EP0916282A1 - Device for storing and applying,including a container,an ergonomic applicator and a wiper - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (21) is open at one end and has an applicator (22) for the product, attached to a holder (20). The neck of the container has a wiper (16) of a foam material to remove surplus product from it as it is withdrawn from the container for use. The applicator, which is made partially from an injected plastic material, e.g. an elastomer, has its tip (25) offset at an angle to its holder (22) and stem (23) and shaped for more convenient application of the product.

Description

The present invention relates to devices for packaging and application of a liquid, pasty or powder, in particular a cosmetic product.

The invention relates more particularly to a device of the type comprising a container open at one end, capable of containing said product, and an applicator having at one end an element of application and at the other end a gripping element, which can also be used as a closure cap for the container. The element application and the gripping element are connected by a link such as a rod. We know from the international application WO 97/31553 a device in which the application element, the rod and the gripping element are aligned and in which the element application is introduced into the container and removed from it through a wiper member constituted at least in part by a elastically deformable porous material such as foam having minus 5% of open cells.

The present invention aims to propose a new device of the aforementioned type, which makes it possible in particular to facilitate the operation of make-up and further increase the application possibilities of new cosmetic or skincare products.

The packaging and application device according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the application element, the gripping member and the connecting member are not aligned.

In other words, at least one of the liaison and the applicator element is curved or bent, so that the application element is offset from the direction of the connecting member in its region adjacent to the gripping member.

The applicant company noted, after having carried out the invention that even inclined relative to the axis of the organ of spin the application element could, quite surprising, to be wrung satisfactorily by the organ of spin, whereas we could expect a priori a spin not satisfactory due to this inclination.

The invention makes it possible in particular to produce more applicators ergonomic, facilitating the make-up operation and allowing the user to make up with even more precision.

In a particular embodiment, the connecting member is bent.

Always, in a particular embodiment, the link member consists of a rod widening at its end opposite to the gripping element to form a housing used for fixing of the application element.

This housing can extend in a direction making an angle not zero with the direction of the rod in its region adjacent to said housing.

There are also a large number of possibilities for realize the application element.

In a particular embodiment, the application element is curve.

In another particular embodiment, the application element is substantially flat, and forms an angle with the direction of the organ of connection in its region adjacent to the gripping element.

In another particular embodiment, the application element has ripples.

In another particular embodiment, the application element has a core of rigid or semi-rigid material, which connects to the connecting member by forming an elbow.

Still in a particular embodiment, the element of application is carried out at least partially in a material injected plastic, for example an elastomer.

In a particular embodiment, the application element has hairs.

In a particular embodiment, the application element is asymmetric.

In a particular embodiment, the application element has at least one helical filament.

In another particular embodiment, the application element has a generally curved shape.

In another particular embodiment, the application element has one or more slots or cavities.

The packaging and application device according to the invention can be used in particular for making up the eye, the application of a nail varnish or the like or the application of a lipstick or the like, the shape and characteristics of the application element as well as the height and density of the material porous of the wiping member being chosen according to the nature the product, its destination and the desired effect.

Preferably, the link member present in its region extending into contact with the wiper member when the applicator is in place on the container, a cross section smaller than that of the application element.

When the connecting member consists of a rod, the diameter thereof, in its region extending in contact with the organ when the applicator is in place on the container, is preferably between 0.2 and 2 mm, and more preferably between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the wiper member consists by a block of foam split axially, the edges of the slot or slots being contiguous at rest. When the foam block has several slots, these can be arranged in a cross or in star.

Thus, the spin is preferably carried out by means of a block of foam which is not appreciably deformed by the bond when the applicator is in place, comprising at least one slit and having the ability to close after leaving the applicator.

The use of such a wiping member makes it possible to obtain very good results in terms of homogeneity of product distribution over the application element

Preferably, the applicator element extends in the extension of the connecting member by being connected to the latter by a axial end, the other axial end of the element, of application constituting the free end of the applicator.

