ES2964311T3 - Cleaning element for an applicator for liquid or paste products - Google Patents

Abstract

Cleaner (10) for liquid or pasty product applicator, comprising a holding portion (20) that is configured to hold the cleaner (10) to the opening (56) of a container (50) that may contain the product, and a cleaning sleeve tube (30) that is connected to the clamping portion (20), wherein the cleaning sleeve (30) is more flexible than the clamping portion (20), and the end of the cleaning sleeve (30 ) opposite the holding portion (20)) forms an annular lip (38), the lip (38) defining an opening (40) that is beveled relative to a direction of withdrawal (X) of the applicator through the doctor blade. (10). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Cleaning element for an applicator for liquid or paste products

Technical sector

The present disclosure relates to a liquid or pasty product application assembly, and more particularly to a cleaning element for a liquid or pasty product applicator. Said cleaning element can be used in particular in the field of cosmetic products.

State of the art

To apply a liquid or pasty product, for example in the field of makeup or cosmetics, it is known to use various applicators, adapted to the products to be applied to the body or face. Typically, most of these applicators comprise an applicator mounted on the end of a wand. The applicator is inserted into a container containing the cosmetic product to impregnate it and is then removed from the container to proceed with the application itself. To remove excess product adhering to the applicator, a cleaning element is usually installed in the neck of the container. For example, the applicant's international application WO 2016/156742 A1 describes a cleaning device particularly suitable for a mascara brush, which distributes the mascara on the brush and pushes the excess mascara on the brush into the container.

Although such a device is satisfactory, other types of cleaning element may be more suitable for other products or other applicators. Indeed, depending on the type and viscosity of the product to be applied and the shape of the applicator, a drop may remain at the end of the applicator despite the action of the cleaning element. Such a drop can cause unsightly buildup on the part of the body you want to apply makeup, or even fall off the applicator before settling, which can be messy. Therefore, there is a need for a new type of cleaning element. Other cleaning devices are described, for example, in US 2012/128401 A1, or in EP 1275322 A1.

Object of the invention

To this end, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning element for an applicator of liquid or pasty products, comprising a fixing part configured to fix the cleaning element to the opening of a container suitable for containing said product, and a tubular cleaning sleeve connected to the fixing part, wherein the cleaning sleeve is more flexible than the fixing part, and the end of the cleaning sleeve opposite the fixing part forms an annular rim, beveled with respect to a direction of removal of the applicator through the cleaning element.

The fixing portion is configured to fix the cleaning member to the opening of a container. It is understood that this is the opening through which the applicator can be introduced into the container and removed from it to soak up the product contained in the container. The cleaning member may be secured to the container such that any removal of the applicator through the opening also passes the applicator through the cleaning member.

Additionally, the shape of the cleaning element, particularly the tubular shape of the cleaning sleeve, limits the way the applicator passes through the cleaning element. Consequently, the shape of the cleaning element intrinsically defines a direction of insertion and withdrawal of the applicator through the cleaning element, a fortiori taking into account conventional shapes and dimensions of applicators. Since the insertion address and the removal address are generally the same, one or the other will be used interchangeably in the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise or is evident from the context. For example, the direction of withdrawal may correspond substantially to the axis of the cleaning element, or even to the axis of the cleaning sleeve, since the geometry of the cleaning element and the conventional configuration of an applicator allow at most limited movement around it. axis.

A sleeve means a tubular element. Unlike a washer, a sleeve has a dimension along the axis of the tube greater than its thickness transverse to the axis of the tube. For example, the dimension of the cleaning sleeve along its axis may be between 5 mm (millimeters) and 20 mm. For example, the thickness of the cleaning sleeve transversely to its axis may be between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. The flange, formed at one end of the cleaning sleeve, defines a hole for the applicator to pass through the cleaning element. As the hole is beveled, it is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the direction of withdrawal, and/or with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axis of the cleaning element, or even to the axis of the sleeve. For the sake of simplicity, the term “beveled edge” will be used hereinafter.

