U.S. patent application number 13/378194 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-31 for device including an applicator for applying eyeliner.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Jean-Louis Gueret.
Application Number | 20120132222 13/378194 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41818416 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120132222 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gueret; Jean-Louis |
May 31, 2012 |
DEVICE INCLUDING AN APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING EYELINER
Abstract
A packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic
composition, including an applicator with a stem and an applicator
endpiece that is carried by the stem; and a container containing
the composition for application, and having a body, an outer neck
for fastening the applicator on the container; and an inner sleeve
that is molded integrally with the neck, the sleeve having first
and second portions that extend consecutively towards the bottom
wall of the container, with a change in slope between the two
portions, the first portion extending without contact with the
stem, and the second portion coming into leaktight contact with at
least one of the applicator endpiece and the distal half of the
stem when the applicator is in place on the container.
Inventors: |
Gueret; Jean-Louis; (Paris,
FR) |
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
41818416 |
Appl. No.: |
13/378194 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
July 8, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB10/53133 |
371 Date: |
February 9, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61226399 |
Jul 17, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/200 ;
401/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/046 20130101;
A45D 40/267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/200 ;
401/126 |
International
Class: |
A45D 34/04 20060101
A45D034/04; A45D 40/26 20060101 A45D040/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 9, 2009 |
FR |
0954790 |
Claims
1. A packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic, the
device comprising: an applicator comprising: a stem; and an
applicator endpiece that is carried by the stem; and a container
containing the composition for application, and comprising: a body;
an outer neck for fastening the applicator on the container; and an
inner sleeve that is molded integrally with the neck, the sleeve
comprising first and second portions that extend consecutively
towards a bottom wall of the container, with a change in slope
between the two portions, the first portion extending without
contact with the stem, and the second portion coming into leaktight
contact with at least one of the applicator endpiece and the distal
half of the stem when the applicator is in place on the
container.
2. The device according to claim 1, the first portion being
cone-shaped.
3. The device according to claim 1, the second portion being
cone-shaped.
4. The device according to claim 1, the second portion coming into
contact with the stem.
5. The device according to claim 1, the second portion coming into
contact with the applicator endpiece.
6. The device according to claim 1, the neck being threaded.
7. The device according to claim 1, the stem being terminated by a
distal portion that is cone-shaped.
8. The device according to claim 1, the distal end of the stem not
projecting beyond a distal end of the sleeve when the applicator is
in place on the container.
9. The device according to claim 2, a slope of the first portion
lying in a range of from 10.degree. to 35.degree..
10. The device according to claim 3, a slope of the second portion
lying in a range of from 0.5.degree. to 9.degree..
11. The device according to claim 1, an axial dimension of the
second portion lying in a range of from 1 mm to 20 mm.
12. The device according to claim 1, the stem being connected to a
handle portion of the applicator and being made integrally with a
mounting skirt that is arranged to fasten on the neck, the stem
extending over more than half a length of the handle portion.
13. The device according to claim 12, the stem being connected to
the handle portion in a proximity of a proximal end thereof.
14. The device according to claim 1, the composition being an
eyeliner or a tattoo composition.
15. The device according to claim 1, the endpiece comprising an
axial groove.
16. The device according to claim 15, a length of the axial groove
being greater than or equal to 25% of a total length of the
applicator endpiece.
17. The device according to claim 1, the endpiece comprising a
cylindrical portion in contact with the stem and having
substantially a same diameter as the stem.
18. A method of applying makeup to the eyelids, comprising drawing
a line on the eyelids using the device as defined in claim 1.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to packaging and applicator
devices for applying a cosmetic composition, and more particularly
to packaging and applicator devices for applying an eyeliner or a
tattoo composition, in particular compositions for drawing a line
on the eyelids.
