FR2986965A1 - Applicator device for use in massage apparatus for applying fluid product e.g. massage cream, has body provided with outlet orifice for fluid product, where outlet orifice is arranged to allow direct flow of fluid product to skin of user - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a body to receive directly, or in a container (A), a fluid product to be applied. Sliding elements e.g. hollow balls (F) capable of sliding in all directions are provided on a planar application surface i.e. skin of a user. The body is provided with an outlet orifice (29) for the fluid product, where the outlet orifice is arranged to allow a direct flow of the fluid product to the skin of the user. A retaining plate (G) retains the sliding elements in the body, where the plate includes permanent magnets to retain the sliding elements having a magnetic material.

Description

The present invention relates to an applicator device for fluid products. It finds application especially for a massage device. In the state of the art, it has already been proposed a fluid applicator device consisting of a ball made of a magnetic material 5 and which is retained by a magnet on the body of the fluid applicator device. The applicator device further comprises a flask of fluid product able to flow on the ball in order to allow its rolling application of this ball on the skin of a user. The fluid product outlet is disposed opposite the magnetic ball so that it is necessary to control the gap between the magnetic ball and its support on the fluid applicator device upon which the fluid outlet opens. An example of such a state of the art is illustrated in the application WO2011 / 067500-A1. The present invention provides an improvement to this state of the art in that it relates to a fluid product applicator device. According to the invention, the applicator device in that it comprises: a body for directly receiving, or in a container, fluid product to be applied, at least one element capable of ensuring sliding in all directions of the device; fluid applicator, on a substantially planar surface for applying the fluid product, and - at least one outlet orifice of said fluid product formed in this body and arranged so as to allow a direct flow of said fluid from said body towards said application surface . According to other additional features, to be taken separately or in combination: The body comprises a plurality of component parts cooperating with the sliding elements and the applicator device comprises means for retaining said sliding elements in said body carrying said element. minus one fluid outlet port from said body, whereby manipulation of said body or said container by a user produces the expulsion of a dose of fluid product through the outlet port to said application surface. The retaining means comprises a retaining plate 35 with an edge on the homologous edge of an opening of the body so as to retain the sliding elements.

The retaining means comprise a plurality of permanent magnets disposed in relation to the body so as to retain the sliding elements themselves comprising a magnetic material. The body has a form of gripping allowing it to be handled between at least two fingers and / or with the palm of a hand, and said gripping shape is arranged to allow said hand to deliver a dose of fluid to through said at least one outlet port. The body comprises an inner support having a plurality of retaining arms for engaging projections disposed on a securing tube inserted on the opposite side of the inner support and mounted in relation to an outer support having said gripping form. The securing tube has an upper edge surrounding an opening, the securing tube being configured to engage a flange on a flange homologous to the upper edge of the outer support so that a product container to be dispensed can be received and diffuse through the outlet port by manipulation of a user pressing with a finger the bottom of the container through said opening surrounded by the upper edge. The applicator device further comprises at least one hollow receptacle and adapted to receive a product container to be applied, the receptacle comprising means for fixing to the securing tube. The container cooperates with a conduit tube of the product diffused to the orifice, the pipe tube being disposed between an outlet cannula of a dosing cap of the container and said at least one outlet orifice. The opening of the upper edge of the securing tube or the receptacle comprises means for holding and guiding a measuring cap of the container. The component parts of the body and the receptacle are arranged along a longitudinal axis to be made by molding. The molding material is polypropylene or polyethylene or ABS or any other injectable material in injection molding molds. Alternatively, all the parts can be machined. The sliding elements cooperate with means selected from the group consisting of vibrating means, heating means, cooling elements, light therapy means, ion therapy means. Said sliding elements may be balls, possibly of different sizes, fixed or removable, solid or hollow, manufactured in one or more materials selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, ceramics, woods. Preferably, three balls are provided arranged at 120 degrees, so that the device according to the invention has the form of a tripod.The invention finally relates to a massage apparatus which comprises at least one applicator device according to the invention . Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an applicator according to the invention; - Figure 2 shows a bottom view in perspective of the assembled burst of Figure 1, partially mounted; FIG. 3 represents an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of an applicator according to the invention; - Figure 4 shows a top view in perspective of the exploded assembly of Figure 3; and - Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an applicator of the second embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an applicator device according to the invention. The fluid product applicator device of this embodiment can be used to apply various fluid products, such as ointments, cosmetics, perfumes to fluid product application surfaces and as a massage apparatus. The applicator device of the invention comprises a body C-E in which a container A of the fluid product to be applied can be arranged. The container A will be connected to an outlet port 29 of fluid product. The container A is arranged such that manipulation of the container A in the body CE ensures the diffusion of a dose of fluid through the outlet orifice 29. The body CE cooperates with sliding elements F which facilitate the displacement of the applicator device on an application surface (skin of a user, in particular) of the fluid dispensed by the applicator device. The sliding elements F are held on the body C-E by a plate G retaining.

