APPLICATOR TIP FOR A COSMETIC PRODUCT WITH SPIRAL BEADS ON A ROTATING MAIN BODY

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cosmetic product applicators.

[0002] It relates in particular to an application tip suitable for applying a liquid, viscous or pasty cosmetic product to the skin, for example to the eye contour, in particular under the eyes. This document generally envisages an application of a cosmetic product to the skin, without however limiting the invention to this application area.

[0003] In this document, an application tip means the part of an applicator intended to be placed in contact with the skin to apply the cosmetic product.

[0004] Cosmetic products include in this document in particular all products for making up the skin, lips or superficial body appendages. The applicator which is the subject of the present invention is also suitable for the application of care products, in particular liquid and pasty care formulas, intended for application to the skin, lips and superficial body appendages. For simplicity, throughout this document, when reference is made to a cosmetic product, this also includes care products.

[0005] In the remainder of this document, the term “user” obviously refers indifferently to a male or female user.

[0006] Cosmetic products should be applied evenly to the skin, in a thin, even layer. Ideally, the applicator should also allow for a gentle massage of the area where the cosmetic product is applied. A feeling of freshness during application may also be desired.

[0007] Various applicators have been considered for this.

[0008] The most common applicators suitable for applying cosmetic products are the "squeeze tube" type applicators, the "tip applicator rod" type applicators, and the rotating ball applicators often referred to by the English term "roll-on".

[0009] Squeeze tube applicators consist of a flexible tube containing the product to be applied. The tube must be squeezed to cause the product to come out, via an orifice located on a relatively flat, usually metallic, applicator area, in order to provide a sensation of freshness during application. The quantity of product delivered with this type of applicator is imprecise because it depends on the force applied to the tube. In addition, the product is spread using the applicator surface by rubbing it on the skin, which does not allow for a regular film of product to be deposited. Friction during application can also be aggressive or even irritating to the skin.

[0010] Applicators of the "tip applicator" type have a metal rod with a rounded tip. The rod and its tip must be immersed in the cosmetic product so that the tip is covered with the product. The product is applied by rubbing the tip on the user's skin, or by depositing dots of product by repeatedly touching the applicator on the skin. Just like with a squeeze tube type applicator, this does not allow for even application of the product. The friction during application can also be aggressive or even irritating to the skin. In addition, product tends to lodge between the rod and the tip and form a clump that is not applied.

[0011] Finally, "roll-on" applicators generally consist of a flexible tube and a tip with a rotatably mounted ball that loads product onto its inner surface at the tip when the tube is squeezed. The surface of the product-loaded ball is then turned towards the outside of the tip, rolling on the user's skin, to allow the application of the product. This type of applicator does not allow for precise dosing of the applied product, as the tube must be squeezed to load the ball. The quality of the application depends on the orientation of the applicator, with the tip needing to be facing downwards to allow for proper application.

[0012] Ultimately, applicators with a smooth surface, whether used by rubbing or rolling on the skin, do not allow for precise dosing of the quantity of product applied.

[0013] Document FR3013197 presents an applicator whose tip has a smooth revolution shape or is provided with longitudinal ridges (parallel to the main axis of the applicator). When applying the product, the applicator can be moved into contact with the skin by sliding it over it, possibly with a rotational movement of the application member on itself around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod and / or perpendicular to this longitudinal axis. With such an applicator, the gestures necessary to obtain a correct result are not simple, and the application of the product can be irregular. In addition, the dosage of the quantity of product applied is imprecise, and the longitudinal ridges are incompatible with passage through a wringer device (explained below), which would remove all the product present on the applicator.

[0014] Document FR3013951 presents an applicator having ribs which extend helically around the longitudinal axis of the core of the applicator.

[0015] The present invention aims to provide a tip for applying cosmetic products, including liquid, viscous or pasty care products, allowing regular and continuous application of a precise dose of product to an application area having a defined surface, while allowing massage of the entire application area. Such an application must preferably be carried out in a simple and ergonomic manner, with gestures that are obvious to the user.

[0016] To this end, the invention relates to a tip for applying a cosmetic product comprising a main body having a general shape of revolution around a main axis defining a longitudinal direction. Beads are formed on the surface of said main body from which they project, each of said beads extending in a spiral, around the main axis. Each bead has a rounded section, devoid of sharp edges.