[0002] Applicator devices for applying eyeliner generally comprise
a container containing the liquid eyeliner, and an applicator that
is provided with an applicator tip and that has a stem that is
engaged in the container when said container is closed. That type
of device poses two problems. Firstly, it is necessary to ensure
that, in normal conditions of use, the liquid cannot normally
escape from the container, in particular by wetting the portion of
the stem that is not engaged inside the container, and secondly the
applicator tip should be loaded with enough composition to enable
the applicator to be used for a satisfactory amount of time before
being returned to the receptacle.
[0003] Application FR 2 603 780 describes a packaging and
applicator device for applying an eyeliner, the device comprising a
container containing the composition for application, and an
applicator that is suitable for being screw-fastened on the
container. The container comprises a tubular body that is closed at
its bottom and that is provided with an opening at its top, in
which opening there is fastened an insert that, at its top,
includes a neck on which the applicator is screw-fastened. The
insert carries a wiper member that is made out of an elastomer
material. The wiper member comprises: an outer skirt that bears
against the insert, between said insert and a wall of the body of
the container; an inner chimney that is engaged inside the insert;
and a sealing lip that is cone-shaped, extending the insert
downwards, having an orifice that passes therethrough, and in which
the applicator tip of the applicator comes to be engaged when said
applicator is in place in the container.
[0004] Patent EP 0 354 823 B1 describes a device in which the
insert includes a sleeve made with a threaded neck, the sleeve
comprising a first cone-shaped portion that is connected by means
of a shoulder to a second cone-shaped portion that comes to face
the applicator tip. The stem includes an annular gasket that is
formed by a separate washer that bears against the shoulder when
the applicator is in place.
[0005] Application WO 93/01734 discloses a device in which the
insert mounted in the body of the container carries a sealing
member.
[0006] Patent application EP 1 336 353 A1 describes applicator
devices for applying eyeliner.
[0007] Devices sold under the trade name REVLON COLORSTAY.RTM. are
also known that comprise: a container having a body that is made
integrally with the neck of the container; and a wiper member that
is inserted into the neck and that is made as a single part out of
thermoplastic material, the wiper member including a portion that
is snap-fastened in the neck and that is extended downwards by a
portion of narrower inside section that is configured to wipe the
stem of the applicator. The wiper member is made with a
constriction that defines an inner lip for wiping the stem.
[0008] The invention seeks to improve still further packaging and
applicator devices for applying a cosmetic composition, in
particular so as to simplify their manufacture, while preserving
satisfactory performance in terms of makeup application and
leaktightness.
[0009] In exemplary embodiments the invention achieves this by
means of a packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic
composition, in particular eyeliner, the device comprising: [0010]
an applicator comprising: [0011] a stem; and [0012] an applicator
endpiece that is carried by the stem; and [0013] a container
containing the composition for application, and comprising: [0014]
a body; [0015] an outer neck for fastening the applicator on the
container; and [0016] an inner sleeve that is molded integrally
with the neck, the sleeve comprising first and second portions that
extend consecutively towards the bottom wall of the container, with
a change in slope between the two portions. The first portion
extends without contact with the stem, and the second portion comes
into contact, in particular leaktight contact, with at least one of
the applicator endpiece and the distal half of the stem when the
applicator is in place on the container.
[0017] The change in slope may occur by forming an edge or a
rounded wall.
[0018] The inner sleeve is situated below the outer neck. The inner
sleeve may extend facing the inside surface of the body. An annular
groove may be formed inside the body, around the sleeve.
[0019] Both the sleeve and the neck may form parts of an insert
fitted on the container. The insert may be molded entirely out of a
single material. In a variant, the sleeve is molded with at least
one portion of the body of the container.
[0020] The distal half of the stem designates that half of the stem
that is adjacent to the distal end of the stem, and that is
obtained by halving the visible length of the stem when observed
perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis.
[0021] Leaktightness may be obtained with the second portion, and
the first portion makes it possible to create a capillary break
avoiding any surplus of composition being taken away by the
applicator when it is removed from the container.
