Applicator member for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, and assembly for packaging and applying a product, comprising said applicator member

Abstract

Applicator member (10) for applying a cosmetic product, in particular a makeup product, extending along an overall extension axis (Z2-Z2') and comprising an applicator part (20) comprising a base (21), a distal end portion (24), and two opposite application arms (22, 23) extending from the base (21) towards the distal end portion (24) along a curvilinear axis (Al, A2) and delimiting between them a cavity (25) extending laterally along a transverse axis (Y). In a first plane (XZ) comprising the extension axis (Z2-Z2') and a longitudinal axis (X), the two application arms (22, 23) each have a concave shape converging towards the distal end portion (24) and in a second plane (YZ) oriented at 90° with respect to the first plane (XZ) and comprising the extension axis (Z2-Z2') and the transverse axis (Y), each application arm (22, 23) has an elliptical shape.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Applicator member for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, and assembly for packaging and applying a product, comprising said applicator member

[0003] The present invention relates to an applicator member for an assembly for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, such as a makeup product, for applying the product in particular to a curved application surface, such as the lips of a user.

[0004] A “cosmetic product” is understood to be a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

[0005] Conventionally, an applicator member comprises a fastening part intended to be mounted at the end of a stem secured to a gripping member and an application part defining an application surface intended to come into contact with the lips of a user. The applicator member has a solid, generally elongated, shape, generally covered with an outer coating, for example by flocking.

[0006] The gripping member is generally provided to close off, in a sealed manner, the opening of a container containing the cosmetic product to be applied.

[0007] Document EP 3 530 141 - Al is also known, which proposes an applicator comprising an opening formed in the body of said applicator. The opening opens onto an application surface of the applicator and has a complex shape.

[0008] Document EP 2 397046 - Bl describes an applicator in the form of a spatula comprising an orifice opening onto an application surface of said applicator.

[0009] Document WO 2013 / 99534 - Al proposes an applicator member comprising two convex opposite arms defining between them a space for storing the product that opens onto the application surface of said member. The applicator member disclosed in this document has the overall shape of a droplet.

[0010] However, none of the known applicator members makes it possible to adapt to the curvature of the application surface, in particular the lips of a user.

[0011] The present invention aims to propose a novel applicator for applying makeup with care, which is comfortable to use and is capable of storing a relatively large amount of product, while at the same time being capable of adapting to the curvature of the application surface, in particular the lips of a user. One subject of the invention is an applicator member for applying a cosmetic product, in particular a makeup product, in particular to a curved application surface, such as, for example, the lips of a user. The applicator member extends along an overall extension axis and comprises an applicator part comprising:

[0012] - a base;

[0013] - a distal end portion; and

[0014] - two opposite application arms extending from the base towards the distal end portion along a curvilinear axis and delimiting between them a cavity extending laterally along a transverse axis.

[0015] In a first plane comprising the extension axis and a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the extension axis and the transverse axis, the two application arms each have a concave shape converging towards the distal end portion and in a second plane oriented at 90° with respect to the first plane and comprising the extension axis and the transverse axis, each application arm, and in particular their external application surface, has an elliptical shape or ogive shape.

[0016] In other words, the two application arms converge towards one another from the base to the distal end portion.

[0017] Thus, the two application arms are connected by their proximal end to the base and by their distal end to the distal end portion forming the free end of the applicator member.

[0018] “Concave” is understood to mean an inwardly curved shape, the shape of which is recessed, as opposed to convex or domed, the shape of which is outwardly curved.

[0019] The applicator part makes it possible, by virtue of its shape, to adapt to a large number of lip shapes and thus has a certain universal nature.

[0020] In particular, the elliptical or ogive shape of the application surfaces of the arms viewed in the second plane makes it possible to dispose large contact surfaces on the applicator member that promote comfort of application, and induce a certain intuitiveness as to the use of the applicator member and the application hand movements.

[0021] The cavity defined between the two application arms makes it possible both to constitute a reserve of product within the applicator member and to create a space for the application arms to bend when they are pressed against a surface to be made up, and in particular the surface of the lips, allowing very comfortable enveloping, especially of the lower lip. The ability of the application surfaces to bend upon contact with the surface to be made up makes it possible to cause at least a fraction of the product housed in the cavity to exit, but also to improve the comfort and sensoriality of application.

