Applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows

Abstract

Applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows Applicator comprising an application member (8) comprising a plurality of arches (40) extending in the longitudinal direction and each formed of internal (41) and external (42) branches connected to each other at their distal end, the internal branches connecting at their proximal end to a junction part, the internal branch (41) of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis (X) over at least part of its length, the branches of each arch (40) having over at least part of their length a cross-section having a contour of symmetrical shape relative to a median plane for the section, this contour being formed, on each side of this median plane, by the union of two substantially rectilinear segments (46, 47; 44, 43) starting from respective opposite vertices, converging towards each other, and a rounded portion (48; 45) joining said segments.Figure for abstract: Fig. 4.

Description

Title of the invention: Applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to applicators for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, in particular a mascara composition, and to packaging and application devices comprising such applicators.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to applicators made at least partially from plastic, in particular by injection molding. Prior art

[0003] Applicators used for applying makeup to eyelashes or eyebrows usually comprise an application member mounted at the end of a rod, the latter being connected at the other end to a gripping member, which also serves as a closing cap for the container containing the product.

[0004] The application member is conventionally loaded with product by being immersed in the container, which is provided with a wiper which comprises a lip for wiping the rod when it is extracted from the container and which generally defines an orifice of substantially circular section whose diameter is adapted to that of the rod.

[0005] The behavior of the application member when passing through the wiper depends on numerous factors such as the shape and nature of the lip of the wiper as well as its dimensions, the geometry of the application member and the choice of the material(s) which constitute it.

[0006] Too vigorous wringing of the application member is likely to cause it to be difficult to extract from the container, and makes the application member very weakly charged, which requires the user to frequently re-immerse the applicator in the container and may hinder the achievement of certain makeup effects.

[0007] Conversely, insufficient wringing leaves an excess of product on the application member which is difficult to distribute over the eyelashes and which can lead to the presence of clumps of product on the eyelashes, which are thus poorly separated.

[0008] Furthermore, the application member generally carries application elements consisting of spikes, the arrangement of which influences the behavior of the applicator when it is extracted from the container and the resulting load.

[0009] Very flexible spikes will easily deform when passing through the wringer, thus facilitating their extraction, but their flexibility makes it more difficult for them to properly comb the eyelashes during application and to smooth the product to their surface. In addition, the wringer will tend to leave less product on the application organ.

[0010] Conversely, more rigid spikes will tend to deform less when passing through the application member, leading to a greater loading of the application member with product and a better ability to comb and separate the eyelashes. However, they can make it more difficult to pass through the wiper and lead to a loss of sensoriality during application.

[0011] The design of the applicator thus most often results from a compromise which must be found between various requirements, sometimes contradictory, concerning the quantity of product which is left on the application member for makeup, the desired behavior when extracting the application member and the capacity for separating the eyelashes.

[0012] Conventionally, the spikes are carried by a central core of the application member. However, application members have been developed in which the spikes are carried by flexible branches.

[0013] Applications US2019 / 0014895 and FR2969470 thus disclose application members comprising a central core and flexible blades carrying the spikes, connecting at their ends to the core. The presence of the core prevents the blades from deforming towards the longitudinal axis of the application member, and limits the volume of composition available on the application member after extraction from the container.

[0014] Application members of generally elongated shape have been proposed, comprising a plurality of longitudinal branches which extend around a hollowed-out central zone. These application members generally offer an improved product retention capacity thanks to the presence of the free central zone.

[0015] Application CN218571651 discloses an application member of this type, in which the branches are connected at their proximal end to a base adjoining a mounting tip on the rod of the applicator. The branches have a free distal end, carrying an axially directed spike. The radially outer face of each branch carries a succession of spikes. The branches must retain a certain rigidity, which can limit the choice of usable materials and the sensoriality of the application. It is proposed in this application to increase the rigidity in the radial direction by connecting branches with bridges of material in the form of arcs centered on the longitudinal axis, located near their distal end, and by giving the branches in cross section a generally trapezoidal shape, with large faces oriented radially.

[0016] Application FR3129574 discloses an application member comprising a plurality of arches connected at their proximal end to a base adjoining a fixing tip on the rod of the applicator. Each arch comprises an external branch and an internal branch, joined by their ends. The external branch carries a succession of spikes. The internal branches extend at a certain distance from the longitudinal axis of the application member, providing a free central zone within it, capable of accumulating product. Central reinforcements located substantially halfway along the length of the arches connect the internal branches and contribute to stiffening the assembly. The branches are in the form of blades of rectangular cross-section, flattened in a direction perpendicular to the radius, and of constant thickness. In exemplary embodiments, the internal branches are generally convex towards the longitudinal axis, and the external branches convex towards the outside, the gap between the facing faces of the branches of an arch thus being maximum substantially halfway along the length of the arch. The application member is produced using a relatively expensive additive manufacturing technique.

[0017] Existing applicators having free arches or branches arranged around a hollowed-out central area pose the problem of renewing the product contained in this area.

[0018] Indeed, the more the application member is radially constrained when passing through the wiper to tighten the branches towards the central zone, the more the axial force to be exerted when passing through the wiper and the mechanical stresses undergone by the pins are increased.

[0019] Therefore, in practice, the application member is not constrained too strongly, which tends to restrict the renewal of the product, and results in limits on the performance of the applicator.

[0020] Finally, adaptation to the rheology of the product and / or to the desired makeup result can be done with these known applicators by playing on the presence and number of material bridges connecting the branches, as in application CN218571651, or on the shape of the external branches as in application FR3129574. In the first case, the multiplication of material bridges can constitute an obstacle to the circulation of the product and its renewal; in the second, the modification of the shape of the external branches of the arches, in particular by creating inflection zones, can require also modifying the diameter of the wiper and that of the rod to take into account the variation in the maximum diameter of the application member which results from it. Statement of the invention

[0021] There is therefore a need to further improve applicators for applying a product, in particular mascara, to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, in particular to allow easy extraction of the application member from the container while having satisfactory performance in terms of application and makeup.

