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EP0349407B1 - Applicator for a powdery or pasty product, especially a cosmetic product - Google Patents

Applicator for a powdery or pasty product, especially a cosmetic product Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0349407B1
EP0349407B1 EP89401810A EP89401810A EP0349407B1 EP 0349407 B1 EP0349407 B1 EP 0349407B1 EP 89401810 A EP89401810 A EP 89401810A EP 89401810 A EP89401810 A EP 89401810A EP 0349407 B1 EP0349407 B1 EP 0349407B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
applicator
container
cap
piston
assembly according
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP89401810A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0349407A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Louis Gueret
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 EP0349407A1 publication Critical patent/EP0349407A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0349407B1 publication Critical patent/EP0349407B1/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
    • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
    • A45D40/26—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball
    • A45D40/262—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like
    • A45D40/265—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container
    • A45D40/267—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container comprising a wiper
    • 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
    • A45D33/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling powdery toiletry or cosmetic substances

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an applicator assembly for a powdered or pasty product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container provided with a neck and intended to contain the product, a member for closing the container, and an applicator. disposed at one end of said member, said container comprising means for compacting the product around the applicator and elastic return means for said compacting means, the applicator being made of a breathable material, in particular a material porous and spongy, while the member carrying the applicator has an interior passage behind this applicator.
  • An applicator assembly of this type is known for example from EP-A-0 263 329.
  • the cosmetic product is placed in a sort of cup pushed, by elastic means, against the applicator.
  • the member carrying the applicator may contain a liquid which soaks the applicator.
  • an applicator assembly has been proposed, the bottle of which comprises, at its end opposite to that provided with a cap and the applicator, means for compacting the product around the applicator, means on which the user can act, and elastic means for returning said compacting means to the rest position, when the user ceases to act.
  • the compacting means comprise a piston mounted sliding in the bottle, this piston being linked to a push-button which projects beyond from the end of the bottle opposite the cap.
  • the present invention aims, above all, to provide an applicator assembly which allows the user to act on the compaction of the product and therefore to load the applicator more or less with product, according to his wishes, while avoiding the problems of "pistoning" due to the air contained in the product tank.
  • an applicator assembly of the kind defined above is characterized in that, in a manner known in itself, the elastic return means are capable of acting in the opposite direction to compaction, while the user can act on the compaction means to generate, against the elastic means, compaction of the product; that the member for closing the container comprises a cap which is integral with a rod which carries, at one end, said applicator; that the above-mentioned interior passage is provided in the rod, and that this interior passage communicates with the exterior, which allows the evacuation of the air which is present in the container and which is compressed during compaction, the air at evacuate penetrating into said rod after having passed through the air-permeable material constituting the applicator and escaping through said (or said) evacuation passage (s) towards the outside of the cap.
  • the rod is advantageously constituted by a hollow element delimiting an axial passage channel air to be evacuated, said rod comprising an end portion which supports the applicator, transverse air passage channels being formed in said end portion and opening into the abovementioned axial channel.
  • the rod ends, opposite the applicator, by a nozzle ensuring the attachment of the rod and the cap, (or) passage (s) evacuation of air communicating with the outside via at least one duct formed between the cap and the rod.
  • this tip can be forced into the cap, the side walls facing said nozzle and said cap comprising radial fins, between which air exhaust ducts are formed, the free end of the nozzle being at a distance from the bottom of the cap.
  • the fins, which are carried by the cap can ensure the tightening of the latter on the end of the neck of the container, in the closed position of the assembly.
  • the compacting means comprise a piston mounted to slide in the container, this piston being linked to an external push button
  • the neck of the container may be constituted by a tubular element mounted to slide in an opening made in the upper wall of the container, the neck carrying, at its end adjacent to the container, an external flange constituting the piston and returned, under the action of the elastic return means against the interior of the wall of the container, the means for controlling the piston being constituted by the cap placed on the container in its closed position, the distance between the free edge of the cap and said upper wall of the container, in the aforementioned closed position, being at least equal to the maximum stroke of the piston .
  • the elastic return means may comprise a helical spring disposed between the piston and the bottom of the container or an element carried by the bottom of the container.
  • the piston advantageously constitutes a wiper holder, comprising, for this purpose, a wiping lip of the applicator.
  • the container can be constituted by a tubular body folded at one of its ends to constitute the upper wall through which the neck, said body being closed at its other end by a removable plug.
  • the compacting means may consist of a piston linked to a push-button, which projects beyond the end of the container opposite the neck.
  • the piston is then preferably provided with a central hole allowing the applicator to be filled and a device for closing this central hole making it possible to close it after filling the applicator.
  • the elastic return means are preferably constituted by a helical spring, interposed between, on the one hand, said piston and, on the other hand, an element partially surrounding the applicator.
  • the element partially surrounding the applicator is preferably secured to a part forming the neck, which carries the thread, a part which is force-fitted into the container.
  • said powder may contain microcapsules containing fluid substances such as oils, binders or active agents, such as moisturizers, substances with a hypoallergenic, anti-wrinkle or dermatological treatment effect, these microcapsules releasing their contents in the vicinity of the applicator during the compacting phase.
  • fluid substances such as oils, binders or active agents, such as moisturizers, substances with a hypoallergenic, anti-wrinkle or dermatological treatment effect, these microcapsules releasing their contents in the vicinity of the applicator during the compacting phase.
  • an applicator assembly for a powder product P in particular a cosmetic product, such as a mascara mixed with fatty binder and constituting an oily loose powder.
  • This bottle 102 has a generally cylindrical shape of revolution; it is provided with a neck 103, which is capable of sliding axially in the bottle 102, as will be described below.
  • a removable cap 104 is intended to close the bottle 102, by being adapted on the free end of the neck 103.
  • the cap 104 constitutes a handle making it possible to manipulate an applicator 106 carried by the end of a rod 107 secured to the cap 104 by its tip 105 opposite the applicator 106.
  • the applicator 106 enters the interior of the bottle 102 through an orifice 109 bordered by a wiping lip 120, the role of which is to exert a wiping action on the applicator 106, in order to remove the excess makeup product taken up by the applicator 106 inside the bottle 102.
  • the latter comprises a cylindrical body 136, folded square inward at one of its ends, to form an annular wall 137, the internal edge of which delimits a circular opening 138.
  • the body 136 In the end region opposite to the wall 137, the body 136 internally carries a thread 139, intended to cooperate with the thread outside 140 of the cylindrical skirt 141 of a removable plug 142, intended to close off the body 136 at this end.
  • This plug 142 has a flat bottom 143, having a diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of the body 136, and to which the aforementioned skirt 141 is connected.
  • the outer edge 143 has the bottom 143 is rounded.
  • the skirt 141 has, in the vicinity of its free edge, a recess towards the inside of its internal wall, providing an annular bearing surface 144 on which the end of a helical spring 129 comes to bear, constituting the elastic return means R means for compacting the powder P around the applicator 106, as will be described below.
  • a reservoir 111 is created in the body 136 intended to contain the product P.
  • the neck 103 is constituted by a very elongated cylindrical tubular element, the external diameter of which is slightly less than the diameter of the circular opening 138. At its free end, the inner edge of the neck 103 is bevelled, from which it follows that the applicator 106 is easily introduced into the bottle 102 due to the tapered tapered opening 114 thus produced.
  • the neck 103 is folded square to the outside along an annular flange 124, which forms a piston constituting the compacting means C.
  • the element 124 which is intended to be placed inside the bottle 102, by being applied by the spring 129 against the annular wall 137, has an overall diameter substantially equal to or very slightly less than the internal diameter of the body 136; he wears a cylindrical skirt 145, coaxial with the neck 103, opposite the latter, this skirt having the same outside diameter as element 124.
