U.S. patent application number 15/525148 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-09 for applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.
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, Davide MANICI, Audrey THENIN.
Application Number | 20170318940 15/525148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52273315 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170318940 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MANICI; Davide ; et
al. |
November 9, 2017 |
APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC, MAKEUP OR CARE, PRODUCT TO THE
EYELASHES AND/OR EYEBROWS
Abstract
The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a
cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows,
having a moulded applicator member (8) having: --a core (10) that
extends along a longitudinal axis (X), --spikes (18, 15, 16) that
are carried by the core (10) and are disposed in a plurality of
longitudinal rows (17, 19, 20), wherein, within one longitudinal
row (17) out of at least two about the longitudinal axis (X) of the
core (10), at least one spike (16) is reinforced at its base and
extends between spikes (15) that do not have a reinforcement.
Inventors: |
MANICI; Davide; (Mercenasco,
IT) ; THENIN; Audrey; (Clichy, FR) ; BERHAULT;
Alain; (Clichy, FR) ; CAULIER; Eric; (Clichy,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
52273315 |
Appl. No.: |
15/525148 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
November 6, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/075898 |
371 Date: |
May 8, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/267 20130101;
A46B 2200/1053 20130101; A46B 3/005 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101;
A46B 9/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46B 3/00 20060101 A46B003/00; A46B 9/00 20060101
A46B009/00; A46B 9/02 20060101 A46B009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 7, 2014 |
FR |
1460819 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to
the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member
having: a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, spikes that
are carried by the core and are disposed in a plurality of
longitudinal rows, wherein, within one longitudinal row out of at
least two about the longitudinal axis of the core, at least one
spike is reinforced at its base and extends between spikes that do
not have a reinforcement.
20. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein one spike out of two
is reinforced at its base along more than half the length of said
longitudinal row.
21. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the spikes adjacent
to a reinforced spike do not have a reinforcement, in particular
the two adjacent spikes within the crown of spikes to which the
reinforced spike belongs, and the two closest spikes within the two
adjacent longitudinal rows.
22. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforcements of
the reinforced spikes have a cross section with an elongate shape,
in particular elongate in the direction of the longitudinal axis of
the core.
23. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforcements of
the reinforced spikes have a cross section which increases in size
towards the core.
24. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforcements of
the reinforced spikes extend over only a part of the height of the
reinforced spike.
25. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforced spikes
have a semi-conical body above the corresponding
reinforcements.
26. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforced spikes
have a shoulder that delimits the reinforcement from the rest of
the reinforced spike.
27. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the height of the
reinforcements is less than half the total height of the reinforced
spikes.
28. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the ratio between the
height of each reinforcement and the total height of the spike it
reinforces is between 0.1 and 1.7, better still between 0.3 and
1.4.
29. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the height of the
reinforcements is constant along the longitudinal axis of the core,
and is in particular between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm, better still
between 0.17 mm and 1.55 mm.
30. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforced spikes
are the same height as the spikes that do not have a
reinforcement.
31. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the spikes in the
longitudinal rows that do not have reinforcements have a conical
shape.
32. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein, within one
longitudinal row, the height of the spikes decreases in the
direction of the distal end of the core, in particular along at
least half the length of the applicator member.
33. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein 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.
34. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforcements of
the reinforced spikes are moulded together with and from the same
material as the core.
35. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the spikes are
disposed around the longitudinal axis of the core along crowns of
spikes, two consecutive crowns along the longitudinal axis of the
core being offset angularly by a non-zero angle, in particular
equal to half the angular pitch between the spikes of a crown.
36. Device for packaging and applying a product to the eyelashes
and/or eyebrows, having an applicator according to claim 19 and a
container containing the product.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to applicators for applying a
cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows,
in particular mascara, and to packaging and application devices
having a container containing the product to be applied and the
applicator.
[0002] The container is conventionally provided with a wiping
member which wipes the stem of the applicator as it is withdrawn
from the container. The behaviour of the applicator member on
passing through the wiping member depends on numerous factors, such
as the shape and nature of the lip of the wiping member and the
arrangement of the application elements on the applicator
member.
[0003] A compromise has to be found with regard to the quantity of
product which is left on the applicator member for application of
makeup. Excessive wiping of the applicator member causes the latter
to be insufficiently loaded and obliges the user to frequently dip
the applicator back into the container. Insufficient wiping leaves
an excess of product that is difficult to manage and could result
in clumps of product on poorly separated eyelashes.