[0022] Advantageously, the application arms are elastically deformable towards one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] “Elastically deformable” is understood to mean any member which, on account of the material used and / or the dimensions thereof, is capable of deforming under the action of a load exerted by the user during application to an application surface, for example the lips, and configured to return to its initial position once the load ceases.

[0024] The flexibility of the application arms allows them to deform elastically in a reversible manner and thus to adapt to the curvature of the lips so as to apply the cosmetic product cleanly and precisely.

[0025] In other words, the applicator member can store the product inside the cavity and is deformable only in one plane by bringing the application arms closer to one another. This bringing together makes it possible to dispense the product trapped in the cavity.

[0026] The applicator part thus has an overall shape that tapers in the first plane so as to further increase the flexibility in the longitudinal direction of said applicator part.

[0027] Advantageously, each application arm is delimited axially by an internal surface and an external application surface and transversely by two opposite sides.

[0028] Preferably, at least one of the external application surfaces of the application arms is solid, i.e. has no orifice opening into the cavity.

[0029] Specifically, the presence of any hole opening into the cavity could adversely affect the application of the product to the surface to be made up.

[0030] In other words, the product contained in the cavity does not emerge directly onto the external application surface of the application arms.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cavity opens onto at least one side of the application arms.

[0032] In a variant, provision could be made for the cavity to be a through-cavity and open onto each side of the application arms.

[0033] When the user presses an external application surface of one of the application arms against the surface to be made up, in particular the lips, the product contained in the cavity is evacuated transversely via one or both sides and not directly via the external application surface. The product is therefore applied by a sweeping movement from right to left across the face.

[0034] For example, the distal end portion is rectilinear along the extension axis.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the application arms have a first thickness that is substantially constant along their curvilinear axis.

[0036] The constant thickness of the application arms makes it possible to make the bending of said arms in the longitudinal direction uniform.

[0037] The distal end portion preferably has a second thickness greater than or equal to 150% of the first thickness of the application arms. The applicator member thus has, at its distal end, a portion that is more massive than in the region of the cavity, constituting in particular a bearing region for the user making it possible to bend the application arms towards the inside of the cavity upon contact with the surface to which the product is applied.

[0038] “Thickness” is understood to be the dimension of a wall in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] For example, the applicator part has a total height, the distal end portion has a first height and the cavity has a second height, the first height of the distal end portion being less than or equal to one third of the total height and the second height of the cavity being greater than or equal to two thirds of the total height.

[0040] The ratio between the second height of the cavity and the first thickness of the application arms is preferably greater than or equal to 10. In other words, the cavity has a second height at least equal to 10 times the first thickness of the application arms. Such a ratio between the second height of the cavity and the first thickness of the application arms advantageously makes it possible to confer an appropriate level of flexibility for the application arms offering optimized application comfort.

[0041] For example, the second height of the cavity is substantially equal to 13 times the first thickness of the application arms.

[0042] The two application arms are advantageously symmetrical with respect to the extension axis.

[0043] For example, the first curvilinear axis of the first arm forms an arc of a circle with a first radius of curvature identical to the second radius of curvature of the arc of a circle formed by the second curvilinear axis of the second arm.

[0044] For example, the radii of curvature are between 10 mm and 20 mm. In general, the radius of curvature of the application arms is configured to adapt to the radius of curvature of the application surface, in particular the convexity of the lips of a user.

[0045] Advantageously, the cavity has, in the first plane, a substantially triangular shape delimited by the internal surfaces of the application arms and an axial surface of the base, in particular on the side opposite the shoulder.

[0046] The axial surface is, for example, substantially planar and extends in the first plane.

[0047] The internal surfaces of the application arms form two opposite sides of the cavity and are slightly curved towards one another as a result of the curvature of the application arms.

[0048] Each internal surface forms a first angle and a second angle, respectively, with the axial surface.

[0049] The first angle and the second angle are preferably equal.

[0050] The first internal surface forms a third angle with the second internal surface that is smaller than the first and second angles.

