Assembly for applying a product to a body surface and related method

Abstract

Assembly for applying a product to a body surface and related method The assembly (10) comprises a plate (14) comprising product detachable from a support element (26). It comprises an applicator (12), comprising: - a handle (50), extending along a first axis (D-D'), and - a head (52), extending along a second axis (E-E'), the head (52) comprising a profile (72) of U-shaped cross-section, having turned-up wings (78A, 78B) defining a notch (80) of inverted T- shaped cross-section. The plate (14) is movable in translation along the profile (72) between a disengaged position from the profile (72) and an engaged position in the profile (72) wherein the support element (26) is received in the notch (80) with clamping of the attachment portion (40).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Assembly for applying a product to a body surface and related method

[0003] The present invention relates to an assembly for applying a cosmetic product, in particular fibers, to a body surface, comprising at least one product support plate comprising a flat and substantially parallelepipedal product support element, and product detachable from the product support element, in particular a bundle of fibers, carried by the product support element, the product support element comprising a product support portion to which product is attached and an attachment portion.

[0004] Such an assembly is intended in particular for the application of a bundle of fibers, notably for masking or correcting local alopecia, or low hair density, for example present on the eyebrows or beard or scalp. Such an assembly is also intended for the application of a bundle of fibers for a change of color or an intensification of color (natural or not) of hairs, for example to darken a fair region.

[0005] In a variant, the cosmetic product is a cosmetic product detachable from a support, for example formed from beads, encapsulated cosmetic product, or a compact powder.

[0006] By “cosmetic product” means more generally any product as defined in Council Directive 93 / 35 / EEC of June 14, 1993.

[0007] FR3039368A1 describes a cosmetic treatment method aimed at applying fibers to a body surface, in order to fill for example thinning eyebrow zones, caused by eyebrow alopecia or low-density eyebrows. In this method, the fibers are placed in contact with an adhesive composition applied to a body surface by means of an applicator, then the applicator is moved away from the body surface so as to free the fibers which adhere to the body surface.

[0008] The applicator described in this document includes a gripping part to which fibers are temporarily attached, the assembly being disposed in a packaging.

[0009] The applicator may for example be as described in EP448955 with a flat support on one face of which the fibers are disposed in an organized manner. These fibers are held weakly on the support using a film of matter.

[0010] The use of such an applicator to implement the method described in FR3039368A1 is not fully satisfactory.

[0011] Indeed, holding and handling the gripping part with the fingers causes a high risk of contact between the fingers and the fibers. This can result in disorganization or crushing of the fibers, as well as fiber loss. This is particularly the case when applying fibers to the body surface where handling is performed with poor visibility during application. Such degradation of fiber organization before or during application, as well as the lack of visibility affect the visual appeal and realism of the result after application.

[0012] Moreover, handling the gripping part with the fingers, as described in FR3039368A1 , may in some cases be impractical and result in a lack of precision for targeting the desired application zone. Furthermore, any contact between fingers and fibers results in fiber contamination and therefore poorer hygiene.

[0013] An aim of the invention is that of providing an assembly for applying a product, in particular fibers, to a body surface making it possible to implement a simple application action and resulting in a satisfactory aesthetic result by allowing precise and hygienic application of the product.

[0014] For this purpose, the invention relates to an assembly for applying a product of the aforementioned type, characterized by an applicator comprising:

[0015] - a gripping and handling handle, extending along a first axis, and

[0016] - an attachment head, extending from a proximal end connected to the handle to a free distal end along a second axis, the head comprising a profile of U-shaped crosssection, having turned-up wings defining a notch of inverted T-shaped cross-section, the product support plate being movable in translation along the profile between a disengaged position from the profile and an engaged position in the profile wherein the product support element is received in the notch with clamping of the attachment portion.

[0017] The attachment portion of the product support plate, once engaged in the notch of the attachment head, is firmly attached to the applicator. The gripping and handling handle then allows a user to hold the applicator and place the product, in particular fibers, in contact with the body surface without handling the product directly, or being likely to touch it accidentally, and then merely move the applicator away after adhesion of the product to the body surface. The application action is simple and precise, it ensures the integrity of the organization of the product during application and provides optimal visibility for the user. An aesthetic result is therefore readily achieved also thanks to the handling precision provided by such an applicator.

[0018] The risk of contact between the product and fingers is reduced, ensuring appropriate hygiene.

[0019] Finally, moving the attachment portion between the engaged position and the disengaged position allows the replacement of the product support plate between two applications, while reusing the same applicator, which reduces costs and decreases the quantity of waste produced.

[0020] According to one alternative embodiment, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature: - the turned-up wings bear against or are disposed facing the attachment portion when the product support plate is in the engaged position.

[0021] The product support plate is thus held firmly on the applicator, ensuring precise application, while providing a cleared space for the product to pass through. Furthermore, the risk of the attachment portion of the product support element becoming stuck is minimized, particularly during insertion into the attachment head of the applicator.

[0022] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0023] - the turned-up wings enter a side of the product support element when the product support plate is in the engaged position.

[0024] The product support plate is also held very firmly on the applicator, ensuring precise application. The entry of the turned-up wings into the side of the plate improves the reliability of the hold of the attachment portion of the product support in the attachment head of the applicator at a low cost

[0025] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0026] - the profile defines at the free distal end of the head a lateral insertion notch of the product support plate, one of the turned-up wings being shorter than the other of the turned- up wings along the longitudinal axis of the profile in the direction of movement from the handle to a free distal end of the head.

[0027] The lateral notch facilitates the insertion of the attachment portion into the attachment head of the applicator, leaving a free zone to receive the end of the plate, even if its alignment with the axis of the notch is imperfect. The alignment is then corrected during the insertion of the attachment portion toward the engaged position.

[0028] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0029] - the attachment head comprises a stop limiting the insertion of the product support element along the longitudinal axis of the profile.

[0030] The stop blocks the translation of the attachment portion when the latter has reached the optimal position for application. Thus, the product is positioned appropriately and reproducibly from one plate to another, such that the user can expect the same aesthetic result when successively using the applicator. Moreover, the risk of crushing the product by plate overtravel is prevented.

[0031] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0032] - the stop is offset along the longitudinal axis of the profile relative to a proximal end of the profile closest to the stop, the profile and the stop delimiting between them at least one intermediate disengagement space of the product support plate toward its disengaged position. The offset between the stop and the proximal end of the profile closest to the stop creates a clearance zone allowing the user to disengage the product support plate from the applicator. This disengagement is simple to implement, particularly using a finger or a tool by inserting the finger or the tool into the intermediate space and pushing the plate toward the disengaged position. It is thus easy for the user to use several plates in succession.

[0033] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0034] - the attachment head comprises a brake, protruding from the profile to bias the attachment portion of the product support element against the turned-up wings in the engaged position.

[0035] The brake makes it possible to improve the reliability of the hold of the product support plate on the applicator. Moreover, the risk of product disorganization due to overtravel of the plate is limited, because the user detects that it is reaching the engaged position when the plate starts cooperating with the brake.

