Cosmetic articles having retractable applicators

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cosmetic article comprising a reservoir (6) adapted to contain a cosmetic product such as a mascara. A guide tube (8) extends in the reservoir (6) in a longitudinal direction (L) and is mounted for longitudinal translation in the guide tube (8). The application tool can be in a retracted position and in a deployed position relative to the guide tube. The guide tube (8) has a constant inner cross section and the application tool (11) has a constant, identical cross section except for a functional clearance. The application tool (11) comprises a smooth longitudinal first portion (14) and a second portion (15) having a surface suitably adapted to hold the cosmetic product. The cosmetic article according to the invention is aesthetically pleasing, easy to use, protects the cosmetic product from air and allows for accurate metering of the delivered product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cosmetic application tools, and particularly to application tools for mascara.

Background Art

[0002] A mascara article, or "mascara", conventionally comprises a case, a mascara reservoir, and an application brush. The application brush includes a grip portion and, strictly speaking, an applicator which is generally in the form of a brush. The application brush may include a cap or stopper in a known manner, which is adapted to seal the reservoir when mascara is not being applied and may form the grip area of the application brush.

[0003] Conventionally, there are several types of applicators as follows: those of "brush" type, those that are injection-molded, and those manufactured by additive manufacturing (sometimes referred to as "additive synthesis"). Additive manufacturing refers to a manufacturing process by adding or aggregating substances.

[0004] Bottle brush type applicators include a brush provided with bristles formed by fibers confined in a twisted metal wire that forms the core of the applicator. Injection-molded applicators are generally integrally formed as a single piece and include bristles or teeth made of plastic material, for example, generally referred to as protrusions. Applicators manufactured by additive manufacturing are also generally integrally formed as a single piece, and can be formed, for example, from thermoplastic polymer powder by a process implementing powder fusion, for example by laser.

[0005] Regardless of the shape and embodiments of known mascara applicators, the principle of applying mascara consists of loading the product (mascara) contained in the reservoir onto the applicator, removing the applicator with the product loaded on the protrusions from the reservoir, and carrying out application onto the user's eyelashes or eyebrows.

[0006] For brevity, the remainder of this document will discuss only eyelashes, but the use of the product and applicator on the user's eyebrows is not excluded. Similarly, while the document will discuss female users, use by male users is not excluded. To improve the ergonomics of mascara articles, Patent Document 1 discloses an article for applying mascara having a “pen” type retractable configuration. This comprises: an elongated case; and an applicator slidably mounted on the case so as to be able to take a storage position immersed in a mascara reservoir and an extended position that allows for makeup application. The advantage of this configuration is that, compared to current articles where the brush is attached to a stopper, which is screwed into the reservoir, and therefore the user must use both hands to loosen the stopper and access the brush, this configuration allows the article to be used with one hand for makeup application. However, given that the applicator is immersed in the product in the reservoir in the storage position, the applicator comes out of a case loaded with a large amount of product, the majority of which, particularly the portion near the core of the applicator, is not used for makeup application. Furthermore, this product comes into contact with air, which accelerates drying and shortens the lifespan of the item. Such immersion in a reservoir presents another problem: air enters the reservoir, which also accelerates drying and limits the lifespan of the product within the reservoir.

[0007] Therefore, in mascara applicators known in the prior art, more product is generally dispensed than is needed for makeup, or more than can actually be applied to the eyelashes. The dispensed excess product is then returned to the reservoir. This is repeated each time the applicator is used. Furthermore, in mascara articles known in the prior art, the mascara reservoir remains open while the user applies the product, and the product is exposed to the air for the duration of application. This can cause the product to dry out too quickly. Consequently, the quality of the mascara may change, which may result in the presence of clumps or a decrease in the product's fluidity.

[0008] Patent documents 2, 3, and 4 offer a partial solution to the above-mentioned problems by proposing a mascara article that includes an applicator movable between a stored position and an extended position relative to its case, the applicator comprising a body and projections (hairs or teeth) positioned to be movable between a stored position within the body and an extended position outside the body relative to the body of the applicator. According to some provisions provided in these patent documents, the product can be loaded into the applicator when it is removed from the case. Nevertheless, these devices can still be improved, because they are complex and do not guarantee complete regularity in the amount of product delivered. In particular, applicators are often loaded with a larger amount of cosmetic than is actually applied, which raises the problem of preserving the product that is dispensed onto the applicator but not applied. Furthermore, they can still be improved with respect to the delivery and preservation of air-sensitive, for example, highly volatile mascara formulations.

[0009] Finally, there is a persistent need for the development of mascara products that are both aesthetically pleasing and qualitatively effective. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0065080 [Patent Document 2] French Patent No. 3039044 [Patent Document 3] French Patent No. 3039045 [Patent Document 4] French Patent No. 3039046 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a mascara article that addresses all or part of the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a cosmetic article comprising: a reservoir adapted to contain a liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic; a guide tube extending longitudinally within the reservoir; and an applicator, the applicator being mounted to be able to move longitudinally within the guide tube between a storage position in which the applicator is completely or partially housed within the guide tube and an unfolded position in which a portion of the applicator housed within the guide tube in the storage position extends from one end of the guide tube.

[0013] The applicator includes a smooth, longitudinal first portion and a second portion having a surface adapted to hold the cosmetic. The guide tube has a constant inner cross-section, and the first portion of the applicator has a constant cross-section, identical to that of the guide tube except for functional clearance.

[0014] The guide tube includes at least one opening near its end that allows the cosmetic to pass from the reservoir to the applicator.

[0015] The cosmetic articles proposed in this invention, such as mascara articles, are simple and aesthetically pleasing. The applicator has an innovative shape. The second portion of the applicator, which has a pattern that allows for product retention, forms a part of the applicator that allows for the application of the cosmetic to the user's eyelashes, for example. Furthermore, the use of a "textured" area characterized by a pattern for product retention allows for very precise and perfectly repeatable adjustment of the amount of product loaded onto this second portion of the applicator. This allows for precise adjustment of the amount of product delivered each time the applicator moves from its stored position to its deployed position. The corresponding shapes of the applicator and the guide tube, except for a small functional clearance that allows the applicator to slide within the tube, ensure a seal over the product. This also ensures protection of the product from air, so that only the product present on the second portion of the applicator is exposed to air when the applicator is deployed, i.e., immediately before the product is applied. The product contained within the reservoir is constantly protected from air. This significantly extends its lifespan compared to conventional cosmetic products.

[0016] The second portion of the coating tool described above may be fully or partially facing the opening in the storage position described above.

[0017] The opening in the tube allows the cosmetic product to be loaded into the second part of the applicator. This configuration for loading the product into the applicator is particularly advantageous in that it allows the use of viscous products and / or products whose viscosity increases over time. In fact, the longitudinal translational movement of the applicator relative to the opening generates a shear force within the product at the opening, thereby causing the product to flow locally when loaded into the applicator.

[0018] The second portion described above may have a pattern on its surface that includes, for example, recesses and / or raised areas.

[0019] Selecting the characteristics of the pattern, its shape and its depth makes it possible to select the amount of the product retained on the surface of the second portion of the applicator. This enables extremely accurate metering of the product. Selection of the pattern also makes it possible to adjust the shear force generated when loading the product into the applicator. Finally, the pattern also determines the properties of the applicator when applying the product, in particular the ability of the applicator to adhere to or detach from eyelashes (or other hairs).

[0020] The applicator may be made of metal. The applicator may be made of a plastic material.

[0021] Metal applicators (more generally, metal articles) have excellent aesthetic appearance, are durable, and can be obtained with very low manufacturing tolerances that enable complete sealing of the system. Applicators made of plastic (including composite) materials can be obtained at low cost.

[0022] The surface of the second portion may be made of a porous material, for example ceramic or foam.

[0023] Porous material is a reasonable alternative to pattern formation for retaining the product.

[0024] In particular, the applicator may have an overall shape of a straight prism or an axisymmetric cylindrical shape.

[0025] Selection of the cross-section of the applicator and the corresponding guide tube is important from a functional and aesthetic point of view. To ensure sealing between the applicator and the guide tube, an axisymmetric cylindrical shape (circular cross-section) is the simplest and best configuration, but any straight prismatic shape that allows translation of the applicator within the guide tube (e.g., an applicator having a polygonal cross-section) can be considered in the present invention. The functional clearance may be between 0.2 microns and 100 microns.

[0026] This enables the regular loading of the product into the application tool throughout its entire lifespan.

[0027] The reservoir may include a device for pressurizing the product contained within the reservoir.

[0028] For example, the above-mentioned pressurizing device may include a plunger that is pressed by an elastic device.

[0029] The cosmetic article may include a first return device that tends to move and hold the application tool in the deployed position. The first return device allows the article to be moved and held in a position that enables the application of the product. The cosmetic article may include a sleeve having a reservoir inside, the reservoir being mounted so as to be able to translate longitudinally between a retracted position and an extended position within the sleeve.

[0030] The cosmetic article may include a second return device positioned between the reservoir and the sleeve, which tends to return the reservoir to the storage position. The cosmetic article can be configured to move the applicator to the storage position relative to the reservoir by keeping the applicator fixed to the sleeve when moving the reservoir to the extended position.

[0031] According to one embodiment, when the reservoir is in the extended position, the application tool is in the retracted position, and when the reservoir is in the retracted position, the application tool is in the deployed position.

[0032] These configurations allow for relative movement between the application tool and the reservoir, thereby enabling the loading of the product into the application tool.

[0033] The cosmetic article may include a detachable cap, and by placing the cap on the cosmetic article, the applicator is compressed, causing the applicator to move to its storage position.

[0034] Therefore, using the cap, the applicator can be compressed and stored in the reservoir with the very simple configuration of the cosmetic article described above. The cap enhances the seal of the device.

[0035] The above reservoir can be detachably attached to the above sleeve.

[0036] Therefore, the above device is durable. The reservoir can be refilled as needed. Other special features and advantages of the present invention will become even clearer in the following "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention".

[0037] The attached drawings, provided as non-limiting examples, are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a cosmetic article according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the cosmetic product shown in Figure 1 when stored. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the cosmetic items shown in Figures 1 and 2 when in use. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of an example of the tip portion of a coating tool that can be used in the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the cosmetic articles from Figures 1-3 during the reloading of the application tool between two consecutive applications. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the reservoir for the cosmetic articles shown in Figures 1-3 and 5, which is configured to be filled with cosmetics. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cosmetic article. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the cosmetic product shown in Figure 7 during use. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a cosmetic article according to one embodiment of the present invention. According to the illustrated embodiment, the article has an elongated shape similar to that of a pen. Thus, the article includes a body 1 to which a cap 2 is attached or abutted. The body includes a cylinder 3 sealed with a stopper 4 on the outside, and the cylinder 3 and stopper 4 form a sleeve 5. The article extends in a general direction of elongation called the longitudinal direction L.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the cosmetic article shown in Figure 1 when stored. The cosmetic article includes a reservoir 6 adapted to contain the cosmetic. The cosmetic, for example, mascara, may be in liquid or semi-liquid form, including paste. The cosmetic may contain solid particles contained in the liquid or paste, such as flakes or fibers. The reservoir 6 has an overall cylindrical shape. The reservoir 6 extends in the longitudinal direction L. The reservoir 6 provides an internal volume 7 adapted to receive the cosmetic.

[0041] The reservoir 6 is located inside the sleeve 5 of the main body 1 of the cosmetic article.

[0042] The reservoir 6 intersects the guide tube 8 longitudinally. In particular, the guide tube 8 can be centered with respect to the reservoir and thus positioned on the longitudinal central axis of the reservoir, and more generally, of the cosmetic article. In the illustrated example, the guide tube 8 extends along the entire length of the internal volume 7 of the reservoir 6.

[0043] The guide tube 8 has a certain cross-section (i.e., one that is considered to be along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L). This may be circular, but any other certain cross-section, particularly any elliptical or polygonal cross-section, is conceivable. One end of the reservoir 6 is sealed by an end piece 9, which together with the inner wall of the reservoir 6 on one side and the outer wall of the guide tube 8 on the other, forms a seal. Thus, the internal volume 7 of the reservoir 6 is tightly closed at this end of the reservoir 6. The end piece 9 may carry a finishing dome 10 connected thereto. The finishing dome 10 has an aesthetic function. It also contributes to the sealing of the device, as will be described below.

[0044] The above cosmetic article also includes an application tool 11. The application tool 11 is a part of the article that allows the user to apply the cosmetic to, for example, their own eyelashes.

[0045] The coating tool 11 is mounted so that it can move longitudinally within the guide tube 8. Optionally, the coating tool can also rotate within the guide tube if the coating tool has an overall cylindrical shape that is axially symmetric.

[0046] In particular, the above-mentioned cosmetic article is configured such that the application tool 11 can take between a retracted position and an unfolded position. Therefore, between the retracted position and the unfolded position, and vice versa, the application tool 11 and the reservoir 6 undergo relative translational movement or a combination of relative translational movement and rotational movement.

[0047] The above-mentioned application tool is shown in its stored position in Figure 2 and in its deployed position in Figure 3.

[0048] In the retracted position, the applicator 11 is fully or partially housed in the guide tube 8. In the embodiment shown here, the applicator 11 in the retracted position has a tip 12 housed in the guide tube 8. In the deployed position, more of the applicator 11 extends from the guide tube 5 than when it is in the retracted position. In other words, a portion of the applicator that is housed in the guide tube in the retracted position extends from one end 13 of the guide tube 8 in the deployed position of the applicator 11.

[0049] To enable the translation of the coating tool 11 within the guide tube 8, the coating tool 11 has a cross-section that corresponds to the inner cross-section of the guide tube 8, with a small clearance. Therefore, the coating tool 11 has a straight prism or an axially symmetric cylindrical shape.

[0050] The clearance between the applicator 11 and the inner wall of the guide tube 8 is extremely small, intended solely to prevent the applicator 11 from becoming too tightly fitted into the guide tube 8. The manufacturing tolerance is also small enough to ensure a seal that prevents the flow of cosmetic between the guide tube 8 and the applicator. Thus, this tolerance is favorably 0.2 μm to 0.1 μm. Consequently, the cosmetic cannot spread or leak between the guide tube 8 and the applicator 11.

[0051] Advantageously, the coating tool 11 is manufactured as a single component. In particular, the coating tool 11 can be made of metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the coating tool 11 can be made of plastic material, particularly reinforced plastic material or composite material, or porous material such as ceramic or foam material.

[0052] The applicator 11 includes a smooth, longitudinal first portion 14 and a second portion 15 having a surface adapted to hold the cosmetic. For this purpose, a pattern is provided across the second portion 15, which forms slight recesses on the surface of the second portion 15, into which the liquid is filled and held. This retention is achieved by the surface tension of the cosmetic.

[0053] The pattern formed on the surface of the applicator 11 is created on the outer shell of the entire applicator. Thus, the applicator 11 has an overall shape that corresponds to the overall shape (inside) of the guide tube 8, except for functional clearances. Therefore, the first part of the applicator without the pattern ensures a seal against the flow of product between the applicator and the reservoir, while the second part including the pattern does not hinder relative translation (and, if necessary, relative rotation) between the applicator 11 and the reservoir 8.

[0054] Instead of creating a pattern for holding the product, the second portion may be made of a porous material, or the surface of the second portion may be covered with a porous material.

[0055] Some ceramics or some foamed materials (natural, plastic, metal, etc.) may be used for this purpose.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of an example of the tip portion of the coating tool 11 that can be used in the present invention. Figure 4 shows an example of the second portion 15, which is made near the tip 12 of the coating tool 11, followed by the first portion 14 with a smooth surface.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 4, the second portion has a pattern, i.e., a raised portion. Patterns of other shapes, and even multiple different patterns as needed, may be formed on the surface of the second portion 15.

[0058] In particular, the surface condition of the second portion 15 can be obtained by knurling the coating tool over this second portion.

[0059] The guide tube 8 includes an opening 16 near its end 13. The opening 16 is a hole formed in the wall of the guide tube 8. Thus, the opening 16 allows the cosmetic contained in the reservoir 6 to pass through to the inside of the guide tube 8. The opening 16 may have an elongated shape. In particular, the opening 16 may have a length (length L) that is close to or equal to the length of the second part 15 of the applicator.

[0060] The opening 16 allows for the loading of cosmetic into the second portion 15. This loading is performed when the second portion 15 faces the opening 16. Multiple openings 16 can be distributed around the guide tube 8 to improve the dispersion of cosmetic around the second portion 15 of the applicator 11.

[0061] To enable the application tool to be loaded with cosmetics regardless of the orientation of the cosmetic articles, the cosmetics are pressurized in the reservoir 6, which facilitates the dispensing of the cosmetics through the opening 16.

[0062] This pressurization may be achieved by various means. A preferred pressurizing device illustrated herein includes a plunger 17 that can translate longitudinally within the reservoir 6. The plunger 17 is pressed toward the end of the reservoir 6 by an elastic device. A first compression spring 18, particularly a coil spring, may be used as the elastic device. Alternatively, a compressed gas elastic device may be used. Any other preferred elastic device may be considered.

[0063] In addition to allowing loading of mascara articles into the applicator in any orientation, the plunger (or any similar pressurizing device) can also permanently adjust the reservoir's internal volume to match the amount of product present in the reservoir. Thus, the product is never exposed to air, which could degrade the product.

[0064] The second portion 15 can fully or partially face the opening 16 when the applicator is in the retracted position (as shown in Figure 2). This allows for the loading of cosmetics into the second portion 15. If the entire second portion does not face the opening 16 in the retracted position, the applicator is configured such that the entire second portion 15 scrolls to the opposite side of the opening 16 when moving from the retracted position to the deployed position and / or from the deployed position to the retracted position.

[0065] The relative movement between the applicator 11 and the guide tube 8 also generates a shear force in the cosmetic, which locally fluidizes the cosmetic, making it easier to load the cosmetic into the applicator 11.

[0066] Figure 3 shows the cosmetic article from Figure 2 with the application tool 11 in the deployed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition from the stored position to the deployed position is performed as follows.

[0067] Remove cap 2 from the cosmetic article. For this purpose, cap 2 is separated from body 1. In particular, cap 2 may be a screw cap or a clip-on cap. The cap may be held in place by a magnetic system. The cap may be connected to sleeve 5 or reservoir 6.

[0068] The cap 2 may include a central pin 19, which is inserted into the central orifice of the finishing dome 10 when the cap 2 is in its fixed position on the body 1. This ensures a complete seal over the cosmetic article. Furthermore, the central pin 19 compresses the end 12 of the applicator 11, thereby maintaining the applicator 11 in its retracted position. The cap 2 may also include an inner ring 20, which is supported on the finishing dome 10 and pressed against the finishing dome 10 by an elastic means, such as a second compression spring 21. The inner ring 20 and its elastic means can ensure a perfect seal of the device, facilitate the removal of the cap 2, and warn the user of improper closure of the cap by pushing the cap back if it is not properly closed (and, for example, locked).

[0069] When the cap 2 is removed from the cosmetic article, the applicator 11 is pushed into the deployed position. In fact, the cosmetic article includes a first return device 22 that tends to move and hold the applicator in the deployed position. When the cap 2 is removed, the first return device 22 no longer holds the applicator in the retracted position by supporting the tip 12 of the applicator. The first return device 22 may include a compression spring, which is located between the applicator 11 and the body 1, in this case between the applicator 11 and the stopper 4. Because the reservoir 6 is provided in the sleeve 5, the first return device 22 tends to push the applicator 11 out from the end 13 of the guide tube. Thus, the release of the first return means moves the applicator to the deployed position.

[0070] The reservoir 6 is mounted within the sleeve 5 so as to be able to move longitudinally and, if necessary, rotate. The reservoir can be in a retracted position and an extended position relative to the sleeve 5. Therefore, between the extended position and the retracted position, and vice versa, the reservoir 6 and the sleeve 5 have relative translational movement or a combination of relative translational movement and rotational movement. In both the retracted and extended positions, a portion of the reservoir 6 is located within the sleeve 5, but a larger portion of the reservoir protrudes from the sleeve 5 when in the extended position than when in the retracted position.

[0071] Figure 3 shows the reservoir in its retracted position. Figure 5, which will be described in detail below, shows the reservoir 6 in its extended position.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the cosmetic article includes a second return device 23 which tends to return the reservoir to its storage position. For this purpose, the second return device 23, which may include a compression spring, is positioned between the reservoir 6 and the sleeve 5 (more specifically between the end piece 24 of the sleeve 5 and the fastener 25 of the reservoir 6).

[0073] Figure 5 shows the reservoir 6 in the extended position. In this position, the second return device 23 is compressed. For example, the reservoir is moved to the extended position due to the effect of traction applied by the user in the longitudinal direction L to the reservoir 6.

[0074] As the reservoir 6 is moved to the extended position, the first return device 22 is released and the applicator comes into contact with it, so that the applicator 11 remains fixed to the sleeve 5. Therefore, the movement of the reservoir 6 to its extended position creates a relative movement between the reservoir 6 and the applicator 11, which moves the applicator 11 to the retracted position relative to the reservoir 6. Thus, when the reservoir 6 is moved to the extended position, the opening of the guide tube 8 (which is fixed to the reservoir 6) is moved to the opposite side of the second part 15, making it possible to reload the cosmetic into the second part 15 of the applicator. This makes it easy to reload the applicator in the middle of a single sequence of cosmetic application (for example, between applying makeup to the eyelashes of each eye of the user) without having to return the cap 2 to its original position.

[0075] In the illustrated example, the applicator 11 and the reservoir 6 are each affected by the return device, so that in the absence of the cap 2 and the absence of external stress applied to the cosmetic article, the applicator 11 takes its deployed position and the reservoir takes its retracted position. The movement of the applicator and the reservoir is achieved by applying a force to them that is opposite to the biasing force applied by each return device.

[0076] Other configurations, particularly other mechanisms, may be considered for moving the application tool from the retracted position to the deployed position and vice versa, and / or for moving the reservoir from the retracted position to the extended position and vice versa. For example, a rack-type gear mechanism may be successfully used. Thus, according to some configurations of the present invention, the cap 2 is optional.

[0077] Advantageously, reservoir 6 is removable from sleeve 5. Since reservoir 6 can be removed from sleeve 5 and replaced with a full reservoir, reservoir 6 constitutes a replaceable, even consumable, element. Alternatively, reservoir 6 can be removed from sleeve 5 and refilled. These two possibilities can also be combined, namely, removing the reservoir and replacing it with a full reservoir while sending the empty reservoir to a refill line for later use.

[0078] Removal of the reservoir 6 is performed by removing the end piece 24 from the sleeve 5, thereby releasing the spring of the second return device 23 and the retainer 25 of the reservoir 6. Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the reservoir of the cosmetic article shown in Figures 1-3 and 5, which is configured to allow reloading of cosmetics.

[0079] In the configuration shown in Figure 6, the plunger 17 is pushed back to the bottom of the reservoir, thereby releasing all of the available internal volume 7. The plunger 17 can be fixed in this position by a locking system located on the plunger support 26.

[0080] The filling stick 27 is placed inside the guide tube 8. The filling stick is configured to form a seal from the guide tube 8. Nevertheless, the filling stick 27 extends only to the height of the opening 16 of the guide tube 8 and does not block this opening. The reservoir can then be filled through the central orifice of the finishing dome 10, and therefore through the end 13 of the guide tube 8. The flow of the cosmetic during filling of the reservoir is shown by dotted arrows in Figure 6.

[0081] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cosmetic article according to the second embodiment of the present invention during storage. Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the cosmetic article of Figure 7 during use.

[0082] The embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 8 differ in essence from those shown in Figures 1 to 6 in that the coating tool 11 can be stored by relative movement relative to the reservoir 6, but is fixed to the main body 1.

[0083] Therefore, with respect to this embodiment, you can refer to the description of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, except for the differences which will be detailed below.

[0084] Therefore, similar to the embodiments described above, the article includes a main body 1, with a cap attached to or in contact with one end thereof. The cap is optional and is not shown in Figure 7.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 1 includes a main ring 28 on which a stopper 4 is fixed, and both the main ring 28 and the stopper 4 form a cylinder 3 that forms a sleeve 5.

[0086] The above article extends in the longitudinal direction L.

[0087] The cosmetic article described above includes a reservoir 6, which has an internal volume 7 with a cylindrical overall shape adapted to contain the cosmetic product.

[0088] One end of the reservoir 6 is sealed by an end piece 9, which forms a seal with the inner wall of the reservoir 6. The end piece contributes to the sealing of the device as described below.

[0089] The reservoir 6 intersects the guide tube 8 longitudinally. In particular, the guide tube 8 extends across the tip portion of the reservoir 6. The cosmetic article also includes an application tool 11.

[0090] The applicator 11 is mounted so as to be able to translate longitudinally relative to the guide tube 8. In this embodiment, the applicator 11 is mounted so as to be fixed to the body 1. In the illustrated example, the applicator 11 is formed of two parts: a first applicator portion 29 extending longitudinally L toward the body 1, and a second applicator portion 30 fixed to the extension of the first applicator portion 29. The second applicator portion 30 extends beyond the end of the body 11 opposite the stopper 4. The first applicator portion 29 and the second applicator portion 30 may be made of the same material, typically the same metal, or different materials. Such a two-part configuration allows the applicator to be divided into two parts to facilitate reloading of the cosmetic into the reservoir. The second applicator portion 30 (similar to the applicator 11 in the embodiments of Figures 1-6) includes a smooth longitudinal first portion 14 and a second portion 15 which includes a surface adapted to hold the cosmetic.

[0091] The reservoir 8 itself is mounted so as to be able to move translationally relative to the main body. More specifically, in the illustrated example, the reservoir 6 can move relative to the main body 1 in a combination of translational and rotational movement. Naturally, pure translational movement without rotation can also be considered. This combination of movement, which corresponds to a natural action for a user of a cosmetic product, can be guided by the helical inclination 31 formed on the main body (in this case, on the inner surface of the stopper 4). Thus, in this embodiment, the reservoir 6 and the guide tube 8 can also rotate around the application tool 11.

[0092] Therefore, the reservoir 6 can take on two positions: an extended position relative to the main body 1 in which a portion of the reservoir is not housed within the main body, and a retracted position within the main body in which a larger portion of the reservoir is housed within the main body than when it is in the extended position.

[0093] The cosmetic article described above is configured such that the applicator 11 is in a retracted position when the reservoir is in an extended position (as shown in Figure 7). In this retracted position, the applicator is stored in the cosmetic article in such a way that it is completely contained within the volume of the reservoir 6 and the main body 1 (except, in some cases, the tip 12). In particular, the tip 12 of the applicator may be provided with an insert 32 to ensure a good seal by the end piece 9 of the reservoir 6.

[0094] When the reservoir 6 is moved to its storage position within the main body 1, the applicator takes the deployed position shown in Figure 8, in which position the applicator partially extends from the guide tube 8 and reservoir 6, enabling the application of the cosmetic product present in the second portion 15 of the applicator 11.

[0095] The loading of the cosmetic into the second portion 15 of the applicator 11 is performed through one or more openings 16 formed in the wall of the guide tube 8, as in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-6. Depending on the position and shape of the one or more openings 16, this loading may be performed when the applicator is in the retracted position and / or when the second portion 15 of the applicator 11 passes the opposite side of the opening 16 when the applicator is in the deployed position by moving the reservoir to the retracted position.

[0096] For example, a device similar to the one described above may be used for pressurizing cosmetics, including a plunger 17 that is pressed by an elastic device such as a compression spring.

[0097] The present invention, developed in this manner, provides a cosmetic article that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to use, preferably for the delivery of mascara. The product contained within the cosmetic article is particularly well protected from air within the reservoir of the cosmetic article. By using an applicator, for example made of metal, with a constant cross-section and a portion having a surface including a pattern, very precise measurement of the amount of product delivered to the applicator can be obtained. The method of loading this portion of the applicator is also suitable for viscous and paste-like products, as shear stress is generated in the product during relative movement between the applicator and the reservoir.

Claims

1. A reservoir (6) adapted to contain liquid or semi-liquid cosmetics; A guide tube (8) extending longitudinally (L) within the reservoir (6); and A coating tool (11) is mounted so as to be able to move longitudinally within the guide tube (8) between a storage position in which the coating tool (11) is completely or partially housed within the guide tube (8) and an unfolded position in which a portion of the coating tool (11) housed within the guide tube in the storage position extends from one end (13) of the guide tube (8). Includes, The applicator (11) includes a smooth longitudinal first portion (14) and a second portion (15) having a surface adapted to hold the liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic, The guide tube (8) is a cosmetic article having a certain inner cross-section, The first portion of the coating tool (11) is constant and has the same cross-section as the inner cross-section of the guide tube (8), except for functional clearance, and The guide tube (8) includes at least one opening (16) near the end (13) that allows the liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic to pass from the reservoir (6) to the applicator (11). The second portion (15) of the application tool (11) fully or partially faces the opening (16) in the storage position, thereby allowing the liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic to be filled into the second portion (15). Cosmetic articles characterized by the following.

2. The cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein the second portion has a pattern on its surface, and the pattern includes recesses and / or raised portions.

3. The cosmetic article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the application tool (11) is made of metal.

4. The cosmetic article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the application tool (11) is made of a plastic material.

5. The cosmetic article according to claim 1, wherein at least the surface of the second portion is made of a porous material.

6. The cosmetic article according to claim 5, wherein the porous material is a ceramic or foamed material.

7. The cosmetic article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the application tool (11) has the overall shape of a straight rectangular prism or an axisymmetric cylindrical shape.

8. The cosmetic article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the functional clearance is 0.2 microns to 100 microns.

9. The cosmetic article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reservoir (6) includes a pressurizing device for pressurizing the liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic contained in the reservoir (6).

10. The cosmetic article according to claim 9, wherein the pressurizing device for pressurizing the enclosed liquid or semi-liquid cosmetic includes a plunger (17) that is pressed by an elastic device.

11. A cosmetic article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a first return device (22) which tends to move and hold the application tool (11) in the deployed position.

12. A cosmetic article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a sleeve (5) having the reservoir (6) provided inside, wherein the reservoir (6) is mounted within the sleeve (5) so as to be able to move longitudinally between a storage position and an extended position.

13. The cosmetic article according to claim 12, comprising a second return device (23) positioned between the reservoir (6) and the sleeve (5) and having a tendency to return the reservoir (6) to the storage position, wherein when the applicator is in the deployed position, the reservoir (6) can be moved to the extended position by longitudinal translation, and since the applicator is in contact with and fixed to the sleeve (5), a relative motion is caused between the reservoir (6) and the applicator (11) that moves the applicator (11) to the storage position relative to the reservoir (6).

14. The cosmetic article according to claim 12, wherein when the reservoir is in the extended position, the application tool is in the retracted position, and when the reservoir is in the retracted position, the application tool is in the deployed position.

15. A cosmetic article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a detachable cap (2), wherein placing the detachable cap (2) on the cosmetic article compresses the application tool (11) and moves the application tool (11) to the storage position.

16. The reservoir (6) is detachably attached from the sleeve (5), as described in any one of claims 12 to 14, or claim 15 which references any one of claims 12 to 14.

Images