APPLICATOR TIP FOR A COSMETIC PRODUCT, APPLICATOR AND APPLICATOR ARRANGEMENT FOR IT

Abstract

The invention proposes an applicator tip (1) for cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction, called the main direction (X), and comprising a core (3) extending from a fixed end (3a) to a free end (3b) and forming a cavity (5), a first portion (7) of the core (3) surrounding at least a second portion (9) of the core (3), the free end (3b) of the core (3) being movable over a stroke delimited by said first portion (7).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an applicator tip for a cosmetic product, an associated applicator and applicator assembly.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such an applicator tip. Technical background

[0003] Applicator assemblies for cosmetic products are known, for example for cosmetic products intended to be applied to the lips of a user. Said applicator assemblies comprise a container containing the cosmetic product and an applicator adapted to be removably attached to the container.

[0004] The container generally comprises a body, the body comprising walls defining a reservoir in which the cosmetic product is contained, and a neck defining an opening through which the cosmetic product can be extracted. The applicator generally comprises a cap adapted to be attached to the neck, a stem extending from the cap and an applicator tip attached to a free end of the stem.

[0005] When the cap is attached to the neck, the stem and applicator tip extend into the reservoir. The applicator is immersed in the cosmetic product contained in the reservoir.

[0006] To use the applicator, the user detaches the cap from the neck and removes the applicator from the container.

[0007] Known applicator tips generally have a spatula-shaped area intended to come into contact with the parts to be made up, in particular to load them with cosmetic product. However, the spatula-shaped area usually only allows local application of cosmetic product, for example on a single lip at a time. The spatula also has an uncomfortable rigidity when pressure is exerted on the part to be made up.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an applicator tip allowing makeup to be applied, in a single application, to a large area of ​​a user, for example both lips, while maintaining comfort of use when applying makeup. Summary of the invention

[0009] Thus, the invention relates to an applicator tip for a cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction, called the main direction, and comprising a core extending from a fixed end towards a free end and forming a cavity, a first portion of the core surrounding at least a second portion of the core, the free end of the core being movable over a travel delimited by said first portion.

[0010] In other words, the applicator tip includes a core with flexibility due to the mobility of the free end. This flexibility provides comfort when applying the cosmetic product.

[0011] This flexibility also allows the volume of the cavity to be varied, for example when passing through the opening of the reservoir containing the cosmetic product. This results in optimized wringing.

[0012] The volume of the cavity can also vary during application of the cosmetic product so that the user can choose the quantity of cosmetic product released during application by varying the pressure exerted on the made-up surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the free end of the core being mobile but over a stroke delimited by said first portion, the wringing is limited and a sufficient quantity of cosmetic product remains in the cavity to be able to make up the entire desired surface without having to re-immerse the applicator in the reservoir.

[0014] This also protects the free moving end as it passes through the wringer to avoid damage.

[0015] According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately: the core has at least one application part, the core comprises a single branch, the core defines an application part, the cavity is flat, the cavity is open, the cavity is through, the first portion comprises a ring serving as a lateral stop for the free end, the second portion serves as a stop for the free end by cooperation during said stroke, the ring surrounds the free end, the ring surrounds the fixed end, the core has at least one return delimiting the cavity, the cavity has a variable volume, the movement of the free end varies the volume of the cavity, the core crosses at at least one crossing point, the at least one crossing point is obtained by helically winding the core on itself, the first portion is located at the fixed end, the first portion is located at the free end, the applicator tip comprises a sleeve intended to be assembled to a rod,the sleeve is in continuity with the fixed end of the core, the ring serves as a sleeve, the cavity has a predefined shape, the core is at least partly textured, the applicator tip is a monolithic part obtained without assembly and / or deformation and by additive manufacturing.

[0016] The invention also relates to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising: a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator tip as described above adapted to be fixed on the container, so that the applicator tip is housed inside the reservoir.

[0017] According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately: said container comprises an opening designed to cooperate with a closing cap, said closing cap is connected to said handling rod of the applicator tip, said opening is a neck through which the cosmetic product can be extracted.

[0018] The invention also relates to the applicator assembly, the container of which is filled with a cosmetic product. Advantageously, the cosmetic product is viscous, pasty or liquid. The product is preferably intended for making up a user's lips.

[0019] The invention finally relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator tip for a cosmetic product as described above.

