Applicator for applying a cosmetic product, in particular mascara, associated applicator assembly and method for manufacturing such an applicator

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic product, comprising: - a core (2) extending along a longitudinal extension direction (X), known as the main direction, the core (2) comprising a plurality of protuberances (9.1) protruding from the core (2) and at least one cavity (5), - at least one movable part (7) that comprises a plurality of protuberances (9.2) protruding from the at least one movable part (7) and is contained in the at least one cavity (5), the at least one movable part (7) being able to move with respect to the core (2).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an applicator for cosmetic products, particularly mascara, and an associated applicator assembly. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such an applicator. Technical background

[0002] Mascara applicators can be made from fibrous elements held between the longitudinal sections of a twisted metal rod; these are commonly called "twisted brushes." The ends of the fibrous elements usually form sheaths along the longitudinal extension of the brush. By their very nature, twisted brushes have a cylindrical sheath, which offers limited possibilities for makeup application. Numerous solutions have already been proposed to give twisted brushes a variety of shapes.

[0003] Mascara applicators can also be made by injection molding plastic; these are commonly called "plastic brushes." Plastic brushes can therefore come in a variety of shapes to create specific makeup effects.

[0004] There are also applicators with flexible sections that provide application comfort, such as flexible arms as illustrated in document EP 3262977.

[0005] However, there is still a need to improve mascara applicators, particularly to obtain applicators that ensure a sufficient charge of cosmetic product and good delivery of the product, while maintaining flexibility in application of the cosmetic product. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator, comprising: a core extending along a longitudinal direction, called the principal direction, the core comprising a plurality of protuberances projecting from the core and at least one cavity, at least one movable part comprising a plurality of protuberances projecting from the core, at least one movable part, and included in the core, at least one cavity, at least one moving part being capable of moving relative to the core.

[0007] The term "included" means that at least one moving part is at least partially inside the cavity. This does not preclude at least a portion of the moving part from being located outside the cavity. In other words, the moving part includes at least a portion inside the cavity and may also include at least a portion outside the cavity.

[0008] The mobility of the moving part(s) within its (or their) core cavity allows for local variation in protrusion density, for example, an increase in protrusion density. Indeed, the mobility of the moving part carrying protrusions causes these protrusions to move closer to adjacent core protrusions.

[0009] Bringing the protrusions closer together allows for better shearing of the eyelashes caught in the protrusions, which are thus better coated with cosmetic product and better combed.

[0010] Furthermore, the mobility of the moving part(s) allows for better restitution of the cosmetic product which could be stored on / in the core, inside the cavity for example.