  • the element 124 comprises, on the one hand, over its entire inner border, a bead directed inwards and constituting the abovementioned wiping lip 120, delimiting the orifice 109, and, on the other hand, a short skirt 146, coaxial with the skirt 145, which is directed on the same side as the latter and the inner wall of which widens constituting the extension of the wiping lip 120.
  • the annular wall zone 147 of the element 124, between the two skirts 145 and 146, constitutes a bearing surface for the other end of the helical spring 129, which, in the assembly position of the assembly, extends axially in the tank 111.
  • the cap 104 is constituted by a peripheral skirt 148 connected to a bottom 149; the bottom 149 has three radial fins 150, which are regularly distributed around the periphery of the bottom, and whose role is indicated below. Furthermore, between its free edge and the lower edge of the radial fins 150, the inner wall of the skirt 148 has longitudinal fins 151 regularly distributed.
  • the rod 107 is an elongated hollow element, having a cylindrical main part 152 intended to be housed in the neck 103 and having an outside diameter, which is less than the inside diameter of said neck 103.
  • This main part 152 narrows to one of its ends along a frustoconical wall 153, to end in a tapered tip 154 crossed by a narrow axial channel constituting the extension of the interior space of the main part 152.
  • This tapered tip 154 is itself crossed by a plurality of transverse channels 155 opening into the above-mentioned axial channel.
  • the tapered end portion 154 constitutes, moreover, the support surface of the applicator 106, which is constituted by a porous foam with open cells.
  • the applicator 106 In the assembly position, the applicator 106 is entirely housed in the reservoir 111, the junction zone between the wall 153 and the tapered tip 154 being located in line with the wiping lip 120. Furthermore, the diameter of l the applicator 106, in its widest part, is clearly greater than the diameter of the circular orifice 109, so that the wiping lip 120 can exert its wiping action on the applicator 106 during the extraction of the latter out of the tank 111.
  • the main part 152 of the rod 107 widens, along a frustoconical part 156, to form the aforementioned nozzle 105.
  • This end piece 105 constitutes the part ensuring the connection of the rod 107 to the cap 104.
  • the end piece 105 constituted by a cylindrical tubular element, has fins 157 on the outside, which are intended to be placed between the fins 151 of the cap 104, ensuring a forced assembly of the rod 107 in the cap 104.
  • the fins 151 and 157 are not contiguous, so that it consists of the longitudinal outlet ducts d 'air, along the skirt 148 of the plug 104, in communication with the central channel of the rod 107 by the passages left free between the fins 150.
  • the frustoconical wall 156 comes, in the assembly position of the cap 104, s' apply against the edge of the neck 103, in the opening 114, thus ensuring the sealing of the applicator assembly 101.
  • the assembly of the applicator assembly according to the invention is carried out in the following manner: the rod 107 carrying the applicator 106 is fixed by its tip 105 in the cap 104, until said end piece 105 abuts against the radial fins 150, the maintenance of these two elements being ensured by the support of the edges of the longitudinal fins 151 and 157 against the side walls of the end piece respectively 105 and of the skirt 148 of the cap 104. In this position, the frustoconical connection zone 156 and the end zone of the main part 152 of the rod 107 adjacent to the connection zone 156, are contained in the cap 104 .
  • the element constituted by the neck 103 terminated by the element 124 is introduced axially, by the end carrying the thread 139, until this element 124 is pressed against the annular wall 137 of the bottle 102.
  • the free end of the neck 103 is capped by the cap 104, the fins 151 coming, by their end region, to bear against the neck 103, so as to ensure the closing connection of the cap 104 by sufficient tightening, the neck 103 resting against the frustoconical wall area 156 of the rod 107.
  • the sub-assembly thus formed is then returned, the spring 129 is put in place, inside the tank 111 then opening upwards; filling the reservoir 111 is carried out with the powder P, and the cap 142. is then screwed on. The assembly is then ready for use.
  • the cap 104 acts as a button. pusher causing the displacement of the element 124, which plays the role of compacting piston, the powder P then being compacted around the applicator 106, which undergoes the same axial translation since it is integral with the cap 104.
  • the air which is in the tank 111, escapes through the pores of the foam constituting the applicator 106, then through the transverse channels 155 and the central channel of the tip 154, then through the axial channel of the rod 107, to escape through the conduits formed along the cap 104.
  • This air leakage towards the outside is symbolized by the arrows F in FIG. 2.
  • the height of the neck 103, measured between the upper wall 137 of the bottle 102 and the lower edge of the skirt 148 of the cap 104, in the rest position of the assembly (FIG. 1), is greater than or equal to the maximum distance that can travel the piston 124. In this way, air can always escape through the edge of the cap 104.
  • the displacement of the piston 124 causes regular compaction of the powder P around the applicator 106, compaction which has the effect of loading this applicator 106 with powder.
  • the user then releases the cap 104 and the spring 129 pushes the piston 124, thus resuspending the powder P.
  • the applicator 106 is then ready for use.
  • the user can remove the cap 104 with the applicator 106 suitably loaded with powder for application.
  • the filling of the device could also be carried out by the neck 103 after screwing on the plug 142.
  • the device allows the tank 111 to be refilled when it has been emptied of the powder which it contained in the container. departure ; it suffices to unscrew the plug 142 to refill, this refilling also being possible through the neck 103.
  • FIG. 3 represents another applicator assembly according to the invention, in which the compacting means is a piston mounted at the bottom of the container, the cap being screwed onto the neck of the container.
  • the applicator assembly is designated by 201. It comprises, on the one hand, a container of cylindrical shape of revolution 202 closed by a piece forming a neck 203 and, on the other hand, a cap 204 which carries an applicator 206 at the end of a rod 207.
  • a piston 205 cooperating with a helical spring 209.
  • the cylindrical container 202 has a cylindrical side wall 221 and at the end opposite to the neck, an annular flange 222 perpendicular to the side wall 221.
  • the flange 222 provides a circular opening 223.
  • the piston 205 consists of two cylindrical parts: one 251 has a cross section, the outside diameter of which is slightly less than the diameter of the opening 223, and the other 252 has a cross section whose outside diameter is larger than the previous one but slightly smaller, in cross section, than the diameter inside the cylindrical wall 221 of the container 202.
  • the two cylindrical parts are connected by a perpendicular annular part 253.
  • the piston is closed by a cover 254 which is fixed by fitting using two concentric skirts 254 a and 254 b on the outer end of the cylindrical part 251 of the piston 205.
  • the cylindrical part 251 of the piston projects through the circular opening 223 formed at the end of the container 202 and serves as a push button for actuating the piston.
  • the piston is mounted movable in translation and in rotation in the container 202.
  • the cylindrical helical spring 209 is supported on one side, on the annular part 253 of the piston 205 and on the other side, on the part forming a neck 203; it extends axially in the container 202.
  • the turns of the spring 209 are arranged in the vicinity of the side wall 221 of the container 202; the spring, taken as a whole, has a diameter such that it can surround the applicator 206 when the applicator assembly 201 is closed.
  • the neck forming part 203 is provided internally with an axial cylindrical opening 231.
  • the external wall has a cylindrical annular part 232 having a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the side walls 221 of the container 202, an external flange 233 and a cylindrical part 234, of smaller external diameter than the cylindrical part 232, which is provided at its end, with an external thread 235.
  • the cylindrical part 232 is forced into the container 202, the flange 233 serving to stop and ensuring sealing.
  • the spring 209 is surrounded by the cylindrical part 232.
  • the cap 204 has the external shape of a cylinder of the same diameter as the container 202 and it is provided with a bottom 241.
  • the internal wall of the cap 204 on the bottom side 241 of the latter, is provided with radial fins 243 and, on the side of its open edge, an internal thread 242 corresponding to the external thread 235 of the part forming a neck.
  • the radial fins 243 have a length such that they are entirely located beyond the neck-forming part 203 when the applicator assembly 201 is closed.
  • the thread carried by the neck 203 has fine axial grooves.
  • the applicator 206 and the rod 207 have the same shape as the applicator 106 and the rod 107 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the applicator assembly 201 shown in the Figure 3 works as described below:
  • the user When the user wishes to apply the powder P on a surface, for example on the eyelids, he begins by pressing on the portion 251 forming the plunger of the piston as indicated by the arrow F.
  • the piston 205 moves axially in the container 202 by crushing the helical spring 209 and causes the compacting of the powder around the applicator 206.
  • the air which is contained in the container 202 escapes through the pores of the foam constituting the applicator 206, then by the axial channel of the rod 207 then by the space formed between the rod 207 and the cap 204 by means of the fins 243 and finally, by the grooves in the thread of the neck 203 and by the space between the piece forming the neck 203 and the cap 204.
  • This air leakage is symbolized by the arrows f in FIG. 3.
  • the compacting and the passage of the air has the effect of loading the applicator 206 with powder.
  • the applicator 206 is then ready for use and the user can unscrew the cap 204, remove from the container 202 the applicator 206 suitably loaded with powder, and proceed with the application of the powder.
  • the refilling of the container 202 can be done simply by opening the cover 254 of the piston 205 and pouring the powder P through the opening obtained.

