| JP2003310346 | LIQUID CONTAINER |
| WO/1998/017143 | MASCARA APPLICATOR |
| JP2000041732 | LENGTH VARIABLE TYPE PENCIL |
GUERET, Jean-Louis (27 avenue Raymond Poincaré, Paris, F-75016, FR)
| A packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic or dermatological composition, the device comprising either: • a container containing the composition for application; and • an applicator (1) that is configured to be mounted on the container when not in use, the applicator comprising : • a handle portion (2); • an applicator member (3) that is selected from applicator members comprising a block of foam, a membrane, a sintered element, or a felt, defining an application surface (7) for coming into contact with the skin or mucous membranes; and • an elastically-deformable connection piece (5) that connects the handle portion to the applicator member and that enables the handle portion (2) to be inclined relatively to the applicator member (3) , the angle of inclination remaining less than or equal to 60°, • a mounting skirt (20) capable of being fastened on the container containing the composition to be applied, the connection piece being situated at least partially above the mounting skirt when the applicator is observed with its longitudinal axis (Y) vertical, and with the applicator member at the bottom, or : • a container containing the composition for application; • an applicator (1) that is configured to be mounted on the container when not in use, the applicator comprising : • a handle portion (2); • an applicator member (3) that is selected from applicator members comprising a block of foam, a membrane, a sintered element, or a felt, defining an application surface (7) for coming into contact with the skin or mucous membranes; and • an elastically-deformable connection piece (5) that connects the handle portion to the applicator member and that enables the handle portion (2) to be inclined relatively to the applicator member (3) , the angle of inclination remaining less than or equal to 60°; • a fastening member (300) separate from the applicator for maintaining the applicator (1) on the container when the applicator is on the container. A device according to claim 1, the connection piece (5) allowing angular movement of at least 5° between the rest position and an inclined position. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, the handle portion (2) housing a vibration source (11) . A device according to claim 3, the vibration source (11) being fastened in a removable manner on the handle portion. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the connection piece being situated above the mounting skirt when the applicator is observed with its longitudinal axis (Y) vertical, and with the applicator member at the bottom. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the applicator presenting a constriction of its outside section at the level of the connection piece (5) . A device according to any preceding claim, including a mean (204) that make it possible to limit the angle of inclination of the handle portion relatively to the applicator member. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the connection piece (5) being formed by an elastically- deformable piece (78) that is fastened in an opening of a support portion (4) of the applicator member. 9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the connection piece being defined, at least in part, by a bellows (100) that is connected to a support portion (4) of the applicator member. 10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the connection piece being defined by a helical spring (180) that is housed, at least in part, in a handle (166) that surmounts a mounting skirt (140) for mounting the applicator on the container. 11. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the connection piece being formed by a thin portion (35) of a wall via which the handle portion (2) is connected to a support portion (4) of the applicator member . 12. A device according to any preceding claim, the handle portion including a motor (240) that makes it possible to drive a support portion (4) of the applicator member in rotation relatively to a grip surface of the applicator, and/or a motor that drives an off-center fly-weight in rotation, so as to subject the applicator member to vibrations. 13. A device according to any preceding claim, the applicator member being connected to a support portion, the handle portion being defined by a handle that is made out of the same elastically-deformable material as the support portion, in particular by molding as a single piece. 14. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the connection piece (5) being situated on the longitudinal axis (Y) of the applicator. 15. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the handle portion (2) being defined by a handle that is made out of an elastomer material, and the connection piece (5) being defined by a constricted portion of the handle. 16. A device according to any one of claim 1 to 15, wherein the applicator member (3) has a largest transverse dimension that is not less than a largest transverse dimension of the handle portion (2) . 17. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connection piece (5) defines at least part of the visible external surface of the applicator, when the applicator is not separated from the container . 18. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising an apertured wall (86) or a mesh (297) separating a housing receiving the applicator member and a space inside the container containing the composition . 19. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the connection piece (5) is intermediate between a support portion (4) to which the applicator member is fastened and the handle portion (2) . 20. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the container has a longitudinal axis that is rectilinear . |
The present invention relates to devices for
applying a cosmetic or care-product composition to the skin or mucous membranes.
The invention relates more particularly to
applicators comprising a handle portion, an applicator member, and a mechanical connection piece that connects the handle portion to the applicator member.
Known applicators of this type include a rigid connection piece between the applicator member and the handle portion.
