Applicator for applying products to eyelashes and / or eyebrows

Abstract

An applicator for applying a product (F) to eyelashes and / or eyebrows, having an applicator member (8), wherein the applicator member, - Core (10) extending along the longitudinal axis (Y), - As spikes (18) having the above core (10), In the face-on view when viewed along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10), one side (22) has a substantially triangular shape, substantially oriented radially over at least 50% of their height (h), A dispenser having spikes (18), having a cross-section at the base of a spike taken perpendicular to the side (22) satisfying a relationship e / L of 0.4 to 0.6, where e represents the thickness of the cross-section measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10) and L represents the width of the cross-section measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator for applying cosmetics, makeup or care products, particularly mascara, to eyelashes and / or eyebrows, and to packaging and an application device having such an applicator.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a dispenser composed of plastic material, particularly by injection molding. Background Technology

[0003] An applicator used for applying makeup to eyelashes or eyebrows generally has an applicator member mounted at one end of a stem, and the stem is connected to a gripping member at the other end.

[0004] A product is loaded by immersing a wiping member into a container provided with a lip for wiping the stem when the stem is withdrawn from the container and a circular section orifice with a diameter generally corresponding substantially to the diameter of the stem.

[0005] The behavior of the applicator member when passing through the wiper depends on a number of factors, such as the shape and properties of the wiper lip, the geometry of the applicator member, and the selection of the material(s) constituting it.

[0006] Excessive wiping of the applicator member makes it difficult to withdraw the applicator member from the container and causes the applicator member to be insufficiently loaded, which may cause the user to frequently immerse the applicator back into the container.

[0007] In contrast, insufficient wiping leaves excess product on the applicator, which is difficult to manage and can result in the presence of product clumps on the eyelashes, and thus poor separation.

[0008] Furthermore, the applicator member has application elements composed of spikes, and their arrangement affects the behavior of the applicator when withdrawn from the container.

[0009] Very flexible spikes deform easily as they pass through the wiper, making withdrawal easier, but this flexibility means that it will be more difficult for the spikes to properly comb the eyelashes during application and smooth the product across the surface. Additionally, the wiper will tend to leave less product on the applicator component.

[0010] On the other hand, rigid spikes tend to deform less as the applicator member passes through, resulting in greater loading of the applicator member onto the product and better ability to comb and separate eyelashes.

[0011] Therefore, the design of the applicator often results from a compromise that must be made between various sometimes conflicting requirements regarding the amount of product left on the applicator member for makeup application, the desired behavior upon withdrawal of the applicator member, and the ability to separate eyelashes.

[0012] Application FR3006565 describes a brush made of plastic material having rows of spikes, each having the overall shape of a shark fin with a straight edge radially oriented on one side and a convex rounded edge on the opposite side in a face-on view, thereby resulting in a relatively wide base. The problem to be solved

[0013] In order to allow easy withdrawal of the applicator from the container while maintaining particularly satisfactory or even improved performance in terms of application and makeup, there is a need to further improve the applicator for applying the product, especially mascara, to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows. means of solving the problem

[0014] The present invention aims to satisfy these objectives, and the subject of the present invention is, according to one of the embodiments, an applicator for applying a product to eyelashes and / or eyebrows, having an applicator member, wherein the applicator member

[0015] - Core extending along the longitudinal axis,

[0016] - The core has spikes having a substantially triangular shape, in which one side is substantially oriented radially over at least 50% of their height in the front view when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the core, and has a cross-section at the base of the spike taken perpendicular to this side, satisfying the relationship e / L of 0.4 to 0.6, where e represents the thickness of the cross-section measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the core and L represents the width of the cross-section measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core.

[0017] The specific shape and orientation of the spikes relative to the longitudinal axis of the core provide great flexibility against forces applied along the longitudinal axis of the core, thereby making it easier to pass through the wiping member and increasing the user's gentle sensation of withdrawal.

[0018] Nevertheless, the spikes, due to their width, maintain a certain degree of lateral rigidity, resulting in satisfactory characteristics for combing and separating eyelashes.

