U.S. patent application number 14/493964 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-08 for applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows.
The applicant listed for this patent is L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Jean-Louis GUERET.
Application Number | 20150010340 14/493964 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38069104 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150010340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GUERET; Jean-Louis |
January 8, 2015 |
APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A COMPOSITION TO THE EYELASHES OR THE
EYEBROWS
Abstract
The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a
composition to keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or
the eyebrows, the applicator comprising: a stem having a
longitudinal axis and including at least one elastically-deformable
flexible portion that is suitable for flexing during application
and/or wiping; and an applicator element that is fastened to the
stem and that includes a twisted wire core and bristles that extend
transversally to the longitudinal axis of the stem.
Inventors: |
GUERET; Jean-Louis; (Paris,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
38069104 |
Appl. No.: |
14/493964 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11976900 |
Oct 29, 2007 |
|
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14493964 |
|
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60866717 |
Nov 21, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/129 ;
132/218 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 3/16 20130101; A46B
9/021 20130101; A45D 40/265 20130101; A45D 2200/207 20130101; A46B
2200/106 20130101; A46B 5/0037 20130101; A45D 40/267 20130101; A46B
2200/1053 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/129 ;
132/218 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46B 5/00 20060101 A46B005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 2, 2006 |
FR |
06 54697 |
Claims
1. An applicator for applying a composition to keratinous fibers,
in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator
comprising: a stem having a longitudinal axis and including (1) at
least one elastically-deformable flexible portion that is suitable
for flexing during application and/or wiping and (2) a rigid
portion including a housing for fastening to the flexible portion;
and an applicator element that is fastened to the stem and that
includes a twisted wire core and bristles that extend transversally
to the longitudinal axis of the stem, the flexible portion of the
stem being adjacent to a first end of the stem, the applicator
element being fastened to the flexible portion, an end of the
twisted wire core of the applicator element being inserted into a
housing of the flexible portion, and the flexible portion of the
stem including a narrowing in the form of an annular groove located
between the end of the twisted wire core inserted into the housing
of the flexible portion and an end of the rigid portion of the stem
adjacent to the flexible portion.
2. The applicator according to claim 1, a total visible length of
the flexible portion lying in the range 10 millimeters (mm) to 35
mm.
3. The applicator according to claim 1, a greatest transverse
outside dimension of the flexible portion lying in the range 2 mm
to 10 mm.
4. The applicator according to claim 1, a visible portion of the
flexible portion being, thinner than a portion of the flexible
portion for fastening, in a portion of the stem.
5. The applicator according to claim 1, the stem presenting a top
half that is substantially non-flexible, the flexible portion
being, situated in a bottom half of the stem.
6. The applicator according to claim 1, the flexible portion
extending over less than one third of a total length of the stem,
better over less than one fourth.
7. The applicator according to claim 1, the stem including a single
flexible portion, and a remainder of the stem being rigid.
8. The applicator according to claim 1, in which the flexible
portion is fastened to a remainder of the stem by snap-fastening,
by screw-fastening, by adhesive, by force-fitting, or by
crimping.
9. The applicator according to claim 1, in which the rigid portion
of the stem has at least one housing for receiving at least one
fastener portion for fastening the flexible portion on an adjacent
portion of the stem.
10. The applicator according to claim 1, the flexible portion
comprising an endpiece inserted in a housing of the stem, the
groove and a base of the endpiece constituting two zones of
preferred deformation for the flexible portion, when the applicator
member is inclined relative to a rest position of the applicator
member.
11. The applicator according to claim 1, the flexible portion
having a diameter equal to a diameter of the adjacent rigid
portion, at least in a zone of the flexible portion located in the
continuity of the rigid portion.
12. The applicator according to claim 1, in which the stem includes
one or more rigid portions made of at least one thermoplastic
material.
13. The applicator according to claim 12, the thermoplastic
material(s) being selected from the group consisting of: HDPE,
LOPE, linear PE, PP, PT, POM, PA, PET, and PBT.
14. The applicator according to claim 13, wherein the rigid portion
is made of POM, with an outside diameter of 4 mm and a length lying
in the range 25 mm to 50 mm.
15. The applicator according to claim 1, the flexible portion being
made of a thermoplastic elastomer.
16. The applicator according to claim 1, in which the core is not
rotatable relative to the stem around the longitudinal axis of the
stem.
17. The applicator according to claim 1, the flexible portion being
at least partially flocked.
18. The applicator according to claim 1, the core comprising two
twisted strands of a wire.
19. The applicator according to claim 1, in which the stem is
connected to a handle that is arranged in such a manner as to
close, in leaktight manner, a receptacle containing the composition
for application.
20. The applicator according to claim 1, the stem including a rigid
portion of thermoplastic material, of diameter that is greater than
or equal to 2.5 mm.
21. The applicator according to claim 1, the flexible portion being
configured to resonate with vibration frequencies from a vibration
generator that is integrated in the applicator or that is brought
into contact therewith.
22. An applicator for applying a composition to keratinous fibers,
in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator
comprising: stem having a longitudinal axis and including (1) at
least one elastically-deformable flexible portion, that is suitable
for flexing during application and/or wiping and (2) a rigid
portion; and an applicator element that is fastened to the stem and
that includes a twisted wire core and bristles that extend
transversally to the longitudinal axis of the stem, the flexible
portion of the stem being adjacent to a first end of the stem, the
applicator element being fastened to the flexible portion, and the
flexible portion of the stem including a housing, and an end of the
twisted wire core of the applicator element being inserted into the
housing.
23. The applicator according to claim 22, a total visible length of
the flexible portion lying in the range 10 millimeters (mm) to 35
mm.
24. The applicator according to claim 22, a greatest transverse
outside dimension of the flexible portion lying in the range 2 mm
to 10 mm.
25. The applicator according to claim 22, a visible portion of the
flexible portion being thinner than a portion of the flexible
portion for fastening in a portion of the stem.
26. The applicator according to claim 22, the flexible portion
extending over less than one third of a total length of the
stem.
27. The applicator according to claim 22, the stem including a
rigid portion of thermoplastic material, of diameter that is
greater than or equal to 2.5 mm.
28. A packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic
composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the device comprising
an applicator according to claim 1, and a receptacle containing the
composition for application.
29. A cosmetic treatment using an applicator according to claim 1,
in which a composition is applied on the applicator element by
modifying an angle formed between the applicator element and the
stem by deforming the flexible portion.
