Cosmetic applicator

Abstract

Cosmetic applicator, comprising: - an applicator member (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), comprising: - at least one support part (12), - at least a first structure (30) comprising at least two flexible arms (30a, 30b), - at least a second structure (20) comprising at least one loop (20) connected by its ends to the support part (12) and passing through a gap extending between the two arms (30a, 30b) of the first flexible structure (30), this loop (20) having at least one vertex (22) which is free on the opposite side to the support part (12).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Cosmetic applicator

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to applicators for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to human keratin matter, notably the skin, the lips, or to keratin fibres such as the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, and to packaging and application devices comprising such applicators.

[0005] The invention relates more particularly to applicators comprising an applicator member made at least partially, or better still entirely, of plastic, notably of at least one thermoplastic, by injection moulding.

[0006] The invention also relates to packaging and application devices of the "dip-in" type, namely those comprising an applicator and a reservoir into which the applicator is dipped in order to load it with composition, and to those of the "flow-through" type in which the applicator member is supplied with composition by a device to which it is secured at the time of application, such as a dispensing pen provided with a composition-dispensing mechanism, a container with a compressible wall, or the like.

[0007] Prior art

[0008] Applicators of the "dip-in" type used for applying makeup to the eyelashes or eyebrows usually have an applicator member mounted at the end of a stem, the latter being connected, at the other end, to a gripping member which also acts as a closure cap for closing the container containing the product.

[0009] The applicator member is conventionally loaded with product by being dipped into the container, which is provided with a wiper which has a lip for wiping the stem as it is withdrawn from the container and which generally defines an orifice of substantially circular section, the diameter of which is adapted to that of the stem.

[0010] The behaviour of the applicator member as it passes through the wiper depends on numerous factors such as the shape and nature of the lip of the wiper, and its dimensions, the geometry of the applicator member and the choice of the material(s) of which it is made.

[0011] Excessive wiping of the applicator member is likely to make it difficult to withdraw the latter from the container and causes the applicator member to be insufficiently loaded, obliging the user to frequently dip the applicator back into the container and potentially hindering the achievement of certain makeup effects.

[0012] By contrast, insufficient wiping leaves excess product on the applicator member, which is difficult to distribute on the eyelashes and can result in the presence of clumps of product on the eyelashes, which are thus poorly separated.

[0013] Furthermore, the applicator member generally carries applicator elements constituted of spikes, the arrangement of which has an influence on the behaviour of the applicator as it is withdrawn from the container and on the resulting loading.

[0014] Spikes that are very supple will easily deform on passing through the wiper, making withdrawal easier, but their suppleness means that it will be more difficult for them to comb the eyelashes suitably during application and to smooth the product over the surface thereof. In addition, the wiper will tend to leave less product on the applicator member.

[0015] On the other hand, more rigid spikes will tend to deform less when the applicator member passes through, resulting in greater loading of the applicator member with product and a better ability to comb and separate the eyelashes. However, they can make it more difficult to pass through the wiper and can bring about a loss of sensory impression during application.

[0016] The design of the applicator thus usually results from a compromise that has to be made between various requirements that are sometimes contradictory as regards the quantity of product that is left on the applicator member for makeup application, the desired behaviour on withdrawing the applicator member and the capacity for separating the eyelashes.

[0017] Conventionally, the spikes are carried by a central core of the applicator member. However, applicator members have been developed in which the spikes are carried by flexible arms. Application FR3039382 describes an applicator comprising an elongate stem bearing an applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis. This applicator member comprises a core having one or more through-openings. Arms are connected at one end of the core and come together as they pass through said opening. In some embodiments, the arms form a plurality of successive loops that are joined to one another at the opening or openings of the core. In another embodiment, the applicator member comprises a single loop connected at its ends to a support portion adjacent to the stem. The vertex of the loop is situated in the opening and presses axially against an adjusting pin that can slide longitudinally in a distal portion of the core. Thus, by altering the degree to which the adjusting pin is pushed in, it is possible to deform the loop and modify the properties of the applicator.

[0018] Application FR2993151 describes an applicator member intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes, having a core that has bulging portions extending around cavities.

[0019] Application EP2654490 discloses applicator members comprising arms in the form of outwardly convex arches arranged around a central core.

[0020] Application WO2023 / 233044 describes an applicator member comprising a plurality of arms which form a twist and are connected to one another at their distal ends.

[0021] Application US2021 / 0186183A1 describes an applicator member comprising a core connected at one of its ends to a support part borne by an end piece for fixing it in an applicator stem. The core comprises a first portion that extends forwards and a second portion that forms a return of which the free end lies in the vicinity of the support part. This return bears arches through which the first portion of the core passes.

[0022] Such an applicator member has a relatively complex structure ill-suited to manufacture by injection-moulding of thermoplastic.

[0023] Patent US6655390 describes an applicator for applying makeup to the eyelashes, comprising a perforated support bearing teeth, these being connected either directly to the support or to arches borne by the support.

[0024] Moreover, the application of makeup to the skin, the nails or the lips generally presents problems of application precision, applicator autonomy and comfort of use, regardless as to whether the applicator is of the "dip-in" or "flow through" type.

[0025] It is common practice to apply flock to the applicator member in order to pick up the composition and allow it to be spread more easily. However, the flocking operation is relatively complex and involves the use of adhesives which do not always offer the mechanical integrity required for certain conditions of use.

[0026] Patent EP1726235B1 describes a flocked applicator member having a plurality of arms.

[0027] Application FR2722381 describes a nail varnish applicator comprising an applicator member formed by a flocked flexible loop.

[0028] Furthermore, it may prove useful to make the application smoother by allowing the application surface a certain degree of mobility relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem. Thus, patent US9033604 proposes an applicator comprising an added flexible part between the stem and an applicator member consisting of a mascara brush with a twisted core. The presence of this flexible part adds complexity to the assembly of the applicator member.

[0029] It is also known practice, notably from US9277800 and US8096306, to confer upon the envelope surface of an applicator member provided with spikes a shape that passes via a minimum cross section in an intermediate zone, by altering the length of the spikes and / or the cross section of the core bearing the spikes. The spikes situated in the zone of smallest cross section of the envelope surface have a tendency to be wiped less strongly and to be more heavily loaded with composition. However, actually having spikes of shorter length may make engagement among the eyelashes less effective. Moreover, the core generally does not have a large diameter, which means that it is difficult to vary the cross section of the envelope surface simply by altering the size of the core.

[0030] Finally, patent US8210763 discloses hybrid applicator members comprising a body made of an elastomeric material into which there extends a core made of a more rigid plastic, which may be a shaft moulded as one with the stem on which the applicator member is fixed. The core extends over most of the length of the body of the applicator member.

[0031] CN108697232 describes an applicator member comprising a central core to which arms are connected at their ends.

[0032] WO2022 / 207831 discloses an applicator member comprising arms that are twisted about a longitudinal axis of the applicator member, that meet at their distal end and that are connected to one another by a network of bridges of material.

[0033] Disclosure of the invention

[0034] There is a need to improve cosmetic applicators still further, and notably to overcome all or some of the disadvantages encountered in the prior art.

[0035] There is notably a benefit in having an applicator member having satisfactory performance and which, when the applicator is used with a container fitted with a wiper, promotes the replenishment with product during a cycle of withdrawing the applicator from and reinserting it into the container, and the mechanical properties of which can be modified relatively easily during the design thereof, in order to adapt to the rheology of the product and to the desired makeup effect. There is also a benefit in having an applicator member that is suitable for being manufactured by injection moulding thermoplastic material, which is less expensive to implement than additive manufacturing.

[0036] There is furthermore a need to have an applicator suitable for applying a composition to the skin or the lips, that is comfortable to use and makes it possible, if so desired, to avoid the presence of flocking while at the same time maintaining sufficient composition-uptake capacity.

[0037] Summary of the invention

[0038] The invention seeks to meet all or some of these needs.

[0039] According to a first of its aspects, the invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic composition, comprising:

[0040] An applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising:

[0041] - at least one support part,

[0042] - at least a first structure comprising at least two flexible arms extending, over at least part of their length, at a distance away from the longitudinal axis and connected at one end to the support part,

[0043] - at least a second structure comprising at least one loop connected by its ends to the support part and passing through a gap extending between the two arms of the first structure, this loop having at least one vertex which is preferably free on the opposite side to the support part.

[0044] Detailed description

[0045] What is meant by "free on the opposite side to the support part" is that the vertex is not in contact on the opposite side to the support part with a bearing surface that might restrict any movement away from the support part and that neither is it connected to one or more bridges of material that might extend the loop on the opposite side to the support part, unlike in application FR3039382 discussed hereinabove where the applicator member comprises a plurality of successive loops in the axial direction, or else one single loop, but of which the vertex is immobilized axially by an adjusting pin. In some examples, said vertex defines the distal end of the loop, and the vertex is free in the axial direction, namely in the longitudinal direction of the applicator member. The loop of the second structure may have a single vertex, for example centred on a midplane containing the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. The loop may equally have two vertexes arranged symmetrically one on each side of a midplane of symmetry of the applicator member. Each of these vertexes is therefore free on the opposite side to the support part. The two vertexes may be connected by an arch that is concave in the direction of the distal end of the applicator member.

[0046] The first and second structures may be flexible. What is meant by "flexible" is that the arms or the loops are able to deform during application and / or upon passing through the wiper device, where such a wiper device is present.

[0047] The loop of the second structure is able, by passing through the gap between the arms of the first structure, to at least partially occupy the space between the arms and thus constitute capillary traps between the arms and the loop, between the arms and within the loop, if the viscosity of the composition so permits.

[0048] This aspect of the invention also makes it possible to obtain a wide variety of configurations of the application surface, these being able to suit the application of makeup to a smooth surface such as the skin or the lips, or to fibres such as the eyelashes, when there are reliefs such as spikes borne by the applicator.

[0049] When the applicator member bears applicator elements such as spikes or other reliefs and is intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, the suppleness of the arms makes it easier for them to deform as they pass through the wiper, making it possible on the one hand for the spikes to be less highly stressed and, on the other hand, to create internal movements of composition that promote replenishment, notably from the inside toward the outside.

[0050] The suppleness of the arms makes the application comfortable and their elasticity gives the applicator member a degree of shape memory that promotes accurate application of makeup. The proximity between the arms or between the arms and the loop can make it possible to create, as mentioned above and when the viscosity of the composition so permits, capillary traps able to capture the composition making it possible to avoid recourse to flocking. The applicator thereby becomes easier to manufacture and constraints on compatibility and integrity of the flocking with respect to solvents that may be present in the composition are avoided. In some examples of how the invention may be embodied, the applicator member can be produced by injection moulding a thermoplastic as a single piece, making it possible to reduce the cost of manufacture compared to an additive-manufacturing technique. This can also make it easier to use plastics materials that are recyclable or obtained from recycled materials. The applicator member may be moulded from a thermoplastic material selected for example from thermoplastic elastomers, SEBS, TPE, Hytrel® (a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer), TPV, PE, LDPE, HDPE, etc..

[0051] The applicator member may be moulded in a thermoplastic material having a Shore hardness ranging from 30 Shore A to 72 Shore D.

[0052] The applicator member is preferably produced by injection moulding a thermoplastic, but can be produced in some other way when its shape does not permit this, in such cases then being produced for example using an additive-manufacturing technique.

[0053] Applicator member

[0054] The applicator member may be mounted at the end of a stem so as to be inserted into a container fitted with a wiper and become loaded with composition.

[0055] In a variant, the applicator member is supplied directly by the container via a supply duct. In that case, the device does not have a wiper. This variant is mainly reserved for an applicator member intended for application to the skin or to the lips or to the hair.

[0056] The applicator member may comprise a mounting end-piece for mounting in an applicator stem; this end-piece may have a circular cross section of a diameter that is constant or that decreases in the direction of the proximal end of the applicator member. The end-piece may form, with the support part, a shoulder the contour of which may be circular, of a diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of the applicator stem. This shoulder may come into abutment with the stem as the applicator member is assembled.

[0057] The mounting end-piece may be solid.

[0058] The end-piece may also be hollow, notably in a variant in which the applicator member comprises a housing and the stem an extension passing through the end-piece and engaging in this housing, making it possible to alter the stiffness of the applicator member, as detailed later on.

[0059] The end-piece may also be hollow and have a central opening passing through it when the applicator member is intended to be fixed in the mouth of a container, so as to form a composition-supply duct, as mentioned above. The end-piece may also have a central opening to accept the core of a twisted-core brush, when the applicator is a hybrid applicator, as detailed later on.

[0060] The support part may have a length that may represent less than one quarter of the length of the visible portion of the applicator member, namely when the aforementioned shoulder is present, of the length extending between the distal end of the applicator member and this shoulder.

[0061] The support part may also be longer, notably so as to occupy the central space of the applicator member and enable the creation of capillary traps with arms of the first and / or second structures arranged around it.

[0062] The support part may bear spikes, when the applicator is intended for applying a composition to keratin fibres such as the eyelashes. The spikes are for example arranged in rows situated in the continuation of spikes borne by arms of the first and / or second structures.

[0063] The distal end of the applicator member may be defined by the first structure.

[0064] As a variant, the distal end of the applicator member is defined by a distal part which extends between the distal end of the applicator member and the first structure.

[0065] Such a distal part may be solid, and have a cross section that is for example circular, it being possible for the distal part to have a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the support part and that of the end-piece.

[0066] The applicator member may be intended for applying the composition to a continuous surface, such as the skin or the lips, or a discontinuous surface, such as keratin fibres, notably the eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

[0067] In the case of application to a continuous surface, the applicator member advantageously does not have flocking. The suppleness of the arms, their shape and their proximity may make it possible to retain enough composition by surface tension for such a flocked coating to be unnecessary. This simplifies the manufacture of the applicator and improves its reliability insofar as there is no need to ensure that the adhesive used for adhering the flock fibres is able to withstand the action of the composition and the forces applied during wiping or use.

[0068] In the case of a use for applying a composition to keratin fibres, the applicator member may bear applicator elements such as spikes or other reliefs, which may be situated on the entirety or just a portion of the applicator member. A "spike or other relief refers to any singularizable protuberance suitable for applying the composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, notably able to engage between the eyelashes and / or eyebrow hairs.

[0069] The aforementioned distal part may thus bear such applicator elements, when the applicator is intended for application to keratin fibres such as the eyelashes.

[0070] The length of the distal part may then correspond to more than one quarter of the apparent length of the applicator member.

[0071] These spikes may be arranged in the form of rows which are, for example, aligned with rows of spikes borne by arms of the first and / or second structures.

[0072] Where such a distal part is present, the first and second structures may act as a hinge allowing the distal part easily to change orientation relative to the axis of the support part, under the effect of pressure applied during application for example. Through the choice of the configuration of the arms of the first and second structures, notably by having a non-uniform distribution of the arms about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, it is possible to promote the deformability of the first and second structures about certain axes of pivoting, thereby potentially improving the way in which the applicator behaves during application of the composition by using certain zones of the applicator member. As a variant, the first structure provides the connection between the support and distal parts and at least three arms which are equally angularly distributed about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, thereby ensuring that the connection behaves consistently in all directions.

[0073] The first and second structures may comprise arms that connect to the support part in a corresponding radial plane, making an angle with the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, this angle ranging for example from 0 to 90°, preferably between 0 and 60°. Such a preferred orientation of the arms may make passage through the wiper easier.

[0074] The first and / or second structures may have arms which in cross section have a shape suitable for demoulding them in a method whereby they are manufactured by injection moulding, notably arms which in cross section have outwardly diverging straight sides connected by an outwardly convex rounded portion.

[0075] The applicator may, for defining the application surface for applying the composition, comprise only the applicator member, which may be of one-piece. The application surface may thus be non-flocked.

[0076] As a variant, the applicator is a hybrid applicator and the applicator member acts as a support for some other element, such as a twisted-core brush. That may make it possible to reach a compromise between the loading and the combing provided by the bristles of the brush and the loading and the combing provided by the spikes.

[0077] In that case, the loop(s) or cage(s) formed by the first and / or second structures may advantageously contribute to holding the portion of the brush that bears the bristles, notably by extending between them.

[0078] The applicator member may be produced without the possibility of adjusting its configuration, unlike the one described in the aforementioned application FR3039382, and notably without an element able to be fixed in one of two predefined positions.

[0079] First structure

[0080] The aforementioned first structure may be formed by a free loop, the two arms meeting at the distal end of the applicator member, the two ends of the arms which are the opposite ends from the vertex of the loop being connected to the support part.

[0081] This loop may extend in the axial direction, notably in a plane that preferably contains the longitudinal axis of the support part.

[0082] The first structure may also comprise more than two arms, thus for example forming a cage, the arms being connected at one end to the support part and meeting one another at the opposite end, which may define the distal end of the applicator member.

[0083] The first structure may have an even number of arms greater than two, for example four or six, diametrically opposed in pairs, two opposing arms forming a loop preferably extending in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0084] The first structure may exhibit axial symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, or merely symmetry with respect to a midplane, or else may be entirely without symmetry.

[0085] The first structure may have a length that roughly corresponds to half the apparent length of the applicator member.

[0086] The first structure may define the distal end of the applicator member or serve to connect the support part to a distal part of the applicator member, which distal part is for example solid or bears another applicator element such as a twisted-core brush.

[0087] The distal part may thus comprise a solid or hollow central body of circular or non-circular cross section, centred on the longitudinal axis of an end piece of the applicator member serving for fixing to the applicator stem. The largest diameter of the distal part corresponds for example substantially to that of the support part. The length of this distal part may or may not exceed that of the first structure.

[0088] The distal part may have a straight longitudinal axis aligned with that of the support part.

[0089] The first structure may comprise two diametrically opposed arms extending in a first plane, one of the arms being outwardly convex and the other substantially parallel thereto, and also two other arms extending in a second plane perpendicular to the first, these two other arms being symmetrical to one another about a midplane.

[0090] The first structure may have arms having at least one undulation, notably a plurality of identical undulating arms, giving the first structure the overall shape of a peanut, for example.

[0091] The arms of the first structure may be connected to those of the second structure, notably in a median region of the applicator member; this connection being achieved for example by means of linking elements radially to the inside of the arms. Such linking elements may be arranged so that they come into abutment against one another when the arms are pressed radially inwards, as they may be as they pass through the wiper. This makes it possible to obtain greater wiping of the surface of the applicator member by the wiper.

[0092] The first structure may comprise arms that are twisted about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, these arms being, in some examples, connected to the distal end of the applicator member.

[0093] The first structure may comprise a cage comprising a plurality of arms defining an envelope surface of which the diameter increases starting from the support part, passes through a maximum near to the support part, and decreases as far as the distal end of the applicator member. Such a cage may thus in profile have the overall shape of a "teardrop".

[0094] When the first structure defines an outer cage having a plurality of arms, these may connect to one another at the distal end of the applicator member in the shape of a cross or of a star, the arms for example forming a tangent to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member; this makes it possible to define an application surface that is relatively broad at the tip of the applicator member, which may be useful for applying a composition to the skin or to the lips.

[0095] As a variant, the arms connect to one another at the distal end of the applicator member in the form of a cone converging towards the distal end; this makes it possible for the distal end of the applicator member to come to a finer point of application. This may be beneficial for drawing a line along the eyelids or outlining the lips, for example. The first structure may comprise a plurality of mutually parallel loops. In that case, the loops may have lengths that decrease when progressing toward the outside, at least on one side, making it possible to define a substantially chiselled or dihedron-shaped application surface. The presence of closely spaced loops means that capillary traps can be defined between these, while still having the ability to store composition inside the loops.

