Applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows

Abstract

An applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows, having an applicator member (8) of elongate overall shape along a longitudinal axis (X), having a plurality of arches (40) that extend in the longitudinal direction and are each formed by internal arms (41) and external arms (42) that are connected together at their distal ends, the internal arms being connected, at their proximal ends, to a connecting part, the proximal ends of the internal and external arms of each arch being axially offset relative to one another by a non-zero distance (u), the internal arm (41) of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis (X) along at least a part of its length.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to applicators for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, in particular a mascara composition, and to packaging and application devices having such applicators.

[0004] The invention relates more particularly to applicators made at least partially of plastics material, in particular by injection molding.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] The applicators used for making up the eyelashes or eyebrows usually have an applicator member mounted at the end of a stem, the latter being connected, at the other end, to a gripping member which also acts as a closure cap for closing the container containing the product.

[0007] The applicator member is conventionally loaded with product by being dipped into the container, which is provided with a wiper which has a lip for wiping the stem as it is withdrawn from the container and which generally defines an orifice of substantially circular section, the diameter of which is adapted to that of the stem.

[0008] The behavior of the applicator member as it passes through the wiper depends on numerous factors such as the shape and nature of the lip of the wiper, and its dimensions, the geometry of the applicator member and the choice of the material(s) of which it is made.

[0009] Excessive wiping of the applicator member is likely to make it difficult to withdraw the latter from the container and causes the applicator member to be insufficiently loaded, obliging the user to frequently dip the applicator back into the container and potentially hindering the achievement of certain makeup effects.

[0010] By contrast, insufficient wiping leaves excess product on the applicator member, which is difficult to distribute on the eyelashes and can result in the presence of clumps of product on the eyelashes, which are thus poorly separated.

[0011] Furthermore, the applicator member generally carries application elements constituted of spikes, the arrangement of which has an influence on the behavior of the applicator as it is withdrawn from the container and on the resulting load.

[0012] Spikes that are very flexible will easily deform on passing through the wiper, making withdrawal easier, but their flexibility means that it will be more difficult for them to comb the eyelashes suitably during application and to smooth the product over the surface thereof. In addition, the wiper will tend to leave less product on the applicator member.

[0013] On the other hand, more rigid spikes will tend to deform less when the applicator member passes through, resulting in greater loading of the applicator member with product and a better ability to comb and separate the eyelashes. However, they can make it more difficult to pass through the wiper and can bring about a loss of sensory impression on application.

[0014] The design of the applicator thus usually results from a compromise that has to be made between various requirements that are sometimes contradictory as regards the quantity of product that is left on the applicator member for makeup application, the desired behavior on withdrawing the applicator member and the capacity for separating the eyelashes.

[0015] Conventionally, the spikes are carried by a central core of the applicator member. However, applicator members have been developed in which the spikes are carried by flexible arms. Thus, the applications US2019 / 0014895 and FR2969470 disclose applicator members having a central core and flexible blades carrying the spikes, connected to the core at their ends. The presence of the core impedes the deformation of the blades towards the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, and limits the volume of composition available on the applicator member following withdrawal from the container.

[0016] Applicator members of elongate overall shape, having a plurality of longitudinal arms that extend around a hollowed-out central zone have been proposed. These applicator members generally afford an improved capacity to retain product by virtue of the presence of the free central zone.

[0017] The application CN218571651 discloses an applicator member of this type, in which the arms are connected at their proximal ends to a base adjoining an end piece for mounting on the stem of the applicator. The arms have a free distal end carrying an axially oriented spike. The radially outer face of each arm carries a series of spikes. The arms need to maintain a certain stiffness, and this can limit the choice of materials that can be used and the sensory impression on application. That application proposes increasing the stiffness in the radial direction by connecting arms with bridges of material in the form of arcs that are centered on the longitudinal axis and are located close to their distal ends, and by giving the arms, in cross section, a trapezoidal overall shape, with radially oriented long faces.

[0018] The application FR3129574 discloses an applicator member having a plurality of arches that are connected at their proximal ends to a base adjoining an end piece for fastening to the stem of the applicator. Each arch has an external arm and an internal arm, which are joined together at their ends. The external arm carries a series of spikes. The internal arms extend at a certain distance from the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, forming, within the latter, a free central zone that is able to accumulate product. Central reinforcements located substantially half-way along the arches connect the internal arms and help to stiffen the assembly. The arms are in the form of blades of rectangular cross section, flattened in a direction perpendicular to the radius, and with a constant thickness. In exemplary embodiments, the internal arms are generally convex towards the longitudinal axis, and the external arms are outwardly convex, the gap between the faces facing the arms of an arch thus being at a maximum substantially half-way along the arch. The applicator member is produced by an additive manufacturing technique, which is relatively expensive.

[0019] The existing applicators having free arms or arches that are disposed around a hollowed-out central zone present the problem of replenishing the product contained in this zone.

[0020] Specifically, the more the applicator member is constrained radially on passing through the wiper in order to close up the arms towards the central zone, the more the axial force to be exerted on passing through the wiper and the mechanical stresses to which the spikes are subjected are increased.

[0021] Consequently, in practice, the applicator member is not constrained excessively, this tending to restrict the replenishment of the product and causing the performance of the applicator to be limited.

[0022] Lastly, with these known applicators, it is possible to adapt to the rheology of the product and / or to the desired makeup result by varying the presence and the number of bridges of material connecting the arms, as in the application CN218571651, or the shape of the external arms, as in the application FR3129574. In the first case, the multiplication of the bridges of material may constitute an obstacle to the flow of product and the replenishment thereof; in the second case, the modification of the shape of the external arms of the arches, in particular by creating bending zones, may make it necessary to also change the diameter of the wiper and that of the stem in order to take account of the variation in the maximum diameter of the applicator member that results therefrom.

[0023] Disclosure of the invention There is therefore a need to further improve applicators for applying a product, in particular mascara, to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, in order in particular to allow easy withdrawal of the applicator member from the container while having satisfactory performance in terms of application and making up.

