Abstract:
An applicator for the application of a product, for example a cosmetic or dermatological product, including a reservoir of which a first side is attached to a finger or mounted to a finger to face the finger. An applicator portion is arranged on a second side of the reservoir opposite the first, and the applicator portion is isolated from the reservoir at least before first use of the applicator. The applicator device further includes a device to establish communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion, for example, in response to an operating action at least during the first use of the applicator.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This document claims priority to French Application Number 03 04711, filed Apr. 15, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/474,675, filed Jun. 2, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to applicators for the application of a product. The invention can be particularly advantageous as an applicator for a cosmetic or dermatological product. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Discussion of Background 
   The application of a cosmetic or dermatological formulation for topical use is sometimes accomplished directly with the finger. However, in applying the product in this manner, one is confronted with the problem of hygiene and contamination of the product. 
   For this reason, a variety of cosmetic or medical applicators have been proposed. These generally include an applicator element on which is fixed a solid support allowing the applicator to be grasped. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,371,132, 6,435,195, 4,053,242, 5,615,440 and 6,009,887 describe such applicators. In some instances, the applicator element may be pre-impregnated with the product to be applied, as is the case with the applicator described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,956. U.S. application ser. No. 2001/036384 describes a system enabling a sponge type support to be impregnated extemporaneously with a liquid. The system includes a reservoir for the liquid at one end of which the sponge is attached. When pressure is applied to the reservoir, the inside of the reservoir is placed in communication with the sponge. To apply the product, the device must be grasped with one hand. 
   However, these devices can be cumbersome and do not allow a very precise quantity of product to be applied to a precisely delineated application zone. In addition, these devices limit the effectiveness of a massaging effect such as can be obtained with the finger. 
   A system that can be attached to the end of the finger has been proposed for use in dental hygiene. U.S. Pat. No. 2,763,885 describes such a system composed of an abrasive foam impregnated with toothpaste. U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,273 describes a similar system. However, the supports described are not suited to the application of a cosmetic or medical preparation. 
   Moreover, such systems pre-impregnated with product do not ensure the requisite stability of certain products. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One of the objects of the invention is therefore to provide an applicator which does not present the drawbacks of the prior art. 
   It is a particular object of the invention to provide an applicator having compact dimensions that will allow a precise quantity of product to be applied to a precisely defined application zone. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide an applicator that promotes penetration of the product by massage. 
   Another object of the invention is also to provide an applicator that ensures the absence of external contamination of the product. 
   A further object of the invention is to provide such an applicator in ready to use form. 
   According to the invention, these objects can be achieved by an applicator for the application of a product, such as a cosmetic or dermatological product, including a reservoir of which a first side includes means intended to attach the applicator to a finger, with an applicator portion arranged on a second side of the reservoir opposite the first. The applicator portion preferably is isolated from the reservoir at least before first use of the applicator. In addition, means are provided at least during first use of the applicator to establish communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion in response to an operating action. 
   The product contained in the reservoir can be isolated from the applicator portion, and the applicator can therefore avoid contamination and soiling of the product contained in the reservoir before application. In addition, the applicator can optionally be used to apply two mutually incompatible products or product components, or products/product components that are unstable over time by extemporaneously mixing the products at the time of application. As a further alternative, products which produce an exothermic reaction when placed in contact can be used with one of the products being held in the reservoir and the other in the applicator portion. 
   The arrangement can also be advantageously used to apply products that are highly soluble in water which cannot be picked up directly with the fingers due to their sensitivity to moisture. 
   Also, this applicator can be used to apply relatively precise “finger” makeup without, however, touching the product. 
   The means of attachment can be composed of an adhesive layer formed by the first side of the reservoir, a ring or loop encircling the finger, a finger stall, or a “velcro” (hook and loop) type system. 
   The means to establish communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion can include a membrane capable of breaking in response to pressure exerted from the first side of the reservoir during the first use of the applicator. 
   Alternatively or additionally, the means to establish communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion can include an element capable of piercing the second side of the reservoir. This element can be formed, for example, by a spike integral with the first side of the reservoir. 
   In another embodiment, the means to establish communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion can include at least one valve capable of opening in response to an excess pressure generated inside the reservoir. The communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion can then be reversible if desired. 