[0011] According to different modes of implementation, which may be taken together or separately: at least one moving part is capable of translational movement relative to at least the principal direction; at least one moving part is capable of translational movement (slightly oblique) relative to at least the principal direction with a component along X and at least one other component along Y or Z; at least one moving part is capable of rotational movement relative to at least the principal direction; at least one moving part is capable of translational and rotational movement relative to at least the principal direction; the moving part is capable of rotational movement relative to said core around an axis transverse to the principal direction; at least one moving part is free to pivot angularly in all directions; at least one moving part is free to pivot angularly with a certain angular limit.at least one moving part is included in at least one cavity of the core so as to be able to adopt at least one position in which at least one moving part is free from any contact with the core, at least one moving part is free from any contact with an external surface of the core, at least one moving part is free from any contact with an internal surface of at least one cavity, at least one cavity opens into said core, at least one moving part passes through the core in a direction transverse to the principal direction, the core includes at least one retaining means so as to hold the moving part inside the cavity, at least one moving part includes at least one retaining means so as to hold the moving part inside the cavity, the core includes at least one stop means so as to limit the displacement of at least one moving part relative to the core.The at least one moving part includes at least one stop means to limit the movement of the at least one moving part relative to the core. A first volume, a cosmetic product reservoir, is formed on the surface of the at least one moving part. The at least one cavity forms a reservoir suitable for being filled with cosmetic product. The core includes at least two cavities. The applicator includes at least two moving parts, each of the at least two moving parts being respectively included in one of the at least two cavities. Each of the at least two moving parts is capable of moving relative to the core, independently of the other. The at least two moving parts are all of identical shape, the at least two moving parts are of different shapes, the at least two moving parts are of identical size, the at least two moving parts are of different sizes.at least one moving part comprises a central body housed in the cavity; at least one moving part comprises at least one extension extending from the central body such that a free end of the at least one extension emerges from the cavity; at least one extension serves as a means of retaining the moving part; at least one extension extends towards at least one end of the core; the central body is cylindrical; the protrusions projecting from the at least one moving part project from the extension; the core has a thickness varying in at least one direction orthogonal to the principal direction, over all or part of a distance separating the at least two cavities so as to form on the surface of the core a second volume, a reservoir for cosmetic product; the core has a plurality of prominence zones succeeding one another axially along an axis (X) of the core; at least one cavity is made in a prominence zone of the core.The plurality of protruding zones alternates with constricting zones; the constricting zones serve as a means of retaining the moving part; at least one end of the core also includes a protruding zone without a cavity; each end of the core also includes a protruding zone without a cavity; the constricting zones are without cavities; the core consists of a succession of first sections corresponding to the protruding zones, alternating with second sections corresponding to the constricting zones; all first sections have identical dimensions; all second sections have identical dimensions; the positions of the first and second reservoir volumes alternate along the principal direction; the cavities are aligned in the same direction; the cavities are identical.The cavities are offset; the protrusions projecting from the core are arranged in longitudinal rows substantially parallel to the main direction; the protrusions projecting from at least one extension are arranged in longitudinal rows substantially parallel to the main direction; the protrusions projecting from the core are arranged in transverse rows substantially orthogonal to the main direction; the protrusions projecting from at least one extension are arranged in transverse rows substantially orthogonal to the main direction; the protrusions have a free end forming a generally cylindrical envelope; the core is a monolithic piece; each of the at least one moving part is a monolithic piece; the applicator is obtained without assembly; the applicator is obtained by additive manufacturing.

[0012] 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 of the cosmetic product as described above adapted to be fixed to the container, so that the applicator is housed inside the reservoir.

[0013] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator for a cosmetic product, particularly mascara, as described above. The method comprises: a step of developing a digital model of the applicator; a step of manufacturing the applicator using the digital model. Brief description of the figures

[0014] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the attached drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an applicator assembly according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a perspective view of an applicator according to a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the applicator of the figure 2 ; Fig. 4 ] there figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the applicator of the figure 2 ; Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of the figure 2 ; Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of the figure 2 ; Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 is a perspective view of the applicator of the figure 2 in which the core and moving parts are in a detached position; [ Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 is a perspective view of the applicator of the figure 2 ; Fig. 9 ] there figure 9is a perspective view of the applicator of the figure 2 ; Fig. 10 ] there Figure 10 is a first side view of the applicator of the figure 2 ; Fig. 11 ] there figure 11 is a side and longitudinal section view of the applicator of the Figure 10 ; Fig. 12 ] there figure 12 is a second side and longitudinal section view of the applicator of the figure 2 ; Fig. 13 ] there figure 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the moving part according to the invention; [ Fig. 14 ] there figure 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the moving part according to the invention; [ Fig. 15 ] there figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an applicator according to the invention; Detailed description of the invention

[0015] As illustrated on the figure 1The invention relates to an applicator 1 for cosmetic products, particularly mascara, comprising a core 2 extending along a longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the principal direction and designated X on the figure 1 .

[0016] The core 2 preferentially has a first end 2a, also called the proximal end, suitable for being fixed to a rod 3 of an applicator 1 by a sleeve 4 extending the core 2, and a second free end 2b, also called the distal end, opposite the first end 2a along the main direction X.

[0017] According to the invention, the core comprises at least one cavity 5 and the applicator comprises at least one movable part 7 included in the at least one cavity 5, the at least one movable part 7 being able to move relative to the core 2.

