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 (P), in particular makeup, said application element extending along a general extension axis (Z2-Z2') and comprising an applicator tip (20) including a connecting base (21); and an applicator part (22) extending from the connecting base (21) along the extension axis (Z2-Z2') in a first plane (P1) comprising a vertical axis (Z) and a transverse axis (Y) and extending along an inclined axis (B2-B2') forming an angle with the extension axis (Z2-Z2') in a second plane (P2), perpendicular to the first plane (P1) and comprising the vertical axis (Z) and a longitudinal axis (X).The applicator portion (22) comprises a proximal portion (26) extending along the second inclined axis (B2-B2') from the connecting base (21) and a distal end portion (27) pivotally connected to the proximal portion (26) by a connecting line (A) comprising a transverse articulation axis (Y1) around which the distal end portion (27) is configured to pivot through an angular range (α3) between -15° and +15° with respect to the inclined axis (B2-B2'). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 5.

Description

Title of the invention: Application member for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, and assembly for packaging and applying a product comprising said application member

[0001] The present invention relates to an application member for a packaging and application assembly for a cosmetic product, such as a makeup product, for applying the product in particular to a flexible application surface, such as the skin or lips of a user.

[0002] By “cosmetic product” is meant a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 relating to cosmetic products.

[0003] Conventionally, an application member comprises a fixing part intended to be mounted at the end of a rod secured to a gripping member and an application part defining an application surface intended to come into contact with the skin of a user. The application member has a solid shape, generally elongated, generally covered with an external coating, for example by flocking.

[0004] The gripping member is generally designed to seal, in a sealed manner, the opening of a container containing the cosmetic product to be applied.

[0005] Document FR 3 095 116 - A1 is also known, which proposes an applicator comprising a fixing rod and an application tip comprising a rigid part and an application part. The entire application tip is pivotally connected around a transverse axis to the fixing rod.

[0006] Document EP 2 486 821 - B1 describes an applicator comprising an application section having an inclined application surface and comprising, in front view, a wide portion which gradually reduces to a pointed end portion. The thickness of the end portion is greater than the thickness of the wide portion.

[0007] However, none of the known applicators allows precise application of the product on a narrow or thin application surface, such as near the eyes or nostrils.

[0008] The present invention aims to propose a new applicator allowing careful and precise makeup to be applied, ergonomic and comfortable to use and capable of storing a more or less significant quantity of product, while being capable of depositing makeup on narrow or thin surfaces of a user's face, such as near the eyes, the nose or even the lips.

[0009] The subject of the invention is a member for applying a cosmetic product, in particular makeup, in particular to an application surface, such as for example the skin or the lips of a user. The application member extends along a general axis of extension and comprises an applicator tip comprising: - a connecting base; and - an applicator part extending from the connecting base along the extension axis in a first plane comprising a vertical axis and a transverse axis and extending along an inclined axis forming an angle with the extension axis in a second plane, perpendicular to the first plane and comprising the vertical axis and a longitudinal axis.

[0010] The applicator portion comprises a proximal portion extending along the second inclined axis from the connecting base and a distal end portion pivotally connected to the proximal portion by a connecting line comprising a transverse hinge axis about which the distal end portion is configured to pivot within an angular range of between -15° and +15° relative to the inclined axis.

[0011] In other words, only the distal end portion of the applicator tip is flexible relative to the proximal portion, which is therefore rigid relative to the distal end portion.

[0012] By “rigid” we mean any organ which does not deform under the action of an external stress.

[0013] The distal end portion is elastically deformable, i.e. it can pivot about the transverse articulation axis under the action of a stress exerted by the user during application to an application surface, for example the skin of the face or the lips of a user, and configured to return to its initial position after the stress has stopped.

[0014] Thus, the distal end portion can easily be applied in the vicinity of a narrow or sensitive area of ​​the face, for example in the vicinity of the eyes, for example for applying foundation or concealer.

[0015] A compromise is thus obtained between precision of application, provided by the rigidity of the proximal part, and comfort of application provided by the flexibility of the distal end part.

[0016] The flexibility of the distal end portion makes it possible to improve the comfort of applying the product to the area to be made up.

[0017] Indeed, such a distal end portion allows a back and forth movement around either side of the transverse articulation axis and thus to tap with said end portion on the skin or lips of the user.

[0018] The distal portion designates a position closer to the free end of the application member than to the connecting base. The distal direction is opposite to the direction proximal.

[0019] The distal end portion forms the free end of the application member.

[0020] The applicator tip, by its shape, allows for the combination of comfort and precision in the application of a makeup product to a user's face.

