U.S. patent application number 11/254795 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for device for applying substance to eyelashes or eyebrows.
Invention is credited to Jean-Louis H. Gueret.
Application Number | 20060093425 11/254795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34951051 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060093425 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gueret; Jean-Louis H. |
May 4, 2006 |
Device for applying substance to eyelashes or eyebrows
Abstract
An applicator for applying a substance to a fringe of eyelashes
or eyebrows, may include a stem, a support associated with the stem
and extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of
applicator elements extending from the support substantially
transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. The applicator
elements may extend over a distance along the longitudinal axis of
the support such that when the longitudinal axis extends
substantially tangentially to the fringe, the applicator elements
can at most come into contact simultaneously with no more than
one-fourth of the eyelashes or the eyebrows of the fringe.
Inventors: |
Gueret; Jean-Louis H.;
(Paris, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER;LLP
901 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4413
US
|
Family ID: |
34951051 |
Appl. No.: |
11/254795 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60628533 |
Nov 18, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/129 ;
401/122; 401/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/042 20130101;
A46B 11/0006 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101; A46B 2200/1053
20130101; A45D 40/267 20130101; A46B 2200/106 20130101; A45D 40/24
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/129 ;
401/126; 401/122 |
International
Class: |
A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 21, 2004 |
FR |
04 52397 |
Claims
1. An applicator for applying a substance to a fringe of eyelashes
or eyebrows, the applicator comprising: a stem; a support
associated with the stem and extending along a longitudinal axis;
and a plurality of applicator elements extending from the support
substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal axis,
wherein the applicator elements extend over a distance along the
longitudinal axis of the support such that when the longitudinal
axis extends substantially tangentially to the fringe, the
applicator elements can at most come into contact simultaneously
with no more than one-fourth of the eyelashes or the eyebrows of
the fringe.
2. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements are disposed in at least one row.
3. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the applicator
elements have free ends at a distance from the longitudinal axis
that vary in non-monotonic manner between two opposite end
applicator elements of the row.
4. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the number of
applicator elements in the row lies in the range of 3 to 9.
5. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the number of
applicator elements is less than 9.
6. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the applicator
elements comprise two applicator elements.
7. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements comprise teeth.
8. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements comprise bristles.
9. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements extend along the support over a distance lying in a range
of about 0.1 cm to about 1 cm.
10. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements extend along the support over a distance less than or
equal to 8 mm.
11. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements extend along the support over a distance lying in the
range of about 2 mm to 5 mm.
12. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements extend along the support over a distance lying in the
range of 2 mm to 3 mm.
13. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the support and the
applicator elements are defined by a single piece of material.
14. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements are fitted to the support.
15. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the support and the
stem are defined by a single piece of material.
16. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the support is
fitted to the stem.
17. An applicator according to claim 16, wherein the support
includes an endpiece configured to engage a housing of the
stem.
18. An applicator according to claim 16, wherein the stem includes
an endpiece configured to engage a housing of the support.
19. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the stem extends
along a longitudinal axis that is not the same as the longitudinal
axis of the support.
20. An applicator according to claim 19, wherein the longitudinal
axis of the stem forms an angle relative to the longitudinal axis
of the support, wherein the angle lies in a range of 5.degree. to
45.degree..
21. An applicator according to claim 20, wherein the angle is equal
to about 20.degree..
22. An applicator according to claim 19, wherein the longitudinal
axis of the support is substantially curvilinear.
23. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal
axis of the support is substantially rectilinear.
24. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the stem extends
along a longitudinal axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis of
the support.
25. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator at
least partially comprises at least one of thermoplastic material,
elastomer material, thermoplastic elastomer material, wood, or
metal.
26. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the support
comprises an elastically deformable material.
27. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein a line
interconnecting free ends of the applicator elements has a distance
from the longitudinal axis of the support that passes through at
least one extremum.
28. An applicator according to claim 27, wherein the extremum is a
maximum.
29. An applicator according to claim 28, wherein at least part of
the line defines a shape that is triangular, rounded, circular, or
bullet-shaped.
30. An applicator according to claim 28, wherein the distance
between the line and the longitudinal axis of the support passes
through two extremums.
31. An applicator according to claim 28, further comprising a
single longest applicator element that is longer than the other
applicator elements.
32. An applicator according to claim 28, further comprising two
longer applicator elements that are longer than the other
applicator elements.
33. An applicator according to claim 32, wherein the two longer
applicator elements are consecutive such that another applicator
element is not disposed between the two longer applicator
elements.
34. An applicator according to claim 28, wherein a first line
interconnects the free ends of a longest applicator element
associated with the maximum and a shortest applicator element
closest to the longest applicator element, wherein a second line is
normal to the longitudinal axis of the support and passes through
the free end of the longest applicator element, and wherein the
first line and the second line form an angle that lies in a range
of about 25.degree. to about 60.degree..
35. An applicator according to claim 34, wherein the angle is equal
to about 43.degree..
36. An applicator according to claim 2, wherein the applicator
elements are disposed in at least two rows.
37. An applicator according to claim 36, wherein the applicator
elements of a first row and the applicator elements of a second row
extend in different directions.
38. An applicator according to claim 36, wherein the applicator
elements of a first row and the applicator elements of a second row
are substantially parallel.
39. An applicator according to claim 36, wherein the at least two
rows are disposed substantially opposite to each other relative to
the support.
40. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the heights of the
applicator elements lie in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 10
mm.
41. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the heights of the
applicator elements lie in a range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm.
42. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements are disposed in at least one row, wherein the at least one
row comprises a succession of applicator elements at least some of
which extend in alternation on opposite sides of a separation
plane.
43. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements have bases that are substantially in alignment.
44. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements have bases that are not in alignment.
45. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements are disposed in at least one row, wherein the at least one
row extends along an axis that is not rectilinear.
46. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements are disposed in at least one row, wherein the applicator
elements are disposed in alternation on opposite sides of a middle
core of the support.
47. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
elements are disposed in at least one row, wherein the at least one
row comprises a succession of applicator elements at least some of
which are disposed in alternation on either side of a separation
plane, wherein two consecutive applicator elements have adjacent
portions that substantially appear to touch or overlap when the
applicator element is observed from the side, wherein the two
consecutive applicator elements form between them a notch
configured to take hold of an eyelash.
48. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
includes a comb.
49. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator
includes a brush.
50. An applicator according to claim 49, wherein the brush includes
a twisted core having a number of turns in a range of three to six
turns.
51. An applicator according to claim 49, wherein the applicator
elements are bristles having a diameter less than or equal to about
8/100 mm.
52. An applicator according to claim 49, wherein the brush defines
an envelope surface having a substantially conical or frustoconical
shape that converges towards a distal end of the envelope
surface.
53. An applicator according to claim 49, wherein the brush defines
an envelope surface having a substantially conical or frustoconical
shape that diverges towards a distal end of the envelope
surface.
54. An applicator according to claim 49, wherein the brush defines
an envelope surface having a substantially bi-conical shape.
55. An applicator according to claim 49, wherein the brush has a
twisted core, wherein the core comprises a metal wire having a
diameter less than about 0.7 mm.
56. An applicator according to claim 55, wherein the diameter of
the wire lies in a range of 0.35 mm to 0.5 mm.
57. A packaging and applicator device for applying a substance to a
fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows, the device comprising: a
receptacle for containing the substance; and an applicator
according to claim 1.
58. A device according to claim 57, further comprising a wiper
member.
59. A device according to claim 58, wherein the wiper member
includes an annular lip configured to wipe the stem.
60. A device according to claim 57, wherein the stem is associated
with a closure cap of the receptacle, wherein the applicator is
configured to be housed inside the receptacle when the device is in
a closed position.
61. A device according to claim 57, further comprising the
substance, wherein the substance is mascara.
62. A device according to claim 61, wherein the mascara has a color
other than black.
63. A device according to claim 57, further comprising an
additional receptacle and an additional applicator.
64. A device according to claim 63, wherein the additional
receptacle contains a substance different from a substance
contained in the receptacle.
65. A brush for applying a substance to the eyelashes and/or the
eyebrows, the brush comprising: a twisted core; and bristles
extending from the core, wherein the twisted core has less than or
equal to 6 turns.
66. A brush for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows,
the brush comprising: a core; and bristles extending from the core,
wherein a length of a portion of the brush carrying the bristles is
less than or equal to 8 mm.
67. A brush for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows,
the brush comprising: a core; and bristles extending from the core,
wherein the bristles define an envelope surface having a
substantially frustoconical, conical, or bi-conical shape, wherein
a smallest angle formed between a plane containing a largest
cross-section of the brush and a tangent to the envelope surface of
the brush that intersects the plane lies in a range of 20.degree.
to 60.degree..
68. A brush according to claim 67, wherein the smallest angle lies
in a range of 30.degree. to 35.degree..
69. A brush for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows,
the brush comprising: a core; and bristles extending from the core,
wherein the brush defines an envelope surface having a
substantially bi-conical shape having an apex at a junction between
truncated cones, wherein the envelope surface defines an angle at
the apex, the angle being less than or equal to about
120.degree..
70. A brush according to claim 69, wherein the angle is less than
or equal to about 90.degree..
71. A comb for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows,
the comb comprising: a support; and teeth extending substantially
transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the support,
wherein each tooth is spaced from each of the other teeth by a
distance of less than or equal to 8 mm along the longitudinal
axis.
72. A comb according to claim 71, wherein the distance is less than
or equal to 7 mm.
73. A comb for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows,
the comb comprising: a support; and teeth extending transversely to
a longitudinal axis of the support, wherein the comb has a longest
tooth having a first length and a shortest tooth having a second
length, wherein the ratio of the first length to the second length
is greater than or equal to 1.3.
74. A comb for applying a substance to eyelashes and/or eyebrows,
the comb comprising: a support; and teeth extending transversely to
a longitudinal axis of the support, wherein an angle defined by a
first line that intersects a free end of a shortest tooth and a
free end of a longest tooth and a second line disposed
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support and passing
through the free end of the longest tooth lies in a range of
20.degree. to 60.degree..
75. A method of making up eyelashes or eyebrows with a substance,
the method comprising: applying the substance to at least one patch
of eyelashes or eyebrows using an applicator as defined in claim
1.
76. A method according to claim 75, further comprising making up
the eyelashes or the eyebrows using a cosmetic substance different
from the substance of the applying.
77. A method according to claim 75, wherein the applicator elements
at most come in contact simultaneously with no more than one-fourth
of the eyelashes or the eyebrows of a fringe of the eyelashes or
eyebrows.
Description
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/628,533, filed Nov. 18, 2004, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also
claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to French
Patent Application No. 04 52397, filed Oct. 21, 2004, the contents
of which are also incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to an applicator for applying
a substance (e.g., mascara) to the eyelashes or the eyebrows.
[0003] Various applicators are proposed in the following patent
applications: EP 1 070465, EP 1 070466, EP 1 070467, EP 1 070468,
EP 1 115503, EP 1 115304, EP 1 115 305, EP 1 157 629, EP 1 157 632,
EP 1 169 941, and FR 2 810 861, the contents of each of which are
incorporated in the present application by reference in their
entirety.
[0004] Patent application FR 2 564 712 discloses a cosmetic
applicator comprising an elongate handle provided with a plurality
of bristles or teeth molded integrally therewith and extending
axially from one of the ends of the handle.
[0005] There may exist a need to benefit from an applicator
enabling novel makeup effects to be obtained on the eyelashes
and/or the eyebrows, for example, enabling substance to be
deposited only on a single patch of eyelashes or eyebrows.
[0006] Using an applicator of the paintbrush type for this kind of
application may not be very satisfactory since if the brush is not
sufficiently wiped, then it may retain a drop of substance at its
tip which may create a blob on the eyelashes.
[0007] If the brush is wiped too much, then the amount of substance
that remains may turn out to be insufficient.
[0008] The use of a flocked applicator may make it possible to
obtain a good quantity of substance but it may be difficult, if so
desired, to separate eyelashes that have become stuck together by
the substance.
[0009] Although the present invention may obviate one or more of
the above-mentioned needs, it should be understood that some
aspects of the invention might not necessarily obviate one or more
of those needs.
[0010] In the following description, certain aspects and
embodiments will become evident. It should be understood that the
invention, in its broadest sense, could be practiced without having
one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should be
understood that these aspects and embodiments are merely
exemplary.
