WO2012040876A1

WO2012040876A1 - Device for containing cosmetic product and associated process

Info

Publication number: WO2012040876A1
Application number: PCT/CN2010/001524
Authority: WO
Inventors: May Chen
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2010-09-29
Filing date: 2010-09-29
Publication date: 2012-04-05
Also published as: CN103153127A; CN103153127B

Abstract

A device (10) comprises a container (14) intended to contain a cosmetic product. The container (14) defines an opening (36). A roller (70) which is rotatable around a rotation axis (A- A') is mounted relative to the container (14). Rotation of the roller (70) around the rotation axis (A- A') causes the roller (70) to remove the cosmetic product in the container (14) and to carry it outside of the container (14). An external surface (80) of the roller (70) defines a longitudinal recess (82) extending substantially parallel to the rotation axis (A- A'). The maximal width of the recess (82), taken perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the recess (82), is higher than 4 mm, particularly between 4 mm and 9 mm..

Description

DEVICE FOR CONTAINING COSMETIC PRODUCT AND ASSOCIATED PROCESS

The present invention concerns a device for conditioning a cosmetic product, comprising:

- a container intended to contain a cosmetic product, the container defining an opening;

- a roller, mounted rotative relative to the container around a rotation axis, rotation of the roller around the rotation axis causing the roller to remove cosmetic product in the container and to carry it outside of the container, an external surface of the roller defining a longitudinal recess extending substantially parallel to the rotation axis.

A "cosmetic product" is in particular a product as defined in Directive 93/35 EEC of the Council, dated June 14, 1993.

The cosmetic product is advantageously a fluid product, such as a liquid, a cream, a gel or a foam. Alternatively, the cosmetic product is a fluid powder made of particulate solids.

In another alternative, the cosmetic product is a self-supporting solid such as a block or stick of product which can be removed by friction.

The cosmetic product is advantageously a product intended to be applied on a body surface of a user, such as the skin or the hairs of the user.

In particular, the cosmetic product is a lip care product intended to be placed on the lips of a user.

Alternatively, the cosmetic product can be a make up product intended to be placed on the face, the neck, the eyelashes or the hairs of a user. Makeup products or lip care products are usually stored as a solid stick contained in a casing. To apply the product on the lips, the user opens the casing and extracts the tip of the stick out of the casing. The user subsequently places the tip of the stick on his lips and rubs the stick against the lips to apply the product.

Devices of these types are very well adapted to solid cosmetic products having a high viscosity.

However, some compositions of cosmetic products have a lower viscosity and can be liquids at ambient temperature. In that case, the usual conditioning devices are not well adapted.

To address this issue, devices such as those disclosed in US 7 153 053 or DE 100 34 964 have been developed.

These devices comprise a container receiving the cosmetic product for example in liquid form.

The container is closed by a rotative roller which is permanently mounted on the container to seal the cosmetic product distribution opening defined in the container.

When the user wishes to apply cosmetic product on his lips, he places the roller on the lips and rolls it along the body surface to cover it with cosmetic product.

The product flows from the container to the outer surface of the roller and is spread on the body surface by rotation of the roller.

Devices of the aforementioned type can apply liquid product on a body surface, but are not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, the application of product may be difficult to control by the user.

Moreover, the distribution of the product can be uneven, depending in particular on the rotation rate of the roller and on the amount of product available at the surface of the roller. EP 1 393 649 discloses an efficient device for applying eyeliner on the eyebrows of a user. US 4 342 522 and US 2006/0222445 disclose roll-on dispensers having a flexible membrane for applying antiperspirant products such a deodorant.

An object of the invention is to obtain a device for conditioning a cosmetic product, in particular having a low viscosity, the device comprising a roller, in which the application of the cosmetic product is easier and more efficient.

Another object of the invention is to obtain a device for conditioning a fluid cosmetic product which allows for a more even application of the cosmetic product on a body surface of a user.

