U.S. patent application number 15/541262 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-30 for refill for a device for treating the hair, having a coupling relief.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. The applicant listed for this patent is L'OREAL, SEB S.A.. Invention is credited to Regis FEREYRE, Edouard MESSAGER.
Application Number | 20170340084 15/541262 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52988242 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170340084 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FEREYRE; Regis ; et
al. |
November 30, 2017 |
REFILL FOR A DEVICE FOR TREATING THE HAIR, HAVING A COUPLING
RELIEF
Abstract
The invention relates to a refill (20) for a device for treating
the hair, comprising a body (23) having a cavity (30) that is
formed at least partially by two opposite walls (34, 36; 38, 40)
and a bottom and opens towards the outside by way of an opening
(31), and an applicator member that is inserted into the cavity
(30) in the body (23) along an insertion axis and extends out of
the cavity (30) through the opening (31). At least one of the walls
(34, 36; 38, 40) and the bottom comprises at least one coupling
relief (32) that engages with the applicator member in order to
prevent it from being extracted from the cavity (30), this coupling
relief (32) being designed such that the force for inserting the
applicator member into the cavity is weaker than the extraction
force.
Inventors: |
FEREYRE; Regis; (Lyon,
FR) ; MESSAGER; Edouard; (Clichy, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL
SEB S.A. |
Paris
Ecully |
|
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
SEB S.A.
Ecully
FR
|
Family ID: |
52988242 |
Appl. No.: |
15/541262 |
Filed: |
December 24, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
December 24, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/081250 |
371 Date: |
June 30, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 19/16 20130101;
A45D 2001/008 20130101; A45D 2200/1036 20130101; A45D 2034/005
20130101; A45D 2/002 20130101; A45D 1/04 20130101; A45D 2/40
20130101; A45D 2001/002 20130101; A45D 6/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 2/00 20060101
A45D002/00; A45D 1/04 20060101 A45D001/04; A45D 6/00 20060101
A45D006/00; A45D 19/16 20060101 A45D019/16; A45D 2/40 20060101
A45D002/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 30, 2014 |
FR |
1463437 |
Claims
1. Refill for a device for treating the hair, comprising: a body
having a cavity that is formed at least partially by two opposite
walls and a bottom and opens towards the outside by way of an
opening, and an applicator member that is inserted into the cavity
in the body along an insertion axis and extends out of the cavity
through the opening, at least one of the walls and the bottom
comprising at least one coupling relief that engages with the
applicator member in order to prevent it from being extracted from
the cavity, this coupling relief being designed such that the force
for inserting the applicator member into the cavity is weaker than
the extraction force.
2. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the difference .DELTA.F
between the force for inserting the applicator member into the
cavity and the force for extracting it therefrom is greater than or
equal to 3 N.
3. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has an elongate
shape in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis.
4. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the coupling relief is
asymmetric with respect to a median transverse plane therefor.
5. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has a height H,
defined along the insertion axis from the opening, the coupling
relief extending along the insertion axis along a length l less
than this height H.
6. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the coupling relief
projects into the cavity and has a thickness e, measured
perpendicularly to said wall, which is variable along the insertion
axis, the thickness e increasing along the entire length l of the
coupling relief, or increasing along a first portion of length
l.sub.1 along the insertion axis (X) and decreasing along a second
portion of length l.sub.2 along the insertion axis (X), the ratio
between the lengths l.sub.2/l.sub.1 being less than 1, better still
less than or equal to 0.5, even better still less than or equal to
0.2, or increasing along a first portion of length l.sub.l along
the insertion axis X and then being constant along a second portion
of length l.sub.3 along the insertion axis X, the thickness of the
second portion being less than the maximum thickness e.sub.max of
the first portion.
7. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the or each coupling relief
has: a first face that is oriented towards the opening and has an
average slope forming an angle .alpha. less than or equal to
45.degree. with the introduction axis, and a second face that is
oriented towards the side away from the opening and has an average
slope forming an angle .beta. greater than or equal to 45.degree.
with the introduction axis.
8. Refill according to claim 7, wherein the first face and the
second face form an angle .gamma. less than or equal to 110.degree.
at their meeting point.
9. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the maximum thickness
e.sub.max of the coupling relief, measured in a plane perpendicular
to the wall or to said bottom to which it is attached, is between
0.2 mm and 3 mm.
10. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the coupling relief
extends along the insertion axis along a length l of between 1 mm
and 30 mm.
11. Refill according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the walls
or the wall comprises a plurality of coupling reliefs.
12. Refill according to claim 1, wherein one of the two opposite
walls and/or the wall does not have a coupling relief.
13. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the two opposite walls
each have at least one coupling relief.
14. Refill according to claim 13, wherein the coupling reliefs on
one of the opposite walls are situated facing the coupling reliefs
on the other of the opposite walls.
15. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the applicator member is
made of a porous material.
16. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the applicator member has
a fibre density of between 0.080 g/cm.sup.3 and 0.400
g/cm.sup.3.
17. Refill according to claim 16, wherein the coupling relief(s)
extend(s) from said wall in a direction generally perpendicular to
that of the fibres of the applicator member.
18. Refill according to claim 1, wherein the applicator member is
impregnated with product.
19. Device for treating the hair, comprising: two arms that are
able to move relative to one another between a moved-together
configuration for treating the hair and a spaced-apart
configuration for inserting hair to be treated between said arms,
one of the arms comprising a housing, a refill according to claim
1, which is disposed in a removable manner in the housing.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to devices for treating the
hair, and more particularly, but not exclusively, those intended
for shaping the hair, in particular for straightening, curling or
crimping the hair, comprising a refill of cosmetic product.
[0002] The invention relates more particularly to devices
comprising two jaws that are able to move with respect to one
another and are able to take up a spaced-apart configuration for
introducing a lock of hair between said jaws and a moved-together
configuration for treating the lock, the jaws being movable along
the lock in this moved-together configuration. In such devices, the
jaws frequently carry two heating elements with which the hair is
brought into contact during the use of the device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Numerous devices of this type, sometimes also known as
straightening irons, have already been proposed.
[0004] Usually, hair straighteners consist of two arms that are
connected together with the aid of a hinge which makes it possible
to open and close said arms, and of at least one heating element
disposed on the arms. During operations of styling a lock of hair,
said lock is introduced between the two arms in the open position
and then the two arms are closed manually over the lock of hair.
The lock of hair is then subjected to the heat output by the
heating element, until the two arms are opened and the lock of hair
is removed.
[0005] Application WO 2009/078046 describes a hairstyling appliance
comprising two arms that are connected together so as to allow the
appliance to be opened and closed, at least one heating member and
at least one seat for accommodating a hair treatment device, the
latter allowing a haircare product to be dispensed during
operation. The hair treatment device is composed of a support
material impregnated with a haircare product and suitable for a
single use.
[0006] WO 2009/015027 and US 2009/0025247 disclose a hair
straightening device that makes it possible to apply a haircare
product by contact with the hair. The haircare product to be
applied is contained in a removable refill for its application.
Said removable refill comprises a reservoir containing the haircare
product in a gelled form, and orifices for dispensing and applying
the product, said orifices being made directly through a wall of
the reservoir. The refill is introduced into a housing disposed on
one of the two arms of the hair straightener, by sliding.
[0007] Application WO 2013/045331 discloses an applicator for
applying a care substance to the hair, comprising a cartridge of
care substance held in a housing of the applicator. The cartridge
comprises a porous support saturated with the care substance.
[0008] Application WO 2013/090896 relates to an appliance for
treating the hair, in particular a hairstyling appliance,
comprising a treatment agent support, in particular a saturated
porous material, to be applied to the hair or the skin. The support
is fixed to an accessory, which is itself mounted in a removable
manner on a hair treatment appliance. The support is T-shaped,
allowing it to be mounted in a complementary groove in the
accessory.
[0009] There is a need to further improve devices for applying a
haircare product such that the user can easily refill the device
with haircare product and/or change the haircare product to be
applied.
SUMMARY
[0010] According to a first of its aspects, a subject of the
invention is a refill for a device for treating the hair,
comprising: [0011] a body having a cavity that is formed at least
partially by two opposite walls and a bottom and opens towards the
outside by way of an opening, and [0012] an applicator member that
is inserted into the cavity in the body along an insertion axis X
and extends out of the cavity through the opening.
