EP1428454B1 - Applicator as well as package and application apparatus comprising such an applicator - Google Patents

Applicator as well as package and application apparatus comprising such an applicator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1428454B1
EP1428454B1 EP03293090A EP03293090A EP1428454B1 EP 1428454 B1 EP1428454 B1 EP 1428454B1 EP 03293090 A EP03293090 A EP 03293090A EP 03293090 A EP03293090 A EP 03293090A EP 1428454 B1 EP1428454 B1 EP 1428454B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fact
ball
applicator
cage
receptacle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
EP03293090A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1428454A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-François Delage
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LOreal SA
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LOreal SA
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Publication date
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • A45D34/041—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a roller, a disc or a ball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • A45D34/042—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like
    • A45D34/045—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to applicators used to apply cosmetic products, especially care products.
  • No. 3,111,703 discloses a deodorant applicator comprising a receptacle on which is fixed a cage housing a ball.
  • the cage has a bottom wall provided with a closed slot at rest.
  • the bottom wall has two abutments disposed on either side of the slot and against which the ball abuts during application, so as to exert on the abutments a constraint causing the opening of the slot and allowing the passage of the product contained in the container to the ball.
  • Patent application FR 2 734 131 discloses a packaging and application device comprising a container and a removable application element.
  • the latter comprises a gripping member defining a housing for a ball, which is biased towards the opening of the housing by a spring disposed in the bottom thereof.
  • the patent application EP 0 506 564 describes a container with an applicator member slidably mounted on a tip of the container, the applicator member being biased towards a high rest position by means of a spring.
  • the patent application FR 2 676 339 describes a container having a ball for applying a cosmetic product.
  • the ball can be returned to the up position by means of a spring.
  • the invention meets this need by means of a device as defined in claim 1.
  • the invention makes it possible to offer the user, during the application, a feeling of comfort thanks to the fact that the pressure exerted by the applicator on the skin is transmitted to the ball by the elastically deformable connecting element.
  • the ball can more easily follow the application of the relief of the body, including the face, because of the mobility of the cage relative to the gripping member.
  • the connecting element can be made separately from the cage, and assembled therewith during the manufacture of the device.
  • the connecting element can be made at least partially in one piece with the cage, for example by molding plastics material.
  • the gripping member having an axis which may be an axis of symmetry of the applicator for example, the connecting element is advantageously arranged to allow the cage, during application at least, to move along said axis or to deviate from it, to allow the cage to move in three directions orthogonal to each other relative to the gripping member.
  • the connecting element may comprise a foam, for example polyurethane.
  • the connecting element may comprise a spring, in particular a helical spring. This spring may, if necessary, be made in one piece by molding plastic with the gripping member or the cage, or with both. The spring can still be metallic.
  • the connecting element can also be realized differently.
  • the gripping member comprises a cover and an insert fixed in the cover, the connecting element being integral with the insert, which may comprise a mounting skirt for fixing of the connecting element.
  • the applicator is arranged to be able to close, in particular in a sealed manner, a container containing the product to be applied and the applicator comprises, for example, a sealing lip intended for apply tightly against a neck of the container.
  • the cage may be made of a relatively rigid plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene, for example, and have an inner surface portion of sphere that conforms to the shape of the ball.
  • the cage and the ball may be arranged to provide a clearance between them allowing movement of the ball in the cage other than a pure rotational movement around the center of the cage.
  • the container has a wall defining a housing for receiving the ball when the applicator is in place on the container.
  • This wall can also define a seat for the ball.
  • the wall may comprise at least one annular portion against which the ball applies when the applicator is in place on the container. This can prevent the housing receiving the ball from filling too easily with product during transportation of the device in a bag, for example.