[0019] The "longitudinal axis of the core" represents a line connecting all the centers of mass of the core cross-sections. This longitudinal axis may be the central axis, or even the axis of symmetry of the core, especially when the core has a circular cross-section or a cross-section where the entire shape is a regular polygon.

[0020] The longitudinal axis of the core may be straight, or it may have one or more curves between the distal and proximal ends of the core. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the core is straight and coincides with the longitudinal axis of the stem supporting the applicator member.

[0021] The expression “substantially triangular” should be understood to mean that the shape is a triangle or approximately triangle, in which the sides are always different from the sides of the most similar imaginary triangle by a relative difference of less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, and more preferably less than 3% (this relative difference is defined by the ratio f / d, where f represents the distance between the side of the approximate triangle and the side of the similar imaginary triangle, and d represents the length of the corresponding side of the similar imaginary triangle). Preferably, the side of the substantially triangular shape extending radially is straight, and the opposite side extending obliquely may be straight or substantially straight. In a preferred embodiment, the spikes have a triangular shape over at least 50% of their height in the front view when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the core, more preferably over at least 75% of their height.

[0022] Preferably, the ratio e / L is 0.45 to 0.55, particularly 0.5.

[0023] The thickness e is advantageously 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm at the base of the spike, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.3 mm. Such a thickness allows for a good compromise between the mechanical integrity and flexibility of the spike when the applicator member passes over the wiper, for plastic materials commonly used to manufacture applicator members, such as thermoplastic elastomers, for example.

[0024] The width L is preferably 0.5 mm to 0.75 mm at the base of the spike. Such a width allows for the achievement of stiffness suitable for good separation of eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

[0025] Preferably, the spikes have a plano-convex cross-section, specifically having a planar side and an opposing convex side, at least around a portion of their perimeter at their base. The planar side is preferably oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, while the convex side extends preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the spikes have an ogival-shaped cross-section at their base. In particular, the cross-section may have a straight base parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. Such a shape helps to achieve a good compromise between the flexibility of the spikes in the longitudinal direction of the core and the rigidity in the transverse direction.

[0027] The height of the spikes is preferably 2 to 6 mm, more preferably 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm. The selection of such a height promotes the deformability of the spikes in the longitudinal direction of the core, while maintaining good rigidity in the transverse direction.

[0028] Preferably, the substantially triangular shape extends over at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, and even more preferably at least 90% of the total height of the spikes.

[0029] The spike preferably has a substantially planar plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, which extends substantially radially. This planar plane defines the side of the spike, which extends radially in the front view as mentioned above, and the planar side of the planar-convex section mentioned above.

[0030] The base of the spike is preferably at an angle of 5° to 10° when viewed from the tip. Thus, the spike has a relatively tapered shape.

[0031] The substantially triangular shape described above may have inclined sides, preferably straight inclined sides, attached to the core by a portion having a steeper gradient, thereby causing a discontinuation of the gradient at the joint point. This discontinuation of the gradient makes it possible to provide a larger circumferential space between the spikes of adjacent rows at the base of the spikes, which can facilitate demolding and form a reserve of the product in contact with the core. The core may have a slightly conical shape that converges toward the distal end of the applicator member. The spikes closest to the distal end of the applicator member may have this discontinuation of the gradient over a greater height than the spikes further from this end. From a certain distance, the spikes may no longer have this discontinuation of the gradient, and the straight inclined side of the triangular portion continues as far as the core.

[0032] The applicator member may have a length of 15 mm to 30 mm, more preferably 25 mm to 30 mm.

[0033] The spikes are preferably arranged in rows, and spikes of the same row may overlap at least partially in the front view when viewing the applicator member along the longitudinal axis of the core. Spikes of the same row may have all their radially straight sides contained in a single radial plane, in particular.

[0034] It is advantageous for spikes in one row to be offset axially relative to spikes in adjacent rows. Thus, spikes in one row may be arranged in an staggered manner relative to spikes in adjacent rows. This optimizes the passage of eyelashes between the spikes and the smoothing of the product on the surface.

[0035] The distance along the longitudinal axis of the core between two consecutive spikes of the same row is preferably 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. This distance is measured between the tips of the spikes.