The applicator device of the invention then comprises a substantially cylindrical receptacle B which receives the container A of the product to be applied using the applicator device of the invention. The receptacle B is hollow. It is adapted to receive a product container to be applied as the bottle A shown in Figure 1. The receptacle B serves as an adapter to the container A it receives. Thus, several receptacles can be designed to fit a range of containers A of different shapes. The receptacle B comprises fixing means to the body C-E. In the embodiment shown, the resilient clip-fastening means of the receptacle B to the body C-E comprise several arms, such as the arm 6, which are provided with retention nozzles. The arms 6 are made of material with the cylindrical body 5 of the receptacle B. The receptacle B has a hollow cylindrical body 5 adapted to receive as a container of fluid to be applied, the applicator device of the invention a bottle A composed of a bottom 1 and a cylindrical body 2. The cylindrical body 5 of the receptacle B has an inside diameter calculated to receive the outside diameter of the cylindrical body 2 of the vial. The bottle is equipped at its lower end with the drawing of FIG. 1 by a substantially cylindrical measuring cap 3 which carries a part that is movable relative to a fixed portion of the measuring cap. The moving part of the measuring cap belongs to an ejection valve (not visible in FIG. 1) of the product contained in bottle A. The valve is associated either with a manual pump or with a pressurized product dispenser in the vial, so that the movable portion of the measuring cap 3 can be manipulated from the outside by a user to diffuse into the space under the outlet port 29.

The body CE comprises an inner support E comprising three half-cups 16-18 for receiving the sliding elements F. To make the sliding elements F cooperate with the body CE, the inner support E has a flange 20 intended to receive a rim counterpart of the retaining plate G, the two flanges being arranged to allow clipping of the retaining plate G on the inner support E which become integral with each other. Such a securing means is removable thus allowing the cleaning of this part of the applicator device. The body CE of the applicator device of the invention then comprises an outer support D which comprises three hemispherical cavities 13-15 for receiving the half-cups 16-18 of the inner support E. The body of the outer support D has a shape of gripping 12 of the applicator device which allows easy manipulation between two fingers of a user such as the thumb and middle finger, and / or gripping by the palm of this user. In one embodiment shown in the drawing, the gripping form 12 is formed by a rounded narrowing of the body of the outer support D which widens upwards again in FIG. 1 to form a circular opening 11. shapes could of course be suitable, such as a pear shape. The applicator device of the invention then comprises a tube for securing the outer support D to the inner support E. The securing tube C is of substantially cylindrical general shape. It comprises on its upper edge to the drawing, a folded annular return 7 with a lip 7a of reduced diameter which is intended to fit inside the lip 20 homologous 11a of a flange 11 of the outer support D arranged to its upper part to the drawing. The joining tube C finally has on its main cylindrical portion several projections 10a, 10b, preferably three in number. Each protrusion 10a, 10b is intended to engage with cylinder-shaped arms such as the arm 19 made of material with the rest of the inner support E and directed upwards in FIG. arm 19 has a lip 19a which returns to the inside of the inner support and which is adapted to pass beyond the corresponding projection 10a on the securing tube when it is inserted through the circular opening 11 of the outer support 30 D, the inner support E being placed correctly on the lower part of the outer support D. The fluid product applicator device of the first embodiment comprises a fluid outlet orifice 29. In this embodiment, the F elements sliding the fluid applicator device over an application surface of the fluid product (a user's skin, for example) takes the form of three balls 21-23. The fluid outlet orifice 29 is independent of the elements F ensuring the sliding of the fluid applicator device on an application surface of the fluid product. Indeed, a space is provided between the three balls 21-23 mounted on the applicator device at the location where the fluid outlet orifice 29 is located, and which is limited on one side by the retaining plate G three balls and the other by the application surface (not shown). The fluid product to be applied can thus arrive directly on the application surface, without passing on the balls 21-23. The displacement of the applicator device on the application surface (not shown) on which it is placed then allows the distribution of the quantity of fluid product which has been expelled by the orifice 29 as will be described. The three balls 21-23, which are elements F ensuring the sliding of the fluid applicator device on an application surface of the fluid product, are mounted freely in the inner support E comprising three cups 16-18. The plate G of retention of the sliding elements F makes it possible to retain the three balls 21-23 by means of circular rings 24-26 whose diameter is slightly smaller than the respective large diameter of the balls 21-23. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each retaining ring 24-26 of the retaining plate G is, as for the ring 24, composed of a flange 27 having a beveled lip 27a on which the corresponding ball 21 comes rolling. Note that the three balls could possibly have different sizes: for example two smaller balls, and a larger ball. These beads may be formed for example of metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, or from a combination of these materials. These beads may further have a hard or soft outer surface (silicone, rubber or elastomer type), as well as a smooth, polymeric finish surface (i.e., the mold is polished to have a smooth appearance possible), or even a textured surface, such as for example a golf ball provided with concave cells. These different materials and textures can vary the 35 sensations of massage on the skin of the user.

