Applicator for cosmetic products, including mascara, and associated applicator set

Abstract

The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator (1) comprising: - a sleeve (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), - a core (5) extending along a principal axis (Y) from a first proximal end (5a) to a second, opposite, free distal end (5b), the principal axis (Y) being entirely contained in a plane and comprising a single concave curve towards a first side (11a), and - a plurality of protrusions (7a, 7b) projecting from the core (5) to a free end defining an envelope surface, the envelope surface having a continuous oblong cross-section along the principal axis (Y) along the entire length of the core (5) and a decreasing surface area from the proximal end (5a) to the distal end (5b). Figure for the abstract: 3

Description

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

[0001] The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular mascara, and an associated applicator assembly. Technical background

[0002] Mascara applicators can be obtained from fibrous elements held between the longitudinal parts of a twisted metal pin called a core. These applicators are then commonly called "twisted brushes". The ends of the fibrous elements usually form envelopes along a longitudinal extension axis of the brush. While it is easy to give a curved shape to the core of these twisted brushes, they have, on the other hand, by their method of manufacture, a cylindrical shaped envelope which offers few possibilities in terms of makeup effects.

[0003] Mascara applicators can also be obtained by injection molding of plastic material. Conventionally, these applicators comprise a core and a plurality of protuberances extending from a proximal end connected to the core towards a free distal end. These applicators are then commonly called “plastic brushes”. The plastic brushes can have original shapes in order to provide particular makeup effects.

[0004] However, there is still a need to improve mascara applicators, in particular to obtain applicators ensuring a sufficient load of cosmetic product and good restitution of the latter, while maintaining flexibility and ease of application of the cosmetic product. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product comprising:

[0006] - a sleeve comprising a distal portion extending along a longitudinal axis,

[0007] - a core extending along a main axis from a first proximal end towards and a second opposite and free distal end, the main axis being entirely contained in a plane and comprising a single concave curvature towards a first side, and

[0008] - a plurality of protrusions extending projecting from the core towards a free end defining an envelope surface,

[0009] the envelope surface having a cross-section along the main axis of continuous oblong shape over the entire length of the core and of decreasing surface area of the proximal end to the distal end.

[0010] The oblong shape creates an applicator comprising several sides, one of the sides of which comprises the concave curve.

[0011] Thus, the combination of the curvature on one side only and the oblong shape of the cross-section of the envelope surface makes it possible to improve the accessibility of the applicator to the area to be made up. The user can bring the applicator as close as possible to this area without being hindered. The application of the cosmetic product is thus facilitated.

[0012] Advantageously, the protrusions arranged on the first side and on a second opposite side have an average height greater than the protrusions located on third and fourth sides opposite each other and adjacent to the first and second sides.

[0013] The short protrusions located on either side of the applicator and on either side of the curve make it possible to limit the load of cosmetic product compared to an applicator without protrusions on these two sides. In addition, a reduced height of the protrusions on either side of the curve also makes it possible to limit the risks of being hindered during the application of the cosmetic product and to approach the applicator as closely as possible, facilitating application.

[0014] Advantageously, the core comprises a first rectilinear proximal portion forming an angle relative to the sleeve, called the first rectilinear portion, and a second adjacent portion having the concave curvature, called the second curved portion.

[0015] The combination of the proximal rectilinear portion and the adjacent curved portion makes it possible to combine the flexibility and rigidity of the applicator necessary for a good makeup effect on the eyelashes to provide a good volume effect and good separation of the eyelashes.

[0016] Furthermore, the rectilinear portion has an inclination relative to the sleeve, allowing the curved portion to be moved away from the sleeve so as to make it more accessible for the application of the cosmetic product. Thus, the curved portion is located as close as possible to the area to be made up and the user can apply the cosmetic product without being hindered, in particular, for example by the sleeve.

