Applicator comprising an application element having a plurality of loops

Abstract

Applicator comprising an application member having a plurality of loops. Applicator (2) comprising: An application member (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), comprising: At least one support portion (12), A plurality of loops (1030, 1040, 1040', 1050, 1050') defining respective internal spaces which overlap at least partially when said loops are viewed in a direction normal to said internal spaces, each loop being connected at its ends to the support portion. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Applicator comprising an application element having a plurality of loops technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to applicators for applying a cosmetic, makeup or skincare product to human keratinous materials, in particular skin, lips or keratinous fibers such as eyelashes and / or eyebrows, and packaging and application devices comprising such applicators.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to applicators comprising an application element made at least partially, or better yet totally, of plastic material, in particular of at least one thermoplastic material by injection molding.

[0003] The invention relates both to "dip-in" type conditioning and application devices, i.e., comprising an applicator and a reservoir into which the applicator is immersed to be loaded with composition, and to "flow-through" type devices in which the application element is supplied with composition by a device to which it is attached during application, such as a dispensing pen equipped with a composition dispensing mechanism, a compressible-walled container, or the like. Prior art

[0004] Dip-in type 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 containing the product.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] Very flexible bristles will easily deform as they pass 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 on their surface. Furthermore, the wiper will tend to leave less product on the applicator.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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 eyelashes.

[0013] 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.

[0014] French application FR3039382 describes an applicator comprising an elongated rod carrying an application member extending along a longitudinal axis. This application member has a core with one or more through openings. Branches connect at one end to the core and meet through said opening. In some embodiments, the branches form several successive loops that are connected to each other at the opening(s) in the core. In another embodiment, the application member has a single loop connected at its ends to a support portion adjacent to the rod. The apex of the loop is located in the opening, bearing axially against an adjustment pin that slides longitudinally in a distal portion of the core. Thus, by pushing the adjustment pin in more or less, it is possible to deform the loop and modify the properties of the applicator.

[0015] Application FR2993151 describes an application element for eyelash makeup, having a core with swollen portions extending around cavities.

[0016] Application EP2654490 discloses application elements comprising branches in the form of outwardly convex arches, arranged around a central core.

[0017] Application WO2023 / 233044 describes an application member comprising a plurality of branches having a twisted shape and connected to each other at their distal end.

[0018] US2021 / 0186183A1 describes an application member comprising a core connected at one end to a support portion carried by a mounting end in an applicator rod. The core comprises a first portion extending forward and a second portion forming a return whose free end is located near the support portion. This return has arches through which the first portion of the core passes.

[0019] Such an application element has a relatively complex structure, not suitable for manufacturing by injection of thermoplastic material.

[0020] US patent 6655390 describes an eyelash makeup applicator comprising a perforated support carrying teeth, these connecting either directly to the support or to arches carried by the support.

[0021] Moreover, makeup for the skin, nails or lips generally poses problems of precision of application, autonomy of the applicator and comfort of use, whether the applicator is of the "dip-in" or "flow through" type.

[0022] It is common practice to flock the application element in order to capture the composition and make it easier to spread. However, the flocking operation is relatively complex and involves the use of adhesives, which do not always provide the necessary mechanical strength under certain conditions of use.

[0023] Patent EP1726235B1 describes a flocked application element having several branches.

[0024] Application FR2722381 describes a nail polish applicator comprising an application element formed by a flocked flexible loop.

[0025] In addition, it may prove useful to make the application gentler by allowing some mobility of the application surface relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod. Description of the invention

[0026] There is a need to further improve cosmetic applicators and in particular to remedy all or part of the drawbacks encountered in the prior art.

[0027] In particular, there is an interest in having an application device with satisfactory performance, which, when the applicator is used with a container equipped with a wringer, promotes product renewal during a cycle of extraction and reinsertion of the applicator into the container, and whose properties mechanical components can be modified relatively easily during the design phase, to adapt to the product's rheology and the desired makeup effect.

[0028] 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.

[0029] There is still a need for an applicator suitable for applying a composition to the skin or lips, which is comfortable to use and allows the presence of flocking to be avoided if desired, while retaining sufficient capacity to capture the composition. Summary of the invention

[0030] The invention relates, according to one of its aspects, to an applicator comprising: - An application element extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising: • at least one support portion, • a plurality of loops defining respective interior spaces which overlap at least partially when said loops are observed in a direction normal to said interior spaces, each loop being connected at its ends to the support portion.

