EP1195105A1 - Device for packaging and applying a product comprising an applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for packaging and applying a product, in particular a cosmetic or care product, comprising a container (20) for containing the product and an applicator (30) comprising an application element used for applying the product, the device comprising a housing for receiving the application element and loading it with product, this device being characterized in that the application element comprises at least a first portion (45) capable of coming to bear against a wall of the housing and the fact that the applicator element further comprises at least a second portion (44) adjacent to the first portion and arranged so as to be uncompressed or substantially less compressed than the first portion when the latter comes into abutment against said wall, the latter being traversed by at least one orifice making it possible to supply the application element with product and opening out near or opposite the lad ite second portion. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to the packaging and application of a product, in particular a cosmetic or care product, by means of a device comprising in a manner known per se a container for containing the product and a applicator comprising an application element used for applying the product, this device further comprising a housing for receiving the application element and the load product.

Such a device is known from patent CH 406 544.

In this device, the application element is fixed on a support element which bears against the wall of the housing, so that the application element is not compressed in the housing when the applicator is in place on the container. In in addition, the applicator is not designed to seal the housing tightly when it is in place on the container.

US Patent 5,636,931 describes a device in which an element of application bears against a wall of a piston which is movable relative to the container body. The contact pressure between the application element and the wall of the piston can evolve according to the quantity of product contained in the container.

There is a need to benefit from a device comprising a container to contain a product and an applicator comprising an application element compressible or not, used for applying the product, the device further comprising a housing for receiving the application element and loading it with product, which is suitable the packaging and distribution of a liquid to pasty consistency product, or even a powder, and which is capable of loading the application element with a substantial quantity of product in order to give the applicator sufficient autonomy.

The invention aims in particular to meet this need.

• un récipient pour contenir le produit,
• au moins un logement ayant une paroi de fond et capable d'être en communication fluidique avec le récipient, ledit au moins un logement étant agencé pour recevoir un élément d'application,
• au moins un élément d'application délimitant avec la paroi du logement une cavité s'étendant au moins partiellement entre la paroi de fond du logement et l'élément d'application lorsque l'élément d'application est reçu au moins partiellement dans ledit logement, ledit logement étant dans une position fixe axialement relativement audit récipient,
• ledit élément d'application ayant au moins un creux ou au moins une portion aplatie ou au moins une portion tronquée lorsqu'il est retiré dudit logement.

The new device according to the invention can be characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• a container to hold the product,
• at least one housing having a bottom wall and capable of being in fluid communication with the container, said at least one housing being arranged to receive an application element,
• at least one application element delimiting with the wall of the housing a cavity extending at least partially between the bottom wall of the housing and the application element when the application element is received at least partially in said housing , said housing being in a fixed position axially relative to said container,
• said applicator element having at least one recess or at least one flattened portion or at least one truncated portion when it is removed from said housing.

The application element can comprise for example at least a first portion capable of coming to bear with a certain compression against the wall of the housing and at least a second portion adjacent to the first portion and arranged so to be uncompressed or substantially less compressed than the first portion when the latter bears against said wall. Thanks to the fact that the second portion above is uncompressed or substantially less compressed than the first portion, the product can more easily reach the housing in which the element is placed of application and deposit on the surface of the latter.

In addition, the fact that a portion of the application element comes to bear with a certain compression against the wall of the housing makes it possible to increase, possibly, the quantity of product which the application element takes care of due to the fact that the relaxation of the application element during the withdrawal of the applicator can be accompanied by a certain aspiration of the product in the application element.

The wall of the housing can be traversed for example by at least one orifice making it possible to supply the application element with product and opening for example to near or opposite said second portion.

According to one aspect of the invention, the application element can form with the wall of the housing, when the application element is in place in the housing or when from its removal, at least one cavity delimited at least partially by said second portion. This cavity can be substantially closed, being for example delimited by the contact of the application element, in particular of said first portion, with the wall housing.

The invention makes it possible in particular to constitute on the application element product reserves providing sufficient autonomy for the applicator, even in the event of rotation of the applicator element relative to the housing when removing the applicator.

The fact that a portion of the application element comes to bear on a wall housing also allows, if necessary, a certain cleaning action of the housing by the application element.

The fact that the housing wall against which the element comes to bear application is fixed relative to the container body can allow better control the loading of product with the application element, in particular when an expansion of the application element in contact with said wall is accompanied by an absorption effect of the product.

In a particular embodiment, the wall against which the first portion abovementioned abuts with a certain compression is a bottom wall of the housing. As a variant, the wall against which the first portion comes to bear with a certain compression is a side wall of the housing. The application element may include also a portion bearing against the bottom wall of the housing and a portion coming to bear against the side wall of the housing.

The aforementioned second portion can for example form, in the uncompressed state, at least one dish or at least one truncated cone or at least one hollow, depending on the area of the body or face to be treated.

Preferably, the applicator comprises a sealing member allowing to obtain a tight closure of the housing when the applicator is in place on the container.

In a particular embodiment, the aforementioned first portion of the element of application completely surrounds the second portion.

Still in a particular embodiment, the application element comprises a peripheral portion capable of being applied in a sealed manner to a side wall of the housing. This creates, when the applicator is removed, a piston effect and a suction, in the housing receiving the application element, of the product present in the level of the bottom wall and / or in the orifice (s) of the latter.

