U.S. patent application number 15/102085 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-20 for applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes or eyelids.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. The applicant listed for this patent is L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Alain Berhault, Eric Caulier, Audrey Thenin.
Application Number | 20160302554 15/102085 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50137851 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160302554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berhault; Alain ; et
al. |
October 20, 2016 |
APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC, MAKEUP OR CARE, PRODUCT TO THE
EYELASHES OR EYELIDS
Abstract
The present invention relates to an applicator (2) for applying
a cosmetic product (P) to the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or eyelids,
comprising a moulded applicator member (8) comprising:--a core (10)
that extends along a longitudinal axis (X),--spikes (18) that are
carried by the core (10) and extend from the core (10), and--an
application element (13) that is elongate along the longitudinal
axis (X) of the core (10) and extends along less than the length of
the core, wherein the applicator member (8) comprises no spikes
that project orthogonally over the elongate application element
(13), or wherein at least one spike (18) projects orthogonally over
the elongate application element (13) such that the top (S) of the
elongate application element (13) is farther away from the
longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10) than the free end of the
projection of said spike (18).
Inventors: |
Berhault; Alain; (Le Pres
Saint Gervais, FR) ; Thenin; Audrey; (Meudon, FR)
; Caulier; Eric; (Maignelay, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
50137851 |
Appl. No.: |
15/102085 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
December 4, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2014/066595 |
371 Date: |
June 6, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/268 20130101;
A46B 9/028 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101; A46B 5/0033 20130101;
A46B 2200/106 20130101; A46B 2200/1053 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46B 5/00 20060101 A46B005/00; A46B 9/02 20060101
A46B009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 6, 2013 |
FR |
13 62259 |
Claims
1. Applicator for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes,
eyebrows and/or eyelids, comprising a moulded applicator member
comprising: a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, spikes
that are carried by the core and extend from the core, and an
application element that is elongate along the longitudinal axis of
the core and extends along less than the length of the core,
wherein the applicator member comprises no spikes that project
orthogonally over the elongate application element, or wherein at
least one spike projects orthogonally over the elongate application
element such that the top of the elongate application element is
farther away from the longitudinal axis of the core than the free
end of the projection of said spike.
2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the elongate
application element extends along less than three quarters of the
length of the core.
3. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the elongate
application element extends along a plane parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the core.
4. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein, when spikes project
orthogonally over the elongate application element, the height of
the orthogonal projection of said at least one spike over the
elongate application element is less than the maximum height of the
elongate application element.
5. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the ratio
(h.sub.n/h.sub.p) between the maximum height of the elongate
application element and the greatest height (h.sub.p) of the spikes
that are carried by the core along the portion of its length that
carries the elongate application element is between 0.5 and
1.5.
6. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the height of the
elongate application element increases increases from its distal
end to the top before decreasing to its proximal end.
7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the height of the
elongate application element at its distal end is non-zero.
8. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the top of the elongate
application element is located at a distance of between a quarter
and half the length of the core from the distal end of the
core.
9. Applicator according to . claim 1, wherein the elongate
application element is closer to the distal end of the core than to
its proximal end.
10. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the
elongate application element is away from the distal end of the
core.
11. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the
elongate application element decreases in the direction of its free
edge.
12. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the elongate
application element is moulded together with and from the same
material as the core.
13. Device for packaging and applying a product to the eyelashes,
eyebrows and/or eyelids, comprising an applicator according to
claim 1 and a container containing the product and comprising a
wiping member.
14. A method for making up the eyes, wherein use is made of a
device as defined in claim 13, Method wherein product is applied to
the eyelashes and/or eyebrows and the latter are combed by using
the spikes of the applicator member, and the elongate application
element of the applicator member is used to draw a line on the
eyelid.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator for applying
a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes, eyebrows
and/or eyelids, for example mascara.
[0002] The invention also relates to devices comprising a container
which contains the product to be applied and is provided with a
wiping member, and the applicator.
[0003] The application FR 2 961 384 discloses an applicator
comprising teeth that extend over less than half way around the
longitudinal axis of the core. Such an applicator is particularly
suitable for relatively short eyelashes or eyebrows, the shape of
the applicator member making it possible to get closer to the
eyelid.
