ES2376234T3 - APPLICATOR INTENDED TO BE FIXED TO A FINGER. - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator has a product reservoir (30) and an adhesive layer (310) adhered to a lateral wall (31) of the reservoir. The layer is covered by a protection film comprising a flap projecting from the lateral wall. A membrane (41) isolating an application portion (20) from a product (P) is pierced to form a passage (34) by deforming the lateral wall towards interior of the reservoir. An independent claim is also included for a packing and conditioning device.

Description

Applicator intended to be fixed to a finger

The present invention relates to applicators for the application of a product, in particular a cosmetic or dermatological product.

The application of a cosmetic or dermatological formulation for topical use is generally done directly with the finger. However, by applying the product in this way, you face the problem of hygiene and product contamination.

That is why various cosmetic or medical applicators have been proposed. They generally consist of an application element in which a solid support is attached that allows the applicator to be grasped. US 6,371,132, US 6,435,195, US 4,053,242, US 5,615,440 and US 6,009,887 describe, for example, such applicators. In some cases, the application element may be pre-impregnated with the product to be applied, as is the case of the applicator described in US Patent 4,893,956. US 2001/036384 describes a system that allows to impregnate a sponge type support with a liquid. The system consists of a reservoir for the liquid, at one end of which the sponge is fixed. When the tank is squeezed, the inside of the tank communicates with the sponge. To apply the product, the device must be grasped with one hand.

However, these devices are bulky and do not allow a very precise dose of product to be applied in a very well defined area of application. In addition, these devices limit the effectiveness of a massage such as that which can be obtained with the finger.

A system to fix on the tip of the finger has been proposed for use in dental hygiene. US Patent 2,763,885 describes such a system consisting of an abrasive sponge impregnated with dentifrice. US Patent 5,678,273 describes a similar system. However, the supports described are not adapted for the application of a cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation.

In addition, pre-impregnated product systems do not guarantee good product stability.

Also, one of the objects of the invention is how to make an applicator that does not have the drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, an object of the invention is how to make a low volume applicator that allows the application of a very precise dose of product over a well defined area of application.

Still another object of the invention is how to make an applicator that allows the penetration of the product through massage.

Likewise, another object of the invention is how to make an applicator that guarantees the absence of external contamination of the product.

It is also another object of the invention how to make an applicator of this type ready to use.

According to the invention, these objects can be achieved by making an applicator as claimed in claim 1.

The product contained in the reservoir can be isolated from the applicator portion, the applicator allows to avoid contamination and staining of the product contained in the reservoir before application. In addition, the applicator allows two incompatible products to be applied to each other, or unstable products over time by means of extemporaneous mixing during application, or also products that produce an exothermic reaction when contacted, being one of the products packaged in the tank and the other in the applicator portion.

It also allows to apply very water soluble products that cannot be taken directly with the fingers due to their sensitivity to moisture.

Finally, this applicator allows a relatively precise "to the finger" makeup without touching the product.

The fixing means may consist of an adhesive layer formed on the first side of the tank, a ring, a glove finger, or a "velcro" type system.

The means for establishing communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion may be constituted of a membrane capable of breaking in response to a pressure exerted on the first side of the reservoir, during the first use of the applicator.

Alternatively or in a complementary manner, the means for establishing communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion may consist of an organ capable of piercing the second side of the reservoir. The organ may be formed, for example, by a solidarity trocar on the first side of the tank.

According to another embodiment, the means for establishing communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion may consist of at least one valve suitable for opening in response to an overpressure generated inside the reservoir. The communication between the deposit and the applicator portion is then reversible.

The first side of the reservoir can be configured to deform in response to an external pressure in order to establish communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion. In particular, this first side may sink into the reservoir when pressed on with a finger. Thus, the inner volume of the reservoir can be reduced and an overpressure generated inside the reservoir that leads to membrane rupture. When the first side of the tank sinks, this can also drag the trocar to the beginning of the membrane in order to pierce it.

The applicator portion may be made of a porous or fibrous material, in particular foam of a thermoplastic material, of sponge, of felt, or of natural fibers, in particular of cotton.

The applicator portion can be made of an elastically deformable material, in order to obtain a relatively flexible application.

The adhesive layer may consist of a hypoallergenic adhesive.

The applicator may have, in section in the sense of thickness, a convex shape, at least on the side of the face that is used for the application.

The applicator may have, in section in the sense of thickness, a concave shape of the first side of the tank. This form facilitates the positioning of a finger on this side.

Alternatively, the applicator may have, in section in the sense of thickness, a flattened shape with a first side of the tank substantially parallel to a face that is used for the application.

