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EP1428454A1 - Applicator as well as package and application apparatus comprising such an applicator - Google Patents

Applicator as well as package and application apparatus comprising such an applicator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1428454A1
EP1428454A1 EP03293090A EP03293090A EP1428454A1 EP 1428454 A1 EP1428454 A1 EP 1428454A1 EP 03293090 A EP03293090 A EP 03293090A EP 03293090 A EP03293090 A EP 03293090A EP 1428454 A1 EP1428454 A1 EP 1428454A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
applicator
cage
ball
container
gripping member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03293090A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1428454B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-François Delage
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LOreal SA
Original Assignee
LOreal SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LOreal SA filed Critical LOreal SA
Publication of EP1428454A1 publication Critical patent/EP1428454A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1428454B1 publication Critical patent/EP1428454B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • A45D34/041—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a roller, a disc or a ball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • A45D34/042—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like
    • A45D34/045—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to applicators used for applying cosmetic products, in particular care products.
  • a deodorant applicator comprising a container on which is fixed a cage housing a ball.
  • the cage has a wall of bottom provided with a slot closed at rest.
  • the bottom wall has two stops arranged on either side of the slot and against which the ball comes to bear when the application, so as to exert a stress on the stops causing the opening of the slot and allowing the passage of the product contained in the container towards the ball.
  • a device for packaging and application comprising a container and an application element removable.
  • the latter comprises a gripping member defining a housing for a ball, which is returned towards the opening of the housing by a spring arranged in the bottom of it.
  • the invention makes it possible to offer the user, during application, a feeling comfort thanks to the fact that the pressure exerted by the applicator on the skin is transmitted to the ball by the elastically deformable connecting element.
  • the ball can more easily follow when applying the relief of the body, including the face, due to the mobility of the cage relative to the organ of gripping.
  • the connecting element can be produced separately from the cage, and assembled to this during the manufacture of the device.
  • the connecting element can be made at least partially in one piece with the cage, for example by molding plastic material.
  • the gripping member having an axis which may be an axis of symmetry of the applicator for example, the connecting element is advantageously arranged to allow the cage, during application at least, to move along said axis or to deviate from this one, to allow the cage to move in three orthogonal directions between them relative to the gripping member.
  • the connecting element may comprise a foam, for example of polyurethane.
  • the connecting element may comprise a spring, in particular a helical spring.
  • This spring can, if necessary, be made in one piece by plastic molding with the grip or the cage, or even with both. The spring can still be metallic.
  • the connecting element can also be produced otherwise.
  • the gripping member comprises a cover and an insert fixed in the cover, the connecting element being integral with the insert, which may include a mounting skirt allowing the fixing of the element link.
  • the applicator is arranged to be able to close, in particular in a sealed manner, a container containing the product to be applied and the applicator comprises for example a sealing lip intended to apply tightly against a container neck.
  • the cage can be made of a relatively rigid plastic such than polyethylene or polypropylene, for example, and have an interior surface in a portion of a sphere which follows the shape of the ball.
  • the cage and the ball can be arranged so as to provide a clearance allowing movement of the ball in the cage other than a rotational movement pure around the center of the cage.
  • the container comprises a wall defining a housing for receiving the ball when the applicator is in place on the container.
  • This wall can also define a seat for the ball.
  • the wall may include at least one annular portion against which applies the ball when the applicator is in place on the container. It may prevent the housing receiving the ball from filling up too easily product during transport of the device in a bag, for example.
  • the element link when the applicator is in place on the container, the element link is compressed, so as to apply the ball against its seat.
  • the contact can be made between an edge of the cage and said wall.
  • the latter may include at least one orifice allowing the passage of the product in the container to the ball.
  • This orifice can lead into a wall recess.
  • This recess can be delimited by the annular portion supra.
  • the recess can form with the ball a space capable of retaining product, this space that can facilitate the loading of the ball with product.
  • the container can be produced by assembly on a first part forming reservoir of a second part defining the housing receiving the ball.
  • FIG. 1 shows a packaging device and application 1 comprising a container 2 and an applicator 3.
  • the container 2 comprises a first part 4 forming a reservoir, containing a product P, for example a body milk, this first part comprising at its upper end a neck 5 extending along an axis X.
  • a product P for example a body milk
  • the first part also includes a bottom 7 connecting by two successive shoulders 8 and 10 at collar 5.
  • the neck 5 is provided on its outer surface with reliefs 12 whose role will be explained further.
  • the container 2 further comprises a second part 13 constituted in the example described by an attachment on the first part 4.
  • This second part 13 comprises an outer covering skirt 14, of axis X, abutting by its lower edge against the shoulder 8 and snapping onto the intermediate portion 9 connecting the shoulders 8 and 10 of the first part.
  • the second part 13 also includes, internally to the skirt 14, ribs 16 extending along the axis X on either side of the reliefs 12 of the neck 5, so to prevent a relative rotation of the second part 13 with respect to the first part 4.
  • the skirt 14 is connected by a transverse portion 15 perpendicular to the axis X to a tubular wall 17.
  • the latter defines above the transverse portion 15 a neck 18, threaded externally, and is applied in a sealed manner by its lower part 19, in below the portion 15, against the interior surface of the neck 5 of the first part 4.
  • the wall 17 is closed at its lower end by a bottom wall 22, which has an annular portion 23 whose surface 23a is spherical on its side upper, forming a seat for an applicator ball 30 carried by the applicator 3, as will be detailed later.
  • the bottom wall 22 may also include a recess 25 connecting at its periphery to the annular portion 23, of concavity directed towards the ball 30 and the bottom of which is crossed by a plurality of orifices 26 allowing the product P contained in the tank portion 4 to gain the recess 25.
  • the applicator 3 comprises a cover 31, in which an insert 32 is fixed.
  • the assembly consisting of the cover 31 and the insert 32 forms a gripping member 33.
  • the insert 32 includes an internally threaded skirt 34, making it possible to screw the applicator 3 on the neck 18 of the container 2, a sealing lip 35 intended to be applied tightly on the inner surface of the neck 18 and an inner skirt 36 allowing mounting on the insert of a connecting element 37 by which the ball 30 is made integral of the gripping organ.
  • the connecting element 37 is constituted by a block of foam, for example polyurethane, fixed to the insert 32 by gluing for example.
  • This block foam may have a substantially cylindrical shape, of axis X.
  • the ball 30 is retained with the possibility of rotation in a cage 40 defining a spherical housing 41 leaving a lower portion of the ball 30 for the application.
  • the ball 30 can be placed in the cage 40 by deformation elastic of the latter, for example.
  • the cage 40 has at its upper part a fixing skirt 42 of axis X, shouldered, used to fix it to the connecting element 37, for example with an adhesive 43.
  • the distance between the lower edge of the skirt 36 and the upper edge of the skirt 42 is not zero, being sufficient to allow a certain compression of the connecting element 37 as well as a certain movement of the cage 40 around geometric axes of rotation perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the X axis.
  • the device 1 can be used in the following manner.
  • the user turns the container 2 over to allow the product P to flow in the recess 25, through the orifices 26, the latter being permanently open in the example considered.
  • the ball 30 can then be loaded with the product P.
  • the user can roll the ball 30 over the skin S, the connecting element 37 being able to deform as a function of the relief thereof, as illustrated in figure 3.
  • the cage housing the ball can be connected to the gripping member 33 by means of a helical spring 37 'of axis X.
  • This spring can be constituted by an insert as shown in the drawing or be made by molding plastic material with at least one of the cage 40 and of insert 32.
  • the ball 30 can be flocked and be made of various materials, in particular contain a charge of particles intended to have an effect on the product or on the surface treated with the product. This effect can be a magnetic field or the release of a substance, for example of ions.

