EP2062495A1 - System for applying a doughy liquid product by twisting a flexible packaging bag - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a lower actuating body (1) mounted on an upper body (2) in a manually rotatable manner. An applicator (5) is integrated to the upper body, and has an orifice (6) for dispensing a pasty liquid product (P), where the product is conditioned in a flexible pouch (14) that is housed in the bodies. The pouch is rotatably integrated to the lower body and is connected to the applicator while being in sealed communication with the orifice so as to permit the dispensing of the product by torsion of the pouch during rotary actuation of the lower body.

Description

The invention relates to a system for applying a pasty liquid product to a person or an object.

In particular, the system allows the application of a product such as a liquid lipstick (or lip gloss in English) or a care product for the lips. Indeed, there is a demand to replace the stick lipsticks that are applied by friction, with liquid lipsticks to be applied directly to the lips.

To apply a liquid lipstick, it is known to use a device comprising a container in which the pasty liquid product is packaged, the application being able to be carried out either by pressing on the flexible container which is then equipped with an applicator, or by immersion of an application brush into the container.

However, such devices have the disadvantage of complicated handling which, moreover, away from the gesture to which users are accustomed to apply a stick lipstick.

Paste liquid product dispensing devices are also known using a piston sliding inside a cylinder head defining a volume of packaging of the product.

However, such devices have the disadvantage of being relatively complicated to achieve, and therefore to present a significant cost.

The invention aims to improve the devices for applying a pasty liquid product according to the prior art by providing a known gesture for stick lipsticks, said device being furthermore particularly simple to produce.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a system for applying a pasty liquid product, comprising a lower actuating body which is mounted in rotation manually on an upper body, and an applicator secured to said upper body being provided with a product dispensing orifice, said system further comprising a flexible bag in which the product is packaged, said bag being housed in the upper and lower bodies being on the one hand integral in rotation of the lower body and on the other hand secured to the applicator by being in sealed communication with the orifice, so as to allow the product to be dispensed by twisting the pocket during actuation in rotation of the lower body.

• les figures 1 et 2 sont des représentations en coupe longitudinale d'un dispositif d'application selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, respectivement en position initiale (figure 1) et en position après un premier actionnement en rotation du corps inférieur (figure 2) ;
• les figures 3 et 4 sont des représentations en coupe longitudinale d'un dispositif d'application selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, respectivement en position initiale rétractée (figure 3) et en position d'utilisation (figure 4) ;
• la figure 5 est une représentation en coupe longitudinale montrant le surmoulage d'un applicateur par une poche souple ;
• la figure 6 est une représentation partielle en coupe longitudinale montrant un dispositif de rotation anti-retour par l'intermédiaire duquel le corps inférieur est monté sur le corps supérieur ;
• la figure 7 est une représentation partielle en coupe transversale du dispositif de rotation anti-retour de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 est une représentation partielle en vue latérale montrant une variante d'un dispositif de rotation anti-retour par l'intermédiaire duquel le corps inférieur est monté sur le corps supérieur.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which follows, made with reference to the appended figures, in which:

• the Figures 1 and 2 are longitudinal sectional representations of an application device according to a first embodiment of the invention, respectively in initial position ( figure 1 ) and in position after a first rotational actuation of the lower body ( figure 2 );
• the Figures 3 and 4 are longitudinal sectional representations of an application device according to a second embodiment of the invention, respectively in retracted initial position ( figure 3 ) and in the position of use ( figure 4 );
• the figure 5 is a representation in longitudinal section showing the overmolding of an applicator by a flexible bag;
• the figure 6 is a partial representation in longitudinal section showing a non-return rotation device through which the lower body is mounted on the upper body;
• the figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional representation of the anti-return rotation device of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 8 is a partial view in side view showing a variant of a non-return rotation device through which the lower body is mounted on the upper body.

In connection with the figures, there is described a system for applying a pasty liquid product P, such as a liquid lipstick (or lip gloss in English) or a care product for the lips. According to other embodiments, the system according to the invention allows the application of a pasty liquid product to another area of a person, especially on the skin, or another type of product, especially for cosmetic or therapeutic use, or the application of the product on an object.