In order to increase in particular comfort in application, proposals have been made to make the
applicator member in the form of a block of foam
including one or more annular grooves.
In addition, for an applicator having an applicator member that is constituted by a ball, US patent
No. 7 044 670 proposes connecting the applicator member to the handle portion via an elastically-deformable connection piece. By way of example, the connection piece is formed by a block of foam that connects the cage in which the ball turns to a support portion that is
surrounded by a mounting skirt that is used for fastening the applicator on the container.
Choosing the hardness of the foam may turn out to be difficult. If the block of foam is very flexible, it may squash easily, and make it more difficult to control the pressure exerted by the applicator member on the skin.
For a ball, it suffices that the pressure is
sufficient to allow the ball to turn, but for a non ¬ rotary applicator member, the pressure that is exerted is an important parameter to control, since it may condition the intensity of applied makeup or the result of care treatment.
If the hardness of the block of foam is greater, that may make it easier to control pressure, but will also make it more difficult to incline the applicator member relatively to the handle portion.
That prior-art patent also discloses the use of a helical spring of relatively-large diameter as a
replacement for the block of foam. The large diameter of the spring does not make it possible to benefit from a substantial lever effect while the support portion is pivoting under the effect of forces being exerted on the periphery of the applicator member by the region being treated.
The application EP 1 504 691 discloses a nail polish applicator comprising a constriction allowing the
applicator member to be inclined relatively to the handle portion, in order to have a more precise application.
The application EP 1 253 089 discloses an applicator comprising a flexible annular groove, allowing the inclination of the handle portion relatively to the application surface.
The application EP 1 247 472 discloses an applicator comprising a flexible stem allowing to incline the handle portion relatively to the applicator member, in order to facilitate the insertion of the stem into the applicator.
The prior art also comprises applicators that integrate a vibration source, as described in
applications EP 2 027 792 Al or FR 2 929 496, for
example. In certain examples, vibration may pass via a flexible portion of the applicator.
There exists a need to improve still further
applicators comprising a handle portion and an applicator member that, by way of example, comprises a block of foam or a membrane, in particular so as to increase comfort in use .
The first aspect of the invention thus provides an applicator comprising:
· a handle portion;
• an applicator member that is selected from
applicator members comprising a block of foam, a membrane, a sintered element, or a felt, defining an application surface for coming into contact with the skin or mucous membranes; and
• a connection piece that connects the handle portion to the applicator member and that enables the handle portion to be inclined relatively to the
applicator member.
The applicator member may optionally be deformable during application. The applicator member may optionally be flocked. The applicator member may be made out of an elastically-deformable material.
The invention also provides a packaging and
applicator device, comprising:
• a container containing the composition to be applied; and
• an applicator as defined above, that is configured to be mounted on the container when not in use.
The applicator is separated from the container during use.
The invention allows the handle portion to be inclined, e.g. by an angle of at least 5°, relatively to the application surface during use, thereby making it possible to run over all of the portions in relief and increase comfort in use by providing a gentler
application.
In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the connection piece may be elastically-deformable . Thus, the applicator member may automatically return to an initial position as soon as the force exerted on the application surface ceases. The connection piece is not a portion of the applicator member.
In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the connection piece makes axial and angular movements possible .
In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the deformable connection piece may be made in such a manner as to enable the handle portion to be inclined relatively to the applicator member, without any substantial possibility of axial movement between the two when the inclination is equal to zero.
The connection piece may be other than a block of foam.
The connection piece may enable the handle portion to move axially relatively to a support portion of the applicator member, which may enable application to be gentler .
In certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, the connection piece may be situated on the longitudinal axis, thereby making it possible to benefit from a greater lever effect, where appropriate.
In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the handle portion may house a vibration source that may be fastened in optionally-removable manner on the handle portion .
The applicator may close the container in a
leaktight manner when it is in place thereon. The applicator member may be received in a housing of the container, which housing communicates with the
composition contained in said container, e.g. through a perforated wall.
The applicator may also be mounted on the container without closing said container, e.g. when the applicator is mounted on a protective cap of a dispenser member of the container.
A fastening member separate from the applicator may be used for maintaining the applicator when the
applicator is on the container. Such a fastening member comprises for example a ring that is screwed or fastened otherwise on a neck of the container.
The handle portion extends through the aperture of the ring when the latter is fastened on the neck.
The fastening member may be made from a same material as the container. The applicator may include a mounting skirt that is internally threaded, for example, and that may be screw- fastened or fastened in some other way on the neck of the container containing the composition for application.
