Abstract:
A device for dispensing and applying a fluid contained in a reservoir may include an applicator member with an outer wall that is configured to be charged with fluid contained in the reservoir and to dispense such fluid. The wall may be turnable about a single axis of rotation. The device may further include a motor arranged to drive the applicator member in rotation around the single axis of rotation.

Description:
This non-provisional application claims the benefit of French Application No. 04 04854 filed on May 5, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/572,498 filed on May 20, 2004. 

   BACKGROUND 
   The present invention relates to a device for dispensing and applying a fluid, such as a cosmetic product or a care product. 
   The term “cosmetic product” as used in the present invention means a product as defined in Council Directive 93/35/EEC dated Jun. 14, 1993, which amends Council Directive 76/768/EEC. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,994,290 describes a massage device comprising a rotatable massage unit rotatably driven by a motor and carrying a plurality of balls freely mounted thereover. Fluid contained in a receptacle may be dispensed to the balls via channels. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,483 describes a massage device comprising a motor rotatably driving a plurality of hemispherical massage elements. That device is provided with a fluid reservoir which, by means of a pump, can supply brushes disposed at the end of the hemispherical elements through orifices located at the bases of said brushes. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,802 describes a device comprising a rotatable head carrying a plurality of balls which are driven by a motor. The rotary head defines a space into which a fluid may be dispensed, in contact with the balls. They are rotatably mounted on the head and may be driven in rotation about themselves by the motor. The beads are thus provided with a motion which is the resultant of two rotational motions about distinct axes. 
   SUMMARY 
   The above-mentioned devices are of relatively complex structure. 
   The present invention aims, for example, to provide a device for dispensing and applying a fluid, which is of a relatively simple structure and which facilitates dispensing of the fluid. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a device for dispensing and applying a fluid contained in a reservoir, said device comprising: an applicator member comprising an outer wall that is configured to be charged with fluid contained in the reservoir and to dispense such fluid, said wall being turnable about a single axis of rotation; and a motor arranged to drive the applicator member. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the outer wall of the applicator member may be rotated by a small number of parts, because said rotation occurs about a single axis of rotation. 
   Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the structure of the device may be relatively simple and may be made more compact. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the outer wall of the applicator member may be disposed close to the fluid reservoir, which may eliminate any need for specific channels to transport the fluid from the reservoir to said outer wall. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the motor may drive the applicator member in rotation directly or indirectly, for example, via motion transmission members, for example, to reduce a rate of rotation and increase torque. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the may be substantially a body of revolution about an axis of symmetry. In such embodiments, the outer wall may be rotatable about said axis of symmetry. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may be rotatable about a axis of rotation that is distinct from said axis of symmetry. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the outer wall of the applicator member may have a shape that is substantially ellipsoidal and elongate. Alternatively, the outer wall may have a shape that is substantially ellipsoidal and flat. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the outer wall may be substantially spherical in shape. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the outer wall may be elastically deformable. The outer wall may be made out of an elastomer, for example. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may comprise a core to which the outer wall is fitted. Said core may, for example, comprise a surface provided with portions in relief. The outer wall may deformable during application to come into contact with the portions in relief. Such portions in relief may produce a massaging effect when the applicator member is in contact with a surface to be treated, which may, inter alia, facilitate penetration of the fluid into skin and boost action of the fluid. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the outer wall may be rigid. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the outer wall comprises portions in relief which may, for example, comprise bosses. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may include at least one housing configured to receive a member for fastening the applicator member on the device. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may comprise at least one notched surface that configured to be coupled to the motor. Said notched surface may be located in said housing and the motor may extend at least in part into the housing, for example, to make the device more compact. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the housing may extend substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the applicator member. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may comprise a core comprising inner and outer cylinders, the inner cylinder including a notched surface and the outer cylinder including portions in relief on an outer surface thereof. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may be removably mounted on the device. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the fluid reservoir may comprise at least one outlet orifice and the outer wall of the applicator member may be disposed in contact with or substantially in contact with the outlet orifice. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the reservoir may comprise a wall onto which the outlet orifice opens. Said wall may substantially match a shape of at least a portion of the applicator member. Said reservoir wall may, for example, be outwardly concave. In embodiments in which the outer wall of the applicator member is elastically deformable, said outer wall may be pressed against the outlet orifice with a certain force. Thus, when the device is not in use, the outer wall of the applicator member may act to close said outlet orifice. 