[0021] However, the applicator tip is not flexible relative to the attachment tip.

[0022] Advantageously, the applicator part of the applicator tip is delimited axially by a front application surface and a rear surface, and transversely by two opposite sides.

[0023] Thus, in the second plane, in side view, the front application surface extends along a third plane comprising the second inclined axis and the vertical axis.

[0024] For example, the sides may have a fillet or rounding.

[0025] Advantageously, the applicator tip has, along the vertical axis, a first height and, along the transverse axis, a maximum width and the applicator part has a second height greater than or equal to half the first height of the applicator tip, the first height of the applicator tip being equal to at least twice, or even three times, the maximum width of said applicator tip.

[0026] The characteristics of the first height make it possible to improve the stability of the applicator tip during application of product by means of the applicator part. The characteristics of the second height and the characteristics of the maximum width, defined relative to the first height, make it possible to improve the flexibility of the applicator part and the precision of application.

[0027] Thus, an applicator tip is obtained which has good application ergonomics, as well as improved precision and flexibility.

[0028] Advantageously, the distal end portion has a third height greater than or equal to one third of the second height of the applicator portion. This makes it possible to further improve the flexibility of the end portion, as well as optimized application by back and forth movements.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the applicator part, for example in its center, comprises a cavity extending axially along the longitudinal axis and opening at least onto the front application surface. The cavity also promotes flexibility.

[0030] The cavity allows a reserve of product to be built up within the application member. This increases the load required for application and improves the makeup result while providing application comfort thanks to flexibility.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cavity is through and opens onto both the front application surface and the rear surface of the applicator part. This makes sense of the back and forth movement provided by the applicator and makes it possible to benefit from the discharge of formula contained in the cavity via the two faces of the applicator. It there are no gestural constraints for applying the product.

[0032] For example, the cavity has, in the foreground, a drop or ogive shape having a first height opening onto the front surface of application of the applicator part greater than or equal to twice its width. The specific shape of the cavity makes it possible to optimize the deposition of the formula and the distribution which is carried out more gently. Such a shape also makes it possible not to "scrape" the formula once deposited on the skin during the movements of the different passes carried out.

[0033] For example, the cavity has a second height opening onto the rear surface of the applicator part, said second height being greater than or equal to the first height of the cavity. The specific shape of the cavity makes it possible to optimize the deposition of the formula and the distribution which is carried out more gently. Such a shape also makes it possible not to "scrape" the formula once deposited on the skin during the movements of the different passes made.

[0034] For example, the width of the cavity is greater than or equal to half, or even two-thirds, of the maximum width of the application tip. This makes it possible to correctly position and apply the product deposit to the application area.

[0035] The first height of the cavity is preferably between 40% and 60% of the second height of the applicator part. This makes it possible to correctly position and apply the product deposit to the application area.

[0036] The second height of the cavity is preferably between 50% and 80% of the second height of the applicator part.

[0037] For example, in a non-limiting manner, the end of the cavity near the apex of the distal end portion has a concave rounded shape, while the end of the cavity near the connecting base has a pointed triangular shape. This optimizes the distribution of product over the application area. Since the tip is located towards the end of the applicator portion, it would tend to deliver less product; by providing a concave rounded shape on the end of the cavity near the apex of the distal end portion, the quantity of product carried within this area of ​​the cavity is increased. The shape of the cavity is directly linked to the shape of the applicator and applicator portion to be consistent in the deposition of product.

[0038] Advantageously, in the first plane, the connecting base extends along the extension axis and in the second plane, the connecting base extends along a first inclined axis forming a first angle with the extension axis.

[0039] The extension of the connecting base along the extension axis in the first plane facilitates ergonomics in terms of application gestures, i.e. the position of the hand relative to the application area, and in particular the application of makeup.

[0040] The inclination of the connecting base along the first inclined axis provides flexibility, which optimizes the application of the product and homogenizes the product deposition.

[0041] The first angle is, for example, less than or equal to the angle formed between the extension axis and the inclined axis along which the applicator part extends. This allows for an evolving inclination of the connecting base and the applicator part for overall application ergonomics relative to the application area.

[0042] For example, the connecting base is generally conical in shape and has, along the longitudinal axis, a thickness which increases progressively from the end of the connecting base towards the applicator part. This provides greater stability to the connecting base to allow precise gestures, while providing flexibility on the end to improve application comfort and optimize the application of the product.

[0043] Alternatively, another shape could be provided for the base.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the connecting base has, along the transverse axis, a width which increases continuously and progressively from the end of the connecting base towards the applicator part. It is thus possible to customize the shape of the connecting base.

