Applicator having a stem connected to an applicator element by an articulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator comprising: a gripping member (7), a stem (6), of longitudinal axis X, connected by its first end to the gripping member (7), an applicator element (20) connected to a second end of the stem (6) by an articulation comprising a ball joint (206), characterized in that the articulation comprises a rotation axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis X of the stem (6), and the stem (6) is in one piece, and the applicator element (20) is made of metal, ceramic or glass.

Claims

1. An applicator comprising: a gripping member; a stem defining a longitudinal axis, where a first end of the stem is connected to the gripping member; and an applicator element connected to a second end of the stem by an articulation comprising a ball joint linkage and a rotation axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the stem, wherein the stem is in one piece, and wherein: the applicator element comprises: a ball joint or complementary ball housing at a first portion of the applicator element, and a massage element at a second portion of the applicator element different from the first portion, wherein the massage element comprises a substantially smooth outer surface; and the applicator element is made of metal, ceramic or glass and the applicator element is in one piece; wherein the applicator element is configured to be movable in relation to the longitudinal axis of the stem under the effect of its own weight.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator element has a mass of at least 2.5 grams and at most 3.5 grams.

3. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator element has a specific heat capacity of at least 500 Jkg.sup.1K.sup.1 and at most about 1000Jkg.sup.1K.sup.1.

4. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator element is movable under a force ranging up to 0.4 N.

5. The applicator of claim 4, wherein the applicator element is movable under the force of between 0.01 N and 0.02 N.

6. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the articulation comprises a spherical ball joint fixed to the first portion of the applicator, and a hollow housing complementary to the ball joint and located at the second end of the stem.

7. The applicator of claim 6, wherein the spherical ball joint is force-fitted into the hollow housing.

8. The applicator of claim 6, wherein the housing is made of a plastic material.

9. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator element is made of metal.

10. The applicator of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a pipette.

11. The applicator of claim 10, further comprising: a duct passing through the stem and the applicator element, the duct including at least one orifice that leads onto a surface of the stem or of the applicator element, wherein the applicator element is disposed at least partially inside a container when the applicator engages with the container in a closed position.

12. A device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, comprising: a container configured to contain the cosmetic product and an applicator, wherein the applicator comprises: a gripping member; a stem defining a longitudinal axis, where a first end of the stem is connected to the gripping member; and an applicator element connected to a second end of the stem by an articulation comprising a ball joint linkage and a rotation axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the stem, wherein the stem is in one piece; wherein the applicator element comprises: a ball joint or complementary ball housing at a first portion of the applicator element, and a massage element at a second portion of the applicator element different from the first portion, wherein the massage element comprises a substantially smooth outer surface; wherein the applicator element is made of metal, ceramic or glass, and the applicator element is in one piece; and wherein the applicator element is configured to be movable in relation to the longitudinal axis of the stem under the effect of its own weight.

13. A method for applying a cosmetic product to a part of a body or face, comprising: loading an applicator element of an applicator with a cosmetic product, bringing the applicator element into contact with a surface of the body or face, moving the applicator in order to apply at least a portion of the cosmetic product to an area of the body or face, and modifying the orientation of the applicator element with respect to the stem by changing the pressure exerted on the applicator element, to massage the area of the body or face, wherein the applicator comprises: a gripping member; a stem defining a longitudinal axis, where a first end of the stem is connected to the gripping member; and an applicator element connected to a second end of the stem by an articulation comprising a ball joint linkage and a rotation axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the stem, wherein the stem is in one piece; wherein the applicator element comprises: a ball joint or complementary ball housing at a first portion of the applicator element, and a massage element at a second portion of the applicator element different from the first portion, wherein the massage element comprises a substantially smooth outer surface; wherein the applicator element is made of metal, ceramic or glass, the applicator element is in one piece; and wherein the applicator element is configured to be movable in relation to the longitudinal axis of the stem under the effect of its own weight.

