Applicator member for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, and assembly for packaging and applying a product, comprising said applicator member
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LOREAL SA
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-10
Smart Images
Figure EP2024072066_06022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
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 flexible application surface, such as a user’s skin or lips.
[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 user's skin. The applicator member has a solid, generally elongate shape, which is generally covered with an outer coating, for example by flocking.
[0006] The gripping member is generally provided to sealingly close off the opening of a container containing the cosmetic product to be applied.
[0007] Also known is document FR 3 095 116 - Al, which provides an applicator comprising a fastening stem and an application endpiece having a stiff part and an application part. The application endpiece is connected as a whole to the fastening stem pivotably about a transverse axis.
[0008] Document EP 2 486 821 - Bl describes an applicator comprising an application portion having an inclined application surface and comprising, when viewed from the front, a wide part which gradually decreases in width to a tip at an end part. The thickness of the end part is greater than the thickness of the wide part.
[0009] However, none of the known applicators allows precise application of the product to a narrow or slender application surface, such as in the vicinity of the eyes or the nostrils.
[0010] The present invention aims to provide a novel applicator for neatly and precisely applying makeup in a way which is ergonomic and easy to use, which applicator is capable of storing a varying quantity of product while still being capable of depositing makeup on narrow or slender surfaces of a user’s face, such as in the vicinity of the eyes, the nose or the lips.
[0011] One subject of the invention is an applicator member for applying a cosmetic product, in particular a makeup product, in particular to an application surface, such as a user’s skin or lips. The applicator member extends along an overall axis of extent and comprises an applicator endpiece comprising:
[0012] - a connecting base; and
[0013] - an applicator part extending from the connecting base along the axis of extent in a first plane comprising a vertical axis and a transverse axis and extending along an inclined axis forming an angle with the axis of extent in a second plane, perpendicular to the first plane and comprising the vertical axis and a longitudinal axis.
[0014] The applicator part comprises a proximal part extending along the second inclined axis from the connecting base and a distal end part pivotably connected to the proximal part by a joining line comprising a transverse articulation axis about which the distal end part is configured to pivot through an angular range of between -15° and +15° in relation to the inclined axis.
[0015] In other words, solely the distal end part of the applicator endpiece is flexible in relation to the proximal part, which is therefore stiff in relation to the distal end part.
[0016] “Stiff’ is understood to mean any member which does not deform under the action of external loading.
[0017] The distal end part is elastically deformable, which is to say that it can pivot about the transverse articulation axis under the action of loading exerted by the user while applying something to an application surface, for example to the skin of a user’s face or to a user’s lips, and configured to return to its initial position after the loading is relieved.
[0018] As a result, it is possible to easily apply the distal end part to the vicinity of a narrow or sensitive area of the face, for example to the vicinity of the eyes, for example to apply a foundation or a concealer.
[0019] A compromise between precision of application, afforded by the stiffness of the proximal part, and ease of application, afforded by the flexibility of the distal end part, is thus obtained.
[0020] The flexibility of the distal end part makes it possible to improve the ease of application of the product to the area that is to be made up. This is because such a distal end part makes it possible to perform a back- and-forth movement about either side of the transverse articulation axis and thus tap said end part against the user’s skin or lips.
[0021] The distal portion denotes a position closer to the free end of the applicator member than the connecting base. The distal direction is opposite to the proximal direction.
[0022] The distal end part forms the free end of the applicator member.
[0023] The shape of the applicator endpiece makes it possible to combine ease and precision in applying a makeup product to a user’s face.
[0024] However, the applicator endpiece is not flexible in relation to the fastening endpiece.
[0025] Advantageously, the applicator part of the applicator endpiece is delimited axially by a front application surface and a rear surface, and transversely by two opposite sides.
[0026] As a result, in the second plane and as viewed from the side, the front application surface extends in a third plane comprising the second inclined axis and the vertical axis.
[0027] For example, the sides may have a fillet or curve.
[0028] Advantageously, the applicator endpiece has a first height along the vertical axis and a maximum width along the transverse axis, and the applicator part has a second height which is greater than or equal to half the first height of the applicator endpiece, the first height of the applicator endpiece being equal to at least twice, or even three times, the maximum width of said applicator endpiece.
[0029] The features of the first height make it possible to improve the stability of the applicator endpiece when product is being applied by means of the applicator part. The features of the second height and the features of the maximum width, which are defined relative to the first height, make it possible to improve the flexibility of the applicator part and the precision of application.
