U.S. patent application number 15/539445 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 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 | 20170360179 15/539445 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52692865 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170360179 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MANICI; Davide ; et
al. |
December 21, 2017 |
APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC, MAKEUP OR CARE, PRODUCT TO THE
EYELASHES AND/OR EYEBROWS
Abstract
An applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product
to human keratin fibres, in eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a
stem and, at the distal end, an applicator member having a core
that extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the stem has a
rectilinear portion extending along a rectilinear longitudinal axis
and curved portion extending along a curvilinear longitudinal axis,
the distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear
portion of the stem and longitudinal axis of the stem curved
portion, measured perpendicularly to the axis, increasing in the
distal end direction of the stem, along at least a part of the
length of the curved portion, and distance between the core
longitudinal axis and longitudinal axis of the stem rectilinear
portion, measured perpendicularly to the axis, decreasing by going
away from the distal end of the stem, along at least a part of the
length of the applicator member.
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: |
52692865 |
Appl. No.: |
15/539445 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
December 23, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/081140 |
371 Date: |
June 23, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/267 20130101;
A46B 9/005 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101; A46B 9/028 20130101; A46B
1/00 20130101; A46B 3/005 20130101; A46B 2200/106 20130101; A46B
2200/1053 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 |
Dec 23, 2014 |
FR |
1463197 |
Claims
1.-19. (canceled)
20. Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to
human keratin fibres, in particular the eyelashes and/or eyebrows,
having a stem and, at the distal end thereof, an applicator member
having a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the
stem has a rectilinear portion that extends along a rectilinear
longitudinal axis and a curved portion that extends along a
curvilinear longitudinal axis, the distance between the
longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and the
longitudinal axis of the curved portion of the stem, measured
perpendicularly to said axis, increasing in the direction of the
distal end of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the
curved portion, and the distance between the longitudinal axis of
the core and the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of
the stem, measured perpendicularly to said axis, decreasing by
going away from the distal end of the stem, along at least a part
of the length of the applicator member.
21. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the rectilinear
portion of the stem extends along at least half the length thereof,
in particular along at least two thirds of the length thereof.
22. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the curved portion of
the stem extends along an arc of a circle having a constant radius
of curvature.
23. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the cross section of
the curved portion of the stem narrows, along at least a part of
the length thereof, in the direction of the distal end of the
stem.
24. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the distance between
the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and
the longitudinal axis of the curved portion of the stem reaches a
maximum at the point at which the applicator member is attached to
the stem, this maximum distance being in particular between 1.5 mm
and 5.5 mm, better still between 2.65 mm and 4.5 mm.
25. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the distance between
the longitudinal axis of the core and the longitudinal axis of the
rectilinear portion of the stem passes through a minimum at a point
of the core that is situated at a distance from the proximal and
distal ends thereof, in particular between one third and two thirds
of the length of the core, and then preferably increases in the
direction of the distal end of the core.
26. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the longitudinal axis
of the core is curvilinear, extending in particular along at least
a part of its length along an arc of a circle having a constant
radius of curvature.
27. Applicator according to the preceding claim, wherein the ratio
of the difference in absolute value between the radius of curvature
of the curved portion of the stem and that of the core to the
radius of curvature of the curved portion of the stem is between
0.1 and 3, better still between 0.2 and 1.6.
28. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the distal end of the
core and the distal end of the stem are situated on a straight line
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the
stem.
29. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the core extends on
the same side of the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion
of the stem as the distal end of the stem.
30. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the distal end of the
core is off-centre with respect to the proximal end of the
stem.
31. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the applicator member
has application elements that are carried by the core and are
disposed all around the latter in a plurality of longitudinal
rows.
32. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the core of the
applicator member has a cross section, taken perpendicularly to its
longitudinal axis, with a triangular overall shape.
33. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the core has three
faces, a first face carrying at least one longitudinal row of
application elements, and second and third faces each carrying at
least one longitudinal row of application elements, in particular
two rows, the core carrying in particular an additional
longitudinal row of application elements which is situated on a
ridge between the second and third faces.