The applicator can have, in frontal view, a circular shape or also a non-circular shape, for example a generally triangular, square, oval shape, in the form of a drop of water or also in the form of almond.

The first wall of the adhesive-coated tank may be coated, before the first use, with a removable protective film.

The product contained in the tank may be in liquid, semi-liquid or pasty form.

The applicator portion may also contain a second product intended to be mixed with the product contained in the reservoir, the second product may be in liquid, semi-liquid, paste or powder form.

The reservoir can define a substantially cylindrical, spherical or any other volume. The deposit can be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, polyamide, thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS), polycarbonates or Teflon.

The objects of the invention can also be achieved by realizing a container and application device consisting of a closed compartment containing at least one applicator as described above.

The device can be in the form of a sachet or also of a socket closed by a film.

The applicator according to the invention is particularly useful for the application of a cosmetic or dermatological product, in particular a disinfectant product, a sunscreen, a moisturizing product, an anti-wrinkle, a nail polish, a makeup base, a lipstick, a cleansing product, a hair care product, a hair coloring product, a deodorant product or an antiperspirant or a perfume.

The invention consists, apart from the provisions set forth above, in a number of other provisions which will be formulated below, by way of non-limiting embodiments, described in reference to the attached figures, in which:

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Figure 1 illustrates a sectional view of a first embodiment of an applicator according to the invention before use;

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Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of the applicator during use;

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Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of the first embodiment of the applicator during use;

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Figures 4, 5, 6A to 6E, 7 and 8 represent embodiments of the applicator according to the invention;

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Figure 9 represents, in section, an applicator located in a container;

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Figure 10 represents a package containing several applicators;

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Figures 11 and 12 represent another embodiment of an applicator according to the invention; Y

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Figures 13, 14 and 15 represent other embodiments of an applicator according to the invention.

The applicator 10 depicted in Figures 1 to 3 consists of a product reservoir 30 and an applicator portion 20 which are used for the application of a product on the skin, mucous membranes or fanes.

The applicator portion 20 may consist of, for example, a layer of a porous or fibrous material, in particular an elastically deformable material, such as an open or closed cell foam, a felt or any other honeycomb structure, in particular a sponge natural or not, or fibrous structures, particularly cotton

or of textile material, or an overlap of these.

The applicator portion may also consist or be constituted of a film, which may be of relatively small thickness.

The applicator portion 20 can have, in frontal view, a circular shape and a thickness and substantially constant which gives it a flattened shape.

The applicator portion 20 defines, on one side, an application surface 21 intended to be applied on an area to be treated and, on the opposite side, a face 22 attached at its periphery to a membrane 41. Alternatively, the face 22 may be, on its periphery, heat welded on the membrane 41.

The membrane 41 constitutes a wall of the product reservoir 30, on one side 32 of the reservoir, the membrane being airtight to the product in order to isolate the applicator portion of the product contained in the reservoir. The membrane 41 can be made, for example, in polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, polyamide, thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS), polycarbonates or polyurethane.

The tank 30 consists of a side wall 33 of circular section on the free edge of which the membrane 41 is glued or heat sealed. The side wall is for example made of plastic material in particular of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, polyamide, thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS) or polycarbonates. Sufficient thickness will be chosen so that this side wall is relatively rigid.

On the opposite side to the side 32 of the tank, the side wall 33 of the tank is closed by a slightly concave wall 31. The wall 31 is relatively thin, for example between 200 µm and 2000 µm, and preferably between 500 µm and 1000 µm, so that it can deform in response to a pressure exerted by a finger.

The wall 31 is coated, on its opposite side to the inside of the tank, with a layer of adhesive 310. The adhesive may be a permanent, water-resistant, hypoallergenic adhesive, which adheres more strongly to the wall 31 than to the skin. The adhesive layer 310 may be present in the form of a film, which may completely cover the face of the wall 31. The adhesive layer may also be present in the form of a network of dots, a series of bands, or only it extends in the central region of the wall 31. The adhesive layer may still be covered, for example, by a net that allows the adhesive power to be reduced.

The adhesive layer 310 may be covered, before the first use, by a removable protective film 50 that may consist of a tongue 51 that overflows the side wall 33 of the tank 30 to facilitate its removal. The protection film 50 consists, for example, of a silicone paper or a polyethylene film.

The reservoir 30 contains a liquid, semi-liquid or pasty product P, in the form of a cosmetic or dermatological preparation.

The applicator portion 20 may also be prepreg of a second product, also in liquid, semi-liquid or paste form, or also in powder form. This particularly allows two incompatible preparations to be applied to each other or unstable preparations over time by means of an extemporaneous mixture at the time of application.