[0013] At least one of the walls and the bottom of the cavity
comprises at least one coupling relief that engages with the
applicator member in order to prevent it from being extracted from
the cavity, this coupling relief being designed such that the force
for inserting the applicator member into the cavity is weaker than
the extraction force.
[0014] The applicator member can be inserted easily into the cavity
and extracted with more difficulty. This makes it possible for the
applicator member to be held therein properly.
[0015] The applicator member is inserted and extracted here along
the same path but in opposite directions.
[0016] The coupling relief can be designed to damage the applicator
member during the extraction of the latter. Thus, the applicator
member is not reusable, thereby making it possible to limit the
health risks associated with its reuse.
[0017] The coupling relief can be designed to separate from the
wall or the bottom that carries it, in particular by breaking,
during the extraction of the applicator member from the cavity,
such that the refill is not reusable.
[0018] The difference .DELTA.F between the force for inserting the
applicator member into the cavity and the force for extracting it
therefrom may be greater than or equal to 3 N, preferably greater
than or equal to 4 N.
[0019] Preferably, the applicator member is made of a porous
material, in particular of synthetic or natural fibres that are all
oriented substantially in the same direction and assembled to form
a felt. The applicator member may have a fibre density of between
0.080 g/cm.sup.3 and 0.400 g/cm.sup.3. Such a material makes it
possible in particular to package and apply the cosmetic
product.
[0020] In a variant, the applicator member comprises at least two
parts having different fibre densities and/or fibre orientations.
For example, one of the two parts may form a product reservoir and
the other may allow the application of the cosmetic product.
[0021] Preferably, the applicator member is impregnated with
cosmetic product.
[0022] Preferably, the applicator member is compressible. During
the insertion of the applicator member into the cavity, said
applicator member can deform locally in contact with the coupling
relief and mould itself more or less to the shape of the cavity.
During the extraction of the applicator member from the cavity, the
coupling relief may retain the applicator member therein by
engaging in particular with the latter, in particular with the
fibres of the applicator member.
[0023] The applicator member may comprise precut regions that are
intended to tear during the extraction of said applicator member
from the cavity, making the applicator member non-reusable.
[0024] Preferably, the coupling relief extends from said wall or
said bottom in a direction substantially perpendicular to that of
the fibres of the applicator member. In this configuration, the
coupling relief, by engaging with the fibres of the applicator
member perpendicularly to the latter, can tear the fibres, thereby
damaging the applicator member and preventing it from being
reused.
[0025] Preferably, the cavity has a height H, defined along the
insertion axis X from the opening, the coupling relief extending
along the insertion axis X along a length/less than this height
H.
[0026] Preferably, the coupling relief is asymmetric with respect
to a median transverse plane therefor. Such asymmetry makes it
possible in particular to have insertion properties of the
applicator member that are different from the extraction properties
thereof.
[0027] Preferably, the coupling relief has a thickness e, measured
in a plane perpendicular to said wall or said bottom, which is
variable along the insertion axis X. Preferably, the thickness e
[0028] increases along the entire length l of the coupling relief
along the insertion axis X of the applicator member, or [0029]
increases along a first portion of length l.sub.1 along the
insertion axis X and then decreases along a second portion of
length l.sub.2 along the insertion axis X, the ratio between the
lengths l.sub.2/l.sub.1 being less than 1, preferably less than or
equal to 0.5, even better still less than or equal to 0.2, or
[0030] increases along a first portion of length l.sub.1 along the
insertion axis X and is then constant along a second portion of
length l.sub.3 along the insertion axis X, the thickness of the
second portion being less than the maximum thickness e.sub.max of
the first portion.
[0031] This makes it possible to have a coupling relief that has a
shallower slope in the direction of insertion of the applicator
member than the slope in the direction of extraction. This makes it
possible in particular to make it more difficult to extract the
applicator member.
[0032] When the coupling relief is on one of the opposite walls, it
is possible for the opposite walls not to have a coupling relief
over a non-zero height h starting from the bottom of the cavity. As
a result, the applicator member, once it has been introduced into
the cavity, extends at least partially under the coupling relief in
the cavity. This allows in particular the coupling relief to engage
better with the applicator member, in particular the fibres
thereof, in the direction of its extraction.