[0022] The first portion is advantageously converging, in
particular cone-shaped, and the same applies for the second
portion. The slope of the first portion may lie in the range
10.degree. to 35.degree., in particular in the range 20.degree. to
25.degree., e.g. about 23.degree.. The slope of the second portion
may lie in the range 0.5.degree. to 9.degree., e.g. in the range
1.degree. to 3.degree., in particular about 2.degree.. The slope of
the second portion may be less steep than the slope of the first
portion. This may make it easier to obtain axial contact of greater
axial extent, and, where appropriate, to obtain better sealing.
[0023] The second portion may come into contact with the stem only.
In a variant, the second portion comes into contact with the
applicator endpiece only. Still in a variant, the second portion
comes into contact with both of them.
[0024] The bottom of the sleeve may be open. The sleeve may have
the stem or the endpiece passing therethrough.
[0025] The neck may be threaded, and the applicator may be arranged
to be screw-fastened on the neck. Other fastener means may be
provided, e.g. snap-fastening the applicator on the neck, or
retaining it by friction.
[0026] The stem may be terminated by a distal portion that is
cone-shaped or tapered in some other way, thereby making it easier
to obtain leaktight contact with the second portion, where
appropriate.
[0027] The applicator endpiece may be fastened in various ways to
the stem.
[0028] The stem may be crimped on the applicator endpiece. The
applicator endpiece may include a portion that is engaged in a
housing of the stem.
[0029] The distal end of the stem need not project beyond the
distal end of the sleeve when the applicator is in place on the
container.
[0030] The stem may include a hole for allowing air to escape, in
particular in the event of increased pressure, and for facilitating
loading by capillarity, where appropriate. The hole may open out
into the housing of the stem that receives the applicator endpiece,
and it may be positioned above a zone where the sleeve contacts the
stem and/or the applicator endpiece.
[0031] The axial dimension of the second portion may lie in the
range 1 millimeter (mm) to 20 mm, in particular in the range 4 mm
to 6 mm, e.g. about 5 mm.
[0032] The applicator endpiece may be elastically deformable, and
may deform in visible manner on use, in order to draw a line on the
eyelids.
[0033] The applicator endpiece may be made with one or more
applicator tips, each having a free end that makes it possible to
draw a line. The applicator endpiece may be arranged to draw two
lines simultaneously, where appropriate.
[0034] The applicator endpiece may optionally be of shape that is
circularly symmetrical.
[0035] The applicator endpiece may comprise at least one axial
groove.
[0036] The width of the axial groove may, in an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, decrease towards the head of the
applicator endpiece.
[0037] In a variant, the width of the axial groove may
approximately be uniform.
[0038] The length of the axial groove may be greater than or equal
to 25%, for example 50%, of the total length of the applicator
endpiece.
[0039] The axial groove may not be a through opening.
[0040] The axial groove may have a bottom at a depth that varies
according to the axial position along the endpiece, for example
decreasing towards the head of the endpiece.
[0041] The endpiece may, in an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, be provided with two opposite grooves, opening on
opposite faces of the endpiece.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the endpiece
may comprise a cylindrical portion in contact with the stem and
having substantially the same diameter as the stem. When the
applicator is in place on the container, this cylindrical portion
may advantageously come into contact with one of the first or
second portions to provide leaktightness.
[0042] The applicator endpiece makes it possible to draw a line of
width that differs as a function of its orientation relative to the
surface over which it is moved. To this end, the applicator
endpiece may present a shape that is not circularly
symmetrical.
[0043] Where appropriate, the handle portion may be open at its
proximal end. Mounting the handle portion on the neck need not in
itself provide leaktight closing from the outside, with it being
possible for sealing to be obtained by means of the stem and/or the
applicator endpiece. Thus, by way of example, sealing may be
obtained by means of the applicator endpiece, the stem, and/or the
handle portion.
[0044] With the exception of the applicator endpiece, the
applicator may be made out of a polyolefin, e.g. polypropylene.
