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

Description

Technical field of the invention

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

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

[0003] Applicator sets for cosmetic products are known, for example, for cosmetic products intended to be applied to the user's lips. These applicator sets include a container holding the cosmetic product and an applicator designed to be removably attached to the container.

[0004] The container typically comprises a body, the body having walls that define a reservoir containing the cosmetic product, and a neck defining an opening through which the cosmetic product can be dispensed. The applicator typically comprises a cap designed to be attached to the neck, a stem extending from the cap, and an applicator tip attached to one free end of the stem.

[0005] When the cap is fixed onto the neck of the bottle, the stem and applicator tip extend inside 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 extracts the applicator from the container.

[0007] Common applicator tips typically feature a spatula-shaped area designed to make contact with the areas to be made up, particularly for loading cosmetic product. However, this spatula-shaped area usually only allows for localized application of cosmetic product, for example, to only one lip at a time. The spatula also exhibits uncomfortable rigidity when pressure is applied to the area being made up. FR3104920 describes a cosmetic product applicator tip extending along a longitudinal direction.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an applicator tip that allows a large area of ​​a user, for example both lips, to be made up in a single application, while maintaining ease of use during makeup application. Summary of the invention

[0009] Thus, the invention relates to an applicator tip for cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction, called the main direction, and comprising a core extending from a fixed end to a free end and comprising a single branch 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 stroke delimited by said first portion.

[0010] In other words, the applicator tip has 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 cavity volume to be varied, for example when passing over the opening of the reservoir containing the cosmetic product. This results in optimized wringing.

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

[0013] Furthermore, since the free end of the core is mobile but within a range limited by the aforementioned first portion, the wringing is limited and a sufficient quantity of cosmetic product remains in the cavity to be able to cover the entire desired surface without having to re-dip the applicator into the reservoir.

[0014] This also helps to protect the free mobile end as it passes through the wringer, preventing it from being damaged.

[0015] According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be considered together or separately: The core has at least one application portion, the core comprises a single branch, the core defines an application portion, the cavity is flat, the cavity is through-hole, the cavity is through-hole, the first portion includes a ring serving as a lateral stop for the free end, the second portion acts as a stop for the free end by cooperating 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 displacement of the free end varies the volume of the cavity, the core crosses itself at at least one crossing point, the at least one crossing point is obtained by a helical winding of the core upon itself, the first portion is located at the fixed end, the first portion is located at the free end, the applicator tip includes a sleeve intended to be assembled to a rod,The sleeve is continuous with the fixed end of the core, the ring acts as a sleeve, the cavity has a predefined shape, the core is at least partially 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 cosmetic products, comprising: a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to hold the cosmetic product, and an applicator tip as described above adapted to be fixed onto the container, so that the applicator tip is housed inside the reservoir.

[0017] According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be considered together or separately: said container includes an opening designed to cooperate with a closing cap, said closing cap is linked to said manipulator 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 applying lip makeup to a user.

[0019] The invention also 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 features and advantages thereof will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, of at least two embodiments of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which: there figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an applicator tip according to the invention; the figure 2 is a cross-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; the figure 4 is a cross-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; the figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the figure 5 ; there figure 7is a perspective view of a first example of the realization of an applicator tip according to a fourth embodiment; the figure 8 is a perspective view of a second example of an applicator tip embodiment according to a fourth embodiment; the figure 9 is a perspective view of a third example of an applicator tip embodiment according to a fourth embodiment; the Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-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 in the figures corresponds to that of the main X axis of an applicator tip or 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 9The invention relates to 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.

[0024] The cosmetic product is a fluid product, specifically 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 mobile over a course delimited by said first portion 7.

[0026] In other words, the applicator tip 1 includes a core 3 with flexibility due to the mobility of the free end 3b. This flexibility provides comfort during the application of the cosmetic product.

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

[0028] The volume of cavity 5 can also vary during the application of the cosmetic product so that the user can choose the amount 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 the 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 whole desired surface without having to dip the applicator back into the reservoir.

[0031] This also helps to protect the free mobile end 3b when it passes through the opening of the container 11 so as to avoid being damaged.

