Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

Cosmetic applicator (2) having an applicator member (10) having: —a body (11) having a longitudinal axis (Y), a distal end (23) and a width, in front view, which increases in the direction of the distal end over at least a portion of the length of said body (11) and passes through a maximum Lmax, —at least one facet (20) extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis (Y), at least partially along the portion of the body that is of increasing width, this facet (20) having a width that increases and then decreases in the direction of the distal end (23) and passes through a maximum width substantially at the same distance (h) from the distal end (23), measured along the longitudinal axis Y, as the point at which said portion of increasing width of the body reaches its maximum width Lmax, the contour of the facet (20) being in the form of a convex kite.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator intended for the application of a cosmetic composition to the skin or the lips.PRIOR ART

[0001] Applicators having an applicator member having a body defining a facet used for the application of the composition are known.

[0002] Application WO 2020 / 149203 describes an applicator member having a body that has a rotationally symmetrical overall shape, with the exception of a facet of generally oval contour, extending obliquely as far as the distal end of the applicator member. The region of larger diameter of the body may be at the base of the facet or between its proximal and distal ends. The maximum width of the facet is reached in each case after the body has reached its maximum diameter, the maximum width of the facet being situated on a region of the body of which the width decreases.

[0003] Application WO 2022 / 004176 describes an applicator member having a body having a cylindrical portion, of circular or polygonal section, extended at its distal end by a generally conical tip, an oblique facet extending over a part of said cylindrical portion and over the tip. The width of the facet may be at a maximum at the connection of said cylindrical portion and the tip.

[0004] In order to apply a cosmetic composition such as a concealer product, it is necessary not only to be able to apply the composition in a layer of sufficient thickness over a relatively extensive area without having to reload the applicator too frequently, but also to be able to do so in a precise manner without risk of irritating the skin, which is particularly sensitive in this zone, or even of pricking the eye.

[0005] Existing applicators are not entirely satisfactory, having either an applicator member of the powder puff type, which is very wide but insufficiently precise, or of the bevelled end piece type, which is relatively narrow and precise but poorly suited to covering a wide area quickly and deposits a quantity of composition in a single gesture that is often too small.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to further improve applicators intended for the application of a cosmetic product such as a concealer, and more generally any cosmetic product to be applied to the skin or the lips.

[0007] In particular, there is an advantage in being able to apply the cosmetic composition accurately, with a relatively large quantity and / or a lower risk of pricking the skin.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention aims to meet this need, and achieves this by proposing a cosmetic applicator having an applicator member having:

[0009] a body having a longitudinal axis and a distal end,

[0010] at least one facet extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis, this facet having a width that increases and then decreases in the direction of the distal end, the facet having two substantially rectilinear, preferably rectilinear, edge faces adjacent to the distal end of the applicator member, these two edge faces defining between them an obtuse angle.

[0011] “Substantially rectilinear” should be understood to mean that the edge face extends along a straight line or along an arc that has a sufficiently large curvature to approach a straight line with a gap of less than 0.5 mm, better still than 0.3 mm, even better than 0.1 mm, over an edge face length of at least 2.5 mm, better still at least 3 mm, even better at least 3.5 mm, or even at least 4 mm. The obtuse angle is measured between the approaching straight lines, when the edge faces are not rectilinear.

[0012] Thus, the applicator remains relatively soft at its tip, and the risk of unpleasantly pricking the sensitive region of the eye is limited. It is thus possible to approach the eye without risk and to apply the composition in an optimal manner.

[0013] According to another of its aspects, a further subject of the invention, independently or in combination with the above, is a cosmetic applicator having an applicator member having:

[0014] a body having a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a width, measured in front view, which increases in the direction of the distal end over at least a portion of the length of said body and passes through a maximum Lmax,

[0015] at least one facet extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis, at least partially along the portion of the body that is of increasing width, this facet having a width that increases and then decreases in the direction of the distal end and passes through a maximum width substantially at the same distance from the distal end, measured along the longitudinal axis, as the point at which said portion of increasing width reaches its maximum width Lmax.

[0016] “Substantially the same distance” should be understood to mean that the distance dfacet at the distal end at the point at which the width of the facet is at a maximum is equal to that dbody of the body at the point at which the latter is of maximum width, to within x %, i.e. |dfacet−dbody| / dfacet<x / 100 with x % equal to 5%, better still to 2% or even better to 1%.

[0017] By virtue of the invention according to this other aspect, an area available for the application of the product is obtained that is relatively large, is capable of being loaded with a relatively large quantity of product, and makes the spreading thereof easier, while at the same time retaining a possibility of precise application by virtue of the shape of the facet, of which the width decreases in the direction of the distal end of the applicator member.