[0011] One exemplary aspect may relate to an applicator for
applying a substance to a fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows. The
applicator may include a stem, a support associated with the stem
and extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of
applicator elements. The plurality of applicator elements may
include only two applicator elements, may be disposed on the
support, and may extend substantially transversely to the
longitudinal axis of the support.
[0012] In another aspect, the applicator elements may extend over a
distance along the longitudinal axis of the support such that when
the longitudinal axis extends substantially tangentially to the
fringe, the applicator elements can at most come into contact
simultaneously with no more than a fraction of the eyelashes or the
eyebrows of the fringe, for example, one-fourth, one-fifth, or
one-sixth of the eyelashes or the eyebrows of the fringe.
[0013] In a further aspect, a made-up patch of eyelashes or
eyebrows may correspond, for example, to no more than a fraction of
the length of the fringe, for example, one-fourth, one-fifth, or
one-sixth of the length of the fringe.
[0014] In yet another aspect, the applicator elements may comprise
teeth and/or bristles.
[0015] In yet a further aspect, the applicator may enable the
eyelashes to be covered suitably, for example, while exerting a
combing action.
[0016] In still another aspect, the applicator elements may extend
on the support over a distance that is short enough to enable one
or a few patches of eyelashes or eyebrows to be made up, for
example, so as to enable somewhat unique makeup effects to be
obtained.
[0017] In a still further aspect, it may be possible to create
colored patches or stripes in the eyelashes. For example, it may be
possible to make up the eyelashes in a given fringe using at least
two different colors.
[0018] As used herein, the word "fringe" refers to the eyelashes of
the top eyelid or those of the bottom eyelid, going from the inner
corner to the outer corner of the eyelid, or the eyebrow arch over
one or the other of a user's eyes.
[0019] In another aspect, the applicator elements may extend along
the support over any suitable distance, for example, in the range
of about 0.1 centimeters (cm) to 1 cm, less than or equal to 8
millimeters (mm), less than or equal to 7 mm, less than or equal to
6 mm, lying in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm, or in the range of 2 mm
to 3 mm.
[0020] In a further aspect, an applicator for applying a substance
on the eyelashes or the eyebrows may include a stem, a support
associated with the stem and extending along a longitudinal axis,
and at least one row of applicator elements The applicator elements
may constitute teeth. The applicator elements of the at least one
row may each extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal
axis of the support and may present free ends at distances from the
longitudinal axis that may vary in a non-monotonic manner between
the two opposite end applicator elements of the row.
[0021] As used herein, the term "varying in non-monotonic manner"
should be understood as meaning that the line interconnecting the
free ends of the applicator elements has a distance from the
longitudinal axis of the support that passes through at least one
extremum, e.g., a maximum distance of a free end of a longest
applicator element from the longitudinal axis of the support.
[0022] The presence of a maximum in the row of applicator elements
may enable applicator elements to penetrate progressively further
into the eyelashes, for example, to make it easier to apply makeup
to a patch.
[0023] In another aspect, the number of applicator elements in the
row, in particular the number of teeth, may be any suitable number,
for example, in the range of 3 to 9, in the range of 3 to 8, and/or
in the range of 3 to 7.
[0024] In a further aspect, the support and the applicator elements
may be made as a single piece, for example, by molding or by
machining. In a variant, the applicator elements may be separate
from the support and may be fitted to the support.
[0025] In yet another aspect, the support and the stem may be made
as a single piece, for example, by molding, or in a variant the
support may be separate from the stem and may be fitted to the
stem. Under such circumstances, the support may include an endpiece
arranged to engage on or within a housing of the stem, or the stem
may include an endpiece arranged to engage on or within a housing
of the support.
[0026] In a yet further aspect, the stem may extend along a
longitudinal axis that is different from the longitudinal axis of
the support. Under such circumstances, the longitudinal axis of the
stem and the longitudinal axis of the support, for example, the
respective portions thereof carrying the applicator element, may
form between them any suitable angle. For example, the angle may
lie in the range of 5.degree. to 45.degree., in the range of
15.degree. to 25.degree., or equal to about 20.degree.. Such a
configuration may make the applicator more comfortable to handle
while applying substance to the eyelashes. The longitudinal axis of
the support may be curvilinear or rectilinear.
[0027] In still another aspect, the stem may extend along a
longitudinal axis that substantially coincides with the
longitudinal axis of the support.
[0028] In a still further aspect, the applicator and/or the support
may be made at least in part out of a material that is flexible or
rigid, for example, at least in part out of a thermoplastic, an
elastomer, or a thermoplastic elastomer material. The material may
be molded. The applicator may be made at least in part out of any
material or combination of materials, for example, wood and/or
metal. The material may be machined.
[0029] In another aspect, the support may be made of an elastically
deformable material. The elastically deformable material may enable
one side of the support to be wiped preferentially.
[0030] In a further aspect, the stem and the support may be made
out of different materials.
[0031] In yet another aspect, when the applicator is observed from
the side, a line interconnecting the free ends of the applicator
element may present a distance from the longitudinal axis of the
support that passes through at least one extremum, for example, a
maximum distance from the longitudinal axis of the support, which
may enable the applicator to penetrate more progressively further
into the eyelashes.
[0032] In a further aspect, any line defined herein or any portion
of any line defined herein may have any suitable shape, for
example, a triangular shape, a rounded shape, a circular shape, or
a bullet-like shape.
[0033] In still another aspect, any line disclosed herein may
include a profile. The profile may include a maximum distance and a
minimum distance, for example, relative to the longitudinal axis of
the support. A first straight line may interconnect free ends of a
longest applicator element associated with the maximum distance
from the longitudinal axis of the support and a shortest applicator
element associated with a minimum distance from the longitudinal
axis of the support closest to the longest applicator element. A
second straight line may include the normal to the longitudinal
axis of the support. The normal may pass through the free end of
the longest applicator element. The angle formed between the first
line and the second line may lie in the range of 25.degree. to
about 60.degree., in the range of 25.degree. to 50.degree., in the
range of 25.degree. to 45.degree., in the range of 30.degree. to
45.degree., or be equal to about 43.degree..
[0034] In a still further aspect, the distance of any line defined
herein, as measured from the longitudinal axis of the support, may
pass through two or more extremum.