[0017] According to different embodiments, which can be taken together or separately:

[0018] - the cosmetic product is mascara,

[0019] - the summit is on the same side,

[0020] -the applicator is made of plastic,

[0021] - at least the core and the protrusions form a monolithic part,

[0022] - at least the core and the protrusions form a part obtained without assembly,

[0023] - the oblong cross-section of the envelope surface has a large diameter in the plane in which the concave curvature is inscribed and a small diameter in a direction perpendicular to this plane,

[0024] - the core has a cross-section of decreasing surface from the end proximal to distal end,

[0025] - the core has a circular cross-section of decreasing diameter from the proximal end to the distal end,

[0026] - the main axis of the core does not cross the longitudinal axis of the sleeve,

[0027] - at least some of the protuberances have a decrease in their height along the core from the proximal end to the distal end,

[0028] - the decrease of the protuberances is rectilinear,

[0029] - the second curved portion comprises a single vertex located on a section extending between the middle of the core and the distal end,

[0030] - the summit is located at 2 / 3 of the core from the proximal end,

[0031] - the first rectilinear portion extends from the proximal end of the core towards the middle of the soul,

[0032] - the first rectilinear portion extends over a length of between 10 and 15 mm,

[0033] - the second curved portion extends over a length of between 10 and 15 mm,

[0034] - the angle between the sleeve and the first rectilinear portion is between 5 and 30°,

[0035] - the angle between the sleeve and the first rectilinear portion is between 10 and 20°,

[0036] - the angle between the sleeve and the first rectilinear portion is between 10 and 15°,

[0037] - the core further comprises a third rectilinear distal portion adjacent to the second curved portion forming an angle with respect to the sleeve, called the third rectilinear portion.

[0038] - the third rectilinear portion of the core extends over a length between 1 / 20 and 1 / 5 of the length of the soul,

[0039] - the third rectilinear portion of the core extends over a length between 1 / 20 and 1 / 10 of the length of the soul,

[0040] - the angle between the sleeve and the third rectilinear portion is between 10 and 45°,

[0041] - the angle between the sleeve and the third rectilinear portion is between 20 and 40°,

[0042] - the angle between the sleeve and the third rectilinear portion is between 25 and 35°,

[0043] - the protrusions are arranged in the form of longitudinal rows, the rows being substantially parallel to the axis of the soul,

[0044] - the protrusions are arranged in the form of longitudinal rows, the rows winding helically around the core,

[0045] - the average height of the protrusions of the longitudinal rows of the first side is substantially identical to the average height of the protrusions of the longitudinal rows of the second side,

[0046] - the average height of the protrusions of the longitudinal rows of the third side is substantially identical to the average height of the protrusions of the longitudinal rows of the fourth side,

[0047] - the average height of the protrusions of the longitudinal rows of the first side and on the second side is greater than the average height of the protrusions of the longitudinal rows on the third side and the fourth side,

[0048] - the average height of the protrusions of the longitudinal rows of the first side and on the second side is greater than the average height of the protrusions of the longitudinal rows on the third side and the fourth side,

[0049] - the number of longitudinal rows on the first and second sides is greater than the number of longitudinal rows on the third and fourth sides,

[0050] - the protrusions extend in a direction forming an angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the surface of the soul,

[0051] - the angle is less than 20°, or even less than 10°, or even less than 5°,

[0052] - the protrusions extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the soul,

[0053] - the protrusions are arranged in radial rows,

[0054] - the applicator is a part obtained by molding,

[0055] - the applicator is a part obtained by additive manufacturing.

