EP3057462A1

EP3057462A1 - Applicator device for a product in stick form and use of same

Info

Publication number: EP3057462A1
Application number: EP14802093.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yannick Hermouet; Pierre Joulia
Original assignee: Parfums Christian Dior SA
Current assignee: Parfums Christian Dior SA
Priority date: 2013-10-18
Filing date: 2014-10-17
Publication date: 2016-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-17
Also published as: FR3012023A1; US9814294B2; JP6522600B2; EP3057462B1; US20160249729A1; WO2015055964A1; JP2016537062A; FR3012023B1; CN105934178B; ES2640115T3; CN105934178A

Abstract

An applicator device comprising a tubular base (3), a sleeve (4) mounted rotating on the tubular base between a storage position and a use position, a shutter (5) designed to close the sleeve, a manoeuvring mechanism (6) comprising first and second parts (34, 40) rotatably mounted relative to each other, and a cup (32) carrying a stick of product (7), the first and second parts being driven in rotation respectively with the tubular base and the sleeve and being designed to move the cup axially when the sleeve rotates on the tubular base. The first and second parts of the manoeuvring mechanism are mounted axially sliding respectively relative to the tubular base and to the sleeve, and are moved axially in the outlet direction of the stick of product when the sleeve is rotated towards the storage position from an intermediate angular position.

Description

BATTERY APPLICATOR DEVICE AND USE THEREOF.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices applicators stick products and their uses.

More particularly, the invention relates to a product applicator device comprising:

a tubular case extending along a longitudinal axis between first and second ends, the second end being open, said case being adapted to contain a product stick and comprising:

a tubular base extending along the longitudinal axis,

a sleeve rotatably mounted on the tubular base about the longitudinal axis between first and second angular positions,

- A shutter device adapted to close the second end of the case and controlled by relative rotation of the sleeve relative to the tubular base to open when said sleeve is rotated in a first angular direction relative to the base and to close when said sleeve is rotated in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction relative to the tubular base,

an operating mechanism comprising first and second parts rotatably mounted relative to each other about the longitudinal axis and a cup carrying the product stick, the first and second parts being secured in rotation respectively with the tubular base and with the sleeve for axially moving the cup towards the second end of the case when said sleeve is rotated in the first angular direction relative to the tubular base and towards the first end of the case when said sleeve is turned in the second angular direction relative to the tubular base. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The document US8152398 describes an example of such an applicator device, intended in particular for lipsticks. Such applicator devices allow one actuation of the applicator device with one hand. They have the disadvantage of requiring a significant angular travel of rotation between the tubular base and the sleeve, because it is necessary that the shutter device is at least partially open before the product stick can start to leave the case.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to overcome this disadvantage.

For this purpose, according to the invention, a device of the type in question is characterized in that the first and second parts of the operating mechanism are mounted to slide axially respectively relative to the tubular base and the sleeve, the tubular case being in position. further connected to one of said first and second parts of the operating mechanism by a guiding device (this guiding device can connect for example the first part of the operating mechanism to the sleeve, or the second part of the operating mechanism to the base tubular) adapted for:

axially moving said first and second parts of the operating mechanism towards the second end of the case when the sleeve is turned in the first angular direction with respect to the tubular base from an intermediate angular position between said first and second angular positions,

axially moving said first and second parts of the operating mechanism towards the first end of the case when said sleeve is rotated in the second angular direction relative to the tubular base between the second angular position and the intermediate angular position,

and do not axially move said first and second parts of the operating mechanism toward the first end of the case when said sleeve is in an angular position between the first angular position and the intermediate angular position.

Thanks to these arrangements, it delays the sliding of the product stick towards the second end at the beginning of the opening movement of the shutter device, then this sliding is accelerated when the shutter device is sufficiently open, which allows to pass the applicator device in use position on a limited angular actuating stroke.

In various embodiments of the applicator device according to the invention, one or more of the following provisions may also be used:

the first and second parts of the operating mechanism are interconnected in axial translation,

the guide device comprises at least one linear guide disposed along a cylindrical surface of revolution centered on the longitudinal axis and at least one follower sliding along the linear guide,

the linear guide and the follower being secured to one of a first element selected from the first and second parts of the operating mechanism, the other of a second element selected from the tubular base and the sleeve, the first and second elements not being slidably mounted axially relative to each other (that is, if the first element is the first part of the operating mechanism, then the second element is the sleeve, and if the first element is the second part of the operating mechanism, then the second element is the tubular base);

the linear guide comprises a circular part comprised in a radial plane and a helical part, the follower being on the circular part when the sleeve is between the first angular position and the intermediate angular position, and on the helical part when the sleeve is between the position intermediate angular and second angular position; said first element is the second part of the operating mechanism and said second element is the tubular base;

- The first and second parts of the operating device are secured in rotation respectively with the tubular base and with the sleeve;

the operating mechanism further comprises delay means for delaying axial sliding of the cup when the sleeve is moved in the first angular direction from the first angular position;

the first part of the operating mechanism is an inner sheath having at least one slot having an axial section extending between first and second ends located respectively towards the first and second ends of the tubular case, the slot further comprising a section end portion substantially in a radial plane and extending the axial portion in the second angular direction at the first end of said axial section,

the second part of the operating mechanism is an outer sheath surrounding the inner sheath and comprising at least one helical inner groove,

and the cup comprises at least one pin engaged both in said slot of the inner sheath and in said inner groove of the outer sheath, said pin of the cup being in the end section when the sleeve is in the first angular position ;

the shutter device comprises a ring housed in the tubular case, secured in rotation with the sleeve and sliding axially with respect to this sleeve, this ring cooperating by screwing with the tubular base and carrying at least one flap adapted to close the second end of the tubular case when the sleeve is in the first angular position;

