Roll-on device, in particular portable roll-on device, in particular for medical, therapeutic or aesthetic applications

Abstract

Roll-on device, in particular portable roll-on device, in particular for medical, therapeutic or aesthetic applications. The invention relates to a roll-on device intended for the application, in particular topical application, of a product to a surface, in particular the skin of a living being, in particular a human being, the roll-on device comprising a base body (2) defining at least one housing (3) designed to receive a rotatably mounted element therein, for example a ball or a roller, and a rotatably mounted element (4), for example a ball or a roller, in particular made of a thermally conductive material, received in the housing, the rotary element (4) being held in the housing so as to be able to rotate about itself, in particular with respect to an axis or a pivot point, and at least one part of the rotary element protruding out of the housing and being able to be brought into contact with said surface, the device further comprising a reservoir (11; 50) of the product, in fluid form, in particular liquid, cream or gel form, intended to be applied to said surface by means of the rotary element. The roll-on device is characterised in that the reservoir comprises a space for receiving the product and at least one outlet opening (7), the reservoir being associated with, for example removably attached to, the base body so as to allow the fluid product to pass from the receiving space of the reservoir, via the at least one outlet opening, directly onto the rotary element.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Roll-on device, in particular portable, especially for medical, therapeutic or aesthetic applications.

[0001] [The present invention relates to a device, classically designated as a Roll-on, in particular portable, in particular for medical, therapeutic, aesthetic, or massage applications, for example intended to apply a product to a surface, in particular the skin of a living being, in particular a human being, while massaging it with a rotating element such as a ball or a roller, the Roll-on device comprising for this purpose at least one reservoir of said product, in particular topical, in fluid form, in particular liquid, cream or gel, intended to be applied to the surface.

[0002] From US2022313537A1 and WO2013032223A2, a device is known comprising a basic body defining at least one housing receiving a ball held so as to be able to rotate on itself, a part of the ball protruding out of the housing, and a fluid product reservoir intended to be deposited on a person's surface, the reservoir having an envelope defining a product reception space and an outlet orifice, the reservoir being associated with the basic body so as to allow the product to pass from the reservoir's reception space directly onto the person's surface.

[0003] From US201074162A1, a device is known comprising a conical base body defining a housing receiving a ball mounted rotatably to rotate about itself, a part of the ball protruding out of the housing, and a fluid product reservoir intended to be deposited on a surface via the ball, the reservoir having a casing defining a product receiving space and an outlet orifice, the reservoir being removably fixed to the base body so as to allow the fluid product to exit, through the outlet orifice, from the receiving space of the reservoir onto a sponge disposed between the reservoir and the ball.

[0004] From US2004 / 0024336A1, a device is known comprising a basic body of conical shape defining a housing receiving a rotatably mounted ball so as to be able to rotate on itself, a part of the ball protruding out of the housing, the base body also defining a fluid product reservoir intended to be deposited on a person's surface via the ball, the reservoir being totally closed by being delimited by the base body and the ball.

[0005] We want to improve this type of device, in particular by simplifying its structure and improving the quality of the massage provided.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a Roll-on device, intended for the application of a product, in particular a topical product, to a surface, in particular the skin of a living being, in particular a human being, comprising a basic body defining at least one housing designed to receive a rotatable element, for example a ball or a roller, and a rotatable element, for example a ball or a roller, in particular made of a thermally conductive material, received in the housing, the rotatable element being held in the housing so as to be able to rotate on itself, in particular about an axis or a pivot point, and at least a part of the rotatable element protruding out of the housing and able to be brought into contact with said surface, the device further comprising a reservoir of the product, in fluid form, in particular liquid, cream or gel, intended to be applied to said surface by means of the rotatable element,is characterized in that the reservoir comprises a product receiving space and at least one outlet orifice, the reservoir being associated, for example removably fixed, with the base body so as to allow the passage, through at least one outlet orifice, of the fluid product from the reservoir's receiving space directly onto the rotating element.