Description
[0001] This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/976,900
filed Oct. 29, 2007, which in turn claims the benefit of French
Application No. 06 54697 filed Nov. 2, 2006 and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/866,717 filed on Nov. 21, 2006. The prior
applications, including the specifications, drawings and abstracts
are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0002] The present invention relates to applicators for applying
makeup or a care product to keratinous fibers, and more
particularly, but not exclusively, to the eyelashes or the
eyebrows.
[0003] The invention relates to an applicator comprising a stem and
an applicator element that is disposed at one end of the stem.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Mascara applicators are known including a stem that is
relatively rigid.
[0005] U.S. application Ser. No. 6,305,861 discloses applicators
including relatively thin stems of small section over a large
fraction of their length, and thus being very flexible. Under
certain application conditions, the flexibility of the stem can
reduce precision in applying makeup. In addition, such stems cannot
be wiped in satisfactory manner when they are used with certain
types of wiper members, e.g. annular-lip wiper members.
[0006] Patent application FR-A-2 759 872 discloses an applicator
including a flat handle that includes a narrowing.
[0007] In addition, application FR 2 705 876 discloses an
applicator having a stem that is provided with a narrowing that
comes to be positioned facing a wiper member. The narrowing does
not impart any flexibility during application.
[0008] US 2006/0042467 A1 discloses a mascara applicator comprising
a stem having a flexible portion and carrying an application
member. The latter comprises a housing configured for receiving a
support portion connected to the stem. The application member is
rotatable, in an embodiment. The presence of the housing
necessitates to make the application member in a specific
manner.
SUMMARY
[0009] There exists a need to improve still further applicators for
applying makeup to keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes
or the eyebrows, and to have a novel applicator that is comfortable
and easy to use.
[0010] The present invention seeks, in particular, to satisfy that
need.
[0011] The invention provides an applicator for applying a
composition to keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or
the eyebrows, the applicator comprising:
[0012] a stem having a longitudinal axis and including at least one
elastically-deformable flexible portion that is suitable for
flexing during application and/or wiping; and
[0013] an applicator element that is fastened to the stem and that
includes bristles or teeth that extend transversally to the
longitudinal axis of the stem.
[0014] The invention makes it possible to apply makeup
accurately.
[0015] The presence of the flexible portion imparts lightness in
application, even with a relatively rigid applicator element such
as a comb, for example, or with a brush having relatively stiff
bristles.
[0016] Since the stem is connected to a handle, the flexible
portion may also serve, while the applicator element is being
removed from the receptacle, to enable the applicator element to
form an angle with the handle, thereby enabling the applicator
element to remain more easily in alignment with the longitudinal
axis of the receptacle containing the composition. When said
receptacle is provided with a wiper member, the applicator element
may be wiped more effectively, with the composition being
distributed in more uniform manner on the applicator element.
[0017] The flexible portion also enables the user to incline the
handle relative to the receptacle using a natural movement of the
band, while the applicator element is being removed.
[0018] The resistance of the composition on the eyelashes or the
eyebrows can slow down and deform the applicator element, which, in
deforming, accumulates elastic energy. The restoration of elastic
energy thus accumulated when the applicator element relaxes on
arriving at the tips of the eyelashes or the eyebrow hairs may
result in an acceleration and an additional movement that is likely
to improve the extension and the separation of the eyelashes or the
eyebrow hairs.
[0019] The flexible portion may also reduce the risk of poking the
eye hard with the applicator element.
[0020] The term "elastically deformable" should be understood as
the flexible portion presenting a certain amount of shape memory.
The expression "elastically deformable" should be understood in a
broad sense, and, in particular, covers the flexible portion, after
having been deformed, returning by elasticity to a position that is
not exactly identical to its initial position, given the nature of
the material used to make the flexible portion and the shape of
said flexible portion, for example.
[0021] The term "rigid portion" should be understood as being a
portion that does not deform substantially during application. A
rigid portion may be subjected to a small amount of deformation
overall when stress is exerted thereon by the fingers, for
example.
[0022] By way of example, the flexible portion is capable of
flexing so as to modify the orientation of the entire applicator
element over more than 30.degree., for example.
[0023] The flexibility of the flexible portion may result from its
shape and/or from the material(s) used to make it.
Stem
[0024] The term "stem" refers to the assembly formed by the
flexible portion(s) and by the rigid portion(s) of the stem.
[0025] The stem extends axially between the handle and the
applicator element. The length of the stem is measured between its
end adjacent to the applicator element and its end for connecting
to the handle, e.g. the end where the stem is connected to a
transverse plate, inside the handle.
[0026] The flexible portion may extend along a longitudinal axis
that is optionally rectilinear, the axis extending in alignment
with the axis of the applicator element.
[0027] The flexible portion may be made by molding, e.g. by
injection molding a thermoplastic material. In particular, the
flexible portion need not be stamped. The flexible portion may be
made by being overmolded onto a rigid portion of the stem. In a
variant, the flexible portion may be fastened to the remainder of
the stem by snap-fastening, by adhesive, by screw-fastening, by
force-fitting, or by crimping. The stem may include a rigid portion
having at least one housing for receiving at least one fastener
portion for fastening the flexible portion on the rigid portion. In
a variant, the flexible portion may include at least one housing
for receiving at least one fastener portion for fastening the rigid
portion of the stem on the flexible portion. The fastener portion
of the flexible portion may present an enlarged head or a narrowing
in order to improve the hold by the rigid portion of the stem in
the event of crimping.
[0028] The flexible portion of the stem may be hot or cold mounted
on the remainder of the stem and/or on the applicator element, in
particular by means of its deformability, or it may be overmolded
onto the remainder of the stem and/or onto the applicator
element.
[0029] The flexibility of the flexible portion may be selected as a
function of the properties desired for application, e.g. by
selecting material(s) that make up the flexible portion, in
particular their Shore hardness. The hardnesses of the materials of
the flexible portion of the stem and the adjacent rigid portion of
the stem may be different.
[0030] The flexible portion may be made, at least in part, of a
material from the following list: elastomer, thermoplastic, or
thermoplastic elastomer material; low-density polyethylene (LDPE);
polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyurethane (PU); thermoplastic
elastomer polyesters, in particular copolymers of butene
terephthalate and esterified polytetramethylene oxide glycol;
Hytrel.RTM.; ethylene-propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM); phenylene
dimaleimide (PDM); ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA);
styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS); styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene
(SEBS); styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS); latex; silicone; nitrile
rubber; butyl; polyurethane; polyether block amide; and polyester;
this list not being limiting.
