Applicator for applying a cosmetic product to eyelashes or eyebrows

Abstract

Applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to eyelashes or eyebrows. Applicator comprising an application element (8) having 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 portion, 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 transverse section having a contour symmetrical in shape with respect to a median plane for the section, this contour being formed, on each side of this median plane, by the union of two substantially straight segments (46, 47; 44, 43) originating from opposite respective vertices, converging towards each other, and a rounded end (48; 45) joining said segments.Figure for the abridged version: Fig. 4.

Description

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

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

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to applicators made at least partially of plastic material, in particular by injection molding. Previous technique

[0003] Applicators used for eyelash or eyebrow makeup usually include an application element mounted at the end of a rod, the latter being connected at the other end to a gripping element, which also serves as a closing cap for the container holding the product.

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

[0005] The behavior of the application member when passing through the wringer depends on many factors such as the shape and nature of the wringer lip as well as its dimensions, the geometry of the application member and the choice of the material or materials which constitute it.

[0006] Excessively vigorous wringing of the application element is likely to cause difficulty in extracting it from the container, and makes the application element very unloading, which forces the user to frequently re-dip the applicator into the container and may hinder the achievement of certain makeup effects.

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

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

[0009] Very flexible bristles will easily deform when passing through the wiper, thus facilitating its removal, 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 device.

[0010] Conversely, more rigid bristles will tend to deform less as they pass through the application device, leading to a greater loading of the application device with product and a better ability to comb and separate the lashes. However, they can make it more difficult for the device to pass through the wiper and result in a loss of sensory sensitivity during application.

[0011] The design of the applicator thus most often results from a compromise that must be found between various, sometimes contradictory, requirements concerning the quantity of product that is left on the application organ for makeup, the desired behavior when removing the application organ and the ability to separate the eyelashes.

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

[0013] Applications US2019 / 0014895 and FR2969470 disclose application devices comprising a central core and flexible blades bearing the prongs, which connect at their ends to the core. The presence of the core resists the deformation of the blades towards the longitudinal axis of the application device and limits the volume of composition available on the application device after removal from the container.

[0014] Application elements of generally elongated shape have been proposed, comprising a plurality of longitudinal branches extending around a central hollowed-out area. These application elements generally offer improved product retention capacity due to the presence of the free central area.

[0015] Application CN218571651 discloses an application device of this type, in which the arms connect at their proximal end to a base adjacent to a mounting fitting on the applicator shaft. The arms have a free distal end, bearing an axially directed pin. The radially outer face of each arm bears a series of pins. The arms must retain a certain rigidity, which may limit the choice of usable materials and the sensitivity of the application. This application proposes increasing rigidity in the radial direction by connecting the arms with material bridges in the form of arcs centered on the longitudinal axis, located near their distal end, and by giving the arms a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, with large radially oriented faces.

[0016] Application FR3129574 discloses an application member comprising a plurality of arches connecting at their proximal end to a base adjacent to a fitting for attaching to the applicator shaft. Each arch comprises an outer branch and an inner branch, joined at their ends. The outer branch carries a succession of pins. The internal arms extend a certain distance from the longitudinal axis of the application element, creating a central free zone within it, capable of accumulating product. Central reinforcements located approximately halfway along the arches connect the internal arms and contribute to the overall rigidity. The arms are in the form of rectangular cross-sectional blades, flattened perpendicular to the radius, and of constant thickness. In typical embodiments, the internal arms are generally convex towards the longitudinal axis, and the external arms convex outwards, the spacing between the opposing faces of the arms of an arch being thus maximized approximately halfway along the arch's length. The application element is manufactured using a relatively expensive additive manufacturing technique.

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

[0018] Indeed, the more radially the application member is constrained to the passage through the wringer to tighten the arms towards the central zone, the more the axial force to be exerted to the passage through the wringer and the mechanical stresses suffered by the pins are increased.

