EP1557111B1 - Applicator with an applying element mounted on a recipient containing a product to be applied - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator has a container (2) containing cosmetic and/or skin care product. The container has a supply channel (40) for product of an application unit (7). The channel is in communication with the interior of the container when a stopper (10) closes the container and opens directly outside the unit (7). The channel brings the product contained in the container on the external circumference of the unit (7).

Description

The present invention relates to the applicators of a liquid product, in particular a cosmetic and / or care product.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "cosmetic product" means a product as defined in Directive 93/35 / EEC of 14 June 1993 amending Directive 76/768 / EEC. Cosmetic products include, in particular, make-up products for the skin or integuments.

The care products include those intended to be applied to the human or animal body to treat or prevent a pathology.

Applicators whose application element is carried by a closure cap of a container containing the product to be applied are known in particular French patents 940,464 and 2,585,934 and US Patent 5,345,981 . These applicators are relatively complex in manufacture and may not provide sufficient autonomy for some.

Applicators are also known in which the applicator element is secured to the container during use, see document US 5,339,841A . Licences US 64732 , US 158943 , US 4,990,016 and the request for German Patent DE 3 122 237 describe such applicators. The product directly feeds the core of the application element, which can make it relatively difficult to dose the amount of product dispensed and may complicate the attachment of the application element. The request for German patent DE 36 08 955 discloses an applicator having a pusher for cutting or establishing a product supply.

There is a need to further improve applicators whose applicator element is capable of being fed continuously, allowing application without having to dip the applicator element into a container to refill it with product.

The invention aims in particular to meet this need.

The invention thus relates to an applicator according to claim 1.

In addition, the container comprises at least one product supply channel of the applicator element, this channel being in communication with the interior of the container when the cap closes the container and opening directly outside the container. application member, this channel being arranged so as to bring the product contained in the container on the outer periphery of the applicator element. By "directly opening", it is to be understood that the product can lead out of the application element without first having to cross the application element.

The invention can allow the user to exercise a visual control over the amount of product that is delivered to the application element during use, which facilitates obtaining a quality makeup.

The relatively small inner volume of the cap reduces the risk of drying of a residual amount of product possibly present on the applicator element, in the absence of use. The cap may for example, when it closes the container, be at least partially filled with the product to be applied so that the application member can remain soaked with product during storage, even if the container is almost empty.

The supply of the product on the outer periphery of the applicator element may further facilitate the attachment thereof to the container, allowing for example, in the case of an applicator element comprising a tuft of bristles. , fixing it by stapling in the bottom of a housing provided for this purpose on the container.

In an exemplary embodiment, product contained in the container can be brought into the housing of the plug by the aforementioned channel, so that the housing can be filled at least partially by the product when the cap closes the container.

Still in an exemplary embodiment, the channel is configured such that it allows the product to flow by gravity into the housing of the plug.

Initially, all the product contained in the applicator can be contained in the container. The wall of the container may be in contact with the product to be applied. The internal volume of the stopper is too small to receive all the product contained in the applicator.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the container comprises several supply channels of the applicator element, these channels being for example equidistributed angularly about a longitudinal axis of the applicator.

Still in a non-limiting example of implementation of the invention, when the cap is in place on the container, fluid communication between the housing of the plug which receives the applicator element and the interior space of the container can exclusively by said feed channel.

Still in an exemplary implementation of the invention, the length of the container is at least twice that of the plug. A relatively elongated container can facilitate the user to exert pressure on its wall, to create in the container an overpressure tending to drive the product through said at least one feed channel.

The container may comprise an applicator element holder and said at least one supply channel may be formed in this applicator element holder.

The container may include a container body and an adapter which is attached to the container body and which allows the removable attachment of the cap. Such an adapter may allow, where appropriate, to benefit from an economy of scale by using the same adapter for several different container bodies and / or application element holders.

The applicator element holder may be attached to this adapter or alternatively may be made in one piece by plastic molding with the adapter.

The adapter can be fixed for example by screwing or snapping on the body of the container.

The adapter may include an annular sealing lip arranged to seal against a neck of the container body.

The cap may be arranged to screw on the container, in particular on the adapter. The cap may in particular be configured to screw on an internally threaded skirt, which can reduce the risk of the user getting dirty fingers during assembly and disassembly of the cap.