[0018] Advantageously, as we shall see later, at least one moving part 7 is able to move in translation and / or rotation relative to the web 2, in particular at least one moving part 7 is free to pivot angularly relative to the web 2 in all directions.

[0019] Advantageously, the core 2 may comprise at least two cavities 5, and the applicator may comprise at least two movable parts 7, each included in a cavity 5 of the core 2. In the case of a plurality of cavities 5 and movable parts 7, each movable part 7 is advantageously able to move relative to the core 2 independently of the others. To ensure this mobility while maintaining the movable part 7 within its cavity 5, the movable part 7 and / or the core 2 advantageously comprise retaining means and / or stopping means, as will be described in more detail later.

[0020] The applicator 1 further comprises a plurality of protrusions 9.1 projecting from the core 2 and a plurality of protrusions 9.2 projecting from the moving part(s) 7. Preferably, the protrusions 9.1 and 9.2 are formed from the same material as the core 2 and / or the moving part(s) 7. The protrusions 9.1 and 9.2 are thus formed in one piece with the core 2 and / or the moving part(s) 7. The sleeve 4 is devoid of protrusions 9.1 and 9.2.

[0021] Soul 2 can be full or hollow without going outside the framework of the invention.

[0022] Thus, the core 2 has a plurality of prominence zones 13 and a plurality of narrowing zones 15 succeeding each other axially along the principal direction X. The prominence zones 13 alternate with the narrowing zones 15.

[0023] In the method of implementation of figures 1 to 12, each of the ends 2a, 2b of the web 2 is in the form of a prominence zone 13 framing three other central prominence zones 13 and four central constriction zones 15. In other words, the web 2 has a thickness varying in at least one direction orthogonal to the main direction, here, over the entire distance separating two cavities 5.

[0024] The central prominence areas 13 are each provided with a cavity 5. These are through cavities 5 oriented transversely with respect to the main axis of the core 2 along an axis Y.

[0025] It is also conceivable in other unrepresented embodiments that the cavity(ies) 5 is / are not through-holes.

[0026] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 12 , the soul has two first sides 17 opposite provided with cavities and two second sides 19 opposite provided with hollows 19a and bumps 19b.

[0027] The cross-section at the level of a prominence zone 13 is composed of two opposing circular arcs which delimit a housing, each forming one of the said cavities 5, as can be seen in the figure 6 Each of the 5 cavities has an internal surface.

[0028] In this embodiment, the core 2 comprises three cavities 5 regularly distributed along the main axis of the core 2. The cavities 5 are identical and are aligned and oriented along the same Y direction.

[0029] In other embodiments not shown, it may be conceivable that the cavities 5 are of different sizes, different shapes, oriented in different directions, and / or oriented in a non-uniform manner.

[0030] In contrast, in the embodiment illustrated here, the prominence zones 13 located at each of the ends 2a, 2b of the core 2, as well as the narrowing zones 15, are devoid of cavity 5.

[0031] In this embodiment, each of the three cavities 5 includes a movable part 7 which passes through the core 2 along the Y direction transverse to the main X direction.

[0032] The moving parts 7 are identical and include a central body 21 housed in the cavity 5 and four extensions (two extensions 23.1, 23.2 transversely opposed and two extensions 23.3, 23.4 axially opposed).

[0033] The central body 21 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section and extends along the main direction X.

[0034] Each of the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 extends from the central body 21 so that a free end 25 exits the cavity 5 and extends in the direction of one of the ends 2a, 2b of the core 2.

[0035] Two transversely opposed extensions 23.1, 23.2 or 23.3, 23.4 form a hollow cone of revolution interrupted angularly by one of the protruding zones forming the core 2, thus creating two lateral edges 27. The cone projects from the center of the lateral wall of the cylindrical central body 21 from its apex. In other words, each of the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 extends outwards, widening away from the central body 21 of the moving part 7, and narrows at the central body 21. Thus, each extension 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 has a cross-section in the shape of an arc of a circle whose radius increases towards the free end 25.