[0096] With such a configuration of the first structure in particular, the support part may comprise a projection that extends axially, preferably substantially parallel to said loops, on one side thereof. This means that it may be possible to have a stiffer portion on the applicator member, and this may be useful so as to benefit, for example at the end, from a zone that allows the composition to be applied with precision. The loop of the second structure may then have ends connected one of them to the projection and the other to a rear portion of the support part, from which the parallel loops extend. Said projection preferably has a cross section that is variable along the longitudinal axis, for example tapering towards the distal end of the applicator member. The expression "substantially parallel" is to be understood as meaning parallel or that the longitudinal axis of the projection makes an angle of + / - 30°, better still + / - 20°, and even better still + / - 10° with the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, which may coincide with the longitudinal axis of the mounting end piece for mounting on the stem in some embodiments of the invention.

[0097] In a variant, the first structure comprises several loops arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry, parallel to which the loops extend; in this case in particular, at least one of the loops, notably the longest one, may bear a membrane on its interior periphery, this membrane having an opening through which the loop of the second structure passes. Such a membrane may be of a thickness less than that of the strand of material that forms the loop to which it connects, notably smaller by a factor of more than two, or even smaller by a factor of more than three or four, enabling the membrane to maintain its suppleness and not excessively hinder the deforming of the loop.

[0098] The first structure may comprise a loop that bears a ring through which the loop of the second structure passes. The ring may be of relatively small inside diameter and thus limit the possibility of deformation of the loop that passes through it. The loop of the second structure may itself bear a ring which is imbricated in the one borne by the first structure. The applicator member may comprise two imbricated rings, extending in mutually perpendicular planes, these rings having for example a circular contour. The first structure may comprise a cage having an eccentric tip with, for example, two bent opposing arms having proximal portions parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support part and distal portions making an angle with the proximal portion and directed to one side, and two other arms extending along a midplane of symmetry of the applicator member, and which are generally curved on the same side.

[0099] The first structure may comprise arms bearing a membrane, preferably on their interior periphery, this membrane having a free edge over at least a portion of its length. Such a membrane may make it easier to retain the composition, and this may be beneficial notably when the composition is not very viscous.

[0100] Second structure

[0101] The second structure may be formed of a single loop, extending for example in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0102] The second structure may have a single loop that passes through a cage formed by the first structure or an intermediate cage that itself passes through a loop formed by the first structure. In that case, there is for example the loop forming the second structure that extends in a plane making an angle of 45° with the plane in which the loop forming the first structure extends, and the intermediate cage comprises two loops that extend in mutually perpendicular planes, one of which is arranged at 45° from the plane of the loop forming the second structure.

[0103] The second structure may be formed of a single loop, the first structure likewise, and the applicator member may comprise an intermediate loop passing through the loop forming the first structure, the loop forming the second structure passing through both the loop forming the intermediate structure and the one forming the first structure.

[0104] The second structure may comprise more than two arms, forming for example a cage, the arms being connected at one end, there notably being four arms, preferably diametrically opposed in pairs. The presence of a cage may give the arms and the applicator member greater mechanical integrity.

[0105] These four arms may form two loops connected at the distal end of the cage, extending in two respective planes that are mutually perpendicular.

[0106] The arms may each comprise at least one undulation, each loop formed by two opposing arms having, for example, the overall shape of a peanut when viewed facing onto their plane. The second structure may comprise a loop having two arms which, when viewed face-on looking along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, form a V-shape.

[0107] Such a shape is advantageously combined with a first structure having at least one arm in the form of an outwardly convex arch, the two arms of the loop of the second structure being situated one on each side of this arm in the shape of an outwardly convex arch. This may make it possible to increase the gap between the arms on one side of the applicator member and have more closely spaced arms on the opposite side, which may be beneficial in order to have application properties that vary according to which face of the same applicator member is used. The more closely spaced arms may notably hold more composition between them, through capillary effect, and thus have a more heavily loading action than the opposite side where the arms are more distant from one another and less able to hold the composition between them through capillary effect.

[0108] When both the first structure and the second structure comprise cages having several arms connected at one end, the two cages are advantageously angularly offset from one another about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member by an angle equal to 360° / n, where n denotes the total number of arms. As a preference, each cage comprises the same number of arms, notably four arms.

[0109] As a variant, when both the first structure and the second structure comprise cages having several arms connected at one end, the cages are not angularly offset from one another, the arms of the innermost cage being each situated in the same plane as at least one arm of the outermost cage.

[0110] The second structure may comprise a loop which is internally stiffened by a latticework structure, notably of lozenge shape, connected to a median zone of the opposed arms of the loop, to the vertex of this loop, and to the support part.

[0111] The second structure may comprise a cage of which the arms define, in a median zone, an outwardly open notch. Such a notch may make it possible, when the applicator member bears spikes, to have for example longer spikes connected at their base in the bottom of the notch. The second structure may comprise a cage of which the arms are twisted about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. A twisted shape such as this may improve the engagement of the eyelashes, when the arms bear spikes.

[0112] The second structure may comprise a cage comprising a plurality of arms defining an envelope surface of which the diameter increases starting from the support part, passes through a maximum near to the support part, and decreases as far as the distal end of the applicator member.

[0113] The second structure may be formed by a loop which is connected at its ends to a rear portion of the support part, this support part being, for example, of circular overall contour when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, and the other end connecting to a projection, of generally flattened shape, of the support part. Such a shape of the second structure advantageously combines with a first structure comprising loops that are generally mutually parallel, and preferably parallel to the projection and more preferably still stepped, as mentioned above.

[0114] The second structure may bear a ring, which is advantageously imbricated in a ring borne by the first structure, as mentioned previously.

[0115] The second structure may comprise a ball at its top.

[0116] The second structure may comprise a cage of which the top is eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0117] The second structure may comprise arms bordered along their interior periphery by a thin radial membrane, this membrane having a free edge over at least a portion of its length. The presence of such a membrane may improve the ability of the applicator member to hold the composition through capillary effect, and make manufacturing easier, as detailed later.

[0118] The second structure, just like the first, may bear spikes or other reliefs when the applicator member is intended for applying a composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

[0119] Additional structure

[0120] The applicator member may comprise an additional structure, distinct from the first and second structures.

[0121] This additional structure may comprise at least one loop, connected at its ends to the support part and extending in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the applicator member which plane is distinct from the planes in which the arms of the first and second structures extend.

[0122] The presence of this additional structure creates an additional surface for capturing the composition and may bear applicator elements such as spikes when the applicator member is intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows. The additional structure may, as applicable, be formed by a cage of which the arms are connected at one end to the support part and meet at the other end at the vertex of the cage, which vertex may be positioned axially between the distal end of the first structure and the distal end of the second structure. The cage forming the additional structure may comprise four arms for example. These arms may form two loops extending in planes that form an angle of 45° to one another. The additional structure may comprise at least one loop passing through an opening defined by a loop of the first structure. The second structure may comprise at least one loop passing through both a loop of the additional structure and a loop of the first structure.

[0123] Arms

[0124] The first and second structures comprise flexible arms which may form loops or cages.

[0125] A loop may have two ends connected to the support part. These two ends may be connected to a surface which may be a surface of revolution of the support part or the same planar surface, for example a planar surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0126] A cage may be formed of at least three arms, preferably of an even number of arms, for example 4 or 6 arms.

[0127] The arms may have a circular or non-circular cross section, the arms preferably having a cross section suitable for manufacturing the applicator member by injection moulding.

[0128] The arms may notably have a contour of symmetric shape with respect to a median plane for the section, this contour being formed, on each side of this midplane, by the union of two substantially rectilinear segments that extend from a vertex, diverging outward, and a rounded portion connecting said segments.

[0129] Such a cross-sectional shape may facilitate extraction from the mould used for the injection moulding, and thus limit the risk of the applicator member being damaged when it is extracted during the demoulding.

[0130] As a preference, two opposing arms of the same structure have, on the same side in the same plane of section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, segments that are mutually parallel. This may make it easier to free it from the shells used for moulding the applicator member.

[0131] An arm may have a cross section of between 0.01 and 20 mm2, and better still of between 0.2 and 5 mm2. Its greatest transverse dimension (which in the case of an arm of circular cross section means the diameter) may range from 0.1 to 4 mm, for example. The deployed length of an arm, between its end that connects to the support part and its opposite end, for example the distal end of the loop or of the cage to which this arm belongs, ranges for example from 3 to 60 mm.

[0132] The applicator member can be inscribed, in cross section, inside a circle of diameter ranging from 4 to 12 mm for an applicator intended for application to the eyelashes or eyebrows, and a circle measuring from 4 to 17 mm for an applicator intended for application to the lips.

[0133] The arms may, on at least part of their interior periphery, bear a membrane of lesser thickness, for example with a ratio ei / e2, where ei denotes the thickness of the arm and e2that of the membrane, that is greater than 2, better still greater than 3, and even better still, greater than 4. Such a membrane may make it easier to produce the applicator member by injection moulding, by extending along the parting line. Independently of this advantage, the membrane may also increase the surface area available for holding the composition, without excessively affecting the flexibility of the arms.

[0134] The term "loop" denotes an arm or a succession of arms defining, with one or more other parts of the applicator member, a closed contour surrounding an interior space distinct from the arm or arms. The loop may extend in the same plane, which contains the longitudinal axes of the arms. The loop may also not extend in one single plane The loop may or may not be symmetrical about a midplane. The loop may have the ends of the or its constituent arm(s) situated on the support part at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. The arm(s) constituting the loop may extend angularly about a point situated inside the aforementioned interior space, over an angle of at least 120°, or better still at least 180°.

[0135] Double-cage applicator

[0136] According to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, the invention also relates to an applicator (Item la) comprising an applicator member comprising:

[0137] - a support part,

[0138] - at least a first structure comprising at least three non-coplanar flexible arms extending, over at least part of their length, at a distance away from the longitudinal axis and connected at one end to the support part, and connected at the other end to one another to form a first cage,

[0139] - at least a second structure comprising at least three non-coplanar flexible arms extending, over at least part of their length, at a distance away from the longitudinal axis and connected at one end to the support part, and connected at the other end to one another to form a second cage, the distal end of the second cage being less distant from the support part than that of the first cage.

[0140] Such an applicator provides a relatively high number of arms, enabling the composition to be held between the arms through capillary effect while at the same time benefiting from a high degree of suppleness and ease of manufacture when the applicator member is produced using injection moulding. In other words, the cages make it possible to create numerous spaces between their arms, thus providing both capillary traps and a relatively large application surface.

[0141] This aspect of the invention also makes it possible, by varying the configuration of the arms, to obtain a wide variety of configurations of the application surface, these being able to suit the application of makeup to a smooth surface such as the skin or the lips, or to fibres such as the eyelashes, when there are reliefs such as spikes borne by the applicator.

[0142] When the applicator member bears applicator elements such as spikes or other reliefs and is intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, the suppleness of the arms makes it easier for them to deform as they pass through the wiper, making it possible on the one hand for the spikes to be less highly stressed and, on the other hand, to create internal movements of composition that promote replenishment, notably from the inside toward the outside.

[0143] The suppleness of the arms makes the application comfortable and their elasticity gives the applicator member a degree of shape memory that promotes accurate application of makeup. The proximity between the arms may make it possible to create, as mentioned above and when the viscosity of the composition so permits, capillary traps able to capture the composition making it possible to avoid recourse to flocking. The applicator thereby becomes easier to manufacture and issues regarding constraints on compatibility and integrity of the flocking with respect to solvents that may be present in the composition are overcome.

[0144] The arms of the second cage may be angularly intercalated between those of the first where they connect to the support part. That makes it possible to have a relatively high number of arms on the periphery of the applicator member, and therefore a more extensive application surface. This may also encourage the capturing of the composition on the external surface of the applicator member.

[0145] As a variant, the arms of the first cage occupy the same angular position as the arms of the second cage around the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. That may encourage the retention of the composition inside the applicator member and may make it possible to have an applicator member that is more resistant to radial compression forces such as those exerted for example on passing through the wiper member.

[0146] The applicator member and also the first and second structures of such an applicator may have all or some of the features mentioned in the remainder of the description, unless such features are mutually incompatible.

[0147] Thus, the applicator as defined as Item la may have all or some of the following features: Item 2a: Applicator according to Item la, the arms of the first structure and the arms of the second structure alternating about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, in the zone of connection to the support part.

[0148] Item 3a: Applicator according to Item la, the arms of the first structure and the arms of the second structure occupying the same angular positions about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, in the zone of connection to the support part.

[0149] Item 4a: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 3a, the number of arms of the first and / or second structures being comprised between 3 and 6, and better still equal to 4 or 6.

[0150] Item 5a: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 4a, the first structure comprising arms that are twisted about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0151] Item 6a: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 5a, the arms of the first structure being connected to those of the second structure, notably in a median region of the applicator member; this connection preferably being achieved by means of linking elements radially to the inside of the arms, such linking elements preferably being arranged so that they come into abutment against one another when the arms are pressed radially inwards.

[0152] Item 7a: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 6a, the first structure defining the distal end of the applicator member.

[0153] Item 8a: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 7a and not being flocked.

[0154] Item 9a: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 8a, the applicator member comprising applicator elements such as spikes borne by at least one of the arms of the first and / or second structures. Item 10a: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 9a, the first structure defining an outer cage having a plurality of arms, these connecting to one another at the distal end of the applicator member in the shape of a cross or of a star, the arms preferably forming a tangent to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0155] Item I la: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 9a, the arms connecting to one another at the distal end of the applicator member in the form of a cone converging towards the distal end.

[0156] Item 12a: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 9a, the applicator member comprising loops, the arms of each loop connecting to the support part and meeting at the vertex of the loop, a membrane connecting said loops, the second structure comprising arms connected at one end to the support part and connected to one another at the other end by an arch.

[0157] Item 13a: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 12a, at least one of the first and second structures bearing a membrane.

[0158] Item 14a: Applicator according to any one of Items la to 13 a, being injection moulded from a thermoplastic material, notably an elastomer.

[0159] Item 15a relates to a packaging and application device comprising an applicator according to any one of Items la to 14a.

[0160] Applicator with imbricated free loops

[0161] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is an applicator comprising:

[0162] - an applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising:

[0163] - at least one support part,

[0164] - at least a first structure comprising at least a first free loop formed by a strand of supple material connected by its ends to the support part, this first loop defining the distal end of the applicator member,

[0165] - at least a second structure comprising at least a second free loop formed by a strand of supple material connected by its ends to the support part, this second loop being imbricated with the first (i.e. passing through the opening defined by the first loop).

[0166] Such an applicator may offer a high level of flexibility and make it possible to hold the composition through capillary effect in the opening of the loops and between the loops, while at the same time benefiting from ease of manufacture when the applicator member is produced using injection moulding.

[0167] The strand of material of the first and second loops has a cross section that may or may not be constant and may or may not be circular.

[0168] The applicator member and also the first and second structures of such an applicator may have all or some of the features mentioned in the remainder of the description, unless such features are mutually incompatible.

[0169] Applicator with an intermediate linking structure having imbricated flexible arms

[0170] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is an applicator (Item lb) comprising:

[0171] - an applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising:

[0172] - a proximal support part,

[0173] - a distal part,

[0174] - at least a first structure comprising at least two flexible arms of which at least one has an outwardly convex arched shape, extending, over at least part of their length, at a distance away from the longitudinal axis, and connected at one end to the support part and connected at the other end to the distal part, the first structure preferably exhibiting axial symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, or merely symmetry with respect to a midplane,

[0175] - at least a second structure comprising at least one loop extending between these two arms.

[0176] As a preference, the applicator member, when intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, bears applicator elements such as spikes or other reliefs, notably on the distal part, on the first structure, on the second structure and / or on the support part.

[0177] Such an applicator makes it possible to have a more or less flexible connection between the support and proximal parts, depending on how the first structure is produced.

[0178] Moreover, the first and second structures may contribute to holding the composition on the applicator member.

[0179] The first and / or second structures preferably bear spikes, when the applicator is intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

[0180] The first structure may exhibit at least one arm which defines at least one zone of greater width of the applicator member and, when this zone bears spikes or other applicator elements, these are very extensively wiped as they pass through the wiper member. At least one arm of the second structure may extend to a shorter distance away from the longitudinal axis so that the spikes that it bears are wiped less strenuously and are more heavily loaded with composition. These spikes can be used for loading the eyelashes.

[0181] The distal part may be relatively short, for example may be of a length less than or equal to that of the arms connecting the distal and support parts or, as a variant, may be relatively long, for example of a length greater than that of the arms connecting the distal and support parts.

[0182] When the distal part is long, the first structure may provide the applicator member with suppleness by deforming.

[0183] When the first structure occupies the majority of the apparent length of the applicator member, this applicator member may have one or more bridges of material connecting at least two opposing arms of the first structure, for example a number of bridges of material which themselves form loops with part of the arms that they connect, these loops themselves being able to be joined to one another by an axial bridge of material. That may make it possible to provide stiffness.

[0184] As a preference, the applicator member is produced by injection moulding of thermoplastic material.

[0185] The ratio J / L, where J denotes the length of the distal part and L the apparent length of the applicator member, may be greater than or equal to 0.5. As a variant, the ratio J / L, where J denotes the length of the distal part and L the apparent length of the applicator member, is less than 0.5.

[0186] The distal part may have a shape that exhibits symmetry of revolution about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0187] The distal part may be solid.

[0188] Such an applicator makes it possible to have a flexible connection between the support and proximal parts.

[0189] The first and second structures may contribute to holding the composition on the applicator member.

[0190] As appropriate, the first and / or second structures bear spikes, when the applicator is intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows. The applicator member and also the first and second structures of such an applicator may have all or some of the features mentioned in the remainder of the description, unless such features are mutually incompatible.

[0191] The distal part may be relatively short, for example may be of a length less than or equal to that of the arms connecting the distal and support parts, or may be relatively long, for example of a length greater than that of the arms connecting the distal and support parts.

[0192] Notably when the first structure occupies the majority of the apparent length of the applicator member, this applicator member may have one or more bridges of material connecting at least two opposing arms of the first structure, for example a number of bridges of material which themselves form loops with part of the arms that they connect, these loops themselves being able to be joined to one another by an axial bridge of material.

[0193] The applicator member and also the first and second structures of such an applicator, may have all or some of the features mentioned in the remainder of the description, unless such features are mutually incompatible.

[0194] Thus, the applicator as defined as Item lb may have all or some of the following features: Item 2b. Applicator according to Item lb, the applicator member, when intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, bearing applicator elements such as spikes or other reliefs, notably on the distal part, the first structure, the second structure and / or the support part.

[0195] Item 3b. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items lb to 2b, the applicator member being produced by injection moulding a thermoplastic.

[0196] Item 4b. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items lb to 3b, the ratio J / L, where J denotes the length of the distal part and L the apparent length of the applicator member, being greater than or equal to 0.5.

[0197] Item 5b. Applicator according to any one of Items lb to 3b, the ratio J / L, where J denotes the length of the distal part and L the apparent length of the applicator member, being less than 0.5.

[0198] Item 6b. Applicator according to any one of Items lb to 5b, the distal part having a shape that exhibits symmetry of revolution about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. Item 7b. Applicator according to any one of Items lb to 6b, the distal part being solid.

[0199] Item 8b. Applicator according to any one of the preceding items, the distal part being longer than the support part. Item 9b. Applicator according to any one of Items lb to 7b, the applicator member comprising an additional structure, distinct from the first and second structures, this additional structure preferably comprising at least one loop, connected at its ends to the support part and extending in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the applicator member which plane is distinct from the planes in which the arms of the first and second structures extend.

