Cosmetic article with retractable brush head

Abstract

The invention relates to a cosmetic article comprising a reservoir (6) suitable for containing a cosmetic product, such as mascara. A conduit (8) extends in the longitudinal direction (L) in the reservoir (6) and a brush head (11) is mounted longitudinally in the conduit (8) for translation. The brush head can be in a retracted position and a deployed position relative to the conduit. The conduit (8) has a constant internal cross-section and the brush head (11) has a constant and identical cross-section, except for a functional gap. The brush head (11) comprises a smooth longitudinal first portion (14) and a second portion (15) comprising a surface suitable for retaining said cosmetic product. The cosmetic article of the invention is aesthetically pleasing, simple to use, protects the cosmetic product from air and enables accurate metering of the product released.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cosmetic applicators, and more particularly to mascara applicators.

[0002] A mascara product typically includes a case, a mascara reservoir, and an application brush. The application brush includes a grip and a brush head in the strict sense, usually in the form of a brush. In known forms, the application brush may include a cap or stopper for sealing the reservoir when the mascara is not in use and may form the grip area of ​​the application brush.

[0003] There are generally several types of brush heads: bottle brush heads, injection-molded brush heads, and brush heads manufactured by additive manufacturing (sometimes called "additive synthesis"). Additive manufacturing refers to the manufacturing process that involves adding or aggregating substances.

[0004] One type of bottle brush head includes a brush comprising bristles made of fibers secured in a twisted metal wire that forms the core of the brush head. Injection-molded brush heads are typically one-piece molded and include bristles or teeth, for example, made of a plastic material and commonly referred to as protrusions. Brush heads manufactured by additives are also typically one-piece molded and can be made from thermoplastic polymer powder, formed through a process such as laser melting of the powder.

[0005] Regardless of the known shape and implementation of mascara brush heads, the principle of applying mascara is to load the brush head with the product (mascara) from the mascara reservoir, remove the brush head with the product from the reservoir, and apply it to the user's eyelashes or eyebrows.

[0006] For simplicity, the remainder of this disclosure refers only to eyelashes, but does not exclude the possibility of using the product and brush head on a user's eyebrows. Similarly, female users are mentioned, but use by male users is not excluded. To improve the ergonomics of mascara products, document US 2010 / 0065080 discloses a mascara application item with a retractable configuration, belonging to the "pen" type. It includes an elongated outer shell and a brush head slidably mounted relative to the shell for immersion in the mascara reservoir in a retracted position and for application in an extended position. One advantage of this configuration is that it allows for one-handed application, unlike common items where the brush is mounted on a stopper screwed onto the reservoir, requiring the user to use both hands to unscrew the stopper to use the brush. However, because the brush head is immersed in the product in the reservoir in the retracted position, a significant amount of product is displaced when the brush head emerges, most of which is not used for makeup, especially the portion near the brush head core. Furthermore, the product dries out due to contact with air, reducing the item's lifespan. This immersion process in the liquid storage chamber also presents another problem: air entering the chamber can cause the product to dry out, limiting its lifespan.

[0007] Therefore, existing mascara brushes typically dispense more product than needed for makeup application, or even more than the amount actually usable on the lashes. The excess product is then re-soaked in the reservoir. This process is repeated every time the brush is used. Furthermore, in existing mascara products, the reservoir remains open while the product is in use, exposing the product to air for a period of time. This can cause the product to dry prematurely. Consequently, the quality of the mascara may be affected, potentially resulting in clumping or poor flowability.

[0008] Documents FR3039044, FR3039045, and FR3039046 partially address the aforementioned issues, proposing a mascara article comprising a brush head movable relative to the housing. The brush head includes a body and protruding portions (bristles or teeth) that move relative to the body of the brush head between a retracted position and an extended position. According to some provisions in these documents, product can be loaded when the brush head is removed from the housing. However, these devices still require improvement due to their complexity and the inability to guarantee completely uniform dosage of the product provided. In particular, the brush head often loads more cosmetic dosage than actually applied, which poses problems for preserving product applied to the brush head but not used. Furthermore, these devices still require improvement in delivering and preserving air-sensitive mascara formulations (e.g., highly volatile formulations).