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

[0020] Finally, adaptation to the rheology of the product and / or the desired makeup result can be achieved with these known applicators by playing on the presence and number of material bridges connecting the arms, as in application CN218571651, or on the shape of the external arms 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 arms of the arches, in particular by creating inflection zones, may 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 element that results therefrom. Description of the invention

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

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

[0023] There is also an interest in having an application element suitable for manufacturing by injection molding in thermoplastic material, which is 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, if desired, have a relatively high total surface area in contact with the composition, in particular one which is greater than or equal to 500mm2, better 700mm2, even better 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 for applying a cosmetic composition to 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 portion, 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 and external branches 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 with each insertion / extraction cycle of the container holding it, because the proximity of the inner and outer branches of each relevant arch facilitates the emptying of the composition contained between them as it passes through the wringer. According to this aspect of the invention, it is thus possible to improve product renewal without having to excessively constrain the application element as it passes through the wringer.

[0029] The distance from the inner branch to the longitudinal axis can 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 when viewed from the side. The longitudinal axis of the outer branch, whether concave or convex outwards when viewed from the side, may, in particular, have a mid-length radius of curvature between 20 mm and 100 mm. More specifically, when the outer branch is concave outwards when viewed from the side, its longitudinal axis may, in particular, have a mid-length radius of curvature greater than 20 mm, preferably greater than 25 mm, and in particular close to 30 mm. When the outer branch is convex outwards when viewed from the side, its longitudinal axis may, in particular, have a mid-length radius of curvature greater than 50 mm, preferably greater than 75 mm, and in particular close to 80 mm.The external branch may alternatively comprise a straight portion, in particular oriented obliquely towards the longitudinal axis as it moves towards the distal end of the application member, and angled portions at the ends, connecting respectively to the internal branch and to a part adjacent to a mounting fitting of the application member in an applicator rod.

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

[0032] Application member with branches offset axially 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 for applying a cosmetic composition to 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 offset axially from 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 wringer depending on the amplitude of this axial shift.

[0035] Such an applicator makes it possible, by playing 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 element as it passes through the wringer in order to adapt it to the desired makeup and / or the rheology of the composition.

[0036] The axial position of the junction part to which the internal branches are connected influences their length and the flexibility of the arches, which allows for adjustments to the charge in composition of the application element after passing through the wringer.

[0037] Application element 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 made by injection molding.

[0039] Preferably, the applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to eyelashes or eyebrows comprises an application element 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 portion, 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 transverse section having a contour of symmetrical shape with respect to a median plane for the section, this contour being formed, on each side of this median plane, by the union of two substantially straight segments originating from opposite respective vertices, converging towards each other,and a rounded corner 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 allows the application element to be manufactured using proven thermoplastic elastomer materials, which have good mechanical resistance and compatibility with the compounds present in the composition.

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

[0043] Preferably, the inner and outer branches of the same arch have, on the same side of said median plane and in the same cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, segments facing the longitudinal axis that are parallel to each other and segments facing outwards that are also parallel to each other. This facilitates the removal of the arches from the molds used for casting.

[0044] Preferably also, for each arch and in at least one cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the outer branch is wider than the inner branch, the width of the branches being measured perpendicular to the median plane for the section. This provides a larger surface area for receiving the pins, while also 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 organ or to respective parts connected otherwise than by the branches.

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

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

[0048] The arches may thus tend to open up when they arrive at the centrifuge, which may allow them to become more easily saturated with composition, before undergoing radial compression when passing through the centrifuge.

[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, being preferably 5, 7 or 9.

[0051] The arches are preferably equidistant angularly around the long axis gitudinal of the applying body.

[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 arches of different kinds; for example, arches of a first type alternate with 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 alternating with shorter arches.

[0054] At least one, or each, arch may have its longitudinal axis entirely contained within the same plane, the longitudinal axes of the internal and external branches of the arch being contained within the same plane. Alternatively, at least one, or each, arch may extend along a non-straight longitudinal axis, in particular curved helically, for example, with 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 some 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 for two, by an interrupted ring.

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

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

[0060] Different behaviors can thus occur during passage through the wringer, with a greater or lesser degree of torsion of all the arches around the longitudinal axis of the application element during wringing, depending on the presence or absence of such material bridges and / or the location of the junction 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 material bridges, other 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 decrease in the loading character of the applicator.

