VIBRATOR APPLICATOR

Abstract

A device for applying a cosmetic or care product, having an electric motor rotating an eccentric mass in order to produce vibrations on an applicator member, the motor having a metallic disc-shaped casing.

Description

The present invention relates to a device used in cosmetics, the device including an electric motor that makes it possible to subject an applicator member to vibration during use.

Such applicators are already known, in particular from publications WO 2006/09343 and FR 2 904 923 by the applicant. By way of example, the electric motor is housed in a handle of the applicator.

The invention seeks to improve vibrator devices still further, e.g. so as to make it easier to integrate the motor in the applicator, particularly, but not exclusively, in a handle of the applicator.

In one of its aspects, the invention achieves this object by means of a device for applying a cosmetic or care-product composition, the device including an electric motor that rotates an off-center fly-weight so as to produce vibration in an applicator member, wherein the motor includes a disk-shaped metal case.

By using a motor including a disk-shaped metal case, advantageously housing the fly-weight, it is easier to implant the motor in the device, and, in particular, it is possible, if so desired, to dispose the motor in the device in such a manner that the motor produces vibration along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, which may turn out to be advantageous for some applications. For example, when the applicator member is a mascara brush of the type made by injection-molding one or more thermoplastic materials, or of the twisted-core type carrying bristles fitted thereto, the fact that the vibration is along the longitudinal axis of the brush may contribute to the quality of the makeup effect.

The term “case” means the outer enclosure of the motor. The case may comprise two assembled-together parts, namely a bottom and a cover, for example. The metal of the case preferably withstands corrosion, e.g. being stainless steel.

The term “disk-shaped case” should be understood to mean a case of transverse width that is greater than its thickness along the axis of rotation, and that is of generally circular outline.

The device may include a closure cap for closing a container containing the composition for application. The cap may constitute the handle of the device. By way of example, the device may be separate from the container during application.

The closure cap may include means that enable it to be fastened on the container, e.g. a mounting skirt that is threaded, or it may be arranged so as to snap-fasten on the container. In particular, the container may be closed in leaktight manner.

In embodiments of the invention, the case may be secured to a tab that extends under two contacts for electrically powering the motor. The tab may be metal and may be made integrally with a wall of the case, e.g. defining a wall that defines one of the main faces of the case and the bottom thereof.

In use, the speed of rotation of the motor may lie in the range 4000 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 10,000 rpm, for example.

The power-supply voltage of the motor may lie in the range 0.8 volts (V) to 3.5 V. The applicator may thus include a 1.5 V button battery for powering the motor.

As indicated above, the applicator member may be subjected to vibration that is oriented longitudinally relative to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. In a variant, the vibration may be transverse, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

The axis of rotation of the motor may intersect the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. A diametral mid-plane of the case may contain the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. The plane in which the center of inertia of the fly-weight moves may contain the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, or may be substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis and be very close thereto, e.g. may be at a distance of less than 1 millimeter (mm) therefrom.

The motor may advantageously be disposed in a casing comprising two half-shells, e.g. made of thermoplastic material, that are interconnected via a film hinge or assembled together in some other way. The casing may constitute the housing of a vibration source that is mounted in optionally-removable manner on the device. The device may include a housing that receives the vibration source. By way of example, the housing is formed in the closure cap. Where appropriate, the housing may hold the vibration source, such that said vibration source preserves the orientation in which it is left by the user. The vibration source may include first fastener means that are arranged to co-operate with second fastener means of the device. The vibration source may be held on the device, e.g. within the housing, by friction, by snap-fastening, by screw-fastening, by locking by means of an additional part, by magnetization, by mechanical fastening using hooks and loops of the Velcro type, or by adhesive, e.g. by means of a repositionable adhesive.

The device may include a stem at a first end of which the applicator member is fastened in optionally separable manner. The stem may include a second end that is fastened to the closure cap of the container containing the composition, or to any other handle.

The vibration source may be masked, in part or almost entirely, by a wall defining the housing that receives it, e.g. being covered over a major fraction of its length by the handle, while it is disposed in the housing.

The orientation of the vibration source relative to the closure cap may be fixed, and the orientation of the closure cap relative to the applicator member may possibly be adjustable.

By way of example, in the device, the housing receiving the vibration source may be situated at one end of said device, with said housing opening out in a direction opposite from the applicator member, for example.

A longitudinal axis of the vibration source and a longitudinal axis of the closure cap of the container may be parallel.

The vibration source need not have means for releasably fastening it to at least one finger.