To use the applicator 10, the user removes the removable protective film 50 and puts a finger on the face of the wall 31 coated with adhesive. The applicator 10 is thus fixed in the pulp of the first phalanx of the index for example, as shown in Figure 2. The application surface 21 is then applied to the part of the body that should receive the preparation. During this application, the wall 31 is deformed into the tank thus reducing its volume. An overpressure is thus created inside the reservoir, the overpressure being such that the membrane 41 is broken and forms a passage 34 illustrated in Figure 3. The product P can then exit through the applicator portion 20 by means of step 34. The product it is displaced or simply by gravity, or also by capillary in the pores or between the fibers of the porous or fibrous material, which constitutes the applicator portion 20, to the application surface 21. The product can also be displaced towards the applicator portion by pumping of the material that constitutes the applicator portion when it is elastically deformable. You can then spread the product in a very precise area and / or massage the area.

The applicator 10 can, for example, be used for the application on the crow's feet or the area above the upper lip of anti-wrinkle preparations based on vitamin C and / or retinol. Similarly, it can be used for the application of antiviral preparations in a herpetic lip lesion.

Still by way of example, the applicator can also be used to apply eye shadows or lipsticks. It also allows perfume retouching, nail removal or facial microexfoliation.

The applicator 10 can, of course, have a different shape from the one just described, adapted in particular to the area of the body or face where it is desired to apply it.

The applicator 10 may, for example, have a bulging application surface 21, for example convex outwards, as illustrated in Figure 4. In this example, the application surface 21 is coated with a non-woven film 23 .

In the example shown in Figure 5, the application surface 21 consists of a flock 24. In this example the wall 31 is flat and not concave.

The applicator 10 may, when viewed from the front view, have a different shape than the circular view, in order to allow, for example, to apply more easily or more precisely a product on a given part of the face, for example the eyelids or the lips.

In figures 6A to 6E different examples have been shown in frontal view, among others, in possible ways. The applicator 10 can have, in front view, a substantially square shape (figure 6A), oval (figure 6B) triangular (figure 6C), almond-shaped (figure 6D) or even in the form of a water drop (figure 6E) .

According to a variant not shown, the applicator portion 20 may contain or be formed by a polymeric thin film. This film may, for example, contain a preparation to be applied, which will be solubilized extemporaneously by an aqueous solution contained in the reservoir.

It is possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to provide an applicator 10 at the ends of two joined fingers, as illustrated in Figure 7, or two applicators having, for example, different shapes at the end of each finger, as illustrated in Figure 8. By way of example, two applicators placed on two opposable fingers can be used to make a clip and remove eyelashes or dye a strand of hair. In the case of eyelash care, such use of two applicators makes it possible to avoid the haloes under the eyes and not stain the eye or the eyelid. Such use of two or more applicators also makes it possible to easily manipulate several products at the same time in order, for example, to carry out a multicolored creative makeup.

The applicator 10 may be packaged, for example, in a bag. Alternatively, the applicator 10 may be housed in a socket 60, formed for example by thermoforming a plate of thermoplastic material, as shown in Figure 9. The socket defines a compartment 61 in which the applicator 10 is housed, the removable protection film 50 is then fixed to the socket around the compartment, for example by heat welding 52, in order to close the compartment 61 tightly. Of course, it is clear that each compartment can accommodate several applicators 10.

The socket can also delimit several compartments 61 each housing one or more applicators 10, as illustrated in Figure 10. Pre-cut lines 62 are arranged around each compartment to allow each equipped compartment to be separated from its applicator and closed. for the 50 removable protection film.

According to another embodiment represented in FIGS. 11 and 12, the applicator 10 can also consist of means suitable for piercing the membrane 41 by isolating the applicator portion 20 of the product contained in the reservoir 30. It is for example a trocar 42 formed from the wall 31 and whose free cutting end 420 is oriented towards the membrane 41. As illustrated in Figure 11, the free cutting end 420 of the trocar is at a distance from the membrane 41 when the wall 31 is not deformed . When the user places his finger on the wall 31 and applies the application surface 21 on the area to be treated, the wall 31 deforms into the tank and moves the trocar 42 to the membrane 41. The cutting end 420 of the trocar bore then the membrane 41 in order to form a passage 34 for the product, as illustrated in Figure 12.

The means for fixing the applicator on one or more fingers may be different from an adhesive layer, such as the one just described. By way of example, different examples of means for reversibly fixing the applicator on a finger have been shown in Figures 13 to 15.

In figure 13, the applicator 10 is fixed, for example, to the finger by a ring 311. The applicator can also be fixed to the finger by a glove finger 312 as shown in Figure 14. In these two modes of embodiment, the ring and the glove finger can be integral with the side 31 of the tank 30. Alternatively, a "velcro" type system 313, shown in Figure 15, can be used to support a ring or a glove finger in the side 31 of the reservoir in order to fix the applicator 10 on a finger.

