Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

Cosmetic applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic composition, comprising: - an application member (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), comprising: - a proximal support portion (12), - a distal portion (15), - at least one first structure (30) comprising at least two flexible arms (30a, 30b), at least one of which has an outwardly convex arc shape, extending for at least part of their length away from the longitudinal axis (X), connected at one end to the support portion and at the other end to the distal portion, - at least one second structure (20) comprising at least one loop extending between these two arms. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Cosmetic applicator 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 more particularly to "dip-in" type conditioning and application devices, i.e. comprising an applicator and a reservoir in which the applicator is immersed to be loaded with composition. Previous technique

[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] 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] Application FR3039382 describes an applicator comprising an elongated rod carrying an application member extending along a longitudinal axis. This application member has a core having one or more through openings. Branches connect at one end to the core and join through said opening.

[0015] In embodiment examples, the branches form several successive loops which are connected to each other at the level of the opening(s) of the core.

[0016] In another embodiment, the application member comprises 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 adjusting pin that slides longitudinally in a distal portion of the core. Thus, by pushing the adjusting pin in more or less, it is possible to deform the loop and modify the properties of the applicator.

[0017] Application FR2993151 describes an application element for eyelash makeup, having a core with swollen portions extending around cavities.

[0018] Application EP2654490 discloses application elements comprising branches in the form of outwardly convex arches, arranged around a central core.

[0019] 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.

[0020] US2021 / 0186183A1 describes an application member having a core connected at one of its ends to a support portion carried by a fixing tip 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 part. This return has arches through which the first portion of the core passes.

[0021] Such an application element has a relatively complex structure, not suitable for manufacturing by injection of thermoplastic material.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Finally, it may prove useful to make the application softer by allowing some mobility of the application surface relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0024] US patent 9033604 thus proposed an applicator comprising, between the stem and an application element consisting of a twisted-core mascara brush, an attached flexible portion. The presence of this flexible portion complicates the assembly of the application element. Description of the invention

[0025] There is a need to improve cosmetic applicators and in particular to remedy all or part of the drawbacks encountered in the prior art.

[0026] In particular, there is an interest in having an application element with satisfactory performance, providing a smooth application, while still being able to maintain a conventional mounting of the application element on the rod, if desired.

[0027] There is still an interest in promoting, when the applicator is used with a container equipped with a wringer, the renewal of the product during a cycle of extraction and reinsertion of the applicator into the container, and whose mechanical properties can be modified relatively easily during the design, to adapt to the rheology of the product and the desired makeup.

[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 for eyelashes and / or eyebrows offering an application surface with areas more or less loaded with product, so that the more loaded areas can be used to deposit the composition on the eyelashes and the less loaded areas to comb and separate them. Summary of the invention

[0030] The invention aims to meet all or part of these needs, and it achieves this by proposing an applicator comprising: - an application element extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising: - a proximal support component, - a distal part, - at least one first structure comprising at least two flexible branches, at least one of which has an outwardly convex, arched shape, extending at least part of their length away from the longitudinal axis, connected at one end to the support part and connected at the other end to the distal part, - at least one second structure comprising at least one loop extending between these two branches.

[0031] Preferably, the application member carries application elements such as pins or other reliefs, being intended for the application of eyelashes and / or eyebrows, in particular on the distal part, on the first structure, on the second structure and / or on the support part.

[0032] Such an applicator allows for a more or less flexible connection between the support and proximal parts, depending on how the first structure is made.

[0033] Furthermore, the first and second structures can participate in the retention of the composition on the application organ.

[0034] The first and / or second structures preferably have bristles, when the applicator is intended for eyelash and / or eyebrow makeup.

[0035] The first structure may have at least one branch that defines at least one wider area for the application member, and when this area carries bristles or other application elements, these are strongly wrung out as they pass through the wringing member. At least one branch of the second structure may extend a smaller distance away from the longitudinal axis, such that the bristles it carries are less vigorously wrung out and more heavily loaded with the composition. These bristles can be used to load eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

[0036] The distal part can be relatively short, for example be of a length less than or equal to that of the branches connecting the distal and supporting parts, or alternatively relatively long, for example be of a length greater than that of the branches connecting the distal and supporting parts.

[0037] When the distal part is long, the first structure can provide flexibility to the application organ by deforming.

