WO2019129935A1

WO2019129935A1 - Wiper device for an applicator for a cosmetic product

Info

Publication number: WO2019129935A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/053873
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric DE BARDONNECHE; Henrick HUMBERT
Original assignee: Simp
Priority date: 2017-12-29
Filing date: 2017-12-29
Publication date: 2019-07-04
Also published as: EP3731695B1; US20200397122A1; EP3731695A1; EP3731695C0; JP7118157B2; CN111526756A; JP2021516073A

Abstract

The invention concerns a one-piece wiper device for an applicator assembly for paste-like cosmetic product, said applicator assembly comprising: - an applicator (10) provided with a gripping rod and a means for applying said cosmetic product; - a container (13) having a neck (14) in which said applicator slides along a longitudinal axis XX. Said wiper device has a cylindrical shape adjustable inside said neck and is provided with a first flange (2) for attachment thereof on the edge of the neck and a second flange (3) for attachment thereof on an inner shoulder of the neck and a lip (4) protruding inside said container. The device according to the invention also comprises an outer external protrusion (30) externally supporting at least one additional element (31, 32, 33) suitable for coming into contact with the inner surface of the shoulder of the neck when the device is engaged on said neck.

Description

SPINNING DEVICE FOR COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wiper device for an applicator assembly of liquid cosmetic product, pasty or powder such as mascara or eyeliner.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

An applicator assembly of this type conventionally comprises a bottle for containing the cosmetic product and is provided with a neck or threaded neck on which can be screwed a cap. This cap carries a rod whose end is provided with an applicator for the product to be applied. Thus, the applicator is immersed in the product contained in the bottle and preferably, an applicator assembly of this type also comprises a wiping member for wiping (or wringing) the stem and / or the applicator when leaving the bottle.

In general, the efficiency and the main function of a wiper are related to its geometry. Its outer geometry should allow to assemble easily in the neck of the container or container, and hold firmly in position during the movements of entry and exit of the applicator vis-à-vis the container. Its internal geometry must be adapted to both the external geometry of the applicator, its mechanical characteristics and the characteristics of the product to be applied. In addition the effectiveness of a wiper is related to its own material.

The wiper or wiper used in this type of applicator assembly must allow to wipe the excess product on the rod and the applicator while preserving the product load on the applicator. Generally this wiper is in the form of a more or less flexible socket fixed at the neck or neck of the bottle and provided with an inner wall defining a passage of reduced diameter and constant at the end to wipe the rod. The wiper is more or less deformable to let the applicator. Such applicators are particularly visible in the documents EP 1 066 771, EP 1 221 874 or EP 1 275 322 or FR 3 016 274.

[0005] EP 1 275 322 discloses a wiper one of the features of which consists of an outer lip adapted to be fixed under the internal shoulder of the neck. A protruding edge keeps the wiper on the outer edge of the neck. The combined action of these two elements allows both axial and radial retention of the wiper on the neck of the container. The problem is to maintain the wiper during the passage of the rod and especially the applicator device. which crosses the reduced orifice of the spin lip by imposing a strong deformation which solicits it in traction. A compromise must therefore be found, and various solutions have already been developed for this purpose. The wiper disclosed here has a lip also called "ring" or "harpoon" circular or partially circular. This geometry must be flexible and fade when placing the wiper in the opening of the neck of the container and then resume its natural position under the shoulders inside the neck of the container. The good resistance of the wiper in the neck of the container is therefore related to the ability of the outer lip to withstand the extraction force applied to the wiper by the applicator when leaving the container.

The document FR 3016274 describes a wiper whose part placed in the container under the shoulder of the neck has specific split lips. These lips are particularly flexible and they advantageously allow to effectively wipe the rod during its passage through the neck.

All current spin devices and shown in these patent applications or patents therefore have an outer lip whose effectiveness will be closely related to the internal geometry of the neck of the container in which it will unfold.