Landscapes

  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

The applicator comprises of a cage (40) interdependent of a prehension organ (31, 32) and defining a housing (41) to receive a spring loaded ball applicator (30). A spring loaded ball rotates in the housing defined by the cage. The cage moves relative to the prehension organ and linked to the organ by a link unit (37) that deforms elastically, where the link unit comprises of lint. An Independent claim is also included for a device of conditioning and application.

Description

La présente invention concerne les applicateurs utilisés pour appliquer des produits cosmétiques, notamment de soin.The present invention relates to applicators used for applying cosmetic products, in particular care products.

On connaít par le brevet US 3 111 703 un applicateur de déodorant comportant un récipient sur lequel est fixée une cage logeant une bille. La cage comporte une paroi de fond pourvue d'une fente fermée au repos. La paroi de fond comporte deux butées disposées de part et d'autre de la fente et contre lesquelles vient en appui la bille lors de l'application, de manière à exercer sur les butées une contrainte provoquant l'ouverture de la fente et permettant le passage du produit contenu dans le récipient vers la bille.We know from US Patent 3,111,703 a deodorant applicator comprising a container on which is fixed a cage housing a ball. The cage has a wall of bottom provided with a slot closed at rest. The bottom wall has two stops arranged on either side of the slot and against which the ball comes to bear when the application, so as to exert a stress on the stops causing the opening of the slot and allowing the passage of the product contained in the container towards the ball.

On connaít par la demande de brevet FR 2 734 131 un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application comportant un récipient et un élément d'application amovible. Ce dernier comprend un organe de préhension définissant un logement pour une bille, laquelle est rappelée vers l'ouverture du logement par un ressort disposé dans le fond de celui-ci.We know from patent application FR 2 734 131 a device for packaging and application comprising a container and an application element removable. The latter comprises a gripping member defining a housing for a ball, which is returned towards the opening of the housing by a spring arranged in the bottom of it.