[0020] The process includes: a step of developing a digital model of the applicator tip; a step of manufacturing the applicator using the digital model. Brief description of the figures

[0021] The invention will be better understood, and other characteristics and advantages thereof will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows, of at least two examples of embodiment of the invention given as purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which: there figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an applicator tip according to the invention; figure 2 is a sectional view of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an applicator tip according to the invention; figure 4 is a sectional view of the figure 3 ; there Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an applicator tip according to the invention; figure 6 is a sectional view of the Figure 5 ; there figure 7is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an applicator tip according to a fourth embodiment; figure 8 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of an applicator tip according to a fourth embodiment; figure 9 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of an applicator tip according to a fourth embodiment; figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of an applicator assembly according to the invention comprising the applicator tip of the Figures 1 and 2 . Detailed description of the invention

[0022] By convention, the longitudinal direction corresponds in the figures to that of the main X axis of an applicator tip or an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, and the “radial” or “transverse” direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0023] As illustrated on the figures 1 to 9, the invention relates to an applicator tip 1 for a cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction, called the main direction X, and comprising a core 3 extending from a fixed end 3a towards a free end 3b and forming a cavity 5.

[0024] A cosmetic product is a fluid product, particularly a product intended to be applied to a user's lips.

[0025] According to the invention, a first portion 7 of the core 3 surrounds at least a second portion 9 of the core 3 and the free end 3b of the core 3 is movable over a travel delimited by said first portion 7.

[0026] In other words, the applicator tip 1 comprises a core 3 having flexibility due to the mobility of the free end 3b. This flexibility provides comfort when applying the cosmetic product.

[0027] This flexibility also makes it possible to vary the volume of the cavity 5, for example when passing through an opening of a container 11 containing the cosmetic product. This results in optimized wringing.

[0028] The volume of the cavity 5 can also vary during the application of the cosmetic product so that the user can choose the quantity of cosmetic product released during application by varying the pressure exerted on the made-up surface.

[0029] The cavity thus has a variable volume

[0030] Furthermore, the free end 3b of the core 3 being mobile but over a stroke delimited by said first portion 7, the wringing is limited and a sufficient quantity of cosmetic product remains in the cavity 5 to be able to make up the entire desired surface without having to re-immerse the applicator in the reservoir.

[0031] This also protects the movable free end 3b as it passes through the opening of the container 11 so as to avoid damage.

[0032] The cavity 5 thus has a variable volume which varies according to the displacement of the free end 3b of the core 3.

[0033] Cavity 5 is also a reserve for cosmetic product. This allows for a storage volume of cosmetic product directly on the applicator tip 1 and thus provides enough cosmetic product for makeup.

[0034] Advantageously, the core 3 has at least one application part 13. The term “application part” means a part of the applicator tip 1 which is capable of retaining cosmetic product when it is brought into contact with it, and of subsequently releasing it during application to the surface to be made up. Furthermore, the applicator tip 1 may comprise a sleeve 15. The sleeve 15 is intended to be assembled to a rod 17 to form an applicator 19. The sleeve 15 extends in the extension of the core 3 in the direction opposite to that which points towards the distal end of the applicator tip 1.

[0035] Advantageously, the sleeve 15 is in continuity with the fixed end 3a of the core 3.

[0036] In the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 to 9 , soul 3 defines a single branch which has a return 21.

[0037] In other words, the core 3 is folded back on itself so that the fixed end 3a and the free end 3b meet, here at the level of the sleeve 15.

[0038] In other words, the core 3 thus has at least one curvature 23 which allows the core 3 to fold back on itself.

[0039] Cooperation of the free end 3b and the fixed end 3a is possible so as to limit the mobility of the free end 3b of the core 3.

[0040] Return 21 also allows core 3 to delimit cavity 5. In other words, core 3 defines the contours of cavity 5.

[0041] The fact that the core 3 is formed from a single branch makes it possible to simplify manufacturing, particularly compared to an applicator comprising several branches.

[0042] Furthermore, this also makes it possible to have a dependence of the first and second portions 7, 9 on each other during the mobility of the free end 3b. In other words, the mobility of the free end 3b is reflected on the entire applicator tip 1 and not on a single zone or portion.

[0043] Advantageously, the cavity 5 is here flat and open, through.

[0044] In other words, the core 3 defines a longitudinal plane in which the cavity 5 is located, which comprises two openings on either side of this longitudinal plane.