Preferably, the side wall is symmetrical in revolution in order to allow a rotation of the application element relative to said housing.

In a particular embodiment, the second portion is located in the center of a face of the application element used for applying the product.

The bottom wall can be crossed by one or more orifices allowing the supply of product to the application element. The back wall can also be at least partially porous, for example due to the use of a material In a particular embodiment, when the applicator is in place on the container, the second portion is not axially compressed. Alternatively, when the applicator is in place on the container, the second portion is axially compressed. In this last case, the second portion may however be less axially compressed than the first portion, allowing the second portion, when the applicator is moved relative to the container in order to extract the application element from its housing, to take example a hollow shape while the first portion continues to apply to the bottom wall of the housing. The deformation of the second portion is accompanied advantageously, when the first portion is applied tightly to the wall bottom, aspiration of the product into the cavity formed by the return of the second portion to its uncompressed configuration.

The second portion, less compressed than the first, can also be better able than the first portion to deform under the pressure of the product arriving in the housing under a certain pressure, the latter being obtained by means of a pump, compression of the wall of the container, or a piston for example.

In a particular embodiment, when the applicator is in place on the container, the application element comes into substantial contact with the entire wall background.

In a particular embodiment, the applicator comprises a cover capable of be fixed by a rotational movement on the container, this cover also serving gripping organ.

Alternatively, the applicator includes a cover capable of being fixed by a translational movement on the container, this cover also serving as a gripping.

The second portion can be made in various ways without having to is beyond the scope of the present invention. The application element can thus comprise at minus a hollow portion constituting a second portion within the meaning of the invention, having the shape of a groove. Such a groove can be straight or curved, or even have an annular shape, be centered relative to the axis of the applicator element or off-center. The application element may also have several parallel grooves or not. In a particular embodiment, the application element comprises several intaglio portions arranged like a grid. In another realization particular, the application element comprises at least one hollow portion surrounding a pin.

The applicator element may have only one hollow portion or in have several. The application element can comprise for example a portion in central hollow, for example in the form of a concave cavity towards the bottom wall of the housing.

The applicator element may not engage substantially within at least minus an orifice opening into the housing receiving the application element when this the latter is in place in said housing.

The application element can comprise for example at least one portion in hollow or truncated or flat when uncompressed and the housing wall may have a plurality of orifices.

The largest diameter of the applicator element, when the device is intended for the application of a product to the skin, and for example greater than or equal to 20 mm, for example greater than or equal to 30 mm and for example still greater than or equal to 40 mm.

In a particular embodiment, the application element comprises a open cell foam.

The application element may also include an assembly of at least two materials of different natures and / or textures, for example two foams having different porosity and / or hardness characteristics, or a foam covered with a surface coating such as flocking or felt.

In a particular embodiment, the bottom wall of the housing receiving the application element is flat. Alternatively, the bottom wall is concave towards the element application. The bottom wall may also have a different shape, depending on the shape of the application element and the nature of the treatment or make-up to be carried out.

In a particular embodiment, the aforementioned first portion has a symmetrical shape of revolution.

Still in a particular embodiment, the first portion presents, in the absence of compression, areas of different heights, these areas can be arranged so that when the applicator element is in place in the housing, the first portion is sufficiently compressed so that these areas of different heights all come to bear on the bottom wall.

The housing can only be separated by the bottom wall of a space in the container filled with product.

The device can also include a pump or a piston for delivering product in the housing.

As indicated above, the applicator element can be compressed in the housing when the applicator is in place on the container and removing the applicator may be accompanied by a relaxation of the application element, which may cause a aspiration of the product on the application element.

In a particular embodiment, the first and second portions define inside the housing and with the wall of the latter a cavity communicating with an orifice passing through said wall, this cavity being closed at its periphery by the contact of the first portion on said wall.

The container may contain a milk or cream to be applied to the skin or a lipstick.

In the latter case, the application element can take, thanks to the invention, a sufficient quantity of product for the quantity of lipstick deposited on the lips is large enough to produce a shine effect, if any.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device can be characterized by the has a container for containing the product and an applicator comprising a application element used for applying the product, the device comprising a housing for receiving the application element and loading it with product, the element application comprising at least a first portion capable of coming into abutment against a wall of the housing and the applicator element further comprising at least a second portion adjacent to the first portion and arranged so as to be uncompressed or significantly less compressed than the first portion when the latter comes in support against said wall. The latter can be crossed by at least one orifice, by example a plurality of orifices, making it possible to supply the application element with product and opening near or opposite said second portion.

• un récipient pour contenir le produit,
• au moins un logement capable d'une communication fluidique avec le récipient, ledit au moins un logement étant agencé pour recevoir un élément d'application et comportant une paroi latérale et une paroi de fond avec au moins un orifice et,
• au moins un élément d'application pour appliquer le produit, l'élément d'application comportant :
  • une première portion agencée pour venir en appui contre la paroi de fond lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est reçu dans ledit au moins un logement et que ledit au moins un élément d'application est dans un état non comprimé,
  • une seconde portion comportant au moins un creux, la seconde portion étant agencée pour venir en appui contre la paroi de fond lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est reçu dans ledit au moins un logement et que ledit au moins un élément d'application est dans un état comprimé et,
  • une portion périphérique agencée pour venir en appui contre la paroi latérale lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est reçu dans ledit au moins un logement.