[0009] Finally, there is always a need to develop mascara products that are both aesthetically pleasing and of high quality.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a mascara product that solves the above-mentioned problems, in whole or in part.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention relates to a cosmetic article comprising a reservoir suitable for containing liquid or semi-liquid cosmetics, a conduit extending longitudinally inside the reservoir, and a brush head mounted within the conduit and capable of translational movement in the longitudinal direction, the brush head being movable within the conduit between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the brush head is fully or partially contained within the conduit, and in the extended position a portion of the brush head extends from one end of the conduit.

[0012] The brush head includes a smooth, longitudinal first portion and a second portion having a conduit adapted to hold the cosmetic surface, the conduit having a constant internal cross-section, characterized in that the first portion of the brush head has a constant and identical cross-section, except for the functional gap, which is the same as the cross-section of the conduit.

[0013] The conduit includes at least one hole near its end, allowing cosmetic to be introduced from the reservoir to the brush head.

[0014] This invention proposes a simple and aesthetically pleasing cosmetic item (such as mascara). The brush head has an innovative shape. The second part of the brush head has a pattern that holds the product, and this part is used to apply cosmetic products (such as the user's eyelashes) onto it. Furthermore, using a "textured" area with a pattern for holding the product, the amount of product loaded onto the second part of the brush head can be calibrated very accurately and completely repeatably. This allows for precise adjustment of the amount of product released each time the brush head switches from the retracted position to the extended position. The shape of the brush head corresponds to the tube, ensuring a seal with the product in addition to having a small functional gap for sliding within the tube. It also ensures that only the product on the second part of the brush head is exposed to air before the brush head is extended, i.e., before application. The product in the reservoir is always protected from air. This significantly extends the product's lifespan compared to traditional cosmetic products.

[0015] The second part of the brush head faces the hole fully or partially when it is retracted.

[0016] The orifice on the conduit allows for the loading of cosmetics onto the second part of the brush head. This brush head loading configuration is particularly advantageous because it can accommodate viscous products and / or products whose viscosity increases due to aging. In fact, the longitudinal translational motion relative to the orifice generates a shear force at the orifice when loading the brush head, locally liquefying the cosmetics.

[0017] The second part has a pattern on its surface, which includes, for example, recesses and / or ridges.

[0018] By selecting the characteristics, shape, and depth of the pattern, the amount of product retained on the second part of the brush head's surface can be chosen. This allows for extremely precise product measurement. Selecting the pattern also adjusts the shear force generated when the product is loaded onto the brush head. Finally, the pattern also determines the characteristics of the brush head when applying product, particularly its ability to adhere to and separate from eyelashes (or other hair).

[0019] The brush head can be made of metal. It can also be made of plastic.

[0020] Metal brush heads (more generally, an item) are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and can be produced with very low manufacturing tolerances, resulting in a perfect seal for the system. Brush heads made of plastics (including composites) are available at low cost.

[0021] The surface of the second part is composed of porous materials, such as ceramics or foam.

[0022] Porous materials are a relevant alternative solution for maintaining product integrity compared to patterning.

[0023] The brush head has an overall prismatic shape or an axially symmetrical cylindrical shape.

[0024] The selection of the brush head portion, and the corresponding conduit, is important from both a functional and aesthetic perspective. While an axisymmetric cylindrical shape (circular cross-section) is the simplest and optimal configuration to ensure a seal between the brush head and the conduit, any right-angled prism shape (e.g., a brush head with a polygonal cross-section) can also be considered in this invention, thus allowing the brush head to move within the conduit. The functional gap is between 0.2 micrometers and 100 micrometers.

[0025] This allows for the regular loading of products onto the brush head during use.

[0026] The reservoir includes a device for pressurizing the products contained therein.

