MXPA00010165A - Device for storing and applying a liquid product - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (2) has a neck (4) holding a foam applicator (10) which protrudes automatically from it when a cap is removed. One end (13) of the applicator is designed to become impregnated with the liquid product (P) in the container, while the other (15) is designed to apply it. The container (2) has a neck (4) holding a foam applicator (10) which protrudes automatically from it when a cap is removed. One end (13) of the applicator is designed to become impregnated with the liquid product (P) in the container, while the other (15) is designed to apply it. The applicator is moved between its retracted (Q1) and deployed (Q2) positions by a compressible support (17) such as a plastic or metal spring, a foam block connected to the applicator, or a part of the applicator itself having a greater compressibility.

Description

CONTAINMENT OF CONTAINER AND APPLICATION OF A LIQUID PRODUCT Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a package assembly and application of a product of liquid consistency. The invention is very particularly intended for the packaging and application of cosmetic products, such as makeup bases or blushes, liquids, nail enamels, carmines for lips, optionally gelled oils, creams, lotions, hair treatments, etc. Applications can also be considered within fields other than cosmetics, in particular within the field of der or pharmacy or in the fields of tails, writing correctors, domestic stain removers, etc. The liquid products, whose viscosity is between that of water and that of an oil, even a cream or a gelled lotion, are particularly suitable for being distributed according to the present invention.

REF .: 123702 Background of the invention There are devices of the type of stain remover buffers constituted by a deposit of product on which is a neck, at the upper end of which an applicator in the form of a foam tampon has been arranged, which is applied on a surface to be treated, for example on the skin or on a fabric. The applicator pad is encased in the upper part of the neck. The product load in the device needs to be turned and its application surface pressed several times on the support under treatment in order to 'pump' and load it with product before proceeding to its application, causing the pressure exerted on the applicator to open a valve which, in the closed position, isolates the applicator from the product.Indeed, these applicators, which generally contain volatile formulas, often dry out rapidly during the resting period, causing the formation of a crust on the applicator. products, bitumen type or waxing, the applicator pad is isolated from the product by means of a valve, which further accelerates the desiccation of the applicator, which often leaves it unusable after a long period of non-use, or in need of cleaning operations previously All new uses are known, on the other hand, applicators in the form of a block of foam that is immersed in the product that is to be applied and that, after draining it, either on the neck of the bottle, or through an elastic drainer, is applied to the support under treatment. The applicator is generally integral with the stopper. The dosage of the applicable product by impregnation of the applicator is difficult to adjust from one product to another, depending on the variable reoloqia of the products. On the other hand, their use is often delicate in certain circumstances, in public transport for example, due to the independent nature of the applicator and the deposit, which implies in these conditions of use to keep the container right with one hand and proceed to the Application of the product with the other. The patent application EP-A-0 912 323, in the name of the applicant, describes a cosmetic product application assembly, in particular in the form of a block of solid, dilutable product, which comprises a shell open at one end . This assembly also comprises a support on which the product is mounted, said support being movable axially inside the envelope, having means for driving to adjust the height of the support inside the envelope. Drive means, accessible from a bottom of the casing, are intended to drive the entrainment means. Elastic means allow, under the effect of a pressure exerted on a product application surface, in a substantially axial manner, a relative displacement of the product inside the envelope, against a tensile force exerted by the elastic means. This embodiment is not adapted to the application of a product of liquid to viscous consistency. The patent application EP-A-0 872 193, also in the name of the applicant, describes an application assembly of a liquid product comprising a deposit for the product. It has a neck, a free edge of which defines an opening, movable means having been provided to seal the aforementioned opening in a sealed manner. An applicator in the form of a block of open or semi-open cell foam has been mounted inside the neck, capable of being loaded with product by pumping. This applicator comprises a first end in permanent liquid communication with the product inside the reservoir, and a second end opposite said first end, said second end forming an application surface. The application surface is axially movable between a first position in which the application surface emerges to the outside of the neck through said opening for the application of the product, and a second position in which the said application surface is contained inside the tank. The displacement of the first position towards the second position of the application surface is effected by an elastic push against a stopper means, a displacement of the application surface of the second position towards the first being effected by suppression of said stopper means.