Description

(1) The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting implementation examples and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a device produced in accordance with the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 shows a cross section AA of the device from FIG. 1,

(4) FIG. 3 shows, on its own, the ball joint articulation of the applicator of the device from FIG. 2, after the stem has been pivoted in relation to the gripping member,

(5) FIG. 4 shows, on its own, the ball joint articulation of the applicator of the device from FIG. 2, after the applicator element has been pivoted in relation to the wand, in cross section AA,

(6) FIG. 5 shows, on its own, the ball joint articulation of the applicator of the device from FIG. 2, in two rotary positions of the applicator element in relation to the wand, in cross section AA,

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates the field of action of the applicator element in a fixed position of the wand, the rotation axis of the applicator coinciding with the axis of the wand, in cross section AA,

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a rotary movement of the applicator, starting from a resting point of the applicator element, with the stem oriented approximately vertically, in cross section AA,

(9) FIGS. 8 to 10 show various examples of ball joint articulations, in cross section AA,

(10) FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section through an applicator according to the invention having a pipette function, in cross section AA,

(11) FIG. 12 illustrates the path of the cosmetic product drawn through an applicator according to the invention having a pipette function, in cross section AA,

(12) FIG. 13 illustrates the path of the cosmetic product expelled from an applicator according to the invention having a pipette function, in cross section AA,

(13) FIG. 14 is a longitudinal section through an applicator according to the invention having a pipette function, comprising two ducts that lead out of the applicator element, in cross section AA,

(14) FIG. 15 is a longitudinal section through an applicator according to the invention provided with an intermediate part that makes it easier to assemble,

(15) FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate the use of the applicator according to the invention for eye contour care.

(16) The device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is intended for the application of a product P to the face or body, for example a moisturizing cream. It comprises a container 3 containing the product P, and an applicator 7. The applicator is fixed in a more or less sealed manner on the container when not in use. To this end, the container 3 may comprise, in a conventional manner, a threaded neck 92.

(17) The applicator 7 comprises a stem 6, a gripping member 9 and an applicator element 20. The wand, the applicator member and the applicator element may be aligned along the same longitudinal axis X. The gripping member 9 forms a closure cap for the container 3. To this end, it is provided with an internal thread 91 configured to be screwed onto the threaded neck 92 of the container 3.

(18) The stem 6 and the member 9 may be obtained by molding a thermoplastic material chosen from polyolefins, polypropylenes (PP), polyethylene terephthalates (PET) or a high density polyethylene (HDPE). The thermoplastic material may be introduced into the mould by injection.

(19) The stem 6 is connected to the gripping member 9 in a fixed manner by a first end 61. It is connected to the applicator element 20 by a ball joint articulation 206 located at a second end 62.

(20) FIGS. 3 to 5 show the ball joint articulation 206. It comprises a generally spherical part 10 formed on the applicator element 20 and a housing or seat 11, having a corresponding shape, inside the stem 6. Such a ball joint allows rotation of the applicator element 20 on itself, about its axis X, in relation to the stem 6, following the arrow shown in FIG. 3. Of course, the rotation may take place in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

(21) The axis Y of the applicator element may be inclined with respect to the axis of the wand, for example in order to take up the position of the axis Y. This is because the applicator element 20 is maneuverable and can be oriented in relation to the stem 6.

(22) The angle ii formed between the axis X of the stem 6 and the axis Y of the applicator element may be modified by the user. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the applicator element is off-axis to one side and the other of the axis X.

(23) FIG. 6 shows the area swept by the applicator element when the longitudinal axis Y of the latter is inclined an angle ii.sub.max with respect to X and when the applicator element is set into rotation about X, maintaining this inclination. The extent of the swept area 1000 is the projection of the cone formed by the axes Y on the body surface. Of course, the greater the angle ii.sub.max, the larger the surface area of the disk projected by the cone.

(24) The change in orientation of the stem 6 in relation to the applicator element 20 is illustrated in FIG. 7. The area 1000 swept by the applicator element may be practically point-like, if the user brings about this configuration, but it may be different therefrom, depending on the desired massage effect. FIG. 7 illustrates, for example, micro-massage over a target area.

(25) In the examples in FIGS. 8 and 9, ball joint articulations comprising two different seats 11 are shown. In the two cases, in the state of equilibrium of the articulation, more than 30% of the surface of the ball joint is facing a spherical surface of the cavity. These two articulations are in accordance with the invention.

(26) In FIG. 8, the seat is formed by a spherical cavity hollowed out in the wall 60 of the stem 6. The thickness e of the wall 60 is equal to the diameter d of the ball joint. The ball joint is force-fitted into this cavity, with the desired play, as between the two jaws of a pair of pliers.

(27) In FIG. 9, the seat is formed by a spherical cavity having a diameter d.sub.1 greater than the thickness e of the wall 60. The ball joint is force-fitted into this cavity, with the desired play. The ball joint 10 is forcibly kept between the two jaws 12 of the cavity 11. Since the thickness e.sub.1 of the jaws 12 is greater than d.sub.1, the surface of the ball joint facing the cavity is greater in this FIG. 9 than in FIG. 10.