[0027] For example, a plunger driven by an elastic device.

[0028] The cosmetic item includes a first return mechanism that tends to bring the brush head to and hold it in the unfolded position.

[0029] The first return device can bring in and hold cosmetic items in a position where they can be applied.

[0030] The cosmetic item includes a sleeve in which a liquid reservoir is formed, the liquid reservoir being able to move longitudinally between a storage position and an extended position within the sleeve.

[0031] The cosmetic item includes a second return device located between the liquid reservoir and the sleeve. The second return device tends to bring the liquid reservoir back to the storage position. When the brush head is in the extended position, the liquid reservoir can be brought to the extended position by translation in the longitudinal direction. The brush head abuts against and is fixed to the sleeve, thereby creating relative movement between the liquid reservoir and the brush head, bringing the brush head to the retracted position relative to the liquid reservoir.

[0032] According to one embodiment, when the reservoir is in the extended position, the brush head is in the retracted position, and when the reservoir is in the stored position, the brush head is in the extended position.

[0033] These configurations allow for relative movement between the brush head and the reservoir, enabling the product to be loaded onto the brush head.

[0034] Cosmetic items may include removable caps that, when attached to the cosmetic item, apply pressure to the brush head to retract it into the closed position.

[0035] Therefore, in simple cosmetic product configurations, a cap can be used to press the brush head back relative to the reservoir. This cap enhances the device's sealing performance.

[0036] The liquid storage chamber can be detachably connected to the sleeve.

[0037] Therefore, the device is durable. The reservoir can be refilled if necessary. Other features and advantages of the invention will be further presented in the description below.

[0038] The accompanying drawings are for non-limiting purposes only:

[0039] - Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram illustrates a cosmetic item in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] - Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 1 The state of cosmetic items in storage;

[0041] - Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The state of cosmetic items during use;

[0042] - Figure 4 An example of the end of a brush head that can be used in this invention is shown in a schematic three-dimensional diagram;

[0043] - Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown. Figures 1 to 3 The state of cosmetic items when the brush head is reloaded between two consecutive applications;

[0044] - Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown. Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 The liquid storage compartment for cosmetic items is configured to be filled with cosmetic products.

[0045] - Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view shows the state of the cosmetic item in storage according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] - Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 7 The state of cosmetic items in use.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 A cosmetic item is illustrated in a schematic three-dimensional view. According to the illustrated embodiment, the item is rectangular in shape, resembling a pen. Therefore, the item includes a body 1, with a cap 2 connected or joined to one end. The body exterior includes a barrel 3 sealed by a stopper 4, the barrel 3 and the stopper 4 forming a sleeve 5. The item extends along a general extension direction referred to as the longitudinal direction L.

[0048] Figure 2 Shown as an example cross-sectional view Figure 1A cosmetic item in a stored state. The cosmetic item includes a reservoir 6 suitable for containing cosmetic products. The cosmetic product can be in liquid or semi-liquid (including paste) form, such as mascara. The cosmetic product may contain solid particles, such as flakes, fibers, etc., which are contained within the liquid or paste. The reservoir 6 has a general cylindrical shape and extends along the longitudinal direction L. The reservoir 6 contains an internal volume 7 suitable for storing the cosmetic product.

[0049] A reservoir 6 is formed within the sleeve 5 of the main body 1 of the cosmetic item. The reservoir 6 is penetrated longitudinally by a conduit 8. Specifically, the conduit 8 may be centered relative to the reservoir and positioned on the central longitudinal axis of the reservoir, or more generally on the central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic item.

[0050] The conduit 8 can extend to the entire length of the internal volume 7 of the reservoir 6.

[0051] The conduit 8 has a constant cross-section (i.e., considered in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L). This cross-section can be circular, but any other constant cross-section can also be considered, especially any elliptical or polygonal cross-section.