[0038] When the first structure occupies most of the apparent length of the application member, the latter may include one or more material bridges connecting at least two opposite branches of the first structure, for example Several material bridges form loops with some of the branches they connect; these loops can themselves be connected by an axial material bridge. This can provide rigidity.

[0039] Preferably, the application member is made by injection molding of a thermoplastic material.

[0040] The J / L ratio, where J designates the length of the distal part and L the apparent length of the application organ, may be greater than or equal to 0.5. Alternatively, the J / L ratio, where J designates the length of the distal part and L the apparent length of the application organ, is less than 0.5.

[0041] The distal part may have a symmetrical shape of revolution around the longitudinal axis of the application organ.

[0042] The distal part can be solid.

[0043] The first and second structures can be flexible. By "flexible" it is understood that the branches or loops can deform during application and / or passage through the wringing element, in the presence of such a wringing element.

[0044] The loop of the second structure allows, by crossing the gap between the branches of the first structure, to occupy at least partially the space between the branches and thus to constitute capillary traps between the branches and the loop, between the branches and within the loop, if the viscosity of the composition allows it.

[0045] When the application element carries application elements such as bristles or other reliefs and is intended for eyelash and / or eyebrow makeup, the flexibility of the arms facilitates their deformation as they pass through the wiper, which makes it possible on the one hand to constrain the bristles less, and on the other hand to create internal composition movements promoting its renewal, in particular from the inside out.

[0046] In examples of implementations of the invention, the application element can be produced by injection molding of a single-piece thermoplastic material, which reduces manufacturing costs compared to additive manufacturing. This can also facilitate the use of recyclable or recycled plastics. The application element can be molded from a thermoplastic material chosen, for example, from thermoplastic elastomers, SEBS, TPE, Hytrel® (thermoplastic elastomer copolyester), TPV, PE, LDPE, HDPE, among others.

[0047] The application member can be molded from a thermoplastic material having a Shore hardness ranging from 30 Shore A to 72 Shore D.

[0048] The application element is preferably made by injection molding of thermoplastic material, but it can be made by other means when its shape does not allow it, in which case it may be made, for example, by an additive manufacturing technique. Application element

[0049] The application member can be mounted on the end of a rod to be inserted into a container equipped with a wringer and to be loaded with composition.

[0050] The application member may include a mounting tip for an applicator rod; this tip may have a circular cross-section with a constant diameter or a diameter decreasing towards the proximal end of the application member. The tip may form a shoulder with the support portion, the contour of which may be circular, with a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the applicator rod. This shoulder may abut against the rod during the mounting of the application member.

[0051] The mounting tip can be solid.

[0052] The support part may have a length that may be less than a quarter of the length of the apparent portion of the application member, that is to say in the presence of the aforementioned shoulder, of the length extending between the distal end of the application member and this shoulder.

[0053] The support part can also be longer, in particular to occupy the central space of the application member and to allow the formation of capillary traps with branches of the first and / or second structures arranged around it.

[0054] The support portion may have bristles when the applicator is intended for applying a composition to keratin fibers such as eyelashes. The bristles are, for example, arranged in rows located in line with bristles on branches of the first and / or second structures.

[0055] The distal end of the application organ can be defined by the aforementioned distal part.

[0056] Such a distal part can be solid, as mentioned above, and of a cross-section, for example, circular, the distal part being able to have a longitudinal axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the support part and that of the tip.

[0057] The application device may be intended for applying the composition to a continuous surface, such as the skin or lips, or a discontinuous surface, such as keratin fibers, in particular eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

[0058] In the case of application to a continuous surface, the application element is advantageously flock-free. The flexibility of the arms, their shape, and their proximity can sufficiently retain the composition by surface tension, making such a flocking coating unnecessary. This simplifies the manufacture of the applicator and improves its reliability, as it is not necessary to ensure the resistance of the adhesive used to bond the flocking fibers to the composition and the forces exerted during wringing or use.

[0059] In the case of use for applying a composition to keratin fibers, the application device may carry application elements such as bumps or other raised features, which may be located on the entire or only a portion of the application device. "Bum or other raised feature" refers to any identifiable protrusion suitable for applying the composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, particularly one capable of fitting between the eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

[0060] The aforementioned distal part can thus carry such application elements, when the applicator is intended for application on keratin fibers such as eyelashes.

[0061] The length of the distal part can then correspond to more than a quarter of the apparent length of the application organ.

[0062] These studs can be arranged in rows which are for example aligned with rows of studs carried by branches of the first and / or second structures.