By way of example, the mounting skirt is made integrally with a support portion of the applicator member, out of a thermoplastic material that is
relatively rigid. By way of example, the deformable connection piece is situated, at least in part, axially above the mounting skirt when the applicator is disposed with its longitudinal axis vertical, and with the
applicator member at the bottom.
The applicator may present a constriction in its outside section around the connection piece. This may increase the deformability of the connection piece in bending, while enabling an axial force to be transmitted. The constriction may be visible and/or situated at the base of the handle portion. In certain exemplary
embodiments, the handle portion may define a grip surface of generally conical shape, converging towards the applicator member.
The applicator may include a transverse wall to which the above-mentioned mounting skirt is connected. The term "transverse wall" should be understood to mean a wall that is oriented generally transversally, e.g.
perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the
applicator. The deformable connection piece may be situated above the transverse wall, at least in part. This makes it possible to make a deformable connection piece of small cross-section, and thus with deformability in bending that is relatively substantial.
During normal use of the applicator, including storage of the applicator on the container, the angle of inclination of the handle portion remains less than or equal to 60°, for example, or even less than or equal to 30° . Where appropriate, the applicator may include means that make it possible to limit the angle of inclination of the handle portion relatively to the applicator member. By way of example, said means may comprise one or more fins, e.g. oriented transversally to the
longitudinal axis of the handle portion, that may bend on moving together so as to prevent the handle portion inclining any further.
The handle portion may be connected to the above- mentioned transverse wall via the connection piece, and the applicator member may be carried by an external support portion that defines a greatest diameter of the applicator, for example.
The support portion of the applicator member may also be internal. In this configuration, and by way of example, the applicator may present an outside surface that is substantially non-deformable, e.g. defined, at least in part, by the above-mentioned mounting skirt and by a handle that extends the transverse wall upwards. When the deformable connection piece is inside the applicator, the connection piece may include, or be constituted by, an elastically-deformable member, e.g. a helical spring or one or more elastically-deformable bridges of material connecting the support portion to the handle portion of the applicator.
At least one portion of the resilient member may be housed in a handle that extends axially above the
mounting skirt that is used for fastening on the
container. This makes it possible to use a relatively long resilient member, without adding to the axial extent of the applicator. Incorporating the elastically- deformable member in the handle may decrease its
diameter, and thus make it possible to benefit from a lever effect. In order to ensure that the connection piece is deformable, it is thus possible to use a
resilient member that is capable of withstanding an axial force, but without making it too difficult for the application surface to be inclined relatively to the handle portion in order to run over the relief of the region being treated, for example. This results in the possibility of better controlling the pressure exerted, while experiencing application that is comfortable as a result of the possibility of the application surface being quite easily inclined relatively to the handle portion .
In variant exemplary embodiments, the handle portion is made out of an elastically-deformable material, and the connection piece is constituted, at least in part, by a portion of the handle portion, in particular a
constricted portion thereof, preferably situated at its base .
The handle portion may be defined by a handle that is made out of the same elastically-deformable material as the support portion, e.g. by molding as a single piece .
The deformable connection piece may be defined by a piece, preferably an elastically-deformable piece, that may be fastened in various ways on a support portion of the applicator member, which support portion may be more rigid .
By way of example, the connection piece may be defined by a piece that is fastened by snap-fastening in an opening of the support portion. The connection piece may also be defined by a piece that is fastened on the support portion in some other way, e.g. by molding, by adhesive, by screw-fastening, or by pinching together two elements of the support portion.
The connection piece may be defined by a piece that behaves substantially like a ball joint, swiveling about any axis .
In exemplary embodiments, the connection piece may be defined, at least in part, by a bellows that is connected to the support portion, and that may, where appropriate, define a housing for receiving the vibration source. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the bellows may be disposed in such a manner as to be
compressed relatively little axially when thrust is exerted axially by the user on the handle portion. For example, the grip surface may be defined, at least in part, by the vibration source, and said vibration source may come to bear axially against a bearing surface that does not move relatively to the applicator member. Also, for axial thrust exerted on the vibration source, the force is transmitted to the applicator member without the bellows being compressed axially in substantial manner. This makes it easier to control the pressure exerted by the user on the region being treated, and makes it easier to transmit vibration.
