Applicator tip for cosmetic product, applicator and associated applicator set

Abstract

The invention provides an applicator tip (1) for a cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal direction, referred to as the principal direction (X), and comprising a core (3) extending from a fixed end (3a) to a free end (3b) and forming a cavity (5), a first portion (7) of the core (3) surrounding at least a second portion (9) of the core (3), the free end (3b) of the core (3) being movable over a stroke delimited by said first portion (7). Figure 1

Description

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

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

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

[0003] Applicator sets for cosmetic products are known, for example, for cosmetic products intended to be applied to a user's lips. These applicator sets comprise a container holding the cosmetic product and an applicator adapted to be removably attached to the container.

[0004] The container generally comprises a body, the body including walls delimiting 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 onto 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 fixed onto the neck of the bottle, the stem and 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 extracts the applicator from the container.

[0007] Known applicator tips generally have a spatula-shaped area designed to come into contact with the areas to be made up, particularly for loading them with cosmetic product. However, the spatula-shaped area usually only allows for localized application of cosmetic product, for example, on only one lip at a time. The spatula also exhibits an uncomfortable rigidity when pressure is applied to the area to be made up.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an applicator tip that allows a large area of ​​a user, for example both lips, to be made up in a single application, while maintaining ease of use during makeup application. Summary of the invention

[0009] Thus, the invention relates to an applicator tip for a cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the main direction, and comprising a core extending from a fixed end to a free end and forming a cavity,

[0010] a first portion of the soul surrounding at least a second portion of the soul,

[0011] the free end of the soul being mobile over a course delimited by said first portion.

[0012] In other words, the applicator tip includes a core with flexibility due to the mobility of the free end. This flexibility provides comfort during the application of the cosmetic product.

[0013] This flexibility also allows the volume of the cavity to be varied, for example when passing over the opening of the reservoir containing the cosmetic product. This results in optimized wringing.

[0014] The volume of the cavity can also vary during the application of the cosmetic product so that the user can choose the amount of cosmetic product released during application by varying the pressure exerted on the made-up surface.

[0015] Furthermore, the free end of the core being mobile but over a stroke delimited by the said first portion, the wringing is limited and a sufficient quantity of cosmetic product remains in the cavity to be able to make up the entire desired surface without having to dip the applicator back into the reservoir.

[0016] This also helps to protect the free mobile end when it passes through the wringer so as to avoid being damaged.

[0017] According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately:

[0018] - the soul has at least one application part,

[0019] - the soul comprises a single branch,

[0020] - the soul defines an application part,

[0021] - the cavity is flat,

[0022] - the cavity is open-ended,

[0023] - the cavity is through-hole,

[0024] - the first portion includes a ring serving as a lateral stop at the end free,

[0025] - the second portion acts as a stop at the free end by cooperation during said race,

[0026] - the ring surrounds the free end,

[0027] - the ring surrounds the fixed end,

[0028] - the core has at least one return delimiting the cavity,

[0029] - the cavity has a variable volume,

[0030] - the displacement of the free end changes the volume of the cavity,

[0031] - the soul crosses at least one crossing point,

[0032] - at least one crossing point is obtained by a helical winding of the soul upon itself,

[0033] - the first portion is located at the fixed end,

[0034] - the first portion is located at the free end,

[0035] - the applicator tip includes a sleeve intended to be assembled to a rod, the The sleeve is in continuity with the fixed end of the core.

[0036] - the ring serves as a sleeve,

[0037] - the cavity has a predefined shape,

[0038] - the core is at least partly textured,

[0039] - the applicator tip is a monolithic part obtained without assembly and / or de training and additive manufacturing.

[0040] The invention also relates to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising:

[0041] - a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the product cosmetics, and

[0042] - an applicator tip as described above adapted to be fixed onto the container, so that the applicator tip is housed inside the reservoir.

[0043] According to different embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately:

[0044] - said container includes an opening designed to cooperate with a closing cap,

[0045] - said closing cap is linked to said manipulator rod of the tip ap folding machine,

[0046] - said opening is a neck through which the cosmetic product can be extracted.

[0047] The invention further 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 applying lip makeup to a user.

[0048] The invention finally relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator tip for a cosmetic product as described above.