Both the container and the insert may be made out of a polyolefin,
e.g. out of the same material, e.g. polypropylene. Thus, the insert
need not be made out of an elastomer.
[0045] The body of the container may be made out of a transparent
material.
[0046] The stem of the applicator may be made as a single part out
of thermoplastic material, e.g. a polyolefin, in particular
polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE); polyamide (PA);
polyoxymethylene (POM); polystyrene (PS); or polyethylene
terephthalate (PET).
[0047] The handle portion or the stem may include sealing means
that co-operate with the neck. The sealing means may be a
cone-shaped surface that is formed on the stem or the handle
portion and that comes into contact with the neck or a sealing
skirt.
[0048] In the vicinity of its distal end, the stem may include a
sealing bead that bears against the sleeve, such a bead being of
thickness lying in the range 0.5 mm to 1 mm, for example.
[0049] The handle portion may be made with a shape that is not
circularly symmetrical, and the applicator endpiece may be fastened
in angularly-identified manner relative to the handle portion, in
particular when the applicator endpiece is not itself circularly
symmetrical, e.g. as when it is possible, depending on its
orientation, to draw a fine line or a thick line, a single line or
multiple lines. The handle portion may include indicator means for
indicating the position of the applicator relative to the skin,
e.g. a flat. The applicator may also include a visual indicator
such as a shape or a sign, informing the user of the orientation of
the applicator endpiece.
[0050] The level of the composition is preferably situated below
the sleeve, so as to reduce any risk of leakage in the event of
increased pressure.
[0051] The sleeve need not have a shoulder that is oriented
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. Sealing may
be achieved other than by the stem bearing axially against such a
shoulder. The stem of the applicator need not have a separate
washer, unlike the stem described in EP 0 354 823 B1.
[0052] The stem may present a cross-section that may be smaller or
greater than the section of the bottom opening of the sleeve.
[0053] Other exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide a
method of applying makeup to the eyelids, wherein a device as
defined above is used.
[0054] The invention can be better understood on reading the
following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof,
and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0055] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section of a packaging
and applicator device made in accordance with the invention;
[0056] FIG. 2 shows a detail of FIG. 1;
[0057] FIGS. 3A to 3C are views similar to FIG. 2 of variant
embodiments;
[0058] FIGS. 4A to 4M show variant embodiments of applicator tips,
with FIG. 4B being a view as seen looking along IV of FIG. 4A;
[0059] FIGS. 5A to 5C show ways in which the applicator tip may be
fastened to the stem of the applicator;
[0060] FIGS. 6A to 6G show variant embodiments of the applicator,
with FIG. 6D being a cross-section on VI-VI of FIG. 6C;
[0061] FIG. 7A shows a fragmentary longitudinal section of a
variant embodiment of a packaging and applicator device of the
invention;
[0062] FIG. 7B shows a container in isolation and made in
accordance with a variant embodiment of the invention;
[0063] FIG. 7C is a diagrammatic cross-section of the body of the
FIG. 7B container;
[0064] FIG. 8 shows a variant embodiment of a container;
[0065] FIG. 9 shows a variant embodiment of the distal portion of
the stem of the applicator;
[0066] FIGS. 10, 10A and 10B are elevation views of variant
devices; and
[0067] FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the device of FIG. 10A where
the applicator has been removed from the container.
[0068] FIG. 1 shows a packaging and applicator device 1 comprising
a container 2 containing a cosmetic P for application, e.g. an
eyeliner, and an applicator 3 that is suitable for fastening in
removable manner on the container 2.
[0069] The applicator 3 is separate from the container 2 while the
composition P is being applied.
[0070] The composition P is preferably liquid, and may contain
pigments such as iron oxides or carbon black and an alcohol, or
some other solvent, for example.
[0071] The container 2 includes a body 4 that is closed at its
bottom by a bottom wall 6, and that is open at its top. By way of
example, the body 4 is made of a thermoplastic material by
injection-molding or by injection blow-molding.
