rod.

Thanks to the invention, there is a packaging and application device in which the wiping member is applied in a different way to the applicator when the latter is introduced into the container or extracted from that -this.

The invention makes it possible to avoid that, due to prolonged storage of the applicator in the container, the wiping lips lose their capacity to wring out the application element in a satisfactory manner.

It can therefore be very fine.

Preferably, when the elastically deformable wall is in its initial shape, the wiping lips are substantially contiguous.

This prevents the product in the container from drying out.

In addition, in case of accidental spillage of the container, it is avoided that the product does not spill outside.

Preferably, the passage of the elastically deformable wall in one of the first and second configurations mentioned above automatically brings the wiping lips into a position in which they are naturally no longer contiguous.

This characteristic is advantageously used to reduce the stress exerted on the wiping lips by the applicator when the latter is in its storage position or to reduce the force exerted by the wiping lips on the application element. when removing the applicator.

Preferably, the slot is unique.

Preferably, the slot is made in the bottom of a generally concave portion of the elastically deformable wall.

In a first embodiment of the invention, when the elastically deformable wall is in its initial shape, the concavity of this portion is oriented towards the interior of the container.

Thus, when the applicator is introduced into the container, this portion turns over, which causes the opening of the slot.

The slit opened by the reversal of the elastically deformable wall offers relatively low resistance to the movement of the applicator because the wiping lips do not apply strongly to it.

When the applicator is removed from the container, the elastically deformable wall turns again and the concavity of the portion crossed by the slot is again oriented towards the interior of the container.

The wiping lips then tend to apply more strongly to the applicator than when it is introduced into the container.

Thus, the application element undergoes a thorough spin.

In a second example of implementation of the invention, when the elastically deformable wall is in its initial shape, the concavity of the portion traversed by the slot is oriented towards the opening of the container.

Thus, when the applicator is introduced into the container, the portion through which the slot passes remains concave towards the opening of the container.

As a result, the wiping lips tend to apply strongly to the applicator.

On the other hand, when the applicator is removed, the elastically deformable wall changes its configuration and the portion crossed by the slot becomes concave towards the interior of the container.

Due to this deformation of the elastically deformable wall, the wiping lips tend to move apart and are applied with a relatively low force on the application element, which is therefore wrung in a less energetic manner than in the case of the first example of implementation of the invention, mentioned above.

In a particular embodiment, the device further comprises a limiting member for limiting the deformation of the elastically deformable wall during the withdrawal of the applicator.

This limiting member can be arranged to limit the upward movement of the wiping lips during the withdrawal of the applicator.

In the case where the portion traversed by the slot turns over when the applicator is withdrawn, the limiting member can limit this turning over.

In a particular embodiment, the limiting member is integral with a neck of the container used for fixing a closure cap.

In a particular embodiment, the wiping member is fixed by an annular rim on the container.

The applicator may include a rod which thickens at its lower end to form a housing used for fixing the application element.

In a particular embodiment, the thickness of the application element at least at the time of spinning is less than the thickness of the rod measured in the region of the latter which comes into contact with the member of the spin when the applicator is in the storage position in the container.

The applicator stem is flat.

The applicator rod can be hollowed out, so as to limit the stresses exerted by the applicator on the wiping member when the applicator is in place in the container.

In a particular embodiment, the elastically deformable wall of the wiping member is made of elastomer.

In a particular embodiment, the slot of the wiping member is extended at its ends by cutouts aimed at promoting the mobility of the wiping lips during the introduction and withdrawal of the applicator.

At least one of the edges of the slot may have a chamfer.

