Applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratinous fibers

Abstract

An applicator device is provided for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratinous fibers or the epidermis. [Solution] The applicator device (1) comprises an elongated central core extending along a longitudinal axis (XX), and at least one row of elongated spikes (3) having a first end (30) and a second free end (20) embedded in the core, the spikes (3) and the core (2) being integrally formed, and at least one of the spikes is defined by a first flat surface (called the joint surface) coinciding with a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis (XX) of the central core, and a second flat surface (called the joint surface) that forms an angle of 91° to 179° with the first flat surface and defines a storage volume for the cosmetic product.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of applicators for applying fluid or pasty cosmetics, such as mascaras, to keratinous fibers or skin, and more particularly to cosmetic applicator devices or application means. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, numerous mascara applicators are known in the prior art. The application device itself may be, for example, an elongated brush with a central core from which a set of bristles or spikes protrude. The bristles are formed using time-honored techniques, with twisted metal wires holding the laterally protruding bristles. An exemplary application is shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 030717.

[0003] According to another embodiment, the applicator device takes the form of a brush comprising a series of bristles embedded in a longitudinal core of the brush, the entirety of which is molded from a plastic material. The applicator device thus forms a cosmetic dispenser together with a suitable container into which it can be inserted. FR 2 810 860 and WO 2011 / 045770 disclose some examples of applicators based on this concept.

[0004] A drawback of prior art application devices or brushes is that the spikes do not allow for accurate delivery of cosmetic from a container to the spikes or for proper application of the product to the keratin fibers in order to lengthen, thicken, and / or separate the keratin fibers.

[0005] In the field of mascara applicators, one solution envisioned by the prior art to improve the loading of mascara onto a brush is to use spikes with flat surfaces to contain the mascara, while the non-flat surfaces contribute to separating the eyelashes. European Patent No. 1872682 describes such a brush, in which the spikes are arranged in a row parallel to the longitudinal axis of the brush, with all spikes in the row having their flat surfaces on the same side, with the flat surfaces aligned but the non-flat surfaces on the same side of the line. Thus, the user of the brush moves the brush in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the brush while rotating it.

[0006] This type of brush is not as effective as the flat surface does not contribute to optimal separation of the eyelashes, and the uneven surface does not contribute to the loading of the cosmetic product, so with this type of brush the user is forced to pass the brush over the eyelashes several times, reversing the movement of the brush to ensure that a sufficient load of cosmetic product is collected.

[0007] A slightly different application, EP 1611817, discloses a cosmetic application device comprising a longitudinal support and first and second rows of spikes integrally formed with the support, embedded on one side of the support, and extending more than a quarter of the support's length. The spikes extend on either side of a geometric "separation" surface formed by two non-parallel planes. The spikes extend upright from the flat surface of the support and are staggered on either side of the separation surface. As a result, the reciprocating motion of the brush during application of cosmetic does not allow for optimal distribution of the load or proper separation of the eyelashes.

[0008] Furthermore, French Patent No. 2930875 discloses a cosmetic applicator device comprising a longitudinal core supporting a plurality of rows of spikes having flat surfaces and projecting radially from the core. The spikes are distributed in at least one row parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, with the spikes in the same row positioned alternately on either side of the center line (or plane) of the row and with their flat surfaces facing the inside of the row. According to one feature of the invention, the flat surfaces of the spikes in the same row extend perpendicular to the core, are aligned, and are oriented in two rotational directions around the core.

[0009] This solution offers some improvements over the prior art, but the modularity of the load is not advantageously obtained, and the separation of the eyelashes could be further improved.

[0010] Therefore, development seems necessary, especially with regard to the shape of each spike, which, alone or in combination with other spikes, should contribute to improving both the loading of the product and the separation of the eyelashes or keratin fibers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 030717 [Patent Document 2] French Patent No. 2810860 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2011 / 045770 Brochure [Patent Document 4] European Patent No. 1872682 [Patent Document 5] European Patent No. 1611817 [Patent Document 6] French Patent No. 2930875 Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, particularly with regard to cosmetic loading and eyelash separation.

[0013] To this end, the invention provides an applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratinous fibers or skin, comprising an elongated central core extending along a longitudinal axis XX, and at least one row of elongated spikes having a first end embedded in the core and a free second end, the spikes and the core being integrally formed, at least one of the spikes being defined by a first planar surface, called the interface surface, coinciding with a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis XX of the central core, and a second planar surface that forms an angle between 91° and 179° with said first planar surface and that defines a reservoir volume V for the cosmetic product.