According to another aspect of the invention, the packaging and application device can be characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• a container to hold the product,
• at least one housing capable of fluid communication with the container, said at least one housing being arranged to receive an application element and comprising a side wall and a bottom wall with at least one orifice and,
• at least one application element for applying the product, the application element comprising:
  • a first portion arranged to bear against the bottom wall when said at least one application element is received in said at least one housing and when said at least one application element is in an uncompressed state,
  • a second portion comprising at least one recess, the second portion being designed to bear against the bottom wall when said at least one application element is received in said at least one housing and that said at least one application element is in a compressed state and,
  • a peripheral portion arranged to bear against the side wall when said at least one application element is received in said at least one housing.

• un récipient pour contenir le produit,
• au moins un logement comportant une paroi latérale et une paroi de fond avec au moins un orifice, ledit au moins logement étant agencé pour recevoir un élément d'application,
• au moins un élément d'application comportant :
  • une première portion agencée pour venir en appui contre la paroi de fond lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est reçu dans ledit au moins un logement,
  • une portion périphérique agencée pour venir en appui contre la paroi latérale lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est reçu dans ledit au moins un logement et,
  • une cavité sensiblement fermée définie au moins partiellement par ladite paroi de fond et par ledit au moins un élément d'application lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est reçu dans ledit au moins un logement.

According to another aspect of the invention, the packaging and application device can be characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• a container to hold the product,
• at least one housing comprising a side wall and a bottom wall with at least one orifice, said at least housing being arranged to receive an application element,
• at least one application element comprising:
  • a first portion arranged to bear against the bottom wall when said at least one application element is received in said at least one housing,
  • a peripheral portion arranged to bear against the side wall when said at least one application element is received in said at least one housing and,
  • a substantially closed cavity defined at least partially by said bottom wall and by said at least one application element when said at least one application element is received in said at least one housing.

• un récipient pour contenir le produit,
• au moins un logement comportant une paroi sensiblement conique, cette paroi ayant une portion avec au moins un orifice, ledit au moins logement étant agencé pour recevoir un élément d'application et,
• au moins un élément d'application comportant :
  • une première portion agencée pour venir en appui contre ladite paroi sensiblement conique lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est reçu dans ledit au moins un logement et que ledit au moins un élément d'application est dans un état non comprimé et,
  • une seconde portion comportant au moins un creux, la seconde portion étant agencée pour venir en appui contre ladite paroi sensiblement conique lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est reçu dans ledit au moins un logement et que ledit au moins un élément d'application est dans un état comprimé.

According to another aspect of the invention, the application conditioning device can be characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• a container to hold the product,
• at least one housing comprising a substantially conical wall, this wall having a portion with at least one orifice, said at least housing being arranged to receive an application element and,
• at least one application element comprising:
  • a first portion arranged to bear against said substantially conical wall when said at least one application element is received in said at least one housing and that said at least one application element is in an uncompressed state and,
  • a second portion comprising at least one recess, the second portion being arranged to bear against said substantially conical wall when said at least one application element is received in said at least one housing and that said at least one application element is in a compressed state.

• un récipient pour contenir le produit,
• au moins un logement agencé pour recevoir un élément d'application et capable d'être en communication fluidique avec ledit récipient,
• au moins un renfoncement dans ledit logement, ledit élément d'application étant capable d'occuper au moins d'une majeure partie dudit renfoncement lorsqu'il est en place dans ledit logement.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device can be characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• a container to hold the product,
• at least one housing designed to receive an application element and capable of being in fluid communication with said container,
• at least one recess in said housing, said applicator element being capable of occupying at least a major part of said recess when it is in place in said housing.

Said at least recess can be formed for example by a portion forming a step with another portion of the housing wall, for example.

• un récipient pour contenir le produit,
• au moins un logement capable d'une communication fluidique avec le récipient,
• ledit au moins un logement étant agencé pour recevoir un élément d'application et comportant au moins une paroi de fond,
• ledit au moins un logement étant fixe axialement relativement au récipient et,
• au moins un élément d'application, ledit au moins un élément d'application et ladite au moins une paroi de fond définissant entre eux une cavité sensiblement fermée, de telle sorte que ledit au moins un élément d'application entoure sensiblement la cavité sensiblement fermée lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est reçu au moins partiellement dans ledit au moins un logement.

According to another aspect of the invention, the packaging and application device can be characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• a container to hold the product,
• at least one housing capable of fluid communication with the container,
• said at least one housing being arranged to receive an application element and comprising at least one bottom wall,
• said at least one housing being axially fixed relative to the container and,
• at least one application element, said at least one application element and said at least one bottom wall defining between them a substantially closed cavity, so that said at least one application element substantially surrounds the substantially closed cavity when said at least one application element is received at least partially in said at least one housing.