[0052] One end of the reservoir 6 is sealed by an end cap 9, which forms a seal with both the inner wall of the reservoir 6 and the outer wall of the conduit 8. Therefore, the internal volume 7 of the reservoir 6 is tightly sealed at this end. An acuminate dome 10 may be attached to the end cap 9. The acuminate dome 10 serves both aesthetic and sealing purposes, as described later.

[0053] The cosmetic item also includes a brush head 11. This brush head corresponds to the part of the item used for applying cosmetic products, such as applying cosmetic products to eyelashes.

[0054] The brush head 11 can be translated longitudinally within the conduit 8. Alternatively, when the brush head has a generally cylindrical shape with axial symmetry, it can also rotate within the conduit.

[0055] Specifically, the design of this cosmetic item allows the brush head 11 to be in a retracted position and an extended position. Between the brush head 11 and the liquid reservoir 6, between the retracted position and the extended position, or vice versa, the brush head 11 and the liquid reservoir 6 have relative longitudinal translational motion or a combined relative motion consisting of longitudinal translational motion and rotational motion.

[0056] The brush head is Figure 2 In the middle, it is in the retracted position, Figure 3 It is in the unfolded position.

[0057] In the retracted position, the brush head 11 is fully or partially received by the conduit 8. In the embodiment shown here, the brush head 11 has a tip 12 in the retracted position, which is received by the conduit 8.

[0058] In the extended position, the brush head 11 extends further out of the conduit 5 than in the retracted position. In other words, a portion of the brush head that is contained within the conduit in the retracted position extends out from one end 13 of the conduit 8 in the extended position.

[0059] In order to allow the brush head 11 to move within the conduit 8, the brush head 11 has a cross-section, except for some gaps, corresponding to the internal cross-section of the conduit 8. Therefore, the brush head 11 has the shape of an upright prism or a right cylinder.

[0060] The gap between the brush head 11 and the inner wall of the conduit 8 is very small, solely to avoid a tight fit between the brush head 11 and the conduit 8. The manufacturing tolerance is also small enough to ensure a seal, thereby preventing cosmetic from flowing between the conduit 8 and the brush head 11. Therefore, this tolerance is preferably between 0.2 micrometers and 0.1 micrometers. Thus, cosmetic cannot diffuse or leak between the conduit 8 and the brush head 11.

[0061] Preferably, the brush head 11 is integrally formed. In particular, it can be made of metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. Alternatively, it can be made of plastic material, especially reinforced plastic material or composite material, or porous material, such as ceramic or foam.

[0062] The brush head 11 includes a smooth, longitudinal first portion 14 and a second portion 15, wherein the second portion includes a surface suitable for holding cosmetics.

[0063] To this end, a pattern is formed on the second part 15, and slight depressions are created on its surface, in which liquid is filled and retained. Retention is achieved through the surface tension of the cosmetic.

[0064] The pattern formed on the surface of the brush head 11 is located within the overall outer envelope of the brush head. Therefore, the brush head 11 has a general shape, except for the functional gaps, that corresponds to the overall (internal) shape of the conduit 8. Thus, the first part of the brush head is patternless, which ensures that the product is prevented from flowing between the brush head and the reservoir, but the second part containing the pattern does not prevent relative movement between the brush head 11 and the reservoir 8 (relative rotation is also possible if necessary).

[0065] As an alternative to retaining cosmetic products, the second part can be made of porous materials, or have a porous material covering its surface. This can be achieved using various ceramic or foam materials (natural, plastic, metallic, etc.).

[0066] Figure 4An example of the end of the brush head 11 that can be used in this invention is shown in a schematic three-dimensional view. Figure 4 An example of the second portion 15 near the tip 12 of the brush head 11 is shown, followed by the first portion 14 with a smooth surface.

[0067] exist Figure 4 In the example, the second part has a pattern, namely a ridge. The surface of the second part 15 can be formed with patterns of other shapes, and even multiple different patterns can be formed if necessary.

[0068] Specifically, the surface condition of the second part 15 can be obtained by rolling on the second part.

