Applicator for cosmetics including movable part with at least one chain of open loop

Abstract

To provide an applicator for cosmetics which has a general shape long in the longitudinal direction, a fixing part, and a part movable to the fixing part.SOLUTION: A movable part includes a projection part (7) and at least one chain (8) including a strand forming a series of open loops (9). The chain extends nearly in parallel to a longitudinal direction axis line of an applicator. The fixing part is provided with at least two links (6). At least two of the open loops (9) on the respective chains (8) are put through by the links (6) of the fixing part. Therefore, the respective chains (8) of the movable part are fastened to the fixing part with at least one degree of freedom, and relative movements of the chains to the fixing part in the longitudinal direction become possible. This improves quality of application of a product even when the applicator is composed of a rigid material and gives a sense of softness to the applicator. The applicator may be obtained by lamination molding in another mode of the current invention.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cosmetic applicators. In particular, the present invention relates to an applicator configured to apply cosmetics such as mascara to hairs such as eyelashes or eyebrows. Such a cosmetic applicator is designated herein by the expression "mascara applicator" or simply "applicator".

Background Art

[0002] Such applicators are generally a component of a mascara item. A mascara item conventionally comprises a case, a mascara reservoir, and an applicator brush. The applicator brush comprises a portion for gripping and an applicator body generally in the form of a brush.

[0003] The applicator brush may comprise or form a cap or plug configured to close the reservoir when no mascara is applied, in a known manner. The cap may form the gripping portion of the brush applicator.

[0004] Conventionally, there are several types of applicators, "bottle brush" type applicators, injection molded applicators, and applicators produced by additive manufacturing (sometimes called "additive manufacturing"). Additive manufacturing refers to a manufacturing process by the addition or aggregation of materials.

[0005] A "bottle brush" type applicator comprises a brush having bristles formed by fibers enclosed in a twisted metal wire forming the core of the applicator. An injection molded applicator is generally integrally formed and comprises, for example, bristles or teeth of a plastic material generally called protrusions. An applicator obtained by additive manufacturing is also generally a single piece and may be formed, for example, from a powder of a thermoplastic polymer via a process implementing laser powder melting.

[0006] Regardless of known forms and embodiments of mascara applicators, the application principle of the product consists of placing the cosmetic product (with mascara) contained in a reservoir onto the applicator, pulling the applicator out of the reservoir with the product on the protruding part of the applicator, and applying the product to the user's eyelashes or eyebrows.

[0007] For simplicity, without precluding the possibility that the item and / or applicator may be used by a male user, the user will be considered female for the remainder of the document.

[0008] For simplicity, the following in this specification will refer only to eyelashes, but the use of the product and the use of the application tool on the user's eyebrows are not excluded.

[0009] Known brushes, whether bottle brush type, injection-molded plastic material, or obtained by lamination synthesis, can provide good cosmetic results. Nevertheless, improvements in product application results and user comfort remain desirable. Therefore, it is desirable to design applicators that have a good ability to hold cosmetics, resulting in good eyelash separation, good eyelash extension and / or curling effects. Similarly, applicators should be configured to provide the best possible application quality, especially the best regularity, with simple operation.

[0010] International Publication No. 2021 / 058211 presents a cosmetic applicator featuring a longitudinal core forming a cavity containing movable parts supporting protrusions. Such an applicator improves the application of products to eyelashes. However, this applicator cannot achieve the same results as those obtained by professional makeup artists who comb eyelashes, not only in the orientation but also in slight lateral reciprocating motions known as "zigzag" motion. The presence of small movable blocks creates a zone in which all protrusions in the zone under consideration can move together, resulting in a lack of conformity in the distances between protrusions within those zones. Furthermore, the movement of the different movable parts is inconsistent. This can lead to incomplete application, particularly with the aggregation of cosmetics. Moreover, this applicator is particularly complex to manufacture, and due to its configuration, the cavity it comprises tends to quickly become clogged with cosmetics, causing the applicator to rapidly lose the advantages of having movable parts. Furthermore, the applicator proposed in that literature has a geometric shape that makes it rigid and perceives it as such when applying products. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 058211 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention relates to providing an applicator for cosmetics, particularly a mascara applicator, and improves upon existing applicators with respect to at least one of the above embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator having an elongated general shape and extending along a longitudinal axis defining the longitudinal direction. The applicator comprises a fixed part configured to be securely connected to a gripping part, or formed as a single unit with the gripping part, and a movable part relative to the fixed part. The movable part comprises a projection. The movable part comprises at least one chain comprising strands forming a series of open loops, the chain extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fixed part comprises at least two links, at least two of the open loops on each chain passing through the links of the fixed part. Thus, each chain of the movable part is fastened to the fixed part with at least one degree of freedom, allowing relative movement of the chain with respect to the fixed part in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] The degree of freedom of movement of the movable parts makes the application of cosmetics more comfortable. In fact, even if the applicator is made from a relatively rigid plastic material, especially if the applicator is formed by additive manufacturing, the mobility of a part of the applicator allows the protruding part supported by the applicator to gently fit into the base of the eyelashes by partially conforming to the position of the user's eyelashes.

[0015] Furthermore, it has been found that the application of cosmetics, particularly mascara, using the applicator according to the present invention is performed in two stages in some configurations of the present invention. First, the gap between the protrusions on which the product is placed comes into contact with the eyelashes and the product separates. This releases the movable part (the movement of the movable part is initially restricted by the product carried by the applicator), making it possible to comb the eyelashes more effectively than with applicators of a similar configuration that do not have protrusions on the movable part. In particular, the longitudinal movement of the movable part allows for a professional-like makeup effect, where the eyelashes are combed not only in their orientation but also with a slight lateral reciprocating motion. In the case of mascara, this improves its curl, extension, and volume-generating effects.

[0016] The open-loop chain configuration of the movable part results in increased mobility and flexibility of the movable part, thereby enhancing the aforementioned advantages.

[0017] Generally speaking, the presence of movable parts allows for localized changes in the density of protrusions, which in turn allows for adjustment of the application result according to the user's movements during application. Therefore, the applicator provided according to the present invention potentially enables the production of different brushing effects.

[0018] According to one embodiment, each chain of the movable part forms a first row of open loops and a second row of open loops, the first row of open loops being formed in a first plane parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the second row of open loops being formed in a second plane parallel to the longitudinal axis, different from the first plane.

[0019] The number of chains in the movable part may be two.

[0020] With this configuration, movable protrusions in all radial directions can be obtained using only two movable chains.

[0021] The fixing portion may include a central core extending along the longitudinal axis.

[0022] A central core, which may be particularly straight, provides the applicator with a certain degree of lateral rigidity. This is advantageous as a support structure and longitudinal guide for the movable parts. If necessary, it also functions as a guide for the pivoting of the chain of the movable parts around the longitudinal axis.

[0023] The central core may have a first end and a second end, each of which may support at least one link.

[0024] Therefore, the connection between the fixed and movable chains may be limited to the two ends of the core. This allows the movable chain to not only move to some extent longitudinally between these two connection points, but also to bend and deform. Thus, the flexibility of the applicator experienced by the user and the comfort of application are improved.

[0025] The central core may longitudinally carry at least one row of links extending over the entire length of the central core, and each loop of each chain of the movable part is configured to be passed through by two links.

[0026] In such a configuration, the movable part may be connected with some degrees of freedom over the entire length of the central core or, for example, over the entire length of the applicator. This improves the guidance of the movable part.

[0027] At least one longitudinal part of the fixed part of the applicator may comprise one or more strands each forming a chain of open links combined with at least some of the open loops of the movable part.

[0028] The chain of the movable part and the chain of the fixed part may have the same configuration.

[0029] The fixed part partially constituted by the strands of the open links has particularly high flexibility in the transverse direction. This flexibility provided by a specific geometric configuration may make it possible to compensate for the inherent rigidity of the material used to form the applicator, for example.

[0030] The fixed part of the applicator may carry a protrusion. The protrusions of the fixed part, as well as those of the movable part, may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, if necessary. The protrusions of the fixed part may be different in size and / or shape from those of the movable part.

[0031] Each protrusion may be, for example, substantially cylindrical or prismatic and may have a length included, for example, between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, for example, between 0.24 mm and 0.40 mm.

[0032] Therefore, the protrusions of each part of the applicator can have different effects on the application of cosmetics. For example, alternating between long and short protrusions can increase the applicator's product-holding ability and its ability to separate eyelashes during product application. Longer protrusions have a better ability to comb eyelashes. The general shape of the protrusions allows for adjustment of their properties. For example, the protrusions may have an elongated shape with a fixed cross-section (then prismatic or cylindrical) or a variable cross-section.

[0033] Each projection may have a free end away from the longitudinal axis, and the applicator is inscribed within an outer envelope defined by the free ends of the projections, the envelope being substantially cylindrical and having a diameter of 6 mm to 10 mm, for example 7 mm to 9 mm, for example 8 mm.

[0034] Such an external geometric envelope of the applicator is effective for applying cosmetics and makes it comfortable to use.

[0035] The fixing part of the applicator may be made of polyamide, for example, polyamide 11, or polypropylene.

[0036] The movable parts of the applicator may be made from polyamide, for example, polyamide 11, or polypropylene.

[0037] Therefore, the applicator may be composed of a single material or two different materials. Plastic materials suitable for use in additive manufacturing methods for applicators are preferred. In fact, applicators are advantageously manufactured using additive manufacturing (or "3D printing"), which allows for obtaining complex forms related to the mobility of moving parts, particularly open-loop forms in which they include.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an applicator, the method comprising the step of powder bed fusion bonding of a plastic material.

[0039] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be described below.

[0040] The attached drawings are given as non-limiting examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] A schematic three-dimensional diagram of a coating device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the chain used in the applicator. [Figure 3] A conceptual diagram shows an example of the distribution of protrusions that may be obtained using the cosmetic applicator according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] A schematic three-dimensional diagram shows a coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A schematic three-dimensional diagram shows a coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A schematic three-dimensional diagram shows a coating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] The applicator in Figure 1 is elongated and extends along a longitudinal axis A that forms the main axis of the applicator. Thus, the applicator 1 in Figure 1 is formed between a first end 2 configured to connect to a gripping portion to form an applicator brush and a free second end 3. In particular, the first end is formed at the tip of a connecting member 4 configured to connect to a gripping portion. According to an embodiment of the present invention not shown, the gripping portion may be formed as a single unit together with the actual applicator.

[0043] The applicator 1 in Figure 1 comprises a central core 5 (which may also be called the “central body”). In this embodiment, the central core 5 is a linear member extending between the joining member 5 and the second end 3 of the applicator. The central core 5 preferably has the form of a cylindrical rod. Links 6 are formed on the core. The links 6 are aligned in one or more rows of links. In the exemplary embodiments shown herein, the applicator 1 comprises four rows of links, namely a first row 61, a second row 62, a third row 63, and a fourth row 64. In this example, the rows of links are oriented 90° to each other and are formed in pairs in a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis A. In other words, rows 61, 62, 63, and 64 are regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis A. The links 6 preferably (but not necessarily) comprise projections 7. The projections 7 will be described in more detail below.

[0044] The central core and its associated link 6 form a portion of the applicator 1 called the fixing portion.

[0045] The applicator 1 further comprises a movable part. The movable part is formed by at least one chain 8, which is composed of strands forming a series of open loops 9.

[0046] In this embodiment, the applicator 1 comprises two chains, namely a first chain 81 and a second chain 82.

[0047] An example of a chain shape that may be used in the context of the present invention is shown in Figure 2. The projections 7 supported by the chain 8 are omitted in Figure 2 to better understand the general configuration of the chain 8.

[0048] Therefore, the chain 8 comprises strands 91 having a series of curves and segments that form loops 9. The loops 9 are open, that is, the periphery of each loop is not closed, providing an opening 92. The chain 8 is formed from two rows 93, 94 of open loops, the first row 93 and the second row 94 being substantially formed within planes P1, P2 which are perpendicular to each other.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, each loop 9 in each row passes through two consecutive links 6 in the same row of the applicator links. Thus, the chain 8 is connected to the fixed part of the applicator with a certain degree of freedom of movement. In particular, according to the present invention, the chain 8 can move at least longitudinally (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis A) relative to the fixed part. Due to the regular distribution of links 6 along the central core 5 and loops 9 of the same dimensions, the maximum value of this longitudinal movement coincides with the inner dimension of the loop 9 in the longitudinal direction, which is less than the distance between the two consecutive links, including the thickness of the two links.

[0050] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the combination of loops 9 and links 6 allows for a "floating" attachment of each chain to its fixed point, which also allows for specific movement of each chain in other directions. This degree of freedom of movement provides greater apparent flexibility to the applicator; that is, the user has the sensation of using a flexible applicator, even though it is made of rigid material.

[0051] Here, the movable part, composed of two chains 8, supports the projection 7. The projection 7 is advantageously oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, preferably in the radial direction, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, and intersecting in a direction.

[0052] Alternatively, the protrusions may have different orientation angles, for example, to follow the application motion and / or to facilitate the retention of the cosmetic product.

[0053] The projections 7 may have various shapes, whether they are composed of a movable chain 8 or a fixed part, particularly a link 6. The projections 7 perform several functions, particularly holding cosmetics, applying the product to the eyelashes, separating the eyelashes, and combing. The configuration of the projections is optimized so that they work together to perform their functions. Therefore, all projections may have the same configuration or different configurations. In the example shown here, the projections are straight cylinders with a small diameter. They resemble rigid bristles. Prismatic projections with cross-sections such as square, rectangular, or elliptical may also be assumed. Similarly, projections that are conical, frustoconical, pyramidal, or any other non-uniform shape may be assumed.

[0054] The first group of projections 71 is supported by the chain of the movable part. The second group of projections 72 is supported by the link of the fixed part. Finally, the third group of projections is supported by the central core 5.

[0055] The projections of these three groups have the same cross-section but different lengths, so that their free ends are substantially the same distance from the longitudinal axis A (except for projections near the ends of the central core 5, which may be shorter) in order to inscribe the applicator within the general outer envelope of the substantially cylindrical shape. The fact that the projections have different lengths allows for an effect on their flexibility, with longer projections being more flexible than shorter projections (they bend under the influence of the same force applied to their ends).

[0056] Therefore, the applicator can be enclosed within a cylinder having a diameter between 6 mm and 10 mm. Applicators enclosed within an outer envelope of 7 mm to 9.5 mm may also be considered. From the viewpoint of application effectiveness and comfort, the optimal value is 8 mm or approximately 8 mm.

[0057] According to various embodiments of the present invention and various configurations of the projections that may be used, the length of the projections (a dimension measured radially with respect to the longitudinal axis A, typically along their main extending direction) may be between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, for example between 0.24 mm and 0.40 mm.

[0058] Figure 3 shows a conceptual diagram illustrating the distribution of the fixed protrusions of the applicator in Figure 1. In Figure 3, the outer envelope in which the applicator is inscribed is laid flat. Fixed protrusions are represented by circles (not filled in), and movable protrusions are represented by black circles. In the exemplary arrangement shown, a continuous alignment of fixed and movable protrusions is formed in the sweeping direction of the applicator. Thus, the eyelashes are continuously combed by the fixed protrusions that separate the eyelashes and the movable protrusions, and the movable protrusions provide a lateral (longitudinal direction of the applicator) combing effect by adapting themselves to the movements of the eyelashes and the user, improving the application of cosmetics (e.g., improving eyelash extensions or their volume).