• les figures 1 à 4 représentent respectivement, de façon schématique et en coupe axiale, quatre dispositifs de conditionnement et d'application conformes à des variantes de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• les figures 5 et 6 sont deux vues schématiques en perspective montrant isolément un récipient et un applicateur conformes à un cinquième exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• les figures 7 à 15 représentent en perspective, de façon schématique, diverses variantes de réalisation de l'élément d'application,
• les figures 16 à 18 illustrent l'utilisation d'applicateurs conformes à l'invention pour le maquillage de l'oeil, l'application de vernis à ongles et celle de rouge à lèvres, respectivement.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing in which:

• FIGS. 1 to 4 show respectively, schematically and in axial section, four packaging and application devices in accordance with variant embodiments of the invention,
• FIGS. 5 and 6 are two schematic perspective views showing in isolation a container and an applicator in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention,
• FIGS. 7 to 15 show in perspective, schematically, various alternative embodiments of the application element,
• Figures 16 to 18 illustrate the use of applicators according to the invention for making up the eye, applying nail polish and applying lipstick, respectively.

The packaging and application device 10 shown in Figure 1 has a container 11 open at one end and a applicator 12.

The latter comprises a rectilinear rod 13 of axis X, provided with a end of a gripping element 14, which also constitutes a closure cap for the container 11. The rod 13 comprises the other end an application element 15.

The container 11 has a neck 17 which houses a member of wiping constituted by a block of foam 16. This wiping member 16 is fixed by its radially outer surface in the neck 17, by collage for example.

The gripping member 14 includes a mounting skirt 18 internally threaded, intended to be screwed onto an external thread from the neck 17 of the container 11.

The aforementioned block of foam 16 is split axially in the plane of Figure 1 to allow the passage of the application element 15 when the latter is removed from the container 11, for use.

We can usefully refer to the international application WO 97/31553 which describes various embodiments of the organ spin.

Preferably, it is ensured that the foam of the organ wring 16 is not excessively compressed by the rod 13 of the applicator 12 when the latter is in place on the container, to avoid any risk of permanent deformation of the foam, which could affect the quality of the spin.

The foam block 16 may include an axial recess of diameter equal to or slightly less than that of the part of the stem 13 on contact with it or, alternatively, be split axially.

The rod 13 may be made of metal in its weakest part diameter, the diameter of this part being for example between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

Note also that the bonding of the foam block 16 in the neck of the container 11 makes it possible to stiffen it over its height and prevent it from compressing axially during the passage of the element of application 15.

The rod 13 widens at its lower end to form a housing 19 of axis X, used for fixing the application element 15 and in which the latter is partially inserted.

The application element 15 can have any structure adapted to the type of makeup for which it is intended.

In the example described, the application element 15 is curved and extends in a direction making a gradually increasing angle with the X axis, as we get closer to its end free. In the vicinity of the latter, the application element extends in a direction Y making an angle close to 60 ° for example with the X axis.

The container 11 is filled with a cosmetic product, preferably liquid, not shown for the sake of clarity of the drawing.

Surprisingly, the application element 15 can be wrung through the foam block 16 in a homogeneous manner, without leave traces of excess product which could adversely affect quality of makeup.

This result is obtained thanks to the porosity and the deformability foam block 16, which can firstly soak up the product present in excess on certain parts of the applicator element 15 and on the other hand, deposit the product by capillary action on other parts of the application element, insufficiently loaded with product.

The foam block 16 is adapted to wipe the rod 13 when the applicator 12 is removed from the container 11 for use or when it is replaced.

Such wiping of the rod 13 proves particularly advantageous because it prevents a solid residue from forming on this as it dries.

A foam can be used to produce the wiping member. open cells, in polyurethane or polyether for example.

Such foam preferably has at least 5% cells open, the diameter of which is preferably between 5 µm and 3 mm. For example, the height of the foam block 16 is included between 1.5 mm and 80 mm.

Depending on the density of the foam and the height of the foam block, the wiper member will more or less conform to the outline of the element of application when the foam block passes through it.

Tests have shown that it is possible to deposit on the element application, in some cases, a film of product marrying perfectly the profile of the application element and in other cases a product film stretched by surface tension and blurring the relief of the application element.

Generally speaking, the softer the application element, the more it tends to deform on crossing the foam block, the less it residue of product on the application element after spinning.