[0035] In another aspect, the applicator elements may be disposed
in a single row or in at least two rows. When there are at least
two rows, the applicator elements in a first row and those in a
second row may extend in different directions. Alternatively, the
applicator elements in the first row and those in the second row
may extend in substantially parallel directions. The two rows may
be disposed substantially opposite to each other relative to the
support.
[0036] In a further aspect, the applicator element may have any
suitable height. For example, the height may lie in the range of
about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, or in the range of about 1 mm to about
3 mm.
[0037] In yet another aspect, the applicator elements may be
disposed in at least one row. The row may comprise a succession of
applicator elements that, at least along a portion of the row,
extend in alternation on opposite sides of a separation plane.
[0038] In a yet further aspect, the applicator elements may present
bases that are in alignment or not in alignment.
[0039] In still another aspect, the applicator elements may be
disposed in at least one row. The row may extend along an axis that
is substantially rectilinear. The applicator elements may also
extend in alternation on opposite sides of a middle core.
[0040] In a still further aspect, the applicator elements may be
disposed in at least one row. The row may comprise a succession of
applicator elements. At least some of the applicator elements may
extend in alternation on opposite sides of a separation plane. Two
consecutive applicator elements may have adjacent portions that
appear to substantially touch or overlap when the applicator is
observed from the side. The two consecutive applicator elements may
form between them a notch suitable for receiving an eyelash.
[0041] In another aspect, the applicator may constitute a comb or a
brush.
[0042] In a further aspect, the applicator may constitute a brush
having a support. The support may comprise two twisted-together
wires having a small diameter, e.g., a diameter less than or equal
to 0.7 mm, lying in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, or lying in the
range of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.
[0043] In yet another aspect, the applicator may constitute a brush
having applicator elements. The applicator elements may be bristles
having a small diameter, e.g., less than or equal to 8/100 mm, or
less than equal to 6/100 mm.
[0044] In a yet further aspect, the brush may have a twisted core.
The twisted core may have any number of turns, for example, lying
in the range of 3 to 6. The bristles may extend from the core in
two substantially helical sheets. The number of turns of the
twisted core corresponds to the sum of the revolutions of the two
sheets around the twisted core. A portion of the twisted core may
have no bristles, for example, in the vicinity of the junction
between the support and the stem.
[0045] In still another aspect, the cross-section of the envelope
surface of the brush may be circular, square, or have some other
suitable shape.
[0046] In a still further aspect, the brush may present an envelope
surface in the form of two combs. The envelope surface may be
conical or frustoconical in shape. The larger base of the comb may
be situated beside an end of the brush, for example, the distal end
or the proximal end of the brush.
[0047] In another aspect, the invention may provide a brush for
applying a substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The
brush may comprise a twisted core and bristles extending from the
core. The number of twists in the twisted core may be less than or
equal to 6.
[0048] A further aspect may provide a brush for applying a
substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The brush may
comprise a core and bristles extending from the core. The length of
the portion of the brush carrying the bristles may have any
suitable length, for example, less than or equal to 8 mm, less than
or equal to 7 mm, or less than or equal to 6 mm.
[0049] Another aspect may provide a brush for applying a substance
to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The brush may comprise a core
and bristles extending from the core. The bristles may be contained
in an envelope surface having any suitable shape, for example,
substantially frustoconical, conical, or bi-conical. The smallest
angle formed between a plane containing the greatest cross-section
of the brush and a tangent to the envelope surface of the brush at
its intersection with the plane may be any suitable angle, for
example, lying in the range of 20.degree. to 60.degree., 25.degree.
to 50.degree., or 30.degree. to 35.degree..
[0050] In a yet further aspect, the invention may provide a brush
for applying a substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The
brush may comprise a core and bristles extending from the core. The
envelope surface of the brush may present any suitable shape, for
example, substantially bi-conical. The angle at the apex of the
junction between the truncated cones may be any suitable angle, for
example, less than or equal to 120.degree., or less than or equal
to 90.degree..
[0051] Still another aspect may provide a comb for applying a
substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The comb may
comprise a support with teeth extending substantially transversely
relative to the longitudinal axis of the support. The distance
between the two end teeth along the longitudinal axis may be any
suitable distance, for example, less than or equal to 8 mm, less
than or equal to 7 mm, or less than or equal to 6 mm.
[0052] A further aspect may provide a comb for applying a substance
to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The comb may comprise a
support and teeth extending substantially transversely relative to
the longitudinal axis of the support. The teeth may include a
longest tooth with a first length and a shortest tooth with a
second length. The ratio of the first length to the second length
may be greater than or equal to 1.3.
[0053] Yet another aspect may provide a comb for applying a
substance to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows. The comb may
include a support with teeth extending substantially transversely
relative to the longitudinal axis of the support. The angle formed
between a straight line interconnecting the free end of a shortest
tooth to the free end of a longest tooth and a straight line
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support passing
through the free end of the longest tooth may lie in the range of
20.degree. to 60.degree..
[0054] A further aspect may provide a packaging and an applicator
device for applying a substance to a fringe of eyelashes or
eyebrows. The device may include a receptacle for containing the
substance and an applicator. The applicator may include any brush
or comb defined herein.
[0055] In another aspect, the device may include a wiper member.
The wiper member may comprise a block of cellular material, for
example, a foam having open or closed cells with or without
flocking. Alternatively, the wiper member may comprise a
non-cellular material. The non-cellular material may be flocked,
e.g., an elastomer or a polyolefin. The wiper member may include at
least one slot and/or have a lip arranged to wipe the stem.
[0056] In a still further aspect, the device may include a wiper
member. The applicator support may be shaped so as to make it
easier to pass the applicator support through the wiper member, for
example, the applicator support may include a rounded nose in front
and/or a bulge in back.
[0057] In still another aspect, the stem of the applicator may be
connected to a closure cap of the receptacle. The stem may be
configured to act as a handle member. The applicator may be housed
inside the receptacle when the device is in the closed
position.
[0058] In a yet further aspect, the substance may be any cosmetic
or care product adapted for application to the eyelashes or the
eyebrows, for example, mascara. The cosmetic or care product may be
black or some color other than black. The substance may be in any
suitable form, for example, a liquid, a paste, or a solid form,
e.g., in the form of a cake.