Another problem encountered concerns the disparities in shape of containers, especially at the neck, regardless of the material of the container. These irregularities come mainly from the manufacture, and the dimensional differences can be important. In addition, various surface conditions can be encountered; some containers may have surfaces internal smooth, others provided roughness. These anomalies can contribute to reducing the resistance of the wiper in the neck.

[0009] More specifically, with regard to glass bottles or containers, regardless of the quality of the production, these bottles show an internal geometry at the level of the very irregular neck shoulders. The vertical position of the retraint (inner shoulders) relative to the reference surface (upper face of the neck) is never accurate and can vary in more or less than a few millimeters. The surface overhanging the inner shoulders is not regular. In addition the radius of connection between the orifice of the neck and the shoulders is very approximate and its size is not guaranteed this type of process.

The plastic container, especially that made with the blowing technique, does not guarantee a regular position of the shoulders inside the collar regardless of the quality of its implementation. These flasks show an interior geometry at the level of the shoulders of the very irregular neck. The vertical position of the retraint (inner shoulders) relative to the reference surface (upper face of the neck) is never accurate and can vary in more or less than a few millimeters. The overhanging surface of the inner shoulders is not regular.Moreover the radius of connection between the orifice of the neck and the shoulders is very approximate and its dimension is never guaranteed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to strengthen the attachment of the wiper on the neck of the container. Thus, the invention relates to a monoblock dewatering device for an applicator assembly for a pasty cosmetic product, said applicator assembly comprising: at least one applicator provided with a gripping rod and means for applying said cosmetic product; a container having a neck in which said applicator slides along an axis XX said longitudinal, said wiper device having a substantially cylindrical shape adapted to be fitted inside said neck and provided with a first flange for attachment to the edge collar of the container, and a second flange for attachment to an inner shoulder of the neck, and a lip protruding inside said container. According to a first aspect of the invention, the second outer flange comprises an annular outer protuberance disposed substantially in the vicinity of said inner lip and carrying externally at least one additional element able to come into contact with the inner surface of the shoulder. neck when the device is engaged on said neck, so that the wiper device has maximum and optimized contact with the inner surface of any neck.

The outer protuberance associated with the additional element advantageously makes it possible to fill the dimensional irregularities of the inside of the neck, while ensuring optimum retention of the wiper on the neck.

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

According to another possibility, said additional element comprises a flexible annular and corrugated strip. This flexible band perfectly fits the inner surface of the neck. According to another feature, said additional element may further comprise a second set of tabs offset along the axis XX vis-à-vis said first set of tongues. The second set of tabs may have an orientation close to that of the first set of tabs. According to another characteristic of the invention, a ring is provided at the free end of said first tabs.

In addition, the wiper may comprise pins or protuberances erected from the surface of the additional elements and intended to come into contact with the inner surface of the neck shoulder. This aspect allows a better grip of the wiper at this level.

Preferably, the first and / or second set of tongues comprises between two and sixty-four tongues. Advantageously, said tabs are angularly evenly distributed around the axis XX.

As an illustration, the device according to the invention can be made of a vulcanizable rubber or a silicone or an elastomeric thermoplastic or any other flexible material used by production machines "by addition of material" such as printers 3D.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate: - Figure 1 A, a side view of the wiper device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1B, a top view of the wiper device according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1C, a perspective of the first embodiment of the invention; - Figure 2A, a side view of the wiper device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B, a view from above of the wiper device according to the second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2C, a perspective of the second embodiment of the invention; - Figure 3A, a side view of the wiper device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B, a view from above of the wiper device according to the third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3C, a perspective of the third embodiment of the invention; Figure 4A, a side view of the wiper device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B, a view from above of the wiper device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 4C, a perspective of the fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a longitudinal section showing a dewatering device according to the invention in place on the neck of a container;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a device according to the first embodiment, having pins on the fins;

- Figure 7, a perspective view of a device according to the first embodiment, having protuberances on the fins.