[0030] As a result, an applicator endpiece having good application ergonomics and improved precision and flexibility is obtained.
[0031] Advantageously, the distal end part has a third height which is greater than or equal to one third of the second height of the applicator part. This makes it possible to further improve the flexibility of the end part, and allows optimized application by way of the back-and-forth movements. According to one embodiment, the applicator part, for example in its centre, comprises a cavity which extends axially along the longitudinal axis and leads at least onto the front application surface. The cavity is also conducive to the flexibility.
[0032] The cavity makes it possible to form a reserve of product within the applicator member. This makes it possible to increase the load required for the application and to improve the result of the makeup operation while still providing ease of application by virtue of the flexibility.
[0033] According to one embodiment, the cavity is a through-cavity which leads both onto the front application surface and onto the rear surface of the applicator part. This makes the back-and-forth movement afforded by the applicator relevant and makes it possible to benefit from the discharge of formula contained in the cavity via the two faces of the applicator. No particular gesture is necessary to apply the product.
[0034] For example, the cavity has, in the first plane, a droplet or ogive shape having a first height leading onto the front application surface of the applicator part which is greater than or equal to twice its width. The specific shape of the cavity makes it possible to optimize the deposition of the formula and the distribution, which is even smoother. Such a shape also means it is not necessary to “spread” the formula once it has been deposited on the skin with movements for the various passes made.
[0035] For example, the cavity has a second height leading onto the rear surface of the applicator part, said second height being greater than or equal to the first height of the cavity. The specific shape of the cavity makes it possible to optimize the deposition of the formula and the distribution, which is even smoother. Such a shape also means it is not necessary to “spread” the formula once it has been deposited on the skin with movements for the various passes made.
[0036] For example, the width of the cavity is greater than or equal to half, or even two thirds, of the maximum width of the application endpiece. This makes it possible to correctly situate the deposition of product on the application area and apply it thereto.
[0037] The first height of the cavity is preferably between 40% and 60% of the second height of the applicator part. This makes it possible to correctly situate the deposition of product on the application area and apply it thereto.
[0038] The second height of the cavity is preferably between 50% and 80% of the second height of the applicator part. For example, and entirely non-limitingly, the end of the cavity in the vicinity of the apex of the distal end part has a concave rounded shape, whereas the end of the cavity in the vicinity of the connecting base has a pointed triangular shape. This optimizes the distribution of product over the application area. Since the point is located towards the end of the applicator part, it might have a tendency to dispense less product; providing a concave rounded shape on the end of the cavity that is in the vicinity of the apex of the distal end part increases the amount of product loaded within this area of the cavity. The shape of the cavity is directly linked to the shape of the applicator and applicator part so as to consistently deposit product.
[0039] Advantageously, in the first plane, the connecting base extends along the axis of extent and, in the second plane, the connecting base extends along a first inclined axis forming a first angle with the axis of extent.
[0040] The extent of the connecting base along the axis of extent in the first plane facilitates the ergonomics of the application gestures, which is to say the position of the hand in relation to the application area, and in particular the deposition of makeup.
[0041] The inclination of the connecting base along the first inclined axis affords flexibility, and this optimizes the application of product and makes the deposition of product more even.
[0042] The first angle is, for example, less than or equal to the angle formed between the axis of extent and the inclined axis along which the applicator part extends. This allows a progressive inclination of the connecting base and of the applicator part for overall application ergonomics in relation to the application area.
[0043] For example, the connecting base has a conical overall shape and has a thickness along the longitudinal axis which progressively increases from the end of the connecting base towards the applicator part. This gives the connecting base even more stability in order to allow precise gestures, while still making the end flexible in order to improve the ease of application and optimize the application of product.
[0044] In a variant, another shape could be provided for the base.
[0045] According to one embodiment, the connecting base has a width along the transverse axis which continuously and progressively increases from the end of the connecting base towards the applicator part. It is thus possible to customize the shape of the connecting base.
[0046] “Thickness” is understood to mean the dimension of a wall in the longitudinal direction. “Width” is understood to mean the dimension in the transverse direction.
[0047] Advantageously, in the first plane, the applicator part has an elliptical or ogive overall shape and comprises a width along the transverse axis which increases progressively to the join between the proximal part and the distal end part and then decreases progressively to the apex or end of said distal end part. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the applicator part by virtue of the increase in width, and the flexibility by virtue of the decrease in width.
