EP1199005B1 - Packaging and application device, and reloading element therefor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of devices for packaging and application of a liquid, pasty or powdery product, in particular a cosmetic product.

The invention relates more particularly to a device of the type comprising a container open at one end, able to contain said product, and an applicator comprising a rod provided at one end with an applicator element and at the other end with a gripping member, the applicator element being introduced into the container and removed from the latter in contact with an elastically deformable wiper member housed in the container.

French Patent Application 2 285 101 discloses a packaging and application device of this type, containing powder eye shadow. In this known device, the wiper member is constituted for example by a rubber foam or cork, forming with the bottom of the container a free space in which the product is freely contained.

Careful makeup is possible only if the wiping of the application element is satisfactory.

Excessive spinning of the application element forces the user to frequently reload it into product.

Incomplete wringing, on the other hand, leaves a quantity of excess product on the applicator element, which causes the makeup to be damaged and leads to a loss of product. The latter can dry on the stem in particular and form a solid residue, likely to flake off and produce solid fragments affecting the quality of makeup.

The application element, by passing the known wiping members, behaves further as a piston and causes the emission of an unpleasant suction noise.

When the product is a powder, the air blast associated with the suction noise may cause the powder to fly, which of course is not desirable.

The present invention relates to an improved packaging and application device.

This device is characterized by the features set forth in claim 1.

The use of a foam comprising at least 5% open celluloses has many advantages. In the case where the makeup product is a liquid or a paste, the foam can imbibe product and moisten the rod of the applicator, thus preventing the formation of a solid deposit likely to flake and generate solid fragments that can affect the quality of makeup.

Due to the porosity of the foam, it is further allowed an air passage therethrough during the introduction and removal of the applicator.

This prevents the appearance of depression or overpressure in the container and the emission of a suction noise. When the product is a powder, it is avoided to fly the latter.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the foam is in contact with the rod of the applicator when the latter is in place on the container.

Advantageously, it is ensured that the foam is not excessively compressed by the rod of the applicator, when the latter is housed in the container, to avoid any risk of permanent deformation of the foam which could adversely affect the quality of the spinning.

To do this, it is possible according to a first variant of the invention to produce a recess passing axially through the foam, with a diameter equal to or slightly smaller than that of the rod. In a second variant, it is possible to make a slit passing axially through the foam and to use an extremely thin rod, preferably of metal, of diameter of, for example, between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the foam of the wiper member is arranged to be in contact with the rod portion adjacent to the gripping member when the applicator is in place on the container. This avoids the presence of a volume of air above the wiper member when the applicator is in place and the formation by drying of solid residues.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the foam is in constant contact with the product contained in the container.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the foam is impregnated with all the product contained in the container. Then, preferably, the foam occupies substantially the entire interior of the container.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the wiper comprises a foam block rigidified at its periphery and at least a portion of its height by gluing to the container wall, in particular to prevent it from compressing during the introduction of the applicator into the container.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the container has an elongate shape and the rod of the applicator is rectilinear. The opening width of the mouth of the container is chosen so as to avoid contaminating the edges of the container to the passage of the applicator and preferably the opening width of the mouth of the container is chosen so as to be inclined the rod inside the container at least 10 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the rod of the applicator has a medial portion and a portion adjacent to the applicator element, the outer diameter of said adjacent portion being greater than that of said middle portion.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a spin lip.

Preferably, this wiper lip is located at the outer mouth of the container and is extended outwardly by a wall diverging away from the foam.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the foam has a conical recess.

The invention further relates to a charging element for a packaging device and application as mentioned above.