  • the connecting element when the applicator is in place on the container, the connecting element is compressed, so as to apply the ball against its seat.
  • the contact may be between an edge of the cage and said wall.
  • the latter may comprise at least one orifice for the passage of the product contained in the container to the ball.
  • This orifice can open into a recess in the wall.
  • This recess may be delimited by the aforementioned annular portion.
  • the recess can form with the ball a space capable of retaining the product, this space can facilitate the loading of the ball product.
  • the container may be made by assembling on a first reservoir portion a second portion defining the housing receiving the ball.
  • FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 comprising a container 2 and an applicator 3.
  • the container 2 comprises a first part 4 forming a reservoir, containing a product P, for example a milk for the body, this first part having at its upper end a neck 5 extending along an axis X.
  • a product P for example a milk for the body
  • the first part also comprises a bottom 7 connected by two successive shoulders 8 and 10 to the neck 5.
  • the neck 5 is provided on its outer surface reliefs 12 whose role will be explained later.
  • the container 2 further comprises a second part 13 constituted in the example described by an insert on the first part 4.
  • This second portion 13 comprises an outer skirt 14, X axis, abutting by its lower edge against the shoulder 8 and snapping on the intermediate portion 9 connecting the shoulders 8 and 10 of the first part.
  • the second part 13 also has, internally to the skirt 14, ribs 16 extending along the X axis on either side of the reliefs 12 of the neck 5, so as to prevent relative rotation of the second part 13 by report to the first part 4.
  • the skirt 14 is connected by a transverse portion perpendicular to the axis X to a tubular wall 17.
  • the latter defines above the transverse portion 15 a neck 18, threaded externally, and is sealingly applied by its lower portion 19, below the portion 15, against the inner surface of the neck 5 of the first part 4.
  • the wall 17 is closed at its lower end by a bottom wall 22, which has an annular portion 23 whose surface 23a is spherical on its upper side, forming a seat for an applicator ball 30 carried by the applicator 3, as this will be detailed later.
  • the bottom wall 22 may also comprise a recess 25 connected at its periphery to the annular portion 23, concavity directed towards the ball 30 and whose bottom is traversed by a plurality of orifices 26 allowing the product P contained in the part forming tank 4 to gain recess 25.
  • the applicator 3 comprises a cover 31, in which is fixed an insert 32.
  • the assembly consisting of the cover 31 and the insert 32 forms a gripping member 33.
  • the insert 32 comprises an internally threaded skirt 34, enabling the applicator 3 to be screwed onto the neck 18 of the container 2, a sealing lip 35 intended to be sealingly applied to the inner surface of the neck 18 and a skirt.
  • inner 36 for mounting on the insert of a connecting member 37 by which the ball 30 is secured to the gripping member.
  • the connecting element 37 is constituted by a block of foam, for example polyurethane, fixed to the insert 32 by gluing, for example.
  • This foam block may have a substantially cylindrical shape, of X axis.
  • the ball 30 is retained with a possibility of rotation in a cage 40 defining a spherical housing 41 allowing to exceed a lower portion of the ball 30 for the application.
  • the ball 30 can be placed in the cage 40 by elastic deformation of the latter, for example.
  • the cage 40 comprises at its upper part an attachment skirt 42 of axis X, shouldered, serving to fix it to the connecting element 37, for example with an adhesive 43.
  • the distance between the lower edge of the skirt 36 and the upper edge of the skirt 42 is non-zero, being sufficient to allow some compression of the connecting element 37 and a certain deflection of the cage 40 around geometric axes of rotation perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the X axis.
  • the device 1 can be used in the following manner.
  • the user returns the container 2 to allow the flow of product P in the recess 25, through the orifices 26, the latter being permanently open in the example in question.
  • the ball 30 can then be loaded with the product P.
  • the user can roll the ball 30 on the skin S, the connecting element 37 being able to deform according to the relief thereof, as illustrated in FIG.
  • the cage housing the ball may be connected to the gripping member 33 via a helical spring 37 'of axis X.
  • This spring may be constituted by an insert as shown in the drawing or be made by plastic molding with at least one of the cage 40 and the insert 32.
  • a container can be made without the recess 25, the annular portion 23 surrounding for example a single central opening through which the ball 30 can be loaded product.
  • the ball 30 can be flocked and be made of various materials, including a load of particles intended to exert an effect on the product or on the surface treated with the product. This effect can be a magnetic field or the release of a substance, for example ions.