[0018] Such an applicator is thus most particularly suitable for the application of a concealer product, but may also be suitable for the application of a lip gloss that is generally applied in a thick layer, among other cosmetic compositions.

[0019] The following applies both to the first aspect of the invention and to the second. The obtuse angle is preferably greater than 90° and less than 120°, better still than 100°, and this makes it possible to retain a sufficiently tapered nature to be precise.Facet

[0020] Preferably, the facet is flat, and this maximizes the area of contact with the skin.

[0021] Preferably, the facet has a substantially polygonal contour, advantageously in the form of a convex kite.

[0022] If h is the distance, measured along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, between the distal end and the location at which the width of the facet is at a maximum, the long sides of the facet are situated at a distance from the distal end of the applicator member that is greater than h.

[0023] The ratio between the axial distance over which the short sides delimiting the facet extend and the total axial dimension of the facet may be between ¼ and ⅓.Application Member

[0024] The width of the applicator member, measured in side view (in a viewing direction perpendicular to that of the front view), may increase from a proximal end of the applicator member to a proximal end of the facet. This makes it possible to further increase the surface area of the facet, since the transverse section of the applicator member is greater at the point at which it begins.

[0025] The applicator member may have, between the facet and the proximal end of the applicator member, a transverse section that decreases, in particular continuously, in the direction of the proximal end of the applicator member.

[0026] Preferably, the applicator member has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a median plane of symmetry, generally perpendicular to the facet.

[0027] Preferably, the facet is inclined by an angle of between 30 and 40° with the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0028] The width Lmax may be greater than 6 mm and less than 8 mm, better still between 6.5 and 7.5 mm.Preferably, the body of the applicator member is flocked.

[0029] The applicator member may have, when viewed from the side, a front rectilinear edge extending from the facet in the direction of the proximal end of the applicator member and a rear rectilinear edge extending on the opposite side over substantially the entire length of the body of the applicator member, the front edge preferably being steeper than the rear edge.

[0030] The applicator member may be situated at one end of a stem that is connected at the other end to a closure cap.Packaging and Application Device

[0031] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a packaging and application device having:

[0032] A container containing a cosmetic composition to be applied to the skin or the lips, this container preferably having a wiping member,

[0033] an applicator as defined above.

[0034] The shape of the applicator member allows it to be well wiped on the side opposite the facet, and thus to remain clean and precise.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description of a non-limiting implementation example thereof and upon studying the appended drawing, in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 shows, in partial and schematic longitudinal cross section, a packaging and application device in accordance with the invention,

[0037] FIG. 2 shows the applicator member on its own, in perspective,

[0038] FIG. 3 is an elevation view, from the front, of the applicator member,

[0039] FIG. 4 is a side view of the applicator member, along the arrow IV in FIG. 3, and

[0040] FIG. 5 is a transverse cross section of the applicator member.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 according to the invention, having an applicator 2 and an container 3 containing a composition F to be applied to the skin or the lips, for example a concealer product.

[0042] The container 3 has a threaded neck 4 in the upper part, onto which a closure cap 5 can be screwed.

[0043] A wiping member 6 having a wiping lip 6a may be mounted in the neck 4, as illustrated.

[0044] The applicator 2, of longitudinal axis Y, has a stem 7 of which one end is connected to the cap 5, which is used as a gripping member, and the other end bears an applicator member 10, which is used to apply the composition F to the skin or the lips.

[0045] The lip 6a of the wiping member 6 is designed to wipe the stem 7 of the applicator, which may have a narrowing in the region that is positioned at the lip 6a when the container is closed.

[0046] The applicator member 10 is shown on its own in FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0047] It has a body 11 extended by a fastening end piece 12, which is intended to be inserted into a corresponding housing of the stem 7.

[0048] The body 11 and the end piece 12 may be produced by injection moulding a thermoplastic material, in particular an elastomer.

[0049] The body 11 is covered with flocking 13, which is visible in FIG. 1 and not shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0050] The body 11 has a facet 20, which is advantageously flat, as illustrated, and extends obliquely making an angle a with the longitudinal axis Y, this angle a being of the order of 34° in the example in question.

[0051] When viewed from the front as in FIG. 3, the facet 20 has the overall shape of a kite, with two long edge faces 21 and two short edge faces 22, the facet being symmetrical with respect to a median plane M for the applicator member.

[0052] The edge faces 21 and 22 may be rectilinear, with a radius of curvature R less than 0.5 mm at their apex, for example a radius of curvature R of the order of 0.3 mm.

[0053] The angle b formed between the edge faces 22 is obtuse, being for example between 90° and 100°, in particular around 95°.

[0054] If d denotes the length of the facet 20 measured along the axis Y, the width of the facet 20 is at a maximum and reaches substantially Lmax at the junction of the edge faces 21 and 22, at a distance h from the distal end 23 of the applicator member, measured along the axis Y.

[0055] The distance d is for example between 7 and 13 mm, better still between 9 and 11 mm.

[0056] The ratio h / d is for example between 0.25 and 0.33.

[0057] The total length T of the body 11 is for example between 15 and 20 mm.

[0058] When the applicator member is viewed from the side, as in FIG. 4, the body 11 is delimited on the left by a front edge 15 extending between the apex 26 of the facet 20 and an edge face 17 situated at the proximal end of the body 11, and on the right by a rear edge 16, extending between the distal end 23 and the edge face 17.

[0059] The edges 15 and 16 are rectilinear in the example in question, the front edge 15 being steeper than the edge 16, relative to the longitudinal axis Y. Thus, the width w of the applicator member 10 increases between the edge face 17 and the apex 26, in a section plane containing the axis Y and perpendicular to the median plane M.

[0060] When the body is viewed from the front as in FIG. 3, it is delimited by rectilinear left and right edges 18, which make the same non-zero angle with the axis Y, for example of a few degrees. The distance measured between the edges 18 increases continuously from the edge face 17 at which it is for example approximately 5 mm (and corresponds substantially to the diameter of the stem 7) until it reaches Lmax at the junction between the edge faces 21 and 22.

[0061] Between the proximal end of the body 11 and the apex 26 of the facet 20, the transverse section of the body 11 can increase continuously, this transverse section not being rotationally symmetrical about the axis Y, having for example a shape that changes from generally circular at the edge face 17 to generally triangular (or quadrilateral of convex kite type having two short sides forming a fairly large angle between them) at the apex 26, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0062] In order to use the applicator 2, the user extracts the applicator member 10 from the container and can apply the composition F using the facet 20.

[0063] The relatively extensive area of the latter affords the applicator autonomy and makes it possible to deposit a sufficiently large quantity of composition to obtain the desired coverage. The composition present on the facet can be easily spread.

[0064] The tip of the applicator can be used to precisely apply the composition F close to the eye, without risk of pricking the skin.

[0065] The invention is not limited to the example that has just been described. For example, it is possible to modify the shape of the facet by slightly curving the edge faces or by giving the facet a slight curve.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)16. Cosmetic applicator having an applicator member having:a body having a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a width, in front view, which increases in the direction of the distal end over at least a portion of the length of said body and passes through a maximum,at least one facet extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis, at least partially along the portion of the body that is of increasing width, this facet having a width that increases and then decreases in the direction of the distal end and passes through a maximum width substantially at the same distance from the distal end, measured along the longitudinal axis, as the point at which said portion of increasing width of the body reaches its maximum width, the contour of the facet being in the form of a convex kite.

17. Applicator according to claim 1, the facet having two substantially rectilinear edge faces adjacent to the distal end of the applicator member, these two edge faces defining between them an obtuse angle.

18. Applicator according to claim 2, the obtuse angle being greater than 90° and less than 120°.

19. Applicator according to claim 1, the facet being flat.

20. Applicator according to claim 1, the long sides of the contour of the facet being situated at a distance from the distal end of the applicator member that is greater than the distance at which the width is at a maximum.

21. Applicator according to claim 1, the ratio between the axial distance over which the short sides delimiting the facet extend and the total axial dimension of the facet being between ¼ and ⅓.

22. Applicator according to claim 1, the width of the applicator member, measured in side view, increasing from a proximal end of the applicator member to a proximal end of the facet.

23. Applicator according to claim 1 ms, the applicator member having, between the facet and the proximal end of the applicator member, a transverse section that decreases in the direction of the proximal end of the applicator member.

24. Applicator according to claim 1, the applicator member having a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a median plane of symmetry perpendicular to the facet.

25. Applicator according to claim 1, the facet being inclined by an angle of between 30 and 40° with the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

26. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the facet having a maximum width greater than 6 mm and less than 8 mm, better still between 6.5 and 7.5 mm.

27. Applicator according to claim 1, the body of the applicator member being flocked.

28. Applicator according to claim 1, the applicator member having, when viewed from the side, a front rectilinear edge extending from the facet in the direction of the proximal end of the applicator member and a rear rectilinear edge extending on the opposite side over the entire length of the body of the applicator member, the front edge preferably being steeper than the rear edge.

29. Applicator according to claim 1, the applicator member being situated at one end of a stem that is connected at the other end to a closure cap.

30. Packaging and application device having:a container containing a cosmetic composition to be applied to the skin or the lips, this container preferably having a wiping member,an applicator according to claim 1.

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