   The first side of the reservoir can be configured so as to deform in response to external pressure thereby establishing communication between the reservoir and the applicator portion. In particular, this first side can be pushed inward towards the inside of the reservoir when pressed with a finger. Thus, the interior volume of the reservoir can be reduced and excess pressure generated inside the reservoir causing the membrane to rupture. When the first side of reservoir is depressed, this can also, for example, cause a spike to engage with the membrane so as to pierce it. 
   The applicator portion can be made of a porous or fibrous material, such as a thermoplastic foam material, sponge, felt, or natural fibers such as cotton. 
   The applicator portion can be made of a resiliently deformable material so as to obtain a relatively flexible application. 
   The applicator portion can include an application surface covered with a flock material, a non-woven or a woven material. 
   An adhesive layer can be provided, for example, with a hypoallergenic adhesive. 
   By way of example, when viewed in cross-section through the thickness, the applicator can have a convex shape, at least on that side of the face used to apply the product. 
   Also by way of example, when viewed in cross-section through the thickness, the applicator can have a concave shape on the first side of the reservoir or a side of the device that faces the finger. This shape facilitates the placement of a finger on that side. 
   Alternatively, when viewed in cross-section through the thickness, the applicator can have a flattened shape with a first side of the reservoir substantially parallel to the face used to apply the product. 
   In frontal view, the applicator can have a circular shape or a non-circular shape, for example a generally triangular, square, oval, a drop shape or an almond shape. 
   The first wall of the reservoir can be coated with adhesive and can be covered with a removable protective film before the first use. 
   The product contained in the reservoir can be in liquid, semi-liquid or paste form. 
   The applicator portion can optionally contain an additional or second product (or, in other words, a second product component) intended to be mixed with the product held in the reservoir, with the second product being, for example, preferably in the form of a liquid, semi-liquid, paste or in powder form. 
   The reservoir can define a volume which is substantially cylindrical, spherical or any other shape. The reservoir can be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, polyamide, thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS), polycarbonates or teflon. 
   The objects of the invention can also be achieved by providing a packaging and applicator device incorporating a closed recess containing at least one applicator such as those just described. 
   The packaging or container can be in the form of a sachet or a cell closed by a film. 
   The applicator device according to the invention is particularly useful for the application of a cosmetic or dermatological product, such as a disinfectant product, a sunscreen, a moisturizing product, an anti-wrinkle product, a nail varnish or nail product, a foundation, a lip product such as a lip color or gloss product, a makeup remover, a hair care product, a hair coloring product, a deodorant or antiperspirant product, or a perfume. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description, particularly when considered in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a sectional view of a first embodiment of an applicator according to the invention before use; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of the applicator during use; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a sectional view of the first embodiment of the applicator during use; 
       FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6 A to  6 E,  7  and  8  illustrate alternative embodiments of the applicator according to the invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view of an applicator contained in a packaging device; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a pack containing several applicators; 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate another embodiment of an applicator according to the invention; and 
       FIGS. 13 ,  14  and  15  illustrate other embodiments of an applicator according to the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The applicator  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3  includes a reservoir of product  30  and an applicator portion  20  used to apply a product to the skin, the mucous membranes, or other parts of the body such as the hair or nails. 
   The applicator portion  20  can include, for example, a layer of a porous or fibrous material. By way of example, the applicator portion can include an elastically deformable material such as open or closed cell foam, felt or any other cellular structure, such as a natural or artificial sponge material, or fibrous structures such as cotton or textile materials, or a combination of these. 
   The applicator portion can also include or be composed of a film, which can have a relatively small thickness. 
   In a frontal view, the applicator portion  20  can have a circular shape. In addition, the applicator can have a substantially constant thickness e, giving it a flattened shape. 
   On one side, the applicator portion  20  defines an application surface  21  intended to be applied to an area to be treated and, on the opposite side, a surface  22  can be glued around its periphery to a membrane  41 . Alternatively, the surface  22  can be heat-sealed to the membrane  41  around its periphery. 
   The membrane  41  forms a wall of the reservoir  30  holding the product on one side  32  of the reservoir. The membrane is leaktight with respect to the product so as to isolate the applicator portion from product held in the reservoir. The membrane  41  can be made, for example, of polyethylene or polypropylene, PVC, polyamide, thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS), polycarbonates, or polyurethane. 