Description

La présente invention concerne les applicateurs utilisés pour appliquer des produits cosmétiques, notamment de soin.The present invention relates to applicators used to apply cosmetic products, especially care products.

On connaît par le brevet US 3 111 703 un applicateur de déodorant comportant un récipient sur lequel est fixée une cage logeant une bille. La cage comporte une paroi de fond pourvue d'une fente fermée au repos. La paroi de fond comporte deux butées disposées de part et d'autre de la fente et contre lesquelles vient en appui la bille lors de l'application, de manière à exercer sur les butées une contrainte provoquant l'ouverture de la fente et permettant le passage du produit contenu dans le récipient vers la bille.No. 3,111,703 discloses a deodorant applicator comprising a receptacle on which is fixed a cage housing a ball. The cage has a bottom wall provided with a closed slot at rest. The bottom wall has two abutments disposed on either side of the slot and against which the ball abuts during application, so as to exert on the abutments a constraint causing the opening of the slot and allowing the passage of the product contained in the container to the ball.

On connaît par la demande de brevet FR 2 734 131 un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application comportant un récipient et un élément d'application amovible. Ce dernier comprend un organe de préhension définissant un logement pour une bille, laquelle est rappelée vers l'ouverture du logement par un ressort disposé dans le fond de celui-ci.Patent application FR 2 734 131 discloses a packaging and application device comprising a container and a removable application element. The latter comprises a gripping member defining a housing for a ball, which is biased towards the opening of the housing by a spring disposed in the bottom thereof.

La demande de brevet FR-2 734 131 décrit un dispositif selon le préambule de la revendication 1.The patent application FR-2,734,131 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

La demande de brevet EP 0 506 564 décrit un récipient avec un organe applicateur monté coulissant sur un embout du récipient, l'organe applicateur étant rappelé vers une position haute de repos par l'intermédiaire d'un ressort.The patent application EP 0 506 564 describes a container with an applicator member slidably mounted on a tip of the container, the applicator member being biased towards a high rest position by means of a spring.

La demande de brevet FR 2 676 339 décrit un récipient comportant une bille servant à appliquer un produit cosmétique. La bille peut être rappelée en position haute par l'intermédiaire d'un ressort.The patent application FR 2 676 339 describes a container having a ball for applying a cosmetic product. The ball can be returned to the up position by means of a spring.

Il existe un besoin pour améliorer les applicateurs comportant une bille, afin notamment d'offrir à l'utilisateur une plus grande sensation de confort lors de l'application.There is a need to improve the applicators comprising a ball, in particular to offer the user a greater feeling of comfort during the application.

L'invention répond à ce besoin grâce à un dispositif tel que défini dans la revendication 1.The invention meets this need by means of a device as defined in claim 1.

L'invention permet d'offrir à l'utilisateur, lors de l'application, une sensation de confort grâce au fait que la pression exercée par l'applicateur sur la peau est transmise à la bille par l'élément de liaison élastiquement déformable.The invention makes it possible to offer the user, during the application, a feeling of comfort thanks to the fact that the pressure exerted by the applicator on the skin is transmitted to the ball by the elastically deformable connecting element.

De plus, la bille peut plus facilement suivre lors de l'application le relief du corps, y compris du visage, du fait de la mobilité de la cage par rapport à l'organe de préhension.In addition, the ball can more easily follow the application of the relief of the body, including the face, because of the mobility of the cage relative to the gripping member.

L'élément de liaison peut être réalisé séparément de la cage, et assemblé à celle-ci lors de la fabrication du dispositif. En variante, l'élément de liaison peut être réalisé au moins partiellement d'un seul tenant avec la cage, par exemple par moulage de matière plastique.The connecting element can be made separately from the cage, and assembled therewith during the manufacture of the device. Alternatively, the connecting element can be made at least partially in one piece with the cage, for example by molding plastics material.

L'organe de préhension ayant un axe, lequel peut être un axe de symétrie de l'applicateur par exemple, l'élément de liaison est avantageusement agencé pour permettre à la cage, lors de l'application au moins, de se déplacer suivant ledit axe ou de s'écarter de celui-ci, afin de permettre à la cage de se déplacer dans trois directions orthogonales entre elles relativement à l'organe de préhension.The gripping member having an axis, which may be an axis of symmetry of the applicator for example, the connecting element is advantageously arranged to allow the cage, during application at least, to move along said axis or to deviate from it, to allow the cage to move in three directions orthogonal to each other relative to the gripping member.

L'élément de liaison peut comporter une mousse, par exemple de polyuréthane. En variante, l'élément de liaison peut comporter un ressort, notamment hélicoïdal. Ce ressort peut, le cas échéant, être réalisé d'un seul tenant par moulage de matière plastique avec l'organe de préhension ou la cage, voire avec les deux. Le ressort peut encore être métallique. L'élément de liaison peut aussi être réalisé autrement.The connecting element may comprise a foam, for example polyurethane. As a variant, the connecting element may comprise a spring, in particular a helical spring. This spring may, if necessary, be made in one piece by molding plastic with the gripping member or the cage, or with both. The spring can still be metallic. The connecting element can also be realized differently.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'organe de préhension comporte un capot et un insert fixé dans le capot, l'élément de liaison étant solidaire de l'insert, lequel peut comporter une jupe de montage permettant la fixation de l'élément de liaison.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the gripping member comprises a cover and an insert fixed in the cover, the connecting element being integral with the insert, which may comprise a mounting skirt for fixing of the connecting element.

Toujours dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'applicateur est agencé pour pouvoir fermer, notamment de manière étanche, un récipient contenant le produit à appliquer et l'applicateur comporte par exemple une lèvre d'étanchéité destinée à s'appliquer de manière étanche contre un col du récipient.Still in an exemplary implementation of the invention, the applicator is arranged to be able to close, in particular in a sealed manner, a container containing the product to be applied and the applicator comprises, for example, a sealing lip intended for apply tightly against a neck of the container.