[0200] Item 10b. Applicator according to Item 9b, the additional structure being formed by a cage of which the arms are connected at one end to the support part and meet at the other end at the vertex of the cage, which vertex is positioned axially between the distal end of the first structure and the distal end of the second structure.

[0201] Item 11b. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items lb to 10b, the second structure being formed of a single loop.

[0202] Item 12b. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items lb to 11b, the second structure comprising an inner loop that passes through the space formed between two arms of a cage constituting the first structure.

[0203] Item 13b. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items lb to 12b, the second structure comprising a loop having two arms which, when viewed face-on looking along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, form a V-shape, the first structure having at least one arm in the form of an outwardly convex arch, the two arms of the loop of the second structure being situated one on each side of this outwardly convex arch-shaped arm.

[0204] Item 14b relates to a packaging and application device comprising:

[0205] • a container containing a cosmetic composition that is to be applied to human keratin matter, and

[0206] • an applicator according to any one of the preceding Items lb to 13b.

[0207] Applicator with narrowed middle portion

[0208] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is an applicator (Item Id) comprising:

[0209] - an applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising:

[0210] - at least one support part,

[0211] - at least a first structure comprising at least two opposed arms connected at one end to the support part and connected to one another at the opposite end, - at least a second structure comprising at least two opposing arms connected at one end to the support part and connected to one another at the other end, thus forming a loop, this loop passing through the gap between said arms of the first structure,

[0212] - at least one of the arms of the first and second structures having, in succession along the arm, at least an outwardly convex portion, an outwardly concave portion and then an outwardly convex portion.

[0213] The presence of the concave portion between the convex portions allows the applicator member to be wiped to a lesser extent, and loaded with more composition, in this zone. The lesser distancing of the arms from the longitudinal axis in this zone also enables this zone to contain applicator elements that are longer and better able to separate the eyelashes.

[0214] All of the arms of the first structure may exhibit symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member which in this instance is rectilinear.

[0215] All of the arms of the second structure may exhibit symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member which in this instance is rectilinear.

[0216] It is possible for only the first structure or only the second structure to have arms exhibiting said succession of convex and concave portions. The arms of the first and second structures may then advantageously alternate with one another about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. This may make it possible to have, in the circumferential direction, an alternation of zones laden more or less heavily with composition, which may make it possible to reach a good compromise between the loading and the separating of the eyelashes.

[0217] Thus, in some embodiments, the arms of the first structure have an outwardly convex arched shape, and the arms of the second structure exhibit said succession, notably an undulating shape, these arms still alternating with those of the first structure.

[0218] In other exemplary embodiments, both the arms of the first and those of the second structure each have said succession, notably an undulating shape.

[0219] When all of the arms are thus of undulating shape, this may give the envelope surface of the applicator member the overall shape of a peanut for example.

[0220] Such an applicator member therefore provides, notably when used in connection with a container comprising a wiper, a reserve of composition on the applicator member, notably in the middle region thereof, which may be of smaller diameter because of the concave portions of the arms, while at the same time having zones that are more extensively wiped on account of the convex portions of the arms.

[0221] The outwardly concave portion may be rounded. As a variant, the outwardly concave portion is U-shaped. The concave portion may still have other shapes, for example a V-shape.

[0222] The length of the applicator elements may be constant along the convex and concave portions, or may vary. The arms may thus bear applicator elements such as spikes, with applicator elements borne by at least one of the convex portions being shorter than those borne by the concave portion. The length of the applicator elements such as spikes ranges for example from 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0223] The first structure may form a cage defining the distal end of the applicator member. As a variant, the distal end of the applicator member is defined by a distal part which is for example cylindrical or conical in shape, with a circular cross section.

[0224] The applicator member may thus comprise a distal part, notably with a shape that exhibits symmetry of revolution, the arms of the first structure serving to connect the support part to the distal part.

[0225] The arms of the first structure may or may not be connected to those of the second structure, notably in a median region of the applicator member; this connection preferably being achieved by means of linking elements radially to the inside of the arms, such linking elements preferably being arranged so that they come into abutment against one another when the arms are pressed radially inwards. This may make it possible to limit the deformability of the applicator member in the radial direction as it passes through the wiper member.

[0226] The first and / or the second structure may comprise arms which are twisted about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0227] The first and second structures may be flexible. What is meant by "flexible" is that the arms or the loops are able to deform during application and / or upon passing through the wiper device, where such a wiper device is present.

[0228] The second structure may have a loop engaged through the arms of the first structure, having a single vertex, for example centred on a midplane containing the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0229] The loop of the second structure is able, by passing through the gap between the arms of the first structure, to at least partially occupy the space between the arms and thus constitute capillary traps between the arms and the loop, between the arms and within the loop, if the viscosity of the composition so permits. It is possible to obtain a wide variety of configurations of the application surface, these being able to suit the application of makeup to a smooth surface such as the skin or the lips, or to fibres such as the eyelashes, when there are reliefs such as spikes borne by the applicator.

[0230] When the applicator member bears applicator elements such as spikes or other reliefs and is intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, the suppleness of the arms makes it easier for them to deform as they pass through the wiper, making it possible on the one hand for the spikes to be less highly stressed and, on the other hand, to create internal movements of composition that promote replenishment, notably from the inside toward the outside.

[0231] The suppleness of the arms makes the application comfortable and their elasticity gives the applicator member a degree of shape memory that promotes accurate application of makeup. The proximity between the arms or between the arms and the loop can make it possible to create, as mentioned above and when the viscosity of the composition so permits, capillary traps able to capture the composition making it possible to avoid recourse to flocking. The applicator thereby becomes easier to manufacture and constraints on compatibility and integrity of the flocking with respect to solvents that may be present in the composition are avoided.

[0232] The applicator member and also the first and second structures of such an applicator may have all or some of the features mentioned in the remainder of the description, unless such features are mutually incompatible.

[0233] Thus, the applicator as defined as Item Id may have all or some of the following features: Item 2d. Applicator according to Item Id, the applicator member bearing applicator elements such as spikes or other reliefs being intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

[0234] Item 3d. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items Id to 2d, the applicator member being produced by injection moulding a thermoplastic.

[0235] Item 4d. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items Id to 3d, all of the arms of the first structure exhibiting symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, which is rectilinear. Item 5d. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items Id to 4d, all of the arms of the second structure exhibiting symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, which is rectilinear.

[0236] Item 6d. Applicator according to any one of Items Id to 3d, only the first structure or the second structure having arms exhibiting said succession of convex and concave portions. Item 7d. Applicator according to any one of Items Id to 6d, the arms of the first and second structures alternating about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0237] Item 8d. Applicator according to Items 6d and 7d, the arms of the first structure having an outwardly convex arched shape, and the arms of the second structure exhibiting said succession, notably an undulating shape, these arms still alternating with those of the first structure.

[0238] Item 9d. Applicator according to any one of Items Id to 5d, both the arms of the first and those of the second structure each having said succession, notably an undulating shape.

[0239] Item lOd. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items Id to 9d, the outwardly concave portion being rounded.

[0240] Item l id. Applicator according to any one of Items Id to 9d, the outwardly concave portion being U-shaped.

[0241] Item 12d. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items Id to 1 Id, the arms bearing applicator elements such as spikes, with applicator elements borne by at least one of the convex portions being shorter than those borne by the concave portion.

[0242] Item 13 d. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items Id to 12d, the first structure forming a cage defining the distal end of the applicator member.

[0243] Item 14d. Applicator according to any one of Items Id to 12d, the applicator member comprising a distal part, notably with a shape that exhibits symmetry of revolution, the arms of the first structure serving to connect the support part to the distal part.

[0244] Item 15d. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items Id to 14d, the arms of the first structure being connected to those of the second structure, notably in a median region of the applicator member; this connection preferably being achieved by means of linking elements radially to the inside of the arms, such linking elements preferably being arranged so that they come into abutment against one another when the arms are pressed radially inwards. Item 16d. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items Id to 15d, the first and / or the second structure comprising arms that are twisted about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0245] Item 17d. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items Id to 16d, the first structure comprising loops situated one on each side of a midplane of symmetry containing the longitudinal axis of the applicator member and perpendicular to a midplane of symmetry of the applicator member, these loops each comprising two arms of undulating shape, having a succession of a convex portion, a concave portion, and a convex portion, when considered from the proximal end towards the distal end of the applicator member.

[0246] Item 18d relates to a packaging and application device comprising:

[0247] • a container containing a cosmetic composition that is to be applied to human keratin matter, and

[0248] • an applicator according to any one of the preceding items.

[0249] Item 19d. Device according to Item 18d, the container being equipped with a wiper member defining a wiping orifice of radius R, the applicator member having arms of which the hollow of the concave portion lies at a minimum distance Rlmin that is greater than, equal to, or less than R, and the vertex of the convex portion lies at least at a distance R2max that is greater than or equal to R.

[0250] Whisk-shaped applicator

[0251] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is an applicator comprising:

[0252] - an applicator member, comprising:

[0253] - a support part extending along a longitudinal axis,

[0254] - at least two loops connected at their ends to the support part at diametrically opposed locations, the connecting ends whereby the loops are connected to the support part being angularly distributed about the longitudinal axis of the support part, notably at angular intervals equal to 360° / 2k, where k denotes the number of loops.

[0255] At least two loops may be imbricated with and / or connected to one another at their distal end, to form a cage.

[0256] Such an applicator makes it possible to provide, according to the number of loops, a greater or lesser capacity for carrying composition. By altering the shape, number and disposition of the loops, it is possible to achieve a wide variety of configurations enabling the applicator to be adapted to suit the rheology of the composition and the nature of the surface that is to be treated.

[0257] The applicator member may have all or some of the features mentioned in the remainder of the description, unless such features are mutually incompatible.

[0258] Variable-stiffness applicator

[0259] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently of or in combination with the foregoing, is an applicator (Item le) comprising:

[0260] An applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising:

[0261] - a support part extending along the longitudinal axis, having a housing that is open at the proximal end of the applicator member,

[0262] - at least three non-coplanar arms each connected at one end to the support part and being connected at the other end to form one or more loops and / or cages,

[0263] - the applicator comprising a stem at the end of which the applicator member is mounted, comprising an extension forming a projection at its distal end, this projection being intended to fit into the housing of the support part, the extension of the stem and the support part extending at least partially between the arms, the applicator member preferably comprising a hollow mounting end-piece for mounting in the stem, the extension passing through the mounting end-piece before engaging in the support part.

[0264] This aspect of the invention enables a highly supple material to be used for producing the applicator member, if so desired, the stiffness of the support part and of the base of the arms then being adjusted by means of the extension of the stem.

[0265] The support part may extend more or less between the arms, and at some or no distance therefrom in the radial direction.

[0266] The support part may have a portion of tapering overall shape, notably the overall shape of a cone, of varying length, to house the extension of the stem, which may likewise be of varying length, thus offering a possibility for controlling the flexibility of the applicator member. The applicator member may comprise radial webs of material connecting arms to the portion of tapering overall shape.

[0267] By altering the position of the interface between the portion of tapering overall shape and the arms it is possible to reduce to a greater or lesser extent the deployed length of the arms and give said portion of tapering overall shape greater or lesser flexibility. That makes it possible, if so desired, to achieve a good compromise between the low hardness of a material used for moulding the applicator member (a "soft" effect) and the mechanical integrity / bending / control of the applicator member during the act of applying makeup.

[0268] The arms may define a cross section of the applicator member which has a minimum width for a corresponding position along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. The distal end of the extension of the stem may be set back from this position or, as a variant, may extend beyond this position, making it possible to shorten the length over which the arms are free.

[0269] The support part and the arms may be moulded from a material having a Shore hardness ranging from 30 Shore A to 72 Shore D. The stem may be moulded from a material having a Shore hardness ranging from 70 Shore A to 100 Shore D.

[0270] The extension of the stem may be made from a non-elastomeric material, while the support part is made from an elastomeric material. Depending on the length of penetration of the extension into the support part, and on the cross section of the extension of the stem, it is possible to alter the stiffness of the applicator member and therefore how it behaves during wiping and / or application.

[0271] The applicator member may comprise a hollow mounting end-piece for mounting in the stem. In that case, the extension passes through the end-piece before engaging in the support part.

[0272] The extension may have a shape that exhibits symmetry of revolution and is centred on the longitudinal axis of the stem.

[0273] The applicator member may comprise a mounting end-piece for mounting in the stem and which with the support part defines a shoulder. The ratio Q / L, of the distance over which the extension of the stem extends beyond the shoulder, with respect to the total apparent length L of the applicator member, is preferably less than 1 / 2, being comprised for example between 1 / 10 and 1 / 2.

[0274] The support part may extend over a length G, measured from the shoulder, that represents more or less than half the apparent length L of the applicator member. Thus, the ratio G / L may be greater than or equal to 1 / 2, as the case may be.

[0275] The applicator member may have all or some of the features mentioned in the remainder of the description, unless such features are mutually incompatible. Thus, the applicator as defined as Item le may have all or some of the following features: Item 2e. Applicator according to Item le, the support part having a portion of tapering overall shape.

[0276] Item 3e. Applicator according to Item 2e, the portion of tapering overall shape having the overall shape of a cone.

[0277] Item 4e. Applicator according to one of Items 2e or 3e, the applicator member comprising radial webs of material connecting arms to the portion of tapering overall shape.

[0278] Item 5e. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items le to 4e, the arms defining a cross section of the applicator member which has a minimum width for a corresponding position along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, the distal end of the extension of the stem being set back from this position.

[0279] Item 6e. Applicator according to any one of Items le to 4e, the arms defining a cross section of the applicator member which has a minimum width for a corresponding position along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, the distal end of the extension of the stem extending beyond this position.

[0280] Item 7e. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items le to 6e, the support part and the arms being moulded from a material having a Shore hardness ranging from 30 Shore A to 72 Shore D.

[0281] Item 8e. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items le to 7e, the stem being moulded from a material having a Shore hardness ranging from 70 Shore A to 100 Shore D. Item 9e. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items le to 8e, the mounting endpiece for mounting in the stem defining a shoulder with the support part, the ratio Q / L, of the distance over which the extension of the stem extends beyond the shoulder, with respect to the total apparent length L of the applicator member, being less than 1 / 2.

[0282] Item lOe. Applicator according to Item 9e, the ratio Q / L being comprised between 1 / 10 and 1 / 2.

[0283] Item l ie. Applicator according to one of Items 9e or lOe, the support part extending over a length G, measured from the shoulder, that represents more than half the apparent length L of the applicator member.

[0284] Item 12e. Applicator according to one of Items 9e or lOe, the support part extending over a length G, measured from the shoulder, that represents half or less of the apparent length L of the applicator member. Item 13e relates to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic composition, comprising:

[0285] • an applicator as defined in any one of the preceding Items le to 12e,

[0286] • a container containing the composition to be applied.

[0287] Applicator member with reinforcing internal structure

[0288] The invention, according to another of its aspects, independently of or in combination with the foregoing, also relates to an applicator (Item 1c) for applying a cosmetic composition, comprising:

[0289] - an applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising:

[0290] - at least one support part,

[0291] - at least a first structure comprising at least two opposed arms connected at one end to the support part and connected to one another at the opposite end,

[0292] - at least a second structure passing through the gap between said arms of the first structure, the first structure preferably having arms joined together at one end to form a cage and / or the second structure preferably having arms joined together at one end to form a cage,

[0293] - at least a reinforcing internal structure linking a loop of one of the first and second structures to the support part or linking together at least two distinct locations of one arm or of two arms of one of the first and second structures, at least one of these locations being situated at a distance from the proximal and distal ends of this or these arms.

[0294] The applicator according to this aspect of the invention enables at least one of the first and second structures to be reinforced, making it possible to use a more supple material from which to make the applicator member, and / or to obtain better resistance to the radial compressive forces as it passes through the wiper member, for example.

[0295] In some exemplary embodiments, the reinforcing internal structure comprises at least one arch linking two opposed arms of the first structure between locations that are distant from the proximal and distal ends thereof. The reinforcing internal structure may notably comprise two arches linking the same two opposed arms of the first structure between locations that are distant from the proximal and distal ends thereof, these two arches being linked to one another by a bridge of material distinct from said arms, notably at their vertex. The second structure may comprise a cage passing through a passage at least partially delimited by the arms linked by the arch, and by the arch. In some exemplary embodiments, the second structure comprises at least one loop formed by two opposing arms, the reinforcing internal structure comprising at least one link linking a midpoint location of one arm of the loop to the vertex of the loop or to the support part. The reinforcing internal structure may notably comprise at least four links arranged in a lozenge shape, linking two opposed mid-point locations of the loop to the vertex thereof and to the support part.

[0296] In certain exemplary embodiments, the second structure forms a cage, and the reinforcing internal structure comprises linking elements radially to the inside of the arms and linking two distinct locations of each arm of the cage of the second structure. The linking elements may notably comprise bases extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. The first structure may comprise arms forming a cage, the linking elements linking at least one arm of the cage of the first structure to at least one adjacent arm of the second structure. The linking elements may be arranged so that they come into abutment against one another when the arms are pressed radially inwards.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first structure comprises at least one loop connected by its ends to the support part, the second structure comprising at least two loops substantially parallel to that of the first structure, positioned one on each side thereof and connected at their vertex by an arch, the reinforcing internal structure connecting the vertex of said arch to the support part.

[0298] In some embodiments, the first structure comprises at least one loop connected by its ends to the support part, the second structure comprising two loops positioned one on each side of the loop of the first structure and connected to one another by an arch passing through the loop of the first structure, the reinforcing internal structure comprising at least a central post connecting said arch to the support part.

[0299] The applicator member may have all or some of the features mentioned in the remainder of the description, unless such features are mutually incompatible.

[0300] Thus, the applicator as defined as Item 1c may have all or some of the following features: Item 2c. Applicator according to Item 1c, the reinforcing internal structure comprising at least one arch linking two opposed arms of the first structure between locations that are distant from the proximal and distal ends thereof.

[0301] Item 3c. Applicator according to Item 2c, the reinforcing internal structure comprising two arches linking the same two opposed arms of the first structure between locations that are distant from the proximal and distal ends thereof, these two arches being linked to one another by a bridge of material distinct from said arms, notably at their vertex.

[0302] Item 4c. Applicator according to Item 3c, the second structure comprising a cage passing through a passage at least partially delimited by the arms linked by the arch, and by the arch. Item 5c. Applicator according to Item 1c, the second structure comprising at least one loop formed by two opposing arms, the reinforcing internal structure comprising at least one link linking a midpoint location of one arm of this loop to the vertex of the loop or to the support part.

[0303] Item 6c. Applicator according to Item 5c, the reinforcing internal structure comprising at least four links arranged in a lozenge shape, linking two opposed mid-point locations of the loop to the vertex thereof and to the support part.

[0304] Item 7c. Applicator according to Item 1c, the second structure forming a cage, and the reinforcing internal structure comprising linking elements radially to the inside of the arms and linking two distinct locations of each arm of the cage of the second structure.

[0305] Item 8c. Applicator according to Item 7c, the linking elements comprising bases extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

[0306] Item 9c. Applicator according to one of Items 6c or 7c, the first structure comprising arms forming a cage, the linking elements linking at least one arm of the cage of the first structure to at least one adjacent arm of the second structure.

[0307] Item 10c. Applicator according to one of Items 7c to 9c, the linking elements being arranged so that they come into abutment against one another when the arms are pressed radially inwards.