[0031] The term "loop" refers to a branch or series of branches that, together with one or more other parts of the application element, define a closed contour surrounding an internal space. This internal space is distinguished from the branch(es) by the absence of material or by a thinner material. This internal space may be completely empty (and in this case corresponds to the opening defined by the loop) or at least partially occupied by a membrane thinner than the branch(es) forming the loop, in particular at least half the thickness, and preferably at least three times thinner, and even better at least four times thinner. The loop may extend along a plane, which then contains the longitudinal axes of the branch(es) constituting the loop. The loop may also not extend in a single plane. The loop may be symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to a median plane.The loop may have the ends of its constituent branch(es) located on the support part at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the application element. The branch(es) of the loop may extend angularly around a point located in the aforementioned internal space, over an angle of at least 120°, preferably at least 180°. When the loop has several branches, it may, for example, have two opposite branches symmetrical to each other with respect to a median plane, and these two branches may meet, for example, at the apex of the loop. forming or not forming an angle between them. When the loop is planar, the normal direction to the interior space is a direction perpendicular to the plane of the loop.

[0032] The presence of the loops allows for good capillary absorption of the composition between the loops and within their interior space, thus eliminating the need to flock the application element if desired. This simplifies the manufacturing of the application element. Furthermore, the application element can be made with various loop configurations depending on the intended use, giving it great versatility. In particular, the application element can be made from a flexible material, providing it with good flexibility.

[0033] The deformation of the loops is sensitive to the direction of application of the force, whether perpendicular to or parallel to the plane of the loop. This allows for an application element with significantly different mechanical behavior depending on the face used for application. Furthermore, the presence of multiple loops can guide the flow of the composition from the inside of the applicator to the outside in localized areas of the application element.

[0034] In examples of implementation of the invention, the loops extend along substantially parallel respective planes.

[0035] By "substantially parallel" it must be understood that the loops extend along distinct parallel planes or making, with respect to a reference plane common to all the loops, an angle less than or equal to 25° with this plane, better less than or equal to 10°, even better less than or equal to 5°.

[0036] The number of loops of said plurality can be between 2 and 10, better between 2 and 6, being for example 3 or 5.

[0037] The application member may comprise at least two loops of different sizes, preferably at least three loops of different sizes. The loops of different sizes may fit inside one another when viewed in superposition.

[0038] The width of the loops can decrease as you move away from a median region of the application member, in particular from a central loop, the application member being observed along its longitudinal axis.

[0039] The loops can have any shape, and preferably an oblong shape, elongated along the longitudinal axis of the application member.

[0040] The loops may have distal ends which may or may not all be located at the same distance from the support portion.

[0041] The distal ends of the loops can be located at a distance from the support portion that decreases with distance from a median region of the application member, for example, a central loop. This can make it possible to obtain a tapered application member, allowing for precise makeup application, in particular for drawing a line.

[0042] Alternatively, the distal ends of the loops are located at a distance from the support portion that decreases from one side of the application member to the opposite side, giving the end of the application member a general beveled shape. Such a shape is particularly suitable for lip or eyebrow makeup, for example, in the presence of surface micro-structures.

[0043] Each loop may have two ends connected to the support portion. These two ends may connect to a surface, which may be a surface of revolution of the support portion or a flat surface, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the application member. Preferably, the ends of the loop that connect to the support portion occupy the same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the application member.

[0044] Each loop may have two opposite branches, each connected at one end to the support part, and joining at the other end at the top of the loop. These opposite branches may be symmetrical to each other.

[0045] A branch forming all or part of a loop can have a cross-sectional area of ​​between 0.01 and 20 mm², preferably between 0.2 and 5 mm². Its largest transverse dimension can range from 0.1 to 4 mm, for example. The length of a branch, between its end connecting to the support part and its opposite end, for example the distal end of the loop, ranges, for example, from 3 to 60 mm.

[0046] The application member can be inscribed in section in a circle with a diameter ranging from 4 to 12 mm for an applicator intended for application on eyelashes or eyebrows, and a circle ranging from 4 to 17 mm for an applicator intended for application on lips.

[0047] At least one of the loops in the plurality may carry, on at least part of its inner circumference, a thinner membrane, for example with a ratio ei / e2, where ei denotes the thickness of the loop arm to which the membrane is attached, and e2 that of the membrane, greater than 2, better than 3, and even better than 4. Such a membrane can facilitate the production of the application element by injection molding, by extending into the parting line. In addition to this advantage, the membrane can also increase the surface area available for retaining the composition, without unduly affecting the flexibility of the loops.

[0048] The application member can be made of an elastomeric material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably by injection molding. Alternatively, the application member is produced by an additive manufacturing technique.