[0069] The conduit 8 includes a hole 16 near its end 13. The hole 16 is an opening formed in the wall of the conduit 8. Thus, the hole 16 allows the cosmetic contained in the reservoir 6 to enter the interior of the conduit 8. The hole 16 may be rectangular. In particular, the length of the hole 16 (the dimension L in the longitudinal direction) may be approximately equal to or equal to the length of the second part 15 of the brush head.

[0070] The hole 16 allows cosmetics to be loaded onto the second part 15. This loading is performed when the second part 15 faces the hole 16. Multiple holes 16 may be distributed around the conduit 8 to improve the distribution of cosmetics around the second part 15 of the brush head 11.

[0071] In order for the brush head to be able to hold cosmetics regardless of the orientation of the cosmetic item, the cosmetics are pressurized into the reservoir 6, which allows the cosmetics to be discharged through the hole 16.

[0072] This pressurization can be achieved in various ways. A preferred pressurization device includes a plunger 17 that can move longitudinally within the reservoir 6. The plunger 17 is pushed towards the end of the reservoir 6 by an elastic device. A first compression spring 18, particularly a helical spring, can be used as the elastic device. Alternatively, a compressed gas elastic device can also be used. Any other suitable elastic device can be considered.

[0073] In addition to allowing the brush head to be mounted in any orientation on the mascara product, the plunger (or any similar pressurizing device) also ensures that the internal volume 7 of the reservoir is always accommodating the amount of product contained within. Therefore, the product never comes into contact with air, which could cause it to deteriorate.

[0074] When the brush head is in the retracted position (e.g.) Figure 2As shown), the second part 15 may face the hole 16 completely or partially. This allows the second part 15 to be loaded with cosmetics. If, in the retracted position, not the entire second part faces the hole 16, then the brush head is configured such that the entire second part 15 is opposite to the hole 16 when switching from the retracted position to the extended position and / or when switching from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0075] The relative movement between the brush head 11 and the conduit 8 also generates shear force in the cosmetic, locally liquefying the cosmetic and making it easier to load onto the brush head 11.

[0076] Figure 3 Showing Figure 2 A cosmetic item, wherein the brush head 11 is in the extended position. In the illustrated embodiment, switching from the retracted position to the extended position is shown below.

[0077] Remove the cap 2 from the cosmetic item. To do this, detach it from the body 1. Specifically, the cap 2 can be a threaded cap or a snap-on cap. The cap can be held in place by a magnetic system. The cap can be attached to the sleeve 5 or the reservoir 6.

[0078] The cap 2 may include a center pin 19 that, when placed on the body 1, inserts into the center hole of the tail dome 10. This ensures a perfect seal for cosmetic items. Furthermore, the center pin 19 applies pressure to the end 12 of the brush head 11, holding it in the retracted position. The cap 2 may also include an inner ring 20 that presses against the tail dome 10 and is secured to the tail dome by an elastic device (e.g., a second compression spring 21). The inner ring 20 and its elastic device enhance the seal of the device and facilitate the removal of the cap 2, while also alerting the user if the cap is not properly closed by pushing it back (e.g., locking if the cap is not properly closed).

[0079] When the cap 2 is removed from the cosmetic item, the brush head 11 is pushed into the extended position. In fact, the cosmetic item includes a first return mechanism 22, which tends to keep the brush head in the extended position. When the cap 2 is removed, the cap no longer keeps the brush head in the retracted position by contact with its tip 12. The first return mechanism 22 may include a compression spring located between the brush head 11 and the body 1, i.e., between the brush head 11 and the stopper 4. Because the reservoir 6 is formed in the sleeve 5, the first return mechanism 22 tends to cause the brush head 11 to extend from the end 13 of the conduit. Therefore, the release of the first return mechanism puts the brush head in the extended position.