[0051] For example, the axial surface of the cavity has a first width greater than or equal to at least 50% of the total width of the applicator portion.

[0052] The width is to be understood in the sense of the longitudinal direction.

[0053] Thus, the cavity has a large internal dimension in the longitudinal direction, and this makes it possible to confer stiffness on the application arms while at the same time promoting the deformation thereof at the centre.

[0054] For example, the base has an axisymmetric overall shape about the extension axis.

[0055] For example, the base has a conical overall shape of which the diameter gradually increases from the end of the base extending from the fastening part towards the distal end of the applicator part. In a variant, some other shape could be provided for the base.

[0056] According to one embodiment, at least a part of the applicator part is covered with a surface coating, in particular flocking.

[0057] In a variant, provision could be made for the applicator part to have no flocking.

[0058] The flocking consists in covering a surface by spraying or by electrostatic deposition. To this end, the surface to be flocked is coated with adhesive, and then the coating material, for example a set of fibres, is sprayed in the direction of said surface or transferred onto said surface by applying an electrostatic field. The adhesive retains the fibres and, after drying, keeps them on the surface thus flocked.

[0059] In a variant, another surface coating could be provided, for example a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a foam and reliefs.

[0060] The flocking makes it possible to confer softness, and also to form a reservoir of product, and this increases the autonomy of the applicator member.

[0061] Preferably, the cavity has no surface coating, which could reduce the flexibility of the application arms, in particular as a result of the presence of adhesive in the cavity.

[0062] In general, a surface coating could be provided only and at least partially on the external application surface of the application arms.

[0063] The distal end portion could, for example, not be coated with flocking or any surface coating.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the applicator member comprises an endpiece or a fastening part from which the applicator part extends, the base being attached to one end of the fastening portion.

[0065] For example, the base has an outside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the fastening part, so as to form a shoulder intended to bear axially against the free end of a stem of an applicator.

[0066] For example, the fastening part has an axisymmetric overall shape about the extension axis.

[0067] For example, the fastening part has a cylindrical overall shape. In a variant, some other shape could be provided for the fastening part, for example a section other than a circular section.

[0068] For example, the fastening part comprises, at an end opposite the applicator part, a fastening stud having a diameter smaller than the overall diameter of the fastening part. Such a fastening stud makes fastening to the stem easier. In a variant, the fastening part could have no such fastening stud.

[0069] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an applicator for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator member as described above and a gripping member connected directly or indirectly, in particular via a stem, to the fastening part. The fastening part of the applicator member and the stem are secured to one another, for example by adhesive bonding, clamping, force fitting, crimping or any other fastening means.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the applicator comprises a gripping member having a tubular mounting skirt and a transverse wall that extends substantially perpendicularly to the extension axis and is attached to the mounting skirt.

[0071] For example, the mounting skirt comprises a threaded inner surface that is intended to be screwed onto the thread on the neck of the container. In a variant, provision could be made for the gripping member to close off the opening of the container and be fastened to the neck thereof in any way.

[0072] The stem advantageously comprises a first end fastened to the applicator member and a second end fastened to the gripping member.

[0073] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to an assembly for packaging and applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container delimiting at least one internal volume containing said product and an applicator as described above, at least the applicator member of which is disposed inside the container so as to be loaded with product contained in said container.

[0074] For example, the container extends along an overall extension axis that is coincident with the extension axis of the applicator member.

[0075] The body of the container is, for example, provided with a closed lower end forming a bottom and an upper end forming a neck provided with an opening, opposite the lower end, allowing access to the internal volume containing the product. In a variant, provision could be made for the body of the container not to comprise a neck and for the opening to be made in a free edge of said container.

[0076] The neck of the container has, for example, an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the body of the container and comprises, on its outer surface, a thread.