the ring carries at least two deformable flexible flaps between a planar closure configuration of the second end of the tubular case and a cylindrical opening configuration of the second end of the tubular case,

the sleeve having an inner annular flange at the second end of the tubular case and the flaps being held in planar configuration by pressing under the inner flange of the sleeve when the sleeve is in the first angular position,

the ring being disposed around the operating mechanism and the flaps being held in cylindrical configuration by cooperation with the tubular case and the operating mechanism when opening the applicator device;

the sleeve further comprises inner guides and the flaps are supported on said inner guides when said flaps are in planar configuration;

the flaps are two in number and are formed in half-discs each comprising a semicircle edge and a straight edge, the semicircular edges being connected to the ring respectively by hinges diametrically opposite to the axis longitudinal, the inner guides each having a guide edge facing the second end of the tubular case, each guide edge having a half-crown shape having an apex substantially midway between the hinges;

- The ring is connected to the tubular base by a guiding device adapted to move axially said ring when the sleeve is close to the first angular position and not to move axially said ring when the sleeve is close to the second angular position;

the sleeve is retractable in the tubular base;

the tubular base comprises an outer shell, a support bushing fixed in the outer shell and a sheath on which the sleeve is rotatably mounted, the sheath being slidably mounted axially on the support bushing between a retracted position where the sleeve is entirely contained; in the outer shell, a position deployed where the sleeve protrudes out of the outer shell and an actuating position where the sleeve is pressed into the outer shell towards the first end of the tubular case relative to the retracted position, the sheath being biased elastically towards the position deployed and the tubular base having a cam lock adapted for:

- lock the sheath in the retracted position by clipping when a user moves said sheath from the deployed position to the retracted position by pressing on the sleeve,

- And release said sheath when a user moves said sheath from the retracted position to the actuating position by pressing on the sleeve.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a use of an applicator device as defined above for the application of cosmetic products, especially lipstick.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge during the following description of two of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

On the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an applicator device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in the storage position,

FIG. 2 is an axial sectional view of the applicator device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the applicator device of FIG. 1, the operating mechanism of the product stick not being exploded,

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the applicator device of FIG. 1, the operating mechanism being in this case exploded and the device being viewed at another angle than in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3C is a detail view in perspective of an inner sheath belonging to the operating mechanism,

FIG. 4 is an exploded view in axial section of a portion of the applicator device of FIG. 1, viewed at substantially the same angle as FIG. 3A,

FIG. 4A is an axial sectional view similar to FIG. 4, with a different section plane of FIG. 4,

- Figures 5 and 6 are similar views respectively Figures 1 and 2, showing the applicator device of Figure 1 in the open position of the shutter, the product stick being returned,

FIGS. 7 and 8 are similar views, respectively, FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the applicator device of FIG. 1 in the position of use, the product stick being taken out,

FIG. 9 is an overall perspective view of an applicator device according to a second embodiment of the invention, in the storage position,

FIG. 10 is an axial sectional view of the applicator device of FIG. 9,

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are exploded views of the applicator device of FIG. 9, viewed from three different angles,

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of detail XII of FIG. 11A, seen from another angle than FIG. 11A,

- Figures 13 and 14 are similar views respectively Figures 9 and 10, showing the applicator device of Figure 9 during actuation of the deployment mechanism,

Figures 15 and 16 are similar views respectively Figures 9 and 10, showing the applicator device of Figure 9 in the deployed position, the shutter being closed,

Figures 17 and 18 are similar views respectively Figures 9 and 10, showing the applicator device of Figure 9 in the open position of the shutter, the product stick being retracted,

Figures 19 and 20 are similar views respectively Figures 9 and 10, showing the applicator device of Figure 1 in the use position, the product stick being out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the different figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

A. First embodiment of the invention

As can be seen in Figures 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4, 4A, the applicator device 1 comprises a tubular case 2 which extends in a longitudinal direction X between first and second ends 2a, 2b, respectively lower and higher in the current position of use of the applicator device (in what follows, the terms "lower" and "upper" will be used with reference to this position of current use of the applicator device). More specifically, the tubular case 2 may in particular have a generally cylindrical shape of revolution centered on a longitudinal axis X. The second end 2b is open.

The tubular case 2 comprises a tubular base 3 extending along the longitudinal axis X and a sleeve 4 freely rotatably mounted on the tubular base 3 around the longitudinal axis X, between first and second angular positions respectively corresponding to the storage position (Figure 1) and the position of use (Figure 7).

In the storage position, the second end 2b of the case is closed by a shutter 5 which will be detailed later.

In addition, the tubular case 2 further contains a maneuvering mechanism 6 which allows a product stick 7 to be pushed in or out at the second end 2b of the tubular case, as will be explained in more detail below. after. The product stick 7 may for example be a solid or pasty product for cosmetic or pharmaceutical use. It may be a product for the lips, for example a lipstick.

The sleeve 4 is manually actuatable by rotation in a first angular direction 0 from its first angular position with respect to the tubular base 3, to extend the product stick 7 from the case 2 to said second end 2b and in a second angular direction F opposed to the first direction from its second angular position to retract the product stick 7 into the case 1.

Tubular base 3

The tubular base 3 may for example be made in two parts:

- Optionally, an outer shell 8 or other essentially decorative metal, having a tubular side wall 8a centered on the longitudinal axis X (for example of revolution about the longitudinal axis X) and open towards the second end 2b of the tubular case, and a bottom 8b at the first end 2a of the tubular case 2,

- And a lower sheath 9 made for example of molded plastic and secured to the outer shell 8, for example by force fitting or otherwise.

The lower sheath 9 has:

a tubular side wall 9a centered on the longitudinal axis X (for example of revolution about the longitudinal axis X), nested in the lateral wall 8a of the shell and open towards the second end 2b of the case 2, and a background 9b.