[0059] In yet another aspect, the device may include an additional
receptacle for containing some other substance and an additional
applicator for applying said other substance. The other substance
contained in the additional receptacle may be different from the
substance contained in the receptacle. The additional applicator
may constitute, for example, a brush or a comb, e.g., any brush or
comb defined herein.
[0060] A further aspect of the invention may include a device. The
device may include any applicator defined herein associated with a
mascara having a color that is black or other than black. The
device may also include another applicator, e.g. a brush or a comb,
associated with a mascara of a color that is different the mascara
associated with the other applicator, for example, other than black
or black. The two applicators may be secured to each other, for
example, during in use. The brush or comb may be any suitable brush
or comb, for example, any brush or comb defined herein.
[0061] Another aspect of the invention may provide a method of
making up the eyelashes or the eyebrows with a cosmetic. The method
may include applying the substance to at least one patch of the
eyelashes or the eyebrows using any applicator as defined
herein.
[0062] The method may include making up the eyelashes or the
eyebrows with another cosmetic different from the cosmetic that is
for use in making up the patches. The making up may occur before
the applying of the substance.
[0063] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
[0064] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments of the invention and together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0065] The invention can be better understood on reading the
following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof,
and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0066] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic elevation view, partially in
section, showing a device including an application according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0067] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the applicator of FIG. 1 in
use;
[0068] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary side view of the
applicator of FIG. 1;
[0069] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary perspective view of
the applicator of FIG. 1;
[0070] FIG. 5 is a view analogous to FIG. 3 of an applicator
according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0071] FIG. 6 is a view analogous to FIG. 4 showing the applicator
of FIG. 5;
[0072] FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrammatic and fragmentary side views of
applicators according to various embodiments of the invention;
[0073] FIGS. 10 and 11 are partial section views of stems of
applicators being fastened to supports according to still more
embodiments of the invention;
[0074] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary side view of an
applicator according to a further embodiment of the invention;
[0075] FIGS. 13 to 17 are diagrammatic and fragmentary side views
of different profiles of different applicators according to still
further embodiments of the invention;
[0076] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary side view of an
applicator having two rows of applicator elements according to yet
another embodiment of the invention;
[0077] FIGS. 19 to 22 are diagrammatic axial section views of
different applicators having one or more rows of applicator
elements according to yet further embodiments of the invention;
[0078] FIGS. 23 and 24 are side views of different configurations
of applicator elements according to various embodiments of the
invention;
[0079] FIG. 25 shows a variant of the device of FIG. 1 including a
wiper member according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0080] FIGS. 26 and 27 are diagrammatic and fragmentary axial
section views of devices including different wiper members
according to yet more embodiments of the invention;
[0081] FIG. 28 is a view analogous to FIG. 1 showing a device
including a brush according to a yet further embodiment of the
invention;
[0082] FIGS. 29 to 35 are fragmentary diagrammatic views of various
brushes according to yet further embodiments of the invention;
[0083] FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic cross-section of the brush of FIG.
28;
[0084] FIG. 37 is a fragmentary perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of the invention in which the substance is deposited on
the applicator element from a flexible tube;
[0085] FIG. 38 is a fragmentary perspective view of another
exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the substance for
application is in the form of a solid or a powder;
[0086] FIGS. 39 to 43 are diagrammatic axial section views of
devices each containing two substances and having two applicators
in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and
[0087] FIGS. 44 and 45 are diagrammatic illustrations of examples
of the kind of makeup effects that can be obtained using a device
in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0088] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0089] The device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 may include a receptacle
2 containing a supply of a cosmetic P, for example, mascara, and
may include an applicator 3 having a stem 4 extending along a
longitudinal axis X.
[0090] The stem 4 may be provided at one end with a support 5
having a plurality of applicator elements 6, and may at its
opposite end be configured to be connected to a closure cap 7 for
closing the receptacle 2. The stem 4 also may constitute a handle
element.
[0091] The closure cap 7 may have an inside thread (not visible),
for example, for screwing the closure cap 7 onto the neck 11 of the
receptacle 2. The neck 11 may have an outside thread. However, the
closure cap 7 may be connected to the neck 11 in any suitable
manner.
[0092] The receptacle 2 may include a wiper member 8, for example,
disposed in the neck 11. The wiper member 8 may have a wiper lip 9
arranged to wipe the stem 4 and/or the support 5 carrying the
applicator elements 6.
[0093] The wiper member 8 may be deformable, for example, when the
applicator elements 6 passes through the wiper member 8.
[0094] The wiper member 8 may be made by injection molding and may
be made of polyolefin. However, the wiper member 8 may be made
using any suitable method and out of any suitable material.
[0095] The receptacle 2 may be configured to be closed in a
leaktight manner when not in use, for example, by screwing the
closure cap 7 onto the neck 11.
[0096] The applicator 3 may include a comb and the applicator
elements 6 may constitute teeth. The support 5 may extend along a
longitudinal axis Y that forms a non-zero angle .alpha. relative to
the longitudinal axis X of the stem 4, for example, as can be seen
in FIG. 3. Angle .alpha. may lie in the range of 5.degree. to
45.degree..
[0097] The applicator elements 6 may be disposed in a row 10. The
applicator elements 6 may include any number of applicator elements
6, for example, six (6) applicator elements.
[0098] The applicator elements 6 may be situated on the support 5
in any suitable configuration(s).
[0099] The row 10 may have a first series of teeth 6a and a second
series of teeth 6b. The first series of teeth 6a and the second
series of teeth 6b may be disposed in any suitable configuration.
The first series of teeth 6a and the second series of teeth 6b may
be respectively situated on opposites sides of a separation plane
S. The separation plane S may be a middle plane of symmetry of the
comb, may be parallel to the plane in which FIG. 3 is disposed, and
may constitute a join plane for molding the comb.
[0100] The teeth 6a and 6b may extend in alternation on opposite
sides of a common core 15 of the support 5. Support 5 may act as a
skeleton with the bottom end of the teeth 6a and 6b being connected
thereto. The teeth 6a and 6b may be connected to the support 5 in
any suitable manner.
[0101] The support 5 may have any suitable configuration. The
support 5 may have a rounded nose 17 at its front, for example, to
make it easier to place the support 5 into the receptacle 2.
