Patent Publication Number: US-2007098483-A1

Title: Cosmetic Product Distributor-Applicator

Description:
BACKGROUND  
      Ball distributor-applicators are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,495, which describes a distributor, typically for a low-viscosity liquid product, including a head equipped with a ball mounted on a spring, as well as an annular valve. Similarly, GB 2 044 683-A describes a tube of which the head includes an application ball, while FR 2 836 345, in the applicant&#39;s name, describes a ball measuring applicator. Distributor-applicators with a stationary application surface, as described, for example, in patent applications US 2003 0057236 and US 2002 0014254 are also known.  
      On one hand, cosmetic products are constantly being developed so as to obtain advantageous new characteristics, but the packaging means are not always suitable for these new products, in particular when these products have a rheology unsuitable for the conventional packaging means.  
      Second, new application means for the application of all types of products are constantly being sought, so as to obtain advantageous application effects.  
      Finally, in the field of cosmetic product packaging, with the exception of the specific field of perfumes, there is a constant demand for renewal of the supply of novel products, wherein the novelty concerns the container and/or the contents, and the novelty is generally accompanied by new advantages or performances going beyond simple issues of shape or aesthetics.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY  
      In one aspect, a distributor-applicator of a fluid or pasty product, typically a cosmetic product, typically has an axial direction, and includes a body including a container forming a main cavity capable of containing said product. An application means, integrated with said container, closes off said main cavity at its upper portion. The application means can be in communication with said container, typically owing to an upper opening, so that said application means can be supplied with said product, and including an application surface for application of said product on a part of the human body, for example the facial skin, and a cap equipped with a head and a skirt cooperating with said body so as to protect said application means when said distributor-applicator is not being used and is said to be “closed”.  
      It is characterised in that said body includes a device capable of generating vibrations, typically periodic vibrations, said device including a vibration generator, for example and electrical vibrator, a power source, constituted for example by an electric battery, and an associated electric circuit for supplying power to said vibration generator, and means for starting and stopping said vibration generator, typically a switch of said electric circuit, so that, during said application of said product on said support, said application means can produce in particular a massaging effect on said support, said vibration generator being activated during all or part of said application.  
      The distributor-applicator solves the stated problems. First, the vibrations emitted by the vibration generator are necessarily transmitted to the product contained in said container, which thereby enables the flow and application of a product that, in the absence of vibrations would have, for example, significant Theological rigidity, or a high thixotropy, making it difficult if not impossible to apply. Second, said product is applied, typically on a part of the human body, for example on the skin, the lips, etc., while the application surface of the application means vibrates, which can have numerous favourable effects with regard to the speed of penetration of the product into the skin, and the massaging effect obtained, which is perceived as pleasant.  
      Moreover, the distributor-applicator according to the invention stands out entirely from conventional distributor-applicators. Finally, the invention allows for the production of a large number of embodiments, which allow for adaptation of the container both to the nature of the contents and to the specific needs of the users, the invention including distributor-applicators equipped with either a mobile or fixed application surface. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIGS. 1   a  to  7   d  relate to a first embodiment of a distributor-applicator  1  in which said application means  4  include a rotatable part  44  forming a hollow roller  44 ′″.  
       FIGS. 1   a  to  1   e  show the distributor-applicator  1  closed, the cap  5  snapped onto the body  2 . In these figures, the distributor-applicator  1  does not include said vibration generator  60  shown in  FIGS. 2   a  to  2   f , so as not to complicate the figures.  
       FIG. 1   a  is an axial cross-section view of a plane including said axial direction  10  and said transverse direction  11 .  
       FIG. 1   b  is an axial cross-section view of a plane including said axial direction  10 , perpendicularly to said transverse direction  11 , in the plane B-B of  FIG. 1   a.    
       FIG. 1   c  shows a partial axial cross-section view of a plane including said axial direction  10 , perpendicularly to said transverse direction  11 , in the plane C-C of  FIG. 1   a.    
       FIG. 1   d  is a perspective view.  
       FIG. 1   e  is a bottom view.  
       FIGS. 2   a  to  2   f  relate to the vibration generating device  6  and to its assembly to said body  2 , said generating device  6  including in particular a vibration generator  60  and an energy source  61  housed inside said hollow roller  44 ′″.  
       FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are partial cross-sections analogous to that of  FIG. 1   a , which show an automatic switch  63 ′ of said vibration generating device  6 . In these two figures, only the application means  4  has been shown, the container integrated with the application means  4  not having been shown so as not to complicate the figures.  
      In  FIG. 2   a , the distributor-applicator  1  is closed, the cap  5  being snapped on to the body  2  application means  2 , so that said electric circuit  62  of said generating device  6  is open, thus preventing said generator  60  from functioning.  
      In  FIG. 2   b , the distributor-applicator  1  is open, the cap  5  being separated from the body  2  application means  4 , so that said electric circuit  62  of said generating device  6  is automatically closed, thus enabling said generator  60  to function.  
       FIGS. 2   c  to  2   f  relate to the vibration generator  60 .  
       FIG. 2   c  is a side view of the generator  60  that includes an electric motor  600  and an unbalanced part  602  mounted on the motor spindle  601 .  
       FIG. 2   d  is a side perspective view of the generator  60 .  
       FIG. 2   e  is a rear or right view of the generator  60  of  FIG. 2   c.    
       FIG. 2   f  is a front or left view of the generator  60  of  FIG. 2   c.    
       FIGS. 3   a  to  3   e  relate to the support  44  of the hollow roller  44 ′″, which support is intended to be assembled to the container  3 . In these figures, the support  44  has been shown without the valves  7 , shown in  FIGS. 4   a  to  4   f , so as not to complicate the figures.  
       FIG. 3   a  is a cross-section view analogous to that of  FIG. 1   a.    
       FIG. 3   b  is a side view corresponding to the orientation of the support  44  of  FIG. 3   a.    
       FIG. 3   c  is a bottom view.  
       FIG. 3   d  is a cross-section view in the axial plane B-B of  FIG. 3   a.    
       FIG. 3   e  is a perspective view on a different scale.  
       FIGS. 4   a  to  4   f  relate to the valves  7  intended to cooperate with said support  44 .  
       FIG. 4   a  is an axial cross-section view of plane A-A of  FIG. 4   b  including said axial direction  10 . Said valve  7  includes a central portion acting as a closure element  70 , a peripheral portion  71  for assembly to the support  45  and an intermediate portion  72  having a spring force urging said central portion  70  upward.  
       FIG. 4   b  is a top view.  
       FIG. 4   c  is a side view that is a view of the front surface of the valve of  FIG. 4   b.    
       FIG. 4   d  is a side view that is a view of the rear surface of the valve of  FIG. 4   b.    
       FIGS. 4   e  and  4   f  are partial cross-sections analogous to the cross-section according to  FIG. 1   c , which show the operation of said valves  7 .  
       FIG. 4   e  shows the case in which the valve  7  is open, so as to allow for a flow of said product from the container to the roller  44 ′″, said valve  7  having undergone an axial downward movement due to an axial movement of said roller  44 ′″ due to the pressure exerted on said roller  44 ′″ during the application of said product  9 , which pressure is shown with an arrow in  FIG. 4   e.    
       FIG. 4   f  shows the case in which the valve  7  is closed, so as to prevent any flow of product  9  toward said roller  44 ′″.  
       FIGS. 5   a  to  5   g  relate to the container  3  forming the lower portion of the body  2 .  
       FIG. 5   a  is a side view, the container  3  being oriented according to a plane containing said axial  10  and transverse  11  directions.  
       FIG. 5   b  is a side view, the container being oriented according to a plane containing said axial direction  10  and perpendicularly to said transverse direction  11 .  
       FIG. 5   c  is an axial cross-section corresponding to  FIG. 5   a.    
       FIG. 5   d  is a top view.  
       FIG. 5   e  is a side and top perspective view.  
       FIG. 5   f  is an axial cross-section corresponding to  FIG. 5   b.    
       FIG. 5   g  is an enlarged view of the portion of  FIG. 5   c  surrounded by a circle referenced “C”.  
       FIGS. 6   a  to  6   g  relate to the cap  5 .  
       FIG. 6   a  is an axial cross-section analogous to that of  FIG. 5   c.    
       FIG. 6   b  is an axial cross-section analogous to that of  FIG. 5   f.    