   The reservoir  30  includes a sidewall  33  having a circular cross-section on the free edge of which the membrane  41  is glued or heat-sealed. The sidewall is made, for example, of plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, polyamide, thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS), or polycarbonates. Preferably, a sufficient thickness is chosen so that this sidewall is relatively rigid. 
   On the side opposite the side  32  of the reservoir, the sidewall  33  of the reservoir in the illustrated embodiment is closed by a slightly concave wall  31 . The wall  31  is relatively thin, being for example between 200 μm and 2000 μm, and preferably between 500 μm and 1000 μm, so that it can deform in response to pressure exerted by a finger. 
   On its surface opposite the inside of the reservoir, the wall  31  is coated with a layer of adhesive  310 . The adhesive can be a permanent, water-resistant, hypoallergenic adhesive which adheres more strongly to the wall  31  than to the skin. The adhesive layer  310  can be in the form of a film-which can cover the entire surface of the wall  31 . The adhesive layer can also be in the form of a pattern of points, a series of bands, or may extend only in the central region of the wall  31 . The adhesive layer can also be covered, for example, by a mesh to reduce its bonding capacity. 
   The adhesive layer  310  can be covered, before first use, with a removable protective film  50  which can incorporate a tab  51  projecting beyond the sidewall  33  of the reservoir  30  to facilitate its removal. The protective film  50  can be made, for example, of silicone-treated paper or polyethylene film. 
   The reservoir  30  preferably contains a liquid, semi-liquid or paste form product P, in the form of a cosmetic or dermatological preparation. 
   The applicator portion  20  can also be pre-impregnated with a second product or product component, also in the form of a liquid, semi-liquid, paste, or in powder form. This notably facilitates the application of two mutually incompatible preparations or components, or preparations or components that are unstable over time with the products separate from each other for storage and then mixed for application. 
   To use the applicator  10 , the user peels off the removable protective film  50  and places a finger on the face of the wall  31  coated with adhesive. The applicator  10  is thus attached to the first pad of the index finger, for example, as can be seen in  FIG. 2 . The application surface  21  is then applied to the part of body to be treated with the preparation. During this application, the wall  31  deforms inward towards the reservoir thereby reducing its volume. Excess pressure is thus created inside the reservoir, with this excess pressure being such that the membrane  41  tears and forms a passage  34  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The product P can then flow into the applicator portion  20  through the passage  34 . The product moves, for example, by pressure, or simply by gravity or also by capillary action in the pores or between the fibers of the porous or fibrous material of which the applicator portion  20  is made, to the application surface  21 . The product can also move towards the applicator portion by the pumping action of the material constituting the applicator portion when the applicator is elastically deformable. The product can then be spread over a precisely defined area and/or the area can be massaged. 
   The applicator  10  can, for example, be used to apply anti-wrinkle preparations based on vitamin C or retinol to crowsfeet or to the area above the top lip. In a similar manner, it can be used for the application of anti-viral preparations to cold sores. 
   Again by way of example, the applicator can also be used to apply eyeshadow or lipstick or other lip products. It can also be used to apply perfume spots or nail polish remover, or to apply micro-peels to the face. 
   The applicator  10  can of course have a shape different from that just described, such as one adapted to suit the part of the body or face to which it is to be applied. The applicator  10  can, for example, have a domed application surface  21 , for example, outwardly convex, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this example, the application surface  21  is covered with a film of non-woven material  23 . 
   In the example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the application surface  21  incorporates a flock material  24 . In this example, the wall  31  is flat and not concave. 
   When viewed from the front, the applicator  10  can have a shape other than circular, for example to enable a product to be applied more easily or more precisely to a given part of the face, for example the eyelids or lips.  FIGS. 6A to 6E  show frontal views of different examples of possible shapes, among others. In frontal view, the applicator  10  can have a shape that is substantially square ( FIG. 6A ), oval ( FIG. 6B ), triangular ( FIG. 6C ), almond shaped ( FIG. 6D ) or drop shaped ( FIG. 6E ). 
   In a variant not shown, the applicator portion  20  can include or can be formed by a thin film polymer. This film can, for example, contain a preparation to be applied which will be dissolved extemporaneously by an aqueous solution contained in the reservoir. 
