Stem support component of a product applicator, particularly cosmetics

Abstract

Rod support member (60) of gripping assembly (40) adapted to be screwed onto a container (30), said rod support member (60) extending along an axis of elongation (X-X') and comprising an upper cylindrical portion (66, 68) and a lower cylindrical mounting portion (62) comprising an inner threaded surface (62a) intended to be screwed onto a thread (33a) of the container (30). The lower cylindrical portion (62) comprises two diametrically opposed, semi-cylindrical, angular skirt segments (63, 65), each articulated with respect to the upper cylindrical portion (66, 68) between an initial offset molding position in which the skirt segments (63, 65) are pivoted outwards away from the elongation axis (X-X'), and an assembled position in which the skirt segments (63, 65) are pivoted inwards towards the elongation axis (X-X'). Figure for the abstract: Fig 4

Description

Title of the invention: Rod support member for a product applicator, particularly a cosmetic product

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cosmetic product applicators, and more particularly to rod support members supporting an applicator rod.

[0002] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “cosmetic product” means in particular a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No. 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 relating to cosmetic products.

[0003] Generally, an applicator comprises an applicator rod, an application member attached to one free end of said rod, a rod support member attached to the other free end of the applicator rod and a cover in which the rod support member is mounted.

[0004] The application member is intended for the application of a cosmetic product, such as a makeup or care product, for example on keratin fibers, in particular the application of mascara on eyelashes or eyebrows. An application member could also be provided for the application of a lip balm or a complexion product, or any other cosmetic product.

[0005] The applicator is intended to be removably mounted on a container containing the cosmetic product to be applied.

[0006] We know the applicators mounted by screwing onto the neck of the container.

[0007] In such applicators, the rod support member comprises a thread intended to cooperate with a thread provided on the neck of the container. The rod support member is fixed in a cap generally by gluing.

[0008] In order to produce such a rod support member from plastic material, it is known to provide a mold and a threaded core or pin positioned in the mold to produce the thread of the rod support member. To demold the rod support member, the threaded core must be unscrewed from the rod support member. When the mold is closed, the threaded core is repositioned in the mold for the next injection.

[0009] However, the repositioning of the threaded core can generate an angular offset of a few degrees of the start of the thread, which will have the effect of generating dispersions in the relative axial positioning between the rod support member and the container onto which it is screwed. The position of the cap will be visually different from one applicator to another and the seal may be reduced. In the case where the rod support member comprises a stop projection cooperating with an end-of-travel stop provided on the container, the angular offset between the rod support member and the container may generate a failure to come into abutment on the end-of-travel stop.

[0010] Furthermore, the use of such a so-called “unscrewing” mold increases the injection cycle times and therefore the manufacturing time of the rod support member.

[0011] Such molds are, moreover, expensive.

[0012] One solution would be to provide a fixed threaded core and forceful demolding. However, such a solution requires the use of flexible plastic materials and low-relief threads to avoid tearing, which does not guarantee satisfactory fixing of the rod support member to the container.

[0013] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the above drawbacks and to improve the rod support members with the aim of improving the quality of the threads and avoiding any angular variability of the departure of the thread from one rod support member to another.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to facilitate their manufacture.

[0015] The invention relates to a rod support member for a gripping assembly capable to be screwed onto a container. Said rod support member extends along an elongation axis and comprises an upper cylindrical portion and a lower cylindrical mounting portion or distal tubular mounting skirt comprising a threaded interior surface intended to be screwed onto a thread of the container.

[0016] The lower cylindrical portion comprises at least two angular skirt segments each hinged relative to the upper cylindrical portion between an initial spaced apart molding position in which the skirt segments are pivoted outwardly away from the elongation axis, and an assembled position, in which the skirt segments are pivoted inwardly toward the elongation axis.

[0017] Thus, the two skirt segments carrying the threaded surface can be molded flat without using a threaded core, which considerably reduces the manufacturing time of the rod support member, and makes it possible to ensure the reliable production of the threads.

[0018] Advantageously, each angular skirt segment is connected to the upper portion by means of a hinge and each defining an articulation axis.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the lower cylindrical portion comprises two diametrically opposed semi-cylindrical skirt angular segments forming a cylinder in the assembled position.

[0020] For example, the two hinges each connecting an angular segment of skirt define two axes of articulation parallel and perpendicular to the axis of elongation.

[0021] Advantageously, each of the skirt segments comprises, on its internal surface, a portion of thread forming the threaded surface in the assembled position.

[0022] For example, each of the skirt segments comprises a body, for example semi-cylindrical in the case where there are two skirt segments, delimited angularly by two front surfaces and axially by a first end connected to the upper portion, and a second end, opposite the first end in the position assembled, the end surfaces of one of the skirt segments being in contact with the end surfaces of the other of the skirt segments in the assembled position.