This chamfer can be used in particular to produce a thin membrane connecting the edges of the slot, coming from molding with the elastically deformable wall and to be broken after the molding operation.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application conforme à un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'applicateur ayant été retiré,
• la figure 2 représente le récipient de la figure 1 une fois l'applicateur en position de stockage dans le récipient,
• la figure 3 représente le récipient de la figure 1 lors du retrait de l'applicateur,
• la figure 4 représente un détail de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application conforme à un deuxième exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, lors du retrait de l'applicateur,
• la figure 6 représente un détail de la figure 5,
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application conforme à un troisième exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'applicateur étant représenté en position de stockage dans le récipient,
• la figure 8 illustre la configuration de l'organe d'essorage au moment du retrait de l'applicateur,
• les figures 9 à 11 illustrent différentes formes de découpes réalisées aux extrémités de la fente de l'organe d'essorage,
• la figure 12 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application conforme à un quatrième exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'applicateur ayant été retiré,
• la figure 13 représente le récipient de la figure 12, l'applicateur étant en place dans le récipient,
• la figure 14 représente le récipient de la figure 12 au moment du retrait de l'applicateur,
• la figure 15 représente une variante de réalisation de l'applicateur de la figure 7,
• la figure 16 représente la façon dont les lèvres d'essorage s'appliquent sur la tige de l'applicateur au repos,
• la figure 17 représente en coupe axiale schématique un organe d'essorage conforme à un cinquième exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, et
• la figure 18 illustre la réalisation d'un chanfrein sur les lèvres d'essorage.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic view in axial section of a packaging and application device according to a first example of implementation of the invention, the applicator having been removed,
• FIG. 2 represents the container of FIG. 1 once the applicator in the storage position in the container,
• FIG. 3 represents the container of FIG. 1 when the applicator is withdrawn,
• FIG. 4 represents a detail of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 5 is a schematic view in axial section of a packaging and application device according to a second example of implementation of the invention, when the applicator is withdrawn,
• FIG. 6 represents a detail of FIG. 5,
• FIG. 7 is a schematic view in axial section of a packaging and application device according to a third example of implementation of the invention, the applicator being shown in the storage position in the container,
• FIG. 8 illustrates the configuration of the wiping member when the applicator is withdrawn,
• FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate different forms of cuts made at the ends of the slot of the wiper member,
• FIG. 12 is a schematic view in axial section of a packaging and application device according to a fourth example of implementation of the invention, the applicator having been removed,
• FIG. 13 represents the container of FIG. 12, the applicator being in place in the container,
• FIG. 14 represents the container of FIG. 12 when the applicator is withdrawn,
• FIG. 15 represents an alternative embodiment of the applicator of FIG. 7,
• FIG. 16 represents the way in which the wringing lips are applied to the rod of the applicator at rest,
• FIG. 17 shows in schematic axial section a wiping member in accordance with a fifth example of implementation of the invention, and
• FIG. 18 illustrates the production of a chamfer on the wiping lips.

The packaging and application device 1 partially shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a container 2 of axis X, open at its upper end and which may contain a makeup product such as mascara for example.

A wiper member 3 is fixed inside the container 2 by any suitable means, for example by bonding or welding.

In the example described, the wiper member 3 has a generally tubular wall 4 of axis X, extended at its upper part by an annular rim 5 used for fixing to the upper end of the container 2, and connecting at its lower end to a bottom wall 6 having, at rest and in the absence of an applicator, a generally concave shape towards the interior of the container, as can be seen in FIG. 1.

The wall 6 is traversed in its center by a slot 7, the longitudinal edges of which extend in a direction perpendicular to the section plane of FIG. 1.

The slot 7 defines two opposite, elastically deformable wiping lips 20, the ends of which constitute the abovementioned longitudinal edges.

The wiper member 3 can be made of an elastomer such as for example a silicone elastomer, EPDM nitrile, butyl rubber, latex or a thermoplastic elastomer of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, PVC or EVA, this list being of course non-limiting.

The bottom wall 6 is connected to the tubular wall 4 by a thinned annular zone 27.

The container 2 is intended to receive an applicator 10 which is shown in FIG. 2 in its storage position.

The applicator 10 includes an applicator element 11 which can be a brush as in the embodiment described, or even a brush, a flocked body or a foam.

The application element can be flat and in the axis of the rod.

The application element 11 is fixed to the lower end of a rod 12.

The upper end of this rod 12 is integral with a mounting nozzle 13 intended to be inserted in a cap, not shown.

The rod 12 comprises in the upper part a series of annular ribs 14 which are intended to be applied to the inner surface of the tubular part 4 of the wiping member 3 to seal the closure of the container during storage. .