Il existe un besoin pour améliorer les applicateurs comportant une bille, afin notamment d'offrir à l'utilisateur une plus grande sensation de confort lors de l'application.There is a need to improve applicators comprising a ball, in order in particular to offer the user a greater feeling of comfort when the application.

L'invention répond à ce besoin grâce à un applicateur comportant :

  • un organe de préhension,
  • une cage solidaire de l'organe de préhension et définissant un logement pour recevoir une bille applicatrice, avec une possibilité de rotation de la bille dans le logement, l'applicateur pouvant se caractériser par le fait que la cage est mobile relativement à l'organe de préhension, étant reliée à ce dernier par au moins un élément de liaison élastiquement déformable.
The invention meets this need thanks to an applicator comprising:
  • a gripping organ,
  • a cage integral with the gripping member and defining a housing for receiving an applicator ball, with a possibility of rotation of the ball in the housing, the applicator being characterized by the fact that the cage is movable relative to the member gripping, being connected to the latter by at least one elastically deformable connecting element.

L'invention permet d'offrir à l'utilisateur, lors de l'application, une sensation de confort grâce au fait que la pression exercée par l'applicateur sur la peau est transmise à la bille par l'élément de liaison élastiquement déformable.The invention makes it possible to offer the user, during application, a feeling comfort thanks to the fact that the pressure exerted by the applicator on the skin is transmitted to the ball by the elastically deformable connecting element.

De plus, la bille peut plus facilement suivre lors de l'application le relief du corps, y compris du visage, du fait de la mobilité de la cage par rapport à l'organe de préhension. In addition, the ball can more easily follow when applying the relief of the body, including the face, due to the mobility of the cage relative to the organ of gripping.

L'élément de liaison peut être réalisé séparément de la cage, et assemblé à celle-ci lors de la fabrication du dispositif. En variante, l'élément de liaison peut être réalisé au moins partiellement d'un seul tenant avec la cage, par exemple par moulage de matière plastique.The connecting element can be produced separately from the cage, and assembled to this during the manufacture of the device. Alternatively, the connecting element can be made at least partially in one piece with the cage, for example by molding plastic material.

L'organe de préhension ayant un axe, lequel peut être un axe de symétrie de l'applicateur par exemple, l'élément de liaison est avantageusement agencé pour permettre à la cage, lors de l'application au moins, de se déplacer suivant ledit axe ou de s'écarter de celui-ci, afin de permettre à la cage de se déplacer dans trois directions orthogonales entre elles relativement à l'organe de préhension.The gripping member having an axis, which may be an axis of symmetry of the applicator for example, the connecting element is advantageously arranged to allow the cage, during application at least, to move along said axis or to deviate from this one, to allow the cage to move in three orthogonal directions between them relative to the gripping member.

L'élément de liaison peut comporter une mousse, par exemple de polyuréthane. En variante, l'élément de liaison peut comporter un ressort, notamment hélicoïdal. Ce ressort peut, le cas échéant, être réalisé d'un seul tenant par moulage de matière plastique avec l'organe de préhension ou la cage, voire avec les deux. Le ressort peut encore être métallique. L'élément de liaison peut aussi être réalisé autrement.The connecting element may comprise a foam, for example of polyurethane. Alternatively, the connecting element may comprise a spring, in particular a helical spring. This spring can, if necessary, be made in one piece by plastic molding with the grip or the cage, or even with both. The spring can still be metallic. The connecting element can also be produced otherwise.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'organe de préhension comporte un capot et un insert fixé dans le capot, l'élément de liaison étant solidaire de l'insert, lequel peut comporter une jupe de montage permettant la fixation de l'élément de liaison.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the gripping member comprises a cover and an insert fixed in the cover, the connecting element being integral with the insert, which may include a mounting skirt allowing the fixing of the element link.

Toujours dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'applicateur est agencé pour pouvoir fermer, notamment de manière étanche, un récipient contenant le produit à appliquer et l'applicateur comporte par exemple une lèvre d'étanchéité destinée à s'appliquer de manière étanche contre un col du récipient.Still in an exemplary implementation of the invention, the applicator is arranged to be able to close, in particular in a sealed manner, a container containing the product to be applied and the applicator comprises for example a sealing lip intended to apply tightly against a container neck.

La cage peut être réalisée dans une matière plastique relativement rigide telle que du polyéthylène ou du polypropylène, par exemple, et présenter une surface intérieure en portion de sphère qui épouse la forme de la bille.The cage can be made of a relatively rigid plastic such than polyethylene or polypropylene, for example, and have an interior surface in a portion of a sphere which follows the shape of the ball.

La cage et la bille peuvent être agencées de manière à ménager entre elles un jeu autorisant un mouvement de la bille dans la cage autre qu'un mouvement de rotation pure autour du centre de la cage.The cage and the ball can be arranged so as to provide a clearance allowing movement of the ball in the cage other than a rotational movement pure around the center of the cage.