34. Applicator according to the preceding claim, wherein the first
face of the core carries two longitudinal outer rows of application
elements enclosing a longitudinal central row of application
elements which is offset axially with respect to said two outer
rows, the application elements in the two outer rows having in
particular a semi-conical shape, and the application elements in
the central row having in particular a pyramid shape.
35. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the first face of the
core carries a longitudinal row of application elements in the form
of blades, each extending in particular transversely to the
longitudinal axis of the core.
36. Applicator according to claim 33, wherein the application
elements on the second and third faces of the core and on the ridge
between the latter are disposed around the longitudinal axis of the
core in circumferential rows of application elements, two
consecutive circumferential rows 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 application elements of
a circumferential row.
37. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the applicator member
is moulded, being produced in particular by bi-injection-moulding
or mono-injection-moulding with the stem.
38. Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic, makeup or care,
product to human keratin fibres, in particular the eyelashes and/or
eyebrows, having an applicator according to claim 20 and a
container containing the product.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to applicators for applying a
cosmetic, makeup or care, product to human keratin fibres, in
particular 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] In a manner known per se, these applicators have a stem and
an applicator member at the end thereof. The stem can extend along
a rectilinear or non-rectilinear longitudinal axis. The applicator
member may have a core that extends along a rectilinear or
non-rectilinear longitudinal axis, and may extend in line with the
stem or form an elbow therewith. These configurations provide the
user with different holds and possible uses, making it possible to
vary the makeup effects.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3,343,551 and application WO 99/22782 disclose
applicators that have an elbow between an applicator member and a
stem extending along a rectilinear longitudinal axis.
[0004] Application. FR 2 738 466 describes an applicator having a
curved stem and an applicator member extending along a rectilinear
longitudinal axis, in line with the curvature of the stem, or
forming an elbow therewith.
[0005] Applications FR 2 831 033 and JP 58 88912 disclose
applicators having a stem that extends along a longitudinal axis
and a curved applicator member.
[0006] Application WO 2010/125188 describes a mascara applicator
comprising a rectilinear stem and a rectilinear application member
which does not lie on the same axis than the one of the stem, an
oblique rectilinear portion bonding them.
[0007] There is a need to further improve applicators for applying
a product to human keratin fibres, in order to improve the
performance thereof and more particularly to allow an effective
hold and to provide an ergonomic applicator, so as to encourage
easy application of makeup and giving the user various possible
effects.
[0008] 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 human keratin
fibres, in particular the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a stem
and, at the distal end thereof, an applicator member having a core
that extends along a longitudinal axis,
wherein the stem has a rectilinear portion that extends along a
rectilinear longitudinal axis and a curved portion that extends
along a curvilinear longitudinal axis, the distance between the
longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and the
longitudinal axis of the curved portion of the stem, measured
perpendicularly to said axis, increasing in the direction of the
distal end of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the
curved portion, and the distance between the longitudinal axis of
the core and the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of
the stem, measured perpendicularly to said axis, decreasing by
going away from the distal end of the stem, along at least a part
of the length of the applicator member.
[0009] The stem is thus advantageously curved on the distal side in
a particular curvature direction with respect to said longitudinal
axis of the rectilinear portion, the applicator member extending in
an opposite direction to this direction of curvature.
[0010] The stem can thus form an elbow at the point at which it is
attached to the applicator member. This elbow forms a clearance
between the stem and the applicator member, giving an ergonomic
shape and an advantageous geometry to the applicator. It is thus
easy and intuitive to use it to apply the product.
[0011] The invention offers the user simple management of the
makeup effect, since they can hold the applicator in various ways
depending on the region of application of the product. They can in
particular reach the eyelashes situated at the external and
internal corners of the eye, without being hampered by the stem
coming into contact with their cheek, as with some known
applicators.
[0012] The applicator according to the invention additionally
allows very different makeup application angles compared with known
applicators.
[0013] Finally, the load of product on the applicator can also help
in the making up of the small eyelashes at the corner of the eye,
since the application elements carried by the core at the proximal
and distal ends of the applicator member can be wiped more that
those situated mid-way along the applicator member.
[0014] The expression "longitudinal axis of an element" denotes the
line connecting all of the centres of mass of the cross sections of
the element extending along said axis. The longitudinal axis may be
a central axis, or even an axis of symmetry for said element, in
particular when the latter has a circular cross section or a cross
section in the overall shape of a regular polygon. The longitudinal
axis may be contained in a plane, which may be a plane of symmetry
for some or even for all of the cross sections of said element.