[0072] An insert 10 is fastened in the top opening of the body,
e.g. by snap-fastening.
[0073] As shown, the insert 10 may include a tubular fastener skirt
11 that co-operates with a portion in relief 12 formed on the
inside surface of the body 4. By way of example, the skirt 11 may
include an annular groove that snap-fastens on a bead formed on the
inside surface of the container body.
[0074] The insert 10 is formed with a neck 14 that enables the
applicator 3 to be fastened on the container. In the embodiment
shown, the neck 14 includes an external thread 15, and the
applicator 3 is arranged to be screw-fastened on the thread, said
applicator including an internally-threaded mounting skirt 37 for
this purpose.
[0075] On its surface that comes to face the mounting skirt 11 of
the insert 10, the container 2 may include axial ribs, and the
mounting skirt 11 may include corresponding grooves, or vice versa,
so as to prevent the insert 10 from moving on the body 4. In a
variant, the insert 10 may also be heat-sealed onto the
container.
[0076] The insert 10 may include a collar 17 that bears against the
top end 18 of the body 4, as shown.
[0077] In accordance with the invention, the insert 10 is made with
an inner sleeve 20 that is open axially at its bottom end. The
sleeve 20 includes two successive portions 21 and 22 that, in the
embodiment under consideration, are cone-shaped around the
longitudinal axis X of the container, and diverge upwards, forming
respective angles at the apex .alpha..sub.1 and .alpha..sub.2
relative to the axis X, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0078] The portions 21 and 22 extend at a distance from the side
wall of the body 4. Thus, an annular groove is formed between the
sleeve 20 and the body 4.
[0079] In the variant shown in FIG. 3C, the sleeve includes more
than two successive portions of different slopes, e.g. three
portions 21, 22, and 25. The last portion 25 may be substantially
circularly cylindrical of axis X, as shown.
[0080] It can be seen in FIG. 3C that the stem 32 may come into
contact with the second portion 22 and that the endpiece may come
into contact with the sleeve, e.g. at the junction between the
second and third portions.
[0081] As shown, the first portion 21 may be connected to a
transverse wall 23 of the insert, at the base of the neck 14, which
insert extends perpendicularly to the axis X and, at its periphery,
defines the collar 17. The inside surface 24 of the first portion
21 may extend, without a step, in the extension of the inside
surface of the neck 26, as shown.
[0082] The applicator 3 includes a handle portion 30 and a stem 32
that is connected at its proximal end to the handle portion 30, and
that carries at its distal end, an applicator endpiece 35.
[0083] The applicator endpiece 35 is used to apply composition P
and may include a flocked coating and/or one or more capillary
grooves, in particular for increasing the quantity of composition
stored by the applicator and/or for channeling the flow of
composition P towards the distal end of the applicator
endpiece.
[0084] By way of example, the applicator endpiece 35 includes a
single applicator tip, as shown in FIG. 1. The applicator endpiece
35 may comprise a foam, a felt, a flocked body, in particular a
body made of PE, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyurethane
(PU).
[0085] At its distal end, the stem 32 may present a bevel 32a.
[0086] In the embodiment in FIG. 1, the stem 32 is fitted on the
handle portion 30, said stem including, e.g. at its proximal end, a
mounting skirt 36 that is force-fitted and/or snap-fastened in an
adapted housing of the handle portion 30.
[0087] The inside surface 24 of the first portion 21 need not have
any projection-forming portion in relief on its inside surface that
faces the stem 32.
[0088] A change in slope is formed, without a step, at the junction
29 of the first and second portions 21, 22.
[0089] In the embodiment under consideration, the applicator
endpiece 35 comes into contact with the inside surface 40 of the
second portion 22.
[0090] In the embodiment under consideration, the stem 32 comes to
bear against the inside surface 40 of the second portion 22.