For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Figure 5 shows a spin device and an applicator assembly of cosmetic product; the latter comprises in particular an applicator 10 provided with a gripping rod 1 1 and a means for applying the cosmetic product 12, and a container 13 having a neck 14 in which the applicator 10 slides. Application 12 may resemble a brush bristling with bristles or pimples that come into contact with keratin fibers for makeup purposes. The container 13 is also closed and filled with more or less viscous cosmetic product, especially pasty. The container 13 is generally axisymmetrical and therefore has a longitudinal axis XX in which slides the applicator 10 which of course can be rotated there. Thus, the applicator captures or loads the cosmetic product when the application means 12 is in contact with the cosmetic product present inside the container 13. When the applicator 12 is extracted from the container 13, by the it passes through the neck 14 of the container 13 which is equipped with a dewatering device 1 of generally cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape and adapted to be fitted on the neck 14 of the container 13. In known manner, the wiper device 1 has at a first end a first annular rim 2 for attachment to the outer edge of the neck 14. The first rim allows to axially retain the wiper device 1 in the neck 14 during the introduction of the applicator 10 into the container 13. The wiper device has near its second end a second outer rim 3 adapted to cooperate with a shoulder 15 formed at the neck 14 of the container 13; the second flange 3 is intended to retain axially the wiper device during the extraction of the applicator 10 vis-à-vis the container 13. The application device or brush 12 is dimensioned so that that the ends of the bristles or pins are flush with the inner wall of the wiper 1 at the neck. In order to limit the amount of cosmetic product engaged on the rod 11, at least one inner lip 4 is generally provided with a diameter close to that of the rod 11 in order to wipe the rod 11 with each passage of the applicator 10, in a In either direction, through the wiper 1. Naturally various shapes, orientations and dimensions are known for the inner lip 4.

According to the invention, the second flange 3 comprises or is formed of a flexible annular outer protuberance disposed substantially in the vicinity of said inner lip 4. Preferably a 'near' altitude is chosen for the second flange 3 and the lip 4. In the case where no lip 4 is present, then the second flange 3 is placed near the inner end of the wiper, for example between one quarter and one third of its height measured along the longitudinal axis. XX.

Figures 1 to 4 show different variants of the invention, specifically the second flange 3 which comprises a 'circular ring' or 'outer annular protuberance' 30. Interestingly, this ring 30 externally carries at least one element additional which may have several forms. The annular ring may be continuous or discontinuous on the outer periphery of the body of the wiper 1. FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate an embodiment according to which the annular ring 30 is continuous and carries a first set of tabs 31 which extend in a circular plane at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis XX. In other words the tongues 31 are oriented towards the first rim 2 of the wiper.

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate the case where the annular ring 30 is discontinuous around the wiper; each angular segment of the ring 30 carries a tongue 31. Furthermore, a second set of tongues 32 may be provided around the body of the wiper 1. The second set of tabs 32 is axially offset vis-à-vis the first set of tabs 31; the tongues 32 are arranged closer to the upper rim 2 than the tongues 31. Furthermore one chooses to angularly shift the first and / or the second set of tabs, starting from the fact that for each set, the tabs are angularly regularly distributed.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C differ from FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C by the presence of a ring 33 at the free end of the first tongues 31. It is found that the ring 33 is substantially at the same height as the second tongues 32. It is sought to increase the contact area between the second flange 3 and the shoulder 15 itself and especially if its internal surface has irregularities, or good if significant dimensional differences are present at the shoulder. Figures 4A, 4B and 4C also show an interesting contact surface. In the absence of contact that is to say when the wiper is not in place on the neck, the additional element is here in the form of a flexible annular band and corrugated corrugated type or strawberry, especially but not exclusively to match all the surface and / or dimensional imperfections mentioned above. Once in contact with the inner surface of the shoulder, the flange is fully pressed against this surface whatever it is.

