The present invention relates to the field of devices for packaging and dispensing a product.

The present invention relates more particularly to the field of devices for packaging and dispensing a stick of cosmetic product, notably make up, and/or of care product intended to be applied to the skin, for example a blusher, a foundation, an eyeshadow, a lipstick, a concealer, etc.

The expression "cosmetic product" is understood to mean a product as defined in Council Directive 93/35/EEC of 14 June 1993.

Such sticks are generally packaged in devices of the type provided with a cup or with a plate for supporting the said stick, and with a drive mechanism for moving the stick between a storage position and application positions. For more details on the design of such a packaging and dispensing device, reference can be made for example to Patent Application EP-Al-1 913 835 (L'OREAL).

When using a device of this type, the user may apply the stick directly to the surface to be made up or treated. The user may also use a finger to pick up product from the stick and then apply it.

With such applications, the distribution of the product on the surface that is to be made up or treated may fail to be as uniform as desired.

Now, the uniformity with which the product is applied is of fundamental importance both from an aesthetic standpoint in the case of a make up product and from an efficacy standpoint in the case of a care product.

It will therefore be appreciated that there is a need to improve the quality of application obtained with packaging devices that deliver products in the form of sticks.

One subject of the invention is an applicator assembly comprising a device for packaging and dispensing a stick of product which comprises a cup forming a seat supporting the said stick and a drive mechanism for moving the stick between a storage position and at least one application position in which at least one application face of the stick projects from a stick outlet opening delimited by the said device. According to one general feature, the said assembly further comprises at least one applicator which is mounted on the packaging and dispensing device and which comprises a flexible applicator head.

According to another general feature, the applicator is mounted so that it can move longitudinally relative to the said device.

The applicator is able to move between at least one inactive position in which a frontal edge of the applicator head is set back from or flush with the application face of the stick at least in the said application position of the said stick, and at least one active position of use in which at least the said frontal edge of the applicator head projects with respect to the application face of the stick and to the outlet opening of the device.

What is meant by the "frontal edge of the applicator head" is the part or parts that form the end of this head when considering the axis of movement of the stick and of the applicator.

The function of "applying the product" to the surface that is to be treated and the function of "spreading and/or softening the edges of the applied product" are performed separately, by the stick and by the applicator respectively.

Thus, after having applied the stick of product to the surface that is to be treated or made up, it is possible to improve the uniformity of the application of product using the applicator, but also to obtain different renderings according to the gestures with which this applicator is applied to the surface. In addition, the axial position of use of the applicator along the device can be adapted specifically according to the desired rendering and/or the type of product applied.

Furthermore, with the flexible nature of the applicator head, this head is able to flex as it comes into contact with the skin, thereby encouraging good quality product-spreading and/or product edge-softening. Contact between the applicator head and the surface that is to be treated or made up also becomes gentler.

For preference, the applicator head of the said applicator is configured to extend, at least in the said inactive position, around the packaging and dispensing device.

According to one advantageous optional design, the applicator is mounted removably on the packaging and dispensing device. The applicator may thus be detached from the device, for example to clean it. The applicator head of the applicator may comprise at least a coating of flocking delimiting the frontal edge of the said head. The coating of flocking may comprise fibres or bristles.

At least part of the applicator head may be elastically deformable. The expression "elastically deformable" means that this part, or the entirety of the applicator head, has a certain shape memory. The terms "elastically deformable" are to be understood as also covering scenarios in which this part, or the entirety of the applicator head, having been deformed returns elastically to a position which is not strictly identical to its initial position, bearing in mind for example the nature of the material used and the shape thereof. By way of indication, the applicator head may be made at least in part from an elastomer material, a thermoplastic material, a thermoplastic elastomer, from PEBD, from PU, from EPDM, from PDM, from EVA, from SIS, from SEBS, from SBS, from latex, from silicone, from nitrile, from polyurethane, etc.

In a particular embodiment, the applicator head of the applicator comprises a plurality of flexible stems distributed around the packaging and dispensing device, each stem having a product application face. The stems form an applicator sleeve surrounding the device. The said coating of flocking may form or cover the application face of the stems of the applicator head.

For preference, the stems of the applicator head are distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction. This arrangement encourages uniform action of the applicator. The stems of the applicator head may be curved towards a longitudinal axis of the packaging and dispensing device.

According to one particular design, the stems are of equal lengths. Alternatively, it is possible to conceive of stems of different lengths, for example increasing progressively around the circumferential direction.

In one embodiment, the applicator comprises a mounting base mounted around the packaging and dispensing device and bearing the applicator head. When the applicator head comprises stems as defined hereinabove, these stems may extend from the mounting base.

According to one particular design of the drive mechanism of the packaging and dispensing device, this mechanism may comprise a casing comprising a housing receiving the cup and delimiting the outlet opening for the stick, the said applicator being mounted with the ability to move longitudinally on the said casing. The present invention will be understood better from studying the detailed description of one embodiment that is given by way of entirely non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an applicator assembly according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention,

- Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a device for packaging and dispensing a stack of product of the applicator assembly of Figure 1,

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the applicator assembly of Figure 1 , in a position of storing the stick of product,

- Figure 4 is a view in section on the plane of section III-III of Figure 3,

- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the applicator assembly of Figure 1 in a position for applying the stick of product, and

- Figure 6 is a perspective view of the applicator assembly of Figure 1 in an active position of use of an applicator.

Figures 1 and 2 depict an applicator assembly, denoted by the overall reference numeral 10, which comprises a device 12 for packaging and dispensing a stick S of product, and an applicator 14 mounted on the device. The applicator assembly 10 has a longitudinal axis X-X'. The applicator assembly 10 is depicted in a position presumed to be vertical.

As will be described in more detail below, the applicator 14 is designed to perform a spreading and/or edge-softening function after the stick S has been applied to the surface that is to be treated.

With reference to Figure 2, the device 12 comprises a support cup 16 which forms a seat for the stick S, and a drive mechanism 18 to allow the stick S to move from a storage position into application positions.

The drive mechanism 18 comprises a sleeve 20 inside which the support cup 16 is mounted and a casing 22 surrounding the sleeve and delimiting an outlet opening 24 for the stick S. The upper edge of the casing 22 delimits the outlet opening 24. The support cup 16, the sleeve 20 and the casing 22 are coaxial with respect to the axis X-X'. In a way known per se, the sleeve 20 comprises two longitudinal grooves 26 which are diametrically opposed and the casing 22 comprises helical grooves 28 so as to allow the support cup 16 to move axially along the axis X-X'.

As may be seen in Figure 4, the support cup 16 comprises, on its exterior surface, two diametrically opposed lugs 30. The lugs 30 are arranged in such a way as to extend into the grooves 26 of the sleeve and engage in the helical grooves 28 of the casing so that a rotational movement of the sleeve 20 relative to the casing 22 causes the support cup 16 to move axially.

Referring once again to Figure 1, the drive mechanism of the device 12 comprises an operating member 32 that rotates as one with the sleeve so as to allow this axial movement of the support cup 16 by rotation of the said member about the axis X-X'. Alternatively, it is possible to provide other designs for the drive mechanism of the device 12, for example of the kind described in Patent Application EP-Al-1 913 835 (L'OREAL).

The device 12 further comprises a removable closure cap 33 mounted on the operating member 32 and designed to cover the casing 22 and the stick S. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the closure cap 33 is designed to clip onto an annular bead (unreferenced) formed on the operating member 32.

The applicator 14, of axis X-X', comprises a mounting base 34 and an applicator head 36 borne by the base, for spreading and/or softening the edges of the product after the product from the stick S has been applied to the surface to be treated. The longitudinal axis of the applicator head 36 is coincident with the axis X-X' of the assembly. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the mounting base 34 takes the form of an annular ring centred on the axis X-X'.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the mounting base 34 of the applicator is mounted around the casing 22 of the stick S packaging and dispensing device. The bore of the base 34 is dimensioned so that it fits onto the exterior surface of the casing 22. The base 34 comprises two opposite annular radial frontal faces 34a, 34b, in this instance an upper and a lower one respectively, axially delimiting the said bore.

The applicator head 36 comprises a plurality of applicator stems 38 extending axially from the frontal face 34a of the base. The stems 38 are distributed in the circumferential direction around the casing 22 of the stick S packaging and dispensing device, in this instance uniformly. The stems 38 are identical to one another. Each stem 38 of the applicator is flexible so that the applicator head 36 can deform during the spreading and/or the softening of the edges of the product after the product from the stick S has been applied to the surface to be treated. The stems 38 are configured in such a way as to allow this deformable nature. The flexibility of the stems 38 may vary depending on their cross section, on their length and the type of material considered. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, each stem 38 has a circular cross section. Alternatively, the stem 38 may have other cross-sectional profiles, for example polygonal, such as square, rectangular or hexagonal, or oval, etc. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the stems 38 are twenty- four in number. Of course, it is possible to provide a different number of stems.

Each stem 38 of the applicator head comprises a proximal end fixed to the mounting base 34 and a free, opposite, distal end. Each stem 38 comprises a coating of flocking 40 comprising a plurality of fibres. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the coating of flocking 40 is arranged on the free end of the associated stem 38 and arranged all around the exterior surface of the said stem in a zone adjacent to this free end. The fibres of the coating of flocking 30 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface of the associated stem 38 to which they are attached. In the figures, for the sake of clarity, the coating of flocking 30 is depicted in the form of rows of fibres. This depiction is not in any way limiting.

When considering the axis X-X', the ends of the coatings of flocking 40 delimit a frontal application edge 42 of the applicator head 36 which edge is indicated schematically in the form of a circle in dotted line in Figures 3 and 6. In other words, that part of each coating of flocking 40 that covers the free end of the associated stem 38 partially delimits this frontal edge 42 of the head.

The mounting base 34 and the stems 38 of the applicator are preferably made as a single piece, for example by moulding plastic, the coating of flocking 40 then being applied to each of the stems 38 by any appropriate means, for example adhesive bonding. The base 34 and the stems 38 may be moulded from the one same synthetic material or, as an alternative, may be produced in at least two different synthetic materials, for example the base in a first synthetic material and the stems in a second synthetic material, for example more flexible than the first, so as to encourage the deformable nature of the applicator head 36.

The fibres of each coating of flocking 40 may for example be natural or synthetic fibres, such as polyamide, nylon, polyacrylic, polyester, cotton, cellulose, etc. fibres. In a way known per se, the coatings of flocking 40 may be produced using different known techniques, for example pressure spraying, electrostatically, or using a combination of these two methods. The applicator 14 is mounted with the ability to move longitudinally on the casing 22 of the stick S packaging and dispensing device between an inactive position and at least one active position of use along the axis X-X'.

In the applicator 14 position illustrated in Figure 3, the frontal edge 42 of the applicator head 36 lies flush with the opening 24 of the device which opening is intended for the stick S to exit. In this figure, the stick S is in a storage position in which it is fully housed inside the casing 22 of the device. An application face 44 of the stick lies more or less flush with the outlet opening 24 of the device 12. The application face 44 is the end face of the stick S. This face in this instance is planar, but could have a different shape, being for example domed or even bevelled.

Starting out from this position, in order to apply the product to the surface of the skin that is to be treated, the user turns the operating member 32 about the axis X-X' in order to bring the stick S into an application position in which it projects through the outlet opening 24 as illustrated in Figure 5. The application face 44 of the stick that projects out through this outlet opening 24 can then be brought into contact with the skin and moved around in order to apply the product to the surface of the skin that is to be treated.

In the illustrated application position of the stick, the frontal edge 42 of the applicator head 36 of the applicator is set back axially with respect to the application face 44 of the stick. The applicator 14 is in an inactive position.

As indicated earlier, in the illustrated inactive position of the applicator 14, the frontal edge 42 of the applicator head here lies flush with the stick outlet opening 24 delimited by the device 12. Alternatively, it is possible to make provision for the frontal edge 42 of the applicator head to be axially set back from the outlet opening 24 of the device or alternatively to project axially with respect to this opening when the applicator 14 is in the inactive position.

Once a sufficient quantity of product has been applied, the user can move the applicator 14 along the casing 22 of the device so as to position the coatings of flocking 40 above the application face 44 of the stick for example as has been illustrated in Figure 6.

When the applicator 14 is in this active position, the user can then spread and/or more soften the edges of the product that has just been applied, for example by grasping hold of the assembly 10 via the base 34 of the applicator and by pressing the coatings of flocking 40 against the surface of skin covered in product. During this operation, the flexible stems 38 of the applicator may become deformed upon contact with the treated surface of the skin, and this encourages good distribution of the product. Next, once the user has finished spreading the product with the applicator 14, the stems 38 return elastically to their initial position.

In the active position of the applicator 14, the frontal edge 42 of the applicator head projects both with respect to the application face 44 of the stick and to the outlet orifice 24 of the device. In the figure, the stick S has remained in the application position that precedes use of the applicator 14. Alternatively, prior to moving the applicator 14, it is possible to return the stick S to its storage position inside the device 12.

Figure 6 illustrates a specific active position of use of the applicator 14. The applicator 14 may be moved into other active positions of use, for example depending on the desired rendering on the surface to be made up and/or on the type of product applied.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the base 30 fits onto the exterior surface of the casing 22 so as to obtain a contact with enough friction to allow the applicator 14 to be held while at the same time allowing the applicator to move longitudinally along the axis X - X' under the effect of a force applied by the user through a sliding movement or even through a combined translational and rotational movement along and about the said axis.

Alternatively, it might be possible to provide other setups to allow the applicator 14 a longitudinal movement relative to the device 12. It is for example possible to conceive of, on the exterior surface of the casing 22 of the device, a longitudinal or helical groove in which a stud of the applicator engages to guide the movement of the latter.

In one particular embodiment, it is also possible to provide the exterior surface of the casing 22 of the device with projections that form serrations to limit the movement of the applicator between an inactive extreme position and at least one active extreme position, and/or to encourage temporary immobilization of the applicator in one or several predetermined active positions of use.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the applicator comprises an annular mounting base 34. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a split base, the split encouraging ease of dismantling of the applicator, for example for cleaning of the applicator head. It is also possible to conceive of other designs of applicator head. For example, to replace the stems, it is possible to provide a plurality of flexible fingers each extending over a greater angular sector, for example of between 20° and 70°.

In the exemplary embodiment described, the application face of each stem 38 of the applicator is formed by the coating of flocking 40. Alternatively, it is possible to provide any other coating, for example of bristles, of textile, of elastomer, etc., depending on the desired gentleness and quality of application. In another alternative form, each stem 38 could be equipped at its free end with an application face made of foam or sponge which may or may not be covered with a coating of flocking.