MXPA98003401A - Applicator-holder - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns an applicator-holder comprising a case (2) inside which is mounted a thrusting mechanism (4, 17, 23, 24) capable of being actuated for selectively passing from an idle position inside the case (2), to an operative position in which the thrusting mechanism is capable of driving the applicator (12) which can move in translation in an axial channel (11) provided in a head (10) removably mounted on the said case (2), characterised in that it comprises means, when the head (10) is removed from the case (2), for automatically causing the thrusting mechanism to move up into the idle position.

Description

PORTA-APPLICATOR DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an applicator-holder device that can be used mainly, but not exclusively, in the cosmetic field, using for example a Kohl pencil "mine", a eyeliner, a lipstick, an eye shadow, etc. In the sense of the present application, the term "applicator" covers the applicators of direct application (mine) as well as the applicators of indirect application (an agglomerated or non-agglomerated foam, a felt, brush, etc.).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the cosmetic field, mechanisms are known comprising a handle with a central pusher component, driven by a screw thread to selectively advance or retract a "mine", to lower or raise a "mine" placed on the head ( or tip) of an applicator, the "mine" being carried by a dome. The dome is kept inside by a spring in position REF .: 27324 of rest. When the tip is mounted on the handle, and when the pusher is operated, it pushes the "mine" out of the head decompressing the spring. The term "mine" here used to designate any designated mass or bar of cosmetic consumer product. A major drawback of this type of devices is related to the fact that, if in the course of use, the spare tip is removed without re-tightening the pusher mechanism back, the "mine" enters the tip, but the pusher remains in high position, requiring then a manipulation to place it back in low position. On the other hand, the pusher mechanism is driven by a screw thread provided on the inner surface of the handle, it is difficult to give the pencil a shape that is not circular because of the thickness of material created. Finally, such mechanisms also employ a large number of parts, which considerably increases the cost of these devices. Other applicator-holder devices are also described in U.S. Patent Application US-A-3358699 or in European Patent Applications EP-A-0604793 or DE-A-4222759. The devices described in these documents are of the type comprising a threaded rod with which are coupled one or more legs, to drag the applicator in the exit position. However, these devices pose problems mainly because, because of the mechanism that pulls it, the applicator is held axially rigid, which inevitably produces in the application process, a certain lack of smoothness that is perceived by consumers, as a defect when the device is used for the application of makeup products in sensitive areas such as those around the eyes. On the other hand, in the European Patents EP-A-0604793 and the North American Patent US-A-3358699, the drive mechanism, which constitutes a fragile part of the device, is not carried by the movable head, but by the body, or by an intermediate maneuvering element, which forces the replacement of the device as a whole in each case of damage of the drive mechanism. Finally, in the case of DE-A-4222759, the drive part of the mechanism during the assembly of the head on the body of the device is put into engagement with the threaded rod, practically at its center. This requires, due to the small annular spaces, the franking by force of a substantial portion of the threading by the means of drag, in position of tension of these, whose postage by force sensitively affects the simplicity and smoothness of the assembly and use of the device, and threatens on the other hand to irremediably damage, either the mechanism of drag, or the thread, or both. In this way, it is one of the objects of the present invention to create a rechargeable applicator-holder device, and that it does not have the aforementioned drawbacks with reference to conventional devices. Is, in particular, an object of the invention to provide an applicator-holder device in which the applicator is driven by a simple reliable mechanism and which confers on the application an improved softness and flexibility in relation to conventional devices. It is, in particular, an object of the invention to provide an economic mechanism, of a simple assembly, and which can provide any shape and which advantageously makes it possible to automatically return the pusher mechanism in rest position when the head of the case is removed. Other objects will appear in detail in the description that follows.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, these objects are achieved by means of a device-applicator device comprising: a case inside which is mounted a pusher mechanism capable of entering into engagement with entraining means for selectively passing from a rest position inside the box, to an active position in which the pusher mechanism is capable of dragging an applicator capable of moving in translation in an axial channel made in a head movably mounted on the case; and means for automatically producing the uncoupling of the driving means from the pusher mechanism when the head is removed from the case, and under the effect of an axial force exerted by means of recovery to cause the passage of the pusher mechanism from the active position to said resting position, characterized in that the driving means have an elasticity, whose axial component exerts on the pusher mechanism, in a position of coupling with the driving means, in response to an axial pressure exerted on the pusher mechanism, through the applicator, an axial recovery force in a direction opposite to the direction of the axial force exerted by recovery means, in response to an axial pressure exerted on the pusher mechanism through the applicator. Thus mounted, the pusher mechanism, and therefore the applicator, are mounted as on a spring, so that, during application, when the free end of the applicator is resting on the surface to be treated, the applicator can elastically retreat to absorb a part of the pressure exerted, thus increasing the smoothness in the application. The applicator returns in position, by elastic recovery, as soon as the pressure ceases. According to a preferred embodiment, the driving means are constituted by at least one element in the form of two parts, of which a first part is integral with the head, on which it is mounted with a radial elasticity, to selectively allow the placing in coupling of the head (during withdrawal) of the coupling (or, disengagement) of the driving means with or of (respectively) the pusher mechanism, a second part, integral with the first, capable of entering into engagement with the pusher mechanism , and that has an axial elasticity to generate the axial recovery force. Advantageously, the