[0023] Alternatively, circumferential clearance could be provided between two adjacent front surfaces. This clearance must be of the order of a few hundredths of a millimeter in order to maintain a satisfactory threaded surface.

[0024] For example, each of the skirt segments includes a snap-fit ​​projection extending from the first inwardly directed end in the molding position and including, on its inner surface, at least one rib segment cooperating with an annular rib provided on the outer surface of the upper portion in the assembled position.

[0025] For example, each of the skirt segments further comprises a stop projection extending from the second end outwardly in the molding position and adapted to cooperate with an end-of-travel stop provided on the container.

[0026] According to one embodiment, each of the front surfaces of the skirt segments is provided with reliefs in conformity of shape in order to ensure that the skirt segments are held in the assembled position.

[0027] Alternatively, it could be provided that the front surfaces are devoid of reliefs and that the skirt segments are held in the assembled position solely by the cover surrounding said skirts.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the rod support member comprises a proximal mounting portion surrounded by the lower mounting portion and intended to be secured to an applicator rod, a fixing plate connecting the lower mounting portion and the proximal mounting portion and a cylindrical fixing portion extending axially relative to the fixing plate in a direction opposite to the lower mounting portion, the fixing plate and the fixing portion forming the upper cylindrical portion.

[0029] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined by considering a radial direction relative to the axis of elongation. The proximal direction is closer to the axis of elongation than the distal direction.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the skirt segments are connected to the external surface of the fixing plate.

[0031] Alternatively, provision could be made for the skirt segments to be connected to the cylindrical external surface of the fixing part.

[0032] Generally, the upper portion comprises the fixing plate and the fixing part.

[0033] For example, the attachment portion of the rod support member is offset radially inwardly relative to the lower mounting portion comprising the threaded inner surface.

[0034] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a gripping assembly comprising a cover, a support member as described above mounted removably or not in said cover and anti-rotation means on one of the rod support member and / or the other of the cover to prevent rotation of the rod support member relative to the cover, the cover comprising a body delimiting an internal volume for receiving the rod support member, one of the cover and the rod support member comprising at least a first snap-in relief cooperating with at least a second snap-in relief provided on the other of the cover and the rod support member.

[0035] The first and second snap-in reliefs may be protruding or recessed.

[0036] Advantageously, the first snap-in relief is formed from a snap-in groove and the second snap-in relief is formed from a snap-in rib.

[0037] Alternatively, the first and second snap-in reliefs are formed from snap-in ribs adapted to overlap when mounting the cover on the rod support member, so as to ensure their relative axial retention in the assembled position.

[0038] For example, the anti-rotation means comprise a plurality of external longitudinal ribs provided on the outer cylindrical surface of the fixing portion of the rod support member and cooperating with internal longitudinal ribs provided on the inner surface of the cover, such that the rod support member is not rotated during rotation of the cover.

[0039] It would also be possible to provide other forms of anti-rotation means for the rod support member relative to the cover.

[0040] For example, the fixing part comprises on its external cylindrical surface, two groups of longitudinal ribs, for example regularly spaced.

[0041] Alternatively, a different number of groups of longitudinal ribs could be provided, for example greater than or equal to three.

[0042] Alternatively, it could be provided that the fixing part comprises, on its external cylindrical surface, a plurality of longitudinal ribs over the entire circumference of said part.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the internal longitudinal ribs are provided on the internal surface of the body of the hood.

[0044] For example, the plurality of internal longitudinal ribs are regularly spaced around the entire circumference of said internal cylindrical surface of the hood body.

[0045] Alternatively, groups of internal longitudinal ribs, for example greater than or equal to two, could be provided on the internal cylindrical surface of the body of the hood, cooperating with a plurality of external longitudinal ribs regularly spaced over the entire circumference of said external cylindrical surface of the support member of stem.

[0046] According to yet another variant, it could be provided that the snap-on reliefs form anti-rotation means of the cover relative to the rod support member.

[0047] Advantageously, the fixing part of the rod support member comprises, on its outer cylindrical surface, at least one rib projecting radially outwards, intended to snap into an annular groove provided on the cover.

[0048] For example, the fixing portion of the rod support member comprises at least two angular segments of snap-fastening ribs diametrically opposed and regularly spaced from each other by two notches. Such notches make it possible in particular to make the assembly of the cover on the rod support member removable / dismountable, the two angular segments of snap-fastening ribs of the fixing portion of the rod support member having the capacity to flex elastically inwards in the radial direction to be able to disassemble these two elements. Alternatively, it could be provided that the fixing portion does not comprise a notch.