[0015] Stem and Applicator Member
[0016] Preferably, the rectilinear portion of the stem extends
along at least half the length thereof, in particular along at
least two thirds of the length thereof.
[0017] The curved portion of the stem may extend along an arc of a
circle having a constant radius of curvature. In one variant, the
curved portion of the stem extends along an arc of a circle with a
variable radius of curvature.
[0018] The cross section of the curved portion of the stem may
narrow, along at least a part of the length thereof, in the
direction of the distal end of the stem.
[0019] The distance between the longitudinal axis of the
rectilinear portion of the stem and the longitudinal axis of the
curved portion of the stem advantageously reaches a maximum at the
point at which the applicator member is attached to the stem. This
maximum may be between 1.5 mm and 5.5 mm, better still between 2.65
mm and 4.5 mm.
[0020] The distance between the longitudinal axis of the core and
the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem
advantageously passes through a minimum at a point of the core that
is situated at a distance from the proximal and distal ends
thereof, in particular between one third and two thirds of the
length of the core, and then increases preferably in the direction
of the distal end of the core, in particular until the maximum of
the distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear
portion of the stem and the longitudinal axis of the curved portion
of the stem is reached.
[0021] The core of the applicator member advantageously extends
along a different longitudinal axis from the longitudinal axis of
the rectilinear portion of the stem and from the longitudinal axis
of the curved portion of the stem.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the core
of the applicator member is curvilinear, extending in particular
along at least a part of its length along an arc of a circle having
a constant radius of curvature. In one variant, the longitudinal
axis of the core of the applicator member extends, along at least a
part of its length, along an arc of a circle with a variable radius
of curvature.
[0023] The user can position the recessed part of the applicator
member towards the eye in order to apply the product to the
eyelashes. The core advantageously extends along a longitudinal
axis which forms, at at least one point along its length, a
non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear
portion of the stem.
[0024] In one variant, the core of the applicator member extends
along a rectilinear longitudinal axis.
[0025] When the longitudinal axis of the core of the applicator
member is curvilinear, the ratio |R.sub.1-R.sub.2|/R.sub.1 of the
difference in absolute value between the radius of curvature
R.sub.1 of the curved portion of the stem and that R.sub.2 of the
core to the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the stem
is between 0.1 and 3, better still between 0.2 and 1.6. The radii
of curvature of the curved portions of the stem and of the core of
the applicator member are preferably substantially the same.
[0026] A tangent to the core of the applicator member may be
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the
stem.
[0027] The angular offset between the longitudinal axis of the
rectilinear portion of the stem and a straight line that passes on
the one hand through the distal end of the stem and on the other
hand intersects this axis at the location at which the stem starts
to curve, may be between 5.degree. and 55.degree., better still
between 10.degree. and 45.degree..
[0028] The distal end of the core and the distal end of the stem
may be situated on one and the same straight line parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem.
[0029] The core may extend on the same side of the longitudinal
axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem as the distal end of
the stem.
[0030] The distal end of the core may be off-centre with respect to
the proximal end of the stem.
[0031] Core and Application Elements
[0032] The applicator member advantageously has application
elements that are carried by the core and are disposed all around
the latter in a plurality of longitudinal rows. The expression
"application element" denotes an individualizable projecting
element intended to come into engagement with the human keratin
fibres.
[0033] These application elements can be spikes, blades or
arches.
[0034] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the core of
the applicator member has a cross section, taken perpendicularly to
its longitudinal axis, with a triangular overall shape. In
variants, the core has a cross section with a different shape, in
particular a circular shape. The largest transverse dimension of
the core may be between 1.6 mm and 5 mm.
[0035] The core may have three faces, a first face carrying at
least one longitudinal row of application elements, and second and
third faces each carrying at least one longitudinal row of
application elements, in particular two rows, the core carrying for
example an additional longitudinal row of application elements
which is situated on a ridge between the second and third
faces.
[0036] The axis of each longitudinal row is preferably parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the core.
[0037] The number of longitudinal rows may be even. There may be at
least six longitudinal rows of application elements in total.