• la figure 1 est une coupe schématique axiale d'un dispositif conforme à un premier exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue illustrant la traversée par l'élément d'application de l'organe d'essorage du dispositif représentée sur la figure 1,
• les figures 3 à 6 illustrent différentes possibilités de réalisation de l'organe d'essorage,
• les figures 7 et 8 illustrent une variante de réalisation du dispositif représenté sur la figure 1,
• la figure 9 est une vue en coupe axiale, schématique, d'un dispositif conforme à un deuxième exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 10 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un dispositif conforme à un troisième exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• les figures 11, 12, 13, 20 et 22 sont des vues schématiques en coupe axiale de dispositifs pouvant être utiles à la compréhension d'aspects particuliers de l'invention,
• la figure 14 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 15 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale partielle, d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 16 montre en élévation latérale un bloc de mousse utilisé comme organe d'essorage, à l'état non comprimé,
• la figure 17 est une vue du bloc de mousse représenté sur la figure 16, en vue de dessus, faisant apparaître une fente en croix traversant axialement le bloc de mousse,
• la figure 18 montre le bloc de mousse représenté sur la figure 16, comprimé axialement lorsqu'il est en place dans le récipient,
• la figure 19 illustre une particularité de réalisation du bloc de mousse, et
• la figure 21 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un dispositif conforme à un exemple de réalisation de l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic axial section of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the passage through the applicator element of the wiper member of the device represented in FIG. 1,
• FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate different possibilities of making the wiper member,
• FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the device represented in FIG. 1,
• FIG. 9 is a schematic axial sectional view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view in axial section of a device according to a third embodiment of the invention,
• FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 20 and 22 are diagrammatic views in axial section of devices that may be useful for understanding particular aspects of the invention,
• FIG. 14 is a schematic view in axial section of a device according to the invention,
• FIG. 15 is a schematic view in partial axial section of a device according to the invention,
• FIG. 16 shows in side elevation a block of foam used as a wiper member, in the uncompressed state,
• FIG. 17 is a view of the foam block shown in FIG. 16, seen from above, showing a cross slot axially passing through the foam block,
• FIG. 18 shows the foam block shown in FIG. 16, compressed axially when it is in place in the container,
• FIG. 19 illustrates a particular embodiment of the foam block, and
• Figure 21 is a schematic axial sectional view of a device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

This device 1 comprises a container 2 and an applicator 6.

The container 2 is formed of a tubular body 3 formed by injection molding and a bottom 4 fixed in the body 3 by snapping. The latter has at its upper part an externally threaded neck.

In the example described, the container 2 contains a liquid cosmetic product P whose solvent is water, for example an aqueous acrylic resin or polyurethane formulation. It may be for example a lipstick liquid.

The applicator 6 comprises a gripping member 7 also forming a closure cap of the container 2, adapted to be screwed onto the neck 5, extended downwardly by a rod 8 which may be rigid or flexible, provided at the end of an element 9 which can be of any type known per se, and which has been shown only very schematically in Figure 1. In the example described, the application element has an outer diameter greater than that of the rod.

The rod 8 has for example a diameter of between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

The application element 9 may have a circular cross section or not, and have on its lateral surface reliefs, for example be constituted by a non-absorbent applicator such as a brush, a flocked foam or not, by a felt by a brush, a flocked plastic, or an elastomeric tip.

The application element may also be constituted by a hollow body capable of accommodating a supply of product.

The neck 5 is supported internally to form a housing 10 for receiving from above a foam block 11 serving as a wiper member.

This block of foam 11 comes into abutment axially in the bottom of the housing 10 being retained in the latter by means of a retaining ring 12 snapped onto the neck 5.

The inner surface 13 of the neck 5 extending below the housing 10 is tapered, diverging downwards, and defines an opening whose diameter is substantially greater than the maximum external diameter of the applicator element 9.

The retaining ring 12 defines an aperture 14, conical converging downwardly to facilitate retraction of the applicator element 9 into the receptacle 2.

The foam block 11 is in the embodiment of Figure 1, cylindrical of revolution, and is traversed by an axial sectional recess 15 circular, of diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the rod 8, therefore less than the maximum diameter of the application element 9.

The tightening of the ring 12 against the bottom of the gripping member 7 provides sealing at closure.

It will be noted from the examination of FIG. 1 that, when the applicator 6 is in place on the container 2, there is practically no volume of air above the foam block 11. The rod 8 is connected to the gripping member by a frustoconical portion 8 'which is shaped to engage in the ring 12 to the contact of the foam block 11.

The wiper member may be made of a foam of an elastomer such as polyurethane or polyester in particular.

The foam comprises at least 5% of open cells, the cells having a diameter of preferably between 5 μm and 3 mm.

The height of the foam block 11 is for example between 1.5 mm and 80 mm and preferably between 5 and 30 mm.

The outer diameter of the foam block is for example between 8 and 30 mm, and preferably between 10 and 20 mm.