Another object of the invention is to offer a device which provides a novel gesture for applying the product.

To this aim, the subject-matter of the present invention is a device as defined above, characterized in that the maximal width of the recess, taken perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the recess is higher than 4 mm, in particular is between 4 mm and 9 mm.

The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following feature(s), taken alone or according to any possible technical combination:

- the recess has a substantially oval shape;

- the external surface of the roller defines a plurality of recesses having a maximal width higher than 4 mm, in particular between 4 mm and 9 mm, the plurality of recesses being spaced angularly around the rotation axis;

- the recess has a length lower than 95% of the maximal length of the roller, taken along the longitudinal axis, advantageously higher than 50% of the maximal length of the roller, taken along the longitudinal axis;

- the maximal depth of the recess, taken radially relative to the rotation axis is higher than 35% of the maximal width of the recess, taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the recess ;

- the roller comprises a cylindrical body;

- the roller comprises a deformable region, which is deformable from a rest configuration in which it covers the recess at least partly apart from the bottom of the recess, and a deformed configuration in which it is inserted in the recess;

- the roller comprises a body defining the recess and a sleeve surrounding the body, the sleeve being applied on the external surface of the body at the periphery of the recess and defining the deformable region;

- the device comprises an intermediate distribution member interposed between the container and the roller;

- the intermediate distribution member is fixed on the container;

- the outer surface of the roller defines a plurality of longitudinal grooves, each groove having a maximal width inferior to the maximal width of the recess;

- the roller comprises a body defining the recess and a driving member having no contact with the cosmetic product during rotation of the roller; and

- the roller comprises a body defining the recess and an axis protruding longitudinally from the body, the axis being received in a guiding cavity advantageously located in an end wall of the container.

The invention also relates to a process for applying a cosmetic product on a body surface comprising the following steps:

- providing a device as described above, a cosmetic product being received in the container;

- rotating the roller around the rotation axis to locate the recess in the opening and to place cosmetic product on the roller in the area of the recess;

- rotating the roller to extract the cosmetic product located in the area of the recess out of the opening;

- inserting a body surface in the recess to apply the cosmetic product on the body surface.

The process according to the invention may comprise the following features:

- the device has a deformable region at least partially covering the recess, the deformable region being deformable into the recess between a rest configuration and a deformed configuration inside the recess, the process comprising the following steps:

- maintaining the deformable wall in its rest configuration at least partially apart from the bottom of the recess when sampling the cosmetic product in the opening, and

- deforming the deformable wall in the recess when applying the body surface on the roller.

The invention will be better understood upon reading of the following description, given purely as an example, and made in reference to the following drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first device according to the invention, in a storage configuration;

- Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 , after removal of the cover;

- Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the device of Figure

2;

- Figure 4 is a larger view of the roller of the first device according to the invention;

- Figure 5 is a section, taken along a longitudinal median plane, of the device of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 6 is a section, taken along a transverse median plane of the device of claim 1 ;

- Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 during application of cosmetic product on the lips of a user; and

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of the roller of a second device according to the invention

A first conditioning device 10 according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 7.

The conditioning device 10 is intended to receive, to store and to distribute a cosmetic product 12 visible in Figure 3. The device 10 is advantageously portable, in order for the user to carry it manually, for example in a handbag.

Alternatively, the cosmetic product can be a make up product intended to be placed on the face, the neck, the eyelashes or the hairs of a user.

As seen in Figures 1 to 3, the device 10 is generally elongated along an axis A-A' . The device 10 comprises a container 14 holding the cosmetic product 12, and an applicator 16 for distributing the cosmetic product 12 to a body surface of a user. The device 10 advantageously comprises a cover 18 which is movable relative to the container 14 between a storage position shown in Figure 1 and a use position shown in Figure 2.

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the container 14 comprises a bottom hollow base 20, a holder 22 for holding the applicator 16, and advantageously an intermediate distribution member 24 interposed between the bottom hollow base 20 and the applicator holder 22.