[0007] Preferably, the device includes output control means capable of controlling the output of the product from the receiving space of the tank to the rotating element.

[0008] Preferably, at least one outlet port has an outlet port opposite the most proximal point, in particular the proximal pole, of the rotating element.

[0009] Preferably, the product reservoir and the base body are two separate elements that can be removably connected, in particular by being removably attached to each other, in particular by screwing.

[0010] In particular, the output control means include pressure / vacuum means capable of applying pressure and / or vacuum in the receiving space to expel and / or introduce product through the outlet port.

[0011] According to a favorable embodiment, the pressure / vacuum means consist of at least one flexible part of the reservoir's casing, in particular a shell-shaped part made of elastomeric material, in particular rubber, arranged so as to allow the expulsion and / or aspiration of the product through the outlet of the reservoir by exerting pressure on said at least one flexible part, the reservoir preferably being in the form of a pipette or an ampoule.

[0012] According to another favorable embodiment, the pressure / vacuum means consist of a piston mounted to slide in the receiving space of the reservoir, arranged to allow the expulsion and / or aspiration of the product through the outlet orifice of the reservoir by exerting an action on the piston, in particular a pull and / or a push, the reservoir preferably being in the form of a syringe.

[0013] According to another favorable embodiment, the reservoir is in the form of a bulb or a pipette whose entire outer casing is flexible.

[0014] According to yet another favorable embodiment, the reservoir is in the form of a bulb having a rigid casing and two breakable ends or of a bulb having a casing at least partly flexible and a breakable end.

[0015] According to another favorable embodiment, the outlet control means consist of a valve arranged to open / close the outlet orifice of the tank, thus allowing or preventing the product from exiting the receiving space towards the rotating element. This embodiment of the outlet control means can be combined with the embodiment in the form of pressure means.

[0016] By controlling, and in particular by limiting, through the output control means, the quantity of product sent from the reservoir to the rotating element, a higher quality massage from the rotating element is obtained, specifically a massage that is no longer hindered, or even inhibited, by an excessive presence of the product to be applied to the skin, as is the case when the product is supplied to the rotating element by a classic reservoir in the form of a larger volume bottle which continuously pours product onto the rotating element throughout the massage.

[0017] Preferably, the reservoir, including the pipette, ampoule or syringe, is associated, in particular attached in a removable manner, with the base body so that its tip is opposite the rotating element, while the part of its flexible material casing remains accessible to the roll-on user, in particular protruding from the base body.

[0018] Preferably, the rotating element is solid, that is to say, not hollow, in particular does not have a cavity within it.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the device includes cooling means for maintaining the rotating element at a low temperature, the cooling means being arranged in the basic body so as to extend at least partially laterally with respect to the rotating element, preferably at least partially at the level of the rotating element.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the cooling device includes cooling means intended to maintain the rotating element at a temperature below 10°C, preferably below 5°C, even more preferably below 0°C, in particular at a temperature between -20°C and 0°C for a prolonged time, in particular more than 1 hour, preferably more than 2 hours.

[0021] In particular, the cooling means are arranged in thermal communication with the part of the outer surface of the rotating element that does not protrude out of the housing.

[0022] Preferably, the cooling means are arranged in thermal communication with the entire part of the external surface of the rotating element that does not protrude outside the housing.

[0023] In particular, the cooling means consist of at least one cooling unit formed by a sealed casing, preferably sufficiently rigid to hold on its own, defining a sealed compartment filled with a fluid having a low temperature.

[0024] According to one embodiment, at least one refrigeration block is arranged inside the basic body so as to be in direct contact with the rotating element, in particular by defining the housing in which the rotating element is received.

[0025] Thermal insulation, such as a sheet of insulating material, can be placed around the cooling elements. This allows the device to be handled manually at the cooling points. Furthermore, the device's operating time is increased.

[0026] The device may include a removable upper cap covering at least the portion of the rotating element protruding from the housing.