[0062] The arches preferably all have studs, at least on the outer arm; in some variations, some arches have no studs. The studless arches alternate, for example, with the studded arches, in a circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis of the application member. This can allow the load on the application member to be modified. The load is increased on the studded areas.

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

[0064] The bristles in the central row can play an enhanced role in separating the lashes, while those in the lateral rows can load the lashes by depositing the product contained between them. The angular distance between each lateral row and the central row is preferably between 20° and 40°, for example, approximately 30°. Preferably, the bristles in the lateral rows are different from those in the central row and have a shape adapted for loading the lashes, while those in the central row have a shape adapted for separating the lashes. The bristles in the lateral rows may thus have balls at their tips, which increase the contact surface with the product and the product delivery by the applicator.

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

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

[0067] The cross-section of the internal and / or external branches may be substantially polygonal, with possible rounded edges. For example, it may be substantially rectangular, triangular, rhombic, or trapezoidal, with rounded edges.

[0068] The cross-sectional shape of the arms is preferably chosen to suit the manufacturing of the application member by injection molding. The cross-sectional shape of the arms is preferably as defined above, to facilitate the production of the application member by injection molding.

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

[0070] The arches may have internal and external 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 can both be oriented in the connection zone to the rest of the application member along respective connection directions that are less than 45° to the longitudinal axis of the application member. The angles that these connection directions make with the longitudinal axis of the application member can be substantially the same, for example, being equal to the same angle value within 20°.

[0072] We can also have connection directions that 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 organ while the internal branches connect at their proximal end by being oriented towards the proximal end of the application organ. Watch fingers

[0073] The application member may include, in an area located between the arches and the mounting end, a series of fingers with a curved shape concave towards the base of the arches. Preferably, these fingers connect to a shouldered portion of the application member that is an extension of the stem, the radius at the base of the fingers being substantially equal to that of the stem. The fingers can then facilitate the engagement of the application member through the wringer lip by acting as ramps on which the edge of the wringer lip can slide. This can allow for arches whose outer arms have bends that are substantially at right angles and / or have a relatively large distance from the longitudinal axis on the proximal end side of the arches. Such arches may have convex external branches towards the corresponding internal branches, which allows the distance between the two to decrease at the apex of the convexity, and thus promotes the renewal of the product. Presence of an additional application device

[0074] The applicator may include, 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 one 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 an alveolar material.

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

[0077] The additional application element of such a hybrid applicator may exceed or not of the application element at its distal end. It can be advantageous to extend the additional application element when it is of the twisted core brush type, because this allows the brush tip to benefit only from the bristles of the brush, and not from the pins, and therefore to have the loading and separation properties of the lashes specific to fiber brushes.

[0078] In the case where the additional application element is a fiber brush that extends from the distal end of the application member, the cross-sectional area of ​​the envelope surface defined by the free ends of the bristles may decrease towards the distal end of the brush. This cross-section may pass through a maximum that 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 in the shape of a ball or ovoid, and the largest cross-sectional dimension of the envelope surface may be greater than that of the application member, so as to have certain hairs that protrude radially from the pins carried by the arches of the application member.

[0080] The brush can have a surface envelope with rotational symmetry around the longitudinal axis of the core, which can be confused with that of the application member.

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

[0082] This junction part can be separate from or adjacent to that to which the external branches connect.

[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 junction part can be separated from the part of the application member to which the external branches are connected.

[0085] The additional application element can be mounted in the application member by axially inserting the core into a corresponding recess in the connecting portion and / or an intermediate ring connecting the internal arms, as described above. If necessary, the mounting end can be hollowed out to allow the core to be held at least partially by it, and in particular by the portion of it engaged in the applicator shaft.

[0086] When the additional application element is held at least partially by a connecting portion adjacent to the mounting tip, the connecting portion and the mounting tip 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 can facilitate the mounting of the additional application element, particularly when its nature 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 arch length, or even over substantially the entire length of the arches.

