U.S. patent application number 15/120985 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-15 for cosmetic product applicator, in particular for mascara, and associated applicator assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALBEA SERVICES. The applicant listed for this patent is ALBEA SERVICES. Invention is credited to Anne Rutigliano, Osvaldo Uresti.
Application Number | 20160360859 15/120985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50513322 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160360859 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Uresti; Osvaldo ; et
al. |
December 15, 2016 |
Cosmetic Product Applicator, In Particular for Mascara, and
Associated Applicator Assembly
Abstract
An applicator (10) for cosmetic product, in particular for
mascara, having a core (12) extending in a main direction of
longitudinal extension, referred to as an axis of extension (X),
and protrusions (30) projecting from the core (12) in directions
that are substantially radial to the axis of extension (X). The
protrusions (30) are moulded to the core (12). The free ends of the
protrusions (30) form at least two envelopes (E1, E2) overlapping
along the axis of extension (X), a first helical envelope (E1)
formed by a first plurality of protrusions (31) and a second
helical envelope (E2) formed by a second plurality of protrusions
(32). The second envelope (E2) from the axis of extension (X), a
radial extension that is smaller than the radial extension of the
first envelope (E1).
Inventors: |
Uresti; Osvaldo; (Paris,
FR) ; Rutigliano; Anne; (Maisons-Laffitte,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ALBEA SERVICES |
Gennevilliers |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
ALBEA SERVICES
Gennevilliers
FR
|
Family ID: |
50513322 |
Appl. No.: |
15/120985 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
February 11, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/052870 |
371 Date: |
August 23, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/265 20130101;
A46B 2200/1053 20130101; A46B 1/00 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101;
A46B 9/028 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46B 9/02 20060101 A46B009/02; A46B 1/00 20060101
A46B001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 24, 2014 |
FR |
1451462 |
Claims
1. Applicator for cosmetic product, in particular for mascara,
comprising a core extending in a main direction of longitudinal
extension, referred to as the axis of extension (X), and
protrusions projecting from said core in directions that are
substantially radial to the axis of extension (X), the protrusions
being moulded to the core, characterised in that the free ends of
the protrusions form at least two envelopes (E1, E2) overlapping
along the axis of extension (X), a first helical envelope (E1)
formed by a first plurality of protrusions, and a second envelope
(E2) formed by a second plurality of protrusions, the second
envelope (E2) having, from the axis of extension (X), a radial
extension that is smaller than the radial extension of the first
envelope (E1).
2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein said envelopes (E1, E2)
are in the shape of a screw, around the axis of extension (X), in
the shape of a helix having a circular cross section.
3. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions of at
least one of the envelopes (E1, E2) are arranged in rows, referred
to as radial rows, the radial rows each being spaced apart from one
another along the core (12).
4. Applicator according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of rows,
referred to as mixed rows, of said radial rows comprises
protrusions of each of the envelopes (E1, E2).
5. Applicator according to claim 4, wherein said mixed rows
comprise as many protrusions having the smallest radial extension
as protrusions having the largest radial extension.
6. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions have a
semi-circular cross section.
7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions each
have a planar surface.
8. Applicator according to claim 7, wherein the protrusions are
positioned such that the planar surfaces of two adjacent
protrusions are oriented in the same direction of rotation.
9. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has a constant
cross section.
10. Applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising: a
receptacle comprising a member forming a container intended to
contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator according to claim
1 that is suitable for being attached to the receptacle, such that
the applicator is received inside the container.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an applicator for cosmetic product,
in particular for mascara, and to an associated applicator
assembly.
[0002] Said applicators are normally referred to as "mascara
brushes".
[0003] Said applicators may be obtained from fibrous elements held
between the longitudinal portions of a twisted metal pin; they are
then normally referred to as "twisted brushes". Said applicators
may also be injection-moulded from plastics material; they are then
normally referred to as "plastic brushes".
[0004] The invention proposes producing a plastic brush of which
the protrusions, by means of their ends, form a complex envelope,
having features that are advantageous with respect to make-up.
[0005] Therefore, the invention relates to an applicator for
cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core
extending in a main direction of longitudinal extension, referred
to as the axis of extension, and protrusions projecting from said
core in directions that are substantially radial to the axis of
extension, the protrusions being moulded to the core.