   In exemplary embodiments, an inside volume of the reservoir may be variable. For example, the reservoir may comprise at least one elastically deformable wall to reduce the inside volume. For example, the reservoir may comprise two elastically deformable walls facing each other. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the reservoir may be arranged to be removably mounted on the device to allow the reservoir to be replaced with another when empty, or to be refilled when the reservoir includes a filling orifice. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the device may include a switch connected to the motor and disposed, for example, beneath an elastically deformable wall of the device. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the device may include a compartment to house at least one battery. The compartment may be hinged to the rest of the device, for example. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the device may have only a single applicator member. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may rotate with respect to the reservoir. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the reservoir may, for example, be outside the applicator member. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the fluid may be a cosmetic product, for example, a gel or a liquid, such as a liquid with low viscosity. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a kit comprising: a device as defined above; and a plurality of applicator members. The plurality of applicator members may be arranged to be selectively and removably mountable on the device. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of applicator members may have different portions in relief, which may be directly or indirectly applied to a surface to be treated. Thus, for example, depending on a massaging effect desired, a user may select the applicator member having portions in relief suitable for achieving that massaging effect. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an applicator member that is rotatably and removably mountable on a device as defined above. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a fluid reservoir that is mountable on the device as defined above. The reservoir may include an outwardly concave wall through which at least one outlet orifice opens. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a method of applying a fluid to a surface of the body. The method may comprise: providing a kit as defined above; selecting one of the plurality of applicator members; mounting the selected applicator member on the device; and applying fluid to the surface of the body using said applicator member. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a device for dispensing and applying a fluid contained in a reservoir, the device comprising: a rotatable applicator member comprising an elastically deformable outer wall configured to be charged with fluid contained in the reservoir; and a motor arranged to drive the applicator member. 
   In exemplary embodiments, the applicator member may advantageously comprise a core with portions in relief. The elastically deformable wall may be deformable to come into contact with the portions in relief. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a device for dispensing and applying a fluid contained in a reservoir, the device comprising: a rotatable applicator member comprising an outer wall with a shape that is substantially ellipsoidal and elongate and that is configured to be charged with fluid contained in the reservoir; and a motor arranged to drive the applicator member. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a device for dispensing and applying a fluid contained in a reservoir, the device comprising: a rotatable applicator member comprising an outer wall that is configured to be charged with fluid contained in the reservoir. The applicator member may further include at least one housing configured to receive a member for fastening the applicator member to the device. The device may include a motor arranged to drive the applicator member. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a device for dispensing and applying a fluid contained in a reservoir, the device comprising: a reservoir of variable inside volume containing a fluid and comprising at least one elastically deformable wall allowing the inside volume to be reduced; a rotatable applicator member comprising an outer wall that is configured to be charged with fluid contained in the reservoir; and a motor arranged to drive the applicator member. 
   Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the device need not include a pump to dispense the fluid contained in the reservoir, for example. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may be better understood from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and from the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic elevation view of an exemplary dispenser and applicator device; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic axial cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view of the device of  FIG. 1 , the fluid reservoir being partially withdrawn; 
       FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 3  taken along line IV-IV; 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are fragmentary diagrammatic views of two exemplary embodiments of a fluid reservoir; 
       FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic perspective view of a member for fastening the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the applicator member of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of exemplary gearing between the axle of the motor and the applicator member; 
       FIG. 10  is a fragmentary diagrammatic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the applicator member of the device of  FIG. 1  showing the applicator member pressed against a surface to be treated; and 
       FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of another exemplary dispenser and applicator device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  shows an exemplary dispenser and applicator device  1  comprising a body  2  on which an applicator member  3  and a fluid reservoir  4  may be mounted. 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown, the body  2  may be made out of a thermoplastic material. Alternatively, the body  2  may be made out of any other material, for example, metal. 