[0031] The flexible portion may be made of a material having
hardness that lies in the range 25 on the Shore A scale to 80 on
the Shore D scale, for example, or even that lies in the range 40
on the Shore A scale to 70 on the Shore D Scale.
[0032] The total visible length l of the flexible portion lies in
the range 10 millimeters (mm) to 35 mm, for example.
[0033] A greatest transverse outside dimension of the flexible
portion lies in the range 2 mm to 10 mm, for example.
[0034] The flexible portion may be magnetizable, e.g. including a
filler of magnetic particles or of magnetic fibers.
[0035] The flexibility of the flexible portion may vary as a
function of the cross-section and of the profile of the flexible
portion.
[0036] The flexible portion may have a cross-section that is solid
or hollow and of shape that varies, e.g. of shape selected from the
following list: polygonal; square; rectangular; triangular;
circular; non-circular; oblong; oval; elliptical; notched;
star-shaped; or with one or more annular or axial grooves.
[0037] The flexible portion may be circularly symmetrical about the
longitudinal axis of the stem.
[0038] The flexible portion may present a narrowing, where
appropriate. The narrowing may be of annular shape. Thus, in some
embodiments, the flexible portion of the stem is hourglass shaped,
or it presents an annular groove that is crenellated.
[0039] Also, the flexible portion of the stem need not be
circularly symmetrical. Such a shape makes it possible to obtain
stem flexibility that varies along the direction of inclination of
the applicator element relative to its initial configuration. In
particular, the flexible portion of the stem may present a
cross-section that is generally elongate in shape. The handle may
include at least one reception zone for receiving a finger, in
particular a flat or an indent that may generally extend
substantially parallel to a long axis of a cross-section of the
flexible portion. The shape of the handle need not be circularly
symmetrical, thereby favoring a predefined orientation for holding
the applicator.
[0040] The flexible portion may be symmetrical about a
mid-plane.
[0041] The flexible portion may have a greatest transverse
dimension, e.g. an outside diameter of the flexible portion, that
is equal to a greatest transverse dimension of the stem, e.g. an
outside diameter of the stem. In a variant, the flexible portion
may have a greatest transverse dimension that is greater than a
greatest transverse dimension of the stem. Still in a variant, the
flexible portion may have a greatest transverse dimension that is
less than a greatest transverse dimension of the stem.
[0042] The flexible portion may be flocked, at least partially,
which may allow the flexible portion to be loaded with product and
to be used to apply the product on the eyelashes or the eyebrows,
for example. The flocked portion may be magnetic or magnetisable,
which may allow the flocked portion for example to exert an action
on the product before and/or after application, for example to
lengthen the lashes when the product comprises magnetic pigments or
filler.
[0043] The visible portion of the flexible portion may be thinner
than its portion for fastening in the portion of the stem.
[0044] The stem may include a single flexible portion, the
remainder of the stem being rigid, i.e. not deforming substantially
during application.
[0045] The stem may be circularly cylindrical or substantially
circularly cylindrical, at least over a major fraction of its
length. By way of example, the stem may be other than flat along a
plane. By way of example, the length of the stem may be much
greater than its width, e.g. more than twice, or even more than
three times, better more than five times greater than its
width.
[0046] The stem may be connected rigidly to the handle. In a
variant, a hinge may be present between the stem and the
handle.
[0047] The flexible portion may be disposed at a first end of the
rigid portion of the stem, and it may be adjacent to the applicator
element.
[0048] The flexible portion may include a housing for fastening the
applicator element, in particular for receiving a portion of the
applicator element, e.g. the core of the applicator element.
[0049] In a variant, the flexible portion may be disposed between a
rigid distal portion of the stem, and a rigid proximal portion of
the stem.
[0050] The stem may include a rigid distal portion that extends
between the applicator element and the flexible portion, and a
rigid proximal portion that extends between the flexible portion
and a second end of the stem that is connected to the handle. The
rigid proximal and distal portions of the stem are thus
interconnected via the flexible portion. The rigid distal and
proximal portions may present the same diameter.
[0051] The length of the rigid proximal portion of the stem may be
greater than the length of the rigid distal portion of the stem.
The length of the proximal portion may be greater than the length
of the distal portion by a factor of 1.5, better 1.7, or even at
least 2.
[0052] The length of the flexible portion may be less than the
length of at least one of the rigid distal and proximal portions.
In particular, the flexible portion may extend over less than one
third of the total length of the stem, better over less than one
fourth.
[0053] The stem may include a rigid top half, the flexible portion
being situated in the bottom half of the stem, thereby being close
to the applicator element.
[0054] The flexible portion of the stem may deform during
application so as to enable the applicator element or the rigid
distal portion of the stem to become substantially inclined
relative to the rigid proximal portion of the stem.
[0055] The rigid distal and proximal portions may each be
substantially rectilinear during application.
[0056] Regardless of how the stem is made, the flexible portion may
be configured in such a manner that the entire applicator element
can be inclined in reversible manner during application, e.g. by
more than 10.degree., better 15.degree., still better 30.degree.,
or even by more than 45.degree. or 60.degree., compared to an
initial rest configuration in which the applicator element and the
stem are substantially in alignment, for example.
[0057] In some embodiments, the core of the applicator element need
not deform in visible manner when the flexible portion deforms in
order to modify the orientation of the applicator element relative
to the stem.
[0058] The rigid portion(s) of the stem may have a cross-section
that is solid or hollow, and of shape selected from the following
list: circular; non-circular; oblong; oval; elliptical; polygonal;
square; rectangular; triangular; kidney-shaped; notched;
star-shaped; or with one or more grooves. A circular cross-section
may be preferred.
[0059] The proximal and distal portions may be made of the same
material, or else of two respective different materials, at least
in part.
[0060] The rigid portion(s) of the stem may be made of a
thermoplastic material, in particular one of the materials selected
from the following list: high-density polyethylene (HDPE);
low-density polyethylene (LDPE); linear polyethylene (LPE); PT;
polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM); polyamide (PA);
polyethylene terephthalate (PET); and polybutylene terephthalate
(PBT); this list not being limiting.
