EP1452109B1 - Apparatus for applying a product like a cosmetic - Google Patents

Apparatus for applying a product like a cosmetic Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1452109B1
EP1452109B1 EP04290413A EP04290413A EP1452109B1 EP 1452109 B1 EP1452109 B1 EP 1452109B1 EP 04290413 A EP04290413 A EP 04290413A EP 04290413 A EP04290413 A EP 04290413A EP 1452109 B1 EP1452109 B1 EP 1452109B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
piston
product
casing
wall
opening
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP04290413A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1452109A1 (en
Inventor
Marc Ramet
Nicolas Albisetti
Daniel Crosnier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LOreal SA
Original Assignee
LOreal SA
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP1452109A1 publication Critical patent/EP1452109A1/en
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Publication of EP1452109B1 publication Critical patent/EP1452109B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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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
    • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
    • A45D40/02—Casings wherein movement of the lipstick or like solid is a sliding movement
    • A45D40/04—Casings wherein movement of the lipstick or like solid is a sliding movement effected by a screw

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an application device intended for the topical application of a product with a cosmetic or dermatopharmaceutical action, such as a deodorant product, a moisturizing product, a sun protection product, a lipstick, a foundation, an eye shadow, a styling product, a hair coloring product, etc.
  • a cosmetic or dermatopharmaceutical action such as a deodorant product, a moisturizing product, a sun protection product, a lipstick, a foundation, an eye shadow, a styling product, a hair coloring product, etc.
  • the invention relates to a device for applying a solid product such as a product in the form of a stick or a fluid product having an applicator wall permeable to the product.
  • the products in the form of a stick are packaged in devices of the type comprising a cup in which the formula to be applied is located, and which, in response to an actuation command, can move axially inside a liner between a storage position and an application position.
  • the drive mechanism of the cup in its axial displacement can be various. It may be a threaded rod disposed under the cup cooperating with a nut member, such a mechanism being controlled by an actuating member formed by a wheel disposed under the sleeve. Alternatively, it may be a helical ramp made in a wall of the jacket, and in which moves a lug carried by the cup.
  • Stick products especially deodorant products, can be packaged in other types of devices that include a piston sliding inside a jacket.
  • the piston can be driven by a threaded rod cooperating with a nut, or by a ratchet mechanism.
  • US Patent 1,637,545 describes an eyebrow pencil which comprises a tube in which is housed a product stick.
  • the tube is closed by a bottom at one end and open at its opposite end to release the product stick.
  • the product stick is mounted in a cup which slides inside the tube and which bears elastically along the side wall of the tube.
  • a ball is housed inside the tube, between the bucket and the bottom of the casing, in a space configured to allow it to move in the axis of the tube.
  • the user shakes the pencil so that the ball hits the bucket and raises the stick in the tube.
  • This device however has the disadvantage that as the stick of product is consumed, the space in which the ball moves is becoming larger. The ball then collides more and more violently the support as it takes more and more speed.
  • the bucket being in elastic support on the side wall of the tube, it is necessary that the bucket is in abutment with sufficient friction on the side wall of the tube so that the product stick does not move back into the tube during the 'application.
  • the friction is too great, it is very difficult to raise the bucket inside the tube to remove the stick before application, especially during the first uses where the ball can not take a lot of speed . It is then necessary to vigorously shake the pencil to get the stick out of product.
  • substantially constant maximum amplitude is meant a maximum amplitude that remains constant as the device is used but also a maximum amplitude that may vary slightly as the device is used, but from a short distance. For example, this variation is less than or equal to the axial height of the movable element, and preferably less than or equal to half the axial height of the movable element.
  • the movable element has a substantially constant movement. Consequently, for the same agitation of the device, the force with which the movable element impinges on the piston is substantially the same, so that the product moves substantially the same distance.
  • the drive member being located inside the envelope, it is not accessible from the outside which allows for a device whose external appearance, including the decor, is not encumbered by the drive member.
  • the movable element can be coupled to the piston in different ways.
  • the movable element can be housed in a cage secured to the piston.
  • the movable element can be connected to the piston by at least one flexible arm.
  • the movable member may be slidably mounted on at least one rod integral with the piston.
  • the movement of the movable element can be guided inside the device.
  • it when it is housed in a cage, it can be configured in such a way that the movable element can move only parallel to the axis X.
  • the movable element being guided in its movement, its movement is properly controlled by the user who agitates the device. Therefore, the user also controls the movement of the piston and therefore the product outlet.
  • the device may comprise means forming a stop to prevent the piston from moving in the direction opposite to the direction of the opening, in particular during the application of the product.
  • the stop means may consist of the cooperation of at least one radial tooth provided on a wall integral with the piston with at least one radial tooth provided on a second wall.
  • the device may include means for disabling the abutment means to allow movement of the plunger in the direction opposite to the direction of the opening.
  • the means for deactivating the abutment means may be constituted by flexible tabs adapted to tilt so as to laterally spread the tooth of the second wall of the tooth of the wall integral with the piston.
  • the means for deactivating the abutment means may comprise a gripping portion secured to the second wall adapted to rotate the second wall relative to the integral wall of the piston, so as to put the tooth of the second wall next to a portion of the integral wall of the piston without tooth.
  • the movable element may be a ball or a mass of any other shape.
  • the end of the housing may define an opening of cross section identical to the cross section of the envelope, able to pass the product in stick form.
  • the end of the housing may comprise a wall permeable to the product in fluid form.
  • the permeable wall comprises at least one opening and preferably a plurality of openings, able to pass the product in fluid form.
  • the size of the openings is chosen according to the viscosity of the product so that the product can not flow by gravity through the openings.
  • the openings may for example be the pores of a porous material or the spaces between the fibers of a fibrous material.
  • the piston may comprise a peripheral lip adapted to slide tightly on the inner surface of the envelope.
  • an O-ring may be provided on the piston.
  • the product is for example a cosmetic product, in particular a deodorant product, a moisturizing product, a sunscreen product, a lipstick, a foundation, an eye shadow, a styling product or a hair coloring product.
  • FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first example of an application device 10 according to the invention.
  • the application device is for example intended for the application of a cosmetic product, in particular a deodorant product which is in the form of a solid stick.
  • the device 10 has a longitudinal axis X and an elliptical cross section.
  • the device comprises a piston 30 and a casing 20 in which the piston 30 can slide axially, as well as a closure cap 40.
  • the cross section of elliptical shape allows in particular to allow only a translational movement between the piston and the envelope. It is obvious that any other non-circular form can have this function.
  • the cross section may be circular and an anti-rotation system may be provided on the piston and the envelope, such as for example a pin sliding in an axial groove.
  • the device can also have a circular cross section and do not include an anti-rotation system and thus allow a rotational movement between the casing and the piston.
  • the casing 20 forms the outer wall of the device and delimits laterally, in its upper part, the housing for the product while the piston 30 forms the bottom of the housing for the product.
  • the envelope 20 is formed by a sleeve extending parallel to the X axis and has an elliptical cross section.
  • the envelope 20 is open at its upper end 21 to define an opening 22 allowing the passage of the product.
  • the lower end of the casing 20 is partially closed by a transverse wall 23.
  • the transverse wall 23 has two orifices 24 for filling the product.