[0004] Applications EP 1 070 466, WO 01/05272 and WO 01/05273
disclose applicators having application elements situated on just
one side of a core, said application elements consisting of a base
surmounted by a body with a substantially cylindrical or conical
shape.
[0005] International Application WO 2014/17442 describes an
applicator in which the longitudinal rows of spikes each have
alternations of simple spikes and spikes that have wide bases and
narrow towards their free end along a curvilinear path, these
spikes extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the
core.
[0006] There is a need to further improve applicators for applying
a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, 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 and/or eyebrows, while retaining
a high capacity to separate the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.
[0007] The invention aims to meet this objective and the subject
thereof, according to one of its aspects, is an applicator for
applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes
and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member having: [0008]
a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, [0009] spikes that
are carried by the core and are disposed in a plurality of
longitudinal rows, wherein, within one longitudinal row out of at
least two about the longitudinal axis of the core, at least one
spike is reinforced at its base and extends between spikes that do
not have a reinforcement.
[0010] By virtue of the invention, the spikes which are reinforced
bend less during the extraction of the applicator, this tending to
reduce the wiping of the core in the region of said reinforced
spikes. This makes it possible to obtain zones that form reservoirs
on the applicator member, in particular in the vicinity of these
reinforced spikes, between the rows of spikes and between the
spikes in the rows, said zones being wiped less as the applicator
passes through the wiping member, thus providing, for application
of makeup, if desired, a surplus of product along the entire length
of the core and all around the latter. This surplus of product
allows the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to be loaded with a large and
satisfactory amount of product from the first application.
[0011] During application of makeup, these zones that form
reservoirs are emptied gradually of their contents, when the
eyelashes and/or eyebrows come into contact with said zones. The
eyelashes and/or eyebrows are thus properly loaded with product
without the user having to reload the applicator too frequently by
reintroducing it into the container.
[0012] Moreover, the reinforced spikes can help to smooth the
product on the eyelashes and to separate them, creating an
additional area of contact with the eyelashes.
[0013] The height and shape of the reinforcements, and the number
and arrangement of reinforced spikes, can be varied during
manufacturing of the applicator member in order to adjust the level
to which the applicator is loaded with product after wiping.
[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 and/or
eyebrows.
[0016] Reinforced Spikes
[0017] Preferably, every other spike is reinforced at its base
along more than half the length of a longitudinal row.
[0018] Likewise preferably, within every other longitudinal row,
every other spike is advantageously reinforced at its base,
preferably apart from the spike closest to the distal end of the
core, which can remain without a reinforcement.
[0019] In one variant, a plurality of reinforced spikes follow one
another within one and the same longitudinal row.
[0020] Within a longitudinal row, the ratio between the number of
reinforced spikes and the total number of spikes in this row can be
between 1/3 and 3/4, better still between 3/8 and 5/8.
[0021] It is possible for the spikes adjacent to a reinforced spike
not to have a reinforcement, in particular the two spikes adjacent
thereto within the circumferential row to which the reinforced
spike belongs, and the two closest spikes within the two adjacent
longitudinal rows. This configuration makes it possible to obtain
zones that form reservoirs on the applicator member, in the
vicinity of these reinforced spikes, between the rows of spikes
that do not have a reinforcement and between the spikes that do not
have a reinforcement in the rows, said zones being wiped less as
the applicator passes through the wiping member. A "circumferential
row of spikes", or crown of spikes, should be understood as meaning
a row formed by spikes that occupy one and the same axial position
on the longitudinal axis of the core.
[0022] Every other circumferential row advantageously has
reinforced spikes. The circumferential rows at the proximal and
distal ends of the core preferably do not have reinforced
spikes.
[0023] The reinforced spikes advantageously have a reinforcement at
their base that extends over only a part of the height of the
reinforced spike, forming a distinct part from the rest of the
reinforced spike.
[0024] The reinforced spikes may have a shoulder that delimits the
reinforcement from the rest of the reinforced spike. This shoulder
may extend perpendicularly to the elongation axis of the spike. The
shoulder of the reinforced spikes makes it possible to create an
additional area of contact with the eyelashes, in order to smooth
the product on the eyelashes and to separate them.