[0045] Advantageously, the applicator tip 1 thus has two opposite faces located on either side of the longitudinal plane in which the cavity 5 is located. Each of these faces makes it easier to apply the cosmetic product but also to distribute the cosmetic product stored in the cavity 5.

[0046] THE Figures 1 and 2illustrate a first embodiment of an applicator tip 1 for a cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0047] In this first embodiment, the core 3 extends from the fixed end 3a connected to the sleeve 15 towards the free end 3b, folding back so that the free end 3b joins the fixed end 3a.

[0048] The sleeve 15 is embedded in the rod 17 of the applicator 19.

[0049] Furthermore, the core 3 has three curvatures 23 so as to form a cavity 5 in the shape of a question mark.

[0050] The applicator tip 1 thus has a wide application part 13 located at the distal part of the applicator tip 1.

[0051] In this first embodiment, the free end 3b corresponds to the first portion 7 and comprises a ring 25 surrounding the second portion 9, here the fixed end 3a.

[0052] The ring 25 thus serves as a lateral stop for the free end 3b which abuts against the second portion 9 of the core 3. The lateral movement of the free end 3b is thus limited.

[0053] Advantageously, the fixed end 3a ends in a ball 27 located between the ring 25 of the free end 3b and the sleeve 15.

[0054] The ball 27 protects the sleeve 15 from cosmetic product which could leak and dirty the rod 17 or even the user's fingers.

[0055] THE Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0056] As for the first embodiment, this second embodiment extends from the fixed end 3a connected to the sleeve 15 towards the free end 3b by folding back so that the free end 3b joins the fixed end 3a by forming a cavity 5 in the shape of a question mark.

[0057] On the other hand, the free end 3b corresponds to the second portion 9 of the core 3 which is surrounded here by a ring 25 located at the level of the fixed end 3a of the core 3.

[0058] The ring 25 is extended by the solid sleeve 15 intended to be embedded in the rod 17 of the applicator 19.

[0059] The sleeve 15 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring 25. Thus, the ring 25 forms a housing 29 in which the free end 3b is inserted, limiting its travel, in particular its lateral mobility.

[0060] THE Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a third embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0061] This third embodiment differs from the second embodiment by the length of the ring 25.

[0062] In this embodiment, the ring 25 is elongated and extends so as to form the sleeve 15 intended to be embedded in the rod 17 of the applicator 19. In other words, the ring 25 serves as the sleeve 15.

[0063] THE figures 7 to 9 illustrate examples of embodiments of the applicator tip 1, in particular examples of the shape of the applicator tip 1, according to a fourth embodiment.

[0064] In these examples, the core 3 extends from the fixed end 3a connected to the sleeve 15 towards the free end 3b by folding and winding helically on itself so that the free end 3b joins the fixed end 3a by forming a cavity 5.

[0065] In this way, the core 3 crosses at at least one crossing point 31 and has a helical winding. In other words, the at least one crossing point 31 is obtained by winding the core helically on itself.

[0066] As in the second embodiment, the free end 3b corresponds to the second portion 9 of the core 3 which is surrounded here by a ring 25 located at the level of the fixed end 3a of the core 3.

[0067] The ring 25 is extended by the solid sleeve 15 intended to be embedded in the rod 17 of the applicator 19.

[0068] The sleeve 15 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring 25. Thus, the ring 25 forms a housing in which the free end 3b is inserted, limiting its travel, in particular its lateral mobility.

[0069] In the first example of realization illustrated in the figure 7 , the soul has a single return 21 comprising a curvature 23.

[0070] Thus, this first embodiment has an application part 13 located at the distal end of the rounded applicator tip 1. In other words, the cavity 5 is drop-shaped with a tip directed towards the sleeve 15 and the rounded area located opposite.

[0071] In addition, the core 3 here has a flattened section at the rounded application part 13. This allows for a larger application surface so that a larger area can be made up.

[0072] In the second example of realization illustrated in the figure 8 , the soul features a unique 21 point-shaped return.

[0073] Thus, this second embodiment has an application part 13 located at the distal end of the tip-shaped applicator tip 1. In other words, the cavity 5 has two opposite tips, a first tip directed towards the sleeve 15 and a second opposite distal tip. This second distal tip allows for a precision application zone.

[0074] In addition, the core 3 also has a flattened section at the second distal tip. This allows for a larger application surface so that a larger area can be covered with makeup.