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

[0088] The invention thus relates, according to a fourth aspect, to an applicator comprising: - an application element 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 portion, 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 junction part can thus be opened laterally, as mentioned above, to allow the mounting of the additional application element onto the application member by a radial movement.

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

[0092] The block may have a cylindrical shape of revolution over most of its length, with an outer radius greater than or equal to that of the largest inscribed circle passing through the radially interior surfaces of the inner branches of the arches. If RbiOc denotes this radius of the block, Rzc that of the central free zone between the arches, and Rbe that of the radially interior face of the outer branches, we have, for example, Rbioc > Rzc * 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 have at least one pin at their distal end, which is axially oriented and inserted into the material of said block. To facilitate this engagement, the block may have an annular slot or groove near its distal end. This groove or groove ensures that, when the block is inserted between the arches and the portion of the block extending axially between the groove or slot and the proximal end of the block is radially compressed, the annular portion located between the distal end of the block and the groove or slot does not deform, or only slightly deforms, and substantially retains its outer radius. This allows the end pins to engage in this annular portion when they are located at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the application member less than said outer radius. This annular portion may have a frustoconical shape, converging towards the distal end of the application member.This truncated cone shape allows the axially oriented bristles to emerge from the alveolar material, ensuring that the distal end of the applicator is defined by the tips of these bristles. This allows, when the applicator is retracted into the container, for support between the application element and the wringer, thus protecting the alveolar material located at the end of the block.

[0094] The invention thus also relates, according to one-fifth of its aspects, to an applicator comprising:

[0095]

[0096]

[0097]

[0098]

[0099]

[0100] - an application organ 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 pin, - an additional application element received between the arches, comprising a core engaged in the central part of the junction and a block of an alveolar 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 into said annular part. All the above features can be combined, unless technically impossible, with the other features of the invention according to its first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects. Conditioning and application device The invention also relates, according to another aspect which can be combined with any of the other aspects of the invention detailed above, to a conditioning and application device comprising: - An applicator according to the invention, - a container containing the composition to be applied, comprising a wringer through which the application device passes when it is extracted from the container. The orifice defined by the wringer, in particular its diameter, can be sized so that the said internal and external branches come into contact with each other by their opposite faces when passing through the wringer. The orifice can be sized so that said arches deform radially inwards when passing through the wringer. The contents of the container may be mascara. Makeup process The invention also relates, according to another aspect which can be combined with any of the other aspects of the invention detailed above, to a method of applying makeup to eyelashes or eyebrows by means of a conditioning and application device as defined above, this method comprising the steps of: - extracting the application element according to the invention from the container, - Apply the composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows using this application device.

[0101] The method may include rotating the application member around its axis to twist the arches and tighten them radially. This can create a forced circulation of the composition from the center of the application member outwards, thus promoting composition renewal. This can improve wringing. The application member may tend to twist upon contact with the composition when the container's cap, which also serves as the applicator's gripping member, is unscrewed.

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

[0103] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0104] [Fig. 1] schematically and partially represents an example of a conditioning 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 an 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 the [Fig.2],

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

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

[0110] [Fig.7] represents the application element 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 analogous to [Fig.6] of a variant embodiment of the organ application,

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

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

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

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

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

[0117] [Fig. 14] represents the application element 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 an application member implementing one or more aspects of the invention, in isolation as well as after the 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 an application element implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

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

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

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

[0123] [Fig.20] represents in perspective a variant of an application element putting in work on 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, side view, a variant of the application element implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0126] [Fig.23] represents in perspective a variant of an application element putting in work on 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 an application element putting in work one or more aspects of the invention, and

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

[0130] Figure 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 made according to 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 skincare product. When the product is a makeup composition, it comprises, for example, at least one iron oxide as a pigment.

[0131] The container 3 has, in the example considered, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 has a closing cap 5 arranged to attach to the neck 4 in order to close the container 3 in a leak-proof manner when not in use, the closing cap 5 also constituting a gripping member for the applicator 2.

[0132] Container 3 can still be made in another way.