[0025] The reinforced spikes preferably have a semi-conical or
semi-prismatic body above the corresponding reinforcements, that is
to say for example having a first, flat face and a second, rounded
or prismatic face. In one variant, the reinforced spikes have a
body with any other shape above the corresponding reinforcements,
in particular a rotationally symmetrical, cylindrical or tapered,
for example conical, shape, or a frustoconical or pyramidal shape,
in particular with a hexagonal base.
[0026] The reinforced spikes advantageously extend along a
rectilinear elongation axis.
[0027] The reinforcements of the reinforced spikes may have a cross
section with an elongate shape, preferably elongate in the
direction of the longitudinal axis of the core. This can increase
bending resistance with regard to a force exerted in the direction
of the longitudinal axis of the core, this being the case during
the extraction of the applicator. The reinforcements of the
reinforced spikes may have a cross section which increases in size
towards the core.
[0028] The reinforcements of the reinforced spikes advantageously
have a cross section, taken perpendicularly to the elongation axis
of the spikes, which is substantially rectangular and, when
observed from the front in a direction perpendicular to the major
axis along which the long sides of their cross section extend, a
profile in the form of an isosceles trapezium. In variants, the
reinforcements of the reinforced spikes have, in front view, some
other shape, for example a triangular or rectangular profile.
[0029] Preferably, the major axis, along which the long sides of
the cross section of the reinforcements of the reinforced spikes
extend, is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.
In one variant, this major axis is oriented obliquely or
perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the
core.
[0030] The reinforcements of the reinforced spikes are
advantageously not joined to other spikes at their base.
[0031] The height of the reinforcements may be less than half the
total height of the reinforced spikes. The expression "height of a
reinforcement" denotes the distance measured along the elongation
axis of the spike between the top of the reinforcement and its base
by way of which it is connected to the core. The expression "total
height of a reinforced spike" denotes the distance measured along
the elongation axis of the spike between its free end and the base
of the reinforcement by way of which it is connected to the
core.
[0032] The ratio between the height of each reinforcement and the
total height of the spike it reinforces is preferably between 0.1
and 1.7, better still between 0.3 and 1.4.
[0033] The height of the reinforcements may be constant along the
longitudinal axis of the core, and is in particular between 0.1 mm
and 2.5 mm, better still between 0.17 mm and 1.55 mm. In one
variant, the height of the reinforcements varies along the
longitudinal axis of the core, for example within one or more
longitudinal rows and/or from one longitudinal row to another.
[0034] The reinforced spikes are advantageously the same height as
the spikes that do not have a reinforcement.
[0035] The thickness of the reinforcements may be between 0.35 mm
and 1.2 mm, better still between 0.45 mm and 1 mm, and is in
particular equal to around 0.85 mm. The expression "thickness of a
reinforcement" denotes the largest transverse dimension of the
reinforcement, in section, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis
of the core.
[0036] The width of the reinforcements at their base is
advantageously constant along the longitudinal axis of the core.
The expression "width of a reinforcement at its base" denotes the
transverse dimension of the reinforcement, in section, along the
longitudinal axis of the core, at the point at which the
reinforcement is attached to the core. The width of the
reinforcements at their base may be between 0.35 mm and 1.5 mm, and
is for example equal to around 0.85 mm.
[0037] The width of the reinforcements at their top may be between
0.3 mm and 1.2 mm, and is for example equal to around 0.7 mm. The
expression "width of a reinforcement at its top" denotes the
transverse dimension of the reinforcement, in section, along the
longitudinal axis of the core, at the point at which it is attached
to the rest of the spike it reinforces.
[0038] Core and Spikes
[0039] The spikes advantageously extend from the core and all
around the latter. The number of longitudinal rows may be even.
There may be at least eight longitudinal rows of spikes in total,
in particular 16 rows, of which eight longitudinal rows have
reinforced spikes.
[0040] The longitudinal rows are preferably rectilinear. The axis
of each longitudinal row is preferably parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the core.
[0041] Each longitudinal row is preferably offset axially with
respect to the consecutive longitudinal row. The expression
"axially offset longitudinal rows" should be understood as meaning
that the spikes of the same rank in these rows do not occupy the
same position along the longitudinal axis of the core.
[0042] The spikes of the same rank in the longitudinal rows that do
not have reinforced spikes may all occupy the same axial position
along the longitudinal axis of the core.