[0049] It would also be possible to provide a single annular latching rib, or a number of angular segments of latching ribs greater than or equal to three.

[0050] For example, the height of the fixing portion of the rod support member is substantially equal to the height of the two skirt segments in the assembled position.

[0051] The cover and the rod support member are, for example, made of plastic, in particular of thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PET), or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or even of a recycled plastic. The cover and the rod support member are, preferably, made of the same plastic material.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the invention proposes a gripping assembly comprising a rod support member as described above and a cover, for example made of metal, such as aluminum, assembled in a non-removable manner, for example by gluing to the rod support member. In such an embodiment, the securing of the cover and the rod support member is ensured by the glue arranged between these two elements and the gripping assembly does not require the additional implementation of anti-rotation means between these two parts or of snap-fastening reliefs of these two elements.

[0053] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an applicator comprising a gripping assembly as described above and a rod extending from the rod support member and comprising, at its lower end, opposite the gripping assembly, an application member.

[0054] The application member can be fixed to the rod by any means, and in particular, for example, by force-fitting, snap-fastening, gluing, welding or crimping in a housing provided at the lower end of said rod.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the rod and the rod support member are made in a single piece.

[0056] Alternatively, provision could be made for the rod to be connected at its upper end to the rod support member.

[0057] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a packaging and application assembly for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator as described above and an associated container delimiting an internal volume containing a cosmetic product to be applied.

[0058] Advantageously, the body of the container is provided with a closed lower end forming a bottom and an upper end forming a neck provided with an opening, opposite the lower end, allowing access to the internal volume containing the product, the neck comprising, on its external surface, a thread intended to cooperate with the threaded surface of the lower mounting portion of the rod support member of the gripping assembly.

[0059] For example, the container also comprises a wiping member adapted to wring the rod and the application member.

[0060] The present invention will be better understood upon studying the detailed description of embodiments, taken as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0061] [Fig. 1] is a sectional view of a product packaging and application assembly comprising a stem support member according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0062] [Fig.2]

[0063] [Fig.3] are perspective views of the rod support member of [Fig.l], in an assembled position;

[0064] [Fig.4]

[0065] [Fig.5] are perspective views of the rod support member of [Fig.l], in an initial molding position; and

[0066] [Fig.6] is a sectional view of a product packaging and application assembly comprising a stem support member according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0067] In the remainder of the description, we consider an orthonormal basis X, Y, Z, with Z corresponding to an elongation axis representing the vertical direction in which we find:

[0068] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal and extending from left to right on [Fig.l];

[0069] - a transverse axis Y, horizontal, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and extending from front to back on the [Fig.l]; and

[0070] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal axes X and transverse Y and extending from bottom to top on [Fig.l].

[0071] The expressions "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper part and the lower part of the figures, in the assembled position of the assembly.

[0072] As illustrated in [Fig.l], a product packaging and application assembly 10 extends axially along an axis X-X' assumed to be vertical in [Fig.l].

[0073] The assembly 10 for packaging and applying a product comprises an application device or applicator 20 and an associated container 30 delimiting an internal volume 31 containing said product to be applied to the keratin fibers or the epidermis of a user, for example mascara or a care product, or a lip balm.

[0074] The container 30 extends along a general longitudinal axis X-X', shown in a position assumed to be vertical.

[0075] The body of the container 30 is provided with a closed lower end 32 forming a bottom and an upper end 33 forming a neck provided with an opening 34, opposite the lower end 32, allowing access to the internal volume 31 containing the product. Alternatively, it could be provided that the body of the container does not include a neck and that the opening is made on a free edge of said container.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the neck 33 has an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the body of the container 30 and comprises, on its outside surface, a thread 33a intended to cooperate with a corresponding internal thread 62a of a gripping assembly 40 of the applicator 20. The body of the container 30 can be made, for example, of rigid synthetic material or glass.

[0077] As illustrated, the gripping assembly 40 of the applicator 20 forms a closing cap for the container 30 arranged to be fixed on the neck 33 of the container in order to close said container in a sealed manner when not in use.

[0078] The gripping assembly 40 of the applicator 20 comprises a cover 50 and a rod support member 60 mounted removably or not in said cover 50.

[0079] The applicator 20 further comprises a rod 22 extending from the rod support member 60 and comprising, at its lower end 22a, opposite the gripping assembly 40, an application member (not shown). The application member can be fixed to the rod 22 by any means, and in particular, in the example illustrated, by force-fitting, snap-fastening, gluing, welding or crimping in a housing 22b provided at the lower end 22a of said rod 22.

[0080] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the rod 22 and the rod support member 60 are made in a single, one-piece piece.

