U.S. patent application number 13/642949 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for dual cosmetic product applicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALBEA SERVICES. The applicant listed for this patent is Michel Limongi, Franck Seguin. Invention is credited to Michel Limongi, Franck Seguin.
Application Number | 20130129399 13/642949 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48427107 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130129399 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Limongi; Michel ; et
al. |
May 23, 2013 |
DUAL COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATOR
Abstract
An applicator arrangement (18) for a cosmetic product (12),
comprising: a stem (20); first and second applicator elements (24,
26), fitted to the stem (20); and a sleeve (32) adapted to
accommodates the stem (20), the sleeve being movable with respect
to the stem (20) between a first position, in which the second
applicator element (26) is shielded by the sleeve (32), and a
second position, in which the second applicator element (26) is
revealed so that both the first applicator element (24) and the
second applicator element (26) are accessible.
Inventors: |
Limongi; Michel; (Clichy,
FR) ; Seguin; Franck; (Paris, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Limongi; Michel
Seguin; Franck |
Clichy
Paris |
|
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
ALBEA SERVICES
Gennevilliers
FR
|
Family ID: |
48427107 |
Appl. No.: |
13/642949 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
April 26, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2011/056578 |
371 Date: |
January 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61327370 |
Apr 23, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
401/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/045 20130101;
A46B 2200/1053 20130101; A46B 2200/106 20130101; A45D 40/265
20130101; A45D 34/046 20130101; A45D 40/267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/16 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26 |
Claims
1. An applicator arrangement (18) for a cosmetic product (12),
comprising: a stem (20); first and second applicator elements (24,
26), fitted to the stem (20); and a sleeve (32) adapted to
accommodates the stem (20), the sleeve being movable with respect
to the stem (20) between a first position, in which the second
applicator element (26) is shielded by the sleeve (32), and a
second position, in which the second applicator element (26) is
revealed so that both the first applicator element (24) and the
second applicator element (26) are accessible.
2. The applicator arrangement (18) of claim 1, further comprising a
handle (34) fitted to the sleeve (32) so that the sleeve (32) and
the handle (34) are jointly movable with respect to the stem (20),
and that pulling the handle (34) reveals the second applicator
element (26).
3. The applicator arrangement (18) of claim 1, wherein the stem
(20) includes a first end (22) that terminates in an abutment tip
element (40).
4. The applicator arrangement (18) of claim 3, wherein the sleeve
(32) is adapted to abut against the abutment tip element (40) in
the first position.
5. The applicator arrangement (18) of claim 1, wherein the first
applicator element (24) comprising an application surface (29) and
the second applicator element (26) comprising a comb (30) that is
shielded by the sleeve (32) in the second position.
6. The applicator arrangement (18) of claim 5, wherein the
application surface (29) is constituted by an external surface of
an end (22) of the stem (20) and the comb (30) is made of plastic
material.
7. The applicator arrangement (18) claim 1, wherein the sleeve (32)
comprises a cut-out (36) which is in register with the first
applicator element (24) when the sleeve (32) is in the first
position so as to reveal the first applicator element (24).
8. The applicator arrangement (18) of claim 1, further comprising a
stopper formation (48,49) adapted to limit the movement of the
sleeve (32) along the stem (20).
9. An applicator (10) for a cosmetic product (12), comprising: a
container (14) for storing the cosmetic product (12), and an
applicator arrangement (18) in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
applicator arrangement (18) is removably secured to the container
(14) so that: when the applicator arrangement (18) is secured to
the container (14), the sleeve is in the first position wherein the
first applicator element (24) extends into the container (14) so as
to be exposed to, and thereby receive, cosmetic product (12) and
the second applicator element is shielded from the cosmetic product
(12), and when the applicator arrangement (18) is removed from the
container (14), the sleeve is in the second position, so that the
second applicator element (26) is revealed and both the first
applicator element (24) and the second applicator element (26) are
accessible.
