U.S. patent application number 15/527448 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-14 for applicator for applying a cosmetic product to human keratin fibers.
This patent application is currently assigned to L'OREAL. The applicant listed for this patent is L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Eric CAULIER, Marcel SANCHEZ, Audrey THENIN.
Application Number | 20170354237 15/527448 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52627336 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170354237 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CAULIER; Eric ; et
al. |
December 14, 2017 |
APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC PRODUCT TO HUMAN KERATIN
FIBERS
Abstract
This invention relates to an applicator comprising a cosmetic
product on human keratin fibers, comprising: a gripping handle
(12), said handle extending substantially according to a first main
axis (14), an application rod (36), with a first end (40) of said
application rod being connected to an end of the gripping handle
according to the first axis, a second end of the application rod
comprising a heating receiving area (50), able to receive a support
(70) of a mass (72) of cosmetic product. The application rod
comprises a first (42) and a second (46) elbows substantially
coplanar, adjacent to one another and arranged between the gripping
handle and the receiving area, said two elbows being of opposite
convexities,
Inventors: |
CAULIER; Eric; (Maignelay,
FR) ; SANCHEZ; Marcel; (Aulnay Sous Bois, FR)
; THENIN; Audrey; (Meudon, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
L'OREAL
Paris
FR
|
Family ID: |
52627336 |
Appl. No.: |
15/527448 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
November 24, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/077435 |
371 Date: |
May 17, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20130101;
A45D 2200/157 20130101; A45D 2/48 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 24, 2014 |
FR |
14 61360 |
Claims
1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic product to human keratin
fibers, comprising: a gripping handle, said handle extending
substantially according to a first main axis, an application rod,
with a first end of said application rod being connected to an end
of the gripping handle according to the first axis, a second end of
the application rod comprising a heating receiving area, said
receiving area extending substantially according to a second axis
coplanar with the first axis, with said receiving area able to
receive a support for a mass of cosmetic product, wherein the
application rod comprises a first and a second elbows substantially
coplanar, said two elbows being adjacent to one another and
arranged between the gripping handle and the receiving area, said
two elbows being of opposite convexities, the receiving area being
as such configured to be arranged closer to the face of a user than
the rest of the application rod and than the gripping handle.
2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the second axis is
substantially parallel to the first axis, said first and second
axis being spaced apart by a non-zero distance on the receiving
area.
3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second elbows are substantially arranged in a plane formed by the
first and the second axis.
4. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein: the second axis
passes through a first and through a second ends of the receiving
zone, the receiving area has a curvature between said first and
second ends.
5. The applicator according to claim 4, wherein the curvature of
the receiving area has a convexity oriented towards the first
axis.
6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the application rod
comprises a heating portion outside the receiving area.
7. The applicator according to claim 1, further comprising a unit
for applying a cosmetic product, said unit for applying comprising:
a support able to be removably attached to the heating receiving
area of the application rod and a mass of cosmetic product carried
by said support.
8. The applicator according to claim 6, comprising two units for
applying a cosmetic product, with each unit for applying
comprising: a support able to be removably attached to the heating
receiving area of the application rod, and a mass of cosmetic
product carried by said support, the supports and/or the masses of
cosmetic product of the two units for applying being different.
9. The applicator according to claim 2, wherein the first and
second elbows are substantially arranged in a plane formed by the
first and the second axis.
10. The applicator according to claim 2, wherein: the second axis
passes through a first and through a second ends of the receiving
zone, the receiving area has a curvature between said first and
second ends.
11. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein: the second axis
passes through a first and through a second ends of the receiving
zone, the receiving area has a curvature between said first and
second ends.
12. The applicator according to claim 2, wherein the application
rod comprises a heating portion outside the receiving area.
13. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein the application
rod comprises a heating portion outside the receiving area.
14. The applicator according to claim 4, wherein the application
rod comprises a heating portion outside the receiving area.
15. The applicator according to claim 5, wherein the application
rod comprises a heating portion outside the receiving area.
16. The applicator according to claim 2, further comprising a unit
for applying a cosmetic product, said unit for applying comprising:
a support able to be removably attached to the heating receiving
area of the application rod and a mass of cosmetic product carried
by said support.
17. The applicator according to claim 3, further comprising a unit
for applying a cosmetic product, said unit for applying comprising:
a support able to be removably attached to the heating receiving
area of the application rod and a mass of cosmetic product carried
by said support.
18. The applicator according to claim 4, further comprising a unit
for applying a cosmetic product, said unit for applying comprising:
a support able to be removably attached to the heating receiving
area of the application rod and a mass of cosmetic product carried
by said support.
19. The applicator according to claim 5, further comprising a unit
for applying a cosmetic product, said unit for applying comprising:
a support able to be removably attached to the heating receiving
area of the application rod and a mass of cosmetic product carried
by said support.
