U.S. patent application number 14/350233 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-04 for cosmetic product applicator and associated production method.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. The applicant listed for this patent is L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Denis Befve, Eric Caulier, Etienne De Brouwer.
Application Number | 20140246043 14/350233 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45375410 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140246043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Befve; Denis ; et
al. |
September 4, 2014 |
COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATOR AND ASSOCIATED PRODUCTION METHOD
Abstract
This applicator comprises a first body (12), formed by a first
molded part, which first body (12) comprising a first primary row
(22A) of projecting elements (38) and a second primary row (22B) of
projecting elements, the first primary row (22A) being angularly
spaced apart from the second primary row (22B) with respect to an
axis (A-A') of the body (12). It comprises a second body (14)
comprising a first secondary row (51A) of projecting elements (62),
arranged between the first primary row (51A) and the second primary
row (51B), with the second body (14) being applied against the
first body (12) between the first primary row (51A) and the second
primary row (51B). The second body (14) is made of a second molded
part assembled on the first body (12) after molding thereof.
Inventors: |
Befve; Denis; (Arras,
FR) ; Caulier; Eric; (Maignelay, FR) ; De
Brouwer; Etienne; (Lassigny, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
45375410 |
Appl. No.: |
14/350233 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
October 11, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2012/070183 |
371 Date: |
April 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61554076 |
Nov 1, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/218 ;
264/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 3/005 20130101;
A46D 1/0284 20130101; A45D 40/262 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101;
A46B 2200/106 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/218 ;
264/232 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 11, 2011 |
FR |
1159156 |
Claims
1. Cosmetic product applicator including: a first body, formed by a
first molded part, which first body comprises an elongate base
having a proximal portion, at least one first primary row of
projecting separation/combing/loading elements and at least one
second primary row of projecting separation/combing/loading
elements, the first primary row being angularly spaced apart from
the second primary row with respect to an axis (A-A') of the body
and defining a groove, wherein the elongate base has a solid
cross-section defining an external peripheral surface forming the
base of the groove; a second body, formed by a second molded part,
wherein the second body comprises at least one first secondary row
of projecting separation/combing/loading elements, arranged between
the first primary row and the second primary row, with the second
body being applied against the first body after molding thereof, in
which the second body comprises a base defining a central opening
and at least one member supporting said at least one first
secondary row, the member being engaged in the groove and the
proximal portion of the elongate base (16) being inserted into the
central opening.
2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the member is slidingly
mobile along axis (A-A') in the groove during the assembly of the
second body in the first body.
3. Applicator according to claim 1, which comprises at least one
element for radially retaining the member with respect to the first
body.
4. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the second body
comprises a second secondary row of projecting elements, with the
first primary row being inserted between the first secondary row
and the second secondary row.
5. Applicator according to claim 4, wherein the first secondary row
and the second secondary row project longitudinally from the base
on each side of a slot for receiving a portion of the first body
supporting the first primary row.
6. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first body defines
a plurality of grooves, each groove being arranged between a first
primary row of projecting elements and a second primary row of
projecting elements, the second body defining a plurality of
members, each member supporting a secondary row of projecting
elements, each member being inserted into a corresponding
groove.
7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first body and the
second body are made based on different materials.
8. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein projecting elements of
at least one first row have a shape different from the projecting
elements of at least one secondary row.
9. Method for producing a cosmetic product applicator, including
the following steps: providing a first body formed by a first
molded part, with the first body comprising an elongate base having
a proximal portion, at least one first primary row of projecting
separation/combing/loading elements and at least one second primary
row of projecting separation/combing/loading elements, the first
primary row and the second primary row define a groove, with the
elongate base having a solid cross-section defining an external
peripheral surface forming the base of the groove; providing a
second body formed by a second molded part, with the second body
comprising a base defining a central opening and at least one
member supporting a first secondary row of projecting
separation/combing/loading elements; assembly of the second body
(14) on the first body after molding of the second molded part so
as to arrange the proximal portion of the elongate base (16) in the
central opening of the base and so as to arrange the member
supporting the first secondary row in the groove between the first
primary row and the second primary row.
10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the step of providing the
first body includes the molding of the first molded part, the step
of providing the second body including the molding of the second
molded part, with the first molded part and the second molded part
being molded at a distance from one another, in particular in
different molding cavities.
11. Method according to claim 9, wherein the engagement of the
member in the groove comprises the longitudinal sliding of the
member in the groove along the axis (A-A') of the first body.
12. Method according to claim 9, wherein the first body defines a
plurality of grooves, each groove being arranged between a first
primary row and a second primary row, with the second body
defining, for each groove, a corresponding member, each member
supporting a secondary row of projecting elements, and the assembly
step comprising the engagement, advantageously simultaneous, of
each member in a corresponding groove.
13. Applicator according to claim 2, which comprises at least one
element for radially retaining the member with respect to the first
body.
14. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the second body
comprises a second secondary row of projecting elements, with the
first primary row being inserted between the first secondary row
and the second secondary row.
15. Applicator according to claim 3, wherein the second body
comprises a second secondary row of projecting elements, with the
first primary row being inserted between the first secondary row
and the second secondary row.
16. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the first body defines
a plurality of grooves, each groove being arranged between a first
primary row of projecting elements and a second primary row of
projecting elements, the second body defining a plurality of
members, each member supporting a secondary row of projecting
elements, each member being inserted into a corresponding
groove.
17. Applicator according to claim 3, wherein the first body defines
a plurality of grooves, each groove being arranged between a first
primary row of projecting elements and a second primary row of
projecting elements, the second body defining a plurality of
members, each member supporting a secondary row of projecting
elements, each member being inserted into a corresponding
groove.
18. Applicator according to claim 4, wherein the first body defines
a plurality of grooves, each groove being arranged between a first
primary row of projecting elements and a second primary row of
projecting elements, the second body defining a plurality of
members, each member supporting a secondary row of projecting
elements, each member being inserted into a corresponding
groove.
19. Applicator according to claim 5, wherein the first body defines
a plurality of grooves, each groove being arranged between a first
primary row of projecting elements and a second primary row of
projecting elements, the second body defining a plurality of
members, each member supporting a secondary row of projecting
elements, each member being inserted into a corresponding
groove.
20. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the first body and the
second body are made based on different materials.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator,
including:
[0002] a first body, formed by a first molded part, which first
body comprises at least one first primary row of projecting
separation/combing/loading elements and at least one second primary
row of projecting separation/combing/loading elements, the first
primary row being angularly spaced apart from the second primary
row with respect to an axis of the body;
[0003] a second body comprising a first secondary row of projecting
separation/combing/loading elements, arranged between the first
primary row and the second primary row, with the second body being
applied against the first body between the first primary row and
the second primary row.
[0004] By "cosmetic product", we mean, in the sense of this
invention, a product as defined in Regulation (EC) N.degree.
1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 Nov.
2009, relating to the cosmetic products.
[0005] The cosmetic product intended to be applied by the
applicator according to the invention is in particular in the form
of a powder, a compacted solid, or a fluid such as a liquid. The
product is advantageously a product intended to be placed on the
keratin fibers of a user, such as the eyelashes or eyebrows. The
product is, for example, a makeup product.
[0006] Makeup product applicators include, in some cases, a central
core and a plurality of separation/combing/loading teeth projecting
radially from the core.
[0007] To produce such applicators, it is known, for example, to
form teeth by molding, in particular when molding the core or by
insert molding the core with a material different from that of the
core.
[0008] To this end, WO 2008/091128 describes a mascara brush that
comprises a core equipped with a plurality of primary rows of
separation/combing elements. The applicator comprises a second body
injection molded on the first body and supporting a secondary row
of separation/combing elements arranged between a first primary row
and a second primary row.
[0009] The second body is applied against the first body, between
the first primary row and the second primary row.
[0010] Such an applicator can be formed from two materials of
different types and/or different colors. However, the production of
such an applicator by injection molding is complicated, and does
not make it possible to obtain, in some cases, various forms of
projecting elements, in a simple and inexpensive manner.
[0011] EP 2 332 443 describes a cosmetic product applicator for
eyelashes or eyebrows, including a support and an application
portion. The support comprises a branch inserted in an orifice
provided through the application portion. This portion does not
therefore have a solid cross-section.
[0012] An objective of the invention is to obtain a cosmetic
product applicator comprising a first body equipped with projecting
elements and a second body, also equipped with projecting elements,
assembled on the first body, which are produced in a simple and
inexpensive manner, with the first body and the second body having
projecting element shapes that are easily adaptable.
[0013] To this end, the invention relates to an applicator of the
type mentioned above, characterized in that the second body is
formed by a second molded part assembled on the first body after
molding thereof.
[0014] The applicator according to the invention can include one or
more of the following features, considered alone or in any
technically possible combination:
[0015] the second body comprises a member holding the first
secondary row, with the first body defining, between the first
primary row and the second primary row, a member insertion groove,
with the member being engaged in the groove;
[0016] the member is slidingly mobile along axis A-A' in the groove
during the assembly of the second body in the first body;
[0017] it comprises at least one element for radially retaining the
member with respect to the first body;
[0018] the second body comprises a second secondary row of
projecting elements, with the first primary row being inserted
between the first secondary row and the second secondary row;
[0019] the second body comprises a base, the first secondary row
and the second secondary row projecting longitudinally from the
base on each side of a slot for receiving a portion of the first
body holding the first primary row;
[0020] the first body comprises a projecting portion, the base
defining a central opening for passage of the projecting portion of
the first body, and the projecting portion being engaged through
the passage opening;
[0021] the first body defines a plurality of grooves, with each
groove being arranged between a first primary row of projecting
elements and a second primary row of projecting elements, with the
second body defining a plurality of members, each member holding a
secondary row of projecting elements, and each member being
inserted into a corresponding groove;
[0022] the first body and the second body are made based on
different materials;
[0023] the projecting elements of at least one primary row have a
different shape from the projecting elements of at least one
secondary row.
[0024] The invention also relates to a method for producing a
cosmetic product applicator, including the following steps:
[0025] providing a first body formed by a first molded part, with
the first body comprising at least one first primary row of
projecting separation/combing/loading elements and at least one
second primary row of projecting separation/combing/loading
elements;
[0026] providing a second body formed by a second molded part, with
the second body comprising a first secondary row of
separation/combing/loading elements;
[0027] assembly of the second body on the first body after molding
of the second molded part so as to arrange the first secondary row
between the first primary row and the second primary row, with the
second body being applied against the first body between the first
primary row and the second primary row.
[0028] The method according to the invention can include one or
more of the following features, considered alone or in any
technically possible combination:
[0029] the step of providing the first body includes the molding of
the first molded part, the step of providing the second body
including the molding of the second molded part, with the first
molded part and the second molded part being molded at a distance
from one another, in particular in separate molding cavities;
[0030] the second body comprises a member holding a secondary row
of projecting separation/combing/loading elements, with the first
body defining, between the first primary row and the second primary
row, a member insertion groove, and the member being inserted in
the groove during assembly;
[0031] the engagement of the member in the groove comprises the
longitudinal sliding of the member in the groove along the axis of
the first body;
[0032] the first body defines a plurality of grooves, each groove
being arranged between a first primary row and a second primary
row, with the second body defining, for each groove, a
corresponding member, each member supporting a secondary row of
projecting elements, and the assembly step comprising the
engagement, advantageously simultaneous, of each member in a
corresponding groove.
[0033] The invention will be easier to understand in view of the
following description, provided solely as an example, in reference
to the appended drawings, in which:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a three-quarter perspective view of a first
cosmetic product applicator according to the invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a view equivalent to that FIG. 1, with an exploded
perspective of the assembly of the applicator;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a view equivalent to that of FIG. 1 of a first
applicator body of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a view equivalent to that of FIG. 1 of a second
applicator body of FIG. 1.
[0038] A first cosmetic product applicator 10 is shown in FIG. 1.
This applicator 10 is intended to apply a cosmetic product in the
form of a powder, a compacted solid or a fluid such as a liquid.
The product is advantageously a product intended to be placed on
the keratin fibers of a user, such as the eyelashes or the eyelids.
The product is, for example, a makeup product.
[0039] The first applicator 10 comprises a first body 12 formed by
a first molded part and a second molded part 14 formed by a second
molded part. According to the invention, the second body 14 is
assembled on the first body 12 after the first body 12 and the
second body 14 have been molded.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the first body 12 is formed in
a single piece of the same material.
[0041] Advantageously, the first body 12 is based on a plastic
material, in particular a thermoplastic, thermosetting or elastomer
material. The first body is, for example, based on polypropylene,
thermoplastic elastomer, polyamide and/or polyethylene.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the first body 12 extends according to a
central axis A-A'. It comprises an elongate base 16 and a plurality
of radial ribs 18A to 18D projecting radially from the elongate
base 16. The ribs 18A to 18D mutually define intermediate grooves
20.
[0043] The first body 12 also comprises a first primary row 22A of
projecting separation/combing/loading elements supported by a first
rib 18A and at least one second primary row 22B, 22C, 22D of
projecting separation/combing/loading elements, supported by a
second rib 18B to 18D, separate from the first rib 18A.
[0044] The first body 12 also advantageously comprises an
attachment rod 24 projecting at a proximal end of the body 12, and
a head 26 projecting at a distal end of the body 12.
[0045] In this example, the base 16 is formed by an element
rotating about axis A-A'. The base 16 is, for example, formed by a
solid cylinder with a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the
cross-section of the base 16 is elongate, in particular elliptical,
or is polygonal.
[0046] The base 16 defines an exterior peripheral surface 28
forming the base of the grooves 20.
[0047] In this example, the ratio of the maximum radial span of the
base 16, in this case its diameter, measured perpendicularly to
axis A-A', to the length of the base 16, measured along axis A-A',
is less than 50%.
[0048] The length of the base 16 is, for example, between 15 mm and
40 mm and its maximum diameter is less than 10 mm, in particular
between 2 mm and 4 mm.
[0049] In the example shown in the figures, the first body 12
comprises at least two ribs 18A, 18B angularly spaced apart from
one another.
[0050] Advantageously, the number of ribs 18A, 18D is greater than
two and is in particular between 2 and 6.
[0051] Each rib 18A to 18D extends longitudinally according to axis
A-A' of the body 12.
[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 3, each rib 18A to 18D extends
linearly, parallel to axis A-A'.
[0053] The ribs 18A to 18D are spaced apart from one another and
mutually angularly define the grooves 20.
[0054] Each rib 18A to 18D projects radially from axis A-A' with
respect to the base 16, from the exterior radial surface 28. In
this example, the length of each rib 18A to 18D, measured along
axis A-A', is less than or equal to the length of the base 16.
[0055] In particular, a proximal portion 30 of the base 16 projects
axially toward the rod 24 from each rib 18A to 18D. The length of
the projecting proximal portion 30 is advantageously less than the
total length of the base 16, with the lengths being measured along
axis A-A'.
[0056] In this example, each rib 18A to 18D has a curved exterior
face 32. The cross-section of the exterior face 32 is, for example,
substantially in the shape of an arc of circle.
[0057] The maximum height of each rib 18A to 18D measured radially
with respect to axis A-A' between the exterior surface 28 and the
exterior face 32 is greater than 20% of the maximum transverse span
e1 of the base 16, measured perpendicularly to axis A-A'. This
height is advantageously less than 45% of the maximum transverse
span e1 of the base 16.
[0058] The maximum height of the rib 18A to 18D is, for example,
between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm for a diameter of the body 16
advantageously between 2 mm and 4 mm.
[0059] Each rib 18A to 18D comprises at least one element 34A, 34B
for radial retaining of the second body 14. In this example, each
rib 18A to 18D comprises two retaining elements 34A, 34B located
laterally, on each side of the rib 18A to 18D.
[0060] Each element 34A, 34B is, for example, formed by a tab-like
projection 36 extending over at least some of the length of the rib
18A to 18D. The retaining element 34A, 34B projects into the groove
20. It is arranged at an intermediate height between the exterior
surface 28 and the exterior face 32.
[0061] Alternatively, the rib 18A to 18D is in the form of a
dovetail and does not have a retaining element 36A, 36B.
[0062] In the example shown in FIG. 3, each rib 18A to 18D has a
primary row 22A to 22D of projecting separation/combing/loading
elements 38.
[0063] Each row 22A to 22D comprises a plurality of projecting
separation/combing/loading elements 38 adjacent to one another and
separated from one another by intermediate spaces 39.
[0064] Each projecting element 38 projects radially from the rib
18A to 18D. It has an end 40 connected to the exterior face 32 of
the rib 18A to 18D and a free end 42.
[0065] Advantageously, each projecting element 38 tapers between
the connected end 40 and the free end 42. In the example shown in
FIG. 3, the projecting elements 38 are continuously pinched by
being moved radially outwardly. They are, for example, in the form
of a point.
[0066] The projecting elements 38 are substantially aligned. They
form the primary row 22A, 22B.
[0067] The intermediate space 39 between each pair of projecting
elements 38 is intended to receive cosmetic product and/or a
keratin fiber of a user.
[0068] The rod 24 projects axially with respect to the proximal end
of the base 16. It has a length shorter than that of the base
16.
[0069] The head 26 projects from the distal end of the base 16.
Advantageously, it axially closes off each groove 20. The exterior
surface of the head 26 is, for example, curved.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 4, the second body 14 is made in a single
piece of the same material. According to the invention, the second
body 14 is formed separately from the first body 12, with the first
molded part forming the first body 12 being molded at a distance
from the second molded part forming the second body 14.
[0071] The second body 14 is based on a plastic material, in
particular a thermoplastic, thermosetting or elastomer material.
The first body is, for example, based on polypropylene,
thermoplastic elastomer, polyamide and/or polyethylene.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 4, the second body 14 comprises a plurality
of members 50A to 50D, each member 50A to 50D being intended to be
inserted in a corresponding groove 20.
[0073] The second body 14 also comprises at least one first
secondary row 51A of separation/combing/loading elements supported
by a first member 50A and at least one second secondary row 51B to
51D of separation/combing/loading elements supported by a second
member 50B to 50D.
[0074] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the second body 14 also
advantageously comprises a base 52 connecting the members 50A to
50D to one another.
[0075] Each member 50A to 50D has a shape substantially fitting
that of the groove 20 in which it is arranged.
[0076] Each member 50A to 50D thus has a length substantially equal
to the length of the groove 20 and an angular span substantially
equal to the angular span of the groove 20.
[0077] The members 50A to 50D are angularly spaced apart from one
another and define intermediate slots 54 intended to receive a rib
18A to 18D.
[0078] Each member 50A to 50D extends radially between an internal
face 56 intended to be applied against the first body and an
external face 58, on which a secondary row 51A to 51D projects.
[0079] In the example shown in FIG. 4, each member 50A to 50B
comprises a complementary retaining element 60A, 60B intended to
cooperate with a radial retaining element 34A, 34B present on the
ribs 18A to 18D.
[0080] Each complementary retaining element 60A, 60B is formed in
this example by a longitudinal groove with a shape substantially
fitting that of the retaining element 34A, 34B.
[0081] In this example, each member 50A to 50D supports a secondary
range 51A to 51D of projecting separation/combing/loading elements
62.
[0082] Each secondary row 51A to 51B thus comprises a plurality of
projecting elements 62 projecting radially from the exterior face
58 of the member 50.
[0083] Each projecting element 62 has a tapered shape between an
end 64 connected to the member 50A and a free end 66. In this
example, the free end 66 is curved, and has, for example, a ball
shape.
[0084] The projecting elements 62 of each secondary row 51A to 51D
are aligned substantially longitudinally parallel to axis A-A'.
[0085] In this example, each pair of adjacent elements 62 defines
an intermediate passage space 68 intended to receive a keratin
fiber, and/or the cosmetic product.
[0086] In this example, the base 52 is arranged at the proximal end
of the second body 14.
[0087] It comprises a ring 70, with a height substantially equal to
the height of the proximal portion 30. The ring 70 defines a
central opening 72 for passage of the proximal portion 30 and
advantageously the rod 24.
[0088] The members 50A to 50D project axially from the ring 70.
[0089] The slots 54 defined between the members 50A, 50B are
axially closed off at their ends by the ring 70.
[0090] According to the invention, the first body 12 and the second
body 14 are assembled one on the other, after they have been molded
separately from one another. Thus, when the applicator 10 is
assembled, the second body 14 is mobile with respect to the first
body 12 between a disassembled configuration, visible in FIG. 2,
and an assembled configuration, shown in FIG. 1.
[0091] In the disassembled configuration, the first body 12 and the
second body 14 are entirely separate from one another.
[0092] In the assembled configuration, shown in FIG. 3, the members
50A to 50D have been inserted into the grooves 20 located between
each pair of ribs 18A to 18D. Each member 50A to 50D is applied by
its interior face 56 against the first body 12, at the level of the
exterior surface 28 defining the base of the groove 20.
[0093] The retaining elements 34A, 34B cooperate with the
complementary retaining elements 60A, 60B so as to radially hold
each member 50A to 50D in position between two ribs 18A to 18D of
the first body 12.
[0094] Advantageously, in the assembled configuration, the ring 70
forming the base 52 has been arranged around the projecting portion
30 of the body. The projecting portion 30 is engaged through the
central opening 72 and is applied against the ring 70.
[0095] Each secondary row 51A to 51D of projecting elements 62 is
located between two primary rows 22A, 22B of projecting elements
38. Similarly, each primary row 22A, 22B of projecting elements 38
is located between two secondary rows 51A to 51D of projecting
elements 62.
[0096] Advantageously, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, each
member 50A to 50D of the second body 14 is inserted into an
associated groove 20, by sliding along an axis parallel to axis
A-A'. The second body 14 is thus moved in translation along axis
A-A' to go from its disassembled configuration to its assembled
configuration.
[0097] In the assembled configuration, the exterior face 32 of each
rib 18A to 18D is advantageously flush with the exterior face 58 of
each member 50A to 50B placed between the ribs 18A, 18B.
[0098] Each rib 18A to 18D is inserted into a corresponding slot
54.
[0099] A method for producing an applicator 10 according to the
invention will now be described.
[0100] Initially, the first body 12 and the second body 14 are
formed separately by molding. Thus, the first body 12 is made in a
single piece of the same material molded in a first molding cavity.
The second body 14 is made in a single piece of the same material
in the form of a second molded part in a second molding cavity
different from that intended to form the first molded part.
[0101] Thus, the molding of each body 12, 14 is adapted to the
structure of this body, thereby enabling different configurations
of projecting elements 38, 62 to be obtained in a simple manner
adapted to the particular shape of the projecting element 38,
62.
[0102] The first body 12 and the second body 14 are molded
separately, they can be made of materials of different types and/or
of different colors, thereby increasing the technical solutions
available to the user.
[0103] Once the first body 12 and the second body 14 have been
provided separately, they go from their disassembled configuration
shown in FIG. 2 to their assembled configuration shown in FIG.
1.
[0104] To this end, each member 50A to 50D is inserted into a
corresponding groove 20 located between two adjacent ribs 18A, 18B
and is held in position against the first body 12. The interior
face 56 of the member 50 is applied on the exterior face 28 of the
base 16 of the first body 12.
[0105] Each rib 18A to 18D is received in a slot 54 defined between
two members 50A to 50D.
[0106] Advantageously, the engagement of each member 50A to 50D in
a groove 20 comprises the longitudinal sliding of the member 50A to
50D into the groove 20 along axis A-A'.
[0107] The members 50A to 50D are connected to one another by the
base 52, and the engagement of the different members 50A to 50D can
be simultaneous.
[0108] Once engaged, the second body 14 is held in position against
the first body 12 by the cooperation between the retaining elements
34A, 34B and the complementary retaining elements 60A, 60B.
[0109] Then, the applicator 10 is advantageously mounted at the end
of a sheath (not shown).
[0110] To use the applicator 10, the user advantageously soaks the
applicator 10 in a cosmetic product container, causing the cosmetic
product to fill the intermediate spaces 39, 68 between the
projecting elements 38, 62 of the primary rows 22A to 22D and the
secondary rows 51A to 51D.
[0111] Then, the user brings the projecting elements 38, 62 into
contact with a keratin surface, in particular into contact with the
keratin fibers, such as the eyelashes, the eyebrows or the
hair.
[0112] The user then deposits the cosmetic product supported by the
applicator 10 onto the keratin surface.
[0113] In the case of keratin fibers, the user may also insert at
least one keratin fiber into the respective intermediate space 39,
68 between two projecting elements 38, 62 so as to obtain an
adequate separation, combing or loading effect of the cosmetic
product on the fiber.
[0114] In alternatives, the first body 12 and the second body 14
are assembled to one another by snap-locking, welding, in
particular by ultrasound welding or bonding.
[0115] In alternatives, the number of ribs 18A to 18D and the
number of members 50A to 50B is between 1 and 6.
[0116] The term "one" must be understood as meaning "at least one"
unless otherwise indicated.
[0117] With respect to the applicators of the prior art, and in
particular that described in EP 2 332 443, the applicator according
to the invention is easier to assemble.
[0118] In particular, the second body 14 is assembled only from the
outside of the first body 12, without having to perform a precise
positioning through the first body 12.
[0119] The elongate base 16 of the first body 12 has a solid
cross-section. It may be extended by an attachment rod 24 suitable
for being inserted more easily into an opening of the rod of a
gripping member. Conventionally, this gripping member
advantageously forms a cap of a cosmetic product container.
[0120] In particular, as the attachment rod 24 is made in a single
piece, it is simple to insert it into the rod of the gripping
member and to attach it by crimping, unlike the applicator
described in the prior art.
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