Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

Cosmetic applicator Applicator (2) comprising an application member (10), comprising: a support portion (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), having a housing (211) opening at the proximal end of the application member, at least three non-coplanar arms (20a, 20b, 30a, 30b) each connecting at one end to the support portion (12) and being connected at the other end to form one or more loops and / or cages, a stem (7) at the end of which the application member (10) is mounted, comprising an extension (7b) projecting at its distal end, arranged to engage in the housing (211) of the support portion, the extension (7b) of the stem and the support portion (12) extending at least partially between the arms (20a, 20b, 30a, 30b). Figure for the abstract: 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 preferably entirely, of plastic, in particular of at least one thermoplastic material produced by injection molding. Prior art

[0003] 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.

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

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

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

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

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

[0009] Very flexible bristles will easily deform when passing through the wringer, thus facilitating its extraction, but their flexibility means they will have more difficulty It's important to comb the lashes properly during application and smooth the product onto their surface. Additionally, using a wiper will tend to leave less product on the applicator.

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

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

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

[0013] 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.

[0014] Application FR2993151 describes an application element for eyelash makeup, having a core with swollen portions extending around cavities.

[0015] Application EP2654490 discloses application elements comprising branches in the form of outwardly convex arches, arranged around a central core.

[0016] 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.

[0017] US2021 / 0186183A1 describes an application member comprising a core connected at one end to a support portion carried by a mounting tip in an applicator rod. The core comprises a first portion extending forward and a second portion forming a return, the free end of which is located at the proximity of the supporting part. This return carries arches which are crossed by the first portion of the soul.

[0018] Such an application element has a relatively complex structure, not suitable for manufacturing by injection of thermoplastic material.

[0019] US patent 6655390 describes an eyelash makeup applicator comprising a perforated support with teeth, which connect either directly to the support or to arches carried by the support.

[0020] Moreover, makeup for the skin, nails or lips generally poses problems of precision of application, autonomy of the applicator and comfort of use.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Patent EP1726235B1 describes a flocked application element having several branches.

[0023] Application FR2722381 describes a nail polish applicator comprising an application element formed by a flocked flexible loop.

[0024] Furthermore, US patent 8210763 discloses hybrid application elements comprising a body made of elastomer material in which extends a core made of a more rigid plastic material, which may be a molded pin with the rod on which the application element is fixed. The core extends over most of the length of the body of the application element. Description of the invention

[0025] 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.

[0026] It is particularly useful to have a means of precisely adjusting the rigidity of the application organ during its manufacture, in particular in order to be able to use a thermoplastic material for its manufacture which provides softness during use, without losing the precision of the makeup.

[0027] There is also an interest in having an application device with satisfactory performance, which, when the applicator is used with a container equipped with a wringer, promotes 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 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 aims to meet all or part of these needs, and it achieves this by proposing an applicator comprising:

[0031] An application element, comprising: • a support portion extending along a longitudinal axis, with a housing opening at the proximal end of the application element, • at least three non-coplanar branches, each connecting at one end to the support part and being connected at the other end, to form one or more loops and / or cages, • a rod at the end of which the application member is mounted, having an extension forming a projection at its distal end, arranged to engage in the housing of the support part, the extension of the rod and the support part extending at least partially between the branches.

[0032] The invention makes it possible to use, if desired, a very flexible material to make the application member while adjusting the rigidity of the support part and the base of the branches by means of the extension of the stem.

[0033] The support part can extend more or less between the branches, and at a distance or not from them in the radial direction.

[0034] The support portion may have a generally tapered shape, in particular a generally conical shape, of varying length, to accommodate the extension of the rod, which may also be of varying length, thus offering a possibility of controlling the flexibility of the application member. The application member may include radial material sails connecting branches to the generally tapered portion.

[0035] By adjusting the position of the interface between the tapered portion of the overall shape and the temples, it is possible to reduce the extended length of the temples and thus obtain greater or lesser flexibility for said tapered portion. This allows, if desired, for a good compromise between the low hardness of a material used to mold the application tool (the "soft" effect) and the mechanical strength / flexibility / control of the application tool during the makeup application process.

[0036] The arms can define a section for the application member that has a minimum width for a corresponding position on the longitudinal axis of the application member. The distal end of the stem extension can extend back from this position, or alternatively beyond it, which can shorten the length over which the arms are free.

[0037] The support part and the branches can be molded from a material having a Shore hardness ranging from 30 Shore A to 72 Shore D. The stem can be molded from a material having a Shore hardness ranging from 70 Shore A to 100 Shore D.

[0038] The extension of the rod can be made of a non-elastomeric material, while the support portion is made of an elastomeric material. Depending on the penetration length of the extension into the support portion, as well as the cross-section of the rod extension, it is possible to modify the rigidity of the application element and therefore its behavior during wringing and / or application.

[0039] The application member may include a hollow mounting end in the rod. In this case, the extension passes through the end before engaging in the support part.

[0040] The extension may have a symmetrical shape of revolution centered on the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0041] The application member may include a mounting end in the rod which defines a shoulder with the support portion. The ratio Q / L, of the distance over which the extension of the rod extends beyond the shoulder, relative to the total apparent length L of the application member, is preferably less than 1 / 2, being for example between 1 / 10 and 1 / 2.

[0042] The support portion can extend over a length G, measured from the shoulder, which represents more or less than half of the apparent length L of the application member. Thus, the G / L ratio can be greater than, less than, or equal to 1 / 2, as the case may be. Branches

[0043] The application member may include flexible arms which may form loops or cages.

[0044] 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.

[0045] A cage can be formed of at least three branches, preferably an even number of branches, for example 4 or 6.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 removal of the shells used for molding the application member.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The arms may have, on at least part of their inner circumference, a thinner membrane, for example with a ratio ei / e2, where ei denotes the thickness of the arm 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 arms.

[0053] The term "loop" refers to a branch or series of branches defining, together with one or more other parts of the application member, 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 organ. The branch or branches constituting the loop can extend angularly around a point located in the aforementioned internal space, over an angle of at least 120°, preferably at least 180°. Conditioning and application device

[0054] 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.

[0055] The orifice defined by the wringer, in particular its diameter, can be dimensioned such that all or part of the arms deform as they pass 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) may be 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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, so that all or part of the arms twist 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 the case of a relatively viscous composition, such as 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

[0060] 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:

[0061] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] schematically and partially represents an example of a conditioning and application device comprising an applicator according to the invention,

[0062] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents, in partial perspective, an example of an application element,

[0063] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.2],

[0064] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective half-view, with longitudinal section, of the application member of [Fig.2],

[0065] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows in longitudinal section the application element of [Fig.2] mounted on a corresponding applicator rod,

[0066] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents, in partial perspective, a variant of the application element,

[0067] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a side view of the application member of [Fig.6],

[0068] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] shows in partial longitudinal section the application element of [Fig.7], mounted on a corresponding applicator rod,

[0069] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] shows in perspective a variant of the application member,

[0070] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] shows in partial longitudinal section the application member of [Fig.10], mounted on a corresponding applicator rod,

[0071] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] represents, in partial perspective, a variant of the application element,

[0072] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] shows in partial longitudinal section the application member of [Fig. 11], mounted on a corresponding applicator rod,

[0073] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] shows, in partial side view, a variant of an applicator,

[0074] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] shows in front view the application member of [Fig. 13],

[0075] [Fig.15] [Fig.15] is a longitudinal section along XV-XV of [Fig.14],

[0076] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] shows in isolation, in side view, the end of the stem of the applicator,

[0077] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] shows in isolation, in side view, the end of the rod of a variant of the applicator, and

[0078] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] is a longitudinal section of the applicator showing the application member and the end of the rod of [Fig. 17]. Detailed description

[0079] 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.

[0080] The container 3 has, in the example considered, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 has a closing cap 5 arranged to attach to the neck 4 in order to close the container 3 in a leak-proof manner when not in use, the closing cap 5 also constituting a gripping member for the applicator 2.

[0081] Container 3 can still be made in another way.

[0082] The container 3 may include, as illustrated, a wringing element 6, for example snapped into collar 4.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The wringing element 6 can be made of elastomer.

[0086] The wringing orifice 6a can be circular in shape, possibly with slots. The diameter d of the spin orifice 6a is for example between 2.5 and 8mm.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The spin-drying unit 6 can still be adjusted, if necessary.

[0089] 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 element 6 is adapted to the shape of the rod 7 and, where applicable, to that of the application element 10.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] The attachment of the application member 10 to the rod 7 can be done by any means and in particular by force mounting, snap-fitting, gluing, welding, stapling or crimping, in a corresponding housing 7a provided at the end of the rod 7.

[0093] In the following description, certain application elements may be used more specifically for applying eyelash or eyebrow makeup and may have raised application features such as small bumps. Other embodiments are more specifically intended for applying a composition to the skin or lips and lack small bumps. These application elements without bumps are preferably unflocked, but alternatively are covered with flocking fibers on at least part of their surface. For the sake of clarity, some application elements are shown without the bumps or other application features intended to cover them.

[0094] The application member 10 shown in figures 2 to 5 comprises a support part 12 carrying first and second structures formed of respective loops 30 and 20, extending along corresponding planes perpendicular to each other.

[0095] The support part 12 includes a proximal part 12p, adjacent to a mounting tip 11, and defining with the latter a shoulder 13.

[0096] The proximal portion 12p may have, as illustrated, a conical lateral surface converging towards the distal end 32 of the application member. It is extended by a distal portion 12m, for example conical in shape as illustrated, with a lateral surface more strongly convergent than that of the proximal portion 12p.

[0097] The branches 20a, 20b and 30a, 30b of the loops 20 and 30 connect to the lateral surface of the distal part 12m. Sails of material 12n can connect the branches to the distal part 12m along the latter, from the branch connection zone to its apex, which consolidates the connection between the branches and the support part 12.

[0098] The tip 11 is hollow, being traversed axially by a housing 211 which extends within the support part 12, up to near the top of the distal part 12m, as seen in figures 4 and 5.

[0099] The rod 7 of the applicator has a central extension 7b, also called a pin, which extends inside the housing 7a receiving the tip 11 into the housing 211, the distal end of this extension 7b being located at a distance Q from the shoulder 13, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0100] The extension 7b can have a circular cross-section, for example with a diameter between 0.5 and 3mm.

[0101] The presence of the extension 7b makes it possible to stiffen the support part 12, which makes it possible to use a relatively flexible thermoplastic material to make the application member 10, which gives flexibility to the arms and can increase application comfort.

[0102] We can play on the depth of housing 211, the section of extension 7b and its length to adapt the rigidity of the support part 12 according to the material of the application element 10 and the desired application characteristics.

[0103] Figures 6 to 8 show a variant of the application element in which the extension 7b extends over a greater distance Q than in the previous example.

[0104] In the example of Figures 2 to 5, the distal end of the extension 7b is set back from the narrowest portion of the loop 20, as seen in [Fig. 5], whereas in the example of Figures 6 to 8 the distal end of the extension 7b extends beyond it, as seen in [Fig. 8]. The loop 20 is thus shorter, and this shortening, combined with the stiffening provided by the extension 7b, results in an application member 10 that is overall less flexible than that of Figures 2 to 5, for the same thermoplastic material.

[0105] The implementation of a hollow mounting tip 11 with engagement of a central extension 7b extending the rod 7 of the applicator in the support part 12 is not limited to the configuration of the structures 20 and 30 which has just been described with reference to figures 2 to 8 and the structures 20 and 30 may in particular have a higher number of branches.

[0106] By way of example, figures 9 and 10 show an alternative embodiment in which the structure 30 has the form of an external cage with six branches 30a to 30f, which connect at one end to the base of a distal portion 12m of generally conical shape of the support part 12, and join on the opposite side to the distal end 32 of the cage 30.

[0107] It can be seen in [Fig. 9] that the branches 30a to 30f can project slightly radially from the support portion 12 at their proximal end. They can extend away from the support portion 12 by diverging slightly, such that the cross-section with the largest transverse dimension Wmax is located approximately between the first fifth and half of the apparent length L of the application member 10.

[0108] This example also illustrates the possibility for the branches 30a to 30f of the external cage 30 to be oriented substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, at the level of the end 32.

[0109] The application member 10 also includes an inner cage 20 which may have, as illustrated, the same number of branches as the outer cage 30, the branches 20a to 20f of the internal cage 20 having for example as illustrated the same angular orientation around the X axis as branches 30a to 30f.

[0110] The distal end 22 of the inner cage 20 is located behind the end 32 of the outer cage 30, the cage 20 being free on the distal side.

[0111] The branches 20a to 20f can join at the end 22 by coming to tangent a plane perpendicular to the axis X, as illustrated.

[0112] In the example considered, the mounting tip 11 is hollow and traversed by a central housing 211 which extends substantially to the level of the connection zone of the branches 20a to 20f to the distal portion 12m of the support part 12.

[0113] The extension 7b of the rod 7 can extend over substantially the entire length of the housing 211, as can be seen in [Fig. 10].

[0114] The ratio Q / L, of the distance over which the extension 7b extends beyond the shoulder 13, relative to the total apparent length L, is relatively low in the example of figures 9 and 10, being for example between 1 / 10 and 1 / 3.

[0115] This Q / L ratio may however be higher, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12.

[0116] In this embodiment, the support part 12 extends over a length G, measured from the shoulder 13, which represents, for example, more than half of the apparent length L of the application member 10. Thus, the ratio G / L can be greater or less than 1 / 2, depending on the case.

[0117] The apparent length L can be substantially the same as in the example in Figures 9 and 10, the outer cage 30 being, for example, identical. However, the length over which the arms of the inner cage 20 extend freely is shorter. This results in an application member 10 with arms 30a to 30f that can be identical to those in the example in Figures 9 and 10, and therefore have the same flexibility, but whose behavior during application may be different due to the greater rigidity of the support portion 12 and the inner cage 20.

[0118] The variant of the application organ 10 shown in figures 13 to 16 is intended for the application of the composition to the skin or lips, and comprises an inner cage 20 and an outer cage 30, each formed of four branches.

[0119] The application member 10 has symmetry with respect to a median plane M which coincides with the cutting plane of [Fig. 15].

[0120] The outer cage 30 has, in side view, a curvature that offsets its head, the opposing branches 30a and 30b each having two straight portions joined by a bend 37, as can be seen in [Fig. 13]. The branches of the inner cage 20 meet at its distal end 22, forming a cross in front view, and the same is true of those of the outer cage 30, the two crosses being angularly offset by 45° in front view.

[0121] The branches 20a and 20d are further away from the median plane M than are the opposite branches 20b and 20c, located on the side towards which the head of the application member 10 is eccentric.

[0122] The application member 10 may include lamellae 315 extending between the arms, as seen in [Fig. 14].

[0123] It can also be seen on [Fig. 14] in particular that each of the loops formed by opposite branches of the inner cage 20 passes through the loops formed by opposite branches of the outer cage 30.

[0124] The offset of the head of the application element 10 allows for greater wringing on the offset side, thus reducing the surface area loaded with composition. Furthermore, the arms are closer together on the offset side, providing a larger contact area with the area to be treated.

[0125] In the example of figures 13 to 16 the extension 7b extends over a relatively small distance Q compared to the apparent total length of the application member 10.

[0126] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the possibility of having a longer extension 7b, extending over a greater distance Q inside the support part 12, all other things being equal.

[0127] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0128] In particular, the cross-sectional shape of the branches can be modified to facilitate manufacturing by injection molding.

[0129] In unillustrated variants, the previously described application elements without pins may be provided with pins, or any other application elements, or even any surface structure. By way of illustration, some of these pins 61 are shown in dashed lines in [Fig. 5].

[0130] 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), having: - a support portion (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), having a housing (211) opening at the proximal end of the application member, - at least three non-coplanar arms (20a, 20b, 30a, 30b) each connecting at one end to the support portion (12) and being connected at the other end to form one or more loops and / or cages, - a rod (7) at the end of which the application member (10) is mounted, having an extension (7b) projecting at its distal end, arranged to engage in the housing (211) of the support portion, the extension (7b) of the rod and the support portion (12) extending at least partially between the arms (20a, 20b, 30a, 30b).

2. Applicator according to claim 1, the support part (12) having a portion (12m) of generally tapered shape.

3. Application according to claim 2, the portion (12m) of generally tapered shape having a general cone shape.

4. Applicator according to any one of claims 2 and 3, the application member comprising radial material sails (12n) connecting branches (20a, 20b) to the generally tapered portion (12m).

5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the arms defining a section for the application member which is of minimum width for a corresponding position on the longitudinal axis (X) of the application member, the distal end of the extension (7b) of the rod extending back from this position.

6. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the arms defining a section for the application member which is of minimum width for a corresponding position on the longitudinal axis of the application member, the distal end of the extension (7b) of the rod extending beyond this position.

7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the support part (12) and the arms being molded in a material having a Shore hardness ranging from 30 Shore A to 72 Shore D.

8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the stem (7) being molded in a material having a Shore hardness ranging from 70 Shore A to 100 Shore D.

9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member comprising a mounting tip (11) in the stem which defines a shoulder (13) with the support part (12), the ratio Q / L of the distance over which the extension (7b) of the stem extends beyond the shoulder (13), relative to the total apparent length L of the application member (10), being less than 1 / 2.

10. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the Q / L ratio being between 1 / 10 and 1 / 2.

11. Applicator according to any one of claims 9 and 10, the support part (12) extending over a length G, measured from the shoulder (13), which represents more than half of the apparent length L of the application member (10).

12. Applicator according to any one of claims 9 and 10, the support part (12) extending over a length G, measured from the shoulder (13), which represents half or less of the apparent length L of the application member.

13. Device (1) for conditioning and applying a cosmetic composition, comprising: - an applicator (2) as defined in any one of the preceding claims, - a container (3) containing the composition (P) to be applied.

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