EP1842520A1 - Vibrating device for cosmetic treatment or aesthetic care and device for storage or application of a cosmetic or care product equipped with such a device. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) has a vibrator (16) integrated to a body (12), and a damper (18) disposed between the body and the vibrator, where the damper comprises a block made of elastic material. The damper is axially arranged with non null distance from a vibration generator (28). The vibrator has an external surface applied against a corporal surface to be massaged. The vibration generator is fixed against an interior wall of the vibrator. An independent claim is also included for an apparatus for storing and applying beauty care or cosmetic product.

Description

The present invention relates to the tissue massage of a portion to be treated of the epidermis of a user.

The present invention also relates to the application of a liquid make-up formula such as a gloss, a mascara, a make-up or a powder or the application of a care formula, or the like.

More particularly, the invention relates to a vibrating device for cosmetic treatment or aesthetic care for the massage of the epidermis of a user, or for the application of a liquid makeup, or a care formula.

A first interesting application of the device therefore relates to the application of a liquid makeup formula against an application surface.

A second interesting application of the device relates to the massage of the epidermis of a user in order to obtain a feeling of well-being at the level of the massaged area.

However, in this application, the device according to the invention can also be used for other purposes, for example to achieve the abrasion of tissues of the epidermis, so as to remove a superficial layer marked by fine lines and thus make the epidermis more smooth.

Such devices generally comprise a body, a massage member projecting relative to the body, which is able to move relative to the body in order to obtain a massage of the part of the epidermis against which the massage member is applied. .

In this respect, the known devices conventionally comprise a vibration generator mounted inside the body so as to transmit to the massage member the vibrations emitted.

Such a vibration generator may consist of an electric motor provided on its shaft with a mass whose center of inertia is eccentric with respect to said shaft so as to produce the desired vibrations.

In order to vary the frequency and the intensity of the vibrations, the generator further comprises a member for adjusting the speed of rotation of the motor. For more details, one can for example refer to the device described in the patent application GB-A-2,374,045 .

By its design, this device has the disadvantage of transmitting the vibrations emitted to all the constituent elements, including the body.

Thus, during use, the vibrations are transmitted via the body to the hand of the user. In operation, the grip of the body can be particularly unpleasant for the user and cause a negative appreciation of the device.

In addition, the vibrations can also be detrimental to the reliability of the elements mounted inside the body, which can cause a malfunction of the device.

Moreover, in the case where it is planned to distribute simultaneously with the massage action a treatment composition contained in a reservoir housed inside the body, the reservoir and all the elements allowing the distribution of the composition would also be subject to the vibrations generated.

It is easy to see that these vibrations can therefore affect the homogeneity of the chemical formulation of the treating composition. contained in the reservoir, as well as the reliability of the elements allowing the dispensing of the treatment composition.

Under these conditions, the product remaining in the container may become unusable. Indeed, either the product dispensed may have become unfit for use because of the heterogeneity thus obtained from the chemical formulation of the treating composition, or its distribution may be made impossible. This can further increase the negative appreciation of such a device on the part of a user.

We can also refer to the patent application WO2006 / 090343 (L'Oreal ) which describes a device comprising a housing comprising a reservoir containing a composition to be applied. A porous applicator, such as a foam, is protected by a cover screwed to the housing. A source of vibration is attached to the housing. The user applies the composition by maneuvering the housing. This causes inconvenience during use and a negative appreciation of the device. Such an arrangement also has major drawbacks, particularly relating to the fact that in use, the vibrations are transmitted via the body to the hand of the user.

In order to avoid such inconvenience and increase the comfort of a user of the device, it is desirable to provide damping vibrations that can be generated during use.

In this respect, the document FR-A-1,223,254 which describes a device for the application of a liquid makeup formula, provides for interposing a damping element between the vibration generator and the body of the device.

More specifically, the device comprises an applicator holder mounted inside the body and having a generally U-shaped shape. The vibration generator is fixed on one of the branches of the U on the inside, the damping element being mounted on said branch of the outer side.