[0022] There is also a benefit in having an application member that promotes product renewal during a cycle of extraction and reinsertion of the applicator from the container containing the product and whose mechanical properties can be modified relatively easily during design, to adapt to the rheology of the product and the desired makeup.

[0023] There is also an interest in benefiting from an application member suitable for manufacturing by injection molding in thermoplastic material, less expensive to implement than additive manufacturing. Summary of the invention

[0024] The invention aims to meet all or part of these needs, by proposing an improved applicator, of the type comprising an application member of generally elongated shape along a longitudinal axis, comprising a plurality of arches extending in the longitudinal direction and each formed of internal and external branches connected to each other at their distal end, the internal branches connecting at their proximal end to a junction part, the internal branch of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis over at least part of its length.

[0025] Due to the presence of the arches, the application member according to the invention can have, if desired, a relatively high total surface area in contact with the composition, in particular which is greater than or equal to 500 mm2, better still 700 mm2, even better still 900 mm2, or even 1000 mm2.

[0026] Application member with arch(s) with internal and external branches with reduced radial clearance

[0027] According to a first aspect of the invention, the applicator intended for the application of a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprises an application member of generally elongated shape along a longitudinal axis, comprising a plurality of arches extending in the longitudinal direction and each formed of internal and external branches connected to each other at their distal end, the internal branches connecting at their proximal end to a junction part, the internal branch of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis over at least part of its length, the gap between the internal branch and the external branch of at least one of the arches, and better of each arch, measured at mid-length of the internal branch, being less than or equal to 1 / 15 of the length of the internal branch.

[0028] Such an applicator offers the advantage of promoting the renewal of the composition at each insertion / extraction cycle of the container containing it, because the proximity of the internal and external branches of each arch concerned facilitates the emptying of the composition contained between them when passing through the wiper. It is thus possible according to this aspect of the invention to improve the renewal of the product without having to excessively constrain the application member when passing through the wiper.

[0029] The distance of the internal branch from the longitudinal axis may be constant or increase from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0030] The outer branch of said at least one arch may be concave outwards when viewed from the side. It may also be convex outwards in side view. The longitudinal axis of the outer branch, concave or convex outwards in side view, may in particular have at mid-length a radius of curvature of between 20 mm and 100 mm. More specifically, when the outer branch is concave outwards in side view, its longitudinal axis may in particular have at mid-length a radius of curvature greater than 20 mm, better still greater than 25 mm and in particular close to 30 mm. When the outer branch is convex outwards in side view, its longitudinal axis may in particular have at mid-length a radius of curvature greater than 50 mm, better still greater than 75 mm and in particular close to 80 mm.The external branch may alternatively comprise a rectilinear portion, in particular oriented obliquely towards the longitudinal axis going towards the distal end of the application member, and portions bent at the ends, connecting respectively to the internal branch and to a part adjoining a mounting tip of the application member in an applicator rod.

[0031] The internal branch may have a rectilinear longitudinal axis at least over the majority of its length, better over its entire length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the application member.

[0032] Application member with branches axially offset at their proximal ends

[0033] According to a second aspect of the invention, independent of the first or able to be combined with it, the applicator intended for the application of a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows comprises an application member of generally elongated shape along a longitudinal axis, comprising a plurality of arches extending in the longitudinal direction and each formed of internal and external branches connected to each other at their distal end, the internal branches connecting at their proximal end to a junction part, the proximal ends of the internal and external branches of each arch being axially offset relative to each other by a non-zero distance, the internal branch of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis over at least part of its length.

[0034] The internal and external branches may have different behaviors when passing through the wiper depending on the amplitude of this axial offset.

[0035] Such an applicator makes it possible, by acting on the axial offset between the proximal ends of the internal and external branches of each arch concerned, to easily modify the mechanical behavior of the application member when passing through the wiper to adapt it to the desired makeup and / or the rheology of the composition.

[0036] The axial position of the junction part on which the internal branches are connected influences their length and the flexibility of the arches, which makes it possible to play on the charge in composition of the application member after passing through the wringer.

[0037] Application member achievable by injection molding

[0038] According to a third aspect of the invention, independent of the first two aspects or able to be combined with one and / or the other, the application member is produced by injection molding.

[0039] Preferably, the applicator intended for the application of a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows comprises an application member of generally elongated shape along a longitudinal axis, comprising a plurality of arches extending in the longitudinal direction and each formed of internal and external branches connected to each other at their distal end, the internal branches connecting at their proximal end to a junction part, the internal branch of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis over at least part of its length, the branches of each arch having over at least part of their length a cross-section having a contour of symmetrical shape relative to a median plane for the section, this contour being formed, on each side of this median plane, by the union of two substantially rectilinear segments starting from respective opposite vertices, converging towards each other,and a rounding joining said segments,

[0040] Such a shape of the arches facilitates the extraction of the mold used for injection molding, and thus limits the risk of damage to the application member during its extraction.

[0041] This avoids the need for an additive manufacturing technique, which is more complex and expensive to implement than injection molding, and proven thermoplastic elastomer materials, having good mechanical strength and compatibility with the compounds present in the composition, can be used to manufacture the application member.

[0042] This can also facilitate the use of recyclable plastics or those from recycled materials.

[0043] Preferably, the internal and external branches of the same arch have on the same side of said median plane and in the same section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, segments facing the longitudinal axis which are parallel to each other and segments facing outwards which are also parallel to each other. This facilitates the release of the arches from the shells used for molding.

[0044] Also preferably, for each arch and in at least one section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the external branch is wider than the internal branch, the width of the branches being measured perpendicular to the median plane for the section. This makes it possible to have a larger surface area to receive the pins, while allowing the shells to be made in the form of quarters. Arches

[0045] The arches form closed loops when the proximal ends of the internal and external branches connect to the same part of the application member or to respective parts connected otherwise than by the branches.

[0046] The arches form open loops towards the proximal end of the application member when the junction part to which the internal branches connect is connected to the rest of the application member only by the internal branches.

