JP7118157B2 - Wiper device for cosmetic applicator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wiper device for an applicator assembly for applying liquid, pasty or powdery cosmetics such as mascara or eyeliner.

This type of applicator assembly conventionally comprises a bottle intended to contain cosmetics and having a threaded neck onto which a cap can be screwed. This cap has a rod with an applicator at the end for the product to be applied. The applicator is therefore immersed in the product contained in the bottle and preferably this type of applicator assembly further comprises a wiper element for wiping (or squeezing) the rod and/or applicator when removed from the bottle.

In general, wiper efficiency and primary function are related to the shape of the wiper. The external shape of the wiper should allow easy attachment to the neck of the holder or container while holding the wiper firmly during movement of inserting and removing the applicator from the container. The internal geometry of the wiper should match both the external geometry of the applicator, the mechanical properties and the properties of the product to be applied. In addition, wiper efficiency is related to wiper material.

A wiper element or wiper used in this type of applicator assembly must allow excess product on the rod and applicator to be wiped off while maintaining product load on the applicator. Generally, such wipers are in the form of a somewhat flexible sleeve fixed to the neck of the bottle and having an inner wall defining a small constant diameter passageway at the end for wiping the rod. The wiper is somewhat deformable to allow the applicator to pass through. Such applicators can be found, inter alia, in US Pat.

US Pat. No. 5,300,009 discloses a wiper, one of its features consisting of an external lip that can be fitted under the inner shoulder of the neck. A protruding edge holds the wiper to the outer edge of the neck. The combined action of these two elements allows the wiper to be secured to the neck of the container both axially and radially. The problem is to hold the wiper in place when the rod, in particular the applicator device, passes through the narrowed opening of the wiping lip and is considerably deformed and subjected to tensile stress. A compromise must therefore be found, and various solutions have already been developed for this purpose. The wiper disclosed in this case has a circular or partially circular lip, also called a "hoop" or "harpoon". This shape should be flexible and when the wiper is placed in the container neck opening it will flatten and return to its natural position under the shoulder inside the container neck. Secure retention of the wiper on the neck of the container is therefore related to the ability to resist the removal force exerted by the applicator on the wiper as the outer lip emerges from the container.

US Pat. No. 4,600,002 describes a wiper whose portion located inside the container below the shoulder of the neck has a special dividing lip. These lips are particularly flexible and can effectively wipe the rod as it passes over the neck.

Accordingly, all of the current wiper devices disclosed in these patent applications or patents have an external lip, the effect of which is closely related to the internal shape of the neck of the container in which it is used.

Another problem encountered relates to non-uniformity in the shape of the container, especially in the neck, regardless of the material from which the container is made. These irregularities are inherently due to manufacturing and the dimensional differences can be significant. Furthermore, the surface conditions may differ. Some containers may have smooth inner surfaces, while others may have rough inner surfaces. These anomalies can cause the wiper to not be securely fastened to the neck.

Especially as regards bottles or containers made of glass, regardless of the quality of manufacture, these bottles have a very irregular internal shape at the neck shoulder. The vertical position of the limit (inside the shoulder) relative to the reference plane (top of the neck) is not exact and can vary by a few mm. The overhanging surface of the inner shoulder is not uniform. Furthermore, the fillet radius between the neck opening and the shoulder is very approximate and its dimensions are not guaranteed with this type of process.

Plastic containers, especially when made by blow molding, cannot guarantee a regular position of the shoulder inside the neck regardless of the quality of production. These bottles have a very irregular internal shape at the neck shoulder. The vertical position of the limit (inside the shoulder) relative to the reference plane (top of the neck) is not exact and can vary by a few mm. The overhanging surface of the inner shoulder is not uniform. Furthermore, the fillet radius between the neck opening and the shoulder is very approximate and its dimensions are not guaranteed with this type of process.

European Patent No. 1066771 European Patent No. 1221874 European Patent No. 1275322 French Patent No. 3026274

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular to enhance the attachment of the wiper to the neck of the container.