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Description

L'invention est relative à un ensemble applicateur d'un produit en poudre ou pâteux, notamment d'un produit cosmétique, comprenant un récipient muni d'un goulot et destiné à contenir le produit, un organe pour fermer le récipient, et un applicateur disposé à une extrémité dudit organe, ledit récipient comportant des moyens de compactage du produit autour de l'applicateur et des moyens élastiques de rappel desdits moyens de compactage, l'applicateur étant réalisé en un matériau perméable à l'air, en particulier un matériau poreux et spongieux, tandis que l'organe portant l'applicateur comporte un passage intérieur derrière cet applicateur.The invention relates to an applicator assembly for a powdered or pasty product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container provided with a neck and intended to contain the product, a member for closing the container, and an applicator. disposed at one end of said member, said container comprising means for compacting the product around the applicator and elastic return means for said compacting means, the applicator being made of a breathable material, in particular a material porous and spongy, while the member carrying the applicator has an interior passage behind this applicator.

Un ensemble applicateur de ce type est connu par exemple d'après EP-A-0 263 329. Le produit cosmétique est disposé dans une sorte de godet poussé, par les moyens élastiques, contre l'applicateur. L'organe portant l'applicateur peut contenir un liquide qui vient imbiber l'applicateur.An applicator assembly of this type is known for example from EP-A-0 263 329. The cosmetic product is placed in a sort of cup pushed, by elastic means, against the applicator. The member carrying the applicator may contain a liquid which soaks the applicator.

Dans un tel ensemble, l'utilisateur ne peut pratiquement pas agir sur le degré de compactage ni sur la prise de produit cosmétique assurée par l'applicateur.In such an assembly, the user can practically not act on the degree of compaction nor on the intake of cosmetic product provided by the applicator.

Par ailleurs, on a proposé, conformément à FR-A-2 619 690, un ensemble applicateur dont le flacon comporte, à son extrémité opposée à celle munie d'un capuchon et de l'applicateur, des moyens de compactage du produit autour de l'applicateur, moyens sur lesquels peut agir l'utilisateur, et des moyens élastiques de rappel desdits moyens de compactage en position de repos, lorsque l'utilisateur cesse d'agir. De préférence, les moyens de compactage comprennent un piston monté coulissant dans le flacon, ce piston étant lié à un bouton-poussoir qui fait saillie au-delà de l'extrémité du flacon opposée au capuchon.Furthermore, in accordance with FR-A-2 619 690, an applicator assembly has been proposed, the bottle of which comprises, at its end opposite to that provided with a cap and the applicator, means for compacting the product around the applicator, means on which the user can act, and elastic means for returning said compacting means to the rest position, when the user ceases to act. Preferably, the compacting means comprise a piston mounted sliding in the bottle, this piston being linked to a push-button which projects beyond from the end of the bottle opposite the cap.

Toutefois, lorsqu'on appuie sur le bouton-poussoir afin de compacter le produit autour de l'applicateur, l'air contenu dans le réservoir se trouve comprimé. Dans ces conditions, il se produit un "pistonnage" à l'intérieur du conditionnement, ayant pour conséquence que le produit compacté ne s'accroche pas de façon favorable sur l'applicateur.However, when the push button is pressed in order to compact the product around the applicator, the air contained in the reservoir is compressed. Under these conditions, a "pistoning" occurs inside the packaging, with the consequence that the compacted product does not hang in a favorable manner on the applicator.

La présente invention a pour but, surtout, de fournir un ensemble applicateur qui permet à l'utilisateur d'agir sur le compactage du produit et donc de charger plus ou moins l'applicateur en produit, selon ses desideratas, tout en évitant les problèmes de "pistonnage" dus à l'air contenu dans le réservoir de produit.The present invention aims, above all, to provide an applicator assembly which allows the user to act on the compaction of the product and therefore to load the applicator more or less with product, according to his wishes, while avoiding the problems of "pistoning" due to the air contained in the product tank.

Selon l'invention, un ensemble applicateur du genre défini précédemment, est caractérisé par le fait que, d'une manière connue en elle-même, les moyens élastiques de rappel sont propres à agir dans le sens opposé au compactage, tandis que l'utilisateur peut agir sur les moyens de compactage pour générer, à l'encontre des moyens élastiques, un compactage du produit ; que l'organe pour fermer le récipient comprend un capuchon dont est solidaire une tige qui porte, à une extrémité, ledit applicateur ; que le susdit passage intérieur est prévu dans la tige, et que ce passage intérieur communique avec l'extérieur, ce qui permet l'évacuation de l'air qui est présent dans le récipient et qui est comprimé lors du compactage, l'air à évacuer pénétrant dans ladite tige après avoir traversé le matériau perméable à l'air constituant l'applicateur et s'échappant par ledit (ou lesdits) passage(s) d'évacuation vers l'extérieur du capuchon.According to the invention, an applicator assembly of the kind defined above, is characterized in that, in a manner known in itself, the elastic return means are capable of acting in the opposite direction to compaction, while the user can act on the compaction means to generate, against the elastic means, compaction of the product; that the member for closing the container comprises a cap which is integral with a rod which carries, at one end, said applicator; that the above-mentioned interior passage is provided in the rod, and that this interior passage communicates with the exterior, which allows the evacuation of the air which is present in the container and which is compressed during compaction, the air at evacuate penetrating into said rod after having passed through the air-permeable material constituting the applicator and escaping through said (or said) evacuation passage (s) towards the outside of the cap.

La tige est avantageusement constituée par un élément creux délimitant un canal axial de passage de l'air à évacuer, ladite tige comportant une partie terminale qui supporte l'applicateur, des canaux transversaux de passage d'air étant pratiqués dans ladite partie terminale et débouchant dans le canal axial précité.The rod is advantageously constituted by a hollow element delimiting an axial passage channel air to be evacuated, said rod comprising an end portion which supports the applicator, transverse air passage channels being formed in said end portion and opening into the abovementioned axial channel.

Conformément à une autre caractéristique de la présente invention, la tige se termine, à l'opposé de l'applicateur, par un embout assurant la solidarisation de la tige et du capuchon, le (ou les) passage(s) d'évacuation de l'air communiquant avec l'extérieur par au moins un conduit ménagé entre le capuchon et la tige. En particulier, cet embout peut être introduit à force dans le capuchon, les parois latérales en regard dudit embout et dudit capuchon comportant des ailettes radiales, entre lesquelles sont ménagés des conduits d'évacuation de l'air, l'extrémité libre de l'embout étant à distance du fond du capuchon. Par ailleurs, les ailettes, qui sont portées par le capuchon, peuvent assurer le serrage de ce dernier sur l'extrémité du goulot du récipient, en position de fermeture de l'ensemble.According to another characteristic of the present invention, the rod ends, opposite the applicator, by a nozzle ensuring the attachment of the rod and the cap, (or) passage (s) evacuation of air communicating with the outside via at least one duct formed between the cap and the rod. In particular, this tip can be forced into the cap, the side walls facing said nozzle and said cap comprising radial fins, between which air exhaust ducts are formed, the free end of the nozzle being at a distance from the bottom of the cap. Furthermore, the fins, which are carried by the cap, can ensure the tightening of the latter on the end of the neck of the container, in the closed position of the assembly.