[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 also serves as a cosmetic product reservoir. This allows for a storage volume of cosmetic product directly on the applicator tip 1, thus providing enough cosmetic product for makeup application.

[0034] Advantageously, the core 3 has at least one application portion 13. The "application portion" is understood to be a part of the applicator tip 1 that is capable of retaining cosmetic product upon contact and then releasing it upon application to the surface to be made up. Furthermore, the applicator tip 1 may include a sleeve 15. The sleeve 15 is intended to be assembled with a stem 17 to form an applicator 19. The sleeve 15 extends in line with the core 3 in the opposite direction 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 unique branch which presents 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, soul 3 thus presents at least one curvature 23 which allows soul 3 to fold back on itself.

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

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

[0041] The fact that core 3 is formed from a single branch simplifies manufacturing, especially compared to an applicator with multiple branches.

[0042] Furthermore, this also allows for 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 affects the entire applicator tip 1 and not just a single area or portion.

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

[0044] In other words, the core 3 defines a longitudinal plane in which is the cavity 5 which includes 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 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 by folding 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 includes 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 butts against the second portion 9 of the web 3. The lateral movement of the free end 3b is thus limited.

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

[0054] The ball 27 helps to protect the sleeve 15 from cosmetic product which could drip and soil the stem 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 with the first embodiment, this second embodiment extends from the fixed end 3a connected to the sleeve 15 towards the free end 3b by folding 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 into which the free end 3b is inserted, limiting its stroke, 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 extended 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 a sleeve 15.

[0063] THE figures 7 to 9 illustrate examples of implementation of the applicator tip 1, including 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 helically winding around 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 itself at at least one crossing point 31 and exhibits a helical winding. In other words, the at least one crossing point 31 is obtained by a helical winding of the core upon 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 into which the free end 3b is inserted, limiting its stroke, in particular its lateral mobility.

[0069] In the first example of implementation illustrated in the figure 7 , the soul presents a unique return 21 including a curvature 23.

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

[0071] Furthermore, the core 3 here features a flattened section at the rounded application area 13. This allows for a larger application surface, thus enabling the application of makeup to cover a wider area.

[0072] In the second example of implementation illustrated in the figure 8 , the soul presents a unique return 21 in the shape of a point.

[0073] Thus, this second embodiment features an application portion 13 located at the distal end of the pointed applicator tip 1. In other words, the cavity 5 has two opposing points: a first point directed towards the sleeve 15 and a second, opposing distal point. This second distal point allows for a precise application area.

[0074] Furthermore, the core 3 also features a flattened section at the second distal tip. This allows for a larger application surface, enabling the application of makeup to cover a wider area.

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

[0076] Thus, this third embodiment presents an application portion 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 with its point directed towards the sleeve 15 and the two curves 23 are located opposite it.

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

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

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

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

[0081] According to other variants, the surface of the core 3 may include grooves, in particular shallow grooves, notably 200 to 300 micrometers deep, so as to confer 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 or deformation. In other words, the applicator tip 1 is not obtained by assembly or deformation. Assembly is understood here as the act of joining at least two separate elements, but does not exclude the possibility of multiple steps. Preferably, the applicator tip 1 described above is obtained by an additive manufacturing process.

[0083] Additive manufacturing refers to a manufacturing process that involves adding material, generally using computer assistance. This type of manufacturing process is also called three-dimensional printing or 3D printing.

[0084] Advantageously, the use of 3D printing allows for the one-step production of a single-piece, continuous applicator tip 1 comprising a core 3 forming a cavity 5 and extending from a fixed end 3a to a free end 3b that moves along a defined stroke. Such an applicator tip 1 could prove very complex, or even impossible, to obtain, particularly in a single piece, using a conventional injection molding process, especially without assembly or deformation of at least part of the applicator tip 1. It is thus possible to produce the applicator tip 1 directly in a single manufacturing operation. Furthermore, this technique eliminates the need for complex molds.

[0085] Furthermore, 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 they want, such as the shapes illustrated here but also any other shape, even complex ones.