[0081] Alternatively, provision could be made for the rod 22 to be connected at its upper end 22c to the rod support member 60, as illustrated in the example of [Fig.6].

[0082] The container 30 also comprises a wiping member 36 adapted to wring the rod 22 and the application member.

[0083] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the wiping member 36 comprises a cylindrical body 36a with an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the neck 33 of the container 30. The body is delimited by two opposite ends, one of the ends of which is in radial contact with the outside surface of the rod 22. The body comprises, on its outside surface, a retaining member 36b on the container 30, for example in the form of an annular bead which snaps into a complementary shape of the container 30.

[0084] The wiping member 36 further comprises, at a first free end of the body, an annular wiping lip 36c, defining by its free end, a wiping orifice 36d of substantially circular section. This wiping lip 36d extends in the direction of the rod 22 and is dimensioned to be applied at least on said rod 22, or even also on the application member (not shown) when the applicator 20 is removed from the container 30. The wiping lip 36d here extends obliquely relative to the body 36a towards the longitudinal axis X-X'.

[0085] The internal diameter of the orifice 36d is preferably less than or equal to the external diameter of the rod 22, so as to prevent the product contained in the container 30 from escaping from said container 30.

[0086] The body 36a of the wiping member 36 comprises, at a second end, opposite the first end, an annular collar 36e having an outside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the neck 33 of the container and less than the inside diameter of the distal mounting skirt 62 of the rod support member 60.

[0087] The collar 36e is axially supported on the neck 33 of the container 30.

[0088] Alternatively, the wiping member 36 could be of any suitable type, in particular that illustrated and described with reference to [Fig.6].

[0089] The stem support member 60 comprises a distal tubular mounting skirt 62 or lower mounting portion comprising a threaded inner surface 62a, intended to screw onto the thread 33a of the neck of the container 30.

[0090] The rod support member 60 further comprises a proximal mounting portion 64 surrounded by the distal mounting skirt 62 and secured to an applicator rod 22.

[0091] The distal mounting skirt 62 and the proximal mounting portion 64 are connected to each other by a fixing shoulder or plate 66.

[0092] The distal tubular mounting skirt 62 comprises two diametrically opposed angular skirt segments 63, 65 each articulated relative to the fixing plate 66 between an initial spaced molding position, visible in Figures 4 and 5, in which the skirt segments 63, 65 are pivoted away from the proximal mounting portion 64, and an assembled position, visible in Figures 1 to 3, in which the skirt segments 63, 65 are pivoted to surround the proximal mounting portion 64.

[0093] For this purpose, each of the skirt segments 63, 65 is mounted on the fixing plate 66 by means of at least one hinge 63a, 65a, for example of the film hinge type, each defining an articulation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X' of the rod support member 60.

[0094] In the molding position, the extension axes of the two angular skirt segments 63, 65 are advantageously coincident and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X' of the rod support member 60.

[0095] Each of the skirt segments 63, 65 comprises a semi-cylindrical body delimited angularly by two front surfaces 63b, 65b and axially by a first end 63c, 65c connected to the plate 66, and a second end 63d, 65d, opposite the first end.

[0096] In the assembled position, the front surfaces 63b of one of the segments 63 are in contact with the front surfaces 65b of the other of the segments 65 and the skirt segments form a cylinder.

[0097] Alternatively, circumferential clearance, for example of the order of a few hundredths of a millimeter, could be provided between the front surfaces.

[0098] Alternatively, a different number of skirt segments could be provided, for example greater than two, for example equal to three or four.

[0099] As illustrated, each of said front surfaces 63b, 65b is provided with reliefs 63i, 65ien of matching shape in order to ensure that the skirt segments 63, 65 are held in the assembled position. Alternatively, provision could be made for the front surfaces 63b, 65b to be devoid of reliefs and for the skirt segments to be held in the assembled position solely by the cover 50 surrounding said skirts 63, 65.

[0100] The body of each of the skirt segments 63, 65 comprises, on its internal surface, a portion of thread 63e, 65e.

[0101] The skirt segments 63, 65 have the shape, here, of two half-cylinders, so that in the assembled position, the skirt segments 63, 65 form the tubular mounting skirt 62, and the thread portions 63e, 65e form the thread 62a.

[0102] Each of the skirt segments 63, 65 includes at least one snap-in projection 63f, 65f extending from the first end 63c, 65c directed toward the proximal mounting skirt 64 in the molding position and including, on its inner surface, an angular rib segment 63g, 65g cooperating with an annular rib 66a provided on the outer surface of the platen 66 in the assembled position.

