U.S. patent application number 15/113191 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-26 for applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibers.
The applicant listed for this patent is BENEFIT COSMETICS LLC, MONTAIGU DEVELOPPEMENT. Invention is credited to Eric DE BARDONNECHE, David Lewis MONICAL.
Application Number | 20170020274 15/113191 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50678227 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170020274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DE BARDONNECHE; Eric ; et
al. |
January 26, 2017 |
APPLICATOR DEVICE FOR APPLYING A FLUID OR PASTY PRODUCT TO KERATIN
FIBERS
Abstract
The present invention relates to an applicator device for
applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibres, including an
elongate core (1) extending according to a longitudinal axis XX and
spikes (2) embedded at a first end (20) on the exterior surface of
the core, the second ends (21) of said spikes being free. According
to the invention, ail or some of said spikes (2) are provided on
their exterior surface with at least one protuberance or hook (3)
placed at a distance D from the first end (20) of the spike, the
distance D being less than around 75% of the length of the spike
(2).
Inventors: |
DE BARDONNECHE; Eric;
(Courpalay, FR) ; MONICAL; David Lewis; (San
Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MONTAIGU DEVELOPPEMENT
BENEFIT COSMETICS LLC |
Chambourcy
San Francisco |
CA |
FR
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50678227 |
Appl. No.: |
15/113191 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
January 21, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2014/000125 |
371 Date: |
July 21, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/021 20130101;
A46B 2200/1053 20130101; A46D 1/0253 20130101; A46D 1/0238
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/02 20060101
A46B009/02; A46D 1/00 20060101 A46D001/00 |
Claims
1. Applicator device for applying a fluid or pasty product to
keratin fibres, including an elongate core (1) extending according
to a longitudinal axis XX and spikes (2) embedded at a first end
(20) on the exterior surface of the core (1), the second ends (21)
of said spikes being free, characterized in that all or some of the
spikes (2) are provided on their exterior surface with at least one
protuberance or hook (3) placed at a distance D from the first end
(20) of the spike, the distance D being less than around 75% of the
length of the spike (2).
2. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that
the distance D is measured between the first end (20) of the spike
(2) and the surface or line of the hook closest to the core, and is
greater than or equal to around 0.02 millimetres.
3. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that
the longitudinal axis XX of the core (1) is not straight.
4. Applicator device according claim 1, characterized in that the
core (1) has a constant transverse cross-section over its
length.
5. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that
the lengths of said spikes (2) implanted on the core (1) are such
that the spikes form a substantially cylindrical external
volume.
6. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that
the lengths of said spikes (2) implanted on the core (1) are such
that the spikes together form an oval ball- or barrel-shaped
volume.
7. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that
said spikes (2) form at least one aligned row substantially
parallel to the axis XX of the core.
8. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that
said spikes (2) form part of a plane perpendicular or substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX of the core.
9. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that
the distance D is around one-third the total length of the spike
(2).
10. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that
said hooks (3) have a flat right triangle shape in which a first
face of the right angle coincides with the exterior surface of the
spike and a second face of the right angle is close to the exterior
surface of the core.
11. Applicator device according to claim 1, characterized in that
the spikes (2), the hooks (3) and the core (1) are produced in a
single layer.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the field of applicators for
applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibres such as
eyelashes or eyebrows. Specifically, the applicators of the
invention make it possible to apply a cosmetic, makeup or care
product on body hair, eyelashes or eyebrows.
[0002] These applicators essentially include two elements: an
elongate core on which at least one row of teeth, protuberances or
elongate spikes is arranged. The spikes are embedded at one of
their ends in the exterior surface of the core, and free at the
other end.
PRIOR ART
[0003] Numerous documents are known that disclose products of this
type and that describe, first making it possible to load then apply
the given product in a convenient, simple and reliable manner, with
a harmonious result. In the field considered, we refer to the
loading function, the separation function, the definition function
or the curving function that must simultaneously be performed by
such an applicator.
[0004] Already for some time, we have known, for example from the
teaching of document FR 2 505 633, a makeup brush having a holder
on which bristles are individually and regularly fixed. According
to a feature of this invention, the holder and the bristles or
spikes are produced by injection of a mouldable material. In
addition, this applicator has bristles or spikes, the free ends of
which are provided with hooks; this arrangement is intended to make
the free end of the spikes less dangerous, in particular in contact
with the user's eyelashes and/or eyes. Such an arrangement also
makes it possible to increase the amount of fluid or pasty cosmetic
product held by each spike. However, a given and constant amount of
makeup product is retained, regardless of its viscosity, and
regardless of the thickness of the layer of product that is already
adhered to the core.
[0005] Also as an example, document FR 2 850 549 discloses an
applicator brush for applying a product to keratin fibres,
comprising a core holding bristles f which at least a portion
extend in a curved manner.