In particular, when the application element is a brush, the softer the hairs of this one, the more they tend to lie down and approach the axis of the brush when crossing the organ and less product remains on the brush once the applicator completely extracted from the container.

The hairs can have any orientation at rest, for example perpendicular to the axis of the gripping element.

It should also be noted that, if the product contained in the container is a liquid cosmetic product whose solvent is water, for example an aqueous formula of an acrylic or polyurethane resin, the foam block can retain enough moisture until depletion of product in container to prevent crosslinking resin within it, which allows it to moisten the stem and the application element as they pass.

• une action mécanique d'essorage et de nettoyage de l'élément d'application en enserrant ce dernier et en retenant par raclage le produit en excès, et les éventuels résidus solide résultant du séchage du produit lorsque celui-ci est un liquide ou une pâte,
• une action d'absorption par capillarité,
• une action d'absorption par aspiration lorsqu'il reprend sa forme initiale après avoir été comprimé localement par le passage de l'élément d'application, et
• éventuellement une action d'imprégnation en produit lorsque l'élément d'application est moins chargé en produit que ne l'est l'organe d'essorage.

The foam block constituting the wiper member can exercise both:

• a mechanical action of wringing and cleaning of the application element by enclosing the latter and retaining by scraping the excess product, and the possible solid residues resulting from the drying of the product when the latter is a liquid or a paste ,
• an action of absorption by capillarity,
• a suction absorption action when it returns to its initial shape after being compressed locally by the passage of the application element, and
• possibly a product impregnation action when the application element is less loaded with product than is the wiper member.

Note that the container 11 is large enough for the application element 15 does not touch its wall when the applicator 12 is in place on the container 11.

It will also be noted that the opening of the container 11 is large enough to allow passage of the element 15 when it leaves or returns to container 11.

To remove the applicator 12, the user unscrews the element grip 14, then move it up, parallel to the X axis.

The application element 15 may have a shape itself. allowing to cross the foam block 16 without the user having to tilt the rod 13.

It is understood that the application element 15 crosses as much foam block 16 more easily than it is elastic itself deformable.

The shape of the application element 15 can also lead to the user to naturally tilt the rod 13 when the application element 15 crosses the foam block 16.

To replace the applicator, the user introduces the applicator element 15 in the opening of the container and pushes the application element 15 through the foam block 16.

Preferably, the latter is flexible enough to allow re-entry of the application element 15 without the user having to exercise special attention nor bring the application element 15 in a given orientation.

In the following description, the wiper member is similar and keeps in FIGS. 2 to 4 the reference 16. It is not described in new in detail and we will refer to the description which precedes.

The packaging and application device 20 shown in FIG. 2 is similar to the device 10 previously described for what is the gripper and the top of the container, here referenced 21.

The applicator, here referenced 22, comprises a rod 23 straight X axis to its lower end where it widens to form an inclined housing 28, used for fixing the element of application 25.

The housing 28 extends along an axis Y which forms with the axis X of the rod 23 an angle w preferably greater than 10 ° and less than 60 °, equal to approximately 45 ° in the example described.

The application element 25 is substantially rectilinear with axis Y at rest but could, in a variant not shown, be curved.

It should be noted that in the embodiment of the Figure 2, you have to slightly tilt the rod 23 to enter or remove the application element, because it is longer than the radius inside the container neck.

The container can be closed other than screwing the gripping element onto the neck of the container, and as example, there is shown in Figure 3 a device for packaging and application 30 in which the gripping element is retained by friction on the neck of the container 31.

The applicator, referenced here 32, comprises a bent rod 33 which comprises two rectilinear parts forming between them an angle v, preferably between 10 and 60 °, equal to approximately 30 ° in the example described.

The elbow 36 of the rod 33 is located immediately under the block of foam 16 when the applicator 32 is in place.

The applicator element 35 extends in the extension of the lower rectilinear part 34 of the rod 33.

By way of example, the application element 35 is shown with a maximum transverse dimension roughly twice the diameter of the widened part 38 of the rod 33 at its end lower, this enlarged part 38 defining a housing used to fixing the application element 35.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the body of connection between the gripping element, referenced 44, and the element application, referenced 43, has two straight branches 41 and parallel, which connect at their lower end around a housing 42 used for fixing the application element 43. This last one is formed here by a plurality of concentric loops arranged substantially parallel to the same plane forming with the plane of the branches 41, a dihedral whose angle r at the apex is comprised of preferably between 100 and 170 °.

