MXPA00005346A - Applicator for application of a product, and its use for the transfer of a product onto a surface such as the skin - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator comprises gripping component (2) integral with application part (4) formed from base (3) on which application support (6), defining domed application surface (6a), is mounted. The applicator comprises operating part (11), which modifies profile of application surface. The operating part passes through passage (12) in base so as to engage application support and modify its profile.

Description

APPLICATOR FOR THE APPLICATION OF A PRODUCT, AND ITS USE FOR THE TRANSFER OF THE PRODUCT TO A SURFACE LIKE SKIN Field of Invention The invention relates to an applicator for the application of a product, in particular cosmetic or dermatological, on a surface such as the skin. This applicator is of the type that has an application element integral with a pressure element, and that is suitable for allowing the transfer of the applicable product from an application surface to a surface to be treated.

Background of the Invention Among the products that can be applied on the skin, we can cite make-up powders, cheek dyes, liquid make-up bases, eyelid shadows, dermatological compositions, wrinkle treatment compositions, body care, etc., Ref: 120558 presented in the form of powder, cream, gel or lotion.

The nature of the application body is chosen according to the consistency of the product to be applied, and the quantity of product that must be transferred, a product that can be taken from a corresponding deposit.

Its dimensions, that is to say, the size and shape of the application organ are established according to the morphology of the surface to be treated.

Numerous applicators are currently on the market, intended for the application of cosmetic products, in particular makeup and care. Generally, when it comes to applicators of the "product transfer" type, that is, of non-self-powered applicators of the product, which are frequently found in the make-up cases of the market, they are commonly used, extracting a dose of product. by means of an application surface, said application surface then being applied on a zone, particularly of the face, which one wishes to treat (or make up). The application of the product can be accompanied, if necessary, by a slight rub.

The market applicants of the cited genre often have a problem in terms of ease of application. In addition they usually present a problem of ergonomics, since as a general rule, their use is not always very comfortable, mainly due to the fact of their small size.

To improve the ergonomics of an applicator for make-up products, patent applications EP-A-0 761 125 and FR-A-2 701 196 propose an applicator comprising a grasping portion and an application portion, articulated with the one over the other. The applicators described in these documents have the disadvantage that they are only usable for a range of specific products of the mask or nail enamel type.

On the other hand, in the case of the aforementioned make-up cases, the applicator is frequently housed in a compartment of relatively small size. Consequently, the dimension of the application body can not exceed a certain dimension and, therefore, can not cover, the application of the product, rather than a relatively small area of extension. In fact, an application member having a relatively wide application surface is too bulky to be housed in a makeup case, especially when it must be transportable in a handbag.

From US-A-4 446 880, there is known a mascara applicator having an applicator part intended to be loaded with the product and whose diameter can be increased. The applicator part comprises a body forming a hollow elastomer sleeve. A compression device passes through the sleeve, allowing, by means of a pressure exerted parallel to the application surface, to modify the external contours of the applicator part. This type of applicator is designed for the application of a specific product on the eyelashes and can not, on the other hand, be used to spread a product on a support such as the skin. Such a mechanism offers little latitude in terms of deformations of the application surface that can be obtained. Besides its assembly is relatively complicated and its reliability of the most uncertain.

US-A-4 701 168 describes an application assembly comprising an application surface capable of being impregnated by a liquid product. This liquid product is packaged in a frangible housing. The application surface is mounted on a flexible support, support that is integral with two parallel pins that emerge perpendicularly from the support. When these pins approach, by pressure between the fingers of the user, the frangible housing is perforated and the application surface is impregnated with the liquid. As the compression of the lugs is effected, the support is deformed, thereby producing a temporary bulge of the application surface.

A main drawback of this device is the fact that, when performing numerous flexions, in the course of the uses, the support and / or the lugs run the risk of breaking, due to the fatigue of the material that constitutes them. In addition, it is necessary to maintain compression on the temples so that the surface remains domed. In effect, when the compression of the pins ceases, the application surface returns to its initial configuration. On the other hand, this device does not allow to regulate a reproducible configuration of the application surface. Finally, we will say that the use of this type of applicator is not practical, and that its volume of occupation requires a bulky container.