In the example considered here, the side wall 9a of the lower sheath 9 may comprise a thick lower portion 10 from the bottom 9b to an outer annular shoulder 11 facing the first end 2a of the holster, and an upper portion thinner 12 from the bottom 9b to the open upper end of the lower sheath 9. This upper portion 12 can comprise an outer annular ring 13 in the vicinity of the outer shoulder 11, and at least one outer pin 14 (here two diametrically opposite outer pins 14) in the vicinity of the open upper end of the side wall 9b.

The lower sheath 9 may also comprise an inner annular shoulder 15 formed in the lower part 10 of the lower sheath and oriented towards the second end 2b of the case, and at least one internal helical thread 16 formed in the second part 12, advantageously two internal helical threads 16 diametrically opposed. The helical threads 16 extend helically upwards in the first angular direction 0, each between a lower end and an upper end.

The lower sheath 9 may further comprise:

at least one axial slot 17 formed in the lower part 10 parallel to the longitudinal axis X, for example from the bottom 9b to the vicinity of the outer annular shoulder 11 (for example two axial slots 17 diametrically opposite in the example considered),

and less a radial slot 18 in the form of an arc of a circle, generally emerging, formed in the lower part 10 in the immediate vicinity of the outer shoulder 11 (for example two diametrically opposed slots 18 and arranged in the same radial plane in the example under consideration) . Each of the slots 18 extends angularly between a first end 18a and a second end 18b in the first angular direction 0, the second angular ends 18b of the radial slots 18 opening respectively in the lower ends of the threads 16 mentioned above.

Sleeve 4

The sleeve 4, when it can be, for example, made in two pieces:

- optionally, an outer ferrule 19 or other metal, having a tubular side wall 19a centered on the longitudinal axis X (for example of revolution about the longitudinal axis X) and open towards the first end 2a of the tubular case, and an inner annular flange 19b at the second end 2b of the tubular case 2,

- And an annular upper body 20 made for example of molded plastic material and secured to the outer shell 19, for example by interlocking or otherwise.

The annular upper body 20 is centered on the longitudinal axis X and advantageously has a shape of revolution around this axis. It extends along the X axis between a lower end 20a fixed to the lower sheath 9, and an upper end 20b located under the rim 19b of the shell 19.

The annular upper body 20 may have an outer annular rib 21 arranged radially with respect to the longitudinal axis X, this rib flush with the outer surface of the ferrules 8, 19 at their opposite ends (upper end of the shell 8 and end lower part of the ferrule 19).

The annular upper body 20 further comprises at least one axial slot 22 which extends along the longitudinal axis X and opens at the upper end 20b of the annular upper body. Advantageously, the annular upper body 20 has two axial slots 22 diametrically opposed. At the upper end 20b of the annular upper body 20 may be provided guides 23 formed in relief inside the annular upper body 20, on either side of each slot 22. The guides 23 respectively comprise edges upper guide members 23a are rounded, each in the shape of a half-warhead, the upper guide edges 23a extending downwards (that is to say towards the first end 2a) away from the corresponding slot 22.

The annular upper body 20 further includes an inner annular groove 24 extending in a radial plane at its lower end 20a. The outer annular ring 13 of the lower sheath 9 is fitted by clipping into this inner annular groove 24, so that the annular upper body 20 and the lower sheath 9 are secured to one another in axial translation while allowing relative rotation between these two parts around the longitudinal axis X.

The annular upper body 20 further comprises at least one inner guide groove 20c (FIG. 4A) extending along the axis X from the lower end 20a to one of the guides 23, the utility of which will be seen further. Advantageously, the grooves 20c are 2 in number and are diametrically opposed.

Shutter 5

The aforementioned shutter 5 may be molded for example at least partially of flexible synthetic material and comprises a tubular side wall 5a, for example cylindrical in revolution about the longitudinal axis X, which is mounted to slide axially along the longitudinal axis X to inside the annular upper body 20.

The lateral wall 5a of the shutter extends between a lower edge 5b located towards the lower end 20a of the annular upper body 20 and an upper edge 5c located towards the upper end 20b of the annular upper body 20.

The upper edge 5c is extended upwards by two diametrically opposite arms, at the upper ends of which are mounted flexible flaps 26, substantially in the form of half-disks. Each flap 26 has a semicircular circular edge 26a which is connected to the corresponding arm 25 by a hinge 27, and a straight edge 26b.

When the applicator device 1 is in the storage position of FIG. 1, the flaps 26 are flat and resting under the rim 19b of the shell 19, the right edges 26b of the flaps being in mutual contact and the ends of said straight edges 26b being supported on the upper ends of the guide edges 23a of the guides 23. The flaps 26 may be separate parts of the side wall 5a of the shutter 5, separately molded and attached to the arms 25 of said shutter in particular by means of pivots forming the hinges 27, as in the example shown (in this case, the side wall 5a of the shutter can be molded plastics more rigid and the flaps 26 may be molded more flexible synthetic material, for example a silicone rubber). Alternatively, the flaps 26 could be formed in one piece with the rest of the shutter 5, the hinges 27 are then simply flexible areas, for example thinned. The flaps 26 may also comprise a relatively rigid portion (for example a metal blade) overmolded with a synthetic material also forming the hinge.

The shutter 5 may also be or comprise a foil type metal blade.