[0036] Each of the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 serves as a means of retaining the moving part 7 inside its cavity 5. Indeed, the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 come into contact with the narrowing zones 15 and / or the prominence zones 13 of the web 2, thus preventing the moving part 7 from exiting its cavity 5.

[0037] The term "means of retaining the moving part 7 inside its cavity 5" means an element which allows the moving part 7 to be held at least partially inside its cavity 5. This does not preclude at least a portion of the moving part 7 from being located outside the cavity 5.

[0038] The extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 taken in combination with the narrowing zones 15 of the core 2 allow the moving part 7 to be held inside its cavity 5.

[0039] In the following description, particularly for describing the movements of the moving parts 7 relative to the web 2, an orthonormal coordinate system "X,Y,Z" is defined in a non-restrictive manner. The X-axis corresponds to the longitudinal extension direction of the web 2, called the principal direction, mentioned previously and labeled X. The Z-axis corresponds to an axis orthogonal to the X-axis and passing through the vertices of the bosses 19b of the web 2. The Y-axis mentioned previously corresponds to an axis orthogonal to the X and Z axes. In the figures 1 to 12 , the Y axis corresponds to the transverse orientation of cavity 5.

[0040] Advantageously, each of the moving parts 7 is able to move in translation and / or rotation relative to the core 2, in particular one independently of the other.

[0041] These different movements will be detailed later for the method of implementation illustrated in figures 1 to 12 .

[0042] Each of the moving parts 7 can move in translation along the X, Y and Z axes.

[0043] The translational displacement along the X axis is limited by the central body 21 of the moving part 7 which comes into contact with an adjacent narrowing zone 15.

[0044] The translational displacement along the Y axis is limited by the two lateral edges 27 of two axially opposed extensions 23.1, 23.3 or 23.2, 23.4 which come into contact with one of the first sides 17 of the web 2 at the level of the adjacent narrowing zones 15.

[0045] The translational displacement along the Z axis is limited by the central body 21 and / or a lateral edge 27 of the four extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 which come into contact with the internal surface of the cavity 5 at the level of the adjacent narrowing zones 15.

[0046] Each of the movable parts 7 can also rotate about the X, Y, and Z axes. Since this rotational movement is limited by the structure of the movable part 7 and / or the web 2, it can be viewed as an angular pivoting of the movable part 7 with respect to the X, Y, and Z axes. Each of the movable parts 7 is free to pivot angularly within a certain angular limit, which will be described for the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 12 The angular pivoting around the X-axis is limited by the lateral edges 27 of two axially opposed extensions 23.1, 23.3 or 23.2, 23.4 which come into contact with the web 2 at the level of the two adjacent narrowing zones 15, and the lateral edges 27 of the two other axially opposed extensions 23.1, 23.3 or 23.2, 23.4 which come into contact with the other side of the web 2 at the level of the two adjacent narrowing zones 15.

[0047] The angular pivoting around the X axis is between -45° and +45° °, preferably between -15° and +15°.

[0048] The angular rotation around the Y-axis is limited by: The lateral edges 27 of two transversely opposed extensions 23.1, 23.2 or 23.3, 23.4 abut the web 2 at the same adjacent narrowing zone 15, and the lateral edges 27 of the two other transversely opposed extensions 23.1, 23.2 or 23.3, 23.4 abut the web at the other adjacent narrowing zone 15. The angular pivoting about the Y-axis is between -45° and 45°, preferably between -15° and +15°.

[0049] The angular rotation around the Z-axis is limited by: the two lateral edges 27 of the same extension 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 which come into contact with the web 2 at the level of the same adjacent narrowing zone 15, and the two lateral edges 27 of another axially and transversely opposite extension 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 which come into contact with the web 2 at the level of the other adjacent narrowing zone 15.

[0050] The angular pivoting around the Z axis is between -60° and +60°, preferably between -45° and +45°.