In variants, the connection piece may be defined by a helical spring that is fastened at one end to the support portion and at its other end to at least one portion of the handle portion. As mentioned above, it may be advantageous for the spring to extend, at least in part, into a handle of the applicator, above the mounting skirt .
The connection piece may also be formed by a thin portion of a wall via which the handle portion is connected to the support portion. This makes it possible to manufacture the connection piece relatively
inexpensively. The thin wall may be annular and may extend around the longitudinal axis of the handle
portion. The thin wall may be molded integrally with the support portion and a handle, out of an elastically- deformable material.
The applicator member may be connected to a support portion, the handle portion being defined by a handle that is made out of the same elastically-deformable material as the support portion, in particular by molding as a single piece.
The handle portion may include a motor that makes it possible to drive the support portion of the applicator member in rotation, e.g. relatively to the longitudinal axis of the applicator, e.g. relatively to a grip surface of the applicator, and/or a motor that drives an off- center fly-weight in rotation, so as to subject the applicator member to vibration.
The applicator member may be mounted in a stationary manner on the support portion, in particular unlike a rotary ball in a cage. The applicator member can be mounted not to be capable of turning about a center of rotation that coincides with the center of the applicator member .
The invention also provides a cosmetic treatment method, wherein an applicator as defined above is moved over the skin or mucous membranes by changing the
orientation of the handle portion relatively to the application surface.
By way of example, the cosmetic treatment is applying makeup, e.g. for applying a foundation or a shadow, or it is a care treatment, e.g. for applying a slimming, anti-wrinkle, or moisturizing cream.
The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:
· Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of an applicator made in accordance with the invention;
• Figure 2 shows the applicator of Figure 1 after the handle portion has been inclined relatively to the applicator member;
· Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing a variant embodiment of the applicator;
• Figure 4 shows another applicator variant, with the applicator shown partially in longitudinal section;
• Figures 5 to 15 and 13a show variant embodiments of the applicator; • Figures 16 to 18 show examples of some containers, amongst others, on which an applicator made in accordance with the invention may be mounted; and
• Figures 19a to 19c show another embodiment of an applicator device made in accordance with the invention.
The applicator 1, made in accordance with the invention and shown in Figure 1, carries a handle portion 2 of longitudinal axis Y and an applicator member 3 that is supported by a support portion 4. The applicator member 3 defines an application surface 7 for coming into contact with the skin or mucous membranes.
An elastically-deformable connection piece 5
connects the handle portion 2 to the support portion 4. As shown in Figure 2, this makes it possible to incline the handle portion 2 relatively to the applicator member 3, e.g. by an angle a that is greater than 5°, so as to apply a composition to the skin or mucous membranes.
The connection piece 5 may behave in a uniform manner about the axis Y, and may enable the handle portion 2 to be inclined relatively to the support portion 4, in any plane containing the axis Y.
The connection piece 5 may be made in various ways, as described below.
By way of example, the applicator member 3 comprises a block of foam or a membrane that may be flocked or not. The applicator member 3 may be constituted by a block of foam or by a membrane.
Figure 3 shows the possibility of the applicator 1 including a vibration source 11 that is received in a removable manner in the handle portion 2, for example.
By way of example, the vibration source 11 includes a lever 13 that makes it possible, when pushed in, to trigger operation of the vibration source. By way of example, the vibration source is as described in
application FR 0806489, the content of which is
incorporated in the present application by reference. The vibration source may comprise an electric motor that drives an off-center fly-weight in rotation, e.g. at a speed of rotation lying in the range 2000 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 20,000 rpm.
As shown in Figure 3, the handle portion 2 may present a handle having a tubular wall that includes a notch 15 that makes it possible to receive the control lever 13, at least in part.
Below, certain exemplary embodiments are presented with a vibration source and others without a vibration source. Without going beyond the ambit of the present invention, it is possible for those embodiments that are described as being without a vibration source to be provided with a vibration source, and vice versa.
The support portion 4 is arranged to be fastened on a container containing the composition, e.g. one of those shown in Figures 7 or 16 to 18.
By way of example, and as shown in Figure 4, the support portion 4 may include a mounting skirt 20, e.g. including a thread 21 that is arranged to be screw- fastened on the neck of a container, not shown in the figure .
As shown, the support portion 4 may also include a transverse wall 25 that is oriented generally
perpendicularly to the axis Y, for example, and to which the top of the mounting skirt 20 is connected. Where appropriate, the transverse wall 25 may include an annular sealing lip 27 that makes it possible, when not in use, to close in leaktight manner the container on which the applicator 1 is mounted.