[0004] It is known from the application EP 1 070 466 to have an
applicator comprising application elements located only on one side
of a core.
[0005] The application US 2012/0167910 describes an applicator
comprising a stationary bristle area and a mobile bristle area
whose base can be displaced relative to the base of said stationary
bristle area.
[0006] There is a need to further improve applicators for applying
a product, in particular mascara, to the eyelashes and/or eyelids,
in order to improve the performance thereof, and more particularly
to promote the creation on the applicator member of zones that are
more heavily laden with product, which allow easy application of
makeup and rapid and abundant loading of the eyelashes, while
retaining a high capacity to separate the eyelashes. There is also
a need to benefit from an applicator that makes it possible to
produce new makeup effects on the eyes.
[0007] A subject of the invention, according to one of its aspects,
is an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product
to the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or eyelids, comprising a moulded
applicator member comprising:
[0008] a core that extends along a longitudinal axis,
[0009] spikes that are carried by the core and extend from the
core, and
[0010] an application element that is elongate along the
longitudinal axis of the core and extends along less than the
length of the core,
wherein the applicator member comprises no spikes that project
orthogonally over the elongate application element, or wherein at
least one spike projects orthogonally over the elongate application
element such that the top of the elongate application element is
farther away from the longitudinal axis of the core than the free
end of the projection of said spike.
[0011] The invention makes it possible to obtain, on the applicator
member, in particular along the elongate application element, at
least one zone that forms a reservoir and which acquires a surplus
of product after wiping. The latter allows the eyelashes to be
loaded with a large and satisfactory amount of product from the
first application.
[0012] In particular, a local overload of product can be deposited
at the internal base of the eyelashes since the elongate
application element is free of any spikes and is higher than the
spikes that are adjacent to it. The user can apply makeup to the
base of the upper eyelashes from below by using the elongate
application element so as to obtain the effect of an eyeliner.
Specifically, because the elongate application element does not
deform substantially as it passes the wiping member of the
container into which the applicator is dipped, product still
remains on the elongate application element. The user's row of
eyelashes can be positioned on the latter and the user can use the
elongate application element to tap the internal base of the upper
eyelashes from below. The spikes can then be used to spread the
product and to comb the eyelashes.
[0013] Furthermore, the user can directly produce a line of
eyeliner on the eyelids by using the elongate application
element.
[0014] The expression "longitudinal axis of the core" denotes the
line connecting all of the centres of mass of the cross sections of
the core. The longitudinal axis may be a central axis, or even an
axis of symmetry for the core, in particular when the core has a
circular cross section or a cross section in the overall shape of a
regular polygon. The longitudinal axis of the core may be
rectilinear or curved and may be contained in a plane, which may be
a plane of symmetry for some, or even for all of the cross sections
of the core. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the core is
rectilinear.
[0015] The term "spike" denotes an individualizable projecting
element intended to come into engagement with the eyelashes.
[0016] The expression "top of the elongate application element"
denotes a point on the free edge of the elongate application
element that is located at the greatest distance from the base of
the elongate application element, by way of which it is connected
to the core, said distance being measured perpendicularly to the
core.
[0017] Elongate Application Element
[0018] The elongate application element advantageously extends
along less than the length of the portion of the core that carries
the spikes.
[0019] The elongate application element may extend along less than
three quarters of the length of the core, better still along less
than half the length of the core.
[0020] The elongate application element may extend along a plane
containing the longitudinal axis of the core, or parallel
thereto.
[0021] When at least one spike projects orthogonally over the
elongate application element, the height of the orthogonal
projection of this spike over the elongate application element is
advantageously less than the maximum height of the elongate
application element, and in particular is less than half the
maximum height of the elongate application element.
[0022] The maximum height of the elongate application element may
be greater than the mean height of the spikes, along the portion of
the core that carries the elongate application element.
[0023] The mean height of the spikes is calculated arithmetically
from all the heights of the spikes. The expression "maximum height
of the elongate application element" denotes the distance measured
perpendicularly to the core between the top of the free edge of the
elongate application element and its base by way of which it is
attached to the core. The expression "height of a spike" denotes
the distance measured along the elongation axis of the spike
between its free end and its base by way of which it is connected
to the core. The expression "elongation axis of the spike" denotes
an axis which passes through the centres of mass of the cross
sections of the spike.
