Applicator for applying a product to human keratin materials

Abstract

Applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows Applicator for applying a product, in particular to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising: - a rod (7) extending along a longitudinal axis, having a first end (9) comprising a hollow portion (19) in which flexible tabs (20) are provided, and - an application member (10) fixed to the first end of the rod, the application member (10) comprising a core (11), in particular carrying spikes (18), the core being extended at a proximal end by an end piece (13) used for fixing the application member (10) in the rod (7), the end piece (13) having a shape intended to cooperate with the flexible tab(s) (20) provided in the hollow portion of the rod. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 7

Description

Title of the invention: Applicator for applying a product to human keratin materials Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to applicators for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to human keratin materials, for example to the nails, skin, lips, or to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, in particular mascara, and to packaging and application devices comprising a container containing the product to be applied and the applicator. Prior art

[0002] Applicators used for eyelash or eyebrow makeup usually include an application member mounted at the end of a rod. The application member is most often attached to the rod by force insertion, with tightening from the outside of the rod at one or more points which may then be visible on the outside of the rod, which is unsightly and can cause problems when wringing out the applicator.

[0003] It is also possible to hold the application member in the rod by snap-fastening, by providing in the rod an annular ring with a low relief, due to the constraints of fixing and molding the rod.

[0004] For example, application US 2017 / 0181524 discloses a snap-on attachment, in which the rod comprises an annular ring.

[0005] In international application WO 2020 / 107711, the application member comprises a sponge, and is fixed by snap-fastening into the stem on a circular rib.

[0006] In application FR 2 995 768, the metal or ceramic application member is clipped into a blind hole in the rod on an annular ring.

[0007] Finally, in patent KR 100768937, there is a clipping in a blind hole of the rod, by an annular ring at right angles.

[0008] The hold of the application member in the rod may in these different cases be insufficient.

[0009] There is a need to further improve applicators for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, in order to facilitate their manufacture and improve their strength, and more particularly to facilitate a possible change of the application member. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention aims to meet this need and has as its subject, according to a first of its aspects, an applicator for applying a product P, in particular to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising: - a rod extending along a longitudinal axis X, having a first end comprising a hollow portion in which flexible tabs are provided, and - an application member fixed to the first end of the rod, the application member comprising a core, notably carrying spikes, the core being extended at a proximal end by an end piece used for fixing the application member in the rod, the end piece having a shape intended to cooperate with the flexible tab(s) provided in the hollow portion of the rod.

[0011] The applicator according to the invention advantageously benefits from an assembly of the application member on the rod that is both simple and secure. It allows the application member to be inserted into the rod without any particular effort, and this assembly to be held in place satisfactorily. We can speak of the application member being snapped into the rod.

[0012] The manufacture of the rod is facilitated and the mounting of the application member at the end of the rod is carried out effortlessly, while providing strong hold.

[0013] It is even possible for the assembly to be carried out by the user himself, with the possibility of customizing the application member, for example with a choice to be made from among several application members.

[0014] Furthermore, the rod may be smooth on its outer surface, having neither relief nor hollow, which is more aesthetic and allows extraction without hard point of the applicator through the wiper with which it is associated.

[0015] The applicator may be configured to allow the application of a product cosmetic, makeup or care product, for example on nails, skin, lips, or on eyelashes and / or eyebrows, in particular mascara. Statement of the invention

[0016] The flexible tab(s) may be attached by a first end to a wall of the rod.

[0017] The flexible tab(s) may have a second free end.

[0018] The first end of the flexible tab(s) may be attached to the wall of the rod at a distance d from the first end of the rod. The distance d may in particular be between 0 mm and 30 mm, or even between 0 mm and 10 mm, better still between 0 mm and 5 mm, being for example 3 mm.

[0019] The flexible tab(s) may not extend perpendicular to a wall of the rod.

[0020] When observed in longitudinal section of the applicator, the flexible tab(s) may not be symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the rod.

[0021] The flexible tab(s) may be oriented so that their free end extends away from the first end of the rod.

[0022] The flexible tab(s) may have a length of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, better between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, or even between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, being for example 1.2 mm. The length is measured in a direction of elongation of the tab, between its first end of attachment to the wall of the rod and its second free end.

[0023] The applicator may comprise a single flexible tab with circular symmetry, in particular having the shape of a cone of revolution. Said cone of revolution may have an axis of symmetry which coincides with the longitudinal axis X of the rod.