10. The applicator (10) of claim 9, wherein the container (14)
further comprises an opening (16) and a wiper element (38) secured
to the opening (16), adapted to slidingly accommodate the sleeve
(32).
11. The applicator (10) of claim 10, wherein the wiper element (38)
comprises a first end (38a) secured to the opening (12) and a
second end (38b), opposed to the first end (38a), and adapted to
scrape excess cosmetic product (12) from the sleeve (32) and the
first applicator element (24) as they slide past the second end
(38b) of the wiper element (38).
12. The applicator (10) of claim 11, wherein the second end (38b)
of the wiper element (38) is tapered.
13. The applicator (10) according to claim 10, wherein: the stem
(20) of the applicator arrangement (18) includes a first end (22)
that terminates in an abutment tip element (40), and the wiper
element (38) further comprises an inner protrusion (38c) adapted to
cooperate with the abutment tip element (40) as the applicator
arrangement (18) is being removed from the container (14) in order
for the sleeve (32) to pass from the first position to the second
position.
14. The applicator according to claim 9, wherein the applicator
arrangement (18) further comprises a handle (34) fitted to the
sleeve (32) so that the sleeve (32) and handle (34) are movable
with respect to the stem (20), and wherein the handle (34) and the
container (14) include formations adapted to prevent the handle
(34) from rotating about the container (14) when the application
arrangement (18) is secured to the container (14).
15. The applicator (10) according to claim 14, wherein the
container (14) further comprises an opening (16) and a neck (46),
wherein the neck (46) is proximate the opening (2), and wherein the
handle (34) is secured to the neck (46) of the container (14) by a
releasable snap fit arrangement.
16. The applicator (10) according claim 9, wherein the container
(12) comprises an opening (16) and a handle (34) connected to the
sleeve (32), and pulling the handle (34) with respect to the
container (14) sequentially causes: the applicator arrangement (18)
to slide through the opening (16) of the container (14), the sleeve
(32) to slide along the stem (20), and the stem (20) to slide
through the opening (16) of the container (14).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an applicator assembly comprising
at least two applicator elements and an associated applicator.
[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a retractable
dual cosmetic product applicator for use with, in particular,
mascara.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Mascara applicators typically comprise a central stem having
a handle on one end and brush bristles on the other. The handle is
typically threadably secured to a container holding mascara
cosmetic product, with the stem and the bristles being accommodated
within the mascara cosmetic product. When needed, the handle is
removed from the container, thereby removing the bristles loaded
with mascara. The bristles may then be used to apply the loaded
mascara to a person's lashes to achieve a volumizing effect. In
certain instances, however, a user may wish to utilize a second
brush, which does not contain mascara to complete the make-up
effect initiated by the mascara-loaded bristles by, for example,
separating the lashes. At present, a separate brush would be used
to achieve this, which is cumbersome.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a retractable dual cosmetic product applicator with at
least two applicator element types, the at least two applicator
element types allowing a user to achieve a variety of make-up
effects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] To that purpose, the invention proposes an applicator
arrangement for a cosmetic product, comprising: [0006] a stem;
[0007] first and second applicator elements, fitted to the stem;
and [0008] a sleeve adapted to accommodates the stem, the sleeve
being movable with respect to the stem between a first position, in
which the second applicator element is shielded by the sleeve, and
a second position, in which the second applicator element is
revealed so that both the first applicator element and the second
applicator element are accessible.
[0009] Preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the applicator
arrangement of the invention are the following: [0010] it further
comprises a handle fitted to the sleeve so that the sleeve and
handle are movable with respect to the stem, and that pulling the
handle reveals the second applicator element; [0011] the stem
includes a first end that terminates in an abutment tip element;
[0012] the sleeve is adapted to abut against the abutment tip
element in the first position; [0013] the first applicator element
comprising an application surface and the second applicator element
comprising a comb that is shielded by the sleeve in the second
position; [0014] the application surface is constituted by an
external surface of an end of the stem and the comb is made of
plastic material; [0015] the sleeve comprises a cut-out which is in
register with the first applicator element when the sleeve is in
the first position so as to reveal the first applicator element;
and [0016] it further comprises a stopper formation adapted to
limit the movement of the sleeve along the stem.
