Device for treating human keratinous material, especially with the aid of an electric current

i

The present invention relates to devices intended for carrying out a treatment, in particular cosmetic or dermatological treatment, of keratin materials, in particular of the skin, the scalp, or the hair. By cosmetic or dermatological composition is meant any composition as defined in Council Directive 93/35 / EEC of June 14, 1993.

The invention relates in particular to devices for treating, in particular cosmetic or dermatological, keratin materials using an electric current.

It is known that the application of an electric current to the skin can promote the penetration of an active ingredient. It is thus known practice to treat human keratin materials using iontophoresis devices. Iontophoresis allows the diffusion of active ingredients through the skin by means of electrical stimulation in a non-invasive manner. The administered current can be adjustable in intensity and in polarity (anode or cathode current). The transcutaneous diffusion of molecules via iontophoresis is based on the two principles of electro-repulsion and electro-osmosis.

Electro-repulsion is the migration of an ionized molecule by repulsion of charges of the same sign. Thus, a positively charged substance will diffuse through the skin at the anode (+).

Electro-osmosis is the migration of a molecule, even non-ionized, by entrainment linked to the flow of water from the anode to the cathode during iontophoresis. Under the effect of a current, water or a solvent entrains the dissolved substances during migration.

US Patent 5,090,402 relates to an electric current applicator also having a massaging function, comprising a plurality of balls, all the balls immersing in the composition reservoir which extends under a support for the balls.

US Pat. No. 5,131,384 relates to a massaging applicator comprising a plurality of balls, including a central ball supplied directly with product. This massaging applicator does not have a system for applying an electric current.

In application US 2005/0107832, the applicator comprises a matrix of electrodes.

There is a need to further improve devices which promote the penetration of active agents through the skin in order to increase the efficiency of iontophoresis.

There is in particular a need to benefit from a device for the treatment, in particular cosmetic or dermatological, of keratin materials, in particular using an electric current, which has good efficiency and can be used with comfort and in complete safety. .

A subject of the invention is thus, according to one of its aspects, a device for treating, in particular cosmetic or dermatological, human keratin materials, in particular using an electric current, comprising at least:

- a reservoir containing a composition P, in particular cosmetic or dermatological, to be applied to keratin materials,

- a member for dispensing the composition contained in the reservoir, in particular a pump,

a tip for applying the composition contained in the reservoir, comprising at least one application member, in particular a plurality of application members, the application member being received in a housing supplied with the composition from the reservoir by the dispensing member, the applicator member being movable in its housing under the pressure of the composition between a first position and a second position, at least one intermediate storage chamber for the composition being delimited by the bottom of the housing and the applicator member, the volume of the intermediate chamber varying when the applicator member moves from its first position to its second position.

Thus, the first position can be a position of the applicator member at rest in its housing and the second position is the position of the applicator member which moves in its housing under the pressure of the composition.

The term “human keratin materials” mainly means the skin, in particular of the body or of the face, or else the scalp, the nails or the hair.

The presence of the intermediate chamber allows the intermediate storage of a small quantity of composition, which can make it possible to smooth the distribution of the composition on the keratin materials, even if the distribution of the latter by the distribution member from of the reservoir is effected with jerks, which may in particular be the case when the dispensing member is actuated manually, for example by means of a dispensing button, or automatically, for example by means of a 3045291 stroke engine. The dispensing member can thus be configured to dispense the composition in spurts.

The distribution member can be operated manually. As a variant, the distribution member is actuated automatically, for example by means of an electric motor. The electric motor can be different from a stepping motor, which makes it possible to benefit from a less expensive device.

The distribution member may include at least one motor, in particular at least one reduced motor without servo-control, for example a direct current motor. Such a device can make it possible to supply the motor for a given time interval and not continuously. The distribution member may in particular be without a wheel with an endless screw, or of a stepping motor, or of a reduction motor controlled by a tachometer.

The maximum volume of the intermediate chamber formed between the bottom of the housing and the applicator member arranged in said housing may be between 5 and 100 microliters (pL), better still between 10 and 50 pL, being for example of the order of 20 pL.