[0077] The body of the container may be made, for example, of rigid synthetic material.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the product packaging and application assembly also comprises a wiping member designed to wipe at least the stem, or even also the applicator member during withdrawal of the applicator from the container. This wiping member, which may be of any suitable type, has, in the example illustrated, a tubular body of substantially cylindrical shape with an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the neck of the container. The present invention will be better understood from studying the detailed description of embodiments, which are given by way of entirely non-limiting example and are illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0079] [Fig. 1] is a schematic view in longitudinal cross section of a packaging and application assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0080] [Fig. 2] shows, in isolation, a perspective view of an applicator member of the assembly in Figure 1;

[0081] [Fig. 3] shows a side view of the applicator member in Figure 2 in a first plane;

[0082] [Fig. 4] shows a front view of the applicator member in Figure 2 in a second plane, perpendicular to the first plane; and

[0083] [Fig. 5] shows a view in cross section on the plane V-V of the applicator member in Figure 4.

[0084] Figure 1 shows an assembly 1 for packaging and applying a product, comprising a container 2 delimiting an internal volume 2a containing a product P to be applied to the lips of a user, for example a cosmetic makeup product such as gloss, liquid lipstick or a care product. The device 1 for packaging and applying a product also comprises an applicator or application device 6 for applying said product.

[0085] The container 2 extends along an overall extension axis Z-Z’, shown in a position presumed to be vertical. The body of the container 2 is provided with a closed lower end 3 forming a bottom and an upper end 4 forming a neck provided with an opening 5, opposite the lower end 3, allowing access to the internal volume 2a containing the product. In a variant, provision could be made for the body of the container not to comprise a neck and for the opening to be made in a free edge of said container.

[0086] The body of the container 2 may be made, for example, of rigid synthetic material.

[0087] In the embodiment illustrated, the neck 4 of the container 2 has an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the body of the container 2 and comprises, on its outer surface, a thread 4a. The body of the container 2 may be made, for example, of rigid synthetic material. The application device 6 or applicator extends along an overall extension axis Zl-Zl shown in a position presumed to be vertical, which is coincident with the axis vertical Z-Z’ in Figure 1. The application device 6 comprises a gripping member 7, a stem 8 and an applicator member 10.

[0088] Without implying any limitation, the gripping member 7 constitutes a closure cap for the container 2 that is designed to be fastened to the neck 4 of the container 2 in order to close said container in a sealed manner when it is not in use. To this end, the gripping member 7 has a tubular mounting skirt 7 a and a transverse wall 7b that extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis Zl-Zl’ and is attached to the mounting skirt 7a.

[0089] The mounting skirt 7a comprises a threaded inner surface 7c that is intended to be screwed onto the thread 4a on the neck 4 of the container 2. In a variant, provision could be made for the gripping member 7 to close off the opening 5 of the container 2 and be fastened to the neck thereof in any way.

[0090] The stem 8 comprises a first end 8a fastened to the applicator member 10 and a second end 8b fastened to the gripping member 7. In the example illustrated, the stem 8 has a circular cross section substantially along its entire length. In a variant, other shapes could be provided for the cross section of the stem, for example a polygonal shape, such as a square or rectangular shape, or else an oval shape, etc.

[0091] The stem 8 and the gripping member 7 may be produced in a single piece, for example by injection-moulding a plastics material, to which the applicator member 10 is then attached. Provision could be made for the stem to be fastened to the gripping member by any other means, for example by adhesive bonding, screwing, etc.

[0092] As illustrated in Figure 1, the product packaging and application assembly 1 also comprises a wiping member 9 designed to wipe at least the stem 8, or even also the applicator member 10 during withdrawal of the applicator 6 from the container 2. This wiping member 9, which may be of any suitable type, has, in the example illustrated, a tubular body 9a of substantially cylindrical shape with an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the neck 4 of the container 2.

[0093] The body 9a is delimited by two opposite ends, with one of the ends being in radial contact with the outer surface of the stem 8. The body 9a comprises, on its outer surface, a member 9b for retention on the container 2, for example in the form of an annular bulge that is snap-fitted in a complementary shape 4b provided on the inner surface of the neck 4 of the container 2. As alternatives, provision could be made for the retention member to be in the form of a plurality of mutually parallel annular bulges or for the bulge to comprise at least two semi-circular portions that are spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the body of the wiping member 9.

[0094] The wiping member 9 also has, at a first, free end of the body 9a, an annular flange 9c having an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the mounting skirt 7 a of the gripping member 7 of the application device 6 and axially bearing against the neck 4 of the container 2.

[0095] The wiping member 9 comprises, at a second end of the body 9a that is opposite the first, free end, an annular wiping lip 9d that defines with its free end a wiping orifice 9e with a substantially circular section.

[0096] This wiping lip 9d extends in the direction of the stem 8 and is dimensioned so as to press at least against the stem 8, or even also against the applicator member 10 during withdrawal of the applicator from the container. The wiping lip 9d in this case extends obliquely with respect to the body 9a towards the axis Zl-Zl ’.

[0097] The inside diameter of the orifice 9e is preferably less than or equal to the outside diameter of the stem 8, so as to scrape the outer surface of the stem 8 and prevent the product contained in the container 2 from escaping towards the outside and in particular towards a space E delimited between the stem 8 and the mounting skirt 7a of the gripping member 7 of the application device 6.

[0098] The wiping member 9 may be made for example of an elastomer material or a polyolefin, in particular polyethylene or any other plastics material. The wiping lip 9c is, for example, more flexible than the body 9a of the wiping member 9.

[0099] As illustrated, the wiping member 9 comprises a second lip 9f that is inclined, for example by 45°, towards the first end and bears on the inner surface of the upper end of the container 2. In a variant, provision could be made for the wiping member not to have such a lip.

[0100] The body 9a of the wiping member 9 also comprises a portion 9g extending from this second lip 9f towards the lower end of the wiping member 9. In a variant, provision could be made for the wiping member not to have such a portion.

[0101] The flexible wiping lip 9, in the example illustrated, performs a function of guiding the applicator member 10 during its movement relative to the container 2 and a function of wiping the stem 8 and the applicator member 10 during their withdrawal from the container 2.

[0102] In a variant, other types of wiping member could be used, for example wipers comprising a corrugated conical wiping lip, in which the wiping lip also performs the dual function of guiding and wiping the distal applicator portion, or else wipers having a conical rigid guiding part intended to guide the applicator member 10 and assembled with a deformable portion of the foam pad type, performing the function of wiping the applicator member 10.

[0103] As illustrated in detail in Figures 2 to 5, the applicator member 10 extends along an overall extension axis Z2-Z2’, shown in a position presumed to be vertical, which is coincident with the axis Z-Z’ in Figure 1.

[0104] The applicator member 10 comprises an end piece or fastening part 11 able to be inserted into the stem 8 of the applicator 6 and an applicator part 20 protruding from an end of the fastening part 11 that is opposite the end secured to the stem 8.

[0105] The fastening part 11 has, in this case, an axisymmetric overall shape about the extension axis Z2-Z2’. As illustrated, the fastening part 11 has a cylindrical overall shape. In a variant, some other shape could be provided for the fastening part 11, for example a section other than a circular section.

[0106] As illustrated, the fastening part 11 comprises, at an end opposite the applicator part 20, a fastening stud 12 having a diameter smaller than the overall diameter of the fastening part 11. Such a fastening stud 12 makes fastening to the stem 8 easier. In a variant, the fastening part 11 could have no such fastening stud 12.

[0107] The fastening part 11 of the applicator member 10 and the stem 8 are secured to one another, for example by adhesive bonding, clamping, force fitting or any other fastening means.

[0108] The applicator part 20 comprises a base 21 attached to one end of the fastening portion 11, which is opposite the end secured to the stem 8, two application arms 22, 23 extending from the base 21 towards the distal end of the applicator part 20 along a curvilinear axis Al, A2, and a distal end portion 24 that is situated opposite the base 21.

[0109] The base 21 has, in this case, an axisymmetric overall shape about the extension axis 72-72' . As illustrated, the base 21 has a conical overall shape of which the diameter gradually increases from the end of the base 21 extending from the fastening part 11 towards the distal end of the applicator part 20. In a variant, some other shape could be provided for the base 21.

[0110] The base 21 has, in this case, an outside diameter L2 greater than the outside diameter L3 of the fastening part 11, so as to form a shoulder 21a intended to bear axially against the free end of the stem 8 of the applicator 6. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, in a first plane XZ comprising the vertical axis Z and the longitudinal axis X, the two application arms 22, 23 converge towards one another from the base 21 to the distal end portion 24.

[0111] Thus, the two application arms 22, 23 are connected by their proximal end (not referenced) to the base 21 and by their distal end (not referenced) to the distal end portion 24 forming the free end of the applicator member 20.

[0112] The distal end portion 24 is, in this case, rectilinear along the extension axis 71' -7 of the applicator member 20.

[0113] The apex 24a of the distal end portion 24 has, in this case, a shape that is rounded, convex or outwardly domed.

[0114] The distal portion denotes a position closer to the free end of the applicator member 20 than to the fastening part 11. The distal direction is opposite to the proximal direction.

[0115] The two application arms 22, 23 delimit between them a cavity 25 extending laterally along a transverse axis Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0116] The two application arms 22, 23 are symmetrical with respect to the axis Z2- Z2’.

[0117] The two application arms 22, 23 have, in the first plane XZ, a concave shape converging towards the distal end portion 24.

[0118] “Concave” is understood to mean an inwardly curved shape, the shape of which is recessed, as opposed to convex or domed, the shape of which is outwardly curved.

[0119] The curvilinear axis Al of the first arm 22 forms an arc of a circle with a radius of curvature R1 identical to the radius of curvature R2 of the arc of a circle formed by the curvilinear axis A2 of the second arm 23.

[0120] For example, the radii of curvature Rl, R2 are between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0121] In general, the radius of curvature of the application arms 22, 23 is configured to adapt to the radius of curvature of the application surface, in particular the convexity of the lips of a user.

[0122] Each application arm 22, 23 is delimited axially by an internal surface 22a, 23a and an external application surface 22b, 23b and transversely by two opposite sides 22c, 23c.

[0123] The application arms 22, 23 are elastically deformable towards one another in the longitudinal direction X. “Elastically deformable” is understood to mean any member which, on account of the material used and / or the dimensions thereof, is capable of deforming under the action of a load exerted by the user during application to an application surface, for example the lips, and configured to return to its initial position once the load ceases.

[0124] The flexibility of the application arms 22, 23 allows them to deform elastically in a reversible manner and thus to adapt to the curvature of the lips so as to apply the cosmetic product cleanly and precisely.

[0125] The application arms 22, 23 have a thickness e that is substantially constant along their curvilinear axis Al, A2.

[0126] The constant thickness of the application arms 22, 23 makes it possible to make the bending of said arms in the longitudinal direction X uniform.

[0127] The distal end portion 24 has a thickness e2 greater than the thickness e of the application arms 22, 23. For example, the thickness e2 of the distal end portion 24 is greater than or equal to 150% of the thickness e of the application arms 22, 23.

[0128] “Thickness” is understood to be the dimension in the longitudinal direction X.

[0129] As illustrated in Figure 5, the applicator part 20 has a total height H, the distal end portion 24 has a height Hl and the cavity 25 has a height H2.

[0130] The height Hl of the distal end portion 24 is less than or equal to one third of the total height H and the height H2 of the cavity 25 is greater than or equal to two thirds of the total height H.

[0131] The ratio between the height H2 of the cavity 25 and the thickness e of the application arms 22, 23 is greater than or equal to 10. In other words, the cavity 25 has a second height H2 at least equal to 10 times the first thickness e of the application arms 22, 23.

[0132] For example, the second height H2 of the cavity 25 is substantially equal to 13 times the first thickness e of the application arms 22, 23.

[0133] In general, the applicator part 20 has an overall shape that tapers in the first plane XZ so as to further increase the flexibility in the longitudinal direction X of said applicator part 20.

[0134] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, in a second plane YZ comprising the vertical axis Z and the transverse axis Y, oriented at 90° with respect to the first plane XZ, the external application surface 22b, 23b of each application arm 22, 23 has an elliptical shape or ogive shape. The cavity 25 is, in this case, a through-cavity or opens onto each side 22c, 23c of the application arms 22, 23. In a variant, provision could be made for the cavity 25 to open only onto one side of the application arms 22, 23.

[0135] In other words, the cavity 25 does not open onto the external application surface 22b, 23b of the application arms 22, 23.

[0136] In general, at least one of the external application surfaces 22b, 23b of the application arms 22, 23 is solid, i.e. has no orifice opening into the cavity 25. Specifically, the presence of any hole opening into the cavity 25 could adversely affect the application of the product to the surface to be made up.

[0137] The cavity 25 has, in the first plane XZ, a substantially triangular shape delimited by the internal surfaces 22a, 23a of the application arms 22, 23 and an axial surface 25a of the base 21, on the side opposite the shoulder 21a.

[0138] The axial surface 25a is, in this case, substantially planar and extends in the plane XY.

[0139] The internal surfaces 22a, 23a form two opposite sides of the cavity 25 and are slightly curved towards one another as a result of the curvature of the application arms 22, 23.

[0140] Each internal surface 22a, 23a forms first and second angles al, a2, respectively, with the axial surface 25a.

[0141] The first angle al and the second angle a2 are, in this case, equal.

[0142] The first internal surface 22a forms a third angle a3 with the second internal surface 23a that is smaller than the first and second angles al, a2.

[0143] The axial surface 25a of the cavity 25 has a width LI less than the total width L of the applicator portion 20.

[0144] The width is to be understood in the sense of the longitudinal direction X.

[0145] As illustrated, the total width L of the applicator part 20 is, in this case, greater than the width L2 of the base 21, which is greater than the width L3 of the fastening part 11.

[0146] The width LI is equal to at least 50% of the total width L of the applicator part 20. Thus, the cavity 25 has a large internal dimension in the longitudinal direction X, and this makes it possible to confer stiffness on the application arms 22, 23 while at the same time promoting the deformation thereof at the centre.

[0147] The cavity 25 defined between the two application arms 22, 23 makes it possible both to constitute a reserve of product within the applicator member 10 and to create a space for the application arms 22, 23 to bend when they are pressed against a surface to be made up, and in particular the surface of the lips.

[0148] Specifically, when the user presses an external application surface of one of the application arms 22, 23 against the surface to be made up, in particular the lips, the product contained in the cavity 25 is evacuated transversely via the sides 22c, 23c and not directly via the external application surface. The product is therefore applied by a sweeping movement from right to left across the face.

[0149] The ability of the application surfaces 22, 23 to bend upon contact with the surface to be made up makes it possible to cause at least a fraction of the product housed in the cavity 25 to exit, but also to improve the comfort and sensoriality of application.

[0150] The applicator part 20 is preferably covered with flocking (not shown in the figures). In a variant, provision could be made for the applicator part 20 to have no flocking.

[0151] The flocking consists in covering a surface by spraying. To this end, the surface to be flocked is coated with adhesive, and then the coating material, for example a set of fibres, is sprayed in the direction of said surface. The adhesive retains the fibres and, after drying, keeps them on the surface thus flocked.

[0152] In a variant, another surface coating could be provided, for example a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a foam and reliefs.

[0153] The flocking makes it possible to confer softness, and also to form a reservoir of product, and this increases the autonomy of the applicator member 10.

[0154] In general, a surface coating could be provided only and at least partially on the external application surface 22b, 23b of the application arms 22, 23.

[0155] The distal end portion 24 could not be coated with flocking or any surface coating.

[0156] Furthermore, the walls 22a, 23a, 25a of the cavity 25 are preferably not coated with flocking or any surface coating, which could reduce the flexibility of the application arms 22, 23.

[0157] The applicator member 10 is, in this case, produced as a single piece, for example by injection moulding a plastics material, such as for example elastomer, making it possible to obtain a flexible applicator part 20, such as for example a thermoplastic material, such as, for example, SEBS (styrene-ethylene / butylene- styrene), in particular with a hardness of 90 Shore A or lower depending on the desired flexibility or else Hytrel®, in particular with a hardness of 50 or 55 Shore D or lower. The applicator member 10 is produced, at least partially, from a material that is less stiff than the material of the stem 8.

[0158] Provision could be made for the applicator part 20 of the applicator member 10 to be produced, at least partially, from a material that is less stiff than the material of the fastening part 11. Thus, the applicator part 20 is flexible with respect to the stem

[0159] 8, and in particular with respect to the fastening part 11 fastened in the stem 8. The flexibility of the applicator part 20 improves the comfort of applying the product to the region to be made up.

[0160] The applicator part 20 according to the invention makes it possible, by virtue of its shape, to adapt to a large number of lip shapes.

[0161] In addition, by virtue of the packaging and application assembly according to the invention, the applicator part 20 is directly dipped into the container containing the product to be applied. Thus, the loading of product onto the applicator part 20 is automatic and does not require any additional hand movement. The flexibility of the applicator part 20 allows it to deform when it passes the wiping member, which makes it possible to wipe the hollow of the curve of the applicator part 20 uniformly. An optimal makeup result for the user is thus obtained.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Applicator member (10) for applying a cosmetic product (P), in particular a makeup product, said applicator member extending along an overall extension axis (Z2-Z2’) and comprising an applicator part (20) comprising:- a base (21);- a distal end portion (24); and- two opposite application arms (22, 23) extending from the base (21) towards the distal end portion (24) along a curvilinear axis (Al, A2) and delimiting between them a cavity (25) extending laterally along a transverse axis (Y), characterized in that:- in a first plane (XZ) comprising the extension axis (Z2-Z2’) and a longitudinal axis (X) that is perpendicular to the extension axis (Z2-Z2’) and the transverse axis (Y), the two application arms (22, 23) each have a concave shape converging towards the distal end portion (24) and in that, in a second plane (YZ) oriented at 90° with respect to the first plane (XZ) and comprising the extension axis (Z2-Z2’) and the transverse axis (Y), each application arm (22, 23) has an elliptical shape.

2. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 1, wherein the application arms (22, 23) are elastically deformable towards one another in the longitudinal direction (X).

3. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein each application arm (22, 23) is delimited axially by an internal surface (22a, 23a) and an external application surface (22b, 23b) and transversely by two opposite sides (22c, 23c).

4. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 3 , wherein at least one of the external application surfaces (22b, 23b) of the application arms (22, 23) is solid.

5. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 3 or 4, wherein the cavity (25) opens onto at least one side (22c, 23c) of the application arms (22, 23).

6. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end portion (24) is rectilinear along the extension axis (Z2-Z2’).

7. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the application arms (22, 23) have a first thickness (e) that is substantially constant along their curvilinear axis (Al, A2).

8. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 7, wherein the distal end portion (24) has a second thickness (e2) greater than or equal to 150% of the first thickness (e) of the application arms (22, 23).

9. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator part (20) has a total height (H), the distal end portion (24) has a first height (Hl) and the cavity (25) has a second height (H2), the first height (Hl) of the distal end portion (24) being less than or equal to one third of the total height (H) and the second height (H2) of the cavity (25) being greater than or equal to two thirds of the total height (H).

10. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 9 taken in combination with either one of Claims 7 and 8, wherein the ratio between the second height (H2) of the cavity (25) and the first thickness (e) of the application arms (22, 23) is greater than or equal to 10.

11. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two application arms (22, 23) are symmetrical with respect to the extension axis (Z2-Z2’).

12. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first curvilinear axis (Al) of the first arm (22) forms an arc of a circle with a first radius of curvature (Rl) identical to the second radius of curvature (R2) of the arc of a circle formed by the second curvilinear axis (A2) of the second arm (23).

13. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 3 taken in combination with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (25) has, in the first plane (XZ), a substantially triangular shape delimited by the internal surfaces (22a, 23a) of the application arms (22, 23) and an axial surface (25a) of the base (21).

14. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 13, wherein the axial surface (25a) of the cavity (25) has a first width (LI) greater than or equal to at least 50% of the total width (L) of the applicator portion (20).

15. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the applicator part (20) is covered with a surface coating, in particular flocking.

16. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 15, wherein the cavity (25) has no surface coating.

17. Applicator member according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fastening part (11) from which the applicator part (20) extends, the base (21) being attached to one end of the fastening portion (11).

18. Applicator (6) for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator member (10) according to Claim 17 and a gripping member (7) connected directly or indirectly, in particular via a stem (8), to the fastening part (11).

19. Assembly (1) for packaging and applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container (2) delimiting at least one internal volume (2a) containing said product (P) and an applicator (6) according to Claim 18, at least the applicator member (10) of which is disposed inside the container (2) so as to be loaded with product contained in said container.

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