The device may include a wiper member for wiping the applicator member. The wiper member may be held on the container containing the composition, and it may wipe the applicator member while said applicator member is being removed from the container.

The thickness of the disk-shaped metal case (measured between its opposite main faces) may lie in the range 1.5 mm to 5 mm, for example, and its diameter may lie in the range 8 mm to 15 mm.

The device may include a switch that enables the user to switch the electric motor on or off. The switch may include a lever that is molded integrally with a support of the motor, in particular with the above-mentioned casing.

The device may include a switch for simultaneously coming into electrical contact with two batteries that are electrically connected in parallel. This makes it possible to obtain a higher current. The switch may include a projecting portion that comes to be engaged between the batteries, e.g. formed by a fold of a conductive blade.

The device may include a switch that is configured for selectively coming into contact with a battery selected from two batteries that may be disposed side-by-side, thereby making it possible to power the motor from one battery when the other is flat, for example. Each battery may thus be disposed so as to be able to be removed independently of the other, for example.

As an alternative to the above-mentioned molded lever, it is possible to use a button that is injection-molded on a portion of the casing, e.g. one of the half-shells when the casing comprises two half-shells.

The motor may be connected by an electric wire to a metal contact that optionally comes into direct contact with a battery that is housed in the applicator, when the user presses on the switch. The contact may be defined by a spring-forming metal blade that preferably includes a highly electrically-conductive material that is capable of withstanding saline-mist corrosion testing. At a first end, the metal blade may present a rim that is engaged in a recess of the free end of the lever. The casing may include a tab that covers the blade at its end remote from the rim. The casing may include two uprights between which the blade is engaged. The blade may present a wide portion that comes into abutment against the uprights, on their face remote from the above-mentioned rim.

The device may include an electric battery for powering the electric motor, a face of one of the battery and the motor coming to face an edge of the other one of the battery and the motor, for example. For example, the opposite faces of a button battery may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, whereas the axis of rotation of the motor is perpendicular to the button battery.

The casing may include a hole making it easier to eject the battery from its housing.

The fly-weight may have a total weight lying in the range 0.12 grams (g) to 0.6 g. The fly-weight may be constituted by the rotor itself, contained inside the case. The motor may include a rotor carrying a metal unbalance weight fitted thereto. The weight of the unbalance weight may lie in the range 0.08 g to 0.18 g, e.g. 0.09 g to. 0.15 g or 0.1 g to 0.14 g.

The motor may be a direct current (DC) motor with brushes. The motor may include a rotor comprising a printed circuit board carrying a commutator track for the brushes. The printed circuit board may be in the shape of a truncated disk. The rotor may include a metal unbalance weight, e.g. situated at its periphery, of weight as indicated above, for example.

The device of the invention may include an applicator member of any type. The vibration produced may depend on the applicator member. The device may include a single applicator member, e.g. not being provided with a second applicator member or with a member for finishing touches, preparation, or massage.

The applicator member may be arranged to apply a composition to the eyelashes or to the hair, and it may comprise a brush or a comb, for example, that may be flocked, for example. The brush may comprise a twisted core, with bristles that are held between the turns of the core, or it may be made in some other way. The core may have a right-hand twist or a left-hand twist, or it may comprise two twisted-together cores. By way of example, the comb may be made as a single part by molding a rigid or flexible plastics material, by injection-molding, or by over-molding. The applicator member may be off-center. It may have a cross-section of shape that is optionally circular.

The applicator member may also include a brush for applying composition to the nails, the lips, or the skin. The applicator member may include bristles that are adhesively bonded or stapled, bristles that are twisted-together, a non-woven fabric, a woven fabric, a felt, flocking, or a foam.

The applicator member may also include a capillary applicator element that is configured to retain the composition by capillarity, and that includes, for example, a tubular wall and an internal element that cooperates with the tubular wall to define a space for retaining the composition by capillarity. Such an applicator member may be useful for applying a composition to the nails, for example.

In a variant, the applicator member may include threads or a succession of annular stripes, the applicator member being formed by a stack of disks, for example. Such an applicator member may be for applying the composition to keratinous fibers.

In a variant embodiment, the applicator member may comprise an endpiece, in particular a flocked endpiece, that is optionally elastically deformable. Such an applicator member may be for applying the composition to the skin, the lips, or the eyelashes, for example.

In a variant embodiment, the applicator member may comprise an elastically-compressible and/or porous member, e.g. an optionally-flocked porous foam or elastomer.

The applicator member may be magnetic.

In a variant embodiment, the stem of the device may be flexible, thereby contributing to increasing the amplitude of the vibration of the device and/or to increasing comfort in application.