However, because of the relative arrangement of the vibration generator and the damping element, this device does not make it possible to obtain a particularly effective damping of the vibrations emitted.

The present invention therefore aims to overcome this disadvantage.

The subject of the invention is a vibrating device for cosmetic treatment or aesthetic care provided with a body, a vibrating element, a vibration generator mounted on the vibrating element, and a damping element disposed between the body and the vibrating element and able to damp the vibrations transmitted to the body.

According to one aspect of the invention, the damping element is arranged axially at a non-zero distance from the vibration generator.

In other words, the damping element is entirely offset axially relative to the vibration generator, considering the vibrating element.

The vibrating element has an outer surface to be applied against a body surface to be massaged.

In one aspect, the vibrating element has a first hollow cylindrical portion within which the vibration generator is at least partially disposed. The vibrating element comprises a second cylindrical portion around which the damping element extends radially. Said portions are cylindrical of revolution.

With such a device, it becomes possible to obtain a vibrating device for cosmetic treatment that is particularly pleasant to use.

Indeed, the Applicant has determined that an arrangement of the vibration generator disposed axially at a distance from the damping element substantially reduces vibrations that can be transmitted to the body and thus felt by a user.

In other words, to increase the efficiency of the damping of the vibrations emitted, the vibration generator is mounted on the vibrating element at a portion distinct from that on which the damping element is mounted.

Advantageously, the damping element comprises a block made of elastic material.

Advantageously, the damping element is mounted against a radial surface of the body.

Advantageously, the vibrating element is secured to the body only through the damping element.

Advantageously, the device comprises a light source capable of illuminating an axial end of the vibrating element.

Preferably, the vibrating element leaves a radial operating clearance between it and the body.

In one embodiment, the vibration generator is mounted within the vibrating element.

Advantageously, said generator is fixed against an inner wall of the vibrating element.

The damping element may also be disposed at the lower end of the vibrating element, that is to say at the end the vibrating element opposite the surface to be applied against a body surface to be massaged.

Advantageously, the damping element is mounted against a radial surface of the body. The damping element may comprise a sheath mounted around the vibrating element and provided with fins extending radially to bear inside the body.

The vibrating element advantageously comprises a substantially smooth outer surface. Alternatively, the outer surface may also be provided with asperities.

In another embodiment, the vibrating element further comprises a removable tip provided with an application head.

Advantageously, the vibrating element comprises an annular fixing portion for mounting the vibration generator.

The damping element is arranged radially between the body and the vibrating element.

According to another embodiment, the vibration generator is of inertial type, the vibrating element being connected to the body, in a connection zone, by means of the damping element.

The inertial type generator allows to exert alternative forces on the vibrating element without taking support on the body. The only vibrations transmitted to the body of the device are transmitted through the damping element which constitutes an elastic link opposing the movements of the vibrating element. The force exerted on the vibrating element is equal to the force exerted by the generator decreased by the resistance force of the damping element. The softer the damping element, the greater the vibrations of the vibrating element and the more effective the damping of vibrations transmitted to the body that can be grasped by the user.

According to another characteristic, the vibrating element comprises a support plate on which the vibration generator is mounted, the connection zone being located at a distance from said plate.

For example, the connection zone is formed by an annular groove in which engages a free end of the body.

Advantageously, the vibrating element comprises a rigid skirt attached to the support plate, extending parallel to the axis of the vibration generator. The damping element is fixed to the skirt at a distance from the connection zone.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the damping element comprises an axial cylindrical housing in the bottom of which are placed the vibrating element and the vibration generator, the bottom of the housing being situated axially at a distance from the connection zone.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the damping element is covered with a coating which constitutes an application surface of a cosmetic treatment or care product.

For example, the coating forms a puff.

It is conceivable that such a device has both the advantage of distributing the product homogeneously through the vibrations of the tussock, without the inconvenience of a vibrating body for gripping the device.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another aspect, an apparatus for storing and applying a cosmetic or aesthetic care product, comprising a reservoir capable of receiving the product and a vibrating device for taking and applying the product, characterized in that the vibrating device is a device as defined above.