[0024] There is also a benefit in having an applicator member which promotes the replenishment of the product during a cycle of withdrawing the applicator from and reinserting it into the container containing the product and the mechanical properties of which can be modified relatively easily during the design thereof, in order to adapt to the rheology of the product and to the desired makeup effect.

[0025] There is also a benefit in having an applicator member that is suitable for being manufactured by injection molding thermoplastic material, which is less expensive to implement than additive manufacturing.

[0026] Summary of the invention

[0027] The invention aims to meet all or some of these needs by providing an improved applicator of the type having an applicator member of elongate overall shape along a longitudinal axis, having a plurality of arches that extend in the longitudinal direction and are each formed by internal arms and external arms that are connected together at their distal ends, the internal arms being connected, at their proximal ends, to a connecting part, the internal arm of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis along at least a part of its length.

[0028] On account of the presence of the arches, the applicator member according to the invention can, if desired, have a relatively large total surface area in contact with the composition, in particular greater than or equal to 500 mm2, better still 700 mm2, even better still 900 mm2, or even 1000 mm2. internal and external arms with reduced radial clearance

[0029] According to a first aspect of the invention, the applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows has an applicator member of elongate overall shape along a longitudinal axis, having a plurality of arches that extend in the longitudinal direction and are each formed by internal arms and external arms that are connected together at their distal ends, the internal arms being connected, at their proximal ends, to a connecting part, the internal arm of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis along at least a part of its length, the offset between the internal arm and the external arm of at least one of the arches, and better still of each arch, measured mid-way along the length of the internal arm, being less than or equal to 1 / 15 of the length of the internal arm. Such an applicator has the advantage of promoting the replenishment of the composition on each cycle of insertion into / withdrawal from the container containing the latter, since the closeness of the internal and external arms of each arch in question makes it easier to empty out the composition contained therebetween on passing through the wiper. It is thus possible, according to this aspect of the invention, to improve the replenishment of the product without it being necessary to excessively constrain the applicator member on passing through the wiper.

[0030] The distance of the internal arm from the longitudinal axis may be constant or increase from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0031] The external arm of said at least one arch may be outwardly concave when viewed from the side. It may also be outwardly convex in side view. The longitudinal axis of the external arm, which is outwardly concave or convex in side view, may in particular have, mid-way along its length, a radius of curvature of between 20 mm and 100 mm. More specifically, when the external arm is outwardly concave in side view, its longitudinal axis may in particular have, mid-way along its length, a radius of curvature greater than 20 mm, better still greater than 25 mm and in particular close to 30 mm. When the external arm is outwardly convex in side view, its longitudinal axis may in particular have, mid-way along its length, a radius of curvature greater than 50 mm, better still greater than 75 mm and in particular close to 80 mm. In a variant, the external arm may have a rectilinear portion, in particular oriented obliquely as it comes closer to the longitudinal axis while going towards the distal end of the applicator member, and curved portions at the ends, connected respectively to the internal arm and to a part adjoining an end piece for mounting the applicator member in an applicator stem. The internal arm may have a rectilinear longitudinal axis at least along the major part of its length, better still along its entire length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0032] Applicator member having arms that are axially offset at their proximal ends

[0033] According to a second aspect of the invention, which is independent of the first aspect or may be combined therewith, the applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows has an applicator member of elongate overall shape along a longitudinal axis, having a plurality of arches that extend in the longitudinal direction and are each formed by internal arms and external arms that are connected together at their distal ends, the internal arms being connected, at their proximal ends, to a connecting part, the proximal ends of the internal and external arms of each arch being axially offset relative to one another by a non-zero distance, the internal arm of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis along at least a part of its length.

[0034] The internal and external arms may behave differently on passing through the wiper, depending on the amplitude of this axial offset.

[0035] Such an applicator makes it possible, by varying the axial offset between the proximal ends of the internal and external arms of each arch in question, to easily modify the mechanical behavior of the applicator member on passing through the wiper in order to adapt it to the desired makeup effect and / or to the rheology of the composition.

[0036] The axial position of the connecting part to which the internal arms are connected has an influence on their length and the flexibility of the arches, which makes it possible for the load of composition on the applicator member after passing through the wiper to be varied.

[0037] Applicator member able to be produced by injection molding

[0038] According to a third aspect of the invention, which is independent of the first two aspects or may be combined with one and / or the other, the applicator member is produced by injection molding.

[0039] Preferably, the applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows has an applicator member of elongate overall shape along a longitudinal axis, having a plurality of arches that extend in the longitudinal direction and are each formed by internal arms and external arms that are connected together at their distal ends, the internal arms being connected, at their proximal ends, to a connecting part, the internal arm of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis along at least a part of its length, the arms of each arch having, along at least a part of their length, a cross section that has a contour with a symmetric shape with respect to a median plane for the section, this contour being formed, on each side of this median plane, by the union of two substantially rectilinear segments that extend from respective opposite tips and converge towards one another, and of a rounded portion connecting said segments.

[0040] Such a shape of the arches facilitates withdrawal from the mold used for the injection molding, and thus limits the risk of the applicator member being damaged when it is withdrawn.

[0041] This makes it possible to avoid using an additive manufacturing technique, which is more complex and expensive to implement than injection molding, and it is possible to use proven thermoplastic elastomer materials to manufacture the applicator member, having good mechanical strength and compatibility with the compounds present in the composition.

[0042] This can also make it easier to use plastics materials that are recyclable or obtained from recycled materials.

[0043] Preferably, the internal and external arms of one and the same arch have, on one and the same side of said median plane and in one and the same section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, segments that face the longitudinal axis and are mutually parallel and segments that face outwardly and are also mutually parallel. This makes it easier to release the arches from the shells used for molding.

[0044] Also preferably, for each arch and in at least one section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the external arm is wider than the internal arm, the width of the arms being measured perpendicular to the median plane for the section. This makes it possible to have a larger surface area for receiving the spikes, while allowing the production of the shells in the form of sectors.