[0017] In accordance with a second aspect, the invention also
proposes an applicator for a cosmetic product, comprising: [0018] a
container for storing the cosmetic product, and [0019] an
applicator arrangement in accordance with the invention, wherein
the applicator arrangement) is removably secured to the container
so that: [0020] when the applicator arrangement is secured to the
container, the sleeve is in the first position wherein the first
applicator element extends into the container so as to be exposed
to, and thereby receive, cosmetic product and the second applicator
element is shielded from the cosmetic product, and [0021] when the
applicator arrangement is removed from the container, the sleeve is
in the second position, so that the second applicator element is
revealed and both the first applicator element and the second
applicator element are accessible.
[0022] Preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the applicator of
the invention are the following: [0023] the container further
comprises an opening and a wiper element secured to the opening,
adapted to slidingly accommodate the sleeve; [0024] the wiper
element comprises a first end secured to the opening and a second
end, opposed to the first end, and adapted to scrape excess
cosmetic product from the sleeve and the first applicator element
as they slide past the second end of the wiper element; [0025] the
second end of the wiper element is tapered; [0026] the stem of the
applicator arrangement includes a first end that terminates in an
abutment tip element, [0027] the wiper element further comprises an
inner protrusion adapted to cooperate with the abutment tip element
as the applicator arrangement is being removed from the container
in order for the sleeve to pass from the first position to the
second position; and [0028] the applicator arrangement further
comprises a handle fitted to the sleeve so that the sleeve and
handle are movable with respect to the stem, and wherein the handle
and the container include formations adapted to prevent the handle
from rotating about the container when the application arrangement
is secured to the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIGS. 1 and 2 show cross-sectional front and side views of a
container and applicator arrangement for a cosmetic product,
according to an example embodiment, the applicator arrangement
being shown fully inserted into the container so that a first
applicator element is exposed to cosmetic product housed within the
container;
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the area demarcated by
numeral "1" in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a part cross-sectional, perspective view of the
container and applicator arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0032] FIGS. 5 and 6 show cross-sectional front and side views of
the container and applicator arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the applicator arrangement being shown in a first semi-removed
configuration in which an abutment element at the end of a stem
from which the first applicator element extends temporarily engages
a wiper element;
[0033] FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of the area demarcated by
numeral "5" in FIG. 5;
[0034] FIG. 8 shows a part cross-sectional, perspective view of the
container and applicator arrangement shown in FIGS. 5 to 7;
[0035] FIGS. 9 and 10 show cross-sectional front and side views of
the container and applicator arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the applicator arrangement being shown in a second semi-removed
configuration in which a sleeve is moved with respect to the stem
so as to reveal a second applicator element;
[0036] FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of the area demarcated by
numeral "9" in FIG. 9;
[0037] FIG. 12 shows a part cross-sectional, perspective view of
the container and applicator arrangement shown in FIGS. 9 to
11;
[0038] FIGS. 13 and 14 show cross-sectional front and side views of
the container and applicator arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the applicator arrangement being shown fully removed from the
container;
[0039] FIG. 15 shows a detailed view of the area demarcated by
numeral "13" in FIG. 13;
[0040] FIG. 16 shows a part cross-sectional, perspective view of
the container and applicator arrangement after the applicator
arrangement has been fully removed from the container; and
[0041] FIGS. 17 and 18 show external front and side views of the
container and applicator arrangement after the applicator
arrangement has been fully removed from the container;
[0042] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
wiper element;
[0043] FIG. 20a shows a perspective view of a stem in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention;
[0044] FIGS. 20b to 20c show perspective views of a detail of the
stem of FIG. 20a;
[0045] FIG. 20d shows a bottom view of a stem in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 21a shows a perspective view of a detail of an
embodiment of the sleeve;
[0047] FIG. 21b shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
the sleeve; and
[0048] FIGS. 22a and 22b show perspective views of details of an
embodiment of the applicator arrangement.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The Applicator 10
[0049] Referring to the figures, a dual applicator 10 for a
cosmetic product 12 is disclosed. The applicator 10 comprises a
container 14 for storing the cosmetic product 12. The container 14
defines an opening 16 (as best shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 to
18), which is closed by a handle 34.
