PACKAGING AND APPLICATOR DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging and applicator device comprising: a container containing a composition for application; an applicator, or in the absence of an applicator a composition dispenser member; a preparation, finishing, and/or massage tool secured to the container or the applicator at least while the tool is not in use, the device being arranged in such a manner that use of the tool is dissociated with application of the composition with the applicator; and a vibration source configured to be secured to the tool while the composition dispenser or applicator is in use.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging and applicator devices that include respective vibration sources.

Additional aspects and other features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from the practice of the present invention. The advantages of the present invention may be realized and obtained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims. As will be realized, the present invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the present invention. The description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

International application WO 2006/090343 and US patent application No. 2006/0032512 disclose examples of such devices.

US application No. 2003/0120185 discloses a vibrator device for applying a composition while simultaneously performing a massaging or other similar action.

There exists a need to further improve packaging and applicator devices including a vibration source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention achieves this by means of a packaging and applicator device comprising:

• • a container containing a composition for application;
  • an applicator, or in the absence of an applicator a dispenser member;
  • a preparation, finishing, and/or massage tool secured to the container or the applicator at least while the tool is not in use, and
  • a vibration source configured to be secured to the tool while the composition dispenser or applicator is in use.

The invention provides novel possibilities in applying a makeup, a care and/or a cosmetic product.

Because the vibration source is secured to the tool while in use, the invention also makes it possible to have a vibration source that is relatively close to the tool while in use, thereby enabling the tool to benefit effectively from the vibration of the vibration source.

The vibration source may be fastened releasably to the applicator or to the container, and it may include first fastener means arranged to co-operate with second fastener means of the container or of the applicator.

By way of example, the vibration source is arranged to be fastened to the applicator or the container by friction, snap-fastening, screw-fastening, or interfitting shapes among other suitable systems.

In some embodiments, the vibration source may be secured to the applicator or to the container and not be separable therefrom.

The above tool is not immersed in the composition in the container when the tool is secured to the container.

Use of the tool is dissociated from application of the composition with the applicator.

The vibration source may generate vibration, in particular sinusoidal vibration, e.g. at a frequency, for example, lying in the range 1 hertz (Hz) to 500 Hz, 10 Hz to 300 Hz, or 50 Hz to 200 Hz.

The vibration source may include a vibration generator, e.g. a motor in the form of a disk, for driving an eccentric flyweight in rotation. The vibration generator may be of some other kind, e.g. piezoelectric, electromechanical, or with an eccentric flyweight. The vibration generator may also include a motor rotating a gearwheel in contact with a rubbing strip that includes an elastically deformable blade among others.

The vibration source may include a source of power, e.g. a 1.5 volt (V) battery. By way of example, the motor may be arranged so that when it is connected to a power source (e.g. 1.5 V battery), it rotates at a speed lying in the range 5000 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 12,000 rpm.

The applicator may include a handle member defining a housing for receiving the vibration source.

The vibration source may be incorporated in a member for closing the container or for protecting the dispenser member.

The vibration source may comprise a casing housing an electric motor, an electric switch for switching the electric motor on, and at least one optionally rechargeable battery.

The vibration may be oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool. In some embodiments, the vibration may be oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

The tool may be selected from brushes or combs for making up the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, paintbrush-type brushes, or flocked endpieces, amongst other possibilities.

The tool may also be adapted to massage the scalp and may include curved flexible fingers provided with enlarged heads at their ends.

The tool may be arranged to be releasably fastened to the vibration source.

The vibration source may include a ring for fastening it to one of the container and the applicator, said ring being arranged, for example, to be suitable also for fitting on a finger.

The vibration source may be of variable orientation relative to the applicator, where appropriate.

The invention also provides a method of cosmetically treating keratinous material, the method comprising the steps:

• • applying a composition by means of the applicator device as defined above; and
  • before and/or after application, performing a preparation, finishing, or massaging operation on the treated region with the help of the tool of the device as defined above, the tool being caused to vibrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a packaging and applicator device of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary and diagrammatic longitudinal section of the exemplary device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 to 6 are diagrammatic elevation views of packaging and applicator devices made in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are longitudinal sections showing other exemplary embodiments of devices of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cutaway elevation view of another embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows the use of the vibration source of the device shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of the device;

FIG. 12 shows an example of the tool being fastened on the vibration source consistent with some embodiments; and

FIG. 13 shows an example of a kit comprising a vibration source and various finishing tools.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The packaging and applicator device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a container 2 containing a composition P e.g., a mascara composition for application on human keratinous material, and an applicator 3 comprising an applicator member 10 secured to a stem 11 that is connected to a handle member 12.

