U.S. patent application number 12/029892 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for profiled system for applying cosmetic products, a method for fabricating this system, an applicator assembly and a method for assembling such an assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Coty S.A.S.. Invention is credited to Jean-Louis Mathiez.
Application Number | 20080196738 12/029892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8868472 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080196738 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mathiez; Jean-Louis |
August 21, 2008 |
PROFILED SYSTEM FOR APPLYING COSMETIC PRODUCTS, A METHOD FOR
FABRICATING THIS SYSTEM, AN APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD FOR
ASSEMBLING SUCH AN ASSEMBLY
Abstract
In order to enable application of a calibrated dose of product
deposited on the brush, the invention proposes an application
system whereof the stem, the brush and the stripper have a similar
type of profiled shape. A profiled system for applying a cosmetic
product comprises an applicator mounted on a stem, and a stripper
(32) having an opening (34) through which the applicator passes.
The stem is integral with a capsule (12) and the stripper mounted
on the neck of a small bottle containing the cosmetic product. The
invention is characterized in that the applicator consists of a
comb (10) and the stem (14) forms an extension of the comb (10).
The stem, the brush and the opening of the stripper have a
substantially identical cross-section, whereof the contour includes
a protuberance with substantially elongated section in a median
plane (P).
Inventors: |
Mathiez; Jean-Louis;
(Limours, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.
P.O.Box 2938
Minneapolis
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
Coty S.A.S.
|
Family ID: |
8868472 |
Appl. No.: |
12/029892 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10477316 |
Aug 4, 2004 |
7334584 |
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PCT/FR02/03573 |
Oct 18, 2002 |
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12029892 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/218 ;
401/121; 401/122; 401/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/267 20130101;
A46B 2200/106 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/218 ;
401/122; 401/129; 401/121 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46B 11/00 20060101 A46B011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 19, 2001 |
FR |
01/13491 |
Claims
1. A profiled system for application of cosmetic product, from a
flask, onto eyelashes or eyebrows, the system comprising: a casing;
an elongated shaft integral with the casing, the elongated shaft
(14) having at least one continuous projection along its
longitudinal axis (X'X); an applicator mounted on the elongated
shaft, wherein the applicator is a comb (10) with a contour whose
cross-section is largely identical to that of shaft (14), and; and
a wiper integral with a groove defined by the flask, the opening
(34) in wiper (32) having a contour that is largely fitted to the
cross-section of shaft (10) along its longitudinal axis, the wiper
defining an opening through which the applicator passes.
2. The profiled system according to claim 1, wherein comb (10) has
at least one row of teeth (11) whose interstitial dimensions (20)
are determined as a function of the composition and texture
characteristics of the product (50) to be applied, in order to
calibrate the quantity of cosmetic product that might remain during
application.
3. The profiled system according to claim 1 wherein casing 12 is
screwed onto flask (30).
4. The profiled system according to claim 1 wherein casing 12 is
snapped onto flask (30).
5. The profiled system according to claim 1, wherein the wiper has
at least one orientation ramp (37) for comb (10) on opening (34) of
the wiper, to allow alignment of the comb contour (10) with opening
(34).
6. The profiled system according to claim 1, further comprising a
lip (36) bordering the opening of wiper (32) in order to scrape the
excess cosmetic product deposited on the comb, and a guiding bead
(38), the lip being formed inside wiper (32) to ensure centering of
the comb (10) and the shaft (14) onto lip (36).
7. The profiled system according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one retaining ring (33, 33a, 33b) on the external side of
wiper (32) permitting rotation of wiper (32) while keeping its
axial position inside vial (30).
8. The profiled system according to claim 1, in which the comb
includes one or two projections that are diametrically opposed with
respect to the longitudinal axis (X'X), spread out along a median
plane (P) and having one (11c) or two rows (11a, 11b) of teeth.
9. The profiled system according to claim 8, in which the two rows
(11a, 11b) of teeth are diametrically opposed with respect to
longitudinal axis (X'X).
10. The profiled system according to claim 1, in which the shaft,
comb and opening in the wiper each have a cross-section that is
substantially identical with three to eight projections, forming a
star-shaped section profile.
