Applicator tip for cosmetic product, applicator and associated applicator set

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator tip (1) for a cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction (X), referred to as the principal direction (X), and comprising: - an outer casing (3) having an external surface and an internal surface, the external surface defining at least one application area, the internal surface delimiting a cavity (5), - a central element (7) disposed inside the cavity (5), in at least one position, the internal surface (3i) of the outer casing (3) being at a distance from the central element (7) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction and in the longitudinal direction so as to define a free space surrounding the central element (7). Figure for the abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Applicator tip for cosmetic product, associated applicator and applicator assembly Technical field of the invention

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

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

[0003] Applicator assemblies for cosmetic products are known, for example for cosmetic products intended to be applied to the lips of a user. Said applicator assemblies comprise a container containing the cosmetic product and an applicator adapted to be removably attached to the container.

[0004] The container generally comprises a body, the body comprising walls defining a reservoir in which the cosmetic product is contained, and a neck defining an opening through which the cosmetic product can be extracted. The applicator generally comprises a cap adapted to be fixed on the neck, a stem extending from the cap and an applicator tip fixed to a free end of the stem.

[0005] When the cap is attached to the neck, the rod and the applicator tip extend inside the reservoir. The applicator is immersed in the cosmetic product contained in the reservoir.

[0006] To use the applicator, the user detaches the cap from the neck and removes the applicator from the container.

[0007] Known applicator tips generally have a spatula-shaped area intended to come into contact with the part to be made up, in particular to load them with cosmetic product. However, the spatula-shaped area usually only allows local application of cosmetic product, for example on one lip at a time. The spatula also has an uncomfortable rigidity when pressure is exerted on the part to be made up.

[0008] The present invention aims to propose an applicator tip making it possible to apply makeup, in a single application, to a large area of ​​a user, for example both lips, while maintaining comfort of use when applying makeup. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to an applicator tip for a cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal direction of extension, called the main direction, and including:

[0010] - an outer envelope having an outer surface and an inner surface, the external surface defining at least one application part, the internal surface delimiting a cavity,

[0011] - a central element arranged inside the cavity,

[0012] in at least one position, the inner surface of the outer casing is spaced from the central element in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction and in the longitudinal direction so as to define a free space enveloping the central element.

[0013] "Envelop" means to completely surround. In other words, the central element is surrounded by the free space.

[0014] The free space in the central cavity makes it possible to form a reservoir volume for the cosmetic product. It is thus possible to apply the cosmetic product to a large surface area, such as the lips, in a single application.

[0015] In addition, the free space makes it possible to provide flexibility and suppleness to the external envelope which is however limited by the presence of the central element so as to provide comfort of use during makeup.

[0016] According to different embodiments, which can be taken together or separately:

[0017] - the central element is entirely arranged inside the cavity,

[0018] - the outer casing comprises at least one orifice,

[0019] - the free space surrounding the central element allows movement of the envelope external to the central element,

[0020] - the movement of the outer envelope causes an entry and / or an exit of the cosmetic product through at least one orifice,

[0021] - the at least one orifice is at least one longitudinal slot,

[0022] - the at least one orifice is at least one circular orifice,

[0023] - the outer casing comprises a plurality of orifices,

[0024] - the plurality of orifices comprises longitudinal slots,

[0025] - the plurality of orifices comprises circular orifices,

[0026] - the longitudinal slots are parallel to the main direction,

[0027] - the longitudinal slots are wound helically,

[0028] - the plurality of orifices has opening sections of different dimensions,

[0029] - the dimension of the opening section of the slots is greater than the dimension of the opening section of the circular orifices,

[0030] - the at least one application part comprises a first application area extending in the main direction from a proximal end to an intermediate position and a second application zone extending in the main direction from the intermediate position to a distal end,

[0031] - at least one orifice is arranged at the first application zone,

[0032] - the second application zone further comprises at least one orifice of section opening of a dimension smaller than the dimension of the opening section of the holes of the first application area,

[0033] - the orifices of the first application zone are longitudinal slots,

[0034] - the orifices of the second application zone are circular orifices,

[0035] - the central element is in material connection with the external envelope at the level of the distal end or at the proximal end,

[0036] - the cavity has a shape complementary to the shape of the external envelope,

[0037] - the central element has a shape complementary to the shape of the envelope