[0049] The process comprises:

[0050] - a step in developing a digital model of the applicator tip;

[0051] - a manufacturing step of the applicator using the digital model. Brief description of the figures

[0052] The invention will be better understood, and other features and advantages thereof will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, of at least two examples of embodiments of the invention given by way of purely illustrative purposes. illustrative and not exhaustive, with reference to the attached schematic drawings in which:

[0053] - [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a nozzle applicator according to the invention;

[0054] - [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of [Fig.1];

[0055] - [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a applicator tip according to the invention;

[0056] - [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of [Fig.3];

[0057] - [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a applicator tip according to the invention;

[0058] - [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of [Fig.5];

[0059] - [Fig. 7] is a perspective view of a first example of the realization of a applicator tip according to a fourth embodiment;

[0060] - [Fig. 8] is a perspective view of a second example of an embodiment of applicator tip according to a fourth embodiment;

[0061] - [Fig. 9] is a perspective view of a third example of an embodiment of a applicator tip according to a fourth embodiment;

[0062] - [Fig. 10] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an applicator assembly according to the invention comprising the applicator tip of figures 1 and 2. Detailed description of the invention

[0063] By convention, the longitudinal direction in the figures corresponds to that of the main X axis of an applicator tip or applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, and the "radial" or "transverse" direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0064] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the invention relates to an applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the main direction X, and comprising a core 3 extending from a fixed end 3a to a free end 3b and forming a cavity 5.

[0065] The cosmetic product is a fluid product, in particular a product intended to be applied to the lips of a user.

[0066] According to the invention, a first portion 7 of the core 3 surrounds at least a second portion 9 of the core 3 and the free end 3b of the core 3 is mobile over a course delimited by said first portion 7.

[0067] In other words, the applicator tip 1 comprises a core 3 exhibiting flexibility due to the mobility of the free end 3b. This flexibility provides comfort during the application of the cosmetic product.

[0068] This flexibility also allows the volume of cavity 5 to be varied, for example during passage through an opening of a container 11 containing the cosmetic product. This results in optimized wringing.

[0069] The volume of the cavity 5 can also vary during the application of the cosmetic product so that the user can choose the amount of cosmetic product released during application by varying the pressure exerted on the made-up surface.

[0070] The cavity thus has a variable volume

[0071] Furthermore, the free end 3b of the core 3 being mobile but over a stroke delimited by the said first portion 7, the wringing is limited and a sufficient quantity of cosmetic product remains in the cavity 5 to be able to make up the whole desired surface without having to dip the applicator back into the reservoir.

[0072] This also helps to protect the free mobile end 3b when it passes through the opening of the container 11 so as to avoid being damaged.

[0073] The cavity 5 thus has a variable volume which varies according to the displacement of the free end 3b of the core 3.

[0074] Cavity 5 also serves as a reservoir for cosmetic product. This allows for a storage volume of cosmetic product directly on the applicator tip 1, thus providing sufficient cosmetic product for makeup application.

[0075] Advantageously, the core 3 has at least one application part 13. The "application part" means a part of the applicator tip 1 which is capable of retaining cosmetic product when it comes into contact with it, and then releasing it when applying it to the surface to be made up.

[0076] On the other hand, the applicator tip 1 may include a sleeve 15. The sleeve 15 is intended to be assembled to a rod 17 to form an applicator 19. The sleeve 15 extends in the continuation of the core 3 in the opposite direction to that which points towards the distal end of the applicator tip 1.

[0077] Advantageously, the sleeve 15 is in continuity with the fixed end 3a of the core 3.

[0078] In the embodiments illustrated in figures 1 to 9, the core 3 defines a single branch which has a return 21.

[0079] In other words, the core 3 is folded back on itself so that the fixed end 3a and the free end 3b meet, here at the level of the sleeve 15.

[0080] In other words, the soul 3 thus presents at least one curvature 23 which allows a folding of the soul 3 onto itself.

[0081] Cooperation of the free end 3b and the fixed end 3a is possible so as to limit the mobility of the free end 3b of the core 3.

[0082] The return 21 also allows the core 3 to delimit the cavity 5. In other words, the core 3 defines the contours of the cavity 5.

[0083] Advantageously, the cavity 5 is here flat and through-through.

[0084] In other words, the core 3 defines a longitudinal plane in which is the cavity 5 which includes two openings on either side of this longitudinal plane.

[0085] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of an applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0086] In this first embodiment, the core 3 extends from the fixed end 3a connected to the sleeve 15 towards the free end 3b by folding so that the free end 3b joins the fixed end 3a.

[0087] The sleeve 15 is embedded in the rod 17 of the applicator 19.

[0088] Furthermore, the core 3 has three curvatures 23 so as to form a cavity 5 in the shape of a question mark.

[0089] The applicator tip 1 thus has a wide application part 13 located at the distal part of the applicator tip 1.

[0090] In this first embodiment, the free end 3b corresponds to the first portion 7 and includes a ring 25 surrounding the second portion 9, here the fixed end 3a.

[0091] The ring 25 thus serves as a lateral stop for the free end 3b which butts against the second portion 9 of the web 3. The lateral movement of the free end 3b is thus limited.

[0092] Advantageously, the fixed end 3a terminates in a ball 27 located between the ring 25 of the free end 3b and the sleeve 15.

[0093] The ball 27 helps to protect the sleeve 15 from cosmetic product which could drip and soil the stem 17 or even the user's fingers.

[0094] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0095] As with the first embodiment, this second embodiment extends from the fixed end 3a connected to the sleeve 15 towards the free end 3b by folding so that the free end 3b joins the fixed end 3a by forming a cavity 5 in the shape of a question mark.

[0096] On the other hand, the free end 3b corresponds to the second portion 9 of the core 3 which is surrounded here by a ring 25 located at the level of the fixed end 3a of the core 3.

[0097] The ring 25 is extended by the solid sleeve 15 intended to be embedded in the rod 17 of the applicator 19.

[0098] The sleeve 15 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring 25.

[0099] Thus, the ring 25 forms a housing 29 into which the free end 3b is inserted, limiting its range of motion, particularly its lateral mobility.

[0100] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a third embodiment of applicator tip 1 for cosmetic product according to the invention.

[0101] This third embodiment differs from the second embodiment by the Ring length 25.

[0102] In this embodiment, the ring 25 is elongated and extended so as to form the sleeve 15 intended to be embedded in the rod 17 of the applicator 19. In other words, the ring 25 serves as a sleeve 15.

[0103] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate examples of embodiments of the applicator tip 1, in particular examples of the shape of the applicator tip 1, according to a fourth embodiment.

[0104] In these examples, the core 3 extends from the fixed end 3a connected to the sleeve 15 towards the free end 3b by folding and winding helically on itself so that the free end 3b joins the fixed end 3a by forming a cavity 5.

[0105] In this way, the core 3 crosses itself at at least one crossing point 31 and exhibits a helical winding. In other words, the at least one crossing point 31 is obtained by a helical winding of the core upon itself.

[0106] As in the second embodiment, the free end 3b corresponds to the second portion 9 of the core 3 which is surrounded here by a ring 25 located at the level of the fixed end 3a of the core 3.

[0107] The ring 25 is extended by the solid sleeve 15 intended to be embedded in the rod 17 of the applicator 19.

[0108] The sleeve 15 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ring 25.

[0109] Thus, the ring 25 forms a housing into which the free end 3b is inserted, limiting its range of motion, particularly its lateral mobility.

[0110] In the first embodiment illustrated in [Fig.7], the core has a unique return 21 comprising a curvature 23.

[0111] Thus, this first embodiment has an application portion 13 located at the distal end of the rounded applicator tip 1. In other words, the cavity 5 is teardrop-shaped with a point directed towards the sleeve 15 and the rounded area located opposite it.

[0112] Furthermore, the core 3 here has a flattened section at the rounded application area 13. This allows for a larger application surface, thus enabling the application of makeup to cover a wider area.

[0113] In the second embodiment illustrated in [Fig.8], the core has a unique return 21 in the shape of a point.

[0114] Thus, this second embodiment has an application portion 13 located at the distal end of the pointed applicator tip 1. In other words, the cavity 5 has two opposing points, a first point directed towards the sleeve 15 and a second opposing distal point.

[0115] This second distal tip allows for a precise application area.

[0116] Moreover, the core 3 here also has a flattened section at the level of the second Distal tip. This allows for a larger application surface so that a wider area can be covered with makeup.

[0117] In the third embodiment illustrated in [Fig.9], the core has a return 21 comprising two curves 23 and a hollow.

[0118] Thus, this third embodiment has an application portion 13 located at the distal end of the applicator tip 1 comprising two curves 23 and a hollow. In other words, the cavity 5 is heart-shaped with its point directed towards the sleeve 15 and the two curves 23 are located opposite it.

[0119] Thus, advantageously, the cavity 5 can have a predefined shape as illustrated here but also any other shape that the manufacturer and / or the user desires, even complex shapes.

[0120] The applicator tip 1 can thus have an application part of original shape with possibly precision zones and wider application zones.

[0121] Advantageously, the core 3 is at least partly textured.

[0122] This could, for example, be a flocking applied to the surface of the core 3, as illustrated in [Fig. 9], in which the entire application area 13 is flocked. The flocking comprises, for example, cotton or nylon. The flocking provides good retention of the cosmetic product and a soft feel.

[0123] According to other variants, the surface of the core 3 may include grooves, in particular shallow grooves, in particular 200 to 300 micrometers deep, so as to confer a surface condition whose roughness is modified in relation to a smooth surface.

[0124] Advantageously, the applicator tip 1 is a single monolithic piece obtained without assembly and / or deformation. In other words, the applicator tip 1 is not obtained by assembly and / or deformation.

[0125] Assembly is understood here as the act of putting together, joining at least two isolated elements, but does not exclude the possibility of several steps.

[0126] Preferably, the applicator tip 1 described above is obtained by an additive manufacturing process.

[0127] Additive manufacturing is defined as a manufacturing process that involves adding material, generally with computer assistance. Such a manufacturing process is also called three-dimensional printing or 3D printing.

[0128] Advantageously, the use of 3D printing can make it possible to produce, in a single step, a one-piece, continuous applicator tip 1 comprising a core 3 forming a cavity 5 and extending from a fixed end 3a to a free end 3b movable over a defined stroke. Such an applicator tip 1 could prove very complex or even impossible to obtain, particularly in a single piece, by a conventional injection molding process, in in particular without assembly or deformation of at least part of the applicator tip 1. 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 do without the use of complex molds.

[0129] In addition, the use of three-dimensional printing can allow the manufacturer and / or the user to choose the shape of the cavity 5 of the applicator tip 1. Thus, the manufacturer and / or the user can choose the shape they want, such as the shapes illustrated here but also any other shape, even complex ones.

[0130] It can also be envisaged as an alternative embodiment that three-dimensional printing is used to form the applicator tip 1 with the sleeve 15 and / or the rod 17.

[0131] Various additive manufacturing technologies known to those skilled in the art can be used. In particular, these may include:

[0132] - fused deposition modeling (FDM),

[0133] - Selective Laser Melting (SLM),

[0134] - Selective Laser Sintering (SLS),

[0135] - electron beam melting (EBM),

[0136] - stereolithography or photopolymerization (SLA for Stereolithography Apparatus (in English), or

[0137] - Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) modeling English).

[0138] Preferably, these are sintering and / or stereolithography technologies.

[0139] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an applicator tip 1 such as described above. The process includes:

[0140] - a step in developing a digital model of the applicator tip 1;

[0141] - a manufacturing step of the applicator tip 1 using the digital model.

[0142] The digital model is a computer file that corresponds to a virtual model of the applicator tip 1. To obtain it, the applicator tip 1 is first modeled to produce a CAD model, which is then converted into a suitable format such as an .STL file. The file is then processed by an additive manufacturing machine. During processing, the digital model is sliced ​​into a number of layers depending on the desired precision. Preferably, the layers correspond to a cross-section of the applicator tip 1, that is, a section of the applicator tip 1 taken in a plane perpendicular to the principal X direction.

[0143] 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).

[0144] Figure 10 illustrates an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising:

[0145] - a container 11 comprising a body forming a reservoir for holding the cosmetic product, and

[0146] - an applicator tip 1 adapted to be fixed onto the container 11, so that The applicator tip 1 is housed inside the reservoir. It is thus immersed in the cosmetic product.

[0147] Fig. 10 also illustrates the sleeve 15 assembled with the rod 17 of the applicator 19, also called the handling rod 17.

[0148] The rod 17 allows, among other things, manipulation of said applicator tip 1. More specifically, the applicator includes a closing cap 33 adapted to be manipulated by the user and the rod 17 advantageously extends from the cap 33.

[0149] It should be noted here that the cap 33 is formed from a head of material with the rod 17, and a cap press-fitted and held in position on the rod head 17 by means of internal counter-forms designed to cooperate with forms made on the head. The cap is rigid. "Rigid" means not deformable under atmospheric pressure or under pressure exerted by a user's fingers. It is with the aid of this cap that the user manipulates the applicator of the invention, in particular because the cap imparts the movement that the user gives it to the head of the rod 17, which itself transmits this movement to the sleeve 15 with which it is assembled.

[0150] The cap 33 is intended to be removably fixed to an opening belonging to the container 11. Said opening is here the neck 35 through which the cosmetic product can be extracted.

[0151] It should be noted that the sleeve 15 and the rod 17 each have a substantially cylindrical shape and a main direction of longitudinal extension coinciding with the main direction X.

[0152] Here, the assembly between the sleeve 15 and the rod 17 is a fixed joint. Alternatively, the applicator tip 1 may be overmolded onto or through the rod 17 or even obtained in one piece, for example by additive manufacturing.

[0153] The container 11 includes a wringer 37, intended to be fixed inside said neck 35.

[0154] The wringer 37 includes a wringing orifice configured to scrape excess cosmetic product off the stem 17 and the applicator tip 1 when they pass through it.

[0155] In particular, the mobility of the free end 3b allows efficient wringing of the applicator tip 1, in particular of the cosmetic product stored in the cavity 5.

[0156] Furthermore, since the free end 3b of the core 3 is mobile but within a range delimited by the said first portion 7, the wringing is limited and a sufficient quantity of cosmetic product remains in the cavity 5 to be able to cover the entire surface desired without having to dip the applicator back into the container 11.

[0157] This also helps to protect the free mobile end 3b when it passes through the wringer 37 so as to avoid being damaged.

[0158] Thus, in addition to presenting an application surface of original shape with possibly precision zones and wider application zones, the applicator tip 1 is designed so that wringing is optimized when it is extracted from the container 11. In other words, the quantity of cosmetic product that the applicator tip 1 is able to carry is optimized when it is extracted from said container 11.

[0159] Advantageously, the applicator assembly can be obtained in whole or in part by three-dimensional printing.

[0160] To obtain additional advantageous effects, the embodiments may be combined without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Applicator tip (1) for cosmetic product extending along a longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the principal direction (X), and comprising a core (3) extending from a fixed end (3a) to a free end (3b) and comprising a single branch forming a cavity (5), a first portion (7) of the core (3) surrounding at least a second portion (9) of the core (3), the free end (3b) of the core (3) being movable over a stroke delimited by said first portion (7).

2. Applicator tip (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first portion (7) comprises a ring (25) serving as a lateral stop at the free end (3b).

3. Applicator tip (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion (7) serves as a stop to the free end (3b) by cooperation during said stroke.

4. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (3) has at least one return (21) delimiting the cavity (5).

5. Applicator tip (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein -the cavity has a variable volume, the displacement of the free end (3b) varying the volume of the cavity.

6. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (3) crosses at least one crossing point.

7. Applicator tip (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one crossing point is obtained by a helical winding of the core (3) on itself.

8. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion (7) is located at the fixed end (3a).

9. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first portion (7) is located at the free end (3b).

10. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator tip (1) comprises a sleeve (15) for assembly to a rod (17), the sleeve (15) being in the continuity of the fixed end (3a) of the core (3).

11. Applicator tip (1) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 2, wherein the ring (25) serves as a sleeve (15).

12. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity (5) has a predefined shape.

13. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (3) is at least partly textured.

14. Applicator tip (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator tip (1) is a monolithic part obtained without assembly and / or deformation and by additive manufacturing.

15. Applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (11) including a body forming a reservoir for containing the cosmetic product, and - an applicator tip (1) of the cosmetic product according to any one of claims 1 to 12 adapted to be fixed on the container (11), so that the applicator tip (1) is housed inside the reservoir.

16. A 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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