[0038] The first face of the core may carry at least two
longitudinal outer rows of application elements enclosing a
longitudinal central row of application elements which is in
particular offset axially with respect to said two outer rows. The
expression "axially offset longitudinal row" should be understood
as meaning that the application elements of the same rank in the
outer rows do not occupy the same position along the longitudinal
axis of the core as those in the central row.
[0039] The application elements in the two outer rows may be spikes
having a semi-conical shape, and those in the central row may be
spikes having a pyramid shape.
[0040] The application elements on the second and third faces of
the core and on the ridge between the latter may be spikes with a
conical shape.
[0041] In one variant, the first face of the core carries a single
longitudinal row of application elements in the form of blades,
each extending in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis
of the core.
[0042] These application elements in the form of blades may have
reinforcements on their sides extending transversely with respect
to the longitudinal axis of the core.
[0043] In one variant, the core may carry application elements in
the form of blades that extend through more than half a turn about
its longitudinal axis, for example a complete turn, and form
rings.
[0044] In variants, some or all of the application elements are
spikes having any other shape, in particular a cylindrical or
tapered, frustoconical or pyramid shape, in particular having a
hexagonal base. In a further variant, some or all of the
application elements are spikes that 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.
[0045] The cross section of the application elements, in particular
of the spikes, 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.
[0046] At least one application element may be terminated by a
rounded, in particular hemispherical, free end, the radius of
curvature of which may be between 0.04 mm and 0.2 mm
[0047] The abovementioned spikes on the second and third faces of
the core and on the ridge between the latter may be disposed around
the longitudinal axis of the core in circumferential rows of
application elements, two consecutive circumferential rows 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 application elements of a circumferential row.
[0048] The spacing between the application elements in the
longitudinal rows on the second and third faces and on the ridge
between the latter may be greater than the spacing between the
application elements in the longitudinal rows on the first face, in
particular twice as great. The expression "spacing between the
application elements in a longitudinal row" should be understood as
meaning the spacing between two application elements of ranks n and
n+1, measured along the longitudinal axis of the row, between the
two respective median planes of the two application elements.
[0049] Within one and the same longitudinal row, the spacing
between two application elements, in particular two spikes, of
ranks n and n+1, may be between 0.25 mm and 3 mm, better still
between 0.65 mm and 2.2 mm.
[0050] The disposition and the shape of the application elements
along the faces of the core of the applicator member provide the
user with different makeup effects depending on the faces used. The
user can use the first face to load the eyelashes with product, and
the rest of the applicator member to separate and curl the
eyelashes.
[0051] At least one application element may extend from the core
along an elongation axis locally perpendicular to the surface of
the core at the point at which the application element is attached
to the core. Preferably, the application elements each extend from
the core along an elongation axis locally perpendicular to the
surface of the core at the point at which the application elements
are attached to the core. This elongation axis may be radial.
[0052] In a variant, the elongation axis of the application
elements forms an angle other than 90.degree. with the surface of
the core at the point at which the application elements are
attached to the core.
[0053] The height of the application elements may vary from one
longitudinal row to another. When the first face of the core
carries at least two longitudinal outer rows of application
elements enclosing a longitudinal central row of application
elements, the height of the application elements in the
longitudinal rows on the first face may be greater than that of the
application elements in the longitudinal rows on the second and
third faces and on the ridge between the latter. When the first
face of the core carries a single longitudinal row of application
elements in the form of blades, the height of these application
elements is smaller than that of the application elements in the
longitudinal rows on the second and third faces and on the ridge
between the latter. In one variant, the application elements are
all the same height from one longitudinal row to another.
[0054] The height of at least one application element, better still
each application element or the majority of application elements,
may be between 0.15 mm and 3.75 mm, better still between 0.5 mm and
2.5 mm. The expression "height of an application element" denotes
the distance measured along the elongation axis of the application
element between its free end and its base by way of which it is
attached to the core.
[0055] The height of the application elements may be constant along
the longitudinal axis of the core. In one variant, the height of
the application elements varies, for example in a monotonous
manner, along the longitudinal axis of the core. Within one
longitudinal row, the height of the application elements can
decrease in the direction of the distal end of the core, in
particular along at least half the visible length of the applicator
member.
