Applicator device for a cosmetic product, assembly for applying such a product, and method for manufacturing said device

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator device (10) for applying a fluid or pasty product. The applicator device (10) comprises: a holding stem (112), an applicator head (120) arranged at a first end (114) of the holding stem (112). The applicator head (120) comprises: a reserve area (121) for containing fluid or pasty product; at least one inlet orifice (122) in fluidic communication with the reserve area (121); and at least one first application membrane (123) comprising at least one first opening (124) in fluidic communication with the reserve area (121) in such a way that pressing on the application membrane (123) results in a reduction in volume of the reserve area (121) and the delivery of the product onto the first application membrane (123).

Description

[0001] Cosmetic product applicator device, assembly for applying such a product and method for manufacturing said device

[0002] Technical field

[0003]

[0001] The invention relates to the application of a fluid or pasty cosmetic product to keratin fibres and / or parts of skin / mucous membrane for the treatment and / or colouring of these keratin fibres or parts of skin, mucous membrane and / or keratin.

[0004]

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to devices or means for applicating and wiping cosmetic products.

[0005]

[0003] The invention thus relates to an application device, an application assembly and a method of manufacturing such a device.

[0006] State of the prior art

[0007]

[0004] The applicator devices for fluid or pasty cosmetic products are based, depending on the viscosity of the cosmetic product to be applied, either on the use of a brush or on the use of microfibers intended to trap the product to be applied (see for example documents US 2021 / 401150 A1 and US 7866906 B2 which describe this trapping phenomenon and the advantages associated with it). If the brush applicator devices are relatively well controlled, do not present any real hygiene problem and can be adapted to promote recycling (see for example international application WO 2023 / 275581), this is not the case with regard to applicator devices based on microfibers.

[0008]

[0005] Indeed, applicator devices based on microfibers are generally made up of a core and microfibers which are glued onto this core. Apart from the use of these three materials, which are rarely compatible in terms of recycling, make these applicator devices particularly difficult to recycle. Similarly, microfibers, due to their density and size, have a relatively high propensity to trap bacteria. As a result, these applicator devices are difficult to clean and are therefore unhygienic.

[0006] In order to provide an alternative to the use of microfibers, applicator devices based on modified or accessorized cores have been developed to form one or more product reservoirs along the core. Thus, document DE 102006012255 A1 and FR 2868264 B1 propose arranging discs along the core, the interdisc spaces forming product reservoirs.In a similar manner, document FR 2895887 A1 proposes to provide arches along the core so that the latter form product reservoirs. If these different possibilities make it possible to resolve the disadvantages linked to the use of micro-fibers, they do so to the detriment of the delivery of the product since these applicator devices do not have, unlike micro-fibers, a filling and / or a release of the product which are adapted to the needs of the user.

[0009]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for applicator devices which, while benefiting from optimized filling and release of the product, similar to those permitted by the use of micro-fibers, do not have the disadvantages linked to this same use.

[0010] Statement of the invention

[0011]

[0008] Thus, the invention aims to remedy at least in part the drawbacks indicated above and aims to provide properties for applying a fluid or pasty product which can be close to those of an applicator device based on micro-fibers while not having at least some of the drawbacks associated therewith.

[0012]

[0009] The invention relates to this end to an applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibers or to a portion of mucosal epidermis and / or keratin, comprising: a gripping rod, an applicator head arranged at a first end of the gripping rod which is intended to be introduced into a reservoir of the fluid or pasty product comprising a wringer system through which the applicator head is intended to pass during extraction from said reservoir.

[0013] The applicator head comprises: at least one first reserve zone intended to contain fluid or pasty product when the applicator head is extracted from the reservoir, at least one inlet orifice in fluid communication with the first reserve zone and arranged on a proximal part of the applicator head with respect to the gripping rod in such a way that when the applicator head is extracted from the reservoir the inlet orifice comes into contact with the wiper system, at least one first application membrane arranged at least partially along the reserve zone and comprising at least one first opening in fluid communication with the reserve zone in such a way that the application membrane, in particular on keratin fibers or on a portion of epidermis, mucosa and / or keratin,causes a reduction in the volume of the reserve area and a delivery through at least one opening of the fluid or pasty product which is stored in the reserve area.,

[0014]

[0010] Such an applicator device is capable of presenting, like micro-fiber-based applicators, a particularly optimized filling of the reservoir formed by the filling zone and a good delivery of the product onto the keratin fibers or onto the portion of epidermis, mucosa and / or keratin of the user. Indeed, such an applicator device makes it possible, by suitable dimensioning of the reserve zone(s) and the inlet orifice(s), to provide good filling and good retention of the product in said reserve zone(s). This is all the more true since the support of the inlet orifice by the wiper system during extraction of the applicator head ensures good filling, even for “pasty” products.With regard to delivery, the deformation of the first application membrane and a possible dimensional adaptation of the first opening(s) makes it possible to ensure its optimization regardless of the fluidity of the product. Thus, such an applicator device, unlike alternative applicator devices using microfibers, is able to present product application properties close to those of a microfiber-based applicator device.

[0015]

[0011] This optimization of the application properties can also be achieved without such an applicator device having the drawbacks observed with the use of microfibers. Indeed, the combination of the inlet orifice(s), the at least one reserve zone and the first opening(s) is perfectly adapted to allow washing with a suitable fluid, such as an organic or aqueous solvent, and means that the applicator device according to the invention does not have the inherent hygienic problems of microfibers. In addition, such an applicator device can, as specified in the remainder of this document, be made from materials that are compatible in terms of recycling and does not require, as is the case with applicator devices based on microfibers, a mixture of glue and microfibers that is particularly complex to recycle.The applicator device according to the invention can therefore, with a choice of suitable materials for the applicator head and the gripping rod, be perfectly compatible with existing recycling processes.

[0016]

[0012] Concerning the hygienic problems already mentioned above, the present invention also allows at least one of the applicator head and the gripping rod to be made of a material having antimicrobial and / or antibacterial properties. Thus at least one of the applicator head and the gripping rod can be made of a thermoplastic material, a thermoplastic or vulcanizable elastomer having antimicrobial and / or antibacterial properties, such as those taught by document US 2017 / 130027 A1.

[0017]

[0013] In an advantageous configuration of the invention, the at least one first opening can be adapted so that its thickness (or height) h 0UVerture is less than or equal to the capillary height for the fluid or pasty product according to Jurin's law.

[0018]

[0014] With such a feature, it is ensured that the fluid or pasty product is, by design of the applicator device, capable of reaching the surface of the first application membrane when it is stored in the reserve area.

[0019]

[0015] The applicator head can extend longitudinally from the first end of the gripping rod in a longitudinal direction and comprises the portion proximal to said gripping rod in which the inlet orifice is arranged and a portion distal to the gripping rod, the distal portion comprising the application membrane, and in which the inlet orifice defines an opening surface oriented according to an opening plane making an angle with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of less than 75°, or even 55°, and particularly advantageously less than 45°.

[0020]

[0016] Such an arrangement of the at least one inlet orifice allows optimized support of the wiper system on the at least one inlet orifice and thus particularly efficient filling of the reserve zone with product.

[0021]

[0017] The proximal portion may comprise at least two inlet orifices, said at least two inlet orifices preferably having at least one of the following configurations: an arrangement of the at least two inlet orifices regularly around the longitudinal direction, a distribution of the at least two inlet orifices in the extension of the at least one first application membrane, a repair of the at least two inlet orifices on a face of the proximal portion opposite the at least one first application membrane, at least one of the at least two inlet orifices in the extension of the at least one first application membrane, and at least one of the at least two orifices on a face of the proximal portion opposite the application face, at least two of the at least two inlet orifices arranged on either side of an extension of the at least one reserve zone.

[0022]

[0018] The use of at least two orifices and possible arrangements thereof makes it possible to provide particularly optimized filling of the reserve area.

[0023]

[0019] The at least one first application membrane may have a plurality of first openings distributed along said first application membrane, the first application membrane preferably comprising between one to five hundred first openings, or even between ten and one hundred and twenty first openings or even between twenty and sixty first openings.

[0024]

[0020] With such a distribution of first openings, delivery of the fluid or pasty product over the entire surface of the first application membrane is ensured.

[0025]

[0021] The first application membrane may comprise at least one surface structuring, said surface structuring preferably including at least one structuring selected from ribs, grooves, spikes, cells and bumps.

[0026]

[0022] Such a surface structuring allows application of the product via the particularly suitable application surface.

[0027]

[0023] The reserve zone may comprise at least one spike arranged in such a way that when the first application membrane is pressed, it projects from the first application membrane through the at least one first opening, said spike being preferentially arranged in such a way as to project from the first application membrane through the at least one first opening even in the absence of pressure on the first application membrane.

[0028]

[0024] Such a spike makes it possible to optimize the delivery of the fluid or pasty product through the first application membrane and can possibly contribute to the optimization of its application.

[0029]

[0025] The applicator device may further comprise a second application membrane adjacent to the first application membrane, said second application membrane comprising at least one second opening in fluid communication with the reserve zone in such a way that pressing the second application membrane, in particular on keratin fibers or on a portion of epidermis, mucosa and / or keratin, results in a reduction in the volume of the reserve zone and delivery through the at least one second opening of the fluid or pasty product which is stored in the reserve zone, said second application membrane preferably making an angle with the first application membrane of between 35° and 160°, advantageously between 55° and 140° and particularly preferably between 80° and 120° or even equal to 90°.

[0030]

[0026] Such a second membrane can make it possible to optimize the ergonomics of the application device, allowing, for example, application to two portions of the user's mucous membrane facing each other, namely the lips.

[0031]

[0027] The applicator device may further comprise a second application membrane arranged at least partially along the reserve zone, opposite the first application membrane, and comprising at least one second opening in fluid communication with the reserve zone in such a way that pressing the second application membrane, in particular on keratin fibers or on a portion of epidermis, mucosa and / or keratin, results in a reduction in the volume of the reserve zone and delivery through the at least one second opening of the fluid or pasty product which is stored in the reserve zone.

[0032]

[0028] Such a second membrane can make it possible to optimize the ergonomics of the application device, allowing, for example, application to two portions of the user's mucous membrane facing each other, namely the lips.

[0033]

[0029] The applicator head may comprise a finishing face, arranged opposite the first application membrane and shaped to promote the spreading of the product applied from the first application membrane, the finishing face preferably comprising at least one surface structure selected from the group comprising ribs, grooves, spikes, cells and bumps.

[0034]

[0030] In this way, the user can perfect the application of the product after having applied it from the first application membrane.

[0035]

[0031] The applicator head may be shaped to cooperate by fitting with the first end of the gripping rod, the reserve zone being, after fitting, at least partly delimited by said first end.

[0036]

[0032] With such a configuration, good coupling is ensured between the application head and the gripping rod. In addition, in this configuration, the gripping rod can participate in stiffening the applicator head.

[0037]

[0033] The applicator head may be shaped to cooperate by fitting with the first end of the gripping rod, the first end being, after fitting, at least partly housed in the reserve zone.

[0038]

[0034] The applicator head may have on its proximal part a portion complementary to the first end in such a way as to allow assembly of the applicator head at the first end.

[0035] In such a configuration, the applicator head and the gripping rod are partially independent of each other.

[0039]

[0036] The reserve zone may have at least one lateral opening arranged along the reserve zone and advantageously opening onto a face of the applicator head adjacent to the first application membrane.

[0040]

[0037] Such openings allow the applicator head and its reserve area to be formed by plastic injection molding without having to use another element, such as a part of the first end, to close the reserve area.

[0041]

[0038] The first application membrane may be curved and extend over a longitudinal angular portion of the applicator head whose angle is greater than 90°, preferably 120°, or even greater than 180° or even 240°, the application membrane advantageously corresponding to a longitudinal angular portion of the applicator head equal to 360° and corresponding in a particularly advantageous manner to a cylindrical wall of revolution.

[0042]

[0039] The invention further relates to an application assembly for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibers or to a portion of epidermis, mucous membrane and / or keratin, comprising: an application device according to the invention, a reservoir of the fluid or pasty product comprising a wringer system through which the applicator head is intended to pass during extraction of said reservoir.

[0043]

[0040] Such an assembly benefits from the advantages linked to the applicator device that it comprises.

[0044]

[0041] The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an applicator device comprising the following steps: providing a gripping rod,

[0045] - providing and arranging an applicator head in such a way that it is arranged at a first end of the gripping rod which is intended to be introduced into a reservoir of the fluid or pasty product comprising a wiper system through which the applicator head is intended to pass during extraction from said reservoir, during the step of providing and arranging the applicator head, the applicator head comprises: at least one reserve zone intended to contain fluid or pasty product during extraction of the applicator head from the reservoir, at least one inlet orifice in fluid communication with the reserve zone and arranged on a proximal part of the applicator head with respect to the gripping rod in such a way that during extraction of the applicator head from the reservoir the inlet orifice comes into contact with the wiper system,at least one first application membrane arranged at least partially along the reserve zone and comprising at least one first opening in fluid communication with the reserve zone in such a way that pressing the application membrane, in particular on keratin fibers or on a portion of epidermis, mucous membrane and / or keratin, results in a reduction in the volume of the reserve zone and delivery through the at least one opening of the fluid or pasty product which is stored in the reserve zone.,

[0046]

[0042] Such a method makes it possible to provide an application device according to the invention and to benefit from the advantages associated therewith.

[0047]

[0043] During the step of providing and arranging the applicator head, the applicator head may be shaped to cooperate by fitting with the first end of the gripping rod, and the reserve zone being, after fitting, at least partly delimited by said first end, and in which the step of providing and arranging an applicator head may comprise the following sub-steps: providing the applicator head, assembling the applicator head with the first end of the gripping rod by cooperation by fitting the applicator head with the first end of the gripping rod, the reserve zone being, after fitting, at least partly delimited by said first end.

[0044] With such a method, the reserve zone is thus formed by the assembly between the application head and the gripping rod, thus allowing the gripping rod to participate in the stiffening of the applicator head.

[0048]

[0045] During the step of providing and arranging the applicator head, the applicator head may have on its proximal part a complementary portion at the first end in such a way as to allow assembly of the applicator head at the first end, the step of providing and arranging an applicator head may comprise the following sub-steps:

[0049] - supplying the applicator head, assembling the applicator head with the first end of the gripping rod by means of the complementary portion at the first end.

[0050]

[0046] In this way, the applicator head can be produced separately from the gripping rod and thus have properties different from the latter.

[0051] Brief description of the drawings

[0052]

[0047] The present invention will be better understood on reading the description of exemplary embodiments, given purely for informational purposes and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0053]

[0048] Figures 1A to 1C respectively illustrate a product application assembly comprising an applicator device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates the principle of filling with product a reserve zone of an applicator head of the applicator device illustrated in Figures 1A to 1C.

[0054]

[0050] Figures 3A and 3B respectively illustrate a perspective view and a perspective view of a longitudinal section of the applicator head of the applicator device illustrated in Figures 1A to 1C.

[0055]

[0051] Figures 4A and 4B respectively illustrate a perspective view and a perspective view of a longitudinal section of a cap / rod element of the applicator device illustrated in Figures 1A to 1C.

[0052] Figures 5A to 5B illustrate a perspective view and a top view of an applicator head according to a first variant of the applicator device according to the first embodiment.

[0056]

[0053] Figure 6 illustrates a close-up perspective view of the applicator device according to the first variant of the first embodiment showing the assembly between the applicator head and the cap / rod element.

[0057]

[0054] Figures 7A to 7D respectively illustrate a perspective view, a perspective sectional view and a top view of an applicator head and a perspective view in longitudinal section of a product application assembly according to a second variant of the first embodiment comprising said applicator head.

[0058]

[0055] Figures 8A to 8D respectively illustrate a side perspective view, a rear perspective view, a side view and a bottom view of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a second embodiment in which two adjacent application membranes are provided.

[0059]

[0056] Figures 9A to 9C respectively illustrate a side view, a side perspective view and a rear perspective view of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a first variant of the second embodiment.

[0060]

[0057] Figures 10A to 10E respectively illustrate a side view, a bottom view, a side perspective view, a side perspective view of a longitudinal section and a side perspective view of a lateral section of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a second variant of the second embodiment.

[0061]

[0058] Figures 11A and 11B respectively illustrate a side view and a side perspective view of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a third variant of the second embodiment.

[0062]

[0059] Figures 12A to 12C respectively illustrate a side perspective view, a top view and a front view of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a fourth variant of the second embodiment.

[0063]

[0060] Figures 13A to 13C respectively illustrate a top view, a bottom view and a side perspective view of a longitudinal section of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a third embodiment.

[0061] Figures 14A to 14E respectively illustrate a top view, a bottom view, a side view, a side perspective view and a perspective view of the rear of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0064]

[0062] Figures 15A to 15E respectively illustrate a side view, a top view, a bottom view, a longitudinal sectional view and a rear view of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a fifth embodiment.

[0065]

[0063] Figures 16A to 16D respectively illustrate a top view, a side view, a longitudinal sectional view and a rear view of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a first variant of the fifth embodiment.

[0066]

[0064] Figures 17A to 17F respectively illustrate a side view, a top view, a bottom view, a longitudinal sectional view, a rear view and a side perspective view of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a second variant of the fifth embodiment.

[0067]

[0065] Figures 18A to 18C respectively illustrate a perspective view, a perspective longitudinal sectional view and a perspective side sectional view of an applicator head of an applicator device according to a sixth embodiment particularly suitable for being provided from an additive manufacturing process.

[0068]

[0066] Figures 19A and 19B illustrate in perspective view two examples of application membranes that can be envisaged within the framework of the invention and its different embodiments.

[0069]

[0067] Figures 20A to 20C respectively illustrate a perspective view, a side view and a longitudinal sectional view of an applicator device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention comprising two application faces, a first corresponding to a cylindrical wall of revolution, the other corresponding to a truncated base of said cylindrical wall.

[0070]

[0068] Figures 21A and 21B respectively illustrate a front perspective view and a rear perspective longitudinal sectional view of an applicator head of the applicator device illustrated in Figures 20A to 20C.

[0069] Figures 22A and 22B respectively illustrate a side close-up view and a perspective close-up view of the cap / stem element of the applicator device illustrated in Figures 20A to 20C.

[0071]

[0070] Figure 23 illustrates a close-up rear perspective view of an applicator device according to a variant of the seventh embodiment in which the first membrane is devoid of structuring.

[0072]

[0071] Figure 24A and 24B illustrate a perspective view of an applicator device according to an eighth embodiment comprising two application faces, a first corresponding to a curved longitudinal portion of the applicator head and a second corresponding to the distal end of the latter.

[0073]

[0072] Figures 25A to 25C respectively illustrate a rear perspective view, a front perspective view and a front perspective longitudinal sectional view of an applicator head of the applicator device illustrated in Figures 23A and 23B.

[0074]

[0073] Identical, similar or equivalent parts of the different figures bear the same numerical references so as to facilitate the transition from one figure to another.

[0075]

[0074] The different parts represented in the figures are not necessarily on a uniform scale, in order to make the figures more readable.

[0076]

[0075] The different possibilities (variants and embodiments) must be understood as not being mutually exclusive and can be combined with each other.

[0077] Detailed description of specific embodiments

[0078]

[0076] Figures 1A to 1C and 2 illustrate an application assembly 1 for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibers or to a portion of epidermis, mucosa and / or keratin of a user according to a first embodiment of the invention, said application assembly 1 comprising an applicator device 10 based on the use of a first application membrane 123 according to the invention.

[0079]

[0077] Such an application assembly 1 is aimed in particular at the application of a fluid or pasty product, such as a cosmetic product, to keratin fibers, such as eyelashes, hairs and hair, or a portion of epidermis, mucous membrane and / or keratin, such as a part of the face including in particular the lips, a pimple, a scarred part and / or a wrinkle or a part of a human or animal limb, such as a fingernail or toenail.

[0080]

[0078] Such an application assembly 1 comprises: the applicator device 10 according to the invention, a bottle 20, forming a reservoir, intended to contain the fluid or pasty product and intended to at least partly accommodate the applicator device 10, a wiper system 40 arranged at a neck 21 of the reservoir in such a way that when the applicator device 10 is partly accommodated in the latter, said accommodated part passes through said wiper system 40 when it is extracted from the reservoir 20.

[0081]

[0079] In the context of the invention, the wiper system 40 comprises: a tubular body 42, intended to cooperate with the neck 21 of the bottle and may comprise holding elements, such as a stop 421, to allow the wiper system 40 to be held at the neck 21, at least one lip 41 made of deformable material, such as an elastomer, intended to come into contact with the part of the applicator device 10 which is received in the bottle 20 and thus allow extraction of an excess of product taken by the applicator device 10.

[0082]

[0080] If such a wiper system 40 is usual for application sets 1 of fluid or pasty product, it can nevertheless benefit from the advantages already known from the prior art. Thus according to one possibility of the invention, the wiper system 40 can be in accordance with that taught by the document EP3731695 A1 and thus comprise rims promoting its attachment to an internal shoulder of the bottle 20. Similarly, the wiper system 40 can be adapted to have the properties as taught in the document WO 2018 / 122472 A1. In an identical manner, this same wiper system 40 can have a split lip as taught by the document FR 3 016 274A1. Alternatively, or in addition, the wringer system may have one of the configurations taught by document EP 1275322 B1 and by document EP1797790 Bl.Of course, the configurations of the wringer system 40 are given only as an example and other alternative configurations of the wringer system 40 are perfectly conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0083]

[0081] In accordance with the invention and as shown in Figures 3A to 4B, the applicator device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention comprises: a cap / stem element 110 comprising a skirt 111, capable of cooperating with the neck 210 of the bottle 20, and a rod 112 extending from the skirt 111 and having a first end 114, opposite the skirt 111, an applicator head 120 arranged at the first end 114 of the rod 112 which is intended to be introduced into the bottle 20 of fluid or pasty product comprising the wiper system 40 through which the applicator head 120 is intended to pass during an extraction of said bottle 20.

[0084]

[0082] As shown in Figures 4A, 4B, the cap / rod element 110, by its cap which allows it to be grasped without the user having to touch the fluid or pasty product in the bottle 20, forms a gripping rod. Of course, if such a combination is particularly advantageous, the gripping rod according to the invention can take other forms without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, according to a possibility of the invention not illustrated, the applicator device according to the invention can be in the form of a “brush” whose gripping rod comprises a single rod whose gripping is allowed by a second end opposite the first end 114.Likewise, if in the context of this first embodiment, the cover / rod element 110 is formed from a single piece and has a rod and a cover that are one-piece, it is perfectly conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, to provide instead of such a cover / rod element 110 a rod / cover assembly comprising a rod and a cover assembled together.

[0085]

[0083] According to the invention and as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the applicator head 120 comprises: a reserve zone 121 intended to contain fluid or pasty product during extraction of the applicator head 120 from the reservoir 40,

[0086] - three inlet orifices 122 in fluid communication with the reserve zone 121 and arranged on a proximal part of the applicator head 120 with respect to the rod 112 in such a way that when the applicator head 120 is extracted from the reservoir 20 each inlet orifice 122 comes into contact with the wiper system 40, a first application membrane 123 arranged at least partially along the reserve zone 121 and comprising a plurality of first openings 124 in fluid communication with the reserve zone 121 in such a way that contact of the application membrane 123, in particular on keratin fibers or on a portion of mucosal epidermis and / or keratin, results in a reduction in the volume of the reserve zone 121 and a delivery through the first openings 124 of the fluid or pasty product which is stored in reserve area 121.

[0087]

[0084] More specifically, the applicator head 120 extends longitudinally from the first end 114 of the rod 112 in a longitudinal direction.

[0088]

[0085] The applicator head 120 comprises the proximal portion 120A to said rod 112 in which the three inlet orifices are arranged and a distal portion 120B to the rod 112. The distal portion 120B comprises the first application membrane 123.

[0089]

[0086] More specifically, the distal portion 120B, in the present embodiment, is in the form of a truncated cone cut axially along the first application membrane 123 and along a wall of the reserve zone 121 which is closed by the first end 114 of the rod 112. The first application membrane 123 and said wall of the reserve zone 121 are parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 3B, the reserve zone 121 has said wall of the reserve zone 121 open in such a way as to allow its closure by the first end 114 when the rod 112 is assembled to the applicator head 120.

[0090]

[0087] The proximal part 120A has a filling face 1221 in which the three openings are arranged and the section of which decreases in a direction starting from the distal part 120B towards the opposite end of the proximal part 120A, extending into an insert 125 shaped to cooperate with the rod 112. In the present embodiment, the insert 125 has a generally frustoconical shape, cut longitudinally. In return, in order to allow reception of the insert, the rod 112 has, near the first end 114, a reception space 115 complementary to the insert 125. In order to keep the applicator head 120 and the cap / rod element 110 arranged together, the reception space 115 and the insert 125 may comprise complementary retention elements in order to allow clipping of the insert in the reception space.As an alternative to such clipping, the retention of the insert 125 in the receiving space 115 can be obtained by any means known to those skilled in the art, such as by force fitting, by crimping or by gluing. In the present first embodiment, it is provided in force assembly.

[0091]

[0088] The filling face 1221 extends generally along an opening plane making an angle with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of less than 75°, or even 55°, and particularly advantageously less than 45°. This same opening plane, taking into account that the three inlet orifices 122 are arranged along the filling face 1221 also corresponds for each of these inlet orifices 122 to an oriented opening surface which is defined by said inlet orifice 122.

[0092]

[0089] With such an orientation of the filling face 1221 and the inlet orifices 122, the inlet orifices 122 have an arrangement particularly suitable so that, during the extraction of the applicator head 120 from the reservoir, the inlet orifices 122 come into contact with the wiper system 40 and its lips 41. Indeed, as shown in FIG. 2, during this extraction, this orientation of the inlet orifices 122 allows the wiper system 40 to come into contact, by the deformation of its lips 41, along the filling face, thus ensuring filling of the three inlet orifices 122, and therefore of the reserve zone 121 with which they are in fluid communication, with the excess fluid or pasty product carried away by the filling face during this extraction. This ensures optimized filling of the reserve zone 121.

[0093]

[0090] In the context of the present embodiment and as shown in FIG. 3B, the reserve zone 121 extends along the distal portion 120B and over a major part of the width of the latter. Thus, with such a configuration, the reserve zone 121 is able to supply the first application membrane 123 over its entire surface. As specified, the reserve zone 121 is delimited on the one hand, by the first application membrane 123, on the other hand the first end 114 of the rod 112, the three inlet orifices 122, and three side walls of the applicator head 120.

[0091] In the context of the application of the fluid or pasty product, the first application membrane 123 is thus supplied with fluid or pasty product by the reserve zone 121 by means of the first openings 124.The first application membrane 123 is capable of deforming in such a way that pressing the application membrane 123, in particular on keratin fibers or on a portion of mucosal epidermis and / or keratin, results in a reduction in the volume of the reserve zone 121 and delivery through the first openings 124 of the fluid or pasty product which is stored in the reserve zone 121. The first application membrane 123 extends along the reserve zone 121 and delimits an application surface of the applicator head 120.

[0094]

[0092] As shown in Figure 3A, the first application membrane 123 has more than 90 first openings 124. The first openings 124 have a hexagonal opening section and are arranged along the first application membrane 123 following a two-dimensional network having a hexagonal mesh.

[0095]

[0093] According to an advantageous possibility of the invention, the first openings have a thickness (or height) hopening less than or equal to the capillarity height hj Ur in for the fluid or pasty product according to Jurin's law. Thus this thickness preferentially respects the following equation:

[0096] > 2y.cos (8 ) ! L opening - IL ]urtn > „ „

[0097] (1) r p g

[0098] With houverture a depth / thickness of the first openings, Y is a surface tension coefficient of the fluid or pasty product, θ is a contact angle between the fluid or pasty product and a wall of the first openings (also called connection angle), P is a density of the liquid r a radius of the opening and g an acceleration of gravity.

[0099]

[0094] With such a characteristic, it is ensured that the fluid or pasty product is by design capable of reaching the surface of the first application membrane 123 when it is stored in the reserve zone 121.

[0100]

[0095] In order to allow good gripping of the applicator device 10 and good support of the applicator head 120 on the keratin fibers or on a portion of epidermis, mucous membrane and / or keratin of a user, the cap / rod element 110 can be made of a thermoplastic or thermoplastic elastomer material. This ensures good rigidity of the rod, operation and good gripping of the cap. The applicator head 120 preferably has a certain elasticity in order to allow deformation of the first membrane 123 when support is applied to it. Thus, the applicator head can be made of a thermoplastic elastomer or vulcanizable elastomer having a sufficient shore hardness to give it good elasticity characteristics (for example between 6 shore A and 72 shore D).

[0101]

[0096] Thus, for example, the applicator head 120 can be made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) such as an unvulcanized olefinic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-O), a styrenic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-S), a vulcanized olefinic thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-V), a thermoplastic copolyester COPE (ether-ester block copolymer) (TPE-E) and in particular TPC-ET sold under the trade name Hydrel™, a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U), a thermoplastic copolyamide: PEBA (ether-amide block copolymer) (TPE-A) or a thermoplastic ether-ester elastomer (TEEE).

[0102]

[0097] The cover / rod element 110 may for example be made from a thermoplastic such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0103]

[0098] In order to promote the recycling of the applicator device 10, the applicator head and the cap / stem element can be made from materials that are compatible in terms of recycling.

[0104]

[0099] By compatible in terms of recycling, it is understood that the presence of these materials in the same object does not disrupt their respective recycling. Thus, according to an example of the invention, each of the material of the applicator head and the material of the cap / stem element can be selected from one of the classes of recyclable materials among polyethylene terephthalates, and polypropylenes which are known not to disrupt their recycling between them.

[0105]

[0100] In order to limit possible hygiene problems that could possibly be associated with an applicator device 10 according to the invention, at least one of the applicator head 120 and the cap / stem element 110 may be made of a material having antimicrobial and / or antibacterial properties. Thus, at least one of the applicator head and the gripping rod may be made of a thermoplastic material, a thermoplastic or vulcanizable elastomer having antimicrobial and / or antibacterial properties such as those taught by document US 2017 / 130027 A1. To do this, said thermoplastic material, a thermoplastic or vulcanizable elastomer may comprise a microparticle filler, such as metal oxide particles, providing such properties.

[0106]

[0101] In the context of the present invention, the cap / stem element 110 and the applicator head 120 can advantageously be made from polymer materials that are compatible in terms of recycling, the other elements of the application assembly 1, such as the bottle 20 and the wiper system 40, can be made from materials that have this same compatibility. In this way, it is not necessary to separate these various elements when the dispensing device 1 is put to be recycled.

[0107]

[0102] An application device according to the present embodiment may be manufactured in a manufacturing method comprising the following steps: providing the cap / rod element 110,

[0108] - providing and arranging the applicator head 120 such that it is arranged at the first end 114 of the rod 112 of the cap / rod element 110

[0109]

[0103] In the present embodiment, the reserve zone 121 being at least partly delimited by said first end 114, the step of providing and arranging an applicator head 120 may comprise the following sub-steps: providing the applicator head 120, assembling the applicator head 120 with the first end 114 of the rod 112 by cooperation by fitting the applicator head 120 with the first end 114 of the rod 112, the reserve zone 121 being, after fitting, at least partly delimited by said first end 114.

[0110]

[0104] The step of providing the cap / rod element 110 and the sub-step of providing the applicator head 120 may for example each be implemented by means of plastic injection molding. Of course, as a variant, at least one of the step of providing the cap / rod element 110 and the sub-step of providing the applicator head 120 may be implemented by additive manufacturing. It will thus be noted that, although the various embodiments of the present invention have been described taking into account the constraints of plastic injection, it is easy for those skilled in the art to develop the present embodiments and / or variants to take into account the distinctive constraints of additive manufacturing, as described in connection with the sixth embodiment described below.

[0111]

[0105] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an applicator head 120 and Figure 6 a close-up view of an application device 10 according to a first variant of the first embodiment. The application device 10 according to this first variant differs from an application device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the first application membrane 123 has a concave shape and in that the number, shape and arrangement of the first openings 124 are different.

[0112]

[0106] Indeed, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first application membrane 123 has a concave shape with a concavity in the longitudinal direction of the applicator head 120. The first openings 124, in a manner identical to the configuration shown in the first embodiment, are distributed along the first application membrane 123. This distribution is produced in the form of three lines of ten first openings 124 which all three converge at a point in the extension of the applicator head 120. The first openings 124 have, in the context of the present variant, a circular section.

[0113]

[0107] The method of manufacturing an applicator device 10 according to this first embodiment variant differs from the method of manufacturing according to the first embodiment only in that during the sub-step of providing the applicator head 120, the first application membrane 123 has a concave shape with a concavity in the longitudinal direction of the applicator head 120 and the first openings 124 have the number, shape and arrangement according to the present variant.

[0114]

[0108] Figures 7A to 7C illustrate an applicator head 120 according to a second variant of the first embodiment in which the reserve zone is entirely delimited by the applicator head 120 without participation of the first end 114, and in which only a single inlet orifice 122 is provided. Thus an applicator head 120 differs from an applicator head 120 according to the first embodiment by its arrangement to cooperate with the rod 112, since the first end 114 does not participate in the delimitation of the reserve zone 121, and by the presence of a single inlet orifice 122.

[0115]

[0109] As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, given that the first end 114 does not participate in the delimitation of the reserve zone 121, the insert 125 does not have a flat surface adapted to cooperate with the first end. Thus, according to the present variant, the insert 125 has a substantially frustoconical shape so as to be received by the reception space 115.

[0116]

[0110] It will be noted that in the context of this second variant of the first embodiment, the reserve zone 121 has at least two lateral vents 1211 arranged along the reserve zone 121 and opening onto the faces of the applicator head 120 opposite one another and adjacent to the first application membrane 123. Each of the lateral vents 1211 extends over said corresponding face of the applicator head 120 along the reserve zone 121. Thus in this variant embodiment, the reserve zone 121 is open at said faces.

[0117]

[0111] According to the present embodiment variant, the first end 114 of the cover / rod element 110 does not extend beyond the inlet orifices 122 and does not participate in delimiting the reserve zone 121.

[0118]

[0112] According to the principle already explained in the context of the invention and as shown in FIG. 7D, the applicator head 120 allows, when it is extracted from the bottle 20, a filling of the reserve zone 121, this in particular due to the support of the lips 41 of the wiper system 40 on the filling face 1221 which allows the excess fluid or pasty product located on the filling face 1221 to penetrate through the single inlet orifice 122.

[0119]

[0113] The method for manufacturing an applicator device 10 according to this second embodiment variant is distinguished from the method for manufacturing according to the first embodiment in that during the sub-step of providing the applicator head, the reserve zone 121 is only delimited by the applicator head 120, the first end 114 not participating in the delimitation of the reserve zone 121, and said reserve zone 121 has the two lateral vents 1211 arranged along the reserve zone 121, the first end 114 not being shaped to close the reserve zone 121 during the step of providing the cap / rod element 110.

[0120]

[0114] It will be noted that as a variant of this manufacturing method, with such a configuration of the applicator head 120, the manufacturing method of the application device 10 can be carried out using a two-material manufacturing technique. According to this possibility, not illustrated, the cap / rod element 110 and the applicator head 120 can be produced during the following single step:

[0121] - formation of the cap / stem element 110 and of an applicator head 120 from a two-material manufacturing technique, the cap / stem element 110 comprising a skirt 111, capable of cooperating with a neck of a bottle, and a stem 112 extending from the skirt and having the first end, opposite the skirt, the first end 114 and the applicator head 120 being in one piece.

[0122]

[0115] According to this possibility, the first end 114 can be partly housed in the applicator head 120 in order to act as a tensioner and thus allow adjustment of the rigidity of the applicator head 120.

[0123]

[0116] By two-material manufacturing technique, it is understood above and in the rest of this document the techniques which make it possible to manufacture in a single step an element or several elements from at least two materials distinct from each other. These manufacturing techniques include in particular co-molding, one-time overmolding, and coextrusion. It will be noted that, in accordance with the present invention, said materials may be distinct materials obtained from the same resin having different hardnesses or colors or from resins belonging to the same class of recyclable materials.

[0124]

[0117] Figures 8A to 8D illustrate an applicator head 120 of an application device 10 according to a second embodiment in which the applicator head 120 further comprises a second application membrane 123A adjacent to the first application membrane 123. Such an application device 10 differs from an application device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it comprises a second application membrane 123A adjacent to the first application membrane 123 and in that it comprises two inlet orifices 122.

[0125]

[0118] In this second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, the first and second application membranes 123, 123A both extend along the reserve zone 121 and are adjacent to each other at a longitudinal edge of the applicator head 120. In the present embodiment, this longitudinal edge is a median edge which divides the reserve zone 121 in two. Indeed, as shown in FIG. 10E in the context of a second variant of this second embodiment, the reserve zone is divided, directly above said edge, into two portions oriented for one, substantially parallel to the first application membrane 123, and for the other, substantially parallel to the second application membrane 123A.

[0126]

[0119] The second application membrane 123A makes with the first application membrane 123, and at the level of said longitudinal edge, an angle of between 35 and 160°, advantageously between 55° and 140° and particularly preferably between 80° and 120°. As shown in FIG. 8A, in the present embodiment, the angle between the second application membrane 123A and the first application membrane 123 is substantially equal to 90°.

[0127]

[0120] In the present embodiment, the applicator head 120 comprises two inlet orifices 122, one in the extension of a portion of the reserve zone 121 and the other in the extension of the other portion of the reserve zone 121.

[0128]

[0121] In the same way as for the first embodiment, the applicator head 120 delimits the reserve zone 121 with the first end 114 of the rod 112. As a result, the applicator head 120 has, on a face opposite the first and second application membranes 123, 123A, a rectangular hole intended to be closed by the first end 114 of the rod 112 when the applicator head 120 is assembled to the cap / rod element 110.

[0129]

[0122] A method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to this second embodiment differs from a method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to this second embodiment in that, during the sub-step of providing the applicator head, the applicator head 120 further comprises a second application membrane 123A adjacent to the first application membrane 123 and two inlet orifices 122, and has a filling zone 121 in accordance with the present embodiment.

[0130]

[0123] Figure 9A to 9C illustrate an applicator head 120 of an applicator device 10 according to a first variant of the second embodiment in which the applicator head 120 has a configuration similar to that described in the context of the second variant of the first embodiment with the reserve zone is entirely delimited by the applicator head 120 without participation of the first end 114. Thus an applicator head 120 according to this first variant of the second embodiment differs from an applicator head 120 according to the second embodiment by its arrangement to cooperate with the rod 112, since the first end 114 does not participate in the delimitation of the reserve zone 121.

[0131]

[0124] It can thus be seen that, in accordance with what has been described in connection with FIGS. 7A to 7D, the reserve zone 121 has two lateral vents 1211 arranged along the reserve zone 121 and opening onto the faces of the applicator head 120 opposite one another and adjacent to the first and second application membranes 123, 123A respectively. Each of the lateral vents 1211 extends over said faces of the applicator head 120 along the reserve zone 121. Thus, in this variant embodiment, the reserve zone 121 is open at said faces.

[0132]

[0125] A method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to this first variant of the second embodiment differs from a method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to the second embodiment in that, during the sub-step of providing the applicator head 120, the reserve zone 121 is only delimited by the applicator head 120, the first end 114 not participating in the delimitation of the reserve zone 121, and said reserve zone 121 has the two lateral vents 1211 arranged along the reserve zone 121, the first end 114 not being shaped to close the reserve zone 121 during the step of providing the cap / stem element 110.

[0133]

[0126] Figures 10A to 10E illustrate an applicator head 120 of an application device 10 according to a second variant of the second embodiment in which the applicator head 120 comprises a finishing face 126, arranged opposite the first application membrane 123 and shaped to promote the spreading of the product applied from the first and second application membranes 123, 123A. An application device 10 according to this second variant of the second embodiment differs from an application device 10 according to the first variant of the second embodiment in that the applicator head 120 comprises a finishing face 126.

[0134]

[0127] Thus, in the present variant, the finishing face 126 has a surface structure selected from the group comprising ribs, grooves, spikes 126A, cells and bumps. As shown in FIG. 10B, according to the present variant, the finishing face 126 comprises spikes 126A. Advantageously, and depending on the destination of the fluid or pasty product, the application face can be adapted to the portion of the user on which said fluid or pasty product is intended to be applied. As a result, the present finishing face 126 is curved.

[0135]

[0128] A method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to this second variant of the second embodiment differs from a method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to the first variant of the second embodiment in that, during the sub-step of providing the applicator head 120, the applicator head 120 is provided with a finishing face 126, arranged opposite the first application membrane 123.

[0136]

[0129] Figures 11A and 11B illustrate an applicator head 120 of an application device 10 according to a third variant of the second embodiment in which the applicator head 120 comprises a finishing face 126, arranged opposite the first application membrane 123, this time with first circular openings 124, 124A. Thus, an application device 10 according to this third variant of the second embodiment differs from an application device 10 according to the second variant of the second embodiment in that the first and second application membranes 123, 123A comprise circular openings 124, 124A.

[0137]

[0130] A method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to this third variant of the second embodiment differs from a method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to the second variant of the second embodiment in that, during the sub-step of providing the applicator head 120, the applicator head 120 is provided with first circular openings 124, 124A.

[0138]

[0131] Figures 12A to 12C illustrate an applicator head 120 of an application device 10 according to a fourth variant of the second embodiment in which the first and second application membranes 123, 123A each comprise a surface structuring, here spikes 127. Thus, an application device 10 according to this fourth variant of the second embodiment differs from an application device 10 according to the third variant of the second embodiment in that the first and second application membranes 123, 123A each comprise a surface structuring.

[0139]

[0132] Thus, as shown in FIG. 12A, each of the first and second application membranes 123, 123A is provided with pins 127 arranged along their surface. More precisely, the pins are arranged, on each of the application membranes 123, 123A, in 5 lines intermediate the first openings 124, 124A.

[0140]

[0133] Of course, as is notably discussed below in connection with Figures 14A to 14 E , alternatively, one or the other of the first and second membranes 123, 123A may comprise another type of surface structuring without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, more generally, at least one of the first and second membranes 123, 123A may comprise at least one surface structuring selected from ribs, grooves, spikes, cells and bumps.

[0141]

[0134] A method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to this fourth variant of the second embodiment differs from a method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to the third variant of the second embodiment in that, during the sub-step of providing the applicator head 120, the applicator head 120 is provided with each of its first and second application membranes 123, 123A provided with spikes 127 as surface structuring.

[0142]

[0135] Figures 13A to 13C illustrate an applicator head 120 of an application device 10 according to a third embodiment in which the first membrane is provided with first oblong openings 124 and in which the inlet orifices 122 are arranged on an application face 1221 of the applicator head 120 opposite the first application membrane 120. An application device 10 according to this third embodiment differs from an application device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the first application membrane 123 is provided with first oblong openings 124 and in that the inlet orifices 122 are arranged on a face of the applicator head 120 opposite the first application membrane 120 and in that the reserve zone 121 is delimited only by the applicator head 120 without participation of the first end 114 (the applicator head 120 therefore being provided with vents not shown).

[0143]

[0136] As can be seen in Figure 13A, the first openings are in the form of oblong openings (or longitudinal grooves) parallel to each other. These first openings 124 are arranged obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction, forming an angle of 60° with respect to this same longitudinal direction.

[0144]

[0137] Furthermore, the inlet orifices 122 are arranged in the extension of a face of the distal part 120B of the applicator head 120 which is opposite the first application membrane 123. According to the principle of the invention, as shown in FIG. 13C, the two inlet orifices 123 are arranged in fluid communication with the reserve zone 121.

[0145]

[0138] In a manner identical to the second variant embodiment of the first embodiment, the insert 125 is frustoconical and does not include a flat.

[0146]

[0139] The method for manufacturing an application device 10 according to this third embodiment differs from an application device 10 according to the second variant of the first embodiment in that during the sub-step of providing the applicator head 120, the first openings 124 are oblong and the two inlet openings 122 are arranged in the extension of a filling face 1221 of the distal part 120B of the applicator head 12 which is opposite the first application membrane 123.

[0147]

[0140] Figures 14A to 14E illustrate the applicator head 120 of an application device 10 according to a fourth embodiment in which the applicator head 120 is provided with a first and second application membrane 123, 123A opposite one another, the first application membrane 123 having a surface structure. An application device 10 according to a fourth embodiment differs from an application device 10 according to the second variant of the first embodiment in that the applicator head 120 is provided with a first and second application membrane 123, 123A opposite one another, the first application membrane 123 having a surface structure, and in that the applicator head 120 comprises four inlet orifices distributed along four faces of the proximal part 120A of the applicator head 120.

[0148]

[0141] The first application membrane 123 comprises, as shown in FIG. 14A, three lines of 17 first circular openings 124 parallel to each other and is provided with a surface structuring taking the form of grooves 127A. Said grooves are, for a first part of the grooves, perpendicular to the lines of 17 first openings 124 with each of these grooves intercepting first openings 124, for another part of the grooves, oriented with an angle of 45° with respect to the three lines of 17 first openings 124.

[0149]

[0142] The second application membrane 123A has a conformation similar to that of the first application membrane 123 of the applicator head 120 of an application device 10 according to the third embodiment.

[0150]

[0143] As shown in Figures 14A to 14E, the proximal portion 120A of the applicator head 120 comprises four inlet orifices 122 which meet at the reserve zone 121. In this way, two of these inlet orifices 122 are arranged in the extension of respectively the first and second application membranes 123, 123A and two other of the inlet orifices 122 are arranged in the extension of the gills 1211 of the reserve zone 121.

[0151]

[0144] The method of manufacturing an application device 10 according to this fourth embodiment differs from an application device 10 according to the third embodiment in that, during the sub-step of providing the applicator head:

[0152] - the first application membrane 123 has a surface structuring and the arrangement of the first openings as described above, the applicator head 120 further comprises a second application membrane 123A having the conformation of the first application membrane 123 according to the third embodiment, and four inlet orifices 122 are distributed around the proximal portion 120A of the applicator head 120.

[0153]

[0145] Figures 15A to 15E illustrate an applicator head 120 of an application device 10 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention in which the first membrane 123 has a surface structure and is arranged set back from the rest of the applicator head 120. Thus, an application device 10 according to a fifth embodiment differs from a device according to the third embodiment by the configuration of the first application membrane 123 and the fact that the applicator head 120 further comprises four inlet orifices 122 in the extension of the first application membrane 123.

[0154]

[0146] Thus, in accordance with this fifth embodiment, the first membrane 123 is arranged set back from the rest of the applicator head 120 and comprises spikes 127. The spikes 127 are shaped to be flush with the rest of the applicator head 120 in such a way as to allow a bearing stress on the application membrane.

[0155] 123 by said spikes 127. The first application membrane 123 also has the first openings 124 arranged along a central line of the applicator head 123. Within this framework of this arrangement of the first openings 124, each opening

[0156] 124 is separated from the opening preceding it along the central line by a respective pin 127.

[0157]

[0147] The method for manufacturing an application device 10 according to this fifth embodiment differs from the method for manufacturing an application device 10 according to this third embodiment in that during the sub-step of providing the applicator head 120 the first application membrane 123 is arranged set back from the rest of the applicator head 120 and has the conformation according to this fourth embodiment and in that the applicator head 120 comprises four inlet orifices 122 in the extension of the first application membrane 123

[0148] Figures 16A to 16D illustrate an applicator head 120 of an application device 10 according to a first variant of the fifth embodiment of the invention in which the applicator head 120 comprises a second application membrane 123A opposite the first application membrane 123 and having a configuration similar to the latter.Thus, an application device 10 according to this first variant of the fifth embodiment differs from an application device 10 according to the fifth embodiment by the presence of the second application membrane 123A and the fact that the applicator head 120 comprises only two inlet orifices 122 in the extension of the first application membrane 123 instead of four.

[0158]

[0149] The second application membrane 123A has a configuration similar to that of the first application membrane 123 and thus comprises spikes 127 shaped to be flush with the rest of the applicator head 120.

[0159]

[0150] An application device 10 according to this first variant in the fifth embodiment can be manufactured using a manufacturing method that differs from a manufacturing method for an application device 10 according to the fifth embodiment in that during the step of providing the applicator head 120, the latter is provided with a second application membrane 123A according to the present variant in the fifth embodiment and has only four inlet orifices 122.

[0160]

[0151] Figures 17A to 17F illustrate an applicator head 120 of an application device 10 according to a second variant of the fifth embodiment in which the reserve zone 121 comprises a spike 1217 for each first opening with said spike 1227 which is arranged in such a way that when the first application membrane 123 (second application membrane 123A) is pressed, it projects from the first application membrane 123, 123A through the at least one first opening 124 (second opening 124A). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17D, each of the pins of the reserve zone 121 is arranged in such a way as to protrude from the first application membrane 123 through the corresponding first opening 124 even in the absence of pressure on the first application membrane 123.It can indeed be seen in Figure 17D that the pins 1227 are flush with the first membrane 123, presenting their tops in alignment with the tops of the pins 127 of the first membrane 123. Thus, an application device 10 according to this second variant of the fifth embodiment differs from an application device 10 according to the fifth embodiment in that the reserve zone 121 comprises a pin 1217 for each first opening with said pin 1227 which is arranged in such a way that when the first application membrane 123 (second membrane 123A) is pressed, it projects from the first application membrane 123 (second application membrane 123A) through the at least one first opening 124 (second opening 124A).

[0161]

[0152] In the context of the present fifth embodiment and its variants, the spikes 127 of the first application membrane 123 and of the possible second application membrane 123A can be functionalized and thus have a conformation to promote the application of the fluid or pasty product. Thus, for example, as is the case in the present second variant of the fifth embodiment and visible in FIGS. 17E and 17F, the spikes 127 of the first application membrane 123 can have one or more secondary extensions 1271 as taught by the document EP 3829388 A1 with reference to its FIGS. 23 to 34c.Thus, with regard to the shape of the spikes 127 of the application membrane 123 of the present variant of the fifth embodiment, reference is made to document EP 3829388 A1 and to its part concerning the spikes of figures 23 to 34c present in paragraph

[0035] to

[0042] the content of which is incorporated by reference into the present document.

[0162]

[0153] An applicator device 10 according to this second variant of the fifth embodiment may be manufactured using a manufacturing method differing from a manufacturing method of an application device 10 according to the fifth embodiment in that during the step of providing the applicator head 120, the reserve zone 121 comprises a spike 1217 for each first opening with said spike 1227 which is arranged in such a way that when the first application membrane 123, 123A is pressed, it projects from the first application membrane 123 (second membrane 123A) through the at least one first opening 124 (second opening 124A).

[0154] Of course, as already specified above, if the present applicator devices 10 according to the five embodiments described above and their different variants have been designed so that the cap / rod assembly 110 and the applicator head 120 can be manufactured by plastic injection molding, these, or at least one of them, can be manufactured from another manufacturing process, such as an additive manufacturing process, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0163]

[0155] Thus, by way of illustration, Figures 18A to 18C show an applicator head 120 according to a sixth embodiment, the design of which takes into account the specificities and possibilities of additive manufacturing. An applicator device 10 according to this sixth embodiment differs from an applicator device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the reserve zone 121 is delimited entirely and solely by the applicator head 120 itself and its application membrane 123, the insert 125 not having, in a manner identical to the second variant of the first embodiment of Figures 7A to 7D, a flat adapted to cooperate with the first end. The insert 125 according to this sixth embodiment therefore has a substantially frustoconical shape so as to be received by the reception space 115.

[0164]

[0156] In accordance with the possibilities permitted by additive manufacturing, the reserve zone 120 does not require an inlet 1211, since the reserve zone 121 can be closed during the manufacture of the applicator head 120. In addition to this particularity, the choice of one or more materials compatible with additive manufacturing and the geometric characteristics (in particular the size of the first openings 124) which must be adapted, the applicator head 120 according to this sixth embodiment is similar to that of the previous embodiments.

[0165]

[0157] In the context of this sixth embodiment, the cover / rod element 110 may be identical to that of the second variant of the first embodiment and may be manufactured by plastic injection molding.

[0166]

[0158] As a result, the method for manufacturing an applicator device 10 according to this sixth embodiment differs from a method for manufacturing an applicator device 10 according to the second variant of the first embodiment only in that during the step of providing the applicator head 120, this provision is carried out by additive manufacturing and in that the applicator head is devoid of an opening 1211.

[0167]

[0159] Of course, taking into account the possibilities offered by additive manufacturing, in particular with regard to the accessible shapes, the possibilities of combining materials, this sixth embodiment is only one example of the variations permitted by this possibility. From the present teaching, the person skilled in the art is of course able to vary and combine the different possibilities described throughout this document according to his usual practice and without carrying out any inventive activity. It will be noted in particular that in the context of such a variation, the rod 112, and possibly the entire cap / rod element 110, and the applicator head 120 can be produced in a single piece in the context of such additive manufacturing, this from the combination of materials that such manufacturing allows.

[0168]

[0160] Figures 20A to 20C illustrate an applicator device 10 according to a seventh embodiment comprising two application membranes 123, 133B, the first application membrane 123 corresponding to a cylindrical wall of revolution, the second application membrane 123A corresponding to a truncated base of said cylindrical wall.

[0169]

[0161] An applicator device 10 according to this seventh embodiment differs from an application device according to the first embodiment in that the first application membrane 123 corresponds to a cylindrical wall of revolution, the second application membrane 123A corresponds to a truncated base of said cylindrical wall and in that the first end 114 of the gripping rod 112 is housed in the reserve zone 121. It will also be noted that the first application membrane 123 according to the present embodiment has the particularity of comprising longitudinal grooves as first openings 123 and has cells 127B as surface structuring.

[0170]

[0162] As shown in 21A and 21B, the applicator head 120 according to this embodiment has its distal portion 120B having a substantially cylindrical shape of revolution with the distal base, which is truncated to thus form the second application membrane 123A (forming an angle of 135° with the longitudinal axis of the rod 112). Thus, in this seventh embodiment, the first application membrane 123 is in the form of a cylindrical wall of longitudinal revolution. According to this possibility, as shown in FIG. 21A, the first application membrane can extend over all or part, here all, of the distal portion 120B. The first membrane is according to this possibility curved and extends over a longitudinal angular portion of the applicator head of 360°, since the first application membrane occupies the entire lateral surface of the distal portion 120B.Alternatively, the first application membrane 123 may be curved and extend over a longitudinal angular portion of the applicator head less than 360°. Thus, for example, this angular portion may represent an angle greater than 90°, preferably 120°, or even greater than 180° or 240° of the applicator head 120.

[0171]

[0163] It will be noted that such an angle can be determined from a longitudinal axis of the rod 112 and as corresponding to the angle defined between the two external lateral sides of the first application membrane 123 with respect to this same longitudinal axis.

[0172]

[0164] As specified above, the first openings 124 of the first application membrane 123 are in the form of longitudinal grooves extending over a majority of the first application membrane 123. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 20B, the first application membrane 123 alternately has a longitudinal groove in communication with an inlet orifice 122 and a groove closed at the proximal portion 120A. With such communication, a portion of the product introduced through the inlet orifices 122 can be directly supplied to the grooves in communication with the inlet orifices 122, thus ensuring a relatively large initial supply of product.

[0173]

[0165] The first application membrane 123 comprises, between the grooves forming first openings 124, a surface structure of the cell type 127B. It can indeed be seen in Figures 20A and 20B that the longitudinal arms delimited by the grooves each comprise a series of cavities arranged on their surface. Such cells 127B, or cavities, allow the formation of a product reservoir allowing a homogeneous application of the product. Of course, if in the present embodiment only the first membrane 123 is provided with surface structure, here of the cell type 127B, it is perfectly conceivable that the second application membrane 123A also has, or as an alternative to the first application membrane 123, surface structures, whether these surface structures are of the cell type or not.

[0174]

[0166] The second application membrane 123A, as shown in FIG. 20A, has second openings 124A arranged to cover the entirety of the second application membrane 123A. As shown in FIG. 20C, some of the second openings 124A are directly in fluid communication with the reserve area 121 while some other second openings 124A are in communication with the reserve area 121 through the grooves of the first membrane 123.

[0175]

[0167] In the present embodiment, the insert 125 is hollow and communicates with the reserve zone 121 so as to allow the passage of the first end 114. This first end 114, as shown in FIGS. 22A, 22B, has a longitudinal shape along which longitudinal grooves 114A are arranged intended to guide the product during its introduction through the inlet orifices 122.

[0176]

[0168] Thus, as shown in Figure 20C, when mounting the applicator head with cap / rod element 110, the insert 125 is inserted into the receiving space 115 while the first end 114 is inserted into the reserve zone 121. After mounting, the first end 114 closes the hollow of the insert in such a way as to close the reserve zone 121 at the receiving space 115. The first end 114 is then partly housed in the reserve zone 121. In addition to guiding, the grooves of the first end 114 make it possible to provide storage spaces for the product while providing good support for the applicator head 120 on the rod 111 due to the support provided by the projections delimiting said grooves of the first end 114.

[0177]

[0169] A method of manufacturing an applicator device 10 according to this seventh embodiment differs from a method of manufacturing an applicator device 10 according to this first embodiment in that: during the step of providing the cap / rod element 110, the first end 114 has grooves and is shaped to be at least partly housed in the reserve zone 121, during the step of providing and arranging the applicator head 120 in such a way that it is arranged at the first end 114 of the rod 112 of the cap / rod element 110, the applicator head 120 has the first application membrane 123 and the second application membrane 123A according to the present embodiment and the insert 125 is hollow, the first end 114 being arranged at least partly housed in the reserve zone 121 after arrangement of the applicator head 120 on the cap / rod element 110.

[0178]

[0170] Figure 23 illustrates an applicator device 10 according to a variant of the seventh embodiment in which the first application membrane 123 is devoid of surface structuring. Thus, the applicator device 10 according to this variant of the seventh embodiment differs from the applicator device 10 according to the seventh embodiment in that the first application membrane 123 is devoid of surface structuring.

[0179]

[0171] It can indeed be seen in Figure 23 that the first application membrane 123 is smooth and does not have any surface structure.

[0180]

[0172] The method of manufacturing an applicator device 10 according to this variant of the seventh embodiment differs from a method of manufacturing an applicator device 10 according to the seventh embodiment only in that during the step of providing and arranging the applicator head 120, the first application membrane 123 is devoid of surface structuring.

[0181]

[0173] Figures 24A and 24B illustrate an applicator device 10 according to an eighth embodiment in which the first application membrane 123 comprises lateral grooves extending over one half of the perimeter of the applicator head 120, conventionally called the upper half. An applicator device 10 according to this eighth embodiment differs from an applicator device 10 according to the seventh embodiment in that the first application membrane 123 comprises lateral grooves extending over the upper half of the perimeter of the applicator head 120 and in that the second application membrane has only three second openings 124A, one central one and two semi-circular grooves surrounding the central opening.

[0174] It can be seen in Figures 25A and 25B that the lateral grooves forming the first openings 123 are arranged alternately along the first application membrane 123 with two grooves extending from one another from one end of the upper half to the other end of the upper half which alternates with a single central lateral groove at said upper half. It will be noted that this alternation is interrupted at the distal end of the first membrane by four central lateral grooves of decreasing dimension taking into account the truncation formed by the second application membrane 123A.

[0182]

[0175] The method of manufacturing an applicator device 10 according to this eighth embodiment differs from a method of manufacturing an applicator device 10 according to the seventh embodiment only in that during the step of providing and arranging the applicator head 120, the first and second application membranes 123, 123A are shaped in accordance with the present embodiment.

[0183]

[0176] If in the different embodiments the applicator head 120 comprises between one and two application membranes 123, 123A, it is of course conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the applicator head 120 can comprise a greater number of application membranes 123, 123A. Thus, in particular, the applicator heads 120 according to the second embodiment and its variants can easily be adapted to comprise four application membranes 123, 123A by applying the principle of double application membranes 123, 123A adjacent to the face of the applicator head 120 opposite said first and second application membranes 123, 123A. Thus, generally speaking, within the framework of the present invention, it is perfectly conceivable that the applicator head 120 comprises between one and thirty-two application membranes 123, 123A.

[0184]

[0177] Similarly, if in most embodiments and variants thereof the first application membrane 123 has a flat surface, it is of course conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention and as already discussed in connection with FIGS. 5A to 6, that the first application membrane, and the possible other application membrane(s) 123A, have another configuration. Thus, for example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the first membrane 123 can have a concave surface (FIG. 19A) as well as a convex surface (FIG. 19B). In the same way, depending on the surface of the portion of the user on which the product is intended to be applied, the surface of the first application membrane 123, and the possible other application membrane(s) 123A, can have a curve adapted to the shape of said portion.

[0185]

[0178] It will also be noted that the different embodiments and variants described above have different configurations of the inlet orifices and that these different configurations can easily be applied to each of the above embodiments and to each of their variants.Thus, more generally, when the applicator head 120 comprises two or more inlet orifices 122, these may take one of the configurations below: an arrangement of the at least two inlet orifices 122 regularly around the longitudinal direction, a distribution of the at least two inlet orifices 122 in the extension of the at least one first application membrane 123, 123A, a repair of the at least two inlet orifices on a face of the proximal portion opposite the at least one first application membrane 123, 123A, at least one of the at least two inlet orifices in the extension of the at least one first application membrane 123, 123A, and at least one of the at least two orifices on a face of the proximal portion opposite the application face, at least two of the at least two inlet orifices arranged on either side ... on the other hand of an extension of at least one reserve zone 121.

Claims

Claims 1. Applicator device (10) for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibers or to a portion of mucosal epidermis and / or keratin, comprising: a gripping rod (112), an applicator head (120) arranged at a first end (114) of the gripping rod (112) which is intended to be introduced into a reservoir (20) of the fluid or pasty product comprising a wringer system (40) through which the applicator head (120) is intended to pass during extraction of said reservoir (20), the applicator device (10) being characterized in that the applicator head (120) comprises: at least one reserve zone (121) intended to contain fluid or pasty product during extraction of the applicator head (120) from the reservoir (40),at least one inlet orifice (122) in fluid communication with the reserve zone (121) and arranged on a proximal part of the applicator head (120) with respect to the gripping rod (112) in such a way that when the applicator head (120) is extracted from the reservoir (20) the inlet orifice (122) comes into contact with the wiper system (40), at least one first application membrane (123) arranged at least partially along the reserve zone (121) and comprising at least one first opening (124) in fluid communication with the reserve zone (121) in such a way that contact of the application membrane (123), in particular on keratin fibers or on a portion of epidermis, mucosa and / or keratin, results in a reduction in the volume of the reserve zone (121) and delivery by the at least one first opening (124) of the fluid or pasty product which is stored in the reserve zone (121)., 2. Applicator device (10) according to claim 1 wherein the applicator head (120) extends longitudinally from the first end of the gripping rod in a longitudinal direction and comprises the portion proximal to said gripping rod (112) in which the inlet orifice and a portion distal to the gripping rod (112) are arranged, the distal portion comprising the application membrane, and in which the inlet orifice (124) defines an opening surface oriented according to an opening plane making an angle with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of less than 75°, or even 55°, and particularly advantageously of less than 45°.

3. Applicator device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the proximal portion comprises at least two inlet orifices (122, 122A, 122B), said at least two inlet orifices (122, 122A, 122B) preferably having at least one of the following configurations: an arrangement of the at least two inlet orifices (122, 122A, 122B) regularly around the longitudinal direction, a distribution of the at least two inlet orifices (122, 122A, 122B) in the extension of the at least one first application membrane (123, 123A), a repair of the at least two inlet orifices on a face of the proximal portion opposite the at least one first application membrane (123, 123A), at least one of the at least two inlet orifices in the extension of the at least one first application membrane (123, 123A), and at least one of the at least two orifices on a face of the proximal portion opposite the application face,at least two of the at least two inlet orifices arranged on either side of an extension of the at least one reserve zone (121)., 4. Applicator device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one first application membrane (123, 123A) has a plurality of first openings (124, 124A) distributed along said first application membrane (123, 123), the first application membrane (123, 123A) preferably comprising between one to five hundred first openings (124, 124A), or even between ten and one hundred and twenty first openings (124, 124A) or even between twenty and sixty first openings (124, 124A).

5. Applicator device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first application membrane (123, 123A) comprises at least one surface structuring, said surface structuring preferably including at least one structuring selected from ribs, grooves, spikes (127), cells and bumps.

6. Applicator device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reserve zone (121) comprises at least one spike (1217) arranged in such a way that when the first application membrane (123, 123A) is pressed, it projects from the first application membrane (123, 123A) through the at least one first opening (124, 124A), said spike (1217) being preferentially arranged in such a way as to project from the first application membrane (123, 123A) through the at least one first opening (124, 124A) even in the absence of pressure on the first application membrane (123, 123A).

7. Applicator device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the applicator device (10) further comprises a second application membrane (123A) adjacent to the first application membrane (123), said second application membrane (123A) comprising at least one second opening (124A) in fluid communication with the reserve zone (121) such that pressing the second application membrane (123A), in particular on keratin fibers or on a portion of epidermis, mucosa and / or keratin, results in a reduction in the volume of the reserve zone (121) and delivery through the at least one second opening (124A) of the fluid or pasty product which is stored in the reserve zone (121), said second application membrane (123A) preferably making an angle of between 35° and 50° with the first application membrane (123). 160°,advantageously between 55° and 140° and particularly preferably between 80° and 120° or even equal to 90°., 8. Applicator device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the applicator device (10) further comprises a second application membrane (123A) arranged at least partially along the reserve zone (121), opposite the first application membrane (123), and comprising at least one second opening (124A) in fluid communication with the reserve zone (121) in such a way that pressing the second application membrane (123A), in particular on keratin fibers or on a portion of epidermis, mucosa and / or keratin, results in a reduction in the volume of the reserve zone (121) and delivery through the at least one second opening (124A) of the fluid or pasty product which is stored in the reserve zone (121).

9. Applicator device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the applicator head (120) comprises a finishing face arranged opposite the first application membrane (123) and shaped to promote the spreading of the product applied from the first application membrane, the finishing face preferably comprising at least one surface structure selected from the group comprising ribs, grooves, spikes, cells and bumps.

10. Applicator device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the applicator head (120) is shaped to cooperate by fitting with the first end (114) of the gripping rod (112), the reserve zone (121) being, after fitting, at least partly delimited by said first end (114).

11. Applicator device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the applicator head (120) is shaped to cooperate by fitting with the first end (114) of the gripping rod (112), the first end (114) being, after fitting, at least partly housed in the reserve zone (121).

12. Applicator device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the applicator head (120) has on its proximal part a complementary portion (125) at the first end (114) so ​​as to allow assembly of the applicator head at the first end (114).

13. Applicator device (10) according to claim 12, in which the reserve zone (121) has at least one lateral opening (1211) arranged along the reserve zone (121) and advantageously opening onto a face of the applicator head (120) adjacent to the first application membrane (123).

14. Applicator device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the first application membrane (123) can be curved and extend over a longitudinal angular portion of the applicator head (120) whose angle is greater than 90°, preferably 120°, or even greater than 180° or even 240°, the application membrane (123) advantageously corresponding to a longitudinal angular portion of the applicator head (120) equal to 360° and corresponding in a particularly advantageous manner to a cylindrical wall of revolution.

15. Application assembly (1) for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibers or to a portion of epidermis, mucous membrane and / or keratin, comprising: an application device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a reservoir (20) of the fluid or pasty product comprising a wringer system (40) through which the applicator head (120) is intended to pass during extraction of said reservoir (20).

16. Method for manufacturing an applicator device (10) comprising the following steps: providing a gripping rod (112), - providing and arranging an applicator head (120) in such a way that it is arranged at a first end (114) of the gripping rod (112) which is intended to be introduced into a reservoir (20) of the fluid or pasty product comprising a wringer system (40) through which the applicator head (120) is intended to pass during extraction from said reservoir (20), the manufacturing method being characterized in that during the step of providing and arranging the applicator head (120), the applicator head (120) comprises: - At least one reserve zone (121) intended to contain fluid or pasty product during extraction of the applicator head (120) from the reservoir (40), at least one inlet orifice (122) in fluid communication with the reserve zone (121) and arranged on a proximal part of the applicator head (120) with respect to the gripping rod (112) in such a way that during extraction of the applicator head (120) from the reservoir (20) the inlet orifice (122) comes into contact with the wiper system (40), at least one first application membrane (123) arranged at least partially along the reserve zone (121) and comprising at least one first opening (124) in fluid communication with the reserve zone (121) in such a way that a support of the application membrane (123), in particular on keratin fibers or on a portion of epidermis, mucosa and / or keratin,causes a reduction in the volume of the reserve area (121) and a delivery through the at least one opening (124) of the fluid or pasty product which is stored in the reserve area (121)., 17. Manufacturing method according to claim 16, wherein during the step of providing and arranging the applicator head (120), the applicator head (120) is shaped to cooperate by fitting with the first end (114) of the gripping rod (112), and the reserve zone (121) being, after fitting, at least partly delimited by said first end (114), and wherein the step of providing and arranging an applicator head (120) comprises the following sub-steps: providing the applicator head (120), assembly of the applicator head (120) with the first end (114) of the gripping rod (112) by cooperation by fitting the applicator head (120) with the first end (114) of the gripping rod (112), the reserve zone (121) being, after fitting, at least partly delimited by said first end (114).

18. Manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein during the step of providing and arranging the applicator head (120), the applicator head (120) has on its proximal part a complementary portion (125) at the first end (114) in such a way as to allow assembly of the applicator head at the first end (114), the step of providing and arranging an applicator head (120) comprises the following sub-steps: providing the applicator head (120), - assembling the applicator head (120) with the first end (114) of the gripping rod (112) by means of the complementary portion (125) at the first end (114).

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