[0061] The end of the stem to which the applicator element is
fastened may include a housing for fastening the applicator
element. The housing may be formed in the flexible portion or in a
rigid distal portion of the stem. A rigid portion of the stem may
also include a housing for fastening the flexible portion thereon.
Both housings may be of identical shape and size, at least before
fastenings the applicator element or the flexible portion, thereby
making it easy to eliminate the flexible portion in order to fasten
the applicator element directly to the rigid portion of the
stem.
[0062] When the housing for fastening the applicator element is
formed in the flexible portion in particular, the housing may be
configured to make it possible to fasten applicator elements having
fastener portions of different sizes. The size and the shape of the
housing may be variable, e.g. because of the deformability of the
material of the flexible portion.
[0063] The flexible portion may comprise an endpiece which is fixed
in a housing of the rigid portion of the stem by crimping, i.e. by
deforming the wall defining the housing.
[0064] The end of the stem to which the applicator element is
connected may be beveled so as to make it easier for the applicator
to be inserted into the receptacle and to pass through the wiper
member. In an embodiment, it is the flexible portion that is
beveled. The stem may include a rigid portion that is not beveled
at its end adjacent to the flexible portion.
[0065] The rigid portion of the stem and the flexible portion
preferably have transverse dimensions that are close so as to favor
wiping, e.g. they have the same diameter.
[0066] At its second end, the stem may include a fastener portion
for fastening on the handle, e.g. an endpiece for force-fitting
and/or snap-fastening in the handle. The endpiece may include a
tubular skirt with a plate at its base. The stem may also be molded
with the handle.
[0067] The handle may be arranged in such a manner as to close, in
leaktight manner, a receptacle containing the composition for
application.
[0068] The handle may include fastener means for fastening on the
receptacle, e.g. a thread or at least one annular snap-fastener
bead.
Applicator Element
[0069] The applicator element may extend along a longitudinal axis
that need not be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stem.
By way of example, both axes may substantially coincide or may form
between them an angle that is strictly less than 90.degree..
[0070] The applicator element may include a fastener portion for
fastening to the stem, said fastener portion having a length that
is preferably less than the length of the flexible portion, the
lengths being measured along the longitudinal axis of the stem.
[0071] The applicator element may include a core that is more rigid
than the flexible portion of the stem.
[0072] In an exemplary embodiment which is advantageous the
applicator member comprises a twisted wire core. By "twisted wire
core" one understands a core comprising at least two lengths of a
metallic wire that are twisted. The core may be with a simple
twisting, comprising only two wires twisted together, or be with
double twisting, comprising two twisted wires arrangements twisted
together to hold bristles, each twisted wire arrangement possibly
holding bristles or not.
[0073] An advantage lying with the use of such a twisted wire core
is that most mascara brushes existing on the market are made with
such a twisted wire core.
[0074] The core may be non rotateable with respect to the stem
around the longitudinal axis of the stem.
[0075] When the core comprises two lengths of metallic wire twisted
together, the wires may be twisted with a left pitch or a right
pitch.
[0076] The wire forming the wire length may have a diameter ranking
from 0.35 to 1 mm, for example.
[0077] In this event, the fastener portion may be a portion of the
core that does not have bristles, said portion being for inserting
into a corresponding housing of the stem, e.g. a housing of the
flexible portion or of a rigid portion of the stem.
[0078] The use of a twisted wire core may allow, eventually, a
better holding of the core in the flexible portion, thanks to a
cold or hot force fitting.
[0079] The envelope surface of the applicator element may present a
cross-section that is not circular at at least one point along its
length. At at least one point along its length, the cross-section
of the envelope surface of the applicator element may present a
general shape selected from the following list: non circular,
polygonal, in particular triangular, square, rectangular,
pentagonal, or hexagonal; oblong, in particular oval or
lens-shaped; or some other shape.
[0080] For at least one cross-section of the envelope surface, the
core may define a center of symmetry of said section. The core may
also be off-center within the cross-section of the envelope surface
at at least one point along the length of the applicator
element.
[0081] The envelope surface may be of non-constant cross-section
over the major portion of the length of the applicator element.
[0082] The applicator element may present at least one concave
face. The applicator element may present at least one convex face,
of radius of curvature, when the applicator element is observed in
cross-section, that is greater than the length of the longest
bristle extending from the core in said cross-section.
[0083] The core of the applicator element may include a
substantially rectilinear portion that possibly forms an angle with
the longitudinal axis of the stem that is less than 20.degree..
[0084] The core may present a free end, remote from the stem, that
may constitute the point of the core that is the furthest away from
the longitudinal axis of the stem. The free end of the core may be
situated at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the stem of
less than 7.5 mm.
[0085] According to other aspects of the present invention the
applicator member does not comprise a twisted wire core.
[0086] The core may for example include at least one through hole
in which a bundle of bristles is held. The bundle of bristles may
have a first end and may divide on going away from the first end
into at least two sub-bundles of bristles that extend, at least in
part, outside the core. The bristles of a bundle may be separated
into two sub-bundles so as to form a V, for example, or they may be
separated into more sub-bundles so as to form an X, for example.
Such an applicator element is described in EP 1 454 561.
[0087] The applicator element may also be made by molding a
plastics material, in particular by injection molding, and it may
form an injection-molded comb or brush. The applicator element may
include a core and bristles or teeth extending from the core.
[0088] The material of the applicator element may be selected so as
to match the flexibility of said applicator element to the desired
use. By way of example, it may be selected in such a manner that
the applicator element is sufficiently flexible.
[0089] The fastener portion may be an end portion, e.g. a
cylindrical portion, that does not have teeth or bristles, for
inserting into a corresponding housing of the stem, for
example.
[0090] In a variant, the flexible portion is made integrally with
all or part of the applicator element, before said applicator
element is fastened to the remainder of the stem. However, in this
event and in the meaning of the present invention, the flexible
portion is considered as forming part of the stem.
Bristles
[0091] The applicator may include bristles having a greatest
transverse dimension lying in the range 65 micrometers (.mu.m) to
400 .mu.m, for example.
[0092] The bristles may be solid or hollow, of optionally circular
section.
[0093] The bristles may optionally come into contact with the
flexible portion.
[0094] The applicator may include at least one bristle made of an
elastically-deformable material, such as an elastomer, for
example.
[0095] The applicator may include at least one bristle including a
compound, e.g. a particulate or other compound, making it possible
to improve sliding of the bristle over keratinous fibers, or, in
contrast, making it possible to create surface roughness to catch
the fibers more strongly.
