Cosmetic Devices

Abstract

A cosmetic device (1) for dispensing or absorbing a fluid cosmetic composition (C), comprising: - a case (2) having a housing (10); a composition (C) placed in a housing (10); - a permeable fabric (15) forming a barrier defining a surface (17) through which the cosmetic composition (C) is wicked or dispensed, the surface (17) being partially occluded by at least one occlusion element (18) attached to the fabric (15), the at least one occlusion element (18) being selected from the group consisting of expanding inks, adhesives, and polymeric materials.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cosmetics, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a cosmetic device intended for making up or caring for human keratinous materials, in particular the skin, and to a method for manufacturing such a cosmetic device. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to impregnate a porous structure with a cosmetic composition, and a finger or applicator may be brought into contact with the porous structure to load the product onto the finger or applicator. The porous structure may be a foam.

[0003] It is further known to cover a reservoir of cosmetic composition with a shield through which the composition is taken up by a finger or applicator.

[0004] Numerous patent application publications deal with this type of cosmetic article. In particular, application WO2017 / 016608 A1 can be cited, which discloses an article comprising a mass of fibers made of nonwoven fabric, one side of which is covered with a shield. The problem that arises with this type of article is the need to find a compromise between various factors, such as the ability to store a large amount of composition and release it gradually without excess at each use and as completely as possible during use, the need to use shape memory, the ability to accommodate compositions with varying viscosities, small overall dimensions, and manufacturing costs that meet the requirements of mass sales.

[0005] KR101380587 and KR20140147706 disclose different shields that allow the composition to pass through, and WO2016148371 describes auxiliary components located on the shield.

[0006] Furthermore, US2015159330 discloses a fiber structure containing an active agent and having printed graphics.Furthermore, FR2 985 272 discloses a fiber structure having a specific shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] WO2017 / 016608 A1 [Patent Document 2] KR101380587 [Patent Document 3] KR20140147706 [Patent Document 4] WO2016148371 [Patent Document 5] US2015159330 [Patent Document 6] FR2 985 272 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] There is a need to have available cosmetic devices that allow for better control over how a composition is dispensed or wicked through a barrier. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Thus, according to one of its aspects, the present invention provides a cosmetic device for dispensing or siphoning a fluid cosmetic composition, comprising: a case having a housing; a composition disposed within a housing; - a permeable textile forming a barrier defining a surface through which the cosmetic composition is wicked or dispensed, said surface being partially obstructed by at least one obstructing element attached to the textile, the at least one obstructing element preferably being selected from the group consisting of expanding inks, adhesives, and polymeric materials, in particular polymeric materials suitable for hot stamping or injection overmolding.

[0010] According to the invention, a dispensing or wicking device is provided, which makes it possible to regulate this dispensing or wicking of the composition by partial occlusion of the fabric, which still allows the composition to pass through areas other than the zone where the occlusion element is attached. In fact, this partial occlusion makes it possible to direct the dispensing or wicking zone and / or to form a barrier to too rapid dispensing or wicking of the composition, especially in the case of compositions with a relatively low viscosity, and / or to homogenize the dispensing or wicking of the composition, and / or to partially harden the fabric and / or to mask parts of the barrier to reveal the wicking or dispensing zone.

[0011] Within the meaning of the present invention, the term "fluid composition" is understood to mean a composition that is not in solid form and whose viscosity, measured after 30 seconds of rotation using a Rheomat 180 viscometer at 25°C and a rotation speed of 200 rpm, is less than 2 Pa.s.

[0012] Within the meaning of the present invention, the term "occlusive element" is understood to mean an element that reduces the permeability of the fabric or makes it impermeable in the zone where it is attached to the fabric.

[0013] Within the meaning of the present invention, the term "occlusive element attached to the fabric" is understood to mean that the occlusive element does not separate from the fabric within the device.

[0014] The fabric may be fixed to a frame, in particular to a ring. In this case, the fabric may be fixed to the frame so that tension is present in the fabric, which allows for further stiffening of the shielding. Tension may be applied to the fabric before and / or by fixing it to the frame.

[0015] The fabric may be retained in the case by some means, for example by a retaining lip located on the case.

[0016] The at least one occlusive element, in particular an expanding ink, may be deposited on the textile using a silkscreen method. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one occlusive element, in particular a polymer material, is deposited on the textile using a hot stamping method. In another variant or additionally, the at least one occlusive element, in particular a polymer material, is deposited by injection overmolding a substance onto the textile. In yet another variant or additionally, the at least one occlusive element is deposited by applying a precursor of the occlusive element through a mask having at least one opening in the shape of the motif to be produced in the occlusive element.

[0017] The occlusive element may form a motif, for example a decorative motif, on the surface for wicking or dispensing the composition.

[0018] The permeable fabric advantageously has a mesh structure, which is partially blocked by said at least one blocking element, the mesh structure being provided in particular by knitting, weaving, preferably non-run knitting carried out on a warp knitting machine or a raschel knitting machine, or another knitting process.

[0019] The fabric is preferably formed from yarns produced from fibers and / or microfibers.

[0020] The textile comprises synthetic fibers and / or microfibers selected from fibers and / or microfibers of, for example, polyester, polyamide, polyethylene, acrylic, viscose, acetate, and mixtures thereof.

[0021] The textile may further comprise natural fibers and / or microfibers selected from silk, wool, cotton, linen, hemp, and mixtures thereof.

[0022] The fabric is advantageously a single layer fabric.

[0023] The fabric acting as a shield may be in contact with the cosmetic composition and may come to rest to form a curtain over the composition, allowing the composition to pass therethrough as it is dispensed or drawn up, for example onto a finger or using an applicator, and the user presses on the fabric to draw up some of the composition.

[0024] The at least one occlusion element may be present on a surface opposite the surface for wicking or dispensing the composition. If the occlusion element is present only on this surface opposite the surface for wicking or dispensing the composition, the occlusion element may not be visible to the user.

[0025] The at least one closure element may for example form a three-dimensional motif with motif elements of varying thickness over their height, the height of the closure element being preferably less than 2 mm, better still between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

[0026] The occlusive element is advantageously free of flocked fibers.

[0027] The closure element may have an upper surface that may be contacted by a user's finger or an applicator. The upper surface of the closure element may be soft to the touch. The upper surface of the closure element may be flat or rounded. The motif formed by the closure element may have a flat or rounded upper surface.

[0028] The motif or part of the motif of the occlusion element may form letters, alphanumeric characters, logos, bar codes, humans, animals, plants, landscapes, geometric or non-geometric motifs, etc. The logo may be a trademark used to market the device. The occlusion element may simultaneously be aesthetically pleasing and form the desired partial occlusion of the dispensing or wicking surface.

[0029] The fluid cosmetic composition may be in the form of a cream.

[0030] Fluid compositions include, for example, ingredients in liquid form, such as oils and / or volatile solvents.

[0031] The composition may comprise a mixture of pigments, in particular iron oxide-based pigments, and / or mother of pearl. The composition may constitute a foundation or a blusher.

[0032] The composition may be contained directly in a reservoir formed by the housing of the case.

[0033] In a variant, the composition may impregnate the porous material, which may be a foam or a sponge, in which case the fabric covers the porous material and may or may not be fixed to it.

[0034] The device may further comprise a cover, which may be threaded or articulated to the case. The case of the device may be made from a thermoplastic material. A magnetic or snap-fit closure system may be used to keep the device closed. The device may also comprise a speculum, if required, and a housing for containing the applicator.

[0035] The present invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, in combination with the above, to a method for manufacturing a device as defined above, which method comprises forming an occlusive element on a permeable fabric by printing, preferably using a silkscreen method, a hot stamping method, injection overmolding or applying a precursor of the occlusive element through a mask having at least one opening in the shape of the motif to be produced in the occlusive element.

[0036] The method may further comprise the step of securing the fabric to a frame and tensioning the fabric prior to and / or by securing it to the frame.

[0037] The invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof and by examining the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a device according to the invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a woven fabric for a device according to the invention. [Figure 3A] 3 of another example of a fabric for a device according to the invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic top perspective view of an example of a fabric that may be used in a device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic top perspective view of an example of a fabric that may be used in a device according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of another example of a device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In the remainder of the description, identical elements or elements having identical functions will be designated by the same reference numerals. For the sake of brevity, such elements will not be described in every figure, but only the differences between the embodiments will be described.

[0040] 1 shows a cosmetic device 1 according to the invention, comprising a case 2 having a body 3. The case 2 also comprises a lid 5, which in this example is articulated to the body 3. The lid may be fixed differently, for example screwed onto the body.

[0041] The case 2 also houses an applicator holder 6, which in this example is articulated to the body 3 about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the articulation between the lid 5 and the body 3. The applicator is not shown in this view. A dish 4 is received within a housing 8 of the body 3 of the case 2. The dish 4 forms a housing constituting a reservoir for a cosmetic composition in fluid form, i.e., not solid, and whose viscosity is less than 2 Pa.s, measured after 30 seconds of rotation at 25°C using a Rheomat 180 viscometer at a rotation speed of 200 rpm. For example, the cosmetic composition may be in the form of a cream, although this is not visible in the view.

[0042] Device 1 further comprises a permeable fabric 15 that forms a barrier defining a surface 17 through which cosmetic composition C is wicked or dispensed. Fabric 15 is positioned over the composition reservoir such that the composition reservoir is not visible in this view. Surface 17 is partially occluded by an occlusion element 18 attached to fabric 15. In the example shown, occlusion element 18 is present and attached to surface 17 that is used to wick or dispense the cosmetic composition. Fabric 15 may be pressed against the reservoir upon initial use of device 1 so that the cosmetic composition can be loaded onto it.

[0043] In this example, the occlusion element 18 comprises an expanding ink, which expands by a high-temperature thermal reaction and is deposited using printing, in particular using a silkscreen method. Furthermore, in this example, the occlusion element 18 forms a floral decoration. The occlusion element 18 thus has an aesthetic effect and also the effect of partially occluding the textile 15, at least locally limiting or reducing the permeability of the textile 15 in the zone where the occlusion element 18 is present.

[0044] The presence of the occlusion element 18 may, as needed, allow for regulating the distribution or wicking of the composition, dividing the surface into sectors, uniforming the distribution or wicking, masking one or more zones on the surface, capturing the cosmetic composition, and / or forming a barrier to the cosmetic composition. The presence of the occlusion element 18 may further allow for appropriate dispensing, limiting under-dispensing of spilled cosmetic composition, or partially stiffening the fabric, as needed. This finally allows for varying the tension of the fabric when it is held in a frame, revealing wicking zones, and / or forming aesthetic motifs on the surface of the fabric.

[0045] The fabric 15 comprises, for example, a mesh structure formed by knitting threads made of synthetic and / or natural and / or microfibers.

[0046] Cosmetic composition C can be seen in the example device shown in Figure 2. Cosmetic composition C is contained in a housing 10 which forms a reservoir.

[0047] In the example of FIG. 2, the fabric 15 is held in place by the presence of an annular lip 9 that rests on the dish 4 .

[0048] In this example, an applicator 7 consisting of a powder puff can also be seen on the applicator holder.

[0049] As can be seen in FIG. 3 , which separately depicts the textile 15 with the occlusive elements 18, the occlusive elements 18 form a relief that, in this example, is less than 2 mm in height. The occlusive elements 18 partially block at least some of the openings 19 in the mesh structure forming the textile 15. The distribution or wicking of the cosmetic composition C through the surface 17 can thus be controlled by the shape given to the occlusive elements 18. As can be seen, the relief of the occlusive elements 18 includes motif elements with a thickness that varies in height. At the locations where the occlusive elements 18 are attached to the textile 15, the textile 15 is no longer permeable or is less permeable than locations of the textile 15 without the occlusive elements 18. Two types of zones of the textile 15 can thus be distinguished: less permeable or impermeable zones 21 of the textile 15 where the occlusive elements 18 are attached, and permeable zones 22 of the textile 15 without the occlusive elements 18.

[0050] In the example of FIG. 3, an occlusion element 18 is generated and present on a surface 17 for wicking or dispensing the cosmetic composition C.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 3A, the occlusion element 18 is present, as can be seen, created on the surface 20 opposite the surface 17 .

[0052] It is not a departure from the scope of the present invention if occlusion elements 18 are present on surface 17 and surface 20 simultaneously, or if a first occlusion element 18 is present on surface 17 and a second occlusion element 18 is present on surface 20 opposite surface 17.

[0053] In the example of FIG. 3A, the occlusion element 18 is deposited using hot stamping and comprises a polymer material.

[0054] Other examples of motifs formed by occlusion elements 18 are shown in FIGS.

[0055] 4, multiple geometric motifs formed by occlusion elements 18 are replicated across surface 17 of fabric 15. In this example, occlusion elements 18 are deposited using injection overmolding of a polymeric material.

[0056] 5, the occlusion elements 18 form a plurality of lines on the surface 17 of the textile 15 that do not intersect each other but are parallel to each other for at least some of them. In this example, the occlusion elements 18 were formed on the textile 15 by application of a precursor of the occlusion elements 18 through a mask having at least one opening in the shape of the motif formed by the occlusion elements 18. The precursor was then processed to obtain the occlusion elements 18.

[0057] In the example of FIG. 6 , the fabric 15 is tensioned on a frame 40 that may be circular or rectangular, or alternatively square or oval, depending on, for example, the shape of the case. The frame 40 forms a perimeter surrounding the fabric 15, which can help concentrate the distribution or wicking of the composition toward the center of the surface 17 and can increase the rigidity of the fabric 15 around its periphery. The frame 40 further allows for adjusting the tension of the fabric 15, thereby further increasing its rigidity and / or changing, in particular increasing, the size of the openings 19 formed in the mesh structure. The fabric 15 may be tensioned upon and / or before being secured to the frame 40.

[0058] The invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0059] The occlusion element 18 may include one or more colors. Some portions of the occlusion element 18 may be, for example, a first color, and other portions of the occlusion element 18 may be a different, second color.

[0060] Device 1 may be designed so that the shield formed by the fabric can move toward the bottom of device 1 in response to changes in the amount of cosmetic composition remaining in housing 10. Fabric 15 is then designed to follow the surface of the cosmetic composition within housing 10. As a result, when the level of cosmetic composition drops, the shield drops by the same amount. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Cosmetic devices 2 cases 3 Main unit 4 Dish-shaped part 5 Lid 6 Applicator holder 7 Applicator 8. Housing 9 Annular Lip 10. Housing 15 Textiles 17 Surface 18 Occlusion Elements 19 Aperture 20 surface Zone 21 Zone 22 40 frames

Claims

1. A cosmetic device (1) for dispensing or absorbing a fluid cosmetic composition (C), comprising: - a case (2) having a housing (10); - a composition (C) placed in said housing (10); - a permeable fabric (15) forming a barrier defining a surface (17) through which said cosmetic composition (C) is wicked or dispensed, said surface (17) being partially occluded by at least one occlusion element (18) attached to said fabric (15), said at least one occlusion element (18) being a polymeric material; A device wherein said at least one occlusive element (18) is deposited by injection overmolding said polymeric material onto said fabric (15).

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fabric (15) is fixed to a frame (40), in particular to a ring, which frame (40) forms a peripheral portion surrounding the fabric (15) and makes it possible to help concentrate the distribution or wicking of the composition towards the center of the surface (17).

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the fabric is fixed to the frame (40) so that tension is present in the fabric.

4. 4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the permeable fabric (15) has a mesh structure, the mesh structure being partially blocked by the at least one occlusion element (18).

5. 5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one occlusion element (18) is present on a surface (20) opposite the surface (17) for wicking or dispensing the composition.

6. 6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the occlusion element (18) is free of flocked fibres.

7. 7. A method for manufacturing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising forming an occlusive element (18) in the permeable fabric (15) using injection overmolding.

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