The bottom hollow base 20 comprises a bottom wall 26 intended to be placed on a support surface external to the device 10. The hollow base 20 also comprises a lateral wall 28. The lateral wall 28 defines with the bottom wall 26 an internal volume 30 for containing the cosmetic product 12. In the example shown in Figure 3, the lateral wall 28 defines an outer supporting shoulder 32 and an inner rim 34.

The internal volume 30 opens upwardly into a distribution opening 36, which is advantageously delimited externally by the rim 34.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the holder 22 and the hollow base 20 are made of separate pieces. Alternatively, the holder 22 and the hollow base 20 are made in one piece.

The holder 22 comprises a peripheral skirt 40 and two end transverse support walls 42A, 42B for holding the applicator 16.

The holder 22 further comprises longitudinal confinement walls 44 connecting together the two end walls 42 A, 42B.

The peripheral skirt 40 has a circumference similar to the circumference of the base wall 28.

The peripheral skirt 40 has two longitudinal portions 46 connected together by two lateral portions 48 A, 48B. The end walls 42 A, 42B protrude upwardly above the skirt 40. In the example of Figure 3, each end wall 42A, 42B has a flat shape, in particular a disk-like shape located substantially in a transverse plane relative to axis A-A' .

Each end wall 42A, 42B is located in the vicinity of a respective lateral portion 48A, 48B. At least one of the end walls 42B is located apart from the lateral portion 48B in the vicinity thereof, to define a transverse housing 50 for receiving the driving means of the applicator 16.

Each end wall 42A, 42B defines a guiding slot 52 for receiving an axis of the applicator 16. The guiding slot 52 extends radially from axis A-A' . It has a converging insertion portion 52A which opens upwardly, a closed bottom portion 52B and an intermediate restriction portion 52C.

The end walls 42A, 42B and the base skirt 40 define an internal through passage 54 for receiving the applicator 16.

The through passage 54 opens downwardly in an inner opening 54A in register with the cosmetic distribution opening 36. It opens upwardly between the end walls 42A, 42B in an outer opening 54B for accessing the applicator 16.

The intermediate distribution member 24 comprises a porous deformable partition 60. The partition 60 is mounted between the peripheral base skirt 40 of the holder 22 and the peripheral wall 28 of the bottom hollow base 20.

The porous partition 60 fully covers the distribution opening 36 and the inner opening 54A of the passage 54.

The cosmetic product 12 contained in the internal volume ^' 30 is able to permeate the partition 60 to reach the inner opening 54A of the passage 54.

The applicator 16 comprises a roller 70. In an advantageous embodiment, it also comprises an outer sleeve 72 coaxially mounted on the roller 70.

The roller 70 comprises an applicator body 74, two opposite articulation axis 76A, 76B and a driving member 78 connected to the applicator body 74.

The applicator body 74 has a general elongated shape extending along axis A-A' .

Advantageously, the body 74 has a substantially cylindrical shape around axis A-A'. The body 74 is advantageously made of a solid resilient material

The body 74 defines an outer application surface 80. According to the invention, the outer surface 80 delimits a plurality of longitudinal recesses 82 for receiving a body part of a user, in particular the lips of a user. In the embodiment of Figure 3 and Figure 4, the outer surface 80 also defines a plurality of longitudinal grooves 84 for retaining the sleeve 72.

The recesses 82 are of substantially oval shape. They extend longitudinally parallel to axis A-A' .

The dimensions of the recesses 82 depend on the size of the lips of the user.

Each recess 82 has a length L, taken parallel to axis A-A', which is higher than 60% in particular higher than 67% of the length of the applicator body 74 and which is, for example, higher than 30 mm.

The length L of each recess 82 is also lower than 95%, in particular lower than 85%, of the length of the applicator body 74, and is for example lower than 40 mm.

Each recess 82 has a maximal width W which is higher than 4 mm and which is in particular between 4 mm and 9 mm. A lip of a user can be accommodated in the recess 82.