Particularly illustrative examples of an applicator according to the invention for particular applications will now be described.

Example 1

The applicator 10 can be used to apply a care cream based on salicylic acid. According to this

For example, the applicator portion 20 is made of polyurethane foam. The face 22 of the applicator portion is glued, on its periphery, by an acrylic adhesive, to a polyethylene membrane 41. The side walls 33 and the wall 31 of the tank 30 are made of low density polyethylene. Tank 30 contains 0.2 ml of a 1% salicylic acid care cream. Finally, the wall 33 of the container is coated with a silicone adhesive.

10 Example 2

The applicator 10 can be used to apply an exact dose of pure vitamin C. According to this example, the applicator portion 20 is a sponge. The sponge is impregnated with pure vitamin C in powder form. The face 22 of the applicator portion is attached, at its periphery, by an acrylic adhesive, to a polyethylene membrane 41. The side walls 33 and the wall 31 of the tank are made of polypropylene. Deposit 30 contains this

15 times 0.2 ml of thermal water. Finally, the wall 31 of the container is coated with a silicone adhesive. At the time of application, the thermal water permeates the sponge, solubilizes vitamin C and allows its action at the skin level. Such an applicator allows to maintain the integrity of vitamin C, unstable in solution, compared to a solubilized form, being vitamin C not degraded and active.

In the above detailed description, reference is made to preferred embodiments of the invention, it is evident that variants can be provided without departing from the invention as claimed below.

Claims (21)

one.

 Applicator (10) for the application of a product, in particular a cosmetic or dermatological product, consisting of a reservoir (30) that includes a first side (31), an applicator portion (20) being disposed of a second side ( 32) of the reservoir, opposite the first, the applicator portion being, at least prior to the first use of the applicator, isolated from the reservoir, means (40) being provided for, at least during the first use of the applicator, in response to a drive command, establish a communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion, characterized in that the first side (31) consists of means (310; 311; 312; 313) intended for fixing the applicator (10) on a finger, and because the applicator portion (20) consists of an application surface (21) covered with a flock (24), a nonwoven (23) or a fabric.

2.

 Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing means are constituted of an adhesive layer (310) formed from the first side (31) of the reservoir, a ring (311), a glove finger (312) or a system of type "velcro" (313).

3.

 Applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means (40) for establishing communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion are constituted of a membrane (41) capable of breaking in response to a pressure exerted on the first side (31) of the deposit, during the first use of the applicator.

Four.

 Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (40) for establishing communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion consist of an organ (42) suitable for piercing the second side (32) of the reservoir (30).

5.

 Applicator according to claim 4, characterized in that the organ (42) is a trocar integral to the first side (31) of the tank.

6.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first side (31) of the reservoir is able to deform in response to an external pressure in order to establish communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion.

7.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator portion (20) is made of a porous or fibrous material, in particular in foam of a thermoplastic material, in sponge, in felt,

or in natural fibers, in particular in cotton.

8.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator portion (20) is made of an elastically deformable material.

9.

 Applicator according to any of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the adhesive layer (310) consists of a hypoallergenic adhesive.

10.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has, in section in the sense of thickness, a convex shape, at least on the side of the face that is used for the application.

eleven.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has, in section in the sense of thickness, a concave shape of the first side of the tank.

12.

 Applicator according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it has, in section in the sense of thickness, a flattened shape with a first side of the tank substantially parallel to a face that is used for the application.

13.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has, in frontal view, a circular shape.

14.

 Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it has, in front view, a non-circular shape, in particular a generally triangular, square, oval shape, in the form of a water drop or in the form of almond.

fifteen.

 Applicator according to any of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that the adhesive layer (310) is coated, before the first use, with a removable protective film (50).

16.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product contained in the tank is in liquid, semi-liquid or pasty form.

17.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator portion (20) contains a second product intended to be mixed with the product contained in the reservoir, the second product being in liquid, semi-liquid, paste or powder form.

18.

 Packaging and application device comprising a closed compartment (61) containing at least one applicator (10) according to any of the preceding claims.

19.

 Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is in the form of a sachet.

twenty.

 Device according to claim 18, characterized in that it is in the form of an alveolus (60) closed by a film.

twenty-one.

 Use of an applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, for the application of a cosmetic or dermatological product, in particular a disinfectant product, a sunscreen, a moisturizing product, an anti-wrinkle, a nail polish, a makeup base, a lipstick, a make-up remover, a hair care product, a hair coloring product, a deodorant or antiperspirant product or a perfume.