[0043] The reinforced spikes of the same rank in the longitudinal
rows that have reinforced spikes may all be at the same axial
position along the longitudinal axis of the core.
[0044] The spikes in two adjacent longitudinal rows may be not
joined at their base.
[0045] Within one and the same longitudinal row, the spacing
between two spikes of ranks n and n+1, measured along the
longitudinal axis of the row, between the two respective median
planes of the two spikes, may be between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, better
still between 1 mm and 2 mm, and is in particular equal to around
1.7 mm.
[0046] Within one and the same longitudinal row that has reinforced
spikes, the interval between two spikes of ranks n and n+1, one of
which is reinforced and the other is not, measured along the
longitudinal axis of the row, between the base of the reinforcement
and the base of the adjacent spike, may be between 0.3 mm and 2 mm,
better still between 0.7 mm and 1.4 mm, and is in particular equal
to around 1 mm.
[0047] Within one and the same longitudinal row that does not have
reinforced spikes, the interval between two spikes of ranks n and
n+1, measured along the longitudinal axis of the row, between the
two bases of the spikes facing one another, may be between 0.3 mm
and 2 mm, better still between 0.9 mm and 1.7 mm, and is in
particular equal to around 1.2 mm.
[0048] The implantation of the spikes may be such that the angular
offset a about the longitudinal axis of the core, between the
spikes of two consecutive crowns of spikes, is non-zero, being
preferably equal to half the angular pitch fl between two
consecutive spikes in one and the same crown.
[0049] 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, the
spikes each 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. This elongation axis may be
radial. The surface of the core to which the spikes are attached
may be a rotationally symmetrical surface.
[0050] In a variant, the elongation axis of the spikes forms an
angle other than 90.degree. with the surface of the core at the
point at which the spikes are attached to the core.
[0051] The height of at least one spike, better still each spike or
the majority of spikes, measured from the core, may be between 0.5
mm and 3.5 mm, better still between 0.75 mm and 2 mm.
[0052] Preferably, the height of the spikes varies, for example in
a monotonous manner, along the longitudinal axis of the core.
Within one longitudinal row, the height of the spikes preferably
decreases in the direction of the distal end of the core, in
particular along at least half the visible length of the applicator
member. In one variant, the height of the spikes is constant along
the longitudinal axis of the core.
[0053] The spikes in the longitudinal rows that do not have
reinforcements advantageously have a conical shape. In variants,
said spikes have any shape, in particular a cylindrical or tapered,
semi-conical, frustoconical or pyramidal shape, in particular with
a hexagonal base. In a further variant, the spikes have, in front
view, a non-symmetrical shape and an outwardly convex edge, narrow
over at least a part of their height away from the core and have a
width that decreases towards said convex edge.
[0054] The cross section of the spikes in the longitudinal rows
that do not have reinforcements may have a substantially circular,
semi-circular (referred to as a half moon), elliptical or
semi-elliptical shape, or may also be, for example, polygonal, in
particular hexagonal.
[0055] The spikes that do not have a reinforcement and belong to a
longitudinal row having reinforced spikes advantageously have the
same overall shape as the bodies of said reinforced spikes in the
row above the reinforcement, and have in particular a semi-conical
shape.
[0056] The cross section of the spikes that do not have a
reinforcement and belong to a longitudinal row having reinforced
spikes advantageously has a semicircular shape (referred to as a
half-moon).
[0057] Within the longitudinal rows that have reinforced spikes, in
the case in which the spikes in these rows all have a semi-conical
shape, the flat faces of each spike are advantageously oriented in
the same circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis of
the core.
[0058] At least one spike may be ended by a rounded, in particular
hemispherical, free end, the radius of curvature of which may be
between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm, and is for example equal to around 0.15
mm.
[0059] Some spikes on the applicator, in particular the spikes that
belong to the longitudinal rows that do not have reinforcements,
may have a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 0.85 mm, better still
between 0.45 mm and 0.75 mm, said thickness being in particular
equal to around 0.5 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 and to the
longitudinal axis of the core.
[0060] The thickness of the spikes that do not have a reinforcement
and belong to the longitudinal rows that have reinforced spikes may
be equal to half the thickness of the spikes that belong to the
longitudinal rows that do not have reinforcements, in particular in
the case in which the spikes that do not have a reinforcement and
belong to the longitudinal rows having reinforced spikes have a
semi-conical shape.