In the cleaning element described above, the flexibility of the cleaning sleeve and the beveled lip interact to improve the cleaning of the applicator: thanks to the beveled shape of the lip, when the applicator passes through the cleaning sleeve along the withdrawal direction , the distal portion of the flange, in response to deformation of the cleaning sleeve as a whole, scrapes the tip of the applicator and removes drops of product that would otherwise have remained on the applicator. Furthermore, thanks to its flexibility, the cleaning sleeve can be deformed to better adapt to the shape of the applicator to be cleaned. According to a possible operation, when passing the applicator, the cleaning sleeve can be deformed by curving within itself, which allows it to adapt as best as possible to the shape of the applicator and reject excess product towards the interior of the container; This particular type of deformation is sometimes called the “sock effect.”

At the same time, thanks to the fact that the fixing part has less flexibility than the cleaning sleeve, the fixation of the cleaning element to the container can be effectively maintained as the applicator passes through the cleaning element.

In some embodiments, the cleaning sleeve comprises a frustoconical portion that tapers toward the flange, the flange being defined by the end of the frustoconical portion. For example, the frustoconical part may be defined by a cone with an angle at the vertex between 40° and 140°, or even between 45° and 120°. The axis of the cone may be inclined with respect to the axis of the cleaning element, allowing the position and orientation of the hole to be precisely defined. The presence of a frustoconical part increases the ability of the cleaning sleeve to deform on itself to obtain the sock effect. Additionally, the inclined wall of the cleaning sleeve helps the excess product flow, cleaned by the cleaning element, into the container.

In some embodiments, the rim defines, in cross section, a convex hole. A convex hole is such that for any two points belonging to the hole, the line segment connecting these two points is completely contained within the hole. This makes it easier to deform the flange and allows you to scrape the applicator more effectively. For example, the hole may be circular or elliptical in shape.

In some embodiments, the cleaning sleeve comprises a wall adjacent to the flange, the thickness of the wall being less than 0.7 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm. Optionally, the wall thickness may be greater than 0.1 mm, preferably 0.3 mm. In this way, the wall and the rim can be easily deformed. In some embodiments, said wall, regardless of its thickness, has a hardness between 30 and 60 Shore A.

In some embodiments, the flange is contained in a plane that forms an angle between 10° and 80°, preferably between 20° and 70°, more preferably between 30° and 60°, more preferably about 45° with the direction of withdrawal.

In some embodiments, the fixing portion is made of a first material and the cleaning sleeve is made of a second material that has a lower hardness and/or stiffness than the first material. This makes deformation of the cleaning sleeve even easier and prevents damage to the applicator. Hardness can be measured using the Shore or Vickers scale. Stiffness can be measured using Young's modulus.

In some embodiments, the longest length of the cleaning sleeve (more specifically the length of said frustoconical part, excluding a part for attaching the cleaning sleeve to the fixing part) in the withdrawal direction is greater than the longest inner radius of the cleaning sleeve transversely to said direction. Thanks to these characteristics, when deformed, the cleaning sleeve can reach even the most central parts of the applicator, which increases cleaning efficiency.

In some embodiments, the hole defined by the rim has a diameter of between 2 and 8 mm, preferably between 3 and 7 mm, more preferably between 4 and 6 mm, most preferably about 5 mm. This dimension is preferably measured in the plane of the hole, the hole being flat or essentially flat. When the hole is not circular but of any shape, for example elliptical or oval, the diameter of the hole designates any dimension of the hole, for example its largest dimension and/or its smallest dimension, or even any dimension of the hole.

The present disclosure also relates to an applicator assembly for liquid or pasty products comprising a container having an opening, an applicator having a rod provided with an applicator and a cleaning element as defined above, fixed to the opening of the container. Preferably, the cleaning element is fixed to the container so that the cleaning sleeve is further inside the container than the fixing part. This makes it easier to keep the product inside the container.