[0063] The first and second structures can act as a joint, allowing the distal part to easily change its orientation relative to the axis of the support part, for example, under pressure exerted during application. By choosing the configuration of the branches of the first and second structures, in particular by having a non-homogeneous distribution of the branches around the longitudinal axis of the application member, it is possible to enhance the deformability of the first and second structures around certain pivot axes, which can improve the applicator's behavior when applying the composition using certain areas of the application member.Alternatively, the first structure provides the connection between the supporting and distal parts with at least three branches equidistant angularly around the longitudinal axis of the application organ, which ensures homogeneous behavior of the connection in all directions.

[0064] The first and second structures may include branches that connect to the support part along a corresponding radial plane, at an angle with the longitudinal axis of the application member, this angle ranging, for example, from 0 to 90°, preferably between 0 and 60°. Such a preferential orientation of the branches can facilitate passage through the wringer.

[0065] The first and / or second structures may have branches having in cross-section a shape suitable for their demolding in an injection molding manufacturing process, in particular branches which in cross-section have straight sides diverging outwards, joined by a convex rounding outwards.

[0066] The applicator may consist, for defining the application surface of the composition, only of the application element, which may be a single piece. The application surface may thus be unflocked.

[0067] Alternatively, the applicator is hybrid, and the application element serves as a support for another element, such as a twisted-core brush. This can make it possible to provide a compromise between the load and combing provided by the brush bristles and the load and combing provided by the pins.

[0068] In this case, the loop or cages formed by the first and / or second structures can advantageously help to retain the portion of the brush bearing the bristles, in particular by extending between them.

[0069] The application element can be made without the possibility of adjusting its configuration, unlike that described in application FR3039382, and in particular without an element that can be fixed in one of two predefined positions. First structure

[0070] The first structure may have more than two branches, thus forming for example a cage.

[0071] The first structure may have an even number of branches greater than two, for example four or six, two by two diametrically opposed, two opposite branches forming a loop extending preferably in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the application member.

[0072] The first structure may have axial symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis of the application member, or only symmetry with respect to a median plane, or even be without any symmetry.

[0073] The first structure may have a length that corresponds to more or less half of the apparent length of the application member.

[0074] The first structure serves to connect the support part to the distal part of the application member, which may optionally carry another application element such as a twisted-core brush.

[0075] The distal part may thus comprise a solid or hollow central body, with or without a circular cross-section, centered on the longitudinal axis of a tip of the application member used for attachment to the applicator stem. The largest diameter of the distal part corresponds, for example, approximately to that of the support part.

[0076] The length of the distal part may or may not exceed that of the first structure.

[0077] The distal part may have a straight longitudinal axis aligned with that of the part support.

[0078] The first structure may include two diametrically opposed branches extending along a first plane, one of which is convex outwards, and the other is substantially parallel to it, as well as two other branches extending along a second plane perpendicular to the first, these two other branches being symmetrical to each other with respect to a median plane.

[0079] The first structure may have branches exhibiting at least one undulation, in particular several identical undulating branches, giving, for example, the first structure a general peanut shape. Second structure

[0080] The second structure can be formed of a single loop, extending for example in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the application member.

[0081] The second structure may have a single loop that passes through a cage formed by the first structure, or an intermediate cage that itself passes through a loop formed by the first structure. In this case, for example, the loop forming the second structure extends along a plane making a 45° angle with the plane along which the loop forming the first structure extends, and the intermediate cage comprises two loops that extend along planes perpendicular to each other, one of which is positioned at 45° to the plane of the loop forming the second structure.

[0082] The second structure may have more than two branches, forming, for example, a cage, the branches being joined at one end, in particular four branches, preferably two diametrically opposed. The presence of a cage may provide greater mechanical strength to the branches and the application member.

[0083] These four branches can form two loops joined at the distal end of the cage, extending along two respective planes perpendicular to each other.

[0084] The branches may each have at least one undulation, each loop formed by two opposite branches having for example a general peanut shape when viewed from its plane.

[0085] The second structure may include a loop having two branches forming, when viewed from the front along the longitudinal axis of the application member, a V.

[0086] Such a shape is advantageously combined with a first structure having at least one outwardly convex arch-shaped branch, the two loop branches of the second structure being located on either side of this outwardly convex arch-shaped branch. This can increase the spacing between the branches on one side of the application member and result in closer-spaced branches on the opposite side, which can be useful for achieving different application properties with the same application member depending on the face used. In particular, the closer-spaced branches can retain more composition between them by capillary action, and thus have a stronger loading action than the opposite side, where the branches are further apart and less able to retain the composition between them by capillary action.