Description of the invention.

The present invention aims to avoid the drawbacks of prior art applicators.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an applicator in which the shape of its application surface is of variable profile, adaptable to the profile of the object to be treated, and in particular to the profile of the face.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an application organ adapted to the treatment of the skin, mainly the face, by transferring the product. In addition, according to an ergonomics objective, the invention consists of an applicator whose application member has a variable orientation, with respect to the orientation of the grasping element.

According to yet another object, the present invention proposes to provide an applicator whose occupancy space can be reduced to a minimum in a first conservation position, and can occupy a second position of use in which its occupation volume is more important. In the resting position, this applicator should be able to lodge, for example, inside a make-up case. In the position of use, it allows, in particular, to make a comfortable and exact make-up of the area to be treated.

On the other hand, the present invention has as an object an applicator for the application of a product, on a surface such as the skin, comprising a grasping element integral with an application member formed by a base on which it is located. mounted an application support defining an application surface, characterized in that it comprises a maneuvering member designed to modify the profile of the application surface, perpendicular to a middle plane of the base, said base being crossed by at least one step , through which a portion of the maneuvering member is able to adjust with the application support, in order to, in response to a pressure exerted by said portion substantially perpendicular to the application surface, modify the profile of said application surface .

Advantageously, this portion of the maneuvering member, suitable for fitting with the application support, is formed by an end portion of said maneuvering member.

According to an interesting aspect of the invention, the application support is made integral with the support base around at least a part of said passage, said portion of the maneuvering member being suitable for fitting with a part of the application support. located in front of the mentioned step.

According to an advantageous provision of the present According to the invention, said maneuvering member is formed by the pressure element according to a preferred arrangement, the maneuvering member can pass from a first position called "resting" or with "servo" to a second position known as u t i l i t In the position of rest or conservation, the occupation space of the applicator is minimal. According to this arrangement, in the first position, the base of support is substantially parallel to a geometric axis longitudinal passing through the grasping element; in the second position, a not inconsiderable angle is formed between said middle plane of the base and said longitudinal long axis. 25 at ^^^ Mu? m / Ém UílM ^^ m- This arrangement also allows to obtain an orientation of the variable application surface, at will, with respect to the orientation of the pressure element, improving the ergonomic appearance of the applicator.

The first position thus constitutes a minimum volume occupation position. The second position, of more important volume occupation, ensures a comfortable manipulation of the applicator, by the user, and a smooth application of the product during the treatment operation (makeup) of the skin.

Advantageously, the application surface is configured to facilitate the adherence of the product to be applied. It is formed on an application support, integral with the rigid support base of the application member.

Advantageously, the application support, including its surface intended to be loaded with product, is elastically deformable. By the term "elastically deformable" is meant a support able to deform elastically in response to an appropriate load or tension and to return to its initial shape once it ceases. Advantageously or also, the application support can be elastically compressible, which facilitates the release of the product when the application is made. By this means, the convenience of application can likewise be improved.

The ability of the application support to bend, in response to the action of the maneuvering member, and to return by elasticity to its initial shape, when the tension or load ceases, is linked to the elasticity of constituent material of said application support. The flexural ability of such material can also be characterized by its flexural modulus. Generally, the materials provided in the invention have a flexural modulus of how maximum 200 MPa (Young's modulus in flexion). the flexibility may be a result of the nature of the material forming said application support and / or its configuration. When said application support is constituted by a foam, the -. • **** - * - * - flexibility also depends on the density of the foam (size and number of the alveoli).

According to an advantageous embodiment, the application surface, in the conservation or rest position, is substantially flat, while, in the position of use, it is substantially domed.

The free end of the maneuvering member that adjusts with the application support can have different contours, depending on the profile that one wishes to give to the application surface, in the position of use. Furthermore, the free end of the operating member causes, depending on the angular position of the pressure element relative to the orientation of the application support, a more or less pronounced modification of the profile of the application surface.