According to another characteristic of this apparatus, the tank comprises a sieve capable of holding the product in the tank and ensuring distribution of the product.

For example, the reservoir comprises mounting means for cooperating with complementary mounting means adapted to mount the vibrating element against the sieve in the storage position, to take the product.

Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises a removable cover which caps the vibrating device and in which are performed said complementary mounting means.

• les figures 1 à 3 illustrent respectivement un dispositif vibrant de traitement cosmétique selon des premier, second, et un troisième modes de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 4 est une coupe longitudinale partielle selon les plans IV-IV de la figure 5 d'un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 5 est une coupe transversale du dispositif selon le plan V-V de la figure 4 ; et
• la figure 6 illustre un cinquième mode de réalisation de l'invention.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description of embodiments taken as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

• Figures 1 to 3 respectively illustrate a vibrating cosmetic treatment device according to first, second, and third embodiments of the invention;
• Figure 4 is a partial longitudinal section along the planes IV-IV of Figure 5 of a fourth embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 5 is a cross section of the device according to the plane VV of Figure 4; and
• Figure 6 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 1, there is shown a vibrating cosmetic treatment device designated by the general reference numeral 10.

It is intended to be used for the massage of tissues of the epidermis of the face of a user.

However, it is readily apparent that the device 10 may also be used for massage of other body parts.

The device 10 is provided with a base body 12 of generally tubular shape, with a general axis 14, and with a vibrating element 16 which is mounted inside the body 12 via a damping element 18.

The body 12 is advantageously made by molding a thermoplastic material. It comprises an open bottom end which is closed by a closing cap 20 arranged to snap, or be mounted by any other suitable means, on the body 12.

The body 12 also comprises an open upper end forming a neck to allow the passage of the vibrating element 16, so that it is projecting axially relative to the upper end of the body 12. The neck has a general shape tapered.

In order to achieve the relative positioning of the damping element 18 and the vibrating element 16 relative to the body 12, it also comprises a stepped bore 22 providing a radial support surface 24 for an upper surface of the element shock absorber 18.

The damping element 18 comprises a block made of elastic material. It also comprises a bore 18a of small diameter, for example of the order of a millimeter. The damping element 18 thus has a general annular shape. It can be fixed against the bore 22 and the bearing surface 24 of the body 12 by gluing. Of course, it is also conceivable to provide other suitable types of attachment, for example a tack.

As will be described in detail below, the damping element 18 makes it possible to absorb in vibration the vibrating element 16 which is connected to the body 12 via said damping element 18.

The vibrating element 16 is advantageously made of metallic material. It has a hollow ogival shape. The lower end of the vibrating element 16 is open and fixed at the upper surface of the damping element 18 bearing against the radial surface 24.

The vibrating element 16 may be attached to the damping element 18, for example by gluing. Of course, it is also conceivable to provide other appropriate types of attachment.

The vibrating element 16 leaves a slight radial clearance 26 of operation between its outer surface and the neck formed by the body 12.

In order to allow a vibration massage via the vibrating element 16, the device 10 also comprises a vibration generator 28 fixed against an inner wall of the vibrating element 16. The vibration generator 28 is disposed axially inside the body 12, close to his collar. It is disposed in the vicinity of the damping element 18, while being offset axially upwards.

Thus, the vibration generator 28 is mounted against the inner wall of the vibrating element 16, which is itself connected to the body 12 by the damping element 18 fixed to the lower end of the vibrating element 16.

In other words, the vibration generator 28 is mounted on the vibrating element 16 at a portion distinct from that on which the damping element 18 is mounted. Indeed, the applicant has determined that this arrangement makes it possible to damp the majority of the vibrations emitted by the vibration generator 28 and thus to obtain a comfort approval for a user. Under these conditions, the effectiveness of the damping element 18 is increased.

As is known per se, the vibration generator 28 comprises an electric motor 30 and a flyweight 32 fixed on a shaft of said motor being eccentric with respect to an axis of said shaft. The motor shaft 30 is here slightly offset with respect to the axis 14 of the base body 12.