L'invention a encore pour objet, selon un autre de ses aspects, un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application comportant :

  • un récipient apte à contenir un produit, notamment cosmétique,
  • un applicateur tel que défini plus haut, l'applicateur étant agencé pour pouvoir fermer le récipient.
Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a packaging and application device comprising:
  • a container capable of containing a product, in particular a cosmetic,
  • an applicator as defined above, the applicator being arranged to be able to close the container.

Dans un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, le récipient comporte une paroi définissant un logement pour recevoir la bille lorsque l'applicateur est en place sur le récipient.In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the container comprises a wall defining a housing for receiving the ball when the applicator is in place on the container.

Cette paroi peut définir également un siège pour la bille.This wall can also define a seat for the ball.

Par exemple, la paroi peut comporter au moins une portion annulaire contre laquelle s'applique la bille lorsque l'applicateur est en place sur le récipient. Cela peut permettre d'éviter que le logement recevant la bille ne se remplisse trop facilement de produit pendant le transport du dispositif dans un sac, par exemple.For example, the wall may include at least one annular portion against which applies the ball when the applicator is in place on the container. It may prevent the housing receiving the ball from filling up too easily product during transport of the device in a bag, for example.

Avantageusement, lorsque l'applicateur est en place sur le récipient, l'élément de liaison est comprimé, de manière à appliquer la bille contre son siège. En variante, le contact peut se faire entre un bord de la cage et ladite paroi.Advantageously, when the applicator is in place on the container, the element link is compressed, so as to apply the ball against its seat. Alternatively, the contact can be made between an edge of the cage and said wall.

Cette dernière peut comporter au moins un orifice permettant le passage du produit contenu dans le récipient vers la bille. Cet orifice peut déboucher dans un renfoncement de la paroi. Ce renfoncement peut être délimité par la portion annulaire précitée. Le renfoncement peut former avec la bille un espace apte à retenir du produit, cet espace pouvant faciliter le chargement de la bille en produit.The latter may include at least one orifice allowing the passage of the product in the container to the ball. This orifice can lead into a wall recess. This recess can be delimited by the annular portion supra. The recess can form with the ball a space capable of retaining product, this space that can facilitate the loading of the ball with product.

Le récipient peut être réalisé par l'assemblage sur une première partie formant réservoir d'une deuxième partie définissant le logement recevant la bille.The container can be produced by assembly on a first part forming reservoir of a second part defining the housing receiving the ball.

L'invention a encore pour objet un applicateur comportant :

  • un organe de préhension,
  • une cage solidaire de l'organe de préhension et définissant un logement pour recevoir une bille applicatrice avec une possibilité de rotation de la bille dans le logement, caractérisé par le fait que la cage est mobile relativement à l'organe de préhension, étant reliée à ce dernier par une mousse.
The subject of the invention is also an applicator comprising:
  • a gripping organ,
  • a cage integral with the gripping member and defining a housing for receiving an applicator ball with a possibility of rotation of the ball in the housing, characterized in that the cage is movable relative to the gripping member, being connected to the latter by a foam.

L'invention a encore pour objet un applicateur comportant :

  • un organe de préhension ayant un axe,
  • une cage solidaire de l'organe de préhension et définissant un logement pour recevoir une bille applicatrice avec une possibilité de rotation de la bille dans le logement, la cage étant mobile relativement à l'organe de préhension, étant reliée à ce dernier par au moins un élément de liaison élastiquement déformable, caractérisé par le fait que l'élément de liaison comporte un ressort, notamment hélicoïdal, agencé pour permettre à la cage, lors de l'application au moins, de se déplacer suivant ledit axe et de s'écarter de celui-ci.
The subject of the invention is also an applicator comprising:
  • a gripping member having an axis,
  • a cage integral with the gripping member and defining a housing for receiving an applicator ball with a possibility of rotation of the ball in the housing, the cage being movable relative to the gripping member, being connected to the latter by at least an elastically deformable connecting element, characterized in that the connecting element comprises a spring, in particular helical, arranged to allow the cage, during application at least, to move along said axis and to move away of it.

L'invention pourra être mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, d'exemples de mise en oeuvre non limitatifs de celle-ci, et à l'examen du dessin annexé, sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe axiale, un exemple d'un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application conforme à l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente isolément, de manière schématique, en coupe axiale, l'applicateur du dispositif de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique de l'applicateur de la figure 2, lors de l'application de produit sur la peau, et
  • la figure 4 représente schématiquement une variante d'applicateur.
The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically and partially, in axial section, an example of a packaging and application device according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 represents, schematically, in axial section, the applicator of the device of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the applicator of FIG. 2, during the application of product to the skin, and
  • FIG. 4 schematically represents a variant of the applicator.