The present invention therefore relates to a one-piece wiper device for an applicator assembly for applying a pasty cosmetic product, said applicator assembly comprising at least one applicator having a gripping rod and application means for applying said cosmetic product, said A container having a neck in which the applicator slides along an axis XX, called the longitudinal axis, substantially capable of fitting inside said neck and comprising a first flange for attachment to the edge of said container neck. Said wiper device having a cylindrical shape and a second flange for attachment to the inner shoulder of said neck and a lip projecting inwardly of said container.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the second outer flange includes an annular outer projection positioned substantially near said inner lip and bearing, said device being engaged with said neck. externally provided with at least one additional element capable of coming into contact with the inner surface of the shoulder of the neck of the wiper device, so that the wiper device is in optimized contact with the inner surface of the neck, whatever that surface may be. Have maximum contact.

The external projections associated with the additional elements advantageously ensure that the wiper is held in place on the neck while allowing it to compensate for irregularities in the internal dimensions of the neck.

According to one embodiment of the invention, said additional element comprises a first set of tabs extending in a plane forming an acute angle with axis XX and located at a first distance from the edge of the neck. The tabs allow a perfectly conforming surface contact with the shoulder even if the shoulder has surface or dimensional irregularities.

According to another possibility, said additional element comprises a corrugated flexible annular strip. This flexible strip conforms perfectly to the inner surface of the neck.

According to a further feature, said additional element may comprise a second set of tabs offset along axis XX with respect to said first set of tabs. The second set of tabs may have an orientation similar to the orientation of the first set of tabs.

According to a further feature of the invention, a ring is provided at the free end of said first tab.

The wiper may further comprise studs or protrusions projecting upwards from the surface of the additional element and configured to contact the inner surface of the shoulder of the neck.This property allows a better grip of the wiper at this level. to

Preferably, the first and/or second set of tabs comprises between 2 and 64 tabs.

Advantageously, said tabs are regularly angularly distributed around axis XX. As an example, the device according to the invention may be a vulcanizable rubber, or silicone, or thermoplastic elastomer, or a 3D printer, or the like. can be made from any other flexible material used by the machine for the "by material addition" manufacture of

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description with reference to the drawings in Appendix A which show the following description.
1A is a side view of a wiper device according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1B is a top view of a wiper device according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2A is a side view of a wiper device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 2B is a top view of a wiper device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 2C is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A is a side view of a wiper device according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 3B is a top view of a wiper device according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention. Figure 4A is a side view of a wiper device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 4B is a top view of a wiper device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a longitudinal section through a wiper device according to the invention arranged on the neck of a container; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device according to the first embodiment with studs on the fins; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the device according to the first embodiment with protrusions on the fins;

For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by the same reference numerals in all figures.

Figure 5 shows the wiper device together with the cosmetic applicator assembly. The assembly comprises, inter alia, an applicator 10 with a gripping rod 11 and application means for applying cosmetic product 12, and a container 13 having a neck 14 in which the applicator 10 slides. The application means 12 may resemble a bristle brush having bristles or spikes that come into contact with the keratin fibers for make-up purposes. Furthermore, the container 13 is closed and filled with a more or less viscous, especially pasty, cosmetic product. Container 13 is generally axisymmetric and thus has a longitudinal axis XX along which applicator 10 slides. Of course, the applicator may be rotated within the container. This is how the applicator is picked up or loaded with cosmetic product when the application means 12 is in contact with the cosmetic product present inside the container 13 . When the applicator 12 is removed from the container 13 by the user, it passes the neck 14 of the container 13 with a generally or substantially cylindrical wiper device 1 that can be attached to the neck 14 of the container 13 .

In a known manner the wiper device 1 has at a first end a first annular flange 2 for attaching the wiper device to the outer edge of the neck 14 . |The first flange enables the wiper device 1 to be axially retained within the cormorant b14 when the applicator 10 is inserted into the container 13. | The wiper device has near its second end a second outer flange 3 which can interact with a shoulder 15 formed in the neck 14 of the container 13 . The purpose of the second flange 3 is to axially retain the wiper device when the applicator 10 is removed from the container 13 .

The applicator or brush 12 is dimensioned so that the ends of the bristles or spikes are flush with the inner wall of the wiper 1 at the neck. At least one with a diameter close to that of the rod 11 for wiping the rod each time the applicator 10 passes through the wiper 1 in one direction or the other in order to limit the amount of cosmetic product lifted onto the rod 11 . One internal lip 4 is generally provided. Of course, various shapes, orientations and dimensions of the inner lip 4 are known.