La cage peut être réalisée dans une matière plastique relativement rigide telle que du polyéthylène ou du polypropylène, par exemple, et présenter une surface intérieure en portion de sphère qui épouse la forme de la bille.The cage may be made of a relatively rigid plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene, for example, and have an inner surface portion of sphere that conforms to the shape of the ball.

La cage et la bille peuvent être agencées de manière à ménager entre elles un jeu autorisant un mouvement de la bille dans la cage autre qu'un mouvement de rotation pure autour du centre de la cage.The cage and the ball may be arranged to provide a clearance between them allowing movement of the ball in the cage other than a pure rotational movement around the center of the cage.

L'invention a encore pour objet, selon un autre de ses aspects, un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application comportant :

  • un récipient apte à contenir un produit, notamment cosmétique,
  • un applicateur tel que défini plus haut, l'applicateur étant agencé pour pouvoir fermer le récipient.
Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a packaging and application device comprising:
  • a container capable of containing a product, in particular a cosmetic product,
  • an applicator as defined above, the applicator being arranged to be able to close the container.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le récipient comporte une paroi définissant un logement pour recevoir la bille lorsque l'applicateur est en place sur le récipient.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the container has a wall defining a housing for receiving the ball when the applicator is in place on the container.

Cette paroi peut définir également un siège pour la bille.This wall can also define a seat for the ball.

Par exemple, la paroi peut comporter au moins une portion annulaire contre laquelle s'applique la bille lorsque l'applicateur est en place sur le récipient. Cela peut permettre d'éviter que le logement recevant la bille ne se remplisse trop facilement de produit pendant le transport du dispositif dans un sac, par exemple.For example, the wall may comprise at least one annular portion against which the ball applies when the applicator is in place on the container. This can prevent the housing receiving the ball from filling too easily with product during transportation of the device in a bag, for example.

Avantageusement, lorsque l'applicateur est en place sur le récipient, l'élément de liaison est comprimé, de manière à appliquer la bille contre son siège. En variante, le contact peut se faire entre un bord de la cage et ladite paroi.Advantageously, when the applicator is in place on the container, the connecting element is compressed, so as to apply the ball against its seat. Alternatively, the contact may be between an edge of the cage and said wall.

Cette dernière peut comporter au moins un orifice permettant le passage du produit contenu dans le récipient vers la bille. Cet orifice peut déboucher dans un renfoncement de la paroi. Ce renfoncement peut être délimité par la portion annulaire précitée. Le renfoncement peut former avec la bille un espace apte à retenir du produit, cet espace pouvant faciliter le chargement de la bille en produit.The latter may comprise at least one orifice for the passage of the product contained in the container to the ball. This orifice can open into a recess in the wall. This recess may be delimited by the aforementioned annular portion. The recess can form with the ball a space capable of retaining the product, this space can facilitate the loading of the ball product.

Le récipient peut être réalisé par l'assemblage sur une première partie formant réservoir d'une deuxième partie définissant le logement recevant la bille.The container may be made by assembling on a first reservoir portion a second portion defining the housing receiving the ball.

L'invention a encore pour objet un applicateur comportant :

  • un organe de préhension,
  • une cage solidaire de l'organe de préhension et définissant un logement pour recevoir une bille applicatrice avec une possibilité de rotation de la bille dans le logement, caractérisé par le fait que la cage est mobile relativement à l'organe de préhension, étant reliée à ce dernier par une mousse.
The invention further relates to an applicator comprising:
  • a grasping organ,
  • a cage secured to the gripping member and defining a housing for receiving an applicator ball with a possibility of rotation of the ball in the housing, characterized in that the cage is movable relative to the gripping member, being connected to the latter by a foam.

L'invention a encore pour objet un applicateur comportant :

  • un organe de préhension ayant un axe,
  • une cage solidaire de l'organe de préhension et définissant un logement pour recevoir une bille applicatrice avec une possibilité de rotation de la bille dans le logement, la cage étant mobile relativement à l'organe de préhension, étant reliée à ce dernier par au moins un élément de liaison élastiquement déformable, caractérisé par le fait que l'élément de liaison comporte un ressort, notamment hélicoïdal, agencé pour permettre à la cage, lors de l'application au moins, de se déplacer suivant ledit axe et de s'écarter de celui-ci.
The invention further relates to an applicator comprising:
  • a gripping member having an axis,
  • a cage secured to the gripping member and defining a housing for receiving an applicator ball with a possibility of rotation of the ball in the housing, the cage being movable relative to the gripping member, being connected to the latter by at least an elastically deformable connecting element, characterized in that that the connecting element comprises a spring, in particular helical, arranged to allow the cage, during application at least, to move along said axis and to deviate therefrom.