As seen in Figure 2, the rod 12 is quite thin in its region which comes into contact with the wall 6 of the wiper member 3 in the storage position.

The rod 12 thickens at its lower end to form a bulge 16 defining a housing used for fixing the application element 11.

When the wiping member is in its initial shape at rest and in the absence of an applicator, the wiping lips 20 are contiguous as illustrated in FIG. 1.

When the applicator is introduced into the container, the application element 11 presses on the bottom wall 6 and the latter turns over and changes its configuration, passing from a generally concave shape towards the interior of the container to a shape generally concave towards the opening of the container, as shown in Figure 2.

This change in configuration of the bottom wall 6 is accompanied by internal stresses which tend to open the slot 7.

Thus, the wiping lips 20 are applied fairly weakly on the rod 12 of the applicator since naturally, in the configuration of FIG. 2, they are not contiguous.

The wiping lips 20 are applied by their upper faces 21 and the edges 24 of said faces against the rod 12.

When the applicator is removed from the container, the bottom wall 6 accompanies the upward movement of the rod 12 and turns over.

The bottom wall 6 thus changes configuration, passing from a generally concave shape towards the opening of the container to a generally concave shape towards the interior of the container, as shown in FIG. 3.

The change in configuration of the bottom wall 6 during the introduction of the applicator and its removal is favored by the presence of the thinned annular zone 27.

In addition, the transition from the bottom wall 6 of the configuration of Figure 2 to that of Figure 3 is facilitated by the existence of the bulge 16 above the applicator element.

It will be noted that the friction of the wiping lips 20 on the applicator is sufficient for the bottom wall 6 to be able to accompany the movement of the applicator and to change its configuration.

In addition, the tubular wall 4 is rigid enough not to turn over when the applicator is removed from the container.

Due to the fact that in the configuration of FIG. 2 the wiping lips 20 are naturally non-contiguous, the latter are only slightly compressed by the presence of the applicator during storage and this prevents them from acquiring permanent deformation which could be detrimental to the proper spinning of the application element.

It will also be noted that during the introduction of the applicator into the container, the wiping lips 20 move apart the more that the bottom wall 6 is deformed towards the bottom of the container.

Thus, the risk of damage to the wiping lips 20 is reduced if the applicator is introduced very quickly into the container.

In the configuration of FIG. 3, the wiping lips 20 are strongly applied by the edges 25 of their lower faces 26 on the application element 11, as illustrated in FIG. 4

It is thus possible to produce a wiping member capable of wringing an extremely fine application element.

In addition, assuming that the wiping lips 20 acquire, in the event of prolonged storage of the applicator 10 in the container, a permanent downward deformation, the wiping takes place while the wiping lips are urged to move towards the top, so that the abovementioned permanent deformation proves to generate an additional force tending to press the wiping lips on the application element.

The slot 7 can be produced by cutting by means of a blade, or alternatively result from the molding of the wiper member, after possibly breaking a thin membrane connecting the wiper lips 20. In the latter case, the edges of the wiping lips advantageously include a chamfer.

The embodiment of FIG. 5 differs from that of FIGS. 1 to 3 only in that a limiting member 30 is introduced into the opening of the container.

This limiting member 30 has a lower part 31 extending inside the container above the bottom wall 6 of the wiping member.

The lower end 32 of the limiting member 30 extends at a predetermined distance from the bottom wall 6 when the latter is at rest, in the absence of an applicator.

The limiting member 30 is made integral with the container by any known means, and in the embodiment described, comprises a tubular skirt 33 which covers the annular rim 5 of the wiping member 3.

The limiting member 30 also includes an annular lip 34 which pinches the annular rim 5 against the container 2 in order to ensure sealing during assembly.

The upper part of the limiting member 30 forms a neck 35 provided with an external bead 36 used for snap-fastening of the cap 19 in which the mounting end piece 13 is inserted.

The inner surface of the neck 35 and that of the lower part 31 form an introduction cone facilitating the insertion of the applicator into the container.

The limiting member 30 makes it possible to limit the upward movement of the bottom wall 6 when the applicator is withdrawn.

