Device for packaging and applying a solid cosmetic product

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for packaging a cosmetic product (P) in solid form and applying it to the skin, having a longitudinal axis X, comprising: a sleeve (70) containing the cosmetic product (P), an elevator means (50) able to support the cosmetic product (P) at a current position in the sleeve and to axially move the cosmetic product along the axis X to make it emerge from the sleeve (70) bypassing through the orifices (77), a means (60) for manually actuating the elevator, a means (80) for partial covering of the outlet of the sleeve (70) comprising a vault (71) formed solely of an elastically deformable material.

Claims

1. A device for packaging a solid cosmetic product and applying it to the skin, having a longitudinal axis, said device comprising: a sleeve containing the solid cosmetic product; an elevator means configured to support the solid cosmetic product at a position in the sleeve and to axially move the cosmetic product along the axis to make it emerge from the sleeve by passing through orifices; a means for manually actuating the elevator means; a means for partial covering of the outlet of the sleeve comprising: a vault made of a first elastically deformable material perforated by through-orifices, and a means for supporting the vault made of a second material; wherein the vault comprises (i) an outer surface configured to contact the skin, and (ii) an inner surface configured to contact the solid cosmetic product before it passes through the orifices, wherein the vault and the means for supporting the vault are configured so that more than about 60% of the inner surface of the vault with respect to its total surface is contacted with the solid cosmetic product before it passes through the orifices; and wherein the solid cosmetic product has a hardness measured at 32° C. under humidity of 40% ranging from about 5 kPa to about 150 kPa.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vault and the means for supporting the vault are configured so that greater than about 75% of the inner surface of the vault with respect to its total surface is contacted with the solid cosmetic product before it passes through the orifices.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the vault and the means for supporting the vault are configured so that greater than about 95% of the inner surface of the vault with respect to its total surface is contacted with the solid cosmetic product before it passes through the orifices.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vault and the means for supporting the vault are configured to be in contact with one another only at the periphery of the vault.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first elastically deformable material comprises an elastomer.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the second material is able to flex elastically during the application of the product to the skin.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first elastically deformable material and the second material are firmly attached to each other by bi-injection moulding.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface area of the first elastically deformable material comprises more than about 50% of the surface area of the covering means configured to contact the skin.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the outer surface area of the first elastically deformable material comprises more than about 75% of the surface area of the covering means configured to contact the skin.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vault has an outward deflection value, under the application of a 500 gram load, ranging from about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the vault has an outward deflection value, under the application of a 500 gram load, ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vault has an inward deflection value, under the application of a 500 gram load, ranging from about 1 mm to about 7 mm.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the vault has an inward deflection value, under the application of a 500 gram load, ranging from about 2 mm to about 5.5 mm.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the surface area of the orifices comprises between about 0.1%A and about 15% of the total surface area of the vault.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the surface area of the orifices comprises between about 0.2% and about 10% of the total surface area of the vault.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein the solid cosmetic product has a hardness measured at 32° C. under humidity of 40% ranging from about 20 kPa to about 100 kPa.

17. The device according to claim 1, wherein the solid cosmetic product comprises at least one component chosen from deodorants, antiperspirant active agents, or both.

18. The device according to claim 1, wherein the solid cosmetic product is anhydrous.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein the solid cosmetic product is an emulsion.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein the solid cosmetic product comprises at least one solid fatty substance.

Description

(1) The invention will be understood better from reading the following description and with reference to the accompanying figures. The latter are only presented by way of non-limiting indication of the invention.

(2) In the figures:

(3) FIG. 1: a perspective view of a device according to the invention,

(4) FIG. 2: an exploded perspective view of a device according to the invention,

(5) FIG. 3: a front longitudinal cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention, sleeve not represented,

(6) FIG. 4: a side longitudinal cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention, sleeve not represented,

(7) FIG. 5: a front longitudinal cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention,

(8) FIG. 6: perspective view of the elevator means, support removed,

(9) FIG. 7: perspective view of the covering means,

(10) FIG. 8: perspective view of the covering means,

(11) FIG. 9: device for measuring the outward deflection value,

(12) FIG. 10: device for measuring the inward deflection value,

(13) FIG. 11: perspective view along the cross section AA of the covering means with marking of the height H,

(14) FIG. 12: perspective view along the cross section AA of the covering means with marking of the cross section BB,

(15) FIG. 13: top view of the covering means,

(16) FIG. 14: section of the covering means along cross section BB,

(17) FIGS. 15 to 17: front longitudinal cross-sectional view along the X axis of various types of attachment means between the vault and the structure,

(18) FIG. 18: front longitudinal cross-sectional view along the X axis of a fitting by force between the vault and the structure,

(19) FIG. 19: determination of the crown angle with the attachment means,

(20) FIGS. 20 to 22: front longitudinal cross-sectional view along the X axis of various forms of the vault 71 in the structure 72 that are fitted by force,

(21) FIGS. 22 to 25: various positions of the device during the use thereof,

(22) FIGS. 26 to 27: various views of the device during the use thereof.