L'invention pourra être mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, d'exemples de mise en oeuvre non limitatifs de celle-ci, et à l'examen du dessin annexé, sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, un exemple d'un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application conforme à l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente isolément, de manière schématique, en coupe axiale, l'applicateur du dispositif de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique de l'applicateur de la figure 2, lors de l'application de produit sur la peau, et
  • la figure 4 représente schématiquement une variante d'applicateur.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:
  • FIG. 1 diagrammatically and partially, in axial section, an example of a packaging and application device according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 represents, in schematic form, in axial section, the applicator of the device of FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the applicator of FIG. 2, when applying product to the skin, and
  • Figure 4 schematically shows an applicator variant.

On a représenté sur la figure 1 un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application 1 comportant un récipient 2 et un applicateur 3.FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 comprising a container 2 and an applicator 3.

Le récipient 2 comprend une première partie 4 formant réservoir, contenant un produit P, par exemple un lait pour le corps, cette première partie comportant à son extrémité supérieure un col 5 s'étendant suivant un axe X.The container 2 comprises a first part 4 forming a reservoir, containing a product P, for example a milk for the body, this first part having at its upper end a neck 5 extending along an axis X.

La première partie comporte également un fond 7 se raccordant par deux épaulements successifs 8 et 10 au col 5.The first part also comprises a bottom 7 connected by two successive shoulders 8 and 10 to the neck 5.

Le col 5 est pourvu sur sa surface extérieure de reliefs 12 dont le rôle sera expliqué plus loin.The neck 5 is provided on its outer surface reliefs 12 whose role will be explained later.

Le récipient 2 comporte en outre une deuxième partie 13 constituée dans l'exemple décrit par une pièce rapportée sur la première partie 4.The container 2 further comprises a second part 13 constituted in the example described by an insert on the first part 4.

Cette deuxième partie 13 comprend une jupe d'habillage extérieure 14, d'axe X, venant en butée par son bord inférieur contre l'épaulement 8 et s'encliquetant sur la portion intermédiaire 9 reliant les épaulements 8 et 10 de la première partie.This second portion 13 comprises an outer skirt 14, X axis, abutting by its lower edge against the shoulder 8 and snapping on the intermediate portion 9 connecting the shoulders 8 and 10 of the first part.

La deuxième partie 13 comporte également, intérieurement à la jupe 14, des nervures 16 s'étendant suivant l'axe X de part et d'autre des reliefs 12 du col 5, de manière à empêcher une rotation relative de la deuxième partie 13 par rapport à la première partie 4.The second part 13 also has, internally to the skirt 14, ribs 16 extending along the X axis on either side of the reliefs 12 of the neck 5, so as to prevent relative rotation of the second part 13 by report to the first part 4.

La jupe 14 se raccorde par une portion transversale 15 perpendiculaire à l'axe X à une paroi tubulaire 17.The skirt 14 is connected by a transverse portion perpendicular to the axis X to a tubular wall 17.

Cette dernière définit au-dessus de la portion transversale 15 un col 18, fileté extérieurement, et vient s'appliquer de manière étanche par sa partie inférieure 19, en dessous de la portion 15, contre la surface intérieure du col 5 de la première partie 4.The latter defines above the transverse portion 15 a neck 18, threaded externally, and is sealingly applied by its lower portion 19, below the portion 15, against the inner surface of the neck 5 of the first part 4.

La paroi 17 est fermée à son extrémité inférieure par une paroi de fond 22, laquelle comporte une portion annulaire 23 dont la surface 23a est sphérique de son côté supérieur, formant un siège pour une bille applicatrice 30 portée par l'applicateur 3, comme cela sera détaillé plus loin.The wall 17 is closed at its lower end by a bottom wall 22, which has an annular portion 23 whose surface 23a is spherical on its upper side, forming a seat for an applicator ball 30 carried by the applicator 3, as this will be detailed later.

La paroi de fond 22 peut comporter également un renfoncement 25 se raccordant à sa périphérie à la portion annulaire 23, de concavité dirigée vers la bille 30 et dont le fond est traversé par une pluralité d'orifices 26 permettant au produit P contenu dans la partie formant réservoir 4 de gagner le renfoncement 25.The bottom wall 22 may also comprise a recess 25 connected at its periphery to the annular portion 23, concavity directed towards the ball 30 and whose bottom is traversed by a plurality of orifices 26 allowing the product P contained in the part forming tank 4 to gain recess 25.