The shutter 5 may further comprise, in the example considered:

at least one guide rib 28 and preferably two diametrically opposite guide ribs 28 extending along the longitudinal axis X outside the lateral wall 5a between the lower and upper edges 5b and 5c between the arms 25; ,

at least one axial through slot 29, and preferably two diametrically opposed axial slots 29 formed in the side wall 5a for a distance from the upper edge 5c of said side wall, also between the arms 25,

at least one radial slot 30 and preferably two diametrically opposed radial slots, generally through, each of these radial slots extending angularly between first and second ends 30a, 30b in the aforementioned angular direction 0,

at least one of two internal helical threads 31 and preferably two diametrically opposed inner helical threads 31, extending helically toward the lower end 5b in the angular direction 0, respectively from the second ends 30b of the radial slots 30.

Each guide rib 28 is received in one of the guide grooves 20c of the annular upper body 20, so that the shutter is secured in rotation with said annular upper body, while being axially slidable relative thereto. In the storage position, the shutter is in the upper position relative to the annular upper body 20, the upper edge 5c of the shutter being located under the guides 23 in the immediate vicinity thereof and the arms 25 of the shutter being located between the pairs of guides 23.

Each of the helical threads 31 of the shutter receives one of the aforementioned pins 14 of the lower sheath 9, these pins 14 being in the vicinity of the lower end 5b in the storage position of the applicator device. Note that if the lower sheath 9 has only one pin 14, the shutter may possibly have only one thread 31 and one radial slot 30. In the storage position, the pins 14 are each at the end. bottom of the net 31 corresponding.

Operating mechanism 6

The operating mechanism 6 can be of any known type. In the example considered, the operating mechanism 6 comprises a cup 32, generally molded from a plastic material, containing the proximal end 7a of the product stick 7. Said product stick 7 extends axially along the longitudinal axis X of this proximal end 7a at a distal end 7b which may for example be beveled and which, in the storage position of the applicator device, is inside the tubular case 2 and protected by the flaps 26 of the shutter .

The cup 32 comprises a bottom 32a, an annular side wall 32b and two diametrically opposed lateral pins 33 protruding radially outwardly from the side wall 32b.

The cup is controlled by rotation of the sleeve 4 relative to the tubular base 3 to slide towards the second end 2b of the case when said sleeve 4 rotates in the first angular direction 0 and to slide towards the first end 2a of the case when the sleeve 4 rotates in the second angular direction F, for example with the aid of two concentric sheaths 34, 40, respectively inner and outer, both cooperating with the pins 33.

The inner sheath 34 is a generally molded plastic part, having a cylindrical shape of revolution about the longitudinal axis X, which extends between a lower end 34a and an upper end 34b. In the example considered here, the lower end is provided with two diametrically opposite lugs 36 projecting outwards and engaged in the axial slots 17 of the lower sheath 9, so that the inner sheath 34 can slide axially through relative to the tubular base 9 while remaining secured to it in rotation. In the storage position of the applicator device,

Advantageously, the lugs 36 can be carried by axial elastic fingers 35 formed in the lower part of the inner sheath 34 and delimited by axial slots 35a formed in the inner sheath 34 and opening at the lower end 34a of this inner sheath 34 In addition, the lugs 36 may comprise a cam face 36a oriented downwardly and outwardly, and a stop face 36b disposed substantially in a radial plane and facing upwards. Thus, the inner sheath 34 can be engaged in the tubular base 9 by simple axial engagement with clipping of the lugs 35 in the slots 17.

In the storage position of the applicator device 1, the lugs 36 are at the lower end of the slots 17, the lower end 34a of the inner sheath 34 being in abutment against the bottom 9b of the lower sheath 9.

Furthermore, the inner sheath 34 may comprise an outer lower annular ring 37 and an outer upper annular ring 38 whose usefulness will be seen later, and a slot 39 having an axial portion 39a extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X between respectively lower end 39b and upper 39c end sections which extend angularly in radial planes respectively in the second angular direction F up to one end 39bl for the lower end section 39b and in the first angular direction 0 to one end 39c1 for the upper end section 39c.

The outer sheath 40, meanwhile, is also a generally molded plastic part, having a cylindrical shape of revolution centered on the longitudinal axis, extending between a lower end 40a and an upper end 40b. Said inner sheath 34 is nested and clipped axially in the outer sheath 40 and axially retained therein by the aforementioned rods 37, 38 which cooperate by abutment respectively with an inner shoulder 40c and with the upper end of the outer sheath 40. in the example considered (see Figure 2). The sheaths 34, 40 can thus rotate with respect to one another about the X axis.

The outer sheath 40 internally comprises two diametrically opposed inner helical threads 41. Each pin 33 of the cup 32 penetrates into one of the threads 41 while passing through one of the slots 39 of the inner sheath 34. In the storage position, the pins 33 of the cup are at the end 39bl of the lower section of the the slot 39 and at the lower end of the threads 41 of the outer sheath 40.

In addition, the outer sheath 40 externally has two diametrically opposed upper pins 43 protruding radially outwardly near the upper end 40b of said outer sheath 40, and two diametrically opposite lower pins 42 projecting radially towards the outside. outside to the lower end 40a of said outer sheath. The upper pins 43 are engaged both in the axial slots 22 of the annular upper body 20 and in the axial slots 29 of the shutter 5, solidarisant in rotation the sleeve 4 with said outer sheath 40 of the operating mechanism 6. In the storage position, the upper pins 43 are at the bottom of the axial slots 22 of the annular upper body 20 and upper portion of the axial slots 29 of the shutter 5.

The outer sheath 40 is nested in the lower sheath 9 allowing relative rotation between said outer sheath 40 and the lower sheath 9, the lower pins 42 of the outer sheath of the operating mechanism being engaged in the radial slots 18 of the lower sheath 9, at the first ends 18a of these slots in the storage position.

Optionally, the outer sheath 40 may carry a decorative ferrule 44, for example metallic, nested at the upper end 40b of the outer sheath 40, this ferrule 44 possibly being provided with an upper flange 44a and axial slots 44b open towards down and receiving the aforementioned pawns 43.