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[0054] external, - the central element has a shape complementary to the shape of the cavity, - at least one part of the application is textured, - the applicator tip is a monolithic part, - the applicator tip is a part obtained without assembly, - the applicator tip is a part obtained by additive manufacturing. The invention also relates to an applicator comprising an applicator tip as described above and a handling rod. Advantageously: - the rod is of a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a diameter D, - the application part has a maximum external diameter d3, - the two diameters D, d3 are linked by the following formula: q 9 < ¢ / 3 < 4, - the rod comprises a main direction of longitudinal extension which coincides with the main direction of the applicator. The invention also relates to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, including: - a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and - an applicator tip as described above adapted to be fixed on the container, so that the applicator tip is housed inside the reservoir. According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately: - said container comprises an opening designed to cooperate with a closing cap, - said closing cap is connected to said handling rod of the applicator tip, - said opening is a neck through which the cosmetic product can be extracted,

[0055] - the container further comprises a wringer, fixed inside said opening,

[0056] - the wringer comprises a wringing orifice configured to scrape the product excess cosmetic on the application part,

[0057] - the diameter of the wringing orifice is substantially the same as that of the rod of handling.

[0058] The invention also relates to the applicator assembly, the container of which is filled with cosmetic product. Advantageously, the cosmetic product is viscous, pasty or liquid. The product is preferably intended for making up a user's lips.

[0059] The invention finally relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator tip for a cosmetic product as described above.

[0060] The method comprises:

[0061] - a step of developing a digital model of the applicator tip;

[0062] - a step of manufacturing the applicator using the digital model. Brief description of the figures

[0063] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0064] [fig. 1] figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an applicator tip according to the invention;

[0065] [fig.2] figure 2 is a sectional view of figure 1;

[0066] [fig.3] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the applicator tip of Figure 1 in a first position of use;

[0067] [fig.4] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the applicator tip of Figure 1 in a second position of use;

[0068] [fig.5] figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an applicator tip according to the invention;

[0069] [fig.6] figure 6 is a sectional view of figure 5;

[0070] [fig.7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a applicator tip according to the invention;

[0071] [fig.8] figure 8 is a sectional view of figure 7;

[0072] [fig.9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a applicator tip according to the invention;

[0073] [fig. 10] figure 10 is a sectional view of figure 9;

[0074] [fig.l 1] figure 11 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an applicator tip according to the invention;

[0075] [fig. 12] figure 12 is a sectional view of figure 11;

[0076] [fig. 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a applicator tip according to the invention;

[0077] [fig. 14] figure 14 is a sectional view of figure 13;

[0078] [fig. 15] figure 15 is a sectional view of the applicator tip of figure 13 in a first position of use;

[0079] [fig. 16] figure 16 is a sectional view of the applicator tip of figure 13 in a second position of use;

[0080] [fig. 17] figure 17 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an applicator tip according to the invention;

[0081] [fig.18] figure 18 is a sectional view of figure 17;

[0082] [fig. 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of an applicator tip according to the invention;

[0083] [fig.20] figure 20 is a sectional view of figure 19;

[0084] [fig.21] Figure 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of a applicator assembly according to the invention comprising the applicator tip of figures 17 and 18;

[0085] [fig.22] Figure 22 is an exploded view of the applicator assembly of Figure 21. Detailed description of the invention

[0086] As illustrated in the various figures, the invention relates to an applicator tip 1 extending along a longitudinal extension direction, called the main direction X, from a proximal end 1a towards a distal end 1b.

[0087] The 1 applicator tip includes:

[0088] - an external envelope 3 having an external surface 3e and an internal surface 3i, the external surface 3e defining at least one application part, the internal surface 3i delimiting a cavity 5,

[0089] - a central element 7 arranged inside the cavity 5,

[0090] According to the invention, in at least one position, the internal surface 3i of the external envelope 3 is at a distance do, dl from the central element 7 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction and in the longitudinal direction so as to define a free space enveloping the central element 7.

[0091] The term “application part” means a part of the applicator tip 1 which is capable of retaining cosmetic product when it is brought into contact with it, and of subsequently releasing it.

[0092] On the other hand, the applicator tip 1 comprises a sleeve 9. The sleeve 9 is intended to be assembled to a rod 11, here embedded in the rod 11, to form an applicator. The sleeve 9 extends from the proximal end 1a of the application part 20 along said main direction X in the direction opposite to that which point towards the distal end 1b of the applicator tip 1.