[0061] The spikes that do not have a reinforcement may have a width
of between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, better still between 0.35 mm and 0.65
mm, said width being in particular equal to around 0.5 mm. The
expression "width of a spike" denotes the largest transverse
dimension of the spike, in section, along the longitudinal axis of
the core.
[0062] The free ends of the spikes of the applicator member 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.
[0063] The envelope surface of the applicator member may have a
largest transverse dimension that is substantially constant along
at least a part of the length of the applicator member, in
particular along more than half the part of the core that carries
the spikes.
[0064] The envelope surface may also have a cross section that
varies along all or part of the length of the applicator member.
The cross section of the envelope surface may for example have one
or more extremes and for example at least one local minimum and two
local maxima. The diameter of the envelope surface that passes
through the tops of the spikes of smallest height may be between 4
mm and 7.5 mm, and is for example equal to around 5.5 mm. The
diameter of the envelope surface of the applicator member that
passes through the tops of the spikes of greatest height may be
between 6.5 mm and 12 mm, and is for example equal to around 7.7
mm.
[0065] The core may have a cross section, taken perpendicularly to
its longitudinal axis, with any, in particular a circular, shape.
The largest cross section of the core, namely its diameter in the
case in which the cross section of the core has a circular shape,
may be between 1.8 mm and 3.2 mm, and is in particular equal to
around 2.8 mm.
[0066] The core, the spikes and the reinforcements and bodies of
the reinforced spikes may be moulded from one and the same
material, or in a variant they can be made from at least two
different materials.
[0067] The core and/or the spikes and/or the reinforcements are
preferably made of a thermoplastic material, in particular from an
elastomeric thermoplastic material.
[0068] Applicator
[0069] The applicator may have a stem that carries the applicator
member at a first end and is fixed to a gripping member at a second
end.
[0070] The core may be solid, being for example moulded with an end
piece for fixing to the stem of the applicator.
[0071] 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 an end piece of the applicator member
being mounted in a housing in the stem. In a variant, the stem is
received in a housing provided in the core.
[0072] 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.
[0073] The spikes and/or their reinforcements 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.
[0074] The core may extend along a longitudinal axis which, at at
least one point along its length, forms a non-zero 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.
[0075] The stem may have 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.
[0076] The visible length of the applicator member may be between
15 mm and 35 mm, better still between 22 mm and 29 mm, and is for
example equal to around 24.5 mm.
[0077] The applicator may have between 108 and 600 spikes, for
example between 128 and 256 spikes.
[0078] The first spike along the longitudinal axis of the core
starting from the stem may be disposed at a non-zero distance from
the proximal end of the core, in particular between 0.2 mm and 0.7
mm. The last spike along the longitudinal axis of the core starting
from the stem may be disposed at a non-zero distance from the
distal end of the core, in particular between 0.25 mm and 0.9
mm.
[0079] Application Device
[0080] A further subject of the invention is a device for packaging
and applying a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an
applicator according to the invention, as defined above, and a
container containing the product to be applied.
[0081] The gripping member of the applicator may form a cap for
closing the container.
[0082] The container preferably has a wiping member suitable for
wiping the stem and the applicator member, having a wiping lip.
[0083] The ratio between the diameter of the circumscribed circle
that has as its centre the longitudinal axis of the core and passes
through the tops of the reinforcements, in cross section
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core, and the
diameter of the orifice defined by the lip of the wiping member may
be between 0.7 and 1.45.
[0084] The product is preferably a mascara.
[0085] The invention may be better understood from reading the
following detailed description of a non-limiting implementation
example thereof, and with reference to the attached drawing, in
which:
[0086] FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial
longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application
device produced in accordance with the invention,
[0087] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the applicator member
from FIG. 1 on its own,
[0088] FIGS. 2A and 2B show details of the applicator member from
FIG. 2,
[0089] FIG. 3 is a section along of a detail of the applicator
member from FIG. 2,
[0090] FIG. 4 is a section along IV-IV of a detail of the
applicator member from FIG. 2,
[0091] FIG. 5 is a section along V-V of the applicator member from
FIG. 2, and
[0092] FIG. 6 is a flat developed view illustrating the arrangement
of some of the spikes on the surface of the core of an applicator
member according to the invention.