[0006] The patent application EP 1 342 428 is also known, which
discloses a mascara brush including essentially a row of spikes of
various shapes and grouped tougher according to the length of the
brush. This is intended above all for combing the eyelashes in a
characteristic manner.
[0007] The patent application FR 2 902 984 is also known, which
discloses an applicator comprising a core and at least two rows of
spikes, each oriented differently with respect to an exterior face
of the core. This type of applicator is intended to improve the
application of a product in particular in terms of penetration of
the teeth or spikes between the eyelashes, smoothing of the product
to be applied, and separation of same.
[0008] One of the main desired effects consists of curving the
eyelashes: for this, the user must cause the eyelashes to penetrate
into the actual applicator brush so that they will be loaded with
product, then gesturally accompany them with the brush so as to
curve them while applying the product. Thus, the eyelashes must
simultaneously be in contact with the product and adhere to it
during movement of the brush over the eyelashes.
[0009] Numerous embodiments have thus been sought in order to
retain significant amounts of makeup product, but without actually
succeeding in controlling and adapting the amount of product
according to the nature of the product, or even according to the
nature of the keratin fibres to be treated.
[0010] Such applicators can be obtained by moulding, transformation
of plastic materials, thermoplastic elastomers and/or vulcanizable
materials. Techniques such as three-dimensional printing,
stereolithography, or conventional or laser machining can make it
possible to product such applicators. Such applicators can also be
obtained by moulding two materials, by co-injection or by
bi-injection.
[0011] The invention is intended to overcome the disadvantages of
the prior art and in particular to propose an applicator device for
applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibres, including an
elongate core extending according to a longitudinal axis XX and
spikes embedded at a first end on the exterior surface of the core,
the second ends of said spikes being free. Characteristically, all
or some of the spikes are provided on their exterior surface with
at least one protuberance or hook placed at a distance D from the
first end of the spike, the distance D being less than around 75%
of the length of the spike.
[0012] The distance D is measured between the first end of the
spike and the surface or line of the hook closest to the core. The
distance D is preferably greater than or equal to around 0.02
millimetres.
[0013] It is thus possible, by placing the hooks at more or less
substantial distances D from the exterior surface of the core, to
transfer an amount of fluid or liquid product that is both
controlled and adapted as needed. The position of the hooks makes
it possible to curve the eyelashes and to load the eyelashes;
interestingly, the specific chosen position of the spikes enables
the loading effect to be adjusted according to the position of the
hooks.
[0014] The present invention advantageously makes it possible to
precisely hold the eyelashes with respect to the exterior surface
of the core, owing to the characteristic positioning of the
protuberances or hooks attached to the spikes.
[0015] Advantageously, the longitudinal axis XX of the core may not
be straight. The shape of the longitudinal axis XX will be
determined by a person skilled in the art according to the
particular case.
[0016] In addition, the core may have a constant transverse
cross-section over its length.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lengths of
said spikes implanted on the core are such that the spikes together
form a substantially cylindrical volume.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
lengths of said spikes implanted on the core are such that the
spikes together form an oval ball- or barrel-shaped volume.
[0019] Without going beyond the scope of the invention, said spikes
form at least one aligned row substantially parallel to the axis XX
of the core.
[0020] Preferably, said spikes form part of a plane perpendicular
or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX of the
core.
[0021] Advantageously, the distance D is around one-third the total
length of the spike. A person skilled in the art will more
specifically choose this distance according to the case
envisaged.
[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said
hooks have a flat right triangle shape in which a first face of the
right angle coincides with the exterior surface of the spike and a
second face of the right angle is close to the exterior surface of
the core.
[0023] Interestingly, the spikes and the core may be
monolithic.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will
become more clear form the following description, in reference to
the appended figures, which illustrate:
[0025] FIG. 1, a side view of the end of a device according to the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 2, a perspective view of the end of a device according
to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 3, a front view of a device according to the invention,
with a plurality of eyelashes held inside;
[0028] FIG. 4, a longitudinal cross-section of a device according
to the invention equipped with a straight core;
[0029] FIG. 5, a longitudinal cross-section of a device according
to the invention equipped with a curved core;
[0030] FIG. 6, a partial perspective of an embodiment of the device
according to the invention;
[0031] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C show, in transverse cross-sections, the
characteristic effect of the device on a keratin fibre; and
[0032] FIGS. 8 to 16 show examples of hook or protuberance shapes
capable of being envisaged within the scope of the invention.