[0006] According to the invention, the free ends of the protrusions
form at least two envelopes overlapping along the axis of
extension, a first helical envelope formed by a first plurality of
protrusions, and a second envelope formed by a second plurality of
protrusions, the second envelope having, from the axis of
extension, a radial extension that is smaller than the radial
extension of the first envelope.
[0007] The plastic brush of the invention therefore provides a
specific arrangement of protrusions that provides specific
advantages for distributing mascara, along the entire length of the
brush, for example with regard to functions such as loading or
combing the lashes. This arrangement improves the effects of
thickening the eyelashes, lengthening the eyelashes and/or
separating the eyelashes caused by applying mascara using the brush
of the invention.
[0008] Furthermore, a plastic brush having such overlapping of
complex envelopes is produced using methods that are less expensive
and quicker than if said envelopes had to be produced on a twisted
brush.
[0009] According to different embodiments of the invention, which
can be taken together or in isolation: [0010] said core has a
distal end and a proximal end, [0011] the protrusions are
distributed over the entire periphery of said core, [0012] the
protrusions are distributed over a substantial portion of the
length of said core from the distal end, [0013] the proximal end is
a cylindrical coupling without any protrusions, [0014] the first
and second envelopes extend from the distal end to the proximal
end, [0015] the protrusions of said first and second envelopes form
a chamfer in the vicinity of the distal end, [0016] the core is
made of plastics material, [0017] the protrusions are made of
plastics material, [0018] the core and the protrusions are moulded
in a continuous manner from the same material, [0019] said
envelopes are in the shape of a screw, around the axis of
extension, in the shape of a helix having a circular cross section,
[0020] the protrusions of at least one of the envelopes are
arranged in rows, referred to as radial rows, the radial rows each
being spaced apart from one another along the core, [0021] a
plurality of rows, referred to as mixed rows, of said radial rows
comprises protrusions of each of the envelopes, [0022] said mixed
rows comprise as many protrusions having the smallest radial
extension as protrusions having the largest radial extension,
[0023] the protrusions have a semi-circular cross section, [0024]
the protrusions each have a planar surface, [0025] the protrusions
are positioned such that the planar surfaces of two adjacent
protrusions are oriented in the same direction of rotation, [0026]
the protrusions each extend along a normal of the axis of the core,
[0027] the protrusions are rectilinear, [0028] the core has a
constant cross section, [0029] the core is solid, and [0030] the
applicator forms a brush.
[0031] Advantageously, the invention also relates to an applicator
assembly for cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle comprising a
member forming a container intended to contain the cosmetic
product, and an applicator as described above that is suitable for
being attached to the receptacle, such that the applicator is
received inside the container.
[0032] The invention will be better understood, and other aims,
details, features and advantages thereof will become more clearly
apparent upon reading the following detailed explanatory
description of at least one embodiment of the invention which is
given by way of non-limiting and purely illustrative example, with
reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a front layout of an embodiment of an applicator
according to the invention,
[0034] FIG. 2 is a cross section along the axis A-A shown in FIG.
1.
[0035] The invention relates to an applicator 10 for cosmetic
product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core 12 extending
in a main direction of longitudinal extension, referred to as an
axis of extension and denoted as X in FIG. 1.
[0036] The core 12 has a first end, referred to as the proximal end
13, which is capable of being attached to an applicator rod by
means of a cylindrical coupling 14 extending said core 12, and a
second free end, referred to as the distal end 16. Said cylindrical
coupling 14 makes it possible for the applicator 10 to be attached
to a rod (not shown).
[0037] The applicator 10 further comprises a plurality of
protrusions 30 that project from the core 12 in directions that are
substantially radial to the axis of extension X.
[0038] The free ends of the protrusions 30 form at least two
envelopes E1, E2 overlapping along the axis of extension X, a first
helical envelope El formed by a first plurality of protrusions 31
and a second helical envelope E2 formed by a second plurality of
protrusions 32, the second envelope E2 having, from the axis of
extension X, a radial extension that is smaller than the radial
extension of the first envelope E1. The radial extension of an
envelope E1, E2, and therefore of the protrusions 31, 32 that make
up said envelope, is the distance between the axis of extension X
and the free end of said protrusion 31, 32.
[0039] The first and second envelopes E1, E2 preferably extend from
the distal end 16 to the proximal end 13 of the core.