[0080] The reservoir 6 can translate longitudinally within the sleeve 5 and, where appropriate, rotate. The reservoir can have a stored position and an extended position relative to the sleeve 5. Between the stored and extended positions, and vice versa, there is a relative translational movement or a combination of translational and rotational movement between the reservoir 6 and the sleeve 5. In its stored and extended positions, the reservoir 6 is partially formed within the sleeve 5; however, in the extended position, the portion of the reservoir protruding from the sleeve is greater than in the stored position.

[0081] Figure 3 This shows the liquid storage chamber is in its stored position. The following is a detailed description. Figure 5 The display shows that the liquid storage chamber 6 is in the extended position.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the cosmetic item includes a second return device 23 that tends to return the reservoir to its storage position. For this purpose, the second return device 23 (which may include a compression spring) is located between the reservoir 6 and the sleeve 5 (more specifically, between the end 24 of the sleeve 5 and the limiting portion 25 of the reservoir 6).

[0083] Figure 5 This indicates that the reservoir 6 is in the extended position. In this position, the second return device 23 is compressed. For example, the reservoir 6 is brought to the extended position by the user applying a pulling force in the longitudinal direction L.

[0084] When the reservoir 6 is in the extended position, the brush head 11 remains fixed relative to the sleeve 5 because the first return mechanism 22 is disengaged, and the brush head is stopped. Therefore, the movement of the reservoir 6 to its extended position creates relative movement between the reservoir 6 and the brush head 11, bringing the brush head 11 into the retracted position relative to the reservoir 6. Thus, bringing the reservoir 6 to the extended position allows for the reloading of the second portion 15 of the brush head with cosmetics, while simultaneously aligning the hole of the conduit 8 (fixed relative to the reservoir 6) with the second portion 15 of the brush head. This allows for easy reloading of the brush head within the same application sequence of cosmetics (e.g., between applying makeup to each eyelash) without having to replace the cap 2.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the brush head 11 and the liquid reservoir 6 are each acted upon by their respective return mechanisms, so that in the absence of the cap 2 and external stress applied to the cosmetic item, the brush head 11 is in the unfolded position, while the liquid reservoir is in the stored position. The movement of the brush head and the liquid reservoir is achieved by a force applied to them that is opposite to the rebound force applied by their respective return mechanisms.

[0086] Other configurations, especially other mechanisms, can be considered to switch the brush head from the retracted position to the extended position and vice versa, and / or to switch the reservoir from the stored position to the extended position and vice versa. For example, gear mechanisms, especially rack-and-pinion type gear mechanisms, can be successfully used. Depending on some configurations of the invention, the cap 2 is therefore optional.

[0087] Advantageously, the reservoir 6 can be removed from the sleeve 5. The reservoir 6 can be taken out of the sleeve 5 to be replaced with a full reservoir, thus making it a replaceable and even consumable component. Alternatively, the reservoir 6 can be taken out of the sleeve 5 for refilling. These two possibilities can be used in combination, meaning the reservoir can be removed to be replaced with a full reservoir, while the empty reservoir is sent to the filling line for subsequent use.

[0088] The reservoir 6 is removed by disassembling the end 24 from the sleeve 5, thus releasing the spring of the second return device 23 and the limiting part 25 of the reservoir 6.

[0089] Figure 6 It is shown in the form of a schematic cross-sectional view. Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 The liquid storage chamber of the cosmetics is configured to allow for the refilling of cosmetics.

[0090] exist Figure 6 In this configuration, plunger 17 is pushed back to the bottom of the reservoir, thereby releasing the full usable internal volume 7. Plunger 17 can be locked in this position by a locking system mounted on plunger support 26.

[0091] A filler rod 27 is placed in the conduit 8. The filler rod is configured to form a seal from the conduit 8. However, the filler rod 27 only extends to the position of the orifice 16 of the conduit 8 and does not obstruct the orifice. The reservoir can then be filled through the central hole of the tapering dome 10, which is the end 13 of the conduit 8. During the filling of the reservoir, the flow of cosmetics is indicated by the dashed arrow. Figure 6 The Chinese side indicated that...