[0027] An auxiliary refrigerant block may be received in the cap, in particular so as to be in contact with the surface of the rotating element which protrudes outside the housing, in particular with the entire surface of the rotating element which protrudes outside the housing.

[0028] In the event that such an auxiliary cooling unit is provided, it may be advantageous to ensure that this cooling unit is such that it maintains the part of the rotating element protruding outside the housing at a temperature lower than the ambient temperature but higher than the temperature at which the main cooling unit maintains the part of the rotating element located inside the housing, thus allowing safer and more pleasant use of the roll, particularly on thin skin surfaces, such as under the eyes.

[0029] The fluid contained in the compartment(s) may be in the form of a liquid or a gel, preferably a so-called eutectic liquid or gel, that is to say having a lower melting (or freezing) temperature than other liquids having the same chemical composition.

[0030] These so-called eutectic liquids and / or gels are often used as cold packs for storing and transporting temperature-sensitive products and are generally composed of water, a gelling agent (such as sodium polyacrylate or cellulose), and specific salts or alcohols that lower the melting point. This type of liquid or gel is particularly well suitable for cooling applications because it is capable of maintaining a constant temperature for a relatively long period of time, for example more than one hour, especially more than two hours, particularly in a temperature range between -5°C and -20°C.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a massage kit comprising a device, called a Roll-on, intended for the application of a product, in particular a topical product, to a surface, in particular the skin of a living being, in particular a human being, comprising a basic body defining at least one housing designed to receive a rotatable element, for example a ball or a roller; a rotatable element, for example a ball or a roller, in particular made of a thermally conductive material, received in the housing, the rotatable element being held in the housing so as to be able to rotate about itself, in particular about an axis or a pivot point, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the rotatable element projecting out of the housing and being able to come into contact with said surface, and a plurality of reservoirs for the product, in fluid form, in particular liquid, cream or gel,each reservoir having respectively a product receiving space and an outlet orifice, each reservoir being able to be associated, in particular removably fixed, to the base body so as to allow the passage of the fluid product, through the outlet orifice, from the receiving space of the reservoir to the rotating element, the volume of each receiving space corresponding to a pre-defined dose, in particular between 2 and 10 millilitres (ml), in particular between 3 and 6 ml.

[0032] Preferably, each tank includes its respective pressure / vacuum means.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a massage kit comprising a roll-on device for applying a product, particularly a topical product, to a surface, particularly the skin of a living being, particularly a human being. The kit comprises a basic body defining at least one housing designed to receive a rotatable element, for example, a ball or a roller; a rotatable element, for example, a ball or a roller, particularly made of a thermally conductive material, received in the housing. The rotatable element is held in the housing so as to be able to rotate about itself, particularly about an axis or pivot point; and at least a portion of the surface an external part of the rotating element projecting out of the housing and capable of contacting said surface; a first reservoir of the product, in fluid form, in particular liquid or gel, having a first product receiving space and a first outlet; and a second reservoir of the product, in fluid form, in particular liquid, cream or gel, having a second product receiving space and a second outlet, the second reservoir having pressure / vacuum means capable of applying pressure and / or vacuum in the second receiving space to expel product from the second receiving space through the second outlet to the rotating element and / or drawing product from the first receiving space through the first outlet to the second receiving space, the volume of the first receiving space being greater than the volume of the second space, in particular at least 5 to 20 times greater.

[0034] Thus, with this kit, a large quantity of the product is stored in the first reservoir, for example in the form of a bottle. A small dose, sufficient for a massage, can then be drawn from the second reservoir and directed to the rotating element to perform the massage. For the next massage, product can be drawn back from the first reservoir to the second reservoir, and the process repeated.

[0035] In particular, the volume of the receiving space of the second reservoir, corresponding to a pre-defined dose, is between 2 and 10 millilitres (ml), specifically between 3 and 6 ml.