In the example shown, handle member 12 also constitutes a member for closing container 2, e.g., arranged to be screwed onto a neck 14 of container 2.

Container 2 may be provided with a wiper member 16 that is fastened or otherwise located in neck 14 for the purpose of wiping applicator 3 while it is being withdrawn from container 2.

In the example under consideration, handle member 12 defines a housing 20 for receiving a vibration source 21 that carries a tool 25, e.g. a finishing tool for adjusting makeup that has been applied by means of applicator 3.

Vibration source 21 includes a switch 26 that may be actuated through a window 28 in handle member 12 in the example under consideration.

Vibration source 21 houses a vibration generator 30, e.g., a motor in the form of a disk driving an eccentric flyweight in rotation. By way of example, the motor may be mounted on a support of an elastically deformable material, in particular of elastomer, that is capable of absorbing vibration harmonics associated with the motor.

Vibration source 31 may also house power source, e.g., one or more optionally rechargeable batteries, for powering vibration generator 30 when switch 26 is actuated. Switch 26 may provide contact that is permanent transient.

By way of example, tool 25 is connected to a casing 36 of vibration source 21 by a rod 37, and/or any other suitable means.

Tool 25 may be selected from for example, brushes, combs, and flocked endpieces, e.g. having bristles, teeth, asperities, or portions in relief, for combing, separating, exfoliating, spreading, or blending, for example.

Vibration source 21 transmits vibration to tool 25, which vibration comes from vibration generator 30, e.g., vibration at a frequency lying in the range 1 Hz to 500 Hz, e.g., in the range 10 Hz to 300 Hz, or 50 Hz to 200 Hz. The vibration may be sinusoidal.

The vibration may be oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal axis X of applicator device 1 or parallel to said longitudinal axis, depending on the orientation of generator 30 within casing 36.

A protective cap 40 may cover tool 25 while it is not in use, cap 40 being arranged to screw onto handle member 12, for example.

Applicator device 1 may be used as follows.

The user may apply a composition (e.g., makeup), e.g., to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, by using the applicator member 10 so as to apply the composition P.

Once composition P has been applied, the user may close container 2 and remove cap 40.

Thereafter, the user may extract vibration source 21 from housing 20 and use it as a handle member for adjusting the composition with tool 25 that is in contact with the treated region, and that is optionally set into vibration. Where appropriate, the user may also use vibration source 21 while it is in place in housing 20.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, applicator 3 includes an applicator member that is permanently fastened to the container 2 and that defines an application surface 100.

By way of example, the applicator member is a block of foam that may be flocked, or it is a flocked sheet secured to the neck 14 of the container.

In this example, it is container 2 itself that acts as a handle member for applying the composition contained inside it by means of the application surface 100.

Examples of containers similar to that shown in FIG. 3 are disclosed in the following publications to Gueret: US 2006/0083577 (filed Oct. 20, 2005); FR 2 800 041 (filed Oct. 22, 1999); US 2003/0129016 (filed Nov. 19, 2002); US 2003/0075200 (filed Sep. 3, 2002); and FR 2 860 496 (filed Oct. 2, 2003), which are incorporated herein by reference.

Applicator device 1 in FIG. 3 also includes a closure member 110 for closing container 2, closure member 110 may be fastened to neck 14, houses vibration source 21 vibration source 21 may be actuated by means of a switch 26, and carries tool 25. By way of example, tool 25 is a flocked sheet or a foam.

A cap may optionally serve to protect the tool 25 when not in use.

The device of FIG. 3 may be used to apply the composition contained in container 2 while closure member 110 is removed, with application being performed by means of application surface 100.

Thereafter, closure member 110 is put back into place and the user may make use of container 2 as a handle member for finishing the makeup with tool 25, while acting on switch 26 to subject tool 25 optionally to vibration, depending on what the user desires.

In another embodiment, the closure member 110 is not put into place on container 2 and the user may make use of closure member 110 as a handle member for finishing off the makeup, among other things.

In embodiment of FIG. 4, applicator 3 may be a foam, for example, and tool 25 may be a massage device, e.g., including massaging portions in relief 126, for example, spines.