[0049] The application member may include a mounting tip for an applicator rod; this tip may have a circular cross-section, with a diameter that is constant or decreasing towards the proximal end of the application member. The tip may form a shoulder with the support portion, of which The contour can be circular, with a diameter approximately matching the outer diameter of the applicator shaft. This shoulder can butt against the shaft during assembly of the application device. The mounting end can be solid.

[0050] The application element may include at least one loop passing through the interior space of at least one other loop belonging to said plurality of loops, the passing loop preferably being oriented in a plane perpendicular to a plane along which the other loop extends. This may allow for the creation of additional capillary traps, promoting the retention of the composition on the application element, without compromising the flexibility of the loops of said plurality.

[0051] At least two loops of said plurality of loops may be connected to each other by at least one material bridge, in particular by an arch. This may increase the rigidity of the applicator in a direction generally perpendicular to the overlapping loops, and thus allow a greater force to be exerted on the surface to be treated during application. This may be useful for spreading the composition, particularly when it is relatively viscous. Said arch may, in particular, connect two extreme loops of the application member at their apex. The arch may be concave towards the distal end of the application member. The latter may include a loop whose ends are connected to the support portion and whose apex is connected to said arch.

[0052] The application member may have four branches joining at its distal end. Two of these branches may belong to one of the loops of said plurality, and the other two may extend in a plane perpendicular to a plane along which said loop extends. These two other branches may connect to the apex of the extreme loops of said plurality.

[0053] The application member may include application elements such as studs or other reliefs, in particular carried by at least one of the loops of said plurality, and better by each of the loops of the plurality.

[0054] The application elements carried by the outermost loops of said plurality may extend obliquely away from a median plane of the application member, in particular a median plane along which a central loop of said plurality extends. The central loop may include application elements oriented parallel to said median plane. The application member may include a loop passing through all the loops of said plurality, itself carrying application elements. Conditioning and application device

[0055] The invention also relates 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.

[0056] The orifice defined by the wringer, in particular its diameter, can be dimensioned in such a way that at least one of said loops deforms when passing through it. For example, the largest diameter of the application element (i.e., the diameter of the largest circle circumscribed about the cross-section of the application element) is between 1 and 1.5 times, or even between 1 and 2 times, the diameter of the wringing orifice (i.e., the diameter of the smallest circle circumscribed about the inner cross-section of this orifice), the diameter of the wringing orifice being, for example, from 2.5 to 8 mm.

[0057] The composition contained in the container may be a makeup or care product, in particular a makeup or skin or lip care product, or a mascara.

[0058] When the composition is intended for application to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, the application device carries application elements such as pins or other application reliefs.

[0059] Cosmetic treatment process, in particular makeup

[0060] The invention further relates to a cosmetic treatment process for human keratinous materials, in particular skin, lips, eyelashes or eyebrows, using a conditioning and application device as defined above, this process comprising the step of applying the composition to the keratinous materials using the applicator.

[0061] The method may include rotating the application member around its axis, so that upon contact with the wiper, at least one of the loops twists and tightens it radially. This can create forced circulation of the composition, thus promoting its renewal. This can also improve wiping. In the case of a relatively viscous composition, such as mascara, 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 element, is unscrewed. Brief description of the drawings

[0062] 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, on which:

[0063] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] schematically and partially represents an example of a conditioning and application device comprising an applicator according to the invention,

[0064] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents in isolation and partially, in perspective, an example of an application element according to the invention,

[0065] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.2],

[0066] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal section along IV-IV of [Fig.3],

[0067] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.2],

[0068] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal section along VI-VI of [Fig.5],

[0069] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents in perspective a variant of the application element,

[0070] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents detail VIII of [Fig.7],

[0071] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.7],

[0072] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a longitudinal section along XX of [Fig. 9],

[0073] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a front view of the application member of [Fig. 7],

[0074] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a longitudinal section along XII-XII of [Fig. 11],

[0075] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] represents in perspective a variant of the application element according to the invention,

[0076] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a side view of the application member of [Fig. 13],

[0077] [Fig.15] [Fig.15] is a longitudinal section along XV-XV of [Fig.14],

[0078] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a front view of the application member of [Fig. 13],

[0079] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a longitudinal section along XVII-XVII of [Fig. 16],

[0080] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] represents in perspective a variant of an application element according to the invention,

[0081] [Fig.19] [Fig.19] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.18],

[0082] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a longitudinal section along XX-XX of [Fig. 19],

[0083] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is a front view of the application member of [Fig. 18],

[0084] [Fig.22] [Fig.22] is a longitudinal section along XXII-XXII of [Fig.21],

[0085] [Fig.23] [Fig.23] shows in perspective a variant of an application element according to the invention,

[0086] [Fig.24] [Fig.24] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.23],