[0040] The applicator according to the invention has protrusions
31, 32 which have respective radial extensions L31 and L32 and
comply with the following formula:
1.25.ltoreq..sup.L31/.sub.32.ltoreq.2.5
[0041] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, some of the
protrusions 31 that form the envelope E1 have a radial extension
L31 that is substantially equal to 4.75 mm for example. Some of the
protrusions 32 that form the envelope E2 have, on the other hand, a
radial extension L32 that is substantially equal to 3.3 mm for
example. In this case, in each of the envelopes E1, E2 there are
protrusions 31', 32' having an intermediate radial extension (see
FIG. 2).
[0042] In the following, a radial row of protrusions 30 is
understood to mean a row of protrusions 30 that are arranged around
the core 12, in the same plane that is orthogonal to the core, said
plane cutting the core in a direction that is substantially
circular in this case.
[0043] A parallel row of protrusions 30 is understood to mean a row
of protrusions 30 that are arranged along the core 12, in the same
line, said line being substantially parallel to the axis of
extension X.
[0044] Therefore, the helical envelopes E1, E2 overlap one another.
In the embodiment shown here, said envelopes are defined by the
angular offset of the protrusions 31, 32 that form said envelopes.
In other words, a radial row of protrusions 30 comprises
protrusions belonging both to the plurality of protrusions 31
forming the envelope E1 and to the plurality of protrusions 32
forming the envelope E2.
[0045] Furthermore, two successive radial rows comprise the same
number of protrusions and are angularly offset, with respect to one
another, along the axis of extension X. This angular offset makes
possible the formation of the helical envelopes E1, E2 in this
case. Advantageously, two successive radial rows are the image of
one another by rotation about the axis of extension X. This is the
case whether along the entire core 12 between the proximal end 13
thereof and the distal end 16 thereof, or only on a portion of the
core 12, in particular a portion extending from the proximal end 13
to an intermediate portion of the core 12 which is located between
the proximal end 13 and the distal end 16, the envelope formed by
the protrusions present on the remainder of the core 12 then
optionally being in the shape of a chamfer or having a
frustoconical shape.
[0046] In particular, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the following
sequence can be seen along the axis of extension X: two radial rows
having the same angular pitch around the core 12, then two other
radial rows angularly pitched therebetween but offset with respect
to the two first radial rows, then a further two other radial rows
angularly pitched therebetween and angularly offset with respect to
the two preceding rows and to the two first rows, the protrusions
30 of the two previous rows being aligned here, in the direction of
the core, with the protrusions 30 of the two first rows.
[0047] The number of two radial rows pitched in the same manner but
offset with respect to the rows directly adjacent may vary;
therefore, according to other embodiments (not shown), the
following sequences are possible, along the axis of extension X: x
radial rows having the same angular pitch around the core 12, then
y other radial rows angularly pitched therebetween but offset with
respect to the x first radial rows, then x other radial rows
angularly pitched therebetween and angularly offset with respect to
the y preceding rows and to the x first rows, having an optional
alignment in the direction of the core; x and y comply with the
formula: 1.ltoreq.x,y .ltoreq.5.
[0048] This means that a parallel row of protrusions 30 also
comprises protrusions belonging both to the plurality of
protrusions 31 forming the envelope El and to the plurality of
protrusions 32 forming the envelope E2.
[0049] A mixed row is understood to mean a radial row that
comprises protrusions 30 of each of the envelopes E1, E2. The cross
section in FIG. 2 shows a mixed row of this kind.
[0050] Said mixed row comprises an alternation of protrusions 31 of
the first type with protrusions 32 of the second type. More
precisely, it can be seen in this case that three protrusions 31,
31' of the first type alternate with three protrusions 32, 32' of
the second type and that this alternation is sequential.
[0051] Even more precisely, each group of three protrusions 31, 32
comprises a protrusion 31', 32' having an intermediate radial
extension, said protrusion 31', 32' being flanked by two
protrusions 31, 32 of the same type. Said protrusions 31', 32',
referred to as intermediate protrusions, form superficial
containers of cosmetic product within the envelope E1, E2 thereof,
said superficial containers extending along the main axis X.
[0052] In other words, the envelope E2 forms a helical path inside
the envelope E1, which envelope is also a helix. In other words
again, the envelopes E1, E2 each comprise a central, helical path,
formed by the protrusions 31', 32' having an intermediate radial
extension. Said central path is less visible with respect to the
envelope E1, E2 thereof than the path formed by the second envelope
E2 with respect to the first envelope E1.