Operation

The applicator device 1 which has just been described operates as follows.

When a user rotates the sleeve 4 relative to the tubular base 3 in the first angular direction 0 from the storage position, the actuation is in two phases of rotation.

In a first actuation phase, the applicator device passes from the storage position of FIGS. 1 and 2 to the open position of the shutter shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

During this movement, the shutter 5 and the outer sheath 40 of the operating mechanism 6 rotate with the sleeve 4 in the first angular direction 0, respectively due to the engagement of the guide ribs 28 of the shutter in the grooves 20c of the annular upper body 20 and because of the engagement of the upper pins 43 of the outer sheath 40 in the slots 22 of the annular upper body 20. Similarly, the cup 32 rotates with the outer sheath 40 in the angular direction 0, due to the engagement of the pins 33 of the cup in the threads 41 of the outer sheath.

At the same time, the inner sheath 34 remains integral in rotation with the tubular base 3 because of the lugs 36, as explained above, and the pins 33 of the cupule move circumferentially in the first angular direction 0 from the end 39bl of the lower end section 39b of the slot 39, to the level of the lower end of the axial section 39a. The cup 32 thus remains in the lower position in the inner sheath 34.

In the same movement, the lower pins 42 of the outer sheath 40 of the operating mechanism 6 initially rotate in the slots 18, from the first end 18a to the second end 18b, so that the operating mechanism 6 remains in position. low position, as in the storage position.

On the other hand, the threads 31 of the shutter 5 rotate in the first angular direction 0 relative to the pins 14 of the lower sheath 9, so that the shutter 5 moves axially downwards with respect to the annular upper body 20. screwing effect. During this movement, the circular edges 26a of the flaps 26 of the shutter are guided on the upper guide edges 23a of the guides 23, so that the flaps 26 open by deforming due to their flexibility, to adopt a cylindrical shape coming to press against the inner surface of the upper annular body 20. In this same movement, the axial slots 29 of the shutter engage on the pins 43 of the outer sheath 40.

Note that in this first phase of actuation, the operating mechanism 6 can be designed to begin to raise the stick 7 of product before the flaps 26 are completely in the open position and / or the slots 18 of the tubular base 9 can be provided to start to raise the operating mechanism 6 before the flaps 26 arrive completely in the open position. In all cases, a sufficient delay is ensured in the mounting of the operating mechanism 6 and the product stick 7 (here thanks to the section 39b of the slots 39 and the slots 18) so that the product stick 7 and the operating mechanism 6 do not interfere with the flaps 26 during the second actuation phase.

In a second actuation phase, while continuing the rotation of the sleeve 4 relative to the base 3 in the first angular direction 0, the applicator device moves from the open position of the shutter shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to the position of use shown in Figures 7 and 8.

In this second phase of actuation, the shutter 5 and the outer sheath 40 of the operating mechanism 6 continue to rotate with the sleeve 4 in the first angular direction 0 while the inner sheath 34 remains integral in rotation with the tubular base 3 .

The pins 33 of the cup then move vertically upwards in the axial section 39a of the slot 39, under the effect of screwing the threads 41 of the outer sheath 40, in a manner known per se, so that the cup 32 rises with the product stick 7 in the inner sheath 34 until it reaches the upper end section 39c.

In the same movement, the lower pins 42 of the outer sheath 40 of the operating mechanism 6 penetrate and rotate in the first angular direction 0 in the threads 16 of the lower sheath 9, so that the operating mechanism 6 moves axially towards upwardly until the upper end 34b, 40b of the inner and outer sheaths 34, 40 is slightly protruding or protruding from the upper end 20b of the upper annular body 20. This allows a large axial displacement of the product stick 7 a relatively small angular extent of this second phase of actuation of this On the other hand, during this movement of the second actuation phase, the rotation of the shutter 5 in the first angular direction 0 causes the radial slots 30 of the shutter to engage the pins 14 of the lower sheath 9. , so that the shutter 5 no longer moves axially downwards with respect to the annular upper body 20.

Once the applicator device in the use position, the product stick is out of the sheath 2 and can be used to apply the product for example to the lips of a user.

It should be noted that the applicator device 1 can be used to apply the product even when the product stick 7 has not been moved upwards as far as possible, provided that this product stick is at least partially projecting at the second end 2b of the tubular case 2.

After use, the applicator device 1 can be returned to the storage position by rotation of the sleeve 4 relative to the tubular base 3 in the second angular direction F, following the aforementioned operating phases in the reverse order. Note that during this movement, the rim 19b of the cup 19 participates in guiding the flaps 26 to their closed position.

B. Second embodiment of the invention

The second embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 9 to 20, has many points in common with the first embodiment of the invention and will therefore not be fully described hereinafter. Only the differences of this second embodiment with respect to the first embodiment described above will be described below, it being understood that the advantages already described for the first embodiment are retained in the second embodiment.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 to 12, the applicator device 101 of the second embodiment comprises a tubular case 102 which extends in a longitudinal direction X between first and second second ends 102a, 102b, respectively lower and upper. As in the first embodiment, the tubular case 102 may in particular have a generally cylindrical shape of revolution centered on a longitudinal axis X, and the second end 102b is open.

The tubular case 102 comprises a tubular base 103 extending along the longitudinal axis X and a sleeve 104 freely rotatably mounted on the tubular base 103 about the longitudinal axis X, between first and second angular positions respectively corresponding to the storage position (Figure 1) and the position of use (Figure 13).

In the storage position, the second end 102b of the case is closed by a shutter 5 identical to that described above in the first embodiment.

In addition, the tubular case 102 also contains a maneuvering mechanism 6 identical to that described previously for the first embodiment, which makes it possible to retract or withdraw a stick of product 7 also identical or similar to that described previously for the first embodiment.