[0048] With preference, in the second plane, the proximal part has a variable thickness along the longitudinal axis which decreases non-continuously to the distal end part. This makes it possible to enhance the flexibility of the proximal part and improve the back-and-forth movement when applying something.
[0049] In other words, the applicator part becomes thinner, non-continuously, down to the distal end part.
[0050] With preference, in the second plane, the distal end part has a thickness along the longitudinal axis which is substantially constant over at least an area of said distal end part that contains the cavity. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the applicator and the precision of the gesture made during the application.
[0051] “Substantially constant thickness” is understood in this case to mean that the thickness has at most a variability of around 5% to 10%.
[0052] For example, the distal end part has a substantially constant thickness over at least 60% of its height. The apex of the distal end part may have a reduced thickness in relation to the overall thickness e4 of the body of said part. This makes it possible to make a back-and-forth movement to optimize the application.
[0053] “Apex” is understood to be the end of the distal end part.
[0054] In a variant, it could be provided that the thickness of the distal end part is substantially constant over its entire height.
[0055] Advantageously, the applicator member is symmetrical in relation to the axis of extent in the first plane.
[0056] In other words, the applicator member is symmetrical in relation to the second plane passing through the axis of extent.
[0057] According to one embodiment, at least part of the applicator endpiece is covered with a surface coating, in particular flocking.
[0058] In a variant, it could be provided that the applicator endpiece does not have any flocking. The flocking consists in covering a surface by spraying or by electrostatic deposition.
[0059] For this, the surface to be flocked is coated with adhesive, and then the coating material, for example a set of fibres, is sprayed towards said surface or transferred to said surface by applying an electrostatic field. The adhesive retains the fibres and, after drying, keeps them on the surface thus flocked.
[0060] In a variant, another surface coating, for example a non-woven fabric, a woven fabric, a foam and reliefs, could be provided.
[0061] The flocking gives softness and makes it possible to form a reservoir of product, and this increases the range of each use of the applicator member.
[0062] In general, a surface coating could be provided solely and at least partially on the front application surface, in particular in the area of the proximal part.
[0063] For example, at least that area of said distal end part that contains the cavity does not have a surface coating.
[0064] This is because it would not be possible to coat the distal end part with any surface coating or flocking, as otherwise its flexibility would be adversely affected.
[0065] Furthermore, the walls of the cavity at the distal end part are preferably not coated with any surface coating or flocking.
[0066] Advantageously, the applicator member comprises a fastening endpiece from which the applicator endpiece extends, the connecting base being attached to one end of the fastening endpiece.
[0067] For example, the fastening endpiece has an overall shape exhibiting symmetry of revolution about the axis of extent.
[0068] For example, the fastening endpiece has a cylindrical overall shape.
[0069] In a variant, another shape could be provided for the fastening endpiece, for example a cross section which is not circular.
[0070] The fastening endpiece may have a thickness and a width. Owing to the cylindrical overall shape of the fastening endpiece, the thickness and the width are equal.
[0071] For example, the fastening endpiece comprises a fastening stud at an end opposite the applicator endpiece. Such a fastening stud makes it easier to fasten the endpiece to a stem. In a variant, it would be possible for the fastening part to not have such a fastening stud. The fastening stud may have a diameter less than the overall diameter of the fastening endpiece.
[0072] The applicator member is, for example, made in one piece, for example by injection moulding a plastics material, for example made of an elastomer, which makes it possible to obtain a flexible distal end part 27, such as a thermoplastic material, such as SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene), in particular with a Shore A hardness of 90 or less depending on the desired flexibility, or Hytrel®, in particular with a Shore D hardness of 50 or 55 or less.
[0073] It could be provided that the distal end part of the applicator member is at least partially made of a material which is less stiff than the material of the proximal part.
[0074] 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 that is connected to the fastening endpiece directly or indirectly, in particular via a stem.
[0075] For example, the fastening endpiece of the applicator member and the stem are secured to one another, for example by adhesive bonding, by a press fit, by a force fit, by crimping or by any other fastening means.
[0076] The applicator member is, for example, at least partially made of a material which is less stiff than the material of the stem.
[0077] According to one embodiment, the applicator comprises a gripping member having a tubular mounting skirt and a transverse wall which extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis of extent and is connected to the mounting skirt.
