The present invention relates to a device for applying a substance to an area of the body.

The present invention relates to a device for the application of a substance in a liquid or semi-liquid state, or of a fluid or semi-fluid mixture, or of a substance in gel or cream, on any area of the body.

Preferably, the present invention relates to a device for applying polish to nails, preferably semi-permanent UV enamel. The invention can therefore be inserted in the technical sector of production of devices and accessories for applying enamel on nails, normally for ornamental purposes.

Preferably, the present invention relates to a device for applying a cosmetic substance to an area of the skin (of the body or face), for example in correspondence of the mouth or eyes, but also of the hair or nails. Preferably, the present invention relates to a device for the application of a cosmetic substance used for skin care (also called "skin-care") or for decorative cosmetics (also called "make-up"), such as primer face, eye primer, lip primer, eyelash primer, foundation or concealer, moisturizer and/or dye, makeup, eyeshadow, mascara/rimmel, blush, lipstick or similar substances. The invention can therefore be inserted in the technical sector of production of devices and accessories for the application of cosmetic substances, in particular in the "skin-care" or "make-up" sector.

Preferably, the present invention relates to a device for applying a medicinal substance to an area of the body, for example for applying a medicinal substance in order to treat a skin wound. The invention can therefore be inserted in the technical sector of production of devices and accessories for the application of medicinal substances.

Conveniently, the substances applicable by means of the device according to the invention can have various consistencies and viscosities, as well as various compositions. STATE OF THE ART

As is known, since ancient times, women have used to decorate their nails, applying enamels of the most varied colors. It is also known that normal enamels (known in the technical jargon of the sector with the term "enamel") have the drawback of having a short duration.

More clearly, the enamel applied to the nails tends to fade or peel after a few washes, forcing the user to apply it again after a short period of time.

In order to obtain enamels with greater persistence, the so-called semi-permanent gel enamels have been developed (known in the technical jargon of the sector with the term “enamel”), whose duration on the nails can reach up to three weeks. This lengthening of the duration of the enamel is obtained thanks to the use of particular enamels that polymerize (ie solidify) when exposed to the action of UV rays.

Currently, the enamel and the semi-permanent enamel are housed in liquid form inside a tank, for example a bottle or a bottle. The application of the semi-permanent UV gel enamels takes place through small brushes that are normally equipped with the bottles, usually used for the marketing of enamels.

The use of brushes to apply enamel on the nails currently on the market presents a series of critical issues, such as inaccuracy of the brush strokes, color smears, especially when their use is not carried out by cosmetics professionals. In particular, the use of brushes involves a considerable waste of time; and in fact, the average time for the application of the enamel on all the nails of the hands is not less than 40 minutes.

Furthermore, the use of a brush for applying enamel, when used in a professional center, can lead to contamination between one client and another, of yeast infections, fungi or molds or bacteria.

In order to obviate the aforementioned drawbacks of the known art, a bottle containing the aforementioned enamel equipped with an applicator device provided at one end thereof is known in the technical sector, obviating the need to extract the aforementioned brush from the bottle. However, also the applicator device of the known type has proved to be not free from drawbacks in practice.

The main drawback resides in the fact that the known type applicator device provides a hole made at one end of the bottle for the release of the enamel to be applied on the nail. This hole is made in such a way as to always remain open, placing the enamel contained in the bottle constantly in contact with the air of the external environment.

This constant contact with the external environment places the enamel at risk of contamination with external agents, which could affect the goodness of the enamel, impoverishing its qualities and leading to its preventive disposal.

The same problems also exist substantially for the application of substances in the context of decorative cosmetics (also called “make-up”) or skin care (also called “skin-care”).

In particular, in the professional field of decorative cosmetics (or skin care, the specialized person (for example the make-up artist or the beautician) generally uses the same applicator device in an indiscriminate way to apply the cosmetic substance (for example an eye primer or an eye contour) on several subjects, with the risk of transmitting any infections or contaminations of one subject to others. Furthermore, even in the consumer and non-professional context, the substance that escapes from the known applicator devices without being then applied to the area body, undesirably remains in contact with the air with the risk of contamination.