[0036] According to one alternative embodiment, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0037] - the turned-up wings converge toward one another by being closer to one another at their proximal end closest to the handle.

[0038] The convergence of the two turned-up wings simplifies applicator manufacture by molding, facilitating mold release of the attachment head. Similarly, inserting the product support plate into the attachment head is simpler initially, given the larger width of the notch between the wings at the start of plate travel between the disengaged position and the engaged position.

[0039] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0040] - the attachment head comprises a guard element of the product carried by the product support plate, the guard element protruding relative to the turned-up wings from an upper surface of the turned-up wings.

[0041] The guard element ensures a lateral hold of the product in their regions in the vicinity of the plate, which limits the risk of crushing the product, without affecting their accessibility during application to the body surface.

[0042] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0043] - the guard element comprises protruding elements in particular teeth and / or styling bristles.

[0044] The styling bristles make it possible, on one hand, to produce a guard element with a lower quantity of material and, on the other, to provide a tool for styling / combing fibers after their application to the body surface.

[0045] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature: - the first axis and the second axis are separate and parallel with one another.

[0046] The offset between the first axis and the second axis improves the ergonomics of use of the applicator by providing a clearance between the handle held by the user’s hand and the attachment head. Furthermore, visibility is increased during application of the product, providing a simple action.

[0047] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0048] - a stiffening rib disposed between the head and the gripping handle.

[0049] The stiffening rib minimizes the risk of deformation of the applicator at the connection between the attachment head and the gripping handle, which is the most fragile portion of the applicator.

[0050] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0051] - the first axis and the second axis are separate and form a non-zero angle between them.

[0052] The non-zero angle between the first and the second axis improves ergonomics and visibility during application of the product.

[0053] In a variant, the assembly for applying a product comprises the following feature:

[0054] - the handle comprises a flat or hollowed bearing face, opposite the head, configured to allow a stable hold of the applicator on a planar surface.

[0055] The planar bearing surface makes it possible to lay the applicator flat on a support, for example after loading a support plate into the applicator, providing increased stability, while limiting the risk of crushing the product. Alternatively, a hollowed surface also provides effective stability, while limiting costs and environmental impact by the material reduction obtained and optionally simplifying the injection of the handle.

[0056] In alternative variants:

[0057] - the handle has lateral edges converging toward one another in a direction perpendicular to the first axis, in the direction of the bearing face;

[0058] - one end of the attachment and gripping handle located opposite the attachment head comprises or is configured to receive an application and / or cosmetic treatment tool, in particular a fiber combing brush.

[0059] Incorporating a fiber combing brush into the applicator provides a versatile tool, suitable for both applying and styling fibers.

[0060] The invention also relates to a method for applying a product to a body surface, comprising the following steps:

[0061] - providing a device as defined above;

[0062] - application by a user of an adhesive composition to the body surface;

[0063] - holding by a user of the applicator handle; - translational movement of the product support plate in translation along the profile between the disengaged position from the profile and the engaged position in the profile wherein the product support element is received in the notch with clamping of the attachment portion; and

[0064] - moving the applicator head opposite the adhesive composition on the body surface to place product, in particular free ends of fibers, in contact with the adhesive composition;

[0065] - detaching the product from the product support plate by moving the applicator away from the body surface.

[0066] The invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given solely as a non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0067] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly for applying a cosmetic product in the form of fibers, according to the invention, comprising an applicator and a product support plate,

[0068] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the applicator of Figure 1 ,

[0069] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the applicator of Figure 1 ,

[0070] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a perspective close-up view of the attachment head of the applicator of Figure 1 ,

[0071] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a top view of a plate drawer of a packaging and dispensing system according to the invention, the drawer occupying a planar configuration before its folding and insertion into a housing of the packaging system,

[0072] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the packaging system according to the invention, after insertion of the drawer into the housing;

[0073] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a section of a region of a product support plate, taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the plate.

[0074] A first assembly 10 for applying a cosmetic product to a body surface is illustrated in Figures 1 to 7.

[0075] The cosmetic product is here formed by fibers which will be described in detail below.

[0076] In a variant, the cosmetic product is a cosmetic product detachable from a support, for example formed from beads, encapsulated cosmetic product, or a compact powder.

[0077] The product application assembly 10 includes an applicator 12 and at least one product support plate 14, illustrated schematically in Figure 1.

[0078] The product application assembly 10 advantageously comprises a system 16 for packaging and dispensing product support plates 14, seen notably in Figure 6. The product application assembly 10 further includes at least one container 19 for receiving an adhesive composition intended to be applied to the body surface to retain the product on the body surface.

[0079] The adhesive composition contained in the container 19 is as described in FR3039368. It is suitable for application to the skin, and for cosmetic use.

[0080] The adhesive composition comprises or consists of an adhesive. In the context of the present invention , by “adhesive”, it should be understood a polymer or a polymeric system which may comprise one or more polymers of different kinds. This adhesive is advantageously in the form of a polymer solution or a dispersion of polymer particles in a solvent.

[0081] This adhesive may comprise a plasticizer. This adhesive material has a sticking power defined by its viscoelastic properties. The adhesives are notably chosen from “Pressure- Sensitive Adhesive” type adhesives, for example, such as those cited in the “Handbook of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology” 3rd edition, D. Satas. The pressure-sensitive adhesives are notably chosen from acrylic polymers, notably acrylate and methacrylate copolymers, pressure-sensitive adhesives based on rubber or based on styrene copolymers, for example such as styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and styrene-butadiene- styrene (SBS) copolymers. They may furthermore consist of urethane polymers, polyurethanes, silicones, such as Bio-PSAs, ethylene vinyl acetate polymers, block copolymers based on styrene or natural gums, chloroprene, butadiene, isoprene, neoprene or similar.

[0082] As non-limiting examples of pressure-sensitive adhesives based on rubber polymers, mention may be made notably of natural rubber (poly(cis-1 ,4-isoprene)), grafted methyl- methacrylate-isoprene copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, butyl rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene block copolymers, polybutadiene, ethylene-butylene block copolymers and polychloroprene. Among the pressure-sensitive adhesives comprising polar acrylic polymers, mention may be made of block or statistical copolymers based on acrylic acid, alkyl acrylates and alkyl methacrylates, as well as copolymers of these acrylics with ethylene and vinyl acetate.