[0024] In particular when spikes project orthogonally over the
elongate application element, the maximum height of the elongate
application element along the portion of the core that carries the
elongate application element is preferably greater than the
greatest height of the spikes. This allows a greater reserve of
product to be applied to the base of the eyelashes, the elongate
application element standing out largely from the spikes and thus
being easily accessible during application.
[0025] The ratio between the maximum height of the elongate
application element and the greatest height of the spikes may be
between 0.5 and 1.5, better still between 0.8 and 1.2.
[0026] The height of the elongate application element may be
constant along its entire length. Preferably, the height of the
elongate application element is variable. The height of the
elongate application element may increase from its distal end to
the top of its free edge before decreasing to its proximal end.
[0027] The height of the elongate application element at its distal
end may be non-zero.
[0028] The maximum height of the elongate application element may
be between 2 mm and 5 mm, better still between 3 mm and 4 mm.
[0029] The point of the elongate application element that is
farthest from the longitudinal axis of the core may be a single
point. In one variant, the free edge of the elongate application
element extends over a segment that is not reduced to a point at a
single maximum distance from the longitudinal axis of the core.
[0030] The maximum thickness of the elongate application element
may be between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, better still between 0.4 mm and 1
mm.
[0031] The elongate application element is preferably largely
higher than it is thick, in particular between 4 and 7 times higher
than it is thick. The elongate application element advantageously
also has a profile that is tapered towards its free edge when
viewed along the longitudinal axis of the core. The thickness of
the elongate application element can thus decrease in the direction
of its free edge, for a given axial position on the longitudinal
axis of the applicator member.
[0032] The length of the elongate application element may be
between 10 mm and 14 mm.
[0033] The top of the elongate application element may be located
at a distance, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core, of
between a quarter and half the total length of the core from the
distal end of the core, in particular equal to one third of the
length of the core.
[0034] The elongate application element is preferably closer to the
distal end of the core than to its proximal end.
[0035] The distal end of the elongate application element may be
away from the distal end of the core along the longitudinal axis of
the core, in particular by a distance of between 0.2 mm and 0.7
mm.
[0036] In one variant, the elongate application element extends
around the nose of the core on the plane along which the elongate
application element extends. The elongate application element can
thus have a rounded portion at its distal end, preferably with the
same thickness as the rest of the elongate application element,
extending around the nose of the core on the plane along which the
elongate application element extends. The elongate application
element can thus extend longitudinally beyond the distal end of the
core over a distance, measured along the longitudinal axis of the
core, which is non-zero, for example between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.
[0037] The elongate application element may have rounded edges at
its distal and proximal ends, and thus does not have right angles
at its ends. This reduces the risk of catching during the use of
the applicator and improves the comfort of application.
[0038] The elongate application element may be offset with respect
to the longitudinal axis of the core, that is to say that the
distance between the plane along which the elongate application
element extends and the longitudinal axis of the core is
non-zero.
[0039] The elongate application element may present an overall fin
shape which is more or less high and more or less rounded.
[0040] The top of the elongate application element may be closer to
its proximal end that to its distal end along the longitudinal axis
of the core.
[0041] The elongate application element may also be arch-shaped.
The elongate application element may in this case consist of an
arched element that is connected to the core at its two ends. In
this case, the spikes are considered to project over the elongate
application element when they project in the hollow of the arch,
under the arched element.
[0042] The elongate application element is preferably moulded
together with and from the same material as the core.
[0043] The core, the spikes and the elongate application element
may be moulded from one and the same material, or in a variant they
can be made from at least two different materials. A part of the
core, the spikes and the elongate application element may for
example be made from a first material, and another part of the
core, the spikes and the elongate application element may be made
from a second material which is for example more flexible or harder
than the first material. The core is for example formed from one or
more thermoplastic materials which may be elastomeric.
[0044] The core and/or the spikes and/or the elongate application
element may be made of an elastomeric, thermoplastic or
thermosetting material, metal or ceramic.
[0045] In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the spikes and/or
the elongate application element are produced by moulding or
overmoulding with the core. The spikes and/or the elongate
application element may, for example, be produced by a technique in
which a material is injected through at least one part of the core,
so as to allow the formation of the spikes and/or the elongate
application element.