Thus, during the supply of the vibration generator 28, the vibrations caused by the rotation of the eccentric feeder 32 are transmitted directly to the vibrating element 16 so as to obtain a massage of the area to be treated of the epidermis.

To enable the supply of the vibration generator 28, the device 10 also comprises means for producing electrical energy, which here consist of cells 34 and 36, controlled via a switch 38 mounted at an outer sidewall. 12. Stacks 34 and 36 are aligned vertically within the body 12.

Conventionally, the switch 38 is connected to the lower battery 36 by means of a first electrical wire 40 coming into contact with a metal plate 42 which is fixed on the cover 20. The plate 42 comes into contact with a lower terminal of the battery 36.

The switch 38 is also connected to the electric motor 30 of the vibration generator 28 via a second electric wire 44 passing through the bore 18a of the damping element 18.

With regard to the upper battery 34, it is connected to the electric motor 30 via a third electrical wire 44 connected to its upper terminal via a plate 46 secured to the bore 22 of the body 12. The electric wire 44 also passes through the bore 18a of the damping element 18.

As mentioned above, the device 10 is intended to be used for the massage of a body part of a user. For this purpose, the vibrating element 16 may comprise a substantially smooth outer surface or a surface provided with asperities, such as relief sculptures, if the massage is performed for the purpose of abrasion of the tissues of the epidermis. The vibrating element 16 therefore constitutes a head or a massage finger.

Although the device described in this embodiment allows the massage of the skin of a user directly by contact between the vibrating element 16 and the area of the epidermis to be treated, it is easy to see that the device 10 can also be configured to obtain a massage using a cosmetic composition, for example a moisturizing composition.

In this regard, the device 10 is provided with a container mounted inside the body 12 and containing the treating composition, and elements conventionally used to allow the dispensing of the treatment composition at an outlet orifice which can be provided at the upper end of the vibrating element 16. Under these conditions, the massage of the area of the epidermis to be treated is obtained by the vibrations of the vibrating element 16 combined with an application of the moisturizing cream.

Alternatively, in order to increase the ergonomics of the device 10, it is also conceivable to provide a body 12 which has a generally curved shape.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 differs from the embodiment described above, only in that the vibrating element 16 comprises at an upper end a curved portion 50 directed outwardly.

The curved portion 50 thus has the shape of a phalanx of a finger in a slightly bent position. Under these conditions, the massage of certain parts of the epidermis of a user can be particularly simplified, for example the massage of peri-ocular areas.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, in which the elements identical to those of the embodiment of FIG. 1 bear the same numerical references, differs in particular from the fact that the vibrating device 60 for cosmetic treatment is intended for the application of a cosmetic formula such as a gloss, a mascara, ...

In this regard, the device 60 comprises an applicator holder 62, and a tip 64 mounted on the applicator holder 62, for example by snapping, for the application of the cosmetic formula. For this purpose, the tip 64 comprises an application head 65, which is in the form of a comb, a brush, or a brush, the application then being dragged applicator, loaded with product, against an application surface.

The device 60 also comprises a base body 66 made by molding a thermoplastic material and inside which is mounted in part the applicator holder 62.

The body 66, of general axis 68, has a generally tubular shape. It comprises an open bottom end which is closed by a closure cap 70 arranged to snap, or be mounted by any other appropriate means, on the body 66. To allow the passage of the applicator holder 62, the body 66 comprises besides opposite end open and dimensioned so as to leave a slight radial clearance of operation between the body 66 and the applicator holder 62.

The applicator holder 62 is projecting axially with respect to the upper end of the body 66, extending substantially along the axis 68. It comprises a support 72, of generally cylindrical general shape, and a rod 73 fitted. in the support 72. In this regard, it comprises, at an upper end, an U-shaped recess oriented upwards.

Although the applicator holder 62 is here made in two parts, it is easy to conceive that it can be designed in a single piece.

To allow mounting of the vibration generator 28 on the applicator holder 62, the support 72 comprises, at an axial end opposite said recess, an annular portion 74 extending axially towards the cap 70, i.e. downwards.