[0033] Preferably, the or each coupling relief has: [0034] a first
face that is oriented towards the opening and has an average slope
forming an angle .alpha. less than or equal to 45.degree. with the
insertion axis X, and [0035] a second face that is oriented towards
the side away from the opening and has an average slope forming an
angle .beta. greater than or equal to 45.degree. with the
introduction axis X, better still greater than or equal to
80.degree., even better still greater than or equal to
90.degree..
[0036] The first face and the second face may form angle .gamma.
less than or equal to 110.degree., better still less than or equal
to 90.degree. and/or greater than 45.degree., at their meeting
point.
[0037] The coupling relief may have at least one ridge, in
particular a longitudinal ridge and/or a transverse ridge, at the
meeting point between the first and the second face.
[0038] The coupling relief may have a substantially triangular
shape in longitudinal section, in particular when said coupling
relief is on one of the opposite walls, or the shape of an arrow,
the tip being oriented towards the opening of the cavity, in
particular when the coupling relief is on the bottom.
[0039] When the coupling relief is on one of the opposite walls,
the coupling relief may have a shape which is or is not
semicircular, notably polygonal, in particular rectangular, square
or triangular, in cross section. When the coupling relief is on the
bottom, the coupling relief may have a shape which is or is not
circular, notably polygonal, in cross section.
[0040] The maximum thickness e.sub.max of the coupling relief,
measured in a plane perpendicular to said wall or to said bottom to
which it is attached, may be between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, better still
between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.
[0041] The coupling relief may extend along the insertion axis X
along a length l of between 1 mm and 30 mm, better still between 5
mm and 15 mm.
[0042] The coupling relief may have a maximum width k, measured
parallel to said wall, of between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, better still
between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.
[0043] Preferably, the coupling relief is moulded together with the
body.
[0044] In a variant, the coupling relief is fitted into the cavity.
The coupling relief may be made of a different material from the
body.
[0045] The coupling relief may comprise a narrowed region, in
particular a region with a smaller width, which is configured to
break if the user withdraws the applicator member from the
cavity.
[0046] At least one of the walls or the bottom may comprise a
plurality of coupling reliefs. At least one wall or the bottom may
comprise fewer than 10 coupling reliefs, better still, between 3
and 8 coupling reliefs.
[0047] All of the coupling reliefs may be identical. In a variant,
at least one of the coupling reliefs is different from the
others.
[0048] It is possible for one of the two opposite walls and/or the
bottom not to have a coupling relief, or the two opposite walls
and/or the bottom may each have at least one coupling relief.
[0049] The coupling reliefs on one of the opposite walls may be
situated facing the coupling reliefs on the other of the opposite
walls. In a variant, the coupling reliefs on one of the opposite
walls alternate with the coupling reliefs on the other of the
opposite walls.
[0050] One of the two opposite walls may comprise at least one
protruding compression relief. The other of the two opposite walls
preferably comprises coupling reliefs, the compression relief
pressing the applicator member against the coupling reliefs on the
other of the side walls.
[0051] Preferably, the opposite walls are planar and parallel to
one another. The bottom may be planar.
[0052] Preferably, the cavity has an elongate shape in a direction
perpendicular to the insertion axis.
[0053] Preferably, the cavity is closed other than at the
opening.
[0054] Preferably, the cavity has substantially the shape of a
rectangular parallelepiped.
[0055] Preferably, the body of the refill is U-shaped in cross
section.
[0056] Preferably, the applicator member has a shape complementary
to that of the cavity, in particular the shape of a rectangular
parallelepiped.
[0057] The cavity may be delimited by a front wall and a rear wall
opposite the front wall, two opposite side walls and a bottom
against which the applicator member can butt.
[0058] At least one of the front and rear walls and the side walls
and the bottom comprises a coupling relief.
[0059] The body of the refill may be made of thermoplastic
material, in particular polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PA), elastomer,
polypropylene, copolyester, in particular Tritan.RTM., or a mixture
thereof, in particular a mixture of PBT and PET.
[0060] The applicator member is preferably packaged already in
place in the cavity.
[0061] A further subject of the invention is a device for treating
the hair, comprising: [0062] two arms that are able to move
relative to one another between a moved-together configuration for
treating the hair and a spaced-apart configuration for inserting
hair to be treated between said arms, one of the arms comprising a
housing, [0063] a refill according to the invention, as defined
above, which is disposed in a removable manner in the housing.