The device can be configured to allow a flow rate of composition distributed over the keratin materials of between 0.5 and 20 pL / s, better still between 1 pL / s and 10 pL / s, being for example of the order of 2 to 4 pL / s. The device according to the invention thus advantageously makes it possible to distribute the composition at a very low rate, which may be advantageous in the case of an iontophoresis treatment.

The presence of the intermediate chamber makes it possible to improve the control of the flow rate at the outlet of the device, whatever the nature of the distribution member used. Preferably, the distribution of the composition at the outlet of the device is thus done continuously and without jerks, even if the distribution by the dispensing member can be done jerkily. The regularity of the flow rate of distribution of the composition is important in an iontophoresis treatment because it makes it possible to guarantee the efficiency and the stability of the microcurrent applied and therefore the comfort of the user during the treatment.

The use of the device according to the invention is particularly advantageous in the case of a composition of variable viscosity over time during the use of the device. Indeed, the presence of the intermediate chamber makes it possible to compensate for the variation in viscosity of the composition. The variation in viscosity may result from long term storage in the reservoir during the period of use of the amount of composition contained in the reservoir.

The housing is supplied with composition from the reservoir through a supply port. The feed orifice can be arranged in the bottom of the housing, or as a variant be placed elsewhere than in the bottom of the housing.

A height h of the intermediate storage chamber extends between the first position of the applicator member and its second position.

The housing may have a shape configured to retain the applicator member therein. Thus, the shape of the housing can be chosen so as to prevent the applicator member from escaping therefrom.

The housing may have an opening of section smaller than a larger cross section of the applicator member. The opening of the housing allows the composition to be applied to the keratin materials by means of the application member which protrudes from the housing via the latter.

The housing has a cross-sectional shape larger than a semicircle, the applicator member being circular in cross-section. The cross section of the housing has for example the shape of an arc of a circle corresponding to 51% to 70% of the perimeter of a circle, better 52% to 65% of the perimeter of a corresponding circle, even better 53% to 60 % of the perimeter of a corresponding circle. The term “cross section” denotes a section taken parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device, and optionally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the applicator member in the case where the latter has a longitudinal axis, for example in the case where it is cylindrical.

The housing has for example a partially spherical shape, in particular slightly greater than a hemisphere, in the case where the applicator member has the shape of a ball. In this case, the contours of the applicator member and of its housing may be concentric. The radii of curvature of the applicator member and of its housing may be equal to within 20%, better still to 10%, or even to within 5%. The difference between these radii of curvature makes it possible to spare the intermediate chamber.

As a variant, in particular in the case where the applicator member has the shape of a cylinder, being for example a roller, the housing may have an envelope of shape slightly larger than a half-cylinder.

As a variant, the applicator member can be retained in the housing by means of a cover. The housing may in this case have an envelope having a cross-sectional shape smaller than or equal to a semicircle.

In yet another variant, the bottom of the housing is slightly flattened.

The device may include a plurality of housings, in particular one for each applicator member.

The end piece may include a distributor comprising at least one storage cavity for the composition and supply orifices for conveying the composition from the storage cavity (s) to the application members.

At least part of the application members may not be superimposed on the cavity (s). The cavity (s) of the distributor do not extend under the entirety of the application members. The plurality of application members covers the cavity (s) and protrudes around the cavity (s) when the distributor is observed along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

The distributor can be configured so that the flow rate of the composition arriving at the application members is identical to within 20%, better to within 15%, or even to within 10%, for at least two application members, or even for each member. application. The flow rate of the composition arriving at the application members is the flow rate of the composition leaving the supply orifice corresponding to the application member in question, to supply the housing of said application member. Two flow rates Di and D2 are compared as follows. Di being the smaller flow of the two, and D2 the greater flow of the two, the following ratio is calculated: (D2-Di) / D2.

Electrically conductive distributor

The distributor can be electrically conductive.

The material or materials of the distributor can be chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: acetal, polyester, ABS, polyamide, polycarbonate, PP, PE silicone, butyl, nitrile, viton, PBT, and a combination of these materials. It may in particular be a filled plastic material, for example preferably polycarbonate.

The material of the distributor can be made electrically conductive by inserting a filler into the polymer matrix, this filler being able to be chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: metal, graphite, carbon fiber or powder.