[0093] Advantageously, the central element 7 is entirely arranged inside the cavity 5. In other words, the central element 7 is circumscribed inside the cavity 5.

[0094] Advantageously, the central element 7 may be in material connection with the external envelope 3. Preferably, the central element 7 is in material connection at the distal end 1b or at the proximal end 1a.

[0095] The central element 7 may also be materially connected to the rest of the external envelope 3, for example by material bridges, so that this connection does not prevent movement of the external envelope 3 towards the central element 7 or away from the central element 7.

[0096] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the central element 7 may have no connection with the external envelope 3.

[0097] Advantageously, the external envelope 3 is designed so as to maintain the central element 7 inside the cavity 5.

[0098] Advantageously, the outer casing 3 is formed from a small thickness of material, preferably between 0.3 and 1.5 mm. In other words, the outer surface 3e and the inner surface 3i of the outer casing 3 are spaced apart by 0.3 to 1.5 mm.

[0099] This low thickness provides flexibility and suppleness to the outer casing 3 which can be easily moved, crushed thanks to the free space enveloping the central element 7 as described below. The movement of the outer casing 3 can be observed in particular when a pressure P is exerted on it, for example when the applicator tip 1 passes into an opening (neck 29, wringer 31) of a container 33 or when it is applied to a surface to be made up.

[0100] Preferably, the outer casing 3 comprises at least one orifice 19, 25, 27 so as to allow entry and / or exit of the cosmetic product through it. These entry and / or exit of cosmetic product are advantageously favored by the movement of the outer casing 3 as explained below. The outer casing 3 is compressed in the direction of the central element 7 causing a pressure P on the cosmetic product contained in the cavity 5, causing it to exit. This pressure P also makes it possible to improve the distribution of the cosmetic product in the cavity 5.

[0101] Advantageously, the orifices 19, 25, 27 are dimensioned so that the central element 7 cannot come out of the cavity 5.

[0102] The cavity 5 thus serves as a reservoir for cosmetic product which is returned to the applicator part via at least one orifice 19, 25, 27.

[0103] Advantageously, the outer envelope 3 has an oblong shape, elongated along the main direction X. Preferably, the outer envelope 3 has a cross-section of variable diameter with the maximum diameter d3 located near the proximal end 1a. This shape at the proximal end 1a allows for a large application surface.

[0104] Preferably, the outer casing 3 has a refined distal end 1b, in particular conical. This refined shape at the distal end 1b makes it possible to provide a precision application surface and facilitates the introduction of the applicator tip 1 into a container 33 containing the cosmetic product.

[0105] Advantageously, the central element 7 can have a variable general shape.

[0106] In particular, the central element 7 may have a shape similar to the shape of the external envelope 3, such as an oblong shape or even be spherical in shape.

[0107] Advantageously, the application part can comprise several different application zones 13, 15.

[0108] Preferably, the application part comprises a first application zone 13 extending along the main direction X from the proximal end 1a of the applicator tip 1 to an intermediate position 1c and a second application zone 15 extending along the main direction X from the intermediate position 1c to the distal end 1b of the applicator tip 1.

[0109] Each of the application zones 13, 15 may or may not comprise orifices 19, 25, 27, in particular orifices 19, 25, 27 of different dimensions. This makes it possible to have an applicator tip 1 with application zones 13, 15 of different nature and thus able to offer a diversity of makeup effects.

[0110] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a first embodiment of an applicator tip 1 for a cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0111] In this first embodiment, the applicator tip 1, in particular the external casing 3, has a general flame shape, a cross-section of which, transverse to the main direction X, is inscribed in a circle of variable diameter along the main direction X and the maximum diameter of which is d3.

[0112] The first application zone 13 is of generally spherical shape (denoted S in the figure). The radius of curvature is preferably between 2 and 8 mm.

[0113] The second application zone 15 is of generally conical shape (denoted C in FIG. 1), in particular conical with a rounded apex.

[0114] Thus, the applicator tip 1 has a lower portion near the sleeve 9 which is convex towards the outside and an opposite upper portion which is slightly concave towards the outside, the junction between the two portions being made at the level of the maximum diameter d3.