[0308] Item 11c relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic composition, comprising:

[0309] • an applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising: o at least one support part, o at least a first structure comprising at least two opposed arms connected at one end to the support part and connected to one another at the opposite end, o at least a second structure passing through the gap between said arms of the first structure, o at least a reinforcing internal structure linking a loop of one of the first and second structures to the support part or linking together at least two distinct locations of one arm or of two arms of one of the first and second structures, at least one of these locations being situated at a distance from the proximal and distal ends of this or these arms, o the first structure comprising at least one loop connected by its ends to the support part, the second structure comprising at least two loops substantially parallel to that of the first structure, positioned one on each side thereof and connected at their vertex by an arch, the reinforcing internal structure connecting the vertex of said arch to the support part.

[0310] Item 12c relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic composition, comprising:

[0311] • an applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising: o at least one support part, o at least a first structure comprising at least two opposed arms connected at one end to the support part and connected to one another at the opposite end, o at least a second structure passing through the gap between said arms of the first structure, o at least a reinforcing internal structure linking a loop of one of the first and second structures to the support part or linking together at least two distinct locations of one arm or of two arms of one of the first and second structures, at least one of these locations being situated at a distance from the proximal and distal ends of this or these arms, o the first structure comprising at least one loop connected by its ends to the support part, the second structure comprising two loops positioned one on each side of the loop of the first structure and connected to one another by an arch passing through the loop of the first structure, the reinforcing internal structure comprising at least a central post connecting said arch to the support part.

[0312] Item 13c. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items 1c to 12c, at least one of the first and second structures bearing applicator elements such as spikes.

[0313] Item 14c. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items 1c to 13c, the applicator member not being flocked.

[0314] Item 15c. Applicator according to any one of the preceding Items 1c to 14c, the applicator member being produced by injection moulding a thermoplastic.

[0315] Item 16c relates to a packaging and application device comprising: • a container containing a cosmetic composition that is to be applied to human keratin matter, and

[0316] • an applicator according to any one of the preceding Items 1c to 15c.

[0317] Applicator member with membrane(s)

[0318] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is an applicator comprising:

[0319] - an applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising:

[0320] - at least one support part,

[0321] - at least a first structure comprising at least two flexible arms extending, over at least part of their length, at a distance away from the longitudinal axis and connected at one end to the support part,

[0322] - at least a second structure comprising at least one arm, this second structure extending at least partially between the two arms of the first structure,

[0323] - at least one of the arms of the first and second structures bearing a membrane of lesser thickness than that of the arm.

[0324] Such a membrane makes it possible to increase the ability of the applicator member to hold the composition through capillary effect, without excessively affecting the flexibility thereof, because of the small thickness of the membrane.

[0325] The membrane may be of constant or non-constant thickness; the thickness of the membrane, where this thickness is non-constant, is taken to be the mean thickness of the membrane.

[0326] The arm may be of constant or non-constant thickness; the thickness of the arm, where this thickness is non-constant, is taken to be the mean thickness of the arm along that portion in which it is in contact with the arm.

[0327] As a preference, the applicator member is produced by injection moulding and said membrane extends along a mould parting line. What is meant by "parting line" is the interface between two mould parts which, when the mould is closed, at least partially define a mould cavity used for moulding the material. This parting line may be a surface that is planar or non-planar in shape.

[0328] The fact that the membrane extends along a parting line of the applicator member makes the injection mould used for producing the applicator member easier to manufacture. This is because, were the membrane not to be present, any deficiency in the closing of the mould at the parting line of an arm leads to a risk of plastic escaping and creating flash on the arm. Here, the presence of the membrane makes it less critical for the mould to seal when closed in the region of the arm since it is possible to envision some flow of material used to form the membrane.

[0329] Said arm may be of thickness eband the membrane has a thickness e2, with ei / e2>2, better still ei / e2>3, and even better still ei / e2>4.

[0330] Said membrane may have a thickness less than or equal to 0.5 mm, better still less than or equal to 0.4 mm, or even better still may have a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, notably of between 0.15 and 0.25 mm.

[0331] At least one of the first and second structures may comprise two arms connected to the support part and forming a loop, these two arms bearing said membrane on at least part of their periphery.

[0332] Said membrane may occupy all of the interior space of said loop. In that case, the membrane may be connected at its periphery to the arms that form the loop and to the support part between the arms.

[0333] As a variant, said membrane occupies only part of the interior space of said loop. This may make it possible to create one or more openings in the membrane, making it easier for composition to circulate, and possibly increasing the flexibility of the applicator member. It may also create even more capillary traps for trapping the composition within the applicator member. The openings may have various shapes, be arranged in a regular or irregular pattern, in rows or not in rows. The openings may form a mesh.

[0334] The first and second structures may comprise arms, the longitudinal axes of which are non- coplanar. That gives the applicator member a three-dimensional configuration capable of storing the composition internally, while at the same time maintaining the required flexibility. That may also provide a composition-retention capacity that renders the presence of a flocked coating unnecessary. Thus, it is possible for the applicator member not to be flocked, making it easier to produce and to recycle.

[0335] The applicator member may comprise several membranes borne by respective arms or loops, these membranes extending in distinct respective planes. These respective planes may notably be secant, and may notably intersect on the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. The applicator member may have all or some of the features mentioned in the remainder of the description, unless such features are mutually incompatible.

[0336] Applicator member with parallel loops

[0337] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is an applicator comprising:

[0338] - an applicator member extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising:

[0339] - at least one support portion,

[0340] - a plurality of loops extending in substantially parallel respective planes, each loop being connected at its ends to the support portion.

[0341] The expression "substantially parallel" is to be understood as meaning that the loops extend in planes that are parallel or that make, with respect to a plane of reference common to all of the loops, an angle less than or equal to 25° with respect to this plane.

[0342] The loops may have distal ends that all lie at the same distance from the support portion.

[0343] As a variant, the distal ends of the loops lie at a distance from the support portion that increases between the endmost loops, giving the end of the applicator member a chiselled overall shape.

[0344] As a further variant, the distal ends of the loops lie at a distance from the support portion that decreases with increasing distance away from a midpoint region of the applicator member, for example a central loop.

[0345] Packaging and application device

[0346] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, which may be combined with any one of the other aspects of the invention that are described in detail above, is a packaging and application device comprising:

[0347] - an applicator according to the invention,

[0348] - a container containing the composition to be applied, having a wiper through which the applicator member passes when it is withdrawn from the container, or

[0349] - a container on which the applicator is mounted, this container directly supplying the applicator member with the composition.

[0350] The orifice defined by the wiper, notably the diameter thereof, may be dimensioned such that the first and / or second structures deform as they pass through it. For example, the applicator member has a largest diameter (namely the diameter of the largest circle that can circumscribe the cross section of the applicator member) that measures between 1 and 2 times, or even between 1 and 1.5 times the diameter of the wiping orifice (namely the diameter of the smallest circle that can circumscribe the internal cross section of this orifice). The composition contained in the container may be a makeup or care product, notably a makeup or care product for the skin or the lips, or a mascara.

[0351] When the composition is intended to be applied to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, the applicator member bears applicator elements such as spikes or other application reliefs.

[0352] Makeup method

[0353] A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, which may be combined with any one of the other aspects of the invention that are described in detail above, is a method for applying makeup to human keratin matter, notably the skin, the lips, the eyelashes or eyebrows by means of a packaging and application device as defined above, this method comprising the steps of:

[0354] - applying the composition to the keratin matter using the applicator.

[0355] The method may comprise the action of twisting the applicator member about its axis, notably when unscrewing the applicator previously screwed onto a threaded neck of the container, so as to twist the first and / or second structures into contact with the wiper and cause them to move radially closer together. This may make it possible to create forced circulation of composition, thus promoting replenishment with composition. It may also improve the wiping. In instances in which the composition is relatively viscous, which may be the case with a mascara, the applicator member may have a tendency to twist on contact with the composition during the unscrewing of the container closure member, which also acts as a member by means of which the applicator can be grasped.

[0356] Brief description of the drawings

[0357] The invention may be understood better from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof, and from studying the appended drawing, in which:

[0358] [Fig 1] Figure 1 schematically and partially depicts an example of a packaging and application device comprising an applicator according to the invention,

[0359] [Fig 2] Figure 2 depicts, in isolation and in part, a perspective view of one example of an applicator member according to the invention, [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a rear view in the direction of arrow III of Figure 2,

[0360] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 2, to show the outer loop in its plane,

[0361] [Fig 5] Figure 5 is a view in longitudinal section on V-V of Figure 4,

[0362] [Fig 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the applicator member after it has rotated about its axis with respect to Figure 4, to show the inner loop in its plane,

[0363] [Fig 7] Figure 7 is a view in longitudinal section on VII- VII of Figure 6,

[0364] [Fig 8] Figure 8 depicts, in isolation and in part, a perspective view of another example of an applicator member,

[0365] [Fig 9] Figure 9 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 8, [Fig 10] Figure 10 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 8, [Fig 11] Figure 11 is a view in longitudinal section on XI-XI of Figure 10, [Fig 12] Figure 12 is a side view following rotation on itself about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member,

[0366] [Fig 13] Figure 13 is a view in longitudinal section on XIII-XIII of Figure 12,

[0367] [Fig 14] Figure 14 is a side view following rotation on itself about the longitudinal axis of the applicator member,

[0368] [Fig 15] Figure 15 is a view in longitudinal section on XV-XV of Figure 14,

[0369] [Fig 16] Figure 16 is a view in cross section on XVI-XVI of Figure 15,

[0370] [Fig 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0371] [Fig 18] Figure 18 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 17,

[0372] [Fig 19] Figure 19 is a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member of Figure 17, [Fig 20] Figure 20 is a side view of the applicator member,

[0373] [Fig 21] Figure 21 is a view similar to Figure 20 following rotation of the applicator member on itself about its longitudinal axis,

[0374] [Fig 22] Figure 22 is a partial view, in perspective, of a variant of an applicator member, [Fig 23] Figure 23 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 17, [Fig 24] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member, [Fig 25] Figure 25 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 24, [Fig 26] Figure 26 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 24,

[0375] [Fig 27] Figure 27 is a view in longitudinal section on XXVII-XXVII of Figure 26, [Fig 28] Figure 28 is another side view of the applicator member, [Fig 29] Figure 29 is a view in longitudinal section on XXIX-XXIX of Figure 28,

[0376] [Fig 30] Figure 30 is another side view of the applicator member,

[0377] [Fig 31] Figure 31 is a view in longitudinal section on XXXI-XXXI of Figure 30,

[0378] [Fig 32] Figure 32 is a perspective partial view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0379] [Fig 33] Figure 33 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 32,

[0380] [Fig 34] Figure 34 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 32,

[0381] [Fig 35] Figure 35 is a view in longitudinal section on XXXV-XXXV of Figure 34,

[0382] [Fig 36] Figure 36 is a view in cross section on XXXVI-XXXVI of Figure 34,

[0383] [Fig 37] Figure 37 is a side view of the applicator member,

[0384] [Fig 38] Figure 38 is a view in longitudinal section on XXXVIII-XXXVIII of Figure 37,

[0385] [Fig 39] Figure 39 is another side view of the applicator member,

[0386] [Fig 40] Figure 40 is a view in longitudinal section on XL-XL of Figure 39,

[0387] [Fig 41] Figure 41 is a perspective partial view of another example of an applicator member,

[0388] [Fig 42] Figure 42 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 41,

[0389] [Fig 43] Figure 43 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 41,

[0390] [Fig 44] Figure 44 is a view in longitudinal section on XLIV-XLIV of Figure 43,

[0391] [Fig 45] Figure 45 is another side view of the applicator member of Figure 41,

[0392] [Fig 46] Figure 46 is another view in longitudinal section of the applicator member,

[0393] [Fig 47] Figure 47 is another side view of the applicator member,

[0394] [Fig 48] Figure 48 is a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member on XL VIII- XLVIII of Figure 47,

[0395] [Fig 49] Figure 49 depicts a perspective partial view of another variant of an applicator member,

[0396] [Fig 50] Figure 50 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 49,

[0397] [Fig 51] Figure 51 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 49,

[0398] [Fig 52] Figure 52 is a view in longitudinal section on LII-LII of Figure 51,

[0399] [Fig 53] Figure 53 is another view in longitudinal section,

[0400] [Fig 54] Figure 54 is another side view of the applicator member,

[0401] [Fig 55] Figure 55 is a view in longitudinal section on LV-LV of Figure 54,

[0402] [Fig 56] Figure 56 is another side view of the applicator member of Figure 49,

[0403] [Fig 57] Figure 57 is a view in longitudinal section on LVII-LVII of Figure 56,

[0404] [Fig 58] Figure 58 is a perspective partial view of a variant of an applicator member, [Fig 59] Figure 59 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 58,

[0405] [Fig 60] Figure 60 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 58,

[0406] [Fig 61] Figure 61 is a view in longitudinal section on LXI-LXI of Figure 60,

[0407] [Fig 62] Figure 62 is a view in cross section on LXII-LXII of Figure 60,

[0408] [Fig 63] Figure 63 is another side view of the applicator member of Figure 60,

[0409] [Fig 64] Figure 64 is a view in longitudinal section on LXIV-LXIV of Figure 63,

[0410] [Fig 65] Figure 65 is a side view from another angle,

[0411] [Fig 66] Figure 66 is a view in longitudinal section on LXVI-LXVI of Figure 65,

[0412] [Fig 67] Figure 67 is a perspective partial depiction of an applicator member according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0413] [Fig 68] Figure 68 is a partial view of the applicator member of Figure 67, from another angle,

[0414] [Fig 69] Figure 69 is a front-on view of the applicator member,

[0415] [Fig 70] Figure 70 is a side view of the applicator member,

[0416] [Fig 71] Figure 71 is a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member on LXXI-LXXI of Figure 70,

[0417] [Fig 72] Figure 72 is a view in cross section on LXXII-LXXII of Figure 70,

[0418] [Fig 73] Figure 73 is another side view of the applicator member,

[0419] [Fig 74] Figure 74 is a view in longitudinal section on LXXIV-LXXIV of Figure 73,

[0420] [Fig 75] Figure 75 is another side view of the applicator member,

[0421] [Fig 76] Figure 76 is a view in longitudinal section on LXXVI-LXXVI of Figure 75,

[0422] [Fig 77] Figure 77 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the applicator member,

[0423] [Fig 78] Figure 78 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 77,

[0424] [Fig 79] Figure 79 is a side view of the applicator member,

[0425] [Fig 80] Figure 80 is a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member,

[0426] [Fig 81] Figure 81 is a perspective partial view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0427] [Fig 82] Figure 82 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 81,

[0428] [Fig 83] Figure 83 is a side view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0429] [Fig 84] Figure 84 depicts a perspective partial view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0430] [Fig 85] Figure 85 is a rear view of the applicator member of Figure 84,

[0431] [Fig 86] Figure 86 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 84,

[0432] [Fig 87] Figure 87 is a view in longitudinal section on LXXXVII-LXXXVII of Figure 86, [Fig 88] Figure 88 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 84, after the applicator member has been rotated about its axis,

[0433] [Fig 89] Figure 89 is a view in longitudinal section on IXC-IXC of Figure 88,

[0434] [Fig 90] Figure 90 depicts a perspective partial view of a variant embodiment of the applicator member,

[0435] [Fig 91] Figure 91 is a rear view of the applicator member of Figure 90,

[0436] [Fig 92] Figure 92 is a side view of the applicator member,

[0437] [Fig 93] Figure 93 is a view in longitudinal section on XCIII-XCIII of Figure 92,

[0438] [Fig 94] Figure 94 is a side view of the applicator member following rotation about its longitudinal axis,

[0439] [Fig 95] Figure 95 is a view in longitudinal section on XCV-XCV of Figure 94,

[0440] [Fig 96] Figure 96 is a perspective partial view, with cross section, of the applicator member of Figure 90,

[0441] [Fig 97] Figure 97 is a view similar to Figure 96 from a different angle,

[0442] [Fig 98] Figure 98 depicts a perspective partial view of a variant of an applicator member, [Fig 99] Figure 99 is a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member of Figure 98, [Fig 100] Figure 100 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member, [Fig 101] Figure 101 is a rear view of the applicator member of Figure 100,

[0443] [Fig 102] Figure 102 is a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member of Figure 100, in a plane of section containing two opposed arms of the inner cage,

[0444] [Fig 103] Figure 103 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 100,

[0445] [Fig 104] Figure 104 is a view in longitudinal section on CIV-CIV of Figure 103,

[0446] [Fig 105] Figure 105 depicts a perspective partial view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0447] [Fig 106] Figure 106 is a view analogous to Figure 105 from a different angle,

[0448] [Fig 107] Figure 107 is a rear view of the applicator member of Figure 105,

[0449] [Fig 108] Figure 108 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 105,

[0450] [Fig 109] Figure 109 is a view in longitudinal section on CIX-CIX of Figure 108,

[0451] [Fig 110] Figure 110 is another side view of the applicator member of Figure 105,

[0452] [Fig 111] Figure 111 is a view in longitudinal section on CXI-CXI of Figure 110,

[0453] [Fig 112] Figure 112 is a perspective partial view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0454] [Fig 113] Figure 113 is a rear view of the applicator member of Figure 112,

[0455] [Fig 114] Figure 114 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 112, [Fig 115] Figure 115 is a view in longitudinal section on CXV-CXV of Figure 114,

[0456] [Fig 116] Figure 116 is another side view of the applicator member of Figure 112,

[0457] [Fig 117] Figure 117 is a view in longitudinal section on CXVII-CXVII of Figure 116,

[0458] [Fig 118] Figure 118 depicts a perspective view of a variant embodiment of the applicator member,

[0459] [Fig 119] Figure 119 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 118,

[0460] [Fig 120] Figure 120 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 118,

[0461] [Fig 121] Figure 121 is a view in longitudinal section on CXXI-CXXI of Figure 120,

[0462] [Fig 122] Figure 122 is a view in cross section on CXXII-CXXII of Figure 120,

[0463] [Fig 123] Figure 123 is a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0464] [Fig 124] Figure 124 is a front-on view of the applicator member,

[0465] [Fig 125] Figure 125 is a side view of the applicator member,

[0466] [Fig 126] Figure 126 is a view, from above, of the applicator member of Figure 123,

[0467] [Fig 127] Figure 127 is a view in longitudinal section on CXXVII-CXXVII of Figure 126,

[0468] [Fig 128] Figure 128 is a cross section on CXXVIII-CXXVIII of Figure 125,

[0469] [Fig 129] Figure 129 is a perspective view of a variant of an applicator,

[0470] [Fig 130] Figure 130 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 129,

[0471] [Fig 131] Figure 131 is a view in longitudinal section on CXXXI-CXXXI of Figure 130,

[0472] [Fig 132] Figure 132 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 129,

[0473] [Fig 133] Figure 133 is a view in longitudinal section on CXXXIII-CXXXIII of Figure 132,

[0474] [Fig 134] Figure 134 is a side view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0475] [Fig 135] Figure 135 depicts a perspective partial view of a hybrid variant of an applicator member,

[0476] [Fig 136] Figure 136 is a view in longitudinal section of the hybrid applicator of Figure 135, [Fig 137] Figure 137 depicts, in isolation, the moulded applicator member of the hybrid applicator,

[0477] [Fig 138] Figure 138 is a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0478] [Fig 139] Figure 139 depicts a perspective view of another variant of an applicator member,

[0479] [Fig 140] Figure 140 is a perspective view of another variant of an applicator member,

[0480] [Fig 141] Figure 141 is a view in cross section on CXLI-CXLI of Figure 140,