In one embodiment, the distributor is formed from at least one thermoplastic material, which includes an electrically conductive filler, for example a carbon filler or a metallic filler. A carbon filler is preferred in order to ensure a certain lightness to the distributor.

In one embodiment, the applicator members are not electrically conductive.

The distributor can be electrically connected to a power supply system by a metal tab. The latter can make it possible to ensure the transfer of electric current from the electric power supply system to the distributor. The distributor and the composition may be the only elements in the nozzle to be electrically conductive. In particular, the cover, the cover and / or the application members may not be electrically conductive. The only element in contact with the skin and which is electrically conductive may be the composition.

Application body

The device may include several applicator members, in particular between two and eight, better still between three and six, in particular in the form of balls. The multiplicity of application members promotes good distribution of the composition, continuously, and improves ionization of the composition during treatment, if necessary. The multiplicity of application members also makes it possible to improve the massage effect during the treatment.

At least one applicator member can be a ball, and better still all the applicator members are beads.

As a variant, the applicator members may have any depth, in particular cylindrical, being for example in the form of rollers, or non-cylindrical, for example an ovoid or discoidal shape.

At least some of the application members can be organized in a polygon, in particular in a triangle, and better still all the application members are organized in a polygon, in particular in a triangle. Such an arrangement promotes the application and treatment of areas that are difficult to access, for example the wings of the nose.

This configuration of the application members also promotes good distribution of the composition over the entire application surface. A better homogeneity of the treatment is thus obtained. Safety and comfort associated with a good distribution of the electric current on the application surface, if necessary, are also improved. The arrangement of the application members and their relatively large number allow simultaneous application over a fairly large area.

The applicator members can be made of plastic or metal.

The applicator members are preferably neither electrically conductive, nor connected to the electrical supply circuit by metallic conductors.

The outer surface of an applicator member can be completely inert from a chemical point of view with respect to the composition applied and to keratin materials. The outer surface can be covered with a varnish. The outer surface can be polished. The exterior surface can include a biocidal material, if desired.

Furthermore, the exterior surface of an applicator member can be placed near the composition reservoir, which makes it possible to avoid the presence of specific conduits for transporting the composition from the reservoir to this exterior surface.

The applicator members may be spherical or cylindrical, in the form of a roller for example, or have another shape, in particular ovoid.

Advantageously, at least one applicator member, better still each applicator member, rotates around at least one axis of rotation. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the outer surface of the applicator member exhibits symmetry that is substantially of revolution about an axis of symmetry, the outer surface possibly being rotatable about this axis of symmetry. As a variant, the applicator member can be rotatable about an axis of rotation distinct from this axis of symmetry.

At least one applicator member may include a core to which an outer wall is attached. This can be the case for all enforcement bodies. This core may include a surface provided with reliefs and the outer wall may be able to deform during application in order to come into contact with the reliefs. The latter make it possible to produce a massage effect when the applicator member is in contact with the surface to be treated, which can, among other things, facilitate the penetration of the composition into the skin and promote its action.

The outer wall may alternatively be rigid.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the outer wall comprises reliefs, which may include bosses or ribs.

Alternatively, at least one applicator member may include removable elements which give relief to the applicator member. These elements can thus be changed with a view to modifying the dimensions of the applicator members, their surface properties, or even their roughness.

Advantageously, at least one application member is removably mounted on the device. All the applicator members can be removably mounted on the device.

The distributor may include a first face on which the housings for the application members are provided, in particular a housing for each of the application members. The first face can be flat, concave or convex. It is, for example, slightly convex.

The supply orifices are configured to lead the composition from the cavity (s) to the housings of the application members. The supply openings may open into the housings elsewhere than in the back of the housings. This can make it possible to reduce the thickness of the distributor, so that the latter is thinner and less bulky.

Preferably, as mentioned above, at least part of the housings of the applicator members is not superimposed on the cavity (s), in particular when the distributor is observed perpendicular to the first face of the distributor. The cavity (s) of the distributor then do not extend under the entirety of the housings of the application members. The plurality of housings covers the cavity (s) and protrudes around the cavity (s) when the distributor is observed perpendicular to the first and second faces of the distributor.

The distributor comprises a second face opposite the first, on which said at least one storage cavity for the composition is provided. The cavity (s) may be hollow relative to the second face, which may be flat, concave or convex. The cavities can take the form of channels formed in the distributor.