The flexibility of the foam block 11 allows it to deform at the passage of the application element 9 to closely match the contour of the latter and obtain an effective spin.

FIG. 2 illustrates the deformation of the foam block 11 during the retraction or the exit of the applicator element 9.

By choosing the axial recess 15 with a section of diameter slightly less than or equal to that of the rod 8, the wiper member advantageously wipes not only the application element 9 but also the rod 8 during the crossing. the foam block 11 and thus prevents the product dries on the rod 8 forming a solid deposit, likely to flake later and pollute the product in the container.

Due to its porosity, the wiper member can remain soaked with product as long as it remains in the container. Thus, in the case where the product used is an aqueous formula of an acrylic or polyurethane resin, the wiper member retains enough moisture to prevent the resin from curing within it and moistens the stem and the element. application to their passage.

• une action mécanique d'essorage et de nettoyage de l'élément d'application en enserrant ce dernier et en retenant par raclage le produit en excès, et les éventuels résidus solides résultant du séchage du produit lorsque celui-ci est un liquide ou une pâte,
• une action d'absorption par capillarité, et
• une action d'absorption par aspiration lorsque la mousse reprend sa forme initiale après avoir été comprimée localement par le passage de l'élément d'application,
• éventuellement une action d'imprégnation en produit lorsque l'élément d'application est moins chargé que ne l'est l'organe d'essorage.

The wiper member can thus exercise at the same time:

• a mechanical action of dewatering and cleaning the applicator element by enclosing the latter and scraping the excess product, and any solid residues resulting from the drying of the product when the latter is a liquid or a paste ,
• an action of absorption by capillarity, and
• a suction absorption action when the foam returns to its original shape after having been compressed locally by the passage of the applicator element,
• optionally a product impregnation action when the applicator element is less loaded than is the wiper member.

The embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 is not limiting.

The foam block 11 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 may thus be replaced by a block of foam 16 represented in FIG. 3, which is not traversed by an axial recess but is incised axially cross-wise to form slots 17 traversing it through and being able to deviate as the application element 9 passes.

In a variant not shown, the foam block can be both axially crossed by a central and split recess.

When removing the applicator or its positioning on the container, the applicator element is capable of axially compressing the foam before entering the interior of the latter, in particular if the applicator element presents a front face flattened or concave towards the outside.

The thus compressed foam block tends to become more compact in the center, with more resistance to penetration of the applicator element.

In order to prevent the block of foam from contracting on itself and making it difficult to retract or extract the applicator element, the entire block of foam at its periphery is advantageously stiffened over all or part of its height. example by coating it with a curable resin forming after polymerization a skin 18 preventing the block of foam from crashing on itself.

Alternatively or additionally, the foam block may be glued or welded at its periphery to the inner surface of the neck of the container.

FIG. 4 shows a variant in which the wringing member is formed by the joining of two solid half-cylinders 19 made of foam, held against each other the other through the neck 5 of the container and defining therebetween a slot 20 which can open to the passage of the applicator element 9.

In another variant, the wiper member may be made by winding a strip of foam 21 on itself, defining a central recess 22 for the passage of the application element 9.

The wiper member may also be produced by the superposition of several washers of different natures.

6 a wiper member constituted by the superposition of three washers 25, 26 and 27 made in foams having increasing cell densities as we get closer to each other, is shown by way of non-limiting example in FIG. the outlet of the container, the assembly being traversed by an axial recess 24 for the passage of the application element 9.

The wiper member may also comprise a foam block 11 and a rigid disk 28 used for dewatering the foam block 11, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The wiper disk 28 is disposed under the foam block 11 being retained in the neck 5 by the shoulder delimiting the housing 10 below. It is traversed at its center by a bore 30 for the passage of the element. application 9. The latter is surmounted in the example considered by an elastic bead 29 projecting on the rod 8 and intended to bear against the disc 28 when the applicator 6 is removed from the container.

The diameter of the bore 30 is smaller than the maximum diameter of the bead 29 so that the disk 28 is driven upwards by the applicator to compress axially the foam block 11 which is thus wrung out.

After axial compression of the foam block 11, the bead 29 can cross the hole 30 by elastic deformation.

The disc 28 is traversed by orifices 31 which allow the inward flow of the container of the excess product leaving the foam block 11 in the compressed state.