As regards the shape of the application support, it advantageously has a lateral edge which constitutes a continuous curve, for example of an oval shape. More particularly, this lateral edge may also comprise at least one concave zone. This arrangement makes it possible to adapt the shape of the applicator, particularly to makeup of eyelids or other contours of the eyes or nose.

The mounting of the gripping element on the application member can be carried out using articulation means, made on a portion of the gripping element and of the support base respectively. For this purpose, the maneuvering member may comprise a hinge or hinge, provided with a rotation axis. In this case, a first part of the articulation is formed by the application member, a second part being formed, capable of cooperating with the first part, by the elementary element.

According to a particular embodiment, the articulation means can be configured so that the application member is removable. Thus, the application member can constitute an exchangeable recharge, the application support being pre-impregnated with a disintegrable product. The fact of having a removable application organ also makes it possible, if necessary, to clean the application support.

According to another embodiment, the application support can have a pattern in relief, which in particular constitutes a logo or a decorative element, which allows for example to make a temporary "tattoo" on the skin.

As for the application support, it can be made with natural or synthetic rubber, particularly with polyurethane or with thermoplastic elastomer. It can be constituted by an alveolar foam, of closed, open or semi-open cells. The application support can have a flocculation coating, which favors the adhesion of the product and the homogenization of the product layer after application.

Advantageously, the application support has an average thickness between approximately 1 mm and approximately 4 mm.

Furthermore, in order to ensure a defined positioning of the gripping element relative to the application support, in the course of use, the applicator may comprise means for, in position of use, blocking the application surface in a certain orientation, in relation to the grasping element.

More particularly, these positioning means can comprise at least one elastic tongue located in the vicinity of one of the ends of said opening, this tongue having a profile able to cooperate, in use position, with at least one complementary profile. formed on the pressure element, profile capable of being franked when the gripping element is turned towards the rest position or towards the position of use.

The applicator that is described is particularly usable, in particular, for the application of a liquid product, pasty or solid, disintegrable on the visible areas of the skin.

In particular, this applicator is intended for the application of a treatment product, such as an anti-wrinkle product or a makeup product, such as free or compact powder, a colored paste, an eyelid shadow, a rouge or a make-up base.

According to another form of use, the applicator of the invention can be used to effect, by transfer of an appropriate product, a temporary "tattoo" on the skin.

In practice, the applicator is used to extract the applicable product from a deposit appropriate. This deposit can be constituted by a jar filled with cream or loose powder, a compact powder arranged in a make-up case, an appropriate support imbibed with liquid, in particular of inking type, etc. Other objects of the invention will appear in detail in the reading of the following description, of embodiments of the invention, given to titles of purely illustrative examples -MÉlItu. ^^ iB and in no way restrictive, represented in the attached drawing.

In this drawing: Figure 1 represents a perspective view, in parts, of an applicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the applicator of Figure 1, in rest or conservation position; - Figure 3 represents a view in axial section of the applicator according to Figure 2, in the position of rest or conservation; Figure 4 shows a side view of the applicator of figure 1, in position of use; figure 5 represents an axial section view of the applicator according to figure 4, in position of use; figure 6 represents a view in detail of an application member, provided with means for positioning the gripping element in position; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a preferred form of the application member; Y Figure 8 shows a variant of the application member, which allows a makeup by tattoo.

With reference, particularly, to Figures 1 to 5, we will say that an applicator can be seen, designated as a whole with the reference 1. The applicator 1 is composed of a grasping element 2 that allows the applicator to be taken in the hand, and an application member 4 comprising a rigid support base 3, mounted in a rotating arrangement on itself in said pressure element.

As it appears visible, in particular in figure 1, the pressure element 2 has an elongated shape, of axis A, a first free end 2a thereof forming a substantially cylindrical handle. A second end 11, opposite the first, is located at the end of a flat portion 10, of width markedly greater than the width of the handle 2a. This second end forms with the pressure element 2 a maneuvering member as will be explained below. The flattened portion 10 is delimited by two lateral flanks 22, each of which has an arcuate journal 8a. The two journals 8a are centered on an axis and perpendicular to the axis A. The gripping element 2 is advantageously made by molding a rigid or semi-rigid thermoplastic material. Most of the flattened portion 10 is located on the side opposite the handle 2a, with respect to the axis and, in order to be able to be displaced, by turning the gripping element on its axis.