   In accordance with the scope of the present invention, one applicator  10  can be placed on the ends of two fingers together, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , or two applicators with different shapes, for example, can be used with each attached to the end of a finger, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Further, by way of example, two opposing applicators attached to two opposing fingers can be used to produce a pincer action to remove makeup from the eyelashes or to apply color to a lock of hair. In the case of eyelash makeup, such use of two applicators can prevent the formation of dark rings under the eyes and without soiling either the eye or the eyelid. Such use of two or more applicators can also facilitate the handling of several products at once, for example to apply a creative multi-colored makeup. 
   The applicator  10  can be packaged, for example, in a sachet. Alternatively, the applicator  10  can be placed in a cell  60  made, for example, by thermo-forming a plate of thermoplastic material, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The cell defines a recess  61  in which the applicator  10  is held. The removable protective film  50  is then attached to the cell around the recess, for example by means of a heat seal  52 , so as to close the recess  61  in a leaktight manner. Each recess can include a single applicator, or alternatively, each recess can accommodate two or more applicators  10 . 
   The cell can also delineate several recesses  61 , each holding one or more applicators  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Pre-cut lines  62  can be disposed around each recess to allow the detachment of each recess holding an applicator. In addition, each cell or recess can be closed by a removable protective film  50 . 
   In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the applicator  10  can additionally include means capable of piercing the membrane  41  that isolates the applicator portion  20  from the product contained in the reservoir  30 . For example, this can take the form of a spike  42  formed from or extending from the wall  31  and of which the free cutting end  420  is oriented towards the membrane  41 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the free cutting end  420  of the spike is held at a distance from the membrane  41  when the wall  31  is not deformed. When the user attaches her finger to the wall  31  and applies the application surface  21  onto the area to be treated, the wall  31  is deformed inward towards the reservoir and moves the spike  42  to the membrane  41 . The cutting end  420  of the spike then pierces the membrane  41  so as to form a passage  34  for the product, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
   The means of attaching the applicator to one or more fingers can be different from a layer of adhesive such as that just described. By way of example,  FIGS. 13 to 15  illustrate various examples of means of attaching the applicator to a finger in a reversible manner. 
   In  FIG. 13 , the applicator  10  is, for example, attached to the finger by a ring or loop  311  which encircles a portion of a finger. The applicator can also be attached to the finger by means of a finger stall  312  as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . In these two embodiments, the ring and the finger stall can be integral with the side  31  of the reservoir  30 . Alternatively, a “velcro” or hook and loop type system  313  can be used, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , to secure a ring or a finger stall to the side  31  of the reservoir in order to attach the applicator  10  to a finger. 
   Purely by way of illustration, particular examples of an applicator according to the invention will now be described in reference to particular applications. 
   EXAMPLE 1 
   The applicator  10  can be used to apply a skincare cream with a salicylic acid base. In this example, the applicator portion  20  is made of polyurethane foam. The surface  22  of the applicator portion is glued around its periphery, by means of an acrylic adhesive, to a polyethylene membrane  41 . The sidewalls  33  and the wall  31  of the reservoir  30  are made of low density polyethylene. The reservoir  30  contains 0.2 ml of a skincare cream containing 1% salicylic acid. Finally, the wall  31  of the container is covered with a silicone adhesive. 
   EXAMPLE 2 
   The applicator  10  can be used to apply an exact dose of pure vitamin C. In this example, the applicator portion  20  is a sponge. The sponge is impregnated with pure vitamin C in powder form. The surface  22  of the applicator portion is glued around its periphery, by means of an acrylic adhesive, to a polyethylene membrane  41 . The sidewalls  33  and the wall  31  of the reservoir  30  are made of polypropylene. The reservoir  30  in this example contains 0.2 ml of thermal water. Thermal water or water from a hot/warm natural spring is used by way of example in this embodiment. Such water is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,885, which is hereby incorporated by reference. See, e.g., &#39;885 col. 3, lines 10-18. Finally, the wall  31  of the container is covered with a silicone adhesive. At the time of application, the thermal water soaks into the sponge and wets dissolves the vitamin C thereby enabling it to exert its action on the skin. Such an applicator preserves the integrity of the vitamin C, which is unstable in solution, in comparison with a dissolved form, such that the vitamin C does not deteriorate while the product is stored and remains active. 
   In the foregoing detailed description reference is made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is evident that variants thereto can be proposed without departing from the invention as claimed herebelow. Accordingly, it is to be understood that numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.