The stem may include a flexible portion that is made out of a material that is not as hard as a material that is used to make the remainder of the stem. The flexible portion makes it possible to transmit vibration to the applicator member, e.g. while damping it, or, on the contrary, while amplifying it, depending on the shape of the portion, the direction of the vibration, and the frequency of the vibration.

The flexible portion may be made out of a material that is elastically deformable, e.g. made out of elastomer.

The composition may be a cosmetic, makeup, or care-product composition. By way of example, the composition is a composition for applying to: the nails; the skin; keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes, the eyebrows, or the hair; or the lips, e.g. a mascara; an eyeliner; a nail varnish; a lipstick; a lipgloss; a foundation; a blusher; an eyeshadow; an eye-contour concealer; an under-eye dark-circle concealer; a self-tanning agent; a sun-screen; or even a care product for the eyebrows, the eyelids, the lips, the skin of the face, the skin of the cheeks, the nails, the hands, or the feet, this list not being limiting.

In particular, the composition may be different from a toothpaste and from a body-scrub, and in particular it may contain pigments, in particular non-food pigments. The composition may contain fibers, glitter, or other macroscopic elements. The composition may present magnetic properties, where appropriate.

The composition may equally well be a care product, in particular: a blemish concealer; an anti-wrinkle cream; an under-eye puffiness concealer; a body lotion; or a root-treatment composition, in particular for encouraging hair growth. The composition may equally well be a massage composition for the face or the body.

The composition may be in powder, paste, or liquid form.

Independently or in combination with the above, the invention also provides a cosmetic treatment method comprising the steps consisting in:

applying composition by means of a device as defined above;

changing the position of the vibration source; and

re-applying composition and/or combing and/or adding finishing touches and/or massaging by means of the device.

The applicator member may be configured so as to make it possible to apply a composition to a region to be made-up or to be treated. It may be used to take the composition, to apply the composition, or after the composition has been applied.

The invention also provides the vibration source proper, independently of any applicator member, including the motor as defined above, in its casing.

Thus, the invention also provides a vibration source, in particular for an applicator as defined above, the source comprising a casing comprising two half-shells that are interconnected via a film hinge, and housing: an electric motor having a disk-shaped metal case and rotating an off-center fly-weight; one or more electric batteries; and a switch including a lever that is integrally molded with one of the half-shells.

The invention also provides a vibration source comprising a casing housing an electric motor having a metal case and rotating an off-center fly-weight, and during its rotation, the center of inertia of the fly-weight describes a circle in a plane that contains the longitudinal axis of the casing or that is parallel thereto.

In another of its aspects, and independently or in combination with the above, the invention also provides a vibration source comprising a casing of elongate shape, comprising two half-shells that are interconnected via a film hinge, one of said half-shells carrying a motor having an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the casing. By way of example, the motor may have a disk-shaped case, and may have an internal fly-weight or an external fly-weight.

By way of example, the motor may include a cylindrical case that is elongate along the axis of rotation, the rotor turning with a shaft on which the fly-weight is mounted. The motor may be disposed between two uprights that are molded integrally with one of the half-shells. The casing may include a switch as defined above, comprising a lever that is molded with a contact blade that comes to bear directly on a battery, for example.

In variants, the casing of the vibration source includes a constriction between the motor and the battery(ies). The motor may be housed in the head of the vibration source, i.e. the portion that is furthest away from the applicator member when the vibration source is in place on the applicator.

The casing may include a tubular portion of cross-section that is oblong, e.g. elliptical, and of major axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vibration source.

The casing of the vibration source may be molded integrally with a finger or other projection that engages in an inner chimney of the device, e.g. a chimney that is molded integrally with the closure cap. This may improve the transmission of vibration. The chimney may be situated in the extension of the stem carrying the applicator member.

The invention also provides casing as such for the vibration source, the casing comprising:.

two half-shells that are interconnected via a film hinge;

a switch lever that is molded integrally with one of the half-shells;

a housing for receiving an electric motor; and

a housing for receiving at least one electric battery.

