U.S. patent application number 15/119876 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-30 for applicator for a cosmetic product 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 Yann Crapet, Anne Rutigliano, Camille Schreiber.
Application Number | 20170086564 15/119876 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50513320 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170086564 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schreiber; Camille ; et
al. |
March 30, 2017 |
Applicator for a Cosmetic Product and Associated Applicator
Assembly
Abstract
The invention concerns an applicator (10) for a cosmetic
product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core (12) that
extends in a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as
the extension axis (X), and a plurality of protuberances (31, 32)
projecting and extending radially from the core (12), said
protuberances (31, 32) being moulded with the core (12). Said
protuberances (31, 32) are of at least two different types, a first
type of protuberances (31) being in the form of plates (31) and a
second type of protuberances (32) being in the form of teeth (32),
said first and second type of protuberances (31, 32) being arranged
in succession along said extension axis (X). The invention also
relates to an associated applicator assembly.
Inventors: |
Schreiber; Camille; (Paris,
FR) ; Rutigliano; Anne; (Maisons-Laffitte, FR)
; Crapet; Yann; (Pontoise, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ALBEA SERVICES |
Gennevilliers |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
ALBEA SERVICES
Gennevilliers
FR
|
Family ID: |
50513320 |
Appl. No.: |
15/119876 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
February 11, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/052872 |
371 Date: |
August 18, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/1053 20130101;
A45D 40/267 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101; A46B 9/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46B 9/02 20060101 A46B009/02; A46B 9/06 20060101
A46B009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 24, 2014 |
FR |
1451458 |
Claims
1. Applicator for a cosmetic product, in particular for mascara,
comprising a core extending in a main longitudinal extension
direction, referred to as the axis of extension (X), and a
plurality of projecting protrusions extending radially from the
core, said protrusions being moulded with the core, characterised
in that said protrusions are of at least two different types, a
first type of protrusions in the form of plates and a second type
of protrusions in the form of teeth, said first and second type of
protrusions following one another along said axis of extension
(X).
2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has a proximal
end and a distal end, said first and second type of protrusions
occupying zones, referred to respectively as zones of the first
type (Z1) and zones of the second type (Z2), said zones (Z1, Z2)
following one another axially along the axis of extension (X), from
the proximal end to the distal end of the core.
3. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the core has a cross
section with respect to the axis of extension (X), which is said
first section (S1) in the zones of the first type (Z1), and a
second section (S2) in the zones of the second type (Z2), the
dimensions of the first section (S1) being less than those of the
second sections (S2).
4. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the zones of the first
and/or of the second type (Z1, Z2) comprise at least two radial
rows of protrusions which follow one another along the axis of
extension.
5. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the
second type have a semi-circular cross section and each have a
planar surface.
6. Applicator according to claim 5, wherein said protrusions of the
second type are positioned in such a way that two adjacent
protrusions of the same axial row are disposed in a staggered
manner, their planar surface being oriented in each case in an
opposing rotational direction.
7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has a cross
section of the type having a constant shape.
8. Applicator according to claim 7, wherein the cross section of
the core has the shape of a polygon with rectilinear sides.
9. Applicator according to claim 8, wherein the protrusions of the
first type each extend from one side of said polygon, extending
along the entirety of said side.
10. Applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising: a
receptacle comprising a body forming a container intended to
contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator according to claim
1, suitable for being fixed on the receptacle, in such a way that
the applicator is accommodated inside the container.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic
product and to an associated applicator assembly.
[0002] Applicator assemblies for a cosmetic product are known, in
particular for a cosmetic product intended to be applied to the
eyelashes, such as mascara, comprising a receptacle containing the
cosmetic product and an applicator suitable for being fixed
removably on the receptacle.
[0003] The receptacle generally comprises a body, the body
comprising walls delimiting a container which contains the cosmetic
product, and a neck defining an opening through which the cosmetic
product can be removed.
[0004] The applicator assembly generally comprises a cap suitable
for being fixed on the neck, a stem extending from the cap and an
applicator fixed to a free end of the stem. The applicator
comprises a core and a plurality of protrusions extending from the
core in order to coat the eyelashes with cosmetic product and to
comb them.
[0005] When the cap is fixed on the neck, the stem and the
applicator extend inside the container. The applicator is immersed
in the cosmetic product contained in the container.
[0006] In order to use the applicator, the user detaches the cap
from the neck and removes the applicator from the receptacle.
