EP1314373A2 - Device for packaging and/or applying a product - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (11), e.g. for a cosmetic product (P), has an element (20) immersed in the product that is capable of releasing an electrical and/or magnetic field. The element, which can be made from a fritted or ceramic material, felt, sponge, foam or textile, contains particles (22) with electrical and/or magnetic properties, or which are able to enrich the product with certain minerals or organic substances. The particles can be of metal, other minerals, or natural materials of vegetable origin.

Description

The present invention relates to packaging devices and / or application of a product, for example a cosmetic product.

By “cosmetic product” is meant a product as defined in the Directive 93/35 / EEC of June 14, 1993.

As examples of publications describing packaging devices and / or applicable, there may be mentioned, among others, US 2001/0031168 A1, US 5 393 809 and EP 1 043 018 A1.

The object of the invention is, according to one of its aspects among others, a device conditioning and / or applying a fluid, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising at least one element containing at least one substance and / or capable of generating a electric and / or magnetic field, this element being arranged to allow the setting contact of said fluid and / or of a surface intended to receive said fluid with said substance and / or placing in the field generated by the element of said fluid and / or said area.

The subject of the invention is therefore, in a particular implementation, a device conditioning and / or applying a fluid, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising at least one element containing at least one substance, this element being arranged to allow said fluid to come into contact with said substance.

The subject of the invention is also, in another particular implementation, a device for conditioning and / or applying a fluid, in particular a product cosmetic, comprising at least one element capable of generating a magnetic field, this element being arranged to allow placing in the field generated by the element of said fluid.

The term "fluid" includes liquids, powders and gels.

The substance can be immobilized in the solid state in said element, by example in the form of particles, at least before contact of the element with the fluid.

The term "particles" should be understood in a broad sense and includes the crystals and bodies of all sizes and shapes, especially elongated, having a homogeneous or heterogeneous composition, the particles possibly being hollow or full. The particles can for example have a size of between 0.1 μm and 7 mm, or even between 2 µm and 3 mm, or even between 10 µm and 1 mm, especially between 50 µm and 500 µm.

In a non-limiting example of implementation, the substance can be released by diffusion in the fluid, from captive particles within said element.

When a substance present in the element is intended to be in contact with the fluid, this can comprise at least one compound of mineral, vegetable or animal. The substance may or may not have magnetic properties.

The substance may be able to cause a catalytic reaction or enzymatic or to modify the composition of the fluid.

The substance can exert its action for example during the distribution of fluid or during its storage period in a container of the device.

The substance may be capable of diffusing into the product and in particular capable of present an ionic form, at least after diffusion into the product.

The element may have antiseptic properties, promote circulation blood and / or have regenerating, in particular healing, pain-relieving properties, décontractantes.

The element can thus, for example, have properties other than biocides.

The element can also have purifying properties. By "properties purifying "means the ability of the element to charge with susceptible compounds to be considered as impurities or undesirable. The element can thus include carbon particles for example, the latter being capable of adsorbing certain compounds. The element can thus serve, for example, to prevent impurities present in the fluid to gain an application surface, or to prevent impurities present on the surface application to gain the fluid reserve, the element being able to act for example at the way of a filter.

The element may be able to generate an electric field. The element can contain a material comprising ions which generate an electric field. Alternatively, or additionally, the element may include a material which has been loaded electrostatically.

The element can contain a substance which can be chosen for example in the following non-exhaustive list: metals and their alloys, cobalt, barium, chromium, aluminum, silver, copper, titanium, bronze, manganese, metal oxides, iron oxides, especially ferrite, silicates, sulfates, especially barium sulfate, carbonates, especially calcium carbonate, non-ferrous compounds, especially sulfur, magnesium, calcium, boron, potassium, carbon, trace elements, sea salt, rock salts, clay, soapstone, algae and plankton and their extracts, roots, licorice, ginger, waxes, oils, bactericides, vitamins, proteins, acids, hormones, collagens, alums, in particular alum stone, silk, hemp, glucose, this list is not exhaustive.

The substance may be, in said element, in contact with a binder or substrate chosen from the following nonlimiting list: silicas, in particular colloidal silicas, sands, alumina, soapstone, sandstone, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, glasses, ceramics, wood and cork, in particular in fibers or powder, corn, wheat or rice fibers, lavas, silicates, galena, oxides, hemp, linen, silk, clay, porcelain, mica, polymers, in particular thermoplastics or thermosets, PE, PET, PU, PVC, PA, EVA, vinyl, urea formalin, epoxy, polyester, cyanoacrylate, elastomers, this list is not exhaustive.

The element, in particular when it is arranged to allow release into the fluid of said substance, can be configured to serve as an applicator for the fluid, and may for example have at least a portion having a generally convex surface, for example in the shape of a dome.

The element may be permeable to fluid. In particular, the fluid can by example be contained in a container and the element be arranged so as to be crossed by the fluid taken from the container when using the device. The element can in particular be arranged to be traversed by all of the fluid leaving the container.

The device can be disposable and arranged to dispense a single dose of a fluid impregnating said element.

The element may also include fibers containing said substance, and constitute for example a brush for applying mascara, a comb for hair or for applying a product to eyelashes or eyebrows, a brush for hair, a toothbrush, a paint brush or a flocked tip for the application of a product on the nails or lips, a puff.

The element may also include or be constituted by a frit, a ceramic, a felt, a foam, a sponge, a woven or a nonwoven.

The element can be pre-impregnated with the fluid before use.

The element can be permanently fixed to a container or be configured to be able to be removably attached to the container. Removable mounting can allow to select the element according to the action which one wishes to exert at the means of the element on the fluid or on the surface intended to receive the fluid. A montage removable can still separate the container element in order to perform by example one or more applications during the day, the element being taken away in a handbag, for example.

The element can be snapped, screwed, glued or welded to the container, and by example attached to a container closure cap.

In the case where the element includes a frit, this can be produced from particles of a thermoplastic or thermosetting or mineral material, in particular ceramics, metals or metal oxides, for example.

The element may consist wholly or partly of a ceramic, which may be made from a material containing the substance, for example.

The element may also include a foam made from a material containing the substance.

Alternatively, the element may also include an impregnated foam or sinter of a material containing the substance or within which particles have been deposited containing the substance, these particles being able to be retained in the foam or the sintered by means of a binder, if necessary, for example an adhesive.

The element can present at least one cavity visible to the naked eye allowing to increase the exchange surface with the product. The element, especially when it is intended to be crossed by the product, may include channels having a non-shaped straight, so as to increase the passage time of the fluid in the element.

The element can be produced for example in the form of a pellet comprising holes on each of its faces, these holes being slightly offset so as to form baffles to allow the passage of fluid. So the surface of the element exposed to the fluid can be increased. The element can still be in the form a tube inside which the fluid circulates during use.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device may include an applicator and said element being arranged to wring out the applicator. In this case, the element can exercise an action on the dose of fluid carried by the applicator, for example.

According to another aspect of the invention, said element can comprise at least a fluid permeable wall, this wall being rigid or flexible, and being arranged for retaining particles formed by or containing said substance, or able to exert a magnetic or electric field on the fluid. These particles can by example include or be constituted by balls. At least one of these balls can be compressible. The use of compressible particles can allow, by compressing more or less the particles, to modify the free space between them, thus to modify the loss of charge through the element or the amount of fluid present between the particles.

The aforementioned particles can be free in at least a defined space partially through said fluid permeable wall. So in an example of setting work of the invention, the element may include a wall permeable to fluid, having by example the shape of a sachet or a cartridge containing the particles, the latter being free inside the bag or cartridge.

The permeable wall may have a surface capable of being used for the application of the fluid on the skin, keratin fibers or nails, for example. This surface can be flocked, for example.

The permeable wall can also be integral with a gripping member. The latter can for example be arranged in order to be able to be fixed substantially. waterproof on a container containing the fluid.

According to another aspect of the invention, the element can be in the form of a solid or hollowed-out mass containing the substance and of which a larger dimension is between 5 mm and 40 mm, in particular between 10 and 20 mm.

The element can comprise a body, in particular spherical, coated or not an envelope containing the said substance. A larger dimension of this body can be for example between 5 and 40 mm.

The element can for example be free in a container containing the fluid, of so that it can be used as an agitator if necessary.

The device can be arranged to hold the element, in the absence of use, against a fluid inlet orifice, so as to close an interior space containing the fluid.

According to another aspect of the invention, the element can include at least one interior space containing said fluid, for example substantially all the fluid intended for to be used. The device can comprise at least one housing devoid of fluid and in which said element can be introduced in the absence of use, the element being able occupy all or part of said accommodation. The device may also include, for example, a closure member for closing said housing so substantially hermetic, with said element disposed inside the housing. The organ of said closure can, if necessary, be configured to serve as a gripping member. The fluid-free housing, in which the element containing the fluid can be introduced, may for example contain particles having electrical properties and / or magnetic.

According to one aspect of the invention, the element can be arranged to define a housing for receiving an applicator member, this housing being for example able to be in fluid communication with a container containing the fluid. The element can for example be arranged to form a seat against which can come to bear, with or without sensitive axial compression, the applicator member when the container is closed.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device may include a cup, the element being disposed at the bottom of this cup. This cup can be used, if necessary, for closing a container. The fluid can be poured into the cup at the time of use.

The element can also, according to another aspect of the invention, comprise or be consisting of at least one leaf. The latter may include at least one layer of a matrix in which the substance is incorporated. The sheet can have at least a layer of a woven or a nonwoven. The sheet can be cut to form a patch or a mask, for example. The leaf can also form all or part of a body hollow defining an interior space making it possible to introduce a part of the body into it, in particular a glove, a hood or a hat.

The device can comprise two elements each containing a substance, the substances contained in the different elements being different.

The fluid can be a liquid, a gel, a cream, a powder or a product extrudable stick. The fluid may be a cosmetic product or serve as a solvent for a product cosmetic. The invention is particularly applicable to packaging and / or application of a product capable of disintegrating on contact with a liquid. The fluid may contain or be consisting of water, alcohol, oil, gel or emulsion.

The fluid used may be capable of creating electrically conductive bridges or bridges permeable to a magnetic field between particles of the element.

• au moins un logement contenant des particules, et
• au moins une paroi perméable audit fluide, cette paroi permettant à du fluide présent à l'extérieur du logement au contact de ladite paroi, d'être absorbé par lesdites particules, notamment par capillarité, dans ledit logement.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the above, is an applicator of a fluid, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising:

• at least one housing containing particles, and
• at least one wall permeable to said fluid, this wall allowing fluid present outside the housing in contact with said wall to be absorbed by said particles, in particular by capillarity, in said housing.

The particles used can be inert with respect to the fluid and do not release no substance, by diffusion, in contact with the fluid. These particles can in particular be constituted for example by a powder of an inert material, or by glass beads or ceramic, for example. The particles can be free in the aforementioned housing. The particles may also be able to exert a physicochemical action on the fluid, for example releasing a substance in the fluid or exerting an electric field and / or magnetic on the fluid.