  • the piston 30 has a transverse wall 31 of elliptical shape, the upper face of which receives the product. To improve the attachment of the product to the piston, it is possible to provide fins (not shown) or any other rough surface on the upper surface of the transverse wall 31 on which the product is hooked when it is poured on the piston. inside the envelope.
  • the transverse wall 31 is traversed by a circular central opening 32, the function of which will be explained later, closed by a plug 35 which snaps, for example, into the wall 31.
  • the transverse wall 31 is also traversed by two orifices 33 enabling the filling in product.
  • the transverse wall 31 comprises at its periphery a sealing lip 34 designed to slide sealingly on the envelope in order to move the product. The lip slides on the envelope, with a necessary friction force and sufficient to seal the product, while allowing the user to easily move it.
  • the device also comprises a drive member 50, disposed under the piston 30, and arranged to axially move the piston 30 relative to the casing to remove the product from the casing.
  • the training member 50 comprises a ball 51 housed in a cage 52 integral with the piston and in which the ball can move.
  • the cage is formed by two walls 53 in an arc that extend around the opening 32, parallel to the axis X, towards the bottom of the envelope.
  • the two walls 53 are arranged so that their concavity is facing one another. They thus laterally delimit the cage 52 of substantially cylindrical shape of revolution.
  • the two walls 53 are integral at their lower end with a disc 54 forming the bottom of the cage 52.
  • the dimensions of the cage and the ball are such that the ball is able to move axially in the cage and can not substantially not move transversely to the X axis.
  • the device comprises an axial stop system.
  • the outer surface of the walls 53 comprises, over substantially their entire axial height, radial teeth 530 oriented towards the bottom of the cage 52.
  • These teeth 530 cooperate with radial teeth 560 provided on the inner surface of walls 56 integral with the casing, over substantially their entire axial height, and on which they come into axial abutment.
  • the two walls 56 in a circular arc extend parallel to the X axis from the transverse wall 23, with which they are integral, to an upper free end 57.
  • the two walls 56 are arranged in such a way that that their concavity is opposite each other.
  • the radial teeth 560 are disposed on the inner surface of the walls 56 and are oriented towards the opening 22 of the envelope.
  • the lower edge 531 of the teeth 530 of the walls 53 integral with the piston is perpendicular to the axis X and the upper edge 562 of the teeth 560 of the walls 56 integral with the envelope is perpendicular to the axis X.
  • the lower edge 531 of the teeth 530 abuts against the upper edge 562 of the teeth 560.
  • each tooth 560 is inclined so as to form a ramp for the upper edge 532 of the teeth 530.
  • the device also comprises means 60 for disabling the axial abutment system allowing the user to lower the product stick to the bottom of the envelope.
  • the means 60 consist for example of elastic tabs 61 obtained by cutting in the transverse wall 23.
  • the tabs 61 are cut in such a way that they can pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis X so as to be able to sinking inside the envelope.
  • the tabs 61 are formed just below the walls 56 of which they are integral, so that depressing the tabs in the envelope spreads the walls 56 of the walls 53 and disengages the teeth 560 of the teeth 530 to allow axial movement of the piston towards the bottom of the envelope.
  • the device further comprises an attached bottom 70 provided for closing the filling orifices 24.
  • the bottom 70 is formed by a flat wall of elliptical shape which comprises two protuberances 71 provided to snap into the orifices 24 in order to seal them.
  • the bottom 70 also closes the cutouts formed around the tabs 61.
  • the bottom 70 thus prevents fouling inside the casing.
  • the central portion 72 of the bottom 70 located opposite the tabs 61 is substantially convex towards the inside of the casing and relatively flexible to allow the tabs 61 to penetrate through the bottom 70.
  • a closure cap 40 is provided to close the opening 22 of the envelope. It is closed in its upper part by a convex portion 41 and is open at its lower end 42.
  • a radial projection 43 is provided on the inner surface of the cap, near the lower end 42, to be housed in a throat 25 provided on the outer surface of the envelope to secure the cap on the envelope.
  • the cap can be attached to the envelope by side clamping.
  • the device is made as follows. Firstly, the various constituent elements of the device are formed by molding a thermoplastic material, for example a polypropylene, or a polyethylene.
  • a thermoplastic material for example a polypropylene, or a polyethylene.
  • the piston 30 secured to the cage 52 is mounted in the casing 20 in the lower position, that is to say that the bottom of the cage 52 is positioned closer to the transverse wall 23 of the casing, between the 56.
  • the ball 51 is introduced into the cage 52 through the opening 22 of the casing, via the central opening 32 of the piston which is then closed by the cap 35. It can be dispensed with the central opening 32 and plug 35 by introducing the ball into the cage 52 through the openings defined between the walls 53.
  • the walls 53 are then sufficiently elastic to be slightly spaced to introduce the ball and to resume their initial position so that the ball can not get out of the cage.
  • the cap 40 is then reversibly fixed to the casing.
  • the device is then filled with product in fluid form by flowing it through the bottom of the envelope, through orifices 24 and 33 to fill the housing delimited by the envelope 20, the convex portion 41 of the cap and the transverse wall 31 of the piston.
  • a small capsule which is fixed on the upper edge of the casing 20 and which delimits, with the casing and the transverse wall 31, the volume of product to be filled.
  • a capsule having a curved shape is chosen so as to obtain a surface for applying the curved product.
  • the product, drying, forms a stick whose bottom is secured to the transverse wall 32 of the piston.
  • a solid product stick can be inserted inside the housing, through the opening 22 of the envelope.
  • the bottom 70 is then snapped into the transverse wall 23 of the casing 20.
  • the device shown in FIG. 3 is thus obtained.
  • the user agitates the device so as to move the ball 51 in the cage 52.
  • the ball 51 hits the transverse wall 31 of the piston which slides the piston inside the envelope to the opening 22, an axial height corresponding to at least one tooth.
  • a tooth 530 is housed opposite the tooth 560 located just above the one opposite which it was before stirring, and next to the tooth 560 still located above if agitation continues.
  • the upper portion of the product is then disengaged from the envelope, so that the user can apply it on his body by holding the envelope, as shown in Figure 4.
  • the means 60 for deactivating the abutment system which have just been described can be replaced by other means, for example those represented in FIGS. 5A to 5C.
  • the walls 56 are extended by a gripping zone 58 accessible from outside the device and which can rotate the walls 56 relative to the cage 52 and to the transverse wall 23.
  • the walls 53 forming the cage comprise an angular portion provided with the teeth 530 and another angular portion 59 devoid of teeth.
  • the walls 56 are angularly positioned facing the portion of the walls 53 provided with the teeth 530 so that the teeth 530 abut against the teeth 560.
  • the user turns the gripping portion 58 by an angle such that the teeth 560 are facing the portion 59 of the walls 53 toothless, as shown in Figure 5C. The user can then push the product to the bottom of the envelope.
  • the drive member 40 which has just been described can be replaced by different variants such as those shown in FIGS. 6A to 6F.
  • the ball 51 can be connected to the piston by means of a flexible arm 501 which allows the movement of the ball (see FIG. 6A), or by two flexible arms (FIG. 6B). .
  • the movable element may also be an elastomeric ball that is extended by two lateral arms 503, also made of elastomer. Each free end of the arms 503 is fixed to an axial rod 504 integral with the piston 30.
  • the movable member may also be slidably mounted on a rod 502 secured to the piston (see Figure 6D), or on a shaft 505 for filling the product housing.
  • the rod and the well comprise an axial abutment at their lower end which makes it possible to hold the ball there.
  • the movable element can be mounted in force on the rod or the well.
  • the rod (the well) may also include slots at the axial stop which allow it to retract during assembly of the movable member, the rod then relaxing to provide the axial stop function.
  • the movable element may also be constituted by two balls 51 each connected to a free end of a wire 506 in the manner of a pendulum.
  • the second end of each wire 506 is connected to the piston such that in the rest position shown in FIG. 6F, the two balls are in contact with each other. the other. When shaking the device, the balls will bump into each other before striking the piston 30.
  • the movable element can be a mass of any shape other than a ball.
  • the casing can be closed at its upper end by a convex transverse wall permeable to the product.
  • the upper end is for example traversed by openings which, preferably, do not allow, in the upside down position of the device the flow of the product by gravity.

