Patent Application
20200187625
The invention relates to the field of wiper members for a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product.
Known from EP2425740 is a container equipped with an applicator for dispensing a product. The container comprises a container body into which the applicator can be inserted. An annular part, used for wiping off the applicator, is arranged inside the container body. The annular part is elastically deformable and comprises a protrusion that can come into contact with a portion of the applicator when it is inserted into the container body.
However, due to the presence of the protrusion on the annular part, the applicator is not wiped off uniformly; there is irregularity in the circumferential wiping of the applicator. After wiping, too much product may therefore still be present on the applicator. This leads to difficulty in application of the product by a user: the excess product may drip or pour from the applicator during application. This also leads to poor sanitary aspects concerning the preservation of the product in the container: the excess product in contact with the outside is reintroduced into the container after application, where it mixes with the remaining product.
The invention improves the situation.
A wiper member is proposed for a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator comprising a stem and an applicator member, the wiper member comprising:
Another aspect of the invention proposes a device for the packaging and application of a cosmetic product, comprising:
The features set forth in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented. They may be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another:
At rest, the free end of the wiping lip is directed towards an axial end of the cylindrical body.
During withdrawal of the applicator from the wiper member, the wiping lip is configured to deform to an inverted position in which the free end of the wiping lip is directed towards another axial end of the cylindrical body. Thus, the flexibility of the material of the wiper member allows it to adapt to applicators of large diameters, enabling uniform wiping.
The wiping lip comprises at least one vent. The vent allows air to enter and exit the container, thus avoiding a piston effect.
Said at least one vent is placed outside the wiping contact area. This position allows the vent, in addition to expelling air, to expel excess product present on the applicator. In particular, the excess product can flow into the container via the vent, thus avoiding losses.
The wiping lip comprises two vents, diametrically opposite relative to the main axis. The presence of two vents makes it possible to obtain a good compromise between efficiency in expelling air and/or excess product out of and into the container and robustness of the wiping lip. The greater the number of vents, the more the wiping lip is weakened.
The wiping lip extends in a general cone shape. This makes it possible to obtain better flow of the product, particularly into the container via the vent. In addition, the cone shape allows a larger and circumferentially uniform area of contact with the applicator. The wiping of the product is therefore greatly improved.
The thickness of the wiping lip is smaller at its free end than at its anchoring area. The flexibility of the wiping lip is thus improved. The robustness of the wiping lip is also improved since the wiping lip has a solid attachment to the wiper member at the anchoring area.
At rest, the through-opening of the wiping lip has a diameter between 2 and 5 millimeters at its free end. The wiping lip is therefore adaptable to all existing diameters and shapes of applicators.
The material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). This material has great flexibility.
The wiping lip and the body are overmolded. This allows for example choosing different properties of materials for the lip and the body. For example, the lip may be made of a material having greater flexibility than the body.
The wiping lip and the body are made of the same material and form a single piece. This simplifies the manufacture of the wiper member.
The invention and the variants thereof provide, in general, a circumferentially uniform wiping, in particular due to the contact area having symmetry of revolution and the wiping lip having very high flexibility.
Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from reading the following detailed description, and from an analysis of the accompanying drawings in which:
The drawings and description below contain, for the most part, elements that are certain in character. They therefore not only serve to provide a better understanding of the invention, but they also contribute to its definition, where appropriate.
The device 1 comprises a container 2 for receiving the cosmetic product P, or the product P. The product P may be a liquid, viscous, creamy, or powdered product. In particular, the product P may for example be mascara, liquid lipstick, lip gloss, eye shadow, foundation, or care cream.
The container 2 may be of generally tubular shape, such that it has a generally circular cross-section.
Alternatively, the container 2 may have a generally square, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape.
The container 2 comprises in particular a base 2a, closing off one end of the container 2, and an opening 2b, more particularly visible in
The device 1 also comprises an applicator 3.
The applicator 3 comprises in particular a gripping member 4, which can serve as a cap to close the container 2 when the applicator 3 is inserted into the container 2. The applicator 3 further comprises a stem 5 and an applicator member 6.
When the applicator 3 is inserted into the container 2, as shown in
The gripping member 4 may extend in a more or less pronounced manner along the main axis A. The gripping member 4 has for example a cross-section identical to that of the container 2.
