Device for applying a solid cosmetic product

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for applying a solid cosmetic product, comprising: - a holder (2) for storing the product, comprising: o a hollow body (4) formed by a peripheral wall (43) delimiting a cavity (21); o a top insert (5); o a bottom insert (6); o at least one decorative covering (7) attached to the peripheral wall (43) of the body (4); - an assembly (3) for applying the product, which is removably mounted inside the cavity (21) in the body (4). The storage holder (2) comprises a structure (40) that extends inside the cavity (21) and is integral with the body (4), the structure (40) having means for receiving the application assembly (3) as well as means for mechanically reinforcing the body (4).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Device for applying a solid cosmetic product

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a device for applying a solid cosmetic product, in particular a cosmetic product applicator. For example, the applicator consists of a solid perfume.

[0005] This device mainly consists of a product storage case and a product application kit, which is separate from the storage case, and which is mounted inside the storage case.

[0006] Technical background

[0007] The state of the art is known regarding application devices used for packaging cosmetic products, such as cosmetic sticks, particularly but not exclusively for lipstick sticks, or solid perfume sticks. Such a cosmetic stick is sometimes referred to as a "grape".

[0008] Application devices typically consist of a case that encloses a product application kit. The case and the application kit are two separate and removable components. They can be nested together when the user wishes to close the device for easy transport or storage in a toiletry bag, and they can be separated so the user can use the application kit to apply the cosmetic product to their body.

[0009] This application set includes a mechanism that can be controlled to slide the grape between a retracted position in which it is protected by the mechanism, and a deployed position in which at least one section of the grape protrudes from the mechanism to allow its application.

[0010] The packaging plays a major aesthetic role. Cosmetic product packaging is perceived by the user as an indicator of the product's market value, so a box with a certain weight and aesthetic appeal will be associated with a higher perceived value. The same applies to the application unit, at least the part visible from the outside when the application device is closed. More generally, all parts of the application device visible from the outside must have a pleasing aesthetic. To this end, to ensure their aesthetic appeal, it is common practice to give them a galvanized outer coating, which increases the perceived value.

[0011] However, such a galvanized exterior coating is expensive.

[0012] It is possible to add one or more decorative coverings, either alternatively or cumulatively, such as fabric that wraps around the case, rhinestones, or other embellishments. To ensure that such a decorative covering is securely attached, for example by gluing or clipping, it must be pressed against the case body with considerable force, which carries a risk of deformation of the case body, which is undesirable.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome the various disadvantages stated above, by means of a device for applying a solid cosmetic product, the external parts of which are visible to the user and are coated to give the device a certain aesthetic appeal, all at a lower cost and without risk of deformation.

[0015] According to the invention, the application device for a solid cosmetic product, in particular a cosmetic product applicator, extends along a central axis X and comprises:

[0016] - a product storage case comprising: o a hollow body formed by a peripheral wall delimiting a cavity opening on one side into an open upper end and on the other side into an open lower end; o a head insert disposed at the upper end of the body; o a base insert disposed at the lower end of the body; o at least one decorative covering fixed to the peripheral wall of the body;

[0017] - a product application assembly, which is separate from the storage case, and which is mounted inside the body cavity in a removable manner.

[0018] This device is characterized primarily in that the storage case includes a structure developing inside the cavity and made of the same material as the body, said structure having means for receiving the application assembly as well as means for mechanically reinforcing the body.

[0019] The main idea behind this invention is to incorporate a structure within the case body to stiffen it and prevent any deformation when the decorative coating is attached. This structure also accommodates the application assembly when the user closes the device, ensuring it is properly positioned and held securely. The structure thus serves multiple functions. Furthermore, it is made of the same material as the body, reducing the number of parts required for assembly.

[0020] According to the various embodiments of the invention, which may be considered together or separately: said receiving means consist of a central sleeve extending along the direction of the body corresponding to the X-axis, and into which the application assembly is inserted. said mechanical reinforcement means consist of a plurality of ribs connecting the receiving means to the peripheral wall of the body; the ribs extend over at least a portion of the sleeve's length. The ribs extend radially from the sleeve. Each rib is fixed at a corner of the body when the body's cross-section is polygonal. The head insert has an upper wall with a galvanized coating, visible from outside the device. The head insert has an opening for the application assembly.The device includes means for elastically fitting the application assembly into the receiving means, ensuring axial locking between them. These elastic fitting means consist of an annular bead extending around the outer perimeter of the application assembly and designed to fit under at least one protrusion projecting from an internal wall of the body. This protrusion acts as a rigid point during the axial fitting of the application assembly into the storage case. The decorative coating is attached to the peripheral wall of the body by applying pressure whose force is oriented perpendicular to the central axis X. The structure extends into the central part of the body, with the upper and lower ends free to accommodate the head and base inserts. The body is molded in one piece.The application assembly includes a gripping head that extends from the storage case through the head insert and has a galvanized coating. The body is made of PP. The head insert and the base insert are also made of PP.