Dans le cas où les moyens de compactage comprennent un piston monté coulissant dans le récipient, ce piston étant lié à un bouton-poussoir extérieur, on peut avantageusement prévoir que le goulot du récipient soit constitué par un élément tubulaire monté coulissant dans une ouverture pratiquée dans la paroi supérieure du récipient, le goulot portant, à son extrémité adjacente au récipient, une collerette externe constituant le piston et rappelée, sous l'action des moyens élastiques de rappel contre l'intérieur de la paroi du récipient, les moyens de commande du piston étant constitués par le capuchon mis en place sur le récipient dans sa position de fermeture, la distance entre la bordure libre du capuchon et ladite paroi supérieure du récipient, dans la position de fermeture précitée, étant au moins égale à la course maximale du piston. Les moyens de rappel élastiques peuvent comprendre un ressort hélicoïdal disposé entre le piston et le fond du récipient ou un élément porté par le fond du récipient.In the case where the compacting means comprise a piston mounted to slide in the container, this piston being linked to an external push button, provision may advantageously be made for the neck of the container to be constituted by a tubular element mounted to slide in an opening made in the upper wall of the container, the neck carrying, at its end adjacent to the container, an external flange constituting the piston and returned, under the action of the elastic return means against the interior of the wall of the container, the means for controlling the piston being constituted by the cap placed on the container in its closed position, the distance between the free edge of the cap and said upper wall of the container, in the aforementioned closed position, being at least equal to the maximum stroke of the piston . The elastic return means may comprise a helical spring disposed between the piston and the bottom of the container or an element carried by the bottom of the container.

Le piston constitue avantageusement un porte-essoreur, comportant, à cet effet, une lèvre d'essuyage de l'applicateur.The piston advantageously constitutes a wiper holder, comprising, for this purpose, a wiping lip of the applicator.

Le récipient peut être constitué par un corps tubulaire replié à l'une de ses extrémités pour constituer la paroi supérieure traversée par le goulot, ledit corps étant obturé à son autre extrémité par un bouchon amovible.The container can be constituted by a tubular body folded at one of its ends to constitute the upper wall through which the neck, said body being closed at its other end by a removable plug.

On peut également prévoir que le moyen de compactage soit constitué par un piston lié à un bouton-poussoir, qui fait saillie au-delà de l'extrémité du récipient opposée au goulot. Le piston est alors, de préférence, muni d'un trou central permettant de remplir l'applicateur et d'un dispositif d'obturation de ce trou central permettant de le fermer après remplissage de l'applicateur. Les moyens de rappel élastiques sont, de préférence, constitués par un ressort hélicoïdal, interposé entre, d'une part, ledit piston et, d'autre part, un élément entourant partiellement l'applicateur. L'élément entourant partiellement l'applicateur est, de préférence, solidaire d'une pièce formant le goulot, qui porte le filetage, pièce qui est montée à force dans le récipient.Provision may also be made for the compacting means to consist of a piston linked to a push-button, which projects beyond the end of the container opposite the neck. The piston is then preferably provided with a central hole allowing the applicator to be filled and a device for closing this central hole making it possible to close it after filling the applicator. The elastic return means are preferably constituted by a helical spring, interposed between, on the one hand, said piston and, on the other hand, an element partially surrounding the applicator. The element partially surrounding the applicator is preferably secured to a part forming the neck, which carries the thread, a part which is force-fitted into the container.

Lorsque le produit à appliquer est une poudre, ladite poudre peut comporter des microcapsules contenant des substances fluides telles que des huiles, des liants ou des actifs, tels que des agents hydratants, des substances à effet traitant hypoallergénique, anti-rides ou dermatologiques, ces microcapsules libérant leur contenu au voisinage de l'applicateur lors de la phase de compactage.When the product to be applied is a powder, said powder may contain microcapsules containing fluid substances such as oils, binders or active agents, such as moisturizers, substances with a hypoallergenic, anti-wrinkle or dermatological treatment effect, these microcapsules releasing their contents in the vicinity of the applicator during the compacting phase.

Pour mieux faire comprendre l'objet de la présente invention, on va en décrire ci-après, à titre d'exemples purement illustratifs et non limitatifs, deux modes de réalisation représentés sur le dessin annexé.To better understand the object of the present invention, there will be described below, by way of purely illustrative and nonlimiting examples, two embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing.

Sur ce dessin :

  • les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues en coupe axiale d'un même ensemble applicateur selon l'invention, le capuchon étant mis en place sur le récipient, la poudre se trouvant respectivement à l'état libre et à l'état compacté autour de l'applicateur.
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un autre ensemble applicateur selon l'invention, le capuchon étant mis en place sur le récipient.
On this drawing :
  • Figures 1 and 2 are views in axial section of the same applicator assembly according to the invention, the cap being placed on the container, the powder being located respectively the free state and the compacted state around the applicator.
  • Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of another applicator assembly according to the invention, the cap being placed on the container.

En se référant d'abord aux figures 1 et 2, on voit que l'on a désigné par 101, un ensemble applicateur d'un produit en poudre P, notamment un produit cosmétique, tel qu'un mascara mélangé avec du liant gras et constituant une poudre libre grasse. Le récipient de l'ensemble applicateur 101 et un flacon 102 destiné à contenir le produit P. Ce flacon 102 a une forme générale cylindrique de révolution ; il est muni d'un goulot 103, qui est apte à coulisser axialement dans le flacon 102, comme cela sera décrit ci-après.Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that there has been designated by 101, an applicator assembly for a powder product P, in particular a cosmetic product, such as a mascara mixed with fatty binder and constituting an oily loose powder. The container of the applicator assembly 101 and a bottle 102 intended to contain the product P. This bottle 102 has a generally cylindrical shape of revolution; it is provided with a neck 103, which is capable of sliding axially in the bottle 102, as will be described below.

Un capuchon amovible 104 est destiné à venir fermer le flacon 102, en étant adapté sur l'extrémité libre du goulot 103. Le capuchon 104 constitue une poignée permettant de manipuler un applicateur 106 porté par l'extrémité d'une tige 107 solidaire du capuchon 104 par son embout 105 opposé à l'applicateur 106. L'applicateur 106 pénètre à l'intérieur du flacon 102 par un orifice 109 bordé par une lèvre d'essuyage 120, dont le rôle est d'exercer une action d'essorage sur l'applicateur 106, dans le but d'éliminer l'excès de produit de maquillage prélevé par l'applicateur 106 à l'intérieur du flacon 102.A removable cap 104 is intended to close the bottle 102, by being adapted on the free end of the neck 103. The cap 104 constitutes a handle making it possible to manipulate an applicator 106 carried by the end of a rod 107 secured to the cap 104 by its tip 105 opposite the applicator 106. The applicator 106 enters the interior of the bottle 102 through an orifice 109 bordered by a wiping lip 120, the role of which is to exert a wiping action on the applicator 106, in order to remove the excess makeup product taken up by the applicator 106 inside the bottle 102.