[0064] The use of a refill allows the user to be able to apply
different haircare products easily by simply changing the
refill.
[0065] This also allows the user to be able to change the refill
when the latter no longer contains any or enough cosmetic
product.
[0066] The arm opposite the one on which the refill is disposed may
have a steam outlet, and preferably also a comb.
[0067] Preferably, in particular when the hair is intended to be
straightened, the device comprises a heating element intended to
come into contact with the hair, and better still two heating
elements, each disposed on an arm. This or these heating element(s)
may each comprise a plate, made of a material that is a good
conductor of heat, that defines a hot surface for bringing into
contact with the hair, the temperature of said surface being for
example greater than or equal to 95.degree. C., better still
between 90 and 230.degree. C.
[0068] Preferably, product is applied to the lock of hair
introduced into the device prior to the application of steam and/or
straightening by the heating element(s) and/or combing. Thus, the
hair introduced between the arms can come into contact with the
applicator member before being exposed to the steam and to the
heating elements while the lock is being moved between the arms of
the device.
[0069] Preferably, the device for treating the hair according to
the invention is a straightener having flat heating elements, in
particular which come into contact in the moved-together
configuration of the arms.
[0070] The invention may be better understood from reading the
following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative
embodiments thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in
which:
[0071] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a device
for treating the hair,
[0072] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view on in. FIG. 1;
[0073] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a
body of the refill,
[0074] FIG. 4 is a top view along IV in FIG. 3,
[0075] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view on V-V in FIGS. 3 and
4,
[0076] FIG. 6 shows a coupling relief according to FIGS. 3 to 5, in
cross section on VI-VI in FIG. 5,
[0077] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a variant body of
the refill,
[0078] FIG. 8 is a top view along VIII in FIG. 6,
[0079] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view on IX-IX in FIGS. 7 and
8,
[0080] FIG. 10 shows a coupling relief from. FIGS. 7 to 9, in cross
section on X-X in FIG. 9,
[0081] FIGS. 11A to 11M are cross-sectional views of variant bodies
of the refill,
[0082] FIGS. 12A to 12E show variant coupling reliefs in top view,
and
[0083] FIGS. 13A to 13C are top views of variant bodies of the
refill.
[0084] In the rest of the description, identical elements or
elements having identical functions bear the same reference signs.
In order to make the present description concise, they are not
described for each of the figures, only the differences between the
embodiments being described.
[0085] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the handpiece 2 of an example of a device
for treating the hair according to the invention.
[0086] This handpiece 2 has two jaws 3 and 4 that are able to move
with respect to one another between a spaced-apart configuration
(not shown) for introduction between said jaws of a lock of hair,
and a moved-together configuration for treatment.
[0087] The jaws 3 and 4 are carried by an upper arm 5 and a lower
arm 6, respectively, which, in the example in question, are
connected together at one end by an articulation 8, the handpiece 2
thus forming tongs.
[0088] The upper arm 5 and lower arm 6 each preferably have a total
length of between 22 cm and 37 cm, preferably 31 cm, and define,
between the articulation 8 and the jaws 3 and 4, respective
half-handles 10 and 11 on which the user can press in order to move
the jaws 3 and 4 together.
[0089] An elastic return member (not visible) is preferably
provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to a spaced-apart
configuration, this elastic return member being for example a
spring disposed around an articulation pin 8.
[0090] The invention is not limited to a particular manner of
connecting the upper arm. 5 and lower arm 6 together and the jaws 3
and 4 may be rendered able to move in some other way without
departing from the scope of the present invention. However, the
presence of an articulation is largely preferred for the ergonomics
it provides.
[0091] The jaws 3 and 4 define between one another a region for
treating the hair, said region being intended to receive a lock of
hair to be treated, the handpiece, 2 being moved along said lock
during the treatment, for example in the direction from the root to
the end of the hair.
[0092] In the example in question, the handpiece 2 is configured to
apply a cosmetic product, to treat the hair by way of steam and
then to carry out a heat treatment of the hair by contact with two
hot surfaces 15 and 16.
[0093] The direction D of movement of the handpiece 2 over the
hair, illustrated in FIG. 4, is preferably substantially
perpendicular to the upper arm 5 and lower arm 6.