The portion 74 is configured to form a housing for the motor 30 of the vibration generator 28. This may for example be secured on the portion 74 by any suitable means. The portion 74 of the support 72 thus constitutes an attachment portion of the vibration generator 28.

In order to ensure the positioning of a damping element 78 inside the body 66, the support 72 further comprises an annular bead 76, which extends radially outwardly from an upper end of the portion of fixing 74.

A lower end of the damping element 78 bears against the bead 76. The damping element 78 comprises a block made of elastic material. It is fixed, for example by gluing, against the inner wall of the body 66 and the outer surface of the support 72. The damping element 78 is thus interposed radially between the applicator holder 62 and the body 66.

In operation, the vibrations emitted by the vibration generator 28 are transmitted to the rod 73 and the tip 64 which thus constitute a vibrating element for the application of the cosmetic formula.

With regard to the damping element 78, this makes it possible to absorb the vibrations emitted by the vibration generator 28 in a particularly efficient manner. Indeed, in a manner analogous to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the damping element 78 is offset axially with respect to the vibration generator 28.

Thus, these two elements are reported on distinct portions of the support 72 of the applicator holder 62, which makes it possible to obtain the damping of a major part of the vibrations emitted by the vibration generator 28.

For the operation of the vibration generator 28, the device 10 also comprises means for producing electrical energy, which are constituted here by a single battery 80 controlled via a switch 82. The switch 82 is mounted at a wall external lateral body 66.

In a similar manner to the previous embodiments, the switch 82 is connected to the lower terminal of the battery 80 and the motor 30 of the vibration generator 28 by first and second electrical wires 84 and 86, respectively.

A third electrical wire 88 is also provided for electrically connecting the motor 30 and the battery 80. In this respect, a U-shaped metal plate 90 is fixed inside the body 66 so as to bear against the upper limit. of the stack, said third electrical wire 88 being connected to the plate 90. The plate 90 simultaneously allows the positioning of the battery 80 inside the body 66.

A fourth embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The vibrating device according to this embodiment differs from the embodiments previously described by a vibrating element 200 in three parts, by a body 201 in two parts and by a particular form of the damping element 202.

The vibrating element 200 is a rigid assembly consisting in particular of a motor support 203 and of an upper body 204, rigidly connected to one another by an outer body 205 of the motor 30.

The body 201 of the vibrating device comprises an outer casing 206, and a battery casing 207. The battery casing 207 is rigidly mounted within the casing 206 through ribs 224 and thereby forms a rigid body 201.

The damping element 202 comprises a sheath 208 mounted around the motor support 203 of the vibrating element 200. The sheath 208 is provided with three upper fins 209 at the end of the sheath 208 through which the vibrating element 200 projects. of the damping element 202. The upper fins 209 extend radially to bear inside the outer housing 206 of the body 201. The opposite end of the sheath 208 has three lower fins 210 extending radially to come resting on an inner bearing 211 of the battery casing 207.

In a variant, the number of fins 209 and / or 210 may be greater than three. In another variant, the upper fins 209 and lower 210 occupy different angular locations.

A lower body 212 covers the lower end of the sheath 208, and has a central portion extending axially inside the sheath 208 and receiving at its center a brass contact 213. The lower body 212 has an outer skirt 214 perforated to let pass the three lower fins 210.

The motor support 203 and the sheath 208 have a central recess 215 making it possible to pass connecting wires 223 between the motor 30 and the brass contact 213 which bears on an electrode of the cell 34.

The motor support 203 has a hooking lug 216 extending radially in the damping element 202 so as to ensure reliable axial retention. The outer body 205 of the motor 30 is fitted into a bore 217 of the motor support 203.

The upper body 204 of the vibrating element 200 has at its axial end an application head 218 connected to a base portion 219 by a rod 220. The base 219 has a bell-shaped shape covering an upper portion of the vibration generator 28 comprising the flyweight 32 and an upper portion of the motor 30. The body 205 of the motor 30 is fitted into four ribs 221 extending radially inside the base 219. The bell-shaped base 219 is in continuity with aspect and shape with the outer casing 206 without however being in mechanical contact with it. A radial operating clearance remains between the outer casing 206 and the upper body 204 so that the vibrations of the vibrating element 200 are not transmitted to the body 201.