11. The profiled system according to claim 8, in which the teeth in
each row (11a, 11b) are adapted to functions determined by the
various spacings (20a, 20b) between the teeth in the first row
relative to the second, on the one hand, and by the flat (F.sub.a)
or biconcave (F.sub.b) shape of the external sides of the
respective rows (11a, 11b) on the other, for applying cosmetic
product (50) on upper or lower eyelashes, respectively, as well as
to produce a "voluminizing" or separating effect.
12. The profiled system according to claim 11, wherein the
functions intended to produce a separating effect or to apply
cosmetic product on lower eyelashes are carried out by a comb (10)
that has flat size which fits into a convex lip (36) of wiper (32)
in order to exert pressure on the row with flat sides (11a) greater
than that exerted on the concave row (11b).
13. The profiled system according to claim 9, wherein the profiles
of the shaft, comb and opening (34) of the wiper are quadriconcave,
quadrilinear or biconcave-bilinear in shape.
14. The profiled system according to claim 13, in which means of
visual or mechanical foolproofing are formed on the comb and/or
wiper, in order to position the means so that it faces the comb and
the wiper that must fit together during the insertion of the shaft
into the wiper.
15. The profiled system according to claim 1 in which the comb has,
at one end, at least one beveled portion (14a) which facilitates
insertion of the comb into the wiper.
16. The profiled system according to claim 1, in which the shaft
and the comb and, optionally, the casing, are made from a single
molded piece.
17. The profiled system according to claim 1, in which wiper
material selected from one or more of a low-density polyethylene
and an elastomeric thermoplastic material.
18. The profiled system according to claim 1 in which the comb and
shaft material selected from one or more of polypropylene,
polyamide and polyoxymethylene.
19. A method for producing a profiled application system
comprising: molding a shaft and comb assembly in a mold having
lands(s) that are arranged outside the toothed portion (11a, 11b,
11c) of comb (10).
20. The method according to claim 19, in which the mold
advantageously features air holes in close proximity to the ends of
the teeth, in order to allow air to escape during plastic injection
molding.
21. The method according to claim 19 wherein the comb is molded
around an axial pin to hold the comb according to the longitudinal
axis (X'X) during the stripping.
22. An applicator assembly comprising the profiled application
system according to claim 1, combined with a casing (12)-flask (30)
assembly adapted to the applicator system.
23. A method for assembling an applicator assembly according to
claim 22, characterized in that wiper (32) is initially
pre-positioned on shaft (14), and that once the flask has been
filled with the product, shaft (14) is inserted into the groove
(31) of the flask, and characterized in that, during the initial
closure, while casing 12 abuts the flask, and wiper (32) is drawn
in by casing 12 and becomes permanently set into the groove (31) of
the flask.
24. A method according to claim 23, in which, when casing (12)
abuts vial (30), the wiper is located in an intermediate position
in which ring (33) is in contact with a portion of groove (34) such
that the latter exerts an axial-component force (F) on the ring,
which is then introduced into the groove in a permanently retained
position, creating play between the wiper (32) and the gap (12a) in
the casing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/477,316, filed Aug. 4, 2004, which
application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn..sctn. 365(c) and 120 to International Application Number
PCT/FR02/03573 filed Oct. 18, 2002 and published in English as WO
03/032769 A1, which application and publication are incorporated
herein by reference. The present application, a nationalization of
PCT/FR02/03573 claims priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
to French Application No. 01/13491, filed Oct. 19, 2001, which
applications and publication are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] The invention relates to a profiled system for applying
liquid or cream cosmetic products, such as mascara for eyelashes or
eyebrows, a method for fabricating such a profiled system, as well
as an applicator assembly featuring such a system and a method for
assembling this type of assembly.
[0003] Applicator systems for eyelashes and eyebrows generally
consist of an applicator in the form of a brush, a brush-holding
shaft to hold and measure the pre-set quantity of product, and a
wiper seal, which limits the amount of product picked up by the
brush and wipes off the shaft.
[0004] In order to allow extraction of a product adapted to the
application, various solutions were proposed.
[0005] It is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,387, how
to effect the rotation of the application system with respect to
the cap or the wiper with respect to the flask, which allows
adaptation to any brush profile.
[0006] Some application systems substitute a rigid tip made of
injected plastic in place of the brush.
[0007] Patent FR 2 796 527, for example, describes a brush
featuring rows of teeth made of plastic material that are
alternately slanted, forming notches. According to U.S. Pat. No.