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

[0134] The applicator 2 has a rod 7 with longitudinal axis Y, which connects at its upper end to the closing cap 5 and, at its lower end, to an application member 8, shown schematically in [Fig.1].

[0135] This wringing member 6, which can be any type, includes 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 wringing element 6 can be made of elastomer.

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

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

[0139] The spin-drying unit can still be adjusted, if necessary.

[0140] In the illustrated example, the rod 7 has a circular cross-section, but this does not depart from the scope of the present invention if the rod 7 has a different cross-section, as the cap 5 can then be attached to the container 3 by a means other than screwing, if necessary. The wringing member 6 is adapted to the shape of the rod 7 and, where applicable, to that of the application member 8.

[0141] Preferably and as in the example considered, the longitudinal axis Y of the rod 7 is straight and coincides with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place on it, but we do not depart from the scope of the present invention when the rod 7 is not straight, forming for example a bend.

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

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

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

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

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

[0147] The number of arches 40 goes for example from 2, in which case the arches are diame 90 ...

[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 stem around the housing 24.

[0149] The face of the base 33 to 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 straight and parallel to the longitudinal axis X, while the external branches 42 are generally convex outwards.

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

[0152] Preferably, as seen 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 contour of which is formed on each side of the plane M by two straight segments 43 and 44 joined by a rounded 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 on [Fig.5].

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

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

[0156] The internal branch 41 is for example seen from the X axis at an angle r of about 11°, while the angle between the segment 43 and a 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 union on each side of the median plane M of two segments 46 and 47, joined by a rounded 48.

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

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

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

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

[0162] The smaller width of the inner branch 41 compared to the outer 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 multi-shell mold in the shape 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 outer branch 42.

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

[0166] The pins 50 can have any shape, frustoconical with rounded free end, as illustrated in figures 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 outer branches of which 42 have shoulder-shaped pins with a widened 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 picot.

[0170] The application member 8 may include material bridges 60 connecting the internal branches 41, substantially at mid-length of the arches 40, as illustrated.

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

[0172] The base 33 and the tip 30 can be traversed axially 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 seen in [Fig.7].

[0173] The bristles of the brush 70 can extend between the arches 40, which can improve the applicator's performance in terms of lash separation, as well as the applicator's autonomy and the product loading of the lashes, since the brush uses bristles with a high product-loading capacity. Furthermore, because the brush 70 is housed within the arches, its wringing is limited to passing through a wringer, which further increases the amount of product it can hold.

[0174] Fig. 8 illustrates the possibility of having a mounting tip 30 open laterally along 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 allows the additional application element to be put in place between the arches 40 by engaging it not 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, equidistributed angularly around the longitudinal axis X of the application member 8.

[0177] The external branches 42 can 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] On each external branch 42, three rows of pins 50 can be further arranged, with for example a left row 50a of pins 50 having their longitudinal axes parallel to each other and inclined to the left at the same angle with respect 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 at the same angle with respect 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 the 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 fashion 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 branches 41 and external branches 42 can be connected to the rest of the application member by their proximal ends, at respective positions offset axially by a distance u greater than 2 mm, for example, in particular greater than 5 or 6 mm and especially close to 8 mm, as illustrated in [Fig. 13]. Preferably, the internal branches 41 and external branches 42 can be connected to the rest of the application member by their proximal ends, at respective positions offset axially by a distance u 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 comply with 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 in this figure, the internal branches 41 connect to a common central junction part 90 that is substantially ovoid, while the external branches 42 connect to a part 92 that is substantially cylindrical in shape, extending the tip 30 and having substantially the same diameter as the tip.

[0187] Each internal branch 41 may have a substantially straight shape parallel to the longitudinal axis X over most of its length from the junction portion 90, and take on a slight radially outward slope near its distal end. Each external branch 42 in this example has a substantially straight shape inclined radially inward, over a straight portion 95 extending substantially from the junction between portions 90 and 92 to near its distal end, and connects to portion 92 by means of an angled portion 93 having a straight segment 94. Each external branch 42 connects to the internal branch 41 at its distal end by forming a substantially right-angled bend 96.

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

[0189] The presence of the junction portion 90 increases the rigidity of the arches 40 by reducing the length of the internal branches 4L. This can also help to bring the internal and external branches closer together and to decrease the distance m separating the opposing faces of said branches at mid-length of the internal branch. Thus, it is possible to obtain a particularly low m / L ratio, notably less than 1 / 15.

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

[0191] The joining part 90 and the end piece 30, as well as the intermediate part 92 between the two, can be internally hollowed out 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 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] This view shows that the end studs 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 studs in the foam block, the latter may have a slot or groove 72 near its distal end, which allows the foam to be radially compressed at the portion of the internal branches 41 parallel to the X axis, without compressing the annular end portion 75 of the foam block located beyond the groove or slot 72, and thus allows the end studs 50 to be positioned under this portion, for engagement through it.

[0196] Part 75 may have a truncated conical shape, which allows the pins inserted in it to pass through it axially and to protrude from the foam block at the distal end of the applicator.

[0197] Figure 16 illustrates the possibility for the external branches 42 to have, over most of their length, a concave portion 100 facing outwards. This makes it possible to further reduce the distance m between the opposite 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 forms, and for example as illustrated that of a portion of a sphere centered on the X axis.

[0199] The branches 41 connect at their proximal end near the pole of the junction portion 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 include between the mounting tip 30 and the joining part 90 an intermediate part 92, wider than the mounting tip, defining with it 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 of the wringer during the removal of 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 near the concave portion 100.

[0202] In an unillustrated variant, the application member of [Fig. 16] receives an additional application element between the arches 40, for example a twisted-core brush, like the example in [Fig. 14].

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

[0204] It may prove advantageous for the connecting 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 of the connecting 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 traversed along the X axis by a passage 124 allowing the core of an additional application element 70 to be engaged, for example a twisted core fiber brush, 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 30.

[0209] In the example of Figures 17 and 18, the joining part 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 part 90 is closer to the mounting tip 30 than to the distal end of the arches 40.

[0210] It can be seen from these figures that the internal branches 41 can be straight and pa- parallel to the longitudinal axis

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

[0212] The distance m between the faces opposite the internal branches 41 and external branches 42 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 linking 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 30. The linking part can have, as illustrated, a substantially cylindrical shape of revolution with axis X.

[0215] Figures 23 and 24 represent an example of an application member whose external branches 42 bear pins having the implantation illustrated on [Fig. 12] described previously.

[0216] Fig. 25 represents an example of an application member whose external branches 42 bear pins having the implantation illustrated in Fig. 11.

[0217] In the examples in Figures 6 to 25, the branches of the arches have been represented 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 just 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

Demands

1. Applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to 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 with respect to a median plane for the section, this contour being formed, on each side of this median plane, by the union of two substantially straight segments (46, 47;44, 43) starting from opposite respective vertices, converging towards each other, and from a rounded (48; 45) joining said segments.;

2. Applicator according to claim 1, the inner and outer branches of the same arch (40) having on the same side of said median plane and in the same cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, segments (43, 47) turned towards the longitudinal axis (X) which are parallel to each other and segments (46, 44) turned 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 cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the outer branch (42) being wider than the inner branch (41), the width of the branches being measured perpendicular to the median plane for the section.

4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, 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) to the longitudinal axis (X) being constant or increasing from the proximal end to the distal end.

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

6. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a rod having at the end the application member, the joining part being adjacent to an end piece (30) for fixing the application member on 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 nozzle (30), the joining part and the mounting nozzle (30) being made 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 ring-shaped material bridges (60) connecting the internal arms (41) at an axial position intermediate between their proximal and distal ends, the ring formed by these material bridges 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 tip (30) and the open ring (60) by the same radial movement.

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 an alveolar material, preferably an elastically deformable foam, in particular an open-cell foam, the application member comprising several arches having at least one stud (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 having 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 frustoconical shape, converging towards the distal end of the application member, the axially oriented pins emerging from the alveolar material, the distal end of the applicator being defined by the tip of these pins.

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

Images