RESERVOIR END PIECE

The present invention relates to the field of the cosmetic care of keratin materials, and more particularly of the skin, the hair or the scalp.

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

Throughout the description, the expression "having a" should be considered as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless specified to the contrary.

The present invention relates to the field of the cosmetic care of keratin materials, and more particularly of the skin, the hair or the scalp.

The subject of the present invention is a cosmetic end piece having an integrated cosmetic composition.

This end piece is advantageous in the field of massaging particular areas of the body and in the field of cleansing the skin, and in particular in deep cleansing for removing impurities from the pores of the skin. The invention may also be useful in applications for cleansing or caring for the body, the hair or the scalp.

Cosmetic end pieces that can be set in motion by a motor, these end pieces comprising a reservoir, are known.

Thus, the Patent Application FRl 262724 discloses an end piece for a device for dispensing and applying a cosmetic composition, having:

- a reservoir containing the cosmetic composition,

- an applicator,

- a means for the composition to pass between the reservoir and the applicator, the reservoir having a region that is deformable under the effect of a pressure exerted on the applicator.

The end piece is set in motion by the device, and in particular made to oscillate. All of the regions of the applicator carry out the same motion.

Similarly, the Patent Application FRl 262726 discloses an end piece for a device for dispensing and applying a cosmetic composition, having:

- a reservoir containing the cosmetic composition,

- an applicator,

- a means for the composition to pass between the reservoir and the applicator,

- a piston that is able to move in the reservoir in response to the applicator being set in motion by the device. The end piece is set in motion by the device, and in particular made to oscillate. All of the regions of the applicator carry out the same motion.

The document US 8157465 also discloses an end piece configured to be mounted removably on a device. This end piece comprises:

- a holder that is configured to be mounted removably on an appliance for transmitting motion thereto,

- a reservoir that is secured to the holder and contains the composition, this reservoir being bounded at least partially by at least one closing-off element, for example a removable and/or perforable closing-off element,

- an applicator element that is secured to the holder at least during use,

- an opening element that is able to act on the closing-off element in order to bring the reservoir and the applicator element into communication.

US 8 157 465 provides for the cosmetic composition to be able to be a single- use pack, for example a pouch, disposed inside the holder. The reservoir may be fixed removably to the device in order to allow it to be replaced once a single-use pack of composition contained therein has been used up. The reservoir may contain a liquid, gellike or pasty composition. The end piece is set in motion by the device, and in particular is set into unidirectional or alternating motion, for example made to vibrate.

There is a need to further improve the end pieces for applying a composition to the human body, and in particular those that are intended to be coupled to appliances for driving them in movement in order to generate a massaging action, cleansing action and/or skin exfoliation action.

In particular, there is a need to provide an end piece which:

- has improved massaging, cleansing and/or exfoliation effectiveness, - is practical to use,

- has a simple construction,

- provides precise doses in accordance with the user's wishes,

- is capable of providing the consumer with the possibility of changing the cosmetic product while retaining the same device, specifically under appropriate hygienic conditions.

The subject of the invention is an end piece, of axis X, that is intended to be set in motion by a cosmetic device, comprising:

- a fixed holder, of axis X, having spikes, - an oscillating holder, oscillating about the axis X, having spikes and a reservoir,

- a passage that is able to bring the reservoir and the spikes into communication.

The end piece according to the invention is effective and practical.

It provides improved cleansing and massaging.

It allows hygienic application, it not being necessary to pick up or apply the composition by hand.

The end piece according to the invention has an interface between the spikes of the fixed holder and those of the mobile holder. This interface provides a noteworthy effect. It applies alternate tension and compression to the treated area of the body. It provides deep cleansing of the pores and visibly improves the cleanness of the skin.

The skin is cleaner, with fewer imperfections and redness than after cleansing using existing end pieces. The complexion is more uniform.

The expression "of axis X means a transverse axis X.

The end piece according to the invention is configured to be mounted removably on a cosmetic device for transmitting motion thereto.

The reservoir can hold a cosmetic composition in the form of a refill for greater simplicity of use.

Main definitions

The term "spike" is used with a broad meaning. It denotes any element implanted on a holder that is intended to come into contact with an area of the body, for example a portion of skin or the lips. The spikes denote any element that comes into contact with an area of the body.

Depending on the type of spike used, the effect of the end piece is intended for a specific application.

The spikes define a contact surface with the skin.

"The passage brings the reservoir and the spikes into communication" in the following case:

The passage is intended to allow the cosmetic composition to pass from the reservoir to the spikes, in particular to the spikes of the oscillating holder. The passage creates a path that is taken by the cosmetic composition in order to arrive at the spikes on leaving the reservoir. Optionally, the passage also allows water to travel, in the opposite direction, from the outside of the end piece to the reservoir.

It is a question of fluidic communication.

The passage can also be a path for bringing water from the outside of the end piece into the reservoir. The water can serve in particular to dissolve a pouch in which the composition may be contained, or to dissolve a composition in the form of a water-soluble tablet.

In other words, "the passage brings the reservoir and the spikes into communication" if:

- in one direction, the passage allows the cosmetic composition to pass from the reservoir to the spikes, and optionally,

- in the other direction, the passage allows the water to pass from the outside of the end piece to the reservoir.

The term "reservoir" means a container intended to house a cosmetic composition.

In particular, the cosmetic composition is in the form of a refill or of a single dose or of a single-use pack.

A "holder oscillating about the axis JF is a holder that effects an oscillating motion about the axis X. It may also be a motion comprising an oscillating component.

An oscillating motion is a reciprocating motion about a neutral position.

Reservoir

Preferably, the reservoir is secured to the oscillating holder.

Advantageously, the reservoir is defined at least partially by the oscillating holder.

Preferably, the reservoir is bounded by two transverse walls that are connected together by a peripheral skirt portion.

More preferably, the spikes of the oscillating holder are implanted on one of the transverse walls.

Preferably, the volume of the reservoir is between 1 cm ³ and 4 cm ³ .

The transverse walls of the reservoir preferably extend perpendicularly to the axis X.

Even more preferably, the transverse walls define, with the peripheral skirt portion, the reservoir containing the composition to be applied. The two transverse end walls may have the same cross section.

The two transverse end walls may have an outside diameter which corresponds more or less to the outside diameter of the peripheral skirt.

The peripheral skirt may have a shape that is not rotationally symmetrical. The user can insert single-use cosmetic refills into the reservoir. He can easily change the type of care product for each use, while retaining the same end piece.

The reservoir may form a compartment.

A "compartment" is a cell or a part that forms a space.

Advantageously, the reservoir forms an open compartment.

Thus, the user has direct access to the cosmetic composition when he separates the oscillating holder and the fixed holder.

More advantageously, the reservoir has a lateral opening.

A lateral opening is understood to be an opening that forms a surface parallel to the axis X.

This makes it easier to fit and remove the refill.

Passage

The oscillating holder may have natural passages in its end wall on which the spikes are implanted. They define its porosity or permeability.

The oscillating holder may also have passages produced artificially, for example by perforation or moulding of this end wall.

The oscillating holder can thus have at least one hole in its wall, in particular at the centre or close to the centre, making it easier for the composition to flow towards the spikes.

The oscillating holder may have a number of openings. This can make it easier for the composition to diffuse towards the spikes.

The passage makes it possible to feed the composition leaving the reservoir towards the applicator and then towards the surface of the body to be treated.

Cosmetic composition

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the cosmetic composition contained in a water-soluble pouch. The term "water-soluble" means soluble in water at greater than 80% by weight at a temperature of 20°C and normal atmospheric pressure, without agitation of the pouch. Preferably, the pouch is completely soluble in water at ambient temperature.

Advantageously, the water-soluble pouch provides a precise dose, while eliminat ing the need to measure out the composit ion. The pouch is separable from the reservoir. The latter can be reused, it is refillable.

Advantageously, the water-soluble pouch comprises a polyvinyl alcohol or a modified polyvinyl alcohol.

The manufacture of such a pouch is described for example in US2014/0024574 and in US 7 745 385.

The pouch may comprise a plurality of compartments that each contain a specific composition. The compositions in the different compartments are mixed on use. This extemporaneous mi ing proves to be particularly advantageous when the cosmetic composition to be applied is unstable over time. The diffusion of the active principles towards the spikes is regular.

The pouch preferably has a volume of around 5 ml to around 70 ml. preferably around 1 5 ml to around 60 ml, more preferably around 18 ml to 57 ml, and a lo n g i t u d i na I t ra n s v erse aspect ratio in the range of around 2:1 to around 1 :8, preferably around 1 : 1 to around 1 :4.

Each compartment may contain a liquid composition, a powder composition or a densificd powder composition.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the cosmetic composition is a water-soluble tablet.

The term "water-soluble" means soluble in water at greater than 80% by weight at a temperature of 20°C and normal atmospheric pressure, without agitation of the tablet. Preferably, the tablet is completely soluble in water at ambient temperature.

The tablet may have a plurality of phases with different compositions.

Such tablets may be manufactured by the method described in EP0976819.

The tablets are easy to use and store.

The pastille is separable from the reservoir. The latter can be reused. It is refillable. The diffusion of the active principles towards the spikes is regular.

The tablet or the water-soluble pouch form refills. A new refill can be fitted on each use. depending on the person ^' s needs. Cosmetic device

Another subject of the invention is a cosmetic device having:

- an end piece as defined above,

- a body configured to receive the end piece,

- a means for setting the end piece in motion relative to the body.

By way of the device according to the invention, it is now possible to cleanse, exfoliate or erase imperfections in keratin materials in a particularly effective manner.

The end piece can be mounted removably on the cosmetic device. It can be separated from the device in order to clean it and/or replace it with another selected end piece or even to discard it following wear.

The end piece is mounted on a platform of the device.

The transverse axis X' of the platform is advantageously coincident with the transverse axis X of the end piece.

Advantageously, the device has a gripping means, the longitudinal axis of which is perpendicular to the transverse axis X' of the platform.

Advantageously, the device is watertight.

It can be used under the shower or in the bath.

Cosmetic process

The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising the employment of the above device.

Advantageously, in the process, the end piece is brought into contact with water, in particular under the shower or in the bath.

Thus, the end piece can be used with cosmetic compositions to be dissolved in water, such as a water-soluble tablet or a water-soluble pouch.

Geometry and materials of the spikes

The spikes each end with a free end. This end comes into contact with the surface to be treated while the device is being used, in particular in contact with the skin.

The expression "spike end" is understood to mean that point of the spike that is furthest away from the holder and situated on its main axis of extension, starting from its region of attachment to the holder in the direction of its free end. The expression "spike height" is understood to mean the distance measured along its main axis of extension in the direction of its free end. Preferably, the height of the spikes is between 0.1 mm and 3 cm.

The expression "spike thickness" is understood to mean the maximum section of a spike measured at its region of attachment to the holder. Preferably, the thickness of the spikes is between 0.1 mm and 0.5 cm.

By linking the free ends of the spikes, the contact surface of the end piece with the skin, referred to as the "contact surface", is obtained.

Advantageously, the spikes are spikes for massaging, for cleansing, for exfoliation, for erasing, for care or for application of a cosmetic product.

Preferably, the height of the spikes on the oscillating part and on the fixed part is adapted such that the surface at the free ends of each of the spikes is planar.

Preferably, the end piece is intended for a cleansing action, the spikes being brush bristles.

For a massaging application, the spikes are advantageously spikes of elastomer.

The end pieces having spikes of elastomer can be associated with a serum-type cosmetic formulation.

Holder

According to the invention, a holder is understood to be a part which supports the spikes. The holder is a part to which the spikes are fixed.

The transverse axis of the fixed holder is the axis X.

The transverse axis of the oscillating holder is the axis X.

The oscillating holder oscillates about the axis X.

A distinction is made between the fixed holder, which is an immobile holder, and the oscillating holder, which oscillates with respect to the fixed holder.

The oscillating holder is made to oscillate by an oscillation means that may have a motor.

Advantageously, the oscillating holder defines a disc in cross section and the fixed holder defines a ring in cross section.

In cross section, the end piece has a circular interface between the bristles of the two holders. This interface constitutes the most effective cleansing region of the end piece. Preferably, the surface area of the holder is greater than 2 cm ² , and preferably greater than 5 cm ² . This dimension is specifically suitable for the contours of the face. The surface area is preferably less than 150 cm ² . Between 30 cm ² and 150 cm ² , the dimension is suitable for the curves of the body.

The holders may be made of elastomer.

The holders may be snap-fastened to the body of the device, or be mounted thereon by any other appropriate means. If appropriate, said device may have a member for ejecting the applicator. Material forming spikes

The spike may include a material which may be elastically deformable and/or compressible. This material may be chosen from the following list: polyurethane, polyether, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, EVA, latex, silicone, SIS, SEBS, silicone elastomer, latex elastomer, nitrile elastomer, butyl elastomer, Neoprene ^® , NBR, SBR, this list not being limiting.

The spike may have a composite structure with a number of layers of different natures.

The spike may have any shape. It may have a section which is circular, oval or polygonal, for example triangular, square, hexagonal, etc.

The spike may have abrasive properties. The expression "abrasive property" should be understood as meaning a surface which, when moved over the skin, at least partially removes the dead cells from the surface.

Such surfaces can be characterized by an abrasive power of between 0.01 and 0.03 g/cm ² /min. The abrasive power corresponds to the quantity of plaster removed per minute, per square centimetre of an abrasive surface applied to a square of plaster having a thickness of 50 mm using a 135W Black and Decker CD400 sander, the pressure exerted on the square of plaster resulting from the weight of the sander, only the movement of which in the plane of the abrasive surface is constrained.

The spike is made for example of an elastomer such as SEBS or silicone.

The spike may be a synthetic or natural bristle, for example having a diameter of between 0.05 and 0.2 mm and more particularly made of Nylon ^® 6.12 having a diameter of 0.075 mm, which has been milled and ground in order to make it very soft in contact with the skin.

The spike may be a tuft of bristles. The spike may be rigid or semi-rigid.

It may be made of metal or of a composite material.

Shape of the spikes

Each spike has a cross section, defined at a region of attachment to the holder, which has in particular a circular, oval, square, polygonal, triangular, ovoid or star-shaped shape.

The cross section, defined at a region of attachment to the base, may also extend along a curve. For example, this curve may be characterized by a mean radius of curvature which is, for example, at least greater than 30 mm and better still at least greater than 45 mm. The curved shape may give the spike a degree of rigidity, especially when the thickness is small.

Different levels of cleansing can thus be achieved by modifying the way in which the end piece is held and by preserving the same hand movements in relation to the skin.

Advantageously, in order to make it easier to incline the spikes, the latter may have a cross section that decreases in size between the cross section at the region of attachment and their free ends. Thus, the spikes are more flexible at their free ends than at their bases.

According to one particular embodiment, the holders may have an implantation of spikes having axial symmetry about an axis at right angles to the holder. It thus makes no difference if the user decides to operate the end piece with his left hand or his right hand.

In order to be more particularly suited to the reliefs found on the surface of the face or of the body, the surface at the free ends of each of the spikes may define a concavity.

Motion

The oscillating holder effects an oscillating motion with respect to the fixed holder. It may also be a motion comprising an oscillating component.

An oscillating motion is a reciprocating motion about a neutral position.

Advantageously, the amplitude of the oscillations of the oscillating holder is between 1° and 40°, and preferably between 1° and 20°. The amplitude of the oscillations is the maximum angle, achieved during an oscillation period by the oscillating holder, with respect to its equilibrium position.

Advantageously, the period T of the oscillations of the oscillating holder is between 0.001 second and 1 second, and preferably between 0.005 second and 0.01 second.

The period T is the time taken by the oscillating holder to effect one complete back and forth movement, that is to say to return to the same position, travelling in the same direction.

The amplitude of the oscillations is the maximum angle, achieved during an oscillation period, with respect to its neutral position.

The oscillation source may be a motor as described in US 7 786 626. The means for setting in motion may be a sonic frequency mechanical motion source (sonic frequency from 20 kHz to 20 Hz). This source may produce a frequency of less than 1 kHz. Alternatively, the frequency may be less than 200 Hz. In another embodiment, the motion source may supply a frequency of greater than 10 Hz. Alternatively, the frequency may be in the range between 20 and 200 Hz. In yet another embodiment, the motion source may produce a frequency of between 110 Hz and 135 Hz.

The sonic frequency mechanical motion source may include a motor, a damping element and a piezoelectric element. All sonic frequency mechanical motion sources as defined are known to a person skilled in the art and they can be implemented in the cosmetic device which is intended to set the end piece according to the present invention in motion.