[0087] The second structure, just like the first, can have studs or other raised features when the application device is intended for applying a composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows. Additional structure

[0088] The application member may include an additional structure, distinct from the first and second structures.

[0089] This additional structure may include at least one loop, connecting at its ends to the support part, and extending in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the application member, distinct from those in which the branches of the first and second structures extend.

[0090] The presence of this additional structure creates an extra surface area for capturing the composition and can carry application elements such as bristles, when the application device is intended for eyelash and / or eyebrow makeup. The additional structure may, if necessary, be formed by a cage whose arms connect at one end to the support portion and meet at the other end at the apex of the cage, which may be positioned axially between the distal end of the first structure and the distal end of the second structure. The cage forming the additional structure may, for example, have four arms. These arms may form two loops extending along planes that are at an angle of 45° to each other.

[0091] The additional structure may include at least one loop passing through an opening defined by a loop of the first structure. The second structure may include at least one loop passing through both a loop of the additional structure and a loop of the first structure. Branches

[0092] The first and second structures include flexible branches that can form loops or cages.

[0093] A loop may have two ends connected to the support part. These two ends may be connected to a surface which may be a surface of revolution of the support part or the same flat surface, for example a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the application member.

[0094] A cage can be formed of at least three branches, preferably an even number of branches, for example 4 or 6.

[0095] The branches may have a circular or other cross-section, and preferably the branches have a cross-section suitable for manufacturing by injection molding of the application member.

[0096] The branches may in particular have 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 starting from a vertex, diverging outwards, and a rounded joining said segments.

[0097] Such a cross-sectional shape can facilitate the extraction of the mold used for injection molding, and thus limit the risk of damage to the application member during its extraction during demolding.

[0098] Preferably, two opposite branches of the same structure have, on the same side and in the same plane of cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the application member, segments that are parallel to each other. This can facilitate the release of the shells used for molding the application member.

[0099] A branch can have a cross-sectional area of ​​between 0.01 and 20 mm², or more preferably between 0.2 and 5 mm². Its largest transverse dimension (i.e., the diameter in the case of a branch with a circular cross-section) can range from 0.1 to 4 mm, for example. The extended length of a branch, between its connection end to the support part and its opposite end, for example the distal end of the loop or cage to which this branch belongs, ranges, for example, from 3 to 60 mm.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The term "loop" refers to a branch or series of branches that, together with one or more other parts of the application member, define a closed contour surrounding an interior space distinct from the branch(es). The loop may extend along a single plane, which contains the longitudinal axes of the branches. Alternatively, the loop may 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 member. The branch(es) constituting the loop may extend angularly around a point located in the aforementioned interior space, at an angle of at least 120°, preferably at least 180°. Conditioning and application device

[0102] 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.

[0103] The orifice defined by the wringer, in particular its diameter, can be dimensioned in such a way that the first and / or second structures deform 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 2 times, or even between 1 and 1.5 times, the diameter of the wringing orifice (i.e., the diameter of the smallest circle circumscribed about the inner cross-section of this orifice).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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. Makeup process

[0106] The invention further relates to a method of making up human keratinous materials, in particular skin, lips, eyelashes or eyebrows, by means of a conditioning and application device as defined above, this method comprising the step of applying the composition to the keratinous materials using the applicator.

[0107] The method may include rotating the application element around its axis, particularly when unscrewing the applicator previously screwed onto a threaded neck of the container, to twist the first and / or second structures upon contact with the wiper and tighten them radially. This can create forced circulation of the composition, thus promoting its renewal and improving wiping. In cases where the composition is relatively viscous, such as with mascara, the application element may tend to twist upon contact with the composition when unscrewing the container's closure, which also serves as the applicator's gripping element. Brief description of the drawings

[0108] 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:

[0109] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] schematically and partially represents an example of conditioning and application device comprising an applicator according to the invention,

[0110] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial, perspective view of an example of an organ application according to the invention,

[0111] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.2],

[0112] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a variant of the application element,

[0113] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.4],

[0114] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.4],

[0115] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a longitudinal section along VILVII of [Fig.6],

[0116] [Fig-8] [Fig.8] is another side view of the application member, after rotation around its longitudinal axis relative to [Fig.6],