In a variant, the upper body 204 is removable relative to the rest of the vibrating element 200 and can be replaced by another upper body with, for example, another application head 218.

An outer cover 222 is fixed on the outer casing 206 and covers the upper body 204.

Advantageously, the damping element 202 is made of elastomer, the upper body 204 is made of ABS as well as the cover 222 and the outer casing 206. The motor support 203 is metallic and can also be in a resistant plastic. The lower body 212 is made of polypropylene.

We will now describe the operation of this fourth embodiment.

When the weight 32 is rotated by the motor 30, the inner bell-shaped base 219 allows the movement of the flyweight 32 and the space between the inner ribs 221 prevents air being trapped to curb the movement of the flyweight 32. The upper fins 209 are located at an axial distance from the weight 32 and serve as a pivot point to the entire vibrating element 200. The lateral displacement generated on the application head 218 corresponds to a flexion of the sheath 208 between the two attachment points which are the upper and lower fins 209 and 210. The axial compression forces exerted on the application head 218 do not cause the internal deformation of the vibrating device, thanks to the rigid lower body 212 which ensures an axial abutment of the sheath 218 against the body 201.

We will now describe the method of assembly of this vibrating device. In a first step, the batteries 34 are introduced into the battery box 207. In another step, the motor support 203 is fixed in the damping element 202 as well as the lower body 212. Then, the motor 30 is fitted or bonded in the engine support 203 and the connecting wires 223 pass through the central recess 215 and the lower body 212. Then, the contact in brass 213 is welded or electrically connected to the connecting wire 223 and then fitted into the lower body 212. Finally, the upper body 204 is fitted on the motor 30 and the lower fins 210 are introduced into the inner bearing 211 of the battery casing 207. The assembly is then introduced and immobilized inside the outer housing 206. The cover 222 is removably attached to this assembly.

A particularly interesting advantage of this embodiment is that the vibrations generated by the vibration generator 28 are mainly transverse to the general axis of the vibrating device. The upper fins 209 and lower 210 provide both great flexibility for transverse deformations and significant axial retention.

In a variant of the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the latter is equipped with a damping element similar to the damping element 202 described above, except that the support 72 passes right through the sheath 208.

Another embodiment of a vibrating device according to another aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG.

In this figure 6, there is shown an apparatus for packaging and applying a cosmetic or care substance provided with such a vibrating device.

Such an apparatus is particularly adapted to allow the application of a cosmetic substance or not to the epidermis of a user, the application of the substance being facilitated by the vibrations of the device.

Particularly interesting uses of this embodiment relate for example to the application of a powder, or an eyeshadow, or a care formula on the epidermis.

As will be described in detail hereinafter, in this exemplary embodiment, the vibrating device of the packaging and application apparatus comprises, as in the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a vibrating element, a vibration generator mounted on the vibrating element and an inertial damping element interposed between the body of the device and the vibrating element being axially spaced from the vibration generator.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the apparatus here comprises a pot 100 intended to contain a substance to be applied, a lid 101 and a vibrating device 102 comprising a gripping body 103 and an application surface 104.

The apparatus is generally cylindrical in shape and has a general axis 113 located in a supposed vertical position.

The pot 100 is provided with an external thread 105 intended to cooperate with an internal threading 106 made in the cover 101. The pot also comprises a reservoir 107 containing the product 108 of cosmetic treatment or cosmetic care to be applied, such as the powder or blush. The pot 100 further comprises a screen 109 covering the tank 107 and comprising openings 110. The consistency of the product 108 and the size of the openings 110 are such that the product 108 is held inside the tank 107 by the screen 109 as long as there is no pressure or mechanical action on the sieve 109.

On the other hand, when the vibrating device is applied and pressed against the screen, a quantity of product is transferred to the device to be subsequently applied to the skin of a user.

The vibrating application device 102 essentially comprises a monobloc damping element 117, a vibrating element 118 and a vibration generator 119.

The vibration generator 119 of the inertial type.