When the bottle A is in place in the receptacle B mounted in the applicator device of the invention, the user manipulating the applicator device of the invention presses with the index finger or with the palm on the bottom 1 of the bottle A, this bottom protruding above the top edge of receptacle B.

The bottle A is simply placed and guided inside the receptacle B, by guiding means which surround, in one embodiment, the fixed part of the measuring cap 3. The support by the index of the user on the bottom of the bottle A ensures the depression of the movable portion of the measuring cap which abuts on a fixed part of the applicator device.

For this purpose, the bottle A has a cannula (not referenced in Figure 1) which serves for the ejection and diffusion of the product contained in the bottle when it is ejected by pressing on the movable portion of the measuring cap 3. The cannula is engaged in the upper free end to the drawing of Figure 1 of a pipe tube 4 which channels the diffused product to the orifice 29 of the retaining plate G. For this purpose, the other end, 1 to the drawing of the product pipe, carries a nozzle adapted to fit relatively tightly to the inner face (greater than the drawing of FIG. 1) of the ejection orifice 29. thus limits the risk of fouling inside the body itself of the application device of the invention. In Figure 2, there is shown the end of the assembly operation of the applicator device of the embodiment of Figure 1. The view is a three-dimensional view from below. The three balls which serve as sliding elements F are placed inside the retaining rings 27 on the retaining plate G in position before insertion through the openings provided in the downwardly directed part of FIG. internal support E. The body consisting of the lower support E of the outer support D with its gripping form 12 and the securing tube C, has been previously assembled. It has also been associated with the receptacle B (not visible in Figure 2) and the bottle A is shown with the product pipeline tube before assembly to the applicator device B-G. When the applicator device of the invention has been assembled, the user grasps the body CE by its gripping shape 12 between the thumb and the middle finger, or with the palm, and presses against the bottom 1 of the bottle A which protrudes slightly from the receptacle. B in place on the body. The pipe tube 4 abuts on the upper face of the retaining plate G, at the right of the orifice 29, operates the movable portion of the dosing cap 3 and a dose of product contained in the bottle is then ejected and diffused out the applicator device, through the orifice 29, to join the space 30 formed between the sliding elements F and thus the application surface (skin of a user for example - not shown in the drawing). By then moving the applicator device, using the sliding elements F, the dose of diffused product can then be distributed over the application surface (the skin of a user for example). When the application surface is a human body, and the product is a massage oil or cream, the applicator device can serve as a massage device. The diffused product can also be a cosmetic product and or a perfume. The applicator device can then be a device for applying cosmetics or perfumes. The diffused product may also be a pharmaceutical or veterinary product. The applicator device can then be a device for applying pharmaceutical or veterinary products. The applicator device of the invention finds application to areas other than those of living beings. It can be used to treat skins such as leather polish or other products.