The absorption capacity of the foam block 11 at the passage of the applicator element is then increased.

The presence of the bead 29 makes it possible to have an element very flexible application, which alone could because of its flexibility drive up the disk 28.

Although this is not shown in the figures, it is within the scope of the invention to have an additional wiper member known in itself inside the container, intended to be traversed before the foam block by the application element when it leaves the container.

The wiper member can be retained in many ways in the container.

As mentioned above, the foam block can simply be glued or welded at its periphery to the wall of the container.

FIGS. 9 to 12 show various other possibilities of holding the wiper member, which can be combined if necessary with the gluing or welding of the foam block to the container.

FIG. 9 shows a device 32 which comprises a container 33 made by a blow-molding technique and an applicator, not shown, identical to the applicator of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

The container 33 has a neck 34, in which is snapped a sleeve 35 stepped internally to form a housing 36 for receiving from below a block of foam 37, retained in the sleeve 35 by a ring 38 snapped to the lower end of the sleeve 35.

The foam block 37 and the retaining ring 38 are placed on the sleeve 35 before insertion of the latter into the neck 34 of the container 33.

FIG. 10 shows a device 39 comprising a container 40 and an applicator 41.

The container 40 comprises a body in two upper 42 and lower 43 parts connected by a thinned annular wall 44, folded towards the inside of the container and defining therein a narrowing section on which rests the lower end of a foam block 45 serving as a wiper member. The foam block 45 is retained at its upper end by a ring 46 snapped to the free end of the upper part 42 of the container 40.

The applicator 41 comprises a rod 47, provided at one end with a gripping member 48 adapted to fit on a neck formed on the top of the ring 46, and at the other end, with a body of application 49.

The gripping member 48 also comprises a hoop 50 pivoting about a journal of a journal 51 and being able to bear in a first position on the external face of the bottom 52 of the container to hold the applicator 41 on the ring 46 and closing the container 40 and, in a second position, diametrically opposite the first, serve as a handle facilitating the use of the applicator.

The wall 44 has a certain flexibility which makes it possible to bring the parts 42 and 43 elastically closer to bring the hoop 50 into the closed position of the container. When the container is released, the wall 44 elastically tends to resume its original shape and to separate the upper 42 and lower 43, the latter then exerting a certain contact pressure on the hoop 50, which is thus prevented from pivoting freely .

The ring 46 has an upper sealing lip which adjusts to the closure in a lower groove of the gripping member 48.

FIG. 11 shows a device 53 comprising a double-walled container 54 and an applicator 55.

The container 54 is formed by assembling a lower portion 56 and an upper portion 57.

The lower part 56 comprises a central tubular wall 58, closed at its lower end by a bottom 59 attached, and extended radially outwardly upwards from its lower end by an outer skirt 60. The central tubular wall 58 has at its upper end an internal rim 63.

The upper portion 57 has a central tubular wall 61, extended outwardly downward by an outer skirt 62, shaped to snap at its lower end into the outer skirt 60 so as to obtain a continuity of the outer surface of the container. The central tubular wall 61 is provided at its upper end with an internal rim 65.

The wall 58 engages sealingly in the wall 61 and contains the cosmetic product to be dispensed.

The flange 63 serves to support the lower end of a foam block 64 serving as a wiper member, occupying substantially the entire volume inside the central tubular wall 61 between the flanges 63 and 65. Foam block 64 is thus retained in the upper part 57 by the lower part 56.

The applicator 55 comprises a rod 67 provided at one end with an applicator element 68 and secured to the other end of a gripping member 69.

A hoop 70 is articulated on the upper part 57 of the container 54 to hold the gripping member 69 pressed on the flange 65 in the absence of use of the applicator and thus sealing the container 54.

The outer skirt 62 is connected to the central tubular wall 61 by an annular portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod 67, and the hoop 70 pivots on this annular portion by means of hinges 71. The hoop 70 has at its apex, a boss 72 directed inwards and adapted to engage in a recess 73 formed at the top of the gripping member 69, to maintain this denier plated on the flange 65.

The flange 65 defines a conical opening 66 converging towards the interior of the container.

When the container is made of a transparent plastic material, the double wall 54 gives the impression to the user that the container has a thick wall, made for example in a thick glass, which adds to the aesthetics of the container.