Abstract

The cosmetic applicator (10) has a sidewall (20) with one open end (22). A piston (30) slides longitudinally in the sidewall and defines a chamber for the product with the sidewall. There is an agitator ball (50) which can be pushed against the piston by a shaking action to drive the latter against the cosmetic for dispensing.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'application destiné à l'application par voie topique, d'un produit à action cosmétique ou dermatopharmaceutique, tel qu'un produit déodorant, un produit hydratant, un produit de protection solaire, un rouge à lèvres, un fond de teint, une ombre à paupières, un produit coiffant, un produit de coloration capillaire, etc.The present invention relates to an application device intended for the topical application of a product with a cosmetic or dermatopharmaceutical action, such as a deodorant product, a moisturizing product, a sun protection product, a lipstick, a foundation, an eye shadow, a styling product, a hair coloring product, etc.

En particulier, l'invention se rapporte à un dispositif d'application d'un produit solide tel qu'un produit sous forme de stick ou encore d'un produit fluide ayant une paroi applicatrice perméable au produit.In particular, the invention relates to a device for applying a solid product such as a product in the form of a stick or a fluid product having an applicator wall permeable to the product.

Typiquement, les produits sous forme de stick, en particulier les rouges à lèvres, sont conditionnés dans des dispositifs du type comprenant une cupule dans laquelle se trouve la formule à appliquer, et pouvant, en réponse à une commande d'actionnement, se déplacer axialement à l'intérieur d'une chemise entre une position de stockage et une position d'application. Le mécanisme d'entraînement de la cupule dans son déplacement axial peut être divers. Il peut s'agir d'une tige filetée disposée sous la cupule, coopérant avec un organe formant écrou, un tel mécanisme étant commandé par un organe de manoeuvre formé d'une molette disposée sous la chemise. Alternativement, il peut s'agir d'une rampe hélicoïdale réalisée dans une paroi de la chemise, et dans laquelle se déplace un ergot porté par la cupule.Typically, the products in the form of a stick, in particular lipsticks, are packaged in devices of the type comprising a cup in which the formula to be applied is located, and which, in response to an actuation command, can move axially inside a liner between a storage position and an application position. The drive mechanism of the cup in its axial displacement can be various. It may be a threaded rod disposed under the cup cooperating with a nut member, such a mechanism being controlled by an actuating member formed by a wheel disposed under the sleeve. Alternatively, it may be a helical ramp made in a wall of the jacket, and in which moves a lug carried by the cup.

Les produits sous forme de stick, notamment les produits déodorants, peuvent être conditionnés dans d'autres types de dispositifs qui comprennent un piston coulissant à l'intérieur d'une chemise. Le piston peut être entraîné par une tige filetée coopérant avec un écrou, ou encore par un mécanisme à cliquet.Stick products, especially deodorant products, can be packaged in other types of devices that include a piston sliding inside a jacket. The piston can be driven by a threaded rod cooperating with a nut, or by a ratchet mechanism.

Tous ces types de mécanismes sont relativement compliqués à réaliser et comportent un nombre relativement important de pièces. En outre, avec ces mécanismes, les deux mains sont nécessaires pour faire sortir le produit.All these types of mechanisms are relatively complicated to perform and have a relatively large number of parts. In addition, with these mechanisms, both hands are needed to get the product out.

Le brevet US 1,637,545 décrit un crayon à sourcils qui comprend un tube dans lequel est logé un bâton de produit. Le tube est fermé par un fond à une première extrémité et ouvert à son extrémité opposée afin de laisser sortir le bâton de produit. Le bâton de produit est monté dans un godet qui coulisse à l'intérieur du tube et qui vient en appui élastique le long de la paroi latérale du tube. Une bille est logée à l'intérieur du tube, entre le godet et le fond de l'enveloppe, dans un espace configuré pour lui autoriser un mouvement dans l'axe du tube. Pour faire sortir le bâton de produit, l'utilisateur secoue le crayon de sorte que la bille vient percuter le godet et fait monter le bâton dans le tube.US Patent 1,637,545 describes an eyebrow pencil which comprises a tube in which is housed a product stick. The tube is closed by a bottom at one end and open at its opposite end to release the product stick. The product stick is mounted in a cup which slides inside the tube and which bears elastically along the side wall of the tube. A ball is housed inside the tube, between the bucket and the bottom of the casing, in a space configured to allow it to move in the axis of the tube. To pull out the product stick, the user shakes the pencil so that the ball hits the bucket and raises the stick in the tube.

Ce dispositif présente toutefois l'inconvénient qu'au fur et à mesure que le bâton de produit est consommé, l'espace dans lequel la bille se déplace est de plus en plus grand. La bille percute alors de plus en plus violemment le support étant donné qu'elle prend de plus en plus de vitesse.This device however has the disadvantage that as the stick of product is consumed, the space in which the ball moves is becoming larger. The ball then collides more and more violently the support as it takes more and more speed.

En outre, le godet étant en appui élastique sur la paroi latérale du tube, il est nécessaire que le godet soit en appui avec suffisamment de frottements sur la paroi latérale du tube pour que le bâton de produit ne recule pas dans le tube lors de l'application. Toutefois, si les frottements sont trop importants, il est très difficile de faire monter le godet à l'intérieur du tube pour faire sortir le bâton avant l'application, en particulier lors des premières utilisations où la bille ne peut pas prendre beaucoup de vitesse. Il est alors nécessaire de secouer vigoureusement le crayon pour parvenir à faire sortir le bâton de produit.In addition, the bucket being in elastic support on the side wall of the tube, it is necessary that the bucket is in abutment with sufficient friction on the side wall of the tube so that the product stick does not move back into the tube during the 'application. However, if the friction is too great, it is very difficult to raise the bucket inside the tube to remove the stick before application, especially during the first uses where the ball can not take a lot of speed . It is then necessary to vigorously shake the pencil to get the stick out of product.

Aussi, est-ce un des objets de l'invention que de réaliser un dispositif d'application qui ne présente pas les inconvénients de la technique antérieure.Also, is it an object of the invention to provide an application device which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art.

C'est en particulier un objet de invention que de réaliser un dispositif d'application qui comprenne un mécanisme de sortie du produit simple à réaliser et à utiliser.It is particularly an object of invention to provide an application device that includes a product output mechanism that is simple to make and to use.

C'est encore un autre objet de l'invention que de réaliser un dispositif d'application qui comprenne mécanisme de sortie du produit qui n'altère pas l'esthétique du dispositif.It is yet another object of the invention to provide an application device which includes a product exit mechanism which does not alter the aesthetics of the device.