In the embodiment of Figure 4, the applicator member
3 is in the form of a flocked membrane that is fastened in optionally-removable manner or not on a holding wall 29 of the support portion 4, for example.
A partition 30 may extend transversally to the axis Y until it reaches the holding wall 29, and may define the bottom wall of a housing 32 of the support portion 4, in which housing there is fastened a base 33 that is secured to the handle portion 2. By way of example, the base 33 is fastened by snap-fastening in the housing 32 by means of portions in relief that are adapted to the support portion 4. The base 33 may present a connection wall for connecting to the handle portion 2, which connection wall presents a thin portion 35 that defines the deformable connection piece 5, at least in part, and that makes it possible to change the angle of inclination of the handle portion 2 relatively to the application surface 7. The thin portion 35 may be annular in shape.
The base 33 may be made integrally with the thin portion 35, out of an elastically-deformable material. In a variant, the base 33 may be made, in part, out of a relatively rigid material at its fastening in the support portion 4, and, in part, out of an elastically-deformable material in a region for connecting the handle portion 2 to the support portion 4.
The embodiment of Figure 4 allows a certain amount of movement in the axial direction along the axis Y, in addition to the possibility for the applicator member to be inclined relatively to the handle portion.
In the embodiment of Figure 5, the support portion 4 is made a little differently, as is the base 33. By way of example, and as shown, the support portion 4 includes a groove 43 that is formed in the partition 30 and that opens upwards, and, by way of example, the base 33 includes a mounting skirt 45 that is inserted into the groove 43. The mounting skirt 45 supports a downwardly- inclined wall 47 of the base 33 that leaves clearance between the wall and the partition 30, so as to enable the wall 47 to deform and the handle portion to be inclined relatively to the axis Y. The handle portion 2 may be made out of the same material as the base 33. At its center, the wall 47 may be defined with a recess for receiving the bottom end 50 of the vibration source 11, so as to improve the transmission of vibration from the vibration source to the support portion 4 and the applicator member 3. The applicator member may be
fastened to the support portion 4 by being engaged in a groove 53 that is formed between two coaxial uprights 56 and 57 of the support portion 4. The base 33 may come to bear axially against the partition on the axis of the vibration source, and that may improve the transmission of vibration to the applicator member.
In the embodiment of Figure 6, the handle portion 2 is defined by a handle that is made of an elastically- deformable material that is extended downwards so as to form the base 33 that is used for fastening in the support portion 4. By way of example, fastening is provided by snap-fastening, e.g. by means of an annular bead 60 coming to be engaged in a corresponding groove 61 of the support portion 4.
Where appropriate, the base 33 may be connected to the handle via a thin annular zone 35, enabling the handle to be inclined relatively to the application surface 7. In this embodiment, the support portion 4 is made without the partition 30 of the embodiments of
Figures 4 and 5, but the support portion 4 could comprise such a partition without going beyond the ambit of the present invention.
In the embodiment of Figure 6, the handle is fitted on the support portion 4, but, in a variant, the handle is molded onto the support portion 4 or is fastened thereon in some other way.
In a variant, both the support portion 4 and the handle are made integrally out of the same elastically- deformable material.
In the embodiment of Figure 7, the applicator 1 can be seen in place on a container 70 containing a cosmetic composition P, e.g. a care product or makeup.
The container 70 may comprise a body 71 that is provided with a top portion 72 that defines a housing 73 for receiving the applicator member 3 and for enabling it to be loaded with composition. The top portion 72 may be fastened in various ways on the body 71, e.g. by snap- fastening, as shown, and may define the neck 75 of the container, on which the mounting skirt 20 is fastened. The housing receiving the applicator may also be molded integrally with the body of the container, said container then having a separate end wall fitted thereto, for example .
The top portion 72 may include a perforated wall 86 that separates the housing 73 from the space containing the supply of composition P. One or more orifices 88 may pass through the wall 86.
In the embodiment of Figure 7, the deformable connection piece 5 between the handle portion 2 and the support portion 4 is made of a flexible leg 78 having, for example, an end 79 that is snap-fastened in a hole 80 that passes through the top transverse wall 25 of the support portion 4.
By way of example, and as shown, the handle portion 2 is defined, at least in part, by a tubular wall 83 that is made integrally with the leg 78. In a variant, the leg 78 is fitted to the handle defining the handle portion 2 or is molded thereon.