In some embodiments, the smallest internal diameter of the cleaning sleeve transverse to the direction of withdrawal is less than the diameter of a cross section of the rod. Thus, when the rod is in the hole, the cleaning sleeve has at least one part attached to the rod, capable of scraping the product along the rod. The smallest inner diameter of the cleaning sleeve transverse to the direction of withdrawal may be achieved at the shoulder or in a portion of the cleaning sleeve distal from the shoulder, depending on the shape of the cleaning sleeve.

In some embodiments, the applicator is eccentric with respect to an axis of the rod, or the hole is eccentric with respect to the direction of withdrawal. The axis of the rod generally corresponds to the direction of withdrawal. When the bore of the cleaning element is centered with respect to the direction of withdrawal, the fact that the applicator is eccentric allows the applicator to interact more closely with one side of the cleaning sleeve and, in particular, with the flange. . This causes greater deformation of the cleaning sleeve as the applicator passes through it, thereby increasing cleaning efficiency. This joint action can also be obtained when the hole of the cleaning element is eccentric with respect to the direction of withdrawal, in which case the applicator can be on the axis of the rod.

In some embodiments, the applicator has, in cross section, a concave portion. Said concave part can be used as a product reserve. Indeed, the edge of the cleaning element, deformed and under tension around the applicator, does not penetrate the concave part that forms the reserve, which can therefore retain a surplus of product. Excess product can be supplied to the applicator as it is used, thus avoiding the need to refill the applicator too frequently.

In some embodiments, the applicator has at least one dimension larger than the rod transversely to the rod. Therefore, cleaning the applicator is carried out even more closely than cleaning the wand. Additionally, the applicator is likely to cause deformation of the cleaning sleeve due to the sock effect, even though the wand does not cause such deformation. The result is better cleaning.

Description of the figures

The invention and its advantages will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of embodiments provided by way of non-limiting examples. This description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning element according to one embodiment.

[Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the cleaning element of Figure 1.

[Figure 3] Figure 3 is a section view according to the MI-MI plane of Figure 2.

[Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning element of Figure 1.

[Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates the cleaning element of Figure 3 mounted in a container and acting in conjunction with an applicator according to one embodiment.

[Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the applicator of Figure 5.

[Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective and section view of the applicator according to plane VII-VII of Figure 6.

Detailed description of the invention

A cleaning element according to one embodiment is described in Figures 1 to 4. Unless explicitly stated otherwise or evident from the context, throughout this disclosure, the cleaning element 10 is described at rest, that is, in the absence of forces that induce deformations perceptible to the naked eye.

Figure 1 presents, in perspective, a cleaning element 10 configured to clean a liquid or pasty product applicator. As illustrated, the cleaning element 10 is generally tubular, or even annular, about an axis cleaning. A radial direction is a direction perpendicular to this X axis and that intersects said X axis. Likewise, an axial plane is a plane that contains the Circumference is understood to be a circle belonging to a radial plane and whose center belongs to the X axis of the cleaning element. A tangential or circumferential direction is a direction tangent to a circle; It is perpendicular to the X axis of the cleaning element but does not pass through the X axis.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise or inferred from the context, the adjectives interior and exterior are used with reference to a radial direction, so that the interior part of an element is, in a radial direction, closer to the X axis of the element cleaning than the outside of the same element.

As mentioned above, the cleaning element 10 comprises a fixing part 20 and a cleaning sleeve 30.

In this embodiment, the fixing part comprises a body 28. The body 28 is annular about the X axis, substantially cylindrical, in this case rotationally symmetrical.

In this embodiment, the fixing part 20 comprises a collar 22, in this case projecting radially outwards, normally at the axial end of the body 28 opposite the cleaning sleeve 30. As illustrated in Figure 5, the collar 22 forms an axial stop for engagement of the fixing portion 20 in the opening 56 of the container 50. The collar 22 may be annular.

The fixing part 20 also comprises, in this embodiment, a protuberance 24 that protrudes radially towards the outside of the body 28, in a part of the body 28 located between the cleaning sleeve 30 and the collar 22. As illustrated in Figure 5 , the protrusion 24 is intended to act together with the neck 54 of the container 50, for example by clamping or snap-fitting, in order to maintain the fixing part 20 in the neck 54 of the container 50.