[0046] In one variant, the elongate application element may be
attached to the core. In this case, the core may have two parts,
one of these parts carrying the elongate application element.
[0047] The elongate application element may be flocked. This makes
it possible to retain more product on its surface and its free edge
and to apply the line of eyeliner better, as the case may be.
[0048] Spikes
[0049] The applicator member may have a number of longitudinal rows
of spikes that extend along the longitudinal axis of the core. The
applicator member may have between 3 and 10 longitudinal rows of
spikes, better still between 4 and 7 longitudinal rows of
spikes.
[0050] The longitudinal rows of spikes may each comprise the same
number of spikes. In one variant, the longitudinal rows of spikes
comprise a different number of spikes from one row to another.
[0051] Each longitudinal row of spikes may comprise between 10 and
20 spikes, better still between 14 and 20 spikes.
[0052] The offset between a spike in one longitudinal row and the
adjacent spike in the next longitudinal row may be between 0.5 mm
and 1.1 mm, for example equal to 0.8 mm.
[0053] The height of at least one spike, measured from the core,
may be between 0.2 mm and 5 mm.
[0054] The height of the spikes may vary, for example in a
monotonous manner, along the longitudinal axis of the core, within
one longitudinal row and/or from one row to another. For example,
along the longitudinal axis of the core, the height of the spikes
may increase, within one row, between the proximal end of the core
and a first abscissa, then remain approximately constant between
this first abscissa and a second abscissa before decreasing between
this second abscissa and the distal end of the core.
[0055] The spikes may differ from one another by way of at least
one of their shape, thickness, height, orientation, colour and/or
material.
[0056] The free ends of the spikes of the applicator member and the
free edge of the elongate application element define an envelope
surface of the applicator member, which is for example in the form
of a cylinder of revolution along at least a part of its
length.
[0057] This envelope surface may have various shapes, with a
rectilinear or non-rectilinear longitudinal axis.
[0058] The envelope surface may, if appropriate, extend along a
longitudinal axis that forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal
axis of the core.
[0059] The envelope surface may have a cross section that varies
along all or part of the length of the applicator member.
[0060] Some spikes of the applicator, or even all the spikes, may
have a thickness measured at their base, that is to say at the
point at which the spikes are attached to the core, of between 0.2
and 1.2 mm, or even between 0.4 and 0.8 mm. The expression
"thickness of a spike" denotes the largest transverse dimension of
the spike, in section, perpendicularly to the elongation axis of
the spike. It is a diameter when the spike has a conical overall
shape.
[0061] The spikes may have any shape. The spikes may have a
cylindrical or tapered, in particular conical, frustoconical or
pyramidal shape. At least one spike may end with a rounded, in
particular hemispherical free end.
[0062] At least one spike may extend from the core along an
elongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the
point at which the spike is attached to the core. Preferably, all
of the spikes extend from the core along an elongation axis
perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the
spikes are attached to the core.
[0063] In a variant, the elongation axis of the spikes may form an
angle other than 90.degree. with the surface of the core at the
point at which the spikes are attached to the core. The applicator
may comprise between 30 and 200 spikes, for example between 50 and
130 spikes.
[0064] Applicator
[0065] The applicator may comprise a stem that carries the
applicator member at a first end and is fixed to a gripping member
at a second end.
[0066] The core may be solid, being for example moulded with an end
piece for fixing to the stem of the applicator. The expression
"length of the core" denotes the length of the visible part of the
core after it has been fixed in the stem, not including the fixing
end piece. This length corresponds to the visible length of the
applicator member. A shoulder may be provided between the core and
the fixing end piece so as to limit the pushing of the applicator
member into the stem.
[0067] The applicator member may be fixed to the stem by
snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, crimping, pressing,
stapling, force-fitting, fitting in a cold state or fitting in a
hot state, for example by being mounted in a housing in the stem.
In a variant, the stem may be received in a housing provided in the
core.
[0068] It is also possible for the stem and the applicator member
to be moulded or not to be moulded in one piece and from the same
thermoplastic material.
[0069] The spikes and/or the elongate application element may be
made of a material that is more or less rigid than a material used
to produce the stem of the applicator to which the core is
attached.