[0094] The handpiece 2 is connected by a line, in the example in
question, to a base station (not shown) that is fixed during the
treatment and is connected to the mains.
[0095] This base station provides the electric power supply to the
handpiece 2 and also its supply with water in order to generate
steam, and may also carry out additional functions of processing
electrical signals received from the handpiece 2. The line 18 which
connects the handpiece 2 to the base station can thus comprise
various electrical conductors and a water supply pipe.
[0096] A user interface (not shown in the figures) can be present
on the handpiece 2 so as to allow the user for example to start up
certain components thereof, or not.
[0097] The cosmetic product is applied by a refill 20 carried by
one of the two arms, 5 or 6, in this case the upper arm 5, which
comes into contact with a pressing element 21. The latter may be
removable.
[0098] The refill 20 comprises a body 23 and an applicator member
26 disposed so as to come into contact with the hair extending
through the treatment region.
[0099] The refill 20 can be fixed to the arm 5 or 6 by any means,
in particular, as illustrated in FIG. 2, by sliding a rib of the
body 23 into a groove with a complementary shape.
[0100] The body 23 has a cavity 30 that opens towards the outside
by way of an opening 31 into which the applicator member 26 is
inserted, along an insertion and extraction axis X (insertion axis
X below), while the refill is being manufactured. The body 23
comprises coupling reliefs 32 that extend into the cavity 30.
[0101] The body 23 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3 to
6.
[0102] The body 23 has substantially the overall shape of a
rectangular parallelepiped and is elongate along a longitudinal
axis Z. In cross section, the body 23 is U-shaped, as illustrated
in FIG. 5.
[0103] The body 23 comprises a front wall 38 and a rear wall 40
that are opposite one another and are connected by two side walls
34 and 36 and by a bottom 42.
[0104] The coupling reliefs 32 are each asymmetric with respect to
their median axis M.
[0105] The coupling reliefs 32 extend from the two opposite side
walls 34 and 36 of the body 30 and are all identical. Each side
wall 34 or 36 comprises five coupling reliefs, but this does not
have to be the case. The coupling reliefs 32 on one of the two
walls 34 and 36 are disposed facing the coupling reliefs 32 on the
other of these walls.
[0106] The coupling reliefs 32 are elongate along the insertion
axis X and have a substantially triangular shape in longitudinal
section, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In cross section, as illustrated
in FIG. 6, said coupling reliefs have a substantially rectangular
shape, their maximum width k being smaller than their maximum
thickness e.sub.max.
[0107] Each coupling relief 32 comprises a first planar face 46
that is oriented towards the opening 31 and is parallel to the
longitudinal axis Z of the cavity 30, and a second planar face 48
that is oriented towards the bottom 42.
[0108] The first face 46 forms an angle .alpha. approximately equal
to 10.degree. with the insertion axis X and extends along the
entire length l of the coupling relief 32. The second face 48 is
substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis X. The first face
46 and the second face 48 have a common edge 49. The first and the
second face 46 and 48 form an angle .gamma. equal to
.beta.-.alpha., i.e. approximately equal to 80.degree. here,
between one another. The coupling relief 32 can thus, as
illustrated, have a thickness e that increases along its entire
length l.
[0109] The first planar face 46 is connected to the wall from which
it extends 34 or 36 by two planar faces 50 and 52 that form the
sides of the coupling relief 32. The faces 50 and 52 form an angle
with the longitudinal axis X that is equal to the angle .alpha.
formed by the first face 46.
[0110] The coupling reliefs 32 are moulded together with the body
23.
[0111] The body 23 and the coupling reliefs 32 are made of
thermoplastic material, in particular polybutylene terephthalate
(PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA),
polypropylene, copolyester, in particular Tritan.RTM., elastomer or
a mixture thereof, in particular a mixture of PBT and PET.
[0112] The coupling reliefs 32 extend along a length l from the
opening 31 towards the bottom 42 that is equal to around 10 mm
here. The maximum thickness e.sub.max of the coupling reliefs 32
starting from the wall 34 or 36 is equal to around 1.5 mm here. The
maximum width k of the coupling reliefs 32, measured parallel to
the wall 36, is equal to around 1 mm here.
[0113] The cavity 30 has a width K equal to around 8 mm, a length L
equal to around 90 mm and a height H equal to around 15 mm.