[0045] By "thickness" is meant the dimension of a wall in the longitudinal direction.

[0046] By "width" is meant the dimension in the transverse direction.

[0047] Advantageously, in the first plane, the applicator part has a generally elliptical or ogival shape, and comprises, along the transverse axis, a width which increases progressively up to the junction between the proximal part and the distal end part to decrease progressively up to the apex or end of said distal end part. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the applicator part thanks to the increase in width, as well as the flexibility thanks to the decrease in width.

[0048] Preferably, in the second plane, the proximal portion has, along the longitudinal axis, a variable thickness which decreases non-continuously to the distal end portion. This makes it possible to accentuate the flexibility of the proximal portion and to improve the back and forth movement during application.

[0049] In other words, the applicator part tapers, in a non-continuous manner, to the distal end part.

[0050] Preferably, in the second plane, the distal end portion has, along the longitudinal axis, a substantially constant thickness over at least one area of ​​said distal end portion containing the cavity. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the applicator and the precision of the gesture during application.

[0051] By “substantially constant thickness” is meant here that the thickness exhibits at most a variability of the order of 5% to 10%.

[0052] For example, the distal end portion has a substantially constant thickness over at least 60% of its height. The apex of the distal end portion may have a reduced thickness compared to the thickness e4 of the general body of said portion. This allows for a back-and-forth movement to optimize the application.

[0053] By "apex" is meant the end of the distal end portion.

[0054] Alternatively, it could be provided that the thickness of the distal end portion is substantially constant over its entire height.

[0055] Advantageously, the application member is symmetrical with respect to the extension axis in the first plane.

[0056] In other words, the application member is symmetrical with respect to the second plane passing through the extension axis.

[0057] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the applicator tip is covered with a surface coating, in particular flocking.

[0058] Alternatively, it could be provided that the applicator tip is free of flocking. Flocking consists of covering a surface by projection or electrostatic deposition.

[0060] To do this, the surface to be flocked is coated with glue and then the coating material, for example a set of fibers, is projected towards said surface or transferred onto said surface by applying an electrostatic field. The glue retains the fibers and, after drying, ensures that they remain on the surface thus flocked.

[0061] Alternatively, another surface covering could be provided, for example a non-woven, a woven, a foam and reliefs.

[0062] Flocking provides softness and forms a product reservoir, which increases the autonomy of the application device.

[0063] Generally, a surface coating could be provided only and at least partially on the surface before application, in particular in the area of ​​the proximal part.

[0064] For example, at least the area of ​​said distal end portion containing the cavity is devoid of surface coating.

[0065] Indeed, the distal end portion could not be coated with any flocking or surface coating, so as not to impair its flexibility.

[0066] Furthermore, the walls of the cavity, at the distal end portion, are preferably not coated with flocking or any surface coating.

[0067] Advantageously, the application member comprises a fixing end piece from which the applicator end piece extends, the connecting base being attached to one end of the fixing end piece.

[0068] For example, the fixing tip has a general shape of revolution around of the extension axis.

[0069] For example, the fixing tip has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0070] Alternatively, another shape could be provided for the fixing tip, for example, a section other than circular.

[0071] The fixing tip may have a thickness and a width. Due to the generally cylindrical shape of the fixing tip, the thickness and width are equal.

[0072] For example, the fixing tip comprises, at an end opposite the applicator tip, a fixing pin. Such a fixing pin makes it easier to fix it to a rod. Alternatively, the fixing part could be devoid of such a fixing pin.

[0073] The fixing pin may have a diameter smaller than the general diameter of the fixing tip.

[0074] The application member is, for example, made in one piece, for example by injection molding of a plastic material, such as for example elastomer, making it possible to obtain a flexible distal end portion 27, 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.

[0075] It could be provided that the distal end part of the application member is made, at least partially, from a material of stiffness less than the stiffness of the material of the proximal part.

[0076] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an applicator for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising an application member as described above, a gripping member connected directly or indirectly, in particular by means of a rod to the fixing end piece.

[0077] For example, the attachment tip of the application member and the rod are secured to each other, for example by gluing, by tightening by force fitting, by crimping or by any other means of attachment.

[0078] The application member is, for example, made, at least partially, from a material of rigidity lower than the rigidity of the material of the rod.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the applicator comprises a gripping member comprising a tubular mounting skirt and a transverse wall extending substantially perpendicular to the extension axis and connecting to the mounting skirt.

[0080] For example, the mounting skirt comprises a threaded inner surface, intended to be screwed onto the thread of the neck of the container. Alternatively, it could be provided that the gripping member closes the opening of the container and is fixed to the neck of the latter in some manner.