[0051] In the embodiment of the present invention, represented in figures 1 to 12 . each of the movable parts 7 is included in a cavity 5 of the core 2 so that it can adopt at least one position in which it is free from any contact with the core 2.

[0052] Free from any contact means an absence of material connection between the core 2 and the moving part 7, which does not prevent friction between the core 2 and the moving part 7.

[0053] In particular, here the moving parts 7 are free from any contact with an external surface of the core 2 but also with the internal surface of the cavity 5 in which each is included.

[0054] As illustrated in the figure 13 The movable part 7 can be cube-shaped with convex faces. The curvature of the faces allows the movable part 7 to be held in the cavity 5 of the core 2. In this embodiment, the protrusions 9.2 project from two opposite faces 29. For clarity, the protrusions 9.2 have not been illustrated.

[0055] The movable part 7 can also be, for example, a cylinder with a circular cross-section whose transverse wall 31 is convex, as illustrated in the figure 14The convex shape of the transverse wall 31 allows for a central portion with a diameter smaller than that of the bases 33, which retains the movable part 7 within its cavity 5. In this embodiment, the protrusions 9.2 project from the opposite bases 33. For clarity, the protrusions 9.2 have not been illustrated.

[0056] In other embodiments, such as that represented in the figure 15 The applicator 1 can include several different movable parts 7. In this embodiment, the applicator 1 includes a movable part 7 in the shape of a domed cube such as that described above and illustrated in the figure 13 and a cylindrical movable part 7 such as that described above and illustrated in the figure 14 For greater visibility, protuberances 9.1 and 9.2 have not been illustrated.

[0057] It is also possible that the moving parts 7 are of different sizes and / or oriented in different directions. The moving parts 7 can be regularly distributed along the principal axis X, in particular with an identical distance between each of the moving parts 7 as illustrated in figures 1 to 12 .

[0058] In another embodiment not shown, the moving parts 7 can be distributed non-uniformly along the principal axis X. In other words, the distance between two moving parts 7 can be variable.

[0059] Advantageously, each of the cavities 5 forms a reservoir suitable for being filled with cosmetic product. The cosmetic product contained in the cavities 5 can be easily dispensed, particularly with the movement of the movable part 7 included within it.

[0060] Advantageously, the movable part 7 has a design that allows a cosmetic product reservoir, referred to as the first volume reservoir V1, to be formed on its surface. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 12 , the first tank volume V1 is located between the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 of the moving part 7.

[0061] Advantageously, the formation of the narrowing zones 15 at the level of the core 2, in other words the variation in thickness of the core 2, makes it possible to form on its surface a second reservoir volume V2 of cosmetic product.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 12 The positions of the first and second reservoir volumes V1, V2 are alternated along the main X direction. This allows for homogeneity in the distribution of the cosmetic product along the main X axis.

[0063] Advantageously, the protuberances 9.1, 9.2 project from the core 2 and / or the moving elements in a direction substantially normal to the principal direction X, called the radial direction.

[0064] The term "protrusions 9.1, 9.2 project in a direction substantially normal to the principal direction X" refers to protrusions 9.1, 9.2 that project in a plane comprising the principal direction X and a radial direction of X. In other words, protrusions 9.1, 9.2 may be inclined, in this plane, towards the proximal and / or distal end, without departing from the scope of the invention. In other embodiments not shown, protrusions 9.1, 9.2 may be inclined. They may, for example, project at an angle to the principal direction X other than 90°. In other words, protrusions 9.1, 9.2 can be inclined towards the second end 2b of the core 2 or inclined towards the first end 2a of the core 2. Protrusions 9.1, 9.2 can also have a different inclination relative to each other. Protrusions 9.1, 9.2 extend from an end 91 attached to the core 2 and / or the moving parts 7 to a free end 92 along a direction of elongation so as to define a height.