Currently, in addition, in the context of skin care, depending on the area of the body to be treated, different applicator devices are used, even if the substance to be applied is the EP0630597 describes a device for dispensing and applying a fluid product, comprising a bottle containing the product, a bristle holder equipped with a ring of bristles which is fixed around an impregnation channel configured to impregnate the bristles with the product to be dispensed/applied, and a needle holder equipped with a needle. The bristle holder is movable in translation with respect to the needle holder between a position in which the needle closes the impregnation channel and a position in which the impregnation channel is open. The device also comprises a sleeve which is manually operated in rotation with respect to the bottle so as to cause longitudinal displacement of the bristle-holder. Furthermore, the sleeve is configured in such a way that, in the closed position by the impregnation channel, the bristles are contained entirely inside the sleeve W091/12992 discloses a portable dispensing device for highly volatile fluids, of the pump type and with hydraulic drive. The device comprises an elongated structure in which an opening for discharging the fluid towards the outside is defined and which is provided with bristles at one of its ends; moreover, mobile means are provided between a closed position in which they prevent the passage of the fluid through said discharge opening towards the outside and an open position in which they allow the passage of the fluid through said discharge opening.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to propose a device for applying a substance to an area of the body capable of obviating, at least in part, the drawbacks of traditional solutions.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which, when not used for dispensing, is able to separate the substance to be applied from the external environment.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which allows a substance to be applied quickly and easily on an area of the body. Another object of the invention is to propose a device that does not require particular skills on the part of the user to apply the substance, as well as for its use in general.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which can also be used with tanks and/or bottles for containing the substance to be applied which are already commercially available. Another object of the invention is to propose a device which is highly versatile and which, in particular, can be used to apply different substances and/or on different areas of the body and/or even between different people.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which allows a particularly clean and precise application of the substance.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which is particularly hygienic.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which avoids, or at least reduces, the risk of contamination when use between different people is required.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which avoids, or at least reduces, the risk of contamination of the substance to be applied.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which can be obtained simply, quickly and with low costs.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device with an alternative characterization, both in functional and implementation terms, with respect to the traditional ones.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which is an improvement and/or alternative to the traditional ones.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which can be manufactured simply, quickly and with low costs.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which is structurally and functionally completely reliable.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device for applying enamel on nails which is capable of separating the enamel from the external environment.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device for applying enamel on nails which allows the enamel to be applied quickly and simply.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device for applying enamel on nails which does not require particular skills on the part of the user to apply the enamel.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device for applying enamel on nails which can also be used with tanks and/or bottles of enamel already available on the market. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

All these objects and others that will emerge from the following description are achieved, according to the invention, with a device for applying a substance to a region of the body having the characteristics indicated in claim 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The present invention is further clarified hereinafter in some of its preferred embodiments reported for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of an enamel tank with applied the device according to the invention, with the device in closed configuration;

Figure 2 shows an axonometric view of the tank with the device according to the invention applied, with the device in open configuration;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the tank and of the device in closed configuration;

Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section view of the tank and the device, taken along the line I V-IV of figure 3

Figure 5 shows a side view of the tank and the device in closed configuration,

Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section view of the tank and of the device, made along the line VI-VI of figure 5,

Figure 7 shows a front view of the tank and of the device in an open configuration, Figure 8 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the tank and of the device, taken along line VIII-VIII of figure 7,

Figure 9 shows a side view of the tank and of the device in open configuration;

Figure 10 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the tank and the device, taken along the line XX of figure 9, Figure 11 A shows a perspective view of the dispensing body only,

Figure 11 B shows a longitudinal section of the dispensing body of fig. 11 A,

Figure 12A shows the valve means in perspective view,

Figure 12B shows the valve means of fig. 12A in a different perspective view,

Figure 12C shows a longitudinal section of the valve means of fig. 12A, Figure 13A shows the locking element in perspective view,

Figure 13B shows the locking element of fig. 13A in a different perspective view,

Figure 14A - 14C shows the assembly sequence of the device according to the invention (with the valve means in closed configuration),

Figure 15 shows the device according to the invention in which a bristle body is mounted different from that of figures 14A - 14C,

Figure 16 shows the device according to the invention, without locking element, in which a bristle body different from that of figures 14A - 14C and 15 is mounted,

Figure 17 shows the device according to the invention, without locking element, in which a bristle body different from that of figures 14A - 14C, 15 and 16 is mounted, Figures 18A - 18C show the same bristle body from various views,

Figure 19 shows a first possible variant of the bristle body that can be mounted on the same device,

Figure 20 shows a second possible variant of the bristle body that can be mounted on the same device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND OF SOME OF ITS PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a device for applying a substance, for example enamel, to an area of the body, for example on the nails, which has been identified as a whole with reference 1 in the attached figures.