[0036] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a product application device according to the invention;

[0038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1;

[0039] Figure 3 is a plan view of part of a kit according to the invention, a single rigid-cased bulb, for example made of glass, with breakable ends, of the plurality of bulbs in the kit being represented;

[0040] Figure 4 is a partially torn plan view of the roll-on device of Figure 3, in which the two upper and lower caps of the device have been removed;

[0041] Figure 5 shows the device without the caps and one of the bulbs, one end of which has been cut off before the bulb was inserted by its cut end into the central conduit of the device;

[0042] Figure 6 represents the device of Figure 5 in which the bulb has been inserted into the central conduit and the other end of the bulb has been cut off, thereby creating pressure on the liquid P contained in the bulb, the liquid then falling onto the ball through the hole formed between the ball's receiving chamber and the bulb's receiving conduit; and

[0043] Figure 7 shows in an overall way the different stages of use described in figures 3 to 6 for a kit including the same roll-on device and, instead of rigid ampoules with breakable ends, ampoules with flexible envelopes and a single breakable or tearable end.

[0044] In figures 1 and 2, a device 1 for applying topical product in fluid form, i.e. liquid, gel, cream or similar, comprises a basic body 2 of hollow circular cylindrical shape which defines within it, on the one hand, a housing 3 of substantially hemispherical shape into which a ball 4 is received by snapping, and on the other hand, a central conduit 12 in communication for fluids with the interior of the housing 3 by means of a hole 13.

[0045] The ball 4 is received in the housing 3 by complementary shape, so that it can rotate on itself, with an upper part protruding outside the housing, the shape of the housing being hemispherical, but with an angle slightly greater than 0° north latitude (for example between 1° and 20°, in particular between 5° and 10°), so that the center C of the ball is below the upper peripheral edge of the housing, thus preventing the ball from coming out of the housing, the ball being able, during manufacture, to be forced into the housing, by the relative flexibility of the material forming the housing 3.

[0046] A cap 6 covers the base body 2 from above; the cap can be fixed by any conventional means, for example by screwing, clipping, snap-fit ​​or similar. In particular, it can be done by magnetization when the ball is made of a material that can be attracted by a magnet, as shown in figures 1 and 2, a magnet 8 then being fixed, for example glued, welded or similar, to the cap 6 so as to "stick" by magnetization to the ball in a removable manner, thus closing the device 1.

[0047] The base body 2 is closed at the bottom by a perforated plug element 20, consisting of an upper base 21 and a neck-shaped portion 22, the neck-shaped portion 22 having a thread 23 on its outer surface. The plug element 20 is perforated to allow the passage of the central conduit 12 through it.

[0048] A pipette 11 can, as shown in figures 1 and 2, be introduced into the conduit 12 so that the tip of the pipette, defining an outlet 7 for the product contained in the receiving space of the pipette, is opposite the hole 13.

[0049] The pipette 11 consists of three elements, namely an upper element 14 which may be flexible or rigid, preferably rigid, in particular made of glass or polycarbonate or other plastic material, preferably transparent, a lower flexible element 15, in particular pear-shaped, in particular made of elastic material or elastomer, and a connecting element 10 in the form of a circular hollow cylinder, having an internal thread 16 intended to cooperate with the thread 23 of the element 20 forming a cap to ensure the removable attachment of the pipette 11 to the base body 2.

[0050] The two elements respectively upper 14 and lower 15 are joined together so that they define the internal space for receiving the reservoir formed by the pipette 11. This joining is carried out in a watertight manner, in particular by gluing, welding or the like.

[0051] Similarly, the connecting element 10 is joined to the other two elements 14 and 15, for example by bonding or similar means, at the lower opening of the connecting element 10, in particular by complementary shape connections. Thus, the lower element 15 has a flange 29 of revolution and a shoulder 30 also of revolution which define between them a groove of revolution into which a flange 31 is received by complementary shape lower part originating from the connection element 10 and protruding inwards from the latter.

[0052] Similarly, the upper element 14, shaped like a circular tube, has a lower rim 32 projecting laterally from the element 14 and abutting against an inner shoulder 33 formed by the rim 29 of the lower element 15.