According to the invention, the second flange 3 comprises or is formed from a flexible annular external projection located substantially near said internal lip 4 . Preferably, a similar "height" is selected for the second flange 3 and the inner lip 4. Without the lip 4, the second flange 3 would be close to the inner edge of the wiper, for example between one quarter and one third of its height measured along the longitudinal axis XX. placed in

FIGS. 1-4 show different variants of the invention, more specifically variants of the second flange 3 with a “circular hoop” or “annular external projection” 30 . Advantageously, this hoop 30 supports from the outside at least one additional element, which can have several shapes. The annular hoop may be continuous or discontinuous around the circumference of the wiper 1 body.

Figures 1A, 1B and 1C show an embodiment in which annular hoop 30 is continuous and supports a first set of tabs 31 extending in a circular plane at an acute angle with longitudinal axis XX. In other words, the tabs 31 are oriented towards the first flange 2 of the wiper.

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show the case where the annular hoop 30 is discontinuous around the wiper. Each angular segment of hoop 30 supports tab 31 . Additionally, a second set of tabs 32 may be provided around the body of the wiper 1 . The second set of tabs 32 are axially offset with respect to the first set of tabs 31 . Tab 32 is located closer to upper flange 2 than tab 31 . Additionally, the first and/or second sets of tabs are selected to be angularly offset based on the fact that the tabs are regularly angularly distributed for each set.

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C differ from Figures 2A, 2B and 2C by the presence of a ring 33 at the free end of the first tab 31 . It can be seen that the ring 33 is arranged substantially at the same height as the second tabs 32 . The purpose is to increase the contact surface between the second flange 3 and the shoulder 15, especially if there are irregularities in its internal surface or even if the shoulder 2 has large dimensional differences.

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C also show advantageous contact surfaces. If there is no contact, i.e. if the wiper is not placed on the neck b, the additional element is in this case, in particular, but not limited to, any surface and/or dimensional imperfections mentioned above. , in the form of wavy flexible annular strips such as wavy collars and ruffs. Upon contact with the inner surface of the shoulder, whatever collar is pressed completely against this surface.

FIG. 6 shows an improved version of the embodiment according to FIG. The refinement consists of a set of studs 310 projecting upwardly from the top surface of the first set of tabs 31 . "stud" means a type of spike, the number of which may vary as required. These studs help the tabs to better grip the irregular surface of shoulder 15 of neck 14 . Accordingly, one skilled in the art is free to choose the density of studs 310 . By “top” of the tab is meant the surface of the tab 31 facing the first flange 2 .

FIG. 7 also relates to an improvement of the embodiment of FIG. In this case, a protrusion or reinforcement 320 is provided on the upper surface of the tab. The protrusions improve and enhance the contact between the tabs 31 and the opposing shoulder surfaces. The same type of projections may be provided on an annular external projection or hoop 30. FIG.

Regarding the number of tabs, the first and/or second set of tabs preferably includes 2 to 64 tabs.

The table below shows the results of tensile tests on various wipers made of NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber), NBR70shA.

The first column of the table relates to wipers according to the prior art, i.e. without the features of the invention. The second row of the table relates to the wiper of Figures 1A, 1B and 1C and the third row of the table relates to the wiper shown in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C. The value is the tensile force in Newtons before the wiper disengages. Row B1 corresponds to bottles or containers with variable neck heights. Column B2 corresponds to commonly obtained bottles with manufacturing defects. In each category three bottles were tested, all from the same mold. It should be noted that bottles with wipers, "fins and teeth" and "rings" according to the present invention have superior tensile strength than prior art bottles.

The most commonly used plastics for containers are PP (polypropylene), PA and PETG (polyethylene terephthalate), which are selected according to their chemical compatibility with the cosmetics contained in the container.

As for the wiper itself, it is known in industrial production that the wiper member is made of vulcanizable rubber such as NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber). Also used are silicones or thermoplastic elastomers belonging to the classes TPE-S (SEBS, SBS, etc.), TRE-V (PP and EPDM), TPE-U (thermoplastic polyurethanes).