[0045] Arches

[0046] The arches form closed loops when the proximal ends of the internal and external arms are connected to one and the same part of the applicator member or to respective parts that are linked in some other way than by the arms. The arches form loops that are open in the direction of the proximal end of the applicator member when the connecting part to which the internal arms are connected is connected to the rest of the applicator member only by the internal arms.

[0047] The arches may have both lateral flexibility, along the axis of the applicator member, and radial flexibility.

[0048] The arches may thus tend to open on arriving at the wiper, and this may allow them to fill up more easily with composition before undergoing the radial compression on passing through the wiper.

[0049] The open end of the central cavity formed between the arches makes it easier to pick up the composition.

[0050] The number of arches ranges, for example, from 2 to 11, and is preferably 5, 7, or 9.

[0051] The arches are preferably uniformly distributed angularly about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0052] The arches may be identical to or different from one another; when the arches are different, the applicator member preferably maintains a uniform distribution of the arches of different kinds; for example, the arches of a first type alternate with the arches of a second type in the circumferential direction.

[0053] The arches may be the same length or, in a variant, different lengths; for example, the applicator member has longer arches which alternate with shorter arches.

[0054] At least one, or each, arch may have its longitudinal axis contained entirely in one and the same plane, the longitudinal axes of the internal and external arms of the arch being contained in one and the same plane. In a variant, at least one, or each, arch may extend along a longitudinal axis that is not rectilinear, in particular one that is helically curved for example, with, for example, a fixed or variable helix pitch and a fixed or variable helix radius.

[0055] The arches may be completely free or at least some of them may be connected, preferably in the central 1 / 3 of the length of the corresponding internal arms, by one or more bridges of material, for example in the form of portions of a ring.

[0056] Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the arches are connected by a ring, in addition to the links between them at their proximal ends.

[0057] In other examples, the arches are connected together, except for two, by an interrupted ring. The ring may serve to keep the core of an additional application element attached between the arches. When the ring is interrupted, this can make it possible to fit this additional application element by lateral insertion between the arches.

[0058] The presence of links between the arches as provided by such a ring can contribute to reducing the torsional flexibility of the applicator member.

[0059] It is thus possible to have different behaviors on passing through the wiper, with a possibility of more or less significant twisting of the set of arches about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member during wiping, depending on the presence or absence of such bridges of material and / or on the location of the connecting part to which the proximal ends of the internal arms are connected, if the user accompanies the axial withdrawing movement with a rotational movement of the applicator on itself about its axis. In particular, this possibility of torsional deformation is less when the arches are connected together by one or more bridges of material, other than at their proximal ends.

[0060] Significant twisting of the arches during withdrawal may result in more vigorous wiping of the applicator member, and a reduction in the loading nature of the applicator.

[0061] The arches preferably all carry spikes, at least on the external arm; in variants, some arches do not carry any spikes. The spike-free arches alternate, for example, with arches with spikes, in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. This can make it possible to modify the loading of the applicator member. Loading is promoted in the zones with spikes.

[0062] The external arm of at least one arch may carry three rows of spikes, namely a central row and lateral rows disposed on each side of the central row.

[0063] The spikes of the central row may have an increased role of separating the eyelashes, while those of the lateral rows may have a function of loading the eyelashes by making it possible to deposit the product contained between them. The angular offset between each lateral row and the central row is preferably between 20 and 40°, and is, for example, around 30°. Preferably, the spikes of the lateral rows are different from those of the central row and have a shape adapted to loading the eyelashes, while those of the central row have a shape adapted to separating the eyelashes. The spikes of the lateral rows may thus have balls at their ends, these increasing the surface area of contact with the product and the carrying capacity of product by the applicator member.

[0064] The arms of an arch may have similar shapes in cross section. The internal and / or external arms have, for example, a cross section that is wider than it is high.

[0065] The section of the internal and / or external arms may be substantially polygonal, possibly having rounded portions. It is, for example, substantially rectangular, triangular, rhombusshaped or trapezoidal, with rounded portions at the edges.

[0066] The cross-sectional shape of the arms is preferably chosen to be suitable for the manufacture of the applicator member by injection molding. The cross-sectional shape of the arms is preferably as defined above, in order to make it easier to produce the applicator member by injection molding.

[0067] The internal and external arms of an arch may have cross sections with the same or different extents.

[0068] The arches may have internal and external arms, the proximal ends of which are axially offset, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention above.

[0069] The proximal ends of the internal and external arms may both be oriented, in the zone connected to the rest of the applicator member, along respective connecting directions that are at less than 45° to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. The angles that these connecting directions make with the longitudinal axis of the applicator member may be substantially the same, and are, for example, equal to one and the same angle value, give or take 20°.

[0070] It is thus possible to have connecting directions that differ to a greater extent between the internal and external arms, and, for example, a substantially axial connecting direction for the internal arms and a direction that makes a greater angle for the external arms, for example making an angle greater than or equal to 40° with the longitudinal axis, or even greater than 90°, meaning that the external arms are connected by being oriented towards the distal end of the applicator member, whereas the internal arms are connected at their proximal ends by being oriented towards the proximal end of the applicator member.

[0071] Guard fingers

[0072] The applicator member may have, in a zone located between the arches and the mounting end piece, a set of fingers with curved shape that is concave towards the base of the arches. Preferably, these fingers are connected to a stepped part of the applicator member, which lies in the continuation of the stem, the radius at the base of the fingers being substantially equal to that of the stem. The fingers may thus make it easier to pass the applicator member through the lip of the wiper, acting as ramps over which the edge of the wiping lip can slide. This may make it possible to have arches, the external arms of which have bends substantially at a right angle and / or at a relatively large distance from the longitudinal axis at the proximal end of the arches. Such arches may have external arms that are convex towards the corresponding internal arms, thereby making it possible to reduce the distance between the two at the apex of the convexity, and thus to promote the replenishment of the product.

[0073] Presence of an additional applicator member

[0074] The applicator may have, as a means for applying the composition, only the applicator member having the arches according to the invention, the applicator member being manufactured monolithically in one piece, preferably by injection molding as indicated above.

[0075] However, the presence of the free central space between the arches may be utilized to receive an additional application element, preferably of the type having a central support such as a wire or a twisted metal core, this core carrying bristles or some other application means such as a block of cellular material.