The width W is measured perpendicularly to the axis A-A' between two edges defining the recess 82.

In the present case, each recess 82 has a maximal angular extent a, taken around axis A-A' for example superior to 50° and e.g. substantially equal to 60°.

As indicated in Figure 6, the recesses 82 have also a maximum depth d, taken radially to the envelop defined by the cylindrical surface of the applicator body 74, which is in particular higher than 2 mm and which is for example lower than 15% in particular lower than 17% of the diameter of the cylinder.

The maximal depth of the recess is advantageously higher than 35% of the maximal width of the recess 82.

In the present case, the applicator body 74 defines a plurality of recesses 82, advantageously at least two recesses 82, and advantageously at least four recesses 82.

The grooves 84 are delimited on the outer surface 80 of the applicator body 74. The grooves 84 have an end which opens longitudinally in the edge of the applicator body 74. The maximal width of each groove 84 is for example inferior to 0.6 mm and at least inferior to 0,5 times the maximal width W of the recesses 82. Some of the grooves 84 open into a recess 82.

Each groove 84 extends parallel to axis A-A' in the regions of the outer surface 80 which do not define a recess 82.

In this example, the sleeve 72 is made of a cylindrical deformable skin 90 which matches the shape of the envelope defined by the outer surface 80 of the application body 74. The sleeve 72 hence covers the recesses 82. The sleeve 72 is assembled on the outer surface 80, for example by mechanical friction, or by adhesion.

More generally, the sleeve 72 has at least a deformable region 92 which totally covers the recess 82 defined in the outer surface 80, and at least a region 94 which is applied on the outer surface 80 at the periphery of the recesses 82.

Each deformable region 92 is deformable between a rest configuration, in which it is located apart from the bottom 96 of the recess 82 and a deformed configuration in which it is deformed in the recess 82, in particular to the bottom of the recess 96, to accommodate a body surface inserted in the recess 82, as shown in Figure 7.

When the deformable regions 92 are in their rest configuration, the sleeve 72 has a substantially cylindrical form which matches the cylindrical envelop defined by the outer surface 80.

The thickness of the skin 90 forming the sleeve 72 is lower than the maximal depth of the recess 82, advantageously at least lower than 0.5 times the maximal depth d of the recess 82.

Each longitudinal articulation axis 76A, 76B protrudes longitudinally out of the applicator body 74 from a respective end surface of the applicator body 74. The length of each axis 76 is substantially equal to the width of the slot 52.

The width of each axis 76A, 76B is substantially equal to the width of the bottom part 52B of the slot 52 and is slightly superior to the width of the intermediate part 52C of the slot 52, in order to be retained in position in the slot 52.

Each articulation axis 76A, 76B is inserted in a respective slot 52. The applicator 16, comprising the roller 70 and the sleeve 72, is thus rotative around the axis A-A' relative to the container 14.

The driving member 78 comprises a driving wheel 100 which is mounted at the free end of one articulation axis 76B, longitudinally apart from the application body 74.

The driving wheel 100 has for example a corrugated peripheral surface 102 for facilitating manipulation by the user. The wheel 100 is partially inserted in the transverse housing 50 defined between the end wall 42B and the lateral portion 48B.

The driving member 78 has no contact with the cosmetic product 12 contained in the container 14.

As indicated earlier, the applicator 16 is mounted rotative around axis A-A' relative to the container 14. As a consequence, the applicator 16 is partially inserted in the passage 54. At least an inner portion of the applicator 16 is located inside the passage 54, in the inner opening 54A defined by the passage 54, advantageously in contact with the intermediate distribution member 24. At least one recess 82 defined in the inner region is not accessible for the user and invisible from the outside of the device 10.

Similarly, an outer region of the applicator 16 is located in the outer opening 54B defined by the passage 54, or protrudes out of this outer opening 54B. The outer region is hence accessible and visible to the user. At least one recess 82, advantageously at least two recesses 82 are available for contacting a body surface of the user.