[0092] Figure 7 The second embodiment of the present invention is shown in schematic cross-sectional view when the cosmetic item is stored.

[0093] Figure 8 Shown in schematic cross-sectional view Figure 7 The situation regarding the use of cosmetic items.

[0094] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Implementation examples and Figures 1 to 6The fundamental difference in the embodiments is that the brush head 11 can be retracted by relative movement with respect to the liquid reservoir 6, but is fixed to the main body 1.

[0095] Therefore, for this embodiment, reference can generally be made to... Figures 1 to 6 The embodiments are described, except for the differences detailed below.

[0096] As with the previously described embodiments, the article includes a body 1, one end of which is connected to or attached to an optional lid. Figure 7 Not displayed.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 1 includes a main ring 28, and a plug 4 is fixed on the main ring 28. The main ring 28 and the plug 4 together form a barrel body 3, which in turn forms a sleeve 5.

[0098] The item extends along the longitudinal direction L.

[0099] The cosmetic item includes a liquid reservoir 6, forming an internal volume 7 suitable for holding cosmetics, and has a general cylindrical shape.

[0100] One end of the reservoir 6 is sealed by an end cap 9, which forms a seal with the inner wall of the reservoir 6. The end cap facilitates the sealing of the following devices.

[0101] The reservoir 6 extends longitudinally through the conduit 8. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the conduit 8 extends to the end of the reservoir 6. The cosmetic item also includes a brush head 11.

[0102] The brush head 11 is mounted in a manner that allows for longitudinal translation along the conduit 8. In this embodiment, the brush head 11 is fixedly connected to the body 1. In the example shown, the brush head 11 is divided into two parts: a first brush head portion 29, which extends into the body 1 in the longitudinal direction L, and a fixed second brush head portion 30 aligned with the first brush head portion 29. The second brush head portion 30 extends beyond the end of the body 11 opposite the stopper 4. The first brush head portion 29 and the second brush head portion 30 can be made of the same material, typically the same metal, or of different materials.

[0103] This two-part structure allows the brush head to be separated into two sections, facilitating the reloading of cosmetic products from the reservoir. The second brush head section (with...) Figures 1 to 6 The brush head 11 in the embodiment includes a smooth, longitudinal first portion 14 and a second portion 15 including a surface suitable for retaining cosmetic products.

[0104] The reservoir 6 can also be longitudinally translated relative to the body. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir 6 can be moved according to a combination of translational and rotational movements relative to the body 1. Of course, purely translational movements, excluding rotation, can also be considered. This combination of movements is a natural gesture for the user of the cosmetic product and can be guided using the spiral ramp 31 in the body (formed on the inner surface of the stopper 4). Therefore, in this embodiment, the reservoir 6 and the conduit 8 can also rotate about the brush head 11.

[0105] Therefore, the liquid storage chamber 6 can be in a protruding position relative to the main body 1, in which part of the liquid storage chamber is not included in the main body; and the liquid storage chamber 6 can also be in a storage position inside the main body, in which part of the liquid storage chamber is included in the main body more than in its protruding position.

[0106] The configuration of this cosmetic item ensures that when the reservoir is in the storage position, the brush head 11 is in the retracted position (e.g., ...). Figure 7 (As shown). In this retracted position, the brush head is fully retracted into the cosmetic product, i.e., completely contained within the volume of the reservoir 6 and the body 1 (possibly except for the tip 12). In particular, the tip 12 of the brush head may be equipped with an insert 32 to ensure a good seal with the end 9 of the reservoir 6.

[0107] When the liquid storage chamber 6 is in the storage position within the main body 1, the brush head is in the unfolded position (e.g., Figure 8 As shown), the brush head extends partially from the conduit 8 and the reservoir 6, positioned to allow the application of cosmetic products onto the second part 15 of the brush head 11.