[0091] The inside surface 24 of the first portion 21 does not
itself come into contact with the stem 32.
[0092] It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the distal end 32b of the stem
32 does not project beyond the bottom of the sleeve 20, unlike the
applicator endpiece 35.
[0093] In variants not shown, it is only the stem 32 or the
applicator endpiece 35 that comes into leaktight contact with the
inside surface 40 of the second portion.
[0094] When the container is standing on a horizontal plane
surface, the level of the composition in said container need not
reach the applicator endpiece, thereby reducing the risk of
composition leaking in the event of increased pressure in the
container. The level of the composition preferably also remains
below the distal end of the sleeve 20.
[0095] The applicator endpiece 35 and/or the stem 32 bearing
against the second portion 22 make it possible to form a closure
that avoids the composition flowing into the space 43 formed
between the stem 32 and the sleeve 20, when the container is
closed.
[0096] The slope .alpha..sub.2 may be greater than .alpha..sub.1 as
shown in FIG. 2. In a variant, as shown in FIG. 3A, the angle
.alpha..sub.1 is greater than the angle .alpha..sub.2. The slope
.alpha..sub.1 or .alpha..sub.2 is defined as being the half-angle
at the apex of the cone having a generator line that creates the
inside surface 40 or 24, respectively.
[0097] When the applicator is in place on the container, the
distance s between the stem 32 and the inside surface 24 of the
first portion 21 may be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm at all
points.
[0098] By way of example, the axial dimension l.sub.1 of the first
portion 21 is greater than the axial dimension l.sub.2 of the
second portion 22. By way of example, l.sub.2 lies in the range 1
mm to 20 mm, in particular in the range 4 mm to 6 mm, e.g. 5
mm.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 2, the second portion 22 may come into
contact with the applicator endpiece 35 via its distal end 46.
[0100] The applicator endpiece 35 may also come into contact with
the second portion 22 over a height d measured along the longer
axis X, as shown in FIG. 3A.
[0101] Regardless of the embodiment of the inner sleeve 20 and of
the applicator endpiece 35, it is possible to have a contact height
d between the applicator endpiece 35 and the second portion 22 that
lies in the range 0.2 mm to 5 mm, for example.
[0102] The applicator endpiece 35 may include a cone-shaped portion
50 that has the same slope as the second portion 22, so as to
enable contact to take place over a relatively long distance.
[0103] FIG. 3B shows the possibility of the applicator endpiece 35
coming into contact with the inside surface 40 of the second
portion 22 via a portion 55 adjacent to the stem 32. This makes it
possible to create an annular space 56 between the applicator
endpiece 35 and the inner sleeve 20, in which space composition P
may accumulate before the applicator is removed.
[0104] FIG. 3B also shows the possibility of the second portion 22
not being cone-shaped, but having an inside surface 40 that is
circularly cylindrical around the axis X, for example.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 3A, the stem 32 of the applicator may
present a cross-section that is greater than the bottom opening of
the second portion 22, or greater than the inside section of the
sleeve at the junction of the first and second portions. The stem
32 may also present a bottom section, as shown in FIG. 3B. In this
figure, it can be seen that the section of the stem is smaller than
the bottom opening of the sleeve.
[0106] The applicator endpiece 35 may be made with various shapes,
and, as shown in FIG. 4C for example, with a circularly-symmetrical
cone shape around the axis X.
[0107] In a variant, as shown in FIG. 4M, the applicator endpiece
35 may be cylindrical-shaped and provided with a rounded head 60.
The rounded head 60 may, for example, be substantially
hemispherical as shown in FIG. 4M.
[0108] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the applicator endpiece 35 may
also be made with a head 60 that is flat along a plane S that is
parallel to the plane in FIG. 4A, e.g. having a thickness w
measured perpendicularly to the plane that is constant over a
non-zero distance along the axis X. When the head 60 is observed
perpendicularly to the plane S, as in FIG. 4A, the applicator
endpiece may present a constriction 62 between its portion 64 for
connection to the stem 32, and the head 60 that presents a shape
passing via a maximum of width s.