[0102] At its rear end, the support 5 may have a bulge 18, for
example, that may make it easier to pass the support 5 through the
wiper member 8 when the support 5 is being extracted from the
receptacle 2.
[0103] Each applicator element 6 may have a top portion 20
terminating in a free end 30, and may have a bottom portion 22
extending from the core 15 of the support 5.
[0104] The applicator elements 6 may extend substantially
perpendicular to the axis Y of the support 5.
[0105] The free ends 30 of the applicator elements may be situated
at a distance from the longitudinal axis Y that varies in
non-monotonic, continuous manner between the applicator elements
disposed on the end of the row 10, e.g., from the left end of the
applicator 3 to the right end of the applicator 3 in FIG. 3.
[0106] In the example shown in FIG. 3, when the applicator is
observed from its side, the line L interconnecting the free ends 30
may present, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the stem 4 and to the above-mentioned separation plane S, any
suitable shape. The suitable shape may be a substantially
triangular shape. For example, the line L may include two
rectilinear segments forming between them any suitable angle, for
example, substantially equal to 90.degree..
[0107] Teeth 6a and 6b may have any suitable length, which may be
the same lengths or different lengths relative to each other. For
example, the longest teeth 6a and 6b in each set of applicator
elements 6 may have substantially the same length.
[0108] The straight line D.sub.1 passing through the free end of
the shortest applicator element starting from the distal end of the
applicator and the free end of the longest applicator element that
is closer to the shortest element may coincide with the first
rectilinear segment of the line L.
[0109] The angle al formed between the line D.sub.1 and the
perpendicular line N.sub.1 to the axis Y passing through the free
end of the above-mentioned longest applicator element may form any
angle, for example, in the range of 25.degree. to 60.degree., or
substantially equal to about 43.degree..
[0110] The line D.sub.2 passing through the shortest applicator
element starting from the proximal end of the support 5 and the
longest applicator element that is closer to said shortest element
may coincide with the second rectilinear segment of the line L.
[0111] The angle .alpha..sub.2 formed between the line D.sub.2 and
the perpendicular line N.sub.2 to the axis Y passing through the
free end of this longest applicator element may lie in the same
range of values as the angle .alpha..sub.1, for example, angle
.alpha..sub.2 may be substantially equal to .alpha..sub.1. The
angle at the apex between the segments of the line L may be less
than or equal to 120.degree., for example, less than or equal to
90.degree..
[0112] The applicator elements 6 may extend on the support 5 over
any suitable distance, for example, a relatively short distance d.
Distance d may lie in the range of about 0.1 cm and about 1 cm. For
example, as shown in FIG. 2, using the applicator 3, it may be
possible to apply a substance (e.g., makeup) to a single patch of
eyelashes at a time, without touching all of the eyelashes on the
eyelid. For example, the applicator elements 6 may be configured,
at most, to come into contact simultaneously with no more than
one-fourth of the eyelashes of the top eyelid.
[0113] The substance P may be applied to eyelashes or eyebrows that
have already have had a substance (e.g., makeup) applied
thereto.
[0114] The substance P may include an suitable formulation, for
example, a reversible polymer formulation, e.g., a vinyl
formulation. The substance P may be configured to withstand cold
water and/or dissolve in hot water.
[0115] The substance P may constitute a mascara having any suitable
color, for example, black and/or colored. The formulation of the
substance P may make it compatible with an underlying mascara, for
example, so that when the substance P is applied to form a patch on
eyelashes that have already been made up, it may not remove the
mascara that is already present on the eyelashes.
[0116] The support 5 and the applicator elements 6 may be made
integrally as a single piece. However, the support 5 and the
applicator elements 6 may also be made as separate pieces. The
support 5 and the applicator elements 6 may be made out of a
plastic material, for example, via molding. However, the support 5
and the applicator elements 6 may be made using any suitable method
and out of any suitable material. The support 5 may be fitted to
the stem 4 in any suitable manner, for example, the manner that is
described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 and
11.
[0117] The top portions 20 of two consecutive applicator elements 6
may leave between them a notch 21 extending substantially down to
the core 15, for example, when the comb is observed from the side
as shown in FIG. 3. The notches 21 may make it easier to take hold
of the eyelashes, e.g., for the purposes of separating them,
combing them, and/or smoothing out the substance that has been
deposited on the surface of the eyelashes.
[0118] It will be understood that by varying the lengths of the
applicator elements and/or the gaps between them, it may easier to
control the total quantity of substance picked up by the
applicator.
[0119] The distance between the tips of two successive applicator
elements 6a or 6b, for example, situated on the same side of the
separation plane, may be any suitable distance. For example, the
distance may be considerably greater than the width of an
applicator element as measured at half height of the applicator 3,
e.g., in a direction parallel to the axis Y of the support 5.
[0120] When the applicator 3 is observed from the side, each
applicator element 6a may extend over substantially half the
distance between two adjacent applicator elements 6b, and vice
versa.
[0121] The top portions 20 of the applicator elements 6 may all
point in substantially the same direction.
[0122] The bottom portions 22 of two successive applicator
elements, for example, situated on the same side of the core 15,
may have any suitable configuration. For example, the bottom
portions 22 of two successive applicator elements may co-operate
with each other and/or with the core 15 to form a cavity 23 that
may hold a supply of substance.
[0123] The spacing between the applicator elements 6a or 6b may be
any suitable spacing. For example, the spacing may be relatively
large, which may increase the quantity of substance that the
applicator can pick up without the applicator losing the ability to
take hold of the eyelashes. This may be made possible by the
applicator elements 6 being offset from each other and/or by the
fact that the notches 21 formed by the top portion 20 of the
applicator elements 6 may remain sufficiently narrow.
[0124] The applicator elements 6 may present numerous
configurations without going beyond the ambit of the present
invention. For example, the top portions may be oriented in
different directions.
[0125] The applicator elements 6 may be arranged on the support in
a various configurations.
[0126] FIGS. 5 and 6 show another example of an applicator
comprising a plurality of teeth 6, e.g., extending along a row 10.
For example, the plurality of teeth may include seven teeth,
however, any suitable number of teeth 6 may be used. As can be seen
in FIG. 6, the bases 22 of teeth 6 may be in alignment and/or the
top portions 20 of two consecutive teeth 6a and 6b may diverge.