[0047] The arches can have both lateral flexibility, in the axis of the application member, and radial flexibility.

[0048] The arches may thus tend to open when arriving at the wringer, which may allow them to fill up more easily with composition, before undergoing radial compression when passing through the wringer.

[0049] The open end of the central cavity formed between the arches facilitates the capture of the composition.

[0050] The number of arches ranges for example from 2 to 11, preferably being 5, 7 or 9.

[0051] The arches are preferably equally distributed angularly around the long axis horizontal of the application organ.

[0052] The arches may be identical or different from each other; when the arches are different, the application member preferably maintains a homogeneous distribution of the arches of different types; for example, the arches of a first type alternate with the arches of a second type in the circumferential direction.

[0053] The arches may have the same length, or alternatively different lengths; for example, the application member has longer arches which alternate with shorter arches.

[0054] At least one, or each, arch may have its longitudinal axis entirely contained in a single plane, the longitudinal axes of the internal and external branches of the arch being contained in a single plane. Alternatively, at least one, or each, arch may extend along a non-rectilinear longitudinal axis, in particular curved in a helical manner for example, with for example a fixed or variable helix pitch, and a fixed or variable helix radius.

[0055] The arches may be entirely free or at least some of them may be connected, preferably in the central 1 / 3 of the length of the corresponding internal branches, by one or more bridges of material, for example in the form of ring portions.

[0056] Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the arches are connected by a ring, in addition to the connections between them at their proximal ends.

[0057] In other examples, the arches are connected to each other except two, by an interrupted ring.

[0058] The ring can be used to hold the core of an additional application element. reported between the arches. When the ring is interrupted, this can allow the installation of this additional application element by lateral insertion between the arches.

[0059] The presence of connections between the arches such as provided by such a ring can contribute to reducing the torsional flexibility of the application member.

[0060] It is thus possible to have different behaviors when crossing the wiper, with a greater or lesser possibility of torsion of the set of arches around the longitudinal axis of the application member during wiping depending on the presence or absence of such bridges of material and / or the location of the junction part to which the proximal ends of the internal branches are connected, if the user accompanies the axial extraction movement with a rotational movement of the applicator around its axis. In particular, this possibility of torsional deformation is less when the arches are connected to each other by one or more bridges of material, elsewhere than at their proximal ends.

[0061] Strong twisting of the arches during extraction can result in more vigorous wringing of the application member, and a reduction in the loading nature of the applicator.

[0062] The arches preferably all carry spikes, at least on the external branch; in variants, some arches do not carry any spikes. The arches without spikes alternate, for example, with the arches with spikes, in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis of the application member. This can make it possible to modify the load on the application member. The load is favored on the areas with spikes.

[0063] The outer branch of at least one arch may carry three rows of spikes, namely a central row, and lateral rows arranged on each side of the central row.

[0064] The spikes of the central row can perform an increased role in separating the eyelashes, while those of the lateral rows can have a function of loading the eyelashes by allowing the product contained between them to be deposited. The angular difference between each lateral row and the central row is preferably between 20 and 40°, being for example approximately 30°. Preferably, the spikes of the lateral rows are different from those of the central row, and have a shape adapted to loading the eyelashes, while those of the central row have a shape adapted to separating the eyelashes. The spikes of the lateral rows can thus have balls at the end, which increase the contact surface with the product, and the product carried by the application member.

[0065] The branches of an arch may have similar shapes in cross section.

[0066] The internal and / or external branches have, for example, a wider section than high.

[0067] The section of the internal and / or external branches may be substantially polygonal, with the possible presence of rounded edges. It is, for example, substantially rectangular, triangular, diamond-shaped or trapezoidal, with rounded edges.

[0068] The cross-sectional shape of the branches is preferably chosen to be suitable for the manufacture of the application member by injection molding. The cross-sectional shape of the branches is preferably as defined above, to facilitate the production of the application member by injection molding.

[0069] The inner and outer branches of an arch may or may not have cross-sections of the same extent.

[0070] The arches may have inner and outer branches whose proximal ends are axially offset, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention above.

[0071] The proximal ends of the internal and external branches may both be oriented in the connection zone to the rest of the application member along respective connection directions forming less than 45° with the longitudinal axis of the application member. The angles that these connection directions form with the longitudinal axis of the application member may be substantially the same, being for example equal to the same angle value to within 20°.

[0072] It is also possible to have connection directions which differ more widely between the internal and external branches, and for example a substantially axial connection direction for the internal branches and a direction making a larger angle for the external branches, for example making an angle greater than or equal to 40° with the longitudinal axis, or even greater than 90°, that is to say that the external branches connect by being oriented towards the distal end of the application member while the internal branches connect at their proximal end by being oriented towards the proximal end of the application member. Guard fingers

[0073] The application member may comprise, in an area between the arches and the mounting tip, a series of fingers of curved shape concave towards the base of the arches. Preferably, these fingers connect to a shouldered part of the application member which extends from the stem, the radius at the base of the fingers being substantially equal to that of the stem. The fingers may then facilitate the engagement of the application member through the lip of the wiper, by acting as ramps on which the edge of the wiper lip can slide. This may make it possible to have arches whose external branches have bends substantially at right angles and / or having a relatively high distance from the longitudinal axis on the side of the proximal end of the arches. Such arches may have convex external branches towards the corresponding internal branches, which allows to reduce the distance between the two at the top of the convexity, and thus to promote the renewal of the product. Presence of an additional application body

[0074] The applicator may comprise as a means of applying the composition only the application member comprising the arches according to the invention, the application member being manufactured monolithically in a single piece, preferably by injection molding as indicated above.

[0075] However, the presence of the free central space between the arches can be used to receive an additional application element, preferably of the type comprising a central support such as a wire or a twisted metal core, this core carrying bristles or another application means such as a block of a cellular material.

[0076] The additional application element may be a twisted core brush.