[0081] The rod advantageously comprises a first end fixed to the application member and a second end fixed to the gripping member.

[0082] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a packaging and application assembly for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a container delimiting at least one internal volume containing said product and an applicator as described previously, at least the application member of which is arranged inside the container to be loaded with the product contained in said container.

[0083] Thanks to the packaging and application assembly according to the invention, the applicator tip is directly immersed in the container containing the product to be applied. Thus, loading the product onto the applicator tip, and in particular onto the applicator part, is automatic and does not require any additional action.

[0084] For example, the container extends along a general longitudinal axis coincident with the extension axis of the application member.

[0085] The body of the container is, for example, provided with a closed lower end forming a bottom and an upper end forming a neck provided with an opening, opposite the lower end, allowing access to the internal volume containing the product. Alternatively, it could be provided that the body of the container does not include a neck and that the opening is made on a free edge of said container.

[0086] The neck of the container has, for example, an outside diameter smaller than the outside diameter of the body of the container and comprises, on its outside surface, a thread.

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

[0088] According to one embodiment, the product packaging and application assembly further comprises a wiping member adapted to wring at least the rod, or even also on the application member when removing the applicator from the container. This wiping member, which can be of any suitable type, comprises in the example illustrated a tubular body of substantially cylindrical shape with an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the neck of the container.

[0089] The present invention will be better understood upon studying the detailed description of embodiments, taken as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0090] [Fig.l] is a schematic view, in longitudinal section, of a packaging and application assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0091] [Fig.2] represents in isolation, a perspective view, of an application member of the whole of [Fig.l];

[0092] [Fig.3] represents a side view of the application member of [Fig.2] in a first plan ;

[0093] [Fig.4] represents a front view of the application member of [Fig.2] in a second plane, perpendicular to the foreground;

[0094] [Fig.5] represents a sectional view along plane VV of the application member of [Fig.4]; and

[0095] [Fig.6] represents a rear view of the application member of [Fig.2].

[0096] In the following description, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “vertical”, “front”, “back”, “left” and “right” are defined according to the usual orthogonal reference of the applicators, shown in the drawings, and which includes:

[0097] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal and oriented from left to right on [Fig. 1];

[0098] - a transverse axis Y, horizontal, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and oriented front to back in [Fig.l];

[0099] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse axes X and Y and directed from bottom up.

[0100] The term "thickness" is understood in the longitudinal direction X, the term "width" is understood in the transverse direction Y and the term "height" is understood in the vertical direction Z.

[0101] [Fig.l] shows an assembly 1 for packaging and applying a product comprising a container 2 delimiting an internal volume 2a containing a product P to be applied to the face of a user, for example a cosmetic makeup product such as a foundation or a complexion corrector. The device 1 for packaging and applying a product further comprises an applicator or application device 6 for said product.

[0102] The container 2 extends along a general longitudinal axis Z-Z'. shown in a position assumed to be vertical. The body of the container 2 is provided with a closed lower end 3 forming a bottom and an upper end 4 forming a neck provided with an opening 5, opposite the lower end 3, allowing access to the internal volume 2a containing the product. Alternatively, it could be provided that the body of the container does not include a neck and that the opening is made on a free edge of said container.

[0103] The body of the container 2 can be made, for example, of rigid synthetic material.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the neck 4 of the container 2 has a diameter outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the body of the container 2 and comprises, on its outer surface, a thread 4a. The body of the container 2 can be made, for example, of rigid synthetic material.

[0105] The application device 6 or applicator extends along a general longitudinal axis Zl-Zl', shown in a position assumed to be vertical and coincident with the axis Z-Z' in [Fig.l]. The application device 6 comprises a gripping member 7, a rod 8 and an application member 10.

[0106] Without being limiting, the gripping member 7 constitutes a closing cap for the container 2 arranged to be fixed on the neck 4 of the container 2 in order to close said container in a sealed manner when not in use. For this purpose, the gripping member 7 comprises a tubular mounting skirt 7a and a transverse wall 7b extending substantially perpendicular to the axis Zl-Zl' and connecting to the mounting skirt 7a.

[0107] The mounting skirt 7a comprises a threaded inner surface 7c, intended to be screwed onto the thread 4a of the neck 4 of the container 2. Alternatively, it could be provided that the gripping member 7 closes the opening 5 of the container 2 and is fixed to the neck thereof in any manner.

[0108] 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 example illustrated, the rod 8 has a circular cross-section substantially over its entire length. Alternatively, other shapes could be provided for the cross-section of the rod, for example polygonal such as square, rectangular, or even oval, etc.