   The upper portion of the body  2  may comprise a head  6  forming a housing  7  which may extend along an axis X and may be arranged to receive the application element  3 . 
   The housing  7  may include a perforated bottom wall  8 , which may be substantially concave from above, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   The head  6  may comprise two lateral portions  10  and  11  through which pass respective openings  12  and  13 , which may be substantially cylindrical with the axis X. 
   The housing  7  may be open at an upper portion thereof so that substantially half of the applicator member  3  is clear of the housing, for example, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown, below the head  6 , the body  2  may also comprise two arms  15  extending along an axis Y perpendicular to the axis X. 
   The reservoir  4  may be removably located between the two arms  15 , as explained below. 
   The applicator member  3  may comprise a core  19  comprising two cylinders, inner  20  and outer  21 , coaxial about the axis X. 
   The inner cylinder  20  may comprise a first portion in relief, for example, a longitudinal rib  22 , engaging in a second portion in relief of complementary shape, for example, a groove  23 , of the outer cylinder  21 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , for example, to immobilize the cylinders  20  and  21  in rotation when assembled together. 
   The inner cylinder  20  may comprise a perforated transverse internal wall  27  perpendicular to the axis X and including a notched surface  28  at the perforation. 
   On either side of the transverse wall  27 , the cylinder  20  may define two housings  30  and  31  arranged to respectively receive two fastener members  33  and  34  made out of thermoplastic material, for example. 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the fastener members  33  and  34  may comprise a cylindrical body  36  of axis X provided with pins  39 , as shown in  FIG. 7  for the fastener member  34 . 
   Each fastener members  33  or  34  may be introduced through a corresponding opening  12  or  13  of the head  6  into the associated housing  30  or  31  of the core  19 , for example, to retain the applicator member  3  in a rotatable manner about the axis X. 
   The fastener member  33  and  34  may be locked onto the lateral portions  10  and  11  by cooperation of pins  39  in recesses  40  provided on said lateral portions  10  and  11 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown, after locking, the fastener members  33  and  34  may be locked in rotation with respect to portions  10  and  11 . 
   The fastener members  33  and  34  may, for example, be locked on said portions  10  and  11  by turning the members  33  and  34  through a predetermined angle, for example, a quarter turn. 
   Said rotation may, for example, be carried out using a specific tool cooperating with a groove  45  provided on a head  46  of the fastener member  33 ,  34 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
   The fastener members  33  and  34  may be unlocked and withdrawn, when necessary or desired. 
   The fastener member  33  may carry an electric motor  50  provided with a drive member  51 , which may be in the form of a pinion, as shown in the exemplary embodiment. Said drive member  51  may engage with the notched surface  28  of the cylinder  20  to drive the applicator member  3  in rotation about the axis X. 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown, the motor  50  may drive the applicator member  3  directly. 
   Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 9 , it is possible to interpose a planetary gear  53  between the pinion  51  of the motor  50  and a notched surface  28 ′ of the applicator member  3 . 
   The motor  50  may be powered by an electrical power supply, for example, one or more optionally-rechargeable batteries  54  housed in a compartment  55  formed in a cover  56  hinged to the body  2 . Said cover  56  may comprise a closing tab  57  arranged to snap fit into a recess  58  provided on the body  2 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
   The electrical power supply may be connected to the motor  50  via wires  60  housed in one arm  15  of the body  2 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
   The device  1  may include a switch  61  to control the function of the motor  50 . Said switch  61  may be disposed on one of the arms  15  and covered, for example, by an elastically deformable wall  62 . 
   The outer face of the outer cylinder  21  may include a plurality of portions in relief  65 , which may be constituted by bosses, as shown in the exemplary embodiment. 
   The applicator member  3  may also comprise an outer wall  25  that is configured to be charged with fluid contained in the reservoir  4  and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, may have a substantially ellipsoidal shape, extending along the axis X. 
   The outer wall  25  may be, for example, in the form of an elastically deformable sleeve made out of an elastomer. 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer wall  25  may comprise flanges  26  at ends thereof. The flanges  26  may hold the outer wall  25  axially in place on the core  19 . 
   The outer wall  25  may be fastened to the core  19  by any other means, for example, by bonding. 