(23) Represented in FIGS. 1 to 5 is an example of an application device 1 according to the invention. The application device 1 is for example intended for the application of a cosmetic product, in particular a deodorant product, that is in the form of a solid stick.

(24) The device 1 comprises a longitudinal axis X and an elliptical transverse cross section. The transverse cross section of elliptical shape makes it possible in particular to allow only a translational movement between the sleeve and the support. It is quite obvious that any other non-circular shape may have this function. Alternatively, the transverse cross section may be circular and an anti-rotation system may be provided on the support and the sleeve, such as for example a pin that slides in an axial groove. Of course, the device may also have a circular transverse cross section.

(25) The device 1 comprises a support 20 bearing the cosmetic product in solid form. The support 20 is positioned in the sleeve 70. The support 20 cooperates with a threaded screw 50 in order to move along the axis X.

(26) The support 20 is a hollow body formed by a side wall 21 that extends parallel to the axis X. The side wall 21 is closed at its upper end by a transverse wall 22. It comprises a first radially outward projection 25, in the vicinity of its lower end. This first projection 25 may serve as a lower stop for the sleeve 70. A second radially outward projection 26, larger than the first one, is provided underneath the first one. The wall 22 comprises a central orifice 200 having a diameter adjusted to that of the threaded rod screw 50. The lips 25 and 26 are used for the positioning and the sealing of the piston with the inside of the sleeve 70.

(27) A hollow cylinder 27 equipped with an internal thread is positioned against the wall 22 inside the hollow body. This cylinder 27 is positioned in the extension of a central orifice 200 located at the centre of the wall 22. The cylinder 27 may be moulded as a single part with the support 20 or be attached to this support.

(28) The sleeve 70 has a transverse cross section substantially larger than that of the wall 21 of the support 20. It is open at both of its ends, the upper end 31 delimiting an opening 35 allowing the passage of the product P and the positioning of the sleeve 60. The lower end of the sleeve 70 comprises a shoulder 32 directed towards the centre of the sleeve 70.

(29) The screw 50 comprises the threaded rod 51 and a screw head 52. The screw head 52 is coaxial with the axis X. It has a circular cross section, but the cross section could be, in certain embodiments, square, rectangular, oval, etc. It has the shape of a hollow cylinder open at one end and finishing at the other end with snap-fastening tabs 58. These tabs 58 are snap-fastened in a removable manner to corresponding tabs positioned at one end of the rod 51. A washer 53 is positioned at the end 55 of the threaded rod 51, in the vicinity of the snap-fastening tabs, in order to consolidate the connection between the head 52 and the rod 51. The washer 53 is used for the non-detachable assembling of the screw to the body.

(30) The screw head 52 comprises a flange 54. This flange is used to forcibly fit the head 52 in a base 60 of frustoconical shape. This base 60 can be actuated by the user. To facilitate this actuation, it may comprise ribs or other reliefs. The screw head 52 is fastened to the sleeve 70 by force-fitting, snap-fastening or screwing for example.

(31) At the end opposite the screw head 52, the sleeve 70 finishes with a sleeve head moulded as one part with the sleeve or fastened to the sleeve 70, for example by force-fitting, snap-fastening or screwing for example. The sleeve 70 has the general shape of a cylinder of axis X, having a circular transverse cross section, opening at both its ends. The first of these ends is connected to a dome. The inner lateral surface of the sleeve has an outer annular bead to limit the axial translation of the dome during movement of the applicator over the skin.

(32) The dome 80 partially closes the outlet of the sleeve 70. It comprises a central vault 71 supported by a support structure 72.

(33) The support structure 72 comprises a crown 73 mounted on a skirt 74. The crown 73 and the skirt 74 are separated by a shoulder 75 having an orientation substantially perpendicular to the axis X. The shoulder 75 butts up axially against a corresponding relief formed in the free end of the sleeve 70.

(34) The central vault 71 is substantially flat and transverse. It comprises through-orifices 77 arranged over three lines. These orifices 77 have a circular transverse cross section. They may also form slots. They could also have a transverse cross section that is square, rectangular, ellipitical or of any other shape. Similarly, instead of being arranged over two lines, they could have a random distribution or form any other pattern such as a triangle or a zig zag. Several orifice shapes may be used for the invention. A dome may for example have orifices of square transverse cross section and others of circular transverse cross section.

(35) The skirt 74 extends, from the vault 71, from the shoulder 75. The skirt 74 has the shape of a cylinder, the outer diameter of which is slightly less than the inner diameter of the neck of the sleeve so that, after snapping of the dome 80 onto the sleeve 70, the outer lateral surface of the skirt 74 is in leaktight contact with the inner lateral surface of the neck of the sleeve.