Preferably, the plug is arranged to apply sealingly on the container, in particular on the applicator element holder and / or the adapter.

The plug can be made at least partially in a transparent material, for example a plastic or glass. The cap can still be made entirely of a transparent material.

The cap may comprise a body and a capsule attached to this body, this cap defining for example at least partially the top of the cap. This capsule may carry, for example, a label or a color indicator pad and / or a reference of the product contained in the container.

The capsule may not contribute in any way to the closure of the container, for example being engaged on an upper closed central part of the body of the cap.

Alternatively, the capsule may contribute to the closure of the container and comprise for example a skirt sealingly applied to a corresponding skirt of the body of the cap.

If necessary, the capsule may be at least partially transparent.

The cap may comprise, in a particular embodiment, an outer skirt and an inner skirt which is superiorly connected to the outer skirt. The outer skirt may be arranged to be screwed onto an externally threaded skirt of the container, in particular of the adapter, and the stopper may furthermore comprise a body engaged in the inner skirt, this body being for example designed to be applied in such a manner sealed against the application element holder.

The cap may, in another embodiment example, comprise an inner skirt and an outer skirt connecting lower than the inner skirt. The latter can be arranged to be screwed onto an internally threaded skirt of the container, in particular the adapter.

The cap may have several inserts on each other, as indicated above, or be monolithic.

In a particular embodiment, the applicator element holder may comprise a flange intended to abut against a transverse wall of the adapter.

The stopper can be applied to this collar at the end of its screwing, this collar possibly being able to contribute to the sealing of the closure of the container, especially if it is made of a flexible material.

The aforesaid transverse wall may comprise an annular lip, in order to further increase the tightness of the attachment of the applicator element holder on the adapter.

The applicator element holder may comprise at least one relief, for example an annular bead, arranged to snap onto the aforementioned transverse wall.

The cap may comprise a sealing surface arranged to be applied to the applicator element holder. This sealing surface may be for example a surface defined by a sealing lip or a conical surface.

The applicator element holder may also, if necessary, include an annular sealing lip arranged to be applied against the plug when it is in place.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the application element holder may comprise a skirt partially covering the application element and defining a housing for fixing it to the element holder. 'application. Said at least one feed channel of the applicator element may extend at least partially on the outer surface of this skirt, which can thus help to channel the product towards a predetermined zone of the applicator element, this can be useful especially when the application element has a particular shape, for example non-symmetrical revolution.

The carrier application element may comprise, when the supply channels are multiple, at least two tabs between which said channels extend, or at least three tabs.

These tabs can help the product to flow to the application element, thanks to a capillary retention between them, when the applicator is oriented with the applicator element downwards with its longitudinal axis at 45.degree. ° about the vertical, for example.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the tabs have an outer face oriented obliquely towards the applicator element.

The housing of the applicator element holder, in which the application element is received, may comprise a side wall constituted for example by the skirt and / or the aforementioned tabs, and a bottom wall which may be more thick as the side wall, this may allow for example the holder application member to resist the attachment of a clip for holding a bundle of bristles on the holder application element.

The tabs may be provided, in the vicinity of their free end, with surfaces directed towards the applicator element, in order to further improve the supply of the applicator element with product.

The container may have two diametrically opposed feed channels.

The applicator element may be attached to a portion attached to an applicator element holder, the latter preferably having inner fins contributing to ensure said fixation.

The container may have a tubular wall extending along at least a portion of the length of the applicator member for distributing the product delivered through the supply channel (s) around the applicator member.

The tubular wall may in particular extend in front of the part receiving the application element and reported in the application element holder. This tubular wall can be connected at its base to a substantially frustoconical wall of the applicator element holder.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is an applicator comprising a receptacle containing a product to be applied, an applicator element fixed to the receptacle at least during use, a plug for closing the receptacle, the latter comprising at least one product supply channel of the applicator element, this channel being in communication with the interior of the container, this channel being arranged in such a way as to bring the product contained in the container onto the outer periphery of the applicator element, the applicator element being fixed in a housing of an applicator element holder comprising at least one part, for example frustoconical, reducing the internal section offered by the element holder; application to the passage of the product.