On a représenté sur la figure 1 un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application 1 comportant un récipient 2 et un applicateur 3.FIG. 1 shows a packaging device and application 1 comprising a container 2 and an applicator 3.

Le récipient 2 comprend une première partie 4 formant réservoir, contenant un produit P, par exemple un lait pour le corps, cette première partie comportant à son extrémité supérieure un col 5 s'étendant suivant un axe X.The container 2 comprises a first part 4 forming a reservoir, containing a product P, for example a body milk, this first part comprising at its upper end a neck 5 extending along an axis X.

La première partie comporte également un fond 7 se raccordant par deux épaulements successifs 8 et 10 au col 5.The first part also includes a bottom 7 connecting by two successive shoulders 8 and 10 at collar 5.

Le col 5 est pourvu sur sa surface extérieure de reliefs 12 dont le rôle sera expliqué plus loin.The neck 5 is provided on its outer surface with reliefs 12 whose role will be explained further.

Le récipient 2 comporte en outre une deuxième partie 13 constituée dans l'exemple décrit par une pièce rapportée sur la première partie 4.The container 2 further comprises a second part 13 constituted in the example described by an attachment on the first part 4.

Cette deuxième partie 13 comprend une jupe d'habillage extérieure 14, d'axe X, venant en butée par son bord inférieur contre l'épaulement 8 et s'encliquetant sur la portion intermédiaire 9 reliant les épaulements 8 et 10 de la première partie.This second part 13 comprises an outer covering skirt 14, of axis X, abutting by its lower edge against the shoulder 8 and snapping onto the intermediate portion 9 connecting the shoulders 8 and 10 of the first part.

La deuxième partie 13 comporte également, intérieurement à la jupe 14, des nervures 16 s'étendant suivant l'axe X de part et d'autre des reliefs 12 du col 5, de manière à empêcher une rotation relative de la deuxième partie 13 par rapport à la première partie 4. The second part 13 also includes, internally to the skirt 14, ribs 16 extending along the axis X on either side of the reliefs 12 of the neck 5, so to prevent a relative rotation of the second part 13 with respect to the first part 4.

La jupe 14 se raccorde par une portion transversale 15 perpendiculaire à l'axe X à une paroi tubulaire 17.The skirt 14 is connected by a transverse portion 15 perpendicular to the axis X to a tubular wall 17.

Cette dernière définit au-dessus de la portion transversale 15 un col 18, fileté extérieurement, et vient s'appliquer de manière étanche par sa partie inférieure 19, en dessous de la portion 15, contre la surface intérieure du col 5 de la première partie 4.The latter defines above the transverse portion 15 a neck 18, threaded externally, and is applied in a sealed manner by its lower part 19, in below the portion 15, against the interior surface of the neck 5 of the first part 4.

La paroi 17 est fermée à son extrémité inférieure par une paroi de fond 22, laquelle comporte une portion annulaire 23 dont la surface 23a est sphérique de son côté supérieur, formant un siège pour une bille applicatrice 30 portée par l'applicateur 3, comme cela sera détaillé plus loin.The wall 17 is closed at its lower end by a bottom wall 22, which has an annular portion 23 whose surface 23a is spherical on its side upper, forming a seat for an applicator ball 30 carried by the applicator 3, as will be detailed later.

La paroi de fond 22 peut comporter également un renfoncement 25 se raccordant à sa périphérie à la portion annulaire 23, de concavité dirigée vers la bille 30 et dont le fond est traversé par une pluralité d'orifices 26 permettant au produit P contenu dans la partie formant réservoir 4 de gagner le renfoncement 25.The bottom wall 22 may also include a recess 25 connecting at its periphery to the annular portion 23, of concavity directed towards the ball 30 and the bottom of which is crossed by a plurality of orifices 26 allowing the product P contained in the tank portion 4 to gain the recess 25.

L'applicateur 3 comporte un capot 31, dans lequel est fixé un insert 32. L'ensemble constitué du capot 31 et de l'insert 32 forme un organe de préhension 33.The applicator 3 comprises a cover 31, in which an insert 32 is fixed. The assembly consisting of the cover 31 and the insert 32 forms a gripping member 33.

L'insert 32 comporte une jupe 34 filetée intérieurement, permettant de visser l'applicateur 3 sur le col 18 du récipient 2, une lèvre d'étanchéité 35 destinée à s'appliquer de manière étanche sur la surface intérieure du col 18 et une jupe intérieure 36 permettant le montage sur l'insert d'un élément de liaison 37 par lequel la bille 30 est rendue solidaire de l'organe de préhension.The insert 32 includes an internally threaded skirt 34, making it possible to screw the applicator 3 on the neck 18 of the container 2, a sealing lip 35 intended to be applied tightly on the inner surface of the neck 18 and an inner skirt 36 allowing mounting on the insert of a connecting element 37 by which the ball 30 is made integral of the gripping organ.