The distributor may include peripheral cavities, in particular three peripheral cavities, each of the peripheral cavities being able to make it possible to bring the composition to several application members.

At least one peripheral cavity can be configured to bring the composition to two application members, for example two adjacent application members. In particular, each of the peripheral cavities can be configured to bring the composition to two application members, for example two adjacent application members. Thus, the applicator members can be connected two by two by a corresponding cavity, which can be in the form of a channel.

The feed orifices of the housings of the applicator members can open out for this purpose in these peripheral cavities. Thus, the path followed by the composition can be minimized, which makes it possible to reduce the volume of the cavity (s) and thus the dead volume of composition present outside the reservoir and not yet distributed.

The length of the path traveled by the composition to arrive at a given housing can be substantially equal to the length of the path traveled by the composition to arrive at another housing, within 30%, better still within 20%, or even 10%. better to within 5%. The term “length of the path” is understood to mean the shortest path provided in the distributor between the point of arrival of the composition in the distributor and the point of arrival in the corresponding housing, when the device is in use.

At least two feed orifices can be of different cross sections, to at least partially compensate for a difference in the length of the path traveled by the composition to arrive at the corresponding housings.

It is thus possible to promote the regularity of the distribution of the composition to the application members, and to obtain a balanced feed rate of composition for each of the application members. By "balanced flow", it should be understood that each of the application members receives a flow rate in composition which differs by less than 20% from the rate received by another application member, better less than 10%, even better less. by 5%.

The shape of the distributor promotes good distribution of the composition towards the applicator members, despite their high number and their different distance from the axis and from the outlet of the reservoir. It is thus possible to balance the distribution of the composition on each applicator member while minimizing the amount of composition stored in the distributor. The volume of the cavity (s) can thus be reduced to a minimum.

ίο

The distributor may include at least one central cavity, in particular a single central cavity. This central cavity may be intended to be supplied directly with composition from the reservoir, in particular via the diffuser which will be described below.

The peripheral cavities can be arranged like fins around the central cavity. The peripheral cavities can be fed by v-paths from the central cavity. The peripheral cavities can thus communicate with the central cavity by passages formed at the periphery of the central cavity.

As a variant, the device does not have a central cavity, the peripheral cavities being independent of each other, and not being able to communicate with each other in the distributor. In this case, the peripheral cavities can be supplied with composition directly from the reservoir, in particular via the diffuser which will be described below.

At least one peripheral cavity, or even each of the peripheral cavities, may have the shape of a rectilinear channel, a supply orifice opening out at each of the ends of this channel. When there are three of them, these peripheral cavities can be arranged on each of the sides of a triangle starting from one of the vertices of said triangle, for example on half-sides of the triangle.

Each of the peripheral cavities can be supplied from the diffuser which will be described later, the latter comprising a diffuser cavity in the form of a three-branched star, each branch of the star supplying one of the peripheral cavities of the distributor in its middle or at one of its ends. The pressure drop undergone by the composition from its entry into the diffuser and up to the application members is preferably the same for each application member, at the very least differs by less than 20%, better still less than 10% or even less than 5%. Thus, an equivalent path traveled by the composition is obtained for the supply of each of the application members.

Streamer

The device may include a diffuser directly in contact with the distributor, making it possible to bring the composition into the cavity (s) of the distributor.

The distributor and the diffuser can each have one face in contact with the other of the distributor or the diffuser. These faces can be plane. The surfaces of these faces can be adjusted so that there is in principle no composition which circulates between the surfaces in contact. However, it is not possible to exclude the presence of an MDF of composition between these surfaces, without the clearance which accommodates this MDF constituting a cavity within the meaning of the invention.

The diffuser may include at least one metal notch, for example three metal notches making it possible to receive a metal tab for electrical conduction, as explained below. A first seal may be inserted between the diffuser and the distributor, in particular around the cavity (s) thereof. A second seal may also be provided under the diffuser, being held thereon by a seal retaining part.

As mentioned above, the device may include a cover configured to retain the application member (s) in the housings. The cover may include openings through which the application members project outwardly to allow the application of the composition. In one embodiment, the cover is not electrically conductive.