It comprises an electric motor 120 provided with a flyweight 121 eccentric with respect to an axis 122 of the generator and an electric accumulator 129 placed in a housing formed in the body 103. Connecting wires 130 make it possible to feed the electric motor 120 under the control of a control button 116. When the electric motor 120 rotates, the eccentric flyweight 121 in motion generates radial reciprocating forces with respect to the axis of the generator 122. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. The axis of the generator 122 is concentric with the general axis 113 of the device. The axis 122 could however also be parallel to the general axis 113.

The vibrating element 118 comprises a support plate 123 extending perpendicular to the general axis 113 and on which is fixed the vibration generator, and in particular the electric motor 120. The vibrating element 118 is for example made of rigid material such as plastic or metal. It also comprises a skirt 124 extending axially at the periphery of the support plate 123. The skirt 124 and the plate 123 jointly define a housing for receiving the motor 120.

Finally, the damping element 117 comprises a damping block made of elastically deformable and compressible material such as elastomer foam. It is possible, for example, to use silicone or an elastomeric resin capable of thermoplastic injection or molding whose hardness is less than 50 shore.

It is for example made by overmolding on the vibrating element which comprises for this purpose elements projecting from the skirt 124.

It comprises an outer coating 128 which constitutes an application surface of the substance taken from the reservoir 107. This application surface is, together with the portion of the damping element 117 on which it is placed, a flexible tote.

The damping element further comprises an axial cylindrical housing in which are placed the vibrating element 118 and the vibration generator 119 that it carries.

The damping element further comprises an annular peripheral groove 126 extending radially in which engages an end zone of the body for mounting the damping element on the body.

This groove is axially offset upwards relative to the bottom of the housing in which is mounted the vibrating element.

Thus, the connection zone 126 of the body is at a distance from the skirt 124 both in the axial direction of the axis 122 of the generator 119 and in the radial direction perpendicular to this axis 122.

The puff 104 is capable of receiving the product 108. The coating 128 imparts to the puff 104 its mechanical cohesion, resistance to tearing and abrasion. It will be noted that the damping element 117 is the compressible part of the puff 104.

Due to the flexibility of the damping element 117, the forces exerted by the vibration generator 119 on the vibrating element 118 are slightly braked by the damping element 117 and the whole of the puff 104 is driven in a translational movement about the general axis 113 of the device. The vibrations generated are also transmitted little to the gripping body 103. In particular, in operation, a generally annular portion 125 of the damping element located between the receiving housing of the vibration generator and the groove 126 provides a part of the damping, preventing the vibrations from propagating towards the body, while a second portion 127 of this damping element on which is placed the coating 128 allows the tassel 104 to adapt to the shape and contour of the part body on which the user deposits the product 108.

When the user approaches the vibratory popping 104 containing product 108 of the body area to be treated, the product 108 spreads more homogeneously on said body surface, thanks to the vibration of the puff 104.

It will be noted that the vibrating device 102 can be taken in hand by the user either by a cylindrical portion 114 of the gripping body 103, or by an axial protrusion 115 of generally parallelepipedal shape, visible from the front in FIG. 4 and comprising an electric button 116 on one of its sides.

It will also be noted that the entire vibrating device 102 is intended to be housed between the sieve 109 of the pot 100 and the lid 101 when the latter is screwed onto the pot thanks to the threads 105 and 106. In the closed position, not shown, the compressible portion 127 of the puff 104 is deformed so as to conform to the shape of the sieve 109. The pressure exerted on the sieve and possibly the effect of vibration help that the product 108 passes from the tank 107 to the puff 104, through the sieve 109.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the skirt 124 is at an axial distance from the connection zone 126 so that the damping element 125 deforms in bending / shear under the effect of the forces of the generator 119.

In a variant of the fourth embodiment, the skirt 124 extends axially to the level of the connection zone 126. In this variant, the fact that the skirt 124 is at radial and axial distance from the connection zone 126 allows the damping element 117 to compress and to relax under the effect of the force generated by the generator 119. Thanks to the intrinsic flexibility of the material of the damping element 117, the vibrations are transmitted little to the gripping body 103.