[0024] The applicator may comprise a single flexible tab having the shape of a cone of revolution having an angle relative to the longitudinal axis X of the rod of between 1° and 40°, or even between 5° and 30°, better still between 10° and 20°, being for example 15°.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the applicator may comprise a plurality of flexible tabs, arranged in particular in a circle around the longitudinal axis X of the rod. The rod may comprise between 1 and 10 flexible tabs, in particular between 2 and 8, for example 2, 4 or 6 flexible tabs. The number of flexible tabs may for example be even, or alternatively odd.

[0026] The end of the core may have a dovetail shape.

[0027] The end of the core may be delimited by a circular groove formed in the core of the application member. The circular groove may have flanks, in particular a first flank and a second flank. The first flank may be located on the end piece side, closer to a proximal end of the core, and the second flank may be located closer to the rest of the core, closer to a distal end of the core.

[0028] By "proximal end" of the core is meant the end of the core by which the application member is attached to the stem. By "distal end" of the core is meant the end of the core which remains free.

[0029] A first flank of the groove may extend in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the rod. As a variant, the first flank of the groove may advantageously extend in a plane inclined at a non-zero angle, in particular at a maximum angle of 10°, for example of the order of 5°, in the direction of the distal end of the core of the application member, relative to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the rod. Thanks to these arrangements, the attachment of the flexible tabs of the rod in the groove of the application member is reinforced, so as to further improve the reliability of the attachment of the application member to the rod. second flank of the groove can extend along a conical surface of revolution, forming an angle relative to the longitudinal axis X of the rod of between 1° and 40°, or even between 5° and 30°, better between 10° and 20°, being for example 15°.

[0030] The angle formed by the second flank may be substantially equal, or even equal, to an angle of inclination of the flexible tabs or of the aforementioned cone of revolution. This results in a flat-on-flat assembly, which further improves the assembly.

[0031] The invention relates more particularly to applicators made of plastic material, in particular by injection molding. The application member may be made of thermoplastic material, in particular by injection molding. The rod may be made of thermoplastic material, in particular by injection molding.

[0032] The rod may be hollow over at least a portion of its length along its longitudinal axis including the first end. The rod may be entirely hollow over its entire length along its longitudinal axis. Such a configuration of the rod makes it easier to mold and demold, and in particular to facilitate the manufacture of the deformable tab(s).

[0033] The longitudinal axis X of the rod can be rectilinear.

[0034] The application member may extend along a longitudinal axis Y of the core. The longitudinal axis Y of the core may be rectilinear.

[0035] The applicator may also comprise a gripping member disposed at a second end of the rod. The second end of the rod may be opposite its first end.

[0036] The invention also relates to a packaging and application device, comprising an applicator as defined above, and a container containing the product P to be applied. The product P may be cosmetic, makeup or care, intended for application for example to the nails, skin, lips, or eyelashes and / or eyebrows, in particular mascara.

[0037] The gripping member of the applicator may be used for closing the container. The gripping member and the container may be configured so that the closure is leaktight. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, a non-limiting example of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0039] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] schematically represents, with longitudinal section partial, an example of a packaging and application device according to the invention.

[0040] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view of the applicator of [Fig.l].

[0041] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view of the application member of the [Fig.l].

[0042] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic and partial side view of the organ application of [Fig.l].

[0043] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic and partial perspective view of the stem of the [Fig.l].

[0044] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a substantially front view, schematic and partial, of the stem of [Fig.l].

[0045] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic and partial side view of the applicator of the [Fig.l].

[0046] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a schematic and partial sectional view of the applicator of [Fig.l], Detailed description

[0047] [Fig.l] illustrates a packaging and application device 1 comprising a container 3 containing a product P to be applied and an applicator 2 for applying the latter.

[0048] In this example, the container 3 has a neck 4 which receives a wiping member 6, in a manner known per se. The wiping member 6 is for example snapped into the neck 4 or fixed therein by any other means.

[0049] The wiping member 6 is for example a wiping member comprising an elastomer wiping lip 6a, the internal diameter of which corresponds substantially to the external diameter of the rod 7.