The rigid support base 3 of the application member 4 extends substantially parallel to a median plane P and has a substantially planar shape with a rounded contour 4a. The outline 4a may have an oval, circular or a "bean" shape, * ^^^ ^ iiaM * ??? * i ^^ - ^ with one. concave portion 5, as illustrated in detail in Figure 7.

Figure 1, the support base 3 comprises an upper face 4b and a lower face 4c. The upper face 4b carries articulation means 8b, 8c, each able to cooperate with the two journals 8a of the gripping element. To this end, two emergent portions 8b, 8c are located at a distance from each other, a distance corresponding substantially to the width of the flattened portion 10. Each portion 8c is provided with a cavity 8b, intended to receive a journal 8a. This arrangement constitutes a joint, which allows the gripping element 2 to rotate relative to the application member 4 on its axis. Different positions of use of the gripping element can thus be obtained at will, between a position of minimum occupation space or resting or holding position (gripper body parallel to the base of support), and a position of maximum occupancy space, in which the axis A is substantially perpendicular to a middle plane P of the support base 3. According to ergonomics required by the user, the position of use is regulated in a position situated between the rest position and the position of maximum occupancy volume, (ie, when the axis A is perpendicular to the median plane P).

The support base 3 of the application member 4 is further provided with an opening or passage 12, the dimension of which is such that the portion 10 of the gripping element can pass through it, in the course of the rotation on its axis of the gripping element 2, with relation to the enforcement body 4.

The lower face 4c of the support base 3 is covered by an application support 6, which defines an application surface 6a and a rear face 6b, substantially parallel to each other. A flange 4d of the support base surrounds the lateral edge of the application support (see Figures 3 and 5).

The application support 6 is elastically deformable. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is constituted by a plate made with elastomer, a foam plate of open cells, semi-open or closed, whose application surface 6a can be covered by a flocculation coating.

An adhesion zone 6c is provided to fix the periphery of the application support 6 on the lower face 4c of the support base 3. The fixing of the application support can be carried out by bonding, heat welding, ultrasonic welding or by any other appropriate means As illustrated, particularly in FIG. 1, through the opening 12, the rear face 6b of the application support, opposite the application surface 6a, can be seen.

After the assembly of the gripping element 2 on the application member 4 by adjusting the journals 8a in the cavities 8b, the applicator 1 is arranged for use.

Thus, Figures 2 and 3 show the applicator 1 in conservation position. In this position, the axis A passing through the gripping element 2 is substantially parallel to the median plane P of the applicator member 4 (see FIG. 2). It can be seen, in this position, that the applicator, as a whole, has a minimum occupation volume, which allows it to be placed, for example, in a compartment of a make-up case. On the other hand, in this position, there is no contact between the portion 11 of the gripping element 2 and the application support 6. Accordingly, the application support 6 is in its rest position and forms a substantially flat surface 6a .

By lifting the handle 2a relative to the application member, an angle α is formed between the axis A and the plane P of the base 3 (see FIG. 4). In practice, the angle is adjusted to between about 40 ° and about 90 °, according to the needs of the user. Thus, an ergonomic attitude can be obtained in the application, depending on the place of the face that one wishes to treat (make-up).

When the applicator is placed in the position of use, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the portion 11 of the gripping element, which is rounded in shape, comes into contact with the back face 6b of the application support 6. The shape of said portion 11 of the gripping element 2 can be variable and, advantageously, will be adapted to confer on the application surface 6a a suitable convexity, adapted to the maximum to the surface to be treated. Such a domed configuration allows the product to be applied with great precision, in particular on the areas of the hard-to-reach side.