[0109] The rod 8 and the gripping member 7 can be made in a single piece, for example by injection molding a plastic material, onto which the application member 10 is then attached. Provision could be made for the rod to be fixed to the gripping member by any other means, for example, by gluing, screwing, etc.

[0110] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the product packaging and application assembly 1 further comprises a wiping member 9 adapted to wring at least the rod 8, or even also the application member 10 when the applicator 6 is removed from the container 2. This wiping member 9, which may be of any suitable type, comprises in the example illustrated a tubular body 9a of substantially cylindrical shape with an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the neck 4 of the container 2.

[0111] 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 comprises, on its outer surface, a retaining member 9b on the container 2, for example in the form of an annular bead snapping into a complementary shape 4b provided on the inner surface of the neck 4 of the container 2. As alternatives, it could be provided that the retaining member is in the form of a plurality of annular beads parallel to each other or that the bead comprises at least two semi-circular portions spaced from each other on the circumference of the body of the wiping member 9.

[0112] The wiping 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.

[0113] The wiping member 9 comprises, at a second end of the body 9a opposite the first free end, an annular wiping lip 9d, defining by its free end, a wiping orifice 9e of substantially circular section.

[0114] This wiping lip 9d extends towards the rod 8 and is dimensioned to be applied at least to the rod 8, or even also to the application member 10 when removing the applicator from the container. The wiping lip 9d here extends obliquely relative to the body 9a towards the axis ZI-ZI'.

[0115] The internal diameter of the orifice 9e is preferably less than or equal to the external diameter of the rod 8, so as to scrape the external surface of the rod 8 and to prevent the product contained in the container 2 from escaping towards the outside, and in particular towards a space E delimited between the rod 8 and the mounting skirt 7a of the gripping member 7 of the application device 6.

[0116] The wiping member 9 may be made, for example, of an elastomeric material or of a polyolefin, in particular polyethylene or any other plastic material. The wiping lip 9c is, for example, more flexible than the body 9a of the wiping member 9.

[0117] As illustrated, the wiping member 9 comprises a second lip 9f inclined, for example at 45°, towards the first end and bearing on the inner surface of the upper end of the container 2. As a variant, it could be provided that the wiping member does not comprise such a lip.

[0118] The body 9a of the wiping member 9 also comprises a portion 9g extending from this second lip 9f towards the lower end of the wiping member 9. Alternatively, it could be provided that the wiping member does not comprise such a portion.

[0119] The flexible wiping lip 9, in the example illustrated, provides a function of guiding the application member 10 during its movement relative to the container 2 and a function of wiping the rod 8 and the application member 10 during their removal from the container 2.

[0120] Alternatively, other types of wiping member could be used, for example wipers comprising a corrugated conical wiping lip, in which the wiping lip also provides the dual function of guiding and wiping the distal application portion, or wipers comprising a rigid conical guide part intended to guide the application member 10 and assembled with a deformable portion of the foam wafer type, providing the wiping function of the application member 10.

[0121] As illustrated in detail in Figures 2 to 6, the application member 10 extends along a general extension axis Z2-Z2', shown in a position assumed to be vertical and merged with the axis Z-Z' in [Fig.l].

[0122] The application member 10 comprises a tip or fixing part 11 suitable for being inserted into the rod 8 of the applicator 6 and an applicator tip 20 projecting from one end of the fixing tip 11 opposite the end secured to the rod 8.

[0123] As illustrated, the fixing end piece 11 is, here, of general shape of revolution around the extension axis Z2-Z2'. As illustrated, the fixing end piece 11 has a general cylindrical shape. Alternatively, another shape could be provided for the fixing end piece 11, for example, a section other than circular.

[0124] The fixing end piece 11 has a thickness el visible in [Fig.3] in side view, and a width L1 visible in [Fig.4] in front view.

[0125] Due to the general cylindrical shape of the fixing end piece 11, the thickness el and the width L1 are, here, equal.

[0126] The fixing end piece 11 of the application member 10 and the rod 8 are secured to each other, for example by gluing, by tightening by force fitting, by crimping or by any other fixing means.

[0127] As illustrated, the fixing tip 11 comprises, at an end opposite the applicator tip 20, a fixing pin 12. Such a fixing pin 12 makes it easier to fix it to the rod 8. Alternatively, the fixing part 11 could be devoid of such a fixing pin 12.

[0128] The fixing pin 12 has a diameter smaller than the general diameter of the fixing end piece 11.