[0033] For greater clarity, the same or similar features are
designated by the same reference signs in all of the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT
[0034] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention that includes,
in a known manner, a core 1 with a general elongate shape and that
extends according to a longitudinal axis XX. The longitudinal axis
XX can be straight or slightly curved, as shown in FIG. 1. The core
preferably has a solid circular transverse cross-section, but other
shapes may be envisaged without going beyond the scope of the
invention. The transverse cross-section of the core can be constant
over the entire length or not. The core may be solid or hollow.
[0035] Spikes 2 project from this core. The spikes 2 have an
elongate shape, with a first end 20 fixed or embedded on the
exterior surface of the core 1 and a second free end 21. The spikes
can have various shapes and be straight or curved. They may be
moulded integrally with the core. They are implanted on the core 1
so as preferably to form rows aligned according to the axis XX, as
shown in the appended figures. This implantation may be
different.
[0036] When a plurality of rows of spikes are provided, the spikes
2 of two adjacent rows may belong to the same plane perpendicular
or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX. The
spikes 2 of two adjacent rows can have a longitudinal offset; and
the spikes of non-adjacent rows can belong to the same transverse
plane.
[0037] In addition, the lengths of the spikes 2 can be constant or
variable over the entire device according to the invention. FIG. 3
shows an example in which the lengths of the spikes 2 are such that
the general exterior shape of the device is a sort of barrel or
oval ball. This shape is preferred when.
[0038] Without going beyond the scope of the invention, the
exterior volume may be cylindrical.
[0039] According to the invention, all or some of the spikes 2 are
equipped on their exterior surface with at least one protuberance
or hook 3 placed at a distance D from the first end 20 of the spike
2, the distance D being less than around 75% of the length of the
spike concerned. A distance D of around one-third the length of the
spike 2 has been tested with success.
[0040] The distance D will be chosen by a person skilled in the art
according to the particular case. In every case, it involves
holding the eyelashes between the exterior surface of the core 1
and the portion closest to the hook 3. The fluid or pasty product
is itself also held in this area, it is thus ensured that it will
easily be transferred onto the eyelash.
[0041] Depending on the position of the hooks 3 on the spikes 2, a
different amount of product is transferred; thus, the transfer of
product onto the eyelash C is ensured and controlled.
[0042] In addition, the hooks 3 make it possible to hold and retain
the eyelash C, that is, to guide it. Such an attachment is
favourable for good curvature of the eyelash C.
[0043] As is clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6 and 8 according to a
preferred embodiment, the hooks 3 have a flat right triangle shape
in which a first face of the right angle coincides with the
exterior surface of the spike 2 at the level of its attachment with
same. The second face of the right angle of the hook 3 is close to
the exterior surface of the core. More specifically, this second
face in this case serves as a reference for defining the distance
D, measured according to the length of the spike 2 concerned. The
distance D is measured from the exterior surface of the core 1,
where the spike is embedded, i.e. at the first end 20 thereof.
[0044] Regardless of the specific shape of the hook 3, the distance
D is defined between the surface or line of the hook 3 closest to
the core 1 and the exterior surface of the core, where the hook is
embedded. This distance D is advantageously less than 75% of the
total length of the spike concerned.
[0045] In a same device, the distance D is not necessarily always
the same. FIG. 4 clearly shows a distance D at the centre of the
applicator that is greater than the distance D at the ends of said
applicator. In this particular case, the spikes 2 themselves have
different lengths according to their position on the longitudinal
axis XX of the applicator: shorter lengths at the two ends and
longer in the middle area. Thus, the exterior shape of the
applicator is that of an oval ball or barrel. In this embodiment,
the hooks 3, provided at different distances D, are positioned
substantially at the same distance from the free ends 21 of the
spikes 2. It is thus possible to consider that, at the middle of
the applicator, the hooks 3 are placed at around 75% of the length
of the spikes, whereas, at the ends, they are positioned at around
60% of the length of the spikes 2.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment that differs from the embodiment
shown in FIG. 4 at the core 1, which is not straight, but curved.
In this case, at the middle, the hooks are placed at a distance D
of around 40% of the length of the spike 2, whereas, at the ends,
they are placed at a so-called minimal distance, of around 0.02 mm,
which corresponds substantially to the exterior diameter of a
keratin fibre.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows, in greater detail and in perspective, an
applicator portion: it is seen that from the core 1, the spikes 2
are embedded at their first end 20 and free at their second end 21.
The hooks are not present on all of the spikes 2; more
specifically, the hooks are in this case provided only on certain
rows of spikes.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows different cases of application demonstrating
the relationship between the position of the hook(s) 3 and the
thickness of the layer 10 of product (such as mascara) present at
the exterior surface of the core. This layer 10, more or less
thick, is externally defined by a contour 10'. In FIG. 7A, the
eyelash C is held in the thickness of the product owing to the hook
3 located at a distance D inferior to the thickness of the product.