(36) Preferably, the free end of the skirt 74 may have a bevel facilitating the introduction of the sealing skirt into the sleeve 70.

(37) As represented in FIGS. 7, 8, 11, 12, 13 and 14, the applicator head has the shape of a dome 80. The support structure 72 forms an application element holder. The vault 71 has the shape of an oblique plate having a longitudinal axis Y and a height H.

(38) Advantageously, the height H of the vault is between 0.1 millimetre and 8 millimetres, preferably between 1 millimetre and 5 millimetres, and more advantageously between 1.5 and 4 millimetres.

(39) The thickness E of the vault 71, measured at its centre of gravity, and representing the thickness of the constituent material of the dome at this point is advantageously between 0.8 millimetre and 4 millimetres, and preferably between 1 millimetre and 2 millimetres.

(40) More generally, the dome may have the shape of a plate that is circular, square, rectangular, triangular, parallelepipedal or of any other shape, which is more or less curved.

(41) Preferably, the maximum dimension d.sub.max of the vault and the minimum dimension d.sub.min of the vault are such that d.sub.max/d.sub.min is between 1 and 5, preferably between 1.5 and 3.

(42) The vault 71 forms a connecting part linking the edges of the crown 73. This vault 71 is curved upwards between the edges of the crown, and has an intrados 71i or concave face and an extrados 71e on the opposite side.

(43) The intrados 71i is able to come into contact with the solid stick positioned inside the sleeve 70. The originality of the invention lies in particular in the fact that the entire surface area of the intrados comes into contact with the solid stick. In particular, according to the invention, there is no grid or mesh positioned between the intrados and the stick. Therefore, the user benefits from an application that is smooth and easy to handle, with no exudation of the stick.

(44) The extrados 71e comes into direct contact with the surface to be treated, in particular in contact with the skin of the user. There is no layer of plastic material belonging to the device and positioned on the extrados.

(45) Advantageously, the constituent material of the vault 71 is an elastically deformable material. In particular, it may be chosen from thermoplastic or crosslinked elastomers, especially EPDM, natural rubbers, and nitrile, butyl or silicone elastomers. In the case of a crosslinked elastomer, the manufacture of the vault 71 takes place in a compression mould, heated to the appropriate temperature.

(46) The vault 71 may be made from a first, elastically deformable, material. The support structure 72 supporting the vault 71 is made from a second material, different from the first. The vault 71 and the structure 72 are firmly attached to each other, in particular by bi-injection moulding. For this purpose, in particular in the case of bi-injection moulding, use will preferably be made of two physico-chemically compatible materials.

(47) The second material is preferably constituted of a polyolefin, in particular of a polypropylene or a polyethylene.

(48) According to the invention, the vault may be fastened to the structure 72 by any means.

(49) In the vicinity of its periphery, the vault 71 finishes with an inner edge 76, the cross section of which may or may not be reduced with respect to the average cross section of the vault, and that forms the vault 71 itself. The inner edges of the crown may comprise means for attaching the vault 71, for example a solid bead, thus ensuring the immobilization of the vault in mounted position on the sleeve.

(50) The difference in resistance, during the introduction and during the extraction, may be obtained by configuring the attachment means so that they are effaced, at least partly, during the introduction of the vault 71 into the structure 72, in response to an axial force exerted on the vault. The introduction of the vault is therefore easy. On the other hand, after having cleared the neck of the structure 72, the attachment means 79 spread out radially so as to oppose the removal of the vault when an axial tension is exerted above. Thus, the functions “ease of assembly” and “solid attachment” are very satisfactorily fulfilled, without having to penalize one at the expense of the other. Advantageously, a perfect connection of the surfaces 70, 71 and 72 is achieved so as not to injure the consumer when using the device.

(51) Various attachment means 79 may be envisaged, for example, they may be constituted of at least one lip extending, continuously or discontinuously, along the inner edge 76 of the crown, and a first end of which is attached to the vault along a joining zone, a second end of the lip being free and, in the absence of strain, turned in the direction of the second end, said lip 91 forming, with the crown 73 an acute, non-zero (FIG. 14) or zero (FIG. 15) angle. FIG. 17 shows the case where the vault is inserted between two lips 91.

(52) Preferably, said angle is between 30° and 60°, and more preferably between 35° and 55°, and more preferably still around 45°. Such an angle is chosen in particular as a function of the material forming the attachment means, and as a function of the desired solidity of the attachment. The position of this angle is indicated in FIG. 18.

(53) Preferably, the joining zone between the lip 91 and the vault is positioned at a non-zero distance from the skirt 74. Thus, the crown defines, above the joining zone, a lip portion that makes it possible to position the vault in the opening delimited by the attachment means before exerting the axial force aimed at inserting it completely.

(54) The vault 71, in its part intended to be in the joining zone 92, i.e. between the upper edge of 71 and the attachment means 79, may have an outer diameter such that it is lightly gripped inside the neck of the opening of the crown. Sealing is necessary between 75 and 70.

(55) For the case of the force fitting of the vault 71 into the structure 72, the inner edges of the crown and of the vault may have various complementary shapes, as represented for example in FIGS. 20 to 22.

(56) Determination of the Total Surface Area Able to be Positioned in Contact with the Skin

(57) The total surface area (S) able to be positioned in contact with the skin is formed by the surface area of the central vault 71 and the surface area of the crown 73. Indeed, when the user applies the device to the skin, these surface areas are actually in contact with the skin, naturally, without effort. This surface area (S) may be flat. It may also be slightly curved in order to facilitate the application.

(58) The total surface area (S) is the total surface area of the vault and the total surface area of the crown limited by the transverse plane in which the sum of these two surface areas is maximal.

(59) Determination of the Inward Deflection Value During Application of a 500 Gram Load

(60) As represented in FIG. 9, in order to determine this value, the device according to the invention is placed on a table, the base 60 resting on this table. The cosmetic product (P) is removed from the sleeve 70. A 500 gram load is applied to the dome 80. The flattening of the dome is measured as follows:

(61) A measurement axis is placed parallel to the axis X of the applicator. The origin of this axis is located at the intersection of the latter with the table. The parameters are noted as follows: x.sub.o: position of the peak of the dome with no load, x.sub.500: position of the peak of the dome with a 500 gram load.

(62) The inward deflection is equal to x.sub.o−x.sub.500.

(63) Determination of the Outward Deflection Value During Application of a 500 Gram Load

(64) As represented in FIG. 10, in order to determine this value, the sleeve covered with the dome 80 is placed in a support. The support is placed on a table. The dome is positioned facing the table. The sleeve is held fixed in this support while being raised relative to the bottom of the support by 5 centimetres. It is for example possible to choose, as the support, a hollow cylinder, the diameter of which may hold the sleeve. One end of the cylinder may be closed. A 500 gram load is applied to the inside of the dome 80. The stretching of the dome is measured as follows:

(65) A measurement axis is placed parallel to the axis X of the applicator. The origin of this axis is located at the intersection of the latter with the table. The parameters are noted as follows: x.sub.o: position of the peak of the dome with no load, x.sub.500: position of the peak of the dome with a 500 gram load.

(66) The outward deflection is equal to x.sub.o−x.sub.500.

(67) The method of operation of the device is illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 25.

(68) In order to use the device, the user grasps it by the sleeve 70. The user turns the thumbwheel 60 to make the solid stick P come at least in contact with the inner face of the vault 71 (FIG. 22), and optionally in contact with the outer face. The user orients the sleeve 70 so that the outer surface of the vault 71 comes against the surface of skin to be treated (FIG. 23). The user presses lightly on the vault 71 by exerting an axial pressure.

(69) The vault 71 deforms elastically toward the inside of the sleeve. The axial deformation gives rise to a pressure on the stick P. The solid stick is forced longitudinally through the orifices 77 and arrives in contact with the skin (FIG. 24).

(70) The user continues the application by moving the vault 71 over the skin, while exerting a light pressure on this vault along the axis X. The internal volume of the sleeve 70 continues to decrease. An additional pressure is exerted on the product P. It is again forced to move towards the outlet of the sleeve 70. The stick P passes through the orifices 77. It is deposited on the skin.

(71) When the user wishes to cease the application, he or she releases the pressure on the vault 71 (FIG. 25). The dome 80 is put back in place, by heading in the opposite direction to the stick P. The inner surface of the vault 71 lifts off from the stick P. The dome 80 returns to its rest position. The stick P is no longer subjected to the pressure of the dome 80. It does not exude and there is no phase separation of its formula.

(72) Examples Of Solid Compositions

(73) TABLE-US-00001 Ingredient Ex 1 Ex 2 Wax (1) 7.5%  10% Antiperspirant (3) 20% 20% Aerogel VM-2270  2%  2% Oil (2) q.s. for 100 q.s. for 100 Aerosil R972 — — Hardness (kPa) 26 65 Appearance Fondant solid Fondant solid Feel Soft and dry Soft and dry (1) Tribehenin/C.sub.18-36 Triglyceride mixture (6%/1.5% by weight) (2) Dimethicone 10 cSt/Polydecene/Dimethicone and Dimethicone Crosspolymer (DC 9041 from Dow Corning)/PPG-14 butyl ether mixture (39.7%/26.3%/2%/2% by weight) (3) Aluminium/zirconium glycine tetrahydroxychloride complex % by weight relative to the total weight of the composition