L'applicateur 3 comporte un capot 31, dans lequel est fixé un insert 32. L'ensemble constitué du capot 31 et de l'insert 32 forme un organe de préhension 33.The applicator 3 comprises a cover 31, in which is fixed an insert 32. The assembly consisting of the cover 31 and the insert 32 forms a gripping member 33.

L'insert 32 comporte une jupe 34 filetée intérieurement, permettant de visser l'applicateur 3 sur le col 18 du récipient 2, une lèvre d'étanchéité 35 destinée à s'appliquer de manière étanche sur la surface intérieure du col 18 et une jupe intérieure 36 permettant le montage sur l'insert d'un élément de liaison 37 par lequel la bille 30 est rendue solidaire de l'organe de préhension.The insert 32 comprises an internally threaded skirt 34, enabling the applicator 3 to be screwed onto the neck 18 of the container 2, a sealing lip 35 intended to be sealingly applied to the inner surface of the neck 18 and a skirt. inner 36 for mounting on the insert of a connecting member 37 by which the ball 30 is secured to the gripping member.

Dans l'exemple considéré, l'élément de liaison 37 est constitué par un bloc de mousse, par exemple de polyuréthane, fixé à l'insert 32 par collage par exemple. Ce bloc de mousse peut présenter une forme sensiblement cylindrique, d'axe X.In the example considered, the connecting element 37 is constituted by a block of foam, for example polyurethane, fixed to the insert 32 by gluing, for example. This foam block may have a substantially cylindrical shape, of X axis.

La bille 30 est retenue avec une possibilité de rotation dans une cage 40 définissant un logement sphérique 41 laissant dépasser une portion inférieure de la bille 30 pour l'application. La bille 30 peut être mise en place dans la cage 40 par déformation élastique de cette dernière, par exemple.The ball 30 is retained with a possibility of rotation in a cage 40 defining a spherical housing 41 allowing to exceed a lower portion of the ball 30 for the application. The ball 30 can be placed in the cage 40 by elastic deformation of the latter, for example.

La cage 40 comporte à sa partie supérieure une jupe de fixation 42 d'axe X, épaulée, servant à la fixer à l'élément de liaison 37, par exemple avec un adhésif 43.The cage 40 comprises at its upper part an attachment skirt 42 of axis X, shouldered, serving to fix it to the connecting element 37, for example with an adhesive 43.

Dans l'exemple considéré, la distance entre le bord inférieur de la jupe 36 et le bord supérieur de la jupe 42 est non nulle, étant suffisante pour permettre une certaine compression de l'élément de liaison 37 ainsi qu'un certain débattement de la cage 40 autour d'axes géométriques de rotation perpendiculaires entre eux et perpendiculaires à l'axe X.In the example considered, the distance between the lower edge of the skirt 36 and the upper edge of the skirt 42 is non-zero, being sufficient to allow some compression of the connecting element 37 and a certain deflection of the cage 40 around geometric axes of rotation perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the X axis.

Lorsque l'applicateur 3 est en place sur le récipient 2, pour fermer celui-ci de manière étanche, comme illustré sur la figure 1, l'élément de liaison 37 est comprimé et exerce sur la cage 40 une force tendant à appliquer la bille 30 contre la portion annulaire 23, le contact entre les deux tendant à empêcher l'écoulement de produit P vers l'extérieur du réservoir au-delà de l'espace défini par le renfoncement 25. Du produit P peut être retenu par capillarité dans celui-ci.When the applicator 3 is in place on the container 2, to close it in a sealed manner, as shown in Figure 1, the connecting member 37 is compressed and exerts on the cage 40 a force tending to apply the ball 30 against the annular portion 23, the contact between the two tending to prevent the flow of product P towards the outside of the tank beyond the space defined by the recess 25. The product P can be retained by capillarity in the -this.

Le dispositif 1 peut s'utiliser de la manière suivante.The device 1 can be used in the following manner.

L'utilisateur retourne le récipient 2 afin de permettre l'écoulement de produit P dans le renfoncement 25, à travers les orifices 26, ces derniers étant ouverts en permanence dans l'exemple considéré.The user returns the container 2 to allow the flow of product P in the recess 25, through the orifices 26, the latter being permanently open in the example in question.

La bille 30 peut se charger alors avec le produit P.The ball 30 can then be loaded with the product P.

Une fois la bille 30 chargée en produit, l'utilisateur peut dévisser l'applicateur 3.Once the ball 30 is loaded with product, the user can unscrew the applicator 3.

Lors de l'application, l'utilisateur peut faire rouler la bille 30 sur la peau S, l'élément de liaison 37 pouvant se déformer en fonction du relief de celle-ci, comme illustré sur la figure 3.During the application, the user can roll the ball 30 on the skin S, the connecting element 37 being able to deform according to the relief thereof, as illustrated in FIG.

