U.S. patent application number 16/339963 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-19 for cosmetic product applicator.
The applicant listed for this patent is Chanel Parfums Beaute. Invention is credited to Nicolas Castex.
Application Number | 20190281967 16/339963 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57349048 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190281967 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Castex; Nicolas |
September 19, 2019 |
Cosmetic Product Applicator
Abstract
The invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator,
including a core forming a winding over at least one turn around a
main axis of the applicator and along this axis so as to define an
internal convex volume extending from one end of the winding to
another end of the winding, and protrusions extending from the
core. The applicator is arranged such that no part of the
applicator, with the possible exception of certain protrusions, is
located in the internal convex volume.
Inventors: |
Castex; Nicolas; (Colombes,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chanel Parfums Beaute |
Neuilly-sur-Seine |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
57349048 |
Appl. No.: |
16/339963 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
September 29, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2017/052663 |
371 Date: |
April 5, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 34/045 20130101;
A46B 9/005 20130101; A46B 9/021 20130101; A45D 40/265 20130101;
A46B 3/005 20130101; A46B 2200/106 20130101; A46B 2200/1053
20130101; A45D 40/28 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A46B 9/02 20060101
A46B009/02; A45D 34/04 20060101 A45D034/04; A45D 40/26 20060101
A45D040/26; A46B 9/00 20060101 A46B009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 6, 2016 |
FR |
1659662 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic product applicator comprising: a core forming a
winding over at least one turn around a main axis of the applicator
and along this main axis so as to define an internal convex volume
extending from one end of the winding to another end of the
winding, and protrusions extending from the core, the applicator
being arranged such that no part of the applicator, with the
possible exception of certain protrusions, is located in the
internal convex volume.
2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the winding of the
core is helical.
3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the winding of the
core has at least two sections with different helix pitches.
4. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core forms less
than ten turns around the main axis.
5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least some of
the protrusions form a single piece with the core.
6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least some of
the protrusions have different lengths between each other.
7. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has an
inner side directed towards the main axis and an outer side
directed away from the main axis, some of the protrusions which
extend from the inner side being longer than some of the
protrusions which extend from the outer side.
8. The applicator according to claim 7, wherein the protrusions
extending from the inner side are between 1 and 5 mm long.
9. The applicator according to claim 7, wherein the protrusions
extending from the outer side are between 0.5 and 1 mm long.
10. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least some of