The bottle A may be of the aerosol or mechanical pump type. The container may also be an Airless ® type bottle, comprising a piston which moves under the sole effect of a force exerted by the atmospheric pressure, greater than that exerted by this same pressure on the outlet of the bottle.

The container may also be a flask of the Powercontainer® type, in which the expulsion of the fluid is effected by the contraction of a resilient body formed for example from a rubber base, initially prestressed. Other containers are possible among which are the deformable pockets. In this case, the receptacle B is adapted to receive the dosing cap of the bag introduced into the receptacle B and to handle it as has already been described with the aid of FIGS. 1 and 2. It should also be noted that it could also be dispensed with any container attached to the inside of the body CE of the device, in which case it would be this body itself which could serve as a container, with a sealing and means for expelling the fluid to the container. orifice 29.

These expulsion means could comprise for example a valve actuated by a button placed at the periphery of the body C-E, and for dropping the fluid by simple gravity on the application surface.

In another embodiment, the applicator device receives means for vibrating the sliding members F. Such means require a modification of the body geometry C-E of the applicator device of FIGS. 1-2 which is within the abilities of those skilled in the art. In another embodiment, the applicator device receives means for heating or cooling the sliding elements F. The sliding elements then transmit heat or cold to the part of the application surface on which the applicator device is manipulated. The application of heat can promote the application of the fluid, including its penetration under the application surface.

It is also conceivable to equip the body C-E and / or the sliding elements F with light therapy means (light emitting diodes L.E.D. for example) or ion therapy. In Figure 3, there is shown an exploded assembly of another embodiment of the invention. Compared with the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the means for fixing the sliding elements F is modified. Instead of using a fixing plate as the fixing plate G of Figure 1, magnetic means are used here and the balls are made of magnetic material as taught in WO2011 / 067500-A1.

As is known from this device, the majority of each ball may be outside the means for holding the sliding elements, unlike the first embodiment, where less than the half sphere is available. The applicator device of the second embodiment of the invention has a structure similar to that of the first embodiment. In particular it is built around a central vertical axis to the drawing (not drawn). The outer support D has a gripping shape identical to the gripping form 12 of the first embodiment and the bottle A is accessible like any other container to be actuated by the index of the user pressing its bottom 1 once in place in the applicator device of the second embodiment.

The inner support E is modified in the second embodiment, in that it covers a smaller portion of the sliding balls F, and in that it comprises retaining elements which replace the retaining plate G of the first mode. of realization.

The retaining elements in the second embodiment comprise a plurality of magnets, here constituted by flat cylindrical pellets 55-57, which are intended to be housed in housings such as the housing 58-59 composed of a flat base 58 surrounded by a partial cylindrical rim 59.

Alternatively, the inner support E may be formed in a plastic material loaded with magnetization effect particles (ferrite for example): such a plastic material is commercially known under the names Plastinéodyme® and Plastiferrite®. In a particular embodiment, each flange 59 is completed by a portion (not shown in Figure 3) which allows to clip the magnetic chip 57 in the housing by holding it in place during assembly of the body of the applicator device. The inner support E of the second embodiment of FIG. 3 comprises three flexible arms 60, 61, 63, made of material and provided with hooking spigots such as the spout 62 on the arm 60, which are intended to come into contact with each other. hang on the projections 43, 44 formed on the cylindrical body 41 of the securing tube C. Their function is identical to that of the arms and projections of the first embodiment in Figure 1. The joining tube C comprises, as in the first 25 embodiment, an edge whose section forms a circular half-ring. The edge provides an opening greater than the drawing for the introduction of the container A. The annular edge 41 terminates in a flange 48, 49 interlocking which is adapted to the flange 50, 51 homologous to the upper edge of the outer support D. In the second embodiment, there is accumulated on the securing tube C the functions of the securing tube C and the receptacle B of the first embodiment. Thus, in the second embodiment of FIG. 3, the securing tube C is terminated on its lower edge by a truncated cone 45, which serves as a means for guiding the container A to allow the manipulation of the mobile part of the container. measuring cap with bottle A is equipped. Beyond the truncated cone of guide 45, the securing tube C is terminated in its lower part to the drawing by a cylindrical portion 47. The cylindrical portion 47 has an edge whose profile is cut so as to be placed, all by orienting the securing tube C around the vertical axis, on the upper face of the hemispherical caps of the inner support E. The conical portion 45 can be adapted to the profile of the bottle A at its cap 3. It is shown the cannula 40 of the plug outlet 3 because the pipe tube 4 of the first embodiment is no longer necessary. This cannula 40 has a free end which is intended to bear directly on an ejection orifice or diffusion of the product contained in the bottle and which is made on the wall of the inner support E at its intersection with the central axis not shown of the device. The assembly and overall operation of the applicator device of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. The same devices serve the same purposes. They can receive the same variants, among which, the arrangements for vibrating the sliding elements F, the holding of the container A in the receptacle B of the first embodiment or the securing tube C of the second embodiment, etc.