[0059] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the applicator according to the present invention. This embodiment is the same as that of Figure 1, except for the configuration of the link 6 that provides the connection between the fixed part and the movable part of the applicator. Therefore, you may refer to the description of the embodiment of Figure 1, except for the differences which are detailed below.

[0060] Therefore, the applicator in Figure 4 differs from the applicator in Figure 1 in that the movable chain 8 is fixed to the fixed part only at the position of the central core 5, i.e., the position of the proximal end 10 of the core located near the interface with the gripping part and thus the joining member 4 in the illustrated example, and at the position of the distal end 11 corresponding to the second end 3 of the applicator. Thus, at each end of the core, a single link 6 is provided for each row of loops of the chain 8. Thus, in the illustrated example, only the outermost loop of each row of each chain is connected to the fixed part. For this purpose, the central core has four links at each end regularly distributed around the central core 5, and its longitudinal arrangement is configured such that the links under consideration pass through the entire first loop 9 of the row of loops 9. This allows the movable chain to deform and bend slightly when applying cosmetics to the user's eyelashes. This flexibility improves the comfort of application, especially when relatively rigid materials are used. This is generally true for plastic materials that can be used in additive manufacturing processes.

[0061] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the applicator according to the present invention. This embodiment is partially similar to those in Figures 1 and 4, except for the configuration of the fixing part of the applicator. Therefore, you may refer to the description of the embodiment in Figure 1, except for the differences which will be detailed below.

[0062] Therefore, the applicator in Figure 5 differs from the applicator in Figure 1 in that it does not include a central core. Thus, the fixed portion of the applicator is formed from one or more strands (in this case, two strands in the illustrated example) each forming a chain of open links 6.

[0063] The link chain is connected to the connecting member 4 and to the second end 3 of the further applicator 1.

[0064] Here, the link chain has the same geometric shape as the chain 8 of the loop 9 of the movable part of the applicator. Thus, the link chain has two rows of links arranged in substantially orthogonal planes.

[0065] The open links in the link chain are combined with the open loops in the movable parts.

[0066] The absence of a core and the configuration of the fixed section (an open link with a greater ability to deform than a closed link) give the entire applicator high flexibility. In particular, both the fixed and movable sections can deform and bend. The movable section can also move particularly freely not only in the longitudinal direction but also in other directions, enhancing the sense of flexibility and adaptability of the applicator during use.

[0067] Figure 6 shows an applicator in an embodiment that can be described as an intermediate configuration between the configuration of Figure 1 and the configuration of Figure 5. Thus, the cosmetic applicator of Figure 6 comprises a central core 5 that extends only over a portion of the length of the applicator. Links 6 are formed along the entire length of the central core 5. Each row of links is continuous by a chain of links that extends beyond the distal end 11 of the core to the second end 3 of the applicator.

[0068] Therefore, it is possible to form an applicator 1 having two longitudinal portions, namely a first longitudinal portion 12 and a second longitudinal portion 13, wherein the first longitudinal portion 12 has greater rigidity than the second longitudinal portion 13, and in particular greater resistance to bending. For example, the first longitudinal portion 12 can form the main part of an applicator for applying cosmetics to eyelashes, and the second longitudinal portion 13 can form a touch-up brush or enable the creation of specific local effects (extensions, curls, etc.).

[0069] Due to their complex configurations, the aforementioned applicators are advantageously (in certain embodiments, or necessarily) manufactured by additive manufacturing technology. Powder bed fusion additive manufacturing is a preferred technique for forming the applicators according to the present invention.