[0053] The roll-on is used as follows. The user inserts the pipette 11 into a large volume bottle, for example 250 ml or more, containing the topical product P to be dispensed, by squeezing the pear-shaped part of the lower element 15 and then releasing it, which has the effect of drawing a quantity of the product P from the large bottle into the internal receiving space of the pipette 11. The user then inserts the pipette 11 by its upper part 14 into the conduit 12, so that the outlet orifice 7 of the pipette is opposite the hole 13 and the internal thread 16 of the connecting element 10 is screwed into the thread 23 of the neck-shaped part 22. The user then squeezes the pear-shaped part again so as to expel the product P through the outlet 7 of the pipette, through the hole 13, onto the surface of the ball 4.Product P will then spread over the surface of the ball and be applied by it to the skin surface to be treated, as the user rolls it over the skin surface to be treated and / or massages.

[0054] Preferably, the fluid product P has such a viscosity, and the orifice 7 has such dimensions, that the product cannot exit through the orifice without pressure being applied to the pear-shaped part.

[0055] The volume of the pipette's receiving space is adapted for a massage operation. In particular, the amount applied to the skin is that contained in the pipette and is therefore limited, which allows for effective massage with the rollerball, without the "aquaplaning" effect.

[0056] On the other hand, optionally, cooling means comprising a cooling block with a sealed casing, particularly in the shape of a torus, may be included in device 1. These cooling means may be housed in a chamber, particularly a toroidal one, which thus forms a cooling chamber within device 1. The cooling means can then essentially surround the portion of the ball received in housing 3. Thus, the cooling means can extend partially to the same level (height) as the ball, laterally relative to it. The sealed enclosure defines a sealed compartment in which a fluid, particularly a liquid, is received, preferably a eutectic liquid, that is, a liquid with a lower melting point than other liquids of the same chemical composition. These liquids are often used as cold packs for the storage and transport of temperature-sensitive products. Eutectic liquids (or gels) are generally composed of water, a gelling agent (such as sodium polyacrylate or cellulose), and specific salts or alcohols that lower the melting point.This type of liquid is well suited for cooling applications because it is able to maintain a constant temperature for a relatively long period of time, particularly in the temperature range between -5°C and -20°C.

[0057] The cooling block casing can be made of various materials with good heat / cold conductivity, such as plastic, glass, or metal, particularly High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The casing can form a solid element, meaning it maintains its shape on its own.

[0058] Preferably, especially when cooling means are provided, the part of the body forming the ball receiving housing 3 is made of a material which is a good conductor of heat / cold so that the ball and the cooling block are in thermal communication with each other.

[0059] The ball can be made of any material, thermally conductive or not. When cooling means are provided, the ball is preferably made of a material with a high thermal coefficient, for example stainless steel, glass, ceramic (particularly zirconium oxide) or similar. However, it can also be made of plastic.

[0060] The rest of the basic body, and in particular its side casing and the cap, can preferably be made of a thermally insulating material, for example Polypropylene (PP).

[0061] According to another possible embodiment, the housing of the cooling block is rigid so as to hold itself together and is arranged, in particular fixed, in the base body 2 so as to define itself the housing for receiving the ball.

[0062] The cooling means may further include an auxiliary cooling block housed within the cap. The auxiliary block may have a sealed casing substantially surrounding the portion of the ball protruding from the housing 3, i.e., the surface of the ball extending in the latitude range between 90° north and approximately 10° north, so that the ball is substantially surrounded over its entire surface by primary and auxiliary cooling means when the cap is in place, thus keeping it cool, and leaving the ball exposed when the cap is removed. The casing may define a sealed compartment into which a fluid is received, in particular a liquid of the same type as the liquid L in the casing 11.