[0070] The applicator member may comprise a mounting end piece that
is moulded in one piece with the core and may comprise, if
appropriate, one or more narrowed portions that improve the
flexibility of the applicator and the smoothness of
application.
[0071] The core may extend along a longitudinal axis which, at at
least one point along its length, forms an angle with the
longitudinal axis of the stem to which the core is fixed. The
applicator member may be angled at its attachment to the stem.
[0072] The stem may comprise a first, rigid portion that is
extended on the distal side by a second, more flexible portion, for
example made of elastomer, that carries the applicator member.
[0073] A largest transverse dimension of the core may be smaller
than, larger than or equal to a largest transverse dimension of the
stem. The largest transverse dimension of the core may be between 1
mm and 5 mm.
[0074] The core may have a cross section, taken perpendicularly to
its longitudinal axis, with a circular or non-circular shape, for
example a hexagonal shape.
[0075] The core may comprise a nose at its distal end. The nose at
the distal end of the core may be a portion of a sphere. The nose
of the core may comprise one or more cutouts that make it easier
for the applicator to pass through the wiping member of the
container. The visible length of the applicator member may be
between 15 mm and 30 mm.
[0076] Application Device
[0077] A further subject of the invention is a device for packaging
and applying a product to the eyelashes, eyebrows and/or eyelids,
comprising an applicator as defined above and a container
containing the product.
[0078] The gripping member of the applicator may form a cap for
closing the container.
[0079] The container may comprise a wiping member suitable for
wiping the stem and the applicator member.
[0080] The product is preferably a mascara.
[0081] Makeup Process
[0082] A further subject of the invention is a process for making
up the eyes, wherein use is made of a device according to the
invention.
[0083] This process may comprise the steps in which:
[0084] product is applied to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows and the
latter are combed by using the spikes of the applicator member,
and
[0085] the elongate application element of the applicator member is
used to deposit the product and draw a line on the eyelid.
[0086] The features mentioned above for the applicator apply to the
device and to the process.
[0087] The invention may be better understood from reading the
following detailed description of non-limiting illustrative
embodiments thereof and from examining the appended drawing, in
which:
[0088] FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial
longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application
device produced in accordance with the invention,
[0089] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the applicator member
from FIG. 1 on its own,
[0090] FIG. 3 is a front view of the applicator member from FIG.
2,
[0091] FIG. 4 is a schematic and incomplete cross-sectional view of
a variant embodiment of an applicator member according to the
invention,
[0092] FIG. 5 is a top view of the applicator member from FIG.
2,
[0093] FIGS. 6 to 8 are schematic views of variant embodiments of
an elongate application element according to the invention, on its
own,
[0094] FIG. 9 is a schematic and incomplete side view of a variant
embodiment of the elongate application element, where the spikes
are not shown,
[0095] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the core and of the
elongate application element, on their own, showing a variant
embodiment, and
[0096] FIG. 11 shows an example of the use of the applicator
according to the invention.
[0097] FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 produced
in accordance with the invention, comprising an applicator 2 and an
associated container 3 containing a product P to be applied to the
eyelashes and/or eyelids, for example mascara or a care
product.
[0098] The container 3 comprises, in the example in question, a
threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 comprises a closure cap 5
designed to be fixed on the neck 4 so as to close the container 3
in a sealed manner when it is not in use, the closure cap 5 also
forming a gripping member for the applicator 2.
[0099] The applicator 2 comprises a stem 7 of longitudinal axis Y,
which is attached at its upper end to the closure cap 5 and at its
lower end to an applicator member 8. The latter comprises a core 10
that carries spikes 18 that extend from the core 10.
[0100] The container 3 also comprises a wiping member 6, for
example inserted into the neck 4.
[0101] This wiping member 6, which may be any wiping member,
comprises, in the example in question, a lip designed to wipe the
stem 7 and the applicator member 8 when the applicator 2 is
withdrawn from the container 3. The lip defines a wiping orifice 6a
having a diameter adapted to that of the stem.
[0102] In the example illustrated, the stem 7 has a circular cross
section, but if the stem 7 has some other section, this does not
depart from the scope of the present invention, it then being
possible to fix the cap 5 on the container 3 in some other way than
by screwing, if necessary. The wiping member 6 is adapted to the
shape of the stem 7 and to that of the applicator member 8, if
appropriate.