• un récipient pour contenir le produit,
• au moins un logement comportant une paroi de fond, le logement étant agencé pour être capable d'une communication fluidique avec le récipient et étant agencé pour recevoir un élément d'application, le logement étant fixe axialement relativement au récipient,
• au moins un élément d'application comportant une première portion et une seconde portion adjacente à la première portion, ladite au moins première portion étant agencée pour venir en appui contre la paroi de fond lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est reçu au moins partiellement dans ledit au moins un logement et
• une cavité sensiblement fermée, définie dans le logement au moins partiellement entre la paroi de fond et la seconde portion de l'élément d'application lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est au moins partiellement reçu dans ledit au moins un logement et que ladite première portion est en appui sur la paroi de fond.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device can be characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• a container to hold the product,
• at least one housing comprising a bottom wall, the housing being arranged to be capable of fluid communication with the container and being arranged to receive an application element, the housing being fixed axially relative to the container,
• at least one application element comprising a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, said at least first portion being arranged to bear against the bottom wall when said at least one application element is received at least partially in said at least one accommodation and
• a substantially closed cavity, defined in the housing at least partially between the bottom wall and the second portion of the application element when said at least one application element is at least partially received in said at least one housing and that said first portion is supported on the bottom wall.

• un récipient pour contenir le produit,
• au moins un logement comportant une paroi de fond, ce logement étant agencé pour être capable d'une communication fluidique avec le récipient et étant agencé pour recevoir un élément d'application, le logement étant axialement fixe relativement au récipient,
• au moins un élément d'application comportant une première portion et une seconde portion adjacente à la première portion, ladite au moins première portion étant agencée pour venir en appui contre la paroi de fond lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est au moins partiellement reçu dans ledit au moins un logement et
• une cavité sensiblement fermée définie dans le logement au moins partiellement entre la paroi de fond et la seconde portion de l'élément d'application lorsque ledit au moins un élément d'application est au moins partiellement reçu dans ledit au moins logement et que la première portion vient en appui contre la paroi de fond.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device can be characterized by the fact that it comprises:

• a container to hold the product,
• at least one housing comprising a bottom wall, this housing being arranged to be capable of fluid communication with the container and being arranged to receive an application element, the housing being axially fixed relative to the container,
• at least one application element comprising a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, said at least first portion being arranged to bear against the bottom wall when said at least one application element is at least partially received in said at least one accommodation and
• a substantially closed cavity defined in the housing at least partially between the bottom wall and the second portion of the application element when said at least one application element is at least partially received in said at least housing and that the first portion comes to bear against the bottom wall.

In particular, the aforementioned cavity can be formed in the housing when the application element is in place in the housing. The aforementioned cavity can also be defined in the housing when the application element is partially received in the housing, and the first and second portions can come into contact with the wall of bottom when the applicator is completely received in the housing. The cavity in question may have a volume greater than the volume of a foam cell when the application element is made of open cell foam. The back wall of the housing may include a recess and the aforementioned cavity may be formed between the second portion of the application element and this recess. When the second portion of the applicator element has at least one recess, the aforementioned cavity can be formed between this hollow and the recess of the bottom wall. When the second portion of the applicator element has at least one recess or at least one portion truncated, the cavity can be formed for example between the bottom wall and this hollow or this truncated part. The first portion mentioned above can be compressed more than the second portion when the application element is in place in the housing, in especially when the application element is made of a compressible material. The bottom wall may for example include at least one orifice allowing a fluid communication between the housing and the container. Housing can also have a side wall crossed by at least one orifice allowing such fluid communication. The application element can bear against this wall lateral, by a peripheral portion, if necessary.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique, en coupe axiale, d'un dispositif conforme à un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'applicateur étant en place sur le récipient,
• la figure 2 illustre la déformation de l'élément d'application au début du dévissage de l'applicateur,
• la figure 3 représente l'applicateur isolément, après extraction complète du récipient,
• la figure 4 est une coupe axiale schématique d'un dispositif conforme à un deuxième exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 5 représente isolément l'élément d'application après extraction du récipient,
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique, en coupe axiale, d'un dispositif conforme à un troisième exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 7 représente isolément l'un des deux éléments d'application du dispositif de la figure 6, après extraction du récipient,
• la figure 8 représente isolément l'autre élément d'application du dispositif de la figure 6, après extraction du récipient,
• la figure 9 est une vue partielle en coupe axiale d'un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application conforme à un quatrième exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 10 représente isolément l'applicateur de la figure 9, après extraction du récipient,
• la figure 11 est en vue schématique et partielle, en coupe axiale, d'un élément d'application conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 12 est une vue de dessus selon la flèche XII de la figure 11,
• la figure 13 représente une variante d'un élément d'application conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 14 est une vue de dessus selon la flèche XIV de la figure 13,
• la figure 15 illustre un autre exemple d'un élément d'application conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 16 est une vue de dessus selon la flèche XVI de la figure 15,
• la figure 17 est une vue de dessus d'une autre variante d'élément d'application,
• la figure 18 est une vue de dessus d'un autre exemple d'élément d'application,
• la figure 19 est une coupe partielle d'un élément d'application ayant une structure composite,
• la figure 20 est une coupe axiale schématique d'un dispositif comportant une pompe,
• la figure 21 est une vue de côté, selon la flèche XXI de la figure 20, de l'applicateur,
• la figure 22 est une vue schématique en élévation d'un dispositif destiné à l'application d'un rouge à lèvres,
• la figure 23 est une coupe axiale schématique et partielle représentant l'élément d'application de la figure 22 en place dans le logement correspondant du récipient,
• la figure 24 est une vue partielle de côté de l'élément d'application,
• la figure 25 est une vue analogue à la figure 23, représentant une variante d'élément d'application,
• la figure 26 représente une variante de réalisation, et
• les figures 27 et 28 représentent une autre variante de réalisation, dans laquelle le logement comporte un renfoncement.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic view, in axial section, of a device according to a first example of implementation of the invention, the applicator being in place on the container,
• FIG. 2 illustrates the deformation of the application element at the start of the unscrewing of the applicator,
• FIG. 3 represents the applicator in isolation, after complete extraction of the container,
• FIG. 4 is a schematic axial section of a device according to a second example of implementation of the invention,
• FIG. 5 represents the application element in isolation after extraction from the container,
• FIG. 6 is a schematic view, in axial section, of a device according to a third example of implementation of the invention,
• FIG. 7 represents one of the two application elements of the device of FIG. 6 in isolation, after extraction from the container,
• FIG. 8 represents the other application element of the device of FIG. 6 in isolation, after extraction from the container,
• FIG. 9 is a partial view in axial section of a packaging and application device according to a fourth example of implementation of the invention,
• FIG. 10 represents the applicator of FIG. 9 in isolation, after extraction from the container,
• FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic and partial view, in axial section, of an application element according to the invention,
• FIG. 12 is a top view along the arrow XII in FIG. 11,
• FIG. 13 represents a variant of an application element according to the invention,
• FIG. 14 is a top view according to arrow XIV of FIG. 13,
• FIG. 15 illustrates another example of an application element according to the invention,
• FIG. 16 is a top view along arrow XVI of FIG. 15,
• FIG. 17 is a top view of another variant of the application element,
• FIG. 18 is a top view of another example of an application element,
• FIG. 19 is a partial section of an application element having a composite structure,
• FIG. 20 is a schematic axial section of a device comprising a pump,
• FIG. 21 is a side view, along arrow XXI of FIG. 20, of the applicator,
• FIG. 22 is a schematic elevation view of a device intended for applying a lipstick,
• FIG. 23 is a schematic and partial axial section showing the application element of FIG. 22 in place in the corresponding housing of the container,
• FIG. 24 is a partial side view of the applicator element,
• FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 23, showing a variant of the application element,
• FIG. 26 shows an alternative embodiment, and
• Figures 27 and 28 show another alternative embodiment, in which the housing has a recess.