[0021] Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the attached drawings in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an application device according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the application device according to Figure 1, showing the two main sub-assemblies, namely the storage case and the application assembly;

[0025] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the application device according to Figure 1, showing all the parts of the device;

[0026] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the application device according to Figure 1, with three detailed views of specific areas indicated on that same figure;

[0027] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a storage case body according to a similar embodiment;

[0028] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the storage case as shown in Figure 5;

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective top view of the storage case body as shown in Figure 5;

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view from below of the body of the storage case shown in Figure 5. Detailed description of the invention

[0031] In the following description, elements with an identical structure or analogous functions will be designated by the same references.

[0032] By convention, the "axial" direction corresponds to the main extension direction of the device, illustrated by the X-axis in Figure 1, and the "radial" direction is directed orthogonally to the axial direction, radiating from the X-axis.

[0033] In the detailed description of the figures that follows, the terms "upper" and "lower," or "top" and "bottom," will be used interchangeably, without limitation, with reference to the axial direction. The upper part of the device corresponds to the portion of the application assembly that protrudes from the storage case.

[0034] Similarly, the terms "outside or external" and "inside or internal" are used with reference to the radial direction, an outside element being radially further from the X axis than an inside element.

[0035] Figures 1 to 4 show an application device 1 for a solid cosmetic product. Preferably, the cosmetic product is a solid perfume intended to be applied by rubbing, as an alternative to a liquid perfume applied by spraying.

[0036] It mainly comprises an application unit 3 and a tubular storage case 2. The application unit 3 holds the cosmetic product, in this case a grape 12 of cosmetic product.

[0037] The application device 1 extends along the principal X-axis shown vertically in the figures. The application assembly 3 and the storage case 2 are centered on this X-axis.

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 1, the application assembly 3 is mounted inside the storage case 2. Part of the application assembly 3 protrudes from the storage case 2 and forms a gripping area for the user.

[0039] Thus, when the user wishes to use the device, he holds the storage case 2 in one hand, and with the other hand he grasps the gripping area of ​​the application assembly 3 and pulls it to separate it from the storage case 2 as shown in figure 2.

[0040] Figure 3 shows the different parts that make up the storage case 2 and the application assembly 3.

[0041] By means of a rotating mechanism 10, the user can then extend the grape 12 and apply it to their skin. The application assembly 3 mainly comprises a gripping head 11 that cooperates with a mechanism 10 inside which the grape 12 is located. By rotating the gripping head relative to the mechanism 10, the grape 12 moves from an extended position (as illustrated in Figure 3) to a retracted position (as illustrated in Figure 2), and vice versa. The mechanism 10 transforms the rotational movement of the gripping head into a translational movement of the grape 12. This is a conventional mechanism 10, and is not the subject of the present invention.

[0042] Any mechanism 10 allowing a grape 12 of cosmetic product to be pushed in and out can be used within the framework of the present invention.

[0043] The present invention focuses on the design of the storage case 2, as well as the overall aesthetics of the application device 1. Indeed, the entire device must be aesthetically pleasing, which implies that the case 2 must be aesthetically pleasing, as well as the protruding part of the gripping head of the application assembly.

[0044] 3.

[0045] The aesthetics of case 2 will be explained in the description below. As for the aesthetics of the grip head, it is made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene, and has a galvanized outer coating that provides an attractive finish.

[0046] The storage case 2 consists mainly of a hollow body 4 extending along a central axis X extension direction.

[0047] This body 4 gives the general external shape of the storage case 2.

[0048] This body 4 is formed by a peripheral wall 43 which delimits an internal cavity 21.

[0049] The body 4 has a lower end 23 located near a bottom of the application device 1, and an upper end 22 located near the gripping head of the application assembly 3. These lower ends 23 and upper ends 22 are open, the cavity 21 being open on both sides.

[0050] The storage case 2 also includes a head insert 5 which is mounted on the body 4 at the upper end 22, and a bottom insert 6 which is mounted on the body 4 at the lower end 23. These inserts 5, 6 allow the open ends of the body to be at least partially closed.