[0109] The applicator endpiece may alternatively be made with a
fork 67 at its end, as shown in FIG. 4D. Other examples of
applicator endpieces having multiple tips are described in EP 1 336
353 A1.
[0110] FIG. 4E shows an example of an endpiece 35 comprising an
applicator tip that is flocked.
[0111] The applicator endpiece 35 may alternatively comprise an
applicator tip comprising a bundle of fibers, as shown in FIGS. 4F
and 41. FIG. 4F represents a felt tip whereas FIG. 41 represents a
brush tip.
[0112] The distal end of the applicator endpiece may present a
generally beveled shape, as shown in FIG. 4G. In particular, the
beveled shape may be obtained by means of a plurality of
projections of decreasing length, as shown, or, in a variant, by a
single applicator tip having an end face that is beveled.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 4H, the housing 49 of the stem 32 receiving
the applicator endpiece 35 may include a vent 39 that may, for
example, open out, as shown, to face the portion of the applicator
endpiece 35 that is inserted into the stem. In a variant not shown,
the vent 39 opens out into a portion of the housing 49 that is
situated above the applicator endpiece 35.
[0114] Whatever the embodiment of the applicator endpiece 35
considered, the applicator endpiece 35 may comprise at least one
axial groove 200 as shown in FIGS. 4J to 4L.
[0115] The width z of the groove 200 may, as represented in FIGS.
4J and 4L, decrease towards the head 60.
[0116] In a variant, whatever the shape of the applicator endpiece
35, the width z of the axial groove 200 may approximately be
uniform as shown in FIG. 4K.
[0117] The length l.sub.3 of the axial groove 200 may be greater
than or equal to 25%, for example 50%, of the total length l.sub.4
of the applicator endpiece 35 as shown for example in FIG. 4L.
[0118] FIGS. 4J and 4L do not show axial grooves 200 that extend
over the head 60. In a variant, the axial groove 200 may extend
over the head 60, for example over a disc-shaped head.
[0119] The head 60 of the applicator endpiece 35 may be disc-shaped
or ball-shaped as shown in FIG. 4L. When the head 60 of the
applicator endpiece 35 is disc-shaped, the disc may be facing
forward on a same side as the groove 200.
[0120] The groove 200 may not be a through opening.
[0121] The groove 200 may have a bottom at a depth that varies
according to the axial position along the endpiece 35, for example
decreasing towards the head 60.
[0122] The endpiece 35 may, in an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, be provided with two opposite grooves 200, opening on
opposite faces of the endpiece 35.
[0123] In particular, the presence of the vent 39 enables air to
escape in the event of increased pressure inside the container, in
particular in the event of leaktight contact between the portion of
stem 32 that is situated below the vent 39 and the sleeve 20. Air
may possibly flow through the applicator endpiece when the porosity
of said endpiece allows it, or through a mounting clearance that
exists between the applicator endpiece and the housing of the stem
that receives it.
[0124] The applicator endpiece 35 may be mounted on the stem 32 in
various ways, without going beyond the ambit of the present
invention.
[0125] For example, and as shown in FIG. 5A, the applicator
endpiece 35 may be made with a mounting portion 70 that is inserted
into a housing 71 of the stem 32. The stem 32 may be stamped in its
portion that overlies the mounting portion 70, so as to form a
constriction 73 that participates in holding the applicator
endpiece 35 on the stem 32.
[0126] The applicator endpiece 35 may alternatively be molded onto
a fastener portion in relief 76 that is formed at the end of the
stem 32, as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0127] The stem 32 may be hollow and the applicator endpiece may
include a shouldered rear portion 80 that comes to bear against a
shoulder 81 in the proximity of the distal end of the stem 32.
[0128] The applicator endpiece 35 may alternatively be bonded,
heat-sealed, or stapled on the stem 32.