[0103] Each of the skirt segments 63, 65 may further comprise a stop projection 63h, 65h extending from the second end 63d, 65d outwards in the molding position and intended to cooperate with an end-of-travel stop (not visible on [Fig.l]) provided on the container 30.

[0104] The distal tubular skirt 62 comprising the threaded surface 62a is thus molded flat without using a threaded core, which considerably reduces the manufacturing time of the rod support member, and makes it possible to ensure the reliable and repeatable production of the threads.

[0105] As illustrated, the proximal mounting portion 64 is in radial contact with the inner surface of the wiping member 36 in order to form a seal of the applicator 20 in the closed position of the internal volume 31 of the container visible in [Fig.l].

[0106] Alternatively, provision could be made for the proximal mounting portion 64 to be thinner and not to be in radial contact with the inner surface of the wiping member 36. In this case, provision could be made for an annular sealing lip extending axially from the plate 66 towards the container 30 and arranged radially between the distal mounting skirt 62 and the proximal mounting portion 64 so as to come into radial contact with the wiping member 36 or with the inner surface 34 of the neck 33 of the container in the case where the wiping member 36 is mounted at a distance from the end of said neck 33, as in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6].

[0107] As illustrated, the rod support member 60 further includes a cylindrical attachment portion 68 for attachment with the hood 50 extending axially relative to the attachment plate 66 in a direction opposite the distal mounting skirt 62.

[0108] The fixing portion 68 of the rod support member 60 is, here, offset radially inwardly relative to the distal mounting skirt 62 interfacing with the neck 33 of the container 30 supporting the tapping 62a.

[0109] As illustrated, the height of the attachment portion 66 is substantially equal to the height of the distal mounting skirt 62.

[0110] Generally, it could be provided that the rod support member 60 comprises a cylindrical upper portion formed by the plate 66 and the fixing part 68 and that the threaded portion formed by the distal mounting skirt 62 is connected to said upper portion by the hinges 63a, 65a. It could in fact be provided that the fixing part 68 and the plate 66 form only one part.

[0111] As illustrated, the hinges 63a, 65a are connected to the upper part of the external surface of the plate 66. Alternatively, it could be provided that the hinges 63a, 65a are connected to another part of the external surface of the plate 66. It could also be provided that the hinges 63a, 65a are connected to the cylindrical external surface of the fixing part 68.

[0112] The fixing part 68 of the rod support member 60 comprises, on its outer cylindrical surface 68a, a snap-in rib 68b projecting radially outwards, intended to snap into an annular groove 55 provided on the cover 50. for snap-fastening said cover 50. The annular groove 55 provided on the cover 50 here forms a first snap-fastening relief and the snap-fastening rib 68b provided on the rod support member 60 here forms a second snap-fastening relief. Alternatively, a structural inversion could be provided consisting of arranging a snap-fastening groove on the rod support member intended to cooperate with a snap-fastening rib arranged on the cover without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0113] Furthermore, and as illustrated, the snap-in groove 55 is preferably formed as a recess in the inner surface of the cover. Alternatively, however, provision may be made for the snap-in groove to be defined between two ribs extending projecting from the inner surface of the cover.

[0114] As illustrated, the fixing portion 68 of the rod support member 60 comprises two angular segments 68b of diametrically opposed snap-on ribs regularly spaced from each other by two notches 68c.

[0115] Alternatively, it could be provided that the fixing part 68 does not include a notch.

[0116] It would also be possible to provide a single annular snap-on rib, or a number of angular segments of snap-on ribs greater than or equal to three.

[0117] Alternatively, it could be provided that the rod support member 60 comprises an annular snap-fastening groove and that the cover 50 comprises one or more angular segments of snap-fastening grooves cooperating with said groove.

[0118] Generally, one of the cover 50 and the rod support member 60 comprises at least one first snap-in relief cooperating with at least one second snap-in relief provided on the other of the cover 50 and the rod support member 60.

[0119] The first and second snap-in reliefs may be projecting or hollow.

[0120] According to yet another variant, it could be provided that the first and second snap-in reliefs are formed from snap-in ribs adapted to overlap during assembly of the cover 50 on the rod support member 60, so as to ensure their relative axial retention in the assembled position.

[0121] Alternatively, any other attachment of the cover 50 to the rod support member 60 could be provided.

[0122] In particular, it could be provided that the cover 50, for example made of metal, such as aluminum, is assembled in a non-removable manner, for example by gluing to the rod support member.

[0123] The fixing portion 68 of the rod support member 60 further comprises, on its outer cylindrical surface 68a, a plurality of longitudinal ribs 68d, visible in [Fig.2], projecting radially outwards.