[0127] FIG. 7 shows that it is may be possible to make the stem 4
with a longitudinal axis X that coincides with the longitudinal
axis Y of the support 5.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 8, the longitudinal axis Y of the support 5
may form a non-zero angle .alpha. with the longitudinal axis X of
the stem 4. The direction of inclination of the support 5 in FIG. 8
may be the opposite from that of the direction of inclination of
the support 5 in FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0129] The support 5 may be made integrally with the stem 4, for
example, as shown in FIG. 9. The support 5 and/or the stem 4 may be
made of a plastics material, for example, via molding. The support
5 may also be fitted to the stem 4.
[0130] As shown in FIG. 10, the support 5 may have a substantially
cylindrical endpiece 35 with an annular groove 36. The stem 4 may
have a complementary housing 37 with an annular bead 38 arranged to
snap into the groove 36.
[0131] The endpiece 35 may be configured to form a press-fit on
and/or in the stem 4.
[0132] As shown in FIG. 11, the stem 4 may carry a substantially
cylindrical endpiece 40 that may be arranged to be received in a
complementary housing 41 of the support 5.
[0133] The number of teeth constituting the applicator 3 may be
less than seven, e.g., less then six. For example, as shown in FIG.
12, there may be only two teeth 6. The teeth may or may not all
have the same width.
[0134] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 17, the line L interconnecting the
free ends 30 of the applicator elements 6 may present any suitable
shape, for example, various shapes different than those shown in
FIGS. 1 to 11.
[0135] For example, in various embodiments the line L may have a
rounded shape, e.g., a substantially circular as shown in FIG. 13
and/or bullet-shaped as shown in FIG. 14. The extremum of the line
L may be situated substantially in the middle of the support 5 as
shown FIGS. 13 and 14, may be closer to the stem 4 as shown in FIG.
15, or may be closer to the distal end of the applicator as shown
in FIG. 16. The distance of the line L from the longitudinal axis Y
of the support 5 may have two extremum,,e.g., maximum distances of
free ends of longest applicator elements relative to longitudinal
axis Y of support 5, for example, as shown in FIG. 17.
[0136] As shown in FIG. 13, the support 5 may not have a rounded
nose 17 and/or a bulge 18.
[0137] As also shown in FIG. 13, any of the lines D.sub.1 and
D.sub.2 and the normal N to the longitudinal axis Y of the support
5 may pass through the free end of the longest applicator element.
In some embodiments, there may be only one longest applicator
element.
[0138] The angle al formed between the line D.sub.1 and the normal
N, and angle a2 formed between the line D.sub.2 and the normal N
may be substantially equal or may be different. For example, the
angle .alpha..sub.1 and/or the angle .alpha..sub.2 may be any such
angle set forth herein.
[0139] As shown in FIG. 17, angles .alpha..sub.1 and .alpha..sub.2
relative to the normal N passing through the free end of the
applicator element may be associated with the first relative
extremum, and/or angles .alpha.'.sub.1 and .alpha.'.sub.2 relative
to the normal N' passing through the free end of the applicator
element may correspond to the second relative extremum. All of
these angles may lie in any of the ranges set forth herein.
[0140] FIG. 18 shows that it may be possible for the support 5 to
have two rows of applicator elements, for example, two rows
situated substantially opposite each other, e.g., the core 15 of
the support 5. The applicator elements may extend differently from
one row to the other. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, the two
rows of applicator elements may present different profiles when the
applicator 3 is observed from the side.
[0141] In cross-section, the core 15 may present any suitable
shape, for example, a circular shape as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and
22, a flat shape, or a substantially rectilinear shape as shown in
FIG. 21.
[0142] The support 5 may have one or more rows of teeth with the
teeth being in any suitable configuration relative to each other,
for example, a single row of teeth in alignment as shown in FIG.
19, or a plurality of rows of teeth extending in different
directions, e.g., diverging directions as shown in FIG. 20, or in
parallel directions as shown in FIG. 21.
[0143] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary applicator having a plurality of
rows 10 which may be disposed all around the core 15 of the support
5.
[0144] When the applicator element is observed from the side, the
applicator elements 6 may present over at least a fraction of their
length a width profile that is substantially constant, for example,
as shown in FIGS. 1 to 22. However, the applicator elements 6 may
present a profile that is different, for example, a profile that is
substantially triangular as shown in FIG. 23.
[0145] The applicator elements may be disposed in a staggered
configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 24.
[0146] In various embodiments, the wiper member 8 may have a
configuration different from that shown in FIG. 1. For example,
FIG. 25 shows a device in which the wiper member 8 may constitute a
cellular material, e.g., a foam having open or closed cells.
[0147] The wiper member 8 may constitute by an elastomer having at
least one slot 50, for example, as shown in FIG. 26. The wiper
member 8 may have an annular lip 51 in a position other than at its
bottom end, for example, as shown in FIG. 27.
[0148] The applicator elements may not have teeth. For example, the
applicator elements may have bristles fitted to the support, e.g.,
as shown in FIG. 28. The bristles 60 of applicator 3 may extend
substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis Y of the
support, and the longitudinal axis Y of the support may coincide
with the longitudinal axis X of the stem 4, for example, as shown
in FIG. 28.
[0149] The bristles 60 may extend over a distance d along the
longitudinal axis Y of the support such that the bristles come
simultaneously into contact with no more than one-fourth of the
eyelashes or eyebrows in the fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows to
which makeup is to be applied. The distance d may by any suitable
difference, for example, in a range from 2 mm to 3 mm. The number
of turns may range from 3 to 6.
[0150] When the applicator 3 is observed from the side, for
example, as shown in FIG. 28, the line L interconnecting the free
ends of the bristles may present a distance from the axis Y that
passes through at least one extremum, e.g., a maximum distance of a
free end of a longest applicator element relative to axis Y.
[0151] When the applicator 3 includes a brush, the bristles 60 that
are used may be relatively fine, e.g., bristles 60 may have a
diameter of about 6/100 mm.
[0152] The bristles 60 may present any suitable cross-section, for
example, a cross-section that is solid and/or substantially
circular.
[0153] The core 61 may be formed by a metal wire folded into any
suitable shape, for example, a U-shape with its branches being
twisted together so as to clamp the bristles between them.