Therefore, it is more generally understood that the fixing part 20 is configured to fix the cleaning element 10 to the opening 56 of the container 50. In this case, the fixing part acts in conjunction with the edges of the opening 56, in this case case the neck 54, to keep the cleaning element 10 housed within the opening 56, in this case the neck 54, at least in its majority or, as illustrated, in its entirety. Thus, when the applicator 60 is inserted or removed through the opening 56, it also passes through the cleaning element 10. The fixing part 20 could take a form other than that described above, for example, be in the form of one or more fixing lugs.

The cleaning sleeve 30 is connected to the fixing part 20, in this case at the axial end of the fixing part 20 opposite the collar 22.

In this embodiment, the cleaning sleeve 30 comprises a joining portion 32. The joining portion 32 is annular about the X axis and substantially rotationally symmetrical.

In this embodiment, the connecting portion 32 extends along a substantially frustoconical wall 34, in this case around the X axis. The wall 34 may be solid, in the sense that it does not comprise any radial opening. The wall 34 can be elongated in the axial direction, from the connecting part 32 to the opposite end of the wall 34 that forms a flange 38. Therefore, the flange 38 is located at the end of the cleaning sleeve 30 opposite to the part 20 fixing. The flange 38 is annular and extends continuously around the X axis. The flange 38 thus defines a hole 40 through which the applicator passes. Thus, as indicated above, the cleaning sleeve 30 is tubular. In this case, the axis of the cleaning sleeve 30 coincides with the X axis of the cleaning element 10.

As indicated above, the hole 40 is beveled with respect to a direction of removal of the applicator through the cleaning element 10. In this case, since the direction of withdrawal coincides with the X axis of the cleaning element 10, the flange 38 and the hole 40 are inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the Figure 3. The flange 38 may be included in a plane, as in the present embodiment, or substantially included in a plane, called the median plane. Normally, the withdrawal direction for example, as illustrated, of approximately 45°.

Since the flange 38 is beveled, it has a proximal end 38a, which is the part of the flange 38 closest to the fixing part 20, and a distal end 38b, which is the part of the flange 38 furthest from the fixing part 20. . The hole 40 may be circular in the plane to which it belongs. For example, the hole may be a 5 mm diameter disc. Due to its inclination, when viewed transversely to the X whether circular or not; In this embodiment, a circle would then be seen in a view similar to that of Figure 2. More generally, the hole 40 may be convex. Recall that a convex shape is such that when any two points belong to this shape, the line segment connecting these two points also belongs to this shape.

The wall 34 can be dimensioned so that the greatest length L of the cleaning sleeve 30, or even of the wall 34, in the direction said direction

It should also be noted that the wall 34 is thinner than the joint portion 32, which provides the wall 34 with a relatively high degree of flexibility for cleaning, and the joint portion 32 with a relatively high degree of rigidity for cleaning. good connection with fixing part 20. For example, the wall 34 may be at least twice as thin, or even at least three times as thin, as the joining portion 32. Furthermore, the wall 34 in this case has a substantially constant thickness.

The joint portion 32 and the wall 34 meet at a joint 33. In this embodiment, the joint 33 provides a continuous transition between the joint portion 32 and the wall 34. The joint 33 may characterize at least one of the following changes : a change in the shape of the cleaning sleeve 30 (change from a generally cylindrical shape - of the connecting part 32 - to a generally frustoconical shape - of the wall 34); a change in the thickness of the cleaning sleeve 30 (reduction by at least two in the thickness between the connecting part 32 and the wall 34); a change in the flexibility of the cleaning sleeve 30 (in this case essentially linked to the change in thickness).