There is shown in Figure 1 a device 10 according to a first example of implementation of the invention.

This device 10 comprises a container 20 of axis X defining a space 21 containing the product P to be applied. Such a product can be any being for example cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical, for the treatment of hair, skin, lips or nails, for example.

The container 20 comprises a housing 22 defined by a side wall 23 of axis X and a bottom wall 24 provided with through orifices 25, the latter allowing to the housing 22 to communicate with the space 21 containing the product. Alternatively, the side wall 23 can allow fluid communication between the housing 22 and space 21 by other means, being made of a porous material for example.

In the example described, the housing 22 is axially fixed relative to the container, but it could be otherwise.

The device 10 also includes an applicator 30 comprising a application element 31, compressible, constituted in the example described by a foam open cells, and a cover 34 capable of being screwed onto a thread 26 of the container 20.

As a variant, the application element could be non-compressible, especially if the wall of the housing 22 has a certain flexibility.

The application element 31 is fixed to the cover 34 by means of an element support 36.

This support element 36 comprises a mounting skirt 37 in which is glued, welded or snapped on the application element 31 and a sealing skirt 38 suitable for apply tightly, when the cover 34 is screwed on the container 20, on the side wall 23.

In the example described, the bottom wall 24 is flat and perpendicular to the axis X.

The application element 31 has a front face 40 which comes to bear axially against the bottom wall 24 when the applicator 30 is in place on the container 20, as can be seen in FIG. 1.

The application element 31 also includes a peripheral portion 42 able to be applied by its entire periphery to the side wall 23.

When the application element 31 is extracted from the container 20, the element application 31 has, as can be seen in FIG. 3, a first portion 45 and a second portion 44 surrounded by the first, forming a concave hollow towards outside.

When the application element 31 is in place in the housing 22, the face frontal 40 is compressed axially and becomes substantially planar, matching substantially the shape of the bottom wall 24.

Due to the natural shape of the applicator element 31, the first portion 45 is more axially compressed than the second portion 44.

As a result, when the cover 34 begins to be unscrewed, the second portion 44 departs from the bottom wall 24 before the first portion 45 do, as illustrated in Figure 2, which causes suction, in the cavity formed by the second portion 44, of the product present in the orifices 25 or near these last. The cavity 49 which is delimited by the second portion is a cavity substantially closed, due to the contact of the application element on the wall of the housing around said cavity.

In addition, when the application element 31 is rotated by the cover 34, the product present in the concavity formed by the second portion 44 can not be sheared, unlike the product present in contact with the first portion 45 which is sheared by the friction of this first portion 45 against the bottom wall 24.

Thus, the application element 31 can more easily be loaded with product, in particular in the hollow formed by the second portion 44.

In the example described, the withdrawal of the application element 31 produces a some product aspiration into the housing 22 due to the contact between the peripheral portion 42 and the side wall 23.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the portion device 42 does not apply to the side wall 23 or applies to the latter by only part of the periphery. The central part of the front face 40 could also do not apply against the bottom wall of the housing when the applicator is in place.

FIG. 4 shows a device 50 according to a second example of implementation of the invention.

This device 50 comprises a container 60 of axis X and an applicator 70 comprising an application element 71.

The container 60 comprises a body 61 filled with product P, closed to a end by an added base 62 and at the other end by a part 63 defining a housing 64 to receive the application element 71.