[0129] The applicator endpiece 35 may be made with a flocked
coating 90 or without a flocked coating, in particular as a
function of the makeup effect that is desired.
[0130] In addition, the endpiece 35 may comprise a cylindrical
portion 201 in contact with the stem 32 and having substantially
the same diameter as the stem 32.
[0131] This cylindrical portion 201 may come into contact with one
of the first or second portions to advantageously provide
leaktightness when the applicator is in place on the container.
[0132] FIGS. 6A to 6G show variant embodiments of the
applicator.
[0133] In the embodiment in FIG. 6A, the stem 32 is molded
integrally with the handle portion 30, with an annular sealing lip
92 that comes to bear against the inside surface of the neck of the
container, and with an internally-threaded mounting skirt 93 that
is configured to be screw-fastened on the neck 14. As shown, it can
be seen that the stem 32 may extend over more than half the length
of the handle portion, and that the stem may be connected to the
handle portion in the proximity of the proximal end thereof.
[0134] The stem 32 may be connected to the handle portion 30 in the
vicinity of the proximal end 94 thereof.
[0135] The handle portion 30 may be made with at least one opening
100, as shown in FIG. 6B.
[0136] The handle portion 30 may alternatively be made with one or
more fins 102, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D.
[0137] The handle portion 30 may be made with ribs or steps, as
shown in FIG. 6E in particular, so as to avoid too much thickness
of material.
[0138] The stem 32 may be made with sealing means 110, as shown in
FIG. 6F. By way of example, the sealing means 110 include a
cone-shaped surface, as shown, that may bear in leaktight manner
against the neck of the container, for example.
[0139] The stem 32 may be made with a constriction 120, as shown in
FIG. 6G, that may impart more flexibility to the stem 32 during
application. The constriction may be a flattening of the stem in
one direction, so as to impart more flexibility to the stem in that
direction, without changing the flexibility of the stem in a
perpendicular direction. In a variant, the constriction 120 is
formed by an annular groove that increases the flexibility of the
stem 32 in any direction.
[0140] As shown in FIG. 7A, the container may be made with ribs 105
that are transverse to the longitudinal axis X. Similar ribs 106
may be made on the applicator 3.
[0141] The insert 10 may be fastened on bodies 4 of various shapes.
An economy of scale may thus be achieved by fabricating the same
insert for containers of various shapes.
[0142] The body 4 may include a series of radial fins 108, as shown
in FIGS. 7B and 7C.
[0143] FIG. 8 shows the possibility of molding the sleeve
integrally with the body 4. The container may then include a bottom
wall 6 that is fitted on the body 4 and that is, for example,
fastened thereon by snap-fastening, heat-sealing, adhesive, or
screw-fastening, amongst others possibilities.
[0144] As shown in FIG. 9, the stem 32 of the applicator may
include an annular bead 32d for coming into contact with the second
portion 22 of the sleeve, e.g. in leaktight manner. By way of
example, the bead 32d may project over thickness e lying in the
range 0.5 mm to 1 mm relative to the adjacent surface of the stem
32 that may be circularly cylindrical.
[0145] An assembly formed of an applicator and of an insert may be
mounted on a container in removable manner, and once the
composition has been used up, the container may be replaced by a
new full container that optionally has the same appearance. In a
variant, the applicator may also be used on a new container once
the composition contained in the initial container has been used
up.
[0146] Numerous shapes are possible for the container and the
applicator.
[0147] The envelope surface of the container may present a shape
having a constriction at mid-height, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0148] Whatever the embodiment of the device 1, the envelope
surface of the container 2 may comprise a cylindrical part 300 as
shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11.
[0149] Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11, the width of
the envelope surface of the container 2 may decrease towards the
neck 14.
[0150] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.
Characteristics from the variant embodiments described above, may
be combined together within embodiments that are not shown.
[0151] The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being
synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless specified to the
contrary.
* * * * *