FIG. 12 shows a device 87 comprising a container 88 and an applicator 89.

The container 88 is formed by assembling a lower portion 90 and an upper portion 91.

The lower portion 90 has a central tubular wall 92 closed lower by an attached bottom 93 and extended superiorly from its lower end by an outer skirt 94 concave upwardly.

The tubular wall 92 is supported at its upper part and ends with a flange 95 forming radially inwardly projecting.

The upper portion 91 of the container 88 has a central tubular wall 96 extended radially outwards, near its upper end, by an outer skirt 97 which is rounded downwards and on the inner surface of which the skirt clicks. 94 of the lower part 90. The tubular central wall 96 then engages sealingly on the upper part of the tubular central wall 92.

An arch 98, integrally molded with the upper part 91 of the container, is articulated on the outer skirt 97 by means of bridges of material 99 forming hinges.

The tubular central wall 96 has, at the connection of the outer skirt 97, a recess 100 inward, extended upwards by a neck 101.

The applicator 89 comprises a gripping member 102, extended downwards by a rod 103 provided at its lower end with an applicator element 104.

The gripping member 102 is formed by assembling an outer body 105, of ogival shape, open at its lower end and an inner portion 106 fitted into the outer body 105 and having a hollow housing 107 in which is retained a spherical head 108 formed at the upper end of the rod 103, so as to form a ball joint.

In the closed position of the container 88, the outer body 105 of the gripping member 102 fits on the neck 101.

The sealing at the closure is obtained by clamping the inner portion 106 against the upper end edge of the neck 101.

The rod 103 of the applicator 89 widens at its lower end 109 to form a housing for fixing the application element 104, constituted in the example described by a felt tip.

A foam block 110 is housed inside the central tubular wall 96, being retained axially at its lower end by the inner rim 95 and at its upper end by the recess 100.

The foam block 110 is coated at its periphery with a relatively rigid skin 111 intended to prevent its crushing when the enlarged portion 109 of the rod 103 passes, as has been described previously with reference to FIG. 3.

In the embodiments which have just been described, the foam block serving as a wiper member occupies only the upper part of the interior of the container.

Two examples of embodiments of the invention in which the foam block occupies almost the entire interior volume of the container will now be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 13 shows a device 74 comprising a container 75 and an applicator 76.
The container 75 has an upper portion 79 and a lower portion having a central tubular wall 77 closed at its lower end and extended therefrom upwardly and outwardly by an outer skirt 78.

The upper portion 79 has a central tubular wall which is snap-fitted in the tubular wall 77 and an outer skirt 80 which extends downwardly around the tubular wall 77 and is pressed against the free edge of the outer skirt 78.

Half-circular notches are formed on the edges coming into contact with the external skirts 78 and 80 to constitute, after assembly of the lower and upper portions of the container, bores for the rotational mounting of the ends of a hoop 81.

The applicator 76 comprises a rod 82 provided at one end with an applicator element 83 and secured to the other end of a gripping member 84, which is held in place on the upper part 79, in the absence using the applicator, by the arch 81. The upper portion 79 is traversed at its apex by an opening 85 whose diameter is greater than the maximum diameter of the applicator element 83.

The interior of the container 74 is occupied by a foam block 86 which is axially recessed or incised to house the rod 82 and the applicator element 83 when the applicator 76 is in place on the container 74. The free space is not shown in Figure 14.

The product to be dispensed saturates at least the lower portion of the foam block 86 in contact with the applicator element 83 when the applicator closes the container.

The upper part of the foam block 86 then plays the role of wringing member.

The gripping member 84 has an outer skirt which applies to the closing of the container on the upper part of the latter.

The sealing at the closure is thus obtained both by the application against the upper face of the container bordering the opening 85 of the central portion of the gripping member on which the rod 82 is connected and by the external skirt mentioned above. .

FIG. 14 shows a device 112 comprising a container 113 and an applicator 114.

The container 113 has a central tubular wall 115 closed at its lower end by a bottom 116, reported.

The central tubular wall 115 has at its upper end a recess 117, directed inwards, extended upwards by a neck 118.

The central tubular wall 115 is extended radially outwards, height of the recess 117, by an outer skirt 119 curved downwards.

A tubular casing 120, having a concave shape upwards, is snapped to the lower end of the outer skirt 119.