[0014] These features, which constitute the precise technical definition of the individual and / or mutual arrangement and shape of the spikes, improve the aforementioned functions.

[0015] Advantageously but optionally, the applicator device according to the invention has at least one of the following technical features: the applicator device further comprises a third flat surface which forms an angle with respect to said first flat surface between approximately 1° and a value complementary to 180° minus 1°, the third flat surface defining a storage volume V for the cosmetic product in the form of a longitudinal groove; The frustoconical surface of the spike has adjacent first and second frustoconical portions, the second frustoconical portion having a thickened portion relative to the first frustoconical portion, and a longitudinal periphery separating the two frustoconical portions. the free end of the spike has a frustoconical portion that includes a "thickened portion" relative to the remainder of the frustoconical surface of the spike, and an annular peripheral edge separates the frustoconical portion that includes the thickened portion from the remainder of the frustoconical surface. The spike has a first portion and a second portion superimposed on each other along the longitudinal axis of the spike over a portion of its height, the first portion being defined by a first flat surface and a second flat surface, and the second portion protruding from the first portion. The second part has an overall shape that is mirror-symmetrical to the first part. The second part overlaps completely between the ends of the first part and over part of the height of the first part. The spikes each have a third portion that is superimposed on the second portion along the longitudinal axis of the spike over a portion of its height, the third portion protruding from the second portion. The spike has elements protruding from the outer surface of the spike. The spike has an element recessed and extending from the outer surface of the spike. At least two of the spikes in the column have the same orientation. At least two of the spikes in the column have different orientations. The distance measured along the axis XX between two consecutive spikes may be negative, 0, or positive, less than about 2 millimeters.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an applicator device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the implantation of spikes in the applicator device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] 1 is a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention; [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a top view of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 is a top view of a set of five implants of spikes of FIG. 1. [Figure 4b]FIG. 2 is a top view of another set of five implants of spikes of FIG. 1. [Figure 5a] 10 is a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention; [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a top view of the spike of FIG. 5a. [Figure 6a] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the first series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 6b] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the first series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 7a] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the second series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 7b] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the second series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 7c] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the second series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 8a] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the third series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 8b] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the third series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 8c] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the third series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 8d] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the third series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 9a] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the fourth series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 9b] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the fourth series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 9c] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the fourth series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 9d] 3b shows a three-dimensional view of a variant of the fourth series of embodiments of the spike of FIG. 3a. [Figure 10a] 10 is a three-dimensional view of a third embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention; [Figure 10b]10 is a three-dimensional view of a third embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention; [Figure 11a] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a fourth embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention. [Figure 11b] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a fourth embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention. [Figure 11c] FIG. 11b is a three-dimensional view of a variation of an embodiment of the spike of FIG. 10a or FIG. 11a. [Figure 12a] 10 is a three-dimensional view of a fifth embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention; [Figure 12b] 10 is a three-dimensional view of a fifth embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention; [Figure 12c] 10 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 12d] 10 is a top view of a fifth embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 12e] FIG. 12b is a top view of a variation of an embodiment of the spike of FIG. 12a. [Figure 13] 12b is a side view of a variant of the second embodiment of the spike of FIG. 12a. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a three-dimensional view of a variation of one embodiment of the spike of FIG. 13. [Figure 15a] 14A and 14B are diagrams of a variation of the second embodiment of the spike of FIG. 13; [Figure 15b] 12b shows a variant of the fourth embodiment of the spike of FIG. 12a; FIG. [Figure 16a] 10 is a three-dimensional side view of a sixth embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 16b] 10 is a three-dimensional side view of a sixth embodiment of a spike for an applicator device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 17a] 12b shows an additional embodiment variation of the spike of FIG. 12a. [Figure 17b] 12b shows an additional embodiment variation of the spike of FIG. 12a. [Figure 17c]12b shows an additional embodiment variation of the spike of FIG. 12a. [Figure 18] 12b shows an additional embodiment variation of the spike of FIG. 12a. [Figure 19a] 12b shows an additional embodiment variation of the spike of FIG. 12a. [Figure 19b] 12b shows an additional embodiment variation of the spike of FIG. 12a. [Figure 20a] 5b is a top view of a variation of an embodiment of the spike of FIG. 5a. FIG. [Figure 20b] FIG. 5b is a top view of a second variant of the spike of FIG. 5a. [Figure 21] 21 is a three-dimensional front view of an embodiment variant of the spike of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 22] 21 is a three-dimensional front view of an embodiment variant of the spike of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 23] 21 is a three-dimensional front view of an embodiment variant of the spike of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 24a] 21 is a three-dimensional front view of an embodiment variant of the spike of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 24b] 21 is a three-dimensional front view of an embodiment variant of the spike of FIG. 20. FIG. [Figure 25a] 2 is a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of an applicator device according to the present invention; [Figure 25b] 1 is a side view of a second embodiment of an applicator device according to the present invention; [Figure 25c] 1 is a detailed view of a second embodiment of an applicator device according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] For greater clarity, identical or similar elements will be identified by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0019] In the remainder of this specification, "applicator" or "applicator device" or "application device" will be used to define the same technical means.