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 shows an example of a packaging and applicator device of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a detail of the FIG. 1, device;

FIG. 3 shows the closure cap with the vibration source removed;

FIG. 4 shows the vibration source of the FIG. 1 device in isolation;

FIG. 5 is a side view as seen looking along arrow V in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows the vibration source with the casing open;

FIG. 7 shows the casing of the vibration source with the electrical components of the vibration source removed;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a variant embodiment of the packaging and applicator device;

FIG. 9 shows a detail of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows the vibration source separated from the device;

FIG. 11 shows the vibration source in isolation;

FIG. 12 is a side view as seen looking along arrow XII in FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are views similar to FIGS. 6 and 7 showing the vibration source of FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 15 shows a variant packaging and applicator device;

FIGS. 16a and 16b are fragmentary and diagrammatic longitudinal sections of the vibration source of the FIG. 15 device, respectively with the switch at rest and depressed;

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an example of a motor from which the case has been removed and the rotor has been separated from the stator;

FIG. 18 shows the face of the rotor carrying the commutator track for the brushes;

FIG. 19 shows the opposite face of the FIG. 18 rotor, in place on the stator;

FIG. 20 shows the magnet in isolation;

FIG. 21 shows the stator after the magnet has been removed;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 18 showing a variant embodiment of the rotor;

FIG. 23 shows the FIG. 22 rotor from the opposite side and in place on the stator;

FIG. 24 shows a diagrammatic and fragmentary longitudinal section of a variant embodiment of a packaging and applicator device of the invention;

FIG. 25 shows a diagrammatic and fragmentary longitudinal section of another variant embodiment of a packaging and applicator device of the invention;

FIG. 26 shows a configuration in which the axis of rotation of the motor is parallel, or even coincides, with the longitudinal axis of the applicator member and/or applicator;

FIG. 27 shows the unbalance weight of the rotor of FIGS. 17 to 21;

FIG. 28 shows a vibration source in another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 29 shows an example of engaging a vibration source in a closure cap;

FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic view of the open casing of a variant vibration source;

FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 29 showing a variant vibration source;

FIGS. 32 and 33 are diagrammatic views of variant embodiments, observed along the longitudinal axis of the vibration source;

FIG. 34 shows a variant embodiment of the vibration source;

FIG. 35 is an elevation view showing another example of a vibration source; and

FIGS. 36 and 37 show variant embodiments of the vibration source.

FIG. 25 shows a first example of a packaging and applicator device 1 made in accordance with the invention. The packaging and applicator device comprises: a container 2 containing a composition P for application; and an applicator 3 that comprises a stem 4 that is provided at a distal end with an applicator member 5 of longitudinal axis Y, and that is connected at its proximal end to a handle 6 that also constitutes a closure cap for closing the container 2. The closure cap may be configured to cover a dispenser opening of the container, and, where appropriate, it may close the container in leaktight manner.

The container 2 is fitted with a wiper member 7, e.g. constituted by a part made of elastomer that is, inserted into the neck 8 of the container. The wiper member 7 may optionally be conventional, indeed it may be adjustable.

The handle 6 is arranged so as to close the container 2 in leaktight manner when it is screw-fastened on the neck 8, in manner known per se.

The handle 6 includes a housing 31, formed at its end, that defines at least one fastener position for fastening a vibration source 20 on the applicator.

In the embodiment in FIG. 25, the housing 31 is configured in such a manner as to receive an end portion of the vibration source 20, e.g. remote from a control member that defines a control surface 21.

By way of example, the control member is a switch that is triggered by pressing it. The control member may be made in various ways and may include a flexible metal blade that comes to close an electrical circuit when deformed by the user. The control member advantageously presents momentary contact, i.e. it changes state when the user actuates it, and returns to its initial state when the user releases it.

In the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 7, the handle 6 presents a housing 31 that is open axially at the end remote from the container 2, and that presents, on its side, and starting from its proximal end, a window 40 that passes a lever 41 defining the control surface 21. In the embodiment shown, the height of the window 40 corresponds substantially to the length of the lever 41.

It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the vibration source 20 may include a casing 43 that may present a collar 45 at its end that is remote from the applicator member 5 when the vibration source is in place in the applicator. The collar may come to bear axially against the end edge 47 of the handle 6, as can be seen in FIG. 2. At the end remote from the collar 45, the casing 43 may include a finger 48 or any other projection capable of channeling vibration from the vibration source 20 towards the applicator member 5.

The finger 48 may come into contact with, or into the proximity of, the stem, the closure cap, or an applicator holder, so as to transmit vibration.

Where appropriate, the finger may be engaged in a housing of the closure cap, as shown in FIG. 29 or 31.

As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the casing 43 may be made with two half-shells 51 and 52 that are interconnected via a film hinge 54, or that are assembled together in some other way, e.g. the two half-shells 51 and 52 being molded as a single piece of thermoplastic material, or, in a variant, of some other material, e.g. metal, providing the electrical circuit is modified so as to avoid short-circuits being created by the casing.