The casing 120 is crossed at its lower end by a bore 121, in which the lower end of the tubular wall 115 is fitted, the outer face of the bottom 116 coming flush with the lower annular surface of the casing 120. externally bordering said piercing.

A retaining bar 122 is articulated on the skirt 119, like the arch 98 described above.

The applicator 114 comprises a gripping member extended below by a rod 123.

The gripping member comprises an outer body 124 identical to that, referenced 105, of the gripping member 89 previously described and an inner portion 125 for fixing the rod 123 and to ensure a tight closure of the container in the lack of use.

The inner portion 125 provides the outer body with an annular groove opening downwards and in which the neck 118 engages when the gripping member is in place on the container. The inner portion 125 is slightly conical at its lower end, widening upward, so as to easily engage the opening of the container while being able to apply tightly, at the end of the insertion on the neck 118 , on the inner surface of the latter to obtain a tight closure of the container.

The inner portion 125 is delimited below by a flat wall 126, occupying almost the entire internal section of the neck 118 and on which is connected the rod 123. The latter is provided below with an enlarged portion 127 for fixing the application element 128, in a manner identical to that described with reference to FIG. 12.

The internal volume of the central tubular wall 115 is occupied by a block of foam 129, like the embodiment of FIG. 13.

This block of foam 129 provides the bottom of the container with a free space not shown and can be hollowed out axially to accommodate the rod and the application element or be simply incised axially.

It is advantageous, when the applicator is in place on the container, that the wall 126 comes flush with the upper face of the block of foam, because this way avoids the drying of the rod 123 along its entire length and the formation of any solid deposit on the latter, which would be likely to flake thereafter .

FIG. 15 shows an identical device 130 for its lower part than that shown in FIG. 14, and which comprises a receptacle which differs from the preceding receptacle 113 by the absence of an arch 122, replaced by an externally threaded skirt 131 .

The device 130 comprises an applicator 132 consisting of a gripping member and an applicator rod 123 whose lower part is identical to that described with reference to FIG.

The rod 123 is connected to an inner portion 133 fixed to the lower end of an inner tubular skirt 134 of the gripping member.

An outer flange 135 limits the insertion of the inner portion 133 into the skirt 134.

The gripping member comprises an outer tubular skirt 136 coaxial with the inner skirt 134 and threaded internally to screw on the skirt 131 of the container.

When the gripping member is screwed onto the container, the flange 135 is pressed against the upper edge of the neck 118 to obtain a sealed closure of the container.

It is advantageous that the threading of the skirt 131 is remote from the neck 118 because it is thus avoided that a deposit of product on the neck 118 hinders the closure of the container by defiling the threads of the skirts 131 and 136, the space provided between the opening of the container and the threads that can accommodate any product overflows.

There is shown in Figure 16 a foam block 140 used as a wiper member, height h.

As can be seen from Figure 17, this block of foam is split axially crosswise at 141 to form a passage through which the applicator element passes.

Depending on the type of application element used, or the nature of the product contained in the container, it may be desirable to exert a greater or lesser radial force on the application element as it passes through the the wiper member.

We can then choose foams with open cell structure presenting more or less hardnesses.

It is also possible, advantageously, to use only one type of foam with an open cell structure, and to axially compress the foam more or less according to the friction that one wishes to exert on the applicator element.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 18, if the foam block 140 shown in FIG. 16 is axially compressed by placing it in a housing of the container such as, for example, the housing constituted by the assembly of the walls 58 and 61 of the embodiment of FIG. 11, the density of the foam and consequently the radial forces exerted on the applicator element are increased. By adjusting the degree of depression of the wall 58 in the wall 61, the height h 'can be adjusted to the value giving the foam the desired density.

The foam block may have at its upper part a conical recess 150, as shown in Figure 19, to facilitate the retraction of the application element.

Preferably, the rod 151 (shown partially) supporting the applicator element is connected to the gripping member 152 via a conical portion 153 intended to be housed in the recess 150 when the element application is in place inside the container, to limit the volume of air above the block of foam.

FIG. 20 shows a device 154 according to a ninth embodiment of the invention.

This device 154 comprises a container formed by the assembly of an upper portion 155 and a lower portion 156, the upper portion 155 having a neck 160 externally threaded and on which the gripping member 161 of the applicator is screwed .