More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the upper face 21 of the wiping lips 20 abuts when the applicator is withdrawn against the lower end 32, which prevents the wiping lips 20 from moving away further, thereby increasing their contact pressure on the application element 11, which ensures a thorough spin.

It is understood that one can easily act on the degree of wringing of the application element by modifying the axial positioning of the limiting member 30.

FIG. 7 shows a device 40 according to an alternative embodiment.

The device 40 comprises a container 41 containing the product, a wiper member 42 and an applicator 43 provided at its lower end with an applicator element 44.

The container 41 comprises a body 45 open at its upper end, in which is fixed an end piece 47 comprising at its upper part a neck 48 serving to maintain the applicator in the storage position, and at its lower part an annular lip 49 forming an introduction cone intended to guide the applicator 43 when it enters the container 41.

The end piece 47 also has at its lower part a skirt 46 used for mounting a wiper member 42.

The applicator 43 comprises a flat rod 50 extending parallel to the cutting plane of FIG. 7.

This rod 50 has a bulge 51 at its lower end, defining a housing used for fixing the application element 44, which can be constituted for example by a brush whose bristles extend substantially in the direction of the X axis of the container, down.

The wiper member 42 has, when the applicator 43 is in place in the container 41, a general shape in a bowl, concave towards the opening of the container, as shown in FIG. 7.

The bottom wall 52 of the wiping member is crossed by a slot 53 which has been represented in top view, along the axis X, in FIG. 9.

The slot 53 extends over a flat region of the bottom wall 52 and is extended at its axial ends 54 by cutouts 56 intended to facilitate the pivoting of the wiping lips 55.

These wiping lips 55 are joined at rest in the absence of an applicator 43, as can be seen in FIG. 9.

The cutouts 56 can form on either side of the slot 53 a V whose apex is located in the axis of the slot and the branches move away from the slot.

The cutouts (reference 57) can also extend perpendicular to the axis of the slot, as illustrated in FIG. 10. They can also (reference 58) form V's whose branches move apart as they approach the axis. X, as illustrated in Figure 11.

In its initial form, the bottom wall 52 is concave towards the inside of the container, the slot 53 being closed.

When the applicator 43 is introduced into the container, the application element 44 moves the bottom wall 52 axially downwards and the latter takes the configuration shown in broken lines in FIG. 8.

In this configuration, the wiping lips 55 are non-contiguous, due to the internal stresses linked to the deformation of the bottom wall 52 during the introduction of the applicator.

When the applicator is removed from the container, the bottom wall 52 turns over and takes a configuration in which it is concave towards the interior of the container, just as it is at rest in the absence of the applicator.

The lip 49 can be configured so as to serve as a limiting member, like the limiting member 30 previously described.

There is shown in Figures 12 to 14 a device 1 'which differs from that described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 in that the bottom wall 6' of the wiper member 3 'present at rest and in l 'absence of applicator a generally concave shape towards the opening of the container.

The bottom wall 6 ′ is traversed by a slot 7 ′ similar to the slot 7 of the device 1 previously described and it has a thickness less than that of the tubular wall 4.

When the applicator 10 is in place in the container, the wiping lips 20 ′ are deformed towards the interior of the container, as can be seen in FIG. 13, and are applied to the rod 12 of the applicator by the edges 24 'of their upper faces.

The wringing lips 20 'are applied fairly strongly on the stem of the applicator.

When removing the applicator 10, the bottom wall 6 ′ turns over and the wiping lips 20 ′ apply by their lower faces to the application element 11, as can be seen in FIG. 14 .

The reversal of the bottom wall 6 ′ during the withdrawal of the applicator has the consequence that the wiping lips 20 ′ tend to move apart, due to the internal stresses in the wiping member, and apply thus less strongly on the applicator than during the introduction of the latter.

As a result, the application element 11 is wrung less strongly than that is the case in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3.

It is thus understood that it is possible, thanks to the invention, to obtain a more or less extensive spin according to the initial shape that is given to the wiper member.

There is shown in Figure 15 an applicator which differs from that shown in Figure 7 in that the flat rod has a central recess which extends in the example described over almost the entire length of the rod.