When you want to exert an effect on the fluid by contact with it with a given substance, particles such as beads can be used, for example partially or entirely covered by said substance. When we want exert a magnetic field on the fluid and / or on the surface on which the fluid is applied, one can use for example coated magnetic particles.

The housing containing the particles can also be removable relative to to a container containing the fluid. The user can for example have a series of housings containing particles of different types, and use them selectively. The fluid can then be treated differently, depending on the particles used. The effect of fluid during or after application to the skin, nails or keratin fibers may so be different.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the above, a cartridge having at least one inlet for a fluid, in particular a cosmetic product, this inlet being able to be placed in fluid communication at least temporarily with a container containing said fluid fluid. The fluid can be delivered by the cartridge after passing through a housing of the cartridge containing at least one element comprising a substance capable of being in contact of said fluid or to exert a magnetic and / or electric field on said fluid. The element may include for example a foam, a frit, a ceramic and / or a plurality of particles, in particular beads, capable for example of releasing said substance on contact with the fluid. The cartridge may include an application surface capable of being supplied with the fluid contained in the cartridge. This application surface can include example a flocking. The application surface can be defined by a porous member such as a foam, a sinter, a ceramic or a felt, for example.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the above, the use of particles, in particular beads, in a device for conditioning and / or applying a fluid, in particular a cosmetic product. The particles used can be ceramic balls and / or have a ceramic core and an envelope around the core made in a material chosen for its properties with respect to the fluid or the surface on which the fluid is intended to be applied, for example a metal deposited on the core. The particles can be captive within the device while being able, for example, to release a substance in contact with said fluid or in exerting a magnetic and / or electric field on said fluid or on the surface to which the fluid is intended to be applied.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the above, a packaging device and / or application of a fluid, in particular a cosmetic product, which can be characterized by the has at least one wall permeable to said fluid, having at least one opening arranged to be crossed by fluid withdrawn from a tank containing this fluid. This opening may include two blind holes offset so as to constitute a chicane. The wall can be made of a sintered or cellular material, for example a ceramic, this material being able to contain a given substance, the product being able coming into contact with the substance at the crossing of said wall. The latter can contain particles capable of exerting an electric and / or magnetic field on the product. The wall can be made by plastic injection or by rotational molding or by shaping a powder and then baking to form a ceramic, for example.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the above, an applicator of a fluid, in particular a product cosmetic, which can be characterized by the fact that it comprises a fluid reservoir and at at least one wall permeable to said fluid, produced at least partially in a frit or any other porous material, for example a foam or a ceramic, and containing a substance, for example in the solid state in the form of particles, the fluid being able to come in contact with said substance when it crosses the wall. The substance may be suitable for exert an action on the fluid. The wall may also contain particles capable of exerting a magnetic and / or electric field on the fluid, as it passes through the wall.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the above, a cartridge capable of being fixed on a container containing a fluid, in particular a cosmetic product, this cartridge containing particles, for example captive beads, the product being able to come into contact with said particles particles. The cartridge may be capable of being removably attached to the container and the particles can be contained in a substantially closed space of the cartridge when the latter is removed from the container. The cartridge may in particular include a valve capable of opening when the fluid is introduced into the cartridge, this fluid being withdrawn in the container. Such a valve can close substantially hermetic the space containing the particles, when the removable unit is removed from the container.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the above, an element to be introduced into a container containing a cosmetic product, this element comprising captive particles and being arranged to allow the product to come into contact when the element is in the container. These particles can be, for example, ceramic balls coated with a substance as mentioned above.

• contenant une substance, l'élément étant agencé pour permettre la mise en contact du produit ou d'une surface destinée à recevoir le produit avec ladite substance ou
• aptes à générer un champ magnétique ou électrique, l'élément étant agencé pour permettre la mise dans le champ généré par l'élément dudit fluide ou de ladite surface.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the above, is a device for conditioning and / or applying a fluid, in particular a cosmetic product, which can be characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one element comprising particles:

• containing a substance, the element being arranged to allow the product or a surface intended to receive the product to be brought into contact with said substance or
• able to generate a magnetic or electric field, the element being arranged to allow the placing in the field generated by the element of said fluid or of said surface.

The particles containing the substance can be held together by a binder.

The element can also comprise first particles containing said substance and second particles not containing said substance, the first and second particles being agglomerated by a binder.

The particles containing the substance can be coated particles, may include for example a core made of a first material and a envelope made of a second material, different from the first, the envelope extending around the core and covering it entirely or not. The material of the core can be chosen for example so as to exert a magnetic field and / or electric on the fluid or the surface intended to receive this fluid. A substance intended for to be released into the product may be contained in the core and / or the shell. This substance may still be present only on the surface of the envelope. The use of coated particles may be preferable to the use of single-material particles, especially when the envelope material is expensive.

The element can comprise at least one body or a layer comprising said particles, this body or this layer possibly being porous. The body or the layer may contain a mixture of particles of different natures, at least part of the particles containing said substance, the particles possibly being of natures and different sizes.

The particles can be agglomerated by a binder, which can be mineral or organic. The binder is mineral when the particles are incorporated into a ceramic, for example. The binder is organic when the particles are dispersed in a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, for example. The binder can still be a cement or a liquid, for example an oil.

The element may also include, for example, a porous layer containing the substance and located between two equally porous layers, each composed of a sintered for example.

The element may comprise a body, for example made of clay, coated with a envelope comprising at least one layer containing said substance. This layer can be composed for example of at least one binder and of particles containing said substance. The layer may contain other particles, for example containing a second substance intended to exert an action on the product. Body material can still be chosen so as to exert a magnetic and / or electric field on the fluid.

The element may for example have one of the following forms: ring, shuttle, tube, polyhedron, in particular parallelepiped, sphere.

Particles can conduct electricity. They can include for example an electrical insulating core, a conductive envelope of electricity, and between the two an intermediate layer capable of imparting properties of electrical conduction to the nucleus to allow deposition on the nucleus, by way electrochemical, of the envelope material, in particular when the latter is a metal.

The particles may have a metal core or one or more metal oxides, in particular magnetizable, for example a ferrite, coated with a envelope which can also be magnetizable, if necessary. This envelope can by example protect the nucleus from contact with the fluid.

• une pluralité de particules, et
• une portion perméable au fluide, la portion définissant au moins partiellement un espace intérieur agencé pour retenir la pluralité de particules, ledit au moins un élément étant agencé de telle sorte que :
  • la pluralité de particules comporte au moins une substance, et ladite au moins une substance est apte à être au contact d'au moins l'un du fluide et de la surface recevant le fluide, et/ou,
  • ledit au moins un élément est apte à générer au moins l'un d'un champ électrique et d'un champ magnétique, et au moins l'un du fluide et de la surface est apte à être soumis au champ généré par ladite au moins une substance.

The subject of the invention is also independently or in combination with the above a device for conditioning and / or applying a fluid to a surface, comprising at least one element comprising

• a plurality of particles, and
• a fluid-permeable portion, the portion at least partially defining an interior space arranged to retain the plurality of particles, said at least one element being arranged so that:
  • the plurality of particles comprises at least one substance, and said at least one substance is capable of being in contact with at least one of the fluid and of the surface receiving the fluid, and / or,
  • said at least one element is capable of generating at least one of an electric field and a magnetic field, and at least one of the fluid and of the surface is capable of being subjected to the field generated by said at least a substance.

• la figure 1 représente de manière schématique, en coupe axiale, un exemple de dispositif,
• la figure 2 représente de manière schématique, en perspective avec arrachement, un autre exemple de dispositif,
• la figure 3 représente, de manière schématique, en coupe axiale, un autre exemple de dispositif,
• la figure 4 représente isolément une variante de réalisation de l'applicateur de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 représente de manière schématique, en perspective, un autre exemple de dispositif,
• la figure 6 est une coupe selon VI-VI de la figure 5,
• la figure 7 représente, de manière schématique, en coupe axiale, un autre exemple de dispositif,
• la figure 8 représente un autre exemple de dispositif,
• la figure 9 et 10 représentent d'autres variantes du dispositif de la figure 3,
• la figure 11 représente, de manière schématique, en coupe axiale partielle, un autre exemple de dispositif,
• la figure 12 représente isolément une variante de réalisation de l'élément perméable au produit de la figure 11,
• la figure 13 représente de manière schématique, avec coupe axiale partielle, un autre exemple de dispositif,
• la figure 14 représente en coupe axiale schématique, une autre variante de réalisation,
• les figures 15 à 23 représentent de manière schématique d'autres exemples de réalisation,
• la figure 24 représente isolément, de manière schématique, un autre exemple d'élément perméable au produit,
• les figures 25 à 31 représentent, de manière schématique, d'autres variantes de réalisation,
• la figure 32 illustre la présence d'un flocage à la surface de l'élément d'application de la figure 31,
• les figures 33 à 36 représentent de manière schématique d'autres exemples de réalisation,
• la figure 37 représente isolément un élément d'application réalisé par frittage et comportant un flocage,
• les figures 38 à 48 représentent, de manière schématique, d'autres exemples de réalisation,
• les figures 49 et 50 représentent, isolément, des variantes de réalisation de l'organe d'essorage,
• les figures 51 et 52 représentent, de manière partielle et schématique, des éléments aptes à libérer une substance et/ou à générer un champ électrique et/ou magnétique, et se présentant sous forme de feuille,
• les figures 53 à 56 représentent divers exemples de dispositifs pouvant être réalisés avec au moins une feuille telle que celle représentée à la figure 51 ou 52,
• les figures 57 à 61 représentent, de manière schématique, différents exemples de particules,
• la figure 62 représente une fibre chargée,
• les figures 63 à 65 représentent des exemples de dispositifs comportant des fibres chargées avec la substance,
• la figure 66 représente un exemple de peigne pour les cils ou les sourcils,
• les figures 67 à 73 représentent de manière schématique différents exemples de structures pouvant contenir une substance,
• la figure 74 représente un corps enrobé,
• les figures 75 à 77 représentent de manière schématique différents exemples de structure d'enrobage,
• les figures 78 à 92 représentent de manière schématique divers exemples d'éléments, et
• les figures 93 à 98 représentent de manière schématique et partielle des dispositifs de conditionnement et/ou d'application comportant un élément selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, which forms an integral part of the description, and in which:

• FIG. 1 schematically represents, in axial section, an example of a device,
• FIG. 2 schematically represents, in perspective with cutaway, another example of device,
• FIG. 3 schematically shows, in axial section, another example of a device,
• FIG. 4 represents in isolation an alternative embodiment of the applicator of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 5 schematically represents, in perspective, another example of a device,
• FIG. 6 is a section on VI-VI of FIG. 5,
• FIG. 7 schematically shows, in axial section, another example of a device,
• FIG. 8 represents another example of a device,
• FIG. 9 and 10 represent other variants of the device of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 11 schematically represents, in partial axial section, another example of a device,
• FIG. 12 represents in isolation an alternative embodiment of the element permeable to the product of FIG. 11,
• FIG. 13 schematically shows, with partial axial section, another example of a device,
• FIG. 14 shows in schematic axial section, another alternative embodiment,
• FIGS. 15 to 23 schematically represent other exemplary embodiments,
• FIG. 24 represents in isolation, schematically, another example of an element permeable to the product,
• FIGS. 25 to 31 schematically represent other alternative embodiments,
• FIG. 32 illustrates the presence of a flocking on the surface of the application element of FIG. 31,
• FIGS. 33 to 36 schematically represent other exemplary embodiments,
• FIG. 37 represents in isolation an application element produced by sintering and comprising a flocking,
• FIGS. 38 to 48 schematically represent other exemplary embodiments,
• FIGS. 49 and 50 represent, in isolation, alternative embodiments of the wiping member,
• FIGS. 51 and 52 show, partially and schematically, elements capable of releasing a substance and / or generating an electric and / or magnetic field, and being in the form of a sheet,
• FIGS. 53 to 56 represent various examples of devices which can be produced with at least one sheet such as that shown in FIG. 51 or 52,
• FIGS. 57 to 61 schematically represent different examples of particles,
• FIG. 62 represents a charged fiber,
• FIGS. 63 to 65 represent examples of devices comprising fibers loaded with the substance,
• FIG. 66 represents an example of a comb for the eyelashes or the eyebrows,
• FIGS. 67 to 73 schematically represent different examples of structures which may contain a substance,
• FIG. 74 represents a coated body,
• FIGS. 75 to 77 schematically represent different examples of coating structure,
• FIGS. 78 to 92 schematically represent various examples of elements, and
• Figures 93 to 98 show schematically and partially packaging and / or application devices comprising an element according to the invention.

According to a first aspect of the invention, particles containing a substance able to exert an action on a fluid such as a cosmetic or treatment product dermatological to be applied to the skin, mucous membranes, or integuments, in particular hair or nails, are retained within an element capable of being immersed in said fluid.

By “cosmetic product” is meant a product as defined in the Council Directive 93/35 / EEC of June 14, 1993 amending Directive 76/768 / EEC.

FIG. 1 shows a device 10 comprising a container 11 containing a fluid P, for example a liquid cosmetic product, and an element 20 immersed in this fluid P, this element 20 containing particles 22. In the example considered, the container 11 can be closed in a substantially airtight manner by means of a cover 12, the latter being able to be fixed by screwing or by any other means, for example by snap-fastening, on the container 11.

The container 11, like the element 20, can have various configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the element 20 has a wall 21 permeable to the product, having openings and / or pores whose size is sufficiently weak to prevent the exit of the particles 22 contained inside of item 20.

The wall 21 may comprise or be constituted for example by at least one sheet of a material permeable to fluid P, for example an open cell foam, a woven, a non-woven, a perforated film, or else be produced by thermoforming a net, by injection of thermoplastic material and / or by assembly of several components, by example of a porous structure and a reinforcement.

Element 20 can be present from the outset, for the consumer, in the container 11, or be introduced by it into container 11, during the first use for example. In this case, the element 20 can for example be chosen from several elements 20 containing particles 22 of different natures, these particles being for example capable of releasing into the fluid P different substances. So, the user can select element 20 according for example to the properties he wishes to confer on the fluid P, in order to enrich it with certain active agents, for example minerals or organic matter. The particles 22 may also have magnetic and / or electrical properties likely to act on the fluid P.

If necessary, the element 20 can be removed from the container 11 before taking off fluid P.

In another variant, element 20 can be used, the shape of which is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 1, for the application of the fluid P, the element 20 being able possibly reintroduced into container 11 after each application or discarded after use, the element 20 being for example single use.

Where appropriate, the element 20 can be arranged to allow the user himself to introduce the particles 22 of its choice, the latter coming for example from several containers available to the user. Thus, the user, through the choice of particles 22 introduced into element 20, can modify the effects exerted by the particles 22 on the fluid P. The element 20 may for example have an opening introduction of the particles 22, closable by a removable shutter.

As an example of an alternative embodiment of element 20, there is shown in Figure 2 an element 60 in the general form of a bag comprising two sheets 61 and 62 permeable to fluid P, sealed at their periphery at 63, one on the other and defining an interior space 64 containing a plurality of particles 65, which are thus trapped in the element 60. The particles 65 may contain or not a substance capable of diffusing on contact with the fluid P, the latter being able to be poured onto the element 60 or the latter being able to be immersed in the fluid P.

As a variant, the particles 65 can be completely inert with respect to the fluid P, that is to say, not release any given substance on contact and serve for example simply to increase the capacity of element 60 to take on product, by absorbing by capillarity of the product through the sheets 61 and / or 62. The latter can be flexible, being made for example in an open cell foam, a woven or a nonwoven, a perforated film, a mesh of thermoplastic material, or a complex thereof. The element 60 can be used for applying fluid P to the skin, and can include, for example flocking on its surface.

Element 20 or 60 can also be replaced by an element integral with a gripping organ.

By way of illustration, FIG. 3 shows a device 30 comprising a container 31 containing a fluid P, for example a liquid cosmetic product, and a applicator 40 comprising an applicator element 41 supported by a grip 42 which also constitutes a closing member making it possible to close substantially hermetically the container 31.

The container 31 has a housing 32 to receive at least partially the applicator element 41 when the container 31 is closed. This housing 32 is defined, in the example illustrated, by a part 33 crossed by passages 34 making it possible to establish fluid communication between the interior of the housing 32 and the fluid reserve P contained in container 31.

The application element 41 comprises a wall 45 permeable to the fluid P, a such a wall may be rigid or flexible, and being for example constituted by a grid, by example a thermoformed net, or by a woven, a nonwoven, a sponge, a sinter, a film perforated, this list not being exhaustive. The wall 45 delimits an interior space in which are retained particles 46, large enough not to pass through the wall 45 when it has openings.

The particles 46 may or may not be able to release a substance on contact of fluid P. In the case where the particles 46 are capable of releasing a substance on contact of fluid P, such a substance can diffuse into fluid P in order to modify its properties, for example improving its conservation. In the case where the particles 46 are inert to the product and do not release any substance into it, the particles 46 can be used simply to absorb fluid P by capillarity through the wall 45, for example to allow the applicator 40 to charge with a sufficient amount of product. The particles 46 can also be used to exert a magnetic field and / or electrical on the fluid P and / or the surface on which the product is applied.

By way of example of particles 46 which can be used, mention may be made of: example of the balls, in particular ceramic balls sold by the company SEPR FRANCE under the trademarks ZIRMIL, ZIRBLAST, in particular ZIRBLAST ER120 or ER 1205, ZIRSHOT or ERMIL. The beads used may have a granular microstructure and relatively large surface roughness, and be coated or not. The balls can for example be produced from a mixture of zirconium dioxide and silica.

The part 33 can, if necessary, be loaded with a substance capable of acting on the fluid P when it crosses the part 33 through the passages 34.

The part 33 can be produced by injection of a thermoplastic material or by rotational molding, for example, or by sintering, in particular to form a ceramic.

The applicator containing the particles can be arranged to allow the setting in place of said particles in the applicator by the user himself, for example during of the first use, or alternatively allow the replacement of said particles from one use to another, for example if a substance contained in or constituting said particles is exhausted or if the user wishes to change the nature of the substance in contact with which comes the fluid P to change the effect exerted by the particles on the product or on the surface on which the product is applied.

By way of example, FIG. 4 shows an applicator 80 which corresponds to an alternative embodiment of the applicator 40 of FIG. 3. The applicator 80 essentially differs from the applicator 40 in that the gripping member 42 is provided with an opening 86 allowing access to the interior space containing the particles 46, defined by the wall 45. A closing member 81 is provided to be able to close the opening 86. This closing member is constituted for example by a cover articulated, connected by a film hinge 82 to the body of the gripping member 42. This cover may include a sealing lip 83, capable of being applied so substantially sealed against a wall of the gripping member 42 defining the opening 86. The particles 46 can for example be introduced through the opening 86 before the closing the cover.

The element containing the particles can be given various forms, function for example of the region of the body or face to be treated.

By way of nonlimiting example, FIG. 5 shows a device 70 in the general form of a mask, comprising, as can be seen on FIG. 6, a wall 71 impermeable to a fluid P, for example a thermoformed wall. The wall 71 has the general shape of a mask, defining a housing 72 containing a plurality of particles 73, this housing being closed on the side opposite to the wall 71 by a wall 75 permeable to fluid P. This wall 75 is constituted for example by a sheet of a nonwoven, fixed at its periphery to the wall 71. The housing 72 can already be filled fluid P when the user uses the device 70 for the first time, or variant, the user can introduce the fluid P himself into the housing 72, by example by pouring the fluid P into the housing 72 through the wall 75, or by immersing the device 70 in a container containing the fluid P.

In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 6, the particles are free in the space which contains them, i.e. in the event of a wall tearing or opening for example that keeps them in this space, they can escape.

The particles can still be free in the container containing the fluid, and be retained therein by an organ such as a strainer or a filter, capable of allowing only the passage of the fluid.

By way of example, FIG. 7 shows a device 50 containing a fluid P and particles 52, for example balls, in a container 51. A member 53 in glove finger shape, the bottom of which has openings 54, allows the passage of the fluid P to an applicator 55, but prevents the particles 52 from leaving the container 51.

Of course, in all of the above examples, the particles can present various sizes and natures, without departing from the scope of the invention.

One can also exert an action, for example magnetic, on the product during storage only.

A device 800 enabling such an action is shown in FIG. 8. The fluid P is contained in a cup 803, introduced into a container 801. The volume inside between the cup 803 and the wall of the container 801 contains particles 802 capable to exert a magnetic action on the fluid P.

Other embodiments comprising particles which may be free and capable of exerting an action on the fluid P or of releasing a substance therein will described below, with reference to Figures 25 to 30, 39 or 41 to 44.

At least one substance capable of being in contact with the fluid P or of exerting a magnetic and / or electric field on it can still be contained, according to another aspect of the invention, in a frit, in particular a ceramic or any other element porous, such as foam, for example.

FIG. 9 shows a device 90 comprising a container 91 containing a fluid P, and an applicator 100 comprising an applicator member 101 supported by a gripping member 102 which can also constitute a gripping member closure of the container 91. The latter comprises a housing 92 making it possible to accommodate the application member 101. The housing 92 is defined by an element 93 produced in a sintered, this element 93 being permeable to fluid P so as to allow the latter reach the application body 101.

The frit can be a ceramic, metallic sinter or can be produced from plastics, for example by sintering particles, in particular balls of material plastic, possibly elastomeric.

A substance can be released into the fluid P by a material constituting the sintered, this material possibly giving the sintered its mechanical strength and entering in its basic formulation. The substance in question may thus, for example, constitute entirely the powder used to make the sinter or be present with other components in the powder used to make the sinter.