[0051] 4. Each insert 5, 6 has a wall extending perpendicularly to the X-axis and visible from the outside. Each insert 5, 6 also has a peripheral skirt extending from the wall and having means for interlocking with the body 4.

[0052] Thus, the head insert 5 has an upper wall visible from the outside, and a peripheral skirt 54 hidden inside the body 4. As illustrated in detail A of figure 4, the skirt 54 has a projection 52 adapted to fit inside a window 42 or a recess provided on the body 4 for this purpose, thus providing an elastic fit of the head insert 5 into the body 4. Preferably, the skirt 54 has two diametrically opposed projections 52 adapted to fit inside two equally opposed windows 42 on the body 4.

[0053] The bottom insert 6 has a lower wall 61 visible from the outside when looking at the device 1, and a peripheral skirt 63 hidden inside the body 4. As illustrated in detail C of figure 4, the skirt 63 has a projection 62 adapted to fit inside a window 41 or a recess provided on the body 4 for this purpose, thus providing an elastic fit of the bottom insert 6 into the body 4. Preferably, the skirt 63 has two diametrically opposed projections 62 adapted to fit inside two equally opposed windows 42 on the body 4.

[0054] Preferably, the head insert 5 and the bottom insert 6 are both galvanized to give the storage case 2 a certain aesthetic appeal.

[0055] Preferably, at least the upper wall 51 of the head insert 5 and at least the lower wall 61 of the bottom insert 6 have a galvanized coating. The body 4, the head insert 5, and the bottom insert 6 are all three made of a plastic material, thus reducing material costs.

[0056] The plastic material used is preferably recyclable. This includes, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a composition involving one or both of PP and PET.

[0057] It is customary to place the case 2 vertically on a work surface. The base insert 6 is then in contact with the work surface.

[0058] To ensure the case 2 remains upright, it is preferable to house a weight 13 at the base insert 6, i.e., in the lower part of the case 2, to provide greater stability to the case 2 when it is in a vertical position. In this case, this weight 13 is positioned inside the peripheral skirt 62 of the base insert 6 and is therefore held radially by this skirt. The lower wall 61 of the base insert 6 provides axial support for this weight 13. The weight 13 is made of a heavy material, such as sintered steel or zamak.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the body 4 has a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, it has a square cross-section.

[0060] However, any other cross-sectional shape would also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the body 4 could have a round, oval, or carbide cross-section, etc.

[0061] To obtain a case 2 with a beautiful aesthetic, the body 4 is fitted with a decorative coating 7.

[0062] In this case, this decorative covering 7 consists of a fabric that wraps around the body 4. It is a strip of fabric that is affixed all around the peripheral wall 43 of the body 4.

[0063] There is then a joining line at the ends of the fabric, preferably located on the back face of the case 2. This line should be as discreet as possible. It is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, for example. Any other material for the decorative covering 7 falls within the scope of the present invention. For example, it could be leather, cardboard, plastic, stone veneer, etc.

[0064] Various techniques can be used to attach the decorative coating to the body 4 of the case 2. In particular, bonding or welding are preferred. In all cases, it is necessary to apply pressure to the coating on the body 4 until it adheres properly to the peripheral wall 43 and does not detach over time. However, applying such a force causes deformation of the peripheral wall 43 of the body 4. Since the force is directed perpendicular to the X-axis, a dent may form in the body 4 at the point where the force is applied. There may even be a risk of cracking in the body 4 if the force is too great. To remedy this problem, the body 4 has a structure 40 extending inside its cavity 21. The body 4 and its structure 40 are illustrated in more detail in Figures 5 to 8.

[0065] This structure 40 provides mechanical reinforcement to the peripheral wall 43 of the body 4. This structure 40 is also made of plastic, the same material as the peripheral wall 43. Preferably, the structure 40 is formed from the same material as the peripheral wall 43. Thus, the structure 40 and the peripheral wall 43 form a single piece, namely the body 4. For example, the body 4 is produced by molding, or by a known additive manufacturing process.

[0066] This structure 40 not only mechanically reinforces the body 4 but also provides a means of accommodating the application assembly 3. Indeed, the application assembly 3 is partially located inside the body 4, as previously discussed, and only a portion of the gripping head protrudes from the body 4, and therefore, a fortiori, from the case 2. The structure 40 extending inside the body 4 is designed to optimally accommodate the application assembly 3 and to hold it in position when the device 1 is closed. More specifically, this structure 40 consists of a central sleeve 44 extending along the direction of the body 4 corresponding to the X-axis, and into which the application assembly 3 is inserted. This sleeve 44 thus acts as a accommodating means. This sleeve 44 is more clearly visible in Figure 6, for example.

