Deformable applicator with capillary feed

• US 5,492,426 A
• Filed: 02/14/1994
• Issued: 02/20/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/1993
• Status: Expired

• Current Assignee: L'Oreal Co.
• Original Assignee: L'Oreal SA
• Inventors: Gueret, Jean-Louis H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bratlie, Steven A.
• Application Number:
  US08/194,919
• Time in Patent Office: 736 Days
• Field of Search: 401/126, 401/130, 401/119, 401/123, 401/148
• US Class Current: 401/126
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 2200/1018 comprising a pad, i.e. a cushion-like mass of soft material, with or without gripping means
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 33/00 Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling powdery toiletry or cosmetic substances
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 34/045 connected to the cap of the container
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 40/265 connected to the cap of the container

Abstract

Applicator including a reservoir containing a substance to be applied, a cap intended to close the reservoir and supporting a stopper including an applicator holder supporting a deformable element for applying the substance. The deformable element has a shape memory, i.e., can return to its original shape after being deformed, and a roughened surface. The reservoir holding the substance includes an end-piece having a base equipped with a seat including at least one capillary orifice against which the deformable element deforms when the reservoir is closed by the cap.

Claims

1. Applicator, comprising:

a reservoir for containing a substance to be applied;

a cap engageable with the reservoir for closing the reservoir; and

an applicator holder supporting a deformable element for applying the substance, said deformable element being movable between a first configuration when the cap is disengaged from the reservoir, and a second configuration deformed relative to the first configuration, when the cap is engaged with and closes the reservoir,

wherein the deformable element has a roughened surface, and

wherein the reservoir includes an end-piece having a base equipped with a seat including a capillary orifice against which the deformable element is applied, assumes the second deformed configuration when the reservoir is closed by the cap, and collects through capillary action the substance.

2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the capillary orifice is circular and has a diameter between 0.5 and 3 mm.

3. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the capillary orifice is a slit having a cross-section of between 0.2 and 7 mm².

4. Applicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein an end of the deformable element which cooperates with the seat and the orifice is flat.

5. Applicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein an end of the deformable element which cooperates with the seat and the orifice is conical.

6. Applicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein an end of the deformable element which cooperates with the seat and the orifice is round.

7. Applicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the applicator holder supporting the deformable element comprises a hollow rod.

8. Applicator according to claim 7, wherein the applicator holder supporting the deformable element comprises a rigid support sleeve in the shape of an ogive.

9. Applicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the applicator holder supporting the deformable element comprises a solid rod.

10. Applicator according to claim 9, wherein the solid rod is equipped, at an end thereof, with a stiffening element of elongate shape for guiding the deformable element during movement between the first and second configurations.

11. Applicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the end-piece is supported relative to the reservoir by a spacer element which is integral with the reservoir and through which the applicator holder passes.

12. Applicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the orifice opens out in the reservoir along a flared, frustoconical portion which serves as a capillary reservoir.

13. Applicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the end-piece is made of semi-rigid material.

14. Applicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the end-piece is made of a rigid material.

15. Applicator according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the deformable element is made of a low-hardness elastomer in the form of an open-cell foam.