[0129] The applicator tip 20 comprises a connecting part or base 21 attached to one end of the fixing tip 11, opposite the end secured to the rod 8 and an applicator part 22 extending from the connecting base 21 towards an end opposite the fixing tip 11.

[0130] In a first plane PI comprising the transverse axis Y and the vertical axis Z, the connecting base 21 extends along the extension axis Z2-Z2'.

[0131] In a second plane P2, perpendicular to the first plane PI and comprising the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z, the connecting base 21 extends along a first inclined axis Bl-Bl' forming a first angle al with the extension axis Z2-Z2'. The first angle al is for example between 1° and 15°.

[0132] The connecting base 21 is, here, of generally conical shape whose thickness e2 increases progressively from the end of the connecting base 21 extending from the fixing end piece 11 towards the applicator part 22. As a variant, another shape could be provided for the base 21.

[0133] The base 21 has, here, a width L2 which increases continuously and pro progressive from the end of the connecting base 21 extending from the fixing tip 11 towards the applicator part 22.

[0134] In the second plane P2, the applicator part 22 extends along a second inclined axis B2-B2' forming a second angle a2 with the extension axis Z2-Z2'. The second angle is for example between 20° and 40°.

[0135] The applicator part 22 is delimited axially by a front application surface 23 and a rear surface 24, and transversely by two opposite sides 22a, 22b.

[0136] As illustrated, the sides 22a, 22b have a rounded fillet 28.

[0137] Thus, in the second plane P2, in side view, the front application surface 23 extends along a third plane P3 comprising the second inclined axis B2-B2' and the vertical axis Z.

[0138] The applicator part 22 comprises, in its center, a cavity 25 extending axially along the longitudinal axis X, perpendicular to the transverse axis Y.

[0139] The applicator part 22 comprises a proximal part 26 extending along the second inclined axis B2-B2' from the connecting base 21 on the side opposite the fixing tip 11 and a distal end part 27 extending along the second inclined axis B2-B2' from the proximal part 26.

[0140] The distal end portion 27 forms the free end of the application member 20.

[0141] In the first plane PI, the applicator part 22 extends along the extension axis Z2-Z2'. In the first plane PI, the applicator part 22 has a general elliptical or ogive shape, the width L3 of which increases progressively up to the junction between the proximal part 26 and the distal end part 27 to decrease progressively up to the apex 27a of said distal end part 27.

[0142] In the second plane P2, the proximal part 26 has a variable thickness e3 which decreases non-continuously from the fixing tip 11 to the distal end part 27.

[0143] In other words, the applicator part 22 tapers, in a non-continuous manner, up to the distal end part 27.

[0144] In this second plane P2, the distal end portion 27 has a thickness e4 which is substantially constant from the proximal portion 26 to the apex 27a.

[0145] By “substantially constant thickness” is meant that the distal end portion 27 has a constant thickness over at least 60% of its height H3. Indeed, as visible in Figures 3 and 5, the apex 27a of the distal end portion 27 has a reduced thickness compared to the thickness e4 of the general body of said portion 27.

[0146] Alternatively, it could be provided that the thickness e4 of the distal end portion 27 is constant over its entire height H3.

[0147] Generally, the distal end portion 27 has a constant thickness over at least the area of ​​said portion 27 containing the cavity 25.

[0148] The distal portion designates a position closer to the free end of the application member 20 than to the connecting base 21. The distal direction is opposite to the proximal direction.

[0149] The application member 10 is symmetrical with respect to the extension axis Z2-Z2' in the first plane PL

[0150] In other words, the application member 10 is symmetrical with respect to the second plane P2 passing through the extension axis Z2-Z2'.

[0151] The applicator tip 20 has a first height H1 greater than or equal to half the total height H of the application member 10.

[0152] The applicator part 22 has a second height H2 greater than or equal to half of the first height H1 of the applicator tip 20.

[0153] The distal end portion 27 has a third height H3 greater than or equal to one third of the second height H2 of the applicator portion 22.

[0154] The first height H1 of the applicator tip 20 is equal to at least twice, or even three times, the maximum width L3 of said applicator tip 20.

[0155] As seen in Figures 3 and 5, the proximal portion 26 and the distal end portion 27 are connected by a junction line A comprising a transverse articulation axis Y1 around which the distal end portion 27 pivots relative to the proximal portion 26 according to an angular range a3 between -15° and +15° relative to the second inclined axis B2-B2'.

[0156] In other words, the distal end portion 27 is flexible relative to the proximal portion 26, which is therefore rigid relative to the distal end portion 27.

[0157] By “rigid” we mean any organ which does not deform under the action of an external stress.