[0020] 1 and 2 illustrate the principle of the present invention and thus relate to an applicator device 1 for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes. As is known, this device comprises an elongated core 2 extending along a longitudinal axis XX, the cross section of which may or may not be constant. At least one row of spikes or ridges 3 of elongated overall shape comprises a first end 30 embedded in the core 2 and a free second end 20, the spikes 3 and the core 2 being advantageously made integrally by molding, in particular made of plastic. Other methods for manufacturing / obtaining the applicator device 1 are possible, such as by removing material, adding material (e.g., 3D printing), etc. Materials that can be used are thermoplastics or thermoplastic elastomers derived from fossil or plant sources. The applicator device 1 has an elongated overall shape, and its external volume can take various shapes, such as cylindrical, truncated cone, or peanut-shaped, which a person skilled in the art will choose depending on the exact scenario.

[0021] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the cosmetics in question herein can be liquid or semi-liquid and can be used in a variety of ways. In particular, cosmetics are products as defined in Regulation EC 1223 / 2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of November 30, 2009, on Cosmetics, Directive EU 94_62_EC, and the US Standard "California Proposition 65" or "REACH." More generally, the cosmetics intended to be applied by the cosmetic applicator device 1 according to the present invention can be in the form of a powder or solid. It preferably remains in the form of a fluid or paste. It is a product intended to be deposited on the user's keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes or eyebrows, such as mascara.

[0022] According to the invention, a first embodiment of a spike 3 for an applicator device 1 according to the invention will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3a and 3b. In this case, the spike 3 is defined by a first flat surface 200 which extends radially relative to the core 2 and coincides or nearly coincides with a longitudinal plane, called the joint plane, passing through the longitudinal axis XX. Furthermore, in this case, the spike 3 can be inscribed in the shape of a frustoconical piece of the axis Z.

[0023] The spike 3 is further bounded by a second flat surface 210 that forms an angle 211 of approximately 91° to 180° with respect to the first flat surface 200. In one variant, the angle 211 is between 120° and 150°. Such an arrangement of the two surfaces 200 and 210 allows the formation of a storage volume V for the cosmetic product, which is V-shaped in cross section and opens at an angle complementary to 180° with respect to the angle 211 between the surface 210 and the joining plane passing through the longitudinal axis XX. As a result, when the applicator device 1 according to the present invention is removed, the wiper lip slides along the edge 212 or 213 of the spike 3 without removing the cosmetic product from the storage volume V.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 4a, two adjacent spikes 3, 3' are arranged such that a distance E of -2 mm to +2 mm can be measured along the longitudinal axis XX of the applicator device 1. In this case, two flat surfaces 210 are alternately located on either side of the joint surface passing through the longitudinal axis XX, while the orientation of two adjacent spikes 3, 3' is not the same, since the first surface 200 is part of said joint surface. The two spikes 3 and 3' in this case are symmetrical with centrosymmetrical symmetry, i.e., spike 3 is positioned 180° relative to spike 3. This arrangement allows the formation of two storage volumes V in the space on either side of the joint surface passing through the longitudinal axis XX, oriented 180° relative to each other, and possibly in a space connecting these storage volumes V.