On the other hand, means 20, 21, 22, 24 can be provided to block the position of the handle 2a, relative to the plane P of the support base 3. As it is visible in greater detail in figure 6, arranged two grooves 21 on one side and on the other side of the opening 12. The grooves 21 partially delimit tongues 20 of small thickness.

Each tab 20 is provided with a pair of 25 substantially parallel ribs 24, located at -ja ° te ~ * ~ - * - ^^^ * *? mm * so that the lateral flanks 22 of the gripping element, in the position of use, can be housed between said ribs 24. In this position, they remain in position the side flanks 22 by elastic adjustment between the tabs 20.

When the gripping element 2 is retracted in the resting or holding position, the lateral flanks 22 exert a thrust on the ribs 24, causing an elastic deformation of the tabs 20 towards the outside, to temporarily occupy the positions 20a drawn in dotted lines in figure 6. After the complete misalignment of the portion 10 and the tongues 20, they return to their initial position by elasticity, and the application surface 6a regains its flat shape.

To carry out a treatment, for example an eyelid make-up, the user removes the applicator from a storage compartment. The applicator is then presented in folded form, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Next, the user places the handle 2a, in relation to the application member 4 (see figures 4 and 5), in a position of use, to cause the formation of a bulging configuration of the application surface 6a. The amplitude and shape of this bulged deformation depend, as mentioned above, on the shape of the portion 11 of the grasping element, and on its position with respect to the articulation axis Y.

By contacting the application surface 6a with the product to be applied, for example with a powder, free or compact, with a paste, with a tampon impregnated with liquid, such as a lotion or with a cream, the user performs the extraction of an appropriate dose of product. The product load in the application support can be done by capillarity, by impregnation or absorption of the product, or by simple rubbing of the applicator on a block of disintegrable product. The user then proceeds to the application of the product, applying the application surface 6a loaded with product, on a skin area, such as, for example, the eyelids or cheeks.

In the position of use, thanks to the grip with the applicator hand, the application of the product can be carried out in an easy and comfortable way. Thanks to the convex application surface 6a, the product is applied smoothly and precisely.

After use, if necessary, the application support can be cleaned. The handle 2a is folded back to its conservation position (figures 2 and 3), the applicator 1 can be stored in its initial housing.

According to another possibility, the application member 4 can constitute a pre-charged recharge in product, obtained by pre-impregnating the application surface 6a. In this case, advantageously, the application member is for single use, being disposable after its use.

Figure 7 shows, in detail, an embodiment preceded by the application member 4, conceived in particular for eyelid makeup.

The application member according to figure 7 has two ends, a first end 14a and a second end 14b. The two ends have a rounded shape, a radius of curvature ri of the first end 14a being smaller than a radius of curvature r2 of the second end 14b. According to the example considered, rx is approximately 3.5 mm, with r2 being approximately 7.5 mm. The distance between the two ends 14a and 14b is approximately 33 mm.

The two ends 14a, 14b are joined together by two edges 14c and 14d. The edge 14c is convex and has a radius of curvature r3. The edge 14d is concave and has a radius of curvature r4. In the illustrated embodiment r3 is greater than r4. This allows to obtain a slight convergence of the lateral edges 14c, 14d, in the direction of the end 14a.

According to the example considered, the radius ri adapts to the curvature of the upper eyelid. Typically, r3 is of the order 20 mm and r4 is of the order of 16 mm.

The thickness of the application support 6 is chosen according to the flexibility of the material used to produce the application support 6. Generally, this thickness is between approximately 1 mm and approximately 4 mm.

The material constituting the application element 6 is an elastically material deformable, particularly in flexion, in compression and in elongation. It can be chosen from natural or synthetic rubbers, and preferably from thermoplastic elastomers. Advantageously, an alveolar foam of elastomer. Eventually, the surface of the application element 6 can be flocculated, which allows to increase its holding capacity in product P and therefore increase its autonomy mainly when the product is a powder. Figure 8 shows an application member 4, which has a rigid support base 3, which defines a lateral edge 4a, which is substantially circular. Base of support 3 is suitable for to be mounted on a grasping element 2 lM ^ M -M ^ -d-aiH-B rotating on its axis, as described above. This application organ 4 is intended to allow the realization of a decorative makeup, called "tattoo".