20. The applicator according to claim 6, further comprising a unit
for applying a cosmetic product, said unit for applying comprising:
a support able to be removably attached to the heating receiving
area of the application rod and a mass of cosmetic product carried
by said support.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to an applicator for applying a
cosmetic product to human keratin fibers, in particular on
eyelashes or eyebrows.
[0002] A "cosmetic product" means any composition such as defined
in directive 93/35/EEC in the Jun. 14, 1993 Council.
[0003] More precisely, this invention relates to an applicator
comprising a cosmetic product on human keratin fibers, comprising:
a gripping handle, said handle extending substantially along a
first main axis; and an application rod, with a first end of said
application rod being connected to an end of the gripping handle
along the first axis, with a second end of the application rod
comprising a heating receiving area, with said receiving area
extending substantially along a second axis coplanar with the first
axis, said receiving area able to receive a support for a mass of
cosmetic product.
[0004] Such an applicator is for example described in document EP 2
298 115.
[0005] In order to prevent the handle from coming into contact with
the face during the application of the cosmetic product, it is
advantageous to carry out an application rod that comprises a
portion included between said handle and the receiving area. The
handle is as such separated from the face.
[0006] However, when the rod is heating, such a portion must be
configured to limit the risks of burns to the face of the user
during the application of the product.
[0007] Document WO2006/043544 describes a mascara applicator that
comprises a non-heating bent rod, extended by a heating
applicator.
[0008] Moreover, document U.S. Pat. No. 3,343,551 describes an
applicator for applying a cosmetic product to human keratin fibers,
having a bent rod in such a way as to tilt the receiving area with
respect to the handle. Such a configuration does however oblige the
user to hold the applicator in a manner that is unusual for this
type of product, which complicates the makeup operations.
[0009] This invention has for purpose to supply an applicator for
applying a cosmetic product, optimized in terms of ergonomics and
safety.
[0010] To this effect, the invention relates to an applicator of
the aforementioned type, in which the application rod comprises a
first and second substantially coplanar elbows, said two elbows
being adjacent to one another and arranged between the gripping
handle and the receiving area, said two elbows being of opposite
convexities, with the receiving area being configured as such to be
arranged closer to the face of a user than the rest of the
application rod and the handle.
[0011] According to further advantageous aspects of the invention,
the applicator comprises one or several of the following features
taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:
[0012] the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis,
said first and second axis being spaced apart by a non-zero
distance on the receiving area; [0013] the first and second elbows
are substantially arranged in a plane formed by the first and the
second axis; [0014] the second axis passes through a first and
through a second ends of the receiving area, and the receiving area
has a curvature between said first and second ends; [0015] the
curvature of the receiving area has a convexity oriented towards
the first axis; [0016] the application rod comprises a heating
portion outside of the receiving zone. [0017] the applicator
further comprises a unit for applying a cosmetic product, said unit
for applying comprising: a support able to be removably attached to
the heating receiving area of the application rod, and a mass of
cosmetic product carried by said support; [0018] the applicator
comprises a two units for applying a cosmetic product, with each
unit for applying comprising: a support able to be removably
attached to the heating receiving area of the application rod, and
a mass of cosmetic product carried by said support, with the
supports and/or masses of cosmetic product of the two units for
applying being different.
[0019] The invention will be easier to understand in view of the
following description, provided solely as a non-restricted example
and with reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an applicator according to
the state of the art;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a partial top view of an applicator according to a
first embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a partial top view of an applicator according to a
second embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an element of the
applicators of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows an applicator 10 according to the state of the
art, in particular described in document EP 2 298 115. The
applicator 10 comprises a gripping handle 12 extending mainly along
a longitudinal axis 14. The applicator 10 further comprises an
application rod 16, that extends the handle 12 along the axis
14.
[0025] The rod 16 comprises a heating electrical resistance,
connected to a source. The heating is for example actuated by means
of a switch 17 located on the handle 12.
[0026] A unit for applying 18 is removable mounted on the
application rode 16. The unit for applying 18 comprises a support
20, for example made of a plastic material, threaded onto an end of
the rod 16. The unit for applying 18 further comprises a mass 22 of
cosmetic product, carried by the support 20.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows, as a detailed view, an applicator 30 according
to a first embodiment of the invention. The applicator 30 is
particularly intended to apply a cosmetic product on the eyelashes
of a user.
[0028] The applicator 30 comprises a gripping handle 12, similar to
the handle of the applicator 10 of FIG. 1. The handle 12, shown
partially, extends primarily along a first axis 14. The applicator
30 further comprises an application rod 36, comprising an
electrical means of heating.
[0029] It is considered an orthonormal base (X, Y, Z), with the
axis 14 being parallel to the direction X.