[0007] In order to prevent the applicator from being excessively
loaded with cosmetic product, the receptacle generally comprises a
wiper, fixed inside the neck. When the user removes the applicator
from the receptacle, the applicator slides inside the wiper. The
wiper scrapes off the excess cosmetic product on the stem and on
the applicator.
[0008] The aim of the present invention is to solve the following
problem: to propose an applicator which makes it possible to coat
the eyelashes in a satisfactory manner whilst combing them.
[0009] Thus, the invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic
product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core extending in
a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the axis of
extension, and a plurality of projecting protrusions extending
radially from the core, said protrusions being moulded with the
core.
[0010] According to the invention, said protrusions are of at least
two different types: a first type of protrusions in the form of
plates and a second type of protrusion in the form of teeth, said
first and second type of protrusions following one another along
said axis of extension.
[0011] The advantage associated with the applicator according to
the invention is the possibility of coating the user's eyelashes
with cosmetic product by means of the plates, whilst combing the
eyelashes by means of the teeth, and doing so all along the
applicator according to the invention since the two types of
protrusions follow one another axially.
[0012] According to different embodiments of the invention, which
may be taken together or separately: [0013] each plate occupies an
angular portion of the core, [0014] the protrusions each extend
along a normal to the axis of the core, [0015] the core has a
proximal end and a distal end, [0016] the protrusions are
distributed along said core, over a substantial portion of its
length from the distal end, [0017] said proximal end is extended by
a sleeve having no protrusions, [0018] the protrusions are
distributed over the entire radial periphery of the core, [0019]
the core is made of plastic material, [0020] the protrusions are
made of plastic material, [0021] the core and the protrusions are
moulded integrally from the same material, [0022] said first and
second type of protrusions occupy zones, referred to respectively
as zones of the first type and zones of the second type, [0023]
said zones follow one another axially along the axis of extension,
from the proximal end to the distal end of the core, [0024] the
core has a cross section with respect to the axis of extension,
referred to as a first section in the zones of the first type, and
a second section in the zones of the second type, [0025] the
dimensions of the first section are smaller than those of the
second sections, in particular those of the second sections which
are directly adjacent thereto, [0026] the zones of the first and/or
second type comprise at least two radial rows of protrusions which
follow one another along the axis of extension, [0027] the radial
rows of protrusions extend transversely with respect to the axis of
extension, [0028] the protrusions of the second type have a
semi-circular cross section and each have a planar surface, [0029]
the protrusions of the second type are positioned in such a way
that two adjacent protrusions of the same axial row are disposed in
a staggered manner, their planar surface being oriented in each
case in an opposing rotational direction, [0030] the protrusions of
the second type are teeth, [0031] the protrusions of the second
type are rectilinear, [0032] the core has a cross section of the
type having a constant shape, [0033] the cross section of the core
has the shape of a polygon with rectilinear sides, [0034] said
polygon comprises six sides, [0035] the protrusions of the first
type each extend from one side of said polygon, extending along the
entirety of said side, [0036] the core is solid, [0037] the
applicator forms a brush.
[0038] The invention also advantageously relates to an applicator
assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle comprising
a body forming a container intended to contain the cosmetic
product, and an applicator as described above, suitable for being
fixed on the receptacle, in such a way that the applicator is
accommodated inside the container.
[0039] The invention will be better understood, and other
objectives, details, features and advantages thereof will become
more apparent in the course of the following detailed explanatory
description of at least one embodiment of the invention given by
way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference
to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a partially inclined isometric view of an
embodiment of an applicator according to the invention,
[0041] FIG. 2 is a front view of the applicator illustrated in FIG.
1,
[0042] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 2,
[0043] The invention relates to an applicator 10 for a cosmetic
product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core 12 which
extends in a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as
the axis of extension, labelled X in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0044] The applicator 10 according to the invention also comprises
a plurality of projecting protrusions 31, 32 extending radially
from the core 12, said protrusions 31, 32 being moulded with the
core. In this case, the protrusions 31, 32 are integral with the
core 12. In other words, the core 12 and the protrusions 31, 32 are
moulded continuously from the same material. This has the advantage
of simplifying the manufacture of the applicator 10 according to
the invention. This also has the advantage of better controlling
the rigidity given to said protrusions 31, 32.
[0045] The core 12 and the protrusions 31, 32 could be moulded from
a material based on LDPE (low density polyethylene). Other
materials could also be used, namely the material "EXACT" from
ExxonMobil or the material "HYTREL" from DuPont, or a mixture of
these materials.