Claims (16)

A one-piece wiper device for an applicator assembly for applying a pasty cosmetic product, said applicator assembly comprising at least one applicator provided with a gripping rod (11) and application means (12) for applying said cosmetic product. (10), a container (13) having a neck (14) in which said applicator (10) slides along an axis XX called longitudinal axis, said wiper device having a substance which can fit inside said neck (14); A wiper device having a generally cylindrical shape and provided with a first flange (2) for attachment to the edge of the neck of the container, a second for attachment to the shoulder (15) inside the neck (14). It comprises a flange (3) and a lip ( 4 ) projecting inside said container, said second flange (3) being substantially aligned with said lip and bearing when said device engages said neck. comprising an annular external projection (30) located near the externally at least one additional element (31, 32, 33) so as to be contacted by the inner surface of said shoulder of said neck (14); supporting, wiper device achieves maximum and optimized contact with the inner surface of the neck ,
A wiper device, characterized in that said additional element comprises a wavy flexible annular strip (34) . A wiper device according to claim 1, characterized in that said additional element comprises a first set of tabs (31) extending in a plane forming an acute angle with axis XX. A one-piece wiper device for an applicator assembly for applying a pasty cosmetic product, said applicator assembly comprising at least one applicator provided with a gripping rod (11) and application means (12) for applying said cosmetic product. (10), a container (13) having a neck (14) in which said applicator (10) slides along an axis XX called longitudinal axis, said wiper device having a substance which can fit inside said neck (14); A wiper device having a generally cylindrical shape and provided with a first flange (2) for attachment to the edge of the neck of the container, a second for attachment to the shoulder (15) inside the neck (14). It comprises a flange (3) and a lip (4) projecting inwardly of said container, said second flange (3) being substantially aligned with said lip and bearing when said device engages said neck. comprising an annular external projection (30) located near the externally at least one additional element (31, 32, 33) so as to be contacted by the inner surface of said shoulder of said neck (14); supporting, wiper device achieves maximum and optimized contact with the inner surface of the neck,
said additional element comprises a first set of tabs (31) extending in a plane forming an acute angle with axis XX;
A wiper device, characterized in that a ring (33) is provided at the free end of said first tab (31). Wiper according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said additional element comprises a second set of tabs (32) offset along axis XX with respect to said first tabs (31). Device. a stud (310) or projection (320) projecting upwardly from the surface of said additional element and/or said annular external projection (30) and intended to contact said internal surface of said shoulder of said neck; A wiper device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a 6. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said first set (31) and/or said second set (32) of tabs comprises between 2 and 64 tabs. wiper device. A wiper device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said tabs (31, 32) are arranged at regular angles around axis XX. A wiper device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of vulcanizable rubber or silicone or thermoplastic elastomer. A one-piece wiper device for an applicator assembly for applying a pasty cosmetic product, said applicator assembly comprising at least one applicator provided with a gripping rod (11) and application means (12) for applying said cosmetic product. (10), a container (13) having a neck (14) in which said applicator (10) slides along an axis XX called longitudinal axis, said wiper device having a substance which can fit inside said neck (14); A wiper device having a generally cylindrical shape and provided with a first flange (2) for attachment to the edge of the neck of the container, a second for attachment to the shoulder (15) inside the neck (14). It comprises a flange (3) and a lip (4) projecting inwardly of said container, said second flange (3) being substantially aligned with said lip and bearing when said device engages said neck. comprising an annular external projection (30) located near the externally at least one additional element (31, 32, 33) so as to be contacted by the inner surface of said shoulder of said neck (14); supporting, wiper device achieves maximum and optimized contact with the inner surface of the neck,
a stud (310) or projection (320) projecting upwardly from the surface of said additional element and/or said annular external projection (30) and intended to contact said internal surface of said shoulder of said neck; A wiper device comprising: A wiper device according to claim 9, characterized in that said additional element comprises a first set of tabs (31) extending in a plane forming an acute angle with axis XX. A wiper device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said additional element comprises a wavy flexible annular strip (34). A wiper device according to claim 10, characterized in that said additional element comprises a second set of tabs (32) offset along axis XX with respect to said first tab (31). A wiper device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a ring (33) is provided at the free end of said first tab (31). 14. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that said first set (31) and/or said second set (32) of tabs comprises between 2 and 64 tabs. wiper device. A wiper device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that said tabs (31, 32) are arranged at regular angles around axis XX. A wiper device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that it is made of vulcanizable rubber or silicone or thermoplastic elastomer.

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