[0158] The distal end portion 27 is elastically deformable, that is to say it can pivot around the articulation axis Y1 under the action of a stress exerted by the user during application to an application surface, for example the skin of the face or the lips of a user, and configured to return to its initial position after stopping the stress.

[0159] Thus, the distal end portion 27 can easily be applied in the vicinity of a narrow or sensitive area of ​​the face, for example in the vicinity of the eyes, lips or nose, for example for the application of foundation or concealer.

[0160] A compromise is thus obtained between precision of application, provided by the rigidity of the proximal part 26 and comfort of application provided by the flexibility of the distal end part 27.

[0161] Indeed, such a distal end portion 27 makes it possible to make a back and forth movement around on either side of the transverse articulation axis Y1 and thus to tap with said end portion 27 on the user's face.

[0162] The cavity 25 is, here, passing through or opening onto the front application surface 23 and onto the rear surface 24. Alternatively, it could be provided that the cavity 25 only opens onto the front application surface 23.

[0163] The cavity 25 has, in the first plane PI YZ, a drop shape whose height H4 is greater than or equal to twice its width L4.

[0164] The height H4 of the cavity 25 opening onto the front application surface 23 is less than the height H5, visible in [Fig.6], of said cavity 25 opening onto the rear surface 24.

[0165] The cavity 25 makes it possible to constitute a reserve of product within the application member 10.

[0166] The width L4 of the cavity 25 is greater than or equal to half, or even two-thirds, of the maximum width L3 of the application tip 20.

[0167] The height H4 of the cavity 25 opening onto the front application surface 23 is between 40% and 80% of the height H2 of the applicator part 22.

[0168] The height H5 of the cavity 25 opening onto the rear surface 24 is between 50% and 90% of the height H2 of the applicator part 22.

[0169] As illustrated, the end of the cavity 25 near the apex 27a here has a concave rounded shape, while the end of the cavity 25 near the connecting base 21 here has a pointed triangular shape.

[0170] The height H6 of the apex 27a of the distal end portion 27 is between 10% and 30%, for example equal to 20%, of the height H2 of the applicator portion 22.

[0171] The applicator tip 20 is preferably covered with flocking (not shown in the figures). Alternatively, it could be provided that the applicator tip 20 is free of flocking.

[0172] Flocking consists of covering a surface, for example by projection or electrostatic deposition. To do this, the surface to be flocked is coated with glue and then the coating material, for example a set of fibers, is projected towards said surface or transferred onto said surface by applying an electrostatic field. The glue retains the fibers and, after drying, ensures that they remain on the flocked surface.

[0173] Alternatively, another surface covering could be provided, for example a non-woven, a woven, a foam and reliefs.

[0174] The flocking makes it possible to provide softness, as well as to form a product reservoir, which increases the autonomy of the application member 10.

[0175] Generally, it would be possible to provide a surface coating only and at least partially on the front application surface 23, in particular in the area of ​​the proximal part 26.

[0176] The distal end portion 27 might not be coated with flocking or re- any surface clothing, so as not to impair its flexibility.

[0177] Furthermore, the walls of the cavity 25, at the distal end portion 27 are preferably not coated with flocking or any surface coating.

[0178] The application member 10 is, here, produced in one piece, for example by injection molding of a plastic material, such as for example elastomer, making it possible to obtain a flexible distal end portion 27, 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.

[0179] The application member 10 is made, at least partially, from a material of rigidity lower than the rigidity of the material of the rod 8.

[0180] It could be provided that the distal end portion 27 of the application member 10 is made, at least partially, from a material of lower rigidity than the rigidity of the material of the proximal portion 26.

[0181] Thus, the distal end portion 27 is flexible relative to the proximal portion 26. The flexibility of the distal end portion 27 makes it possible to improve the comfort of application of the product to the area to be made up.

[0182] However, the applicator tip 20 is not flexible relative to the fixing tip 11.

[0183] The applicator tip 20 according to the invention makes it possible, by its shape, to combine comfort and precision in the application of a makeup product to a user's face.

[0184] In addition, thanks to the packaging and application assembly according to the invention, the applicator tip 20 is directly immersed in the container containing the product to be applied. Thus, the loading of product onto the applicator tip 20, and in particular onto the applicator part 22, is automatic and does not require any additional action.