[0046] Alternatively, the protrusions 31, 32 are overmoulded on the
core 12, in particular for the purpose of varying the colours of
the elements constituting said applicator 10.
[0047] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the core 12 has a proximal end 13
and a distal end 16. The proximal end 13 can be fixed to a stem of
the applicator (not shown) by a sleeve 14 which extends said core
12. The sleeve 14 does not have any protrusions.
[0048] It should be noted that the core 12 has a cross section of
the type having a constant shape, namely a polygonal shape. More
precisely, the cross section of the core 12 has the shape of a
polygon with rectilinear sides, preferably with six sides.
Preferably, the type of shape and/or the angular orientation of
said cross section of the core 12 is substantially constant from
its proximal end 13 to its distal end 16. This is understood to
mean that even if the cross section of the core 12 could have a
variable surface area along the core 12, it retains the same type
of contour and/or the same angular orientation. Said cross section
is, for example, hexagonal and said distal end 16 is not angularly
offset from said proximal end 13.
[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and according to the
invention, the protrusions 31, 32 are distributed along said core
12 over a substantial portion of its length from the distal end
16.
[0050] Moreover, the protrusions 31, 32 are distributed over the
entire radial periphery of the core 12.
[0051] Alternatively, the protrusions are distributed over a
discrete portion of the radial periphery of the core 12 (embodiment
not shown) in order to obtain makeup effects which are additional
and/or complementary to those which are described here.
[0052] In the following description a radial row of protrusions 31,
32 is understood to be a row of protrusions 31, 32 disposed around
the core 12, in the same plane orthogonal to the axis of extension
X, said plane intersecting the core 12 according to a section which
in this case is substantially circular.
[0053] The applicator 10 is wiped during its removal from the
container by a wiper disposed inside the container.
[0054] According to the invention, the protrusions 31, 32 are of at
least two different types.
[0055] A first type of protrusions 31 takes the form of plates 31
(see FIG. 1). In this case, each plate occupies an angular portion
of the core 12. In other words, said plates 31 each extend from one
side of the core 12; they advantageously extend along the entirety
of said side. The plates 31 therefore have a wide base and taper
towards their free end. Since the plates 31 form at least one
radial row as defined above, and considering that the core 12 is
polygonal, the plates 31 form angular gaps relative to one another.
Moreover, said gaps are configured in order to retain the cosmetic
product when the applicator is removed from its receptacle and is
scraped off by the wiper. In other words, the gaps, which have a
substantially concave shape, which may or may not be rounded, serve
as a container for cosmetic product. Therefore this makes it
possible to provide an applicator 10 which offers a high capacity
for loading with cosmetic product.
[0056] It should be noted, by way of non-limiting example, that the
plates 31 have a substantially triangular shape and preferably have
a rounded free end.
[0057] On the other hand, the applicator 10 according to the
invention comprises a second type of protrusions 32 which are in
the form of teeth 32. These teeth 32 have a semi-circular cross
section and each have a planar surface. They are positioned in such
a way that two adjacent teeth 32 of the same axial row are disposed
in a staggered manner, their planar surface being oriented in each
case in an opposing rotational direction, for example on either
side of the same axial edge of the core. Said teeth 32 are provided
in a rectilinear manner, and each extend along a normal to the axis
of the core 12. Said teeth 32 give the applicator 10 according to
the invention an ability to comb the eyelashes to complement the
effect obtained by the radial rows of plates 31.
[0058] Thus, according to the invention, and as can be seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3, said first and second type of protrusions 31, 32
follow one another along the axis of extension X of the core 12. In
this case, the radial rows of plates 31 follow the radial rows of
teeth 32 along the axis of extension X of the core 12. It may be
recalled that the associated advantage is the possibility of
coating the user's eyelashes with cosmetic product by means of the
plates 31, whilst combing the eyelashes by means of the teeth 32,
and doing so all along the applicator according to the invention
since the two types of protrusions 31, 32 follow one another
axially.
[0059] On the other hand, the radial rows of plates 31 and the
radial rows of teeth 32 form zones, referred to respectively as a
zone of the first type Z1 and a zone of the second type Z2, which
follow one another axially from the proximal end 13 to the distal
end 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0060] It has also been found that the plates 31 have a deflection
capacity which is less than the deflection capacity of the teeth
32, in particular in the axial direction.