       FIG. 6   c  is a top view.  
       FIG. 6   d  is a bottom view.  
       FIG. 6   e  is a partial axial cross-section according to plane D-D of  FIG. 6   d.    
       FIG. 6   f  is a side and top perspective view.  
       FIG. 6   g  is an enlarged view of the portion of  FIG. 6   e  surrounded by a circle referenced “E”.  
       FIGS. 7   a  to  7   d  relate to the hollow roller  44 ′″ constituted by two hollow half-shells  440 ,  440 ′, a first half-shell  440  acting as a tubular recipient, a second half-shell  440 ′ acting as means for closing said tubular recipient.  
       FIG. 7   a  is a perspective view of the two half-shells  440 ,  440 ′ opposite one another before their snapping assembly in said transverse direction  11 .  
       FIG. 7   b  is a cross-section view according to said transverse direction  11 , of said first half-shell  440 .  
       FIG. 7   c  is a cross-section view according to said transverse direction  11 , of said second half-shell  440 ′.  
       FIG. 7   d  is a front view of said first shell  440 .  
       FIGS. 8   a  to  8   f  show alternatives of an embodiment of distributor-applicators  1  according to the invention.  
       FIG. 8   a  is a side view of closed distributor-applicators corresponding to these embodiments.  
       FIGS. 8   b  to  8   f  are analogous and show various alternatives of distributor-applicators, each figure including an upper portion corresponding to an axial cross-section of said closed distributor-applicator, and a lower portion, which is a top view of the application means  4 .  
       FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  show another embodiment of the distributor-applicator.  
       FIG. 9   a  is a diagrammatic axial cross-section of a body  2 , the cap  5  not being shown.  
       FIG. 9   b  is an enlarged view of the portion of  FIG. 9   a  surrounded by a circle referenced “A”.  
       FIG. 9   c  is an axial cross-section view showing the case in which said body  2  forms a tube  2 ′ shown with its base  22  open, the tube being ready to be filled with a product  9 .  
       FIG. 9   d  is analogous to  FIG. 9   a  and shows an alternative distributor-applicator  1  with a plunger.  
       FIG. 9   e , which is equivalent to  FIG. 9   b , is an enlarged view of the portion of  FIG. 9   d  surrounded by a circle referenced “D”. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      According to the invention, said vibration generator  60  can be integrated with said body  2 , and typically integrated with said container  3 , said vibrations transmitted by said vibration generator being transmitted from said body  2  to said application means  4 , said vibration generator  60  being typically contained in said main cavity  30 . The vibration generator  60 , and at least the power source  61  are housed in said container  3  in the case of the distributor-applicators shown in  FIGS. 8   b  to  8   f.    
      As shown in  FIGS. 8   b  to  8   e , said device  6  can include means  64  for transmitting said vibrations from said vibration generator  60  to said application means  4 , said means typically forming a rod  64 ′ integrated at one end with said vibration generator  60  and at the other end with said application means  4 .  
      As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 8   b  to  8   e , said device  6  can include means  64  for transmitting said vibrations from said vibration generator  60  to said application means  4 , said transmission means  64  typically forming a rod  64 ′ integrated at one end with said vibration generator  60  and at the other end with said application means  4 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 8   f , said vibration generator  60  can be integrated with the application means  4  so as to directly transmit said vibrations from said vibration generator  60  to said application means  4 .  
      According to a first embodiment of the invention, and as shown in  FIGS. 8   b ,  8   e  and  8   f , said application means  4  can include a central membrane  42  capable of responding the mechanical stresses imposed by said vibration generator  60 , typically in said axial direction  10 , said central membrane  42  typically including at least said upper opening  40  in communication with said container  3 .  
      Said central membrane  42  of said application means  4  can form all or some of a distinct part of said container  3 , said application means  4  typically including a peripheral portion  43 , typically rigid, intended to cooperate with an upper opening  33  of said container  3 , said distinct part typically being a moulded plastic part.  
      As shown in  FIG. 8   e , said central membrane  42  can form a one-piece moulded part with all or part of said container  3 .  