[0075] In the third example of realization illustrated in the figure 9 , the soul has a return 21 comprising two curves 23 and a hollow.

[0076] Thus, this third embodiment has an application part 13 located at the distal end of the applicator tip 1 comprising two curves 23 and a hollow. In other words, the cavity 5 is heart-shaped, the tip of which is directed towards the sleeve 15 and the two curves 23 are located opposite.

[0077] Thus, advantageously, the cavity 5 can have a predefined shape as illustrated here but also any other shape that the manufacturer and / or the user desires, even complex shapes.

[0078] The applicator tip 1 can thus have an application part of an original shape with possibly precision zones and wider application zones.

[0079] Advantageously, the core 3 is at least partly textured.

[0080] This may for example be a flocking applied to the surface of the core 3, as illustrated in figure 9in which the entire application part 13 is flocked. The flocking comprises, for example, cotton or nylon. The flocking allows good retention of cosmetic product and a soft feel.

[0081] According to other variants, the surface of the core 3 may comprise grooves, in particular of shallow depth, in particular 200 to 300 micrometers so as to provide a surface condition whose roughness is modified compared to a smooth surface.

[0082] Advantageously, the applicator tip 1 is a single monolithic part obtained without assembly and / or deformation. In other words, the applicator tip 1 is not obtained by assembly and / or deformation. Assembly is understood here as the act of putting together, joining at least two isolated elements, but does not exclude the possibility of several steps. Preferably, the applicator tip 1 described above is obtained by an additive manufacturing process.

[0083] Additive manufacturing is a manufacturing process that involves adding material, usually using a computer. This manufacturing process is also known as three-dimensional printing or 3D printing.

[0084] Advantageously, the use of three-dimensional printing can make it possible to produce in a single step an applicator tip 1 in a single piece and in continuity of material comprising a core 3 forming a cavity 5 and extending from a fixed end 3a towards a free end 3b movable over a delimited stroke. Such an applicator tip 1 could prove very complex or even impossible to obtain, in particular in a single piece, by a conventional injection molding process, in particular without assembly or deformation of at least one part of the applicator tip 1. It is thus possible to produce, directly and by a single manufacturing operation, the applicator tip 1. In addition, this technique makes it possible to avoid the use of complex molds.

[0085] In addition, the use of three-dimensional printing can allow the manufacturer and / or the user to choose the shape of the cavity 5 of the applicator tip 1. Thus, the manufacturer and / or the user can choose the shape he wants, such as the shapes illustrated here but also any other shape, even complex.

[0086] It may also be envisaged as an alternative embodiment that three-dimensional printing is used to form the applicator tip 1 with the sleeve 15 and / or the rod 17.

[0087] Various additive manufacturing technologies known to those skilled in the art can be used. In particular, these may include: fused deposition modeling (FDM, for Fused deposition modeling in English), selective laser melting (SLM for Selective Laser Melting in English), selective laser sintering (SLS for Selective Laser Sintering in English), electron beam fusion (EBM for Electron Beam Meltingin English), stereolithography or photopolymerization (SLA for Stereolithography Apparatus in English), or Laminated Object Modeling (LOM for Laminated Object Manufacturing in English).

[0088] Preferably, these are sintering and / or stereolithography technologies.

[0089] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator tip 1 as described above. The method comprises: a step of developing a digital model of the applicator tip 1; a step of manufacturing the applicator tip 1 using the digital model.

[0090] The digital model is a computer file that corresponds to a virtual model of the applicator tip 1. To obtain it, the applicator tip 1 is first modeled so as to obtain a CAD model which is then converted into a suitable format such as an .STL file. The file is then used on an additive manufacturing machine. When reading it, the digital model is cut into a certain number of layers depending on the desired precision. Preferably, the layers correspond to a cross-section of the applicator tip 1, that is to say a section of the applicator tip 1 taken in a plane perpendicular to the main direction X.

[0091] Suitable materials for manufacturing the applicator tip 1 by three-dimensional printing are polyamides, photosensitive resins, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP).

[0092] There figure 10illustrates an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising: a container 11 comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator tip 1 adapted to be fixed on the container 11, so that the applicator tip 1 is housed inside the reservoir. It is thus immersed in the cosmetic product.

[0093] There figure 10 also illustrates the sleeve 15 assembled with the rod 17 of the applicator 19, also called the handling rod 17.