[0093] FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 produced
in accordance with the invention, having an applicator 2 and an
associated container 3 containing a product P to be applied to the
eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example mascara or a care
product.
[0094] The container 3 has, in the example in question, a threaded
neck 4 and the applicator 2 has 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.
[0095] The latter has 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 has a core 10 that carries
spikes 18, 15 and 16 that extend from the core 10 and all around
the latter. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the first spike 18 along the
longitudinal axis X of the core 10 starting from the stem 7 is
disposed at a non-zero distance d.sub.t from the proximal end 11 of
the core, for example equal to around 0.51 mm. The last spike 15
along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 starting from the stem
7 is disposed at a non-zero distance d.sub.d from the distal end 12
of the core 10, for example equal to around 0.55 mm.
[0096] The container 3 also has a wiping member 6, inserted into
the neck 4.
[0097] This wiping member 6, which may be of any suitable type,
has, 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 7. The wiping member 6 may be
made of elastomer. The wiping orifice 6a has for example a circular
shape.
[0098] The diameter .phi..sub.a of the wiping orifice 6a is
typically between 3 and 5.5 mm, and is for example around 4.5 mm or
5 mm.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] If need be, the stem 7 may have 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.
[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the applicator member 8 may have
an end piece 9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing of the stem
7.
[0103] The applicator member 8 may be fixed in this housing of the
stem 7 by any means, and in particular by force-fitting,
snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling or
crimping.
[0104] With reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the core 10
has a shape that is elongate along a longitudinal axis X, which is
rectilinear in the example described. The longitudinal axis X may
be central, as illustrated.
[0105] The visible length H of the applicator member 8 is for
example equal to 24.5 mm.
[0106] In the example illustrated, the spikes 18, 15 and 16 each
extend from the core 10 along an elongation axis W perpendicular to
the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are
attached to the core 10.
[0107] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, within every other
longitudinal row 17, every other spike 16 is reinforced at its base
and extends between two spikes 15 that do not have a reinforcement,
apart from the spike that is closest to the distal end 12 of the
core 10, which remains without a reinforcement. The circumferential
rows situated at the proximal 11 and distal 12 ends of the core 10
advantageously do not have reinforced spikes 16.
[0108] As can be seen in FIG. 6, a reinforced spike 16 is thus
advantageously surrounded by six spikes 18, 15 that do not have a
reinforcement: the two spikes 15 which are adjacent thereto within
the crown 21 of spikes to which it belongs, and two spikes 18 that
each belong to the two adjacent longitudinal rows 19 and 20.
[0109] Preferably, as in the example described, every other crown
21 of spikes has reinforced spikes 16.
[0110] The spikes 18, 15 and 16 may be disposed on the applicator
member 8 in a plurality of rectilinear longitudinal rows 17, 19,
20, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, each longitudinal row 17 of
spikes being offset axially with respect to the adjacent
longitudinal row 19.
[0111] The spikes 18 in each longitudinal row that does not have
reinforcements advantageously all occupy the same axial position
along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, as illustrated in
FIG. 6, for example between the longitudinal rows 19 and 20. The
reinforced spikes 16 in every other longitudinal row having
reinforced spikes may all be at the same axial position along the
longitudinal axis X of the core 10.
[0112] In the example in question, the number of longitudinal rows
is even, and is for example equal to 16, of which eight
longitudinal rows have reinforced spikes 16.
[0113] Preferably, the reinforced spikes 16 extend along a
rectilinear elongation axis W and advantageously have a
reinforcement 13 at their base 16a that extends over only a part of
their height.
[0114] The reinforced spikes 16 advantageously have a shoulder 16e
that delimits the reinforcement 13 from the rest of the reinforced
spike.
[0115] As can be seen in the figures, the reinforced spikes 16 have
a body 16b with a semi-conical shape above the corresponding
reinforcements 13.
[0116] The reinforcements 13 of the reinforced spikes 16 may have a
cross section with an elongate and substantially rectangular shape,
visible in particular in FIG. 6. When viewed from the front in a
direction perpendicular to the axis Z along which the long sides
13a of their cross section extend, the reinforcements 13 have a
profile in the form of an isosceles trapezium, visible in FIG. 3,
their cross section increasing in size towards the core 10.
Preferably, the axis Z, along which the long sides 13a of the cross
section of the reinforcements 13 of the reinforced spikes 16
extend, is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core
10.