[0025] Similarly, in one variant, referring to FIG. 4b, two adjacent spikes 3, 3′ are arranged such that a spacing E of −2 mm to +2 mm can be measured along the longitudinal axis XX of the applicator device 1. In this case, two flat surfaces 210 are alternately located on either side of the joint surface passing through the longitudinal axis XX, while the first surface 200 is part of said joint surface, so the orientation of the two adjacent spikes 3, 3′ is not the same. The two spikes 3 and 3′ in this example are mirror-symmetric with respect to the joint surface passing through the longitudinal axis XX. This arrangement allows the formation of two storage volumes V in the space on either side of the joint surface passing through the longitudinal axis XX, still mirror-symmetric but oriented in the same direction relative to each other. For a certain value of the spacing E, the two storage volumes V form exactly the same volume, as shown in the second, third, and fourth arrangements of FIG. 4b.

[0026] In all cases, the value of the spacing E is chosen by the skilled person as most appropriate. It is possible to use a mixture of spacings E for the same row of spikes 3, 3', 3''. The same applies to the orientation of spikes 3, 3' and 3''.

[0027] Furthermore, in all cases, the embedding of at least one of the spikes 3, 3', 3'' is realized in such a way that the storage volume V is oriented towards the free end of the core 2. This also applies to the spikes described below. The same is true for the various embedding arrangements of Figures 4a and 4b.

[0028] 6a to 9d, an embodiment variant of the first embodiment of the spike 3 of the applicator device 1 according to the invention will now be briefly described. The additional technical element provided to the spike 3 has the main function of allowing a proper application of the cosmetic product held in the storage volume V, as well as the guiding and possible separation of the keratinous fibers in this particular application.

[0029] In FIG. 6 a , the spike 31 further comprises recesses 311 distributed opposite each other over the length of the edge corners 213 and 212 .

[0030] In FIG. 6b, spike 32 has staggered notches 312 and 313 extending on the frustoconical outer surface of spike 32 at approximately half angle 211 from flat surfaces 200 and 210, respectively, in a plane perpendicular to axis Z.

[0031] In Figure 7a, spike 33 has a series of beads 331 extending on the frustoconical outer surface of spike 33 in a plane perpendicular to axis Z, the beads 331 extending 180° from flat surface 200 to an end 332 that projects from flat surface 210. In this case, the beads 331 have a generally elliptical cross section.

[0032] In Figure 7b, spikes 36 have beads 361 similar to beads 331 described above, except that they do not extend to flat surface 200. However, they have ends 362 that protrude from flat surface 210.

[0033] In Figure 7c, spike 35 has beads 351, 352 similar to bead 331 described above. However, bead 351 extends from flat surfaces 200, 210. Beads 351, 352 in this case protrude further from flat surface 200. Beads 351 and 352 in this case alternate across the height of spike 35, with bead 352 being between two beads 351.

[0034] In Figure 8a, the spike 34 has a series of modifications 341 of the aforementioned beads 331. The beads 341 are distinguished, on the one hand, by their polygonal cross section and, on the other hand, by the fact that they do not extend to the flat surface 200.

[0035] 8b and 8c, spike 38 has a bead 385 similar in cross section to the previously described bead 341. However, bead 385 has a first end 383 that protrudes from planar surface 200 and an end 384 that protrudes from surface 210. As a result, the bead extends at an angle 381, and end 384 can lie in the joining plane passing through longitudinal axis XX. Angle 381 can be between 1° and 290°.

[0036] In Figure 8d, spikes 37 have a variant of spikes 38, which are distinguished by the fact that beads 371 do not extend all the way to flat surface 200, but are extended to said flat surface 200 by recesses 373. Their ends 372 protrude from surface 210 as far as possible in the plane of flat surface 200.

[0037] In Figure 9a, spike 39 has a continuous spiral recess 391 on its frustoconical surface, while in Figure 9b, spike 301 has a portion 392 of the spiral recess that is similar to recess 391 but is not continuous.

[0038] In contrast, in Figure 9c, spike 302 has a continuous helical bead 393 on its frustoconical surface, and in Figure 9d, spike 303 has a portion 394 of the helical bead that is similar to bead 393 but is not continuous.

[0039] 5a and 5b, a second embodiment of a spike 4 for an application device 1 according to the invention will now be described in more detail. As with the above-described embodiment, the spike 4 may be inscribed in a frustoconical shape of axis Z.

