Device comprising a porous, cellular or fibrous element which is fixed to a support

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device, in particular for applying and/or packaging a cosmetic, the device comprising a porous, cellular, or fibrous element fastened on a support, the element being bonded to the support at least by penetration of the material of a projection ( 10 ) of the support into the pores, the cells, or between the fibers of the element.

1 - 29 . (canceled)  
     
     
         30 . A device, which comprises: 
 a porous, cellular, or fibrous element fastened on a support;    wherein the element is bonded to the support at least by penetration of the material of a projection of the support into the pores, the cells, or between the fibers of the element.    
     
     
         31 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element comprises a foam with cells that are open or semi-open.  
     
     
         32 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element comprises a woven or a non-woven fabric.  
     
     
         33 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element comprises a felt or a sintered piece.  
     
     
         34 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element comprises a grid.  
     
     
         35 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the support comprises a thermoplastic material.  
     
     
         36 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the support comprises thermoplastic material which is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyamide, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, styrene maleic anhydride, polymeth(meth)acrylate, and acetal resin.  
     
     
         37 . A device according to  claim 35 , wherein the support comprises a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, plasticized polyvinylchloride, styrene isoprene styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, HYTREL, PEBAX, and SANTOPRENE.  
     
     
         38 . A device according to  claim 35 , wherein the support comprises a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate, plasticized polyvinylchloride, styrene isoprene styrene, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, a polyester, a polyether-block co-polyamide polymer, and a cross-linked thermoplastic elastomer.  
     
     
         39 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the projection of the support presents a right section that is triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, or rounded at least in part.  
     
     
         40 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the projection of the support is in the form of an annular rib that is circular or not circular, continuous, or discontinuous.  
     
     
         41 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the support comprises at least two projections.  
     
     
         42 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the support comprises at least two concentric projections.  
     
     
         43 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element is fastened peripherally to the support.  
     
     
         44 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element is fastened in a central region of the support.  
     
     
         45 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element covers two portions of the support that form an angle relative to each other, wherein each portion comprises at least one projection.  
     
     
         46 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element covers two portions of the support that form a right angle relative to each other, wherein each portion comprises at least one projection.  
     
     
         47 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element is configured to serve as an applicator member.  
     
     
         48 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element is configured to serve as a screen.  
     
     
         49 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element is configured to serve as a filter.  
     
     
         50 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element is configured to serve as an applicator tip.  
     
     
         51 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element is configured to serve as a wiper.  
     
     
         52 . A device according to  claim 30 , wherein the element is configured to serve as a flow reducer.  
     
     
         53 . A device according to  claim 47 , wherein the support comprises at least one sealing lip.  
     
     
         54 . A device according to  claim 47 , wherein the support is configured to serve as a handle member.  
     
     
         55 . A device according to  claim 47 , which further comprises a duct for feeding a substance to the element.  
     
     
         56 . A device according to  claim 50 , which further comprises a duct for feeding a substance to the element.  
     
     
         57 . A device according  30 , wherein the material of the projection is different from the material of a portion of the support to which it is connected.  
     
     
         58 . A method of fastening a porous, cellular, or fibrous element on a support, of an applicator and/or packaging device for a substance, comprising at least one projection which comprises a material, wherein said method comprises: 
 partially or wholly melting the material,    contacting the element to the partially or wholly melted material; wherein said contacting results in the partial or complete penetration of said melted material into the pores, the cells, or between the fibers of the element.    
     
     
         59 . A method according to  claim 58 , which further comprises: 
 exerting pressure on the element while contacting the element to the partially or wholly melted material.    
     
     
         60 . A method according to  claim 58 , wherein said melting occurs by means of a heater tool; and said method further comprises: 
 proximally positioning or contacting the heater tool to the material and    distally positioning or separating the heater tool from the material.    
     
     
         61 . A method according to  claim 59 , wherein said melting occurs by means of a heater tool; and said method further comprises: 
 proximally positioning or contacting the heater tool to the material and    distally positioning or separating the heater tool from the material.    
     
     
         62 . A method according to  claim 58 , wherein said melting occurs by means of a heater tool, wherein the heating tool is maintained at a temperature of from 80° C. to 600° C.  
     
     
         63 . A method according to  claim 58 , wherein said melting occurs by means of a heater tool at a temperature, wherein the heating tool is maintained at a temperature high enough to ensure that the material does not significantly stick to the heater tool.  
     
     
         64 . A method according to  claim 63 , wherein said melting occurs by means of a heater tool at a temperature; and wherein the temperature of the heater tool is greater than 400° C. when the material is polypropylene or polyethylene.