The system comprises a lower actuating body 1 which is mounted in manual rotation on an upper body 2, said bodies being made of rigid material, in particular of plastic or metal. In particular, the lower body 1 is clipped into the upper body 2 via a groove 3 and a rod 4 which are arranged to allow the relative rotation of the two bodies 1, 2.

The system also comprises an applicator 5, also of rigid material or of semi-rigid material, in particular transparent or at least translucent. The applicator 5 is integral with the upper body 2, said applicator being provided with a dispensing orifice 6 of the product P. In the embodiments shown, the applicator 5 comprises a base which is associated in a housing 7 formed in the upper wall 8 of the upper body 2, and a projecting portion 9 provided with the orifice 6 of distribution. More specifically, the base comprises a skirt 10 whose periphery is sealed in the housing 7, and the projecting portion 9 extends beyond the upper wall 8.

Furthermore, the system comprises a cover 11 for protecting the projecting portion 9 which is mounted on the edge of the upper wall 8, in particular by providing for the cooperation of a snap ring 12 of the cover 11 on said edge. For aesthetic reasons, the cover 11 can be provided transparent or at least translucent so as to leave the applicator 5 visible.

In addition, the dispensing orifice 6 is formed on a bevelled zone 13 of the projecting portion 9 of the applicator 5, said zone being arranged in particular flat to facilitate the application of the product P on the lips. Therefore, the applicator 5 schematically in the figures is substantially in the form of a grape of stick lipstick.

The dispensing orifice 6 may have a geometry adapted to the intended application, in particular a straight or not slot, continuous or discontinuous. Alternatively, a plurality of dispensing orifices 6 may be provided, including a plurality of small holes. In addition, the beveled area 13 may be coated with a flocking or textile to soften the contact with the lips and promote the distribution of the product P during its application.

The system also comprises a pocket 14 flexible and waterproof, for example made of elastomeric material, wherein the product P to be applied is packaged. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 the pocket 14 is formed of a tubular sleeve comprising a lower opening 14a and an upper opening 14b.

The pocket 14 is housed in the lower body 1 and upper 2 to protect it. In addition, the pocket 14 is integral in rotation with the lower body 1 and secondly secured to the applicator 5 while being in leaktight communication with the orifice 6. Thus, during the actuation in rotation of the lower body 1 in one direction, it rotates the flexible pouch 14 which is also secured to the fixed applicator 5. This results in a twisting of the flexible pouch 14 ( figure 2 ), and thus a decrease in the packaging volume of the product P. The product P is then pressurized in the bag 14, said pressure inducing a distribution of the product P through the orifice 6.

On the figure 5 , the thickness e of the envelope of the flexible bag 14 increases from the lower body 1 to the applicator 5. Thus, the pocket 14 is first twisted in the lower part, to better empty said pocket during successive twists. In variant not shown, other means for promoting the progressive twisting of the pocket 14 since its lower opening 14a to its upper opening 14b can be envisaged.

On the Figures 1 to 4 , the upper opening 14b is mounted around the skirt 10 to be interposed in a sealed manner between said skirt and the housing 7 during fitting.

In a variant represented on the figure 5 at least a portion of the applicator 5 may be overmolded by the flexible pouch 14, said pouch may be transparent or at least translucent. In particular, in this figure, the outer surface of the projecting portion 9 is overmolded, as well as the inner surface of the skirt 10. In this case, after overmolding, a slot 15 is made in the area of the pocket 14 which is formed opposite the dispensing orifice 6.

This embodiment, in addition to the aesthetic appearance of the covering of the visible part of the applicator 5 by the flexible bag 14, has the particular advantage of being able to improve the feel of the beveled area 13 on which the lips are intended to come into contact. . In addition, the edge of the slot 15 may form a sealing lip of the orifice 6, said sealing being broken in the case of pressurizing the product P. This embodiment thus makes it possible to avoid, between two applications, the leakage of product P through the orifice 6, as well as the drying of the product P disposed near the orifice 6.

Furthermore, the lower body 1 comprises a bore 16 on which the lower opening 14a of the pocket 14 is mounted, a lower closure means of the flexible bag 14 being associated in said bore. More specifically, the bore 16 has an axial annular wall against which the outer surface of the opening 14a is disposed, the sealing means sealingly sealing said surface against said wall.