[0481] [Fig 142] Figure 142 depicts a perspective view of another variant of an applicator member, [Fig 143] Figure 143 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 142, [Fig 144] Figure 144 is another side view of the applicator member of Figure 142,

[0482] [Fig 145] Figure 145 is a view in longitudinal section on CXLV-CXLV of Figure 143,

[0483] [Fig 146] Figure 146 is a view in longitudinal section on CXLVI-CXLVI of Figure 144,

[0484] [Fig 147] Figure 147 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 142,

[0485] [Fig 148] Figure 148 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0486] [Fig 149] Figure 149 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 148,

[0487] [Fig 150] Figure 150 is another side view of the applicator member of Figure 148,

[0488] [Fig 151] Figure 151 is a view in longitudinal section on CLI-CLI of Figure 149,

[0489] [Fig 152] Figure 152 is a view in cross section on CLII-CLII of Figure 150,

[0490] [Fig 153] Figure 153 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 148,

[0491] [Fig 154] Figure 154 is a perspective partial view, with cross section, of the applicator member of Figure 148,

[0492] [Fig 155] Figure 155 is a view analogous to Figure 154 sectioned in a plane closer to the distal end,

[0493] [Fig 156] Figure 156 is a view analogous to Figure 154 sectioned in a plane even closer to the distal end,

[0494] [Fig 157] Figure 157 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0495] [Fig 158] Figure 158 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 157,

[0496] [Fig 159] Figure 159 is a view in longitudinal section on CLIX-CLIX of Figure 158,

[0497] [Fig 160] Figure 160 is a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member of Figure

[0498] 158, in a plane of section containing the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to that of Figure

[0499] 159,

[0500] [Fig 161] Figure 161 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0501] [Fig 162] Figure 162 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 161,

[0502] [Fig 163] Figure 163 is a view in longitudinal section on CLXIII-CLXIII of Figure 162, [Fig 164] Figure 164 is a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member of Figure

[0503] 162, in a plane of section containing the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to that of Figure

[0504] 163,

[0505] [Fig 165] Figure 165 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0506] [Fig 166] Figure 166 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 165,

[0507] [Fig 167] Figure 167 is a view in longitudinal section on CLXVII-CLXVII of Figure 166, [Fig 168] Figure 168 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 165, viewed in a direction perpendicular to that of Figure 168,

[0508] [Fig 169] Figure 169 is a view in longitudinal section on CLXIX-CLXXIX of Figure 172,

[0509] [Fig 170] Figure 170 is a rear view of the applicator member of Figure 165,

[0510] [Fig 171] Figure 171 is a view in longitudinal section on CLXXI-CLXXI of Figure 170,

[0511] [Fig 172] Figure 172 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 165,

[0512] [Fig 173] Figure 173 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0513] [Fig 174] Figure 174 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 173,

[0514] [Fig 175] Figure 175 is a view in longitudinal section on CLXXV-CLXXV of Figure 174,

[0515] [Fig 176] Figure 176 is a view in cross section on CLXXVI-CLXXVI of Figure 174,

[0516] [Fig 177] Figure 177 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 173,

[0517] [Fig 178] Figure 178 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0518] [Fig 179] Figure 179 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 178,

[0519] [Fig 180] Figure 180 is a view in longitudinal section on CLXXX-CLXXX of Figure 179, [Fig 181] Figure 181 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 178,

[0520] [Fig 182] Figure 182 is a view in longitudinal section on CLXXXII-CLXXXII of Figure 181,

[0521] [Fig 183] Figure 183 depicts a perspective partial view of a variant of an applicator member, [Fig 184] Figure 184 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 183,

[0522] [Fig 185] Figure 185 is a rear view of the applicator member of Figure 187,

[0523] [Fig 186] Figure 186 is a view in longitudinal section on CLXXXVI-CLXXXVI of Figure 184,

[0524] [Fig 187] Figure 187 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 183, viewed in a direction perpendicular to that of Figure 184, and

[0525] [Fig 188] Figure 188 is a view in longitudinal section on CLXXXVIII-CLXXXVIII of Figure 187,

[0526] [Fig 189] Figure 189 depicts a perspective partial view of a variant of an applicator member, [Fig 190] Figure 190 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 189,

[0527] [Fig 191] Figure 191 is a perspective partial view, with cross section, of the applicator member of Figure 189,

[0528] [Fig 192] Figure 192 depicts a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member of Figure 189 mounted on a corresponding applicator stem, [Fig 193] Figure 193 depicts a perspective partial view of a variant of an applicator member, [Fig 194] Figure 194 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 193,

[0529] [Fig 195] Figure 195 depicts a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member of Figure 193 mounted on a corresponding applicator stem,

[0530] [Fig 196] Figure 196 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0531] [Fig 197] Figure 197 depicts a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member of Figure 196 mounted on a corresponding applicator stem,

[0532] [Fig 198] Figure 198 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0533] [Fig 199] Figure 199 depicts a view in longitudinal section of the applicator member of Figure 198 mounted on a corresponding applicator stem,

[0534] [Fig 200] Figure 200 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0535] [Fig 201] Figure 201 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 200,

[0536] [Fig 202] Figure 202 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 200,

[0537] [Fig 203] Figure 203 is a view in longitudinal section on CCIII-CCIII of Figure 202,

[0538] [Fig 204] Figure 204 is a perspective partial view, with cross section, of the applicator member of Figure 200,

[0539] [Fig 205] Figure 205 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0540] [Fig 206] Figure 206 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 205,

[0541] [Fig 207] Figure 207 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 205,

[0542] [Fig 208] Figure 208 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 205, viewed in a direction perpendicular to that of Figure 207,

[0543] [Fig 209] Figure 209 is a view in longitudinal section on CCIX-CCIX of Figure 207,

[0544] [Fig 210] Figure 210 is a perspective partial view, with cross section, of the applicator member of Figure 205,

[0545] [Fig 211] Figure 211 depicts a perspective view of a variant of an applicator member,

[0546] [Fig 212] Figure 212 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 211,

[0547] [Fig 213] Figure 213 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 205,

[0548] [Fig 214] Figure 214 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 205, viewed in a direction perpendicular to that of Figure 213,

[0549] [Fig 215] Figure 215 is a view in longitudinal section on CCXV-CCXV of Figure 214,

[0550] [Fig 216] Figure 216 depicts a partial side view of a variant of an applicator, [Fig 217] Figure 217 depicts a face-on view of the applicator member of Figure 216, [Fig 218] Figure 218 is a view in longitudinal section on CCXVIII-CCXVIII of Figure 217, [Fig 219] Figure 219 depicts in isolation, in side view, the end of the applicator stem, [Fig 220] Figure 220 depicts in isolation, in side view, the end of the stem of a variant form of applicator,

[0551] [Fig 221] Figure 221 is a view in longitudinal section of the applicator showing the applicator member and the end of the stem of Figure 220,

[0552] [Fig 222] Figure 222 illustrates the possibility of fitting the applicator member of Figure 192 with applicator elements,

[0553] [Fig 223] Figure 223 depicts a perspective view of a variant embodiment of an applicator member,

[0554] [Fig 224] Figure 224 is a face-on view of the applicator member of Figure 223,

[0555] [Fig 225] Figure 225 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 223,

[0556] [Fig 226] Figure 226 is a view, from above, of the applicator member in the direction of arrow CCXXVI of Figure 225,

[0557] [Fig 227] Figure 227 is a view in longitudinal section on CCXXVII of Figure 224,

[0558] [Fig 228] Figure 228 is a rear-perspective depiction of a variant form of applicator member, [Fig 229] Figure 229 is a front-perspective view of the applicator member of Figure 228, [Fig 230] Figure 230 is a front-on view of the applicator member of Figure 228, [Fig 231] Figure 231 is a view, from above, of the applicator member of Figure 228, [Fig 232] Figure 232 is a side view of the applicator member of Figure 228, and [Fig 233] Figure 233 is a longitudinal section on CCXXXIII of Figure 232.

[0559] Example

[0560] Figure 1 depicts an example of a packaging and application device 1 produced in accordance with the invention, having an applicator 2 and an associated container 3 containing a product P to be applied to human keratin matter, for example to the eyelashes or eyebrows, or as a variant to the skin or to the lips, depending on the way in which the applicator is embodied. The container 3 comprises, in the example in question, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 has a closure cap 5 designed to be fastened on the neck 4 so as to close the container 3 in a sealed manner when it is not in use, the closure cap 5 also constituting a gripping member by which to grasp the applicator 2. The container 3 may also be produced in some other way.

[0561] The container 3 may, as illustrated, comprise a wiping member 6, for example snap-fastened into the neck 4.

[0562] The applicator 2 comprises a stem 7 of longitudinal axis Y, which is connected at its upper end to the closure cap 5 and at its lower end to an applicator member 10, depicted very schematically in Figure 1, and which may be any one of those illustrated in the other figures, or variants thereof.

[0563] The wiping member 6, which may be any wiping member, has, in the example in question, a lip designed to wipe the stem 7 and the applicator member 10 when the applicator 2 is withdrawn from the container 3. The lip defines a wiping orifice 6a having a diameter adapted to that of the stem 7.

[0564] The wiping member 6 may be made of elastomer.

[0565] The wiping orifice 6a may have a circular shape, possibly with slits.

[0566] The diameter d of the wiping orifice 6a is, for example, between 2.5 and 8 mm.

[0567] The wiping member 6 may optionally have undulations, allowing the wiping orifice 6a to widen more easily when the applicator member 10 passes through.

[0568] The wiping member may also be adjustable, if appropriate.

[0569] In the example shown, the stem 7 has a circular cross section, but it would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention if the stem 7 had a different cross section, it then being possible to secure the cap 5 on the container 3 in a way other than by screwing, if necessary. The wiping member 6 is adapted to the shape of the stem 7 and to that of the applicator member 10, if appropriate.

[0570] Preferably, and as in the example illustrated in Figure 1, the longitudinal axis Y of the stem 7 is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, but it would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention if the stem 7 were not rectilinear, forming for example a bend.

[0571] If need be, the stem 7 may have an annular narrowing at its portion that is positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member 6, such as not to mechanically stress this lip unduly during storage.

[0572] The stem 7, to which the applicator member 10 is fastened, may be rigid or may be at least partially, and in particular completely, flexible, notably in the vicinity of the applicator member 10. The applicator member 10 may be fixed to the stem 7 by any means, and in particular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling or crimping, in a corresponding housing 7a provided at the end of the stem 7. As a variant, the applicator member 10 is produced as a single piece with at least part of the stem 7, by moulding.

[0573] In the description that follows, certain applicator members are more particularly intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes or eyebrows and have reliefs such as spikes. Other exemplary embodiments are more particularly intended for the application of a composition to the skin or the lips and exhibit an absence of spikes. These applicator members without spikes are preferably not flocked but as a variant may be covered with flocking fibres over at least part of their surface. Certain applicator members are depicted without the spikes with which they are intended to be covered, for the sake of the clarity of the drawing.

[0574] Figures 2 to 7 partially depict one example of an applicator member 10 of longitudinal axis X, produced by injection moulding at least one thermoplastic material, having an end-piece 11 for fastening to the stem 7, intended to be received in the housing 7a of the latter.

[0575] The end-piece 11 is extended towards the distal end of the applicator member 10 by a central part 12, forming a shoulder 13.

[0576] The central part 12 is for example ogee-shaped when viewed from the side, as illustrated, and acts as a support to a first flexible structure 20 in the form of an inner loop and to a second flexible structure 30 in the form of an outer loop, the latter having a free end 32 that also corresponds to the distal end of the applicator member 10, as may be seen in Figure 2. The inner loop 20 is connected to the central part 12 near the vertex thereof, and extends in a plane Pl containing the longitudinal axis X, as may be seen in Figure 3.

[0577] The outer loop 30 is connected to the central part 12 near the shoulder 13, and extends in a plane P2 containing the longitudinal axis X, this plane P2 making an angle a with the plane Pl. This angle a ranges, for example, between 15° and 30°.

[0578] Each of the loops 20 and 30 is formed, in the example illustrated, by a continuous strand of flexible material which is connected at its ends to the central part 12 as described above. This strand of material may have a cross section that is constant over at least half its length, or even over the entirety of its length.

[0579] The outer loop 30 defines two arms 30a and 30b, as may be seen in Figure 6, which meet at the distal end 32. These two arms are symmetrical with respect to one another about the axis X. The inner loop 20 passes through the space formed between these arms 30a and 30b, thus being interlaced (or "imbricated") with the outer loop 30.

[0580] The apparent length L of the applicator member 10, measured between the shoulder 30 and the distal end 32, is for example comprised between 10 and 25 mm.

[0581] The inner loop 20 does not touch the outer loop 30 and the distal end of the inner loop 20 may be set back from the outer loop 30 by a distance 5 comprised for example between 0.10L and 0.9L, better still, between 0.1 and 0.3L.

[0582] The distance s is for example comprised between 1 and 5 mm.

[0583] The greatest transverse dimension u of the applicator member 10 is defined by the greatest width of the outer loop 30, as may be seen in Figure 3.

[0584] The dimension u may be greater than the diameter of the stem 7, and the outer loop may deform as it passes through the wiper member 6, which tends to stretch same.

[0585] For example, the dimension u is comprised between 0.5 and 3 times the diameter of the stem 7; for example u is comprised between 0.8 and 2 mm.

[0586] The greatest width v of the inner loop 20 is for example less than u, while still being wide enough that it can deform on passing through the wiper member 6.

[0587] For example, v is comprised between 0.8w and 0.95w.

[0588] The distal ends of the loops 20 and 30 may be aligned along the axis X, as illustrated, and the applicator member 10 may have symmetry about axis X.

[0589] Figures 2 to 7 partially depict the applicator member, without the spikes that are arranged on the arms. For applying a composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, the applicator member comprises spikes on all the arms, the spikes being directed radially outwards. Each arm may then bear a row of spikes, which may be of any shape, notably prismatic, conical, cylindro-conical, with tips of hemispherical or some other shape and bases of polygonal, circular, semicircular or some other shape.

[0590] The variant embodiment of an applicator member 10 that is depicted in Figures 9 to 16 differs from the example of Figures 2 to 8 notably by the presence of an intermediate cage 40 and in terms of the length of the support part 12.

[0591] The applicator member 10 in this example comprises an inner loop 20 and an outer loop 30 which extend in respective planes Pl and P2 that are at an angle a to one another, as in the preceding example. The ratio t = M / L between the length M of the outer loop 30 and the apparent length L of the applicator member 10 is in this example less than or equal to 0.5 because the support part 12 has a length greater than that of the outer loop 30.

[0592] The cage 40 is formed by four arched arms 40a, 40b, 40c and 40d joined together at one end at 42.

[0593] The arms 40a and 40b are diametrically opposed and form a first loop extending in a plane P3 which is, for example as illustrated in Figure 9, perpendicular to the plane P2 in which the outer loop 30 extends. The arms 40c and 40d are diametrically opposed and form a second loop extending in a plane P4 which is, for example, perpendicular to the plane Pl in which the inner loop 20 extends. The loops formed one by the arms 40a, 40b and the other by the arms 40c, 40d are not free, being connected to one another at the free end 42 of the cage 40.

[0594] The arms forming the cage 40 may have substantially the same cross section as the arms forming the loops 20 and 30.

[0595] The distal end 42 of the cage 40 may lie substantially midway between the vertexes 22 and 32 of the loops 20 and 30, as may be seen notably in Figure 11.

[0596] In this example, the inner loop 20 passes through the space formed between the arms 30a and 30b of the outer loop 30 and is thus interlaced with the latter loop. The inner loop 20 is also interlaced with each of the two loops that formed the cage 40, because it passes through the planes P3 and P4, as may be seen notably in Figure 9.

[0597] It may be seen in Figure 16 that each of the arms may in cross section have two rectilinear segments 801 converging towards the centre and connected by a rounded portion 802 situated to the outside. The rounded portion has, for example as illustrated, a semicircular shape. The cross section may be symmetrical with respect to a radial plane. Such a shape makes the applicator member easier to demould.

[0598] The variant embodiment illustrated in Figures 17 to 21 is intended for applying makeup to keratin fibres, notably the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, and illustrates one option for the siting of the spikes with the configuration of the arms corresponding to the example of Figures 8 to 16.

[0599] The applicator member 10 of Figures 17 to 21 comprises rows of spikes 62 extending over the support part 12, there being for example eight of these rows of spikes 62, extending for example parallel to the longitudinal axis X in the continuation of the strands of the inner loop 20, outer loop 30 and the arms of the cage 40. The spikes 62 are for example radial, as illustrated, and may have a constant or variable height.

[0600] The loops 20 and 30 and the cage 40 also bear spikes 61, which are connected for example perpendicular to their base to the surface that bears them.

[0601] At least some of the spikes 61 may be shorter than the spikes 62, as may be seen notably in Figure 19.

[0602] The length of the spikes 62 of the rows situated in the continuation of the arms of the cage 40 may, as illustrated, pass through a maximum when progressing from the shoulder 13 towards the distal end of the applicator member, along the support part 12, and the distance between their free end on the axis X reaches a maximum; as illustrated in Figure 19.

[0603] The spikes 61 present on the cage 40, situated substantially mid-way along same, and oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis X, may have their distal end lying substantially the same distance y from the axis X.

[0604] The same may be true of the other aligned rows of spikes 61 and 62. With reference to Figure 18, it may be seen that the ends furthest from the axis X lie substantially at the same distance from the axis X for all the rows, for example at the distance y + / - 10%... ± 20%. That makes it possible to have substantially uniform wiping of the outermost spikes on passing through the wiper member.

[0605] It may be seen in Figure 19 that the free ends of the spikes 62 present on the support part 12 may, upwards of a certain number of spikes, for example three as illustrated, lie at a distance from the axis X that decreases with increasing proximity to the distal end of the applicator member 10. This decrease may be due to a decreasing length of the spikes 62, and to the shape of the support part, which may exhibit a slight hollowing 12a connected with a decrease in its diameter.

[0606] The maximum separation g between the free ends of the spikes 62 and the envelope cylinder of radius ymaxresting against the free ends of the spikes 61 and 62 furthest from the axis X ranges for example between 1 / 10 and 1 / 4 of ymax. . That makes it possible to have spikes that are less comprehensively wiped at the rear end of the outer loop, and thus a reserve of product to load onto the eyelashes, the spikes present on the tip end of the applicator member, namely on the various loops, being more comprehensively wiped and able to be used for separating the eyelashes.

[0607] The applicator member 10 may at the front end have an axially directed central spike 61. The variant embodiment of an applicator member 10 depicted partially (without the spikes) in Figures 22 and 23 has a distal part 15 connected to the support part 12 by two diametrically opposed flexible arms 30a and 30b in the form of arches, forming with the distal part an outer loop 30.

[0608] The applicator member 10 also comprises an inner loop 20 which extends in a plane Pl and passes through the plane P2 in which the arms 30a and 30b extend, making an angle a with that plane.

[0609] The length J of the distal part 15 may, as illustrated, represent at least 50% of the apparent length L of the applicator member, which length is defined as being the distance between the shoulder 13 and the distal end of the applicator member 10.

[0610] The presence of the loops 20 and 30 gives the applicator member 10 a certain flexibility at the connection between the support part 12 and distal part 15, with the possibility of elastic deformation of the arms 30a and 30b.

[0611] The applicator member of Figures 22 and 23 is fitted with spikes (not depicted) for applying a composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows. These spikes may be present on the distal part 15 and, where applicable, on the arms 30a and 30b and / or on the loop 20.