   As shown in  FIG. 10 , when the applicator member  3  is brought into contact with a surface S to be treated, for example skin, the elastically deformable wall  25  may be locally compressed so as to bear on the bosses  65 . The bosses  65  may exert a massaging effect on the surface S through the outer wall  25  during rotation of the applicator member  3 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reservoir  4  may include an inside volume that is variable and may comprise two elastically deformable walls  70  disposed facing each other, as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
   The reservoir  4  may include an top wall  71 , which may be substantially concave from above, and may be provided with one or more outlet orifices  72 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , the outlet orifice or orifices  72  may be in the form of slots, which may be parallel, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the outlet orifices  72  may be of any other shape, for example circular. 
   The reservoir  4  may also comprise a filling orifice  73 , for example opposite the outlet orifice or orifices. 
   The filling orifice  73  may, for example, be closed by a screw cap, a snap fitted cap, or may be on a neck  74  of the reservoir  4 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
   Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the filling orifice  73  may be closed by a closure member which may engage, for example, by friction, in an inner skirt  75  of the reservoir  4 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sides of the reservoir  4  may include two longitudinal grooves  77  each intended to engage on a longitudinal rib  78  made on an arm  15 , for example, to guide the reservoir  4  while being positioned on the body  2 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
   The cover  56  may be in the open position while the reservoir is being positioned on the body  2 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Said cover  56  may be brought into the closed position once the reservoir  4  is in place on the body  2 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   When the reservoir  4  is in place on the body  2 , the top wall  71  of the reservoir  4  may be positioned in the perforation in the bottom wall  8  of the housing  7 . This top wall  71  of the reservoir  4  may be shaped to match a shape of the outer wall  25  of the applicator member  3 . 
   The outer wall  25  of the applicator member  3  may be applied to the top wall  71  of the reservoir  4  with a certain force, so that the applicator member  3  may become charged with fluid coming directly from the outlet orifice or orifices  72 , closing the orifice(s) while not in use, for example, improving fluid storage. 
   If appropriate or desired, the reservoir  4  may comprise an element for sealing the outlet orifice or orifices  72 , for example, a removable film that is removed prior to first use. 
   The reservoir  4  may contain a cosmetic product in the form of a fluid, for example, a gel or a liquid, such as a liquid of low viscosity. 
   To apply the fluid, the user may switch on the motor  50 , which may cause the applicator member  3  to rotate about the axis X. 
   In contact with the surface S to be treated, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the outer wall  25  of the applicator member  3  may be compressed and may come into contact with the bosses  65 . 
   The bosses  65  may produce a massaging effect on the surface S. 
   The outer wall  25  may be charged with fluid through the outlet orifice or orifices  72  of the reservoir  4 , for example, by pressing on the walls  70 . 
   Since the applicator member  3  may be removably mounted on the receptacle, it is possible, if necessary or desired, to replace the applicator member  3  with another applicator member which, for example, may include bosses  65  with a different shape and/or size, for example, to produce a different massaging effect. 
   The device  1  may thus be provided with a plurality of applicator members  3 , for example, in a kit. 
   The invention contemplates the case in which the shape of the outer wall  25  of the applicator member  3  is other than an ellipsoidal elongate shape. 
   As shown in  FIG. 11 , the device  85  may comprise an applicator member  80  with an outer wall  80   a  having a substantially spherical shape. 
   Said applicator member  80  may include housings  30  and  31  that enable fastener members (not shown) to be housed therein. 
   The applicator member  80  may be mounted on a support  81  through which a single outlet orifice  82  passes. 
   The support  81  may be fastened on a neck  87  of a receptacle  86  forming a reservoir for the fluid. 
   The invention is not limited to the embodiments and implementations described above. 
   For example, it is possible to provide an applicator member with a core constituted, for example, by a single cylinder, and the outer wall  25 , which may or may not be rigid, and may carry portions in relief, in particular bosses, intended to produce a massaging effect. 
   Throughout the description, including the claims, the expression “comprising a” should be understood to be synonymous with “comprising at least one”, unless otherwise indicated. 
   Although the present invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.