The invention may be better understood on reading the following description of non-limiting implementation examples thereof, and with reference to the attached drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 schematically shows a simplified first example of an end piece according to the invention, in cross section,

- Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective top view of an example of an oscillating holder in its fixing system according to the invention. It can be integrated into the reservoir.

- Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective top view of an example of a tablet to be inserted into the reservoir of the oscillating holder from Figure 2,

- Figure 4 schematically shows a side view of the oscillating holder from Figure 2 without its coupling system. It can also be integrated into the reservoir. - Figure 5 schematically shows a side view of an example of a tablet to be inserted into the reservoir of the oscillating holder from Figure 4.

Figure 1 shows an end piece according to the invention, of axis X, comprising:

- a fixed holder 2, of axis X, having spikes 22,

- an oscillating holder 1, oscillating about the axis X, having spikes 11 and a reservoir 3.

The interface between the two holders 1 and 2 defines a circle 7 at the free end of the spikes 11 and 22. The region of contact between this circle 7 and the skin of the user constitutes a particularly effective cleansing region.

The oscillating holder 1 has fixing tabs 75 for keeping it on the platform of a cosmetic device for setting in motion.

Figure 2 shows an oscillating holder 1. It has a transverse wall 101 on which the spikes 11 are implanted.

This transverse wall 101 defines, with the skirt portion 30 and an end wall 102, the reservoir 3. The latter bounds a space for receiving the cosmetic composition.

This space may be disc-shaped.

The water-soluble tablet 4 shown in Figure 3 can be inserted into the reservoir 3. Orifices 5 have been made in the wall 101. They allow the cosmetic composition to pass through to the spikes.

The diameter of the tablet is advantageously between 1 cm and 2 cm.

The thickness of the tablet is advantageously between 0.1 cm and 0.8 cm.

During use of the device, the oscillating end piece 1 is brought into contact with water, for example while it is being used under the shower. The water passes through the orifices 5 towards the reservoir 3. It comes into contact with the water-soluble tablet 4. The tablet 4 dissolves in the water in the reservoir 3. Following dissolution, the cosmetic composition leaves the reservoir 3 through the orifices 5. It reaches the spikes 11. The latter come into contact with the user's skin.

Figure 4 shows the space bounded by the reservoir for the insertion into the latter of the tablet 4.

The user can slide the tablet 4 between the transverse walls 101 and 102 in the direction of the skirt portion 30. The two walls 101 and 102 form the jaws of a clip which holds the tablet. The end wall 102 supports the tablet 4.

The end piece can be manufactured from polypropylene. The spikes can be made of polyester, polyamide or polyurethane. However, the weight and the dimensions of end pieces should advantageously allow them to be set into specific resonance by Clarisonic® devices.

Preferably, the end piece and the cosmetic composition are:

- a brush end piece which can be manufactured from polypropylene. - The bristles 11 and 22 can be made of polyester filaments sold by DuPont.

- The cosmetic composition may be a water-soluble pouch.

In order to use the device according to the invention, it is possible for example to introduce a composition into the reservoir, when the end piece is at rest. The end piece can then be set in motion in order to massage or cleanse a region of the body.

The device is preferably watertight.

The end piece is used for example under the shower. A composition in the form of a water-soluble tablet 4 has been introduced into the reservoir.

The water passes through the orifices 5 towards the reservoir 3. The water- soluble tablet 4 dissolves in the reservoir 3. The dissolved composition passes from the reservoir 3 to the outside of the end piece. It reaches the spikes 11 or 22 and then comes into contact with the user's skin.

The end piece containing the cosmetic composition in the form of a refill is preferably fixed to an oscillating Clarisonic® platform. The assembly is applied to the skin of the face or of the body. The expected result is the deep cleansing/massage of the target area with concomitant application of cosmetic composition.

Another alternative would be, for example, to replace the bristles with polyurethane spikes and to use refills of cosmetic composition for the scalp and/or hair. The compositions would then be shampoos or haircare products. The dimensions of the Clarisonic Body Brush ® would then be more appropriate.

The invention is not limited to the described examples. In particular, it encompasses end pieces having other shapes or other spikes. Similarly, the systems for coupling the end piece to the device may be different. The means for making the holder oscillate may also be different. Similarly, the cosmetic composition may be in some other form.

Throughout the description, the expression "having a" should be considered as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless specified to the contrary.