driving means are carried by the head, which makes it possible to give it a greater radial width, thus increasing its elasticity in the axial direction or direction. On the other hand, in case of any damage to all or part of the drag system, only the removable head should be changed, and not the case. Finally, this feature allows the use of a rod that has a deep, dense threading that allows rapid advancement of the applicator. Still advantageously, the drive means are arranged to cause uncoupling of the drive means from the pusher mechanism and the passage of the pusher mechanism from the active position to said rest position, when the axial pressure exerted on the pusher mechanism exceeds a given value. This feature makes it possible to prevent the "mine" from being damaged in the event of too much pressure being exerted on its extremity, as, for example, in the case of an accidental fall. Advantageously, the device comprises even: a) a hollow cylindrical case with one of its ends closed; b) a threaded rod on at least a part of its length, and mounted freely in translation to the interior of the case, said rod being immobile in rotation inside the case; c) elastic recovery means mounted inside the case to maintain, in rest position, the threaded rod in recovery against the closed end of the case; d) a removable head in which an axial channel intended to receive the applicator, mounted on a dome, is made, said channel being open at its two ends, with the first end opening on the outside for application of the product, and allowing the second Removable mounting of the head on the case; e) a drag system carried by the head or by the case to enter into engagement with the threading of the rod, during the assembly of the head on the case can cause, by the rotation of the case in relation to the head, the drag of the applicator in translation in said channel with a view to the distribution of the product; and f) means for allowing the disengagement of the rod pulling system during dismounting of the head. The rod may be threaded over all or part of its length. Preferably, however, the rod is threaded on a portion delimited by a first limit situated on the side opposite the case and by a second limit, the means of entrainment comprising a part of engagement able to enter into engagement with the thread of the rod said engagement part being positioned in such a manner that during the assembly of the head on the case, the engagement part is substantially opposite to the first limit. Thus, the engagement part is induced, in tension position, to cross virtually any position of the thread, which in effect inevitably cause the damage of the thread, or the means of drag. On the other hand, between the second limit and the end of the rod located at the bottom of the case, the rod can have a portion whose diameter is practically equal to the diameter of the bottom of the thread. Thus, according to this advantageous arrangement, during the assembly of the head on the case, the drive system first comes into contact with the rod, completely at the beginning of the threading of the rod, that is (at least one of the legs). ) on an unthreaded part of it. The coupling means can be provided between the rod and the applicator with a view to the latter dragging in the axial channel of the head, causing the head to be mounted on the case the coupling of the driving system with the threaded rod, but it does not cause the applicator to drag on the channel, intervening it only during the first use of the device, by rotating the head relative to the case. Thus, during the assembly of the head, the positioning of the applicator is constant, which avoids in the assembly, an exit of too great an length of the applicator, which could cause damage of the applicator. In another term, the coupling of the drive system with the threaded rod is disconnected from the coupling of the rod and the applicator.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rod comprises, at its end opposite the closed end of the case, a cylindrical fixing element, the dome comprising fixing means intended to cooperate in a removable way with the cylindrical element for fixing the rod, to allow the dragging of the applicator in said channel, causing a rotation of the case in relation to the head, the dragging of the applicator in translation in said channel and the fixation of the rod in the dome by closing the fixing means on said cylindrical element, causing the rotation in the opposite direction of the case in relation to the head the elevation of the applicator in the channel, means being provided for releasing the rod of the dome by opening the fixing means when the applicator is raised inside the channel, maintaining the applicator inside the channel. According to a preferred embodiment, the applicator is only uncoupled from the rod in the entry position of the applicator. For this purpose, during the disassembly of the head, in the position of exit of the applicator, the driving system is disengaged from the threaded rod before disengaging the rod with respect to the dome, this latter disengagement can not occur more than in the position of applicator entrance. The sealing or sealing means may be provided in the vicinity of one and / or another of the extremities of the axial channel. These sealing means, in particular in the case of a lipstick, may comprise a block of foam that is comprehensible in all directions of space, and one of whose faces is intended to be sealed against a free edge of the head, said face being sealed to the solvent (s) that enter the composition of the applicator, said foam block being placed on the bottom of a cover able to removably cover an opening delimited by said free edge. The means provided for releasing the rod of the dome may comprise a truncated part formed in the interior of the head, adjacent to said axial channel, said truncated part permitting the separation of the fixing means by elastic recovery, when these arrive in front of said troncónica part, thus releasing the rod. This truncated portion allows, when the fixing means are in elastic support against their walls, to keep the applicator in the entry position inside the channel. The means provided for releasing the dome rod may further comprise a slot adjacent to the truncated part to allow a greater separation of the fixing means, the legs being effectively separated by elasticity and at least partially enter the slots. This feature is particularly advantageous in the case of a lipstick, the diameter of which is greater, in relation to certain other applicators. The rod may comprise, at its end opposite the head, guide means, which can slide inside a slot made in the inner wall of the case. Means may be placed between the guide means of the rod and the closed end of the case to cushion the impact of the rod on the bottom of the case during the return of the rod under the action of the elastic means. A device of this type also offers the advantage of reducing the noise and vibrations caused by the recoil of elastic recovery of the rod against the bottom of the device in an elastically pre-positioned manner.