[0083] As other pressure-sensitive adhesives, mention may be made of copolymers of butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate and acrylic acid, these copolymers being commercially available for example under the brand RODERM 560 (Rohm and Haas). An example of a pressure-sensitive adhesive that may be particularly suitable is poly(2-ethylhexylacrylate), for example that commercially available under the brand GEL-TAC 100G (Advanced Polymer 30 International), as a 40% solid aqueous dispersion of adhesive acrylic microspheres of 15 microns. Examples of suitable acrylic copolymers are commercially available under the brands EASTAREZ 2010, 2020 and 2050 (Eastman Chemical Co.), ACRONAL V210 (BASF), MOWILITH LDM 7255, REVACRYL 491 (Clariant) and FLEXBOND 165 (Air Products). Commercial examples of polymeric rubbers that may be suitable are known under the brands RICON 130 polybutadiene (Atofina Sartomer) and ISOLENE 40 polyisoprene (Elementis). Examples of polyurethane-based adhesives that may be suitable are available under the brands SANCURE 2104 (Noveon) and VYLON UR 1400 (Toyobo 10 VYLON). Examples of vinyl acetate copolymers that may be suitable are commercially available under the brands PVP / VA 6-630 (International Specialty Products) and FLEXBOND 149 (Air Products). Examples of vinyl alcohol / vinyl acetate copolymers are commercially available under the brands CELVOL 107 (Celanese) and ELVANOL 50-42 (Dupont). Mention may also be made of block or statistical copolymers comprising at least one monomer or a combination of monomers of which the resulting polymer at a glass transition temperature lower than ambient temperature (25 °C), where these monomers or combinations of monomers may be chosen from butadiene, ethylene, propylene, isoprene, isobutylene, a silicone, and mixtures thereof. Examples of such materials are styrene- butadiene-styrene, styrene-(ethylene-butylene)-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene block polymers such as those sold under the trade names “Kraton” from the Kraton company or “Vector” from the Dexco Polymers company.

[0084] The adhesives may further include tackifying resins, such as rosins or rosin derivatives such as hydrogenated rosins, rosin esters, hydrogenated rosin esters, terpenes, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon resins, phenolic resins, styrene and coumarone-indene resins. Compounds such as gum lacquer, gum sandarac, dammars, elemi, copals, benzoin, and gum mastic will also be mentioned. Mention may also be made of: silicone resins, which are crosslinked polyorganosiloxane polymers. The nomenclature of silicone resins is known under the name “MDTQ”, the resin being described according to the various siloxane monomeric units comprised therein, each of the letters “MDTQ” characterizing a type of unit. Among these resins, mention may be made in particular of siloxysilicate resins which may be trimethylsiloxysilicates of formula RCH3)3XSiXOLX(SiO4 / 2)5, (MQ units) wherein x and y are integers ranging from 50 to 80, - lipo-dispersible film-forming polymers in the form of non-aqueous dispersions of polymer particles, also called “NAD”. As a non-aqueous dispersion of hydrophobic film-forming polymer, grafted ethylenic, preferably acrylic, polymer particle dispersions in a liquid oily phase may be used for example, in the form of surface-stabilized particles dispersed in the liquid fatty phase. The surface-stabilized polymer particle dispersion may be manufactured as described in document WO 04 / 055081. Mention may also be made of dispersions of C1-C4 alkyl (meth)acrylate polymer particles; stabilized with a stabilizing agent chosen from isobornyl (meth)acrylate polymers, as described in document WO 2015 / 091513. UV-reactive adhesives may furthermore be used. In examples, Pros-Aide (acrylic latex) Cream Blend 331 Adhesive, or AQ1350 Eastman Chemical adhesive (sulfonic polyester soluble polymer), or green DUO® adhesive marketed by the Ardell® company on the website www.ardellshop.com is used.

[0085] Preferably, the adhesive of the adhesive composition is applied to the body surface in a continuous film, particularly when the product density on the applicator is not too high.

[0086] Alternatively, the adhesive is applied by arranging non-adhesive zones between the adhesive zones, which provides control over the density and distribution of the product that remains attached to the body surface. This reduces the quantity of product that transfers, and obtains a more natural result, notably when the product density on the applicator is high.

[0087] When the adhesive zones are disjointed, two adjacent adhesive zones may be spaced apart from one another by a distance (measured from edge to edge) ranging from 30 microns to 3 mm, better still from 100 microns to 1 mm. The size of the spaces between two adjacent adhesive zones, separated by a non-adhesive zone, ranges for example from 30 pm to 3 mm, better still 100 pm to 1 mm.

[0088] The adhesive zones may be in the form of a lattice, preferably a lattice of dots, notably a lattice of dots of 300 microns to 3 mm in diameter. Alternatively, the adhesive zones are in the form of a lattice of lines, or a lattice of lines and dots, or a grid. The lattice may be regular or not. An irregular, particularly random or pseudo-random, lattice is advantageous in that it makes it possible to impart a more natural appearance.

[0089] In the case of a lattice of dots, the latter may be of any shape, for example circular or non-circular. All the dots of the lattice may be of the same shape, or alternatively within the lattice the shape and / or size of the dots changes, for example with a variation in size or shape according to the location within the lattice. Preferably, the shape of the dots is circular. Also preferably, the lattice is irregular, with a non-constant spacing between two adjacent dots.

[0090] The adhesive zones may be formed by any suitable means, being for example formed using an adhesive applicator arranged to deposit the adhesive on the skin at locations spaced apart from one another. The adhesive zones may be formed using a dispenser including at least one dispensing nozzle equipped with a dispensing orifice through which the adhesive is dispensed. An applicator which transfers the adhesive by dabbing may be used. In one alternative embodiment, the adhesive is applied using a stencil. The adhesive may be applied by spraying, notably through the stencil.

[0091] The adhesive may be applied by sticking one or more adhesive objects to the skin, notably in the form of patches. In particular, the patches may consist of a double-sided adhesive film, coated on either side with a removable protective film. The double-sided adhesive film is pre-cut into patches. The density of adhesive zones ranges for example from 4 per cm2 to 700 per cm2, better between 10 per cm2 and 50 per cm2, even better between 20 per cm2 and 30 per cm2.

[0092] As illustrated in Figure 1 , each support plate 14 includes a substantially parallelepipedal flat product support element 26, product formed here by a bundle 27 of fibers 28 carried by the product support element 26 and a material 30 for retaining the product on the product support element 26.

[0093] Preferably, the product support element 26 is made of cellulosic material.

[0094] Cellulosic material comprises cellulosic fibers arranged in a three-dimensional structure. These cellulosic fibers can come from paper pulp produced from wood fibers or plants.

[0095] The cellulosic material thus comprises for example paper fiber, cardboard fiber, wood fiber, or plant fiber, or paper pulp, or cardboard pulp, or a mixture of these materials.

[0096] Using this type of material has the advantage of coming from renewable resources and thus reducing the use of raw material from the petrochemical sector. These materials can be recycled in the recycling channels dedicated to paper and cardboard. In some advantageous cases, they may also benefit from the biodegradability of cellulosic fibers. Thus, the use of these materials improves the recyclability and / or degradability of the product support element 26, these materials also advantageously being able to be obtained from recycling channels.

[0097] The cellulosic fibers may for example come from trees (for example from resinous fibers, such as pine, fir or spruce or from hardwood fibers, such as birch, beech, poplar, aspen, acacia or eucalyptus), plants, such as bamboo, flax or hemp, or agricultural byproducts such as bagasse, fibrous sugar cane residue, wheat straw, rice straw, maize stems or a mixture of these materials.

[0098] The product support element 26 made of cellulosic material is for example provided with a coating of another kind affixed to its inner surface and / or to its outer surface. The purpose of this coating is to protect the fibers and improve the surface properties of the object made from these fibers.

[0099] The materials used for the coating are generally layers, varnishes, resins that can be organic (polyethylene - PE, polypropylene - PP, polyethylene terephthalate - PET, acrylics or acrylic derivatives, latex, polyhydroxyalkanoate - PHA, polylactic acid - PLA, waxes, paraffins derived from algae or starch) or inorganic (aluminum oxide, silicon oxide for example) and deposited in thicknesses which could range from a few nanometers to several hundred microns. Advantageously, as illustrated in Figure 7, the product support element 26 is formed by a first lower stiffening layer 46 made of cellulosic material, having two opposite sheets separated by flutes, having an amplitude Fl and an undulation period PI.

[0100] It further comprises a second upper layer 48 assembled on the first lower layer 46 intended to carry the product, in particular the fibers 28. The second upper layer 48 also has two opposite sheets separated by flutes, having an amplitude FS less than the amplitude Fl and / or an undulation period PS less than the undulation period PI.

[0101] Thus, the first lower layer 46 provides structural stiffness to each product support element 26, while offering a lower material cost. The second upper layer 48 has a smoother surface appearance than the first lower layer 46, which is advantageous for the retaining material 30 and the product, in particular the fibers 28.

[0102] The flutes are either macroscopic to form a corrugated cardboard, or micro- or nanoscopic to form micro- or nano-flutes, respectively.

[0103] Alternatively, the product support element 26 is formed from a single layer, in particular a single layer of flat or corrugated cardboard.

[0104] With reference to Figures 1 and 7, the product support element 26 extends along a longitudinal axis A-A'. It has a thickness, measured along an elevation axis C-C’ perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A’ at least twice, notably at least five times less than its maximum length, measured along the longitudinal axis A-A’, and at least twice, notably at least three times less than its maximum width, measured along a transverse axis B-B’. These dimensions give it its flat shape.

[0105] In the example of Figure 7, the flutes extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis A-A’

[0106] The product support element 26 has two lateral edges 32A, 32B, a free edge 34, and an opposite edge 36, which has been advantageously detached from the packaging and dispensing system 16.

[0107] As will be seen below, the contour of the product support element 26 here has a trapezoidal shape, the free edge 34 and the opposite edge 36 being parallel to one another, the lateral edges 32A, 32B converging toward one another from the detached edge to the free edge 34.

[0108] The width of the free edge 34 measured along the transverse axis B-B’ is less than 10%, notably less than 5% and advantageously less than 2% of the width of the opposite edge 36, also measured along the transverse axis B-B’.

[0109] This imparts a substantially parallelepipedal shape to the product support element 26. As will be seen below, the trapezoidal shape of the contour of the product support element 26 allows simpler insertion of the product support element 26 into the applicator 12, as well as easier manufacture of the packaging and dispensing system 16.

[0110] The product support element 26 includes a central product support portion 38 and a peripheral attachment portion 40 in the applicator 12.

[0111] The peripheral portion 40 is formed by two longitudinal holding curbs 42 extending along the lateral edges 32A, 32B, advantageously protruding relative to the central product support portion 38. The curbs 42 are devoid of product, in particular of fibers 28.

[0112] In this example, the central product support portion 38 is formed by a depression 44 provided between the curbs 42. The depression 44 opens here axially between the curbs 42 at the free edge 34 and the detached edge 36. It receives the retaining material.

[0113] Alternatively (not shown), the product support portion 38 and the peripheral portion 40 are flush. The upper surface of the product support element 26 is devoid of relief up to its lateral edges 32A, 32B.

[0114] The retaining material 30 is advantageously configured so that the adhesion force FA of the product, in particular the fibers 28 of the bundle 27, to the adhesive composition is strictly greater than the retention force FR of the product, in particular the fibers on the retaining material 30.

[0115] Preferably, the adhesion force FA is greater than 1 .5 times the retention force FR, notably greater than 2 times the retention force FR.

[0116] This ensures that the fibers are indeed detached from the product support element 26. The force FE to be exerted on the fibers to free them from the product support element 26 is advantageously less than or equal to 20 mN, particularly less than or equal to 15 mN.

[0117] The retaining material 30 is for example an adhesive as defined above for the adhesive composition, but providing a retention force of the product less than that of the adhesive composition.

[0118] Alternatively, the retaining material 30 is sensitive to a stimulus, such as a thermal or chemical stimulus, to modify the adhesion force of the product to the product support element 26. Examples of retaining materials of this type are given in FR3039368.

[0119] Preferably, the product, in particular the fibers 28, are separated completely from the product support element 26 during their contact with the adhesive composition.

[0120] Also alternatively, as described in FR3039368, the fibers 28 have a frangible zone which breaks when the free end of the fiber is applied to the adhesive composition, separating the fiber into a region applied to the adhesive composition and a region remaining on the product support element 26. In the particular example shown in Figure 1 , the retaining material 30 is disposed here in the central depression 44. In any case, it is placed away from the curbs 42, so that the curbs 42 are devoid of product, in particular of fibers 28.

[0121] The fibers 28 protrude from the central product support portion 38, away from the peripheral attachment portion 40, having a first end 49A received in the retaining material 30 to be connected to the central product support portion 38 and a second free end 49B disposed away from the central product support portion 38, perpendicularly to a guiding surface defined by the central product support portion 38.

[0122] In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 7, the fibers 28 form a bundle 27 having a substantially parallelepipedal shape.

[0123] The density of fibers 28 is for example greater than 500 fibers per cm2, and is notably between 700 fibers and 2800 fibers per cm2, in particular when the fibers have a linear density between 40 and 50 decitex and a length between 4 mm and 6 mm, and notably a linear density of 44 decitex and a length of 5 mm.

[0124] The density of the fibers 28 depends on both the linear density of the fibers and their length, and more specifically on the ratio between their length and their linear density (length / linear density). Indeed, the thinner and / or longer the fibers, the more they tend to bend and thus individually occupy a larger surface area than they would occupy if they were more rectilinear, thus lowering the fiber density.

[0125] Thus, the density of fibers 28 may be greater than the values indicated in the particular example above, when the ratio of the fiber length / fiber linear density is less than in this example, due to a fiber linear density value greater than those indicated in this example for the same fiber length value or a fiber length value less than those indicated in this example for the same fiber linear density value.

[0126] Similarly, the density of fibers 28 may be less than the values indicated in the particular example above, when the fiber length / fiber linear density ratio is greater than in this example, due to a fiber length value greater than those indicated in this example for the same fiber linear density value or a fiber linear density value less than those indicated in this example for the same fiber length value.

[0127] The fiber density is not necessarily homogeneous and may vary to better reproduce a natural implantation. The distance between two adjacent fibers 28 on the product support element 26 is preferably between 150 microns and 250 microns.

[0128] The fibers of the bundle 27 of fibers 28 are each an object with a length L and diameter D such that L is greater than D and preferably, much greater than D, D being the diameter of the circle wherein the section of the fiber is inscribed. In particular, the L / D ratio (or form factor) is chosen from the range of 3.5 to 2500, notably from 5 to 15,500, and better from 5 to 150.

[0129] In particular, their ends are blunt and / or polished in order to prevent injury.

[0130] For example, the fibers 28 have a length ranging for example from 0.5 mm to 20 mm from their first end 49A to their second end 49B. In particular, their section is between 20 pm and 120 pm, notably between 30 pm and 100 pm, even better between 40 pm and 80 pm.

[0131] The weight or linear density of the fibers 28 is often given in denier or decitex and represents the weight in grams for 9 km of yarn. For example, the fibers 28 have a linear density chosen from the range from 0.1 denier to 100 denier, preferably from 1 denier to 70 denier and better from 5 denier to 60 denier.

[0132] The fibers 28 are organized in the form of a bundle 27 of parallel fibers on the product support element 26. The fibers 28 are advantageously disposed on the product support element 26 by being oriented perpendicularly to the product support portion 26 or by making an angle with the normal to the product support portion 26, notably an angle of up to 45°.

[0133] Advantageously, all the fibers 28 extend substantially parallel to one another, along the longitudinal perpendicular elevation axis C-C’, and to a transverse axis B-B’.

[0134] The fibers of the bundle 27 of fibers 28 are for example fibers of synthetic or natural, mineral or organic origin. They are short or long, single units or organized for example in braids, hollow or solid. Their shape has notably a circular or polygonal (square, hexagonal or octagonal) section according to the specific application considered.

[0135] The fibers 28 are notably silk, cotton, wool, linen fibers, cellulose fibers, extracted for example from wood, vegetables or seaweed, fibers of rayon, polyamide (Nylon(c)), viscose, acetate, notably rayon acetate, acrylic polymer, notably polymethyl methacrylate or poly 2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate, polyolefin and notably polyethylene or polypropylene, glass, silica, carbon notably in graphite form, polytetrafluoroethylene (such as Teflon), insoluble collagen, polyesters, polyvinyl or polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylonitrile, chitosan, polyurethane, polyethylene phthalate, fibers formed from a mixture of polymers such as those mentioned above, such as polyamide / polyester fibers.

[0136] Preferably, the fibers 28 are polyamide 6-6 fibers.

[0137] Moreover, the fibers 28 are advantageously surface-treated, notably coated with a layer for protection or intended to give them a color.

[0138] It is possible to use “Kanekalon” brand flame-retardant acrylic fibers. The fibers are for example those marketed under the reference Minkeprops SKINTEX Flock ref 590502. Alternatively, polyamide and / or cellulosic fibers such as viscose (or Rayon) fibers are used. The bundle 27 of fibers 28 is formed for example from identical fibers or alternatively from a mixture of fibers which differ from one another by length, section, material, shape and / or section.

[0139] The use of fibers 28 of different lengths has the advantage of imparting a more natural result.

[0140] The bundle 27 of fibers 28 includes for example a mixture of colors, in particular a mixture of gray and white or black and white fibers.

[0141] Thus, the fibers 28 are configured to treat the hair area, the eyebrows or the beard, or the scalp. It is possible to create several densities, ranging from low density to supplement or reproduce thinning hair, to denser hair. It is possible to create thinning beard effects, the appearance of which can give a particularly aesthetic youthful appearance. It is also possible to reproduce densities similar to natural densities (distance between hairs of about 200 pm), the advantage of which is to render the addition of the fibers 28 undetectable both close-up and from a distance. Densities greater than natural densities may be reproduced in order to create bushy effects or capable of hiding skin irregularities.

[0142] With reference to Figure 1 , the applicator 12 includes an elongated handle 50, intended to be held with one of the user’s hands, an attachment head 52 of product support plates 14, and in this example, a connection arm 54 between the handle 50 and the head 52.

[0143] The applicator 12 advantageously comprises, opposite the head 52 on the handle 50, an auxiliary application and / or cosmetic treatment tool 56.

[0144] The handle 50 extends longitudinally along a first axis D-D', between a proximal end 58 on which the tool 56 is optionally mounted, and a distal connection end 60 to the attachment head 52, via the arm 54.

[0145] Hereinafter, the term “proximal” is generally understood to mean closer to a user’s hand holding the applicator 12 by the handle 50. The term “distal” is generally understood to mean farther away from a user’s hand holding the applicator 12 by the handle.

[0146] The handle 50 has, opposite the head 52, a planar or hollowed face 62 intended to bear the applicator 12 on a support.

[0147] When the face 62 bears on a horizontal support, the head 52 protrudes above the handle 50, advantageously being disposed horizontally, the handle 50 bears stably on the horizontal support. Furthermore, it allows the user to wedge the handle 50 angularly when holding it with their hand.

[0148] With reference to Figure 2, in a section in a plane perpendicular to the axis D-D’, the handle 50 advantageously has two lateral edges 71A, 71 B converging toward one another to the bearing face 62. The edges 71 A, 71 B are for example in the form of a chamfer. Preferably, the handle 50 is therefore wider at a height corresponding to the start of each lateral edge 71A, 71 B than at the face 62.

[0149] When the handle 50 bears stably on a horizontal support via its face 62, intermediate spaces are thus defined under the edges 71 A, 71 B between the horizontal support and the edges 71 A, 71 B to facilitate the user’s fingers holding the handle 50, by limiting the risk of contact with the product, in particular with the fibers 28.

[0150] The head 52 extends along a second parallel axis E-E’ disposed away from the first axis D-D’. This makes it possible to move it closer to the body surface without moving the handle 50 too close, facilitating handling.

[0151] The head 52 extends between a proximal end 66, connected to the handle 50 via the arm 54, and a free distal end 68 for inserting the support plate 14.

[0152] As illustrated by Figures 1 to 4, the head 52 comprises, from its distal end 68, a plate retaining profile 72 and, in the vicinity of its proximal end 66, a plate stop 74, and a brake 76, disposed between the profile 72 and the stop 74. The head 52 advantageously further comprises a stiffening rib 77, disposed under the profile 72.

[0153] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the profile 72 has a U-shaped cross-section on at least a part of its length.

[0154] It includes a base 70, and two opposite wings 78A, 78B protruding from the base 70 to define, with the base 70, a notch 80 of inverted T-shaped cross-section.

[0155] The profile 72 further includes, on the opposite wings 78A, 78B, on either side of the notch 80, guard elements 81 , making it possible to hold the configuration of the fibers 28 of the bundle 27, when the product support plate 14 is inserted into the notch 80.

[0156] The base 70 is planar facing the notch 80. It preferably extends parallel to the planar face 62.

[0157] The base 70 has a slightly convergent elongated shape, from the distal end 68 to the distal end 66. It has two lateral edges 82A, 82B, of convergent shape toward the proximal end 66 from the distal end 68.

[0158] The base 70 defines, on the side of a first edge 82A, a right-angled corner 83, and on the side of a second edge 82B, a rounding 84 intended to facilitate the insertion of a plate into the notch 80.

[0159] The opposite wings 78A, 78B are wings turned up toward one another and toward the second axis E-E’. Each wing 78A, 78B comprises a partition 86 perpendicular to the base 70, and a turned edge 88, directed toward the other wing 78B, 78A facing the base 86.

[0160] The turned edges 88 are spaced apart from one another on either side of the second axis E-E’. The wing 78A located along the edge 82A having a right-angled corner 83 extends along the entire length of the base 70 to the distal end 68.

[0161] The wing 78A located along the edge 82B having a rounding 84 has a shorter length than the wing 78B and stops before the distal end 68. It thus delimits a lateral notch 90, located at the rounding 84 to facilitate holding a product support plate 14, notably if its longitudinal axis A-A’ is not aligned along the second axis E-E’.

[0162] The wings 78A, 78B converge toward one another toward the proximal end 66 from the distal end 68. Thus, the width of the notch 80, measured perpendicularly to the second axis E-E’ decreases from the distal end 68 toward the proximal end 66. Advantageously, the minimum width of the notch 80 corresponds to the width of the free edge 34 of a product support plate 14, whereas the maximum width of the notch 80 is greater than or equal to the width of the opposite edge 36.

[0163] The base 70 and the opposite wings 78A, 78B have a proximal edge located at a distance from the stop 74.

[0164] The stop 74 and the wings 78A, 78B thus delimit between them along the second axis E-E’ the proximal intermediate clearance spaces 92 of the product support plate 14.

[0165] These intermediate spaces 92 are configured to allow the insertion of a user’s finger or a tool which can thus push the product support plate 14 out of the notch 80 by moving it in the direction from the proximal end 66 to the distal end 68.

[0166] The guard elements 81 comprise in this example a plurality of protruding elements 94 aligned along each wing 78A, 78B. The protruding elements 94 are here formed by bristles and / or teeth protruding perpendicularly to the base 94, advantageously from the partition 86 of each wing 78A, 78B.

[0167] Furthermore, the guard element 81 comprises, between each pair of adjacent protruding elements 94, at least one product retaining partition 96.

[0168] In this example, all of the intermediate spaces between protruding elements 94 comprise an intermediate partition 96, the height of which is less than that of the protruding elements 94. A continuous wall is therefore created along each wing 78A, 78B above the turned edge 88 to laterally hold the fibers 28 of the bundle 27.

[0169] The stop 74 protrudes above the base 70, at a distance longitudinally from the end of the base 70. It defines a stop surface 98 extending transversely relative to the second axis E-E’.

[0170] The brake 76 protrudes above the base 70, to a height less than that of the stop 74. It extends longitudinally toward the stop 74, to a proximal edge of the base 70.

[0171] It extends over a part of the width of the base 70 and over a part of the width of the stop 74. The brake 76 is configured to form a progressive movement ramp of the product support element 26 away from the base 70 toward the turned edges 88 of the wings 78A, 78B. This provides increased mechanical resistance to the insertion of the product support plate 14 into the notch 80 at the end of movement travel of the product support plate 14 toward the stop 74. This is detectable by the user to warn them that the stop 74 is getting close. This also allows a more robust application of the peripheral attachment portion 40 against the wings 78A, 78B.

[0172] The rib 77 extends axially, parallel to the second axis E-E' under the base 70 by connecting the base 70 to the arm 54. It limits or prevents twisting of the attachment head 52 toward the first axis D-D’.

[0173] In one embodiment, the applicator 12 is made in a single piece, being formed integrally. In a variant, at least a part of the applicator 12, for example the protruding elements 94 are made of a more flexible material than the rest of the applicator 12, for example of elastomer. This allows combing of the fibers deposited on the body surface, limiting the risk of injury or discomfort of the user. In this example, the applicator 12 is for example produced by molding using bi-injection.

[0174] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the system 16 for packaging and dispensing product support plates 14 comprises a foldable plate drawer 100, and a protective housing 102, intended to receive the drawer 100.

[0175] With reference to Figure 5, the drawer 100 includes a base 104 extending along a longitudinal axis of the drawer F-F', and a plurality of product support plates 14, each connected to the base 104 by a frangible link 106.

[0176] The drawer 100 further comprises a tab 107 for gripping the drawer 100 and / or closing the housing 102, disposed at a longitudinal end of the base 104.

[0177] Advantageously, the base 104, each product support element 26 of a plate 14, and the tab 107 are all manufactured from one piece of cellulosic material, preferably from a sheet of a cellulosic material as described above.

[0178] The base 104 has two lateral edges 108A, 108B, located on either side of the longitudinal axis F-F’, from which the support plates 14 protrude, and two transverse edges 110C, 110D, the tab 107 protruding from a transverse edge 110C.

[0179] The base 104 has, on either side of the axis F-F’, two folds 112 parallel to the axis F- F’ produced through the base 104.

[0180] The folds 112 define between them an intermediate bearing portion 114, and on either side of the bearing portion 114, attachment portions 116A, 116B intended to fold relative to the intermediate portion 114 to form protruding edges bearing the product support plates 14. The folds 112 are for example embodied by a groove, or a partial cut through the thickness of the base 104.

[0181] Thus, the base 104 is foldable between a planar configuration for cutting and attaching the product, in particular the fibers 28 to the product support plates 14 and a profiled configuration for inserting the drawer 100 into the housing 102.

[0182] In the planar cutting and attachment configuration, seen in Figure 5, the attachment portions 116A, 116B and the intermediate connection portion 114 are coplanar. This simplifies cutting of the contour of the base 104 from a sheet and deposition of the product, in particular the fibers 28, on the product support portions 38 of the product support elements 26.

[0183] In the profiled insertion configuration, seen in Figure 6, the folds 112 have been folded to form a profile of U-shaped cross-section, wherein the intermediate portion 114 extends in a plane, and the attachment portions 116A, 116B and the product support plates 14 located in the extension from the attachment portions 116A, 116B extend substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the intermediate portion 114.

[0184] The total number N of product support plates 14 protruding from the base 104 is greater than two, preferably greater than four, notably between 10 and 30.

[0185] Each of the lateral edges 108A, 108B of the base 104 is advantageously connected to a integer number of product support plates 14 equal to N / 2, N+1 / 2, or N-1 / 2.

[0186] Thus, the product support plates 14 are distributed on either side of the base 104, which ensures maximum compactness in the profiled configuration wherein the drawer 100 is received in the housing 102.

[0187] Moreover, the product support plates 14 located along a lateral edge 108A are offset along the longitudinal axis F-F’ relative to the product support plates 14 located along another lateral edge 108B.

[0188] Thus, the bundles 27 of fibers 28 from product support plates 14 located on opposite edges 108A, 108B move closer to one another when switching to the profiled configuration, the fibers 28 of the bundles 27 extending perpendicularly to each central product support portion 38 toward one another facing the intermediate portion 114.

[0189] Nevertheless, thanks to the aforementioned axial offset along the longitudinal axis F- F’, the product support portions 38 and the bundles 27 of fibers 28 are disposed in a staggered manner on either side of the axis F-F’, as seen in Figure 6.

[0190] On each lateral edge 108A, 108B, the product support plates 14 adjacent to one another along the edge 108A, 108B are separated pairwise by a distance between 100% and 120% of the maximum width of a product support plate 14, measured along the axis F- F’. This furthermore helps prevent any interaction between the bundles 27 of fibers 28 of the product support plates 14 located along a first edge 108A with the bundles 27 of fibers 28 of the product support plates 14 located along the other edge 108B in the profiled configuration.

[0191] The frangible links 106 connecting the edges 36 of the product support plates 14 to the attachment portions 116 of the base 104 are for example formed by thinner lines, grooves, disjointed perforating cuts, or continuous mid-layer cuts, in particular when the base 106 and the support plate 14 are formed from one or more layers 46, 48 of cellulosic material, as seen in Figure 7.

[0192] The tab 107 protrudes from a transverse edge 110C. It is connected to the transverse edge 110C by a fold 120.

[0193] The fold 120 is for example formed from a first central section 122 formed from a through cut, and two lateral grooved or partially cut sections 124 to ensure effective folding of the tab 107 and holding in a folded position perpendicular to the base 104, wherein it can seal the housing 102.

[0194] As illustrated by Figure 6, the housing 102 comprises a bottom 130, two lateral walls 132A, 132B and at least one transverse wall 134 protruding relative to the bottom 130, perpendicularly to the bottom.

[0195] The housing 102 further comprises an upper wall 136 and defines at least one window 138 which is here arranged in the upper wall 136.

[0196] The walls 132A, 132B, the bottom 130 and the upper wall 136 delimit at least one insertion opening 140 of the drawer 100, which extends here to an axial end of the housing 102 opposite the transverse wall 134. The drawer 100 in the profiled configuration is configured to be inserted into the housing 102 and extracted from the housing through the insertion opening 140 by a relative translational movement of the drawer 100 relative to the housing 102 along a direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis F-F’ of the housing 102 and the lateral edges 108A, 108B of the drawer 100.

[0197] To manufacture the drawer 100, a sheet, in particular made from a sheet of cellulosic material as defined above is provided and is inserted into a cutting apparatus.

[0198] The cutting of the contour of the base 104 and the product support members 26 is carried out through the sheet, forming scraps around the base 104 and the product support elements 26. Thanks to the substantially trapezoidal shape converging from the connected edge 36 to the free edge 34 away from the base 104 of the contour of the product support elements 26 connected to the base 104, it is easy to extract the scraps obtained after cutting transversely away from the base 104, benefiting from the taper formed by the trapezoidal shape. Furthermore, the folds 112, the frangible links 106, and the fold 120 are produced by grooving or by partial or total cutting through the sheet, for example at the same time as cutting the contour of the base 104.

[0199] Then, the retaining material 30 is deposited on the central product support portions 38 and the bundles 27 of fibers 28 are deposited on the retaining material 30.

[0200] Then, the attachment portions 116 are folded back toward one another relative to the intermediate portion 114 to switch the drawer 100 into the profiled insertion configuration into the housing 102.

[0201] Thanks to the staggered arrangement of the product support plates 14 along the two lateral edges 108A, 108B, no interaction occurs between the bundles 27 of fibers 28 protruding toward one another from the opposite attachment portions 116 folded back toward one another.

[0202] The drawer 100 is then inserted into the housing 102 by a translation of the drawer 100 relative to the housing 102 along an insertion direction parallel to the lateral edges 108A, 108B of the base 104, along the longitudinal axis F-F’ of the housing 102.

[0203] The operation of the application assembly 10 and of the packaging and dispensing system 16 will now be described.

[0204] Initially, the user holds the housing 102 of the packaging and dispensing system 16, and pulls on the tab 107 in order to extract the drawer 100 partially out of the housing 102.

[0205] The drawer 100 is held in its profiled configuration with a U-shaped section. At least one product support plate 14 protrudes from the housing 102 relative to the attachment portion 116 while being cleared from the product support plates 14 adjacent on the same edge 108A, 108B or facing on the opposite edge 108B, 108A.

[0206] The user then holds the handle 50 of the applicator 12 and moves the attachment head 52 in the vicinity of a product support plate 14 held on the base 104 of the drawer 100 via a frangible link 106.

[0207] The user then orients the second axis E-E’ of the head 52 along the longitudinal axis A- A’ of the product support plate 14

[0208] The user then inserts the product support element 26 into the profile 72 from its free edge 34 to its connected edge 36. To position the head 52 correctly relative to the notch 80, and align their axes, the user preferably places the free end region of the product support element 26 in the notch 90. This allows them to position the free edge 34 of the product support element 26 between the opposite wings 78A, 78B in the notch 80.

[0209] Moreover, the width of the free edge 34 is less than the width of the notch 80 at the notch 90 at the distal end 68 of the head, because the product support plate 14 advantageously has a trapezoidal shape tapering from the connected edge 36 toward the free edge 34.

[0210] The user inserts the product support element 26 into the notch 80, by sliding along the notch between the opposite wings 78A, 78B. The product support plate 14 thus moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position wherein the product support element 26 is received in the notch 80 with clamping of the attachment portion 40.

[0211] In one embodiment, shown by a dashed line P1 in Figure 2, the thickness of the product support element 26 is less than or equal to the height separating the base 70 from the turned edges 88. The lateral edges 32A, 32B of the product support plate 14 are inserted under the turned edges 88 against the partitions 86.

[0212] In a variant, shown by a dashed line P2 in Figure 2, the thickness of the product support element 26 is greater than the height separating the base 70 from the turned edges 88. The turned edges 88 are then inserted into the side of the product support element 26, along the lateral edges 32A, 32B.

[0213] When the product support element 26 is inserted between the opposite wings 78A, 78B, the bundle 27 of fibers 28 is wedged between the guard elements 81 , the fibers 28 bearing laterally on the protruding elements 94 and / or on the intermediate partitions 96 between the protruding elements 94. The bundle of fibers 28 is therefore wedged laterally, which prevents or limits its disorganization in the event of a shock or an overly sudden movement.

[0214] The free ends 49B of the fibers 28 of the bundle 27 nevertheless remain protruding beyond the guard elements 81 , allowing their application to the body surface without contact of the body surface with the guard elements 81.

[0215] When the free edge 34 of the product support plate 14 reaches the brake 76, the user senses an increase in resistance to the insertion of the product support plate 14. Consequently, the user slows down the relative movement of the applicator 12 relative to the plate 14 to prevent the risk of collision with the stop 74 and disorganization of the fibers 28.

[0216] Then, when the free edge 34 abuts against the stop 74, the user stops the insertion of the product support plate 14.

[0217] The user then breaks the frangible link 106, for example by pivoting the handle 50 and the head 52 about an axis perpendicular to the first axis D-D’ and to the second axis E- E’, or / and about the second axis E-E’. The product support plate 14 is detached from the attachment portion 116 by its edge 36 opposite the free edge 34. This detachment occurs for example by twisting the product support plate 14 relative to its longitudinal axis A-A’ or / and by pivoting its longitudinal axis A-A’ as shown schematically by double arrows in Figure 6.

[0218] Before or after inserting a support plate 14 into the attachment head 52 of the applicator 12, the user applies the adhesive composition contained in the container 19 to the body surface on which the user wishes to deposit the product, in particular the fibers 28.

[0219] Then, the user moves the attachment head 52 toward the body surface. The user moves the protruding fibers 28 relative to the attachment head 52 closer to the body surface until the free ends 52 of the fibers 28 come into contact with the adhesive composition deposited on the body surface.

[0220] The user then moves the attachment head 52 away from the body surface. The adhesion force FA of the fibers 28 on the adhesive composition being greater than the retention force FR of the fibers 28 on the retaining material 30, the fibers 28 remain connected to the adhesive composition on the body surface and are detached from the product support element 26, without significant modification of their organization. The fibers 28 therefore remain organized during transport, during storage, and during handling of each product support plate 14 and during application to the body surface, which produces a very satisfactory aesthetic result.

[0221] Furthermore, the first axis D-D’ being offset relative to the second axis E-E’, and these axes D-D’ and E-E’ remaining parallel, the user implements a simple and precise action to deposit the bundle 27 of fibers 28, while keeping a view of the positioning of the fibers, notably using a mirror.

[0222] Optionally, the user uses the protruding elements 94 and / or the auxiliary tool 86 to comb the deposited fibers

[0223] Once the fibers 28 have been deposited, the user places a finger or a tool into the intermediate space 92 and pushes the product support element 26 which has deposited its fibers 28 toward the distal end 68 of the attachment head 52 to extract it from the notch 80.

[0224] The only waste remaining is then the product support element 26, which has a minimal volume.

[0225] Moreover, if the support element of the fibers 26 is made of cellulosic material, it can be recycled once the fibers 28 have been deposited.

[0226] The user can then hold another product support plate 14 as described above, or, on the other hand, reinsert the drawer 100 into the housing 102 and close the tab 107 again. The applicator 12 is particularly simple to use and cooperates perfectly with product support plates 14 comprising a flat, substantially parallelepipedal product support element 26 and an organized bundle 27 of fibers 28, carried by the product support element 26.

[0227] The use of the applicator 12 with an attachment head 52 described above limits the risk of disorganization of the fibers 28 of the bundle 27 while providing high application precision for the user and ease of use.

[0228] The packaging and dispensing system 16 has a protective housing 102 which holds the product support plates 14 compactly and securely during their storage and transport. This is achieved while allowing effective holding of the product support plates 14 by partially extending the drawer 100 from the housing 102 resulting from a simple translational movement between the drawer 100 and the housing 102.

[0229] The drawer 100 is moreover simple to manufacture, flat, while being very compact after folding to occupy a minimal volume in a housing 102. Producing the drawer 100 from cellulosic material reduces the quantity of waste, and furthermore allows recycling of the base 104 after breaking the frangible links 106.

[0230] In a variant (not shown), the base 104 comprises transverse frangible lines extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis F-F’, to allow cutting of a part of the base 104 and its separation from the rest of the base 104.

[0231] In a variant (not shown), the first axis D-D’ and the second axis E-E’ are separate and form a non-zero angle between them.

[0232] More generally, the applicator 12 described above may be used with product support plates 14 which are not obtained from a packaging and dispensing system 16 as described above. Similarly, product support plates 14 obtained from a packaging and dispensing system 16 as described above may be used with a different applicator from that described above, or even without an applicator.

Claims

25CLAIMS1. An assembly (10) for applying a cosmetic product to a body surface comprising: at least one product support plate (14) comprising a flat and substantially parallelepipedal product support element (26), and product detachable from the product support element (26), in particular a bundle (27) of fibers (28), carried by the product support element (26), the product support element (26) comprising a product support portion (38) to which product is attached and an attachment portion (40); characterized by: an applicator (12), comprising:• a gripping and handling handle (50), extending along a first axis (D-D’), and• an attachment head (52), extending from a proximal end (66) connected to the handle (50) to a free distal end (68) along a second axis (E-E’), the head (52) comprising a profile (72) of U-shaped cross-section, having turned-up wings (78A, 78B) defining a notch (80) of inverted T-shaped cross-section, the product support plate (14) being movable in translation along the profile (72) between a disengaged position from the profile (72) and an engaged position in the profile (72) wherein the product support element (26) is received in the notch (80) with clamping of the attachment portion (40).

2. The assembly (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the turned-up wings (78A, 78B) bear against or are disposed facing the attachment portion (40) when the product support plate (14) is in the engaged position.

3. The assembly (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the turned-up wings (78A, 78B) enter a side of the product support element (26) when the product support plate (14) is in the engaged position.

4. The assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile (72) defines at the free distal end of the head (52) a lateral insertion notch (90) of the product support plate (14), one of the turned-up wings (78A, 78B) being shorter thanthe other of the turned-up wings (78A, 78B) along the longitudinal axis of the profile (72) in the direction of movement from the handle (50) to a free distal end of the head (52).

5. The assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment head (52) comprises a stop (74) limiting the insertion of the product support element (26) along the longitudinal axis of the profile (72).

6. The assembly (10) according to claim 5, wherein the stop (74) is offset along the longitudinal axis of the profile (72) relative to a proximal end of the profile (72) closest to the stop (74), the profile (72) and the stop (74) delimiting between them at least one intermediate disengagement space (92) of the product support plate (14) to its disengaged position.

7. The assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment head (52) comprises a brake (76), protruding from the profile (72) to bias the attachment portion (40) of the product support element (26) against the turned-up wings (78A, 78B) in the engaged position.

8. The assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the turned-up wings (78A, 78B) converge toward one another by being closer to one another at their proximal end closest to the handle (50).

9. The assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment head (52) comprises a guard element (81) of the product carried by the product support plate (14), the guard element (81) protruding relative to the turned-up wings (78A, 78B) from an upper surface of the turned-up wings (78A, 78B).

10. The assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the guard element comprises protruding elements (96) in particular teeth and / or styling bristles.

11. The assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first axis (D-D’) and the second axis (E-E’) are separate and parallel to one another.

12. The assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator (12) comprises a stiffening rib (77) disposed between the head (52) and the gripping handle (50).

13. The assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first axis (D-D’) and the second axis (E-E’) are separate and form a non-zero angle between them.

14. The assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (50) comprises a planar or hollowed bearing face (62), opposite the head (52), configured to allow a stable hold of the applicator (12) on a planar surface.

15. The assembly (10) according to claim 14, wherein the handle (50) has lateral edges (71A, 71 B) converging toward one another in a direction perpendicular to the first axis (D-D’), in the direction of the bearing face (62).

16. The assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one end of the attachment and gripping handle (50) located opposite the attachment head (52) comprises or is configured to receive an application and / or cosmetic treatment tool (56), in particular a fiber combing brush.

17. A method for applying a cosmetic product, in particular fibers, to the body surface, comprising the following steps: providing a device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; application by a user of an adhesive composition to the body surface; holding by a user of the applicator (12) handle (50); translational movement of the product support plate (14) in translation along the profile (72) between the disengaged position from the profile (72) and the engaged position in the profile (72) wherein the product support element (26) is received in the notch (80) with clamping of the attachment portion (40); and moving the applicator (12) head (52) opposite the adhesive composition on the body surface to place product, in particular free ends (49B) of fibers (28), in contact with the adhesive composition; detaching the product from the product support plate (14) by moving the applicator (12) away from the body surface.

Images