Description of the invention But the applicant has found that certain materials forming the application member deteriorate, in particular when they are exposed for a prolonged period to said elastic thrust. On the other hand, the applicant has found that it is desirable to improve the adjustment of the dose of product to be applied according to the rheology of the product, without causing an excess product flow, which could soil the neck of the deposit. Thus, one of the objects of the invention is to improve the packaging assembly, object of the patent application EP-A-0 872 193, particularly limiting the compression of the application member in the exit position (equivalent to the position of use) by means that form support, dosing its flow rate, and this in a determined decompression path, for a good use. Another object of the invention is to provide a package and application assembly, in which the application member can be fed with an adjustable dosage to the nature of the product, and in particular, in a constant manner. Another object of the invention is to provide a system that has a great autonomy of application, so that it is not always necessary to keep the application body in contact with the product during the application. Another object of the invention is to provide a system that imparts great softness to the application. Still another object of the invention is to provide a system that allows the reabsorption of the excess product into the interior of the assembly, without product leakage to the outside, ensuring the cleaning of the applicator in the course of use, thanks to an adjustable compression of the application member, both in the course of use and at the time of closure of the assembly. Other objects will appear, in a more detailed way, in the description that follows. According to the invention, these objects are achieved by realizing a package assembly and application of a product, in particular liquid, comprising: a tank with longitudinal axis, containing said product, and having an opening; movable means for sealing, in a sealed manner, said opening; an application member mounted inside the tank, and comprising a first end able to be impregnated by the product, and a second end opposite said first end, said second end forming an application surface, axially movable between a first position in which the application surface emerges to the exterior of the tank through said opening, for the application of the product, and a second position in which said application surface is contained in a sealed manner inside the tank, said application member comprising at least one block formed of at least one absorbent material, capable of being compressed at least in part, particularly when the product is applied, or when the applicator is in said second position. According to the invention, means, elastically compressible, form a support for said application member, said means constituting the support having a compressibility greater than the compressibility of the application member. Advantageously and according to the present invention, the supporting means are chosen so that when a suitable pressure is exerted on the application member in the direction of the supporting means, the maximum compression of the supporting means is obtained before obtain the maximum compression of the application organ. In practice, good results are obtained when the compressibility of the media forming support is about 2 times to about 4 times higher than the compressibility of the application member. Thus, in other words, when the application surface is passed from the first position to the second position along a determined path, the initial height of the media forming support decreases, for example, by approximately 2 / 3 to 4/5 of the total travel, decreasing the initial height of the application member of approximately 1/3 to 1/5 of the mentioned route. According to one embodiment, the means forming support can be constituted by a different element of the application member. In this case, the means forming support are constituted, for example, by a spring-forming element, in particular metal or plastic. According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the support-forming means are constituted by at least one block of an elastically deformable material, in particular a block of foam, preferably of open or semi-open cells. Advantageously, the block or blocks of elastically deformable material forming support is or are integral with the application member. According to an advantageous form of embodiment, the application member is made integral with the means forming a support by gluing, welding, corrugation or by any other appropriate means. Optionally, the supporting means may be constituted by a stack of at least two blocks of elastically deformable material, such stack presenting a growing compressibility in the direction of the tank. According to a particularly interesting aspect of the invention, the means forming support are constituted by at least a portion of said application member, configured so that it has a compressibility more important than that of the rest of the application member. In this case said portion can be constituted by an area of smaller cross section, compared with the cross section of the rest of the application member. Thus, the difference in compressibility between the application member and the supporting means may be the result of the presence of a reinforcement formed by said application member on at least a part of its periphery. As an alternative, the difference in compressibility between the application member and the supporting means may be the result of the presence of a central cavity formed by said application member, extending over at least a part of the height of said application body. In particular, the shape of said reinforcement or of the cavity of the means forming support can be variable, (progressive or degressive), depending on its axial level.

Advantageously, the application member is crossed by at least one passage, in particular in the form of one or more grooves, or of a thin channel, which opens preferably on the application surface, to increase the dosing capacity and the flow rate. of the product. When several grooves are made, these can be arranged in the form of a cross or in the form of a star. Preferably, the application member and the supporting means are arranged inside a housing, partly formed inside a tank neck, said housing being in communication with the tank. Advantageously, this housing has a cylindrical or frustoconical shape, in particular flared towards the outside. It may have, for example, a circular, oval, rectangular or polygonal cross section. According to another embodiment, the housing is separated from the tank by means of a perforated element, particularly in the form of a grid, sieve or unidirectional opening valve in the direction of the application surface. The perforated element may comprise steps capable of retaining, by capillarity, a dose of product. The dose of retained product can be transferred, by compression of the reservoir, and / or by aspiration by the application member, on the application surface through the supporting means. As for the application surface, it can have a concave, convex profile, in particular in the form of a dome, or in a single or double bevel. The shape of the application surface is established, in particular, depending on the nature of the product to be applied and the place to be treated. For a nail polish applicator, a bevelled shape will be chosen, while for the application of a moisturizing cream for the face, the dome shape will be more adapted. According to another interesting aspect of the invention, the application member is formed, at least in part, by a block of an elastically compressible material, in particular a block of open or semi-open cell foam or any other spongy material. The application member can comprise, close to its application surface, a frit, a rigid foam, a perforated element, mainly a fabric, a non-woven fabric, a felt or a weft. Advantageously, when this part is constituted by a fritted material, it can be chosen in particular between frits of polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or polyamide. Advantageously, the removable sealing means of said opening are apt to cause, when placed on the tank, the passage of the application surface of the first position towards the second position. These sealing means, according to one embodiment, are constituted by a screwed or pressurized plug. As an alternative, the sealing means are constituted by a cover, hinged on the open end of the housing. In this case, advantageously, the lid is hinged on the open end by a film like hinge. According to an interesting aspect of the invention, the removable sealing means may comprise an internal profile able to form a seal with the open end of the housing, said internal profile being able, on the other hand, to have a complementary shape of the shape of the surface of the housing. application. It is thus possible to obtain a support distributed regularly over the entire application surface with a homogeneous compression of the constituent material. As expansion of the foam of the application member takes place, a homogeneous pumping of the product is produced by the cells of the expanding foam. When the application member is supported on the support under treatment, this has the effect of homogenous product release. According to another aspect of the invention, the sealing means comprise an element, in particular in the form of a suitable foam block, in the closed position of the tank, to adjust with the application surface. This block of foam may be deformable and may be impregnated with an appropriate solvent or with a preservative. When the assembly is closed, the support of said foam block on the application member is effected smoothly. This makes it possible to prevent the application surface, especially when it is fragile, from being damaged, which can be the case when it is covered with a flocculation coating. The presence of a solvent in the foam prevents drying of the product on the application surface. The presence of an agent in the foam prevents the development of microorganisms on the application surface or degradation by oxidation of the product. When the application member is a foam, it can be chosen from polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyether, polyester, NBR (natural rubber), SBR (synthetic rubber) foams. According to a particular arrangement of the invention, the application member comprises a side wall, capable of forming, at least in said second position of the application surface, a substantially watertight contact with an internal wall delimited by a housing in which they are mounted the application organ and the means that form support. Advantageously, the external wall of the applicator member is provided with at least one groove, longitudinal