Where appropriate, a protective cap 140 may cover tool 25 when not in use.

In the example of FIG. 4, the composition contained in the container 2 may be applied, after which the user may massage the region on which the composition has been applied by using vibration source 21, closure member 110 optionally being in place on container 2.

In another embodiment, the user may begin by massaging the region for treatment (e.g., a scalp), closure member 110 optionally being in place on container 2, and then the composition is applied to the previously-massaged region shown for treatment.

In the variant of FIG. 5, the container 2 is fitted with a dispenser member 200, e.g., in the form of an endpiece, container 2, for example, being in the form of a tube. Vibration source 21 may be secured to a closure member 110 of container 2.

In FIG. 6, vibration source 21 carries a tool 25 having massage portions in relief, e.g., for massaging the scalp, e.g., in the form of flexible curved fingers provided at their ends with round heads 160. By way of example, the composition is dispensed from the end opposite from vibration source 21 by a capsule 170 having a dispenser orifice that can be closed when not in use by a lid 171 hinged to capsule 170. Vibration source 21 may be permanently fastened to the container 2.

In some embodiment, e.g. as shown in FIG. 7, container 2 is fitted with a dispenser member 210 for example an aerosol valve or a pump.

Vibration source 21 may be secured to a protection member 110 that covers dispenser member 210 when not in use. By way of example, the tool 25 may include a paintbrush-type brush carried by protection member 110 and may optionally be covered by a protective cap 140.

Vibration source 21 may optionally be reused on a new container 2 once a previous container has been emptied or otherwise fallen to disuse.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the applicator device 1 may have an applicator member 10 secured to a handle portion 12 arranged to be screwed into the neck 14 of the container.

By way of example, applicator member 10 may be a compressible endpiece or foam capable of becoming loaded with the composition P contained in container 2 through a perforated wall 181.

Vibration source 21 may be situated on the side remote from neck 14 of container 2, e.g., comprising a casing 190 that may be fitted to the body of container 2, e.g. by snap-fastening.

Casing 190 may carry a tool 25 such as, for example, a foam or a sheet having abrasive properties.

The device of FIG. 8 may be used as follows, for example.

The user may begin with prior treatment using preparation tool 25 and may then load composition P into applicator member 10, e.g. by shaking the container 2 and the user may then proceed to apply the composition P on the previously treated region.

The option of causing tool 25 to vibrate prior to applying the composition for treating the region that is to receive it may reinforce the effectiveness of the composition by stimulating circulation of the blood, for example. The vibration may also serve to reinforce the action of exfoliating the skin, for example.

In the example of FIG. 9, vibration source 21 may be fastened releasably to container 2 or applicator 3 by means of a ring 260 that may be engaged on the handle member 12 and/or in a variant, on the body of container 2.

Vibration source 21 carries tool 25 and the finishing operation may be performed while ring 260 is still in place on handle member 12, as shown in FIG. 9 and/or while it is fitted on a finger D of the user, as shown in FIG. 10.

Ring 260 may optionally enable vibration source 21 generator to turn relative to tool 25, thereby enabling the direction of vibration to be modified.

FIG. 11 shows the possibility of vibration source 21 being fastened to handle member 12 of applicator device 1 by interfitting shapes, e.g., by snap-fastening. In a variant, vibration source 21 may be fastened to the body of container 2 by other interfitting shapes.

By way of example, tool 25 compled with vibration source 21 may be held between two portions 301 and 302 thereof, as shown in FIG. 12. These portions 301 and 302 may be connected together by, for example, a film hinge and being molded as a single part, for example, and once brought one against the other constituting the casing of vibration source 21. Portions 301 and 302 may be held in the closed configuration by a locking member on which the user may act, e.g., for the purpose of changing tool 25 or replacing the battery(ies).

Vibration source 21 may be made available to the user in association with a plurality of tools for finishing, preparing, and/or massaging, as shown in FIG. 13.

In this example, vibration source 21 is made available within a kit 400 together with a plurality of finishing tools, such as, for example, an injection-molded brush, an injection-molded comb, and a twisted-core brush.