[0124] As illustrated, the fixing part 68 comprises on its external cylindrical surface, two groups of longitudinal ribs 68d, for example regularly spaced. alternatively, a different number of groups of longitudinal ribs could be provided, for example greater than or equal to three.

[0125] Alternatively, it could be provided that the fixing part 68 comprises, on its external cylindrical surface, a plurality of longitudinal ribs 68d over the entire circumference of said part 68.

[0126] Said external longitudinal ribs 68d cooperate with internal longitudinal ribs 57 provided on the internal surface of the cover 50, such that the rod support member 60 is not rotated during rotation of the cover 50.

[0127] It would also be possible to provide other forms of anti-rotation means for the rod support member 60 relative to the cover 50.

[0128] Generally, the rod support member 60 and the cover 50 comprise anti-rotation means for preventing rotation of the rod support member 60 relative to the cover 50.

[0129] The cover 50 comprises a body 52 of generally hollow cylindrical shape delimiting an internal volume 53 for receiving the rod support member 60.

[0130] The body 52 of the cover 50 is provided with a closed upper end 56 and an open lower end 58, opposite the upper end 56, allowing access to the internal volume 53.

[0131] As illustrated and in a non-limiting manner, the body 52 of the cover 50 comprises a lower portion or first portion 54a radially surrounding the distal mounting skirt 62 of the rod support member 60 and an upper portion or second portion 54b radially surrounding the attachment portion 68 of the rod support member 60.

[0132] The lower part 54a and the upper part 54b extend axially in the extension of one another between the closed upper end 56 and the open lower end 58.

[0133] The body 52 of the cover 50 has an external diameter that is substantially constant and advantageously substantially equal to the external diameter of the body of the container 30.

[0134] As seen in [Fig.l], the internal surface of the body 52 of the cover 50 has a stepped internal diameter.

[0135] For this purpose, the lower part 54a has an internal diameter greater than the internal diameter of the upper part 54b. In other words, the lower part 54a has a thickness less than the thickness of the upper part 54b of the cover 50.

[0136] The lower part 54a is connected to the upper part 54b by an internal shoulder 54c.

[0137] By "shoulder" is meant any surface substantially normal to the axis of elongation of a cylindrical part resulting from a sudden variation in diameter.

[0138] In the embodiment variant in which the first and second reliefs snap-fastening elements are formed of snap-fastening ribs adapted to overlap when mounting the cover 50 on the rod support member 60, the cooperation of the snap-fastening ribs provided on the cover 50 and the rod support member 60 ensures the axial retention of the cover relative to the rod support member in a first axial direction and prevents these two elements from being axially separated from each other. Advantageously, in this variant, when the rod support member 60 and the cover are in the assembled position, the internal shoulder 54c of the cover 50 is in axial support on the fixing plate 66 of the rod support member 60, so as to ensure the axial retention of the cover relative to the rod support member in a second axial direction, opposite to the first axial direction and to prevent these two elements from being axially brought closer to each other.

[0139] The lower portion 54a of smaller thickness has a height less than 20 mm, for example less than or equal to 15 mm. In particular, the lower portion 54a of smaller thickness of the cover 50 has a height greater than or equal to the height of the lower cylindrical mounting portion 62 comprising the threaded inner surface 62a of the rod support member 60.

[0140] The lower portion 54a is located axially at least at the level of the tapping 62a of the rod support member 60 and preferably, as illustrated, at the level of the tapping 62a and the fixing plate 66 of the rod support member 60.

[0141] The lower portion 54a is in radial contact with the outer surface of the distal mounting skirt 62.

[0142] The upper part 54b comprises a groove 55, here annular, in which the latching ribs 68b of the rod support member 60 are snapped.

[0143] The groove 55 is located at the level of the upper part 54b of greater thickness in order to avoid problems of visible shrinkage on the external face of the cover and likely to appear during the cooling of the cover 50 after molding. Such shrinkage problems, visible from the outside and detrimental to the aesthetics of the cover, could have occurred if the groove were present at the level of a part of the cover of smaller thickness.

[0144] The upper part 54b further comprises, on its internal cylindrical surface, a plurality of internal longitudinal ribs 57 regularly spaced over the entire circumference of said internal cylindrical surface.

[0145] The internal longitudinal ribs 57 cooperate with the longitudinal ribs 68d of the rod support member 60.

[0146] Alternatively, groups of internal longitudinal ribs 57 could be provided, for example greater than or equal to two, cooperating with a plurality of external longitudinal ribs 68d regularly spaced over the entire circumference of said external cylindrical surface of the rod support member 60.