La possibilité offerte à la bille 30 de se déplacer relativement à l'organe de préhension 33 améliore le confort à l'application.The possibility offered to the ball 30 to move relative to the gripping member 33 improves comfort on application.

On ne sort pas du cadre de la présente invention en utilisant un élément de liaison autre qu'un bloc de mousse.It is not beyond the scope of the present invention using a connecting member other than a foam block.

Comme illustré sur la figure 4, la cage logeant la bille peut être reliée à l'organe de préhension 33 par l'intermédiaire d'un ressort hélicoïdal 37' d'axe X.As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cage housing the ball may be connected to the gripping member 33 via a helical spring 37 'of axis X.

Ce ressort peut être constitué par une pièce rapportée comme représenté sur le dessin ou être réalisé par moulage de matière plastique avec l'un au moins de la cage 40 et de l'insert 32.This spring may be constituted by an insert as shown in the drawing or be made by plastic molding with at least one of the cage 40 and the insert 32.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples de mise en oeuvre qui viennent d'être décrits.Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation examples which have just been described.

On peut par exemple réaliser un récipient sans le renfoncement 25, la portion annulaire 23 entourant par exemple une ouverture centrale unique par laquelle la bille 30 peut se charger en produit.For example, a container can be made without the recess 25, the annular portion 23 surrounding for example a single central opening through which the ball 30 can be loaded product.

La bille 30 peut être floquée et être réalisée dans divers matériaux, notamment comporter une charge de particules destinées à exercer un effet sur le produit ou sur la surface traitée avec le produit. Cet effet peut être un champ magnétique ou la libération d'une substance, par exemple d'ions.The ball 30 can be flocked and be made of various materials, including a load of particles intended to exert an effect on the product or on the surface treated with the product. This effect can be a magnetic field or the release of a substance, for example ions.

Claims (17)

  1. An application and packaging device comprising:
    - A receptacle (2) containing a substance, in particular a cosmetic substance, to be applied,
    - an applicator (3) comprising:
    - a handle member (33),
    - a cage (40) secured to the handle member and defining a housing (41) for receiving an applicator ball (30), with an ability of rotation of the ball into the housing, the handle member being arranged for closing the receptacle (2), characterized by the fact that the cage (40) is movable relative to the handle member, the cage being secured to the handle member by means of at least one elastically-deformable link element (37, 37').
  2. A device according to precedent claim, in which the handle member has an axis, characterized by the fact that the link element is configured to enable the cage (40) to move along and/or depart from said axis at least during application.
  3. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the link element (37) comprises a foam.
  4. A device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact that the link element (37') comprises a spring, in particular helical spring.
  5. A device according to any one of preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the handle member comprises a cap (31) and an insert (32) fixed in the cap, and characterized by the fact that the link element (37, 37') is secured to the insert (32).
  6. A device according to precedent claim, characterized by the fact that the insert comprises a skirt (36) for fixing to the link element.
  7. A device according to any one of preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the handle member has a sealing lip (35) for pressing against a neck (18) of the receptacle.
  8. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the cage (40) is made of a rigid plastics material.
  9. A device according to any one of preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the cage (40) has a shape forming a portion of a sphere matching the shape of the ball.
  10. A device according to any one of preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the link element (37, 37') is distinct from the cage (40).
  11. A device according to any one of preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the handle member is arranged for closing the receptacle (2) in a sealing way.
  12. A device according to any one of preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the receptacle comprises a wall (22) forming a seat for the ball when the applicator is in place on the receptacle.
  13. A device according to precedent claim, characterized by the fact that said wall (22) has at least one annular portion (23) against which the ball presses when the applicator is in place on the receptacle.
  14. A device according to one of claims 12 and 13, characterized by the fact that the wall comprises at least one orifice (26) enabling the substance contained in the receptacle to pass to the ball.
  15. A device according to precedent claim, characterized by the fact that the wall (22) comprises a setback (25) suitable for co-operating with the ball when the applicator is in place on the receptacle to form a space into which at least one orifice (26) opens out.
  16. A device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by the fact that the receptacle comprises a first portion (4) forming a reservoir suitable for containing the substance, and a second portion assembled to the first, defining the housing (41) and including the wall (22).
  17. A device according to any one of preceding claims, characterized by the fact that when the applicator is in place on the receptacle, the link element (37, 37') is compressed.
EP03293090A 2002-12-10 2003-12-10 Applicator as well as package and application apparatus comprising such an applicator Expired - Fee Related EP1428454B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0215577 2002-12-10
FR0215577A FR2848126B1 (en) 2002-12-10 2002-12-10 APPLICATOR AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLICATION COMPRISING SUCH AN APPLICATOR.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1428454A1 EP1428454A1 (en) 2004-06-16
EP1428454B1 true EP1428454B1 (en) 2007-01-24