By way of example, the half-shell 51 carries the finger 48, while the other half-shell presents a semi-circular opening 56 that is adapted to engage on the finger 48 when the casing is closed. Assembly pins 60, e.g. two in number, are formed on one of the half-shells, e.g. the half-shell carrying the lever 41, and may engage in corresponding housings 62 of the other half-shell that are situated on the edge remote from the hinge 54, so as to hold the casing 43 in its closed position.

In the embodiment shown, the lever 41 is molded integrally with the half-shell 52, being defined laterally by slots 31 and being connected to the half-shell 52 via an end 64 that is situated more or less mid-way along the casing 43.

The vibration source 20 houses a motor 70, a button battery 80, a first electrical contact 90, and a second electrical contact 92, as can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The first electrical contact 90 is in the form of a metal blade that is fastened on the half-shell 52 and that includes a contact portion 93 that extends beneath the lever 41 and may flex therewith.

At one end, the blade presents a rim 315 that is fastened in a recess of the lever 41 at its free end.

Two uprights 317 are formed on the half-shell 52 substantially mid-way along its length.

The blade passes between the uprights 317 and includes a wide portion 318 that bears against the uprights 317.

The half-shell 52 includes a window 320, visible in FIGS. 4 and 7, for molding a retaining tab 325 under which the blade comes to be positioned at its end remote from the lever 41.

A hole 450 may be formed in one of the half-shells so as to make it easier to eject the battery at the end of its life for recycling, or in order to replace the battery.

An electric wire 95 connects the blade to an electrical contact 101 that can be seen in FIG. 17, of the motor 70. The other electrical contact 102 of the motor is connected via an electric wire 104 to the second electrical contact 92 that comes to bear against an electrode 81 of the button battery 80. In the embodiment shown, the second electrical contact 92 comes to cover a partition 330 of the half-shell that is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the vibration source. The electric wires 95 and 104 are soldered to the electrical contacts 101 and 102 of the motor, and to the first and second contacts 90 and 92.

The case 110 of the motor 70 is held in the half-shell 51 between two uprights 120 that are made integrally with the half-shell 51 by molding a plastics material. The case may be adhesively bonded via one face to one of the uprights 120.

A third upright 341 may be provided in the longitudinal mid-plane of the half-shell 51 so as to block the case 110. This upright may have a curved edge that matches the shape of the side of said case. When the casing 43 is closed and the user presses on the control surface 21, the first electrical contact 90 may come to bear against the second electrode 83 of the battery 80, as defined by its circumference, thereby closing the electrical circuit that connects the battery to the motor 70 and causing the motor to start.

As can be seen in FIGS. 17 to 21, the case 110 is secured to a tab 130 that extends under a printed circuit 131 carrying the electrical contacts 101 and 102. By way of example, the tab 130 is made integrally with a wall of the case, defining one of the main faces of said case and its bottom 137. By way of example, the printed circuit 131 is adhesively bonded to the inside face of the bottom 137.

As shown in FIG. 6, the case 110 includes a metal cover 138 that is crimped onto the bottom 137, for example. The bottom may present teeth that are engaged in corresponding notches of the cover 138.

As can be seen in FIG. 21, the stator of the motor 70 includes brushes 141 and 142 that are respectively connected to the electrical contacts 101 and 102, and that are intended to come into contact with a commutator track 150 formed on a rotor 151. By way of example, the brushes 141 and 142 are soldered onto the printed circuit 131, and, by way of example, each presents two curved brush arms that are concave towards the track 150.

The track 150 is defined by contacts of a printed circuit 152, e.g. six contacts 154, that are distributed angularly and uniformly about the axis of rotation of the rotor, and that are connected electrically to two coils 160 and 161 in such a manner that the coils create a magnetic field that interacts with a magnet 170 of annular shape that is concentric with the axis of rotation and that is magnetized along a diametral axis.

By way of example, the case 110 is made out of a magnetic metal that is magnetized by the magnet.

While the rotor is rotating, the coils 160 and 161 are supplied with different polarities, thereby co-operating with the magnet to create fields that alternately attract and repel, thus causing the rotor to rotate.

The printed circuit board 152 presents a truncated disk shape so that its center of inertia is off-center relative to the axis of rotation, and, as shown in FIG. 18, it may support an unbalance weight 190 that is constituted by a metal weight that is fastened to its periphery. The rotor itself may thus constitute an off-center fly-weight.

The unbalance weight 190, shown in isolation in FIG. 27, is made out of a non-magnetic metal, for example, and, in the embodiment shown, it presents an outside edge 190a that is circular. The unbalance weight may have opposite edges 190b that match the shape of the coils, and two anchor fingers 190c on its inside edge.