[0050] As a variant, the rod of the applicator according to the invention does not have any relief, hollow or protruding, on its outer surface, the wiping member can advantageously have a rigid wiping lip 6a, and in particular made of a material having a rigidity greater than that of an elastomeric material, the internal diameter of which corresponds substantially to the external diameter of the rod 7. The implementation of such a wiping member with a rigid wiping lip is particularly advantageous in the context of its association with an application member 10 having a high flexibility in the direction of the longitudinal axis X of the rod, resulting in a capacity of the application elements, in particular the spikes 18 carried by the application member 10, to flex easily when passing the wiping lip 6a.Thanks to these provisions, the extraction of the applicator from the reservoir equipped with the wiping member is very smooth for the user, who only feels limited resistance to this extraction movement and without any hard point throughout the stroke of the rod through the wiping lip.

[0051] The applicator 2 comprises a gripping member 5, which also constitutes a closing cap for the container 3, and carries a rod 7, extending along a longitudinal axis X, provided at its first end 9 opposite the gripping member 5, with an application member 10, as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0052] In the example illustrated, the rod 7 has a circular cross-section but it does not go beyond the scope of the present invention when the rod 7 has a different cross-section.

[0053] Preferably, and as in the example considered, the longitudinal axis X of the rod 7 is rectilinear and coincides with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place on the latter, but it does not depart from the scope of the present invention when the rod 7 is not rectilinear, for example forming an elbow.

[0054] The rod 7 may include, where appropriate, an annular constriction on its portion which is positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member 6 when the applicator 2 is fixed to the container 3, so as not to mechanically stress the latter excessively during storage.

[0055] Furthermore, the rod may be smooth on its outer surface, having neither relief nor hollow, which is more aesthetic and facilitates the wringing of the applicator.

[0056] The rod 7 is in the example described entirely hollow over its entire length along its longitudinal axis X. It thus comprises at its first end 9 a hollow portion 19 in which flexible tabs 20 are provided, four in the example described. The flexible tabs 20 are arranged in particular in a circle around the longitudinal axis X of the rod.

[0057] The application member 10, shown in isolation in [Fig. 3], is fixed to the first end 9 of the rod. It comprises a core 11 carrying pins 18, and extends along a longitudinal axis Y of the core which is rectilinear in the example described.

[0058] The longitudinal axis Y is preferably an axis of symmetry for the core, better for the application member as a whole.

[0059] The core 10 may have a cross-section which varies or not along its longitudinal axis. In the example described, the part of the core 10 carrying the spikes has a generally truncated cone shape with a diameter decreasing towards the distal end of the application member 10.

[0060] The length H of the application member 10 is for example between 15 mm and 30 mm, in particular in the case where the application member is intended for the application of a makeup and / or care product for the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, such as a mascara. As a variant, the length H of the application member 10 is for example between 5 mm and 20 mm, in particular in the case where the application member is intended for the application of a makeup and / or care product for the lips, such as a gloss, a balm or the like.

[0061] The application member 10 is made of thermoplastic material, preferably by injection molding, but the invention is not limited to a particular way of making the application member. The spikes 18 can be molded with the core 11 in the same material or in a different material. The spikes 18 are organized on the core 11 in rows, as can be seen in [Fig. 3], and, in the example considered, extend all around it.

[0062] The core of the application member 10 is extended at a proximal end 14 of the core by a tip 13, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. This tip 13 is used to fix the application member 10 in the rod 7, more precisely in the hollow portion 19 of the rod 7. The tip 13 has a shape intended to cooperate with the flexible tabs 20 formed in the hollow portion 19 of the rod 7, as visible in Figures 5 and 6.

[0063] The end piece 13 of the core has a dovetail shape, and is delimited by a circular groove 15 formed in the core of the application member.

[0064] The circular groove 15 comprises flanks, in particular a first flank 15a and a second flank 15b. The first flank 15a is located on the side of the tip 13, closer to the proximal end 14 of the core 11, and the second flank 15b is located closer to the rest of the core, closer to a distal end 16 of the core.

[0065] The first flank 15a of the groove 15 extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the rod. The second flank 15b of the groove 15 extends along a conical surface of revolution, forming an angle relative to the longitudinal axis X of the rod which is for example of the order of 15°.

