EP1029799B1 - Liquid containing and dispensing package with applicator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an assembly for packaging and the application of a product, in particular cosmetic. The invention is everything particularly suitable for products in the form of a liquid, gel or of a cream. By way of example, mention may be made of the packaging and application of care products, in particular for the skin or the hair, make-up removers or hair coloring products.

In the cosmetics field in particular, certain products, especially under in the form of a milk, a cream or a gel are dispensed under pressure by means of of a pump. Due to their instability in the presence of air, they can be conditioned in pump systems of the type without air intake, i.e. vacuum packed in tanks whose volume decreases over time uses. Typically, a pocket with retractable walls is used, a tube with deformable walls, or a bottle in which a follower piston is arranged. The pump can be of the piston, diaphragm or valve type.

To apply the product, the user takes the pumped product from one or more several of his fingers, and applies it by massaging the surface to be treated. Alternatively, the product is applied by means of an applicator, in particular as an open cell foam.

In the case of an applicator which can be reused many times, especially during over the life of the product, it may be desirable for it to be between two uses, is stored away from air so that its properties mechanical, including flexibility, or absorption are not altered. In moreover, in the case of an applicator which is not cleaned after each use, the contact of the product remaining on the applicator with the ambient air, or with any other element of the environment in which it is stored, may contaminate the applicator and alter the product it is carrying. In any event, the transport of such an applicator, especially in the user's handbag, is not without cause problems.

Finally, for certain applicators, the shape of which is appropriate to the profile of the surface to be treated, in particular on the profile of the lips or the corner of the eye, it can be desirable that the product is always deposited in the same way on the applicator, and in the same quantities, so as to carry out an application which can be reproduced from one time to the next.

From European patent EP 0 612 488 in the name of the applicant, it is known to realize an application set in the form of a reservoir containing a product to be applied, a cover intended to close the reservoir, and an applicator holder supporting an application element, deformable, in particular of foam or low hardness elastomer. The reservoir is limited by a shaped capillary tip thimble, having a bottom provided with a seat pierced with at least one orifice capillary against which the deformable element is applied and deformed in the tank closed position by the cover. Such a device is suitable ideal for very liquid fluids or powders. In the case of a cream, it is very difficult to bring the cream into contact with the capillary orifices. In addition, the presence of a volume of air above the free surface of the product can be detrimental to the quality of the product, and in particular its properties cosmetics.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to provide a set of conditioning and application, solving all or part of the problems discussed above with reference to conventional devices.

It is in particular an object of the invention to provide a device which is particularly suitable for products with high viscosity, in particular in the form of creams.

It is also an object of the invention to allow precise loading and reproducible as a product of an application organ.

Other objects will appear in the detailed description which follows.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a set of packaging and application of a product, in particular cosmetic, comprising a reservoir for said product and delimiting a first volume, decreasing in response to a vacuum inside the tank, said tank having at least one outlet orifice closed by a first opening valve unidirectional, opening selectively towards a second volume, intended to receive removably, an application member, formed at least in part, of a porous element, capable of absorbing said product, said second volume being tightly closed by a cover, reversibly mounted on said assembly, a piston being provided for, in particular at the opening of the cover, cause a depression inside the second volume and cause the opening of said first valve, and pumping a dose of said product by said organ application, via said outlet.

Thus, the applicator member, in the mounted position of the cover, is arranged so predetermined with respect to the product outlet, preferably in support elastic on the outlet, which allows its precise loading, as well as for the quantity of product removed, as for the location of the product on the applicator. The applicator, between two applications, is kept away from air, which allows it to retain its good mechanical properties, in particular flexibility, and this prevents the product remaining on the applicator from being altered in the presence of air or contaminates the environment of the applicator.

Whatever the viscosity of the product, it can be pumped by the organ of application in response to the depression generated by the relative movement of the piston. The volume absorbable by the applicator is preferably greater than or equal the volume pumped in response to displacement of the piston. However, it is possible to provide that the volume absorbable by the applicator member is less than the volume of product pumped. In the latter case, we can plan, as we will see in detail later, to make the piston disengageable, so as to be able go to collect the excess product, not pumped by the applicator, without pump the said product again.

Advantageously, said applicator member is integral with the cover, said piston generating the depression inside the second volume, passing from a first position to one second, when opening the cover. The hood thus forms a gripping member for the application member. With a single gesture, we ensures both the opening of the assembly and the product loading of the organ of application, and this in a perfectly reproducible manner. The organ application can be, in the absence of constraint, of cross section greater than the cross section of the piston.

Preferably, means are provided for, in response to an overpressure at inside the second volume, in particular when the cover is closed, put the second volume at atmospheric pressure. The presence of the opening valve unidirectional (i.e. opening only under the effect of a depression in the second volume relative to the tank pressure) between the first volume and the second volume prevents the air introduced into the second volume from entering in the tank containing the product to be applied.

Such means can be formed by a second opening valve unidirectional, in particular a valve or a ball, or any other means appropriate.

According to a particular embodiment, said second volume forms on at least part of its height, a cylinder in which the piston slides. The height of this cylindrical portion depends to a large extent on the desired stroke for the piston and the dose of product to be dispensed. As for the substance of the second volume, intended to receive the applicator, and in which the orifice of the outlet of the product, it may be in the shape of a more or less hemispherical cap, of so that the applicator can, in particular in the hood mounted position, come into intimate, even elastic, contact with this surface portion, and load product perfectly.

The shape of such an assembly can be arbitrary. We can indeed predict that the tank containing the product is of oval section, while the volume containing the applicator member is of circular section. Alternatively, the volume containing the applicator member may also be of oval section. In this case, the closing of the cover on the tank is ensured by a system of closing with one or more ramps, known as "twist" closing. Other shapes and combinations of shapes can be envisaged.

The piston can be formed by a non-porous portion of said applicator member. Thus, the applicator member can be formed from several different materials: a porous material, in particular open cell foam, for its part intended to come into contact with the outlet port of the product reservoir, and intended to apply the product via an application surface; and a material waterproof, in particular in closed-cell foam for its part remote from the tank outlet, and not directly used for applying the product on the surface to be treated.

According to an alternative, the piston is formed from a separate element from the organ application, said piston being integral with the application member, and disposed of side of the applicator member opposite the outlet orifice. This may include of an element made of elastomeric material.

Preferably, the piston is crossed by at least one passage capable of allowing the placing said second volume at atmospheric pressure. This allows, in combination with the second valve, to put the volume containing the organ of application at atmospheric pressure, thus avoiding any overpressure, especially when the applicator member is replaced inside the second volume.

According to an alternative, an annular space is formed between the second volume and the cover, said annular space being in communication with the second volume, said piston being disposed in said annular space.

Thus, the piston can be secured to a delimiting element, at least in part, said second volume, and forms a lip, capable, when the cover is opened, of slide tightly against an internal surface of a side skirt formed by said cover. The piston can in particular be obtained by bi-injection or overmolding with the element forming the second volume.

Advantageously, said lip is oriented so that, in the presence of a depression inside the second volume, being in leaktight support against said interior surface, and, in the event of overpressure inside the second volume, not be in leaktight abutment against said interior surface, thus allowing the setting at atmospheric pressure of said second volume. So when the hood applicator is repositioned on the reservoir, the overpressure generated in the second volume moves the lip of the piston away from the interior surface of the cover, thus interrupting the seal, and allowing the restoration of pressure atmospheric inside the second volume. The pressurized air escapes between the piston and the internal surface of the cover, then evacuates under the free edge formed by the side skirt of the hood.

Advantageously, the applicator member has an absorption capacity greater than or equal to the volume of the dose pumped into the tank in response to the vacuum generated by the piston.

The piston can be disengaged, so that, in the "disengaged" position, does not generate depression inside the second volume in response to said displacement between said first and second positions, means accessible from the outside, allowing to selectively pass the piston from the "disengaged" position to the "engaged" position and vice versa. So in case of incomplete pumping by the applicator, of the product sucked in the second volume, it is possible to reintroduce the applicator in the second volume, without have to screw the cover back on, and refill it with product without pumping anything else product from the tank. Such a disengageable piston may consist of a elastically deformable member, in particular in compression. In position no compressed, the piston is of section smaller than the section of the cylinder in which it slides, which corresponds to the "disengaged" position of the piston. In position compressed, the piston is of section greater than the section of the cylinder, and slides tightly in said cylinder, which corresponds to the position "engaged" of the piston.

The assembly according to the invention can be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid body, especially made of polyethylene or polypropylene, and having a wall transverse pierced by said outlet orifice (s), said second volume being formed of a first skirt portion of said body, and of which a free edge defines a first opening.

The free edge of the first skirt portion may include a thread capable of cooperate with a corresponding thread of the removable cover. This type of closure provides a particularly tight closure of the second volume. sealing can be further improved by the presence of auxiliary means, in the form in particular a sealing skirt or a seal.

The piston can be arranged outside said first skirt portion and be integral with said first skirt portion. The realization of the organ of application, and in particular of the structure which supports it, is thereby facilitated since it is not necessary to add an auxiliary piston to it.

As for the reservoir delimiting the first volume, it is preferably disposed of the side of the transverse wall opposite to said first skirt portion.

Advantageously, the reservoir is formed of a second portion of skirt formed by said body, and having a free edge located opposite the free edge of the first portion of skirt. According to a preferred version, a follower piston is sliding mounted inside said second skirt portion. So the volume of the tank decreases as the product is pumped inside the tank.

Alternatively, the follower piston is replaced by a deformable membrane, especially elastically. As an example of a membrane type device elastically deformable, it is possible to cite a structure of the type of that described in patent application EP-A-0 743 263 in the name of the applicant, and that an elastic membrane forms the bottom of a rigid container on which are fitted with a pump and a push button. The membrane is fixed by its periphery to the wall of the rigid container, and is initially flat in shape, or slightly concave or convex towards the product. Over use, the membrane is able to deform elastically over an axial height of 15 to 20 mm for example, so as to follow the shape of the interior of the container. Such a design, by its shape, makes it possible to be able to give more surface to the applicator, thus allowing the realization of an applicator for surfaces of the body, especially for the bust or thighs.

According to a variant of the invention, the reservoir is formed of a flexible pocket with retractable walls mounted on said rigid part. Such a pocket can be consisting of a complex of several materials, in particular metallic and / or thermoplastics. Typically, the open edge of the pocket is welded to the part rigid. The bottom of the pocket is closed according to a welding or gluing line.

Preferably, such a pocket is disposed inside a rigid enclosure or semi rigid, means, in particular an orifice or a valve, allowing a air intake inside the space delimited between the rigid or semi-rigid enclosure and the flexible pocket.

The applicator member may consist of at least one block of a foam open or semi-open cells of felt or sinter.

By way of example, the applicator member consists of a polyether foam, polyester, polyurethane, NBR (Natural Butadiene Rubber), SBR (Synthetic Butadiene Rubber) of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) latex, silicone, or a sintered plastic, in particular polyethylene or nylon, a sintered with metal, in particular bronze, or a sintered glass.

Advantageously, in the mounted position of the cover, the applicator member is in elastic support on said outlet (s). So in the case of a applicator member of compressible material, this is dimensioned so that, when the cover is mounted, the applicator member is at least partially compressed. This extends the period during which the applicator is in contact with the product pumped into the second volume. In addition, this provision favors the pumping of the product by the applicator member when the latter decompresses. Finally, this makes it possible to replenish the application member with product without having to screw the applicator cap back onto the reservoir.

In the event that the applicator member is made of non-compressible material of in a sensitive manner, in particular in felt or sintered material, a compressible element elastically is disposed between the applicator member and the piston. Such an element may consist of a block of elastomeric material, or a block of foam, with open or closed cells.

Advantageously, the packaging and application unit according to the invention is used for packaging and applying a product cosmetic, in particular in the form of a liquid, a gel or a cream.

• les figures 1A-1C illustrent un premier mode de réalisation d'un ensemble selon la présente invention;
• la figure 2 représente un second mode de réalisation d'un ensemble selon la présente invention;
• la figure 3 représente un troisième mode de réalisation d'un ensemble selon la présente invention;
• la figure 4 représente un quatrième mode de réalisation d'un ensemble selon la présente invention; et
• les figures 5A-5B représentent un cinquième mode de réalisation d'un ensemble selon la présente invention

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a first embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention;
• FIG. 2 represents a second embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention;
• FIG. 3 represents a third embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention;
• FIG. 4 represents a fourth embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention; and
• Figures 5A-5B show a fifth embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention

As a preliminary remark, the elements common to the different modes of realization which will now be described in detail, are referenced by same reference numbers.

As shown in Figures 1A-1C, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a cylindrical body 2 of polypropylene (the cross section of which can be of any which shape, in particular, circular, oval, or elliptical) and delimiting on the one hand and on the other side of a transverse wall 3 two volumes 4, 5. The transverse wall 3 is crossed by an orifice 6 allowing the communication of the first volume 4 with the second 5, via a one-way opening valve 7. The valve 7 consists of an elastic lip, a peripheral portion of which is integral with the transverse wall 3, the rest of the lip being free so as to, in response to a depression inside the second volume 5 relative to the first volume 4, move away from the seat formed by the transverse wall 3. The open position of the valve 7 is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1A. The valve can be made in elastomeric material, especially natural or synthetic rubber.

The first volume 4 is delimited by a lateral skirt 8, one end of which 9, opposite the transverse wall 3 is open. Inside the skirt is mounted sliding tightly, a piston 10, suitable, in response to a vacuum at inside the volume 4, to go up inside the skirt 8, so as to follow the product P, arranged between the piston 10 and the transverse wall 3. The open bottom of the skirt 8 can be closed off by an attached bottom (not shown) pierced with an orifice air intake. The product P may in particular be a cream, a powder or a body milk.

The second volume 5 is formed of a side skirt 11 oriented opposite the first skirt 8, and a free edge 12 of which defines an opening 13. The wall internal of the skirt 11 forms a cylinder over a substantial part of its height. The outer surface of the skirt 11 has in the vicinity of its free edge 12 a thread 14 able to cooperate with a corresponding thread 15 formed on the surface internal of the side skirt 16 of a removable cover 17.

The cover 17 includes a sealing skirt 18 able to bear so watertight against the internal surface of the skirt 11 so as to perfect the seal when the cover 17 is closed by the thread 15. The cover also forms an axial chimney 19 into which is force-fitted (or glued) a applicator 20. In this embodiment, the applicator 20 comprises a part 21 with closed cells, intended to come into engagement inside the axial chimney 19, and the peripheral edge of which is capable of sliding so tight against the inner surface of the skirt 11, so as to form a piston. The applicator 20 also includes a portion 22 made of a material made of open or semi-open cell foam, so as to pump product P contained in volume 4. The portion 22 can be glued to the portion 21 or be obtained by molding with the portion 21. The applicator member 20 is dimensioned so that, in the mounted position of the cover 17, illustrated in the FIG. 1A, the portion 22 of the applicator member 20 is at least in part, compressed. The portion 22 of the applicator member 20 has a surface 23, located opposite the piston 21, and which, in the mounted position of the cover 17 is in intimate contact, or even in elastic support on the valve 7.

The portion 21 with closed cells, is pierced in its center with a channel 24 opening on the one hand on the open cell portion 22 of the organ application 20, and on the other hand, opposite a vent orifice 25 provided in the upper wall 26 of the cover 17. The vent orifice 25 is closed by a check valve unidirectional opening 27, of the same type as the valve 7, and capable of opening on outside (see dotted position), in response to overpressure inside the second volume 5. Thus, the piston, at the opening of the cover 17, moves, in support sealed against the internal wall of the skirt 11 between a first illustrated position in FIG. 1A (closed position of the cover) and a second position (close to the position of FIG. 1B) in which the seal is broken between the piston and the cylindrical skirt 11.

To use the device according to this embodiment, the user unscrews the cover 17, and pulls it axially so as to extract the applicator member 20 from the volume 5. In doing so, the portion 21 of the applicator member 20 slides sealingly against the internal surface of the skirt 11, thereby generating a depression inside the volume 5. Under the effect of depression inside the volume 5, the valve 7 comes off from its seat (FIG. 1B), and lets the product P, which is sucked inside the volume 5. The product P is then placed in the contact of the application surface 23, and is pumped by the porous material constituting the portion 22 of the applicator member 20. The product can then be applied, bringing the application surface 23 of the application member 20 into engagement with the surface to be treated. During application, if it is necessary to reload the applicator member 20 with product, it is possible to reintroduce the applicator member 20 in the volume 5, without having to screw the cover 17 back (in reason for the axial oversizing of the applicator member 20 relative to the axial height of the volume 5) and to bring the application surface 23 back into contact with the excess product that may have remained at the bottom of volume 5.

After use, the user screws the cover 17. The air trapped in the volume 5 under the applicator member 20, is expelled from the device via the pores of the open cell foam 21, via channel 24, and via orifice 25, when the valve 27 comes off the seat formed by the wall 26 of the cover. The device is then ready for a new application.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the product P is contained inside a pocket with flexible walls 30, defining the first volume 4 and one of which open end 35 is mounted, in particular by welding, on the surface exterior 31 of a mounting part 32 forming the body of the device. The pocket with flexible walls 30 is disposed inside a rigid enclosure 33 whose bottom has an air intake orifice 34. The rigid enclosure 33 can be mounted by snap on the mounting part 32, by means of a bead of breakdown (not shown).

The mounting piece 32 forms, opposite the pocket 30, a skirt 11, the inner surface delimits the second volume 5, which is cylindrical on a substantial part of its height. One end of the skirt 11 is closed by a transverse wall 3, crossed by an orifice 6, closed by a valve 7 of the same type that the valve 7 of the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C. A portion lower 36 of the skirt 11 is in alignment with the outer enclosure 33. A intermediate portion 37, of external section, less than the section of the part lower 36, carries the thread 14, able to cooperate with the corresponding thread 15 of the cover 17. An upper portion 38 has a free edge, delimiting the opening 13 for the second volume 5. The upper portion 38 is of section less than the maximum section of the intermediate portion 37 so as to define with the cover 17 an annular space 80.

The applicator member 20 is formed from a single block of cell foam. open, a portion of which is mounted inside the axial skirt 19 carried by the cover 17. The applicator is preferably of such size that, in the screwed position cover 17, the applicator member 20 is at least partially compressed at inside the volume 5, so that the application surface 23 is in abutment elastic at the bottom of volume 5.

The upper portion 38 of the skirt 11 carries on its outer surface a lip forming piston 39, moving in annular space 80. The lip is oriented so that, in the absence of overpressure inside the volume 5, its free edge 40 either in sealed support against a corresponding surface 41 of the side skirt 16 of the cover 17. In the event of an overpressure inside the volume 5, in particular at the closing of the cover 17, the free edge 40 of the lip 39 moves away from the surface 41 of the cover, so as to no longer be in sealed contact on said surface 41, and to allow air to escape under the free edge of the skirt 16 of the cover 17. A this effect, the lip 39 is inclined towards the free edge of the side skirt 16 of the cover 17, and ends with a cylindrical surface 40 capable of coming to bear waterproof on the cylindrical surface 41.

In use, the cover 17 is unscrewed and pulled axially so as to extract the applicator member 20 from the volume 5. In doing so, the free edge 40 of the lip 39 is in leaktight support on the surface 41 of the cover 17, thus causing a depression inside the volume 5. The depression causes the opening of the valve 7 and the suction of the product P inside the volume 5 via the orifice 6. When its decompression, the applicator member 20 pumps the product P. The product is then applied in the manner indicated with reference to the embodiment of the FIGS. 1A-1C by placing the application surface 23 of the application member 20 in engagement with the surface to be treated. After use, when the cover is closed, the air trapped in volume 5 is expelled to the outside, thanks to the piston 39 the free edge 40 of which comes off the surface 41 of the cover.

In the same way as for the previous embodiment, in progress of use, it is possible to replenish the application member with product P, without screw the cover back on, thanks in particular to the axial oversizing of the member 20 relative to the axial height of the volume 5.

• l'organe d'application 20 est formé d'un seul bloc de matériau en mousse à cellules ouvertes, notamment en polyuréthanne ;
• Le piston est formé par une lèvre 50, formée sur la surface extérieure de la cheminée axiale 19 du capot 17, et dont un bord libre 51 est apte à venir en engagement étanche avec la surface interne de la jupe 11 du corps rigide 2. La cheminée axiale 19 est formée en matériau élastomérique, et peut être surmoulée ou formée par bi-injection avec le capot 17, lequel est réalisé en polypropylène ou polyéthylène. Alternativement, la cheminée axiale 19 peut être accrochée mécaniquement, par collage, soudage, ou claquage sur le bouchon 17.
• l'orifice 6 ménagé dans la paroi transversale 3, est obturé par un clapet 7 se refermant sur un siège central 52 formé par la paroi transversale 3;
• le clapet d'évent 27 est de type à bille 53, montée dans l'orifice 25 du capot 17. L'air est acheminé depuis le volume 5 au travers des pores de l'organe d'application 20.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C in that:

• the applicator member 20 is formed from a single block of open cell foam material, in particular polyurethane;
• The piston is formed by a lip 50, formed on the external surface of the axial chimney 19 of the cover 17, and of which a free edge 51 is capable of coming into sealing engagement with the internal surface of the skirt 11 of the rigid body 2. The axial chimney 19 is formed of elastomeric material, and can be overmolded or formed by bi-injection with the cover 17, which is made of polypropylene or polyethylene. Alternatively, the axial chimney 19 can be hung mechanically, by gluing, welding, or snapping on the plug 17.
• the orifice 6 formed in the transverse wall 3, is closed by a valve 7 closing on a central seat 52 formed by the transverse wall 3;
• the vent valve 27 is of the ball type 53, mounted in the orifice 25 of the cover 17. The air is supplied from the volume 5 through the pores of the application member 20.

The operation of the assembly according to this embodiment is identical to the operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C.

• l'organe d'application 20 est constitué d'un matériau poreux rigide, sous forme d'un fritté de céramique ;
• la surface d'application 23 de l'organe d'application 20 est mise en appui élastique sur le fond du volume 5 via un élément compressible 60 réalisé en caoutchouc synthétique, et disposé entre le piston 50 et l'organe d'application 20;
• Le clapet 27 obturant sélectivement l'orifice d'évent 25 est du même type que la clapet 7 séparant le premier volume 4 du second volume 5.

The embodiment of FIG. 4 differs from the previous embodiment in that:

• the applicator member 20 consists of a rigid porous material, in the form of a ceramic frit;
• the application surface 23 of the application member 20 is placed in elastic support on the bottom of the volume 5 via a compressible element 60 made of synthetic rubber, and disposed between the piston 50 and the application member 20;
• The valve 27 selectively closing the vent orifice 25 is of the same type as the valve 7 separating the first volume 4 from the second volume 5.

The operation of the embodiment of FIG. 4 is identical to the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 3. In the mounted position of the cover 17, the application surface 23 of the application member 20 is in abutment elastic on the bottom of volume 5 thanks to the presence of the compressible element 60 which, in this position, is at least partly compressed. At the opening, the compressible element gradually decompresses, thereby prolonging the period of communication between the application surface 23 and the product P coming out through hole 6.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5B, the axial chimney 19 ends by a transverse flange 70 whose axial position is fixed. Adjacent to the flange 70, there is an element 71 of elastomeric material deformable by compression, and selectively acting as a piston. Element 71 can be in the form of a hollow toric element. Element 71 is disposed between the collar 70 and a second collar 72, which is connected in its center by a rod 73, axially movable, and connected to a handle 75 via a cam surface 74 whose position relative to the surface 26 of the cover 17 determines the axial position of the flange 72, and, therefore, the degree of axial compression of the element 71 forming the piston.

In the position of FIG. 5A, the compressible element 71 is not compressed from sensitive way. Its external section is less than the internal section of the volume 5, so that, by axially moving the cover 17, in particular at opening or closing, the piston 71 cannot come into watertight support on the internal surface of volume 5. This position corresponds to a position "disengaged" from piston 71.

In the position of FIG. 5B, the compressible element 71 is compressed by sensitive way. Its outer section is slightly larger than the section internal of the volume 5, so that, by axially moving the cover 17, in particular when opening or closing, the piston 71 moves in abutment waterproof on the internal surface of volume 5. This position corresponds to a "engaged" position of piston 71. The difference in cross section of piston 71 between the disengaged position and the engaged position can be of the order of 1 to several millimeters.

An applicator member 20 is fixed to the surface of the collar 72, opposite to the piston 71. The applicator member 20 may consist of an element compressible, in particular an open cell foam, or an element rigid, especially a sintered. In the latter case, the elastic bearing of the application surface 23 on the orifice 6 formed in the wall 3 is made essentially by the presence of the compressible piston 71. A valve device (not shown) can act as a vent when closing the cover 17 in engaged position of the piston 71. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the closing can only be carried out in the disengaged position of the piston 71, allowing thus to dispense with such a valve.

Thus, for use, the user positions the piston 71 in the position of Figure 5B. By unscrewing the cover 17, and pulling it axially, the element 71 acts as a piston, thus generating a vacuum inside the volume 5, and the pumping a dose of product P through the application surface 23 of the organ 20. The application to the surface to be treated is the same as for the other embodiments. If in use, it is necessary to reload the application surface, and if it remains in the bottom of volume 5 enough excess product, then the user disengages the piston 71 by positioning in the position of FIG. 5A. It replenishes the application organ in volume 5, so as to bring the application surface 23 back into contact with the product at the bottom of volume 5. Conversely, if there are no more of product in the bottom of volume 5, it leaves the piston in the position of the Figure 5B, and proceeds to pump a new dose as shown previously.

When the device is closed for storage, the user disengages the piston, and screw the cover 17 back on the assembly 1.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (28)

1. Assembly (1) for packaging and applying a product (P), particularly a cosmetic product, comprising a reservoir (30, 8) for the said product and defining a first volume (4) which decreases in response to a depression inside the reservoir (30, 8), the said reservoir having at least one outlet orifice (6) closed by a first valve (7) which opens in just one direction selectively towards a second volume (5) intended, removably, to take an applicator member (20) formed, at least in part, of a porous element (20, 22) capable of absorbing the said product, the said second volume (5) being firmly sealed closed by a cap (17) mounted reversibly on the said assembly, there being a piston (21, 39, 50, 71) to, particularly when the cap (17) is opened, cause a depression inside the second volume (5) and make the said first valve (7) open and cause the said applicator member (20) to pump out a dose of the said product through the said outlet orifice (6).
2. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said applicator member (20) is secured to the cap, the said piston (21, 39, 50, 71) generating the said depression by moving from a first position into a second position when the cap (17) is opened.
3. Assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that means (27, 39, 53) are provided to, in response to a raised pressure within the second volume (5), particularly when the cap (17) is closed, vent the second volume (5) to atmospheric pressure.
4. Assembly according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said means are formed of a second one-way opening valve, particularly a shutter (27) or a ball (53).
5. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said second volume (5) forms, on at least part of its height, a cylinder in which the piston (21, 50, 71) slides.
6. Assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said piston is formed of a non-porous portion (21) of the said applicator member (20).
7. Assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that the piston (39, 50, 71) is formed of an element separate from the applicator member, the said piston being secured to the applicator member and arranged on the opposite side of the applicator member (20) to the outlet orifice (6).
8. Assembly according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the piston (21) has passing through it at least one passage (24) capable of allowing the said second volume (5) to be vented to atmospheric pressure.
9. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an annular space (80) is formed between the second volume (5) and the cap, the said annular space (80) being in communication with the second volume (5), the said piston (39) being arranged in the said annular space (80).
10. Assembly according to Claim 9, characterized in that the piston (39) is secured to an element (38) at least partially delimiting the said second volume, and forms a lip (40) capable, when the cap is opened, of sliding in sealed fashion against an interior surface (41) of a lateral skirt (16) formed by the said cap (17).
11. Assembly according to Claim 10, characterized in that the piston (39) is orientated in such a way as, in the presence of a depression inside the second volume (5), to rest in sealed fashion against the said interior surface and, in the presence of a raised pressure inside the second volume (5), not to rest in sealed fashion against the said interior surface, thus allowing the said second volume (5) to be vented to atmospheric pressure.
12. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator member (20) has an absorption capacity greater than or equal to the volume of the dose pumped from the reservoir in response to the depression generated by the piston.
13. Assembly according to any one of Claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the piston (71) is disengeagable so that, in the "disengaged" position, it does not generate a depression inside the second volume (5) in response to the said displacement between the said first and second positions, means (74, 75) accessible from the outside making it possible, selectively, to cause the piston (71) to move from the "disengaged" position into the "engaged" position, and vice versa.
14. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is formed of a rigid body (2, 32) comprising a transverse wall (3) pierced with the said outlet orifice or orifices (6) , the said second volume (5) being formed of a first skirt portion (11) of the said body (2, 32), a free edge (12) of which delimits a first opening (13).
15. Assembly according to Claim 14, characterized in that the free edge (12) has a screw thread (14) capable of collaborating with a corresponding screw thread (15) of the removable cap (17).
16. Assembly according to any one of Claims 9 to 13 and 14 or 15, characterized in that the said piston (39) is arranged outside the said first skirt portion (11) and is secured to the said first skirt portion.
17. Assembly according to any one of the preceding Claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the reservoir (30, 8) delimiting the first volume (4) is arranged on the opposite side of the transverse wall (3) to the said first skirt portion (11).
18. Assembly according to Claim 17, characterized in that the reservoir is formed of a second skirt portion (8) formed by the said body (2) and having a free edge (9) located at the opposite end to the free edge (12) of the first skirt portion (11).
19. Assembly according to Claim 18, characterized in that a follower piston (10) is mounted so that it can slide inside the said second skirt portion (8).
20. Assembly according to Claim 18, characterized in that the said free edge (9) delimits an opening which is closed by a deformable diaphragm, particularly an elastically deformable diaphragm.
21. Assembly according to Claim 17, characterized in that the reservoir is formed of a flexible bag (30) with contracting walls which is mounted on the said rigid body (32).
22. Assembly according to Claim 21, characterized in that the said bag (30) is arranged inside a rigid or semi-rigid chamber (33), means (34) allowing air to be taken into the space delimited between the rigid or semi-rigid chamber (33) and the flexible bag (30).
23. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator member (20) consists of at least one block (20, 22) of an open-cell or semi-open-cell foam or a frit.
24. Assembly according to Claim 23, characterized in that the applicator member (20) consists of a polyether, polyester, polyurethane, NBR (Natural Butadiene Rubber), SBR (Synthetic Butadiene Rubber), PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), latex or silicone foam, or of a plastic frit, particularly polyethylene or nylon, a metal, particularly bronze, frit, or a glass frit.
25. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the cap (17) is fitted, the applicator member (21) rests elastically against the said outlet orifice or orifices (6).
26. Assembly according to Claim 25, characterized in that the applicator member (20) is made of a material which is not particularly compressible, an elastically compressible element (60) being arranged between the applicator member (20) and the piston (50).
27. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the said first valve (7) consists in particular of a shutter (7) or of a ball.
28. Use of a packaging and applicator assembly (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 27, for packaging and applying a cosmetic product (P), particularly one in the form of a liquid, a gel or a cream.

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