Deformable applicator with capillary feed

Abstract

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

I claim:  
     
       1. Applicator comprising: 
       a reservoir for containing a substance to be applied;  
       a cap engageable with the reservoir for closing the reservoir; and  
       an applicator holder supporting a deformable element for applying the substance, said deformable element being movable between a first configuration when the cap is disengaged from the reservoir, and a second configuration deformed relative to the first configuration, when the cap is engaged with and closes the reservoir,  
       wherein the deformable element has a roughened surface, and  
       wherein the reservoir includes an end-piece having a base equipped with a seat including a capillary orifice against which the deformable element is applied,  
       wherein the deformable element assumes the second deformed configuration when the reservoir is closed by the cap, and collects through capillary action the substance.  
     
     
       2. Applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the capillary orifice is circular and has a diameter between 0.5 and 3 mm. 
     
     
       3. Applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the capillary orifice is a slit having a cross-section of between 0.2 and 7 mm 2 . 
     
     
       4. Applicator according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3 , wherein an end of the deformable element which cooperates with the seat and the orifice is flat. 
     
     
       5. Applicator according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3 , wherein an end of the deformable element which cooperates with the seat and the orifice is conical. 
     
     
       6. Applicator according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3 , wherein an end of the deformable element which cooperates with the seat and the orifice is round. 
     
     
       7. Applicator according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3 , wherein the applicator holder supporting the deformable element comprises a hollow rod. 
     
     
       8. Applicator according to  claim 7 , wherein the applicator holder supporting the deformable element comprises a rigid support sleeve in the shape of an ogive. 
     
     
       9. Applicator according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3 , wherein the applicator holder supporting the deformable element comprises a solid rod. 
     
     
       10. Applicator according to  claim 9 , wherein the solid rod is equipped, at an end thereof, with a stiffening element of elongate shape for guiding the deformable element during movement between the first and second configurations. 
     
     
       11. Applicator according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3 , wherein the end-piece is supported relative to the reservoir by a spacer element which is integral with the reservoir and through which the applicator holder passes. 
     
     
       12. Applicator according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3 , wherein the orifice opens out in the reservoir along a flared, frustoconical portion which serves as a capillary reservoir. 
     
     
       13. Applicator according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3 , wherein the end-piece is made of semi-rigid material. 
     
     
       14. Applicator according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3 , wherein the end-piece is made of a rigid material. 
     
     
       15. Applicator according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3 , wherein the deformable element is made of a low-hardness elastomer in the form of an open-cell foam. 
     
     
       16. Applicator according to  claim 1 , wherein the seat includes a plurality of capillary orifices against which the deformable element is applied.