In another variant, not shown in FIG. 6, the axis of the generator 122 is perpendicular to the general axis 113. The vibration forces then cause the tassel to be driven both by an axial pumping movement and by a lateral sliding movement. Such a combination of movements contributes both to the product 108 being detached from the puff 104 to be deposited on the surface to be treated while facilitating the lateral distribution of the product 108 on said surface. According to such an arrangement, the damping element 117 is subjected mainly to axial and lateral shear forces as well as to bending forces. Regardless of the position of the skirt 124 with respect to the connection zone 126, the intrinsic flexibility of the material of the damping element 117 makes it possible to prevent these vibrations from being transmitted to the gripping body 103.

Claims (23)

Vibrating cosmetic or cosmetic treatment device provided with a body (12; 66; 103), a vibrating element (16; 64; 73; 118), a vibration generator (28; the vibrating element, and a damping element (18; 78; 117) disposed between the body and the vibrating element and capable of damping the vibrations transmitted to the body, the damping element being disposed axially at a non-zero distance from the generator characterized in that the vibrating element has an outer surface (16; 50; 65; 218; 128) intended to be applied against a body surface to be massaged and in that it comprises a first hollow cylindrical portion (16; 74; 217; 118) within which the vibration generator (28; 119) is at least partly disposed; and a second cylindrical portion (62; 124) about which the damping element extends radially. (18; 91; 202; 117). Device according to claim 1, wherein the damping element (18; 78; 202; 117) comprises a block made of elastic material. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping element (18) is mounted against a radial surface (24) of the body (12; 66; 201; 103). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the vibrating element (16; 64; 73; 200; 118) is made integral with the body (12; 66, 201; 103) solely by means of the damping element. (18; 78; 202; 117). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a light source capable of illuminating a axial end (50; 65; 218) of the vibrating element (16; 64; 73; 200). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration generator (119) is of inertial type, the vibrating element (118) being connected to the body (103), in a connection zone (126), by intermediate of the damping element (117). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping element (202) comprises a sheath (208) mounted around the vibrating element (16; 62; 200) and provided with fins (209, 210). extending radially to bear within the body (12; 66; 201). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibrating element (16) leaves a radial clearance (26) of operation between said vibrating element and the body. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibrating element (16; 218) comprises a substantially smooth outer surface. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vibrating element (16) comprises an outer surface provided with asperities. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping element (18; 202) is disposed at a lower end of the vibrating element (16; 200). Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the vibrating element (64; 73) further comprises a removable tip (64; 204) or a removable upper body (204) provided with an applicator head (65; 218). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vibration generator (28; 119) is mounted within the vibrating element (16; 200). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vibrating element comprises a plate (123) on which is mounted the vibration generator (119), the connection zone (126) being located axially at a distance from said plate . Device according to claim 14, wherein the connection zone is formed by an annular groove (126) in which a free end of the body (114) engages. Device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the vibrating element (118) comprises a skirt (124) extending rigidly from the support plate (123) parallel to the axis (122) of the vibration generator (119) , the damping element (117) being attached to the skirt remote from the connection zone (126). Device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the damping element comprises an axial cylindrical housing in the bottom of which are placed the vibrating element and the vibration generator (119), the bottom of the housing being located axially at distance from the connection area. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the damping element (117) is covered with a coating (128) which constitutes an application surface of a cosmetic treatment or care product. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the coating forms a puff. Apparatus for storing and applying a cosmetic or aesthetic care product, comprising a reservoir (107) capable of receiving the product and a vibrating device (102) for sampling and apply the product, characterized in that the vibrating device is a device according to any one of claims 14 to 19. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the reservoir (107) comprises a screen (109) adapted to hold the product (108) in the reservoir (107) and to provide product distribution. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the reservoir (107) comprises mounting means (105) for cooperating with complementary mounting means (106) adapted to mount the vibrating element against the sieve in the storage position to collect of the product. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises a removable cover which caps the vibrating device and wherein said complementary mounting means (106) are formed.

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