[0061] Consequently, the radial rows of plates 31 have an increased
resistance when they pass through the wiper (not shown here) than
when the radial rows of teeth 32 pass therethrough. In other words,
when the radial rows of plates 31 arrive in the region of the
wiper, they lock and lead to a sudden withdrawal of the applicator
out of its receptacle.
[0062] In order to eliminate this disadvantage, flexibility may be
provided in the region of the radial rows of plate 31, in
particular by varying the dimensions of the cross section of the
core 12. In other words, the core 12 advantageously has at least
two cross sections S1, S2 with respect to the axis of extension X,
said two cross sections having different dimensions (see FIG. 3).
The core 12 thus has a cross section with respect to the axis of
extension X, referred to as a first section S1 in the zones of the
first type Z1 and a second section S2 in the zones of the second
type Z2, the dimensions of the first section S1 being less than
those of the second sections S2. In particular, the dimensions of
the first section S1 are less than those of the second sections S2
which are directly adjacent thereto (see FIG. 3).
[0063] Said sections S1, S2 preferably comply with the following
formula: 0.7.ltoreq.S1/S2.ltoreq.0.9. By way of example, the
section S1 is inscribed in a circle of diameter substantially equal
to 2 mm and the cross section S2 is inscribed in a circle of
diameter substantially equal to 2.5 mm.
[0064] Thus the core 12 of the applicator 10 according to the
invention is thinner at the location of the radial rows of plates
31 in order to give it an increased bending capacity in comparison
to the zones Z2 bearing the radial rows of teeth 32. It will be
noted in FIGS. 2 and 3 that the core 12 is thinner at the location
of the radial rows of plates 31, but also in the vicinity thereof,
over an axial distance of several tenths of a millimetre, for
example over an axial distance of 0.3 mm.
[0065] It should be noted that the plates 31, like the teeth 32,
each extend along a normal to the axis of the core 12.
[0066] The zones of the first type Z1 and/or of the second type Z2
comprise at least two radial rows of protrusions which follow one
another along the axis of extension X. In particular x radial rows
of plates 31 alternate along the axis of extension X with y radial
rows of teeth 32, x and y complying with the formula 1
x,y.ltoreq.6. In the embodiment illustrated here, without this
being limiting, two radial rows of plates 31 alternate
systematically and successively along the axis of extension with 4
radial rows of teeth 31.
[0067] Providing radial rows of plates in the form of pairs, that
is to say two radial rows of plates without a radial row of teeth
therebetween, has the advantage of further improving the loading
power of the brush. The zone situated between the plates of the
same pair will in fact be protected by the upper plate, that is to
say the plate which is wiped first when the user takes the
applicator out of the container, when said zone passes through the
wiper.
[0068] The teeth of two successive radial rows of teeth are tangent
here, one below and one above the same plane transversely with
respect to the core.
[0069] It should be noted again that the core is solid.
Nevertheless, it could be hollow without departing from the scope
of the invention.
[0070] It may be recalled that the invention also relates to an
applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle
(not shown) comprising a body forming a container containing the
cosmetic product, and an applicator 10 as previously described,
suitable for being fixed on the receptacle, in such a way that the
applicator is accommodated inside the container. Said applicator 10
is fixed, for example, to the end of a stem, which is itself fixed
to a cap (not shown) advantageously screwed to the receptacle.
After assembly, the sleeve 14 is situated in the stem and the
proximal end 13 of the core forms the visible proximal end of the
applicator.
[0071] On the other hand, the protrusions 31, 32 form a contour E,
in particular defined by their periphery (see FIG. 2). Said contour
E has a substantially frustoconical shape, in particular between
said proximal end 13 and distal end 16. The truncated cone formed
by said contour E has, for example, a circular cross section in the
vicinity of the proximal end 13 having a diameter between 6.5 mm
and 9.5 mm, in particular substantially equal to 8 mm, and a
circular cross section in the vicinity of the distal end 16, of
which the diameter is between 3.5 mm and 5.5 mm, in particular
substantially equal to 4.5 mm. The frustoconical shape of the
contour E has the advantage of facilitating the passage of the
applicator 10 through the wiper, when it is reinserted into the
receptacle, in particular after use.
[0072] It should also be noted that the applicator 10 forms a
brush, in particular a mascara brush.
[0073] It should also be noted that alternative embodiments are of
course possible. In particular, in a supplementary embodiment the
core is curved from its proximal end to its distal end.
* * * * *