Selon l'invention, ces objets peuvent être atteints en réalisant un dispositif d'application d'un produit, notamment cosmétique, d'axe longitudinal X, comportant :

  • une enveloppe latérale dont une extrémité forme au moins une ouverture ;
  • un piston apte à coulisser dans l'enveloppe selon l'axe X en direction de l'ouverture, le piston délimitant au moins en partie avec au moins une partie de l'enveloppe un logement pour le produit ;
  • un organe d'entraînement comportant au moins un élément mobile monté de manière telle qu'en agitant le dispositif, l'élément mobile est apte à venir heurter le piston pour le faire coulisser dans l'enveloppe en direction de l'ouverture et faire sortir le produit par l'ouverture caractérisé en ce que l'élément mobile est couplé au piston de sorte que l'amplitude maximale de son mouvement en réponse à l'agitation du dispositif soit sensiblement constante, quelle que soit la position axiale du piston relativement à l'enveloppe.
According to the invention, these objects can be achieved by producing a device for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, having a longitudinal axis X, comprising:
  • a lateral envelope whose one end forms at least one opening;
  • a piston capable of sliding in the casing along the axis X in the direction of the opening, the piston defining at least partly with at least a part of the casing a housing for the product;
  • a drive member comprising at least one movable element mounted in such a way that by shaking the device, the movable element is able to strike the piston to slide it in the envelope towards the opening and to pull out the product through the opening characterized in that the movable element is coupled to the piston so that the maximum amplitude of its movement in response to the agitation of the device is substantially constant, regardless of the axial position of the piston relative to the envelope.

Par "amplitude maximale sensiblement constante", on entend une amplitude maximale qui reste constante au fur et à mesure de l'utilisation du dispositif mais aussi une amplitude maximale qui peut légèrement varier, au fur et à mesure de l'utilisation du dispositif, mais d'une faible distance. Par exemple, cette variation est inférieure ou égale à la hauteur axiale de l'élément mobile, et de préférence, inférieure ou égale à la moitié de la hauteur axiale de l'élément mobile.By "substantially constant maximum amplitude" is meant a maximum amplitude that remains constant as the device is used but also a maximum amplitude that may vary slightly as the device is used, but from a short distance. For example, this variation is less than or equal to the axial height of the movable element, and preferably less than or equal to half the axial height of the movable element.

Ainsi, au fur et à mesure de l'utilisation du produit, l'élément mobile a un débattement sensiblement constant. En conséquence, pour une même agitation du dispositif, la force avec laquelle l'élément mobile vient heurter le piston est sensiblement la même si bien que le produit se déplace sensiblement de la même distance.Thus, as and when the product is used, the movable element has a substantially constant movement. Consequently, for the same agitation of the device, the force with which the movable element impinges on the piston is substantially the same, so that the product moves substantially the same distance.

En outre, l'organe d'entraînement étant situé à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe, il n'est pas accessible depuis l'extérieur ce qui permet de réaliser un dispositif dont l'aspect extérieur, notamment le décor, n'est pas encombré par l'organe d'entraînement.In addition, the drive member being located inside the envelope, it is not accessible from the outside which allows for a device whose external appearance, including the decor, is not encumbered by the drive member.

L'élément mobile peut être couplé au piston de différentes manières. L'élément mobile peut être logé dans une cage solidaire du piston. Alternativement, l'élément mobile peut être relié au piston par au moins un bras flexible. Alternativement encore, l'élément mobile peut être monté coulissant sur au moins une tige solidaire du piston.The movable element can be coupled to the piston in different ways. The movable element can be housed in a cage secured to the piston. Alternatively, the movable element can be connected to the piston by at least one flexible arm. Alternatively again, the movable member may be slidably mounted on at least one rod integral with the piston.

Le mouvement de l'élément mobile peut être guidé à l'intérieur du dispositif. Par exemple, lorsqu'il est logé dans une cage, celle-ci peut être configurée de manière telle que l'élément mobile ne peut se déplacer que parallèlement à l'axe X.The movement of the movable element can be guided inside the device. For example, when it is housed in a cage, it can be configured in such a way that the movable element can move only parallel to the axis X.

L'élément mobile étant guidé dans son déplacement, son mouvement est correctement maîtrisé par l'utilisateur qui agite le dispositif. Par conséquent, l'utilisateur maîtrise également le déplacement du piston et donc la sortie du produit.The movable element being guided in its movement, its movement is properly controlled by the user who agitates the device. Therefore, the user also controls the movement of the piston and therefore the product outlet.

Le dispositif peut comporter des moyens formant butée pour empêcher le piston de se déplacer dans la direction opposée à la direction de l'ouverture, notamment lors de l'application du produit. Les moyens formant butée peuvent être constitués par la coopération d'au moins une dent radiale prévue sur une paroi solidaire du piston avec au moins une dent radiale prévue sur une seconde paroi.The device may comprise means forming a stop to prevent the piston from moving in the direction opposite to the direction of the opening, in particular during the application of the product. The stop means may consist of the cooperation of at least one radial tooth provided on a wall integral with the piston with at least one radial tooth provided on a second wall.

Il n'y a donc pas de risque pour que le produit s'enfonce à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe lors de l'application du produit.There is therefore no risk that the product sinks inside the envelope during the application of the product.

Le dispositif peut comporter des moyens pour désactiver les moyens formant butée afin d'autoriser un déplacement du piston dans la direction opposée à la direction de l'ouverture. Les moyens pour désactiver les moyens formant butée peuvent être constitués par des pattes flexibles aptes à basculer de manière à écarter latéralement la dent de la seconde paroi de la dent de la paroi solidaire du piston. Alternativement, les moyens pour désactiver les moyens formant butée peuvent comporter une portion de préhension solidaire de la seconde paroi apte à entraîner en rotation la seconde paroi par rapport à la paroi solidaire du piston, de manière à mettre la dent de la seconde paroi en regard d'une portion de la paroi solidaire du piston dépourvue de dent.The device may include means for disabling the abutment means to allow movement of the plunger in the direction opposite to the direction of the opening. The means for deactivating the abutment means may be constituted by flexible tabs adapted to tilt so as to laterally spread the tooth of the second wall of the tooth of the wall integral with the piston. Alternatively, the means for deactivating the abutment means may comprise a gripping portion secured to the second wall adapted to rotate the second wall relative to the integral wall of the piston, so as to put the tooth of the second wall next to a portion of the integral wall of the piston without tooth.

L'élément mobile peut être une bille ou encore une masse de toute autre forme.The movable element may be a ball or a mass of any other shape.

L'extrémité du logement peut délimiter une ouverture de section transversale identique à la section transversale de l'enveloppe, apte à laisser passer le produit sous forme de stick. Alternativement, l'extrémité du logement peut comporter une paroi perméable au produit sous forme fluide. La paroi perméable comporte au moins une ouverture et de préférence une pluralité d'ouvertures, aptes à laisser passer le produit sous forme fluide. La taille des ouvertures est choisie en fonction de la viscosité du produit de manière à ce que le produit ne puisse s'écouler par simple gravité au travers des ouvertures. Les ouvertures peuvent par exemple être les pores d'un matériau poreux ou les espaces entre les fibres d'un matériau fibreux.The end of the housing may define an opening of cross section identical to the cross section of the envelope, able to pass the product in stick form. Alternatively, the end of the housing may comprise a wall permeable to the product in fluid form. The permeable wall comprises at least one opening and preferably a plurality of openings, able to pass the product in fluid form. The size of the openings is chosen according to the viscosity of the product so that the product can not flow by gravity through the openings. The openings may for example be the pores of a porous material or the spaces between the fibers of a fibrous material.

Le piston peut comporter une lèvre périphérique apte à coulisser de manière étanche sur la surface interne de l'enveloppe. Alternativement, on peut prévoir un joint torique sur le piston.The piston may comprise a peripheral lip adapted to slide tightly on the inner surface of the envelope. Alternatively, an O-ring may be provided on the piston.

