Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to the lips

Abstract

Device (1) for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to the lips, comprising: a receptacle (2), with a wiping member (37) having a wiping lip (38) defining a wiping orifice (39); an applicator (3), comprising: a stem (4); an application member (5) carried by the stem (4), having an application surface (10) defining a main application face (8) having a generally curved shape about an axis of curvature (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the stem (4), the application member having a width (W), measured parallel to the axis of curvature, which is at a maximum (Lom) or close to the maximum at a proximal end (11) of the main application face, said width (Lom) being greater than said smallest transverse dimension of the wiping orifice, the cross section of the application member having a non-circular contour at the proximal end (11) of the main application face (8).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to the lips

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to the application of a cosmetic product to the lips.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] To apply a cosmetic product to the lips, it is known practice to use a device comprising a receptacle on which is mounted an applicator comprising an application member arranged at the end of a stem.

[0007] EP1080659, EP3241458 and EP3300624 describe such devices.

[0008] The receptacle generally comprises a wiping member for wiping the stem and avoiding the presence of an excessive load of product on the application member.

[0009] Patent application FR 2 888 097 further proposes creating the wiping lip with undulations in order for it to deform more easily as the application member passes through.

[0010] The production of the application member for a given wiping member generally results from a compromise between a shape suitable for thorough wiping of the application surface, in order to obtain a precise application, notably for drawing the contour of the lips, and the presence of at least one reserve of product giving autonomy to the applicator and avoiding the user having to dip it too often into the receptacle.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] There is a need to further improve devices for applying a cosmetic product to the lips in order to allow a quick and precise application of the product, in a simple and comfortable manner for the user.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention meets this need by virtue of a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to the lips, comprising:

[0015] - a receptacle containing the product to be applied, fitted with a wiping member having a wiping lip defining a wiping orifice having a smaller transverse dimension;

[0016] - an applicator for applying the product, comprising: o a stem extending along a longitudinal axis; o an application member carried by the stem at one end thereof, the application member having an application surface defining a main application face having a generally curved shape about an axis of curvature substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem, the application member having a width, measured parallel to the axis of curvature, which is at a maximum or close to the maximum substantially at a proximal end of the main application face, said width being greater than said smallest transverse dimension of the wiping orifice, the cross section of the application member having a non-circular, preferably substantially polygonal contour, at the proximal end of the main application face.

[0017] By virtue of the shape of the application member, the application member expands the wiping member in a non-homogeneous manner early on when it is extracted from the receptacle, with maximum deformation of the wiping member at the moment when the proximal end of the main application face belonging to the application member passes through the wiping orifice. This deformation of the wiping member, in combination with the cross section of non-circular contour, preferably substantially polygonal, makes it possible to accumulate a relatively large load of product on the main application face while maintaining the application member’s ability to apply makeup accurately.

[0018] The load of product is advantageously sufficient to apply cosmetic product to at least one entire lip, lower or upper, after a single extraction from the receptacle.

[0019] In addition, the general curved shape of the main application face allows comfortable lip contact, and the application member advantageously defines at the proximal end of the main application face an edge which tends, by pressing on the lip, to retain the product on the main application face when the product is applied to the lower lip.

[0020] The term “maximum or close to the maximum” should be understood to mean that the width is greater than or equal to 80% of the maximum width, better still 90%.

[0021] The term “substantially at a proximal end of the main application face” should be understood to mean at the proximal end or a distance therefrom corresponding to less than 20%, better still 10%, of the total length of the application member excluding the stem.

[0022] The term “substantially polygonal” means that each side of the section is at most less than 20%, better still 10%, even better 5%, of the length of the side in question from a straight line joining the vertices of the polygon.

[0023] The application member may be solid. By “solid”, we mean that the application member it is deprived of any through-hole. This ensures better stability and uniform distribution of the cosmetic product on the application surface. This feature also contributes to the robustness of the application member and its durability during repeated use.