This section reduction may allow to benefit from a relatively large section upstream, thus to reduce the pressure drop and promote the flow of the product, if necessary.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is an applicator comprising a receptacle containing a product to be applied, an applicator element fixed to the receptacle at least during use, a plug for closing the receptacle, the recipient having a plurality of product supply channels of the applicator element arranged to deliver product contained in the container to the outer periphery of the applicator element.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is an applicator comprising a receptacle containing a product to be applied, an applicator element fixed to the receptacle at least during use, a plug for closing the receptacle, the container having at least one product supply channel of the applicator element, this channel being in fluid communication with the interior of the container, this channel being further arranged to convey product contained in the container on the outer periphery of the applicator element, the container having a container body provided with a neck and an adapter having a mounting skirt in which the neck is fixed.

• un récipient délimitant un espace intérieur configuré pour contenir le produit à appliquer, l'espace intérieur délimitant un volume,
• un élément d'application fixé sur le récipient au moins lors de l'utilisation de l'élément d'application, l'élément d'application définissant un pourtour extérieur, et
• un bouchon configuré pour fermer le récipient, ce bouchon délimitant un logement configuré pour recevoir l'élément d'application, le volume délimité par le logement étant inférieur au volume de l'espace intérieur du récipient,
• au moins un canal configuré pour alimenter l'élément d'application en produit provenant du récipient,

dans lequel ledit au moins un canal est en communication fluidique avec l'espace intérieur du récipient quand le bouchon ferme le récipient,
dans lequel ledit au moins un canal débouche directement sur le pourtour extérieur de l'élément d'application,
dans lequel l'élément d'application comporte une extrémité connectée au récipient et une extrémité libre, ces deux extrémités définissant entre elles un axe, et
dans lequel ledit au moins un canal s'étend dans une direction non perpendiculaire par rapport à cet axe.According to another of its aspects, the invention also relates to a device configured to apply a product comprising:

• a container defining an interior space configured to contain the product to be applied, the interior space delimiting a volume,
• an applicator member attached to the container at least during use of the applicator member, the applicator member defining an outer periphery, and
• a plug configured to close the container, this plug defining a housing configured to receive the application element, the volume defined by the housing being less than the volume of the interior space of the container,
• at least one channel configured to supply the application element with product from the container,

wherein said at least one channel is in fluid communication with the interior of the container when the cap closes the container,
wherein said at least one channel opens directly onto the outer periphery of the applicator element,
wherein the applicator element has an end connected to the container and a free end, both ends defining an axis therebetween, and
wherein said at least one channel extends in a non-perpendicular direction relative to that axis.

According to a particular embodiment, said at least one channel extends in a direction substantially parallel to the axis defined by the application element.

Still according to a particular embodiment, said at least one channel is configured so as to bring the product from the container to and on the outer periphery of the application element.

Said at least one channel may comprise, in an exemplary embodiment, a portion having a tubular cross section and a portion having a cross section open on the side.

The at least one channel may include a plurality of channels.

• fournir un dispositif comportant :
  • un récipient délimitant un espace intérieur contenant un produit,
  • un élément d'application fixé sur le récipient et définissant un pourtour extérieur, et
  • un bouchon délimitant un logement configuré pour recevoir l'élément d'application lorsque le dispositif est dans une position de stockage, le logement ayant un volume inférieur au volume de l'espace intérieur,
• retirer le bouchon du récipient de manière à dévoiler l'élément d'application,
• amener le produit contenu dans l'espace intérieur au travers d'un canal débouchant directement sur le pourtour extérieur de l'élément d'application de manière à ce que le canal amène le produit jusqu'à et sur le pourtour extérieur de l'élément d'application.

According to another of its aspects, the invention relates to a method for applying a product, the method comprising the steps of:

• provide a device comprising:
  • a container defining an interior space containing a product,
  • an applicator element attached to the container and defining an outer periphery, and
  • a plug defining a housing configured to receive the applicator element when the device is in a storage position, the housing having a volume less than the volume of the interior space,
• remove the cap from the container so as to reveal the application element,
• bringing the product contained in the interior space through a channel opening directly onto the outer periphery of the application element so that the channel brings the product up to and around the outer periphery of the element application.

• la figure 1 est une coupe longitudinale, schématique et partielle, d'un applicateur conforme à un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• les figures 2 à 6 sont des coupes longitudinales, schématiques et partielles, de variantes de réalisation de l'applicateur,
• la figure 7 représente l'applicateur de la figure 6 une fois le bouchon ôté,
• les figures 8 et 11 sont des vues analogues à la figure 6, représentant d'autres variantes de réalisation,
• la figure 9 représente isolément un adaptateur réalisé d'une seule pièce avec le porte-élément d'application,
• la figure 10 est une vue partielle et schématique de dessus, selon la flèche X de la figure 9, et
• la figure 12 est une vue analogue à la figure 6, d'une autre variante de réalisation.