[0050] The applicator 10 further comprises an applicator
arrangement 18 removably secured to the container 14, which in turn
includes a stem 20 having a first end 22 and a pair of opposed
applicator elements 24, 26 fitted to its first end 22 and a hollow
sleeve 32 to slidingly accommodate the stem 20.
The Sleeve 32
[0051] The handle 34 is fitted to the sleeve 32, for example by
snap fit or casting, so that the sleeve 32 is fixed to and jointly
moves with the handle 34.
[0052] The stem 20 is movable with respect to the sleeve 32. In
particular, the sleeve 32 is movable with respect to the stem 20
between a first position and a second position. Viewed from the
applicator arrangement 18, the stem 20 is actually movable along
the sleeve 32 and the handle 34.
[0053] In the first position, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4,
the applicator arrangement 18 is secured to the container 14 and
the first applicator element 24 is exposed to the cosmetic product
12 within the container 14 so as to receive the cosmetic product 12
when the applicator arrangement 18 is inserted into the container
14. In that position, the second applicator element 26 is shielded
from the cosmetic product 12 by the sleeve 32 so as to prevent
contact between the second applicator element 26 and the cosmetic
product 12 stored into the container 14.
[0054] In the second position, as best shown in FIGS. 13, 15 and
16, the applicator arrangement 18 is removed from the container 14,
and the stem 20 moved along the sleeve 32 (for example by pulling
on the end 22 of the stem 20) so that the second applicator element
26 is revealed. The both applicators 24, 26 are thus now accessible
and ready for use.
[0055] The sleeve 32 can comprise guiding ribs 33 adapted to
cooperate with corresponding guiding grooves 23 of the stem 20 (or
vice versa) in order to longitudinally guide the sleeve 32 along
the stem 20 during its movement of the sleeve 32 with respect to
the stem 20.
[0056] In accordance with an embodiment, since the applicator
elements 24, 26 are fitted on opposite sides of the first end 22 of
the stem 20, the sleeve 32 comprises a cut-out 36, arranged in
register with the first applicator element 24 when the sleeve 32 is
in the first position, so as to expose the first applicator element
24 to the cosmetic product 12 through the cut-out 36 when the
applicator arrangement 18 is coupled to the container 14 and allow
its loading with the cosmetic product 12.
The Stem 20
[0057] As aforementioned, the end 22 of the stem 20 comprises a
pair of opposing applicator elements 24, 26.
[0058] In accordance with a first embodiment illustrated in
figures, a first 24 of the pair of applicator elements comprises a
product application means 28,29, while a second 26 of the pair of
applicator elements comprises a comb 30, which can be made of
fibers and/or plastic material.
[0059] Preferably, the comb is in plastic material.
[0060] The product application means 28,29 can be a bristle brush,
and is generally used for a volumizing effect. It can be made of
fibers and/or plastic material, but preferably of fibers.
[0061] Alternatively, in accordance with a second embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 20a to 20d and 22a, the product application
means is merely constituted by the surface 29 of the end 22 of the
stem 20. As a consequence, when applicator 10 is closed, the stem
20 extends inside the container 14 and is plunged into the cosmetic
product 12, while when extracted from the container 14, the
application surface 29 of the stem 22 is loaded with cosmetic
product 12 and can be used as if it was a conventional bristle
brush.