As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the fixing part 20 is an independent part of the cleaning sleeve 30. In this case, the fixing part 20 is made of a first material and the cleaning sleeve 30 is made of a second material that has a lower hardness and/or rigidity than the first material. In this way, the cleaning sleeve 30 is more flexible than the fixing part 20. For example, the fixing part 20 may be made of at least one of the following materials: low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene. Additionally, the cleaning sleeve 30 may be made of an elastomer, typically a thermoplastic elastomer. The material of the cleaning sleeve 30 can be chosen so that its hardness is between 30 and 60 Shore A.

The fixing part 20 and the cleaning sleeve 30 can be joined together by any suitable known means, for example by assembly. Furthermore, the cleaning sleeve 30 may be an extension of the fixing part 20. In this embodiment, the cleaning sleeve 30 is manufactured first, and then the fixing portion 20 is overmolded onto the cleaning sleeve 30. The overmolding, known per se, guarantees the chemical bond between the fixing part 20 and the cleaning sleeve 30. To further limit the risks of separation of the fixing part 20 from the cleaning sleeve 30, one or more mechanical couplings can be provided between the fixing part 20 and the cleaning sleeve 30, independently of the above. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, axial engagement is permitted in this case by complementary annular radial ribs, while circumferential engagement is permitted in this case by the joint actuation of tabs 36 of the cleaning sleeve and corresponding grooves 26 of fixing part 20. It is noted that the tabs 36 and the slots 26 have a radial component and a circumferential component, however, it would be possible to provide only one or the other. In order not to interfere with the cleaning function of the wall 34, the attachment systems of the cleaning sleeve 30, namely the rib and the tabs 36, are instead provided on the joining portion 32.

However, according to another embodiment, the fixing part 20 and the cleaning sleeve 30 could form two parts of the same part. The difference in flexibility between the fixing part 20 and the cleaning sleeve 30 can be obtained by differences in thickness or any other procedure that the person skilled in the art considers appropriate.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates, in section, an assembly for applying a liquid or paste product comprising a container 50, an applicator 60 and the cleaning element 10 described above. The container is in this case a bottle, and comprises a body 52 and a neck 54 defining an opening 56. In general, any container having an opening can be used. As indicated above, the cleaning element 10 is attached to the opening 56 of the container 50. More specifically, in this case, the cleaning element 10 is mounted within the neck 54, the neck 54 being housed as a reinforcement formed between the body 28 of the fixing part 20 and the collar 22.

The applicator 60 comprises a rod 62 provided with an applicator 64, provided in this case at one end of the rod 62. In this embodiment, the applicator 64 has, seen from the side, a general shape of a drop of water, the tip of the drop opposite the rod 62. However, the person skilled in the art can choose other shapes. As can be seen in Figure 6, the applicator 64 is also eccentric with respect to a Y axis of the rod. The composition of the applicator 64 may be designed to absorb the liquid or paste product contained in the container 50; For example, the applicator 64 may comprise, at least in part, a porous material. Alternatively or additionally, applicator 64 may be flocked.

The joint performance of the applicator 60 and the cleaning element 10 when the applicator 60 is removed from the container 50 will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 7.

In the initial position, the applicator 60 is inserted into the container 50, so that the cleaning element 10 acts together with the rod 62. In particular, it can be provided that the smallest internal diameter D of the cleaning sleeve 30 transversely to the withdrawal direction parallel to the X direction of retreat. In this way, the cleaning sleeve 30 is not only capable of scraping the product remaining on the rod 62, but, in addition, the deformation of the cleaning sleeve 30 around the rod 62 has the effect of centering the rod 62 with with respect to the cleaning element 10, so that the X direction of withdrawal coincides with the Y axis of the rod.

As the applicator 60 is withdrawn in the and therefore a fortiori larger than the smallest internal diameter D of the cleaning sleeve. In this way, the lip 38 can adequately scrape the applicator 64.

Depending on the relative orientation between the applicator 64 and the flange 38, the proximal end 38a of the flange 38 may rotate on itself toward the interior of the cleaning sleeve 30, and/or the distal end 38b of the flange 38 may rotate on itself. towards the interior of the cleaning sleeve 30. The intermediate parts of the flange 38, between the proximal end 38a and the distal end 38b, are positioned more or less rotated on themselves, depending on the positions of the proximal end 38a and the distal end 38b. In this way, different degrees of sock effect can be obtained. An example of deformation of the flange 38 and the cleaning sleeve 30 is schematically illustrated in Figure 5.

When the distal end 66, or tip, of the applicator 64 reaches the hole 40, the interaction between the cleaning sleeve 30 and the applicator changes: since the flange 38 is beveled, it is the proximal end 38a that is primarily in contact with the applicator 64. The deformation of the flange 38 at its proximal end 38a pulls the distal end 38b towards the proximal end 38a distributing the forces along the flange 38. In this way, the distal end 38b, under tension, approaches the axis X of the element 10 of cleaning, which allows you to scrape the drop of product that can be formed at the end of the applicator 64. Thus, the applicator 64 is correctly cleaned.

Figure 7 shows that, as indicated above, the applicator 64 may comprise, in cross section, a concave part 68, provided in this case by the shape of the applicator 64 itself. As illustrated in Figure 7, when the applicator 64 passes through the opening 40, the flange 38 deforms around the applicator. The flange 38, a section of which is shown in dotted lines in Figure 7, is under tension and therefore does not penetrate the concave portion 68. In this way, a reserve of product can be maintained within the applicator 64.

Although the present description refers to specific embodiments, modifications can be made to said examples without departing from the general scope of the invention defined by the claims. In particular, the individual features of the various illustrated/mentioned embodiments may be combined into additional embodiments. Accordingly, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative and not a restrictive sense.

Claims (12)

1. Cleaning element (10) for an applicator of a liquid or pasty product, comprising a fixing part (20) configured to secure the cleaning element (10) to the opening (56) of a container (50) capable of of containing said product, and a tubular cleaning sleeve (30) connected to the fixing part (20), in which the cleaning sleeve (30) is more flexible than the fixing part (20), and the end of the Cleaning sleeve (30) opposite the fixing part (20) forms an annular rim (38), characterized in that the rim (38) defines a beveled hole with respect to a direction (X) of withdrawal of the applicator through the element. (10) cleaning. 2. Cleaning element according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning sleeve (30) comprises a frustoconical portion extending in the direction of the flange (38), the flange (38) being defined by the end of the frustoconical portion . 3. Cleaning element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning sleeve (30) comprises a wall (34) adjacent to the flange (38), the thickness of the wall (34) being less than 0.7 mm , preferably between 0.3 and 0.5 mm. 4. Cleaning element according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning sleeve (30) comprises a wall (34) adjacent to the rim (38), said wall having a hardness between 30 and 60 Shore A. 5. Cleaning element according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flange (38) defines, in cross section, a convex hole (40). 6. Cleaning element according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rim (38) is contained in a plane that forms an angle between 10 ° and 80 ° with the direction (X) of withdrawal. 7. Cleaning element according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixing part (20) is made of a first material and the cleaning sleeve (30) is made of a second material having a hardness less than that of the first material. 8. Cleaning element according to claim 2 optionally combined with any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the greatest length (L) of the frustoconical part of the cleaning sleeve (30) in the direction (X) of withdrawal is greater than the largest inner radius (R) of the cleaning sleeve (30) transversely to said direction. 9. Cleaning element according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the hole (40) defined by the rim (38) has a diameter between 2 and 8 millimeters. 10. Applicator assembly for a liquid or pasty product, comprising a container (50) having an opening (56), an applicator (60) having a rod (62) provided with an applicator (64), and an element (10) cleaning according to any of claims 1 to 9, fixed to the opening (56) of the container (50). 11. Applicator assembly according to claim 10, wherein the smallest inner diameter (D) of the cleaning sleeve (30) transverse to the direction (X) of withdrawal is less than a diameter of a cross section of the rod ( 62). 12. Applicator assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the applicator (64) is eccentric with respect to an axis of the rod (62), or the hole (40) is eccentric with respect to the direction (X) of withdrawal.