Ce dernier comprend un corps cylindrique 136, replié d'équerre vers l'intérieur à l'une de ses extrémités, pour constituer une paroi annulaire 137, dont la bordure interne délimite une ouverture circulaire 138. Dans la région d'extrémité opposée à la paroi 137, le corps 136 porte intérieurement un filetage 139, destiné à coopérer avec le filetage extérieur 140 de la jupe cylindrique 141 d'un bouchon amovible 142, destiné à venir obturer le corps 136 à cette extrémité. Ce bouchon 142 comporte un fond plat 143, ayant un diamètre correspondant au diamètre extérieur du corps 136, et auquel est raccordée la jupe 141 précitée. La bordure externe 143a du fond 143 est arrondie. La jupe 141 comporte, au voisinage de sa bordure libre, un décrochement vers l'intérieur de sa paroi interne, ménageant une portée annulaire 144 sur laquelle vient en appui l'extrémité d'un ressort hélicoïdal 129, constituant les moyens de rappel élastiques R des moyens de compactage de la poudre P autour de l'applicateur 106, comme cela sera décrit ci-après.The latter comprises a cylindrical body 136, folded square inward at one of its ends, to form an annular wall 137, the internal edge of which delimits a circular opening 138. In the end region opposite to the wall 137, the body 136 internally carries a thread 139, intended to cooperate with the thread outside 140 of the cylindrical skirt 141 of a removable plug 142, intended to close off the body 136 at this end. This plug 142 has a flat bottom 143, having a diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of the body 136, and to which the aforementioned skirt 141 is connected. The outer edge 143 has the bottom 143 is rounded. The skirt 141 has, in the vicinity of its free edge, a recess towards the inside of its internal wall, providing an annular bearing surface 144 on which the end of a helical spring 129 comes to bear, constituting the elastic return means R means for compacting the powder P around the applicator 106, as will be described below.

Lorsque le bouchon 142 est vissé sur le corps 136, on constitue dans le corps 136 un réservoir 111 destiné à contenir le produit P.When the plug 142 is screwed onto the body 136, a reservoir 111 is created in the body 136 intended to contain the product P.

Le goulot 103 est constitué par un élément tubulaire cylindrique très allongé, dont le diamètre externe est légèrement inférieur au diamètre de l'ouverture circulaire 138. A son extrémité libre, la bordure intérieure du goulot 103 est biseautée, d'où il résulte que l'applicateur 106 est facilement introduit dans le flacon 102 en raison de l'ouverture 114 évasée tronconique ainsi réalisée.The neck 103 is constituted by a very elongated cylindrical tubular element, the external diameter of which is slightly less than the diameter of the circular opening 138. At its free end, the inner edge of the neck 103 is bevelled, from which it follows that the applicator 106 is easily introduced into the bottle 102 due to the tapered tapered opening 114 thus produced.

A l'extrémité opposée, le goulot 103 est replié d'équerre vers l'extérieur suivant une collerette annulaire 124, qui forme un piston constituant les moyens de compactage C.At the opposite end, the neck 103 is folded square to the outside along an annular flange 124, which forms a piston constituting the compacting means C.

L'élément 124, qui est destiné à venir se placer à l'intérieur du flacon 102, en étant appliqué par le ressort 129 contre la paroi annulaire 137, présente un diamètre d'ensemble sensiblement égal ou très légèrement inférieur au diamètre interne du corps 136 ; il porte une jupe cylindrique 145, coaxiale du goulot 103, à l'opposé de celui-ci, cette jupe ayant le même diamètre extérieur que l'élément 124.The element 124, which is intended to be placed inside the bottle 102, by being applied by the spring 129 against the annular wall 137, has an overall diameter substantially equal to or very slightly less than the internal diameter of the body 136; he wears a cylindrical skirt 145, coaxial with the neck 103, opposite the latter, this skirt having the same outside diameter as element 124.

Par ailleurs, l'élément 124 comporte, d'une part, sur toute sa bordure intérieure, un bourrelet dirigé vers l'intérieur et constituant la lèvre d'essuyage susindiquée 120, délimitant l'orifice 109, et, d'autre part, une courte jupe 146, coaxiale à la jupe 145, qui est dirigée du même côté que celle-ci et dont la paroi intérieure s'évase en constituant le prolongement de la lèvre d'essuyage 120. La zone de paroi annulaire 147 de l'élément 124, entre les deux jupes 145 et 146, constitue une portée d'appui de l'autre extrémité du ressort hélicoïdal 129, lequel, en position de montage de l'ensemble, s'étend axialement dans le réservoir 111.Furthermore, the element 124 comprises, on the one hand, over its entire inner border, a bead directed inwards and constituting the abovementioned wiping lip 120, delimiting the orifice 109, and, on the other hand, a short skirt 146, coaxial with the skirt 145, which is directed on the same side as the latter and the inner wall of which widens constituting the extension of the wiping lip 120. The annular wall zone 147 of the element 124, between the two skirts 145 and 146, constitutes a bearing surface for the other end of the helical spring 129, which, in the assembly position of the assembly, extends axially in the tank 111.

Le capuchon 104 est constitué par une jupe périphérique 148 raccordée à un fond 149 ; le fond 149 comporte trois ailettes radiales 150, qui sont régulièrement réparties à la périphérie du fond, et dont le rôle est indiqué plus loin. Par ailleurs, entre sa bordure libre et la bordure inférieure des ailettes radiales 150, la paroi intérieure de la jupe 148 comporte des ailettes longitudinales 151 régulièrement réparties.The cap 104 is constituted by a peripheral skirt 148 connected to a bottom 149; the bottom 149 has three radial fins 150, which are regularly distributed around the periphery of the bottom, and whose role is indicated below. Furthermore, between its free edge and the lower edge of the radial fins 150, the inner wall of the skirt 148 has longitudinal fins 151 regularly distributed.

La tige 107 est un élément allongé creux, présentant une partie principale cylindrique 152 destinée à venir se loger dans le goulot 103 et présentant un diamètre extérieur, qui est inférieur au diamètre intérieur dudit goulot 103. Cette partie principale 152 se rétrécit à l'une de ses extrémités suivant une paroi tronconique 153, pour se terminer suivant une pointe effilée 154 traversée par un étroit canal axial constituant le prolongement de l'espace intérieur de la partie principale 152. Cette pointe effilée 154 est elle-même traversée par une pluralité de canaux transversaux 155 débouchant dans le canal axial précité. La partie terminale effilée 154 constitue, par ailleurs, la surface de support de l'applicateur 106, qui est constitué par une mousse poreuse à cellules ouvertes.The rod 107 is an elongated hollow element, having a cylindrical main part 152 intended to be housed in the neck 103 and having an outside diameter, which is less than the inside diameter of said neck 103. This main part 152 narrows to one of its ends along a frustoconical wall 153, to end in a tapered tip 154 crossed by a narrow axial channel constituting the extension of the interior space of the main part 152. This tapered tip 154 is itself crossed by a plurality of transverse channels 155 opening into the above-mentioned axial channel. The tapered end portion 154 constitutes, moreover, the support surface of the applicator 106, which is constituted by a porous foam with open cells.

En position d'assemblage, l'applicateur 106 est entièrement logé dans le réservoir 111, la zone de jonction entre la paroi 153 et la pointe effilée 154 se situant au droit de la lèvre d'essuyage 120. Par ailleurs, le diamètre de l'applicateur 106, dans sa partie la plus large, est nettement supérieur au diamètre de l'orifice circulaire 109, de façon que la lèvre d'essorage 120 puisse exercer son action d'essorage de l'applicateur 106 lors de l'extraction de ce dernier hors du réservoir 111.In the assembly position, the applicator 106 is entirely housed in the reservoir 111, the junction zone between the wall 153 and the tapered tip 154 being located in line with the wiping lip 120. Furthermore, the diameter of l the applicator 106, in its widest part, is clearly greater than the diameter of the circular orifice 109, so that the wiping lip 120 can exert its wiping action on the applicator 106 during the extraction of the latter out of the tank 111.

A l'opposé de la pointe 154, la partie principale 152 de la tige 107 s'évase, suivant une partie tronconique 156, pour former l'embout 105 précité. Cet embout 105 constitue la partie assurant la liaison de la tige 107 au capuchon 104. A cet effet, l'embout 105, constitué par un élément tubulaire cylindrique, comporte extérieurement des ailettes 157, qui sont destinées à venir se placer entre les ailettes 151 du capuchon 104, assurant un montage à force de la tige 107 dans le capuchon 104. Toutefois, dans la position d'assemblage, les ailettes 151 et 157 ne sont pas jointives, de sorte qu'il est constitué des conduits longitudinaux de sortie d'air, le long de la jupe 148 du bouchon 104, en communication avec le canal central de la tige 107 par les passages laissés libres entre les ailettes 150. La paroi tronconique 156 vient, en position d'assemblage du capuchon 104, s'appliquer contre la bordure du goulot 103, dans l'ouverture 114, assurant ainsi l'étanchéité de l'ensemble applicateur 101.Opposite the tip 154, the main part 152 of the rod 107 widens, along a frustoconical part 156, to form the aforementioned nozzle 105. This end piece 105 constitutes the part ensuring the connection of the rod 107 to the cap 104. For this purpose, the end piece 105, constituted by a cylindrical tubular element, has fins 157 on the outside, which are intended to be placed between the fins 151 of the cap 104, ensuring a forced assembly of the rod 107 in the cap 104. However, in the assembly position, the fins 151 and 157 are not contiguous, so that it consists of the longitudinal outlet ducts d 'air, along the skirt 148 of the plug 104, in communication with the central channel of the rod 107 by the passages left free between the fins 150. The frustoconical wall 156 comes, in the assembly position of the cap 104, s' apply against the edge of the neck 103, in the opening 114, thus ensuring the sealing of the applicator assembly 101.

Le montage de l'ensemble applicateur selon l'invention s'effectue de la façon suivante : on fixe la tige 107 portant l'applicateur 106 par son embout 105 dans le capuchon 104, jusqu'à mise en butée dudit embout 105 contre les ailettes radiales 150, le maintien de ces deux éléments étant assuré par l'appui des bordures des ailettes longitudinales 151 et 157 contre les parois latérales respectivement de l'embout 105 et de la jupe 148 du capuchon 104. Dans cette position, la zone de liaison tronconique 156 et la zone d'extrémité de la partie principale 152 de la tige 107 voisine de la zone de liaison 156, se trouvent contenues dans le capuchon 104.The assembly of the applicator assembly according to the invention is carried out in the following manner: the rod 107 carrying the applicator 106 is fixed by its tip 105 in the cap 104, until said end piece 105 abuts against the radial fins 150, the maintenance of these two elements being ensured by the support of the edges of the longitudinal fins 151 and 157 against the side walls of the end piece respectively 105 and of the skirt 148 of the cap 104. In this position, the frustoconical connection zone 156 and the end zone of the main part 152 of the rod 107 adjacent to the connection zone 156, are contained in the cap 104 .

Dans le corps du flacon 136, on introduit axialement, par l'extrémité portant le filetage 139, l'élément constitué par le goulot 103 terminé par l'élément 124, jusqu'à mise en appui de cet élément 124 contre la paroi annulaire 137 du flacon 102. On vient coiffer l'extrémité libre du goulot 103 par le capuchon 104, les ailettes 151 venant, par leur région d'extrémité, en appui contre le goulot 103, de manière à assurer la liaison de fermeture du capuchon 104 par un serrage suffisant, le goulot 103 reposant contre la zone de paroi tronconique 156 de la tige 107.In the body of the bottle 136, the element constituted by the neck 103 terminated by the element 124 is introduced axially, by the end carrying the thread 139, until this element 124 is pressed against the annular wall 137 of the bottle 102. The free end of the neck 103 is capped by the cap 104, the fins 151 coming, by their end region, to bear against the neck 103, so as to ensure the closing connection of the cap 104 by sufficient tightening, the neck 103 resting against the frustoconical wall area 156 of the rod 107.

On retourne alors le sous-ensemble ainsi constitué, on procédé à la mise en place du ressort 129, à l'intérieur du réservoir 111 s'ouvrant alors vers le haut ; on effectue le remplissage du réservoir 111 par la poudre P, et on vient ensuite visser le bouchon 142. L'ensemble est alors prêt à l'emploi.The sub-assembly thus formed is then returned, the spring 129 is put in place, inside the tank 111 then opening upwards; filling the reservoir 111 is carried out with the powder P, and the cap 142. is then screwed on. The assembly is then ready for use.

Lorsque l'utilisateur désire appliquer la poudre P sur une surface, par exemple sur les paupières, il peut commencer par appuyer sur le capuchon 104, suivant la flèche f2 indiquée sur la figure 2. Dans ce cas, le capuchon 104 agit comme bouton-poussoir provoquant le déplacement de l'élément 124, qui joue le rôle de piston de compactage, la poudre P étant alors compactée autour de l'applicateur 106, qui subit la même translation axiale puisqu'il est solidaire du capuchon 104. Dans cette opération de compactage, l'air, qui se trouve dans le réservoir 111, s'échappe à travers les pores de la mousse constituant l'applicateur 106, puis par les canaux transversaux 155 et le canal central de la pointe 154, puis par le canal axial de la tige 107, pour s'échapper par les conduits formés le long du capuchon 104. Cette fuite d'air vers l'extérieur est symbolisée par les flèches F sur la figure 2. La hauteur du goulot 103, mesurée entre la paroi supérieure 137 du flacon 102 et la bordure inférieure de la jupe 148 du capuchon 104, en position de repos de l'ensemble (figure 1), est supérieure ou égale à la distance maximale que peut parcourir le piston 124. De cette façon, l'air peut toujours s'échapper par la bordure du capuchon 104.When the user wishes to apply the powder P on a surface, for example on the eyelids, he can start by pressing on the cap 104, following the arrow f2 indicated in FIG. 2. In this case, the cap 104 acts as a button. pusher causing the displacement of the element 124, which plays the role of compacting piston, the powder P then being compacted around the applicator 106, which undergoes the same axial translation since it is integral with the cap 104. In this compacting operation, the air, which is in the tank 111, escapes through the pores of the foam constituting the applicator 106, then through the transverse channels 155 and the central channel of the tip 154, then through the axial channel of the rod 107, to escape through the conduits formed along the cap 104. This air leakage towards the outside is symbolized by the arrows F in FIG. 2. The height of the neck 103, measured between the upper wall 137 of the bottle 102 and the lower edge of the skirt 148 of the cap 104, in the rest position of the assembly (FIG. 1), is greater than or equal to the maximum distance that can travel the piston 124. In this way, air can always escape through the edge of the cap 104.

Le déplacement du piston 124 provoque un compactage régulier de la poudre P autour de l'applicateur 106, compactage qui a pour effet de charger en poudre cet applicateur 106. L'utilisateur relâche ensuite le capuchon 104 et le ressort 129 repousse le piston 124, remettant ainsi la poudre P en suspension.The displacement of the piston 124 causes regular compaction of the powder P around the applicator 106, compaction which has the effect of loading this applicator 106 with powder. The user then releases the cap 104 and the spring 129 pushes the piston 124, thus resuspending the powder P.

L'applicateur 106 est alors prêt à l'emploi. L'utilisateur peut retirer le capuchon 104 avec l'applicateur 106 convenablement chargé en poudre en vue de l'application.The applicator 106 is then ready for use. The user can remove the cap 104 with the applicator 106 suitably loaded with powder for application.

Par ailleurs, on peut noter que le remplissage du dispositif pourrait aussi être effectué par le col 103 après vissage du bouchon 142. De plus, le dispositif permet une recharge du réservoir 111 lorsqu'il a été vidé de la poudre qu'il contenait au départ ; il suffit en effet de dévisser le bouchon 142 pour procéder à un nouveau remplissage, ce nouveau remplissage étant également possible par le goulot 103.Furthermore, it can be noted that the filling of the device could also be carried out by the neck 103 after screwing on the plug 142. In addition, the device allows the tank 111 to be refilled when it has been emptied of the powder which it contained in the container. departure ; it suffices to unscrew the plug 142 to refill, this refilling also being possible through the neck 103.

La figure 3 représente un autre ensemble applicateur selon l'invention, dans lequel le moyen de compactage est un piston monté au fond du récipient, le capuchon étant vissé sur le goulot du récipient. Sur cette figure, l'ensemble applicateur est désigné par 201. Il comporte, d'une part, un récipient de forme cylindrique de révolution 202 fermé par une pièce formant goulot 203 et, d'autre part, un capuchon 204 qui porte un applicateur 206 au bout d'une tige 207. Sur l'extrémité du récipient 202 opposée au goulot 203, est monté un piston 205 coopérant avec un ressort hélicoïdal 209. Le récipient cylindrique 202 comporte une paroi latérale cylindrique 221 et à l'extrémité opposée au goulot, une collerette annulaire 222 perpendiculaire à la paroi latérale 221. La collerette 222 ménage une ouverture circulaire 223. Le piston 205 se compose de deux parties cylindriques : l'une 251 a une section transversale, dont le diamètre extérieur est légèrement inférieur au diamètre de l'ouverture 223, et l'autre 252 a une section transversale dont le diamètre extérieur est plus grand que le précédent mais légèrement inférieur, en section transversale, au diamètre intérieur de la paroi cylindrique 221 du récipient 202. Les deux parties cylindriques sont reliées par une partie annulaire perpendiculaire 253. Le piston est fermé par un couvercle 254 qui est fixé par emboîtage à l'aide de deux jupes concentriques 254a et 254b sur l'extrémité externe de la partie cylindrique 251 du piston 205. La partie cylindrique 251 du piston fait saillie par l'ouverture circulaire 223 ménagée à l'extrémité du récipient 202 et sert de bouton-poussoir pour actionner le piston. Le piston est monté mobile en translation et en rotation dans le récipient 202. Le ressort hélicoïdal 209 cylindrique est en appui d'un côté, sur la partie annulaire 253 du piston 205 et de l'autre côté, sur la pièce formant goulot 203 ; il s'étend axialement dans le récipient 202. Les spires du ressort 209 sont disposées au voisinage de la paroi latérale 221 du récipient 202 ; le ressort, pris dans son ensemble, a un diamètre tel qu'il puisse entourer l'applicateur 206 lorsque l'ensemble applicateur 201 est fermé.FIG. 3 represents another applicator assembly according to the invention, in which the compacting means is a piston mounted at the bottom of the container, the cap being screwed onto the neck of the container. In this figure, the applicator assembly is designated by 201. It comprises, on the one hand, a container of cylindrical shape of revolution 202 closed by a piece forming a neck 203 and, on the other hand, a cap 204 which carries an applicator 206 at the end of a rod 207. On the end of the container 202 opposite the neck 203, is mounted a piston 205 cooperating with a helical spring 209. The cylindrical container 202 has a cylindrical side wall 221 and at the end opposite to the neck, an annular flange 222 perpendicular to the side wall 221. The flange 222 provides a circular opening 223. The piston 205 consists of two cylindrical parts: one 251 has a cross section, the outside diameter of which is slightly less than the diameter of the opening 223, and the other 252 has a cross section whose outside diameter is larger than the previous one but slightly smaller, in cross section, than the diameter inside the cylindrical wall 221 of the container 202. The two cylindrical parts are connected by a perpendicular annular part 253. The piston is closed by a cover 254 which is fixed by fitting using two concentric skirts 254 a and 254 b on the outer end of the cylindrical part 251 of the piston 205. The cylindrical part 251 of the piston projects through the circular opening 223 formed at the end of the container 202 and serves as a push button for actuating the piston. The piston is mounted movable in translation and in rotation in the container 202. The cylindrical helical spring 209 is supported on one side, on the annular part 253 of the piston 205 and on the other side, on the part forming a neck 203; it extends axially in the container 202. The turns of the spring 209 are arranged in the vicinity of the side wall 221 of the container 202; the spring, taken as a whole, has a diameter such that it can surround the applicator 206 when the applicator assembly 201 is closed.

La pièce formant goulot 203 est munie intérieurement d'une ouverture cylindrique axiale 231. A une de ses extrémités, la paroi extérieure comporte une partie annulaire cylindrique 232 ayant un diamètre légèrement inférieur au diamètre intérieur des parois latérales 221 du récipient 202, une collerette externe 233 et une partie cylindrique 234, de plus faible diamètre extérieur que la partie cylindrique 232, qui est munie à son extrémité, d'un filetage externe 235. La partie cylindrique 232 est introduite à force dans le récipient 202, la collerette 233 servant de butée et assurant l'étanchéité. Le ressort 209 est entouré par la partie cylindrique 232.The neck forming part 203 is provided internally with an axial cylindrical opening 231. At one of its ends, the external wall has a cylindrical annular part 232 having a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the side walls 221 of the container 202, an external flange 233 and a cylindrical part 234, of smaller external diameter than the cylindrical part 232, which is provided at its end, with an external thread 235. The cylindrical part 232 is forced into the container 202, the flange 233 serving to stop and ensuring sealing. The spring 209 is surrounded by the cylindrical part 232.

Le capuchon 204 a extérieurement la forme d'un cylindre de même diamètre que le récipient 202 et il est muni d'un fond 241. La paroi interne du capuchon 204 du côté de fond 241 de ce dernier, est munie d'ailettes radiales 243 et, du côté de son bord ouvert, d'un filetage interne 242 correspondant au filetage externe 235 de la pièce formant goulot. Les ailettes radiales 243 ont une longueur telle qu'elles sont entièrement situées au-delà de la pièce formant goulot 203 lorsque l'ensemble applicateur 201 est fermé. Le filetage porté par le goulot 203 comporte de fines rainures axiales.The cap 204 has the external shape of a cylinder of the same diameter as the container 202 and it is provided with a bottom 241. The internal wall of the cap 204 on the bottom side 241 of the latter, is provided with radial fins 243 and, on the side of its open edge, an internal thread 242 corresponding to the external thread 235 of the part forming a neck. The radial fins 243 have a length such that they are entirely located beyond the neck-forming part 203 when the applicator assembly 201 is closed. The thread carried by the neck 203 has fine axial grooves.

L'applicateur 206 et la tige 207 ont la même forme que l' applicateur 106 et la tige 107 représentés sur les figures 1 et 2.The applicator 206 and the rod 207 have the same shape as the applicator 106 and the rod 107 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

L'ensemble applicateur 201 représenté sur la figure 3 fonctionne de la façon décrite ci-après :The applicator assembly 201 shown in the Figure 3 works as described below:

Lorsque l'utilisateur désire appliquer la poudre P sur une surface, par exemple sur les paupières, il commence par appuyer sur la partie 251 formant poussoir du piston comme indiqué par la flèche F. Le piston 205 se déplace axialement dans le récipient 202 en écrasant le ressort hélicoïdal 209 et provoque le compactage de la poudre autour de l'applicateur 206. Dans cette opération, l'air qui est contenu dans le récipient 202, s'échappe à travers les pores de la mousse constituant l'applicateur 206, puis par le canal axial de la tige 207 puis par l'espace ménagé entre la tige 207 et le capuchon 204 grâce aux ailettes 243 et enfin, par les rainures du filetage du goulot 203 et par l'espace compris entre la pièce formant goulot 203 et le capuchon 204. Cette fuite d'air est symbolisé par les flèches f sur la figure 3. Le compactage et le passage de l'air a pour effet de charger en poudre l'applicateur 206.When the user wishes to apply the powder P on a surface, for example on the eyelids, he begins by pressing on the portion 251 forming the plunger of the piston as indicated by the arrow F. The piston 205 moves axially in the container 202 by crushing the helical spring 209 and causes the compacting of the powder around the applicator 206. In this operation, the air which is contained in the container 202 escapes through the pores of the foam constituting the applicator 206, then by the axial channel of the rod 207 then by the space formed between the rod 207 and the cap 204 by means of the fins 243 and finally, by the grooves in the thread of the neck 203 and by the space between the piece forming the neck 203 and the cap 204. This air leakage is symbolized by the arrows f in FIG. 3. The compacting and the passage of the air has the effect of loading the applicator 206 with powder.

L'utilisateur relâche ensuite la pression sur la partie 251 formant bouton-poussoir du piston et le ressort repousse le piston 205 jusqu'à ce que la partie annulaire 253 du piston 205 vienne en butée contre la collerette 222 du récipient 202.The user then releases the pressure on the part 251 forming a push-button of the piston and the spring pushes back the piston 205 until the annular part 253 of the piston 205 comes into abutment against the flange 222 of the container 202.

L'applicateur 206 est alors prêt à l'emploi et l'utilisateur peut dévisser le capuchon 204, retirer du récipient 202 l'applicateur 206 convenablement chargé en poudre, et procéder à l'application de la poudre.The applicator 206 is then ready for use and the user can unscrew the cap 204, remove from the container 202 the applicator 206 suitably loaded with powder, and proceed with the application of the powder.

Il faut noter, par ailleurs, que le rechargement du récipient 202 peut être fait simplement en ouvrant le couvercle 254 du piston 205 et en versant la poudre P par l'ouverture obtenue.Note, moreover, that the refilling of the container 202 can be done simply by opening the cover 254 of the piston 205 and pouring the powder P through the opening obtained.

Claims (14)

1. Applicator assembly (101, 201) for a product which is a powder or is pasty, particularly a cosmetic product, comprising a container (102, 202) equipped with a neck (103, 203) and intended to contain the product (P), a member (104, 204) for closing the container (102, 202), and an applicator (106, 206) disposed at one end of the said member (104, 204), the said container (102, 202) comprising means (C) for compacting the product (P) around the applicator (106, 206), and elastic return means (R) of the said compacting means, the applicator (106, 206) being produced in an air-permeable material, in particular a porous and spongy material, whilst the member which carries the applicator comprises an inner passage behind this applicator,
   characterised in that, in a manner known per se, the elastic return means (R) are capable of acting in the direction opposed to the compacting, whilst the user can act on these compacting means in order to generate, counter to the elastic means, a compacting of the product, in that the member for closing the container consists of a cap (104, 204) with which a rod (107, 207) is integral, the said applicator (106, 206) being disposed at the end of the rod (107, 207); in that the abovementioned inner passage is provided in the rod, and in that this inner passage communicates with the outside in order to permit the evacuation of the air which is present in the container (102, 202) and which is compressed during compacting, the air to be evacuated penetrating into the said rod (107, 207) after having traversed the air-permeable material forming the applicator (106, 206) and escaping via the said evacuation passage(s) towards the outside of the cap (104, 204).
2. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterised in that the rod (107, 207) consists of a hollow element, delimiting an axial channel for the passage of the air to be evacuated, the said rod (107, 207) comprising an end part which supports the applicator (106, 206), lateral channels for the passage of air being made in the said end part and emerging in the abovementioned axial channel.
3. Assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the rod (107, 207) ends, on the opposite side from the applicator (106, 206), in a joining piece securing together the rod (107, 207) and the cap (104, 204), the evacuation passage(s) for the air communicating with the outside via at least one conduit made between the cap (104, 204) and the rod (107, 207).
4. Assembly according to Claim 3, characterised in that the joining piece is inserted forcibly in the cap (104, 204), the lateral walls opposite the said joining piece and the said cap (104, 204) comprising radial fins, between which are made evacuation conduits for the air, the free end of the joining piece being distanced from the base of the cap (104, 204).
5. Asssembly according to Claim 4, characterised in that the fins carried by the cap (104, 204) clamp the latter on the end of the neck (103, 203) of the container (102, 202), in the closure position of the assembly.
6. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the compacting means (C) comprise a piston (124) mounted slidably in the container (102), this piston (124) being linked to an exterior push-button, characterised in that the neck (103) consists of a tubular element mounted slidably in an opening (138) made in the upper wall (137) of the container (102), and carrying at its end adjacent to the container an outer collar forming the piston (124) and returned through the action of the elastic return means (R), against the inside of the abovementioned wall (137) of the bottle (102), the control means of the piston (124) consisting of the cap (104), in the closure position of the container (102), the distance between the free edge of the cap (104) and the said upper wall of the container (137) in the abovementioned closure position being at least equal to the maximum stroke of the piston (124).
7. Assembly according to Claim 6, characterised in that the elastic return means (R) comprise a helical spring (129) disposed between the piston (124) and the base of the container (102) or an element carried by the base of the container (102).
8. Assembly according to one of Claims 6 and 7, characterised in that the piston (124) also forms a drier carrier, and comprises, to this end, a wiping lip (120) for the applicator (106).
9. Assembly according to one of Claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the container (102) consists of a tubular body (136) folded over at one of its ends in order to form the upper wall (137) of the bottle (102) traversed by the throat (103), the body (136) being closed off at its other end by a removable stopper (142).
10. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the compacting means (C) comprise a piston (205) mounted in the container (202), this piston being linked to an exterior pusher element and to elastic return means (R), the exterior pusher element (251) projecting beyond the end of the container (202) which is opposite the neck (203).
11. Assembly according to Claim 10, characterised in that the piston (205) is equipped with a central hole permitting filling of the applicator and with a closing-off device (254) for closing this central hole after filling of the applicator.
12. Assembly according to one of Claims 10 and 11, characterised in that the elastic return means R consist of a helical spring (209) interposed between, on the one hand, the said piston (205) and, on the other hand, an element (232) partially surrounding the applicator (206).
13. Assembly according to Claim 12, characterised in that the element surrounding the applicator is integral with a piece which forms a neck (203) carrying a screw thread (235), the piece being mounted forcibly in the container (202).
14. Assembly according to one of Claims 1 to 13, in which the product to be applied is a powder, characterised in that the said powder (P) comprises micro-capsules containing fluid substances, these microcapsules releasing their contents in the vicinity of the applicator (106, 206) during the compacting stage.
EP89401810A 1988-06-27 1989-06-26 Applicator for a powdery or pasty product, especially a cosmetic product Expired - Lifetime EP0349407B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8808591A FR2633167B1 (en) 1988-06-27 1988-06-27 APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY OF A POWDER OR PASTY PRODUCT, IN PARTICULAR OF A COSMETIC PRODUCT
FR8808591 1988-06-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0349407A1 EP0349407A1 (en) 1990-01-03
EP0349407B1 true EP0349407B1 (en) 1992-04-22

Family

ID=9367750

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89401810A Expired - Lifetime EP0349407B1 (en) 1988-06-27 1989-06-26 Applicator for a powdery or pasty product, especially a cosmetic product

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US4929108A (en)
EP (1) EP0349407B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2649420B2 (en)
CA (1) CA1327025C (en)
DE (1) DE68901313D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2032232T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2633167B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2633167B1 (en) 1990-09-21
DE68901313D1 (en) 1992-05-27
CA1327025C (en) 1994-02-15
ES2032232T3 (en) 1993-01-16
FR2633167A1 (en) 1989-12-29
EP0349407A1 (en) 1990-01-03
JP2649420B2 (en) 1997-09-03
JPH0298306A (en) 1990-04-10
US4929108A (en) 1990-05-29

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