[0117] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal section along IX-IX of [Fig.8],

[0118] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is another side view of the application member, after rotation around its longitudinal axis relative to [Fig. 8],

[0119] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a longitudinal section along XI-XI of [Fig. 10],

[0120] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a partial perspective view of an organ variant application,

[0121] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a front view of the application member of [Fig. 12],

[0122] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a side view of the application member of [Fig. 12],

[0123] [Fig.15] [Fig.15] is a longitudinal section along XV-XV of [Fig.14],

[0124] [Fig.16] [Fig.16] is a cross-section along XVI-XVI of [Fig.14],

[0125] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a side view of the application member, after rotation around its longitudinal axis relative to [Fig. 14],

[0126] [Fig.18] [Fig.18] is a longitudinal section along XVIII-XVIII of [Fig.17],

[0127] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] is another side view of the application member, after rotation around its longitudinal axis relative to the [Fig. 17],

[0128] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a longitudinal section along XX-XX of [Fig.19],

[0129] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is a partial perspective view of another example of an organ application,

[0130] [Fig.22] [Fig.22] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.21],

[0131] [Fig.23] [Fig.23] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.21],

[0132] [Fig.24] [Fig.24] is a longitudinal section along XXIV-XXIV of [Fig.23],

[0133] [Fig.25] [Fig.25] is another side view of the application member of [Fig.21], after rotation around its longitudinal axis relative to the [Fig.23],

[0134] [Fig.26] [Fig.26] is another longitudinal section of the application member,

[0135] [Fig.27] [Fig.27] is another side view of the application member,

[0136] [Fig.28] [Fig.28] is a longitudinal section of the application member according to XXVIII-XXVIII of the [Fig.27],

[0137] [Fig.29] [Fig.29] shows in perspective, partial, another variant of the application element,

[0138] [Fig.30] [Fig.30] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.29],

[0139] [Fig.31] [Fig.31] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.29],

[0140] [Fig.32] [Fig.32] is a longitudinal section along XXXII-XXXII of [Fig.31],

[0141] [Fig.33] [Fig.33] is another longitudinal section,

[0142] [Fig.34] [Fig.34] is another side view of the application member,

[0143] [Fig.35] [Fig.35] is a longitudinal section along XXXV-XXXV of [Fig.34],

[0144] [Fig.36] [Fig.36] is another side view of the application member of [Fig.29],

[0145] [Fig.37] [Fig.37] is a longitudinal section along XXXVII-XXXVII of the [Fig.36]

[0146] [Fig.38] [Fig.38] is a partial perspective view of a variant of an organ application,

[0147] [Fig.39] [Fig.39] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.38],

[0148] [Fig.40] [Fig.40] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.38],

[0149] [Fig.41] [Fig.41] is a longitudinal section along XLI-XLI of [Fig.40],

[0150] [Fig.42] [Fig.42] is a cross-section along XLII-XLII of [Fig.40],

[0151] [Fig.43] [Fig.43] is another side view of the application member of [Fig.40],

[0152] [Fig.44] [Fig.44] is a longitudinal section along XLIV-XLIV of [Fig.43],

[0153] [Fig.45] [Fig.45] is a side view from another angle of view,

[0154] [Fig.46] [Fig.46] is a longitudinal section along XLVI-XLVI of [Fig.45],

[0155] [Fig.47] [Fig.47] represents in partial perspective, an application element according to another example of the implementation of the invention,

[0156] [Fig.48] [Fig.48] is a partial view of the application member of [Fig.47] from another point of view,

[0157] [Fig.49] [Fig.49] is a front view of the application member,

[0158] [Fig.50] [Fig.50] is a side view of the application member,

[0159] [Fig. 51] [Fig. 51] is a longitudinal section of the application member according to LI-LI of the [Fig.50],

[0160] [Fig.52] [Fig.52] is a cross-section along LII-LII of [Fig.50],

[0161] [Fig.53] [Fig.53] is another side view of the application member,

[0162] [Fig.54] [Fig.54] is a longitudinal section along LIV-LIV of [Fig.53],

[0163] [Fig.55] [Fig.55] is another side view of the application member,

[0164] [Fig.56] [Fig.56] is a longitudinal section along LVI-LVI of [Fig.55],

[0165] [Fig.57] [Fig.57] shows in perspective another example of the realization of the implementing body,

[0166] [Fig.58] [Fig.58] is a front view of the application member of [Fig.57],

[0167] [Fig.59] [Fig.59] is a side view of the application member,

[0168] [Fig.60] [Fig.60] is a longitudinal section of the application member,

[0169] [Fig.61] [Fig.61] is a side view of a variant of the application element,

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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 sealed manner when not in use, the closing cap 5 also constituting a gripping element for the applicator 2.