[0062] Surprisingly, the Applicant observed that the use of an
application surface 29 instead of the conventional bristle brush
followed by the carding with the comb 30 provided excellent results
in terms of separation of the lashes and uniformity of
application.
[0063] The application surface 29 can be flat, curved in order to
be capable of loading more cosmetic product 12, or have any shape
adapted to better apply the cosmetic product onto the lashes.
Furthermore, it can be constituted by the stem 20 as such or be
coated with a material adapted to enhance the loading of cosmetic
product or facilitate its application on the lashes.
[0064] The two applicator elements 24, 26 can thus provide two
different makeup effects. In particular, the comb 30, because it is
shielded within the container 14, does not come in contact with the
cosmetic product 12. The comb 30 is used at application time to
separate the lashes. The product application means 28,29 are, in
both embodiments, in contact with the cosmetic product 12 so as to
be loaded with the product 12 and are used at application time to
apply product 12 onto the lashes.
[0065] In addition, the stem 20 can comprise a notch 37 extending
from the first applicator arrangement 24, and adapted to facilitate
the application of cosmetic product 12 with the first applicator
arrangement 24 by a user.
[0066] Besides, the stem 20 can further comprise a gasket seal 22a
that extends transversally to a main axis of the stem 20 and is
adapted to seal the chamber 22b formed by the sleeve 32 and the
stem 22 when the sleeve 32 is in the first position and shields the
second applicator element 28.
[0067] The gasket seal 22a can be, for example, a rigid tongue
whose shape and material is adapted to seal the chamber 22b.
[0068] In the illustrated figures, the gasket seal 22a is integral
with the stem 22, and its shape corresponds to the shape of the
opening of the chamber 22b.
[0069] In an embodiment, the stem 20 terminates in an abutment tip
element 40 adapted to engage an element of the container 14 in
order to prevent the stem 20 from sliding with respect to the
sleeve 32. The abutment tip element 40 can be constituted by
lateral lugs 40a, 40b, a continuous ring extending around the end
22 of the stem 20, or any other protrusion adapted to engage a
corresponding element of the container 14.
[0070] Then, when the sleeve 32 is in the first position, it can
abut against the abutment tip element 40 and the gasket seal 22a
(see FIG. 22b). Therefore, when the sleeve 32 is in its second
position and the applicator arrangement 18 is pushed inside the
container 14 in order to completely close the applicator 10, the
sleeve 32 pushes on the stem 20 via the abutment tip element 40 and
the gasket seal 22a.
[0071] Additional features include a stopper formation defined
within the handle 34 so as to limit the extent of travel of the
sleeve 32 along the stem 20. For example, as illustrated in FIGS.
20a, 20c, 20d and 21a, the stopper formation can comprise a hook 48
fitted to the second end 21 of the stem 20, and adapted to
cooperate with an insert 49 located in the sleeve 32. For example,
the insert 49 can be constituted by a solid element, which can be
integral with the sleeve 32. The solid element 49 can further
comprise a slope or a cavity in order to improve the cooperation of
the hook 48 with the insert 49.
The Container 14
[0072] The container comprises a storing part connected to a neck
46 forming its opening 16.
[0073] In the accompanying drawings, the storing part of the
container 14 is elliptically-shaped, and comprises two identical
curved shelves 14a, 14b fitted together along their edges. The
curved shelves 14a, 14b can be made of one single piece of
material.
[0074] The neck 46 is then fitted to the shelves 14a, 14b by any
conventional means, such as laser beam welding or ultrasonic
welding.
[0075] The container 14 further comprises a wiper element 38, which
is inserted in the opening 16 (see FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14) and
is adapted to slidingly accommodates the applicator arrangement 18
when the applicator arrangement is coupled to the container 14.
[0076] A first end 38a of the wiper element 38 is secured to the
opening 16 of the container, while a second end 38b of the wiper
element 18 extends towards the cosmetic product 12.