The rotor may carry a bearing 195 via which it is mounted on a stationary shaft 196 of the stator. The shaft is made of metal, is of axis Z, and is carried by the bottom 137, for example.

FIG. 22 shows a variant embodiment of the rotor 151 that differs in the shape of the printed circuit board 152 and in the shape of the unbalance weight 190.

In the embodiments in FIGS. 17 to 23, the coils 160 and 161 are held stationary by a support 200 made of thermoplastic material or of resin. By way of example, the support 200 is cast onto the face 151 of the printed circuit that is opposite from the commutator track 150. When the support 200 is not cast or injection-molded onto the printed circuit 152, the support 200 is adhesively bonded thereon, for example.

The motor as described in Figs. 17 to 21 and its variant in FIGS. 22 and 23 are suitable for any of the embodiments shown, and in particular the embodiments described below, amongst others.

The variant device 1 in FIGS. 8 to 14 differs from the device variant in FIGS. 1 to 7 by the fact that the vibration source 20 extends further beyond the handle 6, e.g. by at least one-fourth of the total length of the handle, thereby making it easier for the user to hold the handle.

The handle 6 may include the housing 31 and a window 40 that is shorter than the lever 41.

The casing 43 may be made with a shoulder 220 that comes to bear against the end edge 47 of the handle 6, as shown in FIG. 9.

The variant embodiment in FIGS. 15 and 16 differs from the variant embodiment in FIG. 8, in particular by the fact that the lever 41 has its distal end 64 free. The first contact 90 also has a different shape that includes a bend 90c that is engaged in a corresponding recess of the lever 41.

In the embodiments in FIGS. 1, 8, and 15 in particular, the vibration source 20 may have a greatest diameter lying in the range 9 mm to 25 mm, e.g. in the range 14 mm to 19 mm, the length of the vibration source lying in the range 20 mm to 50 mm, preferably in the range 30 mm to 40 mm.

The invention is not limited to a particular applicator member.

FIG. 24 shows a packaging and applicator device 1 in which the applicator member 5 is formed by a foam or by any other member having a surface that is porous or flocked. In this embodiment, the applicator member may take the composition through a mesh 270.

The applicator member 5 is secured to a handle 6 that carries the vibration source 20. The vibration source includes a motor 70 as defined above, said motor possibly being disposed with its axis of rotation Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator 3, for example, or parallel to and in line with said longitudinal axis, as a function of the desired orientation of the vibration.

In a variant not shown, the battery may be mounted in some other way in the casing of the vibration source. Two batteries may also be used, in particular two button batteries that are electrically connected in parallel or in series.

In the embodiments in FIGS. 6, 13, and 16A, the thickness of the case of the motor 70 lies in the range 2 mm to 3.5 mm, for example.

The small size of the motor makes it possible to have its axis of rotation Z perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator, while continuing to be of a size that is normal for the handle of an applicator, e.g. a mascara applicator. Where appropriate, the casing may be made with at least one window 900, as shown in FIG. 16A for example, facing the case of the motor, or having it engaged thereon, thereby making it possible, where appropriate, to use a larger motor without unduly increasing the size of the casing of the vibration source. The casing may also be made with a window that enables an applicator member to come directly into contact with the metal case of the motor for better transmission of vibration, for example. The window may also facilitate adjustment.

It is not beyond the ambit of the present invention for the axis of rotation Z to be oriented parallel to the axes X and Y, as shown in FIG. 26, e.g. coinciding with the axis Y. A transverse orientation of the vibration may be useful for some applications.

The starting voltage of the motor lies in the range 0.8 V to 1.3 V, for example, but other starting voltages are possible.

In variants, the motor is mounted on the applicator in permanent manner, without the possibility of being removed. By way of example, only the battery(ies) may be replaced.

The half-shells may be molded out of various thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamides such as nylon®, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane, polyoxymethylene (POM), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but also polymerizable materials such as polyester and polyurethane, or thermosettable materials such as urea formaldehyde resins, for example.

The battery(ies) and the motor may possibly be adhesively-bonded or soldered together in the casing of the vibration source.

An applicator member may be mounted directly on the vibration source, where appropriate.

The oscillation produced in the applicator member may encourage organizing or anchoring the composition being applied to the skin, the eyelashes, or the hair, or may encourage cleansing of the skin, the eyelashes, or the hair.