[0172] Container 3 can still be made in another way.

[0173] The container 3 may include, as illustrated, a wringing element 6, for example snapped into collar 4.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] The wringing element 6 can be made of elastomer.

[0177] 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 8mm.

[0178] The wringing member 6 may optionally include undulations, allowing the wringing orifice 6a to widen more easily when the application member 10 passes through it.

[0179] The spin-drying unit can still be adjusted, if necessary.

[0180] 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 10.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] In the following description, some application elements are intended more specifically for applying eyelash or eyebrow makeup and have raised features such as small bumps. Other embodiments are more specifically intended for applying a composition to the skin or lips and do not have any bumps. These application elements without bumps are preferably unflocked, but alternatively are covered with flocking fibers on at least part of their surface. Some application elements are shown without the bumps intended to cover them, for the sake of clarity.

[0186] The application member 10 partially shown (without the pins or other application elements) in figures 2 and 3 includes a support part 12, defining with a mounting tip 11 in the rod 7 a shoulder 13.

[0187] The application member 10 has a distal part 15 connected to the support part 12 by two diametrically opposed flexible branches 30a and 30b in the form of arches, forming with the distal part an external loop 30.

[0188] The application member 10 also includes an internal loop 20 which extends along a plane PI and crosses the plane P2 along which the branches 30a and 30b extend, making an angle a with it.

[0189] The length J of the distal part 15 can represent, as illustrated, at least 50% of the apparent length L of the application member, defined as the distance between the shoulder 13 and the distal end of the application member 10.

[0190] The presence of loops 20 and 30 gives the application member 10 a certain flexibility at the connection between the support parts 12 and distal part 15, with a possibility of elastic deformation of the arms 30a and 30b

[0191] The application element of Figures 2 and 3 is provided with prongs (not shown) for applying a composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows. These prongs may be present on the support portion 15 and, where applicable, on the arms 30a and 30b and / or on the loop 20.

[0192] The variant partially shown (without the pins) in figures 4 to 11 differs from that in figures 2 and 3 in particular by the number of branches of the connecting part between the support parts 12 and distal part 15.

[0193] In the example considered, the support part 12 is connected to the distal part 15 by a first pair of diametrically opposed branches 30a and 30b, and a second pair of diametrically opposed branches 30c and 30d.

[0194] The branches 30a and 30b are arched and convex outwards, and together with the distal part 15 form a first loop 30 extending along a plane P2, as seen in [Fig.5].

[0195] Branches 30c and 30d have the same arched shape as branches 30a and 30b and form a loop 30' extending along a plane P2'.

[0196] The inner loop 20 extends along a plane PI, with an angle α between planes PI and P2, and an angle of 90°-α between planes P2 and P2', in the example considered.

[0197] The presence of four branches 30a to 30d tends to reinforce the mechanical resistance of the connection between the distal parts 15 and the support parts 12.

[0198] The example in Figures 4 to 11 also differs from that in Figures 2 and 3 by the presence of an intermediate loop 70 which extends along a plane P3 making an angle b with the plane PI of the inner loop 20 which is, for example, equal to the angle a between the planes PI and P2. For example, a=b=45°, as illustrated, but other values ​​are possible for these angles.

[0199] The apex 72 of the intermediate loop 70 extends, for example, substantially halfway between the distal part 15 and the apex of the inner loop 20, as can be seen in [Fig.27].

[0200] The example in figures 4 to 11 is provided with pins (not shown), preferably on the support part 15, as well as possibly on the branches 30a to 30d and on the intermediate loop 70 and / or the loop 20.

[0201] The example in Figures 12 to 20 also includes a relatively long distal portion 15, like the examples in Figures 2 and 4. In this example, the application member 10 comprises branches 30a and 30b which, together with the distal portion 15, form a loop 30, as well as an intermediate cage 40 comprising two loops formed by arches 40a, 40b for the first and 40c, 40d for the second, extending along respective planes P3 and P4 making an angle θ between them and joined at their apex 42, as can be seen in particular in Figures 17 and 19. The angle θ is, for example, 45°.