The cover 18 comprises an upper sealing wall 1 10 and a lateral skirt 1 12. As explained above, the cover 18 is movable between a storage position of the device 10, in which the cover 18 prevents access to outer portion of the applicator 16 and a use position, in which it is totally apart from the container 14 to free the access to the outer portion of the applicator 16.

Operation of the first device 10 according to the invention will now be described.

Initially, as illustrated in Figure 1 , the device 10 is provided with the cover 18 in its storage position. The applicator 16 is inaccessible to the user.

The cosmetic product 12 is imperviously contained in the device

10.

When the user wishes to use the device 10 to apply cosmetic product 12 on a body surface, in particular on his lips, the user removes the cover 18 from the closed storage position to the open use position.

In the use position, the outer portion of the applicator 16 comprising at least two recesses 82 is accessible from the outside of the device. The inner portion of the applicator 16 is located inside the passage 54 in register with the distribution opening 36 defined in the bottom hollow base 20.

In this configuration, the deformable regions 92 are in the rest configuration. The region 92 located opposite the distribution opening 36 are in contact with the intermediate distribution member 24, when present.

The user then manipulates the driving member 78 to rotate the roller 70 around axis A-A', by at least 120°, in particular by at least 360°.

During this rotation, the sleeve 72 rubs against the intermediate distribution member 24 and removes cosmetic product 12 available in the distribution member 24.

The cosmetic product 12 applied on the outer surface of the sleeve 72 is then moved towards the outer opening 54B defined by the holder 22.

When the surface of the sleeve 72 covered with cosmetic product 12 is located in the outer opening 54B, the user places the applicator 16 facing the body surface 120.

In case the body surface 120 is located on the lips of the user, the user places each lip in register with one corresponding recess 82.

The user then applies the body surface 120 on the outer surface of the applicator 16, in particular on the outer surface of the sleeve 72, and inserts the body surface 120 into the recesses 82.

During this insertion, the deformable regions 92 of the sleeve 72 move into their deformed configuration and advantageously contact the bottom 96 of the recesses 82.

Due to the appropriate dimensions of the recesses 82, the cosmetic product 12 is applied very evenly and very easily on the body surface 120. The quantity of cosmetic product sampled by the applicator 16 during rotation of the roller 70 is well controlled, and an even dose of cosmetic product is applied on the body surface 120.

Once the product 12 is applied on the body surface 120, the user moves the device 10 away from its body surface 120 and the deformed regions 92 of the sleeve 72 recover their rest configurations.

Due to the presence of a high number of recesses 82 on the outer surface of the applicator 16, the application of cosmetic product is facilitated whatever the angular configuration of the roller 70 relative to the holder 22.

Thanks to the driving member 78, advantageously having a corrugated peripheral surface, the rotation of the roller 70 around the axis A-A' is conveniently controlled by the user.

In a first variation of the first device 10, the applicator 16 does not comprise an outer sleeve 72.

In that case, the cosmetic product is applied on the applicator body 74 in the recesses 82, directly by contact between the applicator body 74 and the intermediate distribution member 24.

In another variation, the device 10 does not comprise an intermediate distribution member 24.

The applicator outer surface 16 directly contacts the cosmetic product 12 contained in the hollow base 20.

In another variation, the device 10 comprises motorized driving means for rotating the roller 70 around the axis A-A' .

In a variant shown in Figure 8, the applicator body 74 of the roller 70 defines an internal longitudinal cavity 150 which opens in the transverse surfaces of the applicator body 74 coaxially to axis A-A' .

The roller 70 comprises a single articulation axis 76 which is inserted and fixed into the cavity 150. The axis 76 has a first lateral part 152A which protrudes laterally from a first transverse surface of the applicator body 74 and a second protruding part 152B which protrudes from a second opposite transverse surface of the application body 74.