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:

• the figure 1 is a longitudinal section, schematic and partial, of an applicator according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• the Figures 2 to 6 are longitudinal, schematic and partial sections of variant embodiments of the applicator,
• the figure 7 represents the applicator of the figure 6 once the cap is removed,
• the Figures 8 and 11 are similar views to the figure 6 , representing other embodiments,
• the figure 9 represents in isolation an adapter made in one piece with the applicator element holder,
• the figure 10 is a partial and schematic view from above, according to the arrow X of the figure 9 , and
• the figure 12 is a view similar to the figure 6 of another variant embodiment.

The applicator 1 represented at figure 1 comprises a container 2 composed of a container body 3, an adapter 4 fixed to the container body 3 and an applicator element holder 5 fixed to the adapter 4.

An applicator element 7 is fixed in a housing 8 of the applicator element holder 5.

A closure plug 10, composed in the example of a plug body 11 and a capsule 12 attached thereto, can seal the container.

The application element 7 is for example a bundle of bristles, the bristles being of the same type or of different types, straight or corrugated, arranged so as to constitute a brush for the application of product on the nails.

The invention is not limited to a particular application element 7 and it is possible to use application elements 7 of all types and shapes, such as, for example, flocked tips, foams, felts, brushes flexible spikes, this list not being limiting.

The container body 3 has only been partially shown on the figure 1 but preferably has a generally elongated shape along the longitudinal axis X of the applicator 1.

In the example considered, the body of the container 3 is made by extrusion / blowing with a neck 13 and a flexible shape memory wall 14 on which the user can exert a pressure in order to reduce its internal volume and force the distribution of product contained in it on the application element 7, as will be specified in the following.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment of the container body 3 by extrusion / blowing and this can be achieved by other techniques, for example by example by injection, in one or more thermoplastic or thermosetting materials, glass or ceramic or in metals.

The product contained in the container body 3 is for example a nail polish but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention when this product is a different liquid, for example a solvent or more generally any other cosmetic or care product, even a non-cosmetic product, for example a paint for retouching on a car body.

The container body 3 can accommodate a ball to homogenize its contents, if necessary.

In the example considered, the adapter 4 is snap-fastened on the neck 13, the latter comprising for this purpose an annular groove 15 into which reliefs 16 of the adapter 4 snap, these reliefs 16 being carried by a mounting skirt 20, tubular X axis.

In a non-illustrated variant, the mounting skirt 20 could be discontinuous and include hooking tabs on the container body 3.

The adapter 4 may further comprise, as illustrated, an annular sealing lip 18 intended to be applied on the inner surface of the neck 13 and ribs 19 intended to clamp the neck 13, these ribs being formed on the skirt 20. The ribs 19 prevent the adapter 4 from rotating relative to the neck 13, during the unscrewing of the plug 10.

In the example considered, a transverse wall 22 extends perpendicularly to the X axis, is connected to the skirt 20 and supports the sealing lip 18. This transverse wall 22 defines an opening 23.

The adapter 4 also comprises a skirt 25 for receiving the plug 10, threaded internally in the example of the figure 1 in which the plug 10 can be screwed.

This skirt 25 extends in the extension of the skirt 20, above the transverse wall 22.

The applicator element holder 5 comprises a tubular portion 28 which passes through the opening 23 and carries a flange 29 which abuts axially on the upper face of the transverse wall 22, as illustrated.

The tubular portion 28 includes an annular bead 30 which is snapped under the transverse wall 22, in order to retain the applicator holder 5 on the adapter 4.

The outer diameter of the tubular portion 28 substantially corresponds to that of the opening 23.

The transverse wall 22 carries a small annular lip 60 in order to further improve the tightness of the mounting of the applicator element holder 5 on the adapter 4 in the closed position.

In the example of the figure 1 , the tubular portion 28 is connected by a frustoconical portion 33 to an upper portion 34, solid, which defines the bottom of the housing 8 receiving the application member 7. This portion 34 is extended by a upper skirt 36 which defines the wall side of the housing 8 and partially covers the application element 7.