Alternatively, the cross-section of the gripping member 4 may have any geometric shape, in particular a shape that is circular, square, rectangular, triangular, etc. The gripping member 4 may also have a cross-section that is different from that of the container 2.
The gripping member 4 may comprise an internal thread 4a intended to engage with an external thread 2c of the container 2. The engagement of the two threads 2c, 4a in particular prevents inadvertent opening of the device 1.
As illustrated in
In particular, when the applicator 3 is inserted into the container 2, the applicator member 6 and at least a portion of the stem 5 pass through the opening and through the neck 7 of the container 2.
The stem 5 is fixed at one of its ends to the gripping member 4. The stem 5 is fixed at its other end to the applicator member 6.
The stem 5 may have a cross-section of circular, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape.
The applicator member 6 is for example a tip in the form of a brush or sponge. The cross-section of the applicator member 6 may have any shape. For example, the cross-section is triangular, circular, square, or rectangular.
In general, the cross-sectional area of the applicator member 6 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the stem 5.
The device 1 further comprises a wiper member 8. The wiper member 8 is for example located at the neck 7 of the container 2. More specifically, the wiper member 8 may be inserted into the neck 7 of the container 2.
The wiper member 8 may be of generally tubular shape. More specifically, the wiper member 8 comprises a body 8a of generally cylindrical shape.
When the wiper member 8 is inserted into the neck 7 of the container 2, the body 8a may have a main axis that is coincident with the main axis A of the container 2.
The body 8a comprises two open rims 8b, 8c. The applicator 3 is thus able to be inserted into and withdrawn from the container by passing through the wiper member 8. The upper rim 8b of the wiper member 8 is for example intended to be level with the opening 2b of the container 2, while the lower rim 8c is intended to be inside the container 2.
The wiper member 8 may comprise a shoulder 8d, more particularly visible in
Thus, when the wiper member 8 is inserted into the container 2, and more precisely into the neck 7 of the container 2, the shoulder 8d may be in contact with the opening 2b of the container 2. More precisely, the shoulder 8d rests on the container 2 at its opening 2b.
The wiper member 8 may be retained in the neck 7 of the container 2 by any retaining means. In particular, the wiper member may be retained in the neck 7 by clamping, screwing, snap-fitting, or gluing.
Thus, the outer surface of the body 8a of the wiper member 8 may have a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the inner surface of the neck 7 of the container 2.
In particular, the diameter of the outer surface of the body 8a of the wiper member 8 may be between 7 and 12 millimeters.
This diameter may be chosen so that the wiper member 8 can be adapted to the largest number of containers 2. In particular, this diameter is chosen because it corresponds to the internal diameter of a very large majority of the necks of containers 2 for cosmetic products currently on the market.
It is therefore not necessary to provide a container 2 specially adapted to receive the wiper member 8.
The wiper member 8 may further comprise a flat surface 8e, which can be used to prevent rotation of the wiper member 8 in the neck 7 or in the container 2.
The wiper member 8 may further comprise a bead 8f, extending radially on the body of the wiper member 8.
The bead 8f may in particular serve to retain the wiper member in the neck 7 of the container 2. More specifically, the bead 8f can prevent translation of the wiper member 8 in the neck 7 of the container 2 along the axis A. Thus, the bead 8f can be received in a complementary groove 7a of the neck 7.
The bead 8f may in particular enable secure retention between the container 2 and the wiper member 8. More specifically, the bead 8f reduces the chance of noise or play between the container 2 and the wiper member 8, synonymous with poor quality.
The wiper member 8 may further include anti-withdrawal means 8g. These anti-withdrawal means may be arranged at a lower end of the wiper member 8. In particular, they may be located so that, when the wiper member 8 is inserted into the neck 7 of the container 2, the anti-withdrawal means abuts against a shoulder 2a of the container 2. The anti-withdrawal means 8g may in particular take the form of a spear, such that the wiper member 8 can be inserted into the neck 7 of the container 2 but is difficult to remove.
The wiper member 8 may also comprise a wiping lip 9.