The damping means may be carried by the guide means of the rod and / or by a bottom forming the closed end of the case. Such shock absorbing means may be made by a spring sheet obtained by molding with the part of which it is integral, an elastomeric element on molding or a block of foam. Advantageously, the closed end of the case comprises an associated bottom, presenting said bottom of exhaust orifice and / or air recovery, thus allowing to avoid any phenomenon of coupling. The associated background can be elastically inserted, glued, welded or screwed. According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic recovery means comprise a helical spring placed inside the case. A spring of this type may have one of its ends abutted against the guide means of the rod, the other end being abutted against an annular collar placed on the inner wall of the case. According to a preferred embodiment, the drive system comprises at least one element having a first portion, oriented substantially along the longitudinal axis of the device, and a second portion of engagement, one of whose free ends is intended to engage in coupling. with the threaded rod, said first portion being able to pivot elastically about an axis practically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to selectively allow, during the assembly of the head (or during its assembly), the coupling (or uncoupling) of said free end with or of (respectively) the threaded rod, said second portion having an elasticity that generates, in a position of coupling with the driving means, in response to an axial pressure exerted on the rod through the applicator, a force of recovery axial direction opposite to the direction of the recovery force generated by the media d and recovery, in response to an axial pressure exerted on the rod through the applicator. By way of indication, the elasticity of the second portion is such that, under the effect of an axial pressure exerted through the applicator, the rod moves axially from a distance comprised between 0.2 mm to 2 mm.

Preferably, the second portion forms with respect to the first, an angle comprised between 30 ° to 120 °, and preferably, comprised between 45 ° to 110 °. The second portion can have a radial width comprised between 1.5 mm to 3 mm. Advantageously, the drive system comprises at least two legs capable of entering into engagement with the rod at least two diametrically opposite points. Preferably, the two points are displaced axially, to allow a quicker coupling of the drive system and the rod. In a particular embodiment, the legs or tabs are practically in the form of an L or a V, whose apex is oriented towards the outside of the case, with corresponding holes being provided in the side wall of the head to allow said legs to escape during the disassembly of the head and thus cause the decoupling of the legs and the rod. Advantageously, stop-forming means are provided for, in disassembled position of the head, to limit the axial movement of the applicator in the direction of the second end of the head.