Power supply system

The device may include an electrical supply system for exposing the keratin materials to an electrical treatment current in a zone of application of the composition.

The term “power supply system” is understood to mean an electrical assembly capable of inducing a potential difference between one or more electrodes and at least one counter-electrode. If the tip is placed on the face and the contrary electrode is held in one hand, the potential difference is established between the face and the hand.

Electrodes

The electrical supply system may include an electrode located at a distance from the keratin materials and in contact with the composition, and a counter-electrode, preferably coming into contact with the keratin materials in an area not exposed to the composition.

According to the invention, the term “electrode” is understood to mean a positively charged (anode) or negatively (cathode) charged electrode. This electrode can be placed in the application tip, so as to ensure the passage of electric current through the composition. The electrode is then placed inside the tip. In this case, it does not come into direct contact with the keratin materials, but with the composition itself. The composition may be the only conductive substance in contact with the skin when using the device. The electrode may not be in contact with keratin materials, in particular the skin, the end piece not comprising any electrically conductive material in contact with the skin.

Throughout the text, the term electrode means a single isolated electrode. An electrode may, for example, be in the form of a ball, a pad or a tab. The device can include one or more electrodes.

The term “counter-electrode” is understood to mean an electrode brought to a potential higher than the other electrode (cathode) or lower (anode). The sign of the polarity of the counterelectrode is opposite to that of the electrode. In general, this is placed on the body of the device or on a handpiece. The counter-electrode is intended to come into contact with a body area of ​​the person undergoing the treatment. For example, it can be grasped between a person's fingers or between their palm and fingers. In one configuration, the counterelectrode is disposed on the tip. In this event, it is separated from the electrode by an insulating space and as far away as possible from the electrode to avoid any leakage current.

The electrode may be housed inside the end piece, the electrode being in particular remote from the outer wall of the applicator member by a distance of between 0.2 mm and 5 mm. This distance represents the distance between the electrode and the outer surface of the applicator member. This distance is the shortest measurable distance between the electrode and the outer surface of the applicator member. It is measured between any point on the electrode and the outer surface of the applicator member, provided that the distance measured is the shortest distance.

Advantageously, the electrical supply system comprises a current generator suitable for controlling the intensity of the treatment current which flows between the electrode and the skin, which makes it possible to control the voltage U between the electrode and the counterelectrode. The voltage U generated depends on the impedance of the skin + composition system. The voltage U is limited to a maximum value Umax that can be delivered by the current generator, for safety reasons (approximately 100V for example). This Umax voltage can be less than 150V.

The electrode may be planar, for example in the form of a planar disc or of a polygon. The electrode may be hollow, for example being formed by stamping or bending an electrically conductive sheet. The electrode can be porous.

Electrical parameters

The source of electrical energy can include any battery or any accumulator. The voltage between the electrodes is for example between 1.2 V and 24 V, preferably between 1.2 and 3.3 V. If necessary, the passage of the current can create a point heating.

At equivalent current density, the device can in particular deliver a current density, at the level of the skin, preferably less than or equal to 0.500 mA / cm², for example between 0.01 mA / cm² and 0.500 mA / cm², for example between 0.1 mA / cm²and 0.3 mA / cm².

Control system and alarm

The device may further include a control system sensitive to the impedance of the skin. The control system can be configured to perform a measurement giving information on the impedance of the skin. The term “measurement” is understood to mean that the measured quantity is compared with a threshold value, for example whether the measured quantity has or has not exceeded the threshold value, or whether the measured quantity is or is not in a given interval.

The device may further include an alarm providing the user with a signal in response to information from the skin impedance sensitive control system. The alarm can thus make it possible to warn the user that the measured impedance has exceeded a threshold value.

The signal supplied may in particular relate to the possible need to modify the current density between the electrodes and / or the quantity of composition to be dispensed. This modification can be carried out automatically by a control system of the device, or else manually by the user. The signal may for example invite the user to dispense an additional dose of composition. The signal may alternatively or additionally prompt the user to increase the current density.

The alarm threshold value (s) can be preprogrammed in the device, or else be set by the user, or even depend on the composition reservoir introduced into the device, if the reservoir is recognized by the device and a corresponding threshold is automatically determined based on an identifier of the tank.