[0030] The handle 12 contains an autonomous source of energy, for
example an electric battery, that makes it possible to supply the
means of heating of the rod 36. The heating is for example actuated
using a switch located on the handle 12.
[0031] The application rod 36 comprises or consists of a heating
electrical resistance. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the rod 36
comprises a metal tubular casing 38, for example made of stainless
steel, containing an electric insulating core (not shown), said
core being traveled through by a resistive electrical conductor
(not shown) extending over the entire length of the tube 38.
[0032] The heating electrical resistance has for example a rated
power between 0.5 and 2 W and makes it possible to reach a
temperature greater than 50.degree. C., for example a temperature
of 70.degree. C. for an ambient temperature of 20.degree. C.
[0033] The rod 36 is substantially contained in a plane (X, Y) and
extends the handle 12 along the axis 14. More precisely, the rod
comprises a first straight portion 40, extending along the axis 14
from an end of the handle 12. The first portion 40 is adjacent to a
second portion 42 in the shape of an elbow, with the rod 36 moving
away from the axis 14 on said elbow 42.
[0034] A median line 44 is considered describing the trajectory of
the rod 36 in the plane (X, Y).
[0035] The second bent portion 42 is adjacent to a third portion
46, also bent. The elbows 42, 46 are of opposite convexities,
describing the shape of an S. A limit between the second portion 42
and the third portion 46 is marked by a first point of inflection
48 of the median line 44.
[0036] Preferably, the second portion 42 and the third portion 46
have radii of curvature that are substantially equal. For example,
an average radius of curvature of the second portion 42 is between
75% and 125% of a an average radius of curvature of the third
portion 46.
[0037] The third portion 46 is adjacent to a fourth portion 50,
comprising an end 52 of the rod 36 opposite the handle 12. As shall
be detailed in what follows, the fourth portion 50 forms a
receiving area of a unit for applying a cosmetic product.
[0038] A limit between the third portion 46 and the fourth portion
50 is marked by a second point of inflection 54 of the median line
44. The fourth portion 50 extends substantially along a second axis
56, with the second axis passing through the second point of
inflection 54 and through the end 52 of the median line 44.
[0039] Preferably, the second axis 56 is substantially parallel to
the first axis 14. More preferentially, the second axis 56 and the
first axis 14 form an angle less than or equal to 15.degree. in the
plane (X, Y).
[0040] According to an embodiment, the fourth portion 50 is
slightly curved, in such a way as to hug the edge of an eyelid. A
suitable radius of curvature for the fourth portion 50 is for
example greater than 20 mm.
[0041] Preferentially, as in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a convexity
of the fourth portion 50 is oriented towards the first axis 14. The
third portion 46 and the fourth portion 50 are then of opposite
convexities.
[0042] Due to the presence of the elbows 42, 46, the fourth
portion/receiving area 50 is separated from the first axis 14, by a
minimum non-zero distance 58 according to the direction Y.
[0043] FIG. 3 shows, as a detailed view, an applicator 60 according
to a second embodiment of the invention. The applicator 60 is
similar to the applicator 30 of FIG. 2 and the common elements are
designated hereinafter by the same reference numbers.
[0044] As in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the applicator 60 comprises
a handle 12 and an application rod 36. An end 52 of said rod,
opposite the handle 12, is part of a receiving area 50 that can
receive a unit for applying a cosmetic product. The receiving area
50 is separated from the axis 14 of the handle 12, by a distance 58
equivalent to that of FIG. 2.
[0045] The only difference between the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3
resides in the shape of the rod 36 in the plane (X, Y). More
precisely, in an embodiment of FIG. 3, the elbows 42, 46 have a
radius of curvature that is lower than in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
A distance 62 along X between the points of inflection 48, 54 is in
particular lower for the applicator 60 than for the applicator 30.
The modulation of the radii of curvature of the elbows 42, 46 as
such makes it possible to vary a distance between the handle 12 and
the receiving area 50.
[0046] FIG. 4 shows a unit 68 for applying a cosmetic product,
similar to the unit 18 shown in FIG. 1 and described in document EP
2 298 115. The unit for applying 68 is able to be part of an
applicator 30 or 60 such as shown in FIG. 2 or in FIG. 3.
[0047] The unit for applying 68 extends substantially along a
longitudinal axis 69. The unit for applying 68 comprises a support
70 made of plastic and a mass 72 of cosmetic product, carried by
the support 70.
[0048] The support 70 has the shape of a tubular sleeve, in order
to be able to be threaded onto the rod 36 on the level of the
receiving area 50. An internal section of the support 70 is
substantially complementary with that of a section of the metal
casing 38, on the receiving area 50.
[0049] Preferably, the support 70 comprises a longitudinal slot 74,
which allows said support to be deformed elastically by hugging the
shape of the receiving area 50. In this case, an internal section
of the support 70 when idle is slightly less than a section of the
receiving area 50.