[0087] [Fig.25] [Fig.25] is a longitudinal section along XXV-XXV of [Fig.24],

[0088] [Fig.26] [Fig.26] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.23],

[0089] [Fig.27] [Fig.27] is a longitudinal section along XXVII-XXVII of [Fig.26],

[0090] [Fig.28] [Fig.28] shows in perspective a variant of an application member according to the invention,

[0091] [Fig.29] [Fig.29] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.28],

[0092] [Fig.30] [Fig.30] is a longitudinal section along XXX-XXX of [Fig.29],

[0093] [Fig.31] [Fig.31] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.28],

[0094] [Fig.32] [Fig.32] is a longitudinal section along XXXII-XXXII of [Fig.31],

[0095] [Fig.33] [Fig.33] shows in perspective a variant of an application element according to the invention,

[0096] [Fig.34] [Fig.34] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.33],

[0097] [Fig.35] [Fig.35] is a longitudinal section along XXXV-XXXV of [Fig.34],

[0098] [Fig. 36] [Fig. 36] is a longitudinal section of the application member in a cutting plane perpendicular to that of [Fig.35],

[0099] [Fig.37] [Fig.37] shows in perspective a variant of the application element according to the invention,

[0100] [Fig.38] [Fig.38] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.37],

[0101] [Fig.39] [Fig.39] is a longitudinal section along XXXIX-XXXIX of [Fig.38],

[0102] [Fig.40] [Fig.40] is a section of the application member in a cutting plane perpendicular to that of [Fig.39],

[0103] [Fig.41] [Fig.41] shows in perspective a variant of the application element according to the invention,

[0104] [Fig.42] [Fig.42] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.33],

[0105] [Fig.43] [Fig.43] is a longitudinal section along XLIII-XLIII of [Fig.42],

[0106] [Fig.44] [Fig.44] is a longitudinal section of the application member in a cutting plane perpendicular to that of [Fig.43],

[0107] [Fig.45] [Fig.45] shows in perspective a variant of the application element according to the invention,

[0108] [Fig.46] [Fig.46] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.45],

[0109] [Fig.47] [Fig.47] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.45],

[0110] [Fig.48] [Fig.48] is a top view of the application member of [Fig.45],

[0111] [Fig.49] [Fig.49] is a longitudinal section along XLIX-XLIX of [Fig.48],

[0112] [Fig.50] [Fig.50] is a cross-section along LL of [Fig.47],

[0113] [Fig.51] [Fig.51] shows in perspective a variant of the application element according to the invention,

[0114] [Fig.52] [Fig.52] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.51],

[0115] [Fig.53] [Fig.53] is a longitudinal section along LIII-LIII of [Fig.52],

[0116] [Fig. 54] [Fig. 54] is a front view of the application member of [Fig. 51], and

[0117] [Fig.55] [Fig.55] is a longitudinal section along LV-LV of [Fig.54]. Detailed description

[0118] Figure 1 shows an example of a conditioning 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 human keratinous materials, for example eyelashes or eyebrows, or alternatively skin or lips, depending on how the applicator is made.

[0119] The container 3, in the example considered, has 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 sealed manner when not in use, the closing cap 5 also constituting a gripping element for the applicator 2.

[0120] Container 3 can still be made in another way.

[0121] The container 3 may include, as illustrated, a wringing element 6, for example snapped into collar 4.

[0122] 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 10, shown very schematically in [Fig.1], and which can be any one of those illustrated in the other figures or their variants.

[0123] The wringing member 6 can be any, and in the example considered comprises a lip arranged to wring the rod 7 and the application member 10 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 7.

[0124] The wringing element 6 can be made of elastomer.

[0125] The wringing 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 8 mm.

[0126] The wringing member 6 may optionally have undulations, allowing the wringing orifice 6a to widen more easily when the application member 10 passes through it.

[0127] The spin-drying unit can still be adjusted, if necessary.

[0128] 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 method 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 10.

[0129] Preferably and as in the example illustrated in [Fig.1], 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] The rod 7 to which the application member 10 is attached may be rigid or at least partially, in particular entirely, flexible, in particular in the vicinity of the application member 10.

[0132] The application member 10 can be fixed to the rod 7 by any means, including press fitting, snap-fitting, gluing, welding, stapling, or crimping, in a corresponding housing 7a provided at the end of the rod 7. Alternatively, the application member 10 is made in one piece by molding of material with at least part of the rod 7.

[0133] Figures 2 to 6 show an example of an application member 10 with longitudinal axis X, produced for example by injection molding of at least one thermoplastic material, comprising an end piece 11 for fixing to the rod 7, intended to be received in the housing 7a of the latter.