or in the form of a helix, for example to improve the air recovery step, which recovery is also allowed by the presence of the open cells or semi-open that form the whole or part of the application organ. This groove also makes it possible to reabsorb any excess product that accumulates on the surface in the passage from the application surface of the first (application position) to the second position (inserted position). For the same purpose, and as an alternative, the internal side wall of said housing may have at least one longitudinal or helical groove. Preferably, several longitudinal grooves are distributed regularly on the internal side surface of the housing, or on the external lateral surface of the application member. According to a particularly advantageous arrangement, the application member can be mounted removably and repositionable in the tank. This provision allows either the cleaning of the application body, or its replacement by another application body of a different nature. According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the application surface can be covered by a flocculation. In this case, the flocculation may be constituted by hairs of different diameters, and / or nature, and / or height, or by a mixture of such hairs. The combination of a foam with a flocculation coating on the application surface has proven to produce very remarkable results. Advantageously, the application member has pores or open cells of average size between 200 μm and 1.5 mm, and preferably between 700 μm and 1 mm, and more particularly between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. When the application body is foam, the nature of the foam, the size of the cells that constitute it, are established depending on the rheology of the applicable material, in particular its viscosity and surface tension, and also on the flow rate desired output of the product. Preferably, the application member comprises at least 10% open or semi-open cells. Thus, depending on the percentage of open or semi-open cells of the application member, the output flow rate of the product can be adjusted according to its rheology. The means forming the support play a predominant role in the invention. In effect, the media that form support determine, directly or indirectly, - the limitation of the degree of compression of the enforcement body to avoid excessive release of the product contained in the enforcement body; - the adjustment of the dosage and the flow rate of the pumped product; - the ease of passage of the application surface from the first position to the second; - the adjustment of the softness of application. Advantageously, when the support forming means are constituted by a foam block, it has open cells, of average size between 50 μm and 3 mm, and preferably between 700 μm mm, and more particularly comprised between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm. mm. In this case, the foam can be chosen, in particular between polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyether, polyester, NBR (natural rubber) and SBR (synthetic rubber) foams.

According to one embodiment, the housing in which the application member is disposed and the means forming support is constituted by a neck, mounted on the tank with an intermediate member. In this case, the supporting means are mounted on the intermediate member, for example under pressure, by screwing, gluing, welding or crimping (hot folding of a thermoplastic edge), as will be explained in detail below when describing the figure lOe. The reservoir may be constituted by a compressible body. For this purpose, the reservoir body can be formed with a flexible or semi-rigid material, or the body will comprise at least one elastically deformable portion, for example of the "bellows" or "membrane" type. A pressure exerted on this deformable portion makes it possible to compress part of the applicator at least to increase the internal pressure, thus favoring the routing of a dose of product towards the application surface, either directly from the reservoir (upside down) or from said capillary retention means (in face-up position), or from the means forming support, when these are made with spongy material (in face-up position). Alternatively, the reservoir body can be formed by a deformable tube, the bottom of which is closed by a welding line, such as a conventional aluminum or compressible thermoplastic tube. A pressure exerted on the flexible walls of the tube favors the improvement of the product load of the application member through the supporting means. Generally, whatever the shape of the deposit, it can be made with metal, glass or thermoplastic material chosen, in particular, between polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyvinyl chlorides and polyethylenes terephthalates. A mobile means, of spherical or feeder type, can be arranged inside the tank, in order to favor the homogenization of the product, possibly breaking its thixotropy and facilitating the loading of the application member. The operation of the assembly according to the invention is as follows. When the block of compressed foam of the application member and / or of the supporting means relaxes, either after an application, either at the opening of the cap that can keep it compressed, or at any other decompression phase, it pumps product through the open or semi-open cells that comprise it, so that the application body is always loaded with product, and therefore is always ready for a new application. Said in other terms, according to the invention, the loading of the application element into the product is essentially carried out by compression / decompression of the compressible part of the application member and / or of the supporting means. Thus, the application body with open or semi-open cells, suitable for pumping liquid, will always be charged, even saturated, with the product, and will therefore always be ready to be used. The pumping of the product itself is mainly hydraulic (compression and relaxation of the foam). In the application position, the product does not drip, even if the application element is saturated, thanks to the reabsorption of the product mentioned above. The application is clean and can be dosed at will. The application is made by applying the application surface on the support that is treated. The restitution of the product is made by compression, at least partial, of the compressible block of the application organ. Sinking more or less the application surface, the product deposited on the surface is properly dosed. In effect, the compressibility of the media forming support has been determined in such a way that the pressure that must be exerted to be able to apply a given quantity of product, without causing the exit of an excess of product, is less than the force necessary to make pass the application surface of the first position. (application position) to the second (retracted position). In other words, in order to avoid that, due to excessive compression of the application member, there is a too abundant release of product, the media forming a support come into action, compensating for this excessive compression thanks to its own compressibility which is higher than the compressibility of the application organ. This is one of the elementary principles of the invention. Once the product is distributed, it remains to spread it evenly over the support under treatment. As mentioned before, the presence of an application member and / or of means forming compressible supports allows, in addition to the pumping of product in each decompression phase, to dose the amount of product absorbed on the support being treated, and adjust its flow, at the time of application, conveniently, according to the type of product and the nature of the support under treatment. The product can be a cosmetic product such as a nail polish, a liquid lipstick, a cream, a lotion or an oil, possibly gelled, a make-up remover, a solvent, a make-up base or liquid blush, a dermatological composition, or a tail, a. writing corrector, or a stain remover, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention consists, apart from the provisions set forth above, in a number of other provisions that will be detailed later, with reference to non-limiting embodiments, described with reference to the attached figures, among which: Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of the package and application assembly according to the invention, respectively in the rest or storage position Qi (retracted position) and in the use position Q2 (exit position); - Figures 3a to 3d represent different embodiments of the application member; - Figures 4a and 4b illustrate another particularly preferred embodiment of the application member and of the supporting means; Figure 4c is a cross section along line IVc-Ivc of Figure 4b; Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the package and application assembly according to the invention; Figures 6a and 6b show the application member and support means in expanded position (use position), and in compressed position, respectively (retracted position), according to the embodiment of Figure 5; - Figures 7 to 9 illustrate other embodiments of the device according to the invention; Figures 10a to 10 show different forms of assembly of the application member and of the means forming support; - the figures Ia to llg show different embodiments of the application member and the support means; and Figure 12 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

Detailed Description of the Figures Figures 1 and 2, to which we will now refer, represent a first embodiment of the package and application assembly 1, according to the invention. This assembly is presented in the form of an applicator bottle for a product P, of liquid cream type, or liquid makeup base, and mainly comprises a reservoir 2 constituted by a body 6, one end of which is closed by a bottom 3. The other end of the reservoir 2 ends in a coupled neck 4, which has on its outer surface means 7 (threaded type or insertion cord) to allow the removable mounting of a plug or cover , suitable for sealing, in a sealed manner, an opening 8 delimited by the free edge of the neck 4. The inner wall 8a of the coupled neck 4 defines an internal cylindrical housing 11, revolving about a longitudinal axis X. An open end 9 of the housing, opposite the opening 8, comprises a wheel 9a, which serves for fixing a portion 17a carrying supporting means 17, completely housed inside the housing 11. The neck 4, near the open end 9, comprises an annular plate 4a extending radially outwards, and whose periphery is provided with a folded edge 4b. The folded edge 4b is fixed under pressure on a clamp 6a provided with a radial projection 6b, formed in the upper part of the reservoir body 6, as opposed to bottom 3. It is understood that this pressure adjustment system can be replaced by any screw fastening system.