The choice of oscillation speed, orientation, and amplitude may be adapted to each type of application depending on the desired result, e.g. modifying the rheology of the composition, and/or improving the deposition of the composition, or generally improving the application of makeup.

The vibration source may be proposed to the user pre-mounted on the container or on the applicator within a package, e.g. a presentation case, a bag, a blister pack, a box. In a variant, the vibration source may be in the non-assembled state together with the applicator or the container within the package. The vibration source may be made available with at least two different containers or two different applicator members within a single package.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

FIG. 28 shows a vibration source, made in accordance with another aspect of the invention, for which the motor 70 is no longer necessarily a disk motor, but may be a motor that includes a case 700 of a shape that is elongate along the axis of rotation Z, and that is provided with a shaft 702 that rotates a fly-weight 701 that is situated outside the case 700.

The motor 70 may be fastened on one of the half-shells, e.g. the half-shell 51 as shown, by means of uprights 710, e.g. two in number, that are molded integrally with the half-shell 51, and each having, for example, a shape that is curved towards the case 700, in such a manner as to match the shape thereof.

The motor 70 may be adhesively bonded to at least one of the uprights 710.

In the embodiment shown, the axis of rotation Z is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the vibration source 20, the axis Z intersecting the axis X in the embodiment under consideration.

The motor 70 is a motor of length that is short as measured along the axis of rotation Z, thereby enabling it to be disposed with the axis Z perpendicular to the axis X.

The total length of the motor 70, including the fly-weight, as measured along the axis Z, lies in the range 6 mm to 16 mm, for example.

The weight of the fly-weight 701 lies in the range 0.08 g to 0.6 g, for example.

The motor 70 may be a DC motor with brushes, the rotor being disposed inside the stator and turning inside said stator. By way of example, the air gap is radial.

In the embodiment in FIG. 28, the motor 70 that may be of any kind, and in particular that may be as defined above, is situated in the bottom half of the vibration source 20 when said vibration source is observed vertically, with the projection 48 pointing downwards. That may facilitate the transmission of vibration.

FIG. 30 shows the possibility of the motor 70 being situated in the top half of the vibration source 20. That makes it possible to use a larger motor while remaining within the diameter of the closure cap.

It can be seen in FIG. 29 that the projection 48, constituted by a finger of axis X in the embodiment shown, is engaged in a housing 800 provided in the packaging and applicator device, when the vibration source 20 is in place on the device. By way of example, the housing 800 is formed in a chimney 802 that may be molded integrally with at least one portion of the closure cap. By way of example, the chimney 802 may be molded integrally with the stem 4 that may be solid or hollow.

Regardless of how the motor 70 is made, e.g. using the same motor as the motor in the embodiment in FIG. 28, FIG. 31 shows the possibility of making the vibration source 20 with a constriction 820 that separates a head 821 of the vibration source containing the motor from a base 822 containing one or more batteries 80, for example. This embodiment also shows the possibility of the finger 48 engaging in a housing 800 provided in the device, in the bottom wall of the housing receiving the vibration source. As shown in FIG. 32, the motor 70 and at least one battery 80 may be disposed side-by-side when the vibration source 20 is observed along the axis X.

The vibration source may be made with a casing having a tubular portion of cross-section that is oblong, e.g. elliptical, as shown in FIG. 33, thereby making it possible to use a motor 70 that is longer.

FIG. 34 shows the possibility of the vibration source including a motor having an external fly-weight, and having an axis of rotation that is parallel to the longitudinal of the casing. The casing is advantageously made with two half-shells 51 and 52 that are interconnected via a film hinge 54, the lever 41 of the switch being molded integrally with one of the half-shells.

The motor 70 may be held by a series of transverse partitions 950 to 952, the partition 950 also defining the housing receiving the battery 80 and being suitable for carrying the second electrical contact 92, like the partition 330 in the FIG. 7 embodiment. A partition 953 may extend between the fly-weight 701 and the case of the motor.

In a variant not shown, the vibration source includes a motor that is relatively short, e.g. less than 16 mm in length, disposed like the motor in FIG. 34, with its axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the casing.

A motor that is suitable for any of the above-described variants absorbs a current lying in the range 15 milliamps (mA) to 130 mA, or even 20 mA to 110 mA, e.g. 30 mA to 90 mA, while operating in nominal mode, for example.

FIG. 35 shows an embodiment in which the casing 43 of the vibration source includes a button 1000 molded on a half-shell, so as to actuate an electrical contact disposed in the casing. By way of example, the button 1000 comprises a membrane made of elastomer.

FIG. 36 shows the possibility of having two batteries 80 inside the casing.