[0065] The "height" of the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 means the height measured between the radial periphery of the core 2 and / or the moving part 7 and the free distal end 92 of the protrusion 9.1, 9.2. In other words, the "height" of the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 means their radial extension measured from the base of the protrusion 9.1, 9.2, projected onto a plane orthogonal to the principal direction X.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 12 , the protuberances 9.1, 9.2 have over most of the length of the applicator 1, a different height so that their free end forms an envelope E1 of generally cylindrical shape.

[0067] However, the so-called distal protrusions 9.1, 9.2, that is, the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 extending near the distal end 2b of the core 2, have different heights so as to form an ogive-shaped envelope E2 as shown in figures 1 to 12 .

[0068] The ogive-shaped envelope makes it easier to insert applicator 1 through the neck of the container holding the cosmetic product and to apply the cosmetic product to the inner corner of the eye.

[0069] It is also conceivable in an unrepresented embodiment that the heights are identical. In this case, the envelope formed by the free ends of the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 is similar in shape to the core 2, i.e., it has hollows and bumps.

[0070] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 12, protuberances 9.1, 9.2 have a quadrilateral cross-section of identical size and shape over their entire height.

[0071] It is also conceivable in an unrepresented embodiment that the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 have a cross-section whose dimension is greater in the vicinity of the end 91 than in the vicinity of the free end 92 of the protrusion 9.1, 9.2. In other words, the cross-section of the protrusion 9.1, 9.2 has a dimension which decreases from the end 91 towards the free end 92.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 12 , the protuberances 9.1, 9.2 protruding from the moving parts 7 protrude from each of the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4.

[0073] The protuberances 9.1, 9.2 of the core 2 and of the extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4 are arranged in the form of longitudinal rows substantially parallel to the main direction and in the form of transverse rows substantially orthogonal to the main direction.

[0074] It is also conceivable, in other unrepresented embodiments, that the longitudinal rows are inclined with respect to the principal X direction, or that they wind helically around the core, or any other possible arrangement.

[0075] The helical winding can be such that the angular offset is between 2 and 10°, preferably 5°, so that, viewed from the distal end, the protuberances appear to form a solid disc.

[0076] Other possible arrangements include the protrusions arranged to form a zigzag, or a wave, that is, arranged on either side of the main X axis to form opposing ridges, or in other words, to form alternately salient and re-entrant angles.

[0077] In other embodiments not shown, the protrusions projecting from the core 2 and the moving part(s) may be arranged randomly without forming longitudinal rows.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 12 , the longitudinal and transverse rows of protuberances 9.1, 9.2 include protuberances 9.1, 9.2 originating either from core 2 only, or from core 2 and extensions 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 23.4.

[0079] During the application of the cosmetic product, the movement made by the user causes a translational and / or rotational movement of each of the moving parts 7.

[0080] These various movements result in a change in the distance between the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 of the core 2 and the moving part 7. This change in distance causes shearing of the lashes caught between the protrusions 9.1, 9.2 and an increase in the density of protrusions 9.1, 9.2, allowing the lashes to be coated with a maximum amount of cosmetic product and thus increasing the volume effect. The lashes can also be stretched when they are caught between two protrusions 9.1, 9.2, which facilitates combing.

[0081] Furthermore, the movements of the moving parts 7 also cause the expulsion of the cosmetic product stored in the cavity 5 and / or in the first and second reservoir volumes V1, V2, i.e. stored at the level of the moving parts 7 and at the level of the narrowing zones 15 of the core 2.

[0082] It should also be noted that applicator 1 advantageously forms a brush.

[0083] The core 2 and each of the moving parts 7 are unique monolithic pieces.

[0084] Advantageously, the core and each of the parts are obtained without assembly. In other words, the core and each of the parts are not obtained by assembly.

[0085] Advantageously, applicator 1 is obtained without assembly. In other words, applicator 1 is not obtained by assembly.

[0086] Assembly is understood here as the act of putting together, uniting at least two isolated elements, but does not exclude the possibility of several stages.

[0087] Preferably, the applicator 1 described above is obtained by an additive manufacturing process.