[0154] The metal wire used may be relatively fine, e.g., the metal
wire may have a diameter less than 0.7 mm. For example, the metal
wire may have a diameter in the range of 0.35 mm to 0.5 mm.
[0155] FIGS. 29 to 35 shows various applicators according to
various embodiments of the invention.
[0156] The applicator 3 may include a brush presenting an envelope
surface having any suitable shape. For example, as shown in FIG.
29, the brush may be substantially conical or frustoconical, and/or
the longest bristles may be situated beside the stem 4.
[0157] The angle .alpha. formed between the perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis Y of the brush passing through the cross-section
of greatest dimension, and the tangent to the envelope surface may
have any suitable angle, for example, lying in the range of
20.degree. to 60.degree..
[0158] The applicator 3 may constitute a brush having an envelope
surface having any suitable shape, for example, a substantially
bi-conical shape as shown in FIG. 30, or a substantially conical or
frustoconical shape with the shortest bristles being beside the
stem 4, as shown in FIG. 31.
[0159] The longitudinal axis Y of the brush may be in alignment
with the axis X of the stem.
[0160] The axis Y may form an angle .alpha. with the axis X of the
stem, for example, as shown in FIGS. 32 to 35. The angle .alpha.
may be any suitable angle, for example, in the range of about
5.degree. to about 45.degree., e.g., about 20.degree..
[0161] The envelope surface E of the brush may have any suitable
cross-sectional shape, for example, circular, as shown in FIG. 36,
a polygonal shape, and/or an oblong shape, and may have
indentations and/or crenellations.
[0162] When the twisted core is bent, the bend may be situated at
or close to the stem 4, for example, as shown in FIGS. 32 to
35.
[0163] In various embodiments not shown, the core may be
curved.
[0164] FIGS. 37 and 38 show other exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
[0165] FIG. 37 shows a device in which the substance P may be
contained in a receptacle 2. The receptacle 2 may be in the form of
a flexible tube.
[0166] Other suitable distribution techniques may be used for
depositing substance P on the applicator 3, e.g., a pump type
dispenser.
[0167] The device may comprise a receptacle 2 containing a solid
cake of substance P, for example, as shown in FIG. 38. The cake may
be moistened and the applicator may be moved so as to contact with
the moistened portion in order to pick up substance. In another
embodiment, the applicator may be moistened and may be moved so as
to contact a previously unmoistened portion of the substance.
[0168] In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the
proximal end of the applicator may not include a handle or a
closure cap, for example, because the applicator cannot be stored
in the receptacle containing the substance. In these and other
embodiments, the stem itself may be used as a handle.
[0169] In addition to the receptacle 2 containing the substance P
and the applicator 3, the device may include a second receptacle 70
containing a substance P' and a second substance 71 which may be
different from the applicator 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 39.
The applicator 71 may comprise a conventional mascara brush.
[0170] The receptacle 2 containing the substance P may have a
bottom skirt 72, for example, as shown in FIG. 39. The bottom skirt
72 may be provided with a thread and may constitute the closure cap
for the receptacle 70 containing the other substance P'.
[0171] The applicator 71 may be used, for example, to apply a first
substance on the eyelashes, e.g., a mascara of a certain color, and
then the user can use the substance 3 to make up certain patches of
the eyelashes, e.g., in a color different from the mascara of a
certain color.
[0172] Other exemplary embodiments of devices having two
receptacles and two applicators are shown in FIGS. 40 to 43.
[0173] In these and related embodiments, the applicators may point
in opposite directions such that each receptacle may be used as a
handle for the applicator associated with the other receptacle.
[0174] The device may comprise a mascara brush and an applicator 3
that may constitute a comb, for example, as shown in FIG. 40.
Alternatively, the applicator 3 of the device may constitute a
brush, for example, as shown in FIG. 41. The mascara brush may be
selected, for example, from those described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,937,870 or FR 2 605 505, the contents of each of which are
incorporated in the present application by reference.
[0175] The device may have a comb and an applicator 3 may also
constitute a comb, for example, as shown in FIG. 42. Alternatively,
the applicator may comprise a comb together with an applicator that
may constitute a brush, for example, as shown in FIG. 43. The combs
of the applicators 71 in FIGS. 42 and 43 may, for example, be
selected from those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,610, WO
01/05271, or U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,950, the contents of each of which
are incorporated in the present application by reference.
[0176] Each of the devices of FIGS. 40 to 43 may comprise a tubular
sleeve 80 interconnecting the closure caps 82 and 7 respectively
associated with the receptacles 70 and 2. For example, the closure
caps 82 and 7 may be held together using any suitable method, e.g.,
by friction, adhesive, or snap-fastening inside the sleeve 80.
[0177] In each of the devices of FIGS. 40 to 43, the substance P'
contained in the second receptacle 70 may be different from the
substance P contained in the receptacle 2.
[0178] For example, the substance P' may be a mascara of a color
that is different from the color of the substance P, e.g., the
substance P' may be of a color other than black, while the
substance P may be black.
[0179] In an exemplary embodiment, the substance P' may first be
applied to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, after which the substance
P may be applied, for example, to only some of the eyelashes or
eyebrows so as to form colored patches.
[0180] The resulting makeup may have at least some of the eyelashes
being bunched together, for example, as shown in FIG. 44 or 45 . In
some embodiments, only some of the eyelashes are bunched together,
for example, as shown in FIG. 44, while in other examples
substantially all of the eyelashes are to be found in bunches, for
example, as shown in FIG. 45. In other embodiments, it may also be
possible for the eyelashes not to be bunched together at all.
[0181] In various embodiment, a given fringe of eyelashes may have
a plurality of patches of different colors.
[0182] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments
described above. In particular, the characteristics of the various
embodiments described can be combined with one another. For
example, the wiper member may be different from that described
herein.
[0183] Throughout the description, including in the claims, the
term "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with
the term "comprising at least one" unless specified to the
contrary. In addition, it should be understand that any range
referred to herein includes the limits of that range (e.g., a range
of 2 to 4 includes both 2 and 4).
[0184] In exemplary embodiments, the applicator elements may extend
transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem or to
the axis of the wiping member.
[0185] Although the present invention herein has been described
with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood
that these embodiments are merely illustrative of certain
principles and applications of the present invention. It is
therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made
to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be
devised without departing from the present invention.
* * * * *