[0077] The second end 38b of the wiper element 38 is adapted to
scrape excess cosmetic product 12 from the sleeve 32 and the first
applicator element 28 as they slide past this end 38b of the wiper
element 38. To that purpose, in the illustrated embodiments, the
second end 38b of the wiper element 38 is tapered.
[0078] The wiper element 38 can be cast directly on the neck 46 of
the container 14 or fixed to it.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 12, the wiper element 38 further
comprises an inner protrusion 38c, which is adapted to cooperate
with the abutment tip element 40 and be temporarily engaged when
the applicator arrangement 18 is extracted from the container
14.
[0080] To that purpose, the inner protrusion 38c may comprise for
example one or several protrusions, an annular rib, and so on. In
the figures, the inner protrusion 38c comprises two opposing
protrusions 38c which are associated with lateral lugs 40a, 40b of
the abutment tip element 40.
Operation of the Applicator 10
[0081] In accordance with the invention, by pulling the handle 34
in one movement, the second applicator element 26 will
automatically be revealed after the applicator arrangement 18 has
been removed from the container 14.
[0082] In FIGS. 1 to 4, the applicator 10 is closed. The sleeve 32
is therefore in its first position and shields the second
applicator element 28. Then, in one gesture, the mere pulling of
the handle 34 sequentially causes:
[0083] 1. the applicator arrangement 18 to slide through the
opening 16 of the container 14 (FIGS. 5 to 8),
[0084] 2. the sleeve 32 to slide along the stem 20, which is
retained by the wiper element 38 (FIGS. 9 to 12), and
[0085] 3. the stem 20 to slide through the opening 16 of the
container 14.
[0086] During opening of the applicator 10, the applicator
arrangement is removed from the container 14, and the stem 20 and
the sleeve 32 slide together along the wiper element 38. When the
abutment tip element 40 contacts the inner protrusion 38c of the
wiper element 38, the inner protrusion 38c then temporarily blocks
the abutment tip element 40 (and thus the stem 20) in position but
not the sleeve 32, which is slidingly mounted to the stem 20.
[0087] In FIGS. 5 to 8, the applicator arrangement 18 is shown in
this configuration, wherein it is partly removed.
[0088] By further extracting the applicator element 18 from the
container 14, the sleeve 32 is progressively extracted from the
container 14 and moves from the first position to the second
position, thereby progressively revealing the second applicator
element 26.
[0089] In FIGS. 9 to 12, the sleeve 32 is shown retracted away from
stem 20, and reveals the second applicator element 26.
[0090] Finally, when the sleeve 32 reaches its second position, the
stopper formation 48, 49 prevents any additional translation of the
sleeve 32 along the stem 20. By further pulling on the handle 34,
the abutment tip element 40 disengages from the wiper element 38,
so that the stem 20 can be extracted from the container 14.
[0091] In that configuration, illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 18, the
applicator arrangement 18 is thus separated from the container 14,
and both of the applicator elements 24 and 26 are accessible.
[0092] In accordance with an embodiment, the abutment tip element
40 is made of a material such that it may be squeezed by the inner
protrusion 38c through the wiper element 38 to enable the stem 20
to be completely extracted from the container 14 when the sleeve 32
reaches its second position.
[0093] However, in a preferred embodiment, at least the inner
protrusion 38c of the wiper element 38 is made of deformable
material, such as silicon, so that it is the inner protrusion 38c
which is squeezed by the abutment tip element 40 when the sleeve 32
reaches it second position. In that case, the abutment tip element
40 can be either deformable or rigid.
[0094] When refitting the applicator arrangement 18 to the
container 14, the process described above is simply reversed.
[0095] The first end 22 of the stem 20 is inserted into the
container 14 through the opening 16 until the abutment tip element
40 contacts the inner protrusion 38c of the wiper element 38 so
that the stem 20 is blocked in position with respect to the
container. The applicator element 18 is then in the configurations
shown in FIGS. 9 to 12.