A foam block 157 comprising at least 5% open cells is fixed by bonding or welding by its upper face 158 on a shoulder located at the base of the neck 160, inside a centering and sealing skirt 162 , whose inner diameter substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the foam block 157 and whose height is one quarter of the height of the foam block 157.
By way of example, this figure shows the applicator element in the form of a hollow body 163, having a cavity 164 capable of accommodating a reserve of product.

The upper part 155 of the container is shaped so as to arrange, around the foam block 157 and the skirt 162, an annular space 159 which allows the foam to deform axially and radially to the passage of the application member 163.

FIG. 21 partially shows a device 165 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The applicator is not shown, can be of any type suitable for the use that must be made.

The device 165 has the particularity of having a wiper lip 166 in addition to a wiper member consisting of a foam block 167 split axially and having at least 5% of open cells.

The device 165 comprises a cylindrical container 168 and the wiper lip 166 is made in a nozzle 169 which is inserted into the upper part of the container 168.

The wiper lip 166 partially covers the upper face 170 of the foam block 167, leaving a passage of diameter adapted to the nature and shape of the applicator element.

The nozzle 169 has a tubular wall 171 which defines a cylindrical housing in which the foam block 167 is received.

The latter is held in place inside said housing by a retainer 172 having in axial section the general shape of a U, which is housed at its upper part in an annular space present between the wall 171 and the container. 168 and engages on reliefs 173 of the wall 171. The retaining piece 172 is pierced at its center for the passage of the applicator element.

The tip 169 is shaped to guide the applicator element back into the container 168, and has a surface 173 converging towards the wiper lip 166.

Shown in FIG. 22 is a device 175 which comprises, like the previous one, a squeezing lip 176 in addition to a foam block 177 comprising at least 5% of open cells.

The wiper lip 176 is formed in a tip 178 which is inserted into the neck of the container.

The wiper lip is extended further by a conical wall 179, serving as a guide during the retraction of the applicator element.

The foam block 177 is hollowed at its upper part to partially engage around the wiper lip 176.

As in the previous embodiment, the presence of a guide wall of the applicator element towards the center of the foam block makes it possible, during the return of the applicator, to avoid damaging the application element, particularly when the outer diameter of the foam block is relatively small.

Indeed, in the absence of this guidance, the application element may not be presented in the center of the foam block, where the axial recess is located where the slots allowing the passage of the foam block. The effort that would be exerted to insert the applicator element into the foam block could then be relatively important, especially if the foam block is of small diameter.

In this case, the foam block, which is fixed at its periphery has a rigid wall, would deform with difficulty in hollow to guide the applicator element towards the center of the foam block.

In the two exemplary embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the block of foam is glued or welded to the end piece 169 or 178, made for example of polyethylene or polypropylene.

The foam block can receive, prior to its attachment, a suitable surface treatment.

In the examples described, the container can be filled before the establishment of the wiper member or after. In the latter case, one can even take advantage of the porosity of the foam to fill the container through it.

The devices which have just been described are advantageously marketed with the applicator in place on the container.

However, the container and the applicator can be offered for sale separately, the container being in this case provided with a closure cap to be replaced by the applicator during use.

The container sold separately then constitutes a charging element intended to replace an empty container, with preservation of the same applicator.

Finally, the invention makes it possible to wring the application element in a particularly satisfactory manner and contributes to obtaining a neat makeup. If necessary, a small mirror can be attached to the outer wall of the container.

The invention also makes it possible, if necessary, to spin off an application element whose maximum diameter is less than or equal to that of the applicator rod, which is not possible with the wiper members known from the prior art. Thanks to its high deformability, the foam can be applied on the stem and clean the stem so as to avoid the formation of a solid deposit likely to flake thereafter, while performing an effective wringing of the element. application, even if the latter has a diameter greater or smaller than that of the stem.

The invention also makes it possible to improve the emptying of the container insofar as the deformability of the wiper member makes it possible to tilt the rod of the applicator to come with the applicator element, as illustrated in dotted lines on Figure 1, take product on regions of the inner surface of the container inaccessible in the prior art.

Although in all the examples described the rod of the applicator is rectilinear at rest, without departing from the scope of the invention can use a curved rod, taking advantage of the fact that the wiper member allows, thanks to its deformability , to lodge it in the container.