[0067] Furthermore, this structure 40 has ribs 45 connecting this sleeve 44 to the peripheral wall 43 of the body 4. These ribs 45 are more clearly visible in Figure 8 for example.

[0068] These ribs 45 extend radially from the sleeve 44. These ribs 45 therefore act as mechanical reinforcement. Thus, when a force is applied to the peripheral wall 43 during the fixing of the decorative covering 7, the ribs 45 are there to distribute, or even counteract, this force and ensure that the peripheral wall 43 does not deform.

[0069] More precisely, the central sleeve 44 extends into the central part of the body 4.

[0070] It extends over at least half the height of body 4.

[0071] It does not extend in the lower or upper part in order to leave room for the bottom insert 6 and the top insert 5, as well as the ballast 13.

[0072] Sleeve 44 is cylindrical in shape and hollow, to accommodate application assembly 3.

[0073] This sleeve 44 has a neck 28 delimited from a main part 29 by a shoulder 47. When the application assembly 3 is mounted on the body 4, the gripping head 11 penetrates the body 4 until it abuts against this shoulder 47, as illustrated in detail view B of Figure 4. Preferably, elastic interlocking means are provided between the neck of the sleeve 44 and the gripping head 11 to achieve axial locking. These elastic interlocking means consist specifically of an annular bead 13 extending around the lower periphery of the gripping head 11, adapted to cooperate with at least one protrusion 46 projecting from the inner surface of the neck of the sleeve 44.

[0074] Preferably, the body 4 has at least two diametrically opposed protuberances 46. Even more preferably, the body 4 has four protuberances 46 arranged at 90° to each other, as can be seen in Figures 7.

[0075] This interaction between the annular bead 13 and the protrusions 46 allows for an elastic fit, the protrusions acting as passages for the rigid points. With sufficient force, the user can remove the application assembly 3 from the body 4 by pulling on it and repositioning the rigid points in the opposite direction.

[0076] Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 6, 7, and 8, the sleeve 44 has a base 48. This base 48 retains the ballast 13 in the lower part of the body 4 when the device 1 is handled and, for example, turned over. Thus, the ballast 13 is held stationary between the lower wall 61 of the base insert 6 and the base 48 of the sleeve 44.

[0077] This sleeve 44 is attached to the peripheral wall 43 of the body 4 by means of the ribs 45 mentioned previously. These ribs 45 thus connect the sleeve 44 to the peripheral wall 43.

[0078] Preferably, the structure 40 has at least two ribs 45 extending between the sleeve 44 and the peripheral wall 43 of the body 4. Preferably, they are diametrically opposed on the sleeve 44.

[0079] With a body 4 of polygonal section, here with four sides and four right angles, there are four ribs 45 connecting the sleeve 44 to each of the four angles.

[0080] With a body 4 of circular section, there could also be four ribs 45 connecting the sleeve 44 to the peripheral wall 43.

[0081] Preferably, each rib 45 is arranged at 90° to the adjacent ribs 45.

[0082] The number of ribs 45 is not limited within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the ribs 45 are regularly distributed angularly around the sleeve 44, and have a radial length equivalent to the distance separating the sleeve 44 from the peripheral wall 43.

[0083] Preferably, the ribs 45 extend over the entire height of the sleeve 44. Preferably, the ribs 45 extend over at least part of the height of the sleeve 44, in this case from the bottom 48 of the sleeve 44 to the shoulder 47.

[0084] As illustrated in figures 7, this sleeve 44 is also attached to the peripheral wall 43 of the body 4 by means of a platform 27 oriented perpendicularly to the extension direction X, .

[0085] Preferably this platform 27 is located at the height of the shoulder 47 of the sleeve 44.

[0086] Preferably, the ribs 45 are also connected to the platform 27.

[0087] Preferably, as illustrated in figures 6 and 7, the sleeve 44 has a plurality of internal bosses 49 in the vicinity of the bottom 48. These bosses 49 allow the application assembly 3 to be centered when it is introduced into the body 4.

[0088] In the present case, there are three bosses 49 distributed angularly and regularly on the lower perimeter of the sleeve 44, on the inner side.

[0089] Each boss 49 has a ramp oriented towards the central axis X so as to progressively decrease the diameter of the sleeve 44. Thus, when the application assembly 3 is introduced into the case 2, the free end of the mechanism 10 comes into contact with these bosses 49 and slides on these ramps, so as to be progressively centered with respect to the sleeve 44, and then totally centered at the end of the stroke.