The inner cross section of the housing 8 is circular of axis X in the example in question.

The portion 34 is traversed by a product supply channel 40 of the application element 7. This channel 40 extends in the example shown parallel to the axis X, which can facilitate its production by molding and opens inside the applicator element holder 5 substantially at the top of the frustoconical portion 33, passes through the portion 34 and continues along the skirt 36, being open radially outwardly on its portion 66 extending over the skirt 36.

The portion 34 is delimited externally by a frustoconical surface 42, on which the channel 40 opens out through an orifice 65 before extending along the skirt 36.

The section of the orifice 65 is adapted to the viscosity of the product contained in the container, so that the flow of product is not too large when the container is returned.

In the example considered, the channel 40 also allows a return of air, when the container body elastically resumes its original shape.

Due to the presence of the tubular portion 28, whose inner section is much greater than that of the orifice 65 in the example in question, the pressure drop experienced by the product is relatively low, being mainly caused by the crossing of the part 34.

In the example of the figure 1 , the plug body 11 has an externally threaded collar 43 which is screwed into the skirt 25 and which applies at the end of the screwing of the plug 10, by its radially inner surface 44, against the tubular portion 28 and by its slice. end 45 against the flange 29. This provides a sealed closure of the container.

The neck 43 is extended superiorly on the one hand by an outer skirt 47, the latter being in the example considered cylindrical of revolution about the axis X, and on the other hand by an inner skirt 48, defining with the outer skirt 47. The inner skirt 48 is closed topally by an upper wall 50, set back from the upper end 52 of the outer skirt 47.

In the example shown in figure 1 , the capsule 12 comprises a skirt 54 which is engaged frictionally on the inner skirt 48, in the annular space 49. The capsule 12 rests against the upper wall 50, the outer face 55 of this capsule 12 coming substantially flush with the upper end 52 of the outer skirt 47.

The inner skirt 48 defines, with the upper wall 50, a housing 58 in which the applicator element 7 extends, this housing 58 having a height sufficient for the applicator element 7 to keep its upper end set back. of the upper wall 50, as can be seen on the figure 1 .

The volume of this housing 58 is relatively small, being for example more than five times smaller than that of the container body 3, being for example less than 1 cm ³ , while the capacity of the container is for example greater than 5 cm ³ .

Thus, the risk of drying the product on the application element is reduced.

The plug body 11 may be made of a transparent plastic material and the capsule 12 may carry a dot indicating the color of the product, this tablet comprising for example a deposit of the same product as that contained in the container.

To assemble the applicator 1, one can proceed as follows.

The plug 10 is initially placed upside down and then the element-holder 5 on which the application element has been previously fixed is inserted into the housing 58, the collar 29 bearing against the edge 45 of the neck 43 of the plug.

Then, the adapter 4 is screwed onto the neck 43, which pushes the annular bead 30 through the transverse wall 22.

At the end of the screwing of the adapter, the assembly thus formed can be turned and fastened by snapping on the container body 3, the latter having been filled with the product to be applied.

To use the applicator 1, the user unscrews the cap 10 and can return the container 2, so as to orient down the application member 7, for example at 45 ° from the vertical. If necessary, the user can exert pressure on the wall 14 of the container body 3 to force product to flow through the supply channel 40.

The product that leaves via the orifice 65 can flow by gravity along the portion 66 of the feed channel extending on the skirt 36 to reach the periphery of the applicator element 7.

The user can, if he wishes, and if the orientation of the container allows, visually control the amount dispensed through the orifice 65, to avoid overloading the application element 7 product.

The exemplary embodiment shown in figure 2 differs from that described above with reference to the figure 1 by the shape of the applicator element holder 5 and that of the plug 10.

The tubular portion 28 of the applicator element holder 5 is identical to that of the figure 1 for the portion which extends under the flange 29 but comprises above the latter a frustoconical portion 70 and a cylindrical portion 71 connecting to the portion 34.

The cylindrical portion 71 has a height greater than that of the skirt 25, so that the application member holder 5 protrudes more from the adapter 4 than in the previously described embodiment, which can facilitate the application where appropriate.

The plug 10 of the example of the figure 2 has an outer skirt 47 identical to that of the figure 1 , but the inner skirt 48 has in the upper part an annular lip 73 elastically deformable which is applied against the outer surface 74 of the cylindrical portion 71, substantially at its connection to the portion 34.