In Figure 4, there is shown a three-dimensional view from the side and top of the applicator device of the second embodiment during its assembly. The bottom 1 of the bottle is accessible by the user through the upper opening of the securing tube C. It can be seen the opening 65 of the bottom of the securing tube C which makes it possible to receive the free end of the cannula 40 of the product diffusion plug of the bottle A, and which is mounted on the bottom of the securing tube C. This orifice comprises two cylindrical portions of which only the upper cylindrical portion is visible in Figure 4 through the upper opening of the securing tube C. The lower cylindrical portion of the orifice 65 is intended to fit into a homologous orifice 66 formed in the wall of the inner support E and which opens out of the applicator device of the second embodiment. In Figure 5, there is shown the applicator device of the second embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 assembled and placed on a surface, such as an application surface (skin of a user for example - not shown). The container or bottle A is visible through the upper opening of the securing tube C. The prehensile form 53 of the outer support D can be grasped between the thumb and middle finger of the hand, or by the palm. One can then press at will on the bottom 1 of the bottle A so that the cannula 40 pressing on the upper cylindrical portion of the orifice 65 at the bottom of the securing tube C pushes the movable portion of the cap 3 of the bottle, diffusing a dose of product contained in the bottle. The dose passes through the cannula 40, the orifice 65 by its two cylindrical parts, then the orifice 66 to reach the space formed between the three balls serving as sliding elements F and the application surface. The sliding elements F have been described above in the form of spherical balls which can roll freely, which can be of different sizes, formed in different materials, hollow or solid. In other embodiments, these beads may be fixed, optionally formed integrally with the body C-E; in addition other forms than the sphere may be adopted, in particular sliding elements F in the form of fixed bearings in the body C-E and having a sliding surface on the application surface to be treated. The provisions of each of the two described embodiments can be combined freely. In particular, the securing tube of the second embodiment can be used in the first embodiment in place of the securing tube and the receptacle described therein. Conversely, in the second embodiment, the joining tube described can be replaced by the securing tube and the receptacle of the first embodiment. Finally, the prehensile shape 12 can be adapted to other C-E body geometries: pear-shaped, handle-shaped, etc., grippable by the fingers and / or the palm of a user. The various parts A-G of the applicator device of the invention are, in a particular embodiment, produced by injection molding using molds and an injection molding machine. Any injectable material may be suitable, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS. The different pieces A-G can also be made by machining. Compared to the state of the art, represented by the document WO2011 / 067500-A1, the invention separates the application function of the product to be applied to the surface of the sliding function on this surface: the fluid product at apply can thus arrive directly on the application surface (skin of a user for example, without passing on the sliding elements). This results in a great simplification in the design, the absence of clogging of the outlet orifice, an easy cleaning, a greater reliability, as well as a total independence of the application function of the fluid on the surface of application, with respect to the action of the sliding elements. Another advantage of the present invention, illustrated by the two embodiments described above, is to allow manipulation of the applicator device with one hand. The body C-E can indeed be caught between the two fingers of a hand (thumb and major for example), or in the palm of a user. Another advantage of the present invention is to allow simple handling of the container A by pressing a finger or the palm of a user to control the ejection of a dose of fluid product by pressing against the bottom of the container. container. Another advantage of the present invention is to adapt to very varied forms of containers A, such as flexible tubes, flexible bags or rigid bottles or aerosol cans. Another advantage of the present invention is that the applicator device can be made without any fastening part such as screws, rivets or glue. The molding made possible by the architecture of the applicator device around a longitudinal axis makes it possible to obtain parts that can be assembled only by elastic deformations. Another advantage of the present invention is to allow easy cleaning of the applicator device. Indeed, having no fixed parts permanently, it is possible to disassemble to clean it in pieces.