4,804,004, the molded applicator comprises a brush made of
cylindrical plastic bristles projecting perpendicularly from a
base.
[0008] State-of-the-art applicator techniques do not enable
application of a measured amount of the product deposited on the
brush, making it difficult to apply a sufficient quantity of
cosmetic product.
[0009] The invention is intended to remedy the disadvantages of the
above-mentioned state of the art by proposing an application system
whose stem, brush, and wiper all have similar profiles.
[0010] More precisely, the object of the invention is a profiled
application system for cosmetic products for eyelashes or eyebrows
comprising an applicator mounted on an elongated shaft along an
axis, as well as a wiper with an opening through which the
applicator passes.
[0011] The shaft is integral with a capsule, and the wiper is
integral with the groove of a flask containing the cosmetic
product. With this system, the shaft has at least one continuous
projection along its longitudinal axis, and the applicator is a
comb whose cross-sectional contour is essentially the same as that
of the shaft, and the opening in the wiper has a contour that is
essentially fitted to the cross-section of the shaft.
[0012] Under these conditions, a calibrated dosage is achieved when
a specified volume of product is deposited into the brush row
through the opening of the wiper with the same profile.
[0013] According to the specific method of production of the
application system: [0014] the comb has at least one row of teeth,
whose interstitial dimensions are determined as a function of the
type of composition and texture of the product being applied, in
order to measure the quantity of product likely to be restored
during application [0015] the capsule is screwed or snapped onto
the flask [0016] the flask has at least one comb orientation ramp
on the wiper opening to permit alignment of the comb contour with
this opening [0017] a lip around the wiper opening to scrape excess
product deposited on the comb, and a guide bead is formed in the
wiper to ensure centering of the comb and shaft on the lip [0018]
at least one retaining ring on the outside surface of the wiper
permits rotation of the wiper, while keeping the wiper upright in
the flask [0019] the comb is formed by one or two extensions that
are diametrically opposed to the longitudinal axis extending along
a median plane and carrying one or two rows of teeth; these teeth
may or may not be diametrically opposed [0020] the shaft, comb and
opening of the wiper have a cross-section that is substantially
identical to three to eight projections, forming a star-shaped
cross-section [0021] the teeth in each row are adapted to the
dedicated functions by means of different interstitial gaps between
the teeth in the first row relative to the second, on the one hand,
and by the flat or biconcave shape of the external sides of the
respective rows, on the other in order to deposit a cosmetic
product on the upper or lower eyelashes, respectively, as well as
to produce a "volumizing" or separating effect [0022] the functions
intended to separate or apply [cosmetic products] to the lower
eyelashes are carried out using a comb that has flat sides fitting
into a convex lip of the wiper in order to exert greater pressure
on the row with flat sides above that exerted on the concave row
[0023] the profiles of the shaft, comb and wiper opening are of
quadriconcave, quadrilinear or biconcave-bilinear shape [0024]
visual or mechanical means of foolproofing are fitted to the comb
and/or the wiper in order to position so that it faces the faces of
the comb and the wiper that must fit together during the insertion
of the shaft into the wiper. [0025] the comb features, at its end,
at least one beveled section to facilitate the insertion of the
comb into the wiper [0026] the shaft and the comb and, optionally,
the housing, are molded from a single molded piece [0027] the wiper
material is chosen from either a low-density polyethylene or an
elastomeric thermoplastic material [0028] the comb and shaft
material may be made from polypropylene, polyamide or
polyoxymethylene.
[0029] The invention also relates to an applicator assembly,
comprising the above-mentioned application system combined with a
packaging case adapted for this system, as well as an assembly
method for an applicator assembly.
[0030] With this method, the first step is to pre-position the
wiper on the shaft; once the flask has been filled with the
product, the shaft is inserted into the groove of the flask the
first time that it is closed, i.e., when the packaging case abuts
against the vial; the wiper is drawn in by the housing and is
permanently set into the groove of the vial.
[0031] According to an advantageous manufacturing process, when the
casing abuts against the vial, by being pushed or screwed down, the
wiper ends up in an intermediate position in which the ring is in
contact with a portion of the groove. In this position, the groove
exerts a force with an axial component on the ring then being
inserted, whereas in the groove, in a permanent retaining position,
some play is created between the wiper and the extent of the
casing. This means of production thus makes it possible to avoid a
double simultaneous gap between the casing and the wiper and
between the casing and the vial.