[0036] The applicator member preferably has an envelope surface defined by the free ends of spikes inscribed in a circle having a diameter of 4 to 6 mm, more preferably 4.5 mm to 5.1 mm.

[0037] The envelope surface may have a cross-section that is substantially in the shape of a rotating cylinder along more than half of its length.

[0038] The longitudinal axis of the core is preferably straight.

[0039] The number of spikes in one column can be 10 or more, and more preferably 15 to 25.

[0040] The number of heats may be 6 to 20, more preferably 12 to 20, and even more preferably 14 to 20, and the heats are preferably applied by a coating device It is uniformly distributed around the longitudinal axis of the member.

[0041] The applicator member may be manufactured from one or more plastic materials. Preferably, to manufacture the spike, a plastic material having a Shore hardness of 35 to 60 Shore D is used.

[0042] A further subject of the present invention is, according to another aspect, a packaging and dispensing device having a dispensing device and a container for holding a product to be dispensed according to the present invention.

[0043] A further subject of the present invention is, according to another aspect, a method for makeup and / or care of eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising applying a product to eyelashes and / or eyebrows by means of an applicator of a device according to the present invention.

[0044] The present invention can be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments and reviewing the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a packaging and coating device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a dispensing device member according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows the applicator member of Figure 2 in more detail. Figure 4 is a drawing showing a cross-section through a spike in a plane perpendicular to the radius. Fig. 5 is a front view following IV of Fig. 2. Figure 6 is a drawing similar to Figure 5, showing only spikes that are in the same rank and occupy the same axial position in different columns. Figure 7 is a side view following VI of Figure 2. Figure 8 shows the envelope surface of the applicator member of Figure 2. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the spike of the applicator member of FIG. 2 near the distal end of the core. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view at XX of Figure 9. Fig. 11 is a side view taken from the left along XI of Fig. 9. Figure 12 is a drawing similar to Figure 8 of a spike located further away from the distal end of the core. Figure 13 is a drawing similar to Figure 9 and shows a substantially triangular spike deformation example. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a packaging and application device (1) manufactured according to the present invention, having an applicator (2) and a related container (3) containing a product (P) to be applied to eyelashes and / or eyebrows, such as mascara or care product.

[0047] In this example, the container (3) has a screw-type neck (4), and the applicator (2) has a gripping member (5), which also forms a closing cap for the container (3). The cap is designed to be fastened to the neck (4) to seal the container (3) when not in use.

[0048] The applicator (2) is along the longitudinal axis (Y t It has a stem (7), the stem is attached to a closing cap (5) at its upper end and to an applicator member (8) according to the present invention at its lower end. The applicator member has a core (10), and the core has spikes (18) extending from the core (10), in this example, throughout the core.

[0049] The container (3) also has a wiping member (6), which is snap-fastened to the neck (4), for example, or fastened to the neck by any other means.

[0050] In this example, the wiping member (6) has a lip designed to wipe the stem (7) and the applicator member (8) when the applicator (2) is withdrawn from the container (3). The lip defines a wiping orifice (6a) having a diameter suitable for the diameter of the stem (7).

[0051] The wiping member (6) may also be manufactured from an elastomer in a conventional manner.

[0052] The wiping orifice (6a) may be circular in shape (possibly equipped with a slit). The diameter of the wiping orifice (6a) is, for example, 2.5 to 6 mm depending on the diameter of the stem (7). The lip of the wiping member (6) may optionally be provided with a corrugated portion so that the wiping orifice (6a) can be more easily widened when the applicator member (8) passes through it.

[0053] Wiping absence (6) may also be adjustable if appropriate.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the stem (7) has a circular cross-section, but the stem (7) having a different cross-section does not go out of the scope of the invention if the cap (5) can be secured to the container (3) in some other way other than screw connection.

[0055] Preferably, and as in this example, the longitudinal axis (Y t ) is straight and coincides with the longitudinal axis of the container (3) when the applicator (2) is placed in the container, but the stem (7) is not straight, for example, forming an elbow, and this is not outside the scope of the invention.