[0056] The application elements may have a width of between 0.15 mm
and 1.2 mm, better still between 0.35 mm and 0.85 mm. The
expression "width of an application element" denotes the largest
transverse dimension of the application element, in section, along
the longitudinal axis of the core.
[0057] When the first face of the core carries a single
longitudinal row of application elements in the form of blades,
these application elements may have a length, measured
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core, of between
0.5 mm and 4 mm, better still between 1 mm and 3.5 mm.
[0058] The free ends of the application elements of the applicator
member define an envelope surface of the applicator member, which
has for example the overall shape of a crescent moon in side
view.
[0059] 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 application elements.
[0060] The core and the application elements can be moulded from
one and the same material, or in a variant they can be made from at
least two different materials.
[0061] The core and/or the application elements are preferably made
of a thermoplastic material, in particular from an elastomeric
thermoplastic material.
[0062] In one variant, the applicator member is a brush with a
twisted core. In this case, the core of the applicator member may
have at least two arms of a wire that is folded on itself, said
arms being twisted together, defining turns, and bristles can be
held between the turns of the core.
[0063] Applicator
[0064] The stem may be fixed at a second end to a gripping
member.
[0065] The applicator member may be moulded, being produced in
particular by bi-injection-moulding or mono-injection-moulding with
the stem.
[0066] The applicator member may be fixed to the stem by
force-fitting, fitting in a cold state or fitting in a hot state,
overmoulding, pressing, crimping, screw-fastening, in particular
when the applicator member is a brush with a twisted core, the core
preferably being inserted into a pre-existing housing in the stem
after it has been manufactured. In variants, the applicator member
is fixed to the stem by snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding,
stapling, for example by an end piece of the applicator member
being mounted in a housing in the stem. In a further variant, the
stem is received in a housing provided in the core.
[0067] The core of the applicator member may be solid, being for
example moulded with an end piece for fixing to the stem of the
applicator.
[0068] The application elements 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] The visible length of the applicator member may be between
14 mm and 35 mm, better still between 19 mm and 28 mm.
[0071] The applicator may have between 50 and 680 application
elements, better still between 70 and 420 application elements.
[0072] Application Device
[0073] A further subject of the invention is a device for packaging
and applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to human keratin
fibres, in particular the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an
applicator according to the invention and a container containing
the product to be applied.
[0074] The gripping member of the applicator may constitute a cap
for closing the container.
[0075] The container preferably has a wiping member suitable for
wiping the stem and the applicator member, having a wiping lip.
[0076] The product is preferably a mascara.
[0077] 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:
[0078] FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial
longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application
device produced in accordance with the invention,
[0079] FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the applicator
member and the stem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,
[0080] FIG. 3 shows a perspective front view of the applicator
member and the stem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,
[0081] FIG. 4 shows a perspective top view of the applicator member
and the stem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,
[0082] FIG. 5 shows a perspective bottom view of the applicator
member and the stem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,
[0083] FIG. 5A shows a detail of the applicator member from FIG. 5,
and
[0084] FIG. 6 shows a perspective side view of a variant embodiment
of an applicator member according to the invention, on its own.
[0085] 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
human keratin fibres, in particular to the eyelashes and/or
eyebrows, for example mascara or a care product.
[0086] 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.
[0087] The latter has a stem 7, which is attached at its proximal
end 12 to the closure cap 5 and, at its distal end 11, to an
applicator member 8, having a core 10 that extends along a
longitudinal axis X, which is central in the example described.
[0088] The container 3 also has a wiping member 6, inserted into
the neck 4.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the stem 7
has a rectilinear portion 7a that extends along a rectilinear
longitudinal axis Y along about two thirds of the length of the
stem, and a curved portion 7b that extends along a curvilinear
longitudinal axis Z.
[0092] As shown in particular in FIG. 2, the distance d.sub.t
between the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of
the stem 7 and the longitudinal axis Z of the curved portion 7b of
the stem 7, measured perpendicularly to said axis Y, increases
advantageously in the direction of the distal end 11 of the stem 7,
reaching a maximum D.sub.t at the point at which the applicator
member 8 is attached to the stem 7, in particular between 1.5 mm
and 5.5 mm, better still between 2.65 mm and 4.5 mm.