[0103] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the
longitudinal axis Y of the stem 7 is rectilinear and coincident
with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2
is in place thereon, but if the stem 7 is not rectilinear, forming
for example an elbow, this does not depart from the scope of the
present invention.
[0104] If need be, the stem 7 may comprise an annular narrowing at
its portion that is positioned opposite the lip of the wiping
member 6, so as not to mechanically stress the latter unduly during
storage.
[0105] The applicator member 8 may be fixed to the stem 7 by any
means, and in particular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive
bonding, welding, stapling or crimping, in a corresponding housing
provided at the end of the stem 7.
[0106] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the applicator member 8 may
comprise an end piece 9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing in
the stem 7, optionally in an aligned manner. A shoulder may be
provided between the core 10 and the fixing end piece 9. The length
l.sub.e of the end piece 9 may be between 6 mm and 9 mm.
[0107] In a variant, the stem 7 may be inserted into a housing
provided in the core 10. The core 10 may also be produced in one
piece with the stem 7 by being moulded together therewith.
[0108] With reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the core 10
has an elongate shape along a longitudinal axis X, which is
rectilinear in the example described.
[0109] As in the example in question, the core 10 may have a
circular cross section along the majority of its length. The
longitudinal axis X may be central, as illustrated. Other
cross-sectional shapes are possible, however. Thus, in the variant
in FIG. 10, the core 10 has a hexagonal cross section.
[0110] As can be seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 in particular, the core
10 comprises a nose 16 at its distal end 12, which is a portion of
a sphere in the example described, but may have some other shape.
The nose 16 of the core 10 comprises three cutouts 16a in the
example in question. In the example in question, the nose 16 of the
core 10 has a largest cross section larger than the largest cross
section of the core 10 elsewhere, the largest cross section 5, of
the nose 16 being for example between 2.6 mm and 3.3 mm, and the
largest cross section 5, of the core 10 elsewhere being for example
between 2 mm and 3 mm.
[0111] The visible length H of the applicator member 8 may be
between 22 mm and 30 mm, and is around 26 mm in the example
illustrated.
[0112] The applicator member 8 comprises a number of longitudinal
rows of spikes 18 that extend along the longitudinal axis X of the
core 10. In the example described, the applicator member 8
comprises five longitudinal rows of spikes 18.
[0113] In the examples shown, the spikes 18 each extend from the
core 10 along an elongation axis W perpendicular to the surface of
the core at the point at which the spike 18 is attached to the core
10. In one variant which is not shown, the elongation axis W of the
spikes 18 forms an angle other than 90.degree. with the surface of
the core 10 at the point at which the spikes are attached to the
core.
[0114] The height of the spikes 18 may decrease towards the distal
end 12 of the core 10, as can be seen in FIG. 2, so as to make it
easier to insert into the container 3. The height of the spikes 18
may also decrease towards the stem 7, so as to make it easier for
the applicator member 8 to pass the wiping member 6 while the
applicator 2 is being withdrawn from the container 3.
[0115] The height of the spikes 18 is for example between 0.2 mm
and 5 mm.
[0116] The thickness e.sub.p of the spikes 18, measured at their
base, is for example between 0.2 mm and 1.2 mm.
[0117] The spikes 18 may have various shapes. In the example in
question, the spikes 18 have a conical shape. However, the
invention is not limited to one particular shape of spikes.
[0118] In the example described, the spikes end with a rounded free
end, having a radius of curvature R.sub.p of between for example
0.07 mm and 0.16 mm, for example equal to 0.1 mm.
[0119] The offset E.sub.p between a spike 18 in one longitudinal
row and the adjacent spike in the next longitudinal row, measured
between the elongation axes of the spikes, may be between 0.5 mm
and 1.1 mm, for example comprise to 0.8 mm.
[0120] The applicator member 8 may have between 30 and 200 spikes,
for example around 80 spikes.
[0121] The wiping member 6 may be made of elastomer.
[0122] The wiping member 6 may comprise a wiping orifice 6a with a
circular shape, optionally with slots.
[0123] The diameter of the wiping orifice 6a of the wiping member 6
is for example between 3 and 5.5 mm, for example around 4.5 mm or 5
mm.