[0096] The applicator may include a mixture of bristles.
[0097] The applicator may include bristles having different
diameters.
[0098] The applicator may include at least one bristle presenting
at least one undulation, and, in particular, it may include at
least two bristles, each including at least one periodic pattern
presenting at least one undulation, at least two periodic patterns
being different. The two different periodic patterns may belong to
two distinct bristles or to the same bristle, and the undulations
may present different shapes, e.g. a sawtooth shape or a sinusoidal
shape, or even different amplitudes, or even undulations of
different spatial frequencies. The expression "periodic pattern"
means, within a bristle, a portion of said bristle that is
substantially reproduced, in periodic manner, along the
bristle.
[0099] The applicator may include bristles that are made other than
by being injection-molded with the core, and the applicator element
may include at least one portion having curved bristles extending
in oriented manner from the core, e.g. as described in US
application No. 2004/0168698. The term "extending in oriented
manner" means that the curved bristles extend with a general
orientation that is defined during manufacture of the applicator
element, and they do not extend with completely random
orientations. In particular, the bristles may be oriented in the
same circumferential direction around the core. The bristles of the
applicator element may be curved by contact with a hot surface, in
particular a surface moving relative to the applicator element.
[0100] By way of example, the applicator element may include at
least two deformed bristles that are engaged between two adjacent
turns, each bristle presenting a removal of material or a
flattening at at least one point along its length from the core,
and extending outwards, non-radially, from said point, as described
in US application No. 2004/0240926. Each deformed bristle may
include two rectilinear portions forming a bend between them. The
two rectilinear portions may present the same cross-section. All of
the deformed bristles may define bends that are all situated
substantially at the same distance from the core.
[0101] By way of example, the applicator element may include 5 to
80 bristles per turn, even 15 to 40, in particular 10 to 50
bristles per turn. The applicator element may also include only 5
to 20 bristles per turn. The number of bristles per turn
corresponds to the number of bristle ends counted by a stationary
observer while the applicator element turns through 180.degree.
about its core.
[0102] The applicator may include twisted bristles, e.g. as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,708.
[0103] The applicator element may be caused to vibrate either by a
generator that is mounted in the applicator, in particular on the
handle, in optionally removable manner, or by an external vibrating
element that is mounted on a finger of the user, for example.
Packaging and Applicator Devices
[0104] The invention also provides a packaging and applicator
device for applying a cosmetic composition, the device comprising
an applicator as defined above, and a receptacle containing the
composition for application.
[0105] The device may further include a wiper member that is
disposed in such a manner as to wipe the applicator element while
it is being removed from the receptacle. The wiper member may be
fastened in the neck of the receptacle.
[0106] The wiper member may include a lip made of elastomer or of
polyethylene, or, in a variant, it may comprise a block of foam,
e.g. slotted in its middle. Also, the wiper member need not include
any porous material.
[0107] The wiper member may be adjustable, in particular so as to
make it possible to adjust the size of the wiper orifice.
[0108] The composition is makeup or a care product for the
eyelashes or the eyebrows. The composition may be mascara, for
example.
[0109] The composition may be a liquid, or a paste.
[0110] The handle may close the receptacle in leaktight manner, and
it may be screw-fastened on the neck of the receptacle, for
example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0111] The invention can be better understood on reading the
following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof,
and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0112] FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrammatic views in elevation, and
partially in axial section, showing an embodiment of a packaging
and applicator device of the invention;
[0113] FIG. 1A is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a variant
embodiment;
[0114] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic and fragmentary axial section view
of the applicator of the device in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0115] FIGS. 4 to 10 and 10A to 10E are views similar to FIG. 3
showing variant embodiments;
[0116] FIG. 11 is a cross-section of the flexible portion of a
variant embodiment;
[0117] FIG. 12 is an elevation view of a variant of an
applicator;
[0118] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing a variant
embodiment;
[0119] FIGS. 14 to 23 show examples of cross-sections of the
envelope surfaces of brushes, amongst others;
[0120] FIGS. 24 to 32 are fragmentary views of variant embodiments
of brushes;
[0121] FIGS. 33 and 34 show twisted cores respectively having
left-hand and right-hand twist;
[0122] FIG. 35 diagrammatically shows a double core that is formed
by twisting together two individual twisted cores.
[0123] FIGS. 36 to 53 show various examples of bristle
cross-sections;
[0124] FIG. 54 shows a side view of an undulating bristle;
[0125] FIGS. 55 to 58 are fragmentary and diagrammatic views of
examples of bristles; and
[0126] FIGS. 59 to 61 show variant embodiments of the applicator
element.
MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0127] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a packaging and applicator device 1
comprising: a receptacle 2 containing a composition P for
application to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, e.g. mascara; and an
applicator 3 comprising: a stem 4 that is provided at its distal
end 4a with an applicator element 5 and that is connected at its
proximal end to a handle 6 that also constitutes the closure cap
for closing the receptacle 2. The receptacle is fitted with a wiper
member 7, e.g. constituted by a part made of elastomer that is
inserted into the neck 8 of the receptacle. The wiper member 7 can
optionally be conventional, indeed it can be adjustable.
[0128] In manner known per se, when screwed tight, the handle 6 is
arranged to close the receptacle 2 on the neck 8 in leaktight
manner.
[0129] In the embodiment shown, the wiper member 7 defines a wiper
orifice 9 of circular section, having a diameter that corresponds
substantially to the diameter of the stem 4, said stem being of
circular cross-section in the embodiment shown, at least over all
of its portion engaged in the receptacle.
[0130] In the embodiment under consideration, the stem 4 presents a
rectilinear longitudinal axis X that coincides substantially with
the axis of the neck 8 of the receptacle 2 when the applicator 3 is
in place on said receptacle.
[0131] The stem 4 includes both a rigid portion 4g and a flexible
portion 20 that, in the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 to 3,
extends from the distal end 4a of the stem 4.
[0132] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the flexible
portion 20 is of circular cross-section, of diameter equal to the
diameter of the remainder of the stem 4.
[0133] The flexible portion 20 is made of a material that is more
flexible than the material of which the rigid portion 4g is made,
e.g. a material from the following list: elastomer, thermoplastic,
or thermoplastic elastomer material; LDPE PVC; Hytrel.RTM.; EPDM;
EVA; SIS; SEBS; latex; silicone; nitrile rubber; butyl;
polyurethane; and polyether block amide.