[0134] The tip 11 extends towards the distal end of the application member 10 by means of a part 12, centered on the axis X, forming a shoulder 13.

[0135] Part 12 serves as a support for a set of flexible loops 1030, 1040, 1050, 1040' and 1050', extending along respective planes P100, P101, P102, P101' and P102', parallel to each other, as seen in [Fig. 3]. The interior spaces of the loops overlap at least partially in top view, as illustrated in [Fig. 4].

[0136] Each loop can be formed by a strand of material of substantially constant cross-section, connecting at its ends to the support part 12. The ends of the loop 1030 can connect to the periphery of the support part 12, those of the loops 1050 and 1050' in diametrically opposite locations on the radially outer surface of the support part 12, and those of the loops 1040 and 1040' on a front face of the support part 12, perpendicular to the X axis.

[0137] Other locations of the loop connection ends on the support part 12 are possible.

[0138] The application member 10 in this example has axial symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0139] Loop 1030, the most central, is the longest, its distal end being located at a distance L from shoulder 13, as seen in [Fig.4].

[0140] The loops 1050 and 1050' furthest from the central loop 1030 are the shortest, their distal end being located at a distance l2 from the shoulder 13.

[0141] Loops 1040 and 1040' are located respectively between loop 1030 and loops 1050 and 1050', and their distal end is located at a distance Zi from shoulder 13, with L > Z2 > Zp

[0142] Each loop preferably has an oblong shape, with a length greater than its greatest width.

[0143] For example, we have L / W, where L designates the apparent length of the application member 10, measured from the shoulder 13, and W the greatest width of the application member 10, which in the example considered corresponds to the greatest width of the central loop 1030, greater than or equal to 1, better 2, even better 6.

[0144] W is preferably greater than or equal to the diameter of the rod 7, therefore to that of the orifice of the lip of the wringing element 6. For example, W is between 3 and 15 mm.

[0145] For example, we have L between 5 and 40 mm.

[0146] Preferably, the loops located on the same side as the central loop 1030 They exhibit a greater width that decreases towards the outside, as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. This decrease can be linear, such that the points of greatest width lie on the same straight line. This can facilitate contact between all loops located on the same side of the central loop and a flat surface to be treated.

[0147] The angle b formed between the planes which rest on the sides of the loops located on the same side of the central loop can be between 5 and 175°, for example approximately 90°.

[0148] The ratio W / W between the largest width W of the central loop 1030 and that Wi of an end loop 1050 or 1050' is for example between 1 and 5.

[0149] The wJ Wi ratio is for example between 1 and 5.

[0150] The free ends of the loops located on one side of the central loop are preferably aligned with the free end of the latter, as illustrated in [Fig.3], so that all the loops located on one side of the central loop can easily come into contact with the surface to be treated when using the applicator.

[0151] The angle a formed between the planes resting on the distal ends of the different loops is for example between 5 and 180°.

[0152] The loops can be separated by a constant spacing p, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], or a variable spacing p. This spacing p is, for example, between 0 and 3 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. Such a spacing value promotes retention of the composition by capillary action between the loops.

[0153] The variant of figures 7 to 12 has only three loops, namely the central loop 1030 and upper loops 1050 and lower loops 1050', all these loops extending along respective planes parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the application member 10.

[0154] The application member 10 may include, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 8], a surface micro-structure, for example a network of micro-reliefs such as small bumps formed by molding material. These micro-reliefs have, for example, a height of between 0.05 and 2 mm.

[0155] They can be present on each of the loops as seen in [Fig.9], on all or part of their surface, and preferably on the entire outer perimeter of the loops.

[0156] The presence of a surface micro-structure allows the amount of composition retained on the loops to be increased, while maintaining sufficient application comfort due to the relatively low height of the microreliefs.

[0157] The variant of figures 13 to 17 comprises a central loop 1030 extending along a plane P2, and upper loops 1050 and lower loops 1050' extending along respective planes parallel to the plane P2 and to the longitudinal axis of the application member 10.

[0158] The loop 1030 carries a thin membrane 1035, having a thickness e2 less than that ei of the strand forming the loop, as seen in [Fig. 17].

[0159] The application member 10 also includes a loop 1020 extending along a plane PI perpendicular to the plane P2.

[0160] The loop 1020 has two opposing arched branches 1020a and 1020b, which join via the membrane 1035.

[0161] The loop 1020 carries a thin membrane 1025, the thickness of which is for example the same as that of the membrane 1035. The ratio of the thickness of the strand of material forming the loop 1020 to that of the membrane 1025 is for example the same as for the loop 1030 and the membrane 1035.

[0162] The presence of membranes 1025 and 1035 increases the surface area for capturing the composition by the application element 10. Their thinness prevents the loops from becoming excessively rigid, thus retaining a certain flexibility, and allowing them to deform when passing through the wringing element or when applying the composition to the skin or lips.

[0163] The application member 10 of figures 18 to 22 differs from that of figures 13 to 17 by the presence on the membrane 1025 of openings 1026.

[0164] The arrangement of the openings 1026 can be varied, for example, arranged in two superimposed rows, extending along the longitudinal axis of the application member 10, as seen in [Fig.22].

[0165] The openings 1026 can be of any shape, for example being circular as illustrated.

[0166] The presence of the openings 1026 further improves the retention of the composition on the application organ 10 by capillarity, and can increase the flexibility of the membrane 1025.

[0167] The application member 10 of figures 23 to 27 differs from that of figures 13 to 17 by the presence of openings both in the membrane 1025 carried by the loop 1020 and in the membrane 1035 carried by the loop 1030.

[0168] These openings appear, for the membrane 1025, as visible in particular in [Fig. 27], in the form of windows 1027 with parallel edges 1027a, extending between the opposite branches 1020a and 1020b of the loop 1020, these edges 1027a being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the application member 10.

[0169] These openings also appear, for the membrane 1035, in the form of windows 1037 with parallel edges 1037a, extending between the opposite branches 1030a and 1030b of the loop 1030, these edges 1037a being perpendicular to the X axis.

[0170] Windows 1027 and 1037 may have the same width, as illustrated, and occupy the same axial position along the X axis.

[0171] The windows 1027 delimit strips 1029 which extend between branches 1020a and 1020b, and the windows 1037 similarly delimit strips 1039 extending between branches 1030a and 1030b.

[0172] The bands 1029 and 1039 are perpendicular to each other in the illustrated example, and form inside the loops 1020 and 1030 a very open structure, both flexible, capable of retaining the composition by capillarity and allowing good circulation of the composition through the application member when loading the application member with composition and passing through the wringing member.

[0173] The number of bands 1029 present inside the loop 1020 is, for example, between 1 and 20, better 2 and 10, even better 2 and 5, for example 3 or 4 as illustrated in [Fig. 25]. The width of a band 1029 or 1039 ranges, for example, from 0.3 mm to 15 mm, better from 1 mm to 10 mm, even better from 1 to 5 mm.

[0174] At least one window 1037 can be located in front of the loop 1020, as can be seen in [Fig.23], and the branches 1020a and 1020b of the loop 1020 can connect to the strip 1039 adjacent to this window 1037.

[0175] The application member of figures 28 to 32 differs from that of figures 13 to 17 by the absence of the membrane 1025 carried by the loop 1020 and by the presence of an opening 1206 in the membrane 1035, this opening being crossed by the loop 1020.

[0176] Loop 1020 extends along a plane PI which is also a plane of symmetry for the application member 10, and loop 1030 extends along a plane P2 perpendicular to plane PL

[0177] The loops 1050 and 1050' extend along respective planes P6 and P6' parallel to plane P2 and located on either side of it, plane P2 also being a plane of symmetry for the application member 10.

[0178] The loop 1030 is defined by a cord of material of thickness ei measured perpendicular to the plane P2, the flexible membrane 1035 being of thickness e2.

[0179] The opening 1206 can widen forward, as seen in [Fig.30], to allow axial mobility of the loop 1020 during application, until it comes to rest against the rear end 1207 of the opening 1206.

[0180] The opening 1206 also allows some lateral mobility of the loop 1020 when it is away from the end 1207.

[0181] The application member of figures 33 to 36 differs from that of figures 2 to 6 by the presence of an arch 1420 connecting loops 1050 and 1050' through loops 1040, 1030 and 1040', as seen more particularly in [Fig.36].

[0182] The arch 1420 can extend in a plane PI perpendicular to the plane P100, have a concave shape towards the distal end of the application member 10, and connect at its ends to the junction of the branches 1050a and 1050b of the loop 1050 on the one hand, and to the junction of the branches 1050a' and 1050b' of the loop 1050' on the other hand.

[0183] The arch 1420 can be formed by a strand of material of the same shape and section as that of the loops 1050 and 1050', or alternatively by a strand of material of different shape or section.

[0184] The arch 1420 can be symmetrical with respect to the plane P100 of the loop 1030, which is thus a plane of symmetry for the application member in the example considered.

[0185] The presence of the arch 1420 increases the rigidity of the application member 10 in a direction perpendicular to the plane P100 of the loop 1030, thereby reducing the flexibility of the distal end of the loops 1050 and 1050', and improving the retention of the composition by the formation of additional capillary traps between the arch 1420 and the loops 1040, 1030, and 1040' that it passes through. The greater flexural rigidity in the PI plane can be advantageous for limiting the crushing of the loops 1050 or 1050' during application, which can facilitate the transfer of the composition onto the skin or lips, while maintaining good flexibility in the P2 plane, which facilitates passage through the wringing member 6 and the renewal of the composition within the application member 10.

[0186] The application member of figures 37 to 40 differs from that of figures 33 to 36 by the presence of an additional loop 1440, extending along the plane PI, comprising two branches 1440a and 1440b connecting at one end to the support part 12, and at the other end to the top 1422 of the arch 1420, as seen in particular in [Fig.40].

[0187] The apex 1421 can be located at a distance / from the distal end of the application member 10, this distance f being for example between 1 / 4 and 2 / 3 of the apparent length L of the application member, measured between its distal end and the shoulder 13.

[0188] We see on [Fig.40] that the branch 1440a can have a straight portion 1440b coming to tangent the plane resting on the upper edge of the loop 1050, so that the loop 1440 does not protrude out of the loop 1050 outside the application member 10.

[0189] The embodiment shown in Figures 41 to 44 differs from that shown in Figures 37 to 40 by the presence of two arches 1070a and 1070b connecting respectively the vertices of loops 1050 and 1050' to the vertex 1032 of loop 1030, as well as by the shape of loops 1040 and 1040'.

[0190] Arches 1070a and 1070b extend along the same plane as arches 1140 and 1440, and may exhibit substantially the same curvature as the portions of branches 1030a and 1030b which connect to the apex 1032 of loop 1030.

[0191] The loop 1040 may have, as seen in [Fig.43] in particular, opposite branches 1040a and 1040b which have near their distal end respective bends 1042a and 1042b, substantially at 90°, extended by straight segments 1043a and 1043b, oriented inwards and backwards, which meet at the junction of branches 1040a and 1040b.

[0192] The same applies to branch 1040', which is symmetrical to branch 1040 with respect to the median plane along which loop 1030 extends and which corresponds to the cutting plane of [Fig.43].

[0193] The presence of the arches 1070a and 1070b further stiffens the application member in a direction perpendicular to the plane of [Fig. 43], enabling it to better resist a force tending to bring the loops 1050 and 1050' closer together, exerted during application. Moreover, this further improves the capture of the composition by the application member and allows the tip of the application member to be used for precise application, as the tip is more easily controlled.

[0194] The application member 10 shown in figures 45 to 50 has a generally flattened projection 17 extending the support part 12.

[0195] The extension 17 has a lower face 17a extending from the support portion 12, without forming a step with it, rounded in shape and rising towards the distal end of the application member. The upper face 17b of the extension 17 has a central rib 17c, for example with a semi-circular cross-section as illustrated in [Fig. 50], the height of which decreases as it approaches the distal end of the application member 10. This rib 17c tends to stiffen the extension 17.

[0196] A peripheral ridge 180 extends around the perimeter of the projection 17.

[0197] A loop 20 connects the support part 12 to the advance 17, extending along a plane PI which is a median plane of symmetry for the application member 10, as seen in [Fig.46].

[0198] The application member 10 includes a flexible loop 30 which extends along a plane P2 perpendicular to the plane PI, the loop 30 extending substantially parallel to the bead 180, as can be seen in [Fig.50].

[0199] The distal part of the loop 30 extends slightly back from the ridge 180, while the width of the loop 30 is slightly greater than that of the projection 17, as illustrated in [Fig.50].

[0200] The application member 10 comprises two other flexible loops 140 and 150 which extend parallel to the plane P2, at different heights, the loop 150 having a length less than that of the loop 140, and the latter having a length less than that of the loop 30, giving the whole, in side view as in [Fig.47], a stepped shape, the front edges of the advance 17 and of the loops 30 and 140 being substantially contained in a plane P5 making an angle s with the axis X, this angle s being for example equal to about 45°, as illustrated.

[0201] The stepped, inclined shape of the head of the application element 10 allows for a flexible and beveled application surface. The proximity of the loops 30, 140, and 150 promotes capillary retention of the composition.

[0202] The back of the application member 10, defined by the surface of the advance 17 opposite the loop 30, can be used to spread the composition, if necessary.

[0203] The space inside loops 30, 140 and 150 forms a composition reservoir, and the presence of the inner arch 20 promotes the retention of the composition by capillarity in it.

[0204] The front edge of the advance 17 can be used to draw a thin line, if necessary.

[0205] The application organs 10 which have just been described with reference to figures 1 to 50 are without spikes and are intended for application to the skin or lips.

[0206] Their structure eliminates the need to flock the application surface, thus simplifying manufacturing. However, it is possible to flock all or part of their surface to further enhance the adhesion of the composition.

[0207] At least part of the loops can also be equipped with application elements such as bristles, adapted for applying the composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

[0208] An example of the implantation of application elements such as pins on an application member, reproducing the configuration of that of the example in Figures 28 to 32, will now be described, with reference to Figures 51 to 55.

[0209] It thus comprises a loop 1020 which extends along a plane PI which is also a plane of symmetry, and a loop 1030 which extends along a plane P2 perpendicular to the plane PL

[0210] The loop 1020 carries pins 68, whose longitudinal axes are contained in the plane PL

[0211] Loop 1030 carries pins 65 whose longitudinal axes are contained in plane P2.

[0212] Two other loops 1050 and 1050' extend along respective planes P6 and P6' parallel to plane P2, plane P2 being a plane of symmetry for the application member 10.

[0213] The loop 1050 carries pins 64, each extending obliquely at an angle q with the plane P6, the angle q being for example of the order of 45°.

[0214] Loop 1050' carries pins 66 also making an angle q with plane P6'.

[0215] The rows of pins 68 provided on the opposite branches 1020a and 1020b of the loop 20 start set back from the end 1022, such that the ends of all the pins 68 located on the branch 1020a protrude above the loop 1050, as seen in [Fig.55].

[0216] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0217] In particular, the cross-sectional shape of the branches can be modified to facilitate manufacturing by injection molding. Specifically, the branches can be given a substantially triangular shape.

[0218] When produced by injection molding, the application member can be produced in a single piece by single injection, double injection or multi injection.

[0219] In variants not illustrated, the application members described above without pins may be provided with pins, or any other application elements, or even any surface structuring.

[0220] It is possible to provide flocking, for example on the outer envelope of the loops or on the advance 17 described above, for example.

[0221] The expression "comprising one" should be understood as synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless otherwise specified.

Claims

Demands

1. Applicator (2) comprising: An application member (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), comprising: • at least one support portion (12), • a plurality of loops (1030, 1040, 1040', 1050; 1050') defining respective interior spaces which overlap at least partially when said loops are viewed in a direction normal to said interior spaces, each loop being connected at its ends to the support portion.

2. Applicator according to claim 1, the loops extending along substantially parallel respective planes (P100, P101, P102, P101', P102').

3. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the distal ends of the loops being located at a distance from the support part (12) which decreases as it moves away from a median region of the application member, in particular from a central loop (1030).

4. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 and 2, the distal ends of the loops being located at a distance from the support part (12) which decreases from one side of the application member to the opposite side.

5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, each loop having two ends connected to the support part (12), these two ends connecting to a surface of revolution, in particular conical, of the support part or a flat surface, in particular a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the application member.

6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one of the loops (1030) of the plurality having, on at least a part of its inner perimeter, a membrane (1035).

7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member comprising at least one loop (1020) passing through the interior space of at least one other loop (1030) belonging to said plurality of loops.

8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, at least two loops (1050, 1050') of said plurality of loops being connected to each other by at least one bridge of material (1420), in particular by an arch, the latter preferably connecting two extreme loops (1050, 1050') of the application organ at their apex.

9. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the arch (1420) being concave or convex in the direction of the distal end of the application member.

10. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the application member comprising a loop (1440) whose ends are connected to the support part (12) and the apex to said arch (1420).

11. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member (10) comprising four branches (1030a, 1030b, 1070a, 1070b) joining at the distal end thereof, two of these branches preferably belonging to one of the loops (1030) of said plurality, and the other two (1070a, 1070b) preferably extending in a plane perpendicular to a plane along which said loop (1030) extends, these two other branches (1070a, 1070b) connecting in particular to the top of the extreme loops (1050, 1050') of said plurality.

12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member being devoid of flocking

13. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member (10) comprising application elements (64, 65, 66, 68), in particular carried by at least one of the loops (1030) of said plurality, and better by each of the loops of the plurality.

14. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the application elements carried by the extreme loops (1050, 1050') of said plurality extending obliquely away from a median plane of the application member, in particular a plane along which extends a central loop (1030) of said plurality, the central loop preferably comprising application elements, preferably pins, oriented parallel to said plane.

15. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member being made of an elastomeric material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer.

16. A conditioning and application device comprising: a. An applicator (2) as defined in any one of the preceding claims, b. a container containing the composition to be applied, comprising a wringer (6) through which the application member (10) passes when the latter is extracted from the container.

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