[0050] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the support 70 is slightly
curved in a plane containing the longitudinal axis 69. The support
70 can as such hug the curvature of the receiving area 50 such as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The slot 74 is located on the side of the
convexity of the curvature.
[0051] On the side of the concavity of the curvature, the support
70 comprises a series of transversal ribs 76 that delimit recesses
78. The mass 72 of cosmetic product is secured to the support 70 of
the side of said concavity, with the cosmetic product being in
particular received in the recesses 78 between the ribs 76.
[0052] The cosmetic product forming the mass 72 is for example a
makeup composition for eyelashes having a property that varies
according to the temperature. Said property is for example a
flowing nature, in particular from d.sub.max.gtoreq. to 5 mm, with
d.sub.max being determined according to the protocol described in
paragraphs [0120] to [0127] of document EP 1 955 610.
[0053] The cosmetic product forming the mass 72 is for example a
composition comprising at least one reversible polymer that is
solid at ambient temperature. The term "solid" designates a product
that does not flow under the effect of gravity at 20.degree. C.
Preferably, the cosmetic product has a melting temperature greater
than or equal to 50.degree. C., for example close to 54.degree.
C.
[0054] Preferentially, the support 70 carries a mass 72 comprising
between 10 mg and 100 mg of product, more preferentially between 20
mg and 50 mg of product, even more preferentially about 30 mg of
product. This quantity is in particular suited for a single use,
making it possible for example to apply makeup to one or two
lashes.
[0055] The unit for applying 68 is for example manufactured
according to a method of injection molding in two steps, such as
described in document WO2011/131907.
[0056] A method for using an applicator 30 or 60 such as described
hereinabove shall now be described. First of all, a user assembles
a unit for applying 68 to the receiving zone 50, by threading in
particular the support 70 onto the end 52 of the rod 36. The unit
for applying 68 is arranged on the receiving zone 50 in such a way
that the mass 72 of cosmetic product is located inside the
curvature of said receiving area 50.
[0057] The user then presses on the switch 17 of the gripping
handle 12, in such a way as to supply with electricity the
resistance forming the rod 36. The temperature of the metal
temperature 38 increases, provoking the softening or the melting of
the mass 72 of cosmetic product.
[0058] By holding the applicator 30 or 60 by the handle 12, the
user then brings the receiving area 50 closer to the eyelashes to
which makeup is to be applied. So that the curvature of the
receiving area 50 substantially hugs the shape of the edge of the
eyelid, the user positions his eye on the side of the concavity of
said receiving area 50, the second axis 56 being substantially
arranged perpendicularly to a plane of symmetry of the face. In the
FIGS. 2 and 3, such a plane of symmetry is a plane (Y, Z).
[0059] In this position, the receiving area 50 is closer to the
face of the user than the rest of the rod 36, in particular than
the first portion 40 located near the handle 12.
[0060] As such, in the case where the rod 36 is heated over its
entire length by the electrical resistance of the applicator 30 or
60, the user does not risk burning her nose or the temple with the
portion 40, during the application of the cosmetic product on here
eyelashes.
[0061] In particular, the user can, without the risk of becoming
burned, hold the handle 12 substantially perpendicularly to a plan
of symmetry of the face. Such a position of the handle is
conventional for the application of mascara on the eyelashes and
therefore does not force the user to adopt an unusual gesture. On
the contrary, with an applicator with a straight application rod,
the user should tilt the handle with respect to this conventional
position, in order to prevent any contact of a heated area with her
face.
[0062] The dimensions of the elbows 42 and 46, as well as the
distance 58, are in particular chosen in such a way as to make it
possible to prevent discomfort with the nose during the use. The
first portion 40 is as such separated from the nose during the
application of the cosmetic product, while still maintaining the
second axis 56 perpendicular to a plane of symmetry of the
face.
[0063] After use, the user easily removes the unit for applying 68
from the rod 36, via an inverse movement from the movement for
assembling. In case of need, a new unit for applying 68 is then
assembled to the rod 36. Such a change in the unit for applying can
be carried out without waiting for the rod 36 to cool.
[0064] The applicator 30 or 60 described hereinabove is for example
marketed in the form of a kit, comprising on the one hand a unit
formed by the handle 12 and the rod 36, and on the other hand one
or several units for applying 68.
[0065] According to a first alternative, all of the units for
applying 68 from the same kit are identical. According to another
alternative, two units for applying 68 of the same kit comprise a
different support 70 different and/or a different mass 72 of
cosmetic product.
[0066] Alternatively to the marketing in the form of a kit, the
applicator 30 or 60 described hereinabove is marketed in the form
of a unit formed by the handle 12 and the rod 36, such as shown in
FIG. 2 or in FIG. 3. The units for applying 68 cosmetic product are
then marketed separately.
* * * * *