Tubular base 103

The tubular base 103 can be made here for example in four pieces:

- optionally, an outer shell 108 metallic or otherwise, essentially decorative and similar to the ferrule 8 of the first embodiment, having a tubular side wall 108a centered on the longitudinal axis X (for example of revolution about the longitudinal axis X) open at the second end 102b of the tubular case, and closed by a bottom 108b at the first end 102a of the tubular case 102, a support sleeve 150 made for example of molded plastic, nested in the outer shell 108 and secured to it for example by interlocking or otherwise,

a tubular lower sheath 109, made for example of molded plastic and whose part upper is similar to the sheath 9 of the first embodiment, this lower sheath 109 being nested in the support sleeve 150 and slidably mounted therein along the axis X,

a spring 170, for example a helical compression spring mounted between the support bushing 150 and the lower sheath 109.

The support bushing 150 has an annular lateral wall 151, advantageously cylindrical in revolution about the longitudinal axis X, which is fitted into the outer shell 108 and which extends axially between a lower end 151a and an upper end 151b, both open. The lower end 151a is extended downwardly by four feet 152 extending along the X axis to a bottom 153 integral with said feet 152 and disposed against the bottom 108b of the outer shell 108. The bottom 153 may optionally comprise a centering pin 154 on which is engaged the lower end of the spring 170. The feet 152 project radially inwardly relative to the side wall 151, for reasons which will be seen later.

The support bushing 150 further comprises at least one elastic arm 155, and advantageously two diametrically opposed elastic arms 155 which extend downwards from the lower end 151a of the side wall 151, each to a lower free end provided with a pin 155a protruding radially inwardly.

The lower sheath 109 has a tubular side wall centered on the longitudinal axis X (for example of revolution about the longitudinal axis X), nested in the side wall 151 of the support sleeve 150. In the example considered here, the Lateral wall of the lower sheath 109 may have a thick lower portion 110 and a thinner upper wall 112, separated from the bottom wall 110 by an outer annular shoulder 111 facing the first end 102a of the holster. This upper portion 112 may comprise a ring outer annulus 113 in the vicinity of the outer shoulder 111, and at least one outer pin 114 (here two diametrically opposite outer pins 114) adjacent the open upper end of the lower sleeve 109.

The lower sheath 109 may also have an inner annular shoulder (not shown), similar to the aforementioned inner annular shoulder 15, provided in the lower portion 110 of the lower sheath and oriented toward the second end 102b of the holster, and less an internal helical thread 116 formed in the second portion 12, preferably two internal helical threads 16 diametrically opposed. The helical threads 16 are similar to the aforementioned threads 16 and helically extend upwards in the first angular direction 0, each between a lower end and an upper end.

The lower sheath 109 may further comprise: at least one axial slot 117 similar to the aforementioned axial slot 17 formed in the lower part 110 parallel to the longitudinal axis X, extending for example from the lower end of the sheath lower 109 to the vicinity of the outer annular shoulder 111 (for example two axial slots 117 diametrically opposite in the example),

and less a radial slot 118 in the form of an arc of a circle, generally open, formed in the lower part 110 in the immediate vicinity of the outer shoulder 111 (for example two diametrically opposed slots 18 and arranged in the same radial plane in the example under consideration) . The radial slots 118 are similar to the aforementioned radial slots 18. Each of the slots 118 extends angularly between a first end 118a and a second end 118b in the first angular direction 0, the second angular ends 18b of the radial slots 118 opening respectively into the lower ends of the threads 116 mentioned above, as explained above for the slots 18 and the nets 16 in the first embodiment of the invention.

The lower part 110 of the lower sheath 109 further comprises guide ribs 156 which protrude outwards and extend along the longitudinal axis X. These guiding ribs 156 are here four in number divided into second pairs , each pair of guide ribs 156 flanking a pair of arms 155 so as to guide the lower sleeve 109 axially sliding in the support sleeve 150.

The lower end of the lower portion 110 further comprises a perforated bottom 157 which carries a cup 158 open downwards. This cup 158 has a side wall 158a extending upwards in the center of the lower part and closed at its upper end by a bottom 158b which may comprise at its center a centering pin 158c. The upper end of the spring 170 can be nested in the cup 158 and engaged on the centering pin 158c.

The lower part 110 further comprises at least one cam 159 and advantageously two diametrically opposite cams 159 which each receive one of the aforementioned pins 155a of the support bushing 150.

Each cam 159 has a depression 160 dug in the outer surface of the lower portion 110, for example in the vicinity of its lower end. This depression 160 is delimited laterally by two lateral edges 161, 162 and upwards by an upper edge 163 inclined downwards from the upper end of the lateral edge 161 to the upper end of the lateral edge 162. Between the edges laterally 161, 162 is a separation rib 164 formed in relief on the depression 160 and extending vertically over a portion of the height of the depression 160, providing spaces in said depression above and below of the separation rib.

Between the separation rib 164 and the lateral edge 161 is formed a first ramp 165 which extends upwards with increasing thickness (thus towards the high and radially outwards with respect to the axis X) to a first flange 166 forming an upwardly directed shoulder, and then a second ramp 167 which extends upwardly with increasing thickness (thus towards the high and radially outward with respect to the X axis) to a second flange 168 forming an upwardly directed shoulder. The flange 168 may be substantially parallel to the upper edge 163 of the depression 160 and defines therewith a guide path 169 belonging to the depression 160. In the storage position of the applicator device 1, the pins 155a of the elastic arms 155 are respectively against the second ramps 167, against the flanges 168.