[0017] The presence of beads that spiral on the surface of a main body having a shape of revolution, provides several effects and advantages. On the one hand, this forms spaces between the beads adapted to the retention of cosmetic product, for example of a precise, calibrated volume, corresponding to a desired dose of cosmetic product. The configuration, in particular the height of the beads relative to the surface of the main body and their width, can make it possible to modulate these spaces, and therefore to calibrate the dose of product retained by the application tip. The fact that the beads form spirals makes it possible to accompany, to naturally guide, the movement of the user during the application of cosmetic product. The notions of "spiral" and "spiraling" refer to the fact that the beads formed on the surface of the main body of the applicator rotate around the main longitudinal axis while progressing longitudinally.The spiral formed by the beads can therefore be, in particular, a helix, or a succession of portions of helices, the pitch and / or radius of which are fixed or variable. In practice, the bead forms a turn or a portion of a turn.

[0018] More specifically, the spiral configuration of each bead causes the bead to rest on the skin as and when any rotational movement is imposed on the application tip during the application of the cosmetic product. The beads allow a certain grip of the application tip on the skin, and their configuration allows this grip to be regular, whatever the angular position of the applicator during its contact with the skin. There is no jolt caused by the beads when the application tip rotates around its main axis, while it is in contact with the skin. However, thanks to the spiral beads, the rolling of the application tip on the skin can cause alternating pressures on the skin (like "wavelets") promoting blood microcirculation in the application area.The effect is thus similar to that of a tapping gesture which is recommended when applying a cosmetic product to the eye area. In particular, it is possible to configure the beads so that substantially the same area of ​​the bead is in contact with the skin throughout the application of a cosmetic product. Finally, when the application tip is used in an assembly comprising a wiper, the fact that the beads are not longitudinal prevents the wiper from removing all or almost all of the product from the tip as it passes through the wiper.

[0019] A groove may be formed on the main body in each space between two beads. The groove increases the product loading volume of the applicator. The groove may take up all or part of the width of the space formed between two beads.

[0020] The main body can be made of metal, ceramic, or wood. A metal applicator tip provides a cooling sensation to the user during application. A decongestant effect on the skin can also be achieved. This also gives the applicator tip an aesthetic appearance. A metal or ceramic tip is generally perceived as a high-quality object by the user. A tip made of wood, or other natural material, is perceived as a simple element and can be formed in an environmentally friendly manner.

[0021] The main body can be made of plastic. Using plastic makes the applicator tip easier to manufacture and lowers its cost. The applicator tip can be coated with a metal coating, such as by vapor deposition, to give it a metallic appearance and feel.

[0022] The beads can be formed as a single piece with the main body.

[0023] The beads can be made of an elastomeric material. Beads made of elastomeric material provide a smooth feel when applying the cosmetic product. Compared to metal or smooth plastic, they provide better grip on the skin, which improves guidance of the user's movements.

[0024] Each bead may be configured so that it rotates around the main axis through a total angle of between 90° and 720°, preferably of the order of 180°.

[0025] The beads can have a section whose dimensions vary along each bead.

[0026] Each bead therefore forms between a quarter turn and a turn on the surface of the main body of the application tip.

[0027] Throughout this document, "approximately" or "in the order of" means the stated value plus or minus 20%.

[0028] The angle of rotation formed by each bead around the main axis of the application tip gives the beads an angle relative to the direction of rolling of the applicator on the skin which is not too great to allow good grip on the skin, while being adapted to correctly accompany the movement of the applicator, and making it possible to avoid excessive wiping when passing the application tip through a wringer.

[0029] The application tip may also have one or more of the following features: it may have exactly three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten bulges; the bulges may have a roughness different from the roughness of the main body; the main body may have a general shape called a bud, that is to say an elongated shape of revolution gradually widening and ending in a rounded end; the main body may have a general spherical, cylindrical shape of revolution, or an ogive shape.

[0030] The invention also relates to a cosmetic product applicator comprising an application tip as defined above, a gripping element, and a longitudinal rigid rod connecting the gripping element to the application tip.

[0031] The application tip can be mounted rotatably, around the main axis, with respect to the gripping element.