Le produit est par exemple un produit cosmétique, notamment un produit déodorant, un produit hydratant, un produit de protection solaire, un rouge à lèvres, un fond de teint, une ombre à paupières, un produit coiffant ou un produit de coloration capillaire.The product is for example a cosmetic product, in particular a deodorant product, a moisturizing product, a sunscreen product, a lipstick, a foundation, an eye shadow, a styling product or a hair coloring product.

L'invention consiste, mis à part les dispositions exposées ci-dessus, en un certain nombre d'autres dispositions qui seront explicitées ci-après, à propos d'exemples de réalisation non limitatifs, décrits en référence aux figures annexées, parmi lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 illustre une vue éclatée d'un dispositif d'application selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 illustre une vue de dessous en perspective, partiellement éclatée, du dispositif de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 représente en coupe le dispositif illustré aux figures 1 et 2 en position fermée, avant une première utilisation ;
  • la figure 4 représente en coupe le dispositif illustré aux figures 1 et 2 en position ouverte, après plusieurs utilisations ;
  • les figures 5A à 5C représentent en coupe, une variante du dispositif d'application selon l'invention ; et
  • les figures 6A à 6F représentent des coupes partielles de différentes variantes du dispositif selon l'invention.
The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, in a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an application device according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 illustrates a partially exploded perspective bottom view of the device of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows in section the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the closed position, before a first use;
  • Figure 4 shows in section the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the open position, after several uses;
  • FIGS. 5A to 5C represent in section, a variant of the application device according to the invention; and
  • Figures 6A to 6F show partial sections of different variants of the device according to the invention.

Sur les figures 1 à 4 on a représenté un premier exemple d'un dispositif d'application 10 selon l'invention. Le dispositif d'application est par exemple destiné à l'application d'un produit cosmétique, en particulier un produit déodorant qui se présente sous forme d'un stick solide.FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first example of an application device 10 according to the invention. The application device is for example intended for the application of a cosmetic product, in particular a deodorant product which is in the form of a solid stick.

Le dispositif 10 comporte un axe longitudinal X et une section transversale elliptique. Le dispositif comporte un piston 30 et une enveloppe 20 dans laquelle le piston 30 peut coulisser axialement, ainsi qu'un capuchon de fermeture 40.The device 10 has a longitudinal axis X and an elliptical cross section. The device comprises a piston 30 and a casing 20 in which the piston 30 can slide axially, as well as a closure cap 40.

La section transversale de forme elliptique permet notamment de n'autoriser qu'un mouvement de translation entre le piston et l'enveloppe. Il est bien évident que toute autre forme non circulaire peut avoir cette fonction. Alternativement, la section transversale peut être circulaire et un système anti-rotation peut être prévu sur le piston et l'enveloppe, comme par exemple un ergot coulissant dans une gorge axiale. Bien entendu, le dispositif peut également avoir une section transversale circulaire et ne pas comporter de système anti-rotation et ainsi autoriser un mouvement de rotation entre l'enveloppe et le piston.The cross section of elliptical shape allows in particular to allow only a translational movement between the piston and the envelope. It is obvious that any other non-circular form can have this function. Alternatively, the cross section may be circular and an anti-rotation system may be provided on the piston and the envelope, such as for example a pin sliding in an axial groove. Of course, the device can also have a circular cross section and do not include an anti-rotation system and thus allow a rotational movement between the casing and the piston.

L'enveloppe 20 forme la paroi extérieure du dispositif et délimite latéralement, dans sa partie supérieure, le logement pour le produit alors que le piston 30 forme le fond du logement pour le produit.The casing 20 forms the outer wall of the device and delimits laterally, in its upper part, the housing for the product while the piston 30 forms the bottom of the housing for the product.

L'enveloppe 20 est formée par un manchon s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe X et a une section transversale elliptique. L'enveloppe 20 est ouverte à son extrémité supérieure 21 afin de délimiter une ouverture 22 permettant le passage du produit. L'extrémité inférieure de l'enveloppe 20 est en partie fermée par une paroi transversale 23. La paroi transversale 23 comporte deux orifices 24 permettant le remplissage de produit.The envelope 20 is formed by a sleeve extending parallel to the X axis and has an elliptical cross section. The envelope 20 is open at its upper end 21 to define an opening 22 allowing the passage of the product. The lower end of the casing 20 is partially closed by a transverse wall 23. The transverse wall 23 has two orifices 24 for filling the product.

Le piston 30 comporte une paroi transversale 31, de forme elliptique, dont la face supérieure reçoit le produit. Pour améliorer l'accrochage du produit sur le piston, on peut prévoir des ailettes (non représentées) ou toute autre surface rugueuse, sur la surface supérieure de la paroi transversale 31 sur lesquelles s'accroche le produit lorsqu'il est coulé à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe. La paroi transversale 31 est traversée par une ouverture centrale circulaire 32, dont la fonction sera expliquée ultérieurement, fermée par un bouchon 35 qui vient s'encliqueter par exemple dans la paroi 31. La paroi transversale 31 est également traversée par deux orifices 33 permettant le remplissage en produit. La paroi transversale 31 comporte à sa périphérie une lèvre d'étanchéité 34 prévue pour venir coulisser de manière étanche sur l'enveloppe afin de déplacer le produit. La lèvre coulisse sur l'enveloppe, avec une force de frottement nécessaire et suffisante pour assurer une étanchéité au produit, tout en permettant à l'utilisateur de facilement la déplacer.The piston 30 has a transverse wall 31 of elliptical shape, the upper face of which receives the product. To improve the attachment of the product to the piston, it is possible to provide fins (not shown) or any other rough surface on the upper surface of the transverse wall 31 on which the product is hooked when it is poured on the piston. inside the envelope. The transverse wall 31 is traversed by a circular central opening 32, the function of which will be explained later, closed by a plug 35 which snaps, for example, into the wall 31. The transverse wall 31 is also traversed by two orifices 33 enabling the filling in product. The transverse wall 31 comprises at its periphery a sealing lip 34 designed to slide sealingly on the envelope in order to move the product. The lip slides on the envelope, with a necessary friction force and sufficient to seal the product, while allowing the user to easily move it.

Le dispositif comporte également un organe d'entraînement 50, disposé sous le piston 30, et prévu pour déplacer axialement le piston 30 par rapport à l'enveloppe pour faire sortir le produit de l'enveloppe. L'organe d'entraînement 50 comprend une bille 51 logée dans une cage 52 solidaire du piston et dans laquelle peut se déplacer la bille. La cage est formée par deux parois 53 en arc de cercle qui s'étendent autour de l'ouverture 32, parallèlement à l'axe X, vers le fond de l'enveloppe. Les deux parois 53 sont disposées de manière à ce que leur concavité soit en regard l'une de l'autre. Elles délimitent ainsi latéralement la cage 52 de forme sensiblement cylindrique de révolution. Les deux parois 53 sont solidaires à leur extrémité inférieure d'un disque 54 constituant le fond de la cage 52. Les dimensions de la cage et de la bille sont telles que la bille est apte à se déplacer axialement dans la cage et ne peut sensiblement pas se déplacer transversalement à l'axe X.The device also comprises a drive member 50, disposed under the piston 30, and arranged to axially move the piston 30 relative to the casing to remove the product from the casing. The training member 50 comprises a ball 51 housed in a cage 52 integral with the piston and in which the ball can move. The cage is formed by two walls 53 in an arc that extend around the opening 32, parallel to the axis X, towards the bottom of the envelope. The two walls 53 are arranged so that their concavity is facing one another. They thus laterally delimit the cage 52 of substantially cylindrical shape of revolution. The two walls 53 are integral at their lower end with a disc 54 forming the bottom of the cage 52. The dimensions of the cage and the ball are such that the ball is able to move axially in the cage and can not substantially not move transversely to the X axis.