As shown in Figure 8, the deformable connection piece 5 may be provided, at least in part, by a bellows 100 that possibly defines the handle portion 2, at least in part.
By way of example, the bellows 100 defines a housing that receives the vibration source 11, at least in part. The bellows 100 may be connected to a fastener portion 105 that is inserted into a housing 106 of the support portion 4, which housing is, for example, defined by a mounting skirt 107 that is molded integrally with the transverse wall 25, above said transverse wall.
The bellows 100 may possibly extend around the mounting skirt 107 for reasons of appearance, as shown.
The bottom end 50 of the vibration source 11 may come to bear axially against the fastener portion 105 that is fastened rigidly to the support portion, so as to transmit vibration effectively to the applicator member.
In the variant embodiment in Figure 9, the
connection piece 5 is provided by a helical spring 110 that is fastened at its bottom end to the support portion 4, and at its top end to a handle 115 that defines the handle portion, at least in part.
The spring 110 may possibly define the grip surface, at least in part.
The handle 115 may be spaced apart from the support portion so as to enable the handle 115 to move angularly relatively to the support portion 4.
At rest, the spring 110 may have touching turns. In the variant embodiment of Figure 10, the handle is formed entirely by a spring 120 that defines both the handle portion 2 and the connection piece 5 that is defined by a constricted region of the spring 120 above the connection to the support portion 4, for example.
The support portion 4 to which the applicator member 3 is connected may also be inside the applicator 1, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.
In these figures, it can be seen that the support portion 4 may be situated inside a mounting skirt 140, e.g. an internally-threaded mounting skirt, that is arranged so as to be fastened on a container containing the composition.
The mounting skirt 140 is connected, via a
transverse wall 145, to the handle portion 2.
By way of example, the support portion 4 is in the form of a plate 150, the bottom of which supports the applicator member 3 and possibly includes an annular lip 153 for mounting the applicator member 3, for example. The applicator member may be a foam, as in the embodiment of Figure 11, or a membrane, as in the embodiment of Figure 12. By way of example, said foam may include an annular groove 157 for imparting even more flexibility during application .
As shown in Figure 11, the connection piece 5 between the support portion 4 and the handle portion 2 may take the form of one or more elastically-deformable bridges of material 163 that connect a central stem 167 of the support portion 4 to a tubular wall 166 of the handle portion 2, which tubular wall is situated above the transverse wall 145.
By way of example, the bridge (s) of material 163 is/are in the form of a washer that is fastened, at its outer periphery, in a groove 170 of the side wall 166, and that is engaged, at its radially inside edge, in a groove 173 that is formed in the stem 167. Naturally, the washer 163 may be replaced by one or more bridges of material, e.g. molded or fastened in some other way to at least one of the support portion and of the handle portion .
In the variant embodiment of Figure 12, the
deformable connection piece 5 is constituted by a helical spring 180 having a top end that is secured to the handle portion 2, and a bottom end that is fastened to a
mounting skirt 182 that is connected to the plate 150.
By way of example, the top end of the spring 180 is fastened to a stopper 190 that is fitted in the top opening of the tubular wall 166 of the handle.
Means may be provided for limiting the angular movement of the handle portion relatively to the
applicator member while the applicator is being used, in particular when the connection piece is external to the support portion.
By way of example, Figure 13 shows a variant in which the handle portion is defined by a top handle 200 that is fastened on an elastically-deformable portion that constitutes the connection piece 5, the elastically- deformable portion including a central core 202 carrying possibly annular fins 204 that are spaced apart axially from one another and that, by coming to bear against one another, or even by flexing during said bearing, limit the angular movement stroke of the handle portion 2 relatively to the applicator member 3.
By way of example, and as shown, the core 202 may be connected to a plate 208 of the base 33 that is fastened on the support portion 4.
Figure 13a shows another variant in which the handle portion 2 has generally the shape of a ball and is defined by a central core 206 carrying annular fins 205 that are spaced apart axially from one another. The fins 205 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core 206. The connection piece 5 is diabolo-shaped and flexible. The connection piece 5 is made in an elastomer material and may be over-injected, snap-fitted, or glued or otherwise fitted to the handle portion and the support portion 4.