Dans l'exemple considéré, l'élément de liaison 37 est constitué par un bloc de mousse, par exemple de polyuréthane, fixé à l'insert 32 par collage par exemple. Ce bloc de mousse peut présenter une forme sensiblement cylindrique, d'axe X.In the example considered, the connecting element 37 is constituted by a block of foam, for example polyurethane, fixed to the insert 32 by gluing for example. This block foam may have a substantially cylindrical shape, of axis X.

La bille 30 est retenue avec une possibilité de rotation dans une cage 40 définissant un logement sphérique 41 laissant dépasser une portion inférieure de la bille 30 pour l'application. La bille 30 peut être mise en place dans la cage 40 par déformation élastique de cette dernière, par exemple.The ball 30 is retained with the possibility of rotation in a cage 40 defining a spherical housing 41 leaving a lower portion of the ball 30 for the application. The ball 30 can be placed in the cage 40 by deformation elastic of the latter, for example.

La cage 40 comporte à sa partie supérieure une jupe de fixation 42 d'axe X, épaulée, servant à la fixer à l'élément de liaison 37, par exemple avec un adhésif 43.The cage 40 has at its upper part a fixing skirt 42 of axis X, shouldered, used to fix it to the connecting element 37, for example with an adhesive 43.

Dans l'exemple considéré, la distance entre le bord inférieur de la jupe 36 et le bord supérieur de la jupe 42 est non nulle, étant suffisante pour permettre une certaine compression de l'élément de liaison 37 ainsi qu'un certain débattement de la cage 40 autour d'axes géométriques de rotation perpendiculaires entre eux et perpendiculaires à l'axe X.In the example considered, the distance between the lower edge of the skirt 36 and the upper edge of the skirt 42 is not zero, being sufficient to allow a certain compression of the connecting element 37 as well as a certain movement of the cage 40 around geometric axes of rotation perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the X axis.

Lorsque l'applicateur 3 est en place sur le récipient 2, pour fermer celui-ci de manière étanche, comme illustré sur la figure 1, l'élément de liaison 37 est comprimé et exerce sur la cage 40 une force tendant à appliquer la bille 30 contre la portion annulaire 23, le contact entre les deux tendant à empêcher l'écoulement de produit P vers l'extérieur du réservoir au-delà de l'espace défini par le renfoncement 25. Du produit P peut être retenu par capillarité dans celui-ci.When the applicator 3 is in place on the container 2, to close it sealingly, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the connecting element 37 is compressed and exerts on the cage 40 a force tending to apply the ball 30 against the annular portion 23, the contact between the two tending to prevent the flow of product P towards the outside of the reservoir beyond the space defined by the recess 25. Of the product P can be retained by capillarity therein.

Le dispositif 1 peut s'utiliser de la manière suivante.The device 1 can be used in the following manner.

L'utilisateur retourne le récipient 2 afin de permettre l'écoulement de produit P dans le renfoncement 25, à travers les orifices 26, ces derniers étant ouverts en permanence dans l'exemple considéré.The user turns the container 2 over to allow the product P to flow in the recess 25, through the orifices 26, the latter being permanently open in the example considered.

La bille 30 peut se charger alors avec le produit P.The ball 30 can then be loaded with the product P.

Une fois la bille 30 chargée en produit, l'utilisateur peut dévisser l'applicateur 3.Once the ball 30 is loaded with product, the user can unscrew the applicator 3.

Lors de l'application, l'utilisateur peut faire rouler la bille 30 sur la peau S, l'élément de liaison 37 pouvant se déformer en fonction du relief de celle-ci, comme illustré sur la figure 3.During application, the user can roll the ball 30 over the skin S, the connecting element 37 being able to deform as a function of the relief thereof, as illustrated in figure 3.

La possibilité offerte à la bille 30 de se déplacer relativement à l'organe de préhension 33 améliore le confort à l'application.The possibility offered to the ball 30 to move relative to the gripping 33 improves comfort on application.

On ne sort pas du cadre de la présente invention en utilisant un élément de liaison autre qu'un bloc de mousse.It is not beyond the scope of the present invention to use an element of bond other than a foam block.

Comme illustré sur la figure 4, la cage logeant la bille peut être reliée à l'organe de préhension 33 par l'intermédiaire d'un ressort hélicoïdal 37' d'axe X.As illustrated in Figure 4, the cage housing the ball can be connected to the gripping member 33 by means of a helical spring 37 'of axis X.

Ce ressort peut être constitué par une pièce rapportée comme représenté sur le dessin ou être réalisé par moulage de matière plastique avec l'un au moins de la cage 40 et de l'insert 32.This spring can be constituted by an insert as shown in the drawing or be made by molding plastic material with at least one of the cage 40 and of insert 32.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples de mise en oeuvre qui viennent d'être décrits.Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples of implementation which have just been described.