[0032] In this case, the rotation of the applicator is carried out very easily, with a simple gesture for the user who does not have to impose this rotation himself. The beads ensure a rolling without slipping or with a low slipping, on the skin, which is regular, without jolts. They also participate in the massage effect, the rolling of the applicator equipped with spiral beads, for example helical, causing a slight overpressure whose position evolves longitudinally (relative to the applicator) when the application tip rolls on the skin.

[0033] The invention finally relates to an assembly comprising a bottle and an applicator as defined above in which the bottle contains the cosmetic product, the bottle comprising a neck adapted to be closed by the gripping element, so that, when the bottle is closed by said gripping element, the application tip is in contact with the cosmetic product.

[0034] The bottle may include a wiper, the wiper allowing the application tip to be wiped as it passes through, so that a defined quantity of product is carried by the application tip after extraction of the applicator from the bottle.

[0035] A wiper is a device that allows the application tip to be wiped as it passes through, so that a defined quantity of product is carried by the application tip after extraction of the applicator from the bottle. The beads, and where applicable the grooves formed between the beads, allow, by their spiral configuration, the application tip to be loaded with a precise, optimal and regular quantity of product, to be applied to a given area of ​​the user (for example, under an eye), and that this quantity is actually present on the application tip after passing through the wiper.

[0036] In the attached drawings, given as non-limiting examples: there figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic view of a cosmetic product application tip according to one embodiment of the invention; figure 2 is another three-dimensional schematic view of an application tip according to an embodiment of the invention; figure 3 is a schematic view of an application tip according to another embodiment of the invention; the figure 4 is a schematic view of an application tip according to another embodiment of the invention; the figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of an applicator according to one embodiment of the invention; figure 6 is a sectional view of an assembly comprising the applicator of the figure 5 and a bottle of cosmetic product.

[0037] There figure 1 represents a cosmetic product application tip 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. This application tip 1 is intended to be joined to a rod 2 to form a cosmetic product applicator.

[0038] The application tip 1 comprises a main body 3. The main body 3 has a shape of revolution around a main axis A. Thus, any cross-section of the main body 3, in any plane orthogonal to the main axis A, is circular.

[0039] The main axis A defines the longitudinal direction.

[0040] The main body 3 is a solid element, which may be formed from various materials. The main body 3 may be metallic, for example stainless steel. The main body 3 may be ceramic. The main body 3 may be made of plastic material.

[0041] The application tip further comprises beads 4. The beads 4 are formed on the surface of the main body 3. The beads 4 are elongated elements, which protrude from the surface of the main body 3. The beads 4 may have various cross-sections. They are preferably rounded. In the example shown here, the beads 4 have a substantially semi-circular cross-section.

[0042] Each bead 4 extends on the surface of the main body 3 by spiraling around the main axis A. Each bead can thus, for example, form a portion of a helix on the surface of the main body 3.

[0043] The main body 3 comprises a first end 5, intended to be joined to the rod 2, and a second end 6, which is a free end.

[0044] Each bead 4 extends between the first end 5 and the second end 6. When spiraling, each bead forms between a quarter turn and one turn around the main axis, i.e. between 90° and 360°. A winding of approximately 180° is possible. A winding of up to two turns (720°) is also possible.

[0045] The application tip comprises at least two beads 4. Advantageously, it comprises between three and ten beads 4. In the example shown, the application tip comprises eight beads.

[0046] The beads 4 are advantageously distributed regularly around the periphery of the main body. We can speak of a distribution according to radial symmetry. In other words, in any cross-section of the application tip, each bead is at the same distance from the two beads which surround it (or are diametrically opposed if there are only two beads).

[0047] In the example shown, the tip is rounded at its second end 6, and the beads 4 meet at said second end 6.

[0048] The beads 4 may be formed from the same material as the main body 3. They may, for example, be formed in a single piece with the main body 3. Alternatively, they may be attached to the main body.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the beads 4 are formed from an elastomeric material. This includes any polymer having elastic properties, in particular organic polymers, such as rubbers, and mineral polymers such as silicones. The beads 4 may in particular be overmolded onto the main body 3.

[0050] The space 7 formed between two successive beads (by successive we mean that no other bead is interposed between the two beads considered, along the surface of the main body 3) constitutes a volume suitable for receiving the cosmetic product and retaining it. The bottom of this space 7, that is to say the surface of the main body 3 between the beads 4, may have a texture, which, by increasing the roughness of the surface, improves the retention of the cosmetic product on the application tip 1.

[0051] As illustrated in the figure 2 , to obtain a greater load, it is possible to form furrows 8 between the beads 4. With this difference, detailed below, the application tip of the figure 2 is identical to that of the figure 1 and we can refer to the description of the figure 1 for the embodiment of the figure 2 .

[0052] The grooves 8 are elongated cavities, formed in the main body 3, between two beads 4. More precisely, a groove 8 is advantageously formed between any pair of successive beads. Each groove 8 can be formed over the entire width separating two beads 4 (i.e. over the entire width of each space 7), or only over a portion of this width. In this case, several grooves can be formed, if necessary, between two beads.

[0053] The grooves 8 can thus have a greater or lesser depth. The grooves 8 do not communicate with each other, so that during the application of the cosmetic product the dose carried by the application tip is gradually applied. Thus, the portion of the dose of cosmetic product present between two ridges is only deposited when the space 7 between the two ridges in question is in contact with the skin.

[0054] The bottom of the grooves may have a texture that promotes the retention of the cosmetic product, or on the contrary facilitates its removal during application.

[0055] In the embodiments of the figure 1 and of the figure 2 , the main body has a revolution shape called a “bud”. A bud shape designates an elongated revolution shape gradually widening (from the first end 5 towards the second end 6) and ending in a rounded tip.

[0056] Any form of revolution can nevertheless be envisaged to form the main body of an application tip in accordance with the present invention.

[0057] There figure 3 represents an example of an application tip 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The main body 3 of this application tip has an ovalized oblong shape, which can be referred to as a rugby ball shape. Apart from the shape of the main body, the aspects of the application tip described with reference to figures 1 et 2 apply to this embodiment.

[0058] There figure 4 represents another example of an application tip 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The main body 3 of this application tip has a cylindrical shape. In the example shown, a groove 8 is formed between each pair of successive beads 4. In this example, the groove 8 is not very wide. Alternatively, it can occupy the entire width between two successive beads 4. Apart from the shape of the main body, the aspects of the application tip described with reference to figures 1 et 2 apply to this embodiment.

[0059] Other shapes of main body 3 are conceivable. In particular, the main body may gradually narrow towards the second end 6, so as to have, for example, an ogive shape.

[0060] There figure 5 represents an applicator comprising an application tip 1 as previously described. The applicator comprises a gripping element 9 here formed by a cap adapted to be screwed onto a cosmetic product bottle comprising a suitable neck. For this purpose, the cap may be provided with a thread. According to other embodiments, the cap could be adapted to be attached to the bottle by clipping.

[0061] The gripping element 9 is adapted to be grasped by hand by a user wishing to use the applicator.

[0062] The applicator extends in a general direction of longitudinal extension, which therefore corresponds to the main axis A of the application tip 1.

[0063] The application tip 1 is attached to the rod 2. The rod 2 is itself attached to the gripping element 9.

[0064] The application tip 1 can be rigidly fixed, without any degree of freedom, to the rod 2 and the rod 2 can be rigidly fixed, without any degree of freedom, to the gripping element 9. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the application tip is rotatably mounted, around the main axis A, with respect to the gripping element 9. This can be achieved by mounting the application tip 1 free to rotate with respect to the rod 2, or by mounting the rod 2 free to rotate with respect to the gripping element 9.

[0065] There figure 6 represents a set comprising the applicator of the figure 5 and a 10 ml bottle of cosmetic product.

[0066] In this example, the application tip 1 is rigidly fixed to the rod 2. The rod 2 is hollow, and rotatably mounted on a rigid and longitudinal core 11, which is rigidly fixed to the gripping element 9.

[0067] The rod 2 is, on the other hand, fixed in translation along the core 11.

[0068] The bottle 7 forms an internal volume containing a cosmetic product 12, liquid, viscous, or pasty, for example semi-liquid.

[0069] When the applicator is attached to the bottle 10 (the gripping element 9 forming a suitable cap), the application tip 1 is in contact with the cosmetic product 12. For example, the application tip 1 is immersed in the cosmetic product 12. The application tip 1 is thus loaded with cosmetic product, on its surface in particular in the spaces formed between the beads of the applicator 1.