[0612] The variant embodiment depicted partially (without spikes) in Figures 24 to 31 differs from that of Figures 22 and 23 notably in terms of the number of arms of the linking part between the support part 12 and the distal part 15.

[0613] In the example considered, the support part 12 is connected to the distal part 15 by a first pair of diametrically opposed arms 30a and 30b and a second pair of diametrically opposed arms 30c and 30d.

[0614] The arms 30a and 30b are of outwardly convex arched shape and form with the distal part 15 a first loop 30 extending in a plane P2, as visible in Figure 25.

[0615] The arms 30c and 30d have the same arched shape as the arms 30a and 30b and form a loop 30' extending in a plane P2'.

[0616] The inner loop 20 extends in a plane Pl, with an angle a between the planes Pl and P2, and an angle of 90°- a between the planes P2 and P2’, in the example considered.

[0617] The presence of four arms 30a to 30d tends to improve the mechanical strength of the connection between the distal part 15 and support part 12.

[0618] The example of Figures 24 to 31 also differs from that of Figures 22 and 23 through the presence of an intermediate loop 70 which extends in a plane P3 that makes with the plane Pl of the inner loop 20 an angle P which is for example equal to the angle a between the planes Pl and P2. For example a=P=45°, are as illustrated, although these angles may assume other values.

[0619] The vertex 72 of the intermediate loop 70 extends for example substantially midway between the distal part 15 and the vertex of the inner loop 20, as visible in Figure 27.

[0620] The example of Figures 24 to 31 is equipped with spikes (not depicted), preferably on the support part 15 and possibly also on the arms 30a to 30d and on the intermediate loop 70 and / or the loop 20.

[0621] The example of Figures 32 to 40 also comprises a distal part 15 that is relatively long, in the manner of the examples of Figures 22 and 24. The applicator member 10 in this example comprises arms 30a and 30b that with the distal part 15 form a loop 30 and also an intermediate cage 40 comprising two loops formed by arches 40a, 40b in the case of the first loop, and 40c, 40d in the case of the second, these extending in respective planes P3 and P4 that form an angle y between them and are connected at their vertex 42, as visible notably in Figures 37 and 39. The angle y measures for example 45°.

[0622] The loop formed by the arms 40a, 40b is connected to the distal part 15 by bridges of material 45, as may be seen notably in Figures 33, 35 and 37.

[0623] This reduces the flexibility of the connection between the support part 12 and distal part 15, which connection is then made at the distal part 15 at four points arranged at 90° from one another, namely the two arms 30a and 30b and the two diametrically opposed bridges of material 45.

[0624] The example of Figures 32 to 40 is equipped with spikes (not depicted), on the distal part 15 and possibly also on the arms 30a to 30d, the cage 40 and / or the loop 20.

[0625] The applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 41 to 48 has a support part 12 and a distal part 15 which are connected by four arms 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d, of outwardly convex arched shape. The arms 30a and 30b are diametrically opposed and form, with the distal part 15, a first loop extending in a plane P2, and the arms 30c and 30d likewise form a second loop in a plane P2' that makes with the first plane an angle for example of 90° as may be seen in Figure 42.

[0626] The applicator member 10 also comprises, in this example, a cage 20 formed by four arms 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d, the arms 20a and 20b forming a first loop extending in a plane Pl and the arms 20c and 20d a second loop extending in a plane Pl', the planes Pl and Pl' being for example set at 90° from one another, and the plane Pl making for example an angle of 45° with the plane P2.

[0627] The arms are joined together at 22, at the distal end of the cage 20, at a distance from the distal part 15, as visible notably in Figure 44.

[0628] The applicator member 10 may comprise two inner loops 80 and 84 each extending in the plane P2', the loop 84 being connected to the support part 12 and the loop 80 to the distal part 15, as notably visible in Figures 43 and 46.

[0629] The two loops 84 and 80 are connected to one another at their vertexes by a bridge of material 81 extending along the longitudinal axis X.

[0630] The applicator member of Figures 41 to 48 is advantageously equipped with spikes (not depicted) on the distal part 15 and / or the arms 30a to 30d.

[0631] The applicator member depicted in Figures 49 to 57 differs from that of Figures 41 to 48 in terms of the shape of the arms 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d of the cage 20.

[0632] Whereas, in the example of Figures 41 to 48, the arms are generally in the shape of an arch that is concave toward the axis X, in the example of Figures 49 to 57, the arms each have an undulating shape, with two end portions 427 and 428 that is concave towards the axis X and an intermediate portion 429 that is convex towards the axis X, giving the cage 20 the overall shape of a peanut when viewed from the side.

[0633] The applicator member of Figures 49 to 57 is advantageously equipped with spikes (not depicted) on the arms 30a to 30d, the arms 20a to 20d, and possibly on the distal part 15 and / or on the support part 12. The hollow formed by the portions 429 makes it possible to have longer, more flexible, spikes on these portions and enables more composition to accumulate here.

[0634] In the example of Figures 58 to 66, the applicator member 10 has no axial symmetry but is symmetrical with respect to a midplane B which coincides with the plane of section of Figure 64.

[0635] The distal part 15 and support part 12 are connected by two pairs of opposed arms 30a, 30b, and 30c, 30d, the arm 30c having an outwardly convex arched shape and the opposite arm 30d an arched shape of longitudinal axis substantially parallel to that of the opposite arm, as may be seen notably in Figure 64. These arms 30c, 30d form, with the distal part 15, a loop that extends in the plane of symmetry B. The arms 30a, 30b form, with the distal part 15, a loop which extends in a plane P2 perpendicular to the plane of symmetry B, as visible in Figure 61. The arms 30a and 30b may have longitudinal axes that are slightly inwardly curved, as may be seen in Figure 61. The applicator member 10 comprises two arms 20a and 20b which meet at their distal end 22 to form a loop 20. The arms 20a and 20b generally extend in respective planes Pla and Plb which preferably, as visible in Figure 59, form an angle of 90° between them.

[0636] The applicator member of Figures 58 to 66 is equipped with spikes (not depicted) on the arms 30a to 30d, and on the arms 20a to 20d, and possibly on the distal part 15 and support part 12.

[0637] The example of Figures 67 to 76 differs from the one that has just been described through the presence of two additional arms 30e and 3 Of connecting the support part 12 and distal part 15, these arms being situated one on each side of the plane of symmetry B, as visible in the cross section of Figure 72.

[0638] The arm 30e has a longitudinal axis that extends in the same plane Pla as the arm 20a of the loop 20, and the arm 30f has a longitudinal axis that extends in the same plane Plb as the arm 20b, the planes Pla and Plb preferably being mutually perpendicular, as illustrated.

[0639] The arms 30a, 30d to 3 Of and 30b are relatively closely spaced since they are angularly separated by approximately 45°, while the arm 30c is more isolated and sits further away from the axis X. This results in a lesser accumulation of product on the side corresponding to the arm 30c, which will have a tendency to be wiped more comprehensively as it passes through the wiper member because it is further off-centre, and a greater accumulation of product on the opposite side, this accumulation being promoted firstly by the lower eccentricity of the arms 30d to 30f but also by the greater capillary retention of the composition that the greater mutual proximity of these arms allows.

[0640] The applicator member of Figures 67 to 76 is equipped with spikes (not depicted) on the arms 30a to 30f, and on the arms 20a and 20b, and possibly on the distal part 15 and support part 12.

[0641] Figures 77 to 80 illustrate an example of the siting of the spikes on an applicator member having the configuration of the preceding example.

[0642] The various arms 30a to 3 Of bear radial spikes 61 and the support part bears radial spikes 62 which lie in the extension of the rows of spikes 61, as may be seen notably in Figure 79. The distal part 15 bears radial spikes 63, the axes of which extend in the planes Pla, B and Plb, in the continuation of the arms 30e to 30f, and in the plane P2 in the continuation of the arms 30a and 30b, as visible in Figure 78.

[0643] The spikes 61 situated on the arms 30c and on the arms 20a and 20b have free ends that are more off-centred than the spikes situated on the opposite side, are thus less heavily loaded with composition because they are more comprehensively wiped on passing through the wiper member, and can be used for separating the eyelashes. The spikes situated on the opposite side are more heavily loaded with composition.

[0644] The applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 81 and 82 comprises an inner cage 20 formed of a first pair of arms 20a and 20b, extending in a plane Pl and of a second pair of arms 20c and 20d extending in a plane Pl' which in this example is perpendicular to the plane Pl, the arms 20a to 20d being joined together at their distal end 22.

[0645] The applicator member comprises an outer cage 30 formed of a first pair of arms 30a and 30b, extending in a plane P2 and of a second pair of arms 30c and 30d extending in a plane P2' which in this example is perpendicular to the plane P2, the arms 30a to 30d being joined together at their distal end 32, which coincides with the distal end of the applicator member. The planes Pl and P2 form between them an angle of, in the example considered, 45°.

[0646] The axial dimension of the outer cage 30 represents a very high proportion of the apparent length L of the applicator member, for example more than 80%, or even more than 90%.

[0647] The outer cage 30 has the overall shape of a peanut, with a reduction in the distance of the arms 30a to 30d from the axis X at around mid-length.

[0648] The inner cage 20 may also have the overall shape of a peanut, with a reduction in the distance of the arms 20a to 20d from the axis X at around mid-length.

[0649] The loop formed by the arms 20a and 20b passes through the planes P2 and P2' as does the loop formed by the arms 20c and 20d.

[0650] Figure 83 depicts an example of the siting of the spikes on the cages 20 and 30.

[0651] The variant embodiment of an applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 84 to 89 comprises an inner cage 20 and an outer cage 30 as in the example of Figures 81 and 82.

[0652] The inner cage 20 has a greater outside diameter close to that of the outer cage 30, as may be seen in Figure 85. The inner cage 20 comprises bridges 100a to lOOd connecting the distal end 22 of the cage 20 to respective mid-zones 27a to 27d of the arms 20a to 20d, and bridges 101a to lOld connecting the support part 12 to the mid-zones 27a to 27d.

[0653] These various bridges tend to stiffen the inner cage 20, which is thus able to stretch the wiper member to a greater extent, contributing to more comprehensive wiping of the applicator member as it passes through the wiper member.

[0654] The applicator member of Figures 84 to 89 comprises spikes (not depicted) on the cages 20 and 30.

[0655] Figures 90 to 97 depict another variant embodiment with an inner cage 20 and an outer cage 30, which differs from the one described with reference to Figures 81 and 82 through the presence of four limit stops 110 each connecting one arm of the inner cage and one adjacent arm of the outer cage 30.

[0656] Each limit stop 110 has in cross section a base 111 of triangular overall shape, as visible notably in Figure 96, this base 111 being connected at its longitudinal ends to the corresponding arms by radial uprights 112.

[0657] The length N of each limit stop 110 represents for example between % and i the apparent length L of the applicator member 10.

[0658] The radial dimension of the uprights 112 is chosen so that the vertex 113 of the base 111 is relatively close to the axis X, so that when the arms of the cages 20 and 30 are pressed towards the centre on passing through the wiper member, the limit stops 110 come to bear against one another via their vertex 113, thereby blocking inward deformation of the arms. This results in more comprehensive wiping of the applicator member on passing through the wiper member.

[0659] Figure 96 in particular shows that the arms of the cages 20 or 30 may in cross section have a triangular overall shape, with two rectilinear segments 31a and 3 lb which diverge towards the outside, starting from the same vertex, and are connected on the opposite side to this vertex by a rounded portion 31c, as in the example of Figures 8 to 16.

[0660] It may also be seen that two opposed arms may in cross section have segments 31a that are parallel, as do the segments 31b.

[0661] The applicator member of Figures 90 to 97 comprises spikes (not depicted) on the cages 20 and 30. The exemplary embodiment of Figures 98 and 99 differs from the preceding one in that the arms of the outer cage 30 and inner cage 20 are interrupted between the uprights 112, the remaining portions of the arms being joined together by only the bases 111 of the limit stops. That enables the tip-end of the applicator member 10 to be made more flexible.

[0662] The applicator member of Figures 98 and 99 advantageously comprises spikes (not depicted) on the cages 20 and 30.

[0663] The presence of the notches thus formed makes it possible to accommodate spikes that are longer and more flexible and can hold a reserve of composition at their base.

[0664] By way of illustration, radial spikes 61 present at the vertex of the distal convex portion and in the bottom of the notches have been depicted in dotted line in Figure 99. The free ends of these spikes may lie at respective distances R4 and R5 from the axis X. R4 and R5 may be equal, the envelope surface defined by the free ends of the spikes then having a cylindrical shape. As a variant, it is possible to have R4 > R5 or R4 < R5, so as to give the envelope surface defined by the free ends of the spikes the shape of a peanut or of a rugby ball, respectively.

[0665] The exemplary embodiment of Figures 100 to 104 differs from that of Figures 84 to 89 through the presence of reliefs 61 in the form of teeth on each of the arms of the inner cage 20 and outer cage 30. These teeth allow the application of the composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows and the combing of same.

[0666] Figures 105 to 111 partially depict a variant embodiment of an applicator member with an outer cage 30 and an inner cage 20, the arms of which each have an overall shape that is twisted about the longitudinal axis X of the applicator member 10.

[0667] The arms 30a to 30d of the outer cage 30 may be connected to one another substantially perpendicularly, when viewed in projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis X, at the distal end 32, as visible notably in Figure 106.

[0668] The same is true of the arms 20a to 20d of the inner cage 20 at the end 22, the arms 20a to 20d being angularly offset by 45° from those of the outer cage 30.

[0669] The arms 30a to 30d are joined together at the end 32 while being oriented in the form of a cone of axis X, as are the arms 20a to 20d. All of the arms are connected to the support part 12 while being directed forwards and outwards.

[0670] Each arm exhibits a change in angular orientation about the axis X between its end via which it is connected to the support part 12 and its end via which it is connected to the other arms of the same cage, this change in angular orientation being by approximately 45° for example, in the same direction of rotation for all the arms.

[0671] The arms 30a to 30d have undulations with a hollowing 121 at substantially mid-length, flanked by bumps 122 and 123 on each side, giving the envelope of the applicator member 10 a profile in the overall shape of a peanut.

[0672] The arms 20a to 20d also have an undulating profile, with a hollowing 124 at substantially mid-length, and bumps 125 and 126 on each side.

[0673] It may be seen notably in Figure 106 that each loop formed by a pair of opposing arms of the inner cage, for example the arms 20a and 20b or the arms 20c and 20d, passes through the loops formed by the opposing arms of the outer cage 30, for example the arms 30a and 30b, or the arms 30c and 30d.

[0674] The applicator member of Figures 105 to 111 comprises spikes (not depicted) on the cages 20 and 30.

[0675] The applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 112 to 117 comprises an outer cage 30 and an inner cage 20, these defining an envelope surface with the overall shape of a teardrop, with a maximum radius rmaxsituated at a distance J from the shoulder 13, as illustrated in Figure 115. There is for example a ratio J / L, where L is the length of the applicator member measured from the shoulder 13, the ratio being comprised between 1 / 8 and 1 / 3, and rmax< D, D being the largest diameter of the support part 12 (which also corresponds substantially to the diameter of the stem), giving the applicator member a relatively tapering shape.

[0676] The distal end 32 of the outer cage 30 may have a rounded shape, as visible in Figure 114, for example a shape that is semicircular when viewed from the side, enabling the tip of the applicator member to be used for applying the composition comfortably and with precision. The arms 30a to 30d of the outer cage 30 may be rectilinear over the majority of their length, as visible in Figure 117, having, for example, an angle 5 between the axis of the rectilinear portion and the axis X that is comprised between 1 and 15°.

[0677] The arms 20a and 20b of the inner cage 20 extend in a plane Pl and the arms 20c and 20d in a plane Pl' and may have a slight inward curve 128 substantially at mid-length, as may be seen in Figure 115. That makes it possible to reduce slightly the amount of wiping achieved in this zone, thus benefiting from reserves of product in this region. The planes Pl and Pl' are mutually perpendicular in this example. The same is true of the planes P2 and P2' in which the arms 30a and 30b, and the arms 30c and 30d respectively extend.

[0678] It may be seen notably in Figure 115 that each loop formed by a pair of opposing arms of the inner cage, for example the arms 20a and 20b or the arms 20c and 20d, passes through the planes P2 and P2' of the loops formed by the opposing arms of the outer cage 30, for example the arms 30a and 30b, or the arms 30c and 30d.

[0679] The applicator member of Figures 112 to 117 comprises spikes (not depicted) on the cages 20 and 30.

[0680] The number of arms in the multi-arm structures 20 and 30 may vary and the variant embodiment of an applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 118 to 122 has an inner cage 20 and an outer cage 30 each having six arms.

[0681] The inner cage 20 comprises a first pair of arms 20a and 20b, extending in a plane Pl, a second pair of arms 20c and 20d, extending in a plane Pl' and a third pair of arms 20e and 20f extending in a plane Pl", the planes Pl, Pl' and Pl" making between them an angle of 60°.

[0682] The outer cage 30 comprises a first pair of arms 30a and 30b, extending in a plane P2, a second pair of arms 30c and 30d, extending in a plane P2' and a third pair of arms 30e and 30f extending in a plane P2", the planes P2, P2' and P2" making between them an angle of 60°.

[0683] The planes Pl and P2 form between them an angle of 30°.

[0684] The distal end 32 of the outer cage 30 has a domed surface, the radius of curvature of which is relatively great, for example of the order of half the diameter of the applicator member, notably between 4 and 6 mm.

[0685] The applicator member 10 has a shape factor L / Dmaxthat is for example comprised between 2 and 4, or even 2 and 3.

[0686] The relatively high number of arms and the close spacing thereof makes it possible to have a high capacity for holding a relatively non-viscous fluid composition, and an extensive application surface laterally, and at the tip.

[0687] It may be seen notably in Figure 119 that each loop formed by a pair of opposing arms of the inner cage 20, for example the arms 20a and 20b, the arms 20c and 20d or the arms 20e and 20f, passes through the planes P2, P2' and P2" of the loops formed by the opposing arms of the outer cage 30, for example the arms 30a and 30b, the arms 30c and 30d, or the arms 30e and 3 Of.

[0688] The applicator member of Figures 118 to 122 is more particularly intended for application to the skin or to the lips, and does not have spikes or similar reliefs. The high number of arms and the shape of the tip of the applicator member allow good composition capture, even without a flocked coating.

[0689] The applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 123 to 128 is also intended for application to the skin or to the lips and has a projection 17 of flattened overall shape, extending the support part 12.

[0690] The projection 17 has a lower face 17a lying in the continuation of the support part 12, without forming any discontinuity therewith, the shape of which is rounded and extends towards the distal end of the applicator member. The upper face 17b of the projection 17 has a central rib 17c, for example of semicircular cross section as illustrated, the height of which decreases with increasing proximity to the distal end of the applicator member 10. This rib 17c serves to stiffen the projection 17.

[0691] A peripheral bead 180 extends around the periphery of the projection 17.

[0692] A loop 20 connects the support part 12 to the projection 17, this loop extending in a plane Pl that is a midplane of symmetry for the applicator member 10, as visible in Figure 124.

[0693] The applicator member 10 comprises a flexible loop 30 that extends in a plane P2 perpendicular to the plane Pl, the loop 30 extending substantially parallel to the bead 180, as may be seen in Figure 125.