Sleeve 104

The sleeve 104, when it can be made for example in two pieces:

a metallic outer shell 119 or the like, similar to the outer shell 19 of the first embodiment, comprising a tubular side wall 119a centered on the longitudinal axis X (for example of revolution about the longitudinal axis X) and open towards the first end 102a of the tubular case, and an inner annular flange 119b at the second end 102b of the tubular case 102,

- And an annular upper body 120 similar to the annular upper body 20 of the first embodiment, for example made of plastic molded and secured to the outer shell 19, for example by interlocking or otherwise.

The annular upper body 120 is centered on the longitudinal axis X and advantageously has a shape of revolution around this axis. It extends along the X axis between a lower end 120a fixed to the lower sheath 109, and an upper end 120b located under the rim 119b of the shell 119.

The annular upper body 120 may have an outer annular rib 121 disposed in a radial plane with respect to the longitudinal axis X, this rib flush with the outer surface of the ferrules 108, 119 at their opposite ends (upper end of the shell 8 and lower end of the ferrule 19).

The annular upper body 120 further comprises at least one axial slot 122 similar to the aforementioned axial slot 22, which extends along the longitudinal axis X and opens at the upper end 120b of the annular upper body. Advantageously, the annular upper body 120 has two axial slots 122 diametrically opposed. At the upper end 120b of the annular upper body 120 may be provided guides 123 similar to the aforementioned guides 23, formed in relief inside the annular upper body 120, on either side of each slot 122. The guides 123 respectively have rounded upper guide edges 123a, each in the shape of a half-warhead, the upper guide edges 123a extending downwards (that is to say towards the first end 102a of the tubular case ) away from the corresponding slot 122.

The annular upper body 120 further includes an inner annular groove 124 extending in a radial plane at its lower end 120a. The outer annular ring 113 of the lower sheath 109 is snapped into this inner annular groove 124, so that the annular upper body 120 and the lower sheath 109 are secured to one another in axial translation while allowing relative rotation between these two parts around the longitudinal axis X.

The annular upper body 120 further comprises at least one inner guide groove 120c (Figures 10, 11C) extending along the X axis from the lower end 120a to one of the guides 123; this guide rib 120c is similar to the aforementioned guide rib 20c and has the same function. Advantageously, the grooves 120c are two in number and are diametrically opposed.

Operation

The applicator device 1 which has just been described works as follows.

From the storage position of FIGS. 9 and 10, when a user wishes to make use of the applicator device 101, he presses vertically downwards on the upper end of the sleeve 104, in the direction of the arrow F of FIGS. and 14. The sleeve 104 then slides downwardly with the lower sheath 109 relative to the support sleeve 150, against the elastic biasing of the spring 170.

The pins 155a of the elastic arms 155 then pass respectively the aforementioned flanges 168 of the cams 159 and arrive in the guideways 169 of said cams 159, as indicated by the arrow F1 in FIG. 12.

When the user releases his pressure on the sleeve 104, said sleeve rises with the lower sheath 109 relative to the support sleeve 150, under the effect of the spring 170, to the extended position of FIGS. 15 and 16, where the sleeve 104 protrudes upwardly relative to the outer shell 108. During this movement, the pins 155a are moved elastically laterally along the guide path 169 and are laterally deformed by the separation rib 164 during the climb of the lower sheath 109, then return to the rest position when they are below the level of the separation rib 164, thus returning to position vertically under the first ramp 165 of the cam 159, below the end bottom of the lower sheath 109 (as indicated by the arrow F2 of Figure 12).

From the extended position of FIGS. 16-16, the user can first open the flaps 26 of the shutter 5 (FIGS. 17-18) and then release the product stick 7 in the position of use (FIGS. -20) in the same way as explained above for the first embodiment, by rotating the sleeve 104 relative to the tubular base 103 in the first angular direction 0. After use, the applicator device 101 can be returned to the extended position by rotation of the sleeve 104 relative to the tubular base 103 in the second angular direction F, as in the first embodiment.

To return to the storage position, the user simply pushes the sleeve 104 down again, to slide it with the lower sheath 109 relative to the support sleeve 150. The aforementioned pins 155a respectively pass on the first ramps 165 of the cams 159 then pass the corresponding flanges 166 following the arrow F of Figure 12. The pins 155a thus snap onto the second ramps 167 of the cams 159 and the applicator device 101 is found in the storage position of the figures 9 and 10.

Claims

An applicator device for a stick product comprising:

- a tubular case (2; 102) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) between first and second ends (2a, 2b; 102a, 102b), the second end (2b; 102b) being open, said case being adapted for containing a product stick (7) and comprising:

a tubular base (3; 103) extending along the longitudinal axis (X),

a sleeve (4; 104) rotatably mounted on the tubular base (3; 103) about the longitudinal axis (X) between first and second angular positions,

- a shutter device (5) adapted to close the second end of the case (2) and controlled by relative rotation of the sleeve (4; 104) relative to the base (3; 103) to open when said sleeve is rotated in a first angular direction (0) relative to the tubular base and to close when said sleeve is rotated in a second angular direction (F) opposite to the first angular direction relative to the tubular base,

an operating mechanism (6) having first and second portions (34, 40) rotatably mounted relative to each other about the longitudinal axis (X) and a cup (32) carrying the product stick ( 7), the first and second parts (34, 40) being rotated respectively with the tubular base (3; 103) and with the sleeve (4; 104) and being adapted to axially move the cup (32) relative to said first and second portions (34, 40) towards the second end (2b; 102b) of the case when said sleeve is rotated in the first angular direction (0) relative to the tubular base and to the first end (2a; 102a); ) of the case when said sleeve is rotated in the second angular direction (F) relative to the tubular base,

characterized in that the first and second portions (34, 40) of the operating mechanism are axially slidable respectively relative to the tubular base (3; 103) and the sleeve (4; 104), the tubular case being further connected to one of said first and second portions (34; 40) of the operating mechanism (6) by a guiding device (42, 16, 18; 42, 116, 118) adapted for:

axially displacing said first and second parts (34, 40) of the operating mechanism towards the second end (2b; 102b) of the case when the sleeve (4; 104) is rotated in the first angular direction (0) relative to the tubular base (3; 103) from an intermediate angular position between said first and second angular positions,

axially moving said first and second parts (34, 40) of the operating mechanism towards the first end of the case when said sleeve is turned in the second angular direction (F) with respect to the tubular base between the second angular position and the intermediate angular position,

and not axially moving said first and second portions (34, 40) of the operating mechanism toward the first end of the case when said sleeve is in an angular position between the first angular position and the intermediate angular position.