The supporting means 17 are housed in the lower part of the housing 11. According to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the supporting means 17 are constituted by a double helix, whose upper part 17b opposes the portion of fixing 17a, constitutes an axially movable element for fixing an application member 10. In the present embodiment, it is possible to effect the fixing of the application member 10 on the support 17b by gluing, welding, corrugation, (as will be detailed in the course of the description of Figure 10), or by any other appropriate means. As it appears more precisely in Figure 1, which shows the assembly in position of rest or storage Qi, said application member 10 is mounted in sliding arrangement inside the neck 4. The application member has an application surface 15 , slightly bulging towards the outside. In this rest position, the application member 10 is kept in position inside the neck 4 by the plug 5. To this end, the plug 5 comprises an internal portion 19, complementary to the shape of the surface application 15. In this position Qi, the means forming support 17 are compressed. The arrangement of the internal portion 19 of the plug, resting on the application surface 15 and complementary thereto, makes it possible to avoid damaging the application surface 15, in the rest position. This is the case, in particular, when the application surface 15 comprises a fragile structure such as a flocculation. Other advantages presented by this provision will be detailed in the course of the description. According to the embodiment considered, the application member 10 is presented in the form of a block of absorbent material, an end 13 of which, opposite the application surface 15, is located substantially above the level of product P contained therein. the reservoir 2. This end 13 is apt to be placed in contact with the product P. Typically, the application member has a diameter comprised between 2 and 35 mm, and preferably, between 5 and 25 mm. Its height, in uncompressed position (Q2), can vary between 5 and 50 mm. According to another embodiment, the absorbent material constituting the application member 10 comprises a substantially rigid free end and formed, for example, by a fritting, a substantially non-compressible foam, a fabric, a non-woven material or a felt. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the absorbent material constituting the application member 10 is formed of an elastically compressible material, such as a foam or other spongy material. It is possible to make the application member 10 with an axial succession of at least two portions of foam of different compressibility. We will detail below the advantages of such an arrangement. The application member 10 may have a cylindrical, frustoconical or prismatic shape, and may have a circular, oval, rectangular or polygonal cross section. Generally, the application member has pores or open cells, of medium size, comprised between 200 μm and 1.5 mm, and preferably between 700 μm and 1 mm, and more particularly between 0.1 and 0.5 mm. Preferably, the cells or pores communicate with each other, omnidirectionally. According to FIG. 1, in the illustrated resting position (Qi), the application member 10 is made of deformable, partially compressed foam and has a height Hi. Similarly, the supporting means 17 are compressed and have a height hi. The application surface 15 is thus completely located inside the neck 4. A pellet 16 is arranged inside the reservoir 2 to allow homogenization of the product P. In FIG. 2, the assembly 1 has been released from its plug 5. When it is opened, when the material constituting the application member 10 is an elastic foam, the foam block is decompressed, which causes a pumping of the product, previously put in contact with the end 13 of said foam block. After opening, the foam block is no longer compressed and extends at a height of H2. Sensitively in conjunction with the decompression of the support means 17 at a height h2, an axial expansion of the application member 10 occurs. The application surface 15 then emerges to the outside of the neck 4 following a path C, above the edge free that delimits the opening 8, and occupies a position Q2, called position of use. The application surface 15 has a profile whose shape is chosen according to the profile of the support in question. Eventually, the application surface 15 may be covered by a permeable covering, of textile type, perforated plastic, felt, and / or be covered by a flocculation. In this case, the flocculation can be constituted by hairs of different diameters, and / or different nature, and / or of different height, or by a mixture of such hairs. In order to use the application assembly according to the invention, the user removes the cap 5, which causes the decompression of the foam block 10 forming the applicator and a supporting means 10, with which the application surface 15 emerges outside the neck 4. It will be noted that, when going from the rest position Qi to the use position Q2, the height of the application member 10 increases less than the height of the support means 17. This results in the following expression : (h2-h?) >; (H2-H?). The difference in height variation of the two parts is due to the fact that the compressibility of the support means 17 is more important than the compressibility of the application member 10. The decompression of the application member 10 is accompanied by a pumping of product P towards the application surface 15. The application member is thus saturated with the product, and can already be used The device, even turned upside down, for an application of the product, is perfectly watertight, due to the presence of a portion of the applicator, saturated with product inside neck 4 of the bottle. It should be noted that in such an embodiment, the entry in contact of the applicator with the product is made by turning the assembly around, shaking it, or in each movement caused by the transport of the assembly in a handbag for example. The operation of applying a dose of product P on the support under treatment is as follows. The user applies the application surface 15 on the support and exerts a pressure on the applicator depending on the desired product dose, pressure that causes a partial compression of the application member and the output of a product dose. Excessive pressure that can cause excess product to escape, with the risk of soiling, is compensated by the support means 17. In effect, the support-forming means then limit the pressure exerted, compressing in turn. In extreme, the compression of the means forming support causes the application surface to descend to the level of the free edge 8 of the neck, without increasing compression of the application member. Then, after having relaxed the pressure exerted on the application assembly, extend the product P by means of the application surface 15. The relaxation of the pressure of the applicator on the treated support, particularly on the skin, is accompanied by a product pumping. The applicator is immediately ready for a new