The plane of the branches 41 is parallel to the section plane of the Figure 4 and the plane of the slot made in the foam block 16 for allow the passage of the application element 43.

It is here advantageously possible to provide on the neck of the container and on the gripping element 44 means for indexing in rotation the gripping element relative to the neck of the container, so that, when the applicator is in place, the plane of the branches 41 is in the plane of the slot of the foam block 16.

The diameter of the branches 41 is as small as possible so as to deform the foam very little.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a device for packaging and application 50 in which the application element 52 is very wide and has undulations.

The container is shown in isolation in Figure 5 and the applicator 51 in FIG. 6.

The wiper member is constituted by a block of foam 56 of substantially parallelepiped shape, split over a length sufficient to allow the passage of the application element 52.

The connecting member 53 connecting the application element 52 and the gripping element 54 is constituted by a flat wall, which thickens at its lower end to form a groove for fixing the application element 52.

The gripping element 54 comprises a skirt surrounding the member link 53, capable of fitting onto the container to close it tightly and hold the applicator 51 in place.

The applicator element 52 can be wrung out properly despite its undulations, thanks to the deformability of the foam.

The latter can thus have sufficient flexibility to come into contact with the recesses of the application element.

In the example described, the application element 52 extends in a direction making an angle of about 45 ° with the flat wall of the liaison body 53.

Generally speaking, the use of a foam block for spinning allows a wide variety of shapes to the application element.

By way of example, FIG. 7 shows an element application 71 which has a curved shape around a Z axis, which forms with the axis of the connecting member 74 an angle u comprised of preferably between 10 and 60 °, the applicator element 71 having in section transverse in a section plane perpendicular to axis 2, the shape general of an arc.

The lateral edges 72 of the applicator element 71 diverge slightly away from the connecting member 74 and the edge 73 the further from the connecting member 74 present, in the example described, a slightly concave outward shape.

The application element 71 is intended for example to applying product to the surface of a nail.

The application element 80 shown in FIG. 8 presents an asymmetrical shape, being provided with a notch 81 on one side.

This application element 80 is produced for example in a porous material.

By choosing the foam of the wringing device sufficiently dense so that it does not reach the bottom of the notch 81 during spinning, it is ensured that product remains in the bottom of the notch 81 after spinning.

Thus, the notch 81 can constitute a reserve of product allowing to extend the autonomy of the applicator outside the container.

The applicator element 80 extends in a direction which makes a non-zero angle with the axis of the connecting member 82, as can be see in figure 8.

The applicator element 80 also includes ridges as illustrated.

The applicator element 85 shown in FIG. 9 comprises a helical filament whose Z axis makes an angle t with the X axis of the rod 86.

This angle t can be close to 30 ° for example.

FIG. 10 shows an application element 90 which has a core 91 of semi-rigid plastic, comprising two branches 91 and 92 connected by an elbow 93, the branch 92 being engaged in a housing formed at the lower end of the rod 95 of the applicator. The other branch 91 serves to stiffen and support a block of foam 94 intended for the application of the product.

FIG. 11 shows an application element 100 having a generally elongated shape along a U axis, with a cross section substantially trapezoidal transverse.

Each side of the application element is slightly hollowed out concave outward.

The application element 100 has a tapered end 101.

The application element 100 is produced for example by injection of rigid, semi-rigid or elastomeric plastic.

In the example described, the application element 100 is inserted in a housing formed at the lower end 102 of the rod 103 of the applicator, this housing making a non-zero angle with the X axis of the rod 103.

In a variant not shown, the application element is produced by molding in one piece with the rod.

The application element can also be constituted by a brush whose outline can be arbitrary and in particular present parts of more or less large diameter, as illustrated by the applicator 105 shown in FIG. 12.

This applicator 105 includes a metal frame 106 formed by twisted metallic wires and supporting hairs 107, the axis of the brush forming an angle s close to 30 ° for example with the axis X of the rod 108.