[0056] The invention also relates to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, including:

[0057] - a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the product cosmetics, and

[0058] - an applicator of the cosmetic product as described above, adapted to be attached to the container, so that the applicator is housed inside the reservoir. Brief description of the figures

[0059] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0060] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a sectional view of an example of an applicator assembly according to the invention;

[0061] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of an applicator according to the invention;

[0062] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a side view of the applicator of [Fig.2];

[0063] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal sectional view of the applicator of [Fig.3];

[0064] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is another side view of the applicator of [Fig.2];

[0065] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of the applicator of [Fig.3]. Detailed description of the invention

[0066] Figures 1 to 6 show an example of an embodiment of an applicator 1 for a cosmetic product, in particular a cosmetic product to be applied to the eyelashes and eyebrows, such as mascara.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the applicator 1 comprises:

[0068] - a sleeve 3 extending along a longitudinal axis X,

[0069] - a core 5 extending along a main axis Y from a first proximal end 5a to a second opposite and free distal end 5b, and

[0070] - a plurality of protrusions 7a, 7b extending projecting from the core 5 towards a free end defining an envelope surface E.

[0071] By “protrusions 7a, 7b extending projecting from the core 5” is meant that the protrusions 7a, 7b comprise a base located at the level of the core 5 and which extend in the direction of the opposite free end.

[0072] The envelope surface E corresponds to the surface constructed from the free end of the teeth along the Y axis and around the core.

[0073] This is in particular a plastic applicator 1 obtained, for example, by molding, such as injection molding, or even by additive synthesis.

[0074] Advantageously, at least the core 5 and the protrusions 7a, 7b form a single piece, that is to say a single monolithic piece. In other words, the core 5 and the protrusions 7a, 7b are obtained without assembly.

[0075] Assembly is understood here as the act of putting together, bringing together at least two isolated elements, but does not exclude the possibility of several stages.

[0076] The core 5 is shown here as solid. However, it may be hollow without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0077] The proximal end 5a is extended by the sleeve 3 without protuberances. The sleeve 3 is intended to cooperate with a rod 9.

[0078] The distal end 5b here has a rounded surface devoid of protuberances.

[0079] Alternatively, the distal end 5b may have protrusions 7a, 7b.

[0080] According to the invention, the main axis Y is entirely contained in a plane and comprising a single concave curvature towards a first side 11a.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the invention, the envelope surface E has a cross-section along the main axis Y of continuous oblong shape over the entire length of the core 5 and of decreasing surface from the proximal end 5a towards the distal end 5b.

[0082] The oblong shape creates an applicator 1 comprising several sides 11a, 11b, 11e, 11d of which one of the sides 11a comprises the concave curvature.

[0083] Thus, the combination of the curvature on one side only and the oblong shape of the cross-section of the envelope surface E makes it possible to improve the accessibility of the applicator 1 to the area to be made up. The user can bring the applicator 1 as close as possible to this area without being hindered. The application of the cosmetic product is thus facilitated.

[0084] Advantageously, the core 5 comprises a first rectilinear proximal portion forming an angle α relative to the sleeve 3, called the first rectilinear portion 13a, and a second adjacent portion having the concave curvature, called the second curved portion 13b.

[0085] The combination of the proximal rectilinear portion 13a and the adjacent curved portion 13b makes it possible to combine the flexibility and rigidity of the applicator necessary for a good makeup effect on the eyelashes to provide a good volume effect and good separation of the eyelashes.

[0086] Furthermore, the rectilinear portion 13a has an inclination relative to the sleeve 3, making it possible to move the curved portion 13b away from the sleeve 3 so as to make it more accessible for the application of the cosmetic product. Thus, the curved portion 13b is located as close as possible to the area to be made up and the user can apply the cosmetic product without being hindered, in particular, for example by the sleeve 3.

[0087] Advantageously, the protuberances, called long protuberances 7a, arranged on the first side 11a and on a second opposite side 11b, have an average height greater than the protuberances, called short protuberances 7b, located on third and fourth sides 11c, 11d opposite each other and adjacent to the first and second sides 11a, 11b.

[0088] Average height means that along the main axis Y, in a plane transverse to the main axis Y, the protrusions 7a of the first and second sides 11a, 11b have heights greater than the protrusions 7b of the third and fourth sides 11c, 11d.

[0089] The oblong shape provided among other things by the difference in height of the protrusions 7a, 7b creates an applicator 1 comprising several sides 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d of which one side (first side 11a) comprises the curvature of the curved portion 13b.