[0093] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the distance
d.sub.o between the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 of the
applicator member 8 and the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear
portion 7a of the stem 7, measured perpendicularly to said axis Y,
decreases by going away from the distal end 11 of the stem 7, along
a part of the length of the applicator member 8.
[0094] The stem 7 thus advantageously forms an elbow at its distal
end 11.
[0095] Preferably, and as in the example described, the curved
portion 7b of the stem 7 extends along an arc of a circle having a
constant radius of curvature R.sub.1.
[0096] The cross section of the curved portion 7b of the stem 7
narrows advantageously in the direction of the distal end 11 of the
stem 7, as can be seen in FIG. 2.
[0097] The longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the
stem 7 may be coincident with the longitudinal axis of the
container 3 when the applicator 2 is in position thereon.
[0098] 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.
[0099] The applicator member 8 may be moulded, being produced for
example by bi-injection-moulding or mono-injection-moulding with
the stem 7.
[0100] The applicator member 8 may have an end piece 9 for fixing
it in a corresponding housing of the stem 7.
[0101] 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.
[0102] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the
longitudinal axis X of the core 10 of the applicator member 8 is
curvilinear, as can be seen in FIG. 2, extending along an arc of a
circle having a constant radius of curvature R.sub.2. The radii of
curvature R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 of the curved portion of the stem and
of the core of the applicator member are substantially the same in
the example described.
[0103] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the
longitudinal axis X of the core 10 forms a non-zero angle with the
longitudinal axis Y.
[0104] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the distance d.sub.o
between the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 and the longitudinal
axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7 advantageously
passes through a minimum D.sub.o at a point of the core 10 that is
situated at a distance from its proximal 14 and distal 13 ends,
mid-way along its length in the example in question, and then
increases in the direction of the distal end 13 of the core 10, for
example until the maximum D.sub.t is reached again.
[0105] A tangent T to the core 10 of the applicator member 8 may be
parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a
of the stem 7, in particular the tangent to the domed part 8a of
the applicator member 8 when the latter is curved, as illustrated
in FIG. 2.
[0106] The angular offset .gamma. between the longitudinal axis Y
of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7 and a straight line D
that passes through the distal end 11 of the stem 7 and this axis
Y, at the location 7c at which the stem 7 starts to curve, may be
between 5.degree. and 55.degree., better still between 10.degree.
and 45.degree..
[0107] The distal end 13 of the core 10 and the distal end 11 of
the stem 7 are situated, in the example described and as shown in
FIG. 2, on a straight line D.sub.p that is parallel to the
longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem
7.
[0108] The core 10 may extend on the same side of the longitudinal
axis Y as the distal end 11 of the stem 7, as can be seen in
particular in FIG. 2.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 13 of the core 10 may be
off-centre with respect to the proximal end 12 of the stem 7.
[0110] In the example in FIGS. 1 to 5A, the core 10 carries
application elements in the form of spikes 18, 16, 15 and/or 19
extending from the core 10 and all around the latter in a plurality
of longitudinal rows. The axis of each longitudinal row of
application elements is preferably parallel to the longitudinal
axis X of the core 10.
[0111] The visible length H of the applicator member 8 is for
example equal to 26.5 mm.
[0112] In the example illustrated, the application elements 18, 16,
15 and 19 each extend from the core 10 along an elongation axis W
perpendicular to the surface of the core, at the point at which the
application elements are attached to the core 10.
[0113] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 3, the core 10 of the
applicator member 8 has, in the example in question, a cross
section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis X, with a
triangular overall shape, the core 10 having three faces 21, 22,
23.
[0114] The first face 21 may carry three parallel longitudinal rows
31, 32, 33 of application elements 16, 15, two longitudinal outer
rows 31, 33 of which enclose a longitudinal central row 32 which is
offset axially with respect to said two outer rows 31, 32, as can
be seen particularly in FIG. 5.
[0115] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second and third faces 22, 23
of the core 10 may each carry two longitudinal rows 34, 35, 37, 38
of application elements 18, the core 10 carrying an additional
longitudinal row 36 of application elements 18 which is situated on
a ridge 24 between the second and third faces 22, 23.