Pour empêcher que le produit ne s'enfonce à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe notamment lors de l'application du produit, le dispositif comporte un système de butée axiale. A cet effet, la surface externe des parois 53 comporte, sur sensiblement toute leur hauteur axiale, des dents radiales 530 orientées vers le fond de la cage 52. Ces dents 530 coopèrent avec des dents radiales 560, prévues sur la surface interne de parois 56 solidaires de l'enveloppe, sur sensiblement toute leur hauteur axiale, et sur lesquelles elles viennent en butée axiale. Les deux parois 56 en arc de cercle s'étendent parallèlement à l'axe X à partir de la paroi transversale 23, avec laquelle elles sont solidaires, jusqu'à une extrémité libre supérieure 57. Les deux parois 56 sont disposées de manière à ce que leur concavité soit en regard l'une de l'autre. Les dents radiales 560 sont disposées sur la surface interne des parois 56 et sont orientées vers l'ouverture 22 de l'enveloppe.To prevent the product from sinking inside the envelope, especially during the application of the product, the device comprises an axial stop system. For this purpose, the outer surface of the walls 53 comprises, over substantially their entire axial height, radial teeth 530 oriented towards the bottom of the cage 52. These teeth 530 cooperate with radial teeth 560 provided on the inner surface of walls 56 integral with the casing, over substantially their entire axial height, and on which they come into axial abutment. The two walls 56 in a circular arc extend parallel to the X axis from the transverse wall 23, with which they are integral, to an upper free end 57. The two walls 56 are arranged in such a way that that their concavity is opposite each other. The radial teeth 560 are disposed on the inner surface of the walls 56 and are oriented towards the opening 22 of the envelope.

Pour empêcher un déplacement axial du piston vers le fond de l'enveloppe, le bord inférieur 531 des dents 530 des parois 53 solidaires du piston est perpendiculaire à l'axe X et le bord supérieur 562 des dents 560 des parois 56 solidaires de l'enveloppe est perpendiculaire à l'axe X. Le bord inférieur 531 des dents 530 vient donc en butée contre le bord supérieur 562 des dents 560.To prevent axial displacement of the piston towards the bottom of the casing, the lower edge 531 of the teeth 530 of the walls 53 integral with the piston is perpendicular to the axis X and the upper edge 562 of the teeth 560 of the walls 56 integral with the envelope is perpendicular to the axis X. The lower edge 531 of the teeth 530 abuts against the upper edge 562 of the teeth 560.

Pour autoriser un déplacement axial du piston vers l'ouverture 22 de l'enveloppe, le bord inférieur 561 de chaque dent 560 est incliné de manière à former une rampe pour le bord supérieur 532 des dents 530.To allow an axial displacement of the piston towards the opening 22 of the casing, the lower edge 561 of each tooth 560 is inclined so as to form a ramp for the upper edge 532 of the teeth 530.

Le dispositif comporte également des moyens 60 pour désactiver le système de butée axiale permettant à l'utilisateur de faire redescendre le stick de produit vers le fond de l'enveloppe. Les moyens 60 sont par exemple constitués par des pattes élastiques 61 obtenues par découpe dans la paroi transversale 23. Les pattes 61 sont découpées de manière telle qu'elles peuvent pivoter autour d'un axe sensiblement perpendiculaire à l'axe X de manière à pouvoir s'enfoncer à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe. Les pattes 61 sont formées juste en dessous des parois 56 dont elles sont solidaires, de sorte que enfoncement des pattes dans l'enveloppe écarte les parois 56 des parois 53 et désengage les dents 560 des dents 530 afin d'autoriser un mouvement axial du piston vers le fond de l'enveloppe.The device also comprises means 60 for disabling the axial abutment system allowing the user to lower the product stick to the bottom of the envelope. The means 60 consist for example of elastic tabs 61 obtained by cutting in the transverse wall 23. The tabs 61 are cut in such a way that they can pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis X so as to be able to sinking inside the envelope. The tabs 61 are formed just below the walls 56 of which they are integral, so that depressing the tabs in the envelope spreads the walls 56 of the walls 53 and disengages the teeth 560 of the teeth 530 to allow axial movement of the piston towards the bottom of the envelope.

Le dispositif comporte en outre un fond rapporté 70 prévu pour fermer les orifices de remplissage 24. Le fond 70 est formé par une paroi plane de forme elliptique qui comporte deux protubérances 71 prévues pour s'encliqueter dans les orifices 24 afin de les obturer. Le fond 70 permet également d'obturer les découpes formées autour des pattes 61. Le fond 70 permet ainsi d'éviter l'encrassement à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe. En outre, la partie centrale 72 du fond 70 située en regard des pattes 61 est sensiblement bombée vers l'intérieur de l'enveloppe et relativement souple pour permettre l'enfoncement des pattes 61 au travers du fond 70.The device further comprises an attached bottom 70 provided for closing the filling orifices 24. The bottom 70 is formed by a flat wall of elliptical shape which comprises two protuberances 71 provided to snap into the orifices 24 in order to seal them. The bottom 70 also closes the cutouts formed around the tabs 61. The bottom 70 thus prevents fouling inside the casing. In addition, the central portion 72 of the bottom 70 located opposite the tabs 61 is substantially convex towards the inside of the casing and relatively flexible to allow the tabs 61 to penetrate through the bottom 70.

Dans la partie supérieure du dispositif, un capuchon de fermeture 40 est prévu pour venir fermer l'ouverture 22 de l'enveloppe. Il est fermé dans sa partie supérieure par une portion bombée 41 et est ouvert à son extrémité inférieure 42. Une saillie radiale 43 est prévue sur la surface interne du capuchon, à proximité de l'extrémité inférieure 42, pour venir se loger dans une gorge 25 prévue sur la surface externe de l'enveloppe afin de fixer le capuchon sur l'enveloppe. Alternativement, le capuchon peut être fixé sur l'enveloppe par serrage latéral.In the upper part of the device, a closure cap 40 is provided to close the opening 22 of the envelope. It is closed in its upper part by a convex portion 41 and is open at its lower end 42. A radial projection 43 is provided on the inner surface of the cap, near the lower end 42, to be housed in a throat 25 provided on the outer surface of the envelope to secure the cap on the envelope. Alternatively, the cap can be attached to the envelope by side clamping.

Le dispositif est réalisé de la façon suivante. Tout d'abord, les différents éléments constitutifs du dispositif sont formés de moulage d'un matériau thermoplastique, par exemple un polypropylène, ou un polyéthylène.The device is made as follows. Firstly, the various constituent elements of the device are formed by molding a thermoplastic material, for example a polypropylene, or a polyethylene.

Le piston 30 solidaire de la cage 52 est monté dans l'enveloppe 20 en position basse, c'est-à-dire que le fond de la cage 52 est positionné au plus près de la paroi transversale 23 de l'enveloppe, entre les parois 56. La bille 51 est introduite dans la cage 52 par l'ouverture 22 de l'enveloppe, via l'ouverture centrale 32 du piston qui est ensuite refermée par le bouchon 35. On peut s'affranchir de l'ouverture centrale 32 et du bouchon 35 en introduisant la bille dans la cage 52 par les ouvertures délimitées entre les parois 53. Les parois 53 sont alors suffisamment élastiques pour pouvoir être légèrement écartées afin d'introduire la bille et pour reprendre leur position initiale de manière à ce que la bille ne puisse plus sortir de la cage. Le capuchon 40 est ensuite fixé de manière réversible sur l'enveloppe.The piston 30 secured to the cage 52 is mounted in the casing 20 in the lower position, that is to say that the bottom of the cage 52 is positioned closer to the transverse wall 23 of the casing, between the 56. The ball 51 is introduced into the cage 52 through the opening 22 of the casing, via the central opening 32 of the piston which is then closed by the cap 35. It can be dispensed with the central opening 32 and plug 35 by introducing the ball into the cage 52 through the openings defined between the walls 53. The walls 53 are then sufficiently elastic to be slightly spaced to introduce the ball and to resume their initial position so that the ball can not get out of the cage. The cap 40 is then reversibly fixed to the casing.