[0090] The short protuberances 7b located on either side of the applicator 1 and on either side of the concave curvature make it possible to limit the load of cosmetic product compared to an applicator without protuberances on these two third and fourth sides 1 le, 1 Id. In addition, a reduced height of the protuberances 7b on either side of the concave curvature also makes it possible to limit the risks of being hindered during the application of the cosmetic product and to approach the applicator 1 as closely as possible, facilitating the application.

[0091] Thus, the oblong cross-section of the envelope surface E has a large diameter in the plane in which the concave curvature is inscribed and a small diameter in a direction perpendicular to this plane.

[0092] Thus, the envelope surface E has a generally truncated cone shape, the small cross-section of the truncated cone formed being located at the distal end 5b of the core 5 and the large cross-section of the truncated cone formed being located at the proximal end 5a of the core 5, close to the sleeve 3.

[0093] Advantageously, the main axis Y of the core 5 does not cross the longitudinal axis X of the sleeve 3. In other words, the majority of the core 5 is located at a distance from the longitudinal axis X.

[0094] Preferably, the first rectilinear portion 13a extends from the proximal end 5a of the core 5 towards the middle of the core 5, for example over a length of between 10 and 15 mm as illustrated here.

[0095] Advantageously, the angle α between the sleeve 3 and the first rectilinear portion 13a is between 5 and 30°, preferably between 10 and 20°, and even more preferably between 10 and 15°, as illustrated here.

[0096] As illustrated in this embodiment, advantageously, the second curved portion 13b extends over a length of between 10 and 15 mm. Thus, the second curved portion 13b comprises a single vertex 15 or inflection point located on a section extending between the middle of the core 5 and the distal end 5b. Preferably, the vertex 15 is located at 2 / 3 of the core 5 from the proximal end 5a. In this way, the vertex 15 of the second curved portion 13b makes it possible to improve the accessibility of the protuberances 7a which are highlighted and to which nothing prevents access. The user can thus bring the applicator 1 as close as possible to the area to be made up without being hindered.

[0097] Advantageously and as illustrated in this embodiment, the core 5 further comprises a third rectilinear distal portion adjacent to the second curved portion 13b, called third rectilinear portion 13c.

[0098] Preferably, the third rectilinear portion 13c of the core 5 extends over a length of between 1 / 20 and 1 / 5 of the length of the core 5, and more preferably between 1 / 20 and 1 / 10 of the length of the core 5.

[0099] Like the first rectilinear portion 13a, the third rectilinear portion 13c can form an angle [3 with respect to the sleeve 3, as is the case in the embodiment illustrated here. Preferably, the angle [3 between the sleeve 3 and the third rectilinear portion 13c is between 10 and 45°, or even between 20 and 40° and more preferably between 25 and 35°.

[0100] This makes it possible to improve the availability of the distal end 5b of the applicator 1, in particular by moving it away from the second curved portion 13b.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the core 5 has a cross-section of decreasing surface from the proximal end 5a towards the distal end 5b. In particular, here the cross-section is circular with decreasing diameter from the proximal end 5a towards the distal end 5b. This produces an applicator 1 whose envelope surface E is frustoconical, thus creating a thin distal end 5b, for example for the precision application of the cosmetic product.

[0102] In this embodiment, the protrusions 7a, 7b extend in a direction forming an angle relative to a direction perpendicular to the surface of the core 5. Preferably, the angle is less than 20°, or even less than 10°, more preferably less than 5°.

[0103] In other words, the protrusions 7a, 7b are inclined relative to the surface of the core 5, so that it forms a sort of helix around the latter. The particular orientation of the protrusions 7a, 7b improves and facilitates the application of the cosmetic product and its restitution on the surface to be made up.

[0104] In another embodiment not illustrated, the protrusions 7a, 7b extend for example in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the core 5, that is to say radially to the core 5. In other words, the protrusions 7a, 7b project in a direction substantially normal to the main axis Y, called the radial direction.