[0063] The fluid, preferably eutectic, is pre-cooled, for example, by placing the compartment in a freezer for a suitable period to reach the desired temperature, in particular below 0°C, preferably between -20°C and 0°C. If an auxiliary cooling unit is used, it may be advantageous to ensure that the eutectic fluid of the cooling unit is different from that of the main unit, and in particular that it maintains the part of the rotating element protruding outside the housing at a temperature lower than the ambient temperature but higher than the temperature at which the main cooling unit maintains the part of the rotating element located inside the housing.

[0064] The present invention can be implemented in any application. In particular, it can be applied to any application requiring the application of intense cold to a surface, especially to the skin of a living being, particularly a human being, notably in the context of cryotherapy or any other treatments requiring prolonged cold massage of the body, for example, in cryolipolysis to reduce fat deposits in the areas to be treated, such as the abdomen, thighs, or arms, as well as to combat or treat varicose veins. The low temperature of the outer surface of the sphere, maintained for a prolonged time by the cooling liquid, causes the crystallization of fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated by the body. However, it can also be applied to all other massage applications that do not require the application of intense or non-intense cold. In particular, the present invention is not limited to those embodiments in which cooling means are provided, and can also be applied to embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, that do not include any cooling means.

[0065] In addition to its use in classic cryolipolysis as described above, the device of the invention with cooling system of the present invention can also be used in very localized cryolipolysis on smaller areas, in particular to eliminate bags under the eyes, especially those made up mainly of fat.

[0066] It can also be used for cryotherapy, particularly for treating blows, hematomas, rheumatism and similar conditions.

[0067] In this case, the rotating sphere can be adapted in size to the small area to be treated (from a few centimeters in diameter to several tens of centimeters for larger cases) and used for a duration generally of 20 to 30 minutes at constant sub-zero temperatures. This under-eye area naturally offers two advantages for cryolipolysis application with a rotating sphere: the shape of the bags, which are essentially fatty bulges, eliminates the need to pinch or suction the fat area to concentrate it, as is the case in conventional cryolipolysis and would be very dangerous in this area; and the specific composition of the skin in this part of the body, which is very thin and therefore allows for easier access to the fat cells.

[0068] The rotating ball as described in the present invention can also be used against blows received, migraines, rheumatism or osteoarthritis to help reduce inflammation and pain.

[0069] The rotating ball device according to the invention is simple to use, easy to transport, lightweight, and does not require a power source. It can be used for applying cosmetic, medical, or therapeutic products to the skin.

[0070] In the present invention, thermally conductive means a material having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 1 Wm -1 K' 1 , preferably greater than or equal to 40 Wm -1 K' 1 , even more preferably greater than 180 Wnr 1 K' 1 .

[0071] Preferably, the thermally conductive material according to the invention also exhibits a thermal inertia of at least 1000 Jrrr2 K' 1 s' 1 / 2 , preferably at least 5,000 Jrrr 2 K' 1 s' 1 / 2 , even more preferably at least 10,000 Jrrr 2 K' 1 s' 1 / 2 , even more preferably at least 20,000 Jrrr 2 K' 1 s' 1 / 2 .

[0072] Following a favorable improvement, in the case where cooling means are provided, means forming a sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the ball and means for displaying data related to the temperature detected by the means forming a sensor may be provided.

[0073] Thus, according to one embodiment, the ball can be covered with a layer of thermochromic material, the layer changing color, for example changing from green to red, when the temperature of the ball becomes greater than 0°C.

[0074] This description outlines various embodiments. They share common features and some features specific to each. Naturally, each of these specific features can also be implemented in the other embodiments, either in combination with their own specific features or as a replacement for them or some of them, and the intention of this description is also to describe these combined embodiments.

[0075] Figure 3 shows a kit according to the invention comprising a device according to the invention and at least one bulb 50 said to have breakable ends, a single bulb of a plurality of bulbs being shown in the figure.

[0076] The bulb 50 has a rigid casing and two end caps that can be cut off. For example, the bulb can be made of glass. The device in Figure 3 comprises the basic body 2 and the upper cap 6 of the device 1 in Figures 1 and 2. It further comprises a lower cap 40 with a threaded hole. interior adapted to the thread 23 of the element 20 forming a pierced plug, in particular identical to the tapping 16.