On remplit ensuite le dispositif en produit sous forme fluide en le faisant s'écouler par le fond de l'enveloppe, au travers des orifices 24 et 33 pour remplir le logement délimité par l'enveloppe 20, la portion bombée 41 du capuchon et la paroi transversale 31 du piston. En variante, on peut prévoir une petite capsule qui vient se fixer sur le bord supérieur de l'enveloppe 20 et qui délimite, avec l'enveloppe et la paroi transversale 31, le volume de produit à remplir. De préférence, on choisit une capsule ayant une forme bombée de manière à obtenir une surface d'application du produit bombée. Le produit, en séchant, forme un stick dont le fond est solidaire de la paroi transversale 32 du piston. Alternativement, un stick de produit solide peut être inséré à l'intérieur du logement, par l'ouverture 22 de l'enveloppe.The device is then filled with product in fluid form by flowing it through the bottom of the envelope, through orifices 24 and 33 to fill the housing delimited by the envelope 20, the convex portion 41 of the cap and the transverse wall 31 of the piston. Alternatively, there may be a small capsule which is fixed on the upper edge of the casing 20 and which delimits, with the casing and the transverse wall 31, the volume of product to be filled. Preferably, a capsule having a curved shape is chosen so as to obtain a surface for applying the curved product. The product, drying, forms a stick whose bottom is secured to the transverse wall 32 of the piston. Alternatively, a solid product stick can be inserted inside the housing, through the opening 22 of the envelope.

Le fond 70 est ensuite encliqueté dans la paroi transversale 23 de l'enveloppe 20. On obtient ainsi le dispositif représenté à la figure 3.The bottom 70 is then snapped into the transverse wall 23 of the casing 20. The device shown in FIG. 3 is thus obtained.

Pour utiliser le dispositif, après avoir enlevé le capuchon de l'enveloppe, l'utilisateur agite le dispositif de manière à déplacer la bille 51 dans la cage 52. La bille 51 vient alors heurter la paroi transversale 31 du piston ce qui fait coulisser le piston à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe vers l'ouverture 22, d'une hauteur axiale correspondant à au moins une dent. En effet, lors du déplacement du piston, une dent 530 vient se loger en regard de la dent 560 située juste au-dessus de celle en regard de laquelle elle était avant l'agitation, puis en regard de la dent 560 située encore au-dessus si l'agitation se poursuit. La portion supérieure du produit est alors dégagée de l'enveloppe, de sorte que l'utilisateur peut l'appliquer sur son corps en tenant l'enveloppe, comme on l'a représenté à la figure 4. Le bord 531 des dents 530 venant en butée contre le bord 562 des dents 560, le produit ne peut reculer dans l'enveloppe lors de l'application.To use the device, after removing the cap of the envelope, the user agitates the device so as to move the ball 51 in the cage 52. The ball 51 then hits the transverse wall 31 of the piston which slides the piston inside the envelope to the opening 22, an axial height corresponding to at least one tooth. Indeed, during the movement of the piston, a tooth 530 is housed opposite the tooth 560 located just above the one opposite which it was before stirring, and next to the tooth 560 still located above if agitation continues. The upper portion of the product is then disengaged from the envelope, so that the user can apply it on his body by holding the envelope, as shown in Figure 4. The edge 531 of the teeth 530 coming from abutting against the edge 562 of the teeth 560, the product can not fall back into the envelope during the application.

Dans le cas où l'utilisateur a fait monter le stick de façon trop importante, c'est-à-dire qu'une portion trop importante du stick est dégagée de l'enveloppe, il lui suffit d'appuyer sur la portion bombée 72 du fond 70 afin d'enfoncer les pattes 61 à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe et de dégager latéralement les parois 56 des parois 53. En appuyant sur la surface supérieure du stick, l'utilisateur peut alors enfoncer le produit à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe.In the case where the user has raised the stick too much, that is to say, a too large portion of the stick is released from the envelope, it suffices to press the curved portion 72 the bottom 70 in order to drive the lugs 61 inside the casing and to laterally disengage the walls 56 of the walls 53. By pressing on the upper surface of the stick, the user can then push the product inside. of the envelope.

Les moyens 60 pour désactiver le système de butée qui viennent d'être décrits peuvent être remplacés par d'autres moyens, par exemple ceux représentés sur les figures 5A à 5C. Au lieu d'avoir des pattes qui viennent faire basculer les parois 56, les parois 56 se prolongent par une zone de préhension 58 accessible depuis l'extérieur du dispositif et qui peut entraîner en rotation les parois 56 par rapport à la cage 52 et à la paroi transversale 23. Les parois 53 formant la cage comportent une portion angulaire munie des dents 530 et une autre portion angulaire 59 dépourvue de dent. En position d'utilisation représentée sur les figures 5A et 5B, les parois 56 sont angulairement positionnées en regard de la portion des parois 53 munie des dents 530 de manière à ce que les dents 530 viennent en butée contre les dents 560. Pour désactiver le système de butée, l'utilisateur tourne la portion de préhension 58 d'un angle tel que les dents 560 viennent en regard de la portion 59 des parois 53 dépourvue de dent, comme on l'a représenté à la figure 5C. L'utilisateur peut alors enfoncer le produit vers le fond de l'enveloppe.The means 60 for deactivating the abutment system which have just been described can be replaced by other means, for example those represented in FIGS. 5A to 5C. Instead of having legs that tilt the walls 56, the walls 56 are extended by a gripping zone 58 accessible from outside the device and which can rotate the walls 56 relative to the cage 52 and to the transverse wall 23. The walls 53 forming the cage comprise an angular portion provided with the teeth 530 and another angular portion 59 devoid of teeth. In the position of use shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the walls 56 are angularly positioned facing the portion of the walls 53 provided with the teeth 530 so that the teeth 530 abut against the teeth 560. disable the stop system, the user turns the gripping portion 58 by an angle such that the teeth 560 are facing the portion 59 of the walls 53 toothless, as shown in Figure 5C. The user can then push the product to the bottom of the envelope.

Avec ce mode de réalisation, il est préférable de prévoir un système anti-rotation du piston 30 par rapport à l'enveloppe 20, notamment d'utiliser un dispositif de section transversale elliptique.With this embodiment, it is preferable to provide an anti-rotation system of the piston 30 relative to the casing 20, in particular to use an elliptical cross-section device.

L'organe d'entraînement 40 qui vient d'être décrit peut être remplacé par différentes variantes comme par celles représentées sur les figures 6A à 6F.The drive member 40 which has just been described can be replaced by different variants such as those shown in FIGS. 6A to 6F.

Au lieu de pouvoir se déplacer axialement librement dans une cage, la bille 51 peut être reliée au piston au moyen d'un bras flexible 501 qui autorise le mouvement de la bille (voir figure 6A), ou par deux bras flexibles (figure 6B).Instead of being able to move axially freely in a cage, the ball 51 can be connected to the piston by means of a flexible arm 501 which allows the movement of the ball (see FIG. 6A), or by two flexible arms (FIG. 6B). .