The end part 61 of the applicator to which the application element is connected is thus connected to the gripping part by two parallel branches 62.

The presence of the recess 60 makes it possible, as can be seen in FIG. 16, to minimize the stresses exerted by the applicator on the lips of the wiping member because the slot can be closed between the branches 62.

The embodiment of FIG. 17 is a variant of that of FIGS. 7 and 8.

In this exemplary embodiment, the bottom wall 52 ′ has a flat central region which is connected by a fold 71 to a peripheral region 70 used for fixing to the container.

The width of the fold 71 can vary when one moves around the axis X, in order to allow a good reversal of the bottom wall 52 '.

FIG. 18 illustrates the production of a chamfer 80 on each wiping lip.

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

It is possible in particular to produce the wiper member with other shapes adapted to the geometry of the application element.

The wiping member may include preferential deformation zones aimed at increasing the mobility of the wiping lips during withdrawal and / or re-entry of the applicator.

Claims (22)

1. A device for packaging and applying a substance, in particular a cosmetic, the device comprising a receptacle for containing said substance, an applicator provided with an applicator element, and a wiper member having an elastically deformable wall (6; 52; 6'; 52) suitable, under the effect of axial stress exerted by the applicator, for taking up different first and second configurations respectively during insertion and withdrawal of the applicator, said elastically deformable wall being made to have an initial shape at rest and in the absence of the applicator that is not plane, characterized by the fact that the elastically deformable wall has at least one slot through which the applicator element can pass and defining wiper lips, the initial shape being selected in such a manner that the wiper lips press on the applicator with different amounts of force respectively while the applicator is being inserted and while it is being withdrawn because of the deformations to which said elastically deformable wall is subjected to make it pass from its initial shape to one of said configurations and by the fact that the applicator comprises a flat rod (50).
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that when the elastically deformable wall is in its initial shape, the wiper lips (20) are substantially touching.
3. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that bringing said elastically deformable wall into one of the first and second configurations causes the wiper lips to take up a position in which they are no longer naturally touching.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that there is only one slot.
5. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the slot (7) is made in the end wall of a generally concave portion of the elastically deformable wall.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that when the elastically deformable wall is in its initial shape, the concave side of said portion (6; 52; 52') faces towards the inside of the receptacle.
7. A device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that when the elastically deformable wall is in its initial shape, the concave side of said portion (6') faces towards the mouth of the receptacle.
8. A device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the fact that the concave side of said portion (6; 6'; 52; 52') inverts substantially when the applicator passes therethrough.
9. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it further includes a limiter member (30) for limiting deformation of the elastically deformable wall while the applicator is being withdrawn.
10. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the limiter member (30) is organized to limit the upward travel of the wiper lips while the applicator is being withdrawn.
11. A device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that the elastically deformable wall inverts during withdrawal of the applicator, and by the fact that the limiter member is organized to limit the extent of this inversion.
12. A device according to any one of the three preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the limiter member (30) is secured to a neck (35) of the receptacle which serves to fix a closure cap.
13. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the wiper member is fixed to the receptacle via an annular rib (5).
14. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the applicator comprises a rod (12) which is enlarged at its bottom end so as to form a housing for fixing the applicator element (11).
15. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the thickness of the applicator element, at least during wiping, is less than the thickness of the rod measured in the region thereof which comes into contact with the wiper member while the applicator is in its storage position inside the receptacle.
16. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the rod is open.
17. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the elastically deformable wall (6; 52; 6'; 52') of the wiper member is made of elastomer.
18. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said slot is extended at its ends by cuts (56; 57; 58) serving to make the wiper lips more mobile during insertion and withdrawal of the applicator.
19. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that at least one of the edges of the slot presents a chamfer (80).
20. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the applicator element is flat.
21. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the receptacle comprises a body (45) opened at its top end in which an insert (47) is fixed having at its top end a neck (48) serving to hold the applicator in the storage position, and at its bottom end an annular lip (49) forming an insertion cone for guiding the applicator (43) as it enters into the receptacle (41).
22. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the insert (47) comprises at its bottom end a skirt (46) serving for mounting a wiper member (42).