application. Thus, the extended product application is carried out by passing the application surface 15 over the support under treatment, by simple capillary contact, in order to stretch the product in the form of a film, under the action of the affinity of the product that is exerted. between the application surface and the support under treatment, and this without appreciably exerting the least pressure on the application assembly. In Figures 3a and 3d, two variants of an application member 30a and 30d are shown, capable of replacing the application member 10 of figures 1 and 2. Figure 3a shows an application member 30a whose application surface 15 It is presented in the form of a dome. The application member 30 is crossed over its entire height by a distribution channel 31 with a small section. This arrangement allows to increase the flow rate of the product dose in the course of the application. In the rest or storage position, the free end 31 a is closed by compression by the stopper. According to the embodiment of figure 3d, the flow rate of the application member 32 can be adjusted by making one or more axial grooves 33, juxtaposed or not. These grooves may be arranged in the shape of a cross or a star, and are apt to favor the movement of the product P towards the application surface 15. The presence of distribution channels or grooves also favors the degree of saturation of the application member 10. in product.

According to another embodiment, the support forming means and the application member form a unique structure. Thus according to FIG. 3b, an end 34 of elastic foam is formed in one piece, a first upper portion of which constitutes the application member 10, a second lower portion constituting the support forming means 17. The first portion 10 has a convex application surface 15. The second portion 17 has a slightly frustoconical shape, provided inside a cavity 17c that opens in the direction of the tank. The cross-sectional area of the application portion 10 is greater than the cross-sectional area of the support-forming means 17. The result of this structure is that the compressibility of the support-forming means 17 is more important than the compressibility of the application member 10. Figure 3c shows an application end 36 similar to 34 in Figure 3b. With respect to the end 34, we will say that the compressibility of the support-forming means 17 of the end 36 is less important, since its height is reduced with respect to the support-forming means 17 of figure 3b. As in the embodiment of Figure 3a, the application portion 10 is traversed by an axial distribution channel. In figures 4a to 4c, a mounting form of an end 38 integrating an application member 10 and supporting means 17 can be seen, said end being similar to that shown in figure 3b. This arrangement in integrated unit of the two elements 10, 17 presents a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. In fact, such an embodiment is particularly advantageous, both from an economic point of view and from a technical point of view. Thus, this embodiment does not need more than the manufacture of a single piece of foam. On the other hand, it is possible, with this embodiment, to mount in the housing 11 the application member 10 integrating the supporting means 17, in a single assembly step. In Figures 4a-4c, it can be seen that the lower part of the housing 11 is provided with a succession of ribs 8a and longitudinal recesses 8b, regularly distributed over an internal wall portion delimiting said housing 11. Figure 4a shows the assembly in resting or storage position. Figure 4b represents the position of use. An annular space 8c is defined in the vicinity of the orifice 8, intended to receive an excess of product, which can be ejected when the cap 5 is mounted (see FIG. 4a). At the same time the profile 19 of the cap 5 causes a radial deformation, in the upper part of the application member, which is applied in this area, sealingly against the internal wall of the housing 11. The excess product can then be evacuated to the reservoir, by the grooves 8b and through the permeable wall of the supporting means 17. As an alternative, a portion of the side wall of the supporting means 17 may have longitudinal grooves distributed regularly on its periphery. These grooves can also have a helical shape, making the speed of exclusion of the product in excess lower and being able to serve as a micro-reserve of product for a second application thereof. As it is visible in figure 5, the application member and the support forming means can be constituted by a stack of foam blocks 10, 17 ', 17"counter-glued to each other, of different nature and / or density and / or thickness, in particular of increasing compressibility from top to bottom. Thus, the capacity of retention in product is variable. They thus form a single end 39. According to the present example, the application member 10 consists of a frit or a substantially rigid foam. The annular segments 17 'and 17"constituting the supporting means are constituted by an elastic foam, the size of the cells of the lower segment 17"being greater than the size of the cells forming the upper segment 17 '. It is thus possible to create a compressibility and product concentration gradient during loading or unloading of the cells at the time of application. It is thus possible to play on the load of the application member 10 and on its flow rate. On the other hand, this feature makes it easier to adapt the applicator to the rheology of the product. As an alternative, a foam block can be used in combination with a block or with several blocks of another material capable of pumping the product P by capillarity or by surface tension effect. By way of example, we will say that a portion 17 ', 17"of compressible foam is used, in combination with a frit block 10 of polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, or with a felt. According to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the bottom 3 of the tank 2 comprises an elastically deformable portion 3a, of the elastomeric type, bulging towards the outside. This arrangement, by leaning on said portion 3a, allows to temporarily increase the internal pressure of the container, to favor the impregnation in product of the application member through the means forming support. Such an arrangement is useful in the case of high viscosity products or gelled products. The deformable portion 3a can be a coupled part, which will be possible to screw, glue, apply under pressure, weld, apply by corrugation, or be made by bi-injection. With reference to Figures 4a, 4b and 5, it will be seen that it can be seen that the supporting means 17 are mounted on a transverse wall with openings 13b having capillary passages 13a, apt to retain a given product dose, by capillarity. Thus, when the assembly is used, the application member is always loaded with a constant dose of product, whatever the form of loading (compression / decompression of the foam block).; compression of the product deposit). Thus, before removing the plug, to effect a product application, the