L'élément mobile peut également être une bille en élastomère qui se prolonge par deux bras latéraux 503, en élastomère également. Chaque extrémité libre des bras 503 est fixée à une tige axiale 504 solidaire du piston 30.The movable element may also be an elastomeric ball that is extended by two lateral arms 503, also made of elastomer. Each free end of the arms 503 is fixed to an axial rod 504 integral with the piston 30.

L'élément mobile peut aussi être monté coulissant sur une tige 502 solidaire du piston (voir figure 6D), ou encore sur un puits 505 permettant le remplissage en produit du logement. La tige et le puits comportent une butée axiale à leur extrémité inférieure qui permet d'y maintenir la bille. L'élément mobile peut être monté en force sur la tige ou le puits. La tige (le puits) peut également comporter des fentes au niveau de la butée axiale qui lui permettent de se rétracter lors du montage de l'élément mobile, la tige se relâchant ensuite pour assurer la fonction de butée axiale.The movable member may also be slidably mounted on a rod 502 secured to the piston (see Figure 6D), or on a shaft 505 for filling the product housing. The rod and the well comprise an axial abutment at their lower end which makes it possible to hold the ball there. The movable element can be mounted in force on the rod or the well. The rod (the well) may also include slots at the axial stop which allow it to retract during assembly of the movable member, the rod then relaxing to provide the axial stop function.

L'élément mobile peut également être constitué par deux billes 51 reliées chacune à extrémité libre d'un fil 506 à la manière d'un pendule. La seconde extrémité de chaque fil 506 est reliée au piston de manière telle qu'en position de repos représentée à la figure 6F, les deux billes sont en contact l'une de l'autre. Lorsque l'on secoue le dispositif, les billes vont se cogner l'une à l'autre avant de venir heurter le piston 30.The movable element may also be constituted by two balls 51 each connected to a free end of a wire 506 in the manner of a pendulum. The second end of each wire 506 is connected to the piston such that in the rest position shown in FIG. 6F, the two balls are in contact with each other. the other. When shaking the device, the balls will bump into each other before striking the piston 30.

Il est bien évident que l'élément mobile peut être une masse de toute autre forme qu'une bille.It is obvious that the movable element can be a mass of any shape other than a ball.

Selon une variante non représentée, l'enveloppe peut être fermée à son extrémité supérieure par une paroi transversale bombée perméable au produit. L'extrémité supérieure est par exemple traversée par des ouvertures qui, de préférence, ne permettent pas, en position tête en bas du dispositif l'écoulement du produit par gravité.According to a variant not shown, the casing can be closed at its upper end by a convex transverse wall permeable to the product. The upper end is for example traversed by openings which, preferably, do not allow, in the upside down position of the device the flow of the product by gravity.

Dans la description détaillée qui précède, il a été fait référence à des modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention. Il est évident que des variantes peuvent y être apportées sans s'écarter de l'invention telle que revendiquée ci-après.In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variations can be made without departing from the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Claims (15)

  1. Device (10) for applying a product (P), particularly a cosmetic product, of longitudinal axis X comprising:
    - a lateral casing (20), one end of which forms at least one opening (22);
    - a piston (30) able to slide in the casing along the axis X in the direction of the opening (22), the piston (30) at least partially, with at least part of the casing, delimiting a housing for the product;
    - a drive member (50) comprising at least one moving element (51) mounted in such a way that by shaking the device, the moving element (51) is able to strike the piston (30) to cause it to slide in the casing (20) towards the opening (22) and cause the product to leave via the opening (22), characterized in that the moving element is coupled to the piston in such a way that the maximum amplitude of its movement in response to the shaking of the device is more or less constant, irrespective of the axial position of the piston relative to the casing.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the moving element (51) is guided inside the device.
  3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises stop-forming means (530; 560) to prevent the piston (30) from moving in the opposite direction to the direction of the opening (22), particularly when the product is being applied.
  4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the stop-forming means consist of the collaboration of at least one radial tooth (530) provided on a wall (53) integral with the piston with at least one radial tooth (560) provided on a second wall (56).
  5. Device according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises means (60) for deactivating the stop-forming means so as to allow the piston to move in the opposite direction to the direction of the opening.
  6. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the means (60) for deactivating the stop-forming means comprise flexible tabs (61) able to pivot in order to move the tooth (560) of the second wall (56) laterally away from the tooth (530) of the wall (53) integral with the piston.
  7. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the means (60) for deactivating the stop-forming means comprise a portion (58) for grasping secured to the second wall (56) able to turn the said wall (56) with respect to the wall (53) integral with the piston so as to bring the tooth (560) to face a tooth-free portion (59) of the wall (53) integral with the piston.
  8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving element (51) is able to move in a cage (52) integral with the piston.
  9. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the moving element (51) is connected to the piston by at least one flexible arm (501, 503, 506).
  10. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the moving element (51) is mounted to slide on at least one rod (502, 505) integral with the piston.
  11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving element (51) is a ball.
  12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end of the casing (20) delimits an opening (22) the cross section of which is identical to the cross section of the casing, able to allow the product in the form of a stick to pass through.
  13. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the end of the casing (20) comprises a wall permeable to the product in fluid form.
  14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the piston (30) comprises a peripheral lip (34) able to slide in a sealed manner against the internal surface of the casing.
  15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product is a cosmetic product, particularly a deodorant product, a moisturizing product, a sunscreen product, a lipstick, a foundation, an eyeshadow, a hair-styling product or a hair-colouring product
EP04290413A 2003-02-25 2004-02-16 Apparatus for applying a product like a cosmetic Expired - Lifetime EP1452109B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0302294A FR2851433B1 (en) 2003-02-25 2003-02-25 DEVICE FOR APPLYING A PRODUCT, IN PARTICULAR COSMETIC
FR0302294 2003-02-25

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1452109A1 EP1452109A1 (en) 2004-09-01
EP1452109B1 true EP1452109B1 (en) 2006-06-07

Family

ID=32749718

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04290413A Expired - Lifetime EP1452109B1 (en) 2003-02-25 2004-02-16 Apparatus for applying a product like a cosmetic

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1452109B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE328510T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004001066T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2267009T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2851433B1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11040181B2 (en) 2017-01-04 2021-06-22 Reflex Medical Corp. Metered dose topical applicator

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9301590B2 (en) 2013-10-08 2016-04-05 International Cosmetic Suppliers Ltd Retractable cosmetic pencil
US10737080B2 (en) 2015-05-19 2020-08-11 Miisha Patterson Scalp treatment tool
USD848611S1 (en) 2018-01-24 2019-05-14 Reflex Medical Corp. Metered dose topical applicator

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1637545A (en) * 1925-04-21 1927-08-02 Arthur H Bosworth Container for eyebrow pencils and the like
FR1524080A (en) * 1966-11-15 1968-05-10 Valve Corp Of America Process for manufacturing applicators in the form of sticks

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11040181B2 (en) 2017-01-04 2021-06-22 Reflex Medical Corp. Metered dose topical applicator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1452109A1 (en) 2004-09-01
ATE328510T1 (en) 2006-06-15
FR2851433A1 (en) 2004-08-27
DE602004001066D1 (en) 2006-07-20
FR2851433B1 (en) 2005-04-08
ES2267009T3 (en) 2007-03-01
DE602004001066T2 (en) 2007-01-04

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