In the following, the embodiments of the device according to the invention will be described and illustrated in particular in which the substance to be applied is constituted by a enamel and in which the area of the body for the application of the substance is constituted by the nails, however it is understood that - in a substantially corresponding way - the same device described and illustrated below - in its essential characteristics and/or in its optional, preferential and advantageous characteristics - can also be used for the application of other substances on any area of the body, and in particular it can be used for the application of a cosmetic substance on an area of the skin (of the body or face), for example in correspondence of the mouth or eyes, but also of the hair or nails, or it can be used for the application of a medicinal substance to an area of the body, for example for the application of a medicinal substance for the scope of treating a skin wound.

Conveniently, the substance to be applied by means of the device according to the invention can be enamel, preferably UV semi-permanent enamel, or it can be a cosmetic substance used for skin care (also called "skin-care") or for skin care decorative cosmetics (also called "make-up"), such as face primer, eye primer, lip primer, eyelash primer, foundation or concealer, moisturizer and/or dye, makeup, eyeshadow, mascara/rimmel, blush, lipstick, etc.

Conveniently, the substance to be applied by means of the device according to the invention can be a substance in a liquid or semi-liquid state, or it can be in the form of a fluid or semi-fluid slurry, or it can be in a gel or cream. Preferably, the substance to be applied by means of the device according to the invention can have various consistencies and viscosities, as well as various compositions.

Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention is applicable - preferably in a removable way - to a tank, preferably of enamel or other substance to be applied, which per se is known in the reference technical sector, and identified with the reference 100 in the attached figures. The device 1, preferably for applying enamel, can be advantageously used for any type of enamel, and preferably can be used to apply semi-permanent enamel, in particular semi-permanent enamel suitable for polymerizing (ie solidifying) if exposed to UV rays.

The device 1 is intended to be mechanically associated - preferably in a removable way - to a tank 100 in correspondence with an opening 101 (of said tank) for the outlet of said enamel or other substance to be applied.

More in detail, in accordance with the preferential but non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the tank 100 comprises a bottle 102, substantially tubular in shape, and made of flexible material. Preferably, the bottle 102 is configured so that the leakage of the substance through the opening 101 is caused by manual compression (preferably in the radial direction) of the tank itself.

Operationally, the user holds the bottle 102 and, in order to let the enamel (or other substance to be applied) come out through the outlet opening 101, presses the bottle 102 which yields elastically and forces the passage of the enamel (or other substance to be applied) contained therein through the aforementioned outlet opening 101.

In accordance with a different and possible embodiment not illustrated in the attached figures, the tank 100 may comprise actuator means that can be operated to mechanically force the outlet of the enamel (or other substance to be applied) from the tank 100 itself, such as for example a plunger provided at the bottom of the tank. Preferably, the tank 100 can be made of shape memory polymeric material.

The device 1 comprises at least dispensing body 2 equipped with at least one outlet mouth 5, intended to be placed in communication with said outlet opening 101 of said tank 100, for dispensing said enamel (or other substance to be applied) contained in said tank 100. Preferably, the dispensing body 2 is configured to internally delimit a dispensing channel 3, which is intended to be placed in direct and permanent fluidic communication with the interior of the tank 100 containing the substance to be applied, and which is in communication with the outside only through said at least one outlet mouth 5, thus allowing said substance to escape from the internal chamber only through said at least one outlet mouth 5.

The device 1 comprises valve means 6 mechanically associated with said dispensing body 2 and it also comprises a bristle body 80 comprising a plurality of bristles 18.

The valve means 6 are movable with respect to the dispensing body 2 between a closed configuration, in which they prevent the passage of said substance to be applied from and/or through said at least one outlet mouth 5 towards the bristles 18 of the bristle body 80 and thus separate said substance to be applied from an external environment, and an open configuration, in which they allow the passage of said substance to be applied from and/or through said at least one outlet mouth 5 towards said bristles 18 of the bristle body 80.

The bristle body 80 is configured to be mechanically associated in a removable way to said valve means 6 and is configured in such a way as to intercept with said bristles 18 said substance coming out of said at least one outlet mouth 5 (when the valve means 6 are in an open configuration) to distribute it thus on at least one area of the body of a user.