      As can be seen in  FIGS. 8   b ,  8   e  and  8   f , said central membrane  42  can have a relief, with relief portions  420  and hollow portions  421 , so as to obtain a massaging effect.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 8   b  and  8   e , the head  50  of said cap  5  can include a first axial projection  500  capable of closing off said upper opening  40  when said cap  5  cooperates with said body  2 , said distributor-applicator  1  being closed.  
      According to a second embodiment of the invention, and as shown in  FIGS. 1   a ,  8   c  and  8   d , said application means  4  can include a part  44  rotatable with respect to said container  3 , and a support  45  for said mobile part  44  equipped with an opening  452  putting said container  3  and said mobile part  44  in communication, said support  45 , integrated with said container  3 , cooperating with said mobile part  44  so that said mobile part  44  can rotate about itself during said application of said product, without said mobile part  44  being capable of being involuntarily separated from said support  45 , said mobile part  44 , rotating about itself, ensuring an automatic transfer of said product  9  from said container  3  to said application surface  41  formed by the external surface of said mobile part  44 .  
      According to an alternative, and as shown in  FIGS. 8   c  and  8   d , said mobile part  44  can be formed by at least one ball  44 ′, said support  45  typically including at least one circular lip  450  or a plurality of lugs surrounding said ball  44 ′ so that said ball  44 ′ can rotate about itself without being separated from said support  45 .  
      According to another alternative, and as shown with the distributor-applicator shown in  FIGS. 1   a  to  7   d , said mobile part  44  can be formed by a longitudinal part or a roller  44 ″ capable of rotating about itself in a transverse direction  11  perpendicular to said axial direction  10 , said support  45  including an upper cavity  46  typically equipped with an upper peripheral lip  451 , having a shape matching that of said roller  44 ″, so that said roller  44 ″ can be snapped into said upper cavity  46 , and said roller  44 ′, once snapped into said upper cavity  46 , has, with respect to said support  45 , a sufficient play to allow for rotation of said roller  44 ″ in said transverse direction  11  when said product is applied.  
      As shown in particular in  FIG. 1   a , said roller  44 ″ can be a hollow roller  44 ′″ formed by an assembly of two hollow half-shells  440 , so as to form a so-called secondary cavity  441  when the two hollow half-shells  440  are assembled.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , said vibration generator  60  can be housed in said secondary cavity  441 . Thus, according to an alternative embodiment, at least said power source  61  and all or part of said switch  63  of said electric circuit  62  can be housed in said secondary cavity  441 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 8   b  to  8   f , and according to another alternative embodiment, said power source  61  and/or said switch  63  of said electric circuit  62  are housed outside said secondary cavity  441  and are typically housed in said container  3 .  
      According to the invention, said switch  63  can include a mobile element  65  for switching off said electric circuit  62 , said mobile element  65  being capable of switching from a so-called “open” position to a so-called “closed” position in order to open/close said electric circuit  62 . Said mobile element  65  can be located in the upper portion of the distributor-applicator  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b  and  8   f , or in the lower portion of the distributor-applicator  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 8   b  to  8   e.    
      As shown in  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b  and  8   f , said cap  5  can cooperate with said mobile element  65  so as to form an automatic switch  63 ′, typically thanks to a second axial projection  501  of said cap  5 , said electric circuit  62  being “open” when said cap  5  cooperates with said body  2 , and said electric circuit  62  being “closed” when said cap  5  is separated from said body  2 , so that said vibration generator  60  functions only when said cap  5  is separated from said body  2 , said vibration generator  60  automatically stopping when said cap  5  is secured to said body  2 , typically by snapping or by screwing.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , said second axial projection  501  of said cap  5  can include a so-called upper magnet  52  and said mobile element  65  of said switch  63  can include a so-called lower magnet  66 , said upper  52  and lower  66  magnets being arranged so that said upper magnet  52  drives a movement of said lower magnet  66  forming said mobile element  65  to the “open” position when said cap  5  cooperates with said body  2 , a return spring  67  causing said mobile element  65  to move to the “closed” position when said cap  5  is separated from said body  2 .  
      According to the invention, said vibration generator  60  can transmit periodic vibrations with a frequency v ranging from 20 Hz to 60 Hz.  