On peut par exemple réaliser un récipient sans le renfoncement 25, la portion annulaire 23 entourant par exemple une ouverture centrale unique par laquelle la bille 30 peut se charger en produit. We can for example make a container without the recess 25, the portion annular 23 surrounding for example a single central opening through which the ball 30 can load product.

La bille 30 peut être floquée et être réalisée dans divers matériaux, notamment comporter une charge de particules destinées à exercer un effet sur le produit ou sur la surface traitée avec le produit. Cet effet peut être un champ magnétique ou la libération d'une substance, par exemple d'ions.The ball 30 can be flocked and be made of various materials, in particular contain a charge of particles intended to have an effect on the product or on the surface treated with the product. This effect can be a magnetic field or the release of a substance, for example of ions.

Claims (21)

Applicateur (3) comportant : un organe de préhension (31, 32), une cage (40) solidaire de l'organe de préhension et définissant un logement (41) pour recevoir une bille applicatrice (30) avec une possibilité de rotation de la bille dans le logement, la cage (40) étant mobile relativement à l'organe de préhension, étant reliée à ce dernier par au moins un élément de liaison (37 ; 37') élastiquement déformable, caractérisé par le fait que l'organe de préhension est agencé pour pouvoir fermer un récipient (2). Applicator (3) comprising: a gripping member (31, 32), a cage (40) integral with the gripping member and defining a housing (41) for receiving an applicator ball (30) with a possibility of rotation of the ball in the housing, the cage (40) being movable relative to the gripping member, being connected to the latter by at least one elastically deformable connecting element (37; 37 '), characterized in that the gripping member is designed to be able to close a container (2). Applicateur selon la revendication précédente, l'organe de préhension ayant un axe (X), caractérisé par le fait que l'élément de liaison est agencé pour permettre à la cage (40), lors de l'application au moins, de se déplacer suivant ledit axe et/ou de s'écarter de celui-ci.Applicator according to the preceding claim, the gripping member having an axis (X), characterized in that the connecting element is arranged to allow the cage (40), during at least the application, to move along said axis and / or to deviate from it. Applicateur selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que l'élément de liaison (37) comporte une mousse.Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (37) comprises a foam. Applicateur selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé par le fait que l'élément de liaison (37') comporte un ressort, notamment hélicoïdal.Applicator according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connecting element (37 ') comprises a spring, in particular a helical spring. Applicateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que l'organe de préhension comporte un capot (38) et un insert (32) fixé dans le capot et par le fait que l'élément de liaison (37 ; 37') est solidaire de l'insert (32).Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping member comprises a cover (38) and an insert (32) fixed in the cover and in that the connecting element (37; 37 ') is integral with the insert (32). Applicateur selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé par le fait que l'insert comporte une jupe (36) servant à la fixation de l'élément de liaison.Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the insert comprises a skirt (36) used for fixing the connecting element. Applicateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que l'organe de préhension comporte une lèvre d'étanchéité (35) destinée à s'appliquer contre un col (18) du récipient.Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping member comprises a sealing lip (35) intended to be applied against a neck (18) of the container. Applicateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que la cage (40) est réalisée en matière plastique rigide.Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cage (40) is made of rigid plastic. Applicateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que la cage (40) présente une forme en portion de sphère qui épouse la forme de la bille. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cage (40) has a shape of a portion of a sphere which matches the shape of the ball. Applicateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que l'élément de liaison (37 ; 37') est distinct de la cage (40).Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (37; 37 ') is separate from the cage (40). Applicateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que l'organe de préhension est agencé pour pouvoir fermer le récipient (2) de manière étanche.Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping member is designed to be able to close the container (2) in a leaktight manner. Dispositif de conditionnement et d'application, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte : un récipient (2) apte à contenir un produit, notamment cosmétique, un applicateur (3) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes l'applicateur étant agencé pour pouvoir fermer le récipient. Packaging and application device, characterized in that it comprises: a container (2) capable of containing a product, in particular a cosmetic, an applicator (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, the applicator being arranged to be able to close the container. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé par le fait que le récipient comporte une paroi (22) définissant un siège pour la bille lorsque l'applicateur est en place sur le récipient.Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the container has a wall (22) defining a seat for the ball when the applicator is in place on the container. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé par le fait que ladite paroi (22) comporte au moins une portion annulaire (23) contre laquelle s'applique la bille lorsque l'applicateur est en place sur le récipient.Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said wall (22) comprises at least one annular portion (23) against which the ball is applied when the applicator is in place on the container. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 13 et 14, caractérisé par le fait que la paroi (22) comporte au moins un orifice (26) permettant le passage du produit contenu dans le récipient vers la bille.Device according to one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the wall (22) comprises at least one orifice (26) allowing the passage of the product contained in the container towards the ball. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé par le fait que la paroi (22) comporte un renfoncement (25) apte à définir avec la bille, lorsque l'applicateur est en place sur le récipient, un espace dans lequel débouche au moins un orifice (26).Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wall (22) has a recess (25) capable of defining with the ball, when the applicator is in place on the container, a space into which opens at least one orifice ( 26). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 16, caractérisé par le fait que le récipient comporte une première partie (4) formant réservoir apte à contenir le produit et une deuxième partie assemblée avec la première, définissant le logement (41) et comportant la paroi (22).Device according to any one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the container comprises a first part (4) forming a reservoir capable of containing the product and a second part assembled with the first, defining the housing (41) and comprising the wall (22). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 17, caractérisé par le fait que, lorsque l'applicateur est en place sur le récipient, l'élément de liaison (37 ; 37') est comprimé.Device according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that , when the applicator is in place on the container, the connecting element (37; 37 ') is compressed. Applicateur (3) comportant : un organe de préhension (31, 32), une cage (40) solidaire de l'organe de préhension et définissant un logement (41) pour recevoir une bille applicatrice (30) avec une possibilité de rotation de la bille dans le logement, caractérisé par le fait que la cage (40) est mobile relativement à l'organe de préhension, étant reliée à ce dernier par une mousse (37). Applicator (3) comprising: a gripping member (31, 32), a cage (40) integral with the gripping member and defining a housing (41) for receiving an applicator ball (30) with a possibility of rotation of the ball in the housing, characterized in that the cage (40) is movable relative to the gripping member, being connected to the latter by a foam (37). Applicateur (3) comportant : un organe de préhension (31, 32) ayant un axe (X), une cage (40) solidaire de l'organe de préhension et définissant un logement (41) pour recevoir une bille applicatrice (30) avec une possibilité de rotation de la bille dans le logement, la cage (40) étant mobile relativement à l'organe de préhension, étant reliée à ce dernier par au moins un élément de liaison (37 ; 37') élastiquement déformable, caractérisé par le fait que l'élément de liaison comporte un ressort agencé pour permettre à la cage (40), lors de l'application au moins, de se déplacer suivant ledit axe et de s'écarter de celui-ci. Applicator (3) comprising: a gripping member (31, 32) having an axis (X), a cage (40) integral with the gripping member and defining a housing (41) for receiving an applicator ball (30) with a possibility of rotation of the ball in the housing, the cage (40) being movable relative to the gripping member, being connected to the latter by at least one elastically deformable connecting element (37; 37 '), characterized in that the connecting element comprises a spring arranged to allow the cage (40), when the application at least, to move along said axis and to move away from it. Applicateur selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé par le fait que le ressort est un ressort hélicoïdal.Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spring is a helical spring.
EP03293090A 2002-12-10 2003-12-10 Applicator as well as package and application apparatus comprising such an applicator Expired - Lifetime EP1428454B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0215577 2002-12-10
FR0215577A FR2848126B1 (en) 2002-12-10 2002-12-10 APPLICATOR AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLICATION COMPRISING SUCH AN APPLICATOR.