The sealing means shown is formed of a ball 17, for example glass to be transparent or at least translucent so as to leave at least the color of the product P visible through it, said ball being mounted in the bore 16 subsequent to the packaging of the product P in the pocket 14. As a variant not shown, a closure cap may be used, or the molding of a sealing wax may be formed in the bore 16 after conditioning the product P.

In relation to Figures 6 to 8 , below is described a device 18 of anti-return rotation through which the lower body 1 is mounted on the upper body 2 to prevent the rotation of said lower body in the direction S opposite the actuation. Indeed, the pressurization of the product P is understood in the embodiments described by cumulative torsion of the pocket 14 in the same direction as and when the applications.

In addition, the anti-return rotation device 18 may comprise means arranged to allow an angular decompression travel in the direction S opposite the actuation. Indeed, during an actuation, the distribution of the product P may have a certain inertia which, in case of stopping the actuation, leads to a subsequent distribution of the product P. To limit this unwanted distribution, the angular movement allows a slight detorsion of the pocket 14 at the end of actuation, so as to immediately stop the distribution. In addition, the depression thus created can be arranged to, at the end of actuation, suck the product P from the orifice 6 into the pocket 14.

In the embodiment shown, the angular deflection means comprise a lug 19 which is engaged in an angular slot 20, the stroke of the lug 19 in the slot 20 defining the angular displacement of decompression.

More specifically, the non-return rotation device comprises a decompression ring 21 which is interposed between the upper body 2 and lower 1, said device comprising, between the ring 21 and a body, a cooperation between a lug 22 and notches 23 anti-return and, between the ring 21 and the other body, the cooperation of the lug 19 with the decompression light 20.

On the Figures 6 and 7 , the notches 23 of non-return are formed on the inner wall of the upper body 2 and the lug 22 is formed on the outer wall of the ring 21. In addition, the ring 21 has, opposite the 22, the decompression light 20, the lug 19 being formed on the outer wall of the lower body 1.

Thus, in case of actuation in rotation of the lower body 1, the lug moves in the lumen 20 until it bears on its front wall ( figure 7 ), said support then making it possible to drive the opposite lug 22 in the non-return notch succession 23 to induce the irreversible torsion of the pocket 14. When stopping the rotational actuation of the lower body 1, the angular position of the upper body 2 relative to the ring 21 is maintained by the engagement of the pin 22 in a notch 23 anti-return. However, the force exerted on the lower body 1 by the twisted flexible pocket 14 induces a rotational movement of said body relative to the ring 21 in the opposite direction S to the actuation, the amplitude of the displacement being defined by the race of the lug 19 in the light 20. This therefore results in a slight detorsion of the flexible bag 14.

On the Figures 6 and 7 , the ring 21 is interposed radially between the bodies 1, 2 which have a radial overlap zone. This embodiment can induce an increase in the diameter of the application system. In a variant represented on the figure 8 , the ring 21 is interposed axially between the bodies 1, 2 so as to avoid this increase in diameter. In addition, on the figure 8 the non-return notches 23 are formed on the ring 21 and the lug 22 is formed on the upper body 2.

In relation to Figures 3 and 4 , a second embodiment of an application system according to the invention is described below, the characteristics described above being able to be provided in this embodiment.

In addition to the first embodiment, the system comprises an outer body 24 and a base 25 which is mounted for manual rotation on said outer body. The upper body 2 is mounted in reversible translation in the body outside 24 between a retracted position ( figure 3 ) in which the applicator 5 is housed in the outer body 24 and a position of use ( figure 4 ) wherein said applicator is protruding from said outer body. In particular, in the retracted position, the upper end of the applicator 5 is arranged flush with the upper wall of the outer body 24.

In addition, the lower body 1 is mounted in translation in the base 25 to reversibly move the upper body 2 between its two positions by rotation of the base 25 respectively in one direction, and to be rotated by said base when said applicator is in position of use.

Thus, the gesture of application of the pasty liquid product P is all the more similar to that of a stick lipstick, in which the grape, like the applicator 5 according to the invention, is reversibly displaceable in translation. via a base 25 manually operable in rotation. In addition, the arrangement of the applicator 5 in the retracted position makes it possible to guarantee its protection between two applications.