      Said vibration generator  60  can transmit axial vibrations in said axial direction  10 . However, particularly depending on the orientation of said vibration generator  60  with respect to said body  2 , said vibration generator  60  can transmit transverse vibrations in said transverse direction  11 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 9   a  to  9   d , said container  3  can include means for propulsion  8  of said product  9  toward said application means  4 , said propulsion means typically including a plunger  80 . However, as shown in  FIG. 9   c , these propulsion means can be constituted by the use of a flexible tube that simply needs to be manually pinched in order to eject said product  9  from said container  3  and to urge said product  9  toward said application means  4 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , said plunger  80  can be moved axially in said container  3  by said axial vibrations, typically with an axial rod  81  integrated with said vibration generator  60  and transmitting, to said plunger  80 , a series of axial micro-movements, owing to non-return means  82  preventing said plunger, after each micro-movement in the direction of said application means  4 , from moving backward, so as to automatically supply said application means  4  with product  9 , regardless of the orientation of said container  3 , or possibly the viscosity of said product  9 .  
      However, as shown in  FIGS. 9   d  and  9   e , said plunger  80  can be fixed in rotation to a manual rotation button  83 , and this button  83  can house all or part of said vibration generating device  6 , and in particular said vibration generator  60 , an axial manual pressure exerted on the base of said button  83  being sufficient for electrical contact with the inside of said button, so as to form said switch  63 .  
      According to the invention, and as shown in  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   f , said distributor-applicator  1  can have a cylindrical shape, with a diameter D ranging from 12 to 25 mm in a transverse plane, a height H ranging from 60 mm to 100 mm in said axial direction, and a shape factor H/D ranging from 3 to 6, said distributor-applicator  1  being closed.  
      However, as shown in  FIGS. 1   a  to  7   d , said distributor-applicator  1  can have a non-cylindrical shape with, in a transverse plane, a larger dimension D 1  ranging from 50 mm to 90 mm, a smaller dimension D 2  ranging from 20 mm to 50 mm, and a height H ranging from 90 mm to 130 mm in said axial direction  10 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 9   c , said body  2  can be a body forming a tube with a flexible wall  2 ′, typically made of plastic, said tube  2 ′ including an open base  22  for its refilling with said product, said base  22  then being closed by sealing.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 8   b  to  8   f  and  10   a , said container  3  of said body  2  can be a container  3 ′ including a lower opening  31  intended for the filling of said container  3  by the base, and means  32  for closing off said lower opening  31 , typically formed by closure means with elastic return  32 ′, typically a membrane with elastic return forming an end cap, or by an end cap. Said closure means with elastic return  32 ′ make it possible, when pressure is manually applied to the base of the distributor, to establish electrical contact, and thus to activate said vibration generator  60 , and/or urge a fraction of said product toward said application surface  41 , said distributor  1  possibly being upside-down.  
      The elastic return of said closure means  32  can also be obtained by lateral rods  64 ″ or an axial rod  64 ′, which can also form said vibration transmission means  64 , as shown in  FIGS. 8   c  to  8   e.    
      As shown in  FIG. 8   e , said container  3  and said support  45  or said central membrane  42  can form a one-piece plastic moulded part  20 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 1   a , said container  3  can be a container  3 ″ including a base without an opening, said container  3 ″ including said upper opening  33  making it possible to fill said container  3 ″ by the top, said application means  4  being assembled to said container, typically by axial snap-on means, after filling said container  3 ″ by the top.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  44   e  and  4   f , said opening  452  of said support  45  can cooperate with a closure valve  8 , said valve  7  being capable of moving with respect to said opening  452  according to an axial path over an axial distance ranging from 0.5 to 3 mm, said valve  7  typically including a central portion  70  intended to close off said opening  452 , a peripheral portion  71  ensuring assembly with said support  45 , an intermediate portion  72  having an elastic return with a spring force urging said central portion toward said mobile part  44 , so that said opening  452  is closed off by said central portion  70  when said mobile part  44  exerts an axial pressure on said central portion, when said product  9  is applied.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 8   b  to  8   f , all or part of said vibration generating device is placed in a box  68  housed in said container, said box typically forming a moulded part integral with said transmission means  64  or said rod  64 ′.  
      Said box  68  can form said closure means  32  of said container  3  at its lower portion, said switch  63  being activated and said electric circuit being closed by a manual pressure exerted on said box  68 .  