[0147] According to yet another variant, it could be provided that the anti-rotation function between the cover 50 and the rod support member 60 is ensured by the snap-in reliefs 55, 68b provided respectively on the cover 50 and the rod support member 60, in particular by designing discontinuous snap-in reliefs along the circumference of the cover 50 and the rod support member 60. For example, it could thus be provided a discontinuous snap-in groove 55, formed of several angular groove segments made in the upper part 54b of the cover 50 and adapted to receive corresponding snap-in ribs 68b provided on the upper cylindrical portion 68 of the rod support member 60.

[0148] Alternatively, it could be provided that the wall forming the body 52 of the cover 50 has a single constant thickness over its entire height.

[0149] The cover 50 and the rod support member 60 are advantageously made of plastic material, in particular of thermoplastic polymer, such as for example polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or even of a recycled plastic material. The cover 50 and the rod support member 60 are preferably made of the same plastic material. It could also be provided to make the cover 50 of metallic material, such as aluminum.

[0150] The embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6], in which the same elements bear the same references, differs from the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], only by the fact that the rod support member 60 and the applicator rod 22 are separate and by the shape of the wiping member 37.

[0151] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the rod 22 is distinct from the rod support member 60 and is connected to said rod support member 60 by its upper end 22c, opposite the free lower end 22a connected to the application tip.

[0152] The mounting part 64 is here a tubular mounting skirt.

[0153] The distal and proximal mounting skirts 62, 64 are coaxial.

[0154] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the wiping member 37 comprises a tubular body 37a with an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the neck 33 of the container 30. The body comprises, on its outside surface, a retaining member 37b on the container 30, for example in the form of an annular bead snapping into a complementary shape of the container 30.

[0155] The wiping member 37 further comprises, at a first free lower end of the body 37a, an annular wiping part 37c, defining by its free end, a wiping orifice 37d of substantially circular section.

[0156] This wringing part 37c here has a truncated cone shape and extends in the direction of the rod 22.

[0157] The wringing part 37c is sized to be applied at least on said rod 22, or even also on the application member (not shown) when removing the applicator 20 out of the container 30.

[0158] The inner diameter of the orifice 37d of the wiping part 37c is preferably less than or equal to the outer diameter of the rod 22, so as to prevent the diameter contained in the container 30 from escaping from said container 30.

[0159] The body 37a of the wiping member 36 comprises a second upper end 37e and an end portion 37f axially located between said second upper end 37e and the retaining member 37b. The end portion 37f has a thickness which varies along its length. The thickness of the end portion 37f decreases towards the upper end 37e of the tubular body.

[0160] Alternatively, a constant thickness of the end portion 37f could be provided.

[0161] As illustrated, the upper end of the body 37a of the wiping member 37 is here axially offset towards the container 30 relative to the upper end of the neck 33 of the container 30.

[0162] As illustrated, the wiping portion 37c extends axially beyond the lower end of the neck 33 of the container 30 into the internal volume 31. Alternatively, it could be provided that the wiping portion does not extend into the internal volume 31 but only into the neck 33, as in the embodiment of [Fig.l].

[0163] Alternatively, the wiping member 37 could be of any suitable type, in particular that illustrated and described with reference to [Fig.l].

[0164] As illustrated, the rod support member 60 includes an annular sealing lip 67 extending axially from the mounting plate 66 and radially disposed between the distal mounting skirt 62 and the proximal mounting skirt 64.

[0165] The annular sealing lip 67 has an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the open end of the neck 33 of the container 30 in order to be inserted in sealed radial contact in said open end.

[0166] By virtue of the two-part configuration of the distal mounting skirt of the rod support member, a rod support member is obtained which is easy to manufacture using a simple mold for flat molding of a plastic material.

[0167] In addition, the absence of variability of the thread from one rod support member to another is ensured.

Claims

Claims

1. A rod support member (60) of a gripping assembly (40) capable of being screwed onto a container (30), said rod support member (60) extending along an elongation axis (X-X') and comprising an upper cylindrical portion (66, 68) and a lower cylindrical mounting portion (62) comprising a threaded inner surface (62a) intended to be screwed onto a thread (33a) of the container (30), characterized in that the lower cylindrical portion (62) comprises at least two angular skirt segments (63, 65) each articulated relative to the upper cylindrical portion (66, 68) between an initial spaced apart molding position in which the skirt segments (63, 65) are pivoted outwardly away from the elongation axis (X-X'), and an assembled position, in which the skirt segments (63, 65) are rotated inwards towards the elongation axis (X-X').

2. A rod support member (60) according to claim 1, wherein each angular skirt segment (63, 65) is connected to the upper portion (66, 68) by means of a hinge (63a, 65a) and each defining an articulation axis.

3. A rod support member (60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower cylindrical portion (62) comprises two angular segments of semi-cylindrical skirts (63, 65) forming a cylinder in the assembled position.