[0053] Alternatively, an applicator 10 according to the invention
could be formed by an axial sequence of mixed rows, each of said
mixed rows comprising a higher number of protrusions 31 defining
the first helical envelope El than protrusions 32 defining the
second helical envelope E2, without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0054] Furthermore, the associated applicator assembly comprises a
receptacle. Said receptacle, according to the invention, generally
comprises a wiper attached to the inside of the neck thereof in
order to limit the amount of product on the protrusions 30, in
particular those having the radial longest extensions, that is to
say the protrusions 31. Said protrusions are therefore used for
combing the eyelashes, while the protrusions 32, which have a
shorter radial extension and are only wiped to a small degree, are
used to load the eyelashes with cosmetic product.
[0055] Furthermore, said envelopes E1, E2 are in the shape of a
screw, around the axis of extension X. In other words, the
envelopes E1, E2 are in the shape of a helix having a circular
cross section and having a pitch to the right, or to the left, in
particular from the proximal end 13 to the distal end 16. This
shows the advantage of adding a guiding effect for combing the
eyelashes.
[0056] Thus, the effect associated with alternating the two types
of envelopes E1, E2 around a core 12 is particularly advantageous.
It enables the user to benefit from loading areas, that is to say
the areas created by the envelope E2, and areas for combing the
eyelashes, that is to say the areas created by the envelope E1, by
simply rotating the applicator 10 about the axis of extension X
thereof.
[0057] In other words, the loading and combing regions follow one
another around the core 12 of the applicator 10 in the form of
envelopes E1, E2 overlapping one another, along the entire length
of said core.
[0058] In other words again, the loading and combing regions follow
one another, axially and angularly, along and around the axis X of
the applicator 10, while guiding the eyelashes of a user without
said user having to move the applicator so as to be in parallel
with the row of eyelashes to which they are applying make-up, this
occurring due to the helical shape of the envelopes E1, E2.
[0059] It should be noted that the protrusions 30 are moulded to
the core 12. In other words, the protrusions 30 may be integrally
formed with the core 12 or also overmoulded on the core 12.
[0060] Furthermore, in order to simplify production of such an
applicator 10, the protrusions 30 may have a semi-circular cross
section. Said protrusions therefore preferably each have a planar
surface. Said protrusions 30 are positioned in this case such that
the planar surfaces of two adjacent protrusions are oriented in the
same direction of rotation about the core 12. Furthermore, still in
order to simplify production, the protrusions 30 are preferably
rectilinear and each extend along a normal to the axis of the core
12.
[0061] The protrusions 30 are preferably integrally formed with the
core 12. Thus, the core 12 and the protrusions 30 may be moulded
from an LDPE (low density polyethylene)-based material. Other
materials may also be used, i.e. the material "Exact" from
ExxonMobil or the material "Hytrel" by DuPont, or a mixture of said
materials.
[0062] It should be noted that the applicator 10 advantageously
forms a brush.
[0063] It should also be noted that the core 12 preferably has a
constant cross section, at least in the shape thereof in which the
cross section is substantially circular. This shape may, however,
be a polygon, or even an ellipsoid, without departing from the
scope of the invention.
[0064] It should again be noted that the core is solid. Said core
could, however, be hollow, without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0065] The invention also relates to an applicator assembly for
cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle (not shown) comprising a
member forming a container containing the cosmetic product, and an
applicator 10 as described above that is suitable for being
attached to the receptacle, such that the applicator is received
inside the container. Said applicator 10 is attached, for example,
to the end of a rod (not shown), said rod in turn being attached to
a cap (not shown) that is advantageously screwed to the receptacle.
After assembly, the cylindrical coupling 14 is located in the rod
and the proximal end 13 of the core forms the visible proximal end
of the applicator.
[0066] It should be noted that the protrusions 31, 32 of said first
and second envelopes E1, E2 form a chamfer in the vicinity of the
distal end 16; this occurs in order to simplify the reinsertion of
the applicator 10 according to the invention, towards the inside of
the container, after use.
[0067] It should also be noted that variants are of course
possible. In particular, in an additional embodiment, the
applicator 10 of the invention comprises a number of envelopes
other than two; that is to say, a lower number, for example a
single helical envelope overlapping with a cylindrical envelope, or
a higher number, for example three overlapping helical envelopes,
therefore three pluralities of protrusions each defining one of the
three helical envelopes, each having protrusions having a radial
extension different from the two others.
* * * * *