[0094] The rod 17 allows, among other things, manipulation of said applicator tip 1. More precisely, the applicator comprises a closing cap 33 adapted to be manipulated by the user and the rod 17 advantageously extends from the cap 33.

[0095] It should be noted here that the cap 33 is formed from a head made from the same material as the rod 17, and a cover mounted by force and held in position on the rod head 17 using internal counter-forms intended to cooperate with shapes made on the head. The cover is rigid. By "rigid" is meant non-deformable either at atmospheric pressure or at pressure exerted by the fingers of a user. It is with the aid of said cover that the user manipulates the applicator of the invention, in particular because the cover imparts the movement that the user gives it to the head of the rod 17, which itself transmits this movement to the sleeve 15 with which it is assembled.

[0096] The stopper 33 is intended to be removably attached to an opening belonging to the container 11. Said opening is here the neck 35 through which the cosmetic product can be extracted.

[0097] It should be noted that the sleeve 15 and the rod 17 each have a substantially cylindrical shape and a main direction of longitudinal extension coincident with the main direction X.

[0098] Here, the assembly between the sleeve 15 and the rod 17 is a recess. Alternatively, the applicator tip 1 may be overmolded onto or through the rod 17 or obtained in a single piece, for example by additive manufacturing.

[0099] The container 11 comprises a wringer 37, intended to be fixed inside said neck 35.

[0100] The wiper 37 includes a wiper orifice configured to scrape excess cosmetic product from the rod 17 and the applicator tip 1 as they pass through it.

[0101] In particular, the mobility of the free end 3b allows efficient wringing of the applicator tip 1, in particular of the cosmetic product stored in the cavity 5.

[0102] Furthermore, the free end 3b of the core 3 being mobile but over a stroke delimited by said first portion 7, the wringing is limited and a sufficient quantity of cosmetic product remains in the cavity 5 to be able to make up the entire desired surface without having to re-immerse the applicator in the container 11.

[0103] This also makes it possible to protect the movable free end 3b during its passage at the level of the wiper 37 so as to avoid being damaged. Thus, in addition to having an application surface of original shape with possibly precision zones and wider application zones, the applicator tip 1 is designed in such a way that the wiping is optimized during its extraction from the container 11. In other words, the quantity of cosmetic product that the applicator tip 1 is able to carry is optimized during its extraction from said container 11.

[0104] Advantageously, the applicator assembly can be obtained in whole or in part by three-dimensional printing.

[0105] To obtain additional advantageous effects, the embodiments may be combined without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Applicator tip (1) for a cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction, called the main direction (X), and comprising a core (3) extending from a fixed end (3a) towards a free end (3b) and forming a cavity (5), a first portion (7) of the core (3) surrounding at least a second portion (9) of the core (3), the free end (3b) of the core (3) being movable over a stroke delimited by said first portion (7).

2. Applicator tip (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first portion (7) comprises a ring (25) serving as a lateral stop for the free end (3b).

3. Applicator tip (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion (7) serves as a stop for the free end (3b) by cooperation during said stroke.

4. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the core (3) has at least one return (21) delimiting the cavity (5).

5. Applicator tip (1) according to the preceding claim, in which - the cavity has a variable volume, the movement of the free end (3b) varying the volume of the cavity.

6. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the core (3) crosses at at least one crossing point.

7. Applicator tip (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the at least one crossing point is obtained by helically winding the core (3) on itself.

8. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (7) is located at the fixed end (3a).

9. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the first portion (7) is located at the free end (3b).

10. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator tip (1) comprises a sleeve (15) intended to be assembled to a rod (17), the sleeve (15) is in continuity with the fixed end (3a) of the core (3).

11. Applicator tip (1) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 2, in which the ring (25) serves as a sleeve (15).

12. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cavity (5) has a predefined shape.

13. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the core (3) is at least partly textured.

14. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator tip (1) is a monolithic part obtained without assembly and / or deformation and by additive manufacturing.

15. Applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (11) comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and - an applicator tip (1) of the cosmetic product according to one of claims 1 to 12 adapted to be fixed on the container (11), so that the applicator tip (1) is housed inside the reservoir.

16. Method for manufacturing an applicator tip (1) for a cosmetic product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: - a step of developing a digital model of the applicator tip (1); - a step of manufacturing the applicator tip (1) using the digital model.