[0024] The contour of the cross section of the application member at the proximal end of the main application face may be generally rectangular or generally square, with rounded vertices, preferably generally rectangular.

[0025] The application member may have flanks inclined at an angle of less than 30°, better still less than 20°, with a median plane of symmetry for the application member. In particular, the application member may include two flanks that meet substantially halfway through the thickness of the application member, the width of the application member being at a maximum at this junction. The joint plane may be located at the junction of the flanks when the application member is made by injection moulding in a two-shell mould.

[0026] The cross section of the application member may be substantially polygonal over at least 70%, better still 80%, even better still over at least 90%, or even over the entire length of the application member, measured along the longitudinal axis, outside the stem.

[0027] The proximal end of the main application face may be located at a non-zero distance from the stem, notably between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. It is closer to the stem than to the distal end of the application member.

[0028] The proximal end of the main application face may be situated at a distance from the stem of between 5% and 30% of the length of the application member outside the stem.

[0029] The length Ho of the application member, outside the stem, measured along the longitudinal axis of the stem, may be between 8 mm and 30 mm.

[0030] The width W of the application member, measured parallel to the axis of curvature, may be between 5 mm and 10 mm, better still between 6 mm and 8 mm.

[0031] The applicator stem may have a circular cross section with a diameter of between 4 mm and 10 mm, better still between 6 mm and 8 mm.

[0032] The maximum width, measured parallel to the axis of curvature, of the application member may be strictly greater than the maximum thickness of the application member. The maximum thickness of the application member may be maximal substantially at the proximal end of the main application face.

[0033] The width, measured parallel to the axis of curvature, of the application member may decrease as the distal end of the application member is approached. This may make it possible to define inclined facets at the end of the applicator, which are useful for drawing the contour of the lips, and may also facilitate the entry of the applicator into the receptacle, through the wiping member, by causing gradual deformation of the wiping orifice.

[0034] The applicator may be symmetrical relative to a longitudinal median plane passing through the application member at mid-height.

[0035] The main application face, situated on the side of the concavity formed by the curvature of the application member, may have a radius of curvature, whether constant or not, which is for example between 10 mm and 20 mm. Such a curvature may make it possible to approach the curvature, in a vertical section, of the lower lip and / or the upper lip. The comfort of application of the cosmetic composition is thereby improved.

[0036] The main application face may be generated by a generatrix which is a straight line parallel to the axis of curvature of the main application face or by a non-rectilinear generatrix, notably a portion of a circle giving the main application face a slight concavity in a section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the application member. This slight concavity observed in cross section may have a relative depth less than or equal to 5% of the width of the main application face or of the cross section considered.

[0037] The application surface may have an area of between 20 mm2and 100 mm2, notably between 30 mm2and 50 mm2.

[0038] The application surface of the application member may have, in addition to the main application face, at least one finishing facet in a distal portion, notably at least two finishing facets, the surface area of each finishing facet being less than the surface area of the main application face. Said at least one finishing facet may allow precise application of the composition to the lip contour.

[0039] The area of each finishing facet may be between 0.5 mm2and 5 mm2.

[0040] In particular, the ratio between the surface area of the main application face and the surface area of each finishing facet may be between 10 and 50.

[0041] Each finishing facet may be substantially planar.

[0042] At least two of the finishing facets can each extend generally in a plane forming a non-zero angle with the 1 ‘longitudinal axis, notably an angle of between 20° and 70°, preferably between 40° and 50°.

[0043] The application member may comprise at least one end finishing facet located at a free end of the applicator perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the application member and / or to the longitudinal axis of the stem. Each of said finishing facets can define an edge with the main application face.

[0044] Preferably, the application member comprises at least three finishing facets, a first finishing facet at the end being located at a free end of the applicator, and at least two other finishing facets at the side extending towards the proximal end of the applicator from the first finishing facet. This configuration can make it possible to make finishes with one or the other of the lateral facets without the need to strongly reorient the applicator. The end face may generally extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the application member.