[0108] Through with Figures 1 to 6 In a similar manner to the embodiments, the second portion 15 of the brush head can be loaded by forming one or more openings 16 in the wall of the conduit 8. Depending on the position and shape of the openings 16, loading can be performed when the brush head is in the retracted position and / or when the reservoir is in the stored position, or when the second portion 15 of the brush head 11 is brought to the deployed position through the openings 16.

[0109] Devices for pressurizing cosmetic products are similar to those described above, including, for example, a plunger 17 driven by an elastic device such as a compression spring.

[0110] This invention provides an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-use cosmetic item, preferably for applying mascara. The product contained therein is exceptionally well protected within the liquid reservoir of the cosmetic item. By using a brush head with a constant cross-section (e.g., made of metal), a portion of which is patterned, very precise measurement of the amount of product transferred to the brush head can be achieved. Due to the shear stress generated during the relative movement between the brush head and the liquid reservoir, it can be used for loading viscous or even paste-like products.

Claims

1. A cosmetic article comprising a reservoir (6) adapted to contain a liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic, a conduit (8) extending longitudinally (L) within the reservoir (6), and a brush head (11) mounted within the conduit (8) capable of translational movement in the longitudinal direction, the brush head (11) being movable within the conduit (8) between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the brush head (11) is fully or partially contained within the conduit (8), and in the extended position a portion of the brush head (11) protrudes from one end (13) of the conduit (8), the brush head (11) comprising a smooth, longitudinal first portion (14) and a second portion (15) having a surface adapted to hold the cosmetic, the conduit (8) having a constant internal cross-section, characterized in that The first portion of the brush head (11) has a constant and identical cross-section, which is the same as the cross-section of the conduit (8) except for the functional gap, and the conduit (8) includes at least one hole (16) near the end (13) to allow cosmetic to be introduced from the reservoir (6) into the brush head (11), wherein the second portion (15) of the brush head (1) is fully or partially facing the hole (16) in the retracted position.

2. The cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein the second part has a pattern on its surface.

3. The cosmetic article according to claim 2, wherein the pattern includes recesses and / or ridges.

4. The cosmetic article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the brush head (11) is made of metal.

5. The cosmetic article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the brush head (11) is made of plastic material.

6. The cosmetic article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface of at least the second portion is composed of a porous material.

7. The cosmetic article according to claim 6, wherein the porous material is ceramic or foam material.

8. The cosmetic article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the brush head (11) has an overall prismatic shape or an axially symmetrical cylindrical shape.

9. The cosmetic article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional gap is between 0.2 micrometers and 100 micrometers.

10. The cosmetic article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid reservoir (6) includes a device for pressurizing the product contained therein.

11. The cosmetic article according to claim 10, wherein the device for pressurizing the product comprises a plunger (17) actuated by an elastic device.

12. The cosmetic article according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a first return device (22) that tends to bring the brush head (11) to and hold it in the unfolded position.

13. The cosmetic article according to claim 1, comprising a sleeve (5) wherein the liquid reservoir (6) is formed, the liquid reservoir (6) being longitudinally translatable within the sleeve (5) between a storage position and an extended position.

14. The cosmetic article according to claim 13, comprising a second return device (23) located between the liquid reservoir (6) and the sleeve (5), the second return device tending to bring the liquid reservoir (6) back to the storage location, wherein, When the brush head is in the extended position, the liquid storage chamber (6) can be brought to the extended position by translation in the longitudinal direction, the brush head abuts against and is fixed to the sleeve, thereby generating relative movement between the liquid storage chamber (6) and the brush head (11), bringing the brush head (11) relative to the liquid storage chamber (6) to the retracted position.

15. The cosmetic article according to claim 13 or 14, wherein when the liquid reservoir is in the extended position, the brush head is in the retracted position, and when the liquid reservoir is in the stored position, the brush head is in the extended position.

16. The cosmetic article according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a removable cap (2) which, when mounted on the cosmetic article, applies pressure to the brush head (11) to place it in the retracted position.

17. The cosmetic article according to claim 13, wherein the liquid reservoir (6) is detachably connected to the sleeve (5).

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