[0115] This shape is also particularly suited to the shape of the lips and the applicator tip 1 thus has a large application surface. In addition, this shape allows simultaneous application to the upper and lower lips. The pointed distal end 1b allows for more careful and precise application of the cosmetic product to a less accessible surface, for example the corner of the lips or the lip contour. The spherical part provides a large application surface.

[0116] In this first embodiment, the outer casing 3, the cavity 5 and the central element 7 are of similar shape. They each have a maximum diameter d3, d5, d7 at the level of the maximum diameter d3 of the outer casing 3.

[0117] The central element 7 is connected in material with the external envelope 3 at the proximal end 1a of the applicator tip 1 by a connecting part 17. In other words, the central element 7 is in the extension of the sleeve 9 and extends in the direction of the distal end 1b of the applicator tip 1. This connecting part 17 provides rigidity to the central element 7 which is thus fixed relative to the sleeve 9.

[0118] The first application zone 13 comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots 19 extending from the proximal end 1a of the applicator tip 1 towards the intermediate position 1c parallel to the main direction X. The slots 19 are oblong in shape and have a maximum transverse width at the maximum diameter d3 of the outer casing 3. The slots 19 are separated by strips 21 of material which extend from the proximal end 1a of the applicator tip 1 towards the intermediate position 1c parallel to the main direction X. These strips 21 are of constant width and form the outer casing 3.

[0119] This first embodiment comprises six longitudinal slots 19 spaced by six strips 21 of material.

[0120] The second application zone 15 is devoid of an orifice.

[0121] The slots 19 allow the cosmetic product to be returned to the first application zone 13. Advantageously, the slots 19 extend to the second application zone 15 and are sufficiently elongated to allow the cosmetic product to be distributed to the second application zone 15.

[0122] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a second embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0123] This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the shape of the central element 7. The central element 7 is a sphere connected to the outer envelope 3 at the proximal end 1a of the tip. The central element 7 is thus located in the cavity 5 defined at the first application zone 13, releasing a large free space at the second application zone 15.

[0124] Advantageously, the central element 7 has a diameter designed so that there is a free space between the central element 7 and the internal surface 3i of the outer envelope 3. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the central element 7 is between 1 and 6 mm.

[0125] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a third embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0126] This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the orientation of the longitudinal slots 19 at the level of the first application zone 13.

[0127] The slots 19 here have a helical winding around the main direction X. The helical winding makes it possible to have orifices around the entire periphery of the applicator tip 1 and thus a restitution of the product stored in the cavity 5 over the entire application surface.

[0128] The strips 21 of material between the slots 19 also have a width less than the width of the strips 21 of material of the first and second embodiments. The outer casing 3 is thus more flexible and has greater flexibility when a pressure P is exerted, promoting the exit of the cosmetic product through the slots 19.

[0129] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a fourth embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0130] This fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment by the shape of the central element 7.

[0131] As for the applicator tip 1 of the second embodiment, the central element 7 is here a sphere connected to the outer casing 3 at the proximal end 1a of the tip. The central element 7 is thus located in the cavity 5 defined at the first application zone 13. The connection with the outer casing 3 is made by means of a narrow connecting part 17, in particular narrower than in the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0132] The cavity 5 thus has a larger volume which increases the storage capacity of the cosmetic product in the applicator tip 1.

[0133] In addition, the reduction in the cross-section of the connecting part 17 makes it possible to provide flexibility to the central element 7 and thus flexibility to the applicator tip.

[0134] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a fifth embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0135] This fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment by the connection of the central element 7 with the external envelope 3.

[0136] As in the fourth embodiment, the central element 7 is a sphere but it is connected to the external envelope 3 at the distal end 1b. In other words, the central element 7 is in the extension of the distal end 1b and extends into the cavity 5 towards the sleeve 9.

[0137] In order to stiffen the central element 7, the end piece does not have a cavity 5 at the level of the second application zone 15. In other words, the interior of this second application zone 15 is full. The cavity 5 is only located at the level of the first application zone 13.

[0138] As for the third and fourth embodiments, the slots 19 wind helically around the main direction X. They extend from the proximal end 1a to the second application zone 15. Thus, advantageously, the slots 19 open into the cavity 5 located at the first application zone 13 and form channels 23 at the second application zone 15. Thus, the cosmetic product which comes out of the slots 19 can be directed towards the second application zone 15 via these slots 19. Cosmetic product is thus available at the two application zones 13, 15.