The lip 73 can scrape the applicator holder 5 each time the plug 10 is removed, which can reduce the risk of soiling.

In addition, the lip 73, by sealingly applying to the applicator element holder 5, can reduce the volume of the housing 58 of the plug 10 containing the applicator element 7, and reduce the risk that the product does not flow to the collar 29.

The capsule 12 contributes in the example of figure 2 the sealing of the closure of the container and comprises for this purpose a skirt 76 which is sealingly engaged on the inner skirt 48.

The exemplary embodiment of the figure 3 differs from that of the figure 1 by the shape of the adapter 4, by that of the plug 10, as well as by the nature of the applicator element 7, which is in the example considered a flocked tip.

The plug 10 comprises on the one hand a body 11 which is made for example of glass, this body 11 being closed in the upper part and having in the lower part an annular groove 80 and on the other hand an outer tubular skirt 81. The latter comprises a boss 83 snapped into the annular groove 80, being threaded internally to screw on an externally threaded skirt 85 of the adapter 4, this skirt 85 replacing the internally threaded skirt of the examples of the Figures 1 and 2 .

The body 11 has a lower portion which is sealingly applied against the tubular portion 28 above the collar 29.

The exemplary embodiment of the figure 4 differs from that of the figure 1 only by the shape of the plug 10 and by the nature of the applicator element 7.

In the example of the figure 4 , the plug 10 is monolithic, being made for example as a single piece of transparent plastic material or glass. The plug 10 has a neck 43 arranged on the one hand to screw on the internally threaded skirt of the adapter 4, and on the other hand to seal against the tubular portion 28.

The exemplary embodiment of the figure 5 picks up the adapter from the figure 3 and differs from the example of this figure in that the outer skirt 81 is connected superiorly to an inner skirt 90, whose lower end 91 is located axially above the threaded portion engaged on the skirt 85. relief 83 has been removed. The body 11 is engaged in the inner skirt 90 and has a shoulder 93 which abuts against the lower end 91 of the skirt 90. The body 11 is applied by its lower edge against the collar 29 and also applies against the tubular part 28. It is for example made in a transparent material or not, while the outer skirt 81 is made of an opaque material. The upper part 96 of the body 11 constitutes a window making it possible to see the application element 7 and, if necessary, to observe the color of the product in the case of a deposit of the latter against the inner surface of the body 11.

The exemplary embodiment of the figure 6 comprises a plug 10 having a structure quite similar to that illustrated in FIG. figure 1 . The adapter 4 comprises, as in the example of the figure 1 , skirts 20 for mounting and receiving 25 of the cap 10, the skirt 25 being extended superiorly by a flange 98 whose inner diameter is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the skirt 47. The adapter 4 further comprises a annular lip 99 gentle with the flange 98 an annular groove 100 whose role is to improve ergonomics, aesthetics and ease of demolding.

The applicator of the figure 6 comprises several channels 40 for supplying the application element 7 with the product.

These channels 40 have portions 103 which pass through the portion 34 and which open into spaces 104 formed between tabs 105, the latter having as can be seen on the figure 7 in particular, an outer surface 106 extending obliquely towards the application element 7. The number of tabs 105 is for example between 2 and 8.

The exemplary embodiment of the figure 8 comprises an adapter 4 whose mounting skirt 20 is arranged to screw on the neck 13 of the container body 3. The transverse wall 22 has a small annular lip 110 arranged to be applied on the upper edge of the neck 13.

The skirt 25 of the adapter 4 is similar to that of the example of the figure 1 .

In the example of the figure 8 , the plug 10 comprises a monolithic body 11 whose neck 43 has an external thread arranged to be screwed into the skirt 25.

The applicator element holder 5 is made in one piece with the adapter 4, as can also be seen on the figure 9 .

The tubular portion 28 of the applicator element holder 5 is connected to the transverse wall 22. The applicator element 7 is fed by a plurality of channels 40 which are angularly equispaced around the X axis and which open by means of orifices 115, as we can see on the figure 10 between tabs 116 which extend along the skirt 36, around and slightly above it. These tabs 116 have at their end a surface 118 inclined downwards towards the mouth of the housing 8, as can be seen on the figure 10 especially. This surface 118 facilitates the flow of the product on the outer periphery of the applicator element and prevents the formation of a drop of product during inclined use. The surface 118 can facilitate the flow of the product around the periphery of the applicator element 7.