Thus, the eyelash C is held in the product 10 under the hook 3. A
loading effect as well as a curvature effect of the eyelash C is
obtained.
[0049] FIG. 7B shows an example in which the eyelash C is held
right at the surface (flush) with the contour 10' of the product.
The eyelash is thus curved, and moderately loaded with product
since it is only slightly in contact with the product 10.
[0050] FIG. 7C shows the case in which the eyelash C is held by the
hook 3 outside the product 10. The eyelash C therefore is not
loaded with product; however, it is curved by the hook 3. A
curvature effect, without volume, is obtained.
[0051] It can be seen that the invention enables a correlation
between the position of the hooks 3 on the spikes 2 and the height
of product 10 attached to the exterior surface of the core 1.
Depending on the desired effect, the nature of the product and also
the respective diameters of the core 1 and the associated wiper, a
person skilled in the art will choose the appropriate position of
the hooks 3 on the spikes; their density and their positioning in
the brush formed by all of the spikes 2 are also the choice of a
person skilled in the art.
[0052] In addition, the shape of the hook may be different from
that defined above, but in every case it ensures that an eyelash C
is held near the exterior surface of the core 1. It is possible to
envisage choosing different shapes of hooks 3 on the same
applicator device.
[0053] FIGS. 8 and 8A show a so-called triangle hook shape. The
hooks 3 have a flat right triangle shape in which a first face of
the right angle coincides with the exterior surface of the spike
and a second face of the right angle is close to the exterior
surface of the core. The distance D is in this case defined, as
indicated in these figures, from the first end 20 of the hook 2 to
the surface of the hook 3 closest to the core 1.
[0054] FIG. 9 shows a hook 3 in the shape of a right triangle of
which the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
spike 2 is removed from the first end 20 of the spike. The distance
D is in this case defined up to the acute angle of the right
triangle.
[0055] FIGS. 10A and 10B show a hook 3 with a shape similar to that
of FIGS. 8A and 8B, but of which the surface closest to the core 1
consists of a double slope 30, 31. The distance D is then defined
as illustrated in these figures.
[0056] FIG. 11 concerns a right triangle-type hook 3, of which the
surface closest to the core is hollow and consists of two slopes
32, 33. In this case, a sort of harpoon is formed at the level of
this surface close to the core 1.
[0057] FIG. 12 shows a K-shaped hook 3, of which the main branch
coincides with the exterior surface of the spike 2 and of which the
two branches 34, 35 are respectively oriented toward the core
(branch 34) and toward the free end 21 of the spike 2
concerned.
[0058] FIG. 13 relates to a hook shape similar to that of FIGS. 8,
but of which the surface 36 closest to the core 1 is not flat, but
curved. This difference favours the holding of the eyelash at this
surface that forms, with the associated surface of the spike (the
surface closest to the core), a sort of harpoon.
[0059] FIG. 14 shows a protuberance 3 in the form of a
half-cylinder emerging from the surface it shares with the spike 2,
the width of which corresponds to that of the spike 2 at their
connection.
[0060] The hook 3 shown in FIG. 15 is in the shape of a truncated
cylinder toward the free end 21 of the spike 2.
[0061] According to FIG. 16, the hook 3 is formed by two
half-cylinders 37, 38, substantially juxtaposed according to the
length of the spike 2.
[0062] Preferably, the core 1, the spikes 2 and the hooks are
moulded integrally. It is interesting to note that all of the
surfaces of the hook 3 can be in contact with the eyelash to be
treated; usually, it is the surface closest to the core that is
active, but the other free surfaces of the hook also have their own
function: product loading, curvature of the eyelash C, holding of
the eyelash C; this is particularly valuable, novel and
inventive.
[0063] In addition, as briefly mentioned above, the modularity in
the shape and the arrangement of the hooks is valuable parameter of
the invention. In particular, it makes it possible to vary both the
curvature and the loading (volume of product transferred onto the
eyelashes) effect from the same container. Commonly, the applicator
of the invention is part of an assembly also consisting of a
product container (also called the bottle), a wiper mounted in the
neck of the container, as well as a cap, a rod holder and a rod, at
the end of which the applicator is attached. It is understood that
these parts cooperate functionally so as to arrive at a result (in
particular makeup). It is very difficult to change at least one of
these three parts in order to produce a different makeup effect.
According to the invention, by simply changing the position and/or
the shape of the hooks, the makeup effect is significantly
modified. This is therefore highly valuable economically.
[0064] Similarly, the exterior appearance of the applicator can
easily be modified. This is valuable because it is very
economical.
[0065] Numerous arrangements and combinations can be envisaged
without going beyond the scope of the invention; a person skilled
in the art will choose one or another depending on economical,
ergonomic, dimensional or other constrains that must be
respected.
* * * * *