[0077] Figure 4 shows the device of Figure 3 with the two plugs 6 and 40 unscrewed and moved away from the base body 2.

[0078] In figure 5, we see that one of the two breakable ends of the bulb 50 has been cut off and the bulb is inserted into the conduit 12 of the base body 2 of the device so that the end which has been cut off is opposite the hole 13 formed between the conduit 12 and the housing 3 for the ball.

[0079] The shape of the bulb is adapted to that of conduit 12 to allow its insertion into the conduit.

[0080] Once the ampoule is inserted into the conduit 12, the user cuts off the other end of the ampoule. This creates a pressure difference that forces the product P contained in the ampoule out of the ampoule through the hole formed by cutting off the end opposite hole 13. The device is held at least partially vertically with the ball facing downwards to allow the product P to flow onto the surface of the ball. The massage can then take place, and only the contents of the ampoule, generally between 3 and 10 milliliters, are dispensed onto the ball. This allows for a long massage without dispensing too much product, as would be the case if a large-volume bottle were connected to the device instead of the ampoule.Furthermore, it is not necessary for the ampoule to have removable means of attachment to the device, the relative shapes of the conduit and the ampoule allowing sufficient support during the pouring of the product onto the ball and simplifying, once the entire ampoule has been poured, the removal of the ampoule.

[0081] Preferably, the fluid product P has such a viscosity, and the holes formed by the sectioning of the tips have such dimensions, that the product cannot exit through the hole formed by the first sectioning without the second hole having been formed by the second sectioning and can exit when the second hole has been formed.

[0082] Figure 7 shows in general terms the different steps shown in Figures 3 to 6 for a kit containing the same roll-on device and, instead of the rigid bulbs with breakable ends, a bulb with a flexible envelope having a breakable or tearable end along a line of least resistance.

[0083] The use of the kit in Figure 7 is identical to that of Figures 3 to 6, the only difference being that to create the pressure enabling the expulsion of the product contained in the ampoule, instead of cutting the second tip, the user compresses the flexible envelope, which has the effect of expelling the product from the ampoule onto the ball.

[0084] Preferably, the fluid product P has such a viscosity, and the hole formed by the sectioning of the nozzle has such dimensions, that the product cannot exit through the hole formed by the first sectioning without pressure being applied to the flexible casing and can exit through the hole when pressure is applied to the flexible casing, in particular average pressure applied by a person of average strength holding the casing between a middle finger and a thumb.

[0085] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the case of a pipette that is removably attached to the base body by means of a threaded hole 23, 16. According to the invention, such a removable attachment of the pipette could be dispensed with, and the device could be used with the pipette as it is used with the ampoules in Figures 3 to 7; that is, the user could simply insert the upper part 14 of the pipette into the conduit 12 and press on the lower flexible part 15 to dispense the product P onto the ball. Similarly, in the examples in Figures 3 to 7, no attachment means of the type of threaded hole 23, 16 of Figures 1 and 2 are provided, but such removable attachment means could be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0086] In the various examples shown in the figures, a rotating element in the form of a ball is provided, which is mounted to pivot about its center. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, it could be provided that this ball is mounted to rotate only about an axis, whether or not it passes through its center. Alternatively, a roller could be provided instead of the ball, mounted to pivot about an axis, whether or not it passes through the center of the circle forming its cross-section. In such a case, the housing is designed to be complementary in shape to the roller.

[0087] According to the invention, a topical product is understood to be a product which acts, preferably only, at the place where it is applied, on the skin or on a mucous membrane.

[0088] According to the invention, the distal side is understood to be the side furthest from the person holding the device, in particular the side from which the rotating element, in particular the ball, protrudes from the housing, and the proximal side is understood to be the side closest to the user holding the device, in particular the side opposite the side from which the rotating element protrudes from the housing.