[0694] The distal part of the loop 30 extends slightly set back from the bead 180, whereas the width of the loop 30 is slightly greater than that of the projection 17, as illustrated in Figure 128. The applicator member 10 comprises two other flexible loops 140 and 150 which extend parallel to the plane P2, at different heights, the loop 150 having a length shorter than that of the loop 140 and the latter having a length shorter than that of the loop 30, giving the entity, when viewed from the side as in Figure 125, a stepped shape, the front edges of the projection 17 and of the loops 30 and 140 being substantially contained within a plane P6 that makes an angle c with the axis X, this angle c being for example equal to approximately 45°, as illustrated. The thus-inclined stepped shape of the tip of the applicator member 10 makes it possible to define an application surface that is both supple and chiselled. The proximity of the loops 30, 140 and 150 encourages composition retention through capillary effect.

[0695] The back of the applicator member 10, defined by that surface of the projection 17 that is on the opposite side from the loop 30, can be used for spreading the composition, if necessary. The space inside the loops 30, 140 and 150 forms a reservoir of composition, and the presence of the interior arch 20 encourages the retention of the composition in this reservoir through capillary effect.

[0696] The front edge of the projection 17 may be used to draw a fine line, if necessary.

[0697] The applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 129 to 133 is intended for the application of the composition to the skin or to the lips. It comprises a loop 20 which extends in a plane Pl which is also a plane of symmetry, and a loop 30 which extends in a plane P2 perpendicular to the plane Pl.

[0698] Two other loops 200 and 210 extend in respective planes P6 and P6' that are parallel to the plane P2, the plane P6 being a plane of symmetry of the applicator member 10.

[0699] The loop 200 is defined by a string of material 202, of thickness ei measured perpendicular to the plane P6, which bears a thin flexible membrane 205, of thickness e2, provided with an opening 206.

[0700] For example ei / e2> 2, or better still 3.

[0701] The opening 206 may widen towards the front, as illustrated, so as not to hamper the axial and lateral mobility of the loop 20, during application, until this loop comes into abutment against the rear end 207 of the opening 206.

[0702] The presence of the membrane 205 makes it possible to increase still further the retention of composition through capillary effect, while at the same time, by virtue of its suppleness, maintaining a certain degree of deformability of the loop 200.

[0703] The applicator member 10 of Figure 134 is intended for the application of composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows, and illustrates an example of the siting of the spikes with the configuration of the arms that is illustrated in Figures 32 to 40, with rows of spikes 161 on the flexible arms and 162 on the distal part 15.

[0704] Variant forms of embodiment of applicators according to the invention which are intended for the application of composition to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows may be hybrid forms, as illustrated in Figures 135 to 137, which is to say that these applicators comprise, in addition to the applicator member 10, another applicator element 300, attached to the first, for example formed by a twisted-core brush with the core 301 bearing bristles 302.

[0705] In that case, the applicator member 10 is configured to receive the applicator element 300, the end-piece 11 having passing through it, for example, as illustrated, an opening 19 for the passage of the core 301.

[0706] The core 301 may be held merely by being clamped in the end-piece 11 or, in a variant, by the stem, or else by both.

[0707] The applicator member 10 in this example has an inner loop 20, an outer loop 30 and two other intermediate free loops 310 and 320, the arms of which are connected to the support part 12. The distal parts of the loops 20 and 310 are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another, as are the loops 320 and 30.

[0708] The arms 20a and 20b of the loop 20 are connected to the support part 12 at diametrically opposed locations.

[0709] The same is true of the arms 30a and 30b of the loop 30, after offsetting by 45°about the axis X with respect to the arms 20a and 20b, and of the arms 320a and 320b of the loop 320 which are offset by the same angle with respect to the arms 30a and 30b, and then of the arms 310a and 310b of the loop 310, which are offset by the same angle with respect to the arms 320a and 320b.

[0710] All of the loops constitute a kind of cage which holds that part of the brush 300 that bears the bristles 302. These bristles may be used to separate the eyelashes, being wiped on passing through the wiper member.

[0711] The distal parts of the loops extend forward of the brush and may through capillary effect hold composition so as to constitute a reserve of composition with which to load the eyelashes.

[0712] The exemplary embodiment of Figure 138 reuses the loops 20, 310, 320 and 30 of the preceding example, without the brush 300. The support part 12 is extended forward by a stem 350, the length of which is less than that of the inner loop 20.

[0713] The benefit of this stem is that it contributes to the formation of capillary traps with the arms of the various loops, and thus improves the loading of the applicator member 10 with composition. The exemplary embodiment of Figure 139 is more particularly intended for application to the skin or to the lips, and just like that of Figures 2 to 7, comprises an inner loop 20 and an outer loop 30, which still extend in respective planes that are mutually perpendicular.

[0714] The inner loop 20 bears a ring 360 which conforms to the interior curvature of the distal part of this loop, and the loop 30 bears a ring 361 which likewise conforms to the interior curvature of the distal part of the loop 30.

[0715] The rings 360 and 361 may both be circular, as illustrated, and imbricated, the ring 360 passing through the opening of the ring 361.

[0716] The rings 360 and 361 may be the same size.

[0717] The presence of the rings 360 and 361 may make it possible to reduce the travel of the inner loop 20 relative to the outer loop 30, thus obtaining an applicator member that exhibits greater structural integrity during application.

[0718] Figure 139 illustrates the possibility of the arms of the loops 20 and 30 having a multi-lobed cross section, for example a four-lobed cross section as illustrated.

[0719] Figures 140 and 141 depict a variant embodiment of an applicator member with an inner loop 20 and an outer loop 30 extending in mutually perpendicular respective planes, the inner loop 20 at its distal part bearing a body 362, such as a ball, able to form with the outer loop 30 a capillary trap to improve the retention of composition on the applicator member 10. This applicator member is intended for the application of the composition to the skin or to the lips. The arms may be of multi-lobed cross section, as illustrated.

[0720] The variant embodiment of an applicator member 10 that is depicted in Figures 142 to 147 is intended for the application of composition to the skin or to the lips and comprises an inner cage 20 and an outer cage 30, each of which is formed of four arms.

[0721] The applicator member 10 exhibits symmetry with respect to a midplane M that coincides with the plane of section of Figure 146.

[0722] The outer cage 30 when viewed from the side has an inward curvature which places its tip off-centre, the arms 30a and 30b each having two rectilinear portions connected by a bend 37, as may be seen in Figure 143. The same is true of the arm 30d, as visible in Figure 146. The arms of the inner cage 20 meet at the distal end 22 of this cage to form a cross when viewed face-on, as do those of the outer cage 30, the two crosses in face-on view being angularly offset by 45°. The arms 20a and 20c are further away from the midplane M than the opposing arms 20b and 20d situated on the side toward which the tip of the applicator member 10 is off-centred, as can be seen in Figure 147.

[0723] It may be seen notably in Figure 142 that each of the loops formed by opposing arms of the inner cage 20 passes through the loops formed by opposing arms of the outer cage 30.

[0724] The support part 12 may, as illustrated, have a generally frustoconical projection, centred on the axis X. Such a projection provides capillary retention for composition at the rear end of the applicator member.

[0725] Off-centring the tip of the applicator member 10 makes it possible to obtain more comprehensive wiping on the off-centred side, and therefore a surface that is less heavily loaded with composition. In addition, the arms are more closely spaced on the off-centred side, providing a more extensive surface for contact with the zone that is to be treated.

[0726] The applicator members 10 that have just been described with reference to Figures 1 to 147 are intended to be mounted at the end of an applicator stem. It would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention if the applicator member 10 were designed to be supplied with composition from a reservoir to which it is permanently fixed.

[0727] Such an arrangement may be suitable when the composition is one to be applied to the skin or to the lips.

[0728] In that case, the applicator member 10 is produced with at least one composition supply duct communicating with the reservoir. The end-piece 11 is fixed in a sealed manner into an opening communicating with the reservoir (not depicted).

[0729] By way of example, Figures 148 to 156 depict an applicator member of this type, intended for application to the skin or to the lips, which differs from that of Figures 142 to 147 notably through the presence of a composition supply duct 371 formed at the centre of a central body 373 that extends the support part 12 forwards.

[0730] The supply duct 371 may receive composition coming from a dispensing device with which the applicator is associated, upstream of the latter and allowing this duct to be supplied with composition, such as a dispensing pen provided with a composition-dispensing mechanism, a container with a compressible wall, or the like.

[0731] This figure also illustrates the possibility of producing the applicator member 10 with additional composition-capturing reliefs, these reliefs comprising for example a set of radial fins 375 extending along the body 373, of membranes 378 extending along the arms of the inner cage 20 and of membranes 377 extending along the arms of the outer cage 30.

[0732] The membranes 378 are directed radially and with the central body 373 form openings 379. The membranes 377 are also directed radially towards the central body 373 and with the latter form openings 381.

[0733] From a certain distance out from the support part 12, and progressing towards this support part, the membranes 377 connect to the central body 373, as can be seen in Figures 154 to 156.

[0734] It may be seen in Figures 151 and 156 that the duct 371 opens laterally on the opposite side to the eccentricity of the head of the applicator member 10 (namely towards the top in Figure 151) via an opening 372. The latter is preferably, as illustrated, closer to the distal end of the applicator member 10 than to the shoulder 13 at the base of the support part 12.

[0735] The fins 375 extend radially outwards between an arm of the inner cage 20 and an arm of the outer cage 30, substantially in a plane that bisects the membranes 377 and 378, as visible notably in Figure 152.

[0736] The fins 375 make it possible, with the membranes 377 and 378, to form capillary traps that hold composition and thus tend to make the distribution of composition within the applicator member more uniform.

[0737] The membranes 377 and 378 have a thickness e2that is small in comparison with that ei of the strands of material that form the arms 20a to 20d or 30a to 30d attached to them, and do not excessively hamper the suppleness of the applicator when it is being used to apply the composition to the skin or to the lips. For example ei / e2> 2, or better still, ei / e2> 3, and even better still, ei / e2> 4.

[0738] The openings 379 and 381 allow composition to flow over almost all of their periphery.

[0739] As in the preceding example, each loop formed by two diametrically opposed arms of the inner cage 20 passes through the plane of the loops formed by two diametrically opposed arms of the outer cage 30.

[0740] The applicator member depicted in Figures 157 to 160 is intended for application to the skin or to the lips, and comprises several loops 421, 431, 30, 432 and 422, extending in respective planes P7, P8, P2, P9 and P10, that are parallel to one another.

[0741] The planes P9 and P10 are symmetrical with the planes P7 and P8 about the plane P2 which is a midplane of symmetry for the applicator member. The loop 30 is longer than the other loops, and the loops 431 and 432 have a length that is intermediate between that of the loop 30 and those of the loops 421 and 422 furthest from the loop 30.

[0742] The free ends of the loops 421, 431, 30, 432 and 422 may, as illustrated, form tangents to straight lines which together form an acute angle and of which the intersection coincides substantially with the end of the loop 30.

[0743] The applicator member comprises an arch 420 that is concave towards the free end 32 of the loop 30, extending in a plane Pl perpendicular to the plane P2.

[0744] This arch 420 is connected at its ends to the ends of the loops 421 and 422, and the entity formed by one of the arms 421a or 421b of the loop 421, the arch 420 and one of the arms 422a or 422b of the loop 422 constitutes a loop which passes through the plane of the loop 30, between the arms 30a and 30b thereof.

[0745] The applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 161 to 164 is intended for application to the skin or to the lips, and differs from that of Figures 157 to 160 through the presence of an additional loop 440 comprising two opposed arms 441 and 442 connected at one end to the support part 12 and joined at the other end 443 to the arch 420, the end 443 also constituting the vertex of the loop 440.

[0746] The arch 420 and the loop 440 constitute a structure in the overall shape of an X, connecting the ends 621 and 622 of the loops 421 and 422 to the support part 12, thus contributing to reducing the flexibility of the loops 421 and 422 while at the same time increasing the composition-capturing area and the number of capillary traps. The presence of the loop 440, the arms 441 and 442 of which may lie substantially at the same level as the ends 621 and 622 as illustrated, makes it possible to have a larger application area on the upper and lower faces of the applicator member, the contour of which is delimited by the loops 421 and 422 respectively.

[0747] The applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 165 to 172 is intended for application to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows. It comprises a cage 30 of which the arms 30a to 30d are connected at one end to the support part 12. The arms 30a and 30b are diametrically opposed and extend in a plane P2. The arms 30c and 30d are diametrically opposed and extend in a plane P2', as visible in Figure 172. The arms 30a to 30d bear spikes 481 which extend, in the case of the arms 30a and 30b, parallel to the plane P2 and, in the case of the arms 30c and 30d, parallel to the plane P2'. The applicator member 10 comprises an inner loop 20, the ends of the arms 20a and 20b of which are connected to the support part. These arms 20a and 20b are diametrically opposed and extend in a plane Pl that makes an angle of 45° with the plane P2. The arms 20a and 20b bear spikes 471 which extend parallel to the plane Pl.

[0748] The applicator member 10 also comprises an outer loop 460 of which the ends of the arms 460a and 460b, which are diametrically opposed, are connected at one end to the support part 12. The loop 460 extends in a plane P3 that makes an angle of 90° with the loop 20.

[0749] The arms 460a and 460b bear spikes 461 which extend parallel to the plane P3. The loop 460 may also comprise, as illustrated, two diametrically opposed spikes 462, directed perpendicular to the plane P3, as visible notably in Figure 169.

[0750] The envelope surface of the applicator member 10, which surface is defined as being the surface that rests against the free ends of the spikes, may have a cross section, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the applicator member, that decreases towards the distal end of the applicator member 10, over at least half the length of the applicator member 10, notably over substantially the entire length of the arms 20a and 20b.

[0751] The spikes 462 may be used to apply makeup to the eyelashes in the corner of the eye.

[0752] The mutual proximity of the various arms 460a, 460b, 20a, 20b and 30a to 30d makes it possible to create capillary traps which tend to hold composition; the flexibility of the arms allows them to deform as they pass through the wiper, contributing to replenishing them with composition.

[0753] The smallest-diameter portion of the applicator member 10 is not wiped as comprehensively as the largest-diameter portion, and the latter thus tends to be less heavily loaded with composition between the spikes, making it suitable for combing and separating the eyelashes. The smallest-diameter portion, which carries more composition on its surface, may be used for loading the eyelashes.

[0754] The applicator member depicted in Figures 173 to 177 is intended for application to the skin or to the lips, and comprises an outer cage 30 and an inner cage 20, each comprising several arms, in this instance six, connected at one end to the support part 12 and at the other to the respective vertexes 32 and 22 of the cages.

[0755] The diametrically opposed arms 20a and 20b of the cage 20 extend in a plane P10, the arms 20c and 20d in a plane P10' and the arms 20e and 20f in a plane P10". The diametrically opposed arms 30a and 30b of the cage 30 extend in the plane P10, the arms 30c and 30d in the plane PIO' and the arms 30e and 30f in the plane PIO". Thus, there is no angular offset between the layouts of the arms of the cage 20 compared to those of the cage 30.

[0756] The loop formed by the arms 20a and 20b passes through the one formed by the arms 30c and 30d. The same is true of the other pairs of opposed arms of the cage 20.

[0757] The applicator member depicted in Figures 178 to 182 is intended for application to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows. It reuses the configuration of the arms of the applicator member of Figures 129 to 133, with the addition of spikes.

[0758] It thus comprises a loop 20 which extends in a plane Pl which is also a plane of symmetry, and a loop 30 which extends in a plane P2 perpendicular to the plane Pl.

[0759] The loop 20 bears spikes 68 of which the longitudinal axes are contained in the plane Pl.

[0760] The loop 30 bears spikes 64, each extending obliquely and making an angle q with the plane P2, the angle q being for example of the order of 45°.

[0761] Two other loops 200 and 210 extend in respective planes P6 and P6' that are parallel to the plane P2, the plane P6 being a plane of symmetry of the applicator member 10.

[0762] The loop 200 bears spikes 65 of which the longitudinal axes are contained in the plane P6. The loop 210 bears spikes 66 that likewise make an angle q with the plane P6'.

[0763] The loop 200 is defined by a string of material 202, of thickness ei measured perpendicular to the plane P6, which bears a thin flexible membrane 205, of thickness e2, provided with an opening 206.

[0764] For example ei / e2> 2, or better still 3.

[0765] The opening 206 may widen towards the front, as illustrated, so as not to hamper the axial and lateral mobility of the loop 20, during application, until this loop comes into abutment against the rear end 207 of the opening 206.

[0766] The presence of the membrane 205 makes it possible to increase still further the retention of composition through capillary effect, while at the same time, by virtue of its suppleness, maintaining a certain degree of deformability of the loop 200.

[0767] The rows of spikes 68 provided on the opposing arms 20a and 20b of the loop 20 begin from a point set back from the end 22, such that the ends of all the spikes 68 project above the loop 30, as visible in Figure 182.

[0768] The applicator member depicted partially (without the spikes) in Figures 183 to 188 is intended for application to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows. It comprises an outer cage 30, comprising four arms 30a to 30d, and an inner cage 20, comprising four arms 20a to 20d.

[0769] The arms 30a to 30d each have an undulating shape, as do the arms 20a to 20d.

[0770] The arms 30a to 30d meet at one end 32 and at the opposite end are connected to the support part 12. The arms 20a to 20d meet at one end 22, which is set back from the end 32, and at the opposite end are connected to the support part 12, respectively in the same angular positions, measured about the axis X, as the arms 30a to 30d, as may be seen notably in Figure 188.

[0771] The arms 30a to 30d and 20a to 20d are equipped with spikes (not depicted).

[0772] The applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 189 to 192 comprises a support part 12 bearing first and second structures formed of respective loops 30 and 20, extending in mutually perpendicular corresponding planes.

[0773] The support part 12 comprises a proximal part 12p, adjacent to a mounting end-piece 11, and therewith defining a shoulder 13.

[0774] The proximal part 12p may, as illustrated, have a conical lateral surface converging towards the distal end of the applicator member. It is extended by a distal part 12m, for example of conical shape as illustrated, having a lateral surface that is more steeply convergent than that of the proximal part 12p.

[0775] The arms 20a, 20b and 30a, 30b of the loops 20 and 30 are connected to the lateral surface of the distal part 12m. Webs of material 12n may connect the arms to the distal part 12m along the latter from the zone of connection of the arms as far as the vertex of this part, thereby consolidating the connection between the arms and the support part 12.

[0776] The end-piece 11 is hollow, having, passing axially along its length, a housing 211 which is extended inside the support part 12 as far as the vertex of the distal part 12m, as visible in Figures 191 and 192.

[0777] The stem 7 of the applicator comprises a central extension 7b, also referred to as the central shaft, which extends inside the housing 7a receiving the end-piece 11 as far as into the housing 211, the distal end of this extension 7b lying at a distance Q away from the shoulder 13, as illustrated in Figure 192.

[0778] The extension 7b may be of circular cross section, for example with a diameter comprised between 0.5 and 3 mm. The presence of the extension 7b stiffens the support part 12, enabling a relatively supple thermoplastic material to be used for producing it, giving the arms suppleness and potentially making application more comfortable.

[0779] The depth of the housing 211, the cross section of the extension 7b and the length thereof can be altered in order to adapt the stiffness of the support part 12 to suit the material of the applicator member 10 and the application characteristics desired.

[0780] Figure 222 illustrates the possibility of the loops 20 and / or 30 bearing spikes 61.

[0781] Figures 193 to 195 depict a variant embodiment of an applicator member in which the extension 7b extends over a longer distance Q than in the preceding example.