[0070] The bottle 10 comprises a wiper 13. The wiper 13 is a flexible device located near the neck of the bottle 10 or in it. The wiper 13 provides a calibrated passage for the insertion and removal of the application tip 1. The wiper 13 makes it possible to remove excess cosmetic product from the application tip 1 when it is removed from the bottle 10. However, to prevent all or almost all of the cosmetic product from being wiped and removed from the application tip 1 when the application tip 1 passes, the beads that they carry, thanks to their spiral configuration, protect the spaces 7 located between the beads from excessive wiping.

[0071] Thus, each time it is extracted from the bottle 10, the application tip 1 is loaded with a precise quantity of cosmetic product. Depending on the configuration of the application tip 1 and depending on the physicochemical properties of the cosmetic product 12, the application tip 1 is loaded after passing through the wiper 13 with a predetermined, precise, regular and optimal quantity of cosmetic product, for application to a given area of ​​the user's body. For example, the applicator can be loaded with a predetermined, precise, regular and optimal dose of cosmetic product for application under or around an eye.

[0072] The wringer 13 may be of the so-called “returning wringer” type. Such a wringer 13 has a truncated cone shape and tends to turn over when the application tip 1 passes.

[0073] The wiper may also advantageously include an orifice for balancing the pressure between the internal volume of the bottle and the exterior of said bottle (i.e. the atmosphere, or ambient air). This avoids creating mechanical resistance when extracting the applicator from the bottle, or inserting the applicator into the bottle, and avoids generating a venturi effect when extracting the applicator from the bottle.

[0074] The tip for applying cosmetic products, including skincare products, thus developed according to the invention allows for regular application, in a thin and regular film, of a precise quantity of product throughout the rotation on the user's skin. The ridges formed on the surface of the main body of the applicator accompany the application movement and provide regular, smooth adhesion to the user's skin. They also promote the massage effect during application of the product.

Claims

1. Applicator tip (1) for applying a cosmetic product, comprising a main body (3) having a general shape of revolution about a main axis (A) defining a longitudinal direction, beads (4) being formed on the surface of said main body from which they project, each of said beads extending spirally around the main axis (A), characterized in that each bead (4) has a rounded cross section, free of any sharp edge.

2. Applicator tip according to Claim 1, wherein a groove (8) is formed on the main body in each space (7) between two beads (4).

3. Applicator tip according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the main body (3) is made of metal, of ceramic, or of wood.

4. Applicator tip for applying a cosmetic product according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the main body (3) is made of plastic.

5. Applicator tip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beads are formed as an integral part of the main body (3).

6. Applicator tip according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the beads (4) are formed from an elastomeric material.

7. Applicator tip according to one of the preceding claims, in which each bead (4) revolves about the main axis (A) through an angle of between 90° and 720°, preferably of the order of 180°.

8. Applicator tip according to Claim 7, wherein the beads (4) have a cross section of which the dimensions vary along the length of each bead.

9. Applicator tip according to one of the preceding claims, comprising exactly three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten beads (4).

10. Applicator tip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the beads (4) have a roughness different from the roughness of the main body (3).

11. Applicator tip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (3) has an overall shape referred to as a bud-shape, that is to say an elongate shape of revolution widening progressively and terminating in a rounded end.

12. Applicator tip according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (3) has an overall shape that is spherical, cylindrical of revolution or ogee-shaped.

13. Applicator for applying a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator tip according to one of the preceding claims, a grasping element (9), and a rigid longitudinal rod (2) connecting the grasping element (9) to the applicator tip (1).

14. Applicator for applying cosmetic product according to Claim 13, wherein the applicator tip (1) is rotatably mounted with the ability to rotate, relative to the grasping element (9), about the main axis.

15. Assembly comprising a bottle (10) and an applicator according to Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the bottle contains the cosmetic product (12), the bottle having a neck adapted to be closed by the grasping element (9), so that, when the bottle (10) is closed by said grasping element (9), the applicator tip (1) is in contact with the cosmetic product (12).

16. Assembly according to Claim 15, wherein the bottle comprises a wiper (13), the wiper (13) allowing the applicator tip (1) to be wiped as it passes, so that a defined quantity of product is carried by the applicator tip after the applicator has been extracted from the bottle (10).