The embodiment of the figure 11 differs from that of the figure 8 essentially by the presence on the holder-application element 5 of an annular sealing lip 112 which diverges upwards. This lip 112 is arranged to apply, substantially at the height of the base of the portion 34, on the cap 10 when it is in place on the container. The lip 112 limits the internal volume of the cap.

The applicator element 7 can be accommodated in a housing 8 which can be defined by a portion 34 integrally formed by molding with the assembly of the applicator element holder 5, as is the case in particular with the example shown in the figure 1 , or be defined by an insert, as is particularly the case of the example of the figure 12 .

It can be seen in this figure that the applicator element holder 5 comprises internal fins 122 allowing the attachment of the part 34 in the application-element holder 5. This attachment is effected by clamping but could alternatively be effected. by snapping or otherwise.

In addition, as can be seen on the figure 12 a tubular wall 125 may extend along a portion of the length of the applicator element 7 at the end of the applicator holder 5.

In the example under consideration, the supply of the product application element is effected through two diametrically opposed channels 126 and 127 formed between the portion 34 and the application element holder 5 substantially at the base. of the tubular wall 125. The latter makes it possible to ensure a more homogeneous distribution of the product around the application element 7.

The channels 126 and 127 open into the annular space formed between the upper end 131 of the portion 34 and the tubular wall 125 and by the applicator element 7 and the tubular wall 125.

The tubular wall 125 is connected at its base to a substantially frustoconical wall 130 of the applicator holder, which converges towards the distal end of the applicator element 7.

The number of channels could be different, and one could have for example more than two channels uniformly distributed around the X axis.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments that have just been described and many modifications can be made without leaving the scope.

In particular, the characteristics of the different embodiments that have just been described can be combined with each other within new embodiments.

The portion 34 may be made with a different shape and in particular a recessed shape, this portion 34 may not be thicker than the skirt 36, especially when a method of fixing the application element other than the stapling is used and it is not necessary that the bottom of the housing 8 be reinforced.

The supply channel (s) 40 of the applicator element 7 may be made in still other ways, and in particular be non-parallel to the X axis.

Where appropriate, the bottom of the housing 8 can communicate through a passage with the interior of the container.

The plug can be fixed on the holder application element and the latter to be fixed on the container body.

In a variant not shown, the container body is replaced by a container equipped with a pump or a valve, and the adapter can be connected to the container body so as to act on a pump rod or valve .

Throughout the description, including the claims, the phrase "having one" should be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (46)

1. An applicator (1) comprising:

   · a receptacle (2) containing, in an inside space, a cosmetic and/or a care product to be applied;

   · an applicator element (7) fixed onto the receptacle at least while in use;

   · a cap (10) for closing the receptacle, the cap presenting a housing (58) for receiving the applicator element, the volume of this housing being smaller than the volume of the inside space of the receptacle containing the substance to be applied,