user exerts one or more pressures on the bottom 3a, which has the effect of displacing the product P in contact with the internal walls (defining the cavity 17c) of end 39, and compress at least partly the application member 10 and the supporting means 17 By relaxing the pressure exerted on the bottom 3a, the application member 10 and the supporting means 17 are decompressed, thus causing a product pumping. It is then necessary to remove the cap, for use, similar to that described with reference to figures 1 and 2. The pumping of the product is also carried out when the cap is opened, releasing the application surface 15, initially in rest position, under load, inside the housing 11. Likewise, the decompression that follows each application allows a certain amount of product to be pumped into the application member 10. This embodiment is particularly suitable for gelled products, fluid products of higher viscosity or thixotropic products. Figure 6a shows the end 39 of figure 5, ready for use, in the exit position. The support forming means 17 'and 17"are more or less saturated with the product, which is routed in the course of the application of the application surface 15 on the support in treatment through the application member 10. Its Total height is H2 + h2. Figure 6b shows the element 39 of figure 5 in the rest position. It can be seen that the height h, of the means forming support 17 'and 17"is reduced by more than half in relation to the initial height h2. The cells that constitute the media that form support are compressed, ready to pump product upon its relaxation. 7 represents a variant of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. According to FIG. 7, an application element made of foam is removably mounted on the support 17b of the support means. 17. For this purpose, its lower part has a cylindrical cavity 10b, apt to be aligned, snugly, on a mouthpiece 17d that emerges in the extension of the upper part 17b of the means forming support 17. In this way, the organ Application 10 can be removed for cleaning, or replaced by another application organ of different characteristics, and adapted to another type of product or another form of application. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, a product reservoir is constituted by a compressible tube 2, whose bottom is formed by a closing line 3. The tube has a neck 6a on which it is mounted, by means of thread, a tubular element 4 defining a cylindrical housing 11, which ends in a free edge defining the opening 8. The lower part of the housing 11 is provided with an internal annular projection 13b on which an end element is fixed 36 made with elastic foam, similar to the element 36 shown in Figure 3c. The element 36 is composed of a portion that forms the application member, and a recessed portion 17 that constitutes the support means. The application member 10 is traversed by a central distribution channel 37 and emerges in the position of use shown in FIG. 8, towards the outside of the housing 11. A plug 5 is provided for closing the opening 8, in order to position , by compression, means forming support 17 and of the application member 10, the application surface 15 inside the housing 11. The closure of the opening 8 can be secured by a screwing means 41, 42, or by any other appropriate means To ensure a smooth contact and to establish a perfect seal in the rest position, an elastically deformable element 5a, in particular made of foam, is provided on the internal face of the plug 5, intended to come into contact with the application surface 15 and to close the distribution channel 37. The elastically deformable element 5a can be saturated with solvent, which will make it possible to reduce the desiccation of the application member 10 to the pussycat.

Figure 9 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the impregnation of the application member 10 is facilitated by the presence of a unidirectional flap valve 43, disposed between the reservoir 2 and the supporting means 17. In this case, the tank 2 is deformable, being retracted as the product is emptied. During the compression of the application member, the valve 43 prevents the expulsion of the product into the tube. The application member 10 can be flexible or semi-rigid. After a preliminary compression of the support means 17, followed by its decompression, a temporary depression is created in the space 44 defined between the flap valve 43 and the application member 10, causing the aspiration of a product dose. A new compression of the support-forming means creates an internal pressure that favors impregnation with the product of the application member 10, which is then ready for the application of the product in the desired place. Figures 10a to lOe illustrate different profiles of the application member 10 and means forming support 17, as well as their manner of assembly. In figure 10a, an end element 60 can be seen comprising an upper part 10, constitu of the application member and a lower part 17 'which acts as the supporting means. This end element 60, made in a single block of foam, is mounted on a helical spring 17, thus constituting complementary means forming support. The coil spring 17 has a structure similar to the structure of the spring 17 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the coil spring 17 is integral with a support base 17a, fixedly mounted on the lower part 4b of the housing 11. The fact of associating supporting means 17 'and complementary means 17 allow, on the one hand, to increase the distance between the retracted position and the use position of the application surface 15. On the other hand, this arrangement makes it possible to increase the smoothness of the application. This arrangement also makes it possible to regulate the quantity of product pumped during the loading of the application member 10, as well as the dose and the flow rate of the product returned during the application of the surface 15 on the support under treatment. It will be noted that the mobile end 17b of the support-forming means has a cavity 17'c, conical in shape, the conicity of which is oriented towards the reservoir. Thus, an axially deformable zone is defined in a progressive manner, as a function of the support force exerted on the application surface 15. It is thus possible to effect the return of the product on the support in precision treatment, in order to advance the dose of product released to User needs, Any excess product release can be avoided. In order to increase the distribution rate of the product, at least one axial groove 33 passes through the application member 10, from the apex of the cone 17'e to the application surface 15. The width of this groove can vary as a function of the properties rheological characteristics of the product and the desired flow rate. The structure of the end element 60 is such that the cross-sectional area of the support-forming means 17 'is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the application member 10. Figure 10b represents an end element 62 different from the embodiment of the end element 