[0116] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the application elements 18 on the
second and third faces 22, 23 of the core 10 and on the ridge 24
between the latter may be disposed around the longitudinal axis X
of the core 10 in circumferential rows of application elements 18,
two consecutive circumferential rows 41, 42 along the longitudinal
axis X of the core 10 preferably being offset angularly by a
non-zero angle, in particular equal to half the angular pitch
between the application elements 18 of a circumferential row
41.
[0117] The application elements 18, 16 and 15 may have various
shapes. In the example in question, and as can be seen in
particular in. FIGS. 4 and 5A, the application elements 18
belonging to the second and third faces 22, 23 and to the ridge 24
have a conical shape, the application elements 16 belonging to the
outer rows 31, 33 on the first face 21 have a semi-conical shape,
and the application elements 15 belonging to the central row 32 on
the first face 21 have a pyramid shape.
[0118] The spacing S.sub.p1 between the application elements 18 in
the longitudinal rows on the second and third faces 22, 23 and on
the ridge 24 between the latter is greater, in the example in
question, than the spacing S.sub.p2 between the application
elements 16, 15 in the longitudinal rows on the first face 21, in
particular twice as great.
[0119] The height of the application elements 16, 15 in the
longitudinal rows 31, 32, 33 on the first face 21 is greater, in
the example described, than that of the application elements 18 in
the longitudinal rows 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 on the second and third
faces 22, 23 and on the ridge 24 between the latter, as can be seen
in. FIG. 3. In one variant that is not illustrated, the application
elements 18, 16 and 15 are all the same height from one
longitudinal row to another.
[0120] In the example in question, the height of the application
elements 18, 16 and 15 is constant along the longitudinal axis X of
the core 10, within each longitudinal row. In one variant that is
not illustrated, the height of the application elements 18, 16 and
15 varies along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.
[0121] The height of the application elements 18, 16 and 15 may be
between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm.
[0122] In the variant shown in FIG. 6, the first face 21 of the
core 10 carries a longitudinal row 39 of application elements 19 in
the form of blades, each extending transversely to the longitudinal
axis X of the core 10.
[0123] These application elements 19 have, in the example
described, reinforcements 19a on their sides extending transversely
with respect to the longitudinal axis X.
[0124] The height of these application elements 19 it is
advantageously less than that of the application elements 18 in the
longitudinal rows 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 on the second and third faces
22, 23 and on the ridge 24 between the latter.
[0125] In the examples in question, the free ends 28 of the
application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 define an envelope
surface S of the applicator member 8, having a longitudinal axis
that is coincident with the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is
not symmetrical about said axis X and has the overall shape of a
crescent moon, in side view as in FIG. 2.
[0126] The application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 are made, in
the example in question, in one piece with the core 10 by moulding
thermoplastic material.
[0127] 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 polyamide 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.
[0128] In one variant that is not shown, the applicator member 8 is
a brush with a twisted core. In this case, the core 10 of the
applicator member 8 may have at least two arms of a wire that is
folded on itself, said arms being twisted together, defining turns,
and bristles can be held between the turns of the core 10.
[0129] In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure
cap 5 and withdraws the applicator member 8 from the container 3.
The user can use the first face 21 to load the eyelashes and/or
eyebrows with product P, and the rest of the applicator member 8 to
separate and curl the eyelashes and/or eyebrows. By virtue of the
elbow that exists between the stem 7 and the applicator member 8,
the user can in particular reach the eyelashes situated at the
external and internal corners of the eye, without being hampered by
the stem 7 touching their cheek.
[0130] Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary
embodiments that have just been described.
[0131] The applicator member 8 may be able to vibrate, that is to
say 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.
[0132] 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 application
elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 and/or the core 10 of the applicator
member 8.
[0133] 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.
[0134] The core 10 and/or the application elements 18, 16, 15
and/or 19 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 application elements 18, 16, 15
and/or 19 or to help the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to slide on the
application elements. At least one of the core 10 and an
application element 18, 16, 15 or 19 may be flocked, or undergo any
heat or mechanical treatment.
[0135] The expression "having a" should be understood as being
synonymous with "comprising at least one", and "between" is
understood as including the limits, unless specified to the
contrary.
* * * * *