If there is not enough composition between the electrode and the skin, the impedance is very important. The voltage U can become too high.

If the amount of composition between the electrode and the skin increases, the voltage U may decrease due to a decrease in the impedance there.

The device may include a device for adjusting the current density flowing between the electrodes, in particular a device that can be actuated manually, and / or a device for automatically regulating the current density. Current density (A / cm²) can be regulated in order to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and / or to limit the painful sensations. The regulation of the current density can be carried out manually by the user, the latter being able to modify the intensity of the current at will, or even when the alarm signals the need, or automatically, thanks to a control system current density.

The device may include a system for controlling the current density between the electrodes to the impedance measurement performed by the control system.

The alarm may include at least one indicator light, an audible alarm, and a vibratory alarm, the alarm preferably being triggered when the impedance measured by the control system is located within a range. preset impedance range.

In an alternative embodiment, the electric current between the electrodes is generated by a low frequency current generator. In an alternative embodiment, the electric current is not generated by a voltage generator.

The device may include an electronic timing system configured to control the amount of composition dispensed and / or the duration of treatment.

Command organ

The device may include a component for controlling the distribution of composition, in particular a push button (for example an ON / OFF button) or a rotary dial, and / or a device for regulating the rate of composition. The controller is configured to be operated manually by the user. The controller may be configured to allow delivery of a dose of composition, or alternatively a continuous flow of the composition. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition dispensing continues as long as the control member is engaged, for example as long as the push-button is pressed.

The user can initiate the dispensing of composition when the amount of composition present is insufficient to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. The regulation of the quantity of composition can be carried out manually by the user, the latter being able to modify the quantity of composition dispensed at will, or even when the alarm signals the need, or automatically, thanks to a control system from the amount of composition dispensed to a measurement carried out on the keratin materials .

The device may include a system for controlling the quantity of composition leaving the reservoir to the impedance measurement carried out by the control system. The slaving of the composition distribution to the impedance of the skin makes it possible to ensure the presence of a sufficient quantity of cosmetic composition throughout the treatment. The amount of composition can be adjusted automatically, depending on the measurement performed.

The device may include a switch making it possible to put the device in automatic mode where the quantity of composition dispensed is slaved to the impedance measured by the control system or in semi-automatic mode where the alarm informs the user of the need for change the amount of composition dispensed. By “semi-automatic mode” is meant that the alarm can warn the user of the need to manually dispense the composition. By “automatic mode”, it should be understood that the composition distribution is automatically engaged, as mentioned above, if necessary. In this case, the alarm may not work or alternatively work to alert the user that composition is going to be dispensed.

Tank

The member for dispensing the formula at the outlet of the reservoir may include a pump. Advantageously, the distribution member comprises an air pump, in order to compress the air between the walls of the reservoir and its housing in the device. The walls of the reservoir are preferably flexible and the walls of the housing are preferably rigid.

More preferably, the housing is airtight. The reservoir is compressed in a controlled manner by the air pump. This creates some pressure in the housing to regulate the formula flow. A one-way valve at the end of the reservoir can help preserve the formula from contact with air.

The reservoir may have a variable internal volume and include at least one elastically deformable wall to reduce the internal volume, in particular two elastically deformable walls facing one another.

The reservoir may be arranged to be removably mounted on the device so as to allow, when the reservoir is emptied, to replace it with another or to remove it in order to fill it, when the reservoir has a filling orifice.

Advantageously, the reservoir has an elastically deformable outer wall.

Preferably, the reservoir comprises an outlet orifice opening out through a conduit in the diffuser.

Advantageously, the reservoir is formed in one piece. It is preferably molded in one piece, especially from the same thermoplastic material, for example LDPE, HDPE, a mixture of LDPE and HDPE, PP, or a mixture of PE and PP in any proportion. The thickness of the wall of the reservoir is for example between 0.1 and 1 mm and in the second zone between 0.3 and 0.8 mm.

Advantageously, the total interior volume of the tank is between 1 and 100 cm³, preferably between 20 and 50 cm³, in the rest configuration of the deformable zone. This volume is optimal for a few uses or repeated treatment over a few weeks.