(28) In FIG. 10, the configuration of the linkage 620 is reversed. The spherical ball joint 10 is positioned at one end of the stem 6. The cavity 11 is located at one end of the applicator element 20. With this configuration, notable mobility of the applicator element 20 is likewise obtained.

(29) FIG. 11 shows an applicator that also plays the role of a pipette. The applicator is identical to the one shown in the preceding figures, apart from the fact that it additionally comprises a duct 88 that serves to draw in and expel the cosmetic product.

(30) This duct 88 passes through the stem 6 and the applicator element 20. It comprises: A portion 5 hollowed out in the wand. This portion passes through the wand. It ends at an orifice 25 at the end of the cavity 11. The longitudinal axis of this portion coincides with the axis X. A portion 70 hollowed out in the applicator element 20. This portion passes through the applicator element. It ends at an orifice 27 at the end of the ball joint and at an orifice 17 at that end of the applicator element that is intended to come into contact with the skin. In the aligned position of the stem and the applicator element, the longitudinal axis of this portion coincides with the axis X.

(31) FIG. 12 illustrates by way of arrows the path followed by the product as it is drawn through the pipette. The product passes into the applicator element through the orifice 17, passes through the applicator element through the duct 70 and leaves this element through the orifice 27. It is joined to the portion 5 by the end 25. It can be stored in the portion 5.

(32) In FIG. 13, the product is expelled from the pipette by following the route of the arrows, in the aligned position of the applicator element and the wand. The product leaves the stem through the orifice 25 in the portion 5. It passes into the applicator element through the orifice 27, passes through the applicator element through the duct 70 and leaves this element through the orifice 17.

(33) In FIG. 14, the applicator additionally comprises a widened zone 55 located in line with the portion 5. This widened zone serves as a reservoir for storing product. It makes drawing in more effective. In addition, the element 20 comprises two secondary ducts 71 and 72 that form offshoots from the main duct 70. These ducts 71 and 72 lead out of the element through the orifices 28 and 29. The duct 70 could have more offshoots, for example a multiplicity of offshoots. The advantage of multiplying the secondary ducts is that the distribution of the product to the surface of the applicator is improved. By multiplying the ducts, the applicator can release the product in the manner of a sponge.

(34) In FIG. 15, the applicator comprises an intermediate part 99 located between the seat 6 and the ball joint 10. This intermediate part 99 makes it easier to produce the applicator. This is because, instead of fitting the ball joint 10 directly into the seat 6 of the applicator, said ball joint is first of all fitted into the part 99. Next, this assembly, formed by the part 99 and the ball joint 10, is arranged in the seat 6, for example by force-fitting, by clamping or by snap-fastening.

(35) FIGS. 16 to 18 show examples of the use of the applicator. Each figure is associated with a hand movement of the person. She can prefer point-wise massage, local massage or care.

(36) The applicator is used for eye contour care. During such care with the stem of the applicator oriented downward (FIG. 16), the angle formed between the stem and the normal to the area of the face can be relatively high, in order to keep the stem away from the eye and to make hand movements easier. In the example shown, this angle is around 45.

(37) Once the applicator element has been loaded with the product, the person applies the element 20 close to the eye. She brings the stem 6 in line with the element 20 and aligns the longitudinal axes of the stem and the element. She turns the stem and the applicator element on themselves as per the arrow shown in FIG. 16. She thus carries out practically point-like massage at a location she has chosen, for example on account of its sensitivity. The area massaged is the area 1000 centered on the point of contact I between the axis X and the skin.

(38) The person can likewise maintain this point of contact I with the skin while offsetting the stem 6. She brings about an inclination 13 between the axis X of the stem and the axis Y of the element 20. She can turn the element 20 about the axis Z, which is the normal to the skin passing through I, with this inclination . The area massaged is enlarged to the surface 1000 indicated in FIG. 17.

(39) In FIG. 18, the person moves the element 20 in translation with respect to the skin. .sub.max is for example the maximum inclination between the axis X of the stem and the axis Y of the element 20. The person offsets the stem in order to obtain this inclination, then moves the stem 6 parallel to the contour of the eye, sliding the element 20 over the skin along the arrow. The area 1000 is enlarged at will. The element 20 rubs on the skin. It is moved by sliding in the desired direction when the user exerts a sufficient force on the gripping means to overcome this resistance.