[0045] The maximum thickness of the application member may be less than or equal to the maximum width of the application member.

[0046] The free end of the application member may be eccentric relative to the longitudinal axis of the applicator stem, taking into account the general curved shape of the main application face. The longitudinal axis of the application member at the free end of the application member, may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the applicator stem by a distance t of between 0 and 4 mm. The eccentricity of the application member at its free end may contribute to stronger wiping of the back of the application member, and to promoting the accumulation of product in the concavity of the application member.

[0047] The application member may comprise a body made of a polymer material, notably a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0048] This body may be extended on the proximal side by an end piece for mounting on the stem, the fixing to the stem being effected, for example, by crimping, stapling or otherwise.

[0049] The application member may comprise flocking on the surface.

[0050] The receptacle may contain a lip makeup product, notably a lipstick or a lip gloss.

[0051] The wiping lip of the wiping member of the receptacle advantageously includes undulations. These undulations can make it possible to limit the mechanical deformation stresses applied to the wiping lip because of the dimensions of the application member. This can make it possible to retain a larger amount of product on the application member and limit the risk of tearing off flocking fibres present on the surface of the application member.

[0052] The term “undulations” should be understood to mean a series of depressions and / or projections formed by the wiping lip when moving in the circumferential direction about the central axis of the wiping member. They may be curves of folds which are alternately concave and convex in the circumferential direction. Each undulation of the wiping lip may extend, when the wiping lip is viewed from above, along a radially oriented axis. All the axes of the undulations can intersect substantially at the centre of the orifice defined by the wiping lip, which is advantageously situated on the longitudinal axis of the stem of the applicator when the latter is in place in the receptacle.

[0053] The wiping lip may be free of ribs and / or slits, for example slits extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stem when the applicator is mounted on the receptacle, or slits extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stem when the applicator is mounted on the receptacle, or slits inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem when the applicator is mounted on the receptacle. The wiping member may notably be free of slits which are substantially closed at rest and extending longitudinally.

[0054] The undulations of the wiping member may vary in amplitude and number. The wiping member includes, for example, between 2 and 12, between 4 and 10 or between 5 and 9 thereof. They can be regularly or irregularly distributed. They may all have the same amplitude, or alternatively they may be different.

[0055] Two adjacent undulations may have different profiles.

[0056] Advantageously, the free edge of the wiping lip does not extend entirely in a plane, in the absence of stresses.

[0057] The wiping lip may extend at rest, in the absence of an applicator, generally in a cone converging towards the bottom of the receptacle.

[0058] The wiping lip may have a constant thickness, or alternatively a variable thickness. It may be thinner at a point close to its free edge and thicker at a point farther from its free edge.

[0059] The wiping lip may have, in the circumferential direction, at a given distance from the longitudinal axis of the device, a substantially constant thickness, for example varying by less than 10% over a complete revolution.

[0060] The thickness of the wiping lip is, for example, between 0.1 and 0.8 mm. It is, for example, about 0.2 mm at the free edge and about 0.5 mm at a point on the wiping lip further from the free edge, for example at the periphery of the wiping lip.

[0061] The wiping lip can be deployed under the pressure of the application member before possibly stretching elastically. When the wiping lip is deployed, the undulations may tend to flatten, the wiping lip being observed from the centre of the orifice defined by the wiping lip.

[0062] The orifice of the wiping member may be configured so as to be able to pass from a reduced diameter allowing the wiping of the stem to a larger diameter allowing the application member to be wiped, without necessarily requiring a significant elongation of the material of the wiping lip.

[0063] The wiping lip may deform more than the application member when the application member passes through the orifice.

[0064] The undulations may have an amplitude, measured between two opposite ends along the longitudinal axis of the stem when the applicator is mounted on the receptacle, of between 0.5 and 4.5 mm.

[0065] The applicator may include a gripping member carried by the stem at an end opposite the application member. The gripping member can be removably mounted, notably by screwing, on the receptacle. In particular, the gripping member can serve as a closure cap for the receptacle.

[0066] Brief description of the drawings

[0067] The invention may be understood more clearly on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting examples of the implementation of the invention, and on studying the appended drawing, in which:

[0068] [Fig. 1] illustrates, in side view, an example of a device according to the invention, the applicator and the receptacle being shown separated,

[0069] [Fig. 2] represents partially, in perspective, the applicator of the device of Figure 1,

[0070] [Fig. 3] is a side view of the application member of the applicator of Figure 1, [Fig. 4] is a front view of the application member of the applicator of Figure 1, [Fig. 5] is a view of the application member, along the section plane V in Figure 2,

[0071] [Fig. 6] illustrates, in longitudinal cross section, the device of Figure 1 when the applicator is mounted on the receptacle,

[0072] [Fig. 7] represents partially, in cross section, th receptacle of the device of Figure

[0073] 1, and

[0074] [Fig. 8] is a top view of the receptacle of Figure 1. Detailed description

[0075] Throughout the remainder of the description, elements that are identical or that have identical functions bear the same reference signs. For the sake of conciseness in the present description, they are not described for each of the figures, with only the differences between the embodiments being described.

[0076] For the sake of clarity, the figures do not always show the actual proportions.

[0077] The dimensions and shapes described are assessed at rest without any mechanical stress related to the use of the applicator.

[0078] Figures 1 to 7 illustrate an example of a device 1 for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to the lips according to the invention.

[0079] The device 1 comprises a receptacle 2 containing the product to be applied, for example lipstick or lip gloss, and an applicator 3 configured to be removably mounted on the receptacle 2. The product contains, for example, an oil or a wax, and may contain one or more pigments or may be free thereof.

[0080] The applicator 3 comprises a stem 4, preferably rectilinear as illustrated, which extends along a longitudinal axis X and preferably having a circular cross section and a diameter D preferably greater than or equal to 6 mm, for example between 6 and 10 mm, better still between 6 and 7 mm.

[0081] The applicator 3 comprises an application member 5 carried at one end 6 by the stem 4. This application member may have a symmetric shape relative to a median plane of symmetry S containing the axis X.

[0082] The application member 5 is solid, i.e. deprived of any through-hole.

[0083] The applicator 3 may be made of a porous or non-porous polymer material, typically a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0084] Preferably, the application member 5 is flocked.

[0085] The application member 5 has an application surface 10 comprising a main application face 8 curved about an axis of curvature Y which, in the example illustrated, is perpendicular to the median plane of symmetry S of the application member.

[0086] The radius of curvature R of the main application face 8 about the axis Y may be constant or variable. The radius of curvature R may be constant over the majority of the length of the main application face 8. This radius of curvature R may be between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0087] In this example, the application member 5 has a length Ho, measured along the longitudinal axis X of the stem and outside the latter, of about 15 mm.

[0088] As illustrated in Figure 5, the application member 5 can have a substantially rectangular cross section along the main application face 8.

[0089] The free end 13 of the application member 5 may be eccentric relative to the longitudinal axis X, taking into account the general curved shape of the main application face 8. The longitudinal axis XI of the application member, at the free end 13 of the application member 5, may be offset from the longitudinal axis X by a distance t of between 0 and 4 mm.

[0090] As illustrated in Figure 4, the width W of the application member 5 may increase from the stem 4 over a distance Hm, be substantially constant and at a maximum equal to Lorn over a distance He along the longitudinal axis X, and then decrease towards the free end 13 of the applicator 3 over a length Hd.

[0091] As illustrated in Figure 4, the width Wf of the main application face 8 may be substantially constant and at a maximum over the distance He along the longitudinal axis X, then decrease towards the free end 13 of the applicator 3 over the length Hd.

[0092] For example, He is between 8 and 12 mm, He being for example 10 mm, and Hd is between 1 and 3 mm, Hd being for example about 2 mm.

[0093] The width W of the cross section of the application member 5, measured parallel to the axis of curvature Y, increases from the stem 4 to a value Lorn at the proximal end 11 of the main application face 8.

[0094] The proximal end 11 of the main application face 8 defines an edge 53 extending substantially perpendicularly to the median plane of symmetry S of the application member and situated at the distance Hm from the stem 4, this distance being, for example, between 2 and 3 mm.

[0095] Moreover, as illustrated in Figure 3, the thickness of the application member 5, measured perpendicularly to the axis of curvature Y in the median plane of symmetry S, may increase from the stem to reach a maximum thickness Lgm, then decrease towards the free end 13. The back 51 of the application member may be substantially planar and parallel to the axis X, from the end 11 of the main application face 8 to the free end 13 of the application member.

[0096] The width Lorn is preferably, as illustrated in Figure 5, greater than the maximum thickness Lgm, which is for example equal to approximately 7 mm.

[0097] Figure 5 shows that the opposite sides of the section corresponding to the main application face 8 and to the back 51 of the application member may be substantially rectilinear and parallel to the axis of curvature Y.

[0098] The flanks 52 of the application member may be substantially steep, being formed, for example, by two inclined surfaces 52a and 52b each having a slight slope relative to the median plane of symmetry S, for example less than 30°.

[0099] The application member 5 also comprises, close to the free end 13, three planar finishing facets 20. Each finishing facet 20 has a surface area smaller than that of the main application face 8, for example at least 10 times smaller.

[0100] A first finishing facet 20a, at the end, may extend substantially in a plane Pl perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, as can be seen in Figure 4.

[0101] A second lateral finishing facet 20b extends from one side 21 of the first application facet 20a in a plane P2 forming, for example, an angle of about 45° with the plane Pl.

[0102] A third lateral finishing facet 20b extends from one side 22 of the first application facet 20a, opposite the side 21, in a plane P3 forming, for example, an angle of about 45° with the plane Pl, as can be seen in Figure 4.

[0103] The thickness of the application member, measured perpendicularly to the axis X and parallel to the plane of symmetry S, may be substantially constant over the part of distance Hd from the main application face 8, from the free end thereof.

[0104] Thus, the portion of the main application face 8 close to the distal end 13 of the application member may be oriented substantially parallel to the axis X, just like the back 51.

[0105] As can be seen in Figure 4, the second and third lateral facets 20b extend over a distance Hd along the longitudinal axis X.

[0106] The application member 5 may be symmetrical relative to a longitudinal median plane perpendicular to the axis of curvature Y and perpendicular to the plane of Figure 4. The applicator 3 includes a gripping member 30 connected to an end (not visible) of the stem 4 opposite the end 6. This gripping member 30 makes it possible to mount the applicator 3 by screwing onto a threaded neck 31 of the receptacle 2.

[0107] The inner space 35 of the receptacle 2 contains the cosmetic product.

[0108] The neck 31 comprises an aperture 36 through which the stem 4 and the application member 5 of the applicator 3 are inserted when the applicator 3 is mounted on the receptacle 2.

[0109] The receptacle 2 comprises a wiping member 37 having a wiping lip 38 defining a wiping orifice 39.

[0110] The wiping orifice 39 has a smaller transverse dimension Dt which is less than the maximum width Lorn of the application member 5.

[0111] As illustrated in Figure 7, the lip 38 advantageously comprises undulations, for example four in number, whose axial amplitude As, measured along the longitudinal axis X of the stem 4 when the applicator 3 is mounted on the receptacle 2, is equal to 30°.

[0112] The orifice 39 may be, in top view, circular or, alternatively, non-circular.

[0113] The stem 4 advantageously comprises a portion 40 of reduced diameter accommodating the lip 38 when the applicator 3 is completely mounted on the receptacle 2. This portion 40 of reduced diameter makes it possible to limit the deformation of the lip 38 in this mounted state.

[0114] When the applicator 3 is extracted from the receptacle 2, the application member 5 expands the lip 38 of the wiping member 37, this expansion being substantial at a distance fairly close to the stem 4, as soon as the end 11 arrives at the wiping orifice.

[0115] The main face 8 is less wiped than the back 51, because of the curvature and its lesser distance from the axis X, and can retain a relatively large reserve of product. The back 51 of the application member is wiped more vigorously, as are the sides of the application member. The presence of a reserve of product on the main application face 8 contributes to the autonomy of the applicator and to the deposition of a thick layer of product, if the user so desires. The concavity of the main face 8 can substantially match the profile of the lower lip notably, which improves the comfort of application and the spreading of the product. The end facets 20a and 20b can be used to accurately outline the lip contour. The edge formed at the end 11 of the main application face tends to form a barrier holding the product in the concavity of the main application face. The invention is not limited to the example that has just been described.

[0116] In particular, the cross section of the application member may, in variants, be substantially square or triangular.

Claims

Claims1. Device (1) for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to the lips, comprising: a receptacle (2) containing the product to be applied, fitted with a wiping member (37) having a wiping lip (38) defining a wiping orifice (39) having a smaller transverse dimension; an applicator (3) for applying the product, comprising: o a stem (4) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), o an application member (5) carried by the stem (4) at one end (6) thereof, the application member having an application surface (10) defining a main application face (8) having a generally curved shape about an axis of curvature (Y) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the stem (4), the application member having a width (W), measured parallel to the axis of curvature, which is at a maximum (Lorn) or close to the maximum substantially at a proximal end (11) of the main application face, said width (Lorn) being greater than said smallest transverse dimension of the wiping orifice, the cross section of the application member having a non-circular contour at the proximal end (11) of the main application face (8).

2. Device according to Claim 1, in which the application member defines an edge (53) at the proximal end (11) of the main application face (8).

3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, the cross section of the application member having a substantially polygonal contour at the proximal end of the main application face, the contour of the cross section of the application member at the proximal end of the main application face possibly being generally rectangular or generally square, with rounded vertices, preferably generally rectangular.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, the application member having inclined flanks (52a, 52b) at an angle of less than 30°, better still less than 20°, with a median plane of symmetry (S) for the application member, and, preferably, the application member includes two flanks that meet substantially halfway through thethickness of the application member, the width of the application member being at a maximum at this junction.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the wiping lip (38) of the wiping member (37) of the receptacle includes undulations, the stem (4) of the applicator (3) having a circular cross section with a diameter of between 4 mm and 10 mm.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the maximum width, measured parallel to the axis of curvature (Y), of the application member (5) is strictly greater than the maximum thickness of the application member.

7. Device according to the preceding claim, the main application face (8), situated on the side of the concavity formed by the curvature of the application member, having a radius of curvature (R), which may or may not be constant, of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, including inclined facets (20b) at the end of the applicator.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the application surface (10) of the application member (5) comprises, in addition to the main application face (8), at least one finishing facet (20a; 20b) in a distal portion, notably at least two finishing facets (20b), the area of each finishing facet (20) being smaller than the area of the main application face (8).

10. Device according to the preceding claim, in which said at least one finishing facet (20a; 20b) is substantially planar.

11. Device according to the preceding claim, in which at least two of the finishing facets (20b) each extend generally in a plane forming a non-zero angle with the 1 ‘longitudinal axis (X), notably an angle of between 20° and 70°.

12. Device according to one of Claims 9 to 11, in which the application member (5) comprises at least three finishing facets (20), a first finishing facet (20a), at the end, being located at a free end (13) of the applicator (3), and at least two other finishing facets (20b) extending to the proximal end of the applicator from the first finishing facet (20a).

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the application member (5) comprises flocking.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the receptacle (2) comprises a lip makeup product, notably a lipstick or a lip gloss.

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the application member (5) is solid.

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