[0088] Additive manufacturing refers to a manufacturing process that involves adding material, generally with computer assistance. This type of manufacturing process is also called three-dimensional printing or 3D printing.

[0089] Advantageously, the use of 3D printing allows for the one-step production of an applicator 1 comprising a core 2 with protrusions 9.1, 9.2, at least one cavity 5, and at least one moving part 7 contained within one of the cavities 5. Such an applicator 1 could prove very complex, or even impossible, to obtain, particularly in a single step, using a conventional injection molding process. It is thus possible to produce the applicator 1 directly in a single manufacturing operation. Furthermore, this technique eliminates the need for complex molds.

[0090] It can also be envisaged as an alternative implementation that three-dimensional printing be used to form the core 2 with the sleeve 4 and / or the rod 3.

[0091] 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).

[0092] Preferably, these are sintering and / or stereolithography technologies.

[0093] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator 1 as described above. The method comprises: a step of developing a digital model of applicator 1; a step of manufacturing applicator 1 using the digital model.

[0094] The digital model is a computer file that represents a virtual model of applicator 1. To obtain it, applicator 1 is first modeled to produce 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 applicator 1, that is, a section of applicator 1 taken in a plane perpendicular to the main longitudinal direction X.

[0095] Suitable materials for manufacturing applicator 1 by three-dimensional printing are polyamides, photosensitive resins, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0096] The invention also relates to an applicator assembly 35 for a cosmetic product, comprising a container 37 with a body 39 forming a reservoir for holding the cosmetic product (not shown), and an applicator 1, as described above, adapted to be fixed to the container 37, such that the applicator 1 is housed inside the reservoir. The applicator 1 is fixed, for example, to a proximal end of the stem 3, itself fixed to a cap 41 advantageously screwed onto the container 37.

[0097] Advantageously, the applicator assembly 35 can be obtained in whole or in part by three-dimensional printing.

Claims

1. Applicator (1) for cosmetic product, comprising: - a core (2) extending along a longitudinal extension direction (X), called principal direction, the core (2) comprising a plurality of protrusions (9.1) projecting from the core (2) and at least one cavity (5), - at least one movable part (7) comprising a plurality of protrusions (9.2) projecting from the at least one movable part (7), and contained in the at least one cavity (5), so as to be able to adopt at least one position in which the at least one movable part is free of any contact with the core, position in which there is no material connection between the core (2) and the movable part (7), while allowing friction between the core (2) and the movable part (7), the at least one movable part (7) being adapted to move relative to the core (2).

2. Applicator (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one movable part (7) is adapted to move in translation and / or in rotation.

3. Applicator (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cavity (8) is open in said core (2), the at least one movable part (7) passing through the core (2) in a direction transverse to the principal direction.

4. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (2) and / or the at least one movable part (7) comprise at least one retaining means so as to hold the movable part (7) inside the cavity (5) and / or at least one stop means so as to limit a displacement of the at least one movable part relative to the core.

5. Applicator (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a first reservoir volume (V1) of cosmetic product is formed on the surface of the at least one movable part (7).

6. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (2) comprises at least two cavities and the applicator comprises at least two movable parts (7), each of the at least two movable parts (7) being respectively contained in one of the at least two cavities (8), and adapted to move relative to the core (2), one independently of the other.

7. Applicator (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least two movable parts (7) are all identical.

8. Applicator (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the core (2) has a thickness (e1, e2, e3) which varies in at least one direction orthogonal to the principal direction, over all or part of a distance separating the at least two cavities so as to form on the surface of the core (2) a second reservoir volume (V2) of cosmetic product.

9. Applicator (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the positions of the first (V1) and second (V2) reservoir volumes are alternated along the principal direction.

10. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator (1) is obtained without assembly.

11. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator (1) is obtained by additive manufacturing.

12. Applicator assembly (35) for cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (37) comprising a body (39) forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and - an applicator (1) of the cosmetic product according to one of claims 1 to 7 adapted to be attached to the container (37), so that the applicator (1) is housed inside the reservoir.

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

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