[0070] The applicator is advantageously formed from plastic. In one embodiment, the applicator is formed from a single material. In other embodiments, the fixed and movable parts are formed from two different materials.

[0071] Polyamide, preferably aliphatic polyamide, such as polyamide 11, may be used to form the fixed and / or movable parts. Polypropylene may also be used to form the fixed and / or movable parts.

[0072] The present invention, thus developed, provides a cosmetic applicator, particularly a mascara applicator, that enables high-quality application with simple operation. Comfort of use, especially the feel of the applicator's flexibility, is maintained despite the possibility of using rigid materials, such as rigid plastics suitable for additive manufacturing processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Applicator 2 ends 3 End 4. Joining members 5. Central Core 6 links 7 Protrusion 8 chains 9 loops 10 Proximal end 11 Distal end 12 Longitudinal portion 12 First longitudinal portion 13 Second longitudinal section 61 columns 62 columns 63 columns 64 columns 71 Protrusion 72 Protrusion 81 chain 82 chain 91 Strand 92 Opening 93 First column 94 Second column A Longitudinal axis P1 plane P2 plane

Claims

1. 1. A cosmetic applicator having an elongated general shape and extending along a longitudinal axis (A) defining a lengthwise direction, said applicator comprising: the applicator (1) comprises a fastening part configured to be rigidly connected to a grip part or formed as a single unit with said grip part; The applicator comprises a movable part that is movable relative to a fixed part, the movable part comprising a protrusion (7); The mobile part comprises at least one chain (8) having strands (91) forming a series of open loops (9), said chain extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A); The fixed part comprises at least two links (6), At least two of said open loops (9) on each chain (8) are threaded by a link (6) of the fixed part; Each chain (8) of the mobile part is thereby fastened to the fixed part with at least one degree of freedom, allowing longitudinal movement of the chain relative to the fixed part; An applicator characterized by:

2. 2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein each chain (8) of the movable part forms a first row (93) of open loops (9) and a second row (94) of open loops (9), the first row (93) of open loops (9) being formed in a first plane (P1) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A), and the second row (94) of open loops (9) being formed in a second plane (P2) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) and different from the first plane (P1).

3. 3. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the number of chains (8) of the movable part is two.

4. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing part comprises a central core (5) extending along the longitudinal axis (A).

5. 5. The applicator of claim 4, wherein the central core (5) has a first end (10) and a second end (11), each of the first end (10) and the second end (11) supporting at least one link (6).

6. 6. An applicator according to claim 5, wherein the central core (5) carries in the longitudinal direction at least one row (61...64) of links (6) extending over the entire length of the central core (5), and each loop (9) of each chain (8) of the movable part is threaded by two links (6).

7. 4. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one longitudinal section of the fixed part comprises one or more strands each forming a chain of open links (6) interwoven with at least some of the open loops (9) of the mobile part.

8. The applicator according to claim 7 , wherein the chain of the movable part and the chain of the fixed part have the same configuration.

9. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movable part comprises a protrusion (7).

10. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protrusions (7) are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A).

11. 10. An applicator according to claim 9, wherein the size and / or shape of the protrusions (7) of the fixed part differs from the size and / or shape of the protrusions (7) of the movable part.

12. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each protrusion (7) is substantially cylindrical or prismatic and has a length comprised between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, for example between 0.24 mm and 0.40 mm.

13. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each protrusion (7) has a free end remote from the longitudinal axis (A), and wherein the applicator (1) is inscribed within an outer envelope defined by the free ends of the protrusions (7), the envelope being substantially cylindrical and having a diameter comprised between 6 mm and 10 mm, for example between 7 mm and 9 mm, for example 8 mm.

14. The applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixed part and / or the movable part are made from polyamide, for example polyamide 11, or polypropylene.

15. A method for manufacturing an applicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, said method comprising a step of powder bed fusion bonding of a plastic material.

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