      The invention also relates to the use of a distributor-applicator  1  according to the invention for the packaging of a cosmetic product or a dermatological product  9 , to be applied to the face, on the hands or on the skin.  
     EXAMPLE 1  
      This example describes producing the distributor-applicator  1  according to  FIGS. 1   a  to  7   d.    
      To do this, the following parts were molded with plastic material or were supplied:  
      a container  3 ,  3 ″ according to the drawings of  FIGS. 5   a  to  5   g;    
      a cap  5  according to the drawings of  FIGS. 6   a  to  6   g , the cap also including at least one axial projection  501 , as shown in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , so as to then attach an upper magnet  52 ;  
      two hollow half-shells  440 ,  440 ′, according to the drawings of  FIGS. 7   a  to  7   d , so as to be capable of then forming said hollow roller  44 ,  44 ′″;  
      a support  45 , intended to receive said hollow roller  44 ,  44 ′″, according to the drawings of  FIGS. 3   a  to  3   e;    
      two valves  7  according to the drawings of  FIGS. 4   a  to  4   f.    
      The support  44  includes an upper peripheral lip  451  defining an upper cavity  46  capable of housing said hollow roller  44 ′″ forming said rotatable part  44 , a circular lip  450  ensuring sealed cooperation with the upper end of the skirt  36  of said container, and a base  452  including annular projections  453  making it possible to integrate the valves  7  capable of closing off the openings  40  formed on the base  452 .  
      The support also includes an axial projection  454  intended to provide a solid and sealed connection between said container  3  and said application means  4 , the upper end  360  of said skirt  36  being entrapped between said circular lip  450  and said axial projection  454 , as shown in  FIGS. 1   a  to  1   c.    
      The parts constituting said vibration generating device  6  were supplied, in particular:  
      a vibration generator  60  according to the drawings of  FIGS. 2   c  to  2   f;    
      two flat batteries as a power source  61 ;  
      an electric circuit  62  connecting the batteries to the generator;  
      a switch  63  formed by electrical contact between a pole of the batteries and an element integrated with a lower magnet  66  capable of moving transversely;  
      a return spring  67  intended to cooperate with the lower magnet  66 .  
      These parts were assembled in the half-shell  440 , then the other half-shell  440 ′ was snapped on, so as to obtain a hollow roller  44 ′″ forming a secondary cavity  441  in which said vibration generating device  6  was housed.  
      Next, to form a sub-assembly of parts, the following parts were then assembled: the following were assembled to the support  45 : the hollow roller  44 ′″ equipped with said vibration generating device  6 , the two valves  7 , and the cap  5 , using the snap-on means  23 ,  23 ′ which can be seen in  FIGS. 3   b  and  6   b.    
      After filling the container  3 ,  3 ″ with product  9  by the top, the container  3 ,  3 ″ was closed off by axially snapping the sub-assembly of parts described above onto the container  3 ,  3 ″ using the snap-on means  21 ,  21 ′ which can be seen in  FIGS. 3   a  and  5   e.    
     EXAMPLE 2A  
      This example describes producing a plurality of alternative distributor-applicators  1  with a cylindrical shape and an H/D ratio greater than 4 were also produced, as shown in  FIGS. 8   a  to  8   f , with H being equal to 88 mm and D being equal to 19.75 mm.  
      To do this, a vibration generating device  6  including a box  68  containing the parts constituting said generator was produced, the electrical contact capable of being established by a manual axial pressure exerted on the upper portion of the box  68 , in the alternative of  FIG. 8   f , or on the lower portion of the box, in the case of the alternatives of  FIGS. 8   b ,  8   c ,  8   d  and  8   e.    
      In all of these alternatives according to  FIGS. 8   b  to  8   f , the box  68  is housed in the so-called main cavity  30  of the container  3 , the base of the container being closed off by an end cap  32 .  
     EXAMPLE 2B  
      The alternative according to  FIG. 8   b  was produced. In this alternative:  
      the application means  4  form a distinct part of said body  3  and include a central membrane  42  forming said application surface  41  equipped with an upper opening  40 , and a peripheral portion  43  capable of being snapped onto said body  3 ,  3 ′;  
      the cap  5  includes a first projection  500  intended to close off the upper opening  40  when the distributor-applicator  1  is closed;  
      the vibration generating device  6  includes an axial rod  64 ′ as vibration transmission means  64 .  