[0040] In this example, the spike 4 has a first end 40 embedded in the core 2 and a free second end 41. The spike 4 is defined by a first flat surface 200 extending radially relative to the core 2 and coinciding or nearly coinciding with a longitudinal plane, called the joint plane, passing through the longitudinal axis XX.

[0041] The spike 4 is further defined by a second flat surface 410 that forms an angle 211 of approximately 91° to 180° with respect to the first flat surface 200. In one variation, the angle 211 is between 120° and 150°. Furthermore, the spike 4 has a third flat surface 412 that forms an angle 411 with respect to the first flat surface 200 of between approximately 1° and the complementary value of 180°, which is the angle 211 minus 1°. This arrangement of the two surfaces 410 and 412 allows for the formation of a storage volume V for the cosmetic product that is "V" shaped in cross section and opens at an angle complementary to 180° with respect to the sum of the angles 211 and 411 between the flat surfaces 410 and 412. As a result, when the applicator device 1 according to the present invention is removed, the wiper lip slides along the edge 212 or 413 of the spike 4 without removing the cosmetic product from the storage volume V.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 20a, spike 400 shown in top view is a variation of the first embodiment of spike 4 described above. Spike 400 has a second longitudinal groove that defines an additional storage volume V3 that is mirror-symmetric to storage volume V with respect to a plane passing through axes Y and Z. In general, spike 400 may have multiple longitudinal grooves of the same type distributed around the frustoconical surface of spike 400; for example, spike 401 in FIG. 20b has three of them that define storage volumes V, V3, and V4. Other quantities may also be provided, for example up to 20.

[0043] 21 shows a variation of one embodiment of spike 400. In this example, spike 403 has a longitudinal groove 453 made in the top of spike 403, the bottom of groove 453 being at a height h5 from the embedded end of spike 403.

[0044] In contrast, in FIG. 22, spike 402 has a longitudinal groove 452 formed in its underside and extending from the recessed end of spike 402 for a height h5.

[0045] In Figure 23, spike 404 is shown as a variation of one embodiment that combines variations of the embodiments of spikes 402 and 403, with elongated groove 453 at the top of spike 404 and elongated groove 454 at the bottom of spike 404 in series. Grooves 453, 454 alternate.

[0046] 24a and 24b show two additional embodiment variations of spike 400. Spike 405 has an annular recess 455 formed in a plane perpendicular to axis Z of spike 405. Spike 406 has two annular recesses 456, 457 similar to the recesses 455 described above distributed over the height of spike 406.

[0047] 10a and 10b, a third embodiment of a spike 5 for an applicator device 1 according to the present invention will be described. The spike 5 is based on the spike 2 described above. The spike 5 has a first end 50 embedded in the core 2 and a free second end 51. However, the spike 5 has at least two adjacent frustoconical portions 512 and 513 on its frustoconical surface, with the frustoconical surface of portion 513 having a "thickened portion" relative to the frustoconical surface of portion 512. Thus, the spike 5 has a longitudinal periphery 514 extending between the two portions 512 and 513, extending between the two ends 50 and 51. The portion 513 extends from the flat surface 210 at an angle 211 between 1° and 177°.

[0048] 11a and 11b, a fourth embodiment of a spike 6 for an applicator device 1 according to the present invention will be described. The spike 6 is also based on the spike 2 described above. The spike 6 has a first end 60 embedded in the core 2 and a free second end 61. However, the free end 61 is a frustoconical portion that includes a "thickened portion" relative to the remainder of the frustoconical surface of the spike 6. As a result, the spike 6 has an annular peripheral portion 62 that extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis Z from the flat surface 210 to the flat surface 200. The peripheral portion 62 extends from the free end 61 over a height of approximately 0.05 to 0.95 times the height of the spike 6.

[0049] FIG. 11c shows a variation 65 of one embodiment of spikes 5 and 6 described above, where spike 65 replicates the two frustoconical portions 512 and 513 of spike 5, as well as longitudinal edge 514. Spike 65 also replicates the frustoconical portion including a "thickened portion" at end 61, which is aligned with frustoconical portion 513 and annular periphery 62. Longitudinal edge 514 then extends from end 60 to the annular periphery. Annular periphery 62 extends from flat surface 200 to longitudinal edge 514. Spike 65 also has a series of annular recesses 651 formed on the outer surface of frustoconical portion 513 in a plane perpendicular to axis Z.