Claims

Demands

1. (Roll-on device, intended for the application of a product, in particular a topical product, to a surface, in particular the skin of a living being, in particular a human being, comprising a basic body (2) defining at least one housing (3) designed to receive a rotatably mounted element, for example a ball or a roller, and a rotatably mounted element (4), for example a ball or a roller, in particular made of a thermally conductive material, received in the housing, the rotatable element (4) being held in the housing so as to be able to rotate about itself, in particular about an axis or pivot point, and at least a part of the rotatable element projecting out of the housing and being able to be brought into contact with said surface, the device further comprising a reservoir (11;50) of the product, in fluid form, in particular liquid, cream or gel, intended to be applied to said surface by means of the rotating element, is characterized in that the reservoir has a product receiving space and at least one outlet orifice (7), the reservoir being associated, for example removably fixed, to the base body so as to allow the passage, through at least one outlet orifice, of the fluid product from the receiving space of the reservoir directly onto the rotating element.;

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises output control means capable of controlling the output of the product from the receiving space of the tank to the rotating element.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one outlet port has an outlet port (7) opposite the most proximal point, in particular the proximal pole, of the rotating element.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the product reservoir (11; 50) and the base body (2) are two separate elements that can be associated with each other in a removable manner, in particular be fixed to each other in a removable manner, in particular by screwing.

5. Device according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 or 4 when they depend on claim 2, characterized in that the output control means comprise pressure / vacuum means capable of applying pressure and / or vacuum in the receiving space to expel and / or introduce product through the outlet orifice.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the pressure / vacuum means consist of at least one flexible part of the tank casing, in particular a shell-shaped part made of elastomeric material, in particular rubber, arranged so as to allow the expulsion and / or aspiration of the product through the outlet of the tank by exerting pressure on said at least one flexible part.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the reservoir is in the form of a pipette or a bulb.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir is fixed to the base body by screwing.

9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir, in particular the pipette, ampoule or syringe, has a tip and is associated, in particular removably fixed, with the base body so that its tip is opposite the ball, while a part of its casing protrudes from the base body.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ball (4) is made of a thermally conductive material, in particular steel.

11. Massage kit comprising a device, called a Roll-on, intended for the application of a product, in particular a topical product, to a surface, in particular the skin of a living being, in particular a human being, according to any one of the preceding claims and a plurality of reservoirs for the product, in fluid form, in particular liquid or gel, each reservoir having respectively a product receiving space and at least one outlet orifice, each reservoir being able to be associated, in particular removably fixed, to the base body so as to allow the passage of the fluid product, through at least one outlet orifice, from the receiving space of the reservoir to the rotating element, the volume of each receiving space corresponding to a pre-defined dose.

12. Kit according to claim 11, characterized in that the volume of each receiving space is between 2 and 10 millilitres (ml), in particular between 3 and 6 ml.

13. Massage kit comprising a Roll-on device for applying a product, in particular a topical product, to a surface, in particular the skin of a living being, in particular a human being, comprising a basic body defining at least one housing designed to receive a rotatable mounted element, for example a ball or a roller, and a rotatable mounted element, for example a ball or a roller, in particular made of a thermally conductive material, received in the housing, the rotatable element being held in the housing so as to be able to rotate about itself, in particular about an axis or pivot point, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the rotatable element projecting out of the housing and being able to come into contact with said surface; a first reservoir of the product, in fluid form, in particular liquid or gel, having a first product receiving space and a first outlet orifice;and a second reservoir of the product, in fluid form, in particular liquid, cream or gel, having a second product receiving space and a second outlet orifice, the second reservoir having pressure / vacuum means capable of applying pressure and / or vacuum in the second receiving space to expel product out of the second receiving space through the second outlet orifice to the rotating element and / or drawing product out of the first receiving space through the first outlet orifice to the second receiving space, the volume of the first receiving space being greater than the volume of the second space, in particular at least 5 to 20 times greater..];

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