4. Rod support member (60) according to claims 2 and 3, in which the two hinges (63a, 65a) each connecting an angular skirt segment (63, 65) define two articulation axes parallel and perpendicular to the elongation axis (X-X').

5. A rod support member (60) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the skirt segments (63, 65) comprises, on its inner surface, a thread portion (63e, 65e) forming the threaded surface (62a) in the assembled position.

6. A rod support member (60) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the skirt segments (63, 65) comprises a body angularly delimited by two front surfaces (63b, 65b) and axially by a first end (63c, 65c) connected to the upper portion (66, 68), and a second end (63d, 65d), opposite the first end in the assembled position, the front surfaces (63b) of one of the skirt segments (63) being in contact with the front surfaces (65b) of the other of the skirt segments (65) in the assembled position.

7. A rod support member (60) according to claim 6, wherein each of the skirt segments (63, 65) comprises a snap-in projection (63f, 65f) extending from the inwardly directed first end (63c, 65c) in the molding position and comprising, on its inner surface, at least one rib segment (63g, 65g) cooperating with an annular rib (66a) provided on the outer surface of the upper portion (66, 68) in the assembled position.

8. A rod support member (60) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each of the skirt segments (63, 65) further comprises a stop projection (63h, 65h) extending from the second end (63d, 65d) outwardly in the molding position and adapted to cooperate with an end stop provided on the container (30).

9. A rod support member (60) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein each of the front surfaces (63b, 65b) of the skirt segments (63, 65) is provided with reliefs (63i, 65i) in shape matching to ensure that the skirt segments (63, 65) are held in the assembled position.

10. A rod support member (60) according to any preceding claim, comprising a proximal mounting portion (64) surrounded by the lower mounting portion (62) and intended to be secured to an applicator rod (22), a fixing plate (66) connecting the lower mounting portion (62) and the proximal mounting portion (64) and a cylindrical fixing portion (68) extending axially relative to the fixing plate (66) in a direction opposite the lower mounting portion (62), the fixing plate (66) and the fixing portion (68) forming the upper mounting portion.

11. A rod support member (60) according to claim 10, wherein the skirt segments (63, 65) are connected to the outer surface of the mounting plate (66).

12. A rod support member (60) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the attachment portion (68) of the rod support member (60) is offset radially inwardly relative to the lower mounting portion (62) comprising the threaded inner surface (62a).

13. A gripping assembly (40) comprising a cover (50), a rod support member (60) according to any one of the preceding claims preceding mounted in said cover (50) and anti-rotation means (57, 68d) on one of the rod support member (60) and / or the other of the cover (50) to prevent rotation of the rod support member (60) relative to the cover (50), the cover (50) comprising a body (52) delimiting an internal volume (53) for receiving the rod support member (60), one of the cover (50) and the rod support member (60) comprising at least a first snap-in relief (55) cooperating with at least a second snap-in relief (68b) provided on the other of the cover (50) and the rod support member (60).

14. A gripping assembly (40) according to claim 13, wherein the first detent relief is formed by a detent groove (55) and the second detent relief is formed by a detent rib (68b).

15. A gripping assembly (40) according to any one of claims 13 and 14 in combination with any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the anti-rotation means comprises a plurality of external longitudinal ribs (68d) provided on the outer cylindrical surface (68a) of the fixing portion (68) of the rod support member (60) and cooperating with internal longitudinal ribs (57) provided on the inner surface of the cover (50).

16. Gripping assembly (40) according to any one of claims 13 to 14 in combination with any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the fixing portion (68) of the rod support member (60) comprises, on its outer cylindrical surface (68a) at least one rib (68b) projecting radially outwards, intended to snap into an annular groove (55) provided on the cover (50).

17. Applicator (20) comprising a gripping assembly (40) according to any one of claims 13 to 16 and a rod (22) extending from the rod support member (60) and comprising, at its lower end (22a), opposite the gripping assembly (40), an application member.

18. The applicator (20) of claim 17, wherein the rod (22) and the rod support member (60) are made as a single, one-piece piece.

19. Assembly (10) for packaging and applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator (20) according to claim 17 or 18 and an associated container (30) delimiting an internal volume (31) containing a cosmetic product to be applied.

20. Assembly (10) according to claim 19, in which the body of the container (30) is provided with a closed lower end (32) forming a bottom and an upper end (33) forming a neck provided with an opening (34), opposite the lower end (32), allowing access to the internal volume (31) containing the product, the neck (33) comprising, on its external surface, a thread (33a) intended to cooperate with the threaded surface (62a) of the lower mounting portion (62) of the rod support member (60) of the gripping assembly (40).

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