      In this alternative, the filling of the container can be done either by the top or by the bottom.  
      When it is done by the top, a first sub-assembly of parts is formed, including the cap  5  and the application means  4  snapped on, the second sub-assembly of parts including the container  3  equipped with the end cap  32  and the vibration generating device  6 .  
      When it is done by the bottom, a first sub-assembly of parts is formed, including the cap  5 , the application means  4  and the body  3  snapped on, the second sub-assembly including the closure means  32  integrated with said box  68  equipped with said rod  64 ′.  
      The vibration generating device  6  is activated by manual pressure on the closure means  32  and functions as long as said pressure is exerted, said manual pressure closing said circuit  62  by an electrical contact forming a switch  63 . Said closure means  32  are closure means with elastic return  32 ′ including a flexible membrane with elastic return, which returns to its initial position once said manual pressure ceases.  
      Said manual pressure urges said membrane toward the inside of said container  3 , thereby also having the effect of causing a predetermined amount of said product to flow through said upper opening  40 , said distributor  1  being in the upside-down position, with said application means  4  positioned below said container  3 .  
     EXAMPLE 2C  
      Next the alternative of  FIG. 8   c  was produced. In this alternative:  
      said application means  4  include a rotatable part  44  forming a ball  44 ′, and a support  45  snapped onto the upper portion of the body  3 ;  
      the skirt  51  of the cap  5  is a threaded skirt  51 ′ that cooperates with an upper threaded portion of said body  3 ;  
      the cap includes a first axial projection  500 ′ that exerts an axial pressure on said ball  44 ′ so as to push said ball against the support  45  and thus close off the upper opening  33  of said container  3 ;  
      said box  68  includes, as transmission means  64 , an axial rod  64 ′ and a plurality of oblique rods  64 ″ coming into contact with a shoulder of said body  3 ;  
      said rod  64 ′ includes, at its upper end, a plunger  80 ′ capable of sliding into a lower cavity  47  forming a secondary container or a measuring chamber placed under said ball  44 ′, so that said manual pressure exerted on said closure means  32 , as in the case of the distributor according to  FIG. 8   b , urges a predetermined amount of said product toward said ball  44 ′;  
      said oblique rods  64 ″ form elastic lugs that have a flexibility making it possible to contribute, entirely or partially, to the elastic return of said box  68  and said closure means  32 , when said manual pressure ceases.  
     EXAMPLE 2D  
      The alternative according to  FIG. 8   d  was produced. This alternative is similar to that of  FIG. 8   c  and differs therefrom by the absence of an axial rod  64 ′ on which a plunger  80 ′ is mounted.  
     EXAMPLE 2E  
      The alternative of  FIG. 8   e  was produced. As in the alternative of  FIG. 8   b , the application means  4  include a central membrane  42  forming said application surface  41  equipped with a central upper opening  40 , but, unlike this alternative, the central membrane and said body  3  form a one-piece moulded part  20 ;  
      the cap  5  includes a first central projection  500  intended to close off the central upper opening  40 , when the distributor-applicator  1  is closed;  
      as in the alternative of  FIG. 8   d , said box  68  includes, as transmission means  64 , an axial rod  64 ′ and a plurality of oblique rods  64 ″ forming elastic lugs coming into contact with a shoulder of said body  3  and can contribute to the elastic return of said box  68  and said closure means  32  when said manual pressure ceases.  
     EXAMPLE 2F  
      The alternative according to  FIG. 8   f  was produced. This alternative is similar to the alternative of  FIG. 8   b . It differs therefrom in that said box  68  was directly integrated with said central membrane  42 .  
     EXAMPLE 2G  
      The alternative of  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  was produced. In this alternative:  
      the closed distributor forms a cylindrical body having a diameter of 18.75;  
      said container  3 ,  3 ″ includes, in its upper portion, a central tubular conduit  35  of which the upper end cooperates with said central membrane so as to form said upper opening  40 , which upper opening  40  is closed off by the lower end of said first axial projection  500  of said cap  5 ;  
      the vibration generating device is housed in a space located between said application means  4  and said container  3 , and said switch  63  is a push button  63 ″ placed laterally, at the upper end of the skirt  36  of said container  3 ;  
      the skirt  51  of the cap is a threaded skirt  51 ′ equipped with an internal threading cooperating with an external threading formed on said rigid peripheral part  43 .  