[0124] The wiping member 6 may optionally have undulations,
allowing the wiping orifice to widen more easily when the
applicator member 8 passes through.
[0125] The wiping orifice may thus be defined by an undulating
wiping lip that has a radially inner free edge that defines the
wiping orifice 6a. The wiping member 6 may have between 3 and 12
undulations, for example. The wiping lip may extend generally in
the form of a cone converging in the direction of the bottom of the
container 3, having a generatrix that forms an angle with the
longitudinal axis of the container 3. The diameter of the wiping
orifice 6a increases for example from 4 mm to 5.5 mm without
excessive deformation of the wiping member 6, as the applicator
member 8 passes through, by deployment of the undulations.
[0126] The wiping member may also be adjustable, if
appropriate.
[0127] The wiping member may for example be as described in the
patent applications or patents US 2005/0028834, US 2005/0175394, US
2004/0258453, U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,374, U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,495,
U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,468.
[0128] The stem 7, to which the applicator member 8 is fixed, may
be at least partially, and in particular completely, flexible, in
particular in the vicinity of the applicator member.
[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the applicator member 8 comprises
an application element 13 that is elongate along the longitudinal
axis X of the core 10, is in the form of a fin and extends along
less than half the length of the core 10. The application element
13 is flattened along a median plane P containing the longitudinal
axis X of the core 10 or parallel to a plane containing the
longitudinal axis of the core.
[0130] In the example in FIGS. 2 and 3, the applicator member 8
comprises no spikes 18 that project orthogonally over the elongate
application element 13. In other words, in the front part of the
applicator member, the spikes 18 are oriented on one side and the
elongate element 13 on the other.
[0131] In the example in question, and as can be seen in FIG. 3,
the elongate application element 13 is offset with respect to the
longitudinal axis X of the core 10, the distance d between the
plane P and a parallel plane containing the longitudinal axis X of
the core 10 being non-zero.
[0132] In the variant embodiment shown in FIG. 4, one spike 18
projects orthogonally over the elongate application element 13 such
that the top S of the elongate application element 13 forms a point
farther away from the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 than the
projection of the free end 18a of said spike 18.
[0133] The distance D.sub.e between the top S and the longitudinal
axis X of the core 10 is thus greater than the distance D.sub.p
between the end of the orthogonal projection of the spike 18 over
the elongate application element 13 and the longitudinal axis X of
the core 10, these distances being measured perpendicularly to the
longitudinal axis X of the core 10 and perpendicularly to the
direction of projection.
[0134] In the example in question, the height h, of the orthogonal
projection of the spike 18 over the plane P above the core is less
than half the maximum height h.sub.n of the elongate application
element 13.
[0135] In the examples in FIGS. 1 to 5, the maximum height h.sub.n
of the elongate application element 13 is greater than the greatest
height h.sub.p of the spikes 18 along the portion 10a of the core
10 that carries the elongate application element 13.
[0136] The ratio h.sub.n/h.sub.p between the height h.sub.n of the
elongate application element 13 and the greatest height of the
spikes h.sub.p is for example between 0.5 and 1.5.
[0137] In the examples shown, the height of the elongate
application element 13 increases from its distal end 14 to the top
S before decreasing to its proximal end 15.
[0138] In one variant which is not shown, the height of the
elongate application element 13 is constant along its entire
length.
[0139] The maximum height h.sub.n of the elongate application
element 13 is for example between 2 mm and 5 mm.
[0140] In the examples in FIGS. 1 to 7, the height of the elongate
application element 13 at its distal end 14 is non-zero.
[0141] In the variant shown in FIG. 8, the height of the elongate
application element 13 at its distal end 14 is zero.
[0142] In the variant shown in FIG. 7, the top S of the elongate
application element 13 is a single point. As can be seen in
particular in FIGS. 3 and 4, the thickness e.sub.n of the elongate
application element 13 can decrease in the direction of its free
edge 13a.
[0143] As shown in FIG. 5, the thickness e.sub.n of the elongate
application element 13 can increase in the direction of its distal
end 14 and decrease in the direction of its proximal end 15.
[0144] The maximum thickness of the elongate application element 13
is for example between 0.4 mm and 1 mm, for example equal to 0.6
mm.