[0032] The invention also relates to a manufacturing process for
such a system, in which the shaft and comb assembly is realized by
molding. This mold advantageously has one or more of the joint
planes arranged outside the toothed portion of the comb. In this
way, the mold leaves no burr on or between the teeth and there is
no risk of the comb tearing or cutting the user's eyelashes.
[0033] The mold also advantageously has vent holes in close
proximity to the teeth to allow air to escape during injection of
the plastic.
[0034] In order to facilitate the unmolding of the product, the
comb is molded around an axial pinto hold this comb along the
longitudinal axis during unmolding.
[0035] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will
become apparent upon reading the following description pertaining
to an embodiment referred to in the attached figures, which
represent the following, respectively:
[0036] FIG. 1, a longitudinal cross-section of an applicator
assembly according to the prior art
[0037] FIG. 2, an isometric view of an example of a comb and shaft
mounted on a housing for an application system according to the
invention
[0038] FIGS. 3 and 3a, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an
applicator assembly according to the invention, and a blow-up of
part of this view
[0039] FIGS. 4a and 4b, longitudinal and cross-sectional views
IV-IV of a comb with two rows of teeth in an application system
according to the invention
[0040] FIG. 5, an isometric view of the comb according to FIGS. 4a
and 4b
[0041] FIG. 6, an isometric view of a comb with a single row of
teeth
[0042] FIGS. 7a and 7b, an isometric view and a partial cutaway
view of a wiper in an application according to the invention
[0043] FIGS. 8a and 8b, longitudinal sectional views of the wiper
in two perpendicular cutting planes;
[0044] FIG. 9, a perspective view and partial cutaway view of the
applicator system
[0045] FIGS. 10a to 10d, partial cutaway views of the main stages
of a method for assembling an applicator assembly according to the
invention which, in its final stage (FIG. 10d), has been enlarged;
and
[0046] FIG. 11, a perspective view of a comb with four rows of
teeth and a cross-shaped profile.
[0047] In the figures, identical reference numbers refer to
identical or corresponding elements.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a mascara applicator assembly
according to the prior art comprises the following: [0049] a
receptacle (1), containing the mascara reservoir, called a "vial"
and generally manufactured by means of injection or extrusion blow
molding of plastic material [0050] a device (2) for plugging the
vial, called a shaft-casing comprising, when assembled, a casing
(21), a threaded-head shaft (22) and a brush (3); the shaft screws
down onto casing (2) (sic) on vial (1) carrying brush (3) affixed
to it, and [0051] a wiper joint (4), intermediate element between
the vial and the shaft casing, mounted in the insertion groove (1a)
of vial (1), and which has a dual function of ensuring
watertightness between the vial and the casing in the closed
position (as shown), and removing excess cream from the brush, as
well as wiping off the shaft during use.
[0052] In comparison, the perspective view of FIG. 2 illustrates an
example a shaft-casing system for mascara application according to
the invention, comprising a comb (10) mounted on a casing (12) by
means of a shaft (14), with this shaft having a contour identical
to that of the teeth (11) of the shaft. The comb thus appears to be
formed by ablation of the material at the end of the shaft.
[0053] An example of the complete applicator assembly according to
the invention, as seen from the longitudinal cross-sectional view
through the axis of symmetry X'X as illustrated in FIG. 3 and the
partially enlarged view. FIG. 3a, thus consists of the following:
[0054] shaft (12), topped with a tip (13) which is countersunk into
it: [0055] shaft (14) with a comb (10) at its end, forming a single
piece with casing (12) in this embodiment [0056] a wiper (32), and
[0057] a vial (30) whose insertion groove (31) acts as a seat to
the wiper.
[0058] The securing of casing (12) onto vial (30) is ensured by
snapping (FIG. 3a) between a contact surface (40) on the casing
connected with an annular boss (41) belonging to the casing and the
groove of the vial. In order to keep the wiper in the groove, two
annular rings, (33a) and (33b), formed on the circumference of
wiper (32), slide into annular grooves (35a) and (35b) formed in
vial (30). Such a connection allows the wiper, on the one hand, to
remain in place when the comb is withdrawn from the vial and wiped,
and, on the other, to rotate around axis X'X so that it aligns with
the comb when comb is reinserted into the vial.