Preferably, the valve means 6 are movable between a closed configuration, in which they obstruct said at least one outlet mouth 5 to fluidically separate said enamel (or other substance to be applied which is contained in the tank 100) from an external environment, and an open configuration, in which they free said at least one outlet mouth 5, to allow said enamel (or other substance to be applied) to escape from said tank 100 through said at least one outlet mouth 5.

In this way, the device 1 object of the present invention allows to block said at least one outlet mouth 5, preventing the enamel (or other substance to be applied) from leaving the tank 100 and at the same time preventing the air from the external environment from enter the tank, preventing unwanted contamination of the enamel itself.

Therefore, suitably, the device 1 object of the present invention allows the substance contained in the tank 100 to be quickly and easily distributed on any area of the recipient user's body and at the same time allows the substance to be kept isolated when the device is not used and this thanks to a simple movement of the valve means from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In particular, the device 1 object of the present invention allows to quickly and easily distribute the enamel contained in the tank on the user's nails and at the same time allows to keep the enamel isolated when not in use, thanks to a simple movement of the valve means from the configuration open to closed configuration.

Advantageously, said dispensing body 2 defines a dispensing channel 3, which extends between an inlet mouth 4 intended to be substantially opposite to said outlet opening 101 of said tank 100 and said at least one outlet mouth 5.

Conveniently, the dispensing body 2 comprises a tubular element 15 which internally defines said dispensing channel 3 and extends between an inlet end, in which the inlet mouth 4 is formed, and an outlet end in which said at least one outlet mouth 5 is formed.

Preferably, the device can comprise at least two outlet mouths 5 and, more preferably (as illustrated in Fig. 11 A), may comprise four outlet mouths 5. Advantageously, the substance coming out of two or more outlet mouths 5 avoids air sucking. Conveniently, said at least two outlet mouths 5 are in fluid communication with the same dispensing channel 3.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in the attached figures, the tubular element 15 of the dispensing body 2 is made in a single body, ie in a monolithic manner. Otherwise, in other possible embodiments not illustrated in the figures, the tubular element 15 can be made in several sections joined together without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present patent.

Advantageously, the valve means 6 comprise at least one valve body 7 arranged/mounted externally with respect to said dispensing body 2 and comprising a shutter element 8, preferably wall-shaped, which is movable in a first position in which it is adjacent or in contact with said at least one outlet mouth 5 and a second position in which it is spaced with respect to said at least one outlet mouth 5 to thus define respectively said closed configuration and said open configuration of the valve means 6. Conveniently, when the valve means 6 are in a closed configuration , the shutter element 8 is in a first position in which it prevents the substance from escaping from the dispensing body 2 through said at least one outlet mouth 5, while when the valve means 6 are in an open configuration, the shutter element 8 it is in a second position in which it allows the substance to escape from the dispensing body 2 through said at least one at the outlet mouth 5.

Conveniently, when the valve means 6 are in a closed configuration, the shutter element 8 is in a first position in which it prevents the passage of the substance from the dispensing body 2 to the valve means 6, while when the valve means 6 are in open configuration, the shutter element 8 is in a second position in which it allows the passage of the substance from the dispensing body 2 to the valve means 6.

Preferably, with the valve means 6 in the closed configuration, the valve means shutter element 8 is configured to abut against the outlet end of the tubular element 15 of the dispensing body 2, to thus externally close said at least one outlet mouth 5.

Advantageously, said valve body 7 is configured to translate in a guided manner with respect to to said dispensing body 2 along a direction of movement X, to thus move said shutter element 8 between said first position and said second position.

Preferably, the inlet mouth 4 and the outlet mouth 5 are made to intercept the movement axis X. Preferably, the inlet mouth 4 and the outlet mouth or mouths 5 face each other.

The dispensing channel 3 defined in the dispensing body 2 advantageously develops parallel to the movement axis X.

Advantageously, said valve body 7 of said valve means 6 comprises a gripping portion 9 which is configured to be gripped by a user to translate said valve body 7 along said movement direction X. Preferably, the gripping portion 9 is accessible from the outside by a user and can be gripped to move the valve body 7.

In accordance with the possible embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the valve body 7 comprises the aforementioned gripping portion 9, provided with a lateral wall 9’ of tubular and/or frusto-conical shape, which externally defines a gripping surface which can be gripped by a user.