[0139] Figures 13 to 16 illustrate a sixth embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0140] This sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the presence of a plurality of orifices at the level of the second application zone 15.

[0141] The orifices of the second application zone 15 are circular orifices 25 with a diameter preferably between 0.5 and 3 mm.

[0142] The circular orifices 25 are arranged in two radial rows. Each of the rows comprises six circular orifices 25. For better restitution over the entire surface of the second application zone 15, the circular orifices 25 of one radial row have an angular offset relative to the circular orifices 25 of the other radial row.

[0143] The slots 19 are also shorter than in the first embodiment and extend over only the first application zone 13.

[0144] Advantageously, cosmetic product can be returned to the two application zones 13, 15.

[0145] In addition, the circular orifices 25 of the second application zone 15 are thus of smaller size than the orifices (slots 19) of the first application zone 13. Depending on the zone where the pressure P is applied, the quantity of product returned varies. It is thus possible to return a small quantity of product by applying a pressure P at the level of the second application zone 15 and a larger quantity by applying a pressure P at the level of the first application zone 13.

[0146] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a seventh embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0147] This seventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment by the orientation of the longitudinal slots 19 at the level of the first application zone 13.

[0148] As for the third embodiment, the slots 19 have a helical winding around the main direction X.

[0149] Figures 19 and 20 illustrate an eighth embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0150] This eighth embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment by the shape of the orifices of the second application zone 15 which are in the form of secondary slots 27, here six in number, which are of a smaller dimension than that of the slots 19 of the first application zone 13 so as to be able to regulate the quantity of cosmetic product returned.

[0151] The secondary slots 27 extend longitudinally over almost the entire length of the second application zone 15 and have an inclination relative to the main direction X. The elongated shape of these secondary slots 27 allows restitution of cosmetic product over the entire surface of the second application zone 15.

[0152] Two usage mechanisms will now be described.

[0153] The first mechanism of use is illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, taking as an example the applicator tip 1 of the first embodiment. This mechanism is however applicable to any applicator tip 1 according to the invention.

[0154] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the applicator tip 1 in a position in which no pressure is exerted on the external surface 3e of the external envelope 3. A free space is defined all around the central element 7 and envelops it, apart from at the level of the connecting part 17 between the external envelope 3 and the central element 7. When a pressure P is exerted on the external surface 3e of the external envelope 3, the flexibility of the external envelope 3 causes it to move. At the pressure point, the outer casing 3 approaches the central element 7 which remains fixed relative to the sleeve 9 as can be seen in Figure 3. By reaction, the zone of the outer casing 3 opposite the pressure point moves away from the central element 7. This movement causes the cosmetic product stored in the cavity 5 to exit through the orifices (here slots 19) located at the first application zone 13.In this embodiment, the slots 19 are sufficiently elongated in the direction of the distal end 1b of the tip so that the second application zone 15 is also supplied with cosmetic product.

[0155] A more sustained pressure P causes the movement of the outer casing 3 until the inner surface 3i thereof is in contact with the central element 7 as can be seen in Figure 4.

[0156] In this mechanism, the pressure P applied to the applicator tip 1 is applied radially.

[0157] As will be explained in the second mechanism of use, it is possible to apply an axial pressure P, that is to say a pressure P at the distal end 1b of the tip.

[0158] The second mechanism of use is illustrated in Figures 13 to 16, taking as an example the applicator tip 1 of the sixth embodiment. This mechanism is however applicable to any applicator tip 1 according to the invention.

[0159] In this second mechanism, the pressure P is exerted at the distal end 1b and in the main direction X.

[0160] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the applicator tip 1 in a position in which no pressure is exerted on the external surface 3e of the external casing 3. A free space is defined all around the central element 7 and envelops it, apart from at the level of the connecting part 17 between the external casing 3 and the central element 7.

[0161] As can be seen in Figure 15, a pressure P exerted at the distal end 1b of the applicator tip 1 causes the outer casing 3 to move. This movement is permitted by the flexibility of the outer casing 3. The free space between the inner surface 3i of the outer casing 3 and the central element 7 is reduced when the pressure P is applied. In other words, the distance dl, do between the inner surface 3i of the outer casing 3 and the central element 7 decreases around the entire periphery of the tip, in particular at the second application zone 15.