     EXAMPLE 3A  
      Distributor-applicators  1  equipped with means for propulsion  8  of the product  9  were also produced. According to a first alternative, a distributor body  2 , as shown in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , was produced. In this alternative:  
      said application means  4  include a rotatable part  44  forming a ball  44 ′, and said support  45  is formed by an upper portion  34  of the body  3 ;  
      the propulsion means  8  include the cooperation of a plunger  80  and a micro-notched rod  81 ′, as shown in  FIG. 9   b , said rod  81 ′ also forming said vibration transmission means  64 ′, so that the vibrations drive said plunger  80  upward by a progressive axial movement;  
      the closure means  32  of the body  3  are formed by said box  68  containing said vibration generating device  6 .  
     EXAMPLE 3B  
      According to a second alternative, a distributor body as shown in  FIGS. 9   d  and  9   e  was produced. This alternative differs from the previous one in that the propulsion means include a threaded rod  81 ″ cooperating with a plunger  80 , the threaded rod  81 ″ being driven in rotation by a rotation button  83  also forming said closure means  32 , and said box  68  including said vibration generating device  6 .  
     LIST OF REFERENCES  
     
         
          Distributor applicator  1   
          Axial direction  10   
          Transverse direction  11   
          Body of  1   2   
          Body forming a tube  2 ′ 
          One-piece moulded part  4 + 3   20   
          Axial snap-on means of  3  and  4   21 ,  21 ′ 
          Base of tube  2 ′  22   
          Snap-on means of  5  and  45   23 ,  23 ′ 
          Container of  2   3   
          Container with lower opening  3 ′ 
          Container without lower opening  3 ″ 
          Main cavity  30   
          Lower opening  31   
          Closure means of  31   32   
          Closure means with elastic return  32 ′ 
          Upper opening  33   
          Upper portion acting as support  34   
          Central tubular conduit  35   
          Skirt of  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″  36   
          Upper end of  36   360   
          Application means of  2   4   
          Upper opening  40   
          Application surface  41   
          Central membrane (flexible)  42   
          Relief portion  420   
          Hollow portion  421   
          Peripheral portion (rigid)  43   
          Rotatable part  44   
          Ball  44 ′ 
          Longitudinal part or roller  44 ″ 
          Hollow roller  44 ′″ 
          Hollow half-shell  440 ,  440 ′ 
          Secondary cavity  441   
          Support of  44   45   
          Circular lip  450   
          Upper peripheral lip  451   
          Base  452   
          Annular projection  453   
          Upper cavity  46   
          Lower cavity forming a secondary container  47   
          Cap of  1   5   
          Head  50   
          First axial projection (closure)  500 ,  500 ′ 
          Second axial projection (contact)  501   
          Skirt  51   
          Threaded skirt  51 ′ 
          Upper magnet  52   
          Vibration generating device  6   
          Vibration generator  60   
          Electric motor  600   
          Motor spindle  601   
          Unbalanced part mounted on  601   602   
          Contact for powering of  600   603   
          Power source  61   
          Electric circuit  62   
          Switch  63   
          Automatic switch  63 ′ 
          Push button  63 ″ 
          Transmission means, rod  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″ 
          Mobile element of  63   65   
          Lower magnet  66   
          Return spring  67   
          Box containing at least  60   68   
          Valve  7   
          Central portion acting as closure  70   
          Peripheral assembly part  71   
          Intermediate portion with spring force  72   
          Produce propulsion means  8   
          Plunger  80 ,  80 ′ 
          Axial rod  81   
          Micro-notched rod  81 ′ 
          Threaded rod  81 ″ 
          Non-return means  82   
          Button for rotation of  81   83   
          Fluid or pasty product  9   
       
    
      It will be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, the foregoing description and examples are intended to illustrate, but not limit the scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and these aspects and modifications are within the scope of the invention and described and claimed herein.