In the embodiment described, the inner surface of the base 25 comprises a helical groove 26, the lower body 1 comprising an outer lug 27 which is engaged in said groove on the translational stroke. In addition, the lug 27 may come into axial abutment at the end of the groove 26 when the applicator 5 is in the position of use, so as to allow the rotational drive of the lower body 1 through the base 25. .

Furthermore, the inner surface of the outer body 24 comprises an axial groove 28 in which an outer lug 29 of the upper body 2 is guided. The lug 29 may be in axial abutment in the groove 28 when the applicator 5 is in the use position, so as to allow the rotational drive of the lower body 1 through the base 25. In the embodiment shown, two sets of lugs 29 - groove 28 are provided on either side of the axis of translation.

As a variant, possibly complementary to the axial abutment of at least one lug 27, 29, the upper body 2, in particular the periphery of the wall 8, can be in axial abutment in the position of use in the upper body 24, in particular in the upper opening of said body, so as to allow the rotational drive of the lower body 1 through the base 25.

Thus, the rotation of the base 25 successively causes the rise of the applicator 5 and then the twist of the pocket 14. After application, the user rotates the base 25 in the opposite direction to retract the applicator 5 into the outer body 24, the torsion of the pocket 14 remaining unchanged due to the presence of the device 18 of rotation anti-return between the lower body 1 and upper 2.

Claims (14)

A pasty liquid product application system (P) comprising a lower actuating body (1) which is manually rotatably mounted on an upper body (2), and an applicator (5) integral with said upper body being provided with a dispensing orifice (6) of the product (P), said system being characterized in that it further comprises a flexible bag (14) in which the product (P) is packaged, said bag being housed in the upper body (2) and lower (1) being on the one hand integral in rotation with said lower body and secondly secured to the applicator (5) in being in sealed communication with the orifice (6), so to allow the distribution of the product (P) by twisting the pocket (14) during the rotational actuation of the lower body (1). Application system according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower body (1) comprises a bore (16) on which a lower opening (14a) of the flexible bag (14) is mounted, a lower sealing means ( 17) of the flexible bag (14) being associated in said bore. Application system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base of the applicator (5) is associated in the upper wall (8) of the upper body (2), said applicator comprising a projecting portion (9) provided of the dispensing orifice (6). Application system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the dispensing orifice (6) is formed on a bevelled zone (13) of the applicator (5). Application system according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least a part of the applicator (5) is overmolded by the flexible bag (14), a slot (15) being formed in the zone of said pocket which is optionally formed opposite the dispensing orifice (6). Application system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the thickness (e) of the envelope of the flexible bag (14) increases from the lower body (1) to the applicator (5). Application system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower body (1) is mounted on the upper body (2) via a non-return rotation device (18). in the direction (S) opposite to the actuation. Application system according to claim 7, characterized in that the non-return rotation device (18) comprises means arranged to allow an angular decompression deflection in the direction (S) opposite to the actuation. Application system according to claim 8, characterized in that the angular deflection means comprise a lug (19) which is engaged in an angular slot (20), the stroke of said lug in said slot defining the angular decompression clearance. Application system according to claim 9, characterized in that the non-return rotation device (18) comprises a decompression ring (21) which is interposed between the upper (2) and lower (1) bodies, said device comprising , between the ring (21) and a body (1, 2), a cooperation between a lug (22) and non-return notches (23) and, between the ring (21) and the other body (2). , 1), the cooperation of the lug (19) with the decompression light (20). Application system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises an outer body (24) and a base (25) which is mounted in manual rotation on said outer body, the upper body (2) being mounted in reversible translation in the outer body (24) between a retracted position in which the applicator (5) is housed in the outer body (24) and a position of use in which said applicator is protruding from said outer body, the lower body (1) being mounted in translation in the base (25) to reversibly move the upper body (2) between its two positions by rotation of the base (25) respectively in one direction, and for be rotated by said base when said applicator is in the use position. Application system according to claim 11, characterized in that the inner surface of the base (25) comprises a helical groove (26), the lower body (1) comprising an outer lug (27) which is engaged in said groove on the translation stroke. Application system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the inner surface of the outer body (24) comprises an axial groove (28) in which an outer lug (29) of the upper body (2) is guided. Application system according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that , in the position of use, at least one of the lug (27), the lug (29) and the upper body ( 2) is in axial abutment in respectively the end of groove (26), the groove (28) and the upper body (24).

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