[0056] If necessary, the stem (7) may have an annular narrow portion on the opposite side of the lip of the wiping member (6) so as not to apply excessive mechanical stress to the lip during storage.

[0057] The applicator member (8) is preferably attached to the stem (7) by any means, and in particular by press-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling, or crimping, in a corresponding housing provided at the end of the stem (7). As shown in FIG. 2, the applicator member (8) may have an end piece (9) at the proximal end for attaching the applicator member within the housing.

[0058] The applicator member (8) is preferably made of a thermoplastic material by injection molding, but the present invention is not limited to a specific method of making the applicator member.

[0059] The spike (18) may be molded together with the core (10) using the same material or a different material.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the core (10) has an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis (Y). The longitudinal axis is straight in this example, but as a variation, it may have some other shape, and in particular, may be curved. The longitudinal axis (Y) is preferably an axis of symmetry with respect to the core, and more preferably an axis of symmetry with respect to the applicator member as a whole.

[0061] The core (10) may have a cross-section that varies along its longitudinal axis or does not vary. In the example of FIG. 2, the portion of the core (10) having the spike has an overall conical shape in which the diameter decreases toward the distal end of the applicator member (8).

[0062] The length (H) is, for example, 15 mm to 30 mm.

[0063] In the described example, as can be seen more clearly in FIG. 5, the spikes (18) are composed of 16 rows (14), and each row (14) has, for example, 15 to 30 spikes. The number of rows (14) may vary, preferably 15 to 20.

[0064] The height (h) of the spike (18) (measured from its base) is, for example, 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm.

[0065] The distance (s) along the longitudinal axis (Y) between the tips of two consecutive spikes (18) in one identical row (14) is, for example, 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0066] The free ends (19) of the spikes (18) define an envelope surface (E) having a straight longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10). As shown in FIG. 7, the envelope surface (E) may have an elongated shape with a circular cross-section and exhibit rotational symmetry about the axis (Y).

[0067] In the illustrated example, the envelope surface (E) has an anterior truncated cone portion (Ef), a posterior truncated cone portion (Eb), and a principal portion (Ei) between the two portions, and the section of the principal portion is substantially constant.

[0068] When the envelope surface (E) has some other shape, for example, an elliptical shape, this does not go beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0069] Spikes (18) of one identical column (14) are aligned at their bases on one side along the alignment axis of the spikes parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core, as can be seen particularly in FIG. 3, and spikes (18) of one column (14) are arranged in an alternating manner with respect to the spikes of adjacent columns, and spikes of one column are also seen to be located substantially halfway along the axis (Y) between the spikes of adjacent columns.

[0070] In this example, the spikes (18) have heights that may vary along the column, but they maintain the same plano-convex overall shape in cross-section as shown in FIG. 4.

[0071] In particular, as can be seen in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 12 and 13, along the longitudinal axis (Y), when viewed from the front view, the spikes (18) have a triangular shape over their entire height.

[0072] Each spike (18) has a plane (23) defining a straight side (22) that extends radially in the front view, and a convex opposite surface defining an opposite side (26) in the front view.

[0073] The side (22) is preferably attached perpendicularly to the core as shown in FIGS. 9, 11, 12 and 13.

[0074] The side (26) has a straight section (28) that forms an acute angle (b) with the side (22), which is attached to the side at the tip of the spike (19) to form a rounded section (24). The angle b is preferably 5 to 10°.

[0075] For the spikes (18) located closest to the distal end of the core, the straight side is attached to a steeper segment (27) at the bottom (29), as shown in FIG. 9, which leads to the core and is oriented substantially perpendicular to it. The presence of the segment (27) makes it possible to increase the gap between the spikes at the base of the spikes in the region where the diameter of the core is smallest, given the conical shape.

[0076] For the spikes (18) located further away from the distal end of the core, the straight portion (28) is attached directly to the core as shown in FIG. 12.

[0077] In this example, all spikes (18) in one identical column (14) are aligned on one identical radial plane (R) including the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10) and the planes (23) of the spikes.