[0105] The protrusions 7a, 7b are arranged in the form of longitudinal rows 17 extending along the main axis Y, that is to say substantially parallel to the main axis Y.

[0106] Here, the applicator 1 comprises ten longitudinal rows 17 of protuberances 7a, 7b.

[0107] The longitudinal rows 17 of protrusions 7a, 7b are distributed in such a way uniform around the core 5. In other words, the protrusions 7a, 7b of each longitudinal row 17 are arranged at equal angular distance from the protrusions 7a, 7b of the longitudinal rows 17 which are adjacent to them.

[0108] In addition, the protrusions 7a, 7b of two adjacent longitudinal rows 17 are offset from each other along the main axis Y.

[0109] In this way, the protrusions 7a, 7b but also storage zones between the protrusions 7a, 7b of cosmetic product are uniformly distributed over the entire periphery of the core 5.

[0110] In another embodiment not illustrated, the protrusions 7a, 7b may be arranged in the form of longitudinal rows 17 winding helically around the core 5.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the average height of the protrusions 7a of the longitudinal rows 17 of the first side 11a is substantially identical to the average height of the protrusions 7a of the longitudinal rows 17 of the second side 11b.

[0112] Similarly, the average height of the protrusions 7b of the longitudinal rows 17 of the third side 11c is substantially identical to the average height of the protrusions 7b of the longitudinal rows 17 of the fourth side 11d.

[0113] Furthermore, the average height of the protrusions 7a of the longitudinal rows 17 of the first side 11a and of the second side 11b is greater than the average height of the protrusions 7b of the longitudinal rows 17 of the third side 11c and of the fourth side 11d.

[0114] We thus obtain an applicator 1 with four sides 11a, 11b, 11e, 11d: first and second sides 11a, 11b with long protrusions 7a and third and fourth sides 11e, 11d with short protrusions 7b. The first side 11a comprises the concave curvature and the second side 11b comprises the apex 15 of the second curved portion 13b.

[0115] In the embodiment illustrated here, in particular in [Fig. 6], the number of longitudinal rows 17 on the first and second sides 11a, 11b is greater than the number of longitudinal rows 17 on the third and fourth sides 11c, 11d. Thus, the applicator 1 comprises three first rows and three second rows with long protrusions 7a and two third rows and two fourth rows with short protrusions 7b.

[0116] In this embodiment, the protrusions 7a, 7b are also arranged in radial rows 19. The protrusions 7a, 7b of two consecutive radial rows 19 have an angular offset. In this way, the protrusions 7a, 7b but also the cosmetic product storage areas are uniformly distributed around the entire circumference of the core 5.

[0117] Advantageously, and as illustrated here, the protrusions 7a, 7b have a decrease in their height along the core 5 from the proximal end 5a towards the distal end 5b. In particular, the decrease in the protrusions 7a, 7b is rectilinear. The distal end 5b of the core 5 is thus narrower than the proximal end 5a, to allow, for example, a more precise and careful application of the cosmetic product, in particular in places that are difficult to access such as the corner of the eye.

[0118] The protrusions 7a, 7b are for example generally frustoconical. The term “generally frustoconical” means that the section of the protrusions 7a, 7b increases or decreases progressively from the base towards the free end of the protrusions 7a, 7b. Preferably, the base of the protrusions 7a, 7b has a larger section than the free end of the protrusions 7a, 7b.

[0119] The protrusions 7a, 7b each further have a half-shaped section. moon forming a flat surface, and are positioned so that the flat surfaces of the protrusions 7a, 7b are oriented in the same rotational direction.

[0120] It should also be noted that the applicator 1 advantageously forms a brush.

[0121] The invention also relates to an applicator assembly 21 for a cosmetic product, comprising the container 23 comprising a body 25 forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product (not shown), and an applicator 1, as described previously, adapted to be fixed on the container 23, so that the applicator 1 is housed inside the container 23, that is to say the reservoir. The applicator 1 is fixed, for example, to a proximal end of the rod 7, itself fixed to a cap 27 advantageously screwed to the container 21.