[0202] The loop formed by the branches 40a, 40b is connected to the distal part 15 by material bridges 45, as can be seen in particular in figures 13, 15 and 17.

[0203] This reduces the flexibility of the connection between the support parts 12 and distal part 15, which is thus ensured at the level of the distal part 15 at four points arranged at 90° to each other, namely the two branches 30a and 30b and the two diametrically opposed material bridges 45.

[0204] The example in figures 12 to 20 is equipped with pins (not shown), on the distal part 15, as well as possibly on the branches 30a to 30d, the cage 40 and / or the loop 20.

[0205] The application member 10 shown in Figures 21 to 28 has support portions 12 and a distal portion 15 connected by four branches 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which are arched and convex outwards. Branches 30a and 30b are diametrically opposed and, together with the distal portion 15, form a first loop extending along a plane P2, and branches 30c and 30d similarly form a second loop along a plane P2' making an angle with the first, for example 90° as can be seen in [Fig.22].

[0206] The application member 10 also includes, in this example, a cage 20 formed by four branches 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d, branches 20a and 20b forming a first loop extending along a plane PI and branches 20c and 20d a second loop extending along a plane PI', planes PI and PI' being for example arranged at 90° to each other, and plane PI making for example an angle of 45° with plane P2.

[0207] The branches are joined in 22, at the distal end of the cage 20, at a distance from the distal part 15, as can be seen in particular on [Fig.44].

[0208] The application member 10 may include two internal loops 80 and 84 extending each in the plane P2', the loop 84 connecting to the support part 12 and the loop 80 to the distal part 15, as seen in particular in figures 23 and 26.

[0209] The two loops 84 and 80 are connected at their vertices by a material bridge 81 which extends along the longitudinal axis X.

[0210] The application organ of figures 21 to 28 is advantageously provided with pins (not shown) on the distal part 15 and / or the branches 30a to 30d.

[0211] The application member shown in figures 29 to 37 differs from that of figures 21 to 28 by the shape of the arms 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d of the cage 20.

[0212] Whereas in the example of Figures 21 to 28 the branches are generally in the shape of an arch concave towards the X axis, in the example of Figures 29 to 27 the branches each have a wavy shape, with two end portions 427 and 428 concave towards the X axis and an intermediate portion 429 convex towards the X axis, giving the cage 20 in side view a general peanut shape.

[0213] The application member of figures 29 to 37 is advantageously provided with pins (not shown) on the branches 30a to 30d, the branches 20a to 20d, and possibly also on the distal part 15 and / or the support part 12. The hollow formed by the portions 429 allows for longer pins on them, which are more flexible, and allows for the accumulation of more composition at their level.

[0214] In the example of figures 3 8 to 4 6, the application member 10 does not have axial symmetry but symmetry with respect to a median plane B, which coincides with the cutting plane of [Fig.44].

[0215] The distal portion 15 and the supporting portion 12 are connected by two pairs of opposing branches 30a, 30b on the one hand, and 30c, 30d on the other, branch 30c having an outwardly convex arcuate shape and the opposing branch 30d having an arcuate shape with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to that of the opposing branch, as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 44]. These branches 30c, 30d form with the distal portion 15 a loop extending along the plane of symmetry B.

[0216] The branches 30a, 30b form with the distal part 15 a loop which extends along a plane P2 perpendicular to the plane of symmetry B, as seen in [Fig. 41]. The branches 30a and 30b may have longitudinal axes slightly curved inwards, as can be seen in [Fig. 41].

[0217] The application member 10 comprises two branches 20a and 20b which join at their distal end 22 to form a loop 20. The branches 20a and 20b generally extend along respective planes Pla and Pib, which preferably, as seen in [Fig.39], form an angle of 90° between them.

[0218] The application organ of figures 38 to 46 is provided with pins (not shown) on branches 30a to 30d, as well as on branches 20a and 20b, and possibly on the distal part 15 and support part 12.

[0219] The example in Figures 47 to 56 differs from that just described by the presence of two additional branches 30e and 30f connecting the support parts 12 and distal part 15, these branches being located on either side of the plane of symmetry B, as seen in the section of [Fig.52].

[0220] Branch 30e has a longitudinal axis which extends in the same plane Pla as branch 20a of loop 20, and branch 30f has a longitudinal axis which extends in the same plane Pla as branch 20a, the planes Pla and Pib being preferably perpendicular to each other, as illustrated.

[0221] Branches 30a, 30d to 30f and 30b are relatively close together, since they are separated angularly by about 45°, while branch 30c is more isolated and further away from the X axis. This results in less accumulation of the product on the side of branch 30c, which will tend to be more wrung out when passing through the wringing element because it is more eccentric, and a greater accumulation of product on the opposite side, this accumulation being favored on the one hand by the less eccentricity of branches 30d to 30f and the greater capillary retention of the composition allowed by the greater proximity of these branches.

[0222] The application organ of figures 47 to 56 is provided with pins (not shown) on branches 30a to 30f, as well as on branches 20a and 20b, and possibly on the distal part 15 and support part 12.

[0223] Figures 57 to 60 illustrate an example of implantation of the pins on an application member having the configuration of the previous example.

[0224] The different branches 30a to 30f have radial pins 62, and the support part has radial pins 62 which are located in the extension of the rows of pins 61, as can be seen in particular on [Fig.59].

[0225] The distal part 15 bears radial spikes 63, whose axes extend in the Pla, B and Pib planes, in the continuation of branches 30e to 30f, as well as in the P2 plane in the continuation of branches 30a and 30b, as seen in [Fig.58].

[0226] The bristles 61 located on the arms 30c and on the arms 20a and 20b have free ends that are more eccentric than the bristles located on the opposite side, and are thus less loaded with composition because they are more strongly wrung out when passing through the wringing element, and can be used to separate the cilia. The bristles located on the opposite side are more loaded with composition.

[0227] The application organ 10 of [Fig.61] is intended for the application of the composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, and illustrates an example of implantation of the pins with the configuration of the branches illustrated in figures 12 to 20, with rows of pins 161 on the flexible branches and 162 on the distal part 15.

[0228] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0229] In particular, the cross-sectional shape of the branches can be modified to facilitate manufacturing by injection molding.

[0230] When produced by injection molding, the application member can be produced in one piece by single injection, double injection or multi-injection.

[0231] 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.

[0232] The expression "comprising one" should be understood as synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless otherwise specified.

Claims

Demands

1. Applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic composition, comprising: - an application member (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), comprising: - a proximal support portion (12), - a distal portion (15), - at least one first structure (30) comprising at least two flexible arms (30a, 30b), at least one of which has an arched shape convex outwards, extending over at least part of their length away from the longitudinal axis (X), connected at one end to the support portion and connected at the other end to the distal portion, - at least one second structure (20) comprising at least one loop extending between these two arms.

2. Applicator according to claim 1, the application member (10) having application elements such as pins (161, 162) or other reliefs, being intended for making up eyelashes and / or eyebrows, in particular on the distal part (15), the first structure (30), the second structure (20) and / or the support part (12).

3. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member being made by injection molding of a thermoplastic material.

4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the ratio J / L, where J denotes the length of the distal part (15) and L the apparent length of the application member, being greater than or equal to 0.

5.

5. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the ratio J / L, where J denotes the length of the distal part (15) and L the apparent length of the application member, being less than 0.

5.

6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the distal part (15) having a symmetrical shape of revolution about the longitudinal axis (X) of the application member (10).

7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the distal part (15) being solid.

8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the distal part (15) being longer than the support part (12).

9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member comprising an additional structure (40), distinct from the first and second structures, this additional structure preferably comprising at least one loop, connecting at its ends to the support part (12), and extending in a plane containing the longitudinal axis (X) of the application member, distinct from those in which the branches of the first and second structures extend.

10. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the additional structure (40) being formed by a cage whose branches (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) connect at one end to the support part (12), and join at the other end to the top of the cage, which is positioned axially between the distal end of the first structure (30) and the distal end of the second structure (20).

11. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the first structure (30) having more than two branches (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d).

12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the second structure (20) being formed of a single loop.

13. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the second structure (20) comprising an inner loop which passes through the space formed between two branches of a cage constituting the first structure (30).

14. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the second structure (20) comprising a loop having two branches forming in front view, when observed along the longitudinal axis (X) of the application member, a V, the first structure (30) having at least one branch (30c) in the form of an arch convex outwards, the two branches (20a, 20b) of the loop of the second structure (20) being situated on each side of this branch (30c) in the form of an arch convex outwards.

15. Packaging and application device, comprising: - a container (3) containing a cosmetic composition to be applied to human keratinous materials, - an applicator (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images