Preferably, the interior volume of the reservoir can retract by a volume equal to between 10% and 50% of the interior volume of said reservoir in the configuration of resting the deformable zone. This variation in volume has the advantage of being visible and measurable.

The tank can be manufactured by injection blow molding or extrusion blow molding.

The reservoir can be removable. The reservoir can in particular be a disposable reservoir. It may or may not be a single dose.

Composition

It is possible to use with the device at least one cosmetic or dermatological composition.

The composition (s) used can be in any form, for example in the form of an aqueous solution, an oil, an emulsion, a powder or a gel. The composition (s) used can still be sprayed onto the skin.

When the composition (s) used is / are in the form of a gel, it can take the form of the electrode to which it is applied, as mentioned above.

The composition (s) can contain an active principle.

Advantageously, the composition is chosen from:

a composition for caring for the face or the body, comprising in particular an active agent chosen from humectant or moisturizing active agents, anti-aging active agents, for example, depigmenting active agents, active agents acting on the cutaneous microcirculation or sebum-regulating active agents;

- a composition for making up the face or body,

- a hair composition, in particular a composition for washing the hair, caring for or conditioning the hair, maintaining or temporarily shaping the hair, temporary, semi-permanent or permanent coloring of the hair, straightening or perming , in particular a composition for straightening, coloring, bleaching the roots and the hair,

a composition for the scalp, in particular an anti-dandruff composition, anti-hair loss or hair regrowth, anti-seborrhea, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritation or soothing, anti-stain or for stimulating or protecting the scalp.

The device can be used in various cosmetic or dermatological treatments, for example to fight against wrinkles, herpes, acne or to redensify the skin or the hair.

Description of figures

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

- Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 are schematic and partial views, in perspective, of a device according to the invention,

- Figure 3 is a schematic and partial perspective view of the closure cover of the device of Figure 1,

- Figures 6a and 6b are schematic and partial views, in cross section, of the applicator member in its housing, respectively in the first position and in the second position,

- Figures 7a and 7b are schematic and partial views, in cross section, of the applicator member of an alternative embodiment, in its housing, respectively in the first position and in the second position, and

- Figures 8a and 8b are schematic and partial views, in cross section, of the applicator member of another variant embodiment, in its housing, respectively in the first position and in the second position.

There is shown in Figures 1 to 5 a device 1 according to the invention. It comprises a body 12 on which is mounted a tip 2 comprising six applicator members 6 each having the shape of a ball, and a reservoir 3 of composition housed inside the body 12, and shown in dotted lines. The end piece 2 is snap-fastened onto the body 12. It could be mounted in another way. In the example considered, the body 12 is made of thermoplastic material. As a variant, this can be made from any other material. In addition, the applicator members 6 are plastic balls. The applicator members 6 could have a completely different shape, for example being rollers.

The application members 6, six in number in the example described, are arranged in a triangle, which makes it possible to promote the application and treatment of areas that are difficult to access, for example the wings of the nose.

The device 1 comprises an electrode 4 visible in dotted lines in FIG. 1, the electrode 4 being housed inside the end piece 2, as well as a counter electrode 5 placed on the body 12. The counter electrode 5 is in contact with the user's hand when the latter holds the device 1 in his hand, so that the electrical circuit between the electrode 4 and the counter-electrode 5 closes, the current flowing through the body of the user at the time of processing. The polarization of the electrode 4 and that of the counter electrode 5 can be reversible (+ or -) depending on the nature of the composition used.

The electrode 4 is connected to a pole of an electrical supply system 10 housed in the body 12 and communicates with the composition when the latter passes through a distributor 30, visible in FIG. 5. The composition then passes over the organs. application 6 to reach the application surface, the skin in the example described, for the treatment. The counter-electrode 5 is connected to the other pole of the electric power supply system 10, which is powered by a battery (batteries or rechargeable battery).

To start the treatment, the user turns on the device by means of a push-button 25. An electric current then begins to flow between the electrode 4 and the counter-electrode 5, when the device is applied to the body. face for example, at the same time as the composition is dispensed by a dispensing member 8 of the composition contained in the reservoir, in particular a pump, automatically or by action of the user on a control member 22.

In an alternative embodiment, the intensity of the current can be adjusted by the user by virtue of an adjustment member 26 of the current density between the electrodes, which is a graduated rotary knob in the example of FIG. 1.