60 that appears in Figure 10a. It is distinguished from the embodiment of Figure 10a by the fact that the supporting means are constituted by a single part 17, which also comprises the conical cavity 17c, a wide outer annular groove 17d, so that the cross section of the supporting means 17 'is markedly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the applicator member 10. This structure confers to the end element 62 properties similar to the properties of the end element 60 of Figure 10a. Fig. 10c illustrates an end element 64 of embodiment similar to the embodiment of the end element 62 shown in Fig. 10b. It is distinguished from the embodiment of FIG. 10b by the fact that the supporting means are constituted by a frustoconical portion 17., whose section decreases towards the deposit. An end portion 17f forms a bead, fixed on a plate by openings 13b provided with a multitude of passages 13a. Similarly to the embodiment of Figures 4a and 4b, the apertured plate 13b is integral with a support base 17a, mounted on the lower part 4b of the housing 11. The figure 10D illustrates an end element 66 similar to the embodiment of the end element 62 illustrated in FIG. 10b, shown in the rest position in solid line) and in the position of use (in dashed line). It is essentially distinguished from the embodiment of FIG. 10b by the fact that the housing 11 has a frustoconical shape, flared towards the outside. It can be seen that the compression of the part forming the application member 10, under the effect of the compression exerted by the profile 19 of the plug 5, causes in the rest position, a tight contact between the internal wall of the housing 11 and the The periphery of the application member 10. FIG. 10 represents an end element 68 similar to the embodiment of the end element 66 of FIG. 10, which appears in the position of use. It differs from the structure of the end element 66 described above by the fact that the part forming the support means 17 ends, on the side of the tank, in a wide heel 17f, this part being separated by an area of smaller cross section 17e of the part forming the application member 10. The bead 17f is fixed on a plate with openings 13b by hot folding, so-called wavy, of an initially cylindrical portion 4c, for folding radially inwardly on the peripheral part of the bead 17f. Figures 1 to 11 illustrate different variants according to which the application member 10 is made in one piece with the support means, in particular foam with open cells. All these variants are provided with a fixing lug 17f, which forms the basis of the support-forming means 17. According to FIG. 1A, an end element 71 is formed by an application member 10 and a supporting means 17, similar to the embodiment of Figure 10. The bead 17f is intended to be secured to a fixed support, in particular of the type of plate with openings 13b, as shown in Figure 10e. A wide annular groove 17e defines an area of smaller cross section, of compressibility lower than the compressibility of the application member 10. The end element 72 shown in figure 11b, is distinguished from the element 71 of figure Ha by the fact of which comprises an axial groove 33, which makes it possible to increase the product flow rate, particularly a gelled product or a viscous product. The end element 73 appearing in figure 11c is distinguished from the end element 71 of figure Ha by the fact that it comprises a cavity 17c in the form of a blind channel, which allows the product to be brought closer to the surface of application 15 and increase the compressibility of the application member, at the same time as the compressibility of the media forming support. Thus, the whole can be given a greater smoothness in the course of the application. The end element 74, represented in the figure lid, is distinguished from the end element 73 of figure 11c by the fact that the cavity 17c is extended in a groove 33 opening into the application surface 15. This arrangement makes it possible to confer more smoothness in the application, while increasing the flow of product during the application. The end element 75, which appears in figure He, comprises support-forming means 17, provided with a conical cavity 17c, similarly to the embodiment illustrated in figure 10a. In this figure, it can be seen in a continuous line, a configuration corresponding to the application position. In figure He, the retracted position of the application surface bearing the reference 15 'is shown in broken line. It can also be seen, in a continuous line, the configuration of the means forming support 17c in the position of use, and, in dotted line 17'c, in the rest position. The compression of the support means 17 requires a progressive application force, which makes it possible to obtain a progressive release of the product, as a function of the support force exerted on the application surface 15. The end element 76, represented in FIG. Figure 1 is a variant embodiment of the end element 71 of figure Ha, according to which the annular groove 17e and the bead 17f have different shapes, but which ensure the same functions. In a similar manner to the figure He, the end element 76 is shown in the position of use (continuous line) and respectively in the rest position (in dashed line). The end element 77, shown in FIG. 11g, is a variant embodiment of the end element 76 of FIG. 1lf, according to which an additional annular groove 17'e has been made above the groove 17e. The support 17 is provided with a cylindrical cavity 17c that opens towards the base of the support. It is well understood that the grooves 17e and 17'e may have identical or different configuration, depending on the desired compressibility of the end element. Eventually, a plurality of similar annular grooves can be made, whose shape can be identical or different. In a similar manner to FIG. 1, the end element 77 appears in the position of use (in continuous line and in rest position (in dashed line), respectively. In FIG. 12, another embodiment of an assembly is shown. of container and application, comprising a reservoir 2 on which is a neck 4. Here, the reservoir is constituted by a body 6 of prismatic shape, said neck has a substantially square section. 11 in which have been mounted, as described above, supporting means (not visible) on which there is an application member 10. In the open position, such a preserve is illustrated in figure 12, the application surface 15 emerges to the outside, unlike the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 (or 4a and 4b), the sealing means is not a removable cap, but a cap 50, which rotates on its axis by means of a cap. 45, in particular a hinge in the form of a film. Adjacent to a portion of the free end e of the neck. The cover 50 comprises a sealing gasket 19, particularly elastic, apt to be placed on said free end 8, around the opening of the housing 11. The cover 50 comprises a closing device 46, located on the opposite side of the hinge 45, suitable to cooperate, upon closure, with a complementary element 47, located on a portion of the free end 8 opposite the hinge.