[0059] FIGS. 4a and 4b show more clearly comb (10) and a portion of
shaft (14), viewed as a longitudinal section according to a median
plane P and in cross-section according to IV-IV.
[0060] Comb (10), whose width and length are 7 mm and 25 mm
respectively, has two regular rows, (11a) and (11b), formed by
evenly spaced teeth (11). The teeth in each row extend in opposite
directions starting from the axis of symmetry X'X. Row (11a) has
longer teeth, 2.9 mm compared to 2.6 mm, separated by an average
space smaller than the teeth in the opposite row 11b, 0.2 mm,
compared to 0.4 mm.
[0061] As shown in the cross-section in FIG. 4b, the comb and shaft
mainly extend along an axis, Y'Y forming the path of the plane of
median section P of FIG. 4a, with a geometric shape that is
generally diamond-shaped, flattened along the main diagonal Y'Y.
Row (11a) has two flat sides, F.sub.a, whereas row (11b) has two
concave sides F.sub.b. Rows (11a) and (11b) and the corresponding
shaft parts are connected by the central core (15). The
corresponding parts of the shaft follow the same profile, since the
geometric envelope of the comb has a shape identical to that of the
shaft.
[0062] Under these conditions, row (11a) contains a quantity of
mascara (50) that is noticeably less than row (11b) between their
respective teeth. The quantities of mascara are calibrated by the
surfaces and by interstice 20 between the teeth. Row (11) is thus
devoted solely to separating eyelashes or applying mascara (50) on
the user's lower eyelashes, whereas row (11b) is devoted to giving
volume ("volumizing effect") or to applying mascara (50) onto the
user's upper eyelashes.
[0063] The shaft and comb assembly is produced by molding. The mold
has a land that is perpendicular to the primary plane of the comb,
which is defined by the main diagonals Y'Y of the cross-sections of
the comb. As a result, the mold leaves no burrs. The mold
advantageously has air holes in close proximity to the ends of the
teeth, so that the mold is properly filled with the material to be
polymerized, e.g., polypropylene. In order to facilitate unmolding
of the two parts of the mold, and in particular the rows of teeth,
a pin is inserted into the central core (15) of the comb.
[0064] The isometric view of the comb in FIG. 5 shows the
differences in shape and structure of rows (11a) and (11b) of the
comb according to FIGS. 4a and 4b.
[0065] According to a variation illustrated in FIG. 6, in an
isometric view, a single row 11c is formed, with the row of the
comb and corresponding shaft forming a projection along the comb's
longitudinal axis X'X. The person skilled in the art adapts the
length and spacing (20) of the teeth (11) of all variants to the
type of product to be applied. In particular, this adaptation is a
function of the chemical composition, physical properties, such as
viscosity and wettability, texture and composition of the mascara
(50) to be applied.
[0066] In order to permit effective scraping of the external
rectilinear sides of a single- or double-rowed comb, as well as
effective wiping of the shaft of the same profile, wiper (32) has
an opening (34) which has four concave sides forming a
"quadriconcave" assembly, as illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b.
[0067] The isometric view (FIG. 7a) shows the principal
characteristics of wiper (32): a quadriconvex lip (36) for scraping
the product, with the external contour of the lip forming opening
(34), a narrowing point (37) for guiding the body of the wiper,
corresponding to a ramp formed in the wiper for aligning the comb
with the opening (34), a wiper rotation ring (33), and the upper
seating joint (32a) on the vial.
[0068] The partial cutaway view of the wiper (FIG. 7b) shows in
greater detail the presence of a bead (38) for centering and wiping
the comb in the wiper, which forms a passage (34'). Such a bead,
formed inside the wiper, is sufficiently resistant to guide the
comb and align it with opening (34). In this way, when the user
turns the casing, as is normally done with a conventional closure
system, the bead (38) on the wiper is able to bear the forces
generated by the shaft in the wiper without being damaged, while
protecting lip (36) which is as fine as a blade, and which would
otherwise be deformed and damaged.
[0069] This bead is continuous in the example shown, but may be
discontinuous in other variants. In the embodiment shown, but not
limited thereto, the scraping lip has a thickness of about 0.5 mm
with a square edge, and the centering bead has a thickness
according to the longitudinal axis of about 1.7 mm with a rounded
profile.