[0078] 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, it could be provided that the gripping member closes off the opening of the container and is fastened on the neck thereof in any way.
[0079] The stem advantageously comprises a first end fastened to the applicator member and a second end fastened to the gripping member.
[0080] 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 in order to be loaded with product contained in said container. By virtue of the packaging and application assembly according to the invention, the applicator endpiece is dipped directly into the container that contains the product to be applied. The applicator endpiece, and in particular the applicator part, is thus loaded with product automatically and an additional gesture is not required.
[0081] For example, the container extends along a longitudinal overall axis which coincides with the axis of extent of the applicator member.
[0082] The body of the container is, for example, provided with a closed lower end forming a bottom and an upper end which forms a neck provided with an opening, which is opposite the lower end and allows access to the internal volume containing the product. In a variant, it would be possible to provide that the body of the container does not comprise a neck and the opening is made in a free edge of said container.
[0083] The neck of the container has, for example, an outside diameter less than the outside diameter of the body of the container and comprises a thread on its outer surface.
[0084] The body of the container may be made, for example, of stiff synthetic material.
[0085] 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 when the applicator is being taken out of the container. This wiping member, which may be of any suitable type, in the example illustrated has a substantially cylindrical tubular body with an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the neck of the container.
[0086] The present invention will be better understood from studying the detailed description of embodiments that are given by way of entirely non-limiting example and are illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:
[0087] [Fig- 1] is a schematic view, in longitudinal section, of a packaging and application assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0088] [Fig- 2] shows a perspective view of an applicator member of the assembly of Figure 1, on its own;
[0089] [Fig- 3] shows a side view of the applicator member from Figure 2 in a first plane;
[0090] [Fig. 4] shows a front view of the applicator member from Figure 2 in a second plane, which is perpendicular to the first plane;
[0091] [Fig- 5] shows a view, in cross section on the plane V-V, of the applicator member from Figure 4; and
[0092] [Fig- 6] shows a rear view of the applicator member from Figure 2.
[0093] In the following description, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “vertical”, “front”, “rear”, “left” and “right” are defined according to the conventional coordinate system for applicators, which is shown in the drawings and comprises:
[0094] - a longitudinal axis X, which is horizontal and oriented from left to right in Figure 1;
[0095] - a transverse axis Y, which is horizontal, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and oriented from front to rear in Figure 1;
[0096] - a vertical axis Z, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse axes X and Y and is directed from bottom to top.
[0097] The term “thickness” is understood to mean in the longitudinal direction X, the term “width” is understood to mean in the transverse direction Y, and the term “height” is understood to mean in the vertical direction Z.
[0098] Figure 1 shows a product packaging and application assembly 1 comprising a container 2, which delimits an internal volume 2a containing a product P to be applied to a user’s face, for example a cosmetic makeup product such as a foundation or a concealer. The product packaging and application device 1 also comprises an applicator or application device 6 for applying said product.
[0099] The container 2 extends along a longitudinal overall axis Z-Z’, shown in a position which is 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 which forms a neck provided with an opening 5, which is opposite the lower end 3 and allows access to the internal volume 2a containing the product. In a variant, it would be possible to provide that the body of the container does not comprise a neck and the opening is made in a free edge of said container.
[0100] The body of the container 2 may be made, for example, of stiff synthetic material. In the embodiment illustrated, the neck 4 of the container 2 has an outside diameter less than the outside diameter of the body of the container 2 and comprises a thread 4a on its outer surface. The body of the container 2 may be made, for example, of stiff synthetic material.
[0101] The application device 6 or applicator extends along a longitudinal overall axis Zl-Zl’, shown in a position presumed to be vertical, that is coincident with the axis Z-Z’ in Figure 1. The application device 6 comprises a gripping member 7, a stem 8 and an applicator member 10.
[0102] Without implying any limitation, the gripping member 7 forms a closure cap for closing the container 2, this cap being designed to be fastened on the neck 4 of the container 2 so as to sealingly close said container when it is not in use. To this end, the gripping member 7 has a tubular mounting skirt 7a and a transverse wall 7b that extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis Zl-Zl’ and is connected to the mounting skirt 7a.
[0103] 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, it could be provided that the gripping member 7 closes off the opening 5 of the container 2 and is fastened on the neck thereof in any way.
[0104] 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 more or less 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 even an oval shape, etc.
[0105] The stem 8 and the gripping member 7 may be made in one piece, for example by injection moulding a plastics material, to which the applicator member 10 is then connected. The stem could be fastened to the gripping member by any other means, for example by adhesive bonding, screwing, etc.
[0106] 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 when the applicator 6 is being taken out of the container 2. This wiping member 9, which may be of any suitable type, in the example illustrated has a substantially cylindrical tubular body 9a with an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the neck 4 of the container 2. 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 retention member 9b for retaining it 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. Alternatives that could be provided are 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 from one another around the circumference of the body of the wiping member 9.
[0107] 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 7a of the gripping member 7 of the application device 6 and axially bearing against the neck 4 of the container 2.
[0108] The wiping member 9 comprises, at a second end of the body 9a which is at the opposite end from the first free end, an annular wiping lip 9d, the free end of which defines a wiping orifice 9e with a substantially circular cross section.
[0109] 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 against the applicator member 10 as the applicator is removed from the container. The wiping lip 9d in this case extends obliquely with respect to the body 9a towards the axis Z1-ZT.
[0110] 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, 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.
[0111] 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.
[0112] As illustrated, the wiping member 9 comprises a second lip 9f which is inclined, for example by 45°, towards the first end and bears against the inner surface of the upper end of the container 2. In a variant, it could be provided that the wiping member does not have such a lip.
[0113] The body 9a of the wiping member 9 also comprises a portion 9g which extends from this second lip 9f towards the lower end of the wiping member 9. In a variant, it could be provided that the wiping member does not have such a portion. In the example illustrated, the flexible wiping lip 9 guides the applicator member 10 when it is being moved in relation to the container 2 and wipes the stem 8 and the applicator member 10 when they are being taken out of the container 2.
[0114] In a variant, it would be possible to use other types of wiping member, for example wipers comprising a wavy conical wiping lip, in which the wiping lip also has the dual function of guiding and wiping the distal applicator portion, or wipers having a stiff conical guide part which is intended to guide the applicator member 10 and is assembled with a deformable portion of the foam pad type, which wipes the applicator member 10.
[0115] As illustrated in detail in Figures 2 to 6, the applicator member 10 extends along an overall axis of extent Z -Z , shown in a position presumed to be vertical, that is coincident with the axis Z-Z’ in Figure 1.
[0116] The applicator member 10 comprises a fastening part or endpiece 11 able to be inserted into the stem 8 of the applicator 6 and an applicator endpiece 20 protruding from an opposite end of the fastening endpiece 11 to the end secured to the stem 8.
[0117] As illustrated, the fastening endpiece 11 in this case has an overall shape exhibiting symmetry of revolution about the axis of extent Z2-Z2’. As illustrated, the fastening endpiece 11 has a cylindrical overall shape. In a variant, another shape could be provided for the fastening endpiece 11, for example a cross section which is not circular.
[0118] The fastening endpiece 11 has a thickness el, visible in the side view of Figure 3, and a width LI, visible in the front view of Figure 4.
[0119] Owing to the cylindrical overall shape of the fastening endpiece 11, the thickness el and the width LI are equal in this case.
[0120] The fastening endpiece 11 of the applicator member 10 and the stem 8 are secured to one another, for example by adhesive bonding, by a press fit, by a force fit, by crimping or by any other fastening means.
[0121] As illustrated, the fastening endpiece 11 comprises a fastening stud 12 at an end opposite the applicator endpiece 20. Such a fastening stud 12 makes it easier to fasten the endpiece to the stem 8. In a variant, it would be possible for the fastening part 11 to not have such a fastening stud 12.
[0122] The fastening stud 12 has a diameter less than the overall diameter of the fastening endpiece 11. The applicator endpiece 20 comprises a connecting base or part 21 attached to an opposite end of the fastening endpiece 11 to the end which is secured to the stem 8, and an applicator part 22 extending from the connecting base 21 towards an end opposite the fastening endpiece 11.
[0123] In a first plane Pl comprising the transverse axis Y and the vertical axis Z, the connecting base 21 extends along the axis of extent Z -Z .
[0124] In a second plane P2, which is perpendicular to the first plane Pl and comprises the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z, the connecting base 21 extends along a first inclined axis B 1-B 1’ which forms a first angle al with the axis of extent Z2-Z2’. The first angle al ranges, for example, between 1° and 15°.
[0125] In this case, the connecting base 21 has a conical overall shape, the thickness e2 of which increases progressively from the end of the connecting base 21, extending from the fastening endpiece 11 towards the applicator part 22. In a variant, another shape could be provided for the base 21.
[0126] In this case, the base 21 has a width L2 which increases continuously and progressively from the end of the connecting base 21, extending from the fastening endpiece 11 towards the applicator part 22.
[0127] In the second plane P2, the applicator part 22 extends along a second inclined axis B2-B2’ which forms a second angle a2 with the axis of extent Z2-Z2’ . The second angle ranges, for example, between 20° and 40°.
[0128] The applicator part 22 is delimited axially by a front application surface 23 and a rear surface 24, and transversely by two opposite sides 22a, 22b.
[0129] As illustrated, the sides 22a, 22b have a rounded fillet 28.
[0130] As a result, in the second plane P2 and as viewed from the side, the front application surface 23 extends in a third plane P3 comprising the second inclined axis B2-B2’ and the vertical axis Z.
[0131] The applicator part 22, in its centre, comprises a cavity 25 which extends axially along the longitudinal axis X, perpendicular to the transverse axis Y.
[0132] The applicator part 22 comprises a proximal part 26 extending along the second inclined axis B2-B2’ from the connecting base 21 on the side opposite the fastening endpiece 11 and a distal end part 27 extending along the second inclined axis B2-B2’ from the proximal part 26.
[0133] The distal end part 27 forms the free end of the applicator member 20. In the first plane Pl, the applicator part 22 extends along the axis of extent Z -Z . In the first plane Pl, the applicator part 22 has an elliptical or ogive overall shape, the width L3 of which increases progressively to the join between the proximal part 26 and the distal end part 27 and then decreases progressively to the apex 27a of said distal end part 27.
[0134] In the second plane P2, the proximal part 26 has a variable thickness e3 which decreases non-continuously from the fastening endpiece 11 to the distal end part 27.
[0135] In other words, the applicator part 22 becomes thinner, non-continuously, down to the distal end part 27.
[0136] In this second plane P2, the distal end part 27 has a substantially constant thickness e4 from the proximal part 26 to the apex 27a.
[0137] “Substantially constant thickness” is understood to mean that the distal end part 27 has a constant thickness over at least 60% of its height H3. Specifically, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 5, the apex 27a of the distal end part 27 has a reduced thickness in relation to the overall thickness e4 of the body of said part 27.
[0138] In a variant, it could be provided that the thickness e4 of the distal end part 27 is constant over its entire height H3.
[0139] In general, the distal end part 27 has a constant thickness over at least the area of said part 27 that contains the cavity 25.
[0140] The distal portion denotes a position closer to the free end of the applicator member 20 than the connecting base 21. The distal direction is opposite to the proximal direction.
[0141] The applicator member 10 is symmetrical in relation to the axis of extent Z2- Z2’ in the first plane Pl.
[0142] In other words, the applicator member 10 is symmetrical in relation to the second plane P2 passing through the axis of extent Z2-Z2’.
[0143] The applicator endpiece 20 has a first height Hl which is greater than or equal to half the total height H of the applicator member 10.
[0144] The applicator part 22 has a second height H2 which is greater than or equal to half the first height Hl of the applicator endpiece 20.
[0145] The distal end part 27 has a third height H3 which is greater than or equal to one third of the second height H2 of the applicator part 22.
[0146] The first height Hl of the applicator endpiece 20 is equal to at least twice, or even three times, the maximum width L3 of said applicator endpiece 20. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 5, the proximal part 26 and the distal end part 27 are connected by a joining line A comprising a transverse articulation axis Y 1 about which the distal end part 27 pivots in relation to the proximal part 26 through an angular range a3 of between -15° and +15° in relation to the second inclined axis B2-B2’.
[0147] In other words, the distal end part 27 is flexible in relation to the proximal part 26, which is therefore stiff in relation to the distal end part 27.
[0148] “Stiff’ is understood to mean any member which does not deform under the action of external loading.
[0149] The distal end part 27 is elastically deformable, which is to say that it can pivot about the transverse articulation axis Y1 under the action of loading exerted by the user while applying something to an application surface, for example to the skin of a user’s face or to a user’s lips, and configured to return to its initial position after the loading is relieved.
[0150] As a result, it is possible to easily apply the distal end part 27 to the vicinity of a narrow or sensitive area of the face, for example to the vicinity of the eyes, the lips or the nose, for example to apply a foundation or a concealer.
[0151] A compromise between precision of application, afforded by the stiffness of the proximal part 26, and ease of application, afforded by the flexibility of the distal end part 27, is thus obtained.
[0152] This is because such a distal end part 27 makes it possible to perform a back- and-forth movement about either side of the transverse articulation axis Y1 and thus tap said end part 27 against the user’s face.
[0153] In this case, the cavity 25 is a through-cavity or leads onto the front application surface 23 and onto the rear surface 24. In a variant, it could be provided that the cavity 25 leads only onto the front application surface 23.
[0154] In the first plane Pl YZ, the cavity 25 has a droplet shape, the height H4 of which is greater than or equal to twice its width L4.
[0155] The height H4 of the cavity 25 leading onto the front application surface 23 is less than the height H5, visible in Figure 6, of said cavity 25 leading onto the rear surface 24.
[0156] The cavity 25 makes it possible to form a reserve of product within the applicator member 10.
[0157] The width L4 of the cavity 25 is greater than or equal to half, or even two thirds, of the maximum width L3 of the application endpiece 20. The height H4 of the cavity 25 leading onto the front application surface 23 ranges between 40% and 80% of the height H2 of the applicator part 22.
[0158] The height H5 of the cavity 25 leading onto the rear surface 24 ranges between 50% and 90% of the height H2 of the applicator part 22.
[0159] As illustrated, in this case the end of the cavity 25 in the vicinity of the apex 27a has a concave rounded shape, whereas the end of the cavity 25 in the vicinity of the connecting base 21 in this case has a pointed triangular shape.
[0160] The height H6 of the apex 27a of the distal end part 27 ranges between 10% and 30%, for example is equal to 20%, of the height H2 of the applicator part 22.
[0161] The applicator endpiece 20 is preferably covered with flocking (not shown in the figures). In a variant, it could be provided that the applicator endpiece 20 does not have any flocking.
[0162] The flocking consists in covering a surface, for example by spraying or by electrostatic deposition. For this, the surface to be flocked is coated with adhesive, and then the coating material, for example a set of fibres, is sprayed towards said surface or transferred to said surface by applying an electrostatic field. The adhesive retains the fibres and, after drying, keeps them on the surface thus flocked.
[0163] In a variant, another surface coating, for example a non-woven fabric, a woven fabric, a foam and reliefs, could be provided.
[0164] The flocking gives softness and makes it possible to form a reservoir of product, and this increases the range of each use of the applicator member 10.
[0165] In general, a surface coating could be provided solely and at least partially on the front application surface 23, in particular in the area of the proximal part 26.
[0166] It would not be possible to coat the distal end part 27 with any surface coating or flocking, as otherwise its flexibility would be adversely affected.
[0167] Furthermore, the walls of the cavity 25 at the distal end part 27 are preferably not coated with any surface coating or flocking.
[0168] In this case, the applicator member 10 is made in one piece, for example by injection moulding a plastics material, for example made of an elastomer, which makes it possible to obtain a flexible distal end part 27, such as a thermoplastic material, such as SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene), in particular with a Shore A hardness of 90 or less depending on the desired flexibility, or Hytrel®, in particular with a Shore D hardness of 50 or 55 or less. The applicator member 10 is at least partially made of a material which is less stiff than the material of the stem 8.
[0169] It could be provided that the distal end part 27 of the applicator member 10 is at least partially made of a material which is less stiff than the material of the proximal part 26.
[0170] As a result, the distal end part 27 is flexible in relation to the proximal part 26. The flexibility of the distal end part 27 makes it possible to improve the ease of application of the product to the area that is to be made up.
[0171] However, the applicator endpiece 20 is not flexible in relation to the fastening endpiece l l.
[0172] The shape of the applicator endpiece 20 according to the invention makes it possible to combine ease and precision in applying a makeup product to a user’s face.
[0173] In addition, by virtue of the packaging and application assembly according to the invention, the applicator endpiece 20 is dipped directly into the container that contains the product to be applied. The applicator endpiece 20, and in particular the applicator part 22, is thus loaded with product automatically and an additional gesture is not required.