[0145] In the examples described, the elongate application element
13 is higher than it is thick, being for example between 4 and 7
times higher than it is thick.
[0146] The length l.sub.n of the elongate application element 13
may be between 10 mm and 14 mm, for example equal to around 11
mm.
[0147] In the example in FIGS. 1 to 3, the top S of the elongate
application element 13 is located at a distance d.sub.e
approximately equal to one third of the length of the core 10 from
the distal end 12 of the core 10.
[0148] In the examples shown, the elongate application element 13
is closer to the distal end 12 of the core 10 than to its proximal
end 11.
[0149] In the examples in FIGS. 1 to 5, the distal end 14 of the
elongate application element 13 is away from the distal end 12 of
the core 10, for example by a distance d.sub.d equal to around 0.5
mm.
[0150] In a variant shown in FIG. 9, the elongate application
element 13 extends around the nose 16 of the core 10 on the plane
P. The elongate application element 13 thus has for example a
rounded portion at its distal end 14, preferably with the same
thickness as the rest of the elongate application element 13,
extending around the nose 16 of the core 10 on the plane P. In the
example described, the elongate application element 13 extends
longitudinally beyond the distal end 12 of the core 10 over a
distance d.sub.en, measured along the longitudinal axis X of the
core 10, which is non-zero, for example between 0.1 mm and 0.5
mm.
[0151] The elongate application element 13 advantageously has
rounded portions at its distal end 14 and proximal end 15, and thus
does not have right angles at its ends.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 6, the elongate application element 13 may
be flocked.
[0153] In the examples in FIGS. 1 to 7, the elongate application
element 13 is solid. In the variant in FIG. 8, the elongate
application element 13 has the shape of an arch, consisting of an
arched and hollow element.
[0154] The free ends of the spikes 18 of the applicator member 8
and the free edge of the elongate application element 13 define an
envelope surface of the applicator member 8, which has a cross
section that varies along a part of the length of the applicator
member 8. The envelope surface may have a largest cross section of
between 8 mm and 11 mm, corresponding for example to a diameter
D.sub.s of around 9 mm, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0155] The spikes 18 and the elongate application element 13 are
made, in the examples in question, in one piece with the core 10 by
moulding thermoplastic material.
[0156] In order to mould the applicator member 8, use can be made
of any thermoplastic material which is or is not relatively rigid,
for example SEBS, a silicone, latex, a material having improved
slip, butyl, EPDM, a nitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a
polyester elastomer, a polyamide elastomer, a polyethylene
elastomer or a vinyl elastomer, a polyolefin such as PE or PP, PVC,
EVA, PS, SEBS, SIS, PET, POM, PU, SAM, PA or PMMA. It is also
possible to use a ceramic, for example based on alumina, a resin,
for example of the urea-formaldehyde type, and possibly a material
containing graphite as filler. It is possible in particular to use
the materials known under the trade names Teflon.RTM., Hytrel.RTM.,
Cariflex.RTM., Alixine.RTM., Santoprene.RTM., Pebax.RTM. and
Pollobas.RTM., this list not being limiting.
[0157] In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure
cap 5 and withdraws the applicator member 8 from the container
3.
[0158] Once the applicator member 8 has passed through the wiping
member 6, a certain quantity of product remains along the elongate
application element 13, allowing the user to load the eyelashes
and/or eyebrows with product P and to comb them with the spikes 18.
He can also deposit product P on the internal base of the upper
eyelashes from below by using the elongate application element 13,
as shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, the user can directly produce a
line of eyeliner on the eyelids by using the elongate application
element 13.
[0159] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples
which have just been described, the characteristics of which may be
combined with one another as parts of variants which are not
illustrated.
[0160] The applicator member 8 may comprise any bactericidal agent
such as silver salts, copper salts, preservatives and at least one
preservative for the product P.
[0161] The core 10 and/or the spikes 18 and/or the elongate
application element 13 may furthermore comprise particles, for
example a filler, in particular a compound which is magnetic,
bacteriostatic or absorbs moisture, or else a compound intended to
produce roughness.
[0162] The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being
synonymous with "comprising at least one", and "between" is
understood as including the limits, unless specified to the
contrary.
* * * * *