[0782] In the example of Figures 189 to 192, the distal end of the extension 7b is set back from the narrowest portion of the loop 20, as visible in Figure 192, whereas in the example of Figures 193 to 195, the distal end of the extension 7b projects beyond this, as visible in Figure 195. The loop 20 is thus shorter, and what is obtained, combined with the stiffening afforded by the extension 7b, is an applicator member 10 that is less supple overall than that of Figures 189 to 192, for the same thermoplastic material. The use of a hollow mounting end-piece 11 with a central extension 7b, that extends the applicator stem 7, engaging in the support part 12, is not restricted to the configuration of the structures 20 and 30 that has just been described with reference to Figures 189 to 195, and the structures 20 and 30 may notably have a higher number of arms.

[0783] By way of example, Figures 196 and 197 depict a variant embodiment in which the structure 30 has the shape of an outer cage with six arms 30a to 3 Of, which are connected at one end to the base of a distal portion 12m, of conical overall shape, of the support part 12, and at the opposite end meet at the distal end 32 of the cage 30.

[0784] It may be seen in Figure 196 that the arms 30a to 30f may at their ends project slightly beyond the support part 12 in the radial direction. They may extend such that they diverge slightly in the direction away from the support part 12, such that the cross section of greatest transverse dimension Wmaxlies substantially between the first fifth and half the apparent length L of the applicator member 10.

[0785] Also illustrated in this example is the possibility for the arms 30a to 30f of the outer cage 30 to be oriented substantially parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, at the end 32. The applicator member 10 also comprises an inner cage 20 which may, as illustrated, have the same number of arms as the outer cage 30, the arms 20a to 20f of the inner cage 20 having the same angular orientation about the axis X as the arms 30a to 30f.

[0786] The distal end 22 of the inner cage 20 is set back from the end 32 of the outer cage 30, the cage 20 being free at its distal end.

[0787] The arms 20a to 20f may meet at the end 22, forming a tangent to a plane perpendicular to the axis X, as illustrated.

[0788] In the example considered, the mounting end-piece 11 is hollow and has, passing axially along its length, a central housing 211 which extends substantially as far as the zone of connection of the arms 20a to 20f to the portion 12m of the support part 12.

[0789] The extension 7b of the stem 7 may extend over substantially the entirety of the length of the housing 211, as visible in Figure 197.

[0790] The ratio Q / L, of the distance over which the extension 7b extends beyond the shoulder 13, with respect to the total apparent length L, is relatively small in the example of Figures 196 and 197, being comprised for example between 1 / 10 and 1 / 3.

[0791] However, this ratio Q / L may be higher, as illustrated in Figures 198 and 199.

[0792] In this exemplary embodiment, the support part 12 extends over a length G, measured from the shoulder 13, that represents for example more than half the apparent length L of the applicator member 10.

[0793] The apparent length L may be substantially the same as in the example of Figures 196 and 197, the outer cage 30 being, for example, identical. However, the arms of the inner cage 20 are shorter. This yields an applicator member 10 that has arms 30a to 30f that may be identical to that of the example of Figures 196 and 197, and therefore have the same suppleness, but behave differently during application on account of the greater stiffness of the support part 12 and of the inner cage 20.

[0794] The applicator member 10 of Figures 200 to 204 is intended for the application of the composition to the skin or to the lips.

[0795] It has a support part 12 having, for example, a shape exhibiting symmetry of revolution about the longitudinal axis X, and a lateral surface that is generally biconical, with a proximal portion 12j adjacent to the end-piece 11 and that is divergent towards the distal end of the applicator member 10, and a distal portion 12k that is convergent. The applicator member 10 comprises a first structure comprising a loop 30 extending in a midplane of symmetry M, this loop being formed by two arms 30a and 30b which are visible notably in Figure 201, which meet at the end 32 of the loop 30 and at the other end are connected to the portion 12k of the support part 12.

[0796] The applicator member also comprises a structure 20 in the form of a cage with four arms 220a, 220b, 220c and 220d connected at one end to the portion 12k of the support part 12. The arms 220a and 220d form a loop on one side of a midplane of symmetry M, as can be seen in Figure 201. The same is true of the arms 220b and 220c, on the other side of this plane M. Each of these loops is connected at its vertex 222 to the other loop by an arch 221 having a shape that is concave towards the distal end of the applicator member 10, as visible notably in Figure 203.

[0797] Thus, the diametrically opposed arms 220a and 220b form, with the arch 221, a loop that passes through the plane of the loop 30, as do the arms 220c and 220d.

[0798] The vertexes 222 are free at the distal end.

[0799] The applicator member 10 also comprises intermediate structures 240 and 250 situated one on each side of a midplane of symmetry perpendicular to the plane M. The structure 240 comprises arms 240a and 240b which are connected to the distal portion 12j of the support part 12 and which meet at the vertex 242 of the loop. The same is true of the arms 250a and 250b of the intermediate structure 250.

[0800] The arms of the various structures 20, 30, 240 and 250 are for example arranged angularly at 30° from one another in the case of the arms 220a, 240a, 30a, 240b and 220c, as visible in Figure 201. The same is true of the arms 220b, 250b, 30b, 250a and 220d.

[0801] The arms 220d and 220a are arranged at 60° from one another about the axis X. The same is true of the arms 220c and 220b.

[0802] Such a layout of the arms makes it possible to benefit from an application surface all around the axis X.

[0803] The presence of the arch 221 tends to stiffen the loops formed by the arms 220a and 220d on the one side and 220b and 220c on the other.

[0804] The applicator member 10 depicted in Figures 205 to 210 differs from that of Figures 200 to 204 in that the loop 30 bears a membrane 321 at the concavity formed at its end 32, and this membrane extends as far as the vertexes 242, 252 of the intermediate structures 240 and 250. The membrane 321 makes it possible both to have an additional composition-capturing surface and to stiffen the intermediate structures 240 and 250 by securing them, via the membrane 321, to the loop 30.

[0805] Reciprocally, the loop 30 is stiffened by the intermediate structures 240 and 250 via the membrane 321.

[0806] In the example illustrated, the membrane 321 does not cut across the entire cross section of the intermediate structures 240 and 250 at their respective vertexes 242 and 252, but in a variant, the membrane 321 cuts across the entire cross section.

[0807] The membrane 321 preferably has a thickness e2that is small in comparison with e with values of the ratio ei / e2being such as defined hereinabove, notably ei / e2> 2.

[0808] The variant embodiment of Figures 211 to 215 differs from the example of Figures 205 to 210 through the presence of a central post 330 extending along the axis X, having a proximal portion 331 connecting the support part 12 and the arch 221 at its middle, and a distal portion 332 connecting the arch 221 to the membrane 321, as visible more particularly in Figure 215.

[0809] The portion 331 may have a conical shape of which the cross section decreases in the direction of the arch 221. The portion 332 may be of constant cross section, as illustrated. The presence of the central post 330 enables the applicator member 10 to be stiffened still further and provides an additional composition-capturing surface. It may also make it easier for the thermoplastic material to flow during the manufacture of the applicator member by injection moulding.

[0810] The strands of material that constitute the arms of the various structures of the examples of Figures 200 to 215 may or may not have the same cross section.

[0811] The arms may be of circular cross section, the arms 220a to 220d having for example a smaller diameter than the arms 240a, 240b, 250a and 250b, itself smaller than that of the arms 30a and 30b.

[0812] The diameter DI (indicated in Figure 201) of the arms 220a to 220d of the examples of Figures 200 to 215 measures for example 0.75 mm, that D2 of the arms 240a, 240b, 250a and 250b measures for example 0.8 mm, and that D3 of the arms 30a and 30b measures for example 0.85 mm.

[0813] The width of the applicator member 10 of the examples of Figures 200 to 215, measured perpendicular to the midplane M is for example between 5 and 6 mm, notably approximately 5.5 mm, and that measured parallel to the midplane between the radially outermost sides of the arms 30a and 30b is preferably greater, measuring for example between 6.5 and 7.5 mm, notably approximately 7 mm.

[0814] In the examples of Figures 200 to 215, the apparent length L of the applicator member is, for example, comprised between 10 and 20 mm, notably between 13 and 17 mm, and for example approximately 14.5 mm.

[0815] The axial dimension of the support part 12 measures for example between 2 and 3 mm, notably of the order of 2.5 mm.

[0816] The diameter of the support part 12 at its base measures for example between 4 and 5 mm, for example approximately 4.5 mm. The largest diameter of the support part 12, at the junction between the portions 12j and 12k, measures for example approximately 5.3 mm.

[0817] The thickness e2of the membrane 321 measures for example 0.2 mm, and the thickness ei of the loop 30 measures for example 0.8 mm as mentioned above. The applicator member 10 depicted in Figure 216 is intended for the application of composition to the skin or to the lips and comprises an inner cage 20 and an outer cage 30 each of which is formed of four arms.

[0818] The applicator member 10 exhibits symmetry with respect to a midplane M that coincides with the plane of section of Figure 218.

[0819] The outer cage 30 when viewed from the side has an inward curvature which places its tip off-centre, the opposing arms 30a and 30b each having two rectilinear portions connected by a bend 37, as may be seen in Figure 216. The arms of the inner cage 20 meet at the distal end 22 of this cage to form a cross when viewed face-on, as do those of the outer cage 30, the two crosses in face-on view being angularly offset by 45°.

[0820] The arms 20a and 20d are further away from the midplane M than the opposing arms 20b and 20c situated on the side toward which the tip of the applicator member 10 is off- centred.

[0821] The applicator member 10 may comprise fins 375 extending between the arms, as visible in Figure 217. It may also be seen notably in Figure 217 that each of the loops formed by opposing arms of the inner cage 20 passes through the loops formed by the opposing arms of the outer cage 30.

[0822] Off-centring the tip of the applicator member 10 makes it possible to obtain more comprehensive wiping on the off-centred side, and therefore a surface that is less heavily loaded with composition. In addition, the arms are more closely spaced on the off-centred side, providing a more extensive surface for contact with the zone that is to be treated.

[0823] In the example of Figures 216 to 219, the extension 7b extends over a distance Q that is relatively short in comparison with the total apparent length of the applicator member 10.

[0824] Figures 220 and 221 illustrate the possibility of having a longer extension 7b, extending over a greater distance Q inside the support part 12, all other aspects remaining the same.

[0825] It would not constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention if the applicator member 10 were designed to be supplied with composition from a reservoir to which it is permanently fixed.

[0826] Such an arrangement may be suitable when the composition is one to be applied to the skin or to the lips.

[0827] In that case, the applicator member 10 is produced with at least one composition supply duct communicating with the reservoir. The end-piece 11 is fixed in a sealed manner into an opening communicating with the reservoir.

[0828] By way of example, Figures 223 to 227 depict an applicator member of this type, intended for application to the skin or to the lips.

[0829] In this example, the applicator member 10 comprises an inner cage 20 and an outer cage 30 each formed of four arms.

[0830] The applicator member 10 exhibits symmetry with respect to a midplane M that coincides with the plane of section of Figure 227.

[0831] The outer cage 30 when viewed from the side has an inward curvature which places its tip off-centre, the arms 30a and 30b each having two rectilinear portions connected by a bend 37, as may be seen in Figure 225. The same is true of the arm 30d, as visible in Figure 227. The arms of the inner cage 20 meet at the distal end 22 of this cage to form a cross when viewed face-on, as do those of the outer cage 30, the two crosses in face-on view being angularly offset by 45°.

[0832] The arms 20a and 20d are further away from the midplane M than the opposing arms 20c and 20b situated on the side toward which the tip of the applicator member 10 is off-centred, as can be seen in Figure 224.

[0833] It may be seen notably in this figure that each of the loops formed by opposing arms of the inner cage 20 passes through the loops formed by opposing arms of the outer cage 30.

[0834] The support part 12 may, as illustrated, have a generally frustoconical projection 373, centred on the axis X. Such a projection provides capillary retention for composition at the rear end of the applicator member.

[0835] The support part has a composition-supply duct 371 passing through it.

[0836] The supply duct 371 may receive composition coming from a dispensing device with which the applicator is associated, upstream of the latter and allowing this duct to be supplied with composition, such as a dispensing pen provided with a composition-dispensing mechanism, a container with a compressible wall, or the like.

[0837] The duct 371 may open out at the distal end of the support part 12, as illustrated.

[0838] The arms 20a and 20d of the cage 20 may each have an undulating shape with a succession, progressing from the support part 12 towards the distal end, of a convex portion 428, a concave portion 429, and a convex portion 427.

[0839] The applicator member 10 of Figures 228 to 233 is intended for the application of the composition to the skin or to the lips.

[0840] It has a support part 12 having, for example, a shape exhibiting symmetry of revolution about the longitudinal axis X, and a lateral surface that is generally biconical, with a proximal portion 12j adjacent to the end-piece 11 and that is divergent towards the distal end of the applicator member 10, and a distal portion 12k that is convergent.

[0841] The applicator member 10 comprises a first structure comprising a loop 30 extending in a midplane of symmetry M, this loop being formed by two arms 30a and 30b which are visible notably in Figure 230, which meet at the end 32 of the loop 30 and at the other end are connected to the portion 12k of the support part 12.

[0842] The first structure also comprises loops 240 and 250 situated one on each side of a midplane of symmetry containing the axis X and perpendicular to the plane M. The loop 240 comprises arms 240a and 240b which are connected to the distal portion 12j of the support part 12 and which meet at the vertex 242 of the loop. The same is true of the arms 250a and 250b of the loop 250, which meet at the vertex 252 of this loop.

[0843] The applicator member 10 also comprises a structure 20 in the form of a cage with four arms 220a, 220b, 220c and 220d connected at one end to the portion 12k of the support part 12. The arms 220a and 220d form a loop on one side of a midplane of symmetry M, as can be seen in Figure 230. The same is true of the arms 220b and 220c, on the other side of this plane M. Each of these loops is connected at its vertex 222 to the other loop by an arch 221 having a shape that is concave towards the distal end of the applicator member 10, as visible notably in Figure 230.

[0844] Thus, the diametrically opposed arms 220a and 220b form, with the arch 221, a loop that passes through the plane of the loop 30, as do the arms 220c and 220d.

[0845] The vertexes 222 are free at the distal end.

[0846] The arms of the various structures 20, 30, 240 and 250 are for example arranged angularly at 30° from one another in the case of the arms 220a, 240a, 30a, 240b and 220c, as visible in Figure 230. The same is true of the arms 220b, 250b, 30b, 250a and 220d.

[0847] The arms 220d and 220a are arranged at 60° from one another about the axis X. The same is true of the arms 220c and 220b.

[0848] Such a layout of the arms makes it possible to benefit from an application surface all around the axis X.

[0849] The presence of the arch 221 tends to stiffen the loops formed by the arms 220a and 220d on the one side and 220b and 220c on the other.

[0850] The arms 240a, 240b, 250a and 250b each have an undulating shape, as visible notably in Figures 231 and 232, having, starting from the support part and progressing towards the distal end, for each of the arms 240a and 240b, a succession of a convex portion 448, a concave portion 449 and a convex portion 447, and likewise for each of the arms 250a and 250b a succession of a convex portion 458, a concave portion 459 and a convex portion 457.

[0851] Each of the arms 220a to 220d may also have an undulating shape having, starting from the support part 12, a succession of a convex part 428, a concave part 429 and a convex part 427. Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described.

[0852] In particular, the cross-sectional shape of the arms may be modified to make manufacture by injection moulding easier. The arms may notably be given a substantially triangular shape as illustrated in Figures 16 or 96. When produced by injection moulding, the applicator member may be produced as a single piece by single-shot, two-shot or multi-shot injection moulding.

[0853] In variant embodiments that have not been illustrated, the applicator members described hereinabove without spikes may be equipped with spikes, or any other applicator elements, or may be given any form of surface structuring. Likewise, the applicator members described hereinabove may receive an additional element such as a twisted-core brush, in the manner of the embodiment of Figures 135 and 136.

[0854] The expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one”, unless specified to the contrary.

Claims

83Claims1. Applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic composition, comprising:- an applicator member (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), comprising:- at least one support part (12),- at least a first structure (30) comprising at least two flexible arms (30a, 30b) extending, over at least part of their length, at a distance away from the longitudinal axis (X) and connected at one end to the support part (12),- at least a second structure (20) comprising at least one loop (20a, 20b) connected by its ends to the support part (12) and passing through a gap extending between the two arms (30a, 30b) of the first flexible structure (30), this loop (20) having at least one vertex (22) which is free on the opposite side to the support part (12).

2. Applicator according to Claim 1, the applicator member (10) being non-flocked.

3. Applicator according to one of Claims 1 and 2, the applicator member (10) bearing applicator elements such as spikes or other reliefs being intended for applying makeup to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows.

4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the applicator member being produced by injection moulding a thermoplastic.

5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the first and / or second structures comprising arms which in cross section have outwardly diverging straight sides (801) connected by an outwardly convex rounded portion (802).

6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the applicator member comprising an additional structure (40), distinct from the first and second structures, this additional structure preferably comprising at least one loop, connected at its ends to the support part (12) and extending in a plane containing the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator member which plane is distinct from the planes in which the arms of the first and second structures extend.

7. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the additional structure (40) being formed by a cage of which the arms (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) are connected at one end to the support part (12) and meet at the other end at the vertex of the cage, which vertex is positioned axially between the distal end of the first structure (30) and the distal end of the second structure (20).

848. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the first structure (30) defining the distal end of the applicator member.

9. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, the applicator member (10) comprising a distal part (15), the first structure (30) serving to connect the support part (12) to the distal part (15).

10. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the first structure (30) comprising more than two arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d), the arms being connected at one end to the support part (12) and meeting one another at the opposite end (32).

11. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the arms of the first structure (30) being connected to those of the second structure (20), notably in a median region of the applicator member; this connection preferably being achieved by means of linking elements (110) radially to the inside of the arms, such linking elements preferably being arranged so that they come into abutment against one another when the arms are pressed radially inwards.

12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the first structure (30) comprising arms having at least one undulation, notably a plurality of identical undulating arms, giving the first structure the overall shape of a peanut when viewed from the side.

13. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the first structure comprising arms that are twisted about the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator member (10).

14. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the first structure (30) comprising a cage comprising a plurality of arms defining an envelope surface of which the diameter increases starting from the support part (12), passes through a maximum near to the support part, and decreases as far as the distal end of the applicator member.

15. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the first structure (30) defining an outer cage having a plurality of arms, these connecting to one another at the distal end of the applicator member in the shape of a cross or of a star, the arms preferably forming a tangent to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator member (10).

16. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, the arms connecting to one another at the distal end of the applicator member in the form of a cone converging towards the distal end.8517. Applicator according to one of Claims 1 and 2, comprising a plurality of loops (30, 200, 210) parallel to one another, the loops preferably being of lengths that decrease in the direction towards the outside, at least on one side.

18. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the support part (12) comprising a projection (17) that extends axially, preferably substantially parallel to said loops, on one side thereof, the loop (20) of the second structure having its ends connected one of them to the projection (17) and the other to a rear portion of the support part (12), from which the parallel loops extend, said projection preferably having a cross section that varies along the longitudinal axis (X).

19. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the second structure (20) being formed of a single loop.

20. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the second structure (20) comprising an inner loop that passes through the space formed between two arms of a cage constituting the first structure (30).

21. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, the second structure (20) comprising more than two arms, connected at one end, notably four arms, preferably in diametrically opposed pairs.

22. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, the second structure (20) comprising a loop having two arms which, when viewed face-on looking along the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator member, form a V-shape, the first structure (30) having at least one arm (30c) in the form of an outwardly convex arch, the two arms (20a, 20b) of the loop of the second structure (20) being situated one on each side of this outwardly convex arch-shaped arm (30c).

23. Packaging and application device, comprising:- a container (3) containing a cosmetic composition that is to be applied to human keratin matter, and- an applicator (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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