The substance can also be incorporated into the frit or other element porous such as foam for example after the manufacture thereof, for example in immersing the frit in a liquid containing in the dissolved or suspended state said substance and then causing evaporation of the liquid permeating the sintered or other porous element. The substance can then, for example, crystallize inside the frit after evaporation of the liquid used to introduce it into the frit.

The substance that one seeks to incorporate into the frit or other element porous can also be in the form of grains dispersed in a liquid. In this case, the size of the grains and their concentration can be chosen according to the size pores of the frit or the porous element, so as to allow the grains to penetrate in the frit while avoiding clogging all of the pores thereof.

The substance in the frit or other porous element may be intended to diffuse, in traces, for example, in the product to give it properties determined, in particular ensuring its conservation, or causing enzymatic reactions or catalytic within it.

The substance in the frit or other porous element can also serve to purify the product, for example by adsorbing certain compounds present in the product or present in the application element.

The substance in the frit or other porous element can still be intended to exert a magnetic and / or electric field on the fluid P.

Element 93 may, if necessary, not only have pores making it permeable to the product but be crossed by passages allowing the product to gain more easily the housing 92, like the passages 34 of the device 30 of FIG. 3. Element 93 may still have pores too small to be intrinsically permeable to fluid P, and require openings similar to the passages 34 of the device 30 to be able to be crossed by the fluid P. These openings can, if necessary, form baffles, as we will see later.

The application element 101 may consist of any application element conventional, and include for example a foam, a felt, a sintered, with possibly a flocking on the surface.

The application element can be arranged to cooperate with the container containing the product so that withdrawal of the application element is accompanied for example of a pumping action of the product in the housing receiving the element application.

The applicator 100 can also, without going beyond the scope of this invention, be replaced by one of the applicators 40 or 80 previously described.

The device 105 represented in FIG. 10 illustrates the possibility of providing the applicator 100 shown in FIG. 9 with a magnet 106 making it possible to exercise, by example at the time of application, a magnetic action aimed at promoting micro-circulation blood.

Element 93 in Figure 9 can also be replaced by a part comprising an element produced in a frit or any other porous element and a support for this element, made of a material other than a sintered.

By way of example, FIG. 11 shows a device 110 comprising a container 111 which receives a part 112 defining a housing 113 for an element application not shown, the bottom of this housing 113 being constituted by an element 114 produced in a sinter. This element 114 is for example in the form of a pellet crossed by passages 115 allowing the fluid P contained in the container 111 to gain housing 113.

The element 114 can be held in place by any means, for example by an annular rib 116 and come to bear against a shoulder 117.

The element 114 can, in a variant, be made of a material other than a sinter, for example a plastic, solid, perforated or cellular, and have for example a charge of particles capable of releasing a given substance when the fluid P crosses the passages 115 or to exert a magnetic field on the fluid P.

We can give to the passages that the product must cross to reach the application element a shape allowing to increase the contact surface between the fluid P and the element through which this product passes.

By way of illustration, there is shown in FIG. 12 an element 120, produced for example in a sintered glass, comprising blind holes 121 and 122 opening onto opposite faces and whose axes are parallel but offset, in order to create baffles, forcing the product to make a longer journey when it passes through the element 120.

Fluid P can be conditioned in many other ways than those which have just been described without departing from the scope of the present invention.

By way of example, FIG. 13 shows a device 130 in which the fluid P can be distributed by means of a pump 132 while being withdrawn for example in a flexible pocket 131. The fluid P can be supplied in a housing 133 in which an application element 134 can be placed to be loaded with product. To activate the pump, the housing 133 is pushed in, being movable relative to the pocket 131 and to the container 136 which contains it.

The bottom of the housing 133 may include, as in the example illustrated, a element 135 similar to element 120 previously described, arranged to be crossed by the product delivered by the pump 132, this element 135 being able for example to release a substance given on contact with fluid P when the latter passes through or exposing the product to a magnetic and / or electric field. Element 135 could still include passages having a shape other than that illustrated, for example passages rectilinear as is the case for example of the element 114 represented in FIG. 9, or even have no specific passage, the product passing through element 135 for example at favored by pores communicating with each other in all directions.

The application element 134 may be any, and for example be constituted by the applicators 40 or 80 previously described. The application element 134 can also be constituted for example by a porous material such as a foam, a felt or a sinter, this material possibly being loaded with various particles, for example particles capable of releasing a predetermined substance on contact with the fluid P or exert a magnetic and / or electric field. The application element 134 can, in a variant not illustrated, include reliefs, in particular indentations, or even a flocking on its surface.

The fluid P can also be brought into a housing capable of receiving a applicator element by means of a dip tube, as is the case with device 150 partially shown in Figure 14. This device comprises a dip tube 151 suitable to allow a product contained in a container 152 to gain housing 153 in which can be received an application element 154. The latter can be integral with a gripping member 155 capable of also constituting a member for closing the housing 153. In particular, the closing member 155 can be arranged to close so substantially hermetic the housing 153 while the application element 154 is in place inside.

The product can be brought, via the dip tube 151, into the housing 153, for example by compressing the wall of the container 152. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, thanks to the fact that the housing 153 is closed substantially hermetic when the application element 154 is in place therein, the reduction in interior volume of the container 152 for mounting the product in the housing by through the dip tube 151, creates an overpressure in the housing 153. This overpressure tends to oppose the rise of the product in the dip tube 151, so that the user can more easily measure the quantity of product sent into the housing 153.

An element 160 capable, for example, of releasing a given substance on contact with the product delivered by the dip tube 151 in the housing 153 or to be exerted on the product a magnetic and / or electric field can be placed in the bottom of the housing 153, being fixed therein for example by means of an annular rib 161.

The application element 154 can be of any kind, and for example be consisting of a frit immobilizing a substance capable of exerting a physicochemical action on the product.

An element capable of exerting an action on the product, for example to submit this to a magnetic and / or electric field or to release a given substance in the product, upon contact of the product with said element, in particular when the product passes through the element, can also be integrated into a closure capsule, into an end cap distribution or to a push button, as will now be described with reference in Figures 15 to 22.

Partly shown in FIG. 15 is a device 170 comprising a container 171 containing for example a cosmetic product, on which is fixed a nozzle distribution 172 supporting an element 173 arranged so as to be traversed by the product contained in the container 171. The element 173 can be constituted for example by a foam or a frit immobilizing a predetermined substance in the solid state.

In FIG. 16, a device 175 is partially shown comprising a container 176, the neck 177 of which is fitted with a closure cap 180, comprising a base part 181 fixed, for example by snap-fastening, on the neck 177 and a cover 182, hingedly connected to the base part 181, for example by means of a hinge film 183. The base part 181 houses an element 185, permeable to the product contained in the container 176, and arranged in the manner of a filter so as to be traversed by the product when it is distributed. The element 185 can be constituted for example by a sintered or a foam containing a predetermined substance, for example a substance intended to diffuse in the product.

FIG. 17 shows a flow reducer 191 intended to be fixed on a container 196 containing a liquid product, for example a shower gel, a shampoo, body milk or oil, this list is not exhaustive.

The container can for example be of variable internal volume, and comprise walls that can be compressed by the user to dispense product. The pass of container receives an insert 193, comprising a tubular skirt 198 forcibly engaged in the neck and connecting above a plate 199, the latter being crossed by a central outlet. The tray comes to rest at its periphery against the edge upper neck. The tubular skirt 198 is applied tightly to the surface inside of the neck. The flow restrictor 191, made of foam for example, has in the example considered a substantially cylindrical shape of revolution, and it is fixed to the tray by its upper face. The flow restrictor may include a block of single foam, made for example of polyurethane, polyester, polyether, PVC or in NBR, this list is not exhaustive. The foam may contain particles immobilized inside, for example particles formed by or comprising a substance capable of being in contact with the product passing through the flow reducer 191. The flow reducer 191 is crossed in the example considered by a passage 192 which, at rest, is substantially closed, at least one point along its length, and which can open under product pressure.

To facilitate the return of air, a space 195 can be provided between the lateral surface of flow reducer and the tubular skirt 198. The reducer flow is fixed by its upper face under the plate 199. The insert 193 can have an annular rib 194 extending under the plate 199, which is heated when the flow restrictor 191 is welded to the insert.

The substance may be contained in a foam through which the product passes. time of distribution. By way of example, FIG. 18 shows a device comprising a pump 261 for withdrawing fluid P from a container 262, the pump 261 being connected to a dip tube 263. The pump 261 is actuated by means of a push button 264 having a housing 265 containing a foam 981 containing a plurality of particles capable of exerting an action on the product, for example by leaving spread a given substance in the product or by exercising a field on the product magnetic and / or electric. If necessary, push button 264 can be removed from the container 262 so that the user can select push button 264 among several push-buttons containing substances of different natures.

The element intended to exert an action on the product can also be fixed on the inner neck 982 of a closure cap 983 fixed on a container 984 of a device 985, as shown in Figure 19.

A substance intended to diffuse in the fluid P or to exert a field magnetic or electric on it can still be present in a tube forming the fluid distribution orifice P of a device 960, as shown in the figure 20.

This device 960 comprises a container 961 comprising a threaded neck 962 externally to receive a closure cap 963. A tube 964 comprising the substance is fixed inside the neck 962 and acts on the fluid during the distribution of the latter.

FIG. 21 shows a device 200 comprising a container 201 provided with a pump 202 and a push button 203 for actuating the pump. This push button 203 comprises an element 204 arranged so as to be crossed by the product during the distribution of a dose of product and constituted for example by a foam or a frit containing a predetermined substance, like the examples of realization previously described.

The element may also be in the form of a foam containing a dose of fluid P intended to be used for the application of the latter during a single use of the device, as shown in Figures 22 and 23. In Figure 22, the device 990 is closed, the foam 991 being compressed between the cover 992 and a part forming cavity 993. When the cover 992 is opened, the foam regains its initial volume and can be used to apply the fluid P it contains, as shown in the figure 23.

Of course, the element intended to exert an action on the product, by example by being crossed by it, can have many other forms besides those just described.

By way of example, FIG. 24 shows an element 209 produced by example in a frit or in a foam and having in axial section a shape lenticular.

FIG. 25 represents a variant of the device of FIG. 15, in which element 173 is replaced by element 240 comprising two spaced apart walls 241 and 242, permeable to the product, defining the upper and lower ends of a housing 243 containing a plurality of particles 245, these being for example suitable for release, during the passage of the product through the element 240, a given substance. The walls 241 and 242 can be intrinsically permeable to the product or include passages 244 for the product, as illustrated. The walls 241 and 242 can be fixed on a chimney 247 permanently attached to the container. As a variant, the walls 241 and 242 are fixed on a cylinder capable of being removably fixed on the container, such cylinder and the walls 241 and 242, with the particles contained therebetween, constituting a interchangeable cartridge.

Particles capable of exerting an action on the product can be captive an element located near a dispensing nozzle, as is particularly the case of the example of Figure 25, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention when this element is located for example at one end of a dip tube by which of the product is taken.