[0117] As can be seen in FIG. 2B, when the reinforcements 13 are
viewed from the front, the lateral flanks 13g of the latter can be
attached to the front face 13f of the reinforcement by roundings
13b. The lateral flanks 13g are flat, as is the front face 13f.
[0118] As shown in FIG. 6, the body 16b of each reinforced spike 16
can extend in line with the reinforcement 13 and above the latter
on the side of the flat face 16d of the spike 16. On the opposite
side, the body 16b can form an indentation of width d.sub.b with
the reinforcement 13, above the latter. The width d.sub.b is for
example between 0.05 mm and 0.65 mm. In one variant, the body 16b
of the reinforced spikes 16 does not form an indentation with the
reinforcement 13, above the latter.
[0119] In the example in question, the height h.sub.r of the
reinforcements 13 is less than half the total height h.sub.t of the
reinforced spikes 16, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0120] The ratio h.sub.r/h.sub.t between the height of each
reinforcement 13 and the total height of the spike 16 it reinforces
is between 0.1 and 1.7, better still between 0.3 and 1.4.
[0121] The height h.sub.r of the reinforcements 13 may be constant
along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, as in the example
described, and be for example between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm, better
still between 0.17 mm and 1.55 mm. In a variant that is not shown,
the height h.sub.r of the reinforcements 13 varies along the
longitudinal axis X of the core 10, for example within one or more
longitudinal rows 17 and/or from one longitudinal row to
another.
[0122] The reinforced spikes 16 are advantageously the same height
as the spikes 18, 15 that do not have a reinforcement.
[0123] The thickness e.sub.r of the reinforcements 13, visible in
FIG. 6, may be between 0.45 mm and 1.5 mm, and is for example equal
to around 0.85 mm.
[0124] The width l.sub.b of the reinforcements 13 at their base 13a
is advantageously constant along the longitudinal axis X of the
core 10. The width l.sub.b of the reinforcements 13 at their base
13a may be between 0.35 mm and 1.5 mm, and is for example equal to
around 0.85 mm.
[0125] The width l.sub.r of the reinforcements 13 at their top 13c
may be between 0.3 mm and 1.2 mm, and is for example equal to
around 0.7 mm.
[0126] The ratio .phi..sub.v/.phi..sub.a between the diameter
.phi..sub.v, of the circumscribed circle that has as its centre the
longitudinal axis X of the core 10 and passes through the tops 13c
of the reinforcements 13 and the diameter .phi..sub.a, of the
orifice 6a defined by the lip of the wiping member 6 may be between
0.7 and 1.45.
[0127] The spikes 18 and 15 may have various shapes. In the example
in question, and as can be seen in particular in FIG. 4, the spikes
18 that belong to the longitudinal rows that do not have
reinforcements have a conical shape. As can be seen in particular
in FIG. 2, the spikes 15 that do not have a reinforcement and
belong to the longitudinal rows that have reinforced spikes 16 have
a semi-conical shape, the flat faces of each spike advantageously
being oriented in the same circumferential direction.
[0128] The spikes 18, 15 and 16 in two adjacent longitudinal rows
17, 19 may be not joined at their base, as can be seen in FIG. 2A.
Advantageously, none of the reinforcements 13 of the reinforced
spikes 16 are joined at their base.
[0129] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the height of the spikes 18, 15
and 16 may vary along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. The
height may decrease towards the distal end 12 of the core 10, so as
to facilitate insertion into the container 3.
[0130] The height h.sub.p of the spikes 18, 15 that do not have a
reinforcement may be between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm, better still
between 0.75 mm and 2 mm.
[0131] With reference to FIG. 5, the diameter .phi..sub.2 of the
envelope surface formed by the spikes 18, 15 and 16 of smallest
height may be between 4 mm and 7.5 mm, and is for example equal to
around 5.5 mm. The diameter .phi..sub.1 of the envelope surface of
the applicator member 8 formed by the spikes 18, 15 and 16 of
greatest height may be between 6.5 mm and 12 mm, and is for example
equal to around 7.7 mm.
[0132] The thickness e.sub.p of the spikes 18 that belong to the
longitudinal rows that do not have reinforcements may be between
0.45 mm and 0.75 mm, and is for example equal to around 0.5 mm, as
in the example in question.