[0077] The additional application element of such a hybrid applicator may protrude or no of the application member at its distal end. It may be advantageous to have the additional application element protrude when it is of the twisted core brush type, because this allows the end of the applicator to benefit from the bristles of the brush only, and not from the spikes, and therefore to have the loading and separation properties of the eyelashes specific to fiber brushes.

[0078] In the case where the additional application element is a fiber brush which protrudes from the distal end of the application member, the cross-section of the envelope surface defined by the free ends of the bristles may decrease towards the distal end of the brush. This section may pass through a maximum which substantially coincides with the distal end of the application member, this distal end being for example located in the middle third of the envelope surface.

[0079] The envelope surface may have a variable cross-section, for example being ball-shaped or ovoid, and the largest transverse dimension of the envelope surface may be greater than that of the application member, so as to have certain bristles which protrude radially from the spikes carried by the arches of the application member.

[0080] The brush may have an envelope surface with symmetry of revolution around the longitudinal axis of the core, which may be the same as that of the application member.

[0081] The core of the additional application element can be maintained by its engagement in the joining part to which the internal branches connect.

[0082] This junction part may be separate from that to which the external branches connect or adjoining it.

[0083] When the additional application element is shorter than the application member, the core of the additional application element can be held by a part of junction of the internal branches as defined above, and / or by an intermediate ring, located between this junction part and the distal end of the internal branches.

[0084] As indicated above, the joining part can be separated from the part of the application member to which the external branches are connected.

[0085] The mounting of the additional application element in the application member can be done by axial insertion of the core into a corresponding housing of the joining part and / or of an intermediate ring connecting the internal branches, as mentioned above. Where appropriate, the mounting end piece can be hollowed out so as to allow the core to be held at least in part by it, and in particular by the part of it engaged in the rod of the applicator.

[0086] When the additional application element is held at least partially by a joining portion adjoining the mounting end piece, the joining portion and the mounting end piece may be made with a longitudinal slot configured to allow the core of the additional application element to be fixed by insertion into the application member in the radial direction. This may facilitate the mounting of the additional application element, in particular when the nature thereof would make axial insertion difficult, for example when the additional application element is a twisted core brush whose bristle-bearing portion extends over a length corresponding to more than 2 / 3 of the length of the arches, or even over substantially the entire length thereof.

[0087] In the presence of bridges of material connecting the internal branches at an intermediate axial position between their proximal and distal ends, the ring formed by these bridges of material is advantageously open laterally on the same side as the aforementioned slot, so as to allow the insertion of the core into the joining part, possibly the mounting tip, and the open ring, by the same overall radial displacement of the additional application element. This can improve the fixing of the core on the application member, the core being held both at its proximal end by the joining part, or even by the mounting tip as well, and at another distant location by the open ring.

[0088] The invention thus relates, according to a fourth of its aspects, to an applicator comprising: - an application member of generally elongated shape along a longitudinal axis, comprising a plurality of arches extending in the longitudinal direction and each formed of internal and external branches connected to each other at their distal end, the internal branches connecting at their proximal end to a junction part, the internal branch of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis over at least one part of its length, - an additional application element received between the arches, comprising a core engaged in the junction part.

[0089] The mounting of the additional application element in the application member can be done in one of the ways detailed above.

[0090] The central joining part can thus be opened laterally, as mentioned above, to allow the mounting of the additional application element on the application member by a radial movement.

[0091] When the additional application element comprises a block of a cellular material, for example an elastically deformable foam, in particular with open cells, it is advantageous to have studs engaged in the material of said block to help keep it in place in the application member.

[0092] The block may have a cylindrical shape of revolution over most of its length, with an external radius greater than or equal to that of the largest inscribed circle passing through the radially inner surfaces of the internal branches of the arches. If R biOc denotes this radius of the block, Rzc that of the free central zone between the arches, and Rbe that of the radially inner face of the external branches, we have for example Rbioc>R zc*l,l and Rbioc <Rbe • Cela peut permettre au bloc, lorsqu’élastiquement déformable, de s’étendre entre les arches en tendant à reprendre sa forme initiale une fois en place entre celles-ci.

[0093] Preferably, several arches of the application member carry in this case at least one spike at their distal end, which is directed axially and inserted into the material of said block. To facilitate this engagement, the block may comprise near its distal end an annular slot or groove which allows that in the event of insertion of the block between the arches and radial compression of the portion of the block extending axially between the groove or slot and the proximal end of the block, the annular part located between the distal end of the block and the groove or slot does not deform or deforms only slightly and substantially retains its outer radius, which allows the end spikes to engage therein, when they are located at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the application member less than said outer radius. This annular part may have a frustoconical shape, converging towards the distal end of the application member.This truncated cone shape can allow the axially oriented spikes to emerge from the cellular material, and ensure that the distal end of the applicator is defined by the tip of these spikes. This can allow, when the applicator is retracted into the container, to have support between the application member and the wiper, and thus to protect the cellular material located at the end of the block.

[0094] The invention thus also has as its subject, according to a fifth of its aspects, an applicator comprising:

[0095]

[0096]

[0097]

[0098]

[0099]

[0100] - an application member of generally elongated shape along a longitudinal axis, comprising a plurality of arches extending in the longitudinal direction and each formed of internal and external branches connected to each other at their distal end, the internal branches connecting at their proximal end to a junction part, the internal branch of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis over at least part of its length, several arches each comprising at their distal end at least one axially oriented spike, - an additional application element received between the arches, comprising a core engaged in the central junction part and a block of a cellular material, this block comprising a groove or slot near its distal end, delimiting an annular part, said axially oriented pins being inserted at least partially in said annular part. All of the above features may be combined, unless technically impossible, with the other features of the invention according to its first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects. Packaging and application device The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects which can be combined with any of the other aspects of the invention detailed above, to a packaging and application device comprising: - An applicator according to the invention, - a container containing the composition to be applied, comprising a wiper through which the application member passes when it is extracted from the container. The orifice defined by the wiper, in particular its diameter, can be sized such that said internal and external branches come into contact with each other by their facing faces when passing through the wiper. The orifice may be sized such that said arches deform radially inwards when passing through the wringer. The composition contained in the container can be mascara. Makeup process The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects which can be combined with any of the other aspects of the invention detailed above, to a method of making up eyelashes or eyebrows by means of a packaging and application device as defined above, this method comprising the steps consisting of: - extracting the application member according to the invention from the container, - apply the composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows using this application tool.

[0101] The method may include the action of rotating the application member around its axis, to twist the arches and tighten them radially. This may create a forced circulation of composition from the center of the application member to the outside, and thus promote the renewal of the composition. This may improve wringing. The application member may have a tendency to twist in contact with the composition when unscrewing the closure member of the container, which also serves as a gripping member for the applicator.

[0102] When the arches have axially oriented spikes at the end of the applicator, the method may include the step of using these spikes to apply makeup to the eyelashes at the corner of the eye. Brief description of the drawings

[0103] The invention may be better understood by reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of its implementation, and by examining the attached drawing, in which:

[0104] [Fig. 1] schematically and partially represents an example of a packaging and application device comprising an applicator according to the invention,

[0105] [Fig.2] is a schematic and perspective view of an example of an organ application implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0106] [Fig.3] is a longitudinal section of the application member of [Fig.2],

[0107] [Fig.4] is a partial and schematic cross-section of the application member of [Fig.2],

[0108] [Fig.5] represents cross sections of the internal and external branches in isolation of an arch of the application organ of [Fig.2],

[0109] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the application member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0110] [Fig.7] represents the application member of [Fig.6] after insertion of an element additional application in the form of a twisted core fiber brush,

[0111] [Fig.8] is a view similar to [Fig.6] of an alternative embodiment of the member of application,

[0112] [Fig.9] represents in perspective, in a schematic manner, a variant of organ application implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0113] [Fig. 10] illustrates an example of implantation of pins on an external branch,

[0114] [Fig. 11] illustrates another example of implantation of pins on an external branch,

[0115] [Fig. 12] illustrates another example of implantation of pins on an external branch,

[0116] [Fig. 13] represents in perspective, seen from the side, a variant of application member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0117] [Fig. 14] represents the application member of [Fig. 13] after installation of a additional application element, as well as the latter in isolation,

[0118] [Fig. 15] represents in perspective a variant of application member implementing one or more aspects of the invention, in isolation as well as after installation of an additional application element, the latter also being represented in isolation in this figure,

[0119] [Fig. 16] represents in perspective, seen from the side, a variant of application member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0120] [Fig. 17] represents in perspective another variant of application member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0121] [Fig. 18] represents in perspective a variant of application member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0122] [Fig. 19] represents the application member of [Fig. 18] after installation of an additional application element,

[0123] [Fig.20] represents in perspective a variant of application organ putting in implements one or more aspects of the invention,

[0124] [Fig.21] is a longitudinal section of the application member of [Fig.20],

[0125] [Fig.22] represents in perspective, seen from the side, a variant of application organ implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0126] [Fig.23] represents in perspective a variant of application organ putting in implements one or more aspects of the invention,

[0127] [Fig.24] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.23],

[0128] [Fig.25] represents in perspective a variant of application organ putting in implements one or more aspects of the invention, and

[0129] [Fig.26] represents in perspective another variant of application organ putting implement one or more aspects of the invention. Detailed description

[0130] [Fig.l] shows a packaging and application device 1 produced in accordance with the invention, comprising an applicator 2 and an associated container 3 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, for example mascara or a care product. When the product is a makeup composition, this comprises for example at least one iron oxide as pigment.

[0131] The container 3 comprises, in the example considered, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 comprises a closing cap 5 arranged to be fixed on the neck 4 in order to close the container 3 in a leaktight manner when not in use, the closing cap 5 also constituting a gripping member for the applicator 2.

[0132] The container 3 can also be produced differently.

[0133] The container 3 comprises a wringing member 6, for example snapped into the neck 4.

[0134] The applicator 2 comprises a rod 7 with a longitudinal axis Y, which is connected at its upper end to the closing cap 5 and, at its lower end, to an application member 8, shown schematically in [Fig.l].

[0135] This wiping member 6, which can be of any type, comprises in the example considered a lip arranged to wring the rod 7 and the application member 8 when the applicator 2 is removed from the container 3. The lip defines a wringing orifice 6a of diameter adapted to that of the rod.

[0136] The wiping member 6 can be made of elastomer.

[0137] The wringing orifice 6a may be circular in shape, possibly with slots. The diameter d of the wringing orifice 6a is for example between 2.5 and 6 mm.

[0138] The wiping member 6 may optionally include undulations, allowing the wiping orifice 6a to widen more easily as the application member 8 passes through.

[0139] The wringing member may still be adjustable, if necessary.

[0140] In the example illustrated, the rod 7 has a circular cross-section but it is not outside the scope of the present invention when the rod 7 has a different cross-section, the fixing of the cap 5 on the container 3 can then be carried out otherwise than by screwing, if necessary. The wiping member 6 is adapted to the shape of the rod 7 and to that of the application member 8, if applicable.

[0141] Preferably and as in the example considered, the longitudinal axis Y of the rod 7 is rectilinear and coincides with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place on the latter, but it does not depart from the scope of the present invention when the rod 7 is not rectilinear, for example forming an elbow.

[0142] The rod 7 may include, where appropriate, an annular constriction on its portion which is positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member 6, so as not to mechanically stress the latter excessively during storage.

[0143] The rod 7 to which the application member 8 is fixed may be at least partially, in particular entirely, flexible, in particular near the application member 8.

[0144] The fixing of the application member 8 on the rod 7 can be done by any means and in particular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, gluing, welding, stapling or crimping, in a corresponding housing 24 provided at the end of the rod 7.

[0145] [Fig.2] shows an example of an application member 8 with a longitudinal axis X, produced by injection molding at least one thermoplastic material, comprising an end piece 30 for fixing to the rod 7, intended to be received in the housing 24 thereof.

[0146] The application member 8 comprises a plurality of arches 40, each comprising an internal branch 41 and an external branch 42, as visible in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0147] The number of arches 40 goes for example from 2, in which case the arches are diamé strictly opposite and symmetrical to each other about the X axis, at 11. For example, it is 5, as shown.

[0148] The branches 41 and 42 of the different arches connect at their proximal end to a base 33 which can define with the tip 30 a shoulder 34, as visible in [Fig.3], the width of this shoulder corresponding for example substantially to the thickness of the rod around the housing 24.

[0149] The face of the base 33 on which the branches 41 and 42 are connected has, for example, as illustrated, a spherical cap shape.

[0150] In the example considered, the internal branches 41 can be substantially rectilinear and parallel to the longitudinal axis X, while the external branches 42 are generally convex outwards.

[0151] The distance m between the facing faces of the branches 41 and 42 of each arch 40 can be maximal substantially at mid-length of the internal branch, as visible in [Fig.3] in particular, with a ratio m / L which can go down to fairly low values, L designating the length of the internal branch.

[0152] Preferably, as visible in [Fig.4], the internal and external branches of each arch 40 are symmetrical with respect to a corresponding median plane M, which is a radial plane.

[0153] The internal branch 41 has in cross section, in this example, a generally flattened shape, the outline of which is formed on each side of the plane M by two rectilinear segments 43 and 44 connected by a rounded part 45. The angle of each segment 43 with the plane M is for example 107° and that between the segments 43 and 44 for example 34°, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0154] The rounding 45 has, for example, a stronger curvature on the side of the segment 43, for example with a radius equal to 0.2 mm, and a less strong curvature on the side of the segment 44, for example equal to 0.4 mm.

[0155] The internal branch 41 may be less wide than the external branch 42, and the width w of the internal branch 41 is for example between 0.5 and 0.9 mm, being for example of the order of 0.7 mm.

[0156] The internal branch 41 is for example seen from the X axis at an angle r of approximately 11°, while the angle between the segment 43 and a straight line perpendicular to the median plane M is for example 17°.

[0157] The external branch 42 has in cross section a contour formed just like the internal branch by the meeting on each side of the median plane M of two segments 46 and 47, joined by a rounding 48.

[0158] The angle between the outermost segments 46 is for example of the order of 146°, and the angle between the segments 47 can have the same value.

[0159] The angle between each segment 47 and a straight line perpendicular to the median plane can be of the order of 7°.

[0160] Each rounding 48 can have, as for the roundings 45, two different curvatures, namely a stronger curvature where it connects to the segment 46, for example 0.2 mm radius, and a less strong curvature where it connects to the segment 47, for example 0.4 mm radius.

[0161] The thickness t of the branch 42, measured along the median plane M, can be between 0.3 and 0.7 mm, being for example of the order of 0.5 mm.

[0162] The smaller width of the internal branch 41 compared to the external branch 42, as well as the shape of the sections with converging segments 46, 47 on the one hand, and 43, 44 on the other hand, facilitates the extraction of the application member after its injection molding in a mold with multiple shells in the form of quarters.

[0163] Each external branch 42 carries a succession of pins 50, for example in the form of a single row, with a spacing at the base of the pins 50 which is for example constant. The pins 50 have for example their longitudinal axis contained in the median plane M of the corresponding arch.

[0164] The length of the pins 50 may vary along the row, being for example greater for the pins closest to the proximal end of the external branch 42.

[0165] The pins 50 carried by the same branch 42 preferably have longitudinal axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the X axis,

[0166] The pins 50 may have any shape, truncated cone-shaped with a rounded free end, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, or other.

[0167] The application member 8 shown in [Fig.6] has three arches 40 arranged at 120° to each other around the axis X, the external branches 42 of which carry spikes of shouldered shape with enlarged base 51.

[0168] These pins 50 each have, for example, a flattened shape along a plane perpendicular to the X axis, having longitudinal axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the X axis.

[0169] The base 51 forms shoulders 52 where it connects to the upper part 53 of the spike.

[0170] The application member 8 may comprise material bridges 60 connecting the internal branches 41, substantially halfway along the length of the arches 40, as illustrated.

[0171] These material bridges 60 can form an intermediate ring for holding the core 71 of an additional application element 70 arranged between the arches 40, for example a fiber brush with a twisted core, as illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0172] The base 33 and the tip 30 can be axially crossed by a central passage 38 in which the core 71 can be engaged, which can protrude from the tip 30 on the proximal side, as visible in [Fig.7].

[0173] The bristles of the brush 70 can extend between the arches 40, which can improve the performance of the applicator in terms of separation of the eyelashes, but also in terms of autonomy of the applicator and loading of the eyelashes with product, a brush using bristles having a high product loading capacity. Furthermore, the brush 70 being housed within the arches, it undergoes limited wringing when passing through a wringer, which further increases the quantity of product that it can carry.

[0174] [Fig.8] illustrates the possibility of having a mounting end piece 30 open laterally over its entire length thanks to the presence of a slot 39, the material bridges 60 which connect the internal branches 41 being only two in number, so as to form an interrupted ring, open on the same side as the slot 39.

[0175] This makes it possible to place the additional application element between the arches 40 by engaging it no longer axially but laterally, the core 70 snapping into the end piece 30.

[0176] [Fig.9] illustrates a variant with shouldered spikes 50, with eight arches 40, equally distributed angularly around the longitudinal axis X of the application member 8.

[0177] The external branches 42 may carry pins 50 arranged in a staggered pattern on either side of the median plane for the arch 40, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], being oriented alternately in two opposite directions making the same angle in absolute value with the median plane M.

[0178] It is also possible to have, on each external branch 42, three rows of pins 50, with for example a left row 50a of pins 50 having their longitudinal axes parallel to each other and inclined to the left by the same angle relative to the median plane M, for example 30°, a right row 50c of pins 50 having their longitudinal axes parallel to each other and inclined to the right by the same angle relative to the median plane M, for example 30°, and a middle row 50b of pins 50 having their longitudinal axes parallel to each other and contained in the median plane M.

[0179] The pins 50 of the different rows 50a, 50b and 50c can follow one another along the branch 42, thus constituting a repetition of identical groups of three pins oriented in different directions.

[0180] The pins 50 of the right and left rows may have an enlarged head 54, in particular spherical, as illustrated.

[0181] [Fig.12] illustrates another variant of arrangement of the pins 50 on the external branches 42, with a succession of groups of each two pins occupying substantially the same axial position, one of which is parallel to the median plane and the other is inclined and makes an angle with the median plane M, these inclined pins being alternately oriented on one side and the other of this median plane for two consecutive groups of pins.

[0182] The pins parallel to the median plane M can follow one another in a staggered pattern along the branch 42.

[0183] Of course, other arrangements of pins are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0184] According to one aspect of the invention, the internal 41 and external 42 branches can be connected to the rest of the application member by their proximal ends, at respective positions axially offset by a distance u which is greater than 2 mm for example, in particular greater than 5 or 6 mm and in particular close to 8 mm, as illustrated in [Fig. 13]. Preferably, the internal 41 and external 42 branches can be connected to the rest of the application member by their proximal ends, at respective positions axially offset by a distance u of between 2 mm and 10 mm.

[0185] Furthermore, according to a particular arrangement, the internal branch 41 of each arch 40 being of length L, the distance u and the length L respect the following conditions: u / L>l / 10, better u / L>l / 5, and in particular u / L between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3.

[0186] In the example of this figure, the internal branches 41 connect to a common central junction part 90 which is substantially ovoid, while the external branches 42 connect to a part 92 of substantially cylindrical shape, extending the end piece 30 and substantially of the same diameter as the latter.

[0187] Each internal branch 41 may have a substantially rectilinear shape parallel to the longitudinal axis X over the majority of its length from the junction portion 90, and take a slight slope radially outwards near its distal end. Each external branch 42 has in this example a substantially rectilinear shape inclined radially inwards, on a straight portion 95 extending substantially from the junction between the portions 90 and 92 to near its distal end, and is connected to the portion 92 by a bent portion 93 having a rectilinear segment 94. Each external branch 42 is connected to the internal branch 41 at its distal end by forming a bend 96 substantially at a right angle.

[0188] Each external branch 42 may carry pins 50 on its straight portion 95, the latter having for example their longitudinal axes contained in the corresponding median plane of the arch. Each arch 40 may carry at the junction of the elbow 96 and the internal branch 41 a pin 50 at its distal end, oriented substantially parallel to the axis X.

[0189] The presence of the junction part 90 makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the arches 40, by reducing the length of the internal branches 4L. This can also contribute to bringing the internal and external branches closer together and to reducing the distance m separating the facing faces of said branches at mid-length of the internal branch. It is thus possible to obtain a particularly low m / L ratio, notably less than 1 / 15.

[0190] Bringing the internal and external branches together in this way facilitates the evacuation of the product contained between them and its renewal at each cycle of insertion / extraction of the application member in the container.

[0191] The joining portion 90 and the end piece 30, as well as the intermediate portion 92 between the two, can be hollowed out internally so as to receive the core 71 of an additional application element 70, as illustrated in [Fig. 14].

[0192] The latter may be a twisted core mascara brush, or another applicator, as illustrated in [Fig. 15].

[0193] In the left view of this figure, an additional application element 70 is shown in isolation in the form of a block of foam or other porous material, carried by a core 71.

[0194] In the right-hand view, the application member 8 is shown in isolation, before mounting the additional application element 70, and in the middle view after mounting the latter.

[0195] It can be seen in this view that the end pins 50 can extend through the foam block of the application element 70. This can improve the hold of the foam block on the arches. To facilitate the engagement of the end pins in the foam block, the latter can have a slot or groove 72 near its distal end, which makes it possible to radially compress the foam at the level of the portion of the internal branches 41 parallel to the axis X, without compressing the annular end portion 75 of the foam block located beyond the groove or slot 72, and thus to be able to position the end pins 50 under it, to engage them through it.

[0196] The portion 75 may have a frustoconical shape, which allows the spikes inserted therein to pass through it axially and protrude from the foam block at the distal end of the applicator.

[0197] [Fig. 16] illustrates the possibility for the external branches 42 to have over the greater part of their length a concave portion 100 facing outwards. This makes it possible to further reduce the distance m between the facing faces of the branches 41 and 42, measured at half the length L of the internal branch 4L. The longitudinal axes of the branches 41 and 42 of each arch 40 are contained in the same median, radial plane.

[0198] This figure also illustrates the possibility for the junction part 90 to take various shapes, and for example, as illustrated, that of a portion of a sphere centered on the X axis.

[0199] The branches 41 connect by their proximal end near the pole of the junction part 90 facing the free end of the arches, while the branches external 42 have an elbow 104 to connect to the junction part 90, on the opposite side.

[0200] The application member may comprise between the mounting end piece 30 and the joining part 90 an intermediate part 92, wider than the mounting end piece, defining with the latter a shoulder 34, and for example of substantially hemispherical shape convex towards the joining part 90.

[0201] In order to facilitate the passage of the application member through the wiper when removing the container, it is possible, as illustrated, to provide fingers 110 all around the intermediate part 92, from the shoulder 34, these fingers 110 each having a curved shape concave towards the junction part 90, and their free end located close to the concave portion 100.

[0202] In a variant not illustrated, the application member of [Fig. 16] receives an additional application element between the arches 40, for example a twisted core brush, like the example of [Fig. 14].

[0203] In the examples of figures 13 and 16, the joining part 90 is rigidly connected to the mounting end piece 30, by the intermediate part 92 which has a cross section greater than or equal to that of the mounting end piece 30.

[0204] It may prove advantageous for the joining part 90 to be connected only to the internal branches 41, in order to give the latter more flexibility, and to allow, by adjusting the distance from the joining part 90 to the mounting tip 30, to have a means of easily adjusting the rigidity of the application member 8 to adapt it, for example, to the desired makeup effect and / or to the rheology of the product.

[0205] By way of example, figures 17 and 18 show an application member 8 whose internal branches 41 connect to a common junction part 90 spaced from the base 33 by a non-zero distance v.

[0206] The joining part has, for example, as illustrated, a substantially flat face 120 to which the branches 41 connect, and on the opposite side an ogival face 122.

[0207] The junction part 90 can be crossed along the X axis by a passage 124 allowing the core of an additional application element 70 to be engaged therein, for example a fiber brush with a twisted core, as illustrated in [Fig. 19].

[0208] This additional application element can extend entirely, except for its core, on the side of the joining part 90 which is opposite the mounting end piece 30.

[0209] In the example of Figures 17 and 18, the joining portion 90 is closer to the distal end of the arches 40 than to the mounting tip 30. It may be different and in the example of Figures 20 and 21, the joining portion 90 is closer to the mounting tip 30 than to the distal end of the arches 40.

[0210] We see in these figures that the internal branches 41 can be rectilinear and pa- parallel to the longitudinal axis

[0211] A radial clearance is provided between the joining part 90 and the external branches 42, which allows inward deformation of the external branches 42 when passing through the wiper.

[0212] The distance m between the facing faces of the internal 41 and external 42 branches of each arch 40 can be relatively small, at mid-length of the internal branches 41, which facilitates the emptying of the volume between the two at each insertion / extraction cycle of the container.

[0213] [Fig.22] represents an alternative embodiment in which the arches 40 do not all have the same total length T, the application member comprising an alternation of longer arches 40a and shorter arches 40b, the distal ends of which are set back from those of the arches 40a.

[0214] It can also be seen in this figure that the internal branches 41 can be connected to a common junction part 90 in the form of a ball, connected by a connecting part 170 to a base 33 also in the form of a ball, to which the external branches 42 are connected. The base 33 is adjacent to the mounting end piece 30. The connecting part can have, as illustrated, a substantially cylindrical shape of revolution of axis X.

[0215] Figures 23 and 24 represent an example of an application member whose external branches 42 carry spikes having the layout illustrated in [Fig. 12] described previously.

[0216] [Fig. 25] represents an example of an application member whose external branches 42 carry spikes having the layout illustrated in [Fig. 11].

[0217] In the examples of figures 6 to 25, the branches of the arches have been shown schematically, and these advantageously have in section shapes similar to those illustrated in [Fig.5], so as to facilitate the production of the application member by injection molding.

[0218] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

[0219] For example, the arches 40 may not extend with the longitudinal axes of the internal and external branches of the arch contained in the same radial plane, and the branches can be twisted helically as illustrated in [Fig.26].

Claims

Claims

1. Applicator intended for the application of a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising an application member (8) of generally elongated shape along a longitudinal axis (X), comprising a plurality of arches (40) extending in the longitudinal direction and each formed of internal (41) and external (42) branches connected to each other at their distal end, the internal branches connecting at their proximal end to a junction part, the internal branch (41) of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis (X) over at least part of its length, the branches of each arch (40) having over at least part of their length a cross-section having a contour of symmetrical shape relative to a median plane for the section, this contour being formed, on each side of this median plane, by the union of two substantially rectilinear segments (46, 47;44, 43) starting from respective opposite vertices, converging towards each other, and from a rounded portion (48; 45) joining said segments.;

2. Applicator according to claim 1, the internal and external branches of the same arch (40) having on the same side of said median plane and in the same section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, segments (43, 47) facing the longitudinal axis (X) which are parallel to each other and segments (46, 44) facing outwards which are also parallel to each other.

3. Applicator according to one of claims 1 and 2, for each arch and in at least one section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the external branch (42) being wider than the internal branch (41), the width of the branches being measured perpendicular to the median plane for the section.

4. An applicator according to any preceding claim, the outer branch (42) of each arch being, when viewed from the side, straight or concave outwards over most of its length and / or the distance of the inner branch (41) from the longitudinal axis (X) being constant or increasing from the proximal end towards the distal end.

5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the internal (41) and external (42) branches having proximal ends axially offset from each other by a non-zero distance. (u), with preferably u / L>l / 10, L designating the length of the internal branch of the arch, better u / L>l / 5 and in particular u / L between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3.

6. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a rod provided at the end with the application member, the joining part being adjacent to an end piece (30) for fixing the application member to the rod.

7. Applicator according to claim 6, comprising an additional application element (70) held at least partially by the joining part, the latter being adjacent to the end piece (30), the joining part and the mounting end piece (30) being produced with a longitudinal slot (39) configured to allow the core (71) of the additional application element (70) to be fixed by insertion into the application member (8) in the radial direction.

8. Applicator according to claim 7, the application member (8) comprising bridges of material in the form of a ring portion (60) connecting the internal branches (41) at an intermediate axial position between their proximal and distal ends, the ring formed by these bridges of material being open laterally on the same side as the slot (39) so as to allow the insertion of the core into the junction part, the mounting end piece (30) and the open ring (60) by the same radial displacement.

9. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, an additional application element (70) being received between the arches (40), comprising a core engaged in the joining part, the additional application element comprising a block of a cellular material, preferably an elastically deformable foam, in particular with open cells, the application member comprising several arches carrying at least one spike (50) at their distal end which is directed axially and inserted into the material of said block.

10. Applicator according to claim 9, the block comprising near its distal end an annular slot or groove (72).

11. Applicator according to claim 10, the annular part (75) located between the distal end of the block and the groove or slot (72) having a truncated cone shape, converging towards the distal end of the application member, the axially oriented spikes emerging from the cellular material, the distal end of the applicator being defined by the tip of these spikes.

12. Packaging and application device comprising: - An applicator as defined in any one of the preceding claims, - A container containing the composition to be applied.

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