[0162] The movement continues until the internal surface 3i of the external envelope 3 and the central element 7, preferably substantially fixed relative to the sleeve 9, come into contact as can be seen in Figure 16. In this position, all of the free space at the level of the second application zone 15 has almost disappeared.

[0163] This pressure P is particularly advantageous for causing cosmetic product to exit through the orifices 25, 27 at the level of the second application zone 15.

[0164] The two usage mechanisms can be combined.

[0165] Advantageously, the applicator tip 1 is a single monolithic part obtained without assembly. In other words, the applicator tip 1 is not obtained by assembly.

[0166] Assembly is understood here as the act of putting together, bringing together at least two isolated elements, but does not exclude the possibility of several stages.

[0167] Preferably, the applicator tip 1 described above is obtained by an additive manufacturing process.

[0168] Additive manufacturing process means a manufacturing process by adding material, generally computer-assisted. Such a manufacturing process is also called three-dimensional printing or 3D printing.

[0169] Advantageously, the use of three-dimensional printing can make it possible to produce in a single step an applicator tip 1 in a single piece and in continuity of material comprising an external casing 3 and a central element 7. Such an applicator tip 1 could prove very complex or even impossible to obtain, in particular in a single piece, by a conventional injection molding process. It is thus possible to produce, directly and by a single manufacturing operation, the applicator tip 1. In addition, this technique makes it possible to avoid the use of complex molds.

[0170] It may also be envisaged as an alternative embodiment that three-dimensional printing is used to form the applicator tip 1 with the sleeve 9 and / or the rod 11.

[0171] Different additive manufacturing technologies known to those skilled in the art can be used. In particular, these may be:

[0172] - fused deposition modeling (FDM),

[0173] - selective laser melting (SLM),

[0174] - selective laser sintering (SLS),

[0175] - electron beam melting (EBM),

[0176] - stereolithography or photopolymerization (SLA for Stereolithography Apparatus in English), or

[0177] - modeling of laminated objects (LOM for Laminated Object Manufacturing in English).

[0178] Preferably, these are sintering and / or stereolithography technologies.

[0179] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an applicator tip 1 such as as described above. The method comprises:

[0180] - a step of developing a digital model of the applicator tip 1;

[0181] - a step of manufacturing the applicator tip 1 using the digital model.

[0182] The digital model is a computer file which corresponds to a virtual model of the applicator tip 1. To obtain it, the applicator tip 1 is first modeled so as to obtain a CAD model which is then converted into a suitable format such as an .STL file. The file is then used on an additive manufacturing machine. When reading it, the digital model is cut into a certain number of layers depending on the desired precision. Preferably, the layers correspond to a cross-section of the applicator tip 1, that is to say a section of the applicator tip 1 taken in a plane perpendicular to the main direction X.

[0183] Suitable materials for manufacturing the applicator tip 1 by three-dimensional printing are polyamides, photosensitive resins, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP).

[0184] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising a container 33 comprising a body 35 forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator comprising an applicator tip 1 such as that of the seventh embodiment described above. The applicator is adapted to be fixed on the container 33, so that the applicator tip 1 is housed inside the reservoir. It is thus immersed in the cosmetic product marked 37 in Figure 21.

[0185] Figure 21 also illustrates the sleeve 9 assembled with the rod 11 of the applicator, called the handling rod 11.

[0186] The rod 11 allows, among other things, manipulation of said applicator tip 1. More precisely, the applicator comprises a closing cap 39 adapted to be manipulated by the user and the rod 11 advantageously extends from the cap 39.

[0187] It should be noted, here, that the cap 39 is formed of a head 41 made in one piece with the rod 11, and a cover 43 force-fitted and held in position on the head 41 of the rod 11 using internal counter-forms intended to cooperate with shapes made on the head 4L. The cover 43 is rigid. By "rigid" is meant non-deformable either at atmospheric pressure or at pressure exerted by the fingers of a user. It is with the aid of said cover 43 that the user manipulates the applicator of the invention, in particular because the cover 43 imparts the movement that the user gives it to the head 41 of the rod 11, which itself transmits this movement to the sleeve 9 with which it is assembled.

[0188] The stopper 39 is intended to be removably attached to an opening belonging to the container 33. Said opening is here the neck 29 through which the cosmetic product can be extracted.