Claims (16)

REVENDICATIONS1. Applicator device for fluid products, characterized in that it comprises: - a body (CE) for directly receiving, or in a container, fluid product to be applied, - at least one element capable of ensuring sliding in all directions of the fluid applicator device, on a substantially planar surface for application of the fluid product, and - at least one outlet orifice (29; 66) of said fluid product formed in this body (CE) and arranged to allow a direct flow of said fluid fluid to said application surface. 2. applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the body comprises a plurality of component parts cooperating with the sliding elements (F) and in that the applicator device comprises retaining means (G; 55-60) said sliding members in said body (CE) carrying said at least one outlet port (29; 66) of fluid from said body (CE), so that manipulation of said body (CE) or said container (A) by a The user produces the expulsion of a dose of fluid product through the outlet port (29; 66) to said application surface. 3. applicator device according to claim 2, characterized in that the retaining means comprise a retaining plate (G) clipable by an edge on the homologous edge of an opening (20) of the body (CE) so as to retain the sliding elements (F). 4. applicator device according to claim 2, characterized in that the retaining means comprise a plurality of permanent magnets (55-57) arranged in relation (58, 59) with the body (CE) so as to retain the elements of sliding (F) themselves comprising a magnetic material. 5. applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (CE) comprises a gripping shape (12; 53) for handling between at least two fingers and / or the palm of a hand and said gripping form is arranged to allow said hand to deliver a dose of fluid through said at least one outlet port (29; 66). 6. applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (CE) comprises an inner support (E) having a plurality of retaining arms (19; 60) intended to engage on protrusions. (10a, 10b; 43, 44) disposed on a securing tube (C) inserted on the opposite side of the inner support (E) and mounted in connection with an outer support (D) having said gripping form (12; 53). 7. Applicator device according to claim 6, characterized in that the securing tube (C) has an upper edge (7; 41) surrounding an opening, the securing tube (C) being configured to engage with a flange ( 7a; 49) on a counter flange (11a; 50) of the upper edge (11; 51) of the outer support (D) so that a container (A) of product to be dispensed can be received and diffused through the outputting (29; 66) by manipulation of a user pressing the bottom (1) of the container (A) through the opening surrounded by the upper edge (7; 41) with a finger. 8. applicator device according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises at least one hollow receptacle (B) and adapted to receive a product container to be applied (A), the receptacle (B) comprising fastening means (6) to the securing tube (C). 9. Applicator device according to claim 8, characterized in that the container (A) cooperates with a duct tube (4) of the product diffused to the orifice (29), the duct tube (4) being arranged between an outlet cannula (40) for a measuring cap (3) of the container (A) and said at least one outlet (29). 10. Applicator device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the opening of the upper edge of the securing tube (C) or the receptacle (B) comprises means for holding and guiding a plug metering device (3) of the container (A). 11. applicator device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component parts of the body and the receptacle are arranged along a longitudinal axis to be manufactured by molding. An applicator device according to claim 11, characterized in that the molding material is polypropylene or polyethylene or ABS or any other injectable material in injection molding molds. 13. Applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding elements (F) cooperate with means selected from the group comprising vibrating means, heating means, cooling elements, light therapy means, ion therapy means. An applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sliding members are selected from the group consisting of balls of the same size, balls of different sizes, fixed balls, removable balls, solid balls, hollow beads, made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, ceramics, woods. 15. Applicator device according to claim 14, comprising three balls arranged at 120 degrees. 16. A massage apparatus, characterized in that it comprises at least one applicator device according to any one of the preceding claims.