[0078] The straight section (28), together with the straight side (22), defines a section (28c) having a triangular shape, which extends over a height (h1) equal to at least 90% of the total height (h) of the spike (18) in this example.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 10, the spike (18) has a pointed arch shape with a straight base, having a minor axis (S) parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10) and a major axis (G) perpendicular thereto, in a cross-section taken from the base perpendicular to the radial plane (R).

[0080] The thickness (e) of the spike is measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core, and the width (L) is measured in the vertical direction. According to the present invention, the ratio e / L is 0.4 to 0.6, and for example, 0.5.

[0081] The plane (23) has a width (w) that decreases very slightly along the spike toward the free end of the spike, and is, for example, at least 65% of the width measured at the base at a distance (c) of 0.3 mm from the tip.

[0082] In FIGS. 10 and 11, it can be seen that the spike has a shape symmetric with respect to the midline (M) perpendicular to the plane (23).

[0083] Figure 13 is a drawing similar to Figure 12 of a spike deformation example having a roughly triangular shape.

[0084] The side (26) has a slightly convex shape and differs by a distance f from the straight side (25) of the reference imaginary triangle shown by the dashed line. The relative difference defined by the ratio f / d is kept to less than 10%, where d represents the length of the straight side (25).

[0085] To use the device (1), the user withdraws the applicator (2) from the container (3). During this operation, the spike (18) can be easily bent due to the orientation and shape of the section, and the wiping member can be easily passed through the user in a very smooth manner.

[0086] During application, the spike has sufficient mechanical integrity in the transverse direction to effectively separate the eyelashes.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0088] The applicator member can be manufactured to have different arrangements of spikes forming a row, for example.

Claims

Claim 1 A dispenser for applying a product (F) to eyelashes and / or eyebrows, having a dispenser member (8), wherein the dispenser member comprises: - a core (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (Y); - spikes (18) having the core (10), wherein the spikes (18), when viewed in a face-on view along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10), - a plane (23) extending radially parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10), wherein the plane (23) defines a side (22) extending radially in the face-on view of the spikes (18); and - an opposite surface, wherein the opposite surface defines an opposite side (26) extending obliquely, wherein the opposite side (26) is at least 50% of the total height (h) of the spikes (18). A coater having the opposite surface including a straight portion (28) extending over the height, wherein the spikes (18) have a cross section at the base of the spike taken perpendicular to the side (22), the cross section satisfies the relationship e / L of 0.4 to 0.6, where e represents the thickness of the cross section measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10) and L represents the width of the cross section measured in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10). Claim 2 In claim 1, an applicator having a ratio e / L of 0.45 to 0.

55. Claim 3 In claim 1, an applicator having a thickness e of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. Claim 4 In claim 1, an applicator having a width L of 0.5 mm to 0.75 mm. Claim 5 In claim 1, the spikes (18) have a convex cross-section at their base, at least a portion of their circumference, and have a flat side and a convex opposite side, a dispenser. Claim 6 In claim 1, the spikes (18) have an ogival-shaped cross-section at their base, a dispenser. Claim 7 In claim 6, the cross-section is a straight base parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10), a dispenser. Claim 8 A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the total height (h) of the spikes (18) is 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm. Claim 9 In claim 1, the base of the spikes (18) is at an angle (b) of 5° to 10° when viewed from its tip, the applicator. Claim 10 In claim 1, the opposite side (26) is attached to the core (10) by a portion (27) having a steeper gradient, an applicator. Claim 11 In claim 1, the spikes (18) of one identical row (row; 14) overlap at least partially in the front view of the applicator. Claim 12 In claim 1, the spikes (18) are arranged in rows, and the spikes (18) of one row (14) are arranged in an alternating manner with respect to the spikes of adjacent rows, a dispenser. Claim 13 A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the distance (s) along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10) between two consecutive spikes (18) of one identical column (14) is 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. Claim 14 A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (10) is linear. Claim 15 Packaging and application device having an applicator (2) according to claim 1 and a container (3) for holding a product (F) to be applied. Claim 16 A method for makeup and / or care of eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising applying a product (F) to eyelashes and / or eyebrows by means of an applicator (2) of a device (1) according to claim 15. Claim 17 In claim 1, the core (10) is a dispenser having a circular cross-section. Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete

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