[0134] By way of example, the rigid portion 4g is made of
polyolefin.
[0135] By way of example, the rigid portion is made of POM, with an
outside diameter of 4 mm and a length lying in the range 25 mm to
50 mm.
[0136] The flexible portion 20 makes it possible to impart
flexibility to the stem 4, which is particularly useful while, the
applicator element 5 is being removed from the receptacle 2, as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0137] In this figure, it can be seen that while the applicator
element 5 is being removed from the receptacle 2, even if the user
pulls on the applicator element 5 obliquely relative to the
longitudinal axis of the receptacle 2, the applicator element 5
can, by means of the flexibility of the flexible portion 20,
preserve an orientation that coincides substantially with the
longitudinal axis of the receptacle 2 while passing through the
wiper member 7.
[0138] In this way, the quality of the wiping of the applicator
element 5 is preserved with regard to its evenness, and application
can be performed under good conditions.
[0139] In addition, during application, the contact between the
applicator element 5 and the eyelashes or the eyebrows can be
lighter and the elasticity of the flexible portion can turn out to
be advantageous for applying the composition, extending and
separating the eyelashes or the eyebrow hairs, as explained
above.
[0140] In the embodiment under consideration, the applicator
element is a brush including a core 10 formed by two twisted metal
strands, the core 10 having a proximal portion that is fastened in
a housing of the stem 4, e.g. being force-fitted in the housing, as
shown in FIG. 3.
[0141] The core 10 carries bristles 11 that are held by being
clamped between the turns of the core 10 and that extend
substantially radially from the core.
[0142] The flexible portion 20 can be fastened onto the rigid
portion 4g in various ways, e.g. being force-fitted in a housing 22
of the rigid portion 4g of the stem 4, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0143] In addition, the flexible portion 20 includes a housing 24
for receiving a fastener portion of the applicator element 5, and
in particular in FIG. 3, an end of the core 10.
[0144] It can be seen in FIG. 3 that the housings 22 and 24 are the
same size and the same shape, thereby making it possible to
eliminate the flexible portion 20 and to insert the core 10 into
the housing 22 of the stem 4 when the flexible portion 20 is not
necessary, thereby making it possible to make economies of
scale.
[0145] Naturally, various modifications can be applied to the
applicator, and in particular to the applicator element and to the
flexible portion, without going beyond the ambit of the present
invention.
[0146] The flexible portion 20 can be fastened onto the remainder
of the stem in various ways.
[0147] By way of example, the flexible portion can include a
housing 25 for receiving a male fastener portion of the rigid
portion 4g, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0148] The flexible portion 20 can also be overmolded onto the
rigid portion 4g or vice versa, or it can be held by being crimped
in the housing 22 of the stem 4, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0149] In addition, the shape of the flexible portion 20 can be
other than cylindrical, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0150] By way of example, the flexible portion 20 can include a
beveled end, as shown in FIG. 6, thereby making it easier to put
the applicator 3 back into the receptacle 2.
[0151] The flexible portion 20 can also include a thinned portion,
e.g. an hourglass shape, as shown in FIG. 7, or it can include an
annular groove 20k that is crenellated, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0152] The embodiment of FIG. 8 is particularly advantageous,
because it allows to make the applicator member with a material
which is not too soft while having a good angular course for the
applicator member. The flexible portion has two preferential
deformation zones, the first one at the level of the groove 20K and
the second one at the level of the base 20.sub.g of the end piece
inserted into the rigid portion. In this example, the visible
surface of the visible portion adjacent to the rigid portion is
inscribed in the continuity of the rigid portion, having a same
diameter.
[0153] The flexible portion 20 can also be inserted only partially
into the housing 22, as shown in FIG. 9, and, where appropriate, an
annular groove can be formed in front of the end of the rigid
portion 4g of the stem, the width of the groove depending on the
degree to which the fastener portion of the flexible portion is
pushed into the rigid portion of the stem.
[0154] The flexibility of the flexible portion can result solely
from the choice of material from which it is made, or else it can
result both from the choice of material and from its shape.
[0155] A thinned shape, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 can impart more
flexibility.
[0156] It would not be beyond the ambit of the present invention
for the flexible portion 20 to present a greatest transverse
dimension that is greater than a greatest transverse dimension of
the remainder of the stem 4, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0157] FIG. 10A shows a variant in which the flexible portion 20
includes a visible portion 20A that presents a smallest transverse
dimension that is smaller than the smallest transverse dimension of
the adjacent portion of the rigid portion 4g.
[0158] Where appropriate, the flexible portion can be made with a
collar 20b that comes into abutment against the adjacent axial end
of the rigid portion 4g.
[0159] FIG. 10B shows the possibility of making the flexible
portion 20 with a profile that varies between the portion of the
flexible portion 20 that is for fastening the applicator element 5,
and the portion of the flexible portion that is for fastening in
the rigid portion 4g. In the embodiment shown and by way of
example, the flexible portion includes a plurality of annular ribs
20c that are separated by annular grooves 20d that define zones of
smaller diameter, thereby increasing the flexibility of the
flexible portion 20. In this figure, it can also be seen that the
end of the portion of the flexible portion 20 for fastening on the
rigid portion 4g can include an enlarged head 20e that is held in a
housing 300 of the rigid portion 4g by crimping the rigid portion
4g in such a manner as to form an inwardly-directed indentation
301.
[0160] FIG. 10C shows the possibility of the flexible portion
presenting a portion 20f for fastening on the adjacent rigid
portion 4g, a narrowing 20g being suitable for receiving an
indentation resulting from crimping the rigid portion 4g.
[0161] In general manner and as shown, the flexible portion can be
made with a narrowing 20w that is situated axially between the
portion of the flexible portion for fastening the applicator
element on the flexible portion and the portion of the flexible
portion for fastening on the remainder of the stem.
[0162] FIG. 10D shows the FIG. 10C stem while the flexible portion
20 is being flexed. It can be seen in this figure that in addition
to the flexible portion 20 deforming at its annular narrowing, the
portion for fastening the rigid portion of the stem can also
stretch, a gap 310 possibly appearing externally between the
flexible portion and the end of the rigid portion 4g.
[0163] FIG. 10E shows the possibility of making the flexible
portion 20 with a central portion 20i for engaging in a
corresponding, housing of the rigid portion 4g, and an outer
tubular skirt 20h for coming to cover a tubular skirt 312 that is
formed around the housing receiving the central portion 20i. This
makes it possible to have a continuous outside diameter between the
rigid portion 4g and the flexible portion 20 where said flexible
portion is connected to the rigid portion 4g.