In this example, the frame 106 is bent and fixed to the interior of a housing formed in an enlargement 109 of the rod 108 at its lower end, this housing being of axis X.

In a variant not shown, this housing is inclined and the brush frame is completely straight.

FIG. 13 shows an application element 112 whose surface is flocked, that is to say covered with fine hairs.

It will be noted on examining this figure that the element 112 has a shape that is not symmetrical about the axis X of rod 113 of the applicator.

Because of this asymmetrical shape, we can consider that the applicator element 112 is not in alignment with the rod 113.

FIG. 14 shows an application element 115 curvilinear, extending substantially in a quarter of a circle, having a generally circular section and a grid surface.

This applicator, whose general shape is similar to that of the applicator 15 previously described, is produced for example by plastic injection.

FIG. 15 shows an applicator 118, produced by molding plastic, having slits or cavities 119.

These slots or cavities 119 make it possible to conserve by tension superficial a reserve of product inside the element 118 after spinning, because the wiper can hardly reach them.

The use of the applicators 10 has been illustrated in FIG. 16. and 20 described above for eye makeup.

The use of an offset application element allows the user to make up the eye more easily.

Furthermore, an offset element of application according to the invention, for example the application element 72 previously described, turns out very ergonomic for applying a product on the nails, such as illustrated in figure 17.

Finally, the asymmetrical application element 112 allows by example for the user to apply lip makeup, as illustrated in Figure 18.

A packaging and application device according to the invention can also be used for the application of a hair product for example.

Note that when a rod is used as the connection, the gripping element may have an orientation any relative to the neck of the container when the applicator is in place provided the container is large enough to welcome the application element whatever its orientation around the axis of the container neck.

In all embodiments, the link member has preferably some flexibility.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the modes of achievements described, and includes in particular all variants made from the combination of characteristics specific to each of the embodiments described.

Claims (22)

Device for packaging and applying a product liquid, pasty or powdery, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container open at one end, capable of containing said product, an applicator comprising at one end an element application, at the other end a gripping element, and a connecting member connecting the application element and the element gripping, said device further comprising a wiping member made at least in part by an elastically porous material deformable, the application element, the gripping element and the connecting member being non-aligned. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the wiping member is constituted by a split foam block axially, the edges of the slot (s) being contiguous at rest. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the causes the applicator element to extend in line with the connecting member being connected to the latter by one end axial, the other axial end of the constituent application element the free end of the applicator. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connecting member (33) is bent. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting member is constituted by a rod (13; 23; 33) widening at its end opposite the element of gripping (12; 22; 32) to form a housing (19; 28; 38) used for the fixing the application element (15; 25; 35). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that that said housing (28) extends in a direction (Y) which forms a non-zero angle (w) with the direction (X) of the rod (23) in its region adjacent to said housing. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting member comprises at least two branches (41). Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that the applicator element (15) is curved. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the application element (43) forms an angle (r) not zero with the direction of the link member (41) in its region adjacent to the gripping member. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that that the application element is substantially flat. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that the applicator element (52) has ripples. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that the applicator element (90) comprises a core (91) of a rigid or semi-rigid material, which connects to the connecting member (92) by forming an elbow. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that the applicator element (115) is made at least partially from an injected plastic, for example an elastomer. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that the applicator element (112) has hairs. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that the applicator element (112) is asymmetrical. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that the applicator element (85) has at least one helical filament. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that the applicator element (71) has a general shape in an arc of a cross section. Device according to any one of the claims previous, characterized in that the applicator element (118) has one or more slots or cavities (119). Device according to any one of the claims above, characterized in that the wiper member is constituted at least partially by a foam having at least 5% of open cells. Device according to claim 19, characterized by the foam is made of polyurethane or polyether. Device according to any one of the claims above, characterized in that the connecting member has, in its region extending into contact with the wiper member when the applicator is in place on the container, a cross section smaller than that of the application element. Device according to any one of the claims above, characterized in that the connecting member is constituted by a rod, the diameter of the latter in its region extending into contact with the wiper member when the applicator is in place on the container being preferably between 0.2 and 2 mm, and more preferably between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

Images