[0066] As a variant, the first flank 15a of the groove 15 can advantageously extend in a plane inclined at a non-zero angle, in particular at a maximum angle of 10°, for example of the order of 5°, in the direction of the distal end 16 of the core 11 of the application member 10, relative to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the rod 7. Thanks to these arrangements, the attachment of the flexible tabs 20 of the rod 7 in the groove 15 of the application member 10 is reinforced, so as to further improve the reliability of the attachment of the application member 10 to the end of the rod 7.

[0067] The angle formed by the second flank can be substantially equal, or even equal, to an angle of inclination of the flexible tabs 20. This gives a flat-on-flat assembly, which further improves the assembly, as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0068] The flexible tabs 20 are attached by a first end 21 to a wall of the rod 7, at a distance d from the first end 9 of the rod. The distance d may in particular be of the order of 3 mm.

[0069] The flexible tabs 20 have a second free end 22, and are oriented so that their free end 22 moves away from the first end 9 of the rod 7, as seen in Figures 7 and 8.

[0070] In this example, the flexible tabs 20 have a length l which is of the order of 1.2 mm. The length is measured along a direction of elongation of the tab, between its first end 21 attached to the wall of the rod and its second free end 22.

[0071] When assembling the application member 10 to the first end 9 of the rod 7, the proximal end 14 of the application member is inserted into the hollow portion 19 of the rod 7, causing the flexible tab(s) 20 to bend in the radial direction.

[0072] By continuing the insertion movement of the tip 13 of the application member towards the proximal end of the rod 7, the free end 22 of each flexible tab 20 is found opposite the groove 15 provided in the tip 13 of the application member 10, inside which the flexible tab(s) 20 are housed by elastic return.

[0073] In the assembled position of the application member 10 in the rod 7, the free end 22 of each flexible tongue 20 is located opposite in the axial direction X the first flank 15a of the groove 15, which thus forms a firm stop cooperating with the free end 22 of each flexible tongue 20 to prevent the extraction of the application member 10 outside the rod 7 along the longitudinal axis and the separation of these two elements.

[0074] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

[0075] The applicator could, as a variant, comprise a single flexible tab with circular symmetry, in particular having the shape of a cone of revolution, having for example an axis of symmetry which coincides with the longitudinal axis X of the rod.

[0076] Furthermore, the orientations of the pins and their distribution on the core, as well as their arrangement in the rows, may vary within variants not illustrated.

[0077] The application member may be manufactured by a technique other than injection molding, and from a material other than a thermoplastic material, where appropriate.

Claims

Claims

1. Applicator for applying a product (P), in particular to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising: - a rod (7) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), having a first end (9) comprising a hollow portion (19) in which flexible tabs (20) are provided, the flexible tab(s) (20) having a free end (22) and being oriented so that their free end (22) moves away from the first end (9) of the rod (7), and - an application member (10) fixed to the first end of the rod, the application member (10) comprising a core (11), in particular carrying spikes (18), the core being extended at a proximal end by an end piece (13) used for fixing the application member (10) in the rod (7), the end piece (13) having a shape intended to cooperate with the flexible tab(s) (20) made in the hollow portion of the stem.

2. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the flexible tab(s) (20) being attached by one end (21) to a wall of the rod (7).

3. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the first end (21) of the flexible tab(s) (20) being attached to the wall of the rod (7) at a distance (d) from the first end (9) of the rod (7).

4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the flexible tab(s) (20) having a length (Z) of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, better still between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, or even between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a single flexible tab (20) with circular symmetry, in particular having the shape of a cone of revolution.

6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a single flexible tab (20) having the shape of a cone of revolution having an angle relative to the longitudinal axis X of the rod of between 1° and 40°, or even between 5° and 30°, better still between 10° and 20°.

7. Applicator according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of flexible tabs (20), arranged in particular in a circle around the longitudinal axis (X) of the rod (7).

8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the tip (13) of the core (11) having a dovetail shape.

9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the tip (13) of the core (11) being delimited by a circular groove (15) formed in the core of the application member.

10. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member (10) being made of thermoplastic material, in particular by injection molding.

11. An applicator according to any preceding claim, the rod (7) being hollow over at least part of its length along its longitudinal axis (X) including the first end (9), and preferably the rod is entirely hollow over its entire length along its longitudinal axis (X).

12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the longitudinal axis (X) of the rod (7) being rectilinear.

13. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (11) being rectilinear.

14. Packaging and application device, comprising an applicator (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a container (3) containing the product (P) to be applied.

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