The wiping lip 9 comprises a free end 9a and an anchoring area 9b. The anchoring area 9b is attached to the inner surface of the wiper member 8. More specifically, the wiping lip 9 may be attached to the inner surface of the body 8a of the wiper member 8. The anchoring area 9b may be a peripheral anchoring area, located at the end opposite to the free end 9a of the wiping lip 9.
In particular, the anchoring area 9b may be attached to the body 8a at a distance m from the upper rim 8a of the wiper member 8. The distance m is for example greater than half the length of the body 8a. This distance m can be chosen so that the wiping lip 9 never protrudes outside the body 8a of the wiper member 8, even in the event of the wiping lip 9 being inverted (described below).
A wiping contact area 9c of the wiping lip 9 may be defined. More specifically, the wiping contact area 9c, or contact area 9c, extends from the free end 9a over less than half of the wiping lip 9. Wiping contact area or contact area is understood to mean an area coming into contact with the applicator as the latter is wiped. The contact area 9c is for example an internal or external surface of the wiping lip 9.
It is thus possible for the second half of the wiping lip 9, extending from the anchoring area 9b of the wiping lip, not to be a contact area.
The wiping lip 9 may have symmetry of revolution about the main axis A of the container 2.
This symmetry of revolution allows in particular performing a circumferentially uniform wiping of the applicator 3, without wiping irregularities.
The wiping lip 9 may be elastically deformable. The wiping lip 9 is for example made of an elastomer. A material of the wiping lip 9 may have a hardness of less than 70 Shore A. The material of the wiping lip 9 is for example a thermoplastic elastomer of the TPE type.
The wiping lip 9 thus has a very high flexibility.
This material also has the advantage of being compatible with the product P contained in the container. This material also has a chemical resistance to the product P, thus increasing the useful life of the wiper member 8.
This material therefore offers the advantage of having a high durability over time, and optimal aging. In particular, the wiper member 8 is not likely to deteriorate from contact with the product P contained in the container 2. Similarly, the selected material can withstand temperatures selected within wide ranges. Similarly, the material can be resistant to UV rays.
According to one embodiment, the body 8a and the wiping lip 9 are made of the same material.
According to one embodiment, the body 8a and the wiping lip 9 are one and the same piece.
Alternatively, the body 8a of the wiper member 8 and the wiping lip 9 may be overmolded. For example, the wiping lip 9 is overmolded onto the body 8a. According to this variant embodiment, the wiping lip 9 may be made of a more flexible material than the body 8a.
To further increase the flexibility of the wiping lip 9, the thickness of the wiping lip 9 may be small. For example, the thickness of the wiping lip 9 may be chosen between 0.2 and 2 millimeters.
In general, the thickness of the wiping lip 9 at its free end 9a can be smaller than the thickness of the wiping lip 9 at its anchoring area 9b.
Furthermore, increasing the thickness of the wiping lip 9 from its free end 9a to its anchoring area 9b provides a high resistance. Thus, despite the deformation of the wiping lip 9 as the applicator 3 passes through, as described below, the wiping lip 9 will not break.
The free end 9a of the wiping lip 9 defines a through-opening 9d for the passage of the applicator 3 in the container 2.
The through-opening 9d of the wiping lip, for example visible in
Alternatively, the through-opening 9d may have a square, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape.
At rest, in other words when the applicator 3 is not inserted into the container 2, the free end 9a of the wiping lip 9 faces the base 2a of the container 2.
At rest, the through-opening 9d at the free end 9a of the wiping lip has for example a diameter comprised between 2 and 5 millimeters.
This diameter is chosen, in combination with the material of the wiping lip, to allow the passage of applicators 3 of any size and any shape. This diameter also allows the lip 9 to be in direct contact with the applicator member 6 and stem 5 of any applicator. The wiper member 8 is therefore configured to wipe any known applicator 3.
Then, as the applicator member 6 has a greater diameter than that of the stem 5, when the stem 5 is in turn inserted into the container 2, the diameter of the through-opening 9d decreases to reach the size of the cross-sectional area of the stem 5, as shown in
Thus, during insertion of the applicator 3, at least the free end 9a of the wiping lip 9, and preferably at least the contact area 9c, is in direct and continuous contact with the outer surface of the applicator member 6 and stem 5. This allows a circumferential uniform wiping off of the product present on the applicator 3.