[0096] By further pushing on the applicator arrangement 18 inside
the container 14, the sleeve 32 then slides along the stem 20,
thereby progressively covering the second applicator element 26
until said applicator element 26 is completely shielded. The
applicator element 18 is then in the configuration shown in FIGS. 5
to 8. The abutment tip element 40 and/or the inner protrusion 38c
(depending on the embodiment) may then be squeezed by pushing on
the applicator arrangement 18 to completely close the applicator
10.
[0097] In addition, the dimensions and the constitutive materials
of the stem 20 and the sleeve 32 are chosen so that the second
applicator element 26 is only revealed when the applicator
arrangement 18 is removed from the container 14.
[0098] Conversely, when the sleeve 32 is in the second position,
the second applicator element 26 cannot be shielded under the
weight of the stem 20 by merely reverting the applicator
arrangement 18 upside down: an external force, preferably by
pushing the abutment tip element 40 against the wiper element 38,
is necessary.
[0099] In that purpose, the stem 20 can further comprise a
retaining member 25, such as a packing seal made of a deformable
material. The packing seal 25 is then adapted to prevent the stem
20 from shielding by sliding back inside the sleeve 32, as well as
stabilizing the stem in use when the sleeve 32 is in the second
position.
[0100] In the enclosed drawings, the packing seal 25 is ring-shaped
and completely surrounds the stem 20 in order to uniformly
stabilize the stem 20 with respect to the sleeve 32. It is located
on the stem so that, when the sleeve 32 reaches its second
position, it is adjacent to the end of the sleeve 32 (see FIG.
22a). However, this embodiment is not limitative: the packing seal
25 could also be located anywhere along the stem 20 or be
discontinuous, as long as it remains in contact with the sleeve 32
when the sleeve 32 reaches the second position and resists to a
fortuitous movements of the sleeve 32 relative to the stem 20. For
example, the packing seal could consist of ribs made of a
deformable material that extend longitudinally along the stem
20.
[0101] Preferably, the shapes and the respective materials of the
inner protrusion 38c, the packing seal 25 and the stopper formation
48, 49 are chosen so that: [0102] during the extraction or the
insertion of the applicator arrangement 18, when the abutment tip
element 40 contacts the inner protrusion 38c, the force applied by
the packing seal 25 on the abutment tip element 40 is stronger than
the resistance implied by the packing seal 25 between the stem 20
and the sleeve 32; and [0103] when the sleeve 32 is in the second
position, the force applied by the stopper formation 48, 49 is
stronger than the deformation resistance of the wiper element 38
and the abutment tip element 40, so that one of the wiper element
and the abutment tip element squeezes in order to allow the
extraction of the stem 20 from the wiper element 38.
[0104] Preferably, in order to protect the applicator arrangement
18 and the wiper element 38 from deteriorations, the applicator 10
comprises means adapted to prevent rotation of the applicator
arrangement 18 about the container 14, and incite the user to open
the applicator by merely pulling on the handle 34. FIGS. 6, 10, 14,
17 and 18 show exemplary embodiments wherein the handle 34 and the
container 14 have complementary formations 42, 44 respectively, so
that the applicator arrangement 18 is secured to a neck 46 of the
container 14 using a releasable snap fit arrangement.
[0105] In addition, any non-circular shape of the neck 46 and/or
the container 14 and the handle 34 can prevent the user from
opening the applicator 10 by rotating the handle 34 with respect to
the container 14, such as the elliptical shape of the applicator
which is illustrated in the drawings.
[0106] Besides, the neck 46 can also comprise a shoulder (not shown
in the figures) adapted to further prevent rotation of applicator
arrangement 18 about the container 14.
[0107] The present invention thus provides a unitary dual cosmetic
product applicator with at least two applicator element types, one
of which carries cosmetic product and another one of which does not
contact the cosmetic product, the at least two applicator element
types allowing a user to achieve a variety of make-up effects.
* * * * *