When the cover 50 is closed, at least the supporting means are compressed (and, if necessary, at least partially, the applicator member too), so that the application surface 15 is completely received in the housing. the interior of the housing 11. When the lid is opened, thanks to the elasticity of the support means and the axial mobility of the application member 10, the application surface 15 remains in position of use, properly loaded with product, as has been previously described. In this case, as on the other hand for the embodiments described above, the tank can be made of metal, glass, or a thermoplastic material chosen from polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylenes terephthalates, etc. The other parts of the device, as well as its operation, are as described above. 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, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (41)

1. R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S 1. Container and application assembly of a liquid product, comprising: an axle tank, which contains said product, and which has an opening; removable means for sealingly closing said opening; an application member mounted inside the reservoir, and comprising a first end capable of being impregnated by the product and a second end opposite said first end, said second end forming an application surface, axially movable between a first position in which emerges the application surface to the outside of the tank through said opening, for the application of the product, and a second position in which said application surface is contained in a sealed manner inside the tank, said organ comprising application of at least one block formed by when less an absorbent material, capable of being compressed at least in part, in particular when applying the product or when the applicator is in said second position, characterized in that elastically compressible means, form a support for said application organ, said means providing a compressibility support higher than the compressibility of the application organ.
2. 2. Packaging and application assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the means forming support are constituted by an element other than the application member. Packaging and application assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that said support-forming means are constituted by a spring-forming element, in particular metal or plastic. Packaging and application assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support forming means are constituted by at least one block of an elastically deformable material, particularly a block of foam, preferably of open or semi-open cells. Packaging and application assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the block or blocks of elastically deformable material forming a support are integral with the application member. 6. Container and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said application member is integral with the means forming support by gluing, welding, corrugation or by any other appropriate means. Packaging and application assembly according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the support forming means are constituted by a stack of at least two blocks of elastically deformable material, said stack having an increasing compressibility towards the tank . 8. Packaging and application assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means forming support are constituted by at least a portion of said application member, configured so that it has a compressibility more important than that of the rest of the container. application body. Packaging and application assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said portion is constituted by an area of smaller cross section, relative to the cross section of the rest of the application member. Packaging and application assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the difference in compressibility between the application member and the support-forming means is the result of the presence of a reinforcement formed by said application member over the minus a part of its periphery. Packaging and application assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the difference in compressibility between the application member and the support-forming means is the result of the presence of a central cavity formed by said application member and which extends over at least a part of the height of said application member. Container and application assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said application member is crossed by at least one passage, particularly in the form of a slot or a tino channel, which opens out preferably onto the application surface. 13. Container and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application member and the support-forming means are disposed inside a housing, formed in part inside a tank neck, said housing being communication with the deposit. 14. Package and application assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said housing has a cylindrical shape. Packaging and application assembly according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that said housing has a circular, oval, rectangular or polygonal cross section. Packaging and application assembly according to any of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that an internal side wall of said housing has at least one longitudinal groove. Packaging and application assembly according to any of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the housing is separated from the tank by means of a perforated element, in particular in the form of a grid, a sieve or a unidirectional opening valve in the direction of the application surface. Packaging and application assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface has a concave, convex profile, particularly in the form of a dome, or in a single or double bevel. Packaging and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said application member is formed, at least in part, by a block of an elastically compressible material, particularly by a block of open or semi-open cell foam. Packaging and application assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that the application member comprises, close to its application surface, a rigid foam, a perforated element, in particular a fabric, a non-woven material, a felt or a plot. Packaging and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removable sealing means of said opening are apt to cause, when placed on the tank, the passage of the application surface from the first position towards the second position. Packaging and application assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removable sealing means comprise a profile, capable of cooperating in a sealed manner with a free edge delimiting said opening. 23. Package and application assembly according to any of the preceding indications, characterized in that said sealing means comprise a portion complementary to the shape of the apiication surface. Packaging and application assembly according to any of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the application member comprises a side wall, capable of forming, at least in said second position, a watertight contact with the internal wall of the housing, in which are mounted the application organ and the media that form support. Packaging and application assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the external side wall of the applicator member is provided with at least one longitudinal groove. Container and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application member has pores or open cells of average size comprised between 50 μm and 1.5 mm, and of ireference between 700 μm mm, more particularly between 0.1 and 0.5 mm. Packaging and application assembly according to any of claims 4 to 26, characterized in that the support-forming means have open cells of average size comprised between 50 μm and 3 mm, and preferably between 700 μm and 2 mm, and more particularly between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm. 28. Package and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank is constituted by a compressible body, in particular by a deformable tube 29. Package and application assembly according to claim 28, characterized in that said body comprises at least one elastically deformable portion. 30. The container and application assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that the elastically deformable portion is of the "bellows" type or of the "membrane" type 31. The package and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the organ of application and the supporting means are mounted on the tank by means of an intermediate member 32. package and application assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the means forming support are mounted on the intermediate member by snap-fitting, screwed 33. Sizing and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam that eventually forms the application member and / or the means forming the support is chosen from polyurethane foams, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyether, polyester, NBR (rubber natural), from SBR (synthetic rubber). Container and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that moving means, of spherical or feeder type, have been arranged inside the tank, in order to favor the homogenization of the product and facilitate the loading of the application organ . 35. Package and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application member is mounted removably in the tank. 36. Package and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing means comprise an element, particularly in the form of a suitable foam block, in the closed position of the tank, to adjust with the application surface. 37. Container and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressibility of the support forming means is about 2 times to about 4 times greater than the compressibility of the application member. 38. Package and application assembly according to any of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that the sealing means are constituted by a cap screwed or applied to pressure. 39. Package and application assembly according to any of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that the sealing means are constituted by an articulated lid on said opening. 40. Package and application assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cover is hinged on the open end by means of a hinge-shaped film. 41. Package and application assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product is a cosmetic product, such as a nail polish, a liquid lipstick, a cream, a lotion or an oil, optionally gelled, a make-up remover, a solvent, a liquid make-up base, a glue, a writing corrector, or a stain remover.