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 tip (20) comprising: - a connecting base (21);and - an applicator part (22) extending from the connecting base (21) along the extension axis (Z2-Z2') in a first plane (PI) comprising a vertical axis (Z) and a transverse axis (Y) and extending along an inclined axis (B2-B2') forming an angle (a2) with the extension axis (Z2-Z2') in a second plane (P2), perpendicular to the first plane (PI) and comprising the vertical axis (Z) and a longitudinal axis (X), characterized in that the applicator part (22) comprises a proximal part (26) extending along the second inclined axis (B2-B2') from the connecting base (21) and a distal end part (27) connected to the proximal part (26) in a pivoting manner by a junction line (A) comprising a transverse articulation axis (Yl) around which the distal end portion (27) is configured to pivot within an angular range (a3) ​​of between -15° and +15° relative to the inclined axis (B2-B2').;

2. Application member (10) according to claim 1, in which the applicator part (22) of the applicator tip (20) is delimited axially by a front application surface (23) and a rear surface (24), and transversely by two opposite sides (22a, 22b).

3. Application member (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the applicator tip (20) has, along the vertical axis (Z), a first height (H1), and, along the transverse axis (Y), a maximum width (L3) and in which the applicator part (22) has a second height (H2) greater than or equal to half the first height (H1) of the applicator tip (20), the first height (H1) of the applicator tip (20) being equal to at least twice the maximum width (L3) of said applicator tip (20).

4. Application member (10) according to claim 3, in which the distal end portion (27) has a third height (H3) greater than or equal to one third of the second height (H2) of the applicator portion (22).

5. Application member (10) according to claim 2 in combination with any one of the preceding claims, in which the applicator part (22) comprises a cavity (25) extending axially along the longitudinal axis (X), and opening at least onto the front application surface (23).

6. Application member (10) according to claim 5, in which the cavity (25) is through and opens onto both the front application surface (23) and the rear surface (24) of the applicator part (22).

7. Application member (10) according to claim 5 or 6, in which the cavity (25) has, in the first plane (PI), a drop shape having a first height (H4) opening onto the front application surface (23) of the applicator part (22) greater than or equal to twice its width (L4).

8. Application member (10) according to claim 6 and 7, in which the cavity (25) has a second height (H5) opening onto the rear surface (24) of the applicator part (22), said second height (H5) being greater than or equal to the first height (H4) of the cavity (25).

9. Application member (10) according to claim 3 taken in combination with claim 7 or 8, in which the width (L4) of the cavity (25) is greater than or equal to half the maximum width (L3) of the application tip (20).

10. Application member (10) according to claim 3 taken in combination with any one of claims 5 to 10, in which the first height (H4) of the cavity (25) is between 40% and 80% of the second height (H2) of the applicator part (22).

11. Application member (10) according to claims 3 and 8 taken in combination with any one of claims 5 to 11, in which the second height (H5) of the cavity (25) is between 50% and 90% of the second height (H2) of the applicator part (22).

12. Application member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, in the first plane (PI), the connecting base (21) extends along the extension axis (Z2-Z2') and in the second plane (P2), the connecting base (21) extends along a first inclined axis (Bl-BT) forming a first angle (al) with the extension axis (Z2-Z2').

13. Application member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting base (21) is of general shape conical and has, along the longitudinal axis (X), a thickness (e2) which increases progressively from the end of the connecting base (21) towards the applicator part (22).

14. Application member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting base (21) has, along the transverse axis (Y), a width (L2) which increases continuously and progressively from the end of the connecting base (21) towards the applicator part (22).

15. Application member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, in the first plane (PI), the applicator part (22) has a generally elliptical shape and comprises, along the transverse axis (Y), a width (L3) which increases progressively up to the junction between the proximal part (26) and the distal end part (27) to decrease progressively up to the apex (27a) of said distal end part (27).

16. Application member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which in the second plane (P2), the proximal part (26) has, along the longitudinal axis (X), a variable thickness (e3) which decreases non-continuously to the distal end part (27).

17. Application member (10) according to claim 5 taken in combination with any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the second plane (P2), the distal end portion (27) has, along the longitudinal axis (X), a thickness (e4) substantially constant over at least one zone of said distal end portion (27) containing the cavity (25).

18. An applicator member (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator member (10) is symmetrical about the extension axis (Z2-Z2') in the first plane (PI).

19. Application member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least a portion of the applicator tip (20) is covered with a surface coating, in particular flocking.

20. An applicator member (10) according to claims 17 and 19, wherein at least the area of ​​said distal end portion (27) containing the cavity (25) is free of surface coating.

21. Application member according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fixing end piece (11) from which the applicator end piece (20) extends, the connecting base (21) being attached to a end of the fixing tip (11).

22. Applicator (6) for a product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising an application member (10) according to claim 21 and a gripping member (7) connected directly or indirectly, in particular by means of a rod (8) to the fixing end piece (11).

23. 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 22 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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