[0090] Optionally, the storage case 2 can be decorated with individual decorative elements 9 fitted into the body 4. For example, the peripheral wall 43 of the body 4 has a reception area 24 for these decorative elements 9. This reception area 24 is perforated to allow the fixing of the decorative elements 9.

[0091] Preferably, reinforcement measures are provided for the reception area 24. For example, these reinforcement measures consist of a reinforcing metal plate 8 affixed to the reception area 24. More specifically, the reception area 24 consists of a recess in the peripheral wall 43, allowing the metal plate 8 to be accommodated so that it is flush with the rest of the peripheral wall 43.

[0092] This metal plate 8 has a plurality of holes 81 to accommodate decorative elements 9.

[0093] Similarly, the decorative coating 7 has a plurality of holes 72 to accommodate the decorative elements 9.

[0094] In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the reception area 24 has two large openwork areas 26, while the metal plate 8 and the decorative coating 7 have small holes 81, 72 coinciding with the locations of the decorative elements 9.

[0095] The holes 81 in the metal plate 8 are arranged in the same locations as the holes 72 in the decorative coating 7 so that there is a correspondence between the holes 81, 72, these holes 81, 72 opening onto the openwork areas 26 of the reception area 24.

[0096] Each decorative element 9 has a pin 91 suitable for being inserted successively into the hole 72 of the decorative coating 7, then into the hole 81 of the metal plate 8, then into an openwork area 26 of the receiving face 24.

[0097] Alternatively, as illustrated in figures 5, 7 and 8, the reception area 24 also has small holes 25 aligned with those 81 of the metal plate 8 and those 72 of the decorative coating 7, instead of the openwork areas 26.

[0098] The ribs 45 make it possible to stiffen the peripheral wall 43 and thus make it possible to fix all these numerous decorative elements 9, without risking damage to the body 4 of the case 2.

[0099] The configurations shown in the cited figures are only possible examples, by no means limiting, of the invention which on the contrary encompasses the variants of forms and designs within the reach of the man skilled in the art.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Application device (1) for a solid cosmetic product, in particular a cosmetic product applicator (12), extending along a central axis X and comprising: - a product storage case (2) comprising: o a hollow body (4) formed by a peripheral wall (43) delimiting a cavity (21) opening on one side onto an open upper end (22) and on the other side onto an open lower end (23); o a head insert (5) disposed at the upper end (22) of the body (4); o a bottom insert (6) disposed at the lower end (23) of the body (4); o at least one decorative covering (7) fixed to the peripheral wall (43) of the body (4); - an application assembly (3) of the product, which is separate from the storage case (2), and which is mounted inside the cavity (21) of the body (4) in a removable manner; characterized in that the storage case (2) comprises a structure (40) extending inside the cavity (21) and forming part of the body (4), said structure (40) having means for receiving the application assembly (3) as well as means for mechanically reinforcing the body (4).

2. Application device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said receiving means consist of a central sleeve (44) developing along the extension direction of the body (4) corresponding to the X axis, and in which the application assembly (3) is inserted.

3. Application device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mechanical reinforcement means consist of a plurality of ribs (45) connecting the receiving means to the peripheral wall (43) of the body (4).

4. Application device (1) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the ribs (45) extend over at least part of the length of the sleeve (44).

5. Application device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the ribs (45) extend radially from the sleeve (44).

6. Application device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each rib (45) is fixed at an angle of the body (4) when the section of the body (4) is polygonal.

7. Application device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head insert (5) has an upper wall (51) having a galvanized coating, visible from outside the application device (1).

8. Application device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head insert (5) has a passage orifice (53) of the application assembly (3).

9. Application device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for elastically fitting the application assembly (3) into the receiving means ensuring axial locking between them.

10. Application device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said elastic interlocking means consist of an annular bead (13) extending over the external periphery of the application assembly (3) and being able to fit under at least one protrusion (46) projecting from an internal wall of the body (4), the protrusion (46) acting as a hard point during the axial interlocking of the application assembly (3) into the storage case (2).

1. Application device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative coating (7) is fixed 15 to the peripheral wall (43) of the body (4) by exerting a pressure whose force is oriented perpendicularly to the central axis X.

12. Application device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (40) develops in the central part of the body (4), the upper end (22) and the lower end (23) being free to accommodate the head inserts (5) and bottom inserts (6).

13. Application device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (4) is molded in one piece.

14. Application device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application assembly (3) comprises a gripping head which emerges from the storage case (2) through the head insert (5), and which has a galvanized coating.

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