[0114] The side walls 34 and 36 do not have coupling reliefs 32
over a height h starting from the bottom that is equal to H-l, i.e.
around 5 mm here.
[0115] In a variant, the first and the second faces 46 and 48 are
connected by a rounded portion 49.
[0116] The applicator member 26 has substantially the shape of a
rectangular parallelepiped, in particular having dimensions equal
to those of the cavity 30.
[0117] Such a refill 20 is particularly suitable when the
applicator member 26 is a felt: [0118] that has a shape
complementary to that of the cavity 30, [0119] is formed of fibres
that are all oriented substantially along the longitudinal axis Z
of the cavity 30, and [0120] has a fibre density of between 0.080
g/cm.sup.3 and 0.400 g/cm.sup.3.
[0121] The example in FIGS. 7 to 10 differs from the one in FIGS. 3
to 6 by way of the shape of the coupling reliefs 32. In cross
section, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the coupling reliefs 32 have
the shape of a right-angled triangle. Each coupling relief 32 has
two first planar faces 46a and 46b that extend longitudinally along
the entire length 1 of the coupling relief 32, and a second face
48. The latter is identical to the one described above. The two
first faces 46a and 46b extend from the wall 36 to a common
longitudinal edge 60. They form an angle .lamda. approximately
equal to 45.degree. between one another. The edge 64 and the two
first faces 46a and 46b form an angle .alpha. with the insertion
axis X that is approximately equal to 5.degree.. The angle .gamma.
between the first faces 46a and 46b and the second face 48 is
approximately equal to 85.degree.. The first face 60 is
perpendicular to the wall 36.
[0122] The maximum thickness e.sub.max and the maximum width k of
the coupling reliefs 32 are approximately equal to 0.8 mm here.
[0123] Such a refill 20 is particularly suitable when the
applicator member 26 is a felt: [0124] that has a shape
complementary to that of the cavity 30, [0125] is formed of fibres
that are all oriented substantially along the longitudinal axis Z
of the cavity 30, and [0126] has a fibre density of between 0.080
g/cm.sup.3 and 0.400 g/cm.sup.3.
[0127] The examples in FIGS. 11A to 11M differ from those in the
preceding figures by way of the shape, in longitudinal section,
and/or the position of the coupling reliefs 32.
[0128] The example in FIG. 11A has coupling reliefs 32 in the shape
of half a fir tree in longitudinal section. Each coupling relief 32
has a plurality of edges 49 that are oriented towards the bottom 42
of the body 23.
[0129] The example in FIG. 11B comprises coupling reliefs 32 that
are attached to the walls 34 and 36 of the body 23 and extend over
the entire height Hof the cavity 30.
[0130] The example in FIG. 11C has coupling reliefs 32 that each
have an edge 49 oriented towards the bottom 42. The second face 48
forms an angle .beta. greater than 90.degree., better still greater
than or equal to 135.degree.. The coupling reliefs 32 deform
elastically. During the insertion of the applicator member 26, the
coupling reliefs 32 deform by curving more towards the bottom of
the cavity 30, such that the angle .beta. increases and the
distance of the edge from the wall 34 or 36 decreases. During the
extraction of the applicator member 26, the coupling reliefs 32 can
deform towards the opening 31 such that the angle .beta. decreases,
the distance of the tip 70 from the wall 34 or 36 increases and, by
deforming, further compresses the applicator member 26, making its
extraction more difficult.
[0131] In a variant, the coupling reliefs 32 as described above are
not deformable. The coupling reliefs 32 can, during the extraction
of the applicator member 26, hook in the latter in order to prevent
its extraction.
[0132] The example in FIG. 11D comprises coupling reliefs 32 that
are attached to the walls 34 and 36 of the body 23. The coupling
reliefs 32 are formed by cutting and bending plates 72 and 74 that
are fitted on the side walls 34 and 36 of the body 23. The coupling
reliefs are formed by portions of plates 72 and 74 that are bent
towards the inside of the cavity. The coupling reliefs 32 are
oriented downwards and form an angle .theta. with the walls 34 or
36 from which they extend, the angle .theta. being less than or
equal to 90.degree..
[0133] The first face(s) 46 or 46a and 46b of each coupling relief
32 in FIG. 11E are convex towards the outside.