The device may include a switch that is suitable for selectively coming into contact with one or the other of the batteries. Each of the batteries 80 may be removed independently of the other, for example.

FIG. 37 shows the possibility of having a switch that is suitable for simultaneously coming into electrical contact with two button batteries 80 that are disposed in the casing.

The switch may include a projecting portion 1011, e.g. formed by a V-shaped fold in a conductive blade, that comes to be engaged electrically between the batteries 80, so as to connect them electrically in parallel.

The blade may be carried by a lever 21.

The lever 21 may include a portion in relief 1013 that engages in the concave shape 1011 of the conductive blade. By way of example, each of the two batteries 80 bears, via the same pole, e.g. the pole, against respective contacts 1030, e.g. formed of metal blades that are folded and are engaged on portions in relief of the casing.

When the user presses on the lever 21, the projecting portion 1011 establishes contact between the two same-polarity battery housings. The conductor blade including the projecting portion 1011 is connected to a power terminal of the motor. The contacts 1030 are connected to the other terminal. For the purpose of clarity in the drawing, FIG. 37 does not show the electric wires that connect the motor to the various contact blades.

In a variant, the batteries 80 are electrically connected in series when the switch is actuated.

In variants, the casing may be formed by two half-shells that are not interconnected via a film hinge.

The expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one” unless specified to the contrary.

Claims

1-23. (canceled)

24. A device for applying a cosmetic or care-product composition, the device including an electric motor that rotates an off-center fly-weight so as to produce vibration in an applicator member, the motor including a disk-shaped metal case.

25. A device according to claim 24, the case housing the fly-weight.

26. A device according to claim 24, the case being secured to a tab that extends under two contacts for electrically powering the motor.

27. A device according to claim 24, the speed of rotation of the motor in use lying in the range 4000 rpm to 10,000 rpm.

28. A device according to claim 24, the power-supply voltage of the motor lying in the range 0.8 V to 3.5 V.

29. A device according to claim 24, the applicator member being subjected, during operation of the motor, to vibration that is oriented longitudinally relative to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

30. A device according to claim 24, the axis of rotation of the motor intersecting the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

31. A device according to claim 24, a diametral mid-plane of the case containing the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

32. A device according to claim 24, the motor producing vibration along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

33. A device according to claim 24, the motor being disposed in a casing comprising two half-shells made of thermoplastic material, that are interconnected via a film hinge.

34. A device according to claim 24, the thickness of the case lying in the range 1.5 mm to 5 mm, and its diameter lying in the range 8 mm to 15 mm.

35. A device according to claim 24, including a switch that enables the user to switch the electric motor on or off, the switch including a lever that is molded integrally with a support of the motor.

36. A device according to claim 24, the motor being connected via an electric wire to a metal contact when the user presses on a switch of the applicator.

37. A device according to claim 24, including an electric battery for powering the electric motor, a face of one of the battery and the motor facing an edge of the other one of the battery and the motor.

38. A device according claim 24, the rotor including an unbalance weight having a weight lying in the range 0.08 g to 0.18 g.

39. A vibration source comprising a casing comprising two half-shells housing: an electric motor having a disk-shaped metal case, and rotating an off-center fly-weight; one or more electric batteries; and a switch including a lever that is integrally molded with one of the half-shells, or a button that is injection-molded on one of the half-shells.

40. A vibration source comprising a casing housing an electric motor having a metal case, and rotating an off-center fly-weight, and during its rotation, the center of inertia of the fly-weight describes a circle contained in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the casing.

41. A vibration source comprising a casing of elongate shape, comprising two half-shells that are interconnected via a film hinge, one of said half-shells carrying a motor having an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the casing.

42. A vibration source according to claim 41, the motor having an internal fly-weight or an external fly-weight.

43. A vibration-source casing, comprising:

two half-shells that are interconnected via a film hinge;

a switch lever that is molded integrally with one of the half-shells;

a housing for receiving an electric motor; and

a housing for receiving at least one electric battery.

44. A vibration source comprising:

a casing;

a motor that rotates an off-center fly-weight, the motor including a disk-shaped metal case.

two batteries; and

a switch that is suitable for simultaneously coming into contact with two batteries, so as to connect them electrically in order to power the motor,

45. A source according to claim 44, the switch electrically connecting the batteries in parallel.

46. A vibration source comprising:

a casing;

two batteries;

a motor that rotates an off-center fly-weight, the motor including a disk-shaped metal case; and

a switch that is suitable for selectively coming into contact with one or the other of the batteries, in order to power the motor.