Claims
CLAIMS1. Applicator member (10) for applying a cosmetic product (P), in particular a makeup product, said applicator member extending along an overall axis of extent (Z2-Z2’) and comprising an applicator endpiece (20) comprising:- a connecting base (21); and- an applicator part (22) extending from the connecting base (21) along the axis of extent (Z2-Z2’) in a first plane (Pl) comprising a vertical axis (Z) and a transverse axis (Y) and extending along an inclined axis (B2-B2’) forming an angle (a2) with the axis of extent (Z2-Z2’) in a second plane (P2), perpendicular to the first plane (Pl) and comprising the vertical axis (Z) and a longitudinal axis (X), the applicator part (22) being delimited axially by a front application surface (23) and a rear surface (24), and transversely by two opposite sides (22a, 22b) and comprising a proximal part (26) extending along the second inclined axis (B2-B2’) from the connecting base (21) and a distal end part (27) pivotably connected to the proximal part(26) by a joining line (A) comprising a transverse articulation axis (Yl) about which the distal end part (27) is configured to pivot through an angular range (a3) of between -15° and +15° in relation to the inclined axis (B2-B2’), characterized in that the applicator part (22) comprises a through-cavity (25) extending axially along the longitudinal axis (X) and leading both onto the front application surface (23) and onto the rear surface (24) of the applicator part (22).
2. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 1, wherein the applicator endpiece (20) has a first height (Hl) along the vertical axis (Z) and a maximum width (L3) along the transverse axis (Y), and wherein the applicator part (22) has a second height (H2) which is greater than or equal to half the first height (Hl) of the applicator endpiece (20), the first height (Hl) of the applicator endpiece (20) being equal to at least twice the maximum width (L3) of said applicator endpiece (20).
3. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 2, wherein the distal end part(27) has a third height (H3) which is greater than or equal to one third of the second height (H2) of the applicator part (22).
4. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (25) has, in the first plane (Pl), a droplet shape having a first height (H4) leading onto the front application surface (23) of the applicator part (22) which is greater than or equal to twice its width (L4).
5. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 4, wherein the cavity (25) has a second height (H5) leading onto the rear surface (24) of the applicator part (22), said second height (H5) being greater than or equal to the first height (H4) of the cavity (25).
6. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 2 in combination with Claim 4 or 5, wherein the width (L4) of the cavity (25) is greater than or equal to half the maximum width (L3) of the application endpiece (20).
7. Applicator member (10) according to Claim 2 in combination with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first height (H4) of the cavity (25) ranges between 40% and 80% of the second height (H2) of the applicator part (22).
8. Applicator member (10) according to Claims 2 and 5 in combination with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second height (H5) of the cavity (25) ranges between 50% and 90% of the second height (H2) of the applicator part (22).
9. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the first plane (Pl), the connecting base (21) extends along the axis of extent (Z2-Z2’) and, in the second plane (P2), the connecting base (21) extends along a first inclined axis (Bl-BF) forming a first angle (al) with the axis of extent (Z2-Z2’).
10. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting base (21) has a conical overall shape and has a thickness (e2) along the longitudinal axis (X) which progressively increases from the end of the connecting base (21) towards the applicator part (22).
11. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting base (21) has a width (L2) along the transverse axis (Y) which continuously and progressively increases from the end of the connecting base (21) towards the applicator part (22).
12. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the first plane (Pl), the applicator part (22) has an elliptical overall shape and comprises a width (L3) along the transverse axis (Y) which increases progressively to the join between the proximal part (26) and the distal end part (27) and then decreases progressively to the apex (27a) of said distal end part (27).
13. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the second plane (P2), the proximal part (26) has a variable thickness (e3) along the longitudinal axis (X) which decreases non-continuously to the distal end part14. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the second plane (P2), the distal end part (27) has a thickness (e4) along the longitudinal axis (X) which is substantially constant over at least an area of said distal end part (27) that contains the cavity (25).
15. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator member (10) is symmetrical in relation to the axis of extent (Z2- Z2’) in the first plane (Pl).
16. Applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the applicator endpiece (20) is covered with a surface coating, in particular flocking.
17. Applicator member (10) according to Claims 14 and 16, wherein at least that area of said distal end part (27) that contains the cavity (25) does not have a surface coating.
18. Applicator member according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fastening endpiece (11) from which the applicator endpiece (20) extends, the connecting base (21) being attached to one end of the fastening endpiece (11).
19. Applicator (6) for applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising an applicator member (10) according to Claim 18 and a gripping member (7) that is connected to the fastening endpiece (11) directly or indirectly, in particular via a stem (8).
20. 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 19, at least the applicator member (10) of which is disposed inside the container (2) in order to be loaded with product contained in said container.