[0189] It should be noted that the sleeve 9 and the rod 11 each have a substantially cylindrical shape and a main direction of longitudinal extension coincident with the main direction X.

[0190] It should also be noted that the assembly between the sleeve 9 and the rod 11 is a recess. Alternatively, the applicator tip 1 may be overmolded onto or through the rod 11 or obtained in a single piece, for example by additive manufacturing.

[0191] Figure 22 is an exploded view of the applicator assembly of Figure 21. Figure 22 illustrates the container 33 in detail. In particular, the container 33 comprises the wiper 31, intended to be fixed inside said neck 29.

[0192] It is also visible, in Figure 22, that the wiper 31 comprises a wiper orifice 45 configured to scrape excess cosmetic product from the rod 11 and from the applicator tip 1 when the latter pass through it.

[0193] The wringing orifice 45 is advantageously cylindrical in shape; this choice is not not limiting and any other form of orifice 45 may be chosen for the wringer 31 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0194] The diameter d45 of said wiping orifice will advantageously be chosen in relation to the diameter D of the rod 11 and the maximum diameter d3 of the applicator tip 1 from which it scrapes the excess product on board.

[0195] It should also be noted that the diameter d45 of the wiping orifice 45 can be substantially the same as the diameter d3 of the applicator tip 1. This has the advantage of scraping the product off the applicator tip 1.

[0196] The outer casing 3 being supple and flexible, it is possible for the diameter d45 of the wiping orifice 45 to be slightly less than the diameter d3 of the applicator tip 1. This has the advantage of distributing the cosmetic product stored in the cavity and eliminating any surplus stored in the cavity 5.

[0197] Thus, in addition to having a large application surface, the applicator assembly is designed such that the wringing of the applicator tip 1 is optimized when it is extracted from the container 33. In other words, the quantity of cosmetic product that the applicator tip 1 is able to carry is optimized by the wringer 31 through which it passes when it is extracted from said container 33.

[0198] Advantageously, the applicator assembly 31 can be obtained in whole or in part by three-dimensional printing.

[0199] To obtain additional advantageous effects, the embodiments may be combined without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Applicator tip (1) for a cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction (X), called the main direction (X), and comprising: - an outer casing (3) having an outer surface (3e) and an inner surface (3i), the outer surface (3e) defining at least one application portion, the inner surface (3i) delimiting a cavity (5), - a central element (7) arranged inside the cavity (5), in at least one position, the inner surface (3i) of the outer casing (3) is at a distance from the central element (7) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension direction and in the longitudinal direction so as to define a free space enveloping the central element (7).

2. Applicator tip (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the central element (7) is entirely arranged inside the cavity (5).

3. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the outer casing (3) comprises at least one orifice (19, 25, 27), the free space enveloping the central element (7) allows movement of the outer casing (3) relative to the central element (7), the movement of the outer casing (3) causing an entry and / or an exit of the cosmetic product through the at least one orifice (19, 25, 27).

4. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer casing (3) comprises a plurality of orifices (19, 25, 27).

5. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the at least one application part comprises a first application zone (13) extending in the main direction (X) from a proximal end (la) towards an intermediate position (le) and a second application zone (15) extending in the main direction (X) from the intermediate position (le) towards a distal end (1b), the at least one orifice (19, 25, 27) is arranged at the first application zone (13).

6. Applicator tip (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the second application zone (15) further comprises at least one orifice (25, 27) with an opening section of dimension smaller than the dimension of the opening section of the orifices (19) of the first application zone (13).

7. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the central element (7) is in material connection with the external casing (3) at the distal end (1b) or at the proximal end (1a).

8. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cavity (5) has a shape complementary to the shape of the outer casing (3) and / or the central element (7) has a shape complementary to the shape of the outer casing (3) and / or the central element (7) has a shape complementary to the shape of the cavity (5).

9. An applicator tip (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one application portion is textured.

10. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator tip (1) is a monolithic part obtained without assembly and by additive manufacturing.

11. Applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (33) comprising a body (35) forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and - an applicator tip (1) of the cosmetic product according to one of claims 1 to 10 adapted to be fixed on the container (33), so that the applicator tip (1) is housed inside the reservoir.

12. Method for manufacturing an applicator tip (1) for a cosmetic product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: - a step of developing a digital model of the applicator tip (1); - a step of manufacturing the applicator tip (1) using the digital model.

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