The housing 64 is delimited by a side wall 65 and by a bottom wall 66 provided with through holes 67 allowing the housing 64 to communicate with inside the body 61 of the container 60.

The side wall 65 is provided externally at its upper part with a thread 68.

The applicator 70 has an inner skirt 72 used for mounting the application element 71, a sealing skirt 73 capable of being applied in a sealed manner on the radially inner surface of the side wall 65 and a mounting skirt 75, internally threaded, suitable for screwing onto the above-mentioned thread 68.

The applicator element 71 comprises a first portion 80 surrounding a second portion 81, forming a concave hollow towards the bottom wall 66, and a portion device 83 pressing against the side wall 65 when the applicator is in place on container 60.

The bottom wall 66 is concave towards the applicator.

Note in Figure 4 that when the applicator 70 is in place on the container 60, the first portion 80 comes to bear axially against the bottom wall 66 while the second portion 81 provides with the bottom wall 66 a space 90 in which of the product P can accumulate.

The peripheral portion 83 comes to bear in substantially sealed manner against the side wall 65.

To load the application element 71 with product, the user can by example press on the wall of the body 61 of the container, when the latter is flexible, to bring the product up to the housing 64, or invert the container 60 to allow the product to flow by gravity to the bottom wall 66 and through it.

When the applicator 70 is unscrewed, the ascent of the application element 71 in the chimney formed by the side wall 65 can cause some suction of the product through the orifices 67 and the product thus sucked can be housed in the concavity of the hollow portion 81, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 shows a device 100 which comprises a container 110 of axis X intended to receive two applicators 120 and 130.

The container 110 comprises a body 111 which widens at its lower part and the upper part of which is provided with a part 63 identical to that previously described.

The applicator 120 differs from the applicator 110 previously described by the shape of the application element 121, the latter having a front face 122 capable of conform to the shape of the bottom wall 66 when the applicator is in place on the container, as can be seen in Figure 6.

When the applicator 120 is removed from the container, the applicator element 121 resumes its initial shape and we can see in Figure 8 that it has a first portion 124 surrounding a second portion 125 in the form of a groove annular, this groove itself surrounding a central boss 126.

When the applicator 120 is in place on the container 110, the front face 122 is sufficiently compressed so that its relief fades.

When the applicator 120 is unscrewed, the groove 125 tends to reappear, and the cavity thus formed can receive a certain amount of product.

Just like the applicator 70 of the example described above, the element of application 121 is applied by a peripheral portion 129 against the side wall 65, which causes some suction of product in the housing 64 when the applicator 120 is extracted from the container 110.

The applicator 130 comprises an application element 131 fixed on a skirt of support 132.

The applicator 130 also includes a mounting skirt 133 provided with a thread and sealing skirt 134.

The body 111 of the container 110 is provided in the lower part with a part 140 which has a bottom wall 141 provided with through holes 142 and a wall lateral 144 externally provided with thread 145.

The bottom wall 141 and the side wall 144 define a housing 146 for receive the application element 131.

The mounting skirt 133 is capable of being screwed onto the thread 145.

The sealing skirt 134 is able to be applied in a sealed manner on the wall lateral 144.

When the applicator 130 is in place on the container 110, the front face 152 of the applicator element 131 follows the shape of the bottom wall 141, concave towards the application element 131.

The applicator element 131 comprises a succession of annular grooves concentric 151 of axis X, which appear when the applicator has been extracted from the container, as shown in Figure 7.

A certain quantity of product P can become lodged in these grooves 151.

Partially shown in FIG. 9 is a device 160 conforming to a fourth example of implementation of the invention.

This device 160 comprises a container 170 of axis X which has not been shown than the top.

This container 170 comprises a body 171 containing the product to be applied, provided at its upper part with a part 180 comprising a bottom wall 181 having a substantially conical, with the same X axis as the container, concave upwards, and a mounting skirt 182 externally threaded.

The device 160 comprises an applicator 180 comprising an element 187 and a cover 188, the latter being provided with an outer skirt 186 internally threaded, suitable for screwing onto the mounting skirt 182, a sealing skirt 190 suitable for sealingly applied to the radially inner surface of the skirt mounting 182 and a support skirt 191 used to hold the element of application 187.

The applicator element 187 has, when extracted from the container 170, a general conical shape with on its surface a succession of annular grooves 189 of increasing diameters.

When the applicator 180 is in place on the container 170, the element 187 is compressed enough against the back wall 181 in the example described so that the application element 187 substantially matches the shape of the wall of background 181, as can be seen in Figure 9.

When the applicator 180 is unscrewed, the grooves 189 are formed as illustrated in Figure 10 and the product can be housed in them for a application to the skin, for example.

The product can be deposited preferentially on the surface of the grooves 189 when the applicator is in place on the container since the constituent material the application element is less compressed at this level.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the element of application is achieved with still other forms.

By way of example, there is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 an element 200 which the front face 201 which is used for applying the product comprises a first peripheral portion 202, surrounding a second portion 203 in the sense of the invention, forming an annular groove.

This groove 203 extends itself around an annular rib 204 constituting another first portion within the meaning of the invention, surrounding a central hollow 205 formed by another second portion within the meaning of the invention.

The central hollow 205 and the groove 203 are capable of loading product with application view.

Another example of an element has been shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. of application 210.

The front face 211 of this application element comprises a set of pins or bosses 212, each constituting a first portion within the meaning of the invention, these pins 212 being able to bear axially against the bottom wall of the housing corresponding, these pins 212 protruding from a base portion 213 constituting a second portion within the meaning of the invention, surrounding the pins 212 and on which of the product can deposit.

Another variant of the element is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. 220, in which the front face 221 has two annular ribs 222 and 223 concentric and discontinuous, the rib 222 comprising notches 224 and the rib 223 of the notches 225.

In the example described, the depth of the notches 224 is relatively small and the application element 220 is compressed axially sufficiently important when it is in place in the corresponding housing so that the rib 222 is then substantially continuous, the notches 224 appearing only when the applicator is extracted from the container.

The same is true of the notches 225.

The base part 228 of the application element located between the ribs 222 and 223 constitutes a second portion 228 within the meaning of the invention.

The application element may also include a plurality of portions in hollow in the form of parallel and rectilinear grooves 230, as illustrated in FIG. 17, or arranged in the manner of a grid 240, as illustrated in the figure 18.

The application element can be produced in one piece in one material or by an assembly of several materials having natures and / or different textures.

By way of example, there is shown in section in FIG. 19 a part of a application element formed by the superposition of three layers 251, 252 and 253 made of three different materials, for example porosity foams different, the outermost layer 253 comprising first portions 254 in projection and of the second portions 255 set back with respect to the first portions 254, of so that depressions in which product can accumulate are formed between the first portions 254.

The supply of product to the housing receiving the application element can be do this in multiple ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In particular, any known means can be used to bring product in contact with the application element, in particular a pump or a bellows.

FIG. 20 shows a device 260 comprising an assembly 261 forming a container and an applicator 262 of axis X.

The applicator 262 comprises an application element 263, the part of which lower has a substantially elliptical profile truncated from its top along an inclined plane with respect to the X axis, as can be seen in Figure 21.

The container assembly 261 comprises a body 265, the part of which upper defines a housing 266 for receiving the application element 263, the applicator 262 being arranged to be screwed onto the upper part of the body 265.

The bottom of the housing 266 is crossed by a stepped orifice 267.

The body 265 is open at its lower part to receive a refill 270 comprising a flexible pocket 271 supplying a pump 272 including the control rod, hollow, bears at its upper end against the shoulder of the orifice 267.

The refill 270 can slide along the X axis inside the body 265, which causes an action on the control rod 272 and the distribution of a dose of product in housing 266.

The flattened portion 275 of the application element 263 constitutes a second portion within the meaning of the present invention while the hemispherical portion 276 adjacent constitutes a first portion within the meaning of the invention, coming to bear axially against the bottom of the housing 266 when the applicator is screwed onto the body 265.

The flattened portion 275 defines with the bottom of the housing 266 a cavity in which the product delivered by the control rod 272 can accumulate and deposit on the application element 263.

When the applicator 262 is removed, there is a quantity of product sufficient on the flattened portion 275, for application to the lips for example.

FIGS. 22 to 24 show a device 280 intended more especially when applying lipstick.

This device 280 comprises a container 281 and an applicator 282, the latter comprising an applicator element 283 having a bevelled portion 284 constituting a second portion within the meaning of the present invention.

The container 281 comprises a body 285 defining a housing 286 provided at the bottom of orifices 287 for supplying product.

We can see in Figure 23 that when the applicator is in place on the container 281, the application element 283 bears axially against the wall of bottom 289 of the housing 286 and bearing radially against the side wall 288 of said housing.

The application element 283 defines with the bottom wall 289 and the wall lateral 288 a cavity 290 into which directly opens at least one orifice 287.

A relatively large quantity of product can thus be deposited on the application element 283 and remain on the latter during the withdrawal of the applicator.

In the example of FIGS. 22 to 24, the application element 283 comprises a bevelled part 284.

The applicator element may also have a shape which is substantially frustoconical at its lower part, as illustrated in figure 25.

In this figure, the application element 298 has a lower part of frustoconical shape, the lower end 291 of which constitutes a first portion in the sense of the present invention and bears against the bottom wall of the housing 286.

The conical portion 292 constitutes a second portion within the meaning of the present invention, being uncompressed against the wall of the housing when the applicator is in place on the container. A cavity 299 is formed between the application element 198 and the housing wall.

A piston can be used to transfer the product contained in the container in the housing receiving the application element.

By way of example, FIG. 26 represents a device 300 comprising a container having a piston 301 which can be advanced by turning a screw 302.

The product can flow from inside the container into the housing 306 through at least one orifice 305, for example a plurality of orifices 305.

An application element 307 can be received in the housing 306. The element application is fixed for example to a cover 308 capable of being fixed on the container, by screwing for example. A portion 309 of the applicator element can be fixed in a cavity 310 of the cover 308, for example.

The applicator element may include a recess 311 in a central portion, for example.

The cover 308 can be provided with a sealing lip 312.

Of course, the housing can be supplied with product by other means still a piston, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Instead of having an application element with at least one indentation or at least one flattened portion or at least one truncated portion, or more than one element application comprising at least one recess or at least one flattened portion or at least one truncated portion, the housing in which the application element is received may have a recess, as is the case for example of the device 400 shown in figure 27.

This device 400 includes a housing 401 having a bottom wall 402 arranged to form a recess 403.