Figure 6 shows an improved version of the embodiment according to Figure 1; the improvement consists of a set of pins 310 erected from the upper surface of the first set of tongues 31. Parpots are understood to mean kinds of spikes, the number of which varies according to need. These pimples contribute to further hooking the tabs on irregular surfaces of the shoulder 15 of the neck 14. One skilled in the art therefore freely chooses the density of the pins 310. By 'upper surface' of the tongues is meant the surface of the tongues 31 directed to the first flange 2. [0034] Figure 7 also relates to an improvement of the embodiment of Figure 1; protuberances or reinforcements 320 are here provided on the upper surface of the tongues; the protuberances improve and reinforce the contact between the tongues 31 and the surface of the shoulder placed vis-à-vis. Protuberances of the same type may be provided on the annular outer protuarnance or ring 30.

Regarding the number of tongues, the first and / or second set of tongues preferably comprises between two and sixty-four tongues.

The table below shows the results of tensile tests on various spinners made of a NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) NBR 70 shA.

The first line of the table relates to a wiper according to the prior art, that is to say not having the characteristics of the invention. The second row of the table relates to a wiper according to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C while the third row of the table relates to a wiper as shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C. The values are the tensile forces expressed in Newton, before detachment of the wiper. Column F1 corresponds to flasks or containers for which the height of the neck is variable; column F2 corresponds to vials with manufacturing defects commonly obtained. In each category, three bottles were tested, all from the same mold. It is noted that the bottles equipped with wipers according to the invention 'fins and teeth' and 'ring' have a better tensile strength than the bottles according to the prior art.

The most used plastics for the containers are PP (polypropylenes), PA and PETG (polyethylene terephthalate) which are chosen according to the chemical compatibility with the cosmetic product that the container contains. Regarding the wiper itself, it is known for industrial manufacturing, that the wiper member is made of a vulcanizable rubber material NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) - nitrile butadiene rubber. Silicones or thermoplastic elastomer type materials of the TPE-S family (SEBS, SBS or other), TPE-V (PP and EPDM) and TPE-U (thermoplastic polyurethane) are also used.

Claims

1. Monobloc dewatering device for an applicator assembly for a pasty cosmetic product, said applicator assembly comprising: - at least one applicator (10) provided with a gripping rod (1 1) and an application means (12) of said cosmetic product ; a container (13) having a neck (14) in which said applicator (10) slides along a longitudinal axis XX, said wiper device having a substantially cylindrical shape adapted to be fitted inside said neck (14) and provided with a first flange (2) for attachment to the edge of the neck of the container, and a second flange (3) for attachment to an inner shoulder (15) of the neck (14), and a lip (3) ) protruding inside said container characterized in that the second flange (3) comprises an annular outer protuberance (30) disposed substantially close to said lip and carrying externally at least one additional element (31, 32, 33) adapted to contacting the inner surface of the shoulder (15) of the neck (14) when the device is engaged on said neck, so that the wiper device has maximum and optimized contact with the inner surface of the neck.

2. Spinning device according to claim 1 characterized in that said additional element comprises a first set of tongues (31) which extend in a plane forming an acute angle with the axis XX.

3. Spinning device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said additional element comprises an annular band (34) flexible and corrugated.

4. Spinning device according to claim 2 characterized in that said additional element comprises a second set of tabs (32) offset along the axis XX vis-à-vis said first tongues (31).

5. Spinning device according to claim 2 characterized in that a ring (33) is provided at the free end of said first tongues (31).

6. Spinning device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it further comprises pins (310) or protuberances (320) erected from the surface of the additional elements and or the outer annular protrusion (30) and intended to come into contact with the inner surface of the shoulder of the neck.

7. Spinning device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the first (31) and / or the second (32) set of tongues comprises between two and sixty-four tongues.

8. Spinning device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said tongues (31, 32) are angularly evenly distributed around the axis XX.

9. Spinning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of a vulcanizable rubber or a silicone or an elastomeric thermoplastic.