On the support base 3 is mounted an elastically compressible disk 6, made with closed cell foam. In the center of disk 6, a prominent motif 18 has been set, forming a decorative motif or logo. The element 18 is made of a material capable of adhering a makeup product such as a colored paste or dye. When the gripping element is placed in the position of use, the surface of the washer 6 is bulged, facilitating, on the one hand, the product load of the prominent motif 18, and on the other hand, allowing to make an exact and adequate make-up in the place chosen one. Thus, from a product reservoir, for example of inking type, the user impregnates said motif 18 with the product, and effects the transfer of said product to the skin, to deposit said decorative motif therein.

After use, the handle 2a is folded on the application member, similarly to the rest position, which appears in figures 2 and 3, in which it has a minimum volume of occupation, to store the applicator.

In the detailed description above, reference has been made to particular embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variants can be provided without thereby departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property.

Claims (23)

Claims

1. An applicator for the application of a product, comprising a gripping element 5 integral with an application member formed with a support base on which an application support is mounted, defining an application surface, characterized in that it comprises a maneuvering organ, provided for 10 modify the profile of the application surface, perpendicular to a median plane of the base, with the base of support crossed by at least one passage, through which a portion of the body of The maneuver is able to adjust with the application support, in order to, in response to a pressure exerted by the portion substantially perpendicular to the application surface, modify the profile of the surface of the 20 application.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the portion of the maneuvering member, suitable for adjusting with the support of - ^^ - ^? Mjííi ^ H ^ iti ^^^^^. ^^^^. ^^^^^^^^^ i ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ , is formed with an end portion of the maneuvering member.

3. The applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the application support remains integral with the support base around at least a part of the passage, the portion of the maneuvering member being suitable to enter into adjustment with a part of the 10 application support located opposite said step.

4. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that 15 the maneuvering member is formed on the gripping element.

5. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The maneuvering member is able to pass from a first position known as a convalation or rest to a second position known as a u ti i ation, the support base being in the first position, substantially parallel to a 25 geometric axis that goes through the element of UBM.HMKÜaAiÜk < W hesion, forming a positive angle between the plane and the axis when the maneuvering organ is in the second position.

6. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application support is elastically deformable.

7. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface, in the position of use, is substantially bulged.

8. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface, in the rest or conservation position, is substantially flat.

9. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modification of the profile of the application surface is a function of the angular position of the element of the maneuvering member relative to the base of support.

10. The applicator according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the application support has a lateral edge forming a continuous curve.

11. The applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that the side edge comprises at least one area of concave shape.

12. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises articulation means defining an axis of rotation and joining the application member to the grasping element.

13. The applicator according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the application member is removably mounted with respect to the grasping element.

14. The applicator according to claim 13, characterized in that the application member constitutes an interchangeable recharge, the application support being impregnated with a disintegrable product.

15. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface is covered by a flocculation coating.

16. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface has an embossed pattern constituting in particular a logo or decorative element.

17. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application support is made with natural rubber or synthetic foam or thermoplastic elastomer.

18. The applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application support has a thickness comprised between approximately 1 mm and approximately 4 mm.

19. The applicator according to any of claims 5 to 18, characterized in that it also comprises positioning means in order to lock the application surface relative to the gripping element in the position of use.

20. The applicator according to claim 19, characterized in that the positioning means comprise at least one elastic tongue, located near one of the ends of the passage, said tongue having at least one profile capable of cooperating with a complementary profile formed by the gripping element, profile that is apt to be broken when passing the pressure element, to the rest position or to the position of use.

21. The use of an applicator according to any of the preceding claims, for the application of a disintegrable product on the skin, to its most inaccessible points.

22. The use of an applicator according to any of claims 1 to 20, for the application on the skin of a treatment product or a makeup product.

23. The use of an applicator according to any of claims 16 to 20, to effect, by transfer of an appropriate product, a temporary tattoo on the skin.