Preferably, the valve body 7 of the valve means 6 is configured so that, when the valve means are in the closed configuration, the valve body 7 is in abutment/contact with the tank 100. Preferably, the lateral wall 9’ of the gripping portion 9 of the valve body 7 of the valve means 6 ends with an abutment edge 9" configured to abut against a shoulder 103 made on the tank 100.

Conveniently, furthermore, the device 1 object of the present invention can comprise guide means 10 mechanically interposed between said dispensing body 2 and said valve body 7 of said valve means 6, adapted to guide said valve body 7 during its movement along said movement direction X.

More in detail, said guide means 10 can comprise at least one pin 11 projecting from said dispensing body 2 radially with respect to said direction of movement. Preferably, the guide means 10 can also comprise at least one slot 12 made on said valve body 7, extending parallel to said movement direction X and slidingly engaged by said pin 11.

Advantageously, said slot 12 extends along said movement direction X between a first and a second end-of-stroke wall opposite each other, configured to abut said pin 11 with said valve body 7 respectively in the open configuration and in the closed configuration of the valve means. In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, said dispensing body 2 comprises a fixing portion 13 which is configured to be mechanically fixed, preferably in a removable way, to said tank 100. Preferably, said fixing portion 13 is configured to be screwed to said tank 100.

Preferably, said pin 11 of said guide means 10 protrudes from the external surface at said fixing portion 13.

Advantageously, the fixing portion 13 internally defines a nut screw 13’ configured to engage in a shape relationship of screw-nut type with a thread obtained in correspondence with the end of the tank 100 in which the outlet opening 101 for the enamel or other product to be applied is formed. Preferably, the valve body 7 is slidingly associated/mounted around the dispensing body 2. Conveniently, the valve body 7 is movable in translation along a movement direction X. Conveniently, the valve body 7 is mounted on the dispensing body 2 so that rotation of the valve body 7 with respect to the dispensing body 2 and also with respect to the tank 100 is blocked and prevented.

More in detail, preferably, the gripping portion 9 of the valve body 7 of the valve means 6 is arranged around the fixing portion 13 of the dispensing body 2.

Conveniently, the valve means 6 comprise at least one passage hole 16 configured to put said at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body in communication with the bristles 18 of the bristle body 80.

Preferably, said at least one passage hole 16 which it is always in communication with the external environment and in particular with the bristles 18, to thus allow - when the valve means 6 are in open configuration - the passage towards the outside and, in particular, towards the bristles 18 of the substance to be applied which emerges from the dispensing body 2 through said at least one outlet mouth 5.

Advantageously, the valve body 7 is provided with at least one passage hole 16 extending parallel to the direction of movement X and capable of being crossed by the enamel or other product to be applied when the valve means 6 are in the open configuration. Preferably, the passage hole 16 is through and advantageously is obtained on the shutter element 8. Preferably, the passage hole 16 passes through the thickness of the shutter element 8. Preferably, the passage hole 16 comprises a passage channel with elongated extension parallel or corresponding to the X direction.

Conveniently, when the valve means 16 are in an open configuration, the passage hole 16 is in fluid communication with said at least one outlet mouth 5. Advantageously, the passage hole 16 is configured to receive and conveying the substance that comes out of said at least one outlet mouth 5. Preferably, a single passage hole 16 is provided which receives the substance that comes out of said at least two outlet mouths 5.

Preferably, in order to block the passage hole 16 of the valve body 7, the dispensing body 2 can comprise a shutter member 17, preferably protruding from the outlet end of the dispensing body 2 itself, and in particular protruding in correspondence with said at least one outlet mouth 5 made on the tubular element 15. Preferably, said at least two outlet mouths 5 are arranged around the shutter member 17.

Preferably, the valve body 7 of the valve means 6 comprises a shutter element 8 for closing said at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body 2, while the dispensing body 2 comprises a shutter member 17 to close said at least one passage hole 16 obtained in the valve body 7 of said valve means 6. In particular, when the valve means are in a closed configuration, the shutter element 8 closes and plugs said at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body 2 while the shutter member 17 closes said at least one outlet passage hole 16.

Advantageously, the valve body 7 is movable along the direction of movement X for a stroke greater than or equal to the extension of the shutter member 17 parallel to the movement direction X.

In this way, the movement of the valve body 7 makes it possible to free the passage hole 16 from the engagement of the shutter member 17, thus allowing the enamel to escape with the valve means 6 in the open configuration.

Otherwise, with the valve means 6 in the closed configuration, the shutter member 17 is housed inside the passage hole 16 of the valve body 7, thus obstructing the passage hole and preventing the passage of enamel or other product.

Preferably, once the dispensing body 2 is associated with the tank 100, the dispensing channel 3 is always in communication with the inside of the tank itself.

Preferably, the valve means 6 and the dispensing body 2 are configured so that, when the valve means 6 are in a closed configuration, fluid communication between said at least one passage hole 16 and the dispensing channel 3 is prevented, thus avoiding the fluid communication between the external environment and the substance present in the dispensing channel 3 and/or in the tank 100. Preferably, the valve means 6 and the dispensing body 2 are configured so that, when the valve means 6 are in a closed configuration, said at least one passage hole 16 is closed/plugged and also said at least one outlet mouth 5 is closed/plugged, which always remains in fluid communication with the dispensing channel 3. Conveniently, the closure of said at least one passage hole 16 of the valve means 6 and/or of said at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body 2 can be obtained by striking/contacting a corresponding substantially flat wall and/or by inserting an element protruding and suitably counter-shaped with respect to the hole/mouth in the corresponding hole/mouth.

Conveniently, said at least one outlet mouth 5 is formed around the shutter member 17, so that the shutter element 8 obstructs said at least one outlet mouth 5 itself with the valve means 6 in closed configuration and the shutter member 17 obstructs the passage hole 16 of the valve body 7, thus hermetically closing any passage of enamel or other substance towards the outside and/or of ambient air towards the inside of the tank 100.

Advantageously, with the valve means 6 in an open configuration , between the outlet end of the dispensing body 2 and the shutter element 8 of the valve body 7 a passage chamber 30 remains defined, in particular capable of being filled with enamel before it comes out through the passage hole 16 obtained on the shutter element 8 itself. Conveniently, the device 1 comprises a bristle body 80 comprising a plurality of bristles 18 and which is mechanically associated in a removable way on said valve means 6 in such a way as to intercept the substance to be applied that comes out of the passage hole 16 in order to apply it by means of said bristles 18 on one area of the body. Conveniently, the bristle body 80 is mechanically associated in a removable way to the valve means 6 by means of a removable mechanical engagement with a shape/interlocking ratio and/or by hooking (for example by means of clips or clamps) and/or by snap-fit (also called "snap-lock ") and/or press-fit.

Conveniently, the bristle body 80 is mounted at one end of the valve body 7 of the valve means 6 and, in particular, at the end of the valve body 7 into which said at least one passage hole 16 opens. Preferably, the bristle body 80 is mounted externally at said end of the valve body 7 into which said at least one passage hole 16 opens.

In particular, the bristles 18 intercepting the substance which, when the valve means 6 are in an open configuration, emerges from said at least an outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body 2 to enter the passage hole 16 of the valve means 6.

Advantageously, the device 1 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of bristles 18 mechanically associated with said valve means 6 and configured to intercept said enamel, or other substance, coming out of said at least one outlet mouth 5 and distributing it on at least one nail of a receiving user. Advantageously, the bristle body 80 can be mechanically fixed in a removable way on said valve body 7 of said valve means

6. The bristles 18 of the bristle body 80 are configured to receive said enamel (or other product) at the outlet from said at least one outlet mouth 5 and from said passage hole 16, to distribute it uniformly on a fingernail or other area of the body of a user.

Preferably, the bristles 18 of said bristle body 80 are made of elastically yielding material.

Preferably the bristles 18 extend parallel to the direction of movement X starting from an external surface of the shutter element 8 of the valve body 7.

Preferably, the bristle body 80 comprises a substantially annular shaped base 81 from which said bristles 18, and in which said base 81 is configured to be mechanically associated and/or removably mounted to/on said valve means 6.

Conveniently, the base 81 and the bristles 18 can be made, preferably by molding, in a single piece. Conveniently, the base 81 and the bristles 18 can be made in a single piece and of the same polymeric material. Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, the bristles 18 can be fixed on the base 81. Advantageously, the valve body 7 of the valve means 6 can comprise a protruding portion 90 in which - at least in part - the passage hole 16 is formed. In particular, the passage hole 16 opens at the upper end of the protruding portion 90. Preferably, the protruding portion 90 can comprise one or more radial narrowings or other suitably shaped areas. Preferably, the base 81 of the bristle body 80 mechanically engages in a removable manner on said protruding portion 90 of the valve body 7. Preferably, the base 81 of the bristle body 80 engages on the protruding portion 90 of the valve body 7 by means of removable mechanical engagement in relation shaped/interlocking and/or by hooking (for example by clips or clamps) and/or by snap (also called "snap-fit") and/or press-fit.

Preferably, the bristles 18 of the bristle body 80 are arranged around the passage hole 16 and are configured to intercept the enamel or other substance exiting the passage hole 16 to apply it uniformly on the nails or other area of the body of a user receiving.

More in detail, in accordance with a possible and preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the bristles 18 of the bristle body 80 are arranged around the passage hole 16 defining a substantially oblong shape, in particular substantially ogive on the external surface of the shutter element 8. Advantageously, the plurality of bristles 18 can define two half-groups of bristles

18', 18" of substantially arcuate shape, in which each of the two half-groups of bristles 18', 18" defines a concavity - which, preferably, partially contains the passage hole 16 - counterfaced with the concavity of the other semigroup 18", 18'. Conveniently, therefore, the two half-groups 18', 18" of the plurality of bristles 18 define the aforementioned substantially ogive shape.

Advantageously, the bristle body 80 can be disposable or can be sanitized or sterilized.

Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a locking element 19 configured to mechanically lock in a removable way the bristle body 80 to the valve means 6 and, in particular, to the valve body 7. Preferably, the locking element 19 is configured to be mounted or inserted externally around the bristle body 80 (and preferably around its base 81) and to be removably mechanically associated with the valve body 7 so as to keep the bristle body 80 (and preferably its base 81) bound to the valve body 7.

Preferably, the locking element 19 is configured to mechanically engage on the valve body 7 of the valve means 6 so as to maintain the base 81 of the bristle body 80 associated with the valve body 7 itself. In particular, the engagement of the locking element 19 on the valve body 7 allows the bristle body 80 to be kept in position, thus preventing its removal.

More in detail, preferably, the locking element 19 comprises a crown 20 which blocks the base 81 of the bristle body 80 against a shoulder formed on the valve body 7. Preferably, the locking element 19 (see fig. 13A and 13B) is shaped like a hood and is open at the top and at the bottom.

In accordance with the preferential embodiment of the attached figures, the locking element 19 is internally hollow and has a substantially tubular and/or substantially frusto- conical shape.

Preferably, the locking element 19 is mechanically connected to the valve body 7 by means of a screw coupling. In particular, the valve body 7 is externally provided with a thread engaged in screwing by a counter-shaped thread obtained internally in the locking element 19.

Preferably, the locking element 19 is mechanically connected to the valve body 7 by means of a mechanical coupling which is activated by rotating the locking element 19 around the valve body 7. Preferably, the valve body 7 can be provided with a protuberance 70 which is inserted, passing through an inlet section 71, into a helical groove 72 obtained on the internal surface of the locking element 19 so that, following rotation (for example by half a turn or more) between the locking element 19 and the valve body 7, the protuberance arrives in a locking seat. Advantageously, the enamel or other substance, pushed by the tank 100, passes through said at least one outlet mouth 5 of the dispensing body 2 and, preferably, the passage hole 16 of the valve body 7 and intercepts the bristles 18.

Advantageously, the bristles 18 are made of polymeric material, in particular an elastomer and preferably of a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPC-ET).

Conveniently, as mentioned, the bristle body 80 is removable, in particular by removing the locking element 19, to allow it to be replaced with a bristle body 80, having bristles of the same or different type (in terms of number, shape and/or size), for application to another user and/or for the application of the same substance to a different area of the body.

In this way, the device object of the invention provides a high degree of hygiene for its use with different recipient users, obviating the risk of contaminating the nails or other areas of the body of a recipient user with any bacteria or fungi or the like of a previous recipient user. Basically, advantageously, it is possible to easily and quickly change the bristle body 80 according to the receiving user.

Furthermore, the bristles 18 are made of the aforementioned polymeric material suitable for being sanitized before and/or during their use.

Moreover, advantageously, it is possible to easily and quickly change the bristle body 80 so as to use the one having the bristles 18 most suitable according to the application. For example, in the enamel sector, the use of a bristle body 80 with fewer bristles may be required (see fig. 20), which thus define a finer tip, for "nail-art" precision applications, while the use of a bristle body 80 with more bristles may be required (see fig. 19), which thus define a wider tip, for total and rapid coloring of the entire nail. Again, for example in the body care sector ("skin-care") the use of a bristle body 80 with fewer bristles may be required (see fig. 20), which thus define a finer tip, for applications of the substance in correspondence with the wrinkles of the skin or in areas such as the eye contour, while the use of a bristle body 80 with more bristles may be required (see fig. 19), which thus define a wider tip, for the applying the substance to larger areas of the skin such as the forehead or hands.

Preferably, the device 1 comprises at least one cap 21 which is removable and which is configured to cover the bristles 18.

Advantageously, the cap 21 is configured so as to cover the bristles 18 and the locking element 19 and is preferably provided with a lower edge capable of abutting against a shoulder of the gripping portion 9 of the valve body 7.

The device 1 described up to now can be applied to tanks 100 of a known type, or, advantageously, it can be made mechanically linked to a tank 100 thereof shaped and sized for the connection of the aforementioned device, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of this patent.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for applying a substance to an area of the body, for example for applying enamel, in particular UV semi-permanent polish, comprising

- at least one tank 100 containing the substance to be applied, said at least one tank being compressible and/or elastically yielding, and also being provided with an outlet opening 101 for said substance;

- a device 1 - as described here in its essential characteristics and/or in one or more of its preferential, optional and advantageous characteristics - which is mechanically associated or can be associated with said at least one tank 100 at said outlet opening 101 of said tank 100.

In particular, the apparatus comprises a device 1 with at least one dispensing body 2 mechanically connected to said tank 100 and equipped with at least one outlet mouth 5, placed in communication with said outlet opening 101 of said tank 100, for dispensing of said enamel or other substance.

Conveniently, the apparatus further comprises valve means 6 mechanically associated with said dispensing body 2 and movable between a closed configuration, in which they obstruct said at least one outlet mouth 5 to fluidically separate said enamel or other substance from an external environment, and an open configuration, in which they free said at least one outlet mouth 5, to allow said enamel or other substance to escape from said tank 100 through said at least one outlet mouth 5.

Furthermore, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a bristle body 80 with a plurality of bristles 18 and mechanically removably associated with said valve means 6 so that the bristles 18 intercept said enamel, or other substance to be applied, at the outlet from said at least one outlet mouth 5, to distribute it thus on at least one fingernail or other body area of a receiving user.

All the characteristics described above with reference to the device 1 and/or the tank 100 and with reference to any part thereof are to be understood as described also with reference to the aforementioned apparatus.

The device is particularly advantageous as:

- it is able to separate the enamel or the substance to be applied from the external environment.

- allows you to apply enamel or other substance quickly and easily.

- does not require special skills from the user to apply enamel or other substance,

- it is highly hygienic as it allows the quick and easy replacement of the bristle body that comes into contact with the user,

- it is highly versatile as the quick and easy replacement of the bristle body in order to use the most suitable bristles according to the type of application and/or the area of the body to be treated,

- it can also be used with tanks and/or bottles already available on the market.

- it has an alternative characterization, both in functional and implementation terms, compared to the traditional ones.

- it is an improvement and/or alternative to traditional ones.

- it can be created simply, quickly and with low costs.

- it is structurally and functionally completely reliable.

- it is simple and intuitive to use as there is only one movement of the valve body along the movement direction.

Unlike EP0630597 and W091/12992, in the device according to the invention the bristle body is mechanically associated with the valve means in a removable way; on the contrary, in EP0630597 the bristles are integrated and fixed inside the tip of the bristle-holder body which is longitudinally movable and, a removal/replacement of the bristles necessarily requires the complete replacement or modification of the entire dispensing device. The fact that in the device according to the invention the bristle body is associated in a mechanically removable way with the valve means is particularly advantageous since it makes the device highly hygienic, allowing in particular the rapid and easy replacement of the bristle body, i.e. the body provided with the bristles, which are the only parts of the device that come into direct contact with the recipient user's body area and which, as such, are highly and easily contaminated. Furthermore, the fact that in the device according to the invention the bristle body is associated in a mechanically removable way with the valve means is particularly advantageous since it makes the device particularly versatile in its use, allowing in particular the rapid and easy replacement of the bristle body in order to be able to use the most suitable bristles according to the type of application and/or the area of the body to be treated. Furthermore, unlike W091/12992, in the device according to the invention the bristle body is mounted on the valve means which are movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

The present invention has been illustrated and described in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variations may apply thereto in practice, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present patent for industrial invention.