[0076] The additional application element may be a brush with a twisted core.

[0077] The additional application element of such a hybrid applicator may or may not protrude beyond the applicator member at its distal end. It may be advantageous to have the additional application element protrude when it is of the twisted-core brush type, since this makes it possible to take advantage, at the end of the applicator, of only the bristles of the brush, and not of spikes, and therefore to have properties of loading and separating the eyelashes that are specific to fiber brushes.

[0078] When the additional application element is a fiber brush that protrudes beyond the distal end of the applicator member, the cross section of the envelope surface defined by the free ends of the bristles may decrease in size in the direction of the distal end of the brush. This section may pass through a maximum which coincides substantially with the distal end of the applicator member, this distal end being located, for example, in the middle third of the envelope surface. The envelope surface may have a variable cross section, being, for example, in the form of a ball or ovoid, and the greatest cross section of the envelope surface may be greater than that of the applicator member, such that some bristles protrude radially beyond the spikes carried by the arches of the applicator member.

[0079] The brush may have an envelope surface exhibiting symmetry of revolution about the longitudinal axis of the core, which may be coincident with that of the applicator member. The core of the additional application element may be held by virtue of its engagement in the connecting part to which the internal arms are connected.

[0080] This connecting part may be separated from the one to which the external arms are connected or may adjoin it.

[0081] The distance v between the connecting part and the part to which the external arms are connected may be such that v / T>l / 10, T denoting the overall length of the arch.

[0082] When the additional application element is shorter than the applicator member, the core of the additional application element may be held by a connecting part of the internal arms as defined above, and / or by an intermediate ring located between this connecting part and the distal end of the internal arms.

[0083] As indicated above, the connecting part may be separated from the part of the applicator member to which the external arms are connected.

[0084] The additional application element may be mounted in the applicator member by axially inserting the core into a corresponding housing of the connecting part and / or of an intermediate ring connecting the internal arms, as mentioned above. If necessary, the mounting end piece may be hollowed out in order to allow the core to be held at least partially thereby, and in particular by the part thereof that is engaged in the stem of the applicator.

[0085] When the additional application element is held at least partially by a connecting part adjoining the mounting end piece, the connecting part and the mounting end piece can be made with a longitudinal slot configured to allow the fastening of the core of the additional application element by insertion into the applicator member in the radial direction. This may make it easier to mount the additional application element, in particular when the nature of the latter makes axial insertion difficult, for example when the additional application element is a brush with a twisted core, the part of which carrying the bristles extends along a length corresponding to more than 2 / 3 of the length of the arches, or even along the entire length of the latter. When there are bridges of material connecting the internal arms at an intermediate axial position between their proximal and distal ends, the ring formed by these bridges of material is advantageously open laterally on the same side as the abovementioned slot so as to allow the insertion of the core into the connecting part, optionally the mounting end piece, and the open ring, by a single radial movement of the whole additional application element. This may make it easier to fasten the core to the applicator member, the core being held both at its proximal end by the connecting part, or also by the mounting end piece, and at another location at a distance via the open ring.

[0086] A subject of the invention, according to a fourth of its aspects, is thus an applicator having: an applicator member of elongate overall shape along a longitudinal axis, having a plurality of arches that extend in the longitudinal direction and are each formed by internal arms and external arms that are connected together at their distal ends, the internal arms being connected, at their proximal ends, to a connecting part, the internal arm of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis along at least a part of its length, an additional application element received between the arches, having a core engaged in the connecting part.

[0087] The additional application element may be mounted in the applicator member in one of the ways described in detail above.

[0088] The central connecting part may thus be open laterally, as mentioned above, in order to allow the additional application element to be mounted on the applicator member by way of a radial movement.

[0089] When the additional application element has a block of cellular material, for example an elastically deformable, in particular open-cell, foam, it is advantageous to have spikes engaged in the material of said block in order to help keep it in place in the applicator member.

[0090] The block may have a shape in the form of a cylinder of revolution along the majority of its length, with an outside radius greater than or equal to that of the largest inscribed circle passing through the radially inner surfaces of the internal arms of the arches. If Rbiock denotes this radius of the block, Rzcdenotes the radius of the free central zone between the arches, and Rbe denotes the radius of the radially inner face of the external arms, then, for example, Rbiock>Rzc*l.l and Rbiock<Rbe. This may allow the block, when it is elastically deformable, to extend between the arches, tending to return to its initial shape once it is in place between the latter.

[0091] Preferably, in this case, a plurality of arches of the applicator member carry at least one spike at their distal end, which is oriented axially and inserted into the material of said block. To make this engagement easier, the block may have a slot or annular groove close to its distal end, making it possible, when the block is inserted between the arches and the portion of the block that extends axially is radially compressed between the groove or slot and the proximal end of the block, for the annular part located between the distal end of the block and the groove or slot to deform little if at all and to substantially maintain its outside radius, allowing the end spikes to engage therein when they are located at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the applicator member less than said outside radius. This annular part may have a frustoconical shape, converging towards the distal end of the applicator member. This frustoconical shape may allow the axially oriented spikes to protrude from the cellular material, and may make it possible to ensure that the distal end of the applicator is defined by the tips of these spikes. This may make it possible, when the applicator is returned into the container, to have contact between the applicator member and the wiper and thus to make room for the cellular material located at the end of the block.

[0092] A further subject of the invention, according to a fifth of its aspects, is thus an applicator having: an applicator member of elongate overall shape along a longitudinal axis, having a plurality of arches that extend in the longitudinal direction and are each formed by internal arms and external arms that are connected together at their distal ends, the internal arms being connected, at their proximal ends, to a connecting part, the internal arm of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis along at least a part of its length, a plurality of arches each having, at their distal ends, at least one axially oriented spike, an additional application element received between the arches, having a core engaged in the central connecting part and a block of cellular material, this block having a groove or slot close to its distal end, delimiting an annular part, said axially oriented spikes being inserted at least partially into said annular part. All the above features may be combined, unless technically impossible, with the other features of the invention according to the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects thereof.

[0093] Packaging and application device

[0094] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, which may be combined with any one of the other aspects of the invention that are described in detail above, is a packaging and application device having: an applicator according to the invention, a container containing the composition to be applied, having a wiper through which the applicator member passes when it is withdrawn from the container. The orifice defined by the wiper, in particular the diameter thereof, may be dimensioned such that said internal and external arms come into contact with one another via their facing faces when passing through the wiper.

[0095] The orifice may be dimensioned such that said arches deform radially inwards when passing through the wiper.

[0096] The composition contained in the container may be a mascara.

[0097] Makeup method

[0098] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, which may be combined with any one of the other aspects of the invention that are described in detail above, is a method for making up the eyelashes or eyebrows by means of a packaging and application device as defined above, this method having the steps of: withdrawing the applicator member according to the invention from the container, applying the composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows with the aid of this applicator member.

[0099] The method may involve the action of rotating the applicator member about its axis in order to twist the arches and radially close them up. This may make it possible to create forced circulation of composition from the center of the applicator member to the outside, and thus to promote the replenishment of the composition. This may improve wiping. The applicator member may tend to twist in contact with the composition during the unscrewing of the member for stoppering the container, which also serves as a member for gripping the applicator.

[0100] When the arches carry axially oriented spikes at the end of the applicator, the method may have the step of using these spikes to apply makeup to the eyelashes at the corner of the eye.

[0101] Brief description of the drawings

[0102] The invention may be understood better from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof, and from studying the appended drawing, in which:

[0103] [Fig 1] schematically and partially shows an example of a packaging and application device having an applicator according to the invention,

[0104] [Fig 2] is a schematic and perspective view of an example of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0105] [Fig 3] is a longitudinal section through the applicator member in Figure 2,

[0106] [Fig 4] is a partial and schematic cross section through the applicator member in Figure 2,

[0107] [Fig 5] shows, in isolation, cross sections through the internal and external arms of an arch of the applicator member in Figure 2,

[0108] [Fig 6] is a perspective, schematic view of an embodiment variant of the applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0109] [Fig 7] shows the applicator member in Figure 6 following insertion of an additional application element in the form of a fiber brush having a twisted core,

[0110] [Fig 8] is a view similar to Figure 6 of an embodiment variant of the applicator member,

[0111] [Fig 9] schematically shows, in perspective, a variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0112] [Fig 10] illustrates an example of the implantation of spikes on an external arm, [Fig 11] illustrates another example of the implantation of spikes on an external arm,

[0113] [Fig 12] illustrates another example of the implantation of spikes on an external arm, [Fig 13] shows, in perspective, a side view of a variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0114] [Fig 14] shows the applicator member in Figure 13 following the fitting of an additional application element, and the latter in isolation,

[0115] [Fig 15] shows, in perspective, a variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention, in isolation and following the fitting of an additional application element, the latter also being shown in isolation in this figure,

[0116] [Fig 16] shows, in perspective, a side view of a variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0117] [Fig 17] shows, in perspective, another variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0118] [Fig 18] shows, in perspective, a variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0119] [Fig 19] shows the applicator member in Figure 18 following the fitting of an additional application element,

[0120] [Fig 20] shows, in perspective, a variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0121] [Fig 21] is a longitudinal section through the applicator member in Figure 20,

[0122] [Fig 22] shows, in perspective, a side view of a variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0123] [Fig 23] shows, in perspective, a variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention,

[0124] [Fig 24] is an end-on view of the applicator member in Figure 23,

[0125] [Fig 25] shows, in perspective, a variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention, and

[0126] [Fig 26] shows, in perspective, another variant of an applicator member implementing one or more aspects of the invention.

[0127] Detailed description

[0128] Figure 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 produced in accordance with the invention, having an applicator 2 and an associated container 3 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, for example mascara or a care product. When the product is a makeup composition, the latter comprises, for example, at least one iron oxide as pigment.

[0129] The container 3 has, in the example in question, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 has a closure cap 5 designed to be fastened on the neck 4 so as to close the container 3 in a sealed manner when it is not in use, the closure cap 5 also constituting a gripping member for the applicator 2.

[0130] The container 3 may also be produced differently.

[0131] The container 3 has a wiping member 6, for example snap-fastened in the neck 4.

[0132] The applicator 2 has a stem 7 of longitudinal axis Y, which is connected at its upper end to the closure cap 5 and at its lower end to an applicator member 8, schematically shown in Figure 1.

[0133] This wiping member 6, which may be any wiping member, has, in the example in question, a lip designed to wipe the stem 7 and the applicator member 8 when the applicator 2 is withdrawn from the container 3. The lip defines a wiping orifice 6a having a diameter adapted to that of the stem.

[0134] The wiping member 6 may be made of elastomer.

[0135] The wiping orifice 6a may be of circular shape, possibly with slits.

[0136] The diameter d of the wiping orifice 6a is, for example, between 2.5 and 6 mm.

[0137] The wiping member 6 may optionally have undulations, allowing the wiping orifice 6a to widen more easily when the applicator member 8 passes through.

[0138] The wiping member may also be adjustable, if appropriate.

[0139] In the example illustrated, the stem 7 has a circular cross section, but it would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention if the stem 7 had a different cross section, it then being possible to fasten the cap 5 on the container 3 in some other way than by screwing, if necessary. The wiping member 6 is adapted to the shape of the stem 7 and to that of the applicator member 8, if appropriate.

[0140] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis Y of the stem 7 is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, but it would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention if the stem 7 were not rectilinear, forming for example a bend. If need be, the stem 7 may have an annular narrowing at its portion that is positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member 6, so as not to mechanically stress the latter unduly during storage.

[0141] The stem 7, to which the applicator member 8 is fastened, may be at least partially, and in particular completely, flexible, in particular in the vicinity of the applicator member 8.

[0142] The applicator member 8 may be fastened to the stem 7 by any means, and in particular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling or crimping, in a corresponding housing 24 provided at the end of the stem 7.

[0143] Figure 2 shows an example of an applicator member 8 of longitudinal axis X, produced by injection molding at least one thermoplastic material, having an end piece 30 for fastening to the stem 7, intended to be received in the housing 24 of the latter.

[0144] The applicator member 8 has a plurality of arches 40, each having an internal arm 41 and an external arm 42, as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4.

[0145] The number of arches 40 ranges, for example, from 2, in which case the arches are diametrically opposite and mutually symmetric with respect to the axis X, to 11. For example, there are 5, as illustrated.

[0146] The arms 41 and 42 of the different arches are connected, at their proximal ends, to a base 33 which may define, with the end piece 30, a shoulder 34, as can been seen in Figure 3, the width of this shoulder corresponding, for example, substantially to the thickness of the stem around the housing 24.

[0147] The face of the base 33 to which the arms 41 and 42 are connected has, for example, as illustrated, a spherical cap shape.

[0148] In the example in question, the internal arms 41 may be substantially rectilinear and parallel to the longitudinal axis X, while the external arms 42 are generally outwardly convex.

[0149] The offset m between the facing faces of the arms 41 and 42 of each arch 40 may be at a maximum substantially mid-way along the length of the internal arm, as can be seen in Figure 3 in particular, with a ratio m / L which may go down to fairly low values, L denoting the length of the internal arm.

[0150] Preferably, as can be seen in Figure 4, the internal and external arms of each arch 40 are symmetric with respect to a corresponding median plane M, which is a radial plane. In this example, the internal arm 41 has, in cross section, a generally flattened shape, the contour of which is formed, on each side of the plane M, by two rectilinear segments 43 and 44 connected by a rounded portion 45. The angle of each segment 43 with the plane M is, for example, 107°, and the angle between the segments 43 and 44 is, for example, 34°, as illustrated in Figure 5.

[0151] The rounded portion 45 has, for example, a stronger curvature on the side of the segment 43, for example with a radius equal to 0.2 mm, and a less strong curvature on the side of the segment 44, for example equal to 0.4 mm.

[0152] The internal arm 41 may be less wide than the external arm 42, and the width w of the internal arm 41 is, for example, between 0.5 and 0.9 mm, being, for example, around 0.7 mm.

[0153] As seen from the axis X, the internal arm 41 is, for example, at an angle r of around 11°, while the angle between the segment 43 and a straight line perpendicular to the median plane M is, for example, 17°.

[0154] The external arm 42 has, in cross section, a contour formed, just like the internal arm, by the union, on each side of the median plane M, of two segments 46 and 47 connected by a rounded portion 48.

[0155] The angle between the outermost segments 46 is, for example, around 146°, and the angle between the segments 47 may have the same value.

[0156] The angle between each segment 47 and a straight line perpendicular to the median plane may be around 7°.

[0157] Each rounded portion 48 may have, like the rounded portions 45, two different curvatures, namely a stronger curvature where it is connected to the segment 46, for example with a radius of 0.2 mm, and a less strong curvature where it is connected to the segment 47, for example with a radius of 0.4 mm.

[0158] The thickness t of the arm 42, measured along the median plane M, may be between 0.3 and 0.7 mm, and is, for example, around 0.5 mm.

[0159] The smaller width of the internal arm 41 compared with the external arm 42, and the shape of the sections with convergent segments 46, 47 and, respectively, 43, 44 makes it easier to withdraw the applicator member after it has been injection molded in a mold having multiple shells in the form of sectors. Each external arm 42 carries a series of spikes 50, for example in the form of a single row, with a spacing between the bases of the spikes 50 that is, for example, constant. The spikes 50 have, for example, their longitudinal axis contained in the median plane M of the corresponding arch.

[0160] The length of the spikes 50 may vary along the row, being, for example, greater for the spikes closest to the proximal end of the external arm 42.

[0161] The spikes 50 carried by one and the same arm 42 preferably have longitudinal axes that are mutually parallel and perpendicular to the axis X.

[0162] The spikes 50 may have any shape, frustoconical with a rounded free end, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, or some other shape.

[0163] The applicator member 8 shown in Figure 6 has three arches 40 disposed at 120° to one another about the axis X, the external arms 42 of which carry spikes with a stepped shape with a widened base 51.

[0164] These spikes 50 each have, for example, a flattened shape on a plane perpendicular to the axis X, having longitudinal axes that are mutually parallel and perpendicular to the axis X.

[0165] The base 51 forms shoulders 52 where it is connected to the upper part 53 of the spike.

[0166] The applicator member 8 may have bridges of material 60 connecting the internal arms 41, substantially mid-way along the length of the arches 40, as illustrated.

[0167] These bridges of material 60 may form an intermediate ring for holding the core 71 of an additional application element 70 disposed between the arches 40, for example a fiber brush with a twisted core, as illustrated in Figure 7.

[0168] The base 33 and the end piece 30 may be passed through axially by a central passage 38 in which the core 71 may be engaged, which may protrude from the end piece 30 on the proximal side, as can be seen in Figure 7.

[0169] The bristles of the brush 70 may extend between the arches 40, and this may make it possible to improve the performance of the applicator in terms of separating the eyelashes, but also in terms of autonomy of the applicator and loading the eyelashes with product, a brush employing bristles having a high product loading capacity. Furthermore, with the brush 70 being housed within the arches, it is subjected to limited wiping on passing through a wiper, thereby further increasing the quantity of product that it can hold. Figure 8 illustrates the possibility of having a mounting end piece 30 that is open laterally along its entire length by virtue of the presence of a slot 39, there being only two bridges of material 60 connecting the internal arms 41, so as to form an interrupted ring that is open on the same side as the slot 39.

[0170] This makes it possible to fit the additional application element between the arches 40 by engaging it laterally rather than axially, the core 70 being snap-fastened in the end piece 30.

[0171] Figure 9 illustrates a variant with stepped spikes 50, with eight arches 40 that are uniformly distributed angularly about the longitudinal axis X of the applicator member 8.

[0172] The external arms 42 may carry spikes 50 disposed in a staggered manner on either side of the median plane for the arch 40, as illustrated in Figure 10, while being oriented alternately in two opposite directions that make one and the same angle in terms of absolute value with the median plane M.

[0173] It is also possible to have, on each external arm 42, three rows of spikes 50, with, for example, a left-hand row 50a of spikes 50 having their longitudinal axes mutually parallel and inclined towards the left by one and the same angle with respect to the median plane M, for example 30°, a right-hand row 50c of spikes 50 having their longitudinal axes mutually parallel and inclined towards the right by one and the same angle with respect to the median plane M, for example 30°, and a middle row 50b of spikes 50 having their longitudinal axes mutually parallel and contained in the median plane M.

[0174] The spikes 50 of the different rows 50a, 50b and 50c may follow one another along the arm 42, thereby forming a repetition of identical groups of three spikes oriented in different directions.

[0175] The spikes 50 of the right-hand and left-hand rows may have an enlarged, in particular spherical, head 54, as illustrated.

[0176] Figure 12 illustrates another variant of the arrangement of the spikes 50 on the external arms 42, with a series of groups of in each case two spikes occupying substantially the same axial position, one of which is parallel to the median plane and the other is inclined and makes an angle with the median plane M, these inclined spikes being alternately oriented on one side and the other of this median plane for two consecutive groups of spikes.

[0177] The spikes parallel to the median plane M may follow one another in a staggered manner along the arm 42. Of course, other arrangements of spikes are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0178] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the internal arms 41 and external arms 42 may be connected to the rest of the applicator member by their proximal ends, at respective positions that are axially offset by a distance u greater than 2 mm for example, in particular greater than 5 or 6 mm, and in particular around 8 mm, as illustrated in Figure 13. Preferably, the internal arms 41 and external arms 42 may be connected to the rest of the applicator member by their proximal ends, at respective positions that are axially offset by a distance u of between 2 mm and 10 mm.

[0179] Furthermore, according to one particular arrangement, with the internal arm 41 of each arch 40 having a length L, the distance u and the length L meet the following conditions: u / L>l / 10, better still u / L>l / 5, and in particular u / L between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3.

[0180] In the example of this figure, the internal arms 41 are connected to a common central connecting part 90 that is substantially ovoid, while the external arms 42 are connected to a part 92 with a substantially cylindrical shape, extending the end piece 30 and having substantially the same diameter as the latter.

[0181] Each internal arm 41 may have a substantially rectilinear shape parallel to the longitudinal axis X along the majority of its length from the connecting part 90, and have a slight slope radially towards the outside close to its distal end. Each external arm 42 has, in this example, a substantially rectilinear shape inclined radially towards the inside, on a straight portion 95 extending substantially from the junction between the parts 90 and 92 to close to its distal end, and is connected to the part 92 by a bent portion 93 having a rectilinear segment 94. Each external arm 42 is connected to the internal arm 41 at its distal end, forming a bend 96 substantially at a right angle.

[0182] Each external arm 42 may carry spikes 50 on its straight portion 95, these spikes having, for example, their longitudinal axes contained in the corresponding median plane of the arch. Each arch 40 may carry, at the junction of the bend 96 and the internal arm 41, a spike 50 at its distal end, said spike being oriented substantially parallel to the axis X.

[0183] The presence of the connecting part 90 makes it possible to increase the stiffness of the arches 40 by reducing the length of the internal arms 41. This may also help to bring the internal and external arms closer together and to reduce the distance m between the facing faces of said arms mid-way along the length of the internal arm. It is thus possible to achieve a ratio m / L that is particularly low, in particular less than 1 / 15.

[0184] Bringing the internal and external arms closer together in this way makes it easier to release the product contained between them and to replenish it on each cycle of inserting the applicator member into / withdrawing it from the container.

[0185] The connecting part 90 and the end piece 30, and also the intermediate part 92 between the two, can be internally hollowed out so as to receive the core 71 of an additional application element 70, as illustrated in Figure 14.

[0186] The latter may be a mascara brush with a twisted core, or some other applicator, as illustrated in Figure 15.

[0187] In the left-hand view of this figure, an additional application element 70 in the form of a block of foam or some other porous material, carried by a core 71, is shown in isolation.

[0188] In the right-hand view, the applicator member 8 is shown in isolation, before the additional application element 70 is mounted, and it is shown in the middle view after the latter has been mounted.

[0189] It is apparent from this view that the end spikes 50 can extend through the block of foam of the application element 70. This may improve the retention of the block of foam on the arches. To make it easier for the end spikes to engage in the block of foam, the latter may have a slot or groove 72 close to its distal end, this making it possible to radially compress the foam in the portion of the internal arms 41 that is parallel to the axis X, without compressing the annular end part 75 of the block of foam located beyond the groove or slot 72, and thus to be able to position the end spikes 50 under the latter, in order for them to engage through it.

[0190] The part 75 may have a frustoconical shape, allowing the spikes inserted into it to pass axially through it and to protrude from the block of foam at the distal end of the applicator.

[0191] Figure 16 illustrates the possibility for the external arms 42 to have, along the greater part of their length, an outwardly concave portion 100. This makes it possible to reduce the distance m between the facing faces of the arms 41 and 42, measured half-way along the length L of the internal arm 41, even further. The longitudinal axes of the arms 41 and 42 of each arch 40 are contained in one and the same, radial median plane. This figure also illustrates the possibility for the connecting part 90 to adopt various shapes, for example, as illustrated, that of a spherical portion centered on the axis X.

[0192] The arms 41 are connected, by their proximal ends, close to the pole of the connecting part 90 facing the free end of the arches, while the external arms 42 have a bend 104 in order to be connected to the connecting part 90, on the opposite side.

[0193] The applicator member may have, between the mounting end piece 30 and the connecting part 90, an intermediate part 92 which is wider than the mounting end piece, defining with the latter a shoulder 34, and, for example, with a substantially hemispherical shape that is convex towards the connecting part 90.

[0194] In order to make it easier for the applicator member to pass through the wiper while it is being withdrawn from the container, it is possible, as illustrated, to provide fingers 110 all around the intermediate part 92, starting from the shoulder 34, these fingers 110 each having a curved shape that is concave towards the connecting part 90, their free end being located close to the concave portion 100.

[0195] In a variant that is not illustrated, the applicator member in Figure 16 receives an additional application element between the arches 40, for example a brush with a twisted core, like the example in Figure 14.

[0196] In the examples in Figures 13 and 16, the connecting part 90 is rigidly connected to the mounting end piece 30 by the intermediate part 92, which has a cross section greater than or equal to that of the mounting end piece 30.

[0197] It may prove advantageous for the connecting part 90 to be connected only to the internal arms 41, in order to give the latter greater flexibility, and to make it possible, by altering the distance from the connecting part 90 to the mounting end piece 30, to have a means for easily adjusting the stiffness of the applicator member 8 in order to adapt it, for example, to the desired makeup effect and / or to the rheology of the product.

[0198] By way of example, Figures 17 and 18 show an applicator member 8 of which the internal arms 41 are connected to a common connecting part 90 that is spaced apart from the base 33 by a non-zero distance .

[0199] The connecting part has, for example, as illustrated, a substantially flat face 120 to which the arms 41 are connected, and an ogival face 122 on the opposite side. A passage 124 may pass through the connecting part 90 along the axis X, making it possible to engage the core of an additional application element 70 therein, for example a fiber brush with a twisted core, as illustrated in Figure 19.

[0200] This additional application element may extend in its entirety, apart from its core, on the opposite side of the connecting part 90 from the mounting end piece 30.

[0201] In the example in Figures 17 and 18, the connecting part 90 is closer to the distal end of the arches 40 than to the mounting end piece 30. This may not be the case, and in the example in Figures 20 and 21, the connecting part 90 is closer to the mounting end piece 30 than to the distal end of the arches 40.

[0202] It is apparent from these figures that the internal arms 41 may be rectilinear and parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0203] A radial clearance is provided between the connecting part 90 and the external arms 42, allowing the external arms 42 to deform inwardly when passing through the wiper.

[0204] The distance m between the facing faces of the internal arms 41 and external arms 42 of each arch 40 may be relatively small, mid-way along the length of the internal arms 41, making it easier to empty out the volume between the two on each cycle of insertion into / withdrawal from the container.

[0205] Figure 22 shows an embodiment variant in which the arches 40 do not all have the same total length T, the applicator member having an alternation of longer arches 40a and shorter arches 40b, the distal ends of which are set back from those of the arches 40a.

[0206] It is also apparent from this figure that the internal arms 41 can be connected to a common connecting part 90 in the form of a ball, which is connected by a linking part 170 to a base 33 that is likewise in the form of a ball, to which the external arms 42 are connected. The base 33 adjoins the mounting end piece 30. The linking part may have, as illustrated, a shape substantially in the form of a cylinder of revolution of axis X.

[0207] Figures 23 and 24 show an example of an applicator member of which the external arms 42 carry spikes that are implanted as illustrated in Figure 12, described above.

[0208] Figure 25 shows an example of an applicator member of which the external arms 42 carry spikes that are implanted as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0209] In the examples in Figures 6 to 25, the arms of the arches have been shown schematically, and they advantageously have, in section, shapes similar to those illustrated in Figure 5, so as to make it easier to produce the applicator member by injection molding. Needless to say, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described.

[0210] For example, it is possible for the arches 40 not to extend with the longitudinal axes of the internal and external arms of the arch contained in one and the same radial plane, and the arms may be helically twisted as illustrated in Figure 26.

Claims

Claims1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows, having an applicator member (8) of elongate overall shape along a longitudinal axis (X), having a plurality of arches (40) that extend in the longitudinal direction and are each formed by internal arms (41) and external arms (42) that are connected together at their distal ends, the internal arms being connected, at their proximal ends, to a connecting part, the proximal ends of the internal and external arms of each arch being axially offset relative to one another by a non-zero distance (u) of between 2 mm and 10 mm, the internal arm (41) of each arch extending at a non-zero distance from the longitudinal axis (X) along at least a part of its length.

2. The applicator as claimed in the preceding claim, the internal arm of each arch (40) having a length L, where u / L>l / 10, better still u / L>l / 5, and in particular u / L between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3.

3. The applicator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, each arch (40) carrying spikes (50), at least on the external arm.

4. The applicator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having a stem provided at the end of the applicator member, the connecting part adjoining an end piece (30) for fastening the applicator member to the stem.

5. The applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, the connecting part (90) being connected only to the internal arms (41).

6. The applicator as claimed in the preceding claim, the distance (v) between the connecting part (90) and the part (33) to which the external arms are connected being such that v / T>l / 10, T denoting the overall length of the arch.

7. The applicator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the connecting part being internally hollowed out.

8. The applicator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, at least some of the arches (40) being connected, preferably in the central 1 / 3 of the length of the corresponding internal arms, by one or more bridges of material, in particular in the form of portions (60) of a ring.

9. The applicator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the external arm of at least one arch carrying three rows of spikes, namely a central row (50b) and lateral rows (50a, 50c) disposed on each side of the central row (50b).

10. The applicator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the proximal ends of the internal and external arms both being oriented, in a zone connected to the rest of the applicator member, along respective connecting directions that are at less than 45° to the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator member.

11. The applicator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, the proximal ends of the internal and external arms being oriented, in a zone connected to the rest of the applicator member, along a connecting direction that is substantially axial for the internal arms and a direction forming a larger angle for the external arms, in particular forming an angle greater than or equal to 40° with the longitudinal axis, or even greater than 90°.

12. The applicator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the applicator member having, in a zone located between the arches and a mounting end piece (30), a set of fingers (110) with curved shape that is concave towards the base of the arches, these fingers preferably being connected to a stepped part of the applicator member, which lies in the continuation of a stem of the applicator, the radius at the base of the fingers (110) being substantially equal to that of the stem.

13. The applicator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, an additional application element (70) being received between the arches, preferably a fiber brush with a twisted core, or the applicator member (80) receiving a block of a porous material.

14. A packaging and application device having: an applicator as defined in any one of the preceding claims, a container containing the composition to be applied.

Images