At least one orifice 404, for example a plurality of orifices 404, can lead into the recess 403, as shown.

The applicator element 408 can be fixed to a cover 406, such cover which may include a sealing lip 407, and which may be screwed onto the container 410, as shown in Figure 28.

When the cover 406 is screwed onto the container 410, the element application can engage in the recess 403, as can be seen on the figure 28.

The front face 425 of the application element can come into contact with the bottom of the recess or not.

When the cover 406 is unscrewed, a pumping effect can take place due to the formation of a cavity between the bottom of the recess and the element application and due to the fact that the application element is in contact around this cavity with an annular portion 415 of the bottom wall 402.

Such a pumping effect can facilitate the loading of the element of application in product. It can also allow the application element to use small orifices 404, while having sufficient product delivered thanks to the effect of pumping. The fact that holes 404 are small can reduce the risk of product leak.

The invention makes it possible to provide the user, with the same container, according to the form given to the application element, different sensations, these sensations depending in particular on the amount of product accumulating locally on the element application.

The wall of the housing can be in a fixed axial position relative to the container, as is the case with many exemplary embodiments described above, or no.

The wall of the container can be rigid or flexible.

The wall of the housing can be at least partially porous, comprising for example a porous material.

The application element is preferably compressible but may be non compressible, especially when the housing wall is flexible.

The application element can be flocked on the surface, in particular when it is non-compressible.

It can then be made of a sintered material, for example.

When the application element is non-compressible, the compression of the application element may result in increased contact pressure with the areas concerned of the housing wall. Portions of the application element can then be more or less compressed depending on the contact pressure with the wall of the housing.

Claims (38)

Device comprising: a container to hold a product, at least one housing having a bottom wall and capable of fluid communication with the container, said at least housing being arranged to receive an application element, at least one application element delimiting with the housing a cavity extending at least partially between the bottom wall and the application element when the application element is received at least partially in said housing, said housing being in a fixed axial position relative to the container, said applicator element having at least one recess or at least one flattened portion or at least one truncated portion, when it is removed from said housing. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the application element comprises at least a first portion (45; 80; 124; 126; 201; 204; 212; 222; 254; 291) able to bear against a wall of the housing and by the fact that the application element also comprises at least a second portion (44; 81; 125; 151; 189; 203; 205; 213; 228; 230; 240; 255; 292) adjacent to the first portion and arranged so as to be uncompressed or substantially less compressed than the first portion when the latter comes to bear against said wall. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second portion (284; 292) forms a flat or a truncated cone in the uncompressed state. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second portion (44) forms a hollow in the uncompressed state. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second portion (44) is located in the center of one face (40) of the application element used for applying the product. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator comprises a sealing member (38) making it possible to obtain a sealed closure of the housing (22) when the applicator is in place on the container. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first portion (45) completely surrounds the second portion (44). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element comprises a peripheral portion (42) capable of being applied in leaktight manner to a side wall (23) of the housing. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom wall is traversed by several orifices (25) allowing the supply of product to the application element. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that when the applicator is in place on the container, the second portion (44) is not axially compressed. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that when the applicator is in place on the container, the second portion (44) is compressed axially. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that when the applicator is in place on the container, the application element comes substantially into contact with the whole of the bottom wall. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator comprises a cover (34) capable of being fixed by a rotational movement on the container, this cover also serving as a gripping member. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the applicator comprises a cover capable of being fixed by a translational movement on the container, this cover also serving as a gripping member. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element comprises at least one hollow portion having the shape of a groove. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the application element comprises several parallel grooves. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator element comprises several recessed portions arranged in the manner of a grid. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element comprises at least one hollow portion surrounding a spike. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element has only one hollow portion. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the largest diameter of the application element (31) is greater than or equal to 20 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 30 mm and more preferably still or equal to 40 mm. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element (31) comprises an open cell foam. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom wall (24) is planar. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the bottom wall is concave towards the application element. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first portion (45) has a symmetrical shape of revolution. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first portion has, in the absence of compression, zones of different heights, and in that when the application element is in place in the housing, the first portion is sufficiently compressed so that these zones of different heights all come to bear on the bottom wall. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing is separated only by the bottom wall of a space (21) of the container filled with product. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 26, characterized in that it comprises a pump (272) for delivering product to the housing. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the applicator element is compressed in the housing when the applicator is in place on the container and in that the withdrawal of the applicator s 'accompanied by a relaxation of the application element which causes a suction of the product in the application element. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and second portions define inside the housing and with the wall of the latter a cavity (290) communicating with an orifice (287) passing through said wall, this cavity being closed at its periphery by the contact of the first portion on said wall. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element has a shape different from that of the housing when it is outside of it. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container contains a milk or a cream to be applied to the skin. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized by the fact that the container contains a lipstick. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the application element does not substantially engage inside an orifice at least opening into said housing, when the element application is in place in said housing. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 33, characterized in that the application element comprises at least one hollow portion when it is in the uncompressed state and in that the wall of the housing comprises a plurality of orifices. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element is compressible. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the application element is non-compressible. Device (400) comprising: a container to hold a product, at least one housing arranged to receive an application element, at least one compressible application element (408), at least one recess (403) in said housing, said application member being capable of occupying at least a major part of said recess when it is in place in said housing. Device according to claim 37, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of orifices (404) opening into said recess (403).

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