An applicator device according to claim 1, wherein:

the first and second parts (34, 40) of the operating mechanism are interconnected in axial translation,

the guiding device comprises at least one linear guide (16, 18; 116, 118) disposed along a cylindrical surface of revolution centered on the longitudinal axis (X) and at least one follower (42) sliding along the linear guide,

the linear guide and the follower being secured to one of a first element selected from the first and second parts (34, 40) of the operating mechanism, the other of a second member selected from the tubular base (3; 103) and the sleeve (4; 104), the first and second members not being mounted to slide axially relative to each other.

An applicator device according to claim 2, wherein the linear guide (16, 18; 116, 118) has a circular portion (18; 118) in a radial plane and a helical portion (16; 116), the follower ( 42) on the circular portion (18; 118) when the sleeve (3; 103) is between the first angular position and the intermediate angular position, and on the helical portion (16; 116) when the sleeve is between the position intermediate angular and the second angular position.

An applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first member is the second portion (40) of the operating mechanism and said second member is the tubular base (3; 103).

5. Applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second parts (34, 40) of the operating device are secured in rotation respectively with the tubular base (3; 103) and with the sleeve (4; 104).

An applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating mechanism (6) further comprises delay means (39b) for delaying axial sliding of the cup (32) when the sleeve (3; ) is moved in the first angular direction (0) from the first angular position.

7. Applicator device according to claim 6, wherein the first part of the operating mechanism is an inner sheath (34) having at least one slot (39) having an axial section (39a) extending between first and second ends located respectively to the first and second ends (2a, 2b; 102a, 102b) of the tubular case, the slot (39) further comprising a end section (39a) substantially in a radial plane and extending the axial section in the second angular direction (F) at the first end of said axial section (39a),

the second part of the operating mechanism is an outer sheath (40) surrounding the inner sheath (34) and having at least one helical internal groove (41),

and the cup comprises at least one pin (33) engaged both in said slot (39) of the inner sheath and in said inner groove (41) of the outer sheath, said pin (33) of the cup being in the section end when the sleeve is in the first angular position.

8. Applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shutter device (5) comprises a ring (5a) housed in the tubular case (2; 102), secured in rotation with the sleeve (3; 103). and sliding axially with respect to this sleeve, this ring (5a) cooperating by screwing with the tubular base (3; 103) and carrying at least one flap (26) adapted to close the second end (2b; 102b) of the case tubular when the sleeve (4; 104) is in the first angular position.

9. Applicator device according to claim 8, wherein the ring carries at least two flexible flaps (26) deformable between a planar configuration for closing the second end (2b; 102b) of the tubular case and a cylindrical opening configuration. the second end of the tubular case,

the sleeve (4; 104) having an inner annular flange (19b; 119b) at the second end of the tubular case and the flaps (26) being held in planar configuration by bearing under the inner flange (19b; 119b) of the sleeve when the sleeve (4; 104) is in the first angular position,

the ring (5a) being arranged around the operating mechanism (6) and the flaps (26) being held in cylindrical configuration by cooperation with the tubular case (2; 102) and the operating mechanism (6) upon opening of the applicator device.

An applicator device according to claim 9, wherein the sleeve (4; 104) further comprises inner guides (23; 123) and the flaps (26) bear on said inner guides (23; 123) when said flaps are in planar configuration.

11. applicator device according to claim 10, wherein the flaps (26) are two in number and are formed in half-discs each comprising a semicircle edge (26a) and a straight edge (26b), the edges in half-circle (26a) being connected to the ring respectively by hinges (27) diametrically opposite to the longitudinal axis (X), the inner guides (23; 123) each having a guide edge (23a; 123a) oriented towards the second end (2b; 102b) of the tubular case, each guide edge having a half-warhead shape having an apex substantially midway between the hinges (27).

12. Applicator device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the ring (5a) is connected to the tubular base (3; 103) by a guide device (30, 31, 14; 30, 31, 114). ) adapted to axially move said ring (5a) when the sleeve (4; 104) is close to the first angular position and not to move axially said ring when the sleeve is close to the second angular position.

An applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve

(104) is retractable into the tubular base (103).

14. An applicator device according to claim 13, wherein the tubular base (103) comprises an outer shell (108), a support sleeve (150) fixed in the outer shell (108) and a sheath (109) on which the sleeve (104) is rotatably mounted, the sheath (109) being slidably mounted axially on the support bushing (150) between a retracted position where the sleeve (104) is completely contained in the outer shell (108), an extended position where the sleeve protrudes out of the outer shell and an actuating position where the sleeve is driven into the outer shell towards the first end (102a) of the tubular case with respect to the retracted position, the sheath (109) being biased resiliently toward the extended position and the tubular base (103) having a cam lock (155, 159) adapted for:

- lock the sheath (109) in the retracted position by clipping when a user moves said sheath from the deployed position to the retracted position by pressing on the sleeve (104),

15. Use of an applicator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, for the application of cosmetic products on the lips.