[0133] The thickness e.sub.s of the spikes 15 that do not have a
reinforcement and belong to the longitudinal rows that have
reinforced spikes 16 may be equal to half the thickness e.sub.p of
the spikes 18 that belong to the longitudinal rows that do not have
reinforcements, in particular in the case in which the spikes 15
that do not have a reinforcement and belong to the longitudinal
rows having reinforced spikes 16 have a semi-conical shape.
[0134] The width l.sub.p of a spike 18, 15 that does not have a
reinforcement may be between 0.2 mm and 0.65 mm, and is for example
equal to around 0.5 mm.
[0135] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the implantation of the spikes 18,
15 and 16 may be such that the angle .alpha. about the longitudinal
axis X of the core 10 between two consecutive crowns 21 and 22 of
spikes 18, 15 and/or 16, said crowns each being formed by spikes
18, 15 and/or 16 that occupy one and the same axial position on the
longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is non-zero, being for example
equal to half the angular pitch .beta. between two consecutive
spikes in a crown.
[0136] Within one and the same longitudinal row 17 or 19, the
spacing S.sub.p between two consecutive spikes 18 or 15 and 16 may
be between 1 mm and 2 mm, and is for example equal to 1.7 mm, as in
the example described.
[0137] Within one and the same longitudinal row 17 that has spikes
16 having a reinforcement 13, the interval S.sub.r between two
spikes of ranks n and n+1, one 16 of which has a reinforcement 13
and the other 15 does not, measured between the base 13a of the
reinforcement 13 and the base 15a of the adjacent spike 15, may be
between 0.7 mm and 1.4 mm, and is for example equal to around 1
mm.
[0138] Within one and the same longitudinal row 19 that does not
have spikes having a reinforcement, the interval S.sub.b between
two spikes 18 of ranks n and n+1, measured between the two bases
18a of the spikes 18 facing one another, may be between 0.9 mm and
1.7 mm, and is for example equal to around 1.2 mm.
[0139] In the example in question, the free ends 28 of the spikes
18, 15 and 16 define an envelope surface S of the applicator member
8, having a rectilinear longitudinal axis that is coincident with
the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, and is rotationally
symmetrical about said axis X.
[0140] The spikes 18, 15, 16 and the reinforcements 13 are made, in
the example in question, in one piece with the core 10 by moulding
thermoplastic material.
[0141] 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 polyimide 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.
[0142] In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure
cap 5 and withdraws the applicator member 8 from the container
3.
[0143] Once the applicator member S has passed through the wiping
member 6, a particular quantity of product P remains around the
spikes 16 that have a reinforcement 13, the reinforced spikes 16
not bending at their base on passing through the wiping member 6,
creating reservoirs of product P along the entire length of the
core 10 and on all sides, making it possible to load the eyelashes
and/or eyebrows with product P in a satisfactory manner.
[0144] Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary
embodiment which has just been described.
[0145] The applicator member 8 may be able to vibrate, that is to
say that it is possible to apply vibrations thereto during
application, combing or picking up of the product P, for example as
described in application WO 2006/090343.
[0146] In a further variant, the applicator member 8 may be able to
rotate, that is to say that it may be made to carry out a
rotational movement about the longitudinal axis X of the core 10,
for example during application, combing or picking up of the
product P.
[0147] In a further variant, the applicator member 8 may be heated,
that is to say have a heating element for heating the keratin
fibres, the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or the spikes 18, 15, 16
and/or the core 10 and/or the reinforcements 13 of the applicator
member 8.
[0148] It is also possible for the applicator member 8 to be able
to vibrate, to be able to rotate and to be heated, or only to be
able to vibrate and to rotate, or only to be able to vibrate and to
be heated, or only to be able to rotate and to be heated, or only
to be able to vibrate or only to be able to rotate or only to be
able to be heated.
[0149] 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.
[0150] The core 10 and/or the spikes 18, 15, 16 and/or the
reinforcements 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 on the surface of the spikes 18, 15, 16 and/or of
the reinforcements 13 or to help the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to
slide on the spikes and/or the reinforcements. At least one of the
core 10 and a spike 18, 15, 16 and a reinforcement 13 may be
flocked, or undergo any heat or mechanical treatment.
[0151] The expression "having a" should be understood as being
synonymous with "having at least one", and "between" is understood
as including the limits, unless specified to the contrary.
* * * * *