[0164] The outside of the cross-section of the flexible portion can
also be other than circular, in particular at at least one point
along its length.
[0165] By way of example and as shown in FIG. 11, the flexible
portion can include one or more grooves 28 that extend axially,
thereby encouraging pressure to balance between the inside and the
outside of the receptacle 2 while the applicator 3 is being
inserted into or removed from the receptacle 2.
[0166] Still in a variant, the shape of the cross-section of the
flexible portion can be other than circular, e.g. selected from the
following list: polygonal; square; rectangular; triangular;
non-circular; oblong; oval; elliptical; kidney-shaped; star-shaped;
or with one or more grooves, in addition, the shape of the
cross-section of the remainder of the stem can be selected from the
same list.
[0167] The cross-sections of the flexible portion 20 and of the
remainder of the stem can be identical or different, without going
beyond the ambit of the present invention.
[0168] In the embodiments described above, the flexible portion 20
defines the distal end 4a of the stem 4, but it would not be beyond
the ambit of the present invention if this were otherwise.
[0169] By way of example, FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which the
flexible portion 20 is disposed between a rigid distal portion 4b
of the stem, and a rigid proximal portion 4c of the stem.
[0170] In addition, in all of the embodiments described above, the
stem is shown with a longitudinal axis X that is rectilinear, but
it would not be beyond the ambit of the present invention if this
were otherwise.
[0171] By way of example, FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which the
longitudinal axis X of the stem 4 is curved.
[0172] The curve of the longitudinal axis X of the stem 4 can be as
a result of the curved shape of the flexible portion 20, or even as
a result of the curved shape of a rigid portion of the stem 4.
[0173] The curved shape can be as a result of inserting a curved
Fastener portion of the flexible portion 20 more or less completely
into the housing 22 of the rigid portion of the stem 4.
[0174] In addition, the applicator element can have an envelope
surface of circular cross-section, or, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 23,
it could present another shape in cross-section at at least one
point along its length, e.g. a triangular shape as shown in FIG.
14.
[0175] The applicator element can also be given various other
cross-sections, e.g. square, as shown in FIG. 15, or pentagonal or
hexagonal, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 respectively.
[0176] The applicator element can include at least one plane or
concave face. By way of example, the applicator element can include
an envelope surface of circular cross-section with at least one
flat 30, as shown in FIG. 18, with at least one concave side 32, as
shown in FIG. 19, or with at least one convex side 34, as shown in
FIG. 20. In FIG. 20, it can be seen that the applicator element can
present an envelope surface of cross-section that is oblong, in
particular lens-shaped.
[0177] In the cross-section examples shown in FIGS. 14 to 20, the
cross-section is shown centered relative to the core. In a variant,
the core can also be off-center relative to the cross-section of
the envelope surface at at least one point along the applicator
element, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23. In FIG. 21 the cross-section
is square, in FIG. 22 it is rectangular, and in FIG. 23 it is
oblong. Whatever its shape, the cross-section can be centered or
off-center relative to the core.
[0178] The envelope surface E can be of constant circular
cross-section over the major portion of the length of the
applicator element, or even over its entire length.
[0179] In a variant, the envelope surface can present at least one
portion having a cross-section that varies, e.g. in geometrically
similar manner, e.g. decreasing towards the free end of the
applicator element.
[0180] Still in a variant, the cross-section of the envelope
surface E of the applicator element can pass through at least one
extremum between its two axial ends, e.g. a maximum or a minimum,
or even both, as can be seen in FIG. 24. In this figure, the
cross-section passes through a minimum 40 and two maximums 41,
42.
[0181] In another variant, the envelope surface of the applicator
element is not symmetrical about a mid-plane that is perpendicular
to the core, e.g. as shown in FIG. 25. In this embodiment, the
applicator element is made from a blank on which facets 50 have
been cut.
[0182] The longitudinal axis Z of the core 10 of the applicator
element 5 can coincide with the longitudinal axis X of the stem 4,
or, in a variant, it can be distinct. By way of example, FIG. 26
shows an embodiment in which the core of the applicator element
extends along an axis Z forming an angle with the axis X. The angle
can be in the range 1.degree.to 15.degree., for example.
[0183] In addition, in the embodiments described above, the core of
the applicator element 5 is rectilinear, but it would not be beyond
the ambit of the present invention if this were otherwise.
[0184] By way of example, FIGS. 27 to 29 show three embodiments in
which the core of the applicator element is curved. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the applicator element presents a
plane face and a concave face. In the embodiment in FIG. 28, the
applicator element presents a plane face 50 and a convex face, and
in the embodiment in FIG. 29, the applicator element presents two
plane faces 50.
[0185] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the applicator element
includes a core 10 that is curved over at least a fraction of its
length, and an envelope surface E that is not symmetrical about a
mid-plane that is perpendicular to the core. In addition, the angle
between the axis X and the axis of the core is, at any point along
the core, less than 90.degree.. The free end of the applicator
element is not in alignment with the axis X.
[0186] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the applicator element 5
includes a free end 52 that constitutes the point of the applicator
element that is the furthest away from the longitudinal axis X.
[0187] In this embodiment, the core of the applicator element
extends along a longitudinal axis Z on the same side of a plane
containing the axis X.
[0188] In another variant shown in FIG. 31, the applicator element
is curved about at least two axes C.sub.1, C.sub.2 that are not
parallel to each other. The axes C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 extend in
directions that can be perpendicular, for example.
[0189] In the variant shown in FIG. 32, the applicator element is
made from a blank in which notches 55 have been cut.
[0190] In cross-section, the notches present an outwardly-convex
shape, but it would not be beyond the ambit of the present
invention for the cross-section of the notches to present an
outwardly-concave shape.
[0191] In the embodiments described above, the or is constituted by
a twisted wire in which the bristles are held.
[0192] The strands of the core can be given a left-hand twist or a
right-hand twist.
[0193] It is particularly advantageous to use a brush having, a
left-hand twist FIG. 33 shows a brush with a core having a
left-hand twist, and FIG. 34 shows a brush with a core having a
right-hand twist.
[0194] The path of the sheets N defined by the ends of the bristles
is shown diagrammatically by chain-dotted lines, the sheets forming
an angle with a plane that is perpendicular to the core. Reference
can usefully be made to European patent EP 0 611 170.