Preferably, the stop is positioned in such a way that it does not need an indexed position of the dome to act as a stop. The legs or tabs can be carried by an annular element intended to be mounted on the head, this annular element also carries the means intended to form a stop by the applicator. The annular element can be constituted by a single piece obtained by molding a thermoplastic material. According to another embodiment, the drive system comprises a split nut carried by the head. The coupling means may comprise at least two elastically deformable legs, mounted on the dome, said legs having a shape apt to tighten the adjusting end of the rod when it pushes the applicator into the interior of the channel. Advantageously, the legs are of an elastic configuration close to that of the driving legs of the rod, so that, advantageously, it can also function as a damping element. The case can carry a sharpener at an opposite end to the head. The pencil sharpener can be removable or not. In this last case, it can be inserted elastically, glued or welded inside a hole provided in the bottom of the case. The case may be of square, circular, or polygonal cross section. The applicator can be constituted by a "mine", by a brush, by a felt, by a bar, by a foam, or by an applicator with flock. The product to be applied can be a lipstick, a dye, a mask, a eyeliner, a kohl, a leftover eye, etc. The mechanism according to the invention is particularly advantageous because, when a "mine" is exhausted, the mine-holder mechanism is positioned to receive a new recharge, without requiring additional manipulations to place the recharge. The softness in the application is remarkable. In the description that follows, reference will be made to the designs in which: - Figure 1 represents a sectional view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, Figure 2 is another illustration of the device of Figure 1 in which the "mine" is integral with the pusher mechanism to be able to move in application position; figure 3 represents another view of the device shown in figures 1 and 2, in which the head is removed from the case; Figures 4A-4B illustrate two embodiments of the pusher mechanism used in the applicator-holder device according to the invention; 4C-4D represent, by way of examples, two different external shapes of the device according to the invention; Figures 5A-5F illustrate schematically different entrainment elements of the device according to the invention; Y - Figure 6 illustrates a device according to the invention used for a lipstick bar. As it is represented in figure 1, the applicator-holder device 1 according to the invention comprises mainly a case 2, which forms the body of the device, of a particularly cylindrical shape, with a longitudinal axis X, and closed at one of its ends by a plug 3 which can be welded on it. case, or mounted on the case by elastic or glued lace. Advantageously, a hole 202 is provided in the cap to allow an air recovery during the exit of the applicator with a view to a product application. The pusher mechanism is mounted inside the case 2, it essentially comprises a threaded rod 4 (over at least a part of its length). The rod 4 is located practically on the axis of the case, and is integral with a head 5 (of the fin type). The head 5 is guided in translations in the case, by means of grooves 6, appropriately provided on the inner surface of the case, the rod thus immobilized in rotation. The rod is on the other hand mounted inside a spring 7 (helical type), one of whose ends is butted against an annular collar 8 provided inside the case, whose other end is butted against the head 5 of the rod 4. Thus, in the rest position, the rod is maintained in recovery against the closed end of the case. Advantageously, a spring system, of the sheet type 9, for example, whose function is to reduce the noise and to dampen the shock caused by the return, is disposed on the head of the rod on the side opposite the bottom 3. of the rod (under the action of the spring 7) when the head is removed from the case, as will be better seen in detail in the following description. Other means such as, for example, a cushion of elastic material, can be used according to the invention to replace the spring mechanism 9. According to a preferred embodiment, the free end of the rod 4, opposite the head 5, comprises a cylindrical element 17. which forms an oversize in relation to the diameter of the rod. The cylindrical element can be rounded, conical, or other and allows, as will be detailed below, the fixation of the rod to the mine. As it appears in figures 4A and 4B, the rod can carry a thread over its entire length (Figure 4A), or over only a part of its length (Figure 4B), the spring being then used to re-engage the device when the rod is returned in its initial position. As will be seen in more detail below, the location and the boundaries of the thread are determined so that, during the assembly of the head 10 on the case 2, the engagement part of the legs 23 comes into engagement with the thread, completely at the beginning of the latter, to limit the number of threads that must pass through the legs under tension. The device according to the invention also comprises a head (or tip) 10 of generally elongated shape, preferably sharpened at one of its ends, and inside which an axial channel 11 is provided whose diameter is adapted to the diameter of an applicator, such as a "mine" 12 advantageously carried by a dome 14 and intended to be mounted inside the channel. The end opposite the sharp part of the head comprises a part 13, whose external diameter is slightly lower than the internal diameter of the case 2, so that it can be mounted there in a removable manner, the edge of the case resting on a shoulder 40 of the head . Advantageously, the external surface of the part 13 comprises an annular groove intended to cooperate by elastic fitting with an annular rib provided on the inner surface of the case in order to improve the behavior of the head on the case, during the use of the carrying device -mine. In its opposite part to the sharpened end, the axial channel 11 opens out on a portion of the larger diameter 15 to which it is connected by a truncated-shaped zone 16. The head of the device according to the invention also comprises driving means 23, intended for the assembly of the head on the case, to be in engagement with the screw thread to advance (or back), by a rotation of the head relative to the case, the rod in the case. Advantageously, and as it appears more explicitly in Figures 5B-5E, these means 23 are carried by an annular element 21, one of whose parts 20 has an external diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the portion 13 of smaller diameter of the head 10 for being able to be assembled, by elastic fitting, welding, gluing or other technique, inside said portion 13. The other end 22 of the annular element forms a rim of diameter slightly greater than the internal diameter of the part 20 to lean against the transverse edge of the portion 13. On the transverse edge of the part 20, two legs 23 are provided, elastically deformable and intended to be placed in front of corresponding holes 24, provided in the wall of the head 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs which define a shape of L or V whose vertex is oriented towards the outside to be inserted, in the absence of tension, into the holes 24. In disassembled position , the apex of the legs emerges practically through the holes 24, in the manner shown in Figure 5C. In this way, as it appears in the figures 1 and 2, when the head is removed from the case, the walls thereof rest on the apex of the trailing legs 23, to force them into engagement with the threading of the rod 4 to form nuts and to be able to drag the rod in one direction or in the other, depending on the direction of rotation of the head in relation to the case. According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the driving legs 23 form an elastically deformable structure whose portion 201 in engagement with the rod confers an axial elasticity to the positioning of the rod, and therefore the applicator carried by the rod. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod is driven by means of two legs 23, placed at two points diametrically opposite with respect to the rod. Alternatively, and although this solution does not constitute the preferred solution, the dragging of the threaded rod can be done with only one leg 23. Advantageously, the coupling points of each of the legs 23 are slightly displaced axially (in the order of one turn of the thread for example). Each of the legs generally has the shape of an L having a first part 200 which, in a mounted position of the head, is practically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. One end of the part 200 is integral with the annular element 21 (described with reference to FIGS. 5B and 5C), mounted on the head 10. The other end is integral with a part 201 which is practically perpendicular, and whose free end is positioned to engage the threaded rod 4. The portion 200 of each of the legs 23 is located opposite a corresponding hole 24, suitable to allow, by elastic recovery, the decoupling of the legs 23 from the threaded rod during the disassembly of the head. In fact, during the disassembly of the head, the legs 23 are no longer tensioned by the internal wall of the body of the device. The legs 23 have an elasticity whose radial component causes, by elastic recovery, the articulated movement of the part 200, substantially around an axis A (figure 5B) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. The part 200 penetrates, at least partially, into the corresponding slot 24 (see FIG. 5C). The part 201 is then separated substantially radially with respect to the rod 4, which released the rod, which under the effect of the restoring force exerted by the spring 7, returns in resting position at the bottom of the device. The portion 201 which, in the assembly of the head is located practically in the vicinity of the beginning of the thread of the rod 4 has a radial width that can range from 1.5 to 3 mm. This portion 201 has an axial elasticity which is such that when an axial pressure is exerted on the applicator (for example, during the application of the applicator on a surface to be treated), the elastically deformable part 201 is slightly closed on the part 200 (by a movement of retraction practically around the axis B) which causes a slight axial retraction of the free end of the legs 23 (in the direction of the bottom of the case). The rod retracts in the same way, but by elastic recovery generated by the portion 201, it returns to its initial position. Typically, the recoil can go from 0.2 mm to 2 mm. This elasticity depends to a large extent on the material used (preferably a thermoplastic material), of radial width of the part 201, of the angle between the part 200 and the preferably near part 201 of 90 °). Thus mounted, the rod 4, therefore as a consequence, the applicator 112, are mounted as on a spring which confers to the application a remarkable smoothness. Obviously, the legs 23 must be sufficiently rigid to drag the rod against the restoring force exerted by the spring 7. Furthermore, it must be pointed out that, advantageously, if the pressure exerted on the applicator (for example, during a fall ) is too strong, this produces a more important retraction of the part 201 on the part 200, that is, a more important closing of the closure of the angle between the part 201 and the part 200. This more important retraction causes a decoupling of the legs 23 in relation to the rod, which returns by elastic recovery, in rest position against the bottom of the case. This advantageous feature limits the risks of accidental damage of the tip of the applicator. During the assembly of the head, which corresponds practically to the position illustrated in Figure 1, the cylindrical part 13 is inserted into the open end of the case 2. By doing so, the legs 23 are forced by the inner surface of the case, which causes its coupling with the beginning of the threading of the rod 4. In this stage, it should be noted that the applicator is still not dragged by the rod, being dragged only during the first use by turning the head 10 relative to the case 2. Thus, each time a new head 10 is mounted on the case, positioning of applicator is constant. In other words, the assembly of the head (and the coupling of the driving legs 23 and of the rod 4) is an operation disconnected from the dragging of the applicator with a view to an application. The legs or tabs 23 can be made of metal, plastic, any other metal that offers the desired elasticity. In the illustrated mode, the legs 23 • are close to that of the L. In reality, their shape is similar to that of an L in forced position (figure 1 and 2), and similar to that of a V in position not forced (Figure 5B-5E). According to an advantageous embodiment, the legs 23 are obtained by molding a thermoplastic material (polyethylene or polypropylene), in one piece with the element 21 that supports them. When the head is disassembled or removed from the case (for example by pulling), the legs 23 resiliently return in a separate position, thereby uncoupling from the threaded rod 4 which can then return in the rest position by the action of the spring 7. In the embodiment of 5D and 5E, the annular element 21 also carries a ring 50, connected to the part 20 by two arms 51, 52, placed at 90 in relation to the driving legs 23. The internal diameter of the ring is such that the rod 4 and the cylindrical element 17 can freely pass through, in order to be able to enter into engagement with the legs 32 and 33 of the dome 14. However, the inner diameter of the ring 50 is such that the latter shape, when the part 21 is inserted in the head 10 (see figure 5E), an annular stop preventing the "mine" 12 from leaving the head 10 through the hole delimited by the largest diameter portion 15, the length of the arms 51, 52 being chosen for that, in po At the entrance of the "mine", the ring 50 is located in the vicinity of the free end of the legs 32, 33. According to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5F, the rod is driven by means of a threaded nut split 100 worn by the head. This threaded nut comprises two semi-shells 101, 102 separated by a groove 103, and whose internal surface comprises at least at its end, a thread 104 capable of cooperating with the threading of the rod. In the same way that for the modality of elastic legs, the split nut is of bent form, which confers to the axial positioning of the applicator, the desired elasticity. The gear of the rod is produced when the two parts forming the threaded nut are tensioned by a conical surface provided in the case, the disassembly of the head releasing the two half-shells 101, 102, thus producing the decoupling of the rod .

The "mine" 12 is mounted on a dome 14 which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 5A. This dome comprises a lateral skirt 30, one of whose ends is open to receive the "mine" and of generally cylindrical shape adapted to the shape of the "mine". The internal diameter of the dome is slightly greater than the diameter of the "mine", which can be maintained in the dome by different appropriate means, such as ribs provided on the inner wall of the dome or by gluing. The other end can be closed by a transverse wall 31. On the bottom 31 and on the opposite side of the side skirt 30, two fixing legs 32, 33 of a material, preferably elastically deformable, are advantageously mounted so that, at rest , it is separated from the axis of the dome 30, as shown in figure 1. According to an alternative, the legs are connected to the rest of the dome by a hinged mechanism constituted by a zone of smaller thickness at the level of the bottom 31. The shape of the clamping legs is such that the cylindrical element 17 of the rod can be tightened when the legs advance in the axial channel 11. According to a preferred embodiment, each of the clamping legs practically defines an L-shape. , the bottom of the open dome, at least in part, to be able to slide the "mine" before assembly on the device, through the bottom of the dome. In addition, although the fixation of the "mine" is a preferred embodiment of the invention, to allow both the exit and entry of the "mine" in the head, this function is not indispensable. In fact, according to a possible embodiment, the rod does not comprise means for fixing the laminar exit dome, it is only dragged in the direction of the exit, and until its full use. Under these conditions, the disassembly of the head, for example by pulling, only causes the rod to be released in relation to the head and the elevation of the rod against the bottom of the case, under the effect of the recovery force of the spring. In this configuration, means must be provided for retaining the "mine" inside the channel. By way of example, notches may be provided on the internal surface of the axial channel, capable of cooperating with one or more corresponding elements (protrusions or ribs) provided on the external surface of the dome, the release of the notches being effected by force, under the effect of the thrust of the rod 4. Even other devices can be provided to maintain the "mine" inside the channel. The operation of the device according to the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures 1 to 3 and 5C. In Figure 5C, the head is removed from the case (for example, by pulling). As it appears, the "mine" is elevated inside the axial channel of the head 10. The fixing legs 32, 33 are opposite the truncated portion 16, and held in abutment against the walls of the tronconical part by the effect of elastic recovery. The driving legs 23 are in the rest position, that is to say, spaced apart from the axis of the head, with the vertex of the V emerging, which defines the part 13, through the holes 24. As it appears in FIG. 3, in FIG. the case 2, the rod 4 that carries the threading is kept in recovery against the bottom 3 of the case thanks to the spring 7. In the position of figure 1, the head 10 is mounted on the case 2, the drag legs 23, forced by the walls of the case 2 are in engagement with the beginning of the threading of the rod 4. The cylindrical element 17 of the rod 4 is located between the fixing legs 32 33 of the dome, whose legs are at the level of the tronconical zone of the anal are provided inside the head, which allows the legs to separate towards the outside, practically against the truncated surface, thus preventing the "mine" from descending again into the canal. It should be noted that in the position as shown in figure 1, the head is held on the case elastically by means of the recovery spring, which allows limiting the tightening of the head / case and smoothing the rotation of the head. head relative to the body of the device, each function being separate. A rotation of the head relative to the case causes an advance of the rod 4 between the legs 32, 33 of the dome 14 (Figure 2). The cylindrical element 17 then pushes the "mine" in the channel, which causes a closing of the legs 32, 33 on the cylindrical element, thus securing the rod of the dome. The tip of the "mine" can come out of the head in this way with a view to the application of the product. Once the application ends, a rotation in the opposite direction of the head 10, in relation to the case 2 causes a backward movement of the "mine", until the legs 32, 33 are not already maintained inside the channel, ie , until they are located in front of the tronconical part 16. At this moment, the "mine" 12 is no longer solidary in the rod 4. In this way, if in the course of use, the head is removed from the case ( by pulling the head in relation to the case), this causes an elevation of the "mine" 12 inside the channel 11, the separation of the driving legs 23 in relation to the threading of the rod, the recovery of the rod against the bottom 3 of the case 2 under the action of the recovery spring 7, the disengagement of the rod 4 with respect to the "mine" when this is completely inserted in the channel (11), the disengagement from the head in relation to the body of the case Therefore, in the course of use, it is very easy to change the product, for example, dye, by simple replacement of the head of the device. Figures 4C and 4D illustrate different forms of the device according to the present invention. In the embodiment of Figure 4C, the cross section is oval in shape; in that of Figure 4D the transverse action is practically square, which was difficult to achieve with conventional devices such as those described in the preamble of the present description. It is evident that the other forms can still be used (triangular, circular, square, polygonal, oval, rhomboidal). The dimensions of the cross section of the device according to the invention is chosen according to the nature of the product to be applied (lipstick, dye, eye shadow, etc.). An agglomeration can be provided, either on the applicator, or on the internal walls of the axial channel of the head, to limit the clearance of the applicator on the head of the device. The agglomerate of this type can also be placed on the outer surface of the end of the head. Still advantageously, the device comprises a protection cap that can be mounted on the head (by threading or elastic fit, for example) to protect the "mine". In Figure 6, to which reference is now made, the device according to the invention is used by an applicator 12 in the form of a lipstick bar. In the same way as for the other embodiments, the red lip bar is mounted on a dome 14. Means are provided 62 under the dome and / or on the internal wall of the axial channel 11, to form a seal and / or to form a stop to prevent the bar from coming out of the head through the hole bounded by the larger diameter portion 15. In the latter case, the lipstick bar can only be mounted on the head through the outlet orifice. bounded by the free edge 64 of the head. In this embodiment, and given the most important diameter of the applicator and the dome 14, an annular groove 63 is provided to allow a sufficient decoupling of the legs 32 and 33, when the applicator is in the entry position in the head 10, such as shown in FIG. 6, and to enable the applicator 12 of the rod 4 to be detached. A cover 60 is mounted for elastic insertion or for threading on the head 10. A block of foam 61 is placed at the bottom of the cover to form tightness in the closed position of the cap on the head, the face of the foam block being intended to rest on the free edge 64 of the sealing head to (or to) the solvent (s) contained in the formulation of the red lips. The foam block is chosen so that it rests tightly on the free edge 64 of the head, at any point of said edge, and this regardless of the edge profile (bevel or right). A device of this type is particularly adapted to the formulation of highly volatile solvents. Alternatively, the sealing of the free edge 64 is ensured by a watertight skirt obtained by molding with the lid 60. In the detailed description which follows, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is evident that variants can be departed here without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below. for example, by way of example, it is possible, in the case of a pencil, to provide a point-holder placed, for example, in a recess provided in the bottom of the device.

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

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

Claims (35)

1. Applicator-holder device, characterized in that it comprises: a case with longitudinal axis (X), and inside which is mounted a pusher mechanism capable of entering into engagement with entraining means for selectively passing from a rest position inside the case, to an active position in which the pusher mechanism is capable of driving an applicator that can move in translation in an axial channel made in a head removably mounted on said case, means for automatically causing, during the disassembly of the head of the case , the uncoupling of the driving means from the pusher mechanism and under the effect of an axial force exerted by means of recovery causes the passage of the pusher mechanism from the active position to said rest position, characterized in that the entrainment means have an elasticity, whose axial component exerts on the pusher mechanism, in position of coupling with the m In this case, an axial restoring force, in response to an axial pressure exerted on the pusher mechanism by the applicator, is an axial recovery force in the direction opposite to the direction of the axial force exerted by recovery means.

2. Carrier-applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the driving means are constituted by at least one elastically deformable element, in the form of two portions, a first portion integral with the head, and apt to pivot elastically to selectively allow, during the assembly of the head (respectively, of its disassembly), the coupling (respectively, disengagement) of the driving means with the pusher mechanism, a second portion integral with the first, and capable of entering the position of coupling with the pusher mechanism, and having in said position, an axial elasticity to generate shower axial recovery force.

3. Applicator device according to claim 2, characterized in that, in said coupling position, the first portion is practically parallel to the axis X, the second portion forming an angle with respect to the first.

4. Applicator device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the elasticity of the second portion is such that, under the effect of an axial pressure exerted through the applicator, the pusher mechanism moves axially in a distance comprised between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

5. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second portion forms, with respect to the first, an angle comprised between 30 ° and 120 °, and preferably, comprised between 45 ° and 110 °.

6. Applicator device according to claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the second portion has a radial width between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

7. Applicator device according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the driving means comprise at least two legs capable of entering into engagement with the pusher mechanism in at least two diametrically opposed points.

8. Applicator device according to claim 7, characterized in that said legs are practically in the form of an L or a V, where the apex is oriented towards the outside of the case, corresponding holes being provided in a side wall of the head for letting out said legs during the dismantling of the head and thus causing the uncoupling of the legs and of the pushing mechanism.

9. Carrier-applicator device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving means are placed to cause the decoupling of the pusher mechanism and the passage of the pusher mechanism from the active position to said rest position, when the axial pressure exerted on the Pusher mechanism exceeds a given value.

10. Applicator holder device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: a) a hollow cylindrical case closed by one of its ends: b) a rod, threaded on at least a part of its length, and mounted free in translation to the interior of the case, said rod being immobile in rotation inside the case; c) elastic recovery means mounted inside the case to maintain, in rest position, the threaded rod in recovery against the closed end of the case; d) a removable head in which an axial channel designed to receive an applicator, mounted on a dome, is made, said channel being open at its two ends, the first end opening on the outside for application of the product, the second allowing the Removable mounting of the head on the case; e) means of drag carried by the head or by the case to be put into engagement with the threading of the rod, during the assembly of the head on the case can cause, by rotation of the case relative to the head, the drag of the applicator in translation in said channel with a view to the distribution of the product; and f) means for permitting uncoupling of the driving means and the rod during disassembly of the head.