By way of example, kit 400 includes a packaging device for containing container 2, vibration source 21, and the finishing tools, the packaging device being constituted for example by a case, a box, a bag, or a blister pack.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In particular, the embodiment features of the examples shown may be combined in variants that are not shown. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that all such variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

The above written description of the invention provides a manner and process of making and using it such that any person skilled in this art is enabled to make and use the same, this enablement being provided in particular for the subject matter of the appended claims, which make up a part of the original description and including a packaging and applicator device comprising:

• • a container containing a composition for application;
  • an applicator, or in the absence of an applicator a composition dispenser member;
  • a preparation, finishing, and/or massage tool secured to the container or the applicator at least while the tool is not in use, the device being arranged in such a manner that use of the tool is dissociated with application of the composition with the applicator; and
  • a vibration source configured to be secured to the tool while the composition dispenser or applicator is in use.

As used herein, the phrases “selected from the group consisting of,” “chosen from,” and the like include mixtures of the specified materials. Terms such as “contain(s)” and the like as used herein are open terms meaning ‘including at least’ unless otherwise specifically noted. Phrases such as “mention may be made,” etc. preface examples of materials that can be used and do not limit the invention to the specific materials, etc., listed.

The term “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one”.

All references, patents, applications, tests, standards, documents, publications, brochures, texts, articles, etc. mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference. Where a numerical limit or range is stated, the endpoints are included. Also, all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out.

The above description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, this invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. In this regard, certain embodiments within the invention may not show every benefit of the invention, considered broadly.

Claims

1. A packaging and applicator device comprising:

a container containing a composition for application;

an applicator, or in the absence of an applicator a composition dispenser member;

a preparation, finishing, and/or massage tool secured to the container or the applicator at least while the tool is not in use, the device being arranged in such a manner that use of the tool is dissociated with application of the composition with the applicator; and

a vibration source configured to be secured to the tool while the composition dispenser or applicator is in use.

2. A device according to claim 1, the tool being a finishing tool.

3. A device according to claim 1, the tool being a massage tool.

4. A device according to claim 1, the tool being a preparation tool.

5. A device according to claim 1, including an applicator, the vibration source being fastened releasably to the applicator.

6. A device according to claim 1, the vibration source being fastened releasably to the container.

7. A device according to claim 1, including an applicator, the vibration source being secured to the applicator and not being separable therefrom.

8. A device according to claim 1, the vibration source being secured to the container and not being separable therefrom.

9. A device according to claim 1, the vibration source generating vibration at a frequency lying in the range 1 Hz to 500 Hz.

10. A device according to claim 1, the vibration source including a vibration generator comprising a motor for driving an eccentric flyweight in rotation.

11. A device according to the preceding claim, the motor being a disk-shaped motor.

12. A device according to claim 10, the motor being mounted on a support of elastically-deformable material, in particular of elastomer.

13. A device according to claim 1, the vibration source including an electricity source.

14. A device according to claim 5, the applicator including a handle member defining a housing for receiving the vibration source.

15. A device according to claim 1, the vibration source being incorporated in a container closure member.

16. A device according to claim 2, the finishing tool being selected from: a brush or a comb for making up the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.

17. A device according to claim 2, the finishing tool being selected from paintbrush-type brushes.

18. A device according to claim 2, the finishing tool being selected from flocked endpieces.

19. A device according to claim 3, the tool being adapted to massage the scalp and including curved flexible fingers provided with enlarged heads at their ends.

20. A device according to claim 2, the finishing tool being arranged to be releasably fastened to the vibration source.

21. A device according to claim 5, the vibration source including a ring for fastening it one of the container and the applicator.

22. A device according to the preceding claim, the ring being arranged to be fastened on a finger.

23. A device according to claim 1, the vibration source being of variable orientation relative to the applicator.

24. A device according to claim 1, the vibration source being secured to a protection member for the dispenser member.

25. A device according to claim 1, the vibration being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

26. A device according to claim 1, the vibration being oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

27. A device according to claim 1, the vibration source comprising a casing housing an electric motor, an electrical switch for switching on the motor, and at least one optionally rechargeable battery.

28. A device according to claim 27, the motor being connected to a 1.5 V battery and being suitable for rotating at a speed of rotation lying in the range 5000 rpm to 12,000 rpm.

29. A method of cosmetically treating keratinous material, the method comprising the steps:

applying composition by means of the applicator device as defined in claim 1; and

before and/or after application, performing a preparation, finishing, or massaging operation on the treated region with the help of the tool of the applicator device as defined in claim 1, the tool being subjected to vibration.