[0195] The core can also be a double core, formed by two individual
cores that are twisted together, as shown in FIG. 35. Each
individual core can comprise two strands that are twisted together,
trapping bristles. Each of the two individual cores can be
constituted by a branch of a single twisted core that is folded in
a U-shape, the two branches being twisted together.
[0196] Any kind of bristle can be used in an applicator element
made in accordance with the invention, and in particular bristles
presenting a cross-section that is circular or other than circular.
In particular, it is possible to use a mixture of bristles of
different kinds, or a mixture of bristles of different lengths,
optionally of the same kind.
[0197] By way of example, the applicator elements shown are made
with bristles of circular section, of diameter lying in the range
65 .mu.m to 400 .mu.m.
[0198] It is possible to use bristles presenting, in cross-section,
one of the shapes shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 36 to 53, e.g. a
circular shape with a flat as shown in FIG. 36, a flat shape as
shown in FIG. 37, a star shape, e.g. a cross shape, as shown in
FIG. 38 or having three branches as shown in FIG. 39, U-shaped as
shown in FIG. 40, H-shaped as shown in FIG. 41, T-shaped as shown
in FIG. 42, V-shaped as shown in FIG. 43, a hollow shape, e.g.
circular as shown in FIG. 44 or square as shown in FIG. 45, forming
ramifications, e.g. snowflake-shaped as shown in FIG. 46, of
prismatic section, e.g. triangular as shown in FIG. 47, square as
shown in FIG. 48, or hexagonal as shown in FIG. 49, or even
oblong-shaped, in particular lens-shaped as shown in FIG. 50, or
hourglass-shaped as shown in FIG. 51. It is possible to use
bristles having portions that are hinged relative to one another,
as shown in FIG. 52. It is also possible to use bristles that
present at least one capillary channel 60, as shown in FIG. 53.
[0199] Before being put into place between the strands of the core,
the bristles 11 that are held between the twisted strands of the
core can present an optionally rectilinear shape, e.g. an
undulating shape, as shown in FIG. 54.
[0200] The bristles can be subjected to a treatment that seeks to
form, at their ends, beads 61, as shown in FIG. 55, or spikes 62,
as shown in FIG. 56.
[0201] It is possible to use flocked bristles, as shown in FIG. 57,
or even bristles that are made by extruding a plastics material
containing a filler of particles 64, e.g. particles of a
moisture-absorbing material, so as to impart a micro-relief to the
surface of the bristles, as shown in FIG. 58, or so as to give them
magnetic or other properties.
[0202] The bristles can also be made with a material presenting
properties that favors sliding.
[0203] The bristles can be natural or synthetic, and they can, for
example, be made of a material selected from: polyethylene (PE);
polyamide (PA), in particular PA6, PA6/6, PA6/10, or PA6/12;
HYTREL.RTM.; PEBAX.RTM.; silicone; and polyurethane (PU); this list
not being limiting.
[0204] The core of the applicator element 5 can also be other than
twisted, e.g. including through holes in each of which a bundle of
bristles is held, as shown in FIG. 59.
[0205] In this embodiment, the core 10 further includes a front
portion 10a and a rear portion 10b that are profiled in such a
manner as to make it easier for the applicator element 5 to be
inserted into the receptacle and to pass through the wiper member
9.
[0206] In another variant shown in FIG. 60, the applicator element
5 is made by molding a plastics material, in particular by
injection molding, and it comprises a core 10 carrying teeth 66
that are made integrally with the core 10 and that extend
transversally to the axis X of the stem 4.
[0207] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments
described above.
[0208] By way of example, the composition could be applied by means
of a vibrating applicator.
[0209] By way of example and as shown in FIG. 1A, the applicator
includes a vibration generator 320 (also known as a vibration
source) that is secured to the handle 6, for example, and that is
suitable for being fastened on said handle in optionally removable
manner.
[0210] Such a vibration generator is described in French patent
application FR 2 882 506.
[0211] The vibration makes it possible to obtain better separation
of the eyelashes, and when using a composition containing fibers,
better orientation of said fibers and/or greater ease in taking up
the composition. While taking up composition, the applicator
element can be subjected to the vibration of the vibration source,
thereby making it possible, where appropriate, for the composition
to be loaded in more uniform manner on the applicator element.
[0212] The flexible portion 20 can amplify the vibration
transmitted to the applicator element 5.
[0213] In particular, the flexible portion 20 can be made in such a
manner as to resonate with the vibration frequencies from the
vibration source 320, thereby making it possible to amplify the
amplitude of the vibration.
[0214] FIG. 61 shows an applicator element 5 that presents the
distinctive feature of comprising a brush 330 having a twisted
metal core and bristles 331 held by the core, the brush being
carried by a support 332 that is made integrally with the flexible
portion 20. In the embodiment under consideration, the support 332
presents teeth 333 on the side remote from the brush 330. The ends
of the core 330 of the brush are fastened in walls 335 and 336 that
are made integrally with the remainder of the support and that are
profiled so as to make it easier to pass through the wiper member.
It would not be beyond the ambit of the present invention for the
support to be of a different shape, in particular making it without
the teeth 333 or without the brush.
[0215] When the receptacle includes a wiper member through which
the applicator element is removed, the applicator element can
optionally be subjected to vibration while passing through the
wiper member, thereby making it possible to wipe the applicator
element in a way that is different to the way it is wiped when it
is not vibrating. By way of example, the user can thus choose
between at least two degrees of wiping the applicator element,
depending on whether or not the applicator element is vibrating
while passing through the wiper member.
[0216] The composition can also be applied by means of a device
that is used to apply the composition, the device including:
removable fastener means for fastening to at least one finger, a
band, or a wrist, or being hand held; and a vibration source that
makes it possible to produce vibration.
[0217] In another of its aspects, the invention also provides an
applicator comprising: [0218] an applicator element for applying a
composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows; [0219] a stem at one
end of which the applicator element is fastened; and [0220] a
handle that is fastened to the opposite end of the stem, the stem
being made with two segments made of materials that present
different hardnesses, the segment made of the softer material
preferably being adjacent to the applicator element. The applicator
element can be a brush having a twisted metal core.
[0221] In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a
vibration source and an applicator as defined above.
[0222] The term "comprising a" should be understood as being
synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless specified to the
contrary.
[0223] Although the present invention herein has been described
with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood
that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles
and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *