Application device of a product, particularly a cosmetic product, and packaging and application assembly of a product including said application device

Abstract

Application element (10) of a cosmetic product, particularly makeup, extending along a general extension axis (Z2-Z2') and comprising an applicator part (20) including a base (21), a distal end portion (24), and two opposing application arms (22, 23) extending from the base (21) to the distal end portion (24) along a curvilinear axis (A1, A2) and delimiting between them a cavity (25) extending laterally along a transverse axis (Y). In a first plane (XZ) comprising the extension axis (Z2-Z2') and a longitudinal axis (X), the two application arms (22, 23) each have a concave shape converging towards the distal end portion (24) and in a second plane (YZ) oriented at 90° with respect to the first plane (XZ) and Including the extension axis (Z2-Z2') and the transverse axis (Y), each application branch (22, 23) has an elliptical shape. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 5

Description

Title of the invention: Application device for a product, particularly a cosmetic product, and packaging and application assembly for a product comprising said application device

[0001] The present invention relates to an application element for a packaging and application assembly for a cosmetic product, such as a makeup product, for the application of the product in particular on a curved application surface, such as the lips of a user.

[0002] The term “cosmetic product” means a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

[0003] Conventionally, an application member comprises a fastening portion intended to be mounted on the end of a rod attached to a gripping member and an application portion defining an application surface intended to come into contact with the lips of a user. The application member has a solid, generally elongated shape, usually covered with an external coating, for example by flocking.

[0004] The grasping organ is generally intended to seal, in a watertight manner, the opening of a container containing the cosmetic product to be applied.

[0005] We also know of document EP 3 530 141 - Al which proposes an applicator comprising an opening formed in the body of said applicator. The opening leads to an application surface of the applicator and has a complex shape.

[0006] Document EP 2 397 046 - B1 describes an applicator in the form of a spatula comprising an orifice opening onto an application surface of said applicator.

[0007] Document WO 2013 / 99534 - Al proposes an application element comprising two opposing convex branches defining between them a product storage space opening onto the application surface of said element. The application element disclosed in this document has a general teardrop shape.

[0008] However, the set of known application devices does not allow adaptation to the curvature of the application surface, in particular the lips of a user.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a new applicator that allows for careful makeup application, is comfortable to use and capable of storing a relatively large quantity of product, while also being able to adapt to the curvature of the application surface, particularly the lips of a user.

[0010] The invention relates to an application device for a cosmetic product, particularly makeup, especially on a curved application surface, such as for example a user's lips. The application element extends along a general axis of extension and includes an applicator part comprising: - a base; - a distal end portion; and - two opposing application branches extending from the base towards the distal end portion along a curvilinear axis and delimiting between them a cavity extending laterally along a transverse axis.

[0011] In a first plane comprising the extension axis and a longitudinal axis, the two application branches each have a concave shape converging towards the distal end portion and in a second plane oriented at 90° with respect to the first plane and comprising the extension axis and the transverse axis, each application branch, and in particular their external application surface, has an elliptical or ogival shape.

[0012] In other words, the two application branches converge towards each other from the base to the distal end portion.

[0013] Thus, the two application branches are connected by their proximal end to the base and by their distal end to the distal end portion forming the free end of the application organ.

[0014] By "concave" is meant a shape curved inwards, whose shape is hollow, as opposed to convex or domed, whose shape is curved outwards.

[0015] The applicator part, by its shape, allows it to adapt to a large number of lip shapes and thus presents a certain universality.

[0016] In particular, the elliptical or ogival shape of the application surfaces of the branches seen in the second plane allows for large contact surfaces on the application member, promoting application comfort and inducing a certain intuitiveness regarding the use of the application member and the application gestures.

[0017] The cavity defined between the two application arms allows both to constitute a reserve of product within the application organ and to provide a space for flexing the application arms when they are pressed on a surface to be made up, and in particular the surface of the lips, allowing a very comfortable wrapping, especially of the lower lip.

[0018] The ability of the application surfaces to flex in contact with the surface to be made up makes it possible to cause at least a fraction of the product lodged in the cavity to come out, but also to improve the comfort and sensory experience of application.

[0019] Advantageously, the application branches are elastically deformable towards each other along the longitudinal direction.

[0020] By "elastically deformable", we mean any organ, by virtue of the material used and / or its dimensions, capable of deforming under the action of a stimulus exerted by the user during application on an application surface, for example lips, and configured to return to its initial position after the stimulus is stopped.

[0021] The flexibility of the application arms allows them to deform elastically in a reversible manner and thus adapt to the curvature of the lips to apply the cosmetic product in a clean and precise way.

[0022] In other words, the application element can store the product inside the cavity and is deformable only along one plane by bringing the application arms closer together. This bringing together allows the product trapped in the cavity to be distributed.

[0023] The applicator part thus has a generally tapered shape in the foreground so as to further increase the flexibility in the longitudinal direction of said applicator part.

[0024] Advantageously, each application branch is delimited axially by an internal and an external application surface and transversely by two opposite sides.

[0025] Preferably, at least one of the external application surfaces of the application branches is solid, i.e. without an opening into the cavity.

[0026] Indeed, the presence of any opening into the cavity could interfere with the application of the product to the surface to be made up.

[0027] In other words, the product contained in the cavity does not open directly onto the external application surface of the application branches.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the cavity opens onto at least one side of the application branches.

[0029] Alternatively, the cavity could be provided to be through-hole and open on each side of the application branches.

[0030] When the user presses an external application surface of one of the application arms onto the surface to be made up, particularly the lips, the product contained in the cavity is expelled transversely through one or both sides and not directly through the external application surface. The product is therefore applied by a sweeping motion from right to left across the face.

[0031] For example, the distal end portion is straight along the extension axis.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the application branches have a first thickness substantially constant along their curvilinear axis.

[0033] The constant thickness of the application arms allows the bending of said arms to be uniform along the longitudinal direction.

[0034] The distal end portion preferably has a second thickness greater than or equal to 150% of the first thickness of the application branches. The application member thus has a more massive portion at its distal end than in the cavity area, notably constituting a support area for the user, allowing them to flex the application arms inwards towards the cavity upon contact with the surface to which the product is applied.

[0035] By "thickness," we mean the dimension of a wall in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] For example, the applicator part has a total height, the distal end portion has a first height, and the cavity has a second height, the first height of the distal end portion being less than or equal to one-third of the total height and the second height of the cavity being greater than or equal to two-thirds of the total height.

[0037] The ratio between the second height of the cavity and the first thickness of the application arms is preferably greater than or equal to 10. In other words, the cavity has a second height at least equal to 10 times the first thickness of the application arms. Such a ratio between the second height of the cavity and the first thickness of the application arms advantageously provides an appropriate level of flexibility for the application arms, offering optimized application comfort.

[0038] For example, the second height of the cavity is substantially equal to 13 times the first thickness of the application branches.

[0039] The two application branches are advantageously symmetrical with respect to the extension axis.

[0040] For example, the first curvilinear axis of the first branch forms an arc of a circle with a first radius of curvature identical to the second radius of curvature of the arc of a circle formed by the second curvilinear axis of the second branch.

[0041] For example, the radii of curvature are between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0042] In general, the radius of curvature of the application branches is configured to adapt to the radius of curvature of the application surface, including the convexity of a user's lips.

[0043] Advantageously, the cavity has, in the foreground, a substantially triangular shape delimited by the internal surfaces of the application arms and an axial surface of the base, in particular on the side opposite the shoulder.

[0044] The axial surface is, for example, substantially flat and extends in the first plane.

[0045] The internal surfaces of the application arms form two opposite sides of the cavity and are slightly curved towards each other due to the curvature of the application arms.

[0046] Each internal surface forms a first and a second angle with the axial surface respectively.

[0047] The first angle and the second angle are, preferably, equal.

[0048] The first internal surface forms with the second internal surface a third angle smaller than the first and second angles.

[0049] For example, the axial surface of the cavity has a first width greater than or equal to at least 50% of the total width of the applicator portion.

[0050] Width is understood in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] Thus, the cavity has a large internal dimension in the longitudinal direction, which makes it possible to give rigidity to the application arms while promoting their deformation in the center.

[0052] For example, the base has a general shape of revolution around the axis of extension.

[0053] For example, the base has a generally conical shape whose diameter gradually increases from the end of the base extending from the fixing part towards the distal end of the applicator part. Alternatively, another shape could be provided for the base.

[0054] According to one embodiment, at least part of the applicator part surface is covered with a surface coating, in particular a flocking.

[0055] Alternatively, it could be provided that the applicator part is devoid of flocking.

[0056] Flocking consists of covering a surface by projection or by electrostatic deposition.

[0057] To do this, the surface to be flocked is coated with adhesive, and then the coating material, for example a bundle of fibers, is projected towards said surface or transferred onto said surface by applying an electrostatic field. The adhesive retains the fibers and, after drying, ensures their adhesion to the flocked surface.

[0058] Alternatively, another surface coating could be provided, for example a non-woven, a woven, a foam and reliefs.

[0059] Flocking provides softness and forms a reservoir of product, which increases the autonomy of the application device.

[0060] Preferably, the cavity is free of surface coating, which could reduce the flexibility of the application arms, in particular due to the presence of glue in the cavity.

[0061] In general, one could provide for a surface coating only and at least partially the external application surface of the application branches.

[0062] The distal end portion could, for example, not be coated with flocking or any other surface coating.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the application member comprises a nozzle or a fastening part from which the applicator part extends, the base being attached to one end of the fastening portion.

[0064] For example, the base has an outside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the fixing part, so as to form a shoulder intended to bear axially against the free end of a rod of an applicator.

[0065] For example, the fixing part has a general shape of revolution around the extension axis.

[0066] For example, the fastening part has a generally cylindrical shape. Alternatively, another shape could be provided for the fastening part, for example, a cross-section other than circular.

[0067] For example, the fastening portion includes, at an end opposite to the applying portion, a fastening pin having a diameter smaller than the overall diameter of the fastening portion. Such a fastening pin facilitates attachment to the rod. Alternatively, the fastening portion could be without such a fastening pin.

[0068] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an applicator of a product, in particular cosmetic, comprising an application member as described above and a gripping member connected directly or indirectly, in particular via a rod, to the fixing part.

[0069] The fixing part of the application member and the rod are joined together for example by gluing, clamping, press fitting, crimping or any other means of fixing.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the applicator includes a gripping member comprising a tubular mounting skirt and a transverse wall extending substantially perpendicularly to the extension axis and connecting to the mounting skirt.

[0071] For example, the mounting skirt includes a threaded inner surface, intended to be screwed onto the thread of the container neck. Alternatively, the gripping member could be provided to close the opening of the container and be fixed to its neck in some other way.

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

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

[0074] For example, the container extends along a general longitudinal axis coinciding with the extension axis of the application member.

[0075] The body of the container is, for example, provided with a closed lower end forming a base and an upper end forming a neck with an opening, opposite the lower end, allowing access to the internal volume containing the product. Alternatively, the container body could be designed without a neck, with the opening located on a free edge of the container.

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

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

[0078] According to one embodiment, the product packaging and application assembly further comprises a wringing element adapted to wring at least the stem, or even also the application element, when the applicator is withdrawn from the container. This wringing element, which can be of any suitable type, comprises in the illustrated example a tubular body of substantially cylindrical shape with an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the container neck.

[0079] The present invention will be better understood upon study of the detailed description of embodiments, taken by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0080] [Fig.1] is a schematic, longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conditioning and application assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0081] [Fig.2] represents in isolation, a perspective view, of an application organ of the whole of the [Fig.l];

[0082] [Fig.3] represents a side view of the application organ of [Fig.2] in the foreground;

[0083] [Fig.4] represents a front view of the application element of [Fig.2] in a second plane, perpendicular to the first plane; and

[0084] [Fig.5] represents a cross-sectional view along the VV plane of the application element of the [Fig.4]

[0085] Figure 1 shows a product packaging and application assembly 1 comprising a container 2 delimiting an internal volume 2a containing a product P to be applied to a user's lips, for example, a cosmetic makeup product such as lip gloss, liquid lipstick, or a skincare product. The product packaging and application device 1 further comprises an applicator or application device 6 for said product.

[0086] The container 2 extends along a general longitudinal axis Z-Z', shown in an assumed vertical position. The body of the container 2 is provided with a lower end 3 closed, forming a base, and an upper end 4 forming a neck with an opening 5, opposite the lower end 3, allowing access to the internal volume 2a containing the product. Alternatively, the body of the container could be provided without a neck, and the opening could be made on a free edge of the container.

[0087] The body of the container 2 can be made, for example, of rigid synthetic material.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the neck 4 of the container 2 has a diameter the outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the container body 2 and includes, on its outer surface, a thread 4a. The container body 2 can be made, for example, of rigid synthetic material.

[0089] The application device 6 or applicator extends along a general longitudinal axis Zl-Zl', shown in a position assumed to be vertical and coinciding with the axis Z-Z' in [Fig. 1]. The application device 6 comprises a gripping member 7, a rod 8, and an application member 10.

[0090] By way of no limitation, the gripping member 7 constitutes a closing cap for the container 2 arranged to be fixed onto the neck 4 of the container 2 in order to close said container hermetically when not in use. To this end, the gripping member 7 comprises a tubular mounting skirt 7a and a transverse wall 7b extending substantially perpendicularly to the axis Zl-Zl' and connecting to the mounting skirt 7a.

[0091] The mounting skirt 7a includes an internal threaded surface 7c, intended to be screwed onto the thread 4a of the neck 4 of the container 2. Alternatively, the gripping member 7 could be provided to close the opening 5 of the container 2 and to be fixed to the neck of the latter in any way.

[0092] The rod 8 comprises a first end 8a fixed to the application member 10 and a second end 8b fixed to the gripping member 7. In the illustrated example, the rod 8 has a circular cross-section substantially along its entire length. Alternatively, other shapes could be provided for the cross-section of the rod, for example polygonal such as square, rectangular, or oval, etc.

[0093] The rod 8 and the gripping member 7 can be made in one piece, for example by injection molding of a plastic material, onto which the application member 10 is then attached. It could be provided that the rod is fixed to the gripping member by any other means, for example, by gluing, screwing etc...

[0094] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the product conditioning and application assembly 1 further comprises a wringing element 9 adapted to wring at least the rod 8, and possibly also the application element 10, when the applicator 6 is withdrawn from the container 2. This wringing element 9, which can be of any suitable type, comprises in the illustrated example a tubular body 9a of substantially cylindrical shape. outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the neck 4 of container 2.

[0095] The body 9a is delimited by two opposite ends, one of the ends of which is in radial contact with the outer surface of the rod 8. The body 9a includes, on its outer surface, a retaining element 9b on the container 2, for example in the form of an annular bead that snaps into a complementary form 4b provided on the inner surface of the neck 4 of the container 2. As alternatives, the retaining element could be in the form of a plurality of parallel annular beadings or the bead could comprise at least two semi-circular portions spaced apart on the circumference of the body of the wringing element 9.

[0096] The wringing member 9 further comprises, at a first free end of the body 9a, an annular collar 9c having an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the mounting skirt 7a of the gripping member 7 of the application device 6 and axially bearing on the neck 4 of the container 2.

[0097] The wringing member 9 comprises, at a second end of the body 9a opposite the first free end, an annular wringing lip 9d, defining by its free end, a wringing orifice 9e of substantially circular section.

[0098] This wringing lip 9d extends towards the rod 8 and is dimensioned to apply at least to the rod 8, and possibly also to the application member 10 when the applicator is withdrawn from the container. The wringing lip 9d extends here obliquely relative to the body 9a towards the axis Zl-Zl'.

[0099] The inner diameter of the orifice 9e is preferably less than or equal to the outer diameter of the rod 8, so as to scrape the outer surface of the rod 8 and to prevent the product contained in the container 2 from escaping to the outside, and in particular to a space E delimited between the rod 8 and the mounting skirt 7a of the gripping member 7 of the application device 6.

[0100] The wringing element 9 can be made, for example, of an elastomeric material or of a polyolefin, in particular polyethylene or any other plastic material. The wringing lip 9c is, for example, more flexible than the body 9a of the wringing element 9.

[0101] As illustrated, the wringing member 9 includes a second lip 9f inclined, for example at 45°, towards the first end and bearing against the inner surface of the upper end of the container 2. Alternatively, the wringing member could be provided not to include such a lip.

[0102] The body 9a of the wringing member 9 also includes a portion 9g extending from this second lip 9f towards the lower end of the wringing member 9. Alternatively, it could be provided that the wringing member does not include such a portion.

[0103] The flexible wringing lip 9, in the illustrated example, provides a guiding function of the application member 10 during its movement relative to the container 2 and a wringing function of the rod 8 and of the application member 10 during their withdrawal from the container 2.

[0104] Alternatively, other types of wringing element could be used, for example wringers comprising a conical wavy wringing lip, in which the wringing lip also ensures the dual function of guiding and wringing the distal application portion, or wringers comprising a rigid conical guiding part intended to guide the application member 10 and assembled with a deformable portion of the type of foam pancake, ensuring the wringing function of the application member 10.

[0105] As illustrated in detail in Figures 2 to 5, the application member 10 extends along a general extension axis Z2-Z2', shown in a position assumed to be vertical and coincident with the axis Z-Z' on [Fig.1].

[0106] The application member 10 includes a tip or fixing part 11 adapted to fit into the rod 8 of the applicator 6 and an applicator part 20 projecting from one end of the fixing part 11 opposite the end attached to the rod 8.

[0107] The fastening portion 11 is, in this case, generally of revolution around the extension axis Z2-Z2'. As illustrated, the fastening portion 11 has a generally cylindrical shape. Alternatively, another shape could be provided for the fastening portion 11, for example, a cross-section other than circular.

[0108] As illustrated, the fastening part 11 includes, at an end opposite the applicator part 20, a fastening pin 12 having a diameter smaller than the overall diameter of the fastening part 11. Such a fastening pin 12 makes it easier to attach to the rod 8. Alternatively, the fastening part 11 could be without such a fastening pin 12.

[0109] The fixing part 11 of the application member 10 and the rod 8 are joined together for example by gluing, by clamping by force fitting or by any other means of fixing.

[0110] The applicator part 20 comprises a base 21 attached to one end of the fixing portion 11, opposite the end attached to the rod 8, two application arms 22, 23 extending from the base 21 towards the distal end of the applicator part 20 along a curvilinear axis A1, A2, and a distal end portion 24 which is located opposite the base 21.

[0111] The base 21 is, here, generally of revolution around the extension axis Z2-Z2'. As illustrated, the base 21 has a generally conical shape whose diameter gradually increases from the end of the base 21 extending from the fixing part 11 towards the distal end of the applicator part 20. Alternatively, another shape could be provided for the base 21.

[0112] The base 21 has, here, an outside diameter L2 larger than the outside diameter L3 of the fixing part 11, so as to form a shoulder 21a intended to bear axially against the free end of the rod 8 of the applicator 6.

[0113] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, in a first plane XZ comprising the vertical axis Z and the longitudinal axis X, the two application branches 22, 23 converge towards each other from the base 21 to the distal end portion 24.

[0114] Thus, the two application branches 22, 23 are connected by their proximal end (not referenced) to the base 21 and by their distal end (not referenced) to the distal end portion 24 forming the free end of the application organ 20.

[0115] The distal end portion 24 is, here, straight along the extension axis Z2-Z2' of the application organ 20.

[0116] The apex 24a of the distal end portion 24 has, here, a rounded, convex, or outwardly bulging shape.

[0117] The distal portion refers to a position closer to the free end of the application member 20 than to the fixing part 11. The distal direction is opposite to the proximal direction.

[0118] The two application branches 22, 23 delimit between them a cavity 25 extending laterally along a transverse axis Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0119] The two application branches 22, 23 are symmetrical with respect to the Z2-Z2' axis.

[0120] The two application branches 22, 23 present, in the first plane XZ, a concave shape converging towards the distal end portion 24.

[0121] By "concave" is meant a shape curved inwards, whose shape is concave, as opposed to convex or domed, whose shape is curved outwards.

[0122] The curvilinear axis Al of the first branch 22 forms a circular arc with radius of curvature RI identical to the radius of curvature R2 of the circular arc formed by the curvilinear axis A2 of the second branch 23.

[0123] For example, the radii of curvature RI, R2 are between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0124] In general, the radius of curvature of the application branches 22, 23 is configured to adapt to the radius of curvature of the application surface, including the convexity of a user's lips.

[0125] Each application branch 22, 23 is delimited axially by an internal surface 22a, 23a and an external application surface 22b, 23b and transversely by two opposite sides 22c, 23c.

[0126] The application branches 22, 23 are elastically deformable towards each other along the longitudinal direction X.

[0127] By "elastically deformable" is meant any component, by virtue of the material used and / or its dimensions, capable of deforming under the action of an applied stress by the user during application to an application surface, for example the lips, and configured to return to its initial position after the application is stopped.

[0128] The flexibility of the application arms 22, 23 allows them to deform elastically in a reversible manner and thus adapt to the curvature of the lips to apply the cosmetic product cleanly and precisely.

[0129] The application branches 22, 23 have a thickness e substantially constant along their curvilinear axis Al, A2.

[0130] The constant thickness of the application branches 22, 23 allows the bending of said branches to be uniform along the longitudinal direction X.

[0131] The distal end portion 24 has a thickness e2 greater than the thickness e of the application branches 22, 23. For example, the thickness e2 of the distal end portion 24 is greater than or equal to 150% of the thickness e of the application branches 22, 23.

[0132] By “thickness”, we mean the dimension in the longitudinal direction X.

[0133] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the applicator part 20 has a total height H, the distal end portion 24 has a height H1 and cavity 25 has a height H2.

[0134] The height H1 of the distal end portion 24 is less than or equal to one third of the total height H and the height H2 of the cavity 25 is greater than or equal to two thirds of the total height H.

[0135] The ratio between the height H2 of the cavity 25 and the thickness e of the application branches 22, 23 is greater than or equal to 10. In other words, the cavity 25 has a second height H2 at least equal to 10 times the first thickness e of the application branches 22, 23.

[0136] For example, the second height H2 of the cavity 25 is substantially equal to 13 times the first thickness e of the application branches 22, 23.

[0137] In general, the applicator part 20 has a generally tapered shape in the first plane XZ so as to further increase the flexibility in the longitudinal direction X of said applicator part 20.

[0138] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, in a second plane YZ comprising the vertical axis Z and the transverse axis Y, oriented at 90° with respect to the first plane XZ, the external application surface 22b, 23b of each application branch 22, 23 has an elliptical or ogive shape.

[0139] The cavity 25 is, here, through or opening onto each side 22c, 23c of the application branches 22, 23. Alternatively, it could be provided that the cavity 25 opens only on one side of the application branches 22, 23.

[0140] In other words, the cavity 25 does not open onto the external application surface 22b, 23b of the application branches 22, 23.

[0141] Generally, at least one of the external application surfaces 22b, 23b of the application branches 22, 23 is solid, i.e. without an opening into the cavity 25. Indeed, the presence of any hole opening into the cavity 25 could interfere with the application of the product to the surface to be made up.

[0142] The cavity 25 has, in the first plane XZ, a substantially triangular shape delimited by the internal surfaces 22a, 23a of the application arms 22, 23 and an axial surface 25a of the base 21, on the side opposite the shoulder 21a.

[0143] The axial surface 25a is, here, substantially flat and extends in the XY plane.

[0144] The internal surfaces 22a, 23a form two opposite sides of the cavity 25 and are le gently curved towards each other due to the curvature of the application branches 22, 23.

[0145] Each internal surface 22a, 23a forms with the axial surface 25a, respectively a first and a second angle al, a2.

[0146] The first angle al and the second angle a2 are, here, equal.

[0147] The first internal surface 22a forms with the second internal surface 23a a third angle a3 smaller than the first and second angles al, a2.

[0148] The axial surface 25a of the cavity 25 has a width L1 less than the total width L of the applicator portion 20.

[0149] Width is understood in the direction of the longitudinal direction X.

[0150] As illustrated, the total width L of the applicator part 20 is, here, greater than the width L2 of the base 21, which is greater than the width L3 of the fixing part 11.

[0151] The width L1 is equal to at least 50% of the total width L of the applicator part 20. Thus, the cavity 25 has a large internal dimension along the longitudinal direction X, which makes it possible to give rigidity to the application arms 22, 23 while promoting their deformation at the center.

[0152] The cavity 25 defined between the two application arms 22, 23 allows both to constitute a reserve of product within the application member 10 and to provide a space for flexing the application arms 22, 23 when they are pressed on a surface to be made up, and in particular the surface of the lips.

[0153] Indeed, when the user presses an external application surface of one of the application arms 22, 23 onto the surface to be made up, particularly the lips, the product contained in the cavity 25 is expelled transversely via the sides 22c, 23c and not directly through the external application surface. The product is therefore applied by a sweeping motion from right to left across the face.

[0154] The flexibility of the application surfaces 22, 23 in contact with the surface to be made up allows at least a fraction of the product lodged in the cavity 25 to be released, but also improves comfort and sensory experience. application.

[0155] The applicator portion 20 is preferably covered with flocking (not shown in the figures). Alternatively, the applicator portion 20 could be provided without flocking.

[0156] Flocking consists of covering a surface by projection. To do this, the surface to be flocked is coated with adhesive, and then the coating material, for example, a bundle of fibers, is projected onto that surface. The adhesive retains the fibers and, after drying, ensures their adhesion to the flocked surface.

[0157] Alternatively, another surface coating could be provided, for example a non-woven, a woven, a foam and reliefs.

[0158] The flocking provides softness and forms a reservoir of product, which increases the autonomy of the application device 10.

[0159] In general, a surface coating could be provided only and at least partially on the external application surface 22b, 23b of the application branches 22, 23.

[0160] The distal end portion 24 may not be coated with any flocking or surface coating.

[0161] Furthermore, the walls 22a, 23a, 25a of the cavity 25 are preferably not coated with any flocking or surface coating, which could reduce the flexibility of the application arms 22, 23.

[0162] The application member 10 is, here, made in one piece, for example by injection molding of a plastic material, such as for example elastomer, allowing to obtain a flexible applicator part 20, such as for example, a thermoplastic material, such as, for example, SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene / Butylene-Styrene), in particular of hardness 90 Shore A or lower depending on the desired flexibility or Hytrel®, in particular of hardness 50 or 55 Shore D or lower.

[0163] The application member 10 is made, at least partially, of a material with a stiffness lower than the stiffness of the material of the rod 8.

[0164] It could be envisaged that the applicator part 20 of the application member 10 is made, at least partially, of a material of lower rigidity than the material of the fixing part 11. Thus, the applicator part 20 is flexible with respect to the rod 8, and in particular with respect to the fixing part 11 fixed in the rod 8. The flexibility of the applicator part 20 makes it possible to improve the comfort of applying the product to the area to be made up.

[0165] The applicator part 20 according to the invention allows, by its shape, to adapt to a large number of lip shapes.

[0166] Furthermore, thanks to the conditioning and application assembly according to the invention, the applicator part 20 is directly immersed in the container containing the product to apply. Thus, the loading of product onto the applicator part 20 is automatic and does not require any additional action.

[0167] The flexibility of the applicator part 20 allows it to deform as it passes through the wringing element, which allows the hollow of the curve of the applicator part 20 to be wiped evenly. This gives optimal makeup for the user.

Claims

Claims

1. Application member (10) for a cosmetic product (P), in particular makeup, said application member extending along a general axis of extension (Z2-Z2') and comprising an applicator part (20) comprising: - a base (21); - a distal end portion (24);and - two opposite application branches (22, 23) extending from the base (21) towards the distal end portion (24) along a curvilinear axis (A1, A2) and delimiting between them a cavity (25) extending laterally along a transverse axis (Y), characterized in that: - in a first plane (XZ) comprising the extension axis (Z2-Z2') and a longitudinal axis (X), the two application branches (22, 23) each have a concave shape converging towards the distal end portion (24) and in that, in a second plane (YZ) oriented at 90° relative to the first plane (XZ) and comprising the extension axis (Z2-Z2') and the transverse axis (Y), each application branch (22, 23) has an elliptical shape.;

2. Application member (10) according to claim 1, in which the application branches (22, 23) are elastically deformable towards each other in the longitudinal direction (X).

3. Application member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in which each application branch (22, 23) is delimited axially by an internal surface (22a, 23a) and an external application surface (22b, 23b) and transversely by two opposite sides (22c, 23c).

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

5. Application member (10) according to claim 3 or 4, in which the cavity (25) opens onto at least one side (22c, 23c) of the application branches (22, 23).

6. Application member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the distal end portion (24) is rectilinear along the extension axis (Z2-Z2').

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

8. Application member (10) according to claim 7, in which the distal end portion (24) has a second thickness (e2) greater than or equal to 150% of the first thickness (e) of the application branches (22, 23).

9. An applicator member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator part (20) has a total height (H), the distal end portion (24) has a first height (H1) and the cavity (25) has a second height (H2), the first height (H1) of the distal end portion (24) being less than or equal to one third of the total height (H) and the second height (H2) of the cavity (25) being greater than or equal to two thirds of the total height (H).

10. Application member (10) according to claim 9 taken in combination with any one of claims 7 or 8, in which the ratio between the second height (H2) of the cavity (25) and the first thickness (e) of the application branches (22, 23) is greater than or equal to 10.

11. Application member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the two application branches (22, 23) are symmetrical with respect to the extension axis (Z2-Z2').

12. Application member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first curvilinear axis (Al) of the first branch (22) forms an arc of a circle with a first radius of curvature (RI) identical to the second radius of curvature (R2) of the arc of a circle formed by the second curvilinear axis (A2) of the second branch (23).

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

14. Application member (10) according to claim 13, in which the axial surface (25a) of the cavity (25) has a first width (L1) greater than or equal to at least 50% of the total width (L) of the applicator portion (20).

15. An applicator member (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the applicator portion surface (20) is covered with a surface coating, in particular flocking.

16. An applicator member (10) according to claim 15, wherein the cavity (25) is free of surface coating.

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

18. Applicator (6) for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising an application member (10) according to claim 17 and a gripping member (7) connected directly or indirectly, in particular by means of a rod (8) to the fixing part (11).

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

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