If there is not enough composition between the electrode 4 and the skin, the impedance of the skin increases. The device includes a control system responsive to the impedance of the skin, configured to detect such a change in impedance. The device also comprises a warning device 20 making it possible to provide the user with a signal according to information coming from the control system. In the example described, the warning device 20 provides a light signal. The user can then dispense an additional dose of composition by pressing the control member 22 for the dispensing of composition, which is a push button in the example of FIG. 1.

The structure of the end piece 2 will now be described in more detail, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6b.

The end piece firstly comprises a closing cap 28, illustrated in isolation in FIG. 3, which is configured to be snap-fastened to the rest of the device, and more particularly to a cover 40 of the application members 6. The closure cover 28 comprises in its bottom reliefs 29 for wedging the applicator members 6. This closure cover is preferably not electrically conductive.

The cover 40 makes it possible to hold the applicator members 6 in place on the distributor 30. The cover 40 comprises openings through which the applicator members 6 protrude outward to allow the application of the composition. The cover 40 is fixed on a diffuser 50, itself fixed on an upper ring 65 of the body

12. The diffuser 50 is directly in contact with the distributor 30, making it possible to bring the composition into the distributor.

The distributor 30, arranged under the cover 40, receives the plurality of applicator members 6, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The distributor is electrically conductive, being formed from a thermoplastic material comprising an electrically conductive filler, in particular a carbon filler or metallic filler. The distributor is electrically connected to the electrical supply system 10 in order to enable the transfer of the electric current from the electrical supply system 10 to the distributor and then to the composition. The distributor and the composition are the only elements in the nozzle to be electrically conductive.

The distributor 30 comprises a first face 31 on which are formed housings 32 for the application members 6, in particular a housing 32 for each of the six application members 6. The first face 31 also comprises a rib 33 with several branches, separating the housings 32 from each other.

The applicator members are each movable in its housing 32 under the pressure of the composition between a first position illustrated in FIG. 6a, which is the position of the applicator member at rest in its housing, and a second position illustrated in Figure 6b, in which is formed between the bottom of the housing and the applicator member an intermediate storage chamber 100 for the composition. The second position is the position of the applicator member which moves in its housing under the pressure of the composition.

The maximum volume of the intermediate chamber 100 is for example of the order of 20 μL. It corresponds to the play existing around the applicator member 6 when the latter is placed in its housing 32.

A height h of the intermediate chamber 100 extends between the extreme positions of the applicator member.

The housing 32 is supplied with composition from the reservoir 3 through a supply orifice 39. The supply orifice may be disposed in the bottom of the housing, or as a variant be disposed elsewhere than in the bottom of the housing, as illustrated.

When a certain quantity of composition is dispensed by the dispensing member from the reservoir, it moves in the device to reach the intermediate chamber 100, where it can be stored before being dispensed onto the keratin materials by the bodies of 'application. Under the pressure of the composition, each applicator member moves in its housing towards the second position, allowing the storage of the surplus composition. The application of composition by the application members can then continue, by using the surplus composition stored in the intermediate chamber, even if the composition distribution by the distribution member from the reservoir is carried out with blows. Thus, there is a smoothing of the distribution of the composition on the keratin materials.

In the example which has just been described, the application members 6 are retained in their housing by the cover 40, but it could be otherwise.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7a and 7b, the housing is itself configured to retain the applicator member 6. The shape of the housing 32 is chosen so as to prevent the applicator member 6 from escaping. of it. The housing 32 has in this example an opening 38 of section smaller than a larger cross section of the applicator member 6. The opening 38 of the housing allows the composition to be applied to the keratin materials by means of the application member which protrudes from the housing via the latter.

The housing 32 has a shape in cross section, in a section plane perpendicular to the axis of the end piece 2, larger than a semicircle, the applicator member being in cross section of circular shape.

In this exemplary embodiment, the bottom of the housing 32 is slightly flattened, where the supply port 39 is located.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b, the applicator member has the shape of a cylinder, being for example a roller, and the housing has a shape slightly greater than a half-cylinder. The housing 32 is supplied with composition from the reservoir 3 through a supply orifice 39 arranged in the bottom of the housing, at the end of a vertical supply duct.