By way of example, FIG. 26 shows a device 250 capable of distribute a fluid P contained in a container 257 by means of a pump 251.

This device 250 comprises a dip tube 252 connected to the pump 251. This the latter is actuated by a push button 253.

The lower end 252a of the tube 252 comprises an element 255 containing particles 256.

FIG. 27 shows a device 260 in which the foam 981 of the device 980 of FIG. 18 has been replaced by a plurality of particles 266 capable of exert an action on the product, for example by letting diffuse in the fluid P a given substance or by exerting on the fluid P a magnetic and / or electric field. The device 260 comprises a pump 261 for withdrawing fluid P from a container 262, the pump 261 being connected to a dip tube 263. Pump 261 is actuated by means a push button 264 having a housing 265 containing a plurality of particles able to exert an action on the product, for example by letting it diffuse in the product a given substance or by exerting a magnetic and / or electric field on the product. If necessary, the push button 264 can be removed from the container 262 so as to allow the user to select push button 264 from among several push buttons containing particles of different nature.

FIG. 28 shows a device 270 comprising a nozzle for rotary distribution 271 which can rotate by an X axis so as to allow positioning an outlet 272 with an orientation upwards or downwards, the orientation towards the bottom can be used for example during the distribution of the product and orientation towards the high may be intended for example to allow a drop present at the end of the nozzle to flow towards the inside of it and not towards the outside. Element 273 containing a plurality of particles 274 can be arranged upstream of the end piece 271, this element 273 communicating internally with a dip tube 275, the removal of the product produced for example by compressing a side wall 276 of the container.

FIG. 29 shows a device 280 in the form a cartridge capable of being fixed on the hollow control rod 281 of a pump or a valve for dispensing a pressurized container. The cartridge 280 has a housing 282 containing a plurality of particles 283. Housing 282 is formed by example by assembling a base part 284 and an upper part 285, which is connected for example by a film hinge 286 to a cover 287. The upper part 285 may include a dispensing nozzle 288 capable of being closed by the cover 287. If necessary, grids 289 and 290 are provided at the entry of the delivered product. by the control rod 281 and the dispensing nozzle 288, to prevent the exit of the particles 283.

FIG. 30 shows a device 300 partly comprising lower a container 301 in which a dip tube 302 extends and in the upper part a chamber 303 delimited laterally by a wall 304 which can be produced in one holding with the wall of the container 301, a throttle 305 being formed between the interior of the container 301 and chamber 303. Container 301 can be produced by injection blowing. The wall 304 can be threaded in the upper part to allow the fixing of a plug 306. An element 310 containing a plurality of particles 311 can be fixed in the throttle 305. This element 310 may include in the lower part a nozzle 312 allowing the attachment of the dip tube 302 and in the upper part a cover 315 preventing the exit of particles 311 and crossed by passages 316 allowing the product taken from the container 301 to reach the chamber 303. The user can come withdraw fluid P from chamber 303 by means, for example, of an applicator represented.

A substance capable of exerting an action on the fluid P or on the surface on which the product is applied may still be present in an element suitable for serving both to the application of the product and to be crossed by the product when using the device.

By way of example, FIG. 31 shows a device 320 comprising a container 321 containing a cosmetic product and an element 322 capable of being traversed by the product contained in the container 321 and having an outer surface 323 capable of being brought into contact with a surface of the body or face, on which one wishes to apply the product. The element 322 can comprise or consist of a frit or any other porous materials, for example a foam comprising open cells, or a felt.

A substance, for example capable of releasing ions on contact with the product, can be incorporated into element 322 during its manufacture or after its manufacturing, for example by impregnation, in a similar manner to what has been described in reference to figure 9.

The element 322 can be rigid or not, and for example be compressed by a closure cap attached to container 321, in which case it can relax during the removal of said cap 325. The element 322 may or may not have a coating of surface, for example a flocking 327 as illustrated in FIG. 32.

The product can be forced through element 322 by any means, by example thanks to the fact that the wall of the container 321 is compressible. In a variant, the container may have a cylindrical wall and be equipped with a piston and a screw mechanism piston drive. The viscosity of the product in the container and the porosity of element 322 can be chosen so that it can flow through capillarity through element 322. The viscosity of the product can also be chosen by function of the porosity of element 322, so that the passage of the product is only possible when an overpressure is created inside the container 321.

The element 322 can, if necessary, be movable relative to the container 321, in being for example movable in a receptacle of the container against the action of a means of elastic reminder.

An element intended to be crossed by the product to exert on it predetermined action, by contact of the product with a substance contained in the element or by subjecting the product to an electric and / or magnetic field, can be fixed on a support allowing removable mounting on a container.

By way of example, FIG. 33 shows a device 330 comprising a support 333 carrying an element 334 and allowing a removable fixing of the element 334 on a container 331, this support 333 being for example arranged so that it can be screw on a neck 332 of container 331. It is thus possible to choose element 334 from several elements capable of exercising different actions in contact with the product.

The element 334 can be produced in a frit or a foam for example. Element 334 may, where appropriate, comprise one or more openings intended to facilitate the passage of the product through the element.

In the example illustrated, the element 334 is crossed by a central channel 335 emerging at the top of an application surface 336, for example convex towards outside.

FIG. 33 shows a device 340 comprising a ball 341 rotatable in a housing 342 of the device 340.

The ball 341 may for example have a diameter between 7 and 40 mm.

The ball 341 can be produced in a frit, and immobilize at least one substance capable of exerting an action on the product, which is applied using a ball 341.

The ball can also be attached to a removable unit, as illustrated in the figure 35.

The element used for the application may also have other forms, for example example that of a point, as illustrated in FIG. 36. The device 360 shown in this figure shows the general shape of a pen, and includes a fluid reservoir P which communicates with a point 362 made of a porous material such as for example a felt or sinter, in which a substance capable of acting on the product or on the surface on which the product is applied is immobilized.

The element used for the application may be hollow, as in the case of element 370 shown in FIG. 37. Element 370 can be produced in a sintered glass, by example, and its outer surface can be covered by a flocking 372.

FIG. 38 shows a device 380 which comprises a container 384 containing a fluid P and inside the container a part 383 defining a housing in which is received an applicator element 381 fixed to a gripping member 382 which also serves as a closure member for the container 384. The element 381 is for example made of foam and immobilizes particles 387 capable of exerting an action on the fluid P. Part 383 can be made of a porous material permeable to fluid P and may also, as illustrated, include passages 385 allowing the fluid P to reach the housing containing the application element 381. Part 383 can be produced for example in a frit and immobilizing itself a substance capable of having an action on the product.

The device 390 represented in FIG. 39 is similar to that which has just been described. This device 390 comprises a container 397 containing a fluid P, on which is fixed by snap-fastening a part 398 having an externally threaded neck 399 and supporting a cup 395, crossed by passages 396. An applicator 391 comprising an element 393 used for the application of the fluid P can be fixed on the threaded neck 399. The applicator 391 comprises a plurality of particles 393, such as balls, retained by a wall 392 permeable to the product, constituted for example by a net thermoformed with a mesh size small enough to prevent the passage of particles 393. The cup 395 defines a housing for receiving element 393.

The element capable of exerting a given action on the fluid P can also, by example, be housed in a removable unit able to be temporarily put in fluid communication with a container to be loaded with product and then to be separated container so that it can be carried in a handbag, for example.

FIG. 40 shows a device 400 which comprises a container 401 provided with a pump 402. The container 401 has a housing 403 for receiving a removable unit 410. The latter can be inserted into the housing 403 to actuate the pump 402. The removable unit 410 may comprise a first part 411, the latter capable of serving as a support for an application element 413, for example a sintered or a foam immobilizing a substance capable of diffusing in contact with the fluid P, and a second part 412 able to be removably fixed to the first part 411. Cooperation first 411 and second 412 parts allows to enclose in a volume substantially closed the application element 413, when the removable unit 410 is separated from the container 401, when not in use.

If necessary, a valve not shown may be provided on the first part 411 at the inlet 414 of the product coming from the pump 402, so as to close in a substantially hermetic manner, the volume containing the application element 413, a such a valve being able to open under the effect of the pressure of the product delivered by the pump 402.

Fluid P can also be dispensed in a removable unit containing particles such as beads, free in a housing of the removable unit.

FIG. 41 shows a device 420 in which the product can be dispensed by means of a pump 422 while being taken from a flexible bag 421.

The removable unit is in the form of a cartridge 430 comprising a tubular wall 423 defining a housing containing particles 424 such as balls.

The cartridge 430 comprises a grid 436 present at the end piece 433 to retain particles 424.

The cartridge 430 may include a wall 437 intended to guide its displacement in the housing 425, when the pump 422 is actuated.

The cartridge 430 may have an application surface 439 supplied by the product present in the housing containing the particles 424. This application surface 439 can be defined, for example, by a porous and permeable application element 432 to the product, such as foam or sinter.

The particles 424 may be able to exert an action on the fluid P, by example by allowing contact of fluid P with one or more substances predetermined present on the surface of the particles 424. The latter can be colored and the transparent wall 423, so as to produce an aesthetic effect.

The applicator element 432 can optionally immobilize a substance able to exert an action on the product or on the surface on which the product is applied.

Fluid P can also be contained, as illustrated schematically in Figure 42, in a housing 448 closed below by a piston 442. The latter can move as the fluid P is distributed.

The applicator element 413 in FIG. 40 can be replaced by a housing 502 containing particles 501 held in the housing 502 by a wall permeable, for example a grid 503, as is the case of the device 500 of the figure 43.

The grid 503 can be replaced for example by an application element flocked 504, as is the case of the device 510 of FIG. 44.

The applicator element 504 can be produced in a frit or a foam, for example example.

The element capable of exerting an action on the product or on the surface treated with the product, for example to release a substance on contact with the product or said product surface, can also define a reservoir for the product, as illustrated in figure 45.

In this figure, there is shown a device 520 which comprises an applicator 530 comprising an application element 531 defining a reservoir for a fluid P. The element 531 is fixed to a closing member 537 capable of closing so substantially sealed a pot 521, the latter comprising for example a threaded neck 535.

In the absence of use, the fluid P contained in the element 531 is isolated from the external environment by the pot 521.

To use the device 520, the user unscrews the applicator 530 and brings element 531 in contact with the surface to be treated. The wall of element 531 is permeable to fluid P, so that it can diffuse through it to reach the surface at treat. The element 531 can for example be produced in a frit immobilizing a substance intended to exert a given action on the fluid P or on the treated surface.

If necessary, an opening 538 can be made through the cover 537 to allow the user to introduce himself the fluid P to be applied, such opening which can for example be closed after the introduction of the fluid P by means of a closure member 532. The porosity of element 531 can be chosen so that that the product does not flow through the element.

Optionally, the applicator 530 can be produced so as to be able to create an overpressure in the reservoir defined by element 531 in order to expel fluid P at through the element, the viscosity of the latter and the porosity of the element being chosen in such a way so that the fluid P does not pass through the element in the absence of overpressure. In variant not illustrated, in particular when the fluid P is likely to pass through the element 531, the pot 521 is produced for example in the form of a case closely fitting the shape of the element 531, so as to prevent the fluid P from leaving it in the absence use.

The element containing a substance capable of diffusing into the product can still not be crossed by the product, nor be part of an element applied to the skin, such as this is the case of the device 560 partially shown in FIG. 46.

This device 560 comprises a pressurized container 561, provided with a valve 562 and an application head 563 comprising an application element 564. A cover 565 can be attached to the application head 563. This cover 565 contains an element 566 suitable for come into contact with a surface of the applicator element 564 when it is in place on the application head 563.

In the example illustrated, the element 566 is fixed in the bottom of the cover 565 and comes into contact with the surface 567 of the application element which is intended for application of the product contained in the container 561. The element 566 can be constituted by a sintered example, and may be able to absorb the product present in the element by capillary action application 564 when the cover 565 is in place on the application head 563.

Element 566 may contain a substance capable of exerting an action on the product, for example by contact of the product with this substance, or by submitting the product to a magnetic and / or electric field.

The substance can still be immobilized in the solid state in the bottom of a cup possibly serving as a closure cap for a 970 device, as has been shown in Figure 47.

The device 970 comprises a container 971 containing the fluid P, a reducer flow 972 fixed by friction on the neck 973 of the container 971, and a cup 974 placed on the neck 973. An element 975 containing a substance capable of diffusing into the fluid P is fixed in the bottom of the cup.

In use, the cup 974 is removed from the neck 973 of the container 971, then filled with fluid P, which is then applied, for example by being withdrawn by means an applicator not shown, the substance present at the bottom of the cup 974 being able exert an action on fluid P.

A substance capable of exerting an action on the product can also be incorporated in a wiper member, as illustrated in Figure 48.

In this figure, there is shown a device 580 which includes an applicator 590, provided with a rod 594 provided at one end with an applicator element 591 and at the other end of a closure cap 592 also serving as a gripping. The device 580 also comprises a container 581, provided with a neck 583 on which can be fixed the gripping member 592 and a wiping member 585 allowing the application element 591 to be wrung out when it is removed from the container 581.

The wiper member 585 is constituted for example, as illustrated, by a block foam, such foam being able to be loaded with particles capable of releasing at the contact of the fluid P contained in the container with a given substance. The foam can still be made with a plastic material containing the substance in question.

The wiper member can be substantially closed in the absence of an applicator, as is the case of the wiper member 600 shown in Figure 49, which is crossed through a slot 601.

The wiper member may also include a passage 612 which remains open in the absence of an applicator, as illustrated in Figure 50.

The element capable of exerting an action on the product or on the surface on which the product is applied can also be in the form of a sheet or a assembly of several sheets.

By way of example, FIG. 51 shows an example of sheet 620 comprising a matrix 622, for example a polymeric matrix, containing particles 623 capable of exerting a given action, this matrix 622 being linked by a face to a support 621, which may or may not be occlusive.

The sheet 620 may include a product capable of diffusing into the skin, and at contact from which the particles 623 can release a substance.

The sheet 620 can also, as a variant, be intended to be impregnated with a product at the time of use, for example a product which would be poured onto the support 621 if the latter is porous and capable of absorbing the product in question poured onto the matrix.

In the example of FIG. 51, the particles 623 are immobilized in the matrix 622.

Alternatively, the particles can be immobilized within a woven or nonwoven.

By way of example, FIG. 52 shows a sheet of a woven comprising fibers 631 in which particles capable of exercising are immobilized an action on the product or the surface treated with the product.

The sheet immobilizing the particles can be cut so as to form a mask 640, as illustrated in FIG. 53.

The sheet can also be assembled with another sheet, for example of identical structure, to form a glove 650, as illustrated in FIG. 54.

The sheet can also be assembled with other sheets so as to form a hood 660 as illustrated in Figure 55 or a cap 670 as shown in Figure 56.

In the embodiments described above, it is possible to use particles with various structures, whether these particles are free or not, agglomerated by a binder, sintered or incorporated in any material, by for example a plastic or mineral material, solid or cellular.

In particular, particles having a structure can be used composite, that is to say comprising at least one core made of a first material and surrounded at least partially by an envelope made of a second material.

An example of a coated particle 680 has been shown in FIG. 57. This particle has a core 681 and an envelope 682. In the example illustrated in the figure 57, the particle is substantially spherical but it is not beyond the scope of the invention when the particle has a non-substantially spherical shape, for example a substantially elongated shape like that shown in Figure 58. In this figure, represented a particle 700 comprising a core 701 and an envelope 702 of shape elongate. The core 701 can be constituted for example by a fiber, in particular a fiber vegetable, especially wood.

Particles can also have more than two structures layers, for example a three-layer structure, as illustrated in Figure 59. On This figure shows a particle 690 comprising a core 691, an envelope 693 and an intermediate layer 692. The intermediate layer 692 can for example serve to make the core 691 conductive of electricity with a view to depositing the envelope 693 by electrochemical route. By way of example, the core 691 can be made of a non-material conductor of electricity, such as for example wood, glass or ceramic, and the intermediate layer 692 be formed by a metal oxide, for example a ferrite, in order to impart a certain electrical conductivity to the core 691, sufficient for a subsequent electrochemical deposition of the envelope 693, the material thereof being for example constituted by a metal, for example silver or copper.

It is also possible to use particles comprising a nucleus on which are deposited grains 712 of a substance capable of exerting an action on the product or the surface treated with the product, as shown in Figure 60.

The grains 712 can be held on the core by a binder 713, by example a resin.

The particles may also have, as illustrated in FIG. 61, a hollow casing 826 in which is contained substance 825 intended to diffuse in the product or to act otherwise on it. Envelope 826 has at least one opening 825 allowing the substance to come into contact with the fluid P. The envelope 826 can for example be a hollow glass microsphere.

It is possible to immobilize particles capable of exerting an action on the product or the surface treated in particular in fibers, a foam, a sinter, in particular a ceramic or plastic parts other than foam.

These elements can if necessary receive a treatment, in particular abrasive, allowing direct exposure of the particles present on the surface of the element to fluid P.

Fibers or foams can for example be made of a material in which are dispersed grains of a second material, different from the first, by example a material chosen so as to be able to diffuse in the fluid P in contact with this latest.

By way of example, FIG. 62 shows a fiber 730, produced by extrusion of a thermoplastic material 731, in which grains 732 are dispersed of a metal or a metal oxide, for example.

Fibers containing particles capable of exerting an action on the product can be used to make a mascara brush for example.

There is shown in Figure 63 a mascara brush which has a rod 743 at the end of which is fixed a core 741 constituted by two branches of wire twisted metal, this core retaining 742 bristles charged with particles capable of exerting action on the product or surface treated.

The fibers can be used to form a brush 751 allowing the application of nail varnish, as is the case of the device 750 of FIG. 64.

The fibers can also be placed on a support 761 to produce a toothbrush 760, as shown in Figure 65.

Particles capable of exerting an action on the product or the surface on which this is applied can still be incorporated into a plastic used to make a comb, in particular a comb for eyelashes or eyebrows.

FIG. 66 shows an example of such a comb 770. The latter comprises a support 771 on which are connected teeth 772 loaded with said particles.

It is also possible to incorporate particles capable of exerting an action on the product or surface treated in a vitrified material, as illustrated in Figure 67, or in the pores 810 of a porous material composed of sintered particles 811 or agglomerated by means of a binder, for example a resin, as shown in the figure 68.

Particles capable of exerting an action on the product or surface treated can still enter into the composition of a porous material, as illustrated in the figure 69.

The element can also be formed of particles 813, for example coated, comprising the substance capable of exerting an action on the product or on the treated surface and of particles 814 not having such an action, as shown in FIG. 70.

In this example, particles 813 and 814 are sintered or agglomerated together by means of a binder, in particular by means of a resin, so as to constitute a porous structure.

Particles capable of exerting an action on the product or surface treated can still compose a porous layer 816 sandwiched between layers 818 having different natures, as can be seen in figure 71.

The layers 818 can be of identical or different compositions, be inert or not vis-à-vis the fluid and may be porous, being constituted for example by sintered.

The particles of layer 816 are held together by a binder 821, which can be organic or mineral, but it could be otherwise.

The layer 816 can comprise for example two kinds of particles 819 and 820 containing respectively two different substances, and can also be of different sizes, as shown in Figure 72.

Alternatively, the different kinds of particles may not be mixed within the same layer but form strata, as illustrated in Figure 73.

This allows for example to load the product with different substances at during its crossing of the element.

The substance capable of exerting an action on the product or the treated surface may still be present in the envelope of a coated body.

By way of example, FIG. 74 shows an element 900 comprising a body 835 and an envelope 830 containing a substance intended to act on the fluid P. This substance can for example be in the form of particles 831, dispersed in a binder 836, as shown in FIG. 75. This binder can by example be permeable to at least one of the components of the fluid P, so as to allow a substance contained in the particles 831 to diffuse in the fluid P. Element 900 can also be subjected to an abrasive treatment aimed at directly exposing particles 831 with fluid P.

The layer 830 can comprise particles 831 containing the substance and other particles 832 comprising a second substance, as shown in the figure 76.

The layer 830 can also comprise coated particles 833, as is represented it in FIG. 77, or even different particles, for example such as previously described with reference to FIGS. 57 to 61.

The element 900 can comprise a body and an envelope surrounding the body, this envelope being active vis-à-vis the product or the treated surface, but the element can also be formed in one piece from the same material, the latter comprising in its mass of particles capable of exerting an action on the fluid and a binder.

Whether it has a coated body or not, the element 900 can have example a spherical shape, but the element can have other shapes still, for example example one of those illustrated in FIGS. 78 to 92.

A larger dimension of the element, in the examples of FIGS. 74 and 78 to 92 is for example between 7 and 40 mm.

The element may have a ring shape, as shown in the Figure 78, shuttle, as shown in Figure 79, tube, as shown shown in Figure 80, polyhedron, as shown in Figure 81, pillow or parallelepiped, as shown in Figures 82 and 83.

The element 900 can include all forms of cavities visible to the naked eye, allowing to increase the exchange surface with the product.

The element 900 can for example be produced with cavities 901 formed by at least one hole, as illustrated in FIGS. 82 and 83. The cavities 901 can still be formed for example by annular grooves extending between fins 902, for example of discoid shape, joined by a central core 903, as illustrated in the figure 84.

FIGS. 85 and 86 show respectively in perspective and in section equatorial a body 900 of spherical envelope, comprising cavities 901 defined by grooves extending parallel to meridians.

The body 900 could still have a single cavity without leaving the part of the present invention.

FIG. 87 shows an element 900 of spherical envelope surface also, comprising cavities 901 each occupying approximately a quarter of a hemisphere, separated by partitions 903 in the form of a quarter disc.

The element 900 may include a through hole 904, extending by example according to a diameter, as shown in axial half section in FIG. 88.

The element 900 can also be in the form of a hollow body having an interior cavity 905 communicating with the exterior through an opening 906, for example unique, as shown in section in FIG. 89.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the element has a envelope having a shape other than spherical.

By way of example, there is shown in FIG. 90 an element 900 of form general annular comprising a central hole 908 and annular grooves 909 defining between them fins 910.

The element 900 can also be generally polyhedral, as we have shown in Figures 91 and 92.

Element 900 of Figure 91 has a substantially shaped rectangular, with cavities including 911 holes and spaces between ribs 912.

The element 900 represented in section in FIG. 92 has a hole crossing 913, of rectangular section, and fins 914 defining between them cavities 915.

The element 900, in particular that of FIG. 84 for example, can be manufactured by plastic molding, incorporating particles intended to exert a action on the fluid P to the plastic before shaping the body. This subject plastic can for example be chosen from: PP, PS, PE, PA, in particular PA6, PET, POM, methacrylate, urea-formaldehyde, melamine, cyanoacrylate, polyacrylate, this list not being limiting.

The element can comprise for example between 5 and 90% by mass of said particles, in particular from 10 to 75%, for example more than 50 or 60%. The size of particles incorporated in the plastic material is for example between 0.1 μm and 200 μm, being for example between 1 and 20 μm, for example of the order of 10 μm.

Whatever the shape of the element 900, the cavities will preferably be arranged so as to allow a simple demoulding of the element during its manufacture, for example to be able to use a mold in two parts only.

After molding, the element can undergo a treatment aimed at eroding its surface in order to allow particles to come into direct contact with fluid P. We can introduce for example the element 900 into a drum with an abrasive agent such as sand and rotate the drum for a sufficient time.

The element 900 can also be produced in a ceramic.

The substance capable of exerting an action on the fluid or the treated surface can be immobilized in the solid state in element 900, for example in the form of particles dispersed, homogeneously for example, in a polymeric or mineral matrix, a part of the particles located on the surface of the body being at least partially directly in contact with fluid P.

Elements 900 can be used as agitators, for example.

By way of example, FIG. 93 shows a device 920 comprising a container 921 containing the fluid P, an element 900 immersed in the fluid P, free in this one, and being able to be used on occasion to homogenize the fluid P by shaking the container 921. Container 921 has a neck 922 which is provided with a reducer 923 with an inner sealing lip 924 and a threaded skirt outer 925 allowing the fixing of a closing cap 926.

The device may not have a single element 900 but have it many. FIG. 94 illustrates the possibility of using several elements 900 having different dimensions, or different shapes. Elements 900 can also have different binders and / or different particles.

The elements 900 may still not be permanently immersed in the fluid P but come into contact with it only at the time of application or product distribution.

By way of example, FIG. 95 shows a device 930 comprising a container 931 and a flow reducer 932 fixed by snap-fastening for example on the container 931, this reducer 932 defining a housing 933 containing the element 900.

We see in Figure 95 that the element 900 may be located above the level fluid P when the device 930 rests head up on a horizontal flat surface.

The element 900 can be free to rotate or not in the housing 933.

The container 931 can be closed by a closure cap 935 comprising a central sealing skirt 936 cooperating with the opening of the housing 933.

When the container 931 is inverted to dispense fluid P, the latter flows through the passages formed between the edges of the housing 933 and the surface of element 900, passages where it can charge with one or more substances released by particles present on the surface of the element 900.

The element 900 can be held against its seat by the skirt 936 when the container 931 is closed, which allows a port 937 to be closed when not in use by which the product enters the housing 933.

The element 900 is maintained, in the example of FIG. 95, by cooperation of forms in a spherical portion of housing 933, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the element 900 is held in the housing by a part reported.

FIG. 96 shows a device 940 comprising a container 941 on which is fixed an intermediate piece 942 defining a housing 943 which can contain element 900. The latter is held in housing 943 by a closure cap 946 fixed on the container 941. The capsule 946 can be produced with a film hinge 947, the latter connecting a base part 945 fixed to the container, for example by snap-fit, and a pivoting cover 948.

The particles used in at least part of the exemplary embodiments which have just been described may contain or be constituted by a substance capable of diffuse in contact with the product, for example by releasing ions, in order for example to confer on said product antiseptic, regenerating and in particular healing properties or promoting blood circulation.

The release of silver ions can for example make it possible to reduce the content of preservatives of the product, or even to use no preservative.

The substance can be chosen for example from the following list: metals and their alloys, chromium, aluminum, silver, copper, manganese, bronze, titanium, cobalt, barium, metal salts, metal oxides, in particular iron oxides, ferrite, silicates, sulfates, carbonates, especially calcium carbonate, allene stone, non-compound ferrous, in particular sulfur, magnesium, calcium, boron, potassium, carbon, trace elements, metallic and mineral salts, especially rock salts, sea salt, clay, algae and plankton and their extracts, roots, licorice, ginger, waxes, oils, bactericides, vitamins, proteins, acids, hormones, collagens, alums, silk, hemp, glucose.

This substance can constitute, for example, the envelope of particles 680, 690, 700, 826, shown in Figures 57 to 59. Said substance could also constitute the core, especially when the envelope is not completely waterproof fluid P and said substance. To constitute the nucleus of the particles one can use by example a substrate chosen from the following list: silicas, in particular colloidal silicas, sands, alumina, soapstone, sandstone, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, glasses, ceramics, cork, wood, especially in fibers or powder, lava, silicates, galena, oxides, hemp, flax, silk, clay, porcelain, corn, wheat or rice fibers, mica, PE, PET, PU, PVC, PA, EVA, vinyl, urea formaldehyde, epoxy, polyester, elastomers, cyanoacrylate.

We can still use the materials from the list above to form a binder making it possible to manufacture an element comprising particles containing said substance, for example one of the elements 900 shown in FIGS. 78 to 92.

By way of example, an element 900 having for example the shape illustrated in FIG. 84 can be produced by injection molding of material with 30% by mass of polyamide 6, 69.5% alumina powder and 0.5% silver and / or copper salts. he can have antibacterial properties thanks to the diffusion of silver or copper ions in the fluid P and allow the quantity of preservatives used to be reduced.

The element can also be produced, for example, with 60% clay powder, 10% ferrite powder and 30% polypropylene, the percentages being expressed in mass. The element can be magnetized to further exhibit magnetic properties.

In another example, the element can for example comprise between 1 and 80% alumina powder, or even between 15 and 70% alumina powder, with an absorber humidity.

The element can also, for example, contain between 5 and 80% by mass of a mixture of alumina and silver powder or between 10 and 75% of a powder mixture alumina and copper.

The particles used may also have no contact with the product and simply exert a field, in particular magnetic, from a distance on the product or the surface treated with this product.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the device, for example one of those illustrated in figures 42, 43, 95 or 96, is configured so that allow the user to see the element, which can be a ball for example. In particular, the device may in particular include a distribution member at least in transparent or translucent part, to allow the user to see through it item. The aesthetics of the device can be improved. User can furthermore, thanks to the at least local transparency of the device, the circulation of the fluid between the ball and the walls of its housing during the distribution of the fluid.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the device may include a dispensing member comprising two covers, a first which can be used to open and close at least one fluid outlet orifice, and a second one which gives access to item. Accessibility to the element can for example allow it to be changed, especially at the end of its life, or to replace it with another element having different properties.

By way of example, partially shown in FIG. 97 is a device similar to that of FIG. 19, in which the element 994 is housed in the space defined by the inner neck 982 of the closure capsule 983 without being attached to this neck. The element is retained by a lower shoulder 997 from the collar 982 and by a flap 996 from the lower part 998 of the closure cap 983, which also has a closure cover 999.

The flap 996 is for example pivoting, being connected to the rest of the capsule by a film hinge not visible. The closing cover 999 can also be connected to the rest of the capsule by a hidden film hinge. To load the item, the user rotates the flap 996. In use, the fluid flows in contact with element 994 and exits through the opening provided in the flap 996. This opening can be closed by the cover 999 when not in use. The flap 996 can be replaced by a piece fully separable from the capsule, if applicable.

The element may or may not be in permanent communication with the fluid. The device can thus include, for example, a member for closing or opening a communication between a reservoir containing the fluid and the element, such a member passing through example of open to closed positions by a rotational or translational movement. Thus, the fluid can be stored with the element without contact between them until the first use.

By way of example, FIG. 98 shows a device 1000 comprising a lower part 1003 intended to be fixed on a neck 1002 of a container and a part upper 1004 which can rotate relative to the lower part 1003 between a position of closure and a dispensing position.

The lower part 1003 has a mounting skirt 1005, for example screwed onto the neck 1002, and a sealing lip 1006 applying sealingly on the inside surface of neck 1002.

The lower part 1003 also includes an inner skirt 1007 on which is snapped on an outer skirt 1008 of the upper part 1004.

The lower part 1003 has two concentric tubular walls 1010 and 1011 interconnected by bridges of material leaving openings between them 1013, the innermost tubular wall 1010 being closed substantially at mid-height by a transverse wall 1014, and having an opening above the latter lateral 1015.

The upper part 1004 has a tubular wall 1016 extending between the walls 1010 and 1011. This tubular wall 1016 has a lateral opening 1017 that it is possible to coincide with the lateral opening 1015 when the part upper 1004 is in the dispensing position, the fluid circulating between the walls 1010 and 1011, through the side openings 1015 and 1017 and inside the tubular wall 1016 above the transverse wall 1014, to gain the element 1025, which is arranged for example in a housing 1020 of the upper part 1004.

When the upper part 1004 is in its closed position, the wall tubular 1016 closes the side opening 1015 and the container is closed.

The element has been represented in the example illustrated in the form of a frit or of a foam but it could of course take other forms still, in particular one of those described above.

It is understood that at least some of the exemplary embodiments which have just been described make it possible to exploit the antiseptic, purifying, descaling or circulatory properties, this list not being limiting, of natural substances
or of natural origin, such as for example metals, oxides, by diffusion in a cosmetic or care product. The amount of substance which diffuses into the product can be more or less important, depending in particular on the solubility of said substance in the product. Said substance may diffuse into the product in a trace state.

It is possible, at least thanks to certain examples of implementation of the invention previously described, to confer on a fluid P given properties, without having to introduce a particular substance conferring on the fluid P these properties, in the initial formulation of fluid P.

The invention thus makes it possible, for example, to introduce into the product a substance which would be incompatible with long-term storage of fluid P or which would require additional components to be introduced into the fluid P.

The substance may still have catalytic or enzymatic properties, allowing chemical or biological reactions to take place in fluid P.

The fluid P can have various natures and properties.

The fluid P can in particular be a liquid, a powder, a gel, a cream. The fluid P can in particular be an aqueous, alcoholic solution, an oil or a emulsion. The fluid P can also result from the contact of a liquid with a body able to disintegrate on contact with this liquid.

The invention is of course not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described and the claims cover other embodiments, in particular embodiments combining all or part of the characteristics of the different embodiments illustrated.

Throughout the description, including the claims, the expression "Comprising a" should be regarded as being synonymous with "comprising at least a ”, unless otherwise specified.

Claims (77)

Device for conditioning and / or applying a fluid (P) to a surface, comprising at least one element comprising: a plurality of particles (46), and a fluid-permeable portion (45), the portion at least partially defining an interior space configured to retain the plurality of particles, said at least one element being arranged such that: the plurality of particles comprises at least one substance, and said at least one substance is capable of being in contact with at least one of the fluid and of the surface receiving the fluid, and / or said at least one element is capable of generating at least one of an electric field and a magnetic field, and at least one of the fluid and of the surface is capable of being subjected to the field generated by said at least a substance. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said element comprises a frit, a ceramic, a felt, a sponge, a foam, a woven or a non-woven. Device according to any one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the said particles have a size of between 0.1 µm and 7 mm. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid is contained in a container and in that said element (33; 241; 242; 395) is arranged so as to be traversed by the fluid withdrawn in the container when using the device. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said element comprises a wall permeable to the fluid, having the form of a bag (60) capable of retaining the said particles (65). Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said portion has a surface capable of being used for applying the fluid to the skin, the keratin fibers or the nails. Device for packaging and / or applying a fluid (P), in particular a cosmetic product, characterized in that it comprises at least one element containing at least one substance and / or capable of generating an electric field and / or magnetic, this element being arranged for: allow the fluid (P) and / or a surface intended to receive the fluid to come into contact with the substance and / or allow the placing in the field generated by the element of said fluid and / or of said surface. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said substance is immobilized in the solid state in the said element (20; 33; 41; 46; 52; 60; 73; 93; 106; 114; 120; 134; 135; 154; 160; 173; 185; 191; 204; 209; 242; 241; 245; 256; 266; 274; 283; 311; 322; 334; 341; 362; 370; 381; 383; 387; 393; 395; 413; 424; 501; 504; 531; 564; 566; 585; 620; 630; 680; 690; 700; 710; 730; 742; 751; 772; 802; 803; 900), at least before contact with said element with the fluid. Device according to any one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the element comprises a porous material comprising pores (810) containing said substance. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the element comprises a porous material, said substance entering into the composition of this material. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the said element comprises fibers (631; 730; 742; 751) containing the said substance. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the said element comprises a frit, a ceramic, a felt, a sponge, a foam, a woven or a nonwoven. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the frit is produced from a thermoplastic, thermosetting, metallic or ceramic material. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the foam is made from a material containing said substance. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the foam is impregnated with a material containing said substance. Device according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the element comprises a vitrified material containing said substance. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said element (991) is pre-impregnated with fluid (P) before use. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 17, characterized in that the element comprises particles (22; 46; 52; 65; 73; 245; 256; 266; 274; 283; 311; 341; 393; 424; 501; 632; 680; 690; 700; 710; 732; 802). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said particles have a size of between 0.1 µm and 7 mm. Device according to any one of the two immediately preceding claims, characterized in that the said substance is contained in at least part of the said particles. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the element comprises hollow particles (826), at least partially filled with said substance. Device according to any one of Claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the said particles (22; 46; 52; 65; 73; 245; 256; 266; 274; 283; 311; 341; 393; 424; 501; 632; 680; 690; 700; 710; 732; 802) are coated particles, comprising a core made of a first material and an envelope made of a second material, different from the first, said envelope extending around the core. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said substance is contained in the envelope (830). Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the said substance is present on the surface of the envelope. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the substance is present in the core. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the material of the core is chosen so as to exert a magnetic and / or electric field on the fluid (P). Device according to any one of Claims 18 to 26, characterized in that the element comprises at least one porous layer (816) comprising said particles, this layer being permeable to the fluid (P). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one porous layer comprises a mixture of particles (819, 820) of different natures, at least part of said particles containing said substance. Device according to any one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the said at least one porous layer comprises a mixture of particles (819, 820) of different sizes. Device according to any one of Claims 27 to 29, characterized in that the said particles of the said at least one porous layer are agglomerated by a binder (821). Device according to any one of Claims 27 to 30, characterized in that the said at least one porous layer is situated between two layers (818) permeable to the fluid (P). Device according to any one of Claims 18 to 26, characterized in that the particles are dispersed in a binder, in particular a polymeric binder. Device according to any one of Claims 18 to 26, characterized in that the said element comprises a body (835) coated with an envelope (830) comprising at least one layer containing the said substance. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said layer (830) is composed at least of a binder and of particles (831) containing the said substance. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said layer comprises other particles (832) containing a second substance. Device according to claim 33, characterized in that the material of the body (835) is chosen so as to exert a magnetic and / or electric field on the fluid (P). Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the element has one of the following forms: ring, shuttle, tube, polyhedron, in particular parallelepiped, the element being solid or pierced with at least one hole. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 26, characterized in that the said particles (22; 46; 52; 65; 73; 245; 256; 266; 274; 283; 311; 341; 393; 424; 501; 632; 680; 690; 700; 710; 732; 802) are electrically conductive. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said particles (22; 46; 52; 65; 73; 245; 256; 266; 274; 283; 311; 341; 393; 424; 501; 632; 680; 690; 700; 710; 732; 802) comprise an electrical insulating core, an electrically conductive envelope and, between the two, an intermediate layer capable of imparting electrical conduction properties to the core to allow the electrochemical deposition of the material of the envelope. Device according to any one of Claims 18 to 26, characterized in that the said particles (22; 46; 52; 65; 73; 245; 256; 266; 274; 283; 311; 341; 393; 424; 501; 632; 680; 690; 700; 710; 732; 802) are capable of generating a magnetic field. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 40, characterized in that the said substance comprises at least one compound of mineral, vegetable or animal origin. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 41, characterized in that the said substance is capable of causing a catalytic or enzymatic reaction or of modifying the composition of the fluid (P). Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 42, characterized in that the said substance exerts its action during the distribution of the fluid. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 43, characterized in that the said substance is capable of diffusing into the product and in particular capable of having an ionic form, at least after diffusion into the product. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 44, characterized in that the said substance has purifying, antiseptic, promoting blood circulation or regenerating, in particular healing, properties. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 45, characterized in that the said substance is chosen from the following list: metals and their alloys, cobalt, barium, chromium, aluminum, silver, copper, titanium, bronze, manganese, oxides metallic, iron oxides, especially ferrite, silicates, sulfates, especially barium sulfate, carbonates, especially calcium carbonate, non-ferrous compounds, especially sulfur, magnesium, calcium, boron, potassium, carbon, trace elements, sea salt, salts gems, clay, soapstone, algae and plankton and their extracts, roots, licorice, ginger, waxes, oils, bactericides, vitamins, proteins, acids, hormones, collagens, alums, especially alum stone, silk, hemp, glucose. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 46, characterized in that the said substance is, in the said element, in contact with a substrate or a binder chosen from the following list: silicas, in particular colloidal silicas, sands, alumina, soapstone, sandstone, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, glasses, ceramics, wood and cork, in particular in fibers or in powder, corn, wheat or rice fibers, lavas, silicates, galena, oxides, hemp, flax , silk, clay, porcelain, mica, polymers, especially thermoplastics or thermosets, PE, PET, PU, PVC, PA, EVA, vinyl, urea formaldehyde, epoxy, polyester, cyanoacrylate, elastomers. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 47, characterized in that the said element (20; 60; 41; 134; 154; 322; 334; 341; 362; 370; 381; 391; 413; 564; 620; 650; 660; 670; 740; 751; 803) is arranged to serve as an applicator. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 47, characterized in that the said element (20; 33; 41; 60; 114; 120; 134; 135; 154; 160; 173; 185; 191; 204; 209; 241; 242; 322; 334; 362; 370; 383; 391; 395; 413; 564; 620; 650; 660; 670) is permeable to fluid. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 49, characterized in that it is for single use and arranged to dispense a single dose of fluid impregnating said element. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 50, characterized in that the said element (740; 760; 750; 770) is chosen from the following list: mascara brush, toothbrush, hair comb, comb for applying a product to the eyelashes or eyebrows, brush for applying a product to the nails or lips, puff, foam. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 51, characterized in that the fluid is contained in a container and in that said element (33; 93; 114; 120; 135; 160; 173; 185; 191; 204; 209; 241; 242; 322; 334; 362; 370; 383; 395; 413; 564; 981) is arranged so as to be traversed by the fluid withdrawn from the container when the device is used. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said element is capable of being detachably fixed on the container. Device according to claim 52, characterized in that the said element is fixed on a skirt of a closure cap for the container. Device according to claim 52, characterized in that the element is in the form of a tube (964) inside which the fluid circulates during use. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 47, characterized in that it comprises an application member (591) and in that the said element (585) is arranged to wring out the application member. Device according to any one of Claims 8 to 47, characterized in that the said element comprises at least one wall (21; 45; 53; 61; 75; 241; 255; 315; 392; 436; 503) permeable to the product , arranged to retain particles formed by said substance or comprising said substance or capable of exerting on the fluid a magnetic and / or electric field. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said particles comprise or consist of balls. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of said balls is compressible. Device according to one of the three immediately preceding claims, characterized in that the said particles are free in a space delimited at least partially by the said wall permeable to the product. Device according to any one of Claims 57 to 60, characterized in that the said element comprises a wall permeable to the product, having the form of a sachet (60) capable of retaining the said particles (65). Device according to any one of Claims 57 to 60, characterized in that the said product-permeable wall has a surface capable of being used for applying the product to the skin, the keratin fibers or the nails. Device according to any one of claims 57 to 62, characterized in that said at least one wall permeable to the product is integral with a gripping member (40; 80; 391; 530). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said gripping member (40; 80; 391; 530) is arranged so as to be able to be fixed in a substantially sealed manner on a container containing the fluid (P). Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 48, characterized in that the said element (531) forms at least one interior space in which a reserve of the said fluid (P) is contained. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one housing devoid of fluid (P) and in which said element (531) can be positioned in the absence of use. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a closing member (532) making it possible to close said housing in a substantially hermetic manner with said element (531) disposed inside. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 47, characterized in that it is arranged to hold the element, when not in use, against an orifice for the arrival of the fluid so as to close an interior space containing the fluid (P). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 47 or 57 to 64, characterized in that the element is free in the fluid, so that it can serve as an agitator. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 69, characterized in that it comprises a cup (974), said element being disposed at the bottom of this cup. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 47, characterized in that said element (93) is arranged to define a housing for receiving an application element, this housing being able to be in fluid communication with a container containing the product. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said element (93) is arranged to form a seat against which the application element can bear. Device according to any one of Claims 7 to 47, characterized in that the said element comprises or consists of at least one sheet (620; 630). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said sheet (620; 630) is cut to form a patch or a mask (640). Device according to claim 73, characterized in that the said sheet (620; 630) forms all or part of a hollow body defining an interior space making it possible to introduce a part of the body, in particular a glove (650). Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it is at least partially transparent so as to allow a user to see the element while the device is closed. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a member making it possible to interrupt or establish communication between a reservoir containing the fluid and the element.

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