   the receptacle including at least one feed channel (40; 126; 127) for feeding the applicator element (7) with the substance, the channel being in communication with the inside of the receptacle when the receptacle is closed by the cap, and opening out directly to the outside of the applicator element, the channel also being disposed in such a manner as to be able to guide the substance contained in the receptacle over the outside periphery of the applicator element (7),
   the receptacle including an applicator-element holder (5) and said at least one feed channel (40) being formed in the applicator-element holder.
2. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the substance contained in the receptacle can be guided into the housing of the cap via the channel, so that the housing can be filled, at least in part, with the substance when the receptacle is closed by the cap.
3. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the channel is configured in such a manner that it enables the substance to flow by gravity into the housing (58) of the cap.
4. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle includes a plurality of feed channels (40) for feeding the applicator element.
5. An applicator according to claim 4, wherein the feed channels (40) are evenly distributed angularly around a longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator.
6. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein fluid communication established between the housing (58) of the cap which receives the applicator element (7) and the inside space of the receptacle takes place exclusively via said channel (40).
7. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the receptacle (2) is at least twice the length of the cap (10).
8. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle comprises a receptacle body (3) and an adaptor (4) that is fixed onto the receptacle body (3) and that enables the cap (10) to be fixed in removable manner.
9. An applicator according to the preceding claim, wherein the applicator-element holder (5) is fitted onto this adaptor (4).
10. An applicator according to claim 8, wherein the applicator-element holder (5) is made integrally as a single piece with the adaptor (4) by molding a material.
11. An applicator according to claim 8, wherein the adaptor (4) is screwed onto the receptacle body (3).
12. An applicator according to claim 8, wherein the adaptor (4) is fixed by being snap-fastened onto the receptacle body (4).
13. An applicator according to claim 8, wherein the adaptor (4) includes an annular sealing lip (18) arranged to bear in sealed manner against a neck (13) of the receptacle body (3).
14. An applicator according to claim 8, wherein the cap (10) is arranged to be screwed onto the adaptor (4).
15. An applicator according to claim 14, wherein the cap (10) is screwed onto an internally-threaded skirt (25).
16. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (10) bears in sealed manner against the applicator-element holder (5) and/or, when the applicator is according to claim 8, the adaptor (4).
17. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the cap (10) is made of a transparent material.
18. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a body (11) and a plug (12) fixed onto the body (11), with the plug (12) defining at least part of the top of the cap.
19. An applicator according to claim 18, wherein the plug (12) does not contribute in any way to closing the receptacle.
20. An applicator according to claim 18, wherein the plug (12) contributes to closing the receptacle.
21. An applicator according to claim 20, wherein the plug (12) includes a skirt (76) that comes to bear in sealed manner against a corresponding skirt (48) of the body (11) of the cap.
22. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (10) is made entirely of a transparent material.
23. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the cap (10) comprises an outer skirt (81) and an inner skirt (90) that is connected at the top to the outer skirt (81), the outer skirt (81) being arranged to be screwed onto an externally-threaded skirt (85) of the receptacle, and wherein the cap (10) further comprises a body (11) engaged in the inner skirt (90), the body (11) being arranged to bear in sealed manner against the applicator-element holder (5).
24. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises an inner skirt (48) and an outer skirt (47) that is connected at the bottom to the inner skirt, said inner skirt being arranged to be screwed onto an internally-threaded skirt (25) of the receptacle.
25. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the cap (10) comprises a plurality of parts fitted together.
26. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the cap (10) is a single piece.
27. An applicator according to any one of claims 8, 9 and 11 to 26, wherein the applicator-element holder (5) includes a collar (29) designed to come into abutment against a transverse wall (22) of the adaptor (4).
28. An applicator according to claim 27, wherein, once screwed home, the cap bears against the collar (29).
29. An applicator according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the applicator-element holder (5) includes at least one portion in relief (30), in particular an annular bead, arranged to be snap-fastened onto the transverse wall (22).
30. An applicator according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the transverse wall (22) includes an annular lip (60).
31. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap includes a sealing surface arranged to bear against the applicator-element holder (5).
32. An applicator according to claim 31, wherein the sealing surface is defined by a lip (73).
33. An applicator according to claim 31, wherein the sealing surface is conical.
34. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator-element holder (5) includes an annular sealing lip (112) arranged to bear against the cap (10) when said cap is in place.
35. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator-element holder (5) includes a skirt (36) covering the applicator element (7) in part.
36. An applicator according to claim 35, wherein said at least one feed channel (40) for feeding the applicator element (7) extends over an outside surface of said skirt (36).
37. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when there are multiple feed channels (40), the applicator-element holder (5) includes at least two tabs (105; 116), or even at least three such tabs, with said channels (40) extending between them.
38. An applicator according to claim 37, wherein the tabs (105) present outside faces (106) sloping obliquely towards the applicator element (7).
39. An applicator according to claim 37, wherein, in the vicinity of their free ends, the tabs (116) are provided with surfaces (118) directed towards the applicator element (7).
40. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (8) of the applicator-element holder (7), in which the applicator element (7) is received, comprises a side wall (36) and an end wall (34) which is thicker than the side wall.
41. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator element (7) is a brush.
42. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (2) contains a nail varnish.
43. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle comprises two feed channels (126; 127) that are diametrically opposed.
44. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator element is fixed on a portion (34) that is added to an applicator-element holder (5), the latter preferably comprising internal ribs (122), contributing to ensure said fixation.
45. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle comprises a tubular wall (125) extending along at least a portion of the length of the applicator element to distribute the substance delivered by the at least one feed channel around the applicator element.
46. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said feed channel is configured to guide the substance from the receptacle to and over the outside periphery of the applicator element.

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