Family

ID=32320140

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03293090A Expired - Fee Related EP1428454B1 (en) 2002-12-10 2003-12-10 Applicator as well as package and application apparatus comprising such an applicator

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US7044670B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1428454B1 (en)
DE (1) DE60311398T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2280713T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2848126B1 (en)

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ATE392828T1 (en) * 2003-07-14 2008-05-15 Schwan Stabilo Cosmetics Gmbh APPLICATION DEVICE FOR A COSMETIC PRODUCT
FR2879417B1 (en) * 2004-12-21 2007-04-06 Oreal DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING A PRODUCT
US7841797B2 (en) * 2004-12-21 2010-11-30 L'oreal Device for packaging and applying a product
US7596974B2 (en) * 2006-06-19 2009-10-06 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Instant stain removing device, formulation and absorbent means
FR2951918A1 (en) 2009-11-05 2011-05-06 Oreal APPLICATOR HAVING A CONNECTION FOR INCLINING THE APPLICATION SURFACE
FR2953107A1 (en) * 2009-12-02 2011-06-03 Thomas Eugene Joseph Diezinger DEVICE FOR APPLICATION OF A FLUID
DE202010012918U1 (en) 2010-11-17 2012-02-22 Geka Gmbh Cosmetic unit with squeezable storage container
US8783990B2 (en) * 2012-09-24 2014-07-22 Smart Assets, Inc. Bottle with applicator
FR2999438B1 (en) * 2012-12-15 2015-12-11 Stephane Decaux CAPSULE AND DEVICE FOR DISTRIBUTING A PRODUCT WITH TRANSMISSION OF ENERGY RADIATION IN THE FORM OF LUMINOUS ONDULATORY FORM
US9725229B2 (en) 2013-09-03 2017-08-08 Barry Beaubien Devices and methods for applying body lotions such as sunscreens
US10898702B2 (en) 2013-09-03 2021-01-26 Barry Beaubien Devices and methods for applying body lotions such as sunscreens
FR3063210B1 (en) * 2017-02-27 2021-06-04 Oreal COSMETIC DEVICE INCLUDING A ROTARY APPLICATOR AND A SIEVE
US10244845B2 (en) * 2017-05-05 2019-04-02 Presto Packaging Solutions LLC Container and applicator for powders and liquids
FR3070582B1 (en) * 2017-09-05 2021-09-17 Oreal PACKAGING AND APPLICATION DEVICE FOR A PRODUCT, ESPECIALLY A LIQUID COSMETIC PRODUCT

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US2975466A (en) * 1957-05-13 1961-03-21 Owens Illinois Glass Co Ball-type liquid applicators
US3111703A (en) 1960-11-22 1963-11-26 Carter Prod Inc Deodorant device
US4342522A (en) * 1977-03-10 1982-08-03 Bristol-Myers Company Roll-on dispenser with a flexible membrane
FR2674453B1 (en) * 1991-03-29 1993-05-28 Morel Simone APPLICATOR DEVICE FOR CONTAINER CONTAINING A LIQUID OR FLUID PRODUCT WITH AUTOMATIC FLOW OPENING AND CLOSING.
DE4113214A1 (en) * 1991-04-23 1992-11-05 Ahrens Hans Joachim Dipl Phys COSMETIC SCOOTER WITH ELASTIC CONTAINER
FR2734131B1 (en) 1995-05-16 1997-07-04 Oreal DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLYING A COSMETIC PRODUCT
US5851077A (en) * 1996-11-04 1998-12-22 Trejo; Pamela L. Industrial grade sunscreen lotion applicator apparatus and method of self-use on a backside
FR2773959B1 (en) 1998-01-26 2000-04-07 Oreal PACKAGING AND APPLICATION ASSEMBLY OF A POWDERY, LIQUID OR PASTY PRODUCT COMPRISING A PISTON
FR2833245B1 (en) * 2001-12-11 2004-03-19 Oreal APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY OF A PRODUCT, ESPECIALLY COSMETIC

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60311398T2 (en) 2007-08-23
US7044670B2 (en) 2006-05-16
DE60311398D1 (en) 2007-03-15
EP1428454A1 (en) 2004-06-16
US20040131414A1 (en) 2004-07-08
FR2848126B1 (en) 2006-09-15
ES2280713T3 (en) 2007-09-16
FR2848126A1 (en) 2004-06-11

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