A container 299 is also shown in this embodiment. In the variant embodiment of Figure 14, the
connection piece 5 is constituted by an intermediate part 220 that is fastened at its bottom end to the support portion 4 via the base 33, and at its top end to a handle 225 that defines a housing for receiving the vibration source. By way of example, the intermediate part 220 is made out of an elastomer material, while the handle 225 is made out of a relatively rigid plastics material and may include a recess 228 into which the bottom end 50 of the vibration source may be engaged and make contact.
As shown in Figure 15, the handle portion 2 may house an electric motor 240 internally, making it
possible to drive the support portion 4 in rotation about the longitudinal axis Y. The motor may drive a coupling part 245 that is disposed above the connection piece 5. By way of example, the coupling part 245 is snap-fastened on a rotary portion that is driven by the motor 240 and that is secured to the handle portion 2. Preferably, the height of the drive portion 245 is relatively small, such that the major portion of the grip surface is defined by a surface that is stationary relatively to the casing of the motor 240.
An applicator made in accordance with the invention may be mounted on a large number of different containers having optionally-flexible walls.
A few examples are described below. Figure 16 shows the possibility of mounting an applicator 1 made in accordance with the invention on a container comprising a body 260 made with a neck 261 on which the support portion 4 may be screw-fastened. Inside the body 260 there may slide a flask 263 that is fitted with a pump or a valve 264 having a hollow stem 265 that is actuated by exerting thrust on the flask upwards relatively to the body 260. The composition is dispensed via the stem 265 into the housing 268 that receives the applicator member 3.
In the embodiment of Figure 17, the composition P is contained in a variable-volume chamber 280, having its bottom defined by a piston 281. The container may include a drive mechanism for driving the piston 281, the drive mechanism comprising a knurled wheel 283 for driving the piston 281 upwards, and for forcing the composition to penetrate into a housing 268 containing the applicator member 3, e.g. by passing through a perforated wall 286.
In the embodiment of Figure 18, the composition is contained in a flexible tube 295, and may be dispensed into the housing 268 receiving the applicator member by passing through the perforated wall 286 when the user squeezes a flexible wall of the tube 295.
Figures 19a to 19c show, respectively, the exploded view and the opened and closed configurations of a variant embodiment in which a fastening member 300 allows the applicator 1 to be fastened on the top portion 72 of the container 70. A mesh 297 is fastened inside the container 70 to allow to obtain the desired amount of composition to be applied, for example a powder.
The mesh 297 is in the shown embodiment fastened onto an annular surface of the top portion 72 of the container and replaces the wall 86 of the embodiment of Figure 7. The handle portion 2 is connected to the support 4 by a flexible connection piece 5 which may be similar to anyone of the connection pieces 5 already described above and which is not described in further details as the purpose of the embodiment of figures 19a to 19c is to illustrate the possibility to use a
fastening member separate from the applicator 2 to fasten the applicator 2 to the container.
The fastening member 300 comprises in the shown embodiment a ring that is internally threaded to be screwed on the neck of the top portion 72. When the fastening member 300 is fastened on the container, the handle portion extends through the central aperture of the fastening member. The handle portion 2 comprises a vibration source 11.
The user has to remove the plug 300 to take the applicator 1 by its handle portion 2. The handle portion may be inclined relatively to the applicator member 3 during application of the product thanks to the
elastically-deformable connection piece 5.
In the embodiments of Figures 16 to 18, the
applicator 1 may be separated from the container, e.g. by unscrewing the support portion 4, but, in variants that are not shown, the applicator may be fastened on the container in some other way, e.g. by snap-fastening, magnetically, or by friction.
The longitudinal axis of the applicator is
preferably rectilinear during storage of the applicator on place on the container, as in the shown embodiments. The angle of inclination of the handle portion relatively to the applicator member during storage may thus be zero or little.
In some embodiments, the device may not allow the user to incline the handle portion relative to the container when the applicator is in the storage
configuration .
In some embodiments, as for example in the one shown on figure 4, a largest transverse dimension D of the applicator member 3 is not less than a largest transverse dimension d of the handle portion 2.
In some embodiments, as for example in the ones of figures 4 and 7, the connection piece 5 defines at least part of the visible external surface of the applicator, when the applicator is not separated from the container. This may not be the case in some other embodiments, as for example the one of figure 12.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.
For example, the various characteristics of the embodiments shown may be combined together within
variants that are not shown.
The applicator member of any one of the above embodiments could be replaced by an elastically- deformable or rigid sintered element, or by a felt.
The applicator member may have a planar end face opposite to the handle portion.
The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless the contrary is specified.
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