[0070] Longitudinal section views according to the perpendicular
section planes Villa and VIIIb of the aforementioned wiper are
shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b. In these figures, joint (32a), ring (33)
and lip (36), as well as bead (38) can be seen.
[0071] In FIG. 8a, the body of wiper (32) appears slightly cupped
and symmetrical with respect to the central axis X'X, whereas in
FIG. 8b, it appears asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal
axis X'X, so that they fit together in the shape of opening (34) by
integrating ramp (37) onto a single land of the face. Passage (34')
is likewise indicated in FIGS. 8a and 8b.
[0072] FIG. 9 shows a partial cutaway perspective view of an
example of an application system in use after withdrawal of comb
(10) from wiper (32) with the elements of the application system
aligned with an axis that coincides with the axis X'X of the comb.
The opening (34) in wiper (32) is aligned with the contour of comb
(10) and the envelope of the comb corresponds to the contour of
opening (34) of the wiper.
[0073] At its end, the comb has a beveled portion (14a). This
cutaway material facilitates insertion of the comb into the wiper.
It may be carried out on the side without the row of teeth or on
the one with the row of teeth.
[0074] In this embodiment, the wiper is produced by injection
molding using a thermoplastic elastomer with a known procedure
allowing unmolding of the counter-tapers formed by the bead.
[0075] An example of an assembly of the applicator assembly,
featuring the profiled system of a casing and a vial, is
illustrated in FIGS. 10a to 10d.
[0076] Wiper (32) is, first of all, pre-positioned (FIG. 10a) on
shaft (14), for example, against gap (12a) created by casing (12)
in its connection with shaft (14). After filling flask (30) with
the product (FIG. 10b), the casing-shaft-wiper assembly is aligned
axially with vial (30) and shaft (14) is introduced into groove
(31) of the latter.
[0077] Thrusting casing (12) into this locking arrangement by means
of a snapping motion, for example, causes it to abut against vial
(30) (FIG. 10c), and places wiper (34), drawn in by casing (12), in
an unstable intermediate position.
[0078] In this intermediate position, ring (33) is in contact with
a specified portion of groove (34). Thus the groove exerts an axial
component force F on ring (33) of wiper (32), shown in dotted lines
on the enlarged FIG. 10d. The ring is thus set by itself into
groove (34) according to a final retaining position of wiper (32)
(indicated by solid lines) in the groove (31) of the vial, creating
a play between the upper surface (32)s of wiper (32) and the gap
(12a) in the casing. This production method thus makes it possible
to avoid the creation of a double gap between the casing and the
wiper on the one hand and the casing and the vial on the other.
[0079] The invention is not limited to the examples of production
described and shown. For example, it is possible to provide an
opening in the wiper that has a quadrilineal or biconcave-bilinear
shape. In the latter case, visual or mechanical means of
foolproofing are made on the comb and the wiper in order to
position it in front of the rectilinear and concave sides of the
comb and the wiper.
[0080] Moreover, the casing can be secured to the vial by screwing
it on. In this case, the wiper is rendered so that it can rotate
freely by any means known to the person skilled in the art to allow
alignment of its profile with that of the comb and its shaft.
[0081] In addition, it is possible to provide rows of teeth that
are not regularly spaced, in such a way as to adapt the quantity of
product to be applied as a function of the area where the product
is to be applied.
[0082] Moreover, the comb can have more that one or two
projections, which may or may not include a row of teeth: FIG. 11
shows a comb with four projections, (16a) to (16d), with a
cross-shaped cross-section, where each projection has a row of
teeth 11. The row of teeth 11 spreads out two by two in opposite
directions along the longitudinal axis X'X, essentially in two
perpendicular median planes P1 and P2. The shaft and the wiper
opening of the applicator system thus possess a cruciform profile,
essentially identical to that of the comb. In these variants, the
number of projections of the comb, which may be regularly or
irregularly spaced along the longitudinal axis, may preferably be
from three to eight, with the profile of the shaft and the opening
of the wiper remaining essentially identical to that of the comb.
Certain projections at beveled extremities may be provided as
described above. The rows of teeth can also be staggered along the
longitudinal axis by a half-step, for example, when the rows have
the same separation, in order to improve the uniformity of
distribution of the mascara.
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