The invention still advantageously makes it possible to use an applicator element having in cross section a non-symmetrical shape of revolution, oval, square or other.

The applicator member also constitutes a particularly effective filter for retaining any product residues which have dried and have been deposited on the applicator element or on the applicator rod.

The invention also makes it possible to avoid the emission of a suction noise when passing through the wiper member, because of the porosity of the foam.

The invention is preferably applied to the packaging and application of a liquid or pasty product.

However, it is not beyond the scope of the invention when the product is powdery.

Claims (28)

1. A device for packaging and applying a substance that is in liquid, semiliquid, or powder form, in particular a cosmetic, the device comprising a receptacle that is open at one end and suitable for containing said substance, and an applicator comprising a stalk provided at one end with an applicator element and its other end with a handle member, the applicator element being inserted into the receptacle and being withdrawn therefrom in contact with an elastically deformable wiper member, said wiper member being constituted at least in part by foam, the device being characterized by the fact that said foam comprises at least 5% of open cells and by the fact that the handle member is arranged to occupy substantially all the volume of air above the foam when it is in place in the receptacle and comes virtually into contact with the foam, or even into contact.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the applicator element is housed inside the receptacle when the receptacle is closed.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the foam is shaped in the bottom of the receptacle so as to leave some free space in which the product is freely contained.
4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the foam only occupies the upper portion of the receptacle.
5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the lower face of the foam is free.
6. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the applicator element has a non symmetric revolution shaped cross section.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the foam is in contact with the stalk of the applicator when the applicator is in place in the receptacle.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the foam is disposed so as to be in contact with the portion of the stalk that is adjacent to the handle member when the applicator (114) is in place in the receptacle.
9. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said foam is permanently in contact with said substance.
10. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the wiper member comprises a block of foam (16; 110) that is stiffened at its periphery over at least a portion of its height.
11. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the stalk (103; 123) of the applicator has a middle portion and a portion (109; 127) adjacent to the applicator element, the outside diameter of said portion adjacent to the applicator element being greater than that of said middle portion.
12. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said substance is a liquid.
13. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the stalk of the applicator is rectilinear, and by the fact that the receptacle is elongate in shape, having a mouth with an opening of a width that is sufficiently large to enable the stalk to be tilted inside the receptacle through at least 10° relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.
14. A device according to any preceding claim except claim 5, characterized by the fact that the wiper member includes a rigid disk (28) suitable for being entrained by the applicator while being withdrawn for the purpose of wringing out said foam.
15. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the wiper member comprises a plurality of blocks of foam (25; 26; 27) of different densities.
16. A device according to any preceding claim except claim 5, characterized by the fact that the wiper member (11) is held axially inside the receptacle by a narrow portion constituted by an inwardly folded flexible annular wall (44) integrally formed with the receptacle (40) by molding.
17. A device according to any preceding claim except claim 5, characterized by the fact that the receptacle (54) is formed by assembling two portions (56; 57), the wiper member being held axially in one of said portions by the other portion.
18. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the wiper member has an axial hole in its center.
19. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it further includes a wiper lip (166; 176).
20. A device according to claim 19, characterized by the fact that the wiper lip is situated at the outer mouth of the receptacle and by the fact that it is extended outwards by a wall (173; 179) that flares away from the foam.
21. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the foam has a tapering hole (150).
22. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the handle member is suitable for closing the receptacle in sealed manner when it is in place thereon.
23. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the handle member is suitable for being screwed onto a thread (131) of the receptacle, the diameter of the thread being significantly greater than the diameter of the opening of the receptacle.
24. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the receptacle has a double wall (58, 60; 77, 80; 92, 94; 115, 120).
25. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the applicator element is selected among: a brush, foam, felt, flocked plastic or an elastomer endpiece.
26. A device according to any preceding claim except claim 5, characterized by the fact that the foam is situated in a housing of the receptacle of height h' that is smaller than the axial size h of the foam prior to being mounted in the receptacle.
27. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the stalk is connected to the handle member via a flared portion (8'), which comes into contact with the foam when the handle member is in place in the receptacle.
28. A receptacle fitted with a wiper member as defined in any preceding claim, and provided with a closure capsule to form a refill element.

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