[0134] The second face 48 of each coupling relief 32 in FIG. 11F
forms an angle .beta. of less than 90.degree. with the insertion
axis X. The coupling relief 32 thus comprises a first portion 32a
that increases in size towards the bottom 42 and has a length
l.sub.1 and a second portion 32b that decreases in size towards the
bottom 42 and has a length l.sub.2. The ratio of the lengths
l.sub.2/l.sub.1 is less than 0.2.
[0135] The first face 46, 60 or 62 of each coupling relief 32 in
FIG. 11G is concave towards the outside.
[0136] The example in FIG. 11H has coupling reliefs 32 in the form
of tabs perpendicular to the insertion axis X disposed in an
indentation 74 in the wall 34 or 36. These coupling reliefs are
elastically deformable. During the insertion of the applicator
member 26, the coupling reliefs 32 can curve towards the bottom of
the cavity 30, such that the angle .beta. becomes greater than
90.degree.. During the extraction of the applicator member 26, the
coupling reliefs 32 can deform towards the opening 31 such that the
angle .beta. decreases and, by deforming, further compress the
applicator member 26, making its extraction more difficult.
[0137] In the example illustrated in FIG. 11I, the body 23 has,
facing the coupling reliefs 32, compression reliefs 76. During the
insertion of the applicator member 26 into the cavity 30, said
compression reliefs make it possible to compress said applicator
member 26 against the coupling relief 32 facing it so as to further
improve the retention of the applicator member 26. Here, the
compression reliefs 76 extend over the entire height H of the
cavity 30 and have a symmetric shape about their median axis and in
the form of a pad.
[0138] In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 11J to 11M, the
coupling relief 32 is a bottom relief 42 which is in the form of an
arrow with the tip 80 oriented towards the opening 31 of the cavity
30. The distal end 82 of the arrow, extending along a length
l.sub.1, is carried by a foot 84 of constant thickness. Said distal
end widens from the tip 80 in the direction of the bottom 42. The
foot 84 has a constant thickness and is less thick than the
greatest thickness e.sub.max of the distal end 82. Starting from
the tip 80 towards the base of the foot 84, the thickness increases
along the length l.sub.1 from the distal end 82 and is then
constant along the length l.sub.3 corresponding to at least a part
of the foot 84. The distal end 82 may be in the shape of an
inverted V, as illustrated in FIG. 11J, in the shape of a triangle,
as illustrated in FIG. 11K, or in the shape of an inverted V with
lips parallel to the bottom 42 at each of the ends of the V, as
illustrated in FIG. 11L. The distal end, as illustrated in FIG.
11M, may have a recess 86 at the tip 80.
[0139] The examples in FIGS. 12A to 12E differ from those in FIGS.
3 to 10 by way of the shape, in cross section, of the coupling
reliefs 32. The coupling reliefs 32 may be in the shape of an
isosceles triangle, as illustrated in FIG. 12a, in the form of a
semicircle, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, in the shape of a
semi-polygon, in particular a semi-hexagon, as illustrated in FIG.
12C, or of a rectangle having a maximum width k that is greater
than its maximum thickness e.sub.max, as illustrated in FIG. 12D.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 12E, the coupling relief 32 has
a narrowed region 90, in particular at its meeting point with the
wall 34. This narrowed region 90 can break when the user attempts
to remove the applicator member 26.
[0140] The examples in FIGS. 13A to 13C differ from those in FIGS.
3 to 10 by way of the position of the coupling reliefs 32 on the
body 23.
[0141] In the example in FIG. 13A, the body 23 comprises two
coupling reliefs 32 that are respectively disposed on the opposite
front 38 and rear 40 walls.
[0142] In the example in FIG. 13B, the body 23 comprises coupling
reliefs 32 on a single one of the side walls 34 or 36.
[0143] In the example in FIG. 13C, the body 23 comprises coupling
reliefs 32 on the bottom 42.
[0144] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments
which have just been described, the characteristics of which may be
combined with one another as parts of variants which are not
illustrated.
[0145] For example, the body may comprise coupling reliefs on the
opposite side walls, the front wall and the rear wall.
[0146] The applicator member may comprise at least two parts having
different fibre densities and/or fibre orientations.
[0147] The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being
synonymous with "comprising at least one".
* * * * *