[0050] 12a-12d, a fifth embodiment of a spike 7 for an applicator device 1 according to the present invention will be described. The spike 7, having a height h1, is again based on the spike 2 described above. The spike 7 has a first end 70 embedded in the core 2 and a free second end 72. The spike 7 is made of two overlapping sections, the first extending from the end 70 embedded in the core 2 to a first intermediate end 71 over a height h2. This first section in this case is similar to the spike 3 described above. The second section extends from the free end 72 to a bottom end 73 over a height h3 from the free end 72. Again, the second section is similar to the spike 3 described above in that it has a first flat surface 220 at the interface passing through the longitudinal axis XX and a second flat surface 230 that forms an angle 212 of approximately 91°-180° with the first flat surface 220. In one variation, angle 212 is between 120° and 150°. The second section is a mirror image of the first section. Planar surfaces 200 and 220 are in the same joint plane through the longitudinal axis XX and are opposite each other. The second section is "superimposed" on the first section between the bottom end 73 and the middle end 71, where planar surfaces 210 and 220 meet.

[0051] In a variation of the first embodiment shown in Figure 12e, the first portion has a first prismatic flat portion 215 adjacent to the first flat surface 200, and the second portion has a second prismatic flat portion 225 adjacent to the flat surface 220.

[0052] 13, the second portion is fully overlapped on the first portion, with the bottom end at a height h4 from the embedded end 70. A variation of this embodiment may include prismatic flat portions 215 and 225.

[0053] In a variation of the spike embodiment of Figure 13, spike 7' of Figure 14 further comprises a ring portion 74 extending from the first portion flat surface 210 to the second portion flat surface 230. This allows the original storage volume V to be divided into two storage sub-volumes V1 and V2 superimposed over the height of spike 7'.

[0054] In Figure 15a, spike 710 is distinguished from the spike of Figure 13 by the fact that it has a protruding disc portion 711 at its bottom end 73 in a plane perpendicular to axis Z, and annular recesses extending on the outer surfaces of the first and second portions of spike 710.

[0055] In FIG. 15b, spike 720 is spike 7 with the addition of a disk 721 protruding in a plane perpendicular to axis Z and positioned on a second part of spike 720 below the free end.

[0056] 17a-17c show variations 722-724 of spike 7. Spike 722 has a ring 724 that rests against flat surface 220 above intermediate end 72 and is fixed to a first portion below bottom end 73. Ring 724 lies in a plane parallel to the joint plane containing flat surface 220. Instead of ring 724, spike 723 has a half-ring 725 that lies behind flat surfaces 210 and 230, with the bottom of the half-ring fixed to the first portion and the top of the half-ring resting against flat surface 220. Spike 724 also has a half-ring 726, identical to half-ring 725 but rotated 90° so that it is suspended against flat surface 220, with both ends of half-ring 726 being free.

[0057] In Figure 18, spike 730 is similar to spike 7. It is distinguished from spike 7 by the presence of two extensions 731 and 732 on either side of the second portion of spike 730. The two extensions 731 and 732 are fixed to a first portion of bottom end 73 and extend parallel to axis Z of spike 730. The two extensions face flat surface 220 and are rearward of flat surface 200.

[0058] In Figure 19a, spike 740 is based on spike 7 with the addition of a prong 741, curved in this example, facing flat surface 230 of the second portion of spike 740 and extending generally along axis Z of spike 740 at a distance therefrom. Prong 741 has a flat surface 742 that lies in the plane of flat surface 200 and in the plane containing flat surfaces 200 and 220.

[0059] In Figure 19b, spike 745 is a variation of the spike 740 embodiment and is distinguished from spike 740 by the presence of a second prong 746 that abuts face 742 of prong 741. Second prong 746 extends generally along axis Z of spike 745 and faces and is spaced apart from planar surface 230 of the second portion of spike 745 between the second portion of spike 745 and prong 741.

[0060] 16a and 16b, a sixth embodiment of a spike 8 for an applicator device 1 according to the present invention will be described. The spike 8 is based on the spike 7 described above in the sense that it reproduces a first portion between a fixed end 80 for fixing to the core 2 and an intermediate end 82, and a second portion "superimposed" on this first portion between a bottom end 83 and a top end 84. Furthermore, the spike 8 has a third portion "superimposed" on the second portion and extending between a lower end 85 and a free end 81 of the spike 8. The third portion is "superimposed" on the second portion, similar to the "superimposition" of the second portion on the first portion.