11. Applicator device according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the driving means are carried for the head of the device.

12. Applicator device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the rod is threaded on a portion delimited by a first limit located opposite the closed end of the case and a second limit, the means of entrainment comprising a suitable engagement end to enter into engagement with the threaded rod, said engagement end being placed in such a manner that, during the mounting of the head on the case, the engagement end is practically opposite the first limit.

13. An applicator-holder device according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that it comprises coupling means between the rod and the applicator with a view to dragging the latter into the axial channel of the head, causing the head to be mounted on the head. The coupling of the drive system with the threaded rod is engaged, but does not cause the applicator to be dragged into the channel, the latter only intervening during the first use of the device, by rotation of the head relative to the case.

14. Applicator holder device according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the rod comprises, at its end opposite the closed end of the case, a cylindrical fixing element, the dome comprising fixing means intended to cooperate removably with the cylindrical element for fixing the rod, to allow the applicator to be dragged in said channel, causing a rotation of the case in relation to the head, the drag of the applicator in translation in said channel and the fixing of the rod in the dome for the closing of the fixing means on said cylindrical element, causing rotation in the opposite direction of the case in relation to the head the elevation of the applicator in the channel, means being provided for releasing the rod of the dome by opening the fixing means When the applicator is raised inside the channel, keeping the applicator inside the can to the.

15. An applicator-holder device according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that sealing means are provided in the vicinity of one and / or another of the extremities of the axial channel.

16. An applicator-holder device according to claim 15, characterized in that the sealing means comprise a block of foam that is comprehensible in all directions of the space, and one of whose faces is intended to enter a watertight support on a free edge of the head, said face being sealed to the solvent (s) that enter the composition of the applicator, said foam block being placed on the bottom of a cover able to removably cover an opening delimited by said free edge.

17. An applicator-holder device according to claim 14, characterized in that the means provided for releasing the rod of the dome comprise a frusto-conical part formed on the inside of the head, adjacent said axial channel, said tronconical part allowing the separation of the means of fixing by elastic recovery, when these arrive in front of said tronconical part, thereby releasing the rod.

18. An applicator-holder device according to claim 14, characterized in that the means provided for releasing the rod of the dome further comprise a slot adjacent to the truncated part to allow a more important separation of the fixing means.

19. Carrier-applicator device according to any of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that the rod comprises at its end opposite the head guiding means that can slide inside a slot provided in the inner wall of the case.

20. Applicator device according to claim 19, characterized in that the means are placed between the guide means of the rod and the closed end of the case, to cushion the impact of the rod on the bottom of the case during the return of the rod under the action of elastic means.

21. Applicator device according to claim 20, characterized in that the means are placed between the guide means of and / or by a bottom that forms the closed end of the case.

22. Carrier-applicator device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the means are constituted by a spring sheet obtained molded with the part of which is integral, by an elastomeric element overmolded, or by a block of foam.

23. An applicator-holder device according to any of claims 10 to 22, characterized in that the closed end of the case comprises an associated bottom, said bottom of the exhaust orifice and / or of air recovery.

24. Applicator device according to claim 23, characterized in that the associated base is elastically inserted, glued, welded or screwed.

25. An applicator-holder device according to any of claims 10 to 24, characterized in that said elastic recovery means comprise a helical spring placed inside the case.

26. An applicator-holder device according to claim 25, characterized in that one end of the spring is butted against the guide means of the rod, the other end abutting against an annular collar placed on the inner wall of the case.

27. Applicator device according to any of claims 10 to 26, characterized in that the stop-forming means are provided for, in the disassembled position of the head, to limit the axial movement of the applicator in the direction of the second end of the head .

28. An applicator-holder device according to claim 27, characterized in that the legs are carried by an annular element intended to be mounted on the head, said element also being carried by the means intended to form a stop by said applicator.

29. An applicator-holder device according to claim 28, characterized in that the annular element can be constituted by a single piece obtained by molding a thermoplastic material.

30. An applicator-holder device according to any of claims 10 to 27, characterized in that the drive system comprises a split nut carried by the head.

31. Applicator holder device according to any of claims 13 to 30, characterized in that the coupling means comprise at least two elastically deformable legs mounted on the dome, said legs having a shape suitable for tightening the cylindrical element of the rod when it pushes the applicator inside the channel.

32. An applicator-holder device according to any of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that a tipper opposite to the head is carried on the case.

33. Applicator-holder device according to any of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the case is of square, oval, triangular, circular or polygonal cross section.

34. Applicator device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator is constituted by a "mine", a brush, a felt, a bar, a foam, or an applicator with flock.

35. Applicator device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product to be applied is a lipstick, a dye, a mask, a eyeliner, a kohl, an eye shadow, etc.