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EP1428454A1 true EP1428454A1 (en) 2004-06-16
EP1428454B1 EP1428454B1 (en) 2007-01-24

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EP03293090A Expired - Lifetime EP1428454B1 (en) 2002-12-10 2003-12-10 Applicator as well as package and application apparatus comprising such an applicator

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US (1) US7044670B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1428454B1 (en)
DE (1) DE60311398T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2280713T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2848126B1 (en)

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US7596974B2 (en) * 2006-06-19 2009-10-06 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Instant stain removing device, formulation and absorbent means
FR2953107A1 (en) * 2009-12-02 2011-06-03 Thomas Eugene Joseph Diezinger DEVICE FOR APPLICATION OF A FLUID
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FR2999438B1 (en) * 2012-12-15 2015-12-11 Stephane Decaux CAPSULE AND DEVICE FOR DISTRIBUTING A PRODUCT WITH TRANSMISSION OF ENERGY RADIATION IN THE FORM OF LUMINOUS ONDULATORY FORM
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US9725229B2 (en) 2013-09-03 2017-08-08 Barry Beaubien Devices and methods for applying body lotions such as sunscreens
US10244845B2 (en) * 2017-05-05 2019-04-02 Presto Packaging Solutions LLC Container and applicator for powders and liquids
FR3070582B1 (en) * 2017-09-05 2021-09-17 Oreal PACKAGING AND APPLICATION DEVICE FOR A PRODUCT, ESPECIALLY A LIQUID COSMETIC PRODUCT

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2848126B1 (en) 2006-09-15
US20040131414A1 (en) 2004-07-08
DE60311398D1 (en) 2007-03-15
US7044670B2 (en) 2006-05-16
ES2280713T3 (en) 2007-09-16
EP1428454B1 (en) 2007-01-24
DE60311398T2 (en) 2007-08-23
FR2848126A1 (en) 2004-06-11

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