[0086] It can also be envisaged as an alternative embodiment that three-dimensional printing be 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. These include, in particular: 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 Melting(in 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 further 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 represents a virtual model of the applicator tip 1. To create it, the applicator tip 1 is first modeled to obtain a CAD model, which is then converted into a suitable format such as an .STL file. This file is then processed by an additive manufacturing machine. During processing, the digital model is sliced ​​into a number of layers depending on the desired precision. Preferably, the layers correspond to a cross-section of the applicator tip 1, that is, a section of the applicator tip 1 taken in a plane perpendicular to the principal X direction.

[0091] The appropriate 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 set for a cosmetic product, comprising: a container 11 comprising a body forming a reservoir for holding the cosmetic product, and an applicator tip 1 adapted to be fixed to 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 specifically, the applicator includes a closing cap 33 adapted to be manipulated by the user and the rod 17 extends advantageously from the cap 33.

[0095] It should be noted here that the cap 33 is formed from a head of material along with the rod 17, and a cap press-fitted and held in position on the rod head 17 by means of internal counter-forms designed to cooperate with shapes formed on the head. The cap is rigid. "Rigid" means not deformable under atmospheric pressure or pressure exerted by a user's fingers. It is with the aid of this cap that the user manipulates the applicator of the invention, in particular because the cap imparts the movement that the user gives it to the head of the rod 17, which in turn transmits this movement to the sleeve 15 with which it is assembled.

[0096] The cap 33 is intended to be removably fixed 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 coinciding with the main direction X.

[0098] Here, the assembly between the sleeve 15 and the rod 17 is a mortise and tenon joint. Alternatively, the applicator tip 1 can be overmolded onto or through the rod 17, or even produced as a single piece, for example by additive manufacturing.

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

[0100] The wringer 37 includes a wringing orifice configured to scrape excess cosmetic product off the stem 17 and the applicator tip 1 as they pass through it.

[0101] In particular, the mobility of the free end 3b allows for efficient wringing of the applicator tip 1, especially 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 the 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 whole desired surface without having to dip the applicator back into the container 11.

[0103] This also protects the free, movable end 3b as it passes through the wringer 37, preventing damage. Thus, in addition to offering a uniquely shaped application surface with potentially precision and wider application areas, the applicator tip 1 is designed to optimize wringing during its extraction from the container 11. In other words, the amount of cosmetic product that the applicator tip 1 can hold is maximized during its extraction from the 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 as described in the attached claims.

Claims

1. An applicator end piece (1) for a cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the main direction (X), and comprising a core (3) extending from a stationary end (3a) towards a free end (3b) and comprising a single branch forming a cavity (5), a first segment (7) of the core (3) surrounding at least one second segment (9) of the core (3), the free end (3b) of the core (3) being movable along a path delimited by said first segment (7).

2. The applicator end piece (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first segment (7) comprises a ring (25) serving as a lateral abutment for the free end (3b).

3. The applicator end piece (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second segment (7) acts as a cooperative abutment for the free end (3b) during said path.

4. The applicator end piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (3) has at least one return (21) delimiting the cavity (5).

5. The applicator end piece (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cavity has a variable volume, the displacement of the free end (3b) causing the volume of the cavity to vary.

6. The applicator end piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (3) crosses at at least one crossing point.

7. The applicator end piece (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one crossing point is obtained by an helical winding of the core (3) on itself.

8. The applicator end piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first segment (7) is located at the level of the stationary end (3a).

9. The applicator end piece (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first segment (7) is located at the level of the free end (3b).

10. The applicator end piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator end piece (1) comprises a sleeve (15) intended to be assembled to a stem (17), the sleeve (15) is continuous with the stationary end (3a) of the core (3).

11. The applicator end piece (1) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 2, wherein the ring (25) serves as the sleeve (15).

12. The applicator end piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (5) has a predefined shape.

13. The applicator end piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (3) is at least partly textured.

14. The applicator end piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator end piece (1) is a monolithic piece obtained without assembly and / or deformation and by additive manufacturing.

15. 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 end piece (1) for the cosmetic product according to one of claims 1 to 12 adapted to be attached to the container (11), so that the applicator end piece (1) is housed inside the reservoir.

16. A method for manufacturing an applicator end piece (1) for a cosmetic product according to any of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: - a step of elaborating a digital model of the applicator end piece (1); - a step of manufacturing the applicator end piece (1) by means of the digital model.