“Direct contact” is understood to mean that the contact area 9c exerts local stress on the outer surface of the applicator member 6 and stem 5 as the applicator member 6 and stem 5 slide in the opening 9d.
When the applicator 3 is removed from the container 2, the wiping lip 9 may deform in the same manner as described above.
More specifically, at least the free end 9a and by reference the contact area 9c of the wiping lip 9 is in contact with the stem 5, removing the excess product present on the stem 5. Then, the wiping lip 9 is deformed a little more so that at least its free end 9a is in contact with the outer surface of the applicator member 6 during its withdrawal from the container. The excess product on the applicator member 6 is thus removed, allowing easy application of the product by a user.
Then, when the applicator 3 is outside the container, the wiping lip 9 returns to its initial position, meaning its at-rest position.
Depending on the size of the applicator member 6, in particular the cross-sectional area of the applicator member 6, the wiping lip 9 may deform differently.
This is illustrated in
The contact area of the wiping lip 9 remains in contact with the applicator member 6 in this upward position. The wiping of the applicator member 6 therefore also occurs uniformly.
The upward position of the wiping lip 9 may be a stable mechanical position. In other words, the wiping lip 9 does not resume its at-rest position after the applicator 3 has been withdrawn from the container 2. For example, the wiping lip 9 returns to its initial position when the applicator 3 is inserted into the container 2, pushing the free end 2a of the wiping lip 9 downwards.
Position P0 represents a position in which the wiping lip is at rest. Diameter D0 thus corresponds to the diameter of the through-opening 9d when the wiping lip 9 is at rest. As described above, diameter D0 may be between 2 and 5 millimeters.
Position P1 illustrates a deformation of the wiping lip 9 as an applicator 3 passes through. The wiping lip 9 is deformed such that the contact area 9c is in contact with the applicator 3. Diameter D1 of the wiping lip 9, at its free end 9a, is greater than diameter D0.
Position P2 illustrates a deformation of the wiping lip 9 as an applicator 3 having a larger cross-sectional area than that of position P1 passes through. The wiping lip 9 is deformed such that the contact area 9c is in contact with the applicator 3. Diameter D2 of the wiping lip 9, at its free end 9a, is greater than diameter D1.
In other cases, position P3 can be taken by the wiping lip 9 when an applicator 3 having a large cross-sectional area is withdrawn. This position is illustrated in
In this position, the free end of the wiping lip is facing the upper rim 8b of the wiper member 8. Diameter D3 of the through-opening increases to allow the passage of the applicator 3. Diameter D3 is greater than diameter D0, and possibly greater than diameters D1 and D2 described with reference to
The wiping lip 9 may further comprise at least one vent 10.
The vent 10 is for example located at the anchoring area 9b of the wiping lip 9. The vent may be circular, square, rectangular, or any other geometric shape.
The vent 10 makes it possible to expel air from the container 2 during insertion of the applicator 3 into the container 2, and to admit air during withdrawal of the applicator 3 from the container 2. This makes it possible to have a substantially constant pressure inside the container 2.
More precisely, the vent 10 makes it possible to avoid the piston effect. The piston effect takes place when excess air is present in the container 2, preventing closure of the container 1.
The vent 10 also makes it possible to reduce the risk of product P spurting outside the container 2.
Indeed, in the case where the wiping lip 9 does not comprise a vent 10, the pressure induced by the insertion or withdrawal of the applicator 3 into and from the container 2 can cause product P to spurt out of the container 2. The vent allows air to travel from the container 2 to the exterior, thus reducing the pressure in the container. The presence of a vent therefore makes it possible to reduce or even eliminate any spurt of product P out of the container 2.
Moreover, and incidentally, due to the vent, the excess product P wiped off by the wiping lip 9 can flow into the container 2 while waiting to be applied. This makes it possible to prevent excess product P from drying on the wiping lip 9, thus limiting its effectiveness.
According to one embodiment, the wiping lip 9 comprises more than one vent 10. For example, the wiping lip 9 comprises two vents 10. The two vents 10 may for example be placed opposite one another. This allows a uniform expelling of surplus product P.
The wiping lip 9 may of course comprise more than two vents 10.
The invention may find applications in the field of cosmetics, and in particular in devices for the packaging and application of cosmetic products.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 72884 | Dec 2018 | FR | national |