The respective protruding parts 152A, 152B are respectively inserted in the guiding slot 52 of respective end walls 42A, 42B.

The driving member 78 is connected to the free end of a protruding part 152B as described above.

The operation of the second device according to the invention is similar to the operation of the first device according to the invention.

The terms "a", "one", "two", etc, should be understood as meaning "at least a", "at least one", "at least two", etc unless the contrary is mentioned.

Claims

1. Device (10) for conditioning a cosmetic product ( 12), comprising:

- a container (14) intended to contain a cosmetic product, the container (14) defining an opening (36);

- a roller (70), mounted rotative relative to the container ( 14) around a rotation axis (Α-Α'), rotation of the roller (70) around the rotation axis (Α-Α') causing the roller (70) to remove cosmetic product in the container (14) and to carry it outside of the container ( 14), an external surface (80) of the roller (70) defining a longitudinal recess (82) extending substantially parallel to the rotation axis (Α-Α'),

characterized in that the maximal width of the recess (82), taken perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the recess (82) is higher than 4 mm, in particular is between 4 mm and 9 mm.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the recess (82) has a substantially oval shape.

3. Device ( 10) according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the external surface (80) of the roller (70) defines a plurality of recesses (82) having a maximal width higher than 4 mm, in particular between 4 mm and 9 mm, the plurality of recesses (82) being spaced angularly around the rotation axis (Α-Α').

4. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (82) has a length lower than 95% of the maximal length of the roller (70), taken along the longitudinal axis, advantageously higher than 50% of the maximal length of the roller (70), taken along the longitudinal axis.

5. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximal depth of the recess (82), taken radially relative to the rotation axis (A- A') is higher than 35% of the maximal width of the recess (82), taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the recess (82).

6. Device ( 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller (70) comprises a cylindrical body (74).

7. Device ( 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller (70) comprises a deformable region (92), which is deformable from a rest configuration in which it covers the recess (82) at least partly apart from the bottom of the recess (82), and a deformed configuration in which it is inserted in the recess (82).

8. Device ( 10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the roller (70) comprises a body (74) defining the recess (82) and a sleeve (72) surrounding the body (74), the sleeve (72) being applied on the external surface of the body (74) at the periphery of the recess (82) and defining the deformable region (92).

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate distribution member (24) interposed between the container ( 14) and the roller (70).

10. Device ( 10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the intermediate distribution member (24) is fixed on the container (16).

1 1 . Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer surface (80) of the roller (82) defines a plurality of longitudinal grooves (84), each groove (84) having a maximal width inferior to the maximal width of the recess (82).

12. Device ( 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller (70) comprises a body (74) defining the recess (82) and a driving member (78) having no contact with the cosmetic product during rotation of the roller (70).

13. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller (70) comprises a body (74) defining the recess (82) and an axis (76A, 76B) protruding longitudinally from the body (74), the axis (76A, 76B) being received in a guiding cavity (52) advantageously located in an end wall (42 A, 42B) of the container (14).

14. Process for applying a cosmetic product (12) on a body surface (120) comprising the following steps:

- providing a device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, a cosmetic product (12) being received in the container ( 14);

- rotating the roller (70) around the rotation axis (Α-Α') to locate the recess (82) in the opening (36) and to place cosmetic product on the roller (70) in the area of the recess (82);

- rotating the roller (70) to extract the cosmetic product located in the area of the recess (82) out of the opening (36);

- inserting a body surface in the recess (82) to apply the cosmetic product on the body surface ( 120).

15. Process according to claim 14, the device (10) having a deformable region (92) at least partially covering the recess (82), the deformable region (92) being deformable into the recess (82) between a rest configuration and a deformed configuration inside the recess, the process comprising the following steps:

- maintaining the deformable wall in its rest configuration at least partially apart from the bottom of the recess (82) when sampling the cosmetic product in the opening (36),

- deforming the deformable wall in the recess (82) when applying the body surface on the roller (70).