[0122] Advantageously, the container comprises a wringer 29 fixed inside the container 23, in particular in the neck 31 or the opening orifice of the container 23.

[0123] Advantageously, the internal diameter of the wiper 29 is substantially identical to the maximum diameter of the envelope surface E of the applicator 1.

[0124] Thus the passage of the applicator 1 through the wiper 29 makes it possible to remove the excess cosmetic product but also to homogenize the distribution of the cosmetic product along the core 5.

Claims

Claims

1. Applicator (1) for a cosmetic product comprising: - a sleeve (3) extending along a longitudinal axis (X),, - a core (5) extending along a main axis (Y) from a first proximal end (5a) towards a second distal end (5b) opposite and free, the main axis (Y) being entirely contained in a plane and comprising a single concave curvature towards a first side (11a), and - a plurality of protuberances (7a, 7b) extending in projection from the core (5) towards a free end defining an envelope surface (E), Characterized in that the envelope surface (E) having a cross section along the main axis (Y) of oblong shape continuous over the entire length of the core (5) and of decreasing surface from the proximal end (5a) towards the distal end (5b).

2. Applicator (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the protrusions (7a) arranged on the first side (11a) and / or on a second opposite side (11b), have an average height greater than the protrusions (7b) located on third and / or fourth sides (11c, 11d) opposite each other and adjacent to the first and second sides (11a, 11b).

3. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the core (5) comprises a first rectilinear proximal portion forming an angle (a) relative to the sleeve (3), called the first rectilinear portion (13a) and a second adjacent portion having the concave curvature, called the second curved portion (13b).

4. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (5) has a cross-section of decreasing surface from the proximal end (5a) towards the distal end (5b).

5. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main axis (Y) of the core (5) does not cross the longitudinal axis (X) of the sleeve (3).

6. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least a portion of the protrusions (7a, 7b) have a decrease in their height along the core (5) from the proximal end (5a) towards the distal end (5b).

7. Applicator (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the decrease of the protuberances (7a, 7b) is rectilinear.

8. Applicator (1) according to any one of the claims taken in combination with claim 3, in which the second curved portion (13b) comprises a single vertex (15) located on a section extending between the middle of the core (5) and the distal end (5b).

9. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims taken in combination with claim 3, wherein the first rectilinear portion (13a) extends from the proximal end (5a) of the core (5) towards the middle of the core (5).

10. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims taken in combination with claim 3, wherein the angle (a) between the sleeve (3) and the first rectilinear portion (13a) is between 5 and 30°.

11. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims taken in combination with claim 3, wherein the core (5) further comprises a third rectilinear distal portion adjacent to the second curved portion (13b) and forming an angle (|3) relative to the sleeve (3), called third rectilinear portion (13c).

12. An applicator (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the protrusions (7a, 7b) are arranged in the form of longitudinal rows (17), the rows being substantially parallel to the main axis (Y),

13. Applicator (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the average height of the protrusions (7a) of the longitudinal rows (17) of the first side (11a) and of the second side (11b) is greater than the average height of the protrusions (7b) of the longitudinal rows (17) of the third side (11c) and of the fourth side (11d).

14. An applicator (1) according to any one of claims 12 or 14, wherein the number of longitudinal rows (17) on the first and second sides (11a, 11b) is greater than the number of longitudinal rows (17) on the third and fourth sides (11c, 11d).

15. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the protrusions (7a, 7b) extend in a direction forming an angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the surface of the core (5).

16. Applicator assembly (21) for cosmetic product, comprising: - a container (23) comprising a body (25) forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and - an applicator (1) of the cosmetic product according to one of the claims- indications 1 to 15 adapted to be fixed on the container (23), so that the applicator (1) is housed inside the reservoir.

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