[0061] Furthermore, the number of rows of spikes preferably varies from 1 to 24, with identical or non-identical spikes and spike arrangements. In particular, the spikes may all be oriented in the same way in the same row or across the set of spikes that make up the applicator device, or the spikes may also have different orientations, for example alternating on both sides of the longitudinal plane P.

[0062] With reference to Figures 25a to 25c, a second embodiment of an applicator device 101 according to the present invention will be described. It should be noted that all of the previous statements regarding spikes also apply to this applicator device 101 according to the present invention. The applicator device 101 according to the present invention is in this case a comb having a core 102 of a longitudinal axis XX and including, over most of its length, a substantially flat surface 103 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis XX and extends from the free end of the core 102. In the version shown, the applicator device 101 according to the present invention has at least one row of spikes or ridges 3 (in this case there are three rows). The rows may be parallel to each other, as shown herein, or may be at an angle to each other. In particular, at least one row is embedded along an embedding axis parallel to the longitudinal axis XX, and one of the adjacent rows is embedded along an embedding axis X'X' that is angled with the longitudinal axis XX, and the other adjacent row is embedded in a mirror image of the one adjacent row with respect to the row parallel to the longitudinal axis XX. For illustrative purposes, the spikes 3, 3' are embedded in a row, as in one of the arrangements of Figure 4a above. Any other embedding, including those described above, is possible. The same applies to spikes within a row that may follow other embodiments described above.

[0063] In this embodiment of the applicator device 101 according to the invention, the longitudinal plane, called the joint plane, of each of the spikes 3, 3' is perpendicular to the substantially flat surface 103 of the core 102 and passes through the embedding axis X'X' of the row of spikes in question.

[0064] Other non-essential modifications may be provided with respect to the specific shape of the spikes or with respect to their mutual arrangement and / or orientation without departing from the scope of the invention. Naturally, an applicator device according to the invention may have spikes from different embodiments according to the invention, in particular those described above.

[0065] Of course, a person skilled in the art will know how to dimension in particular the spikes, the spacing between the spikes and the core in order to meet the necessary technical requirements.

[0066] Naturally, many modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. An applicator device (1) for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratinous fibers or skin, comprising an elongated central core (2) extending along a longitudinal axis XX, and at least one row of elongated spikes (3) having a first end (30) embedded in the core and a free second end (20), wherein the spikes (3) and the core (2) are integrally formed, and wherein at least one of the spikes is defined by a first flat surface (200) coinciding with a longitudinal plane passing through the longitudinal axis XX of the central core, called the interface plane, and a second flat surface (210) that forms an angle (211) of 120° to 150° with the first flat surface (200), wherein the arrangement of the first flat surface (200) and the second flat surface (210) defines a storage volume V for the cosmetic product.

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a third planar surface (412) that forms an angle (411) with said first planar surface (200) between 1° and a value complementary to 180°, which is the angle (211) minus 1°, and wherein said third planar surface defines a storage volume V for the cosmetic product in the form of a longitudinal groove.

3. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the frustoconical surface of the spike has adjacent first and second frustoconical portions, the second frustoconical portion having a thickened portion relative to the first frustoconical portion, and a longitudinal periphery separating the two frustoconical portions.

4. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the free end of the spike has a frustoconical portion that includes a "thickened portion" relative to the remainder of the frustoconical surface of the spike, and an annular peripheral edge separates the frustoconical portion that includes the thickened portion from the remainder of the frustoconical surface.

5. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the spike has a first portion and a second portion superimposed on each other along the longitudinal axis of the spike over a portion of its height, the first portion being defined by the first and second flat surfaces, and the second portion protruding from the first portion.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second portion has an overall shape that is a mirror image of the first portion.

7. 7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the second part completely overlaps the first part between its ends and over part of its height.

8. 8. The device according to claim 5, wherein the spikes each have a third portion that overlaps the second portion along the longitudinal axis of the spike over a portion of its height, the third portion protruding from the second portion.

9. 9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the spike has elements protruding from an outer surface of the spike.

10. 10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the spike has an element extending recessed from an outer surface of the spike.

11. 11. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least two of the spikes that make up a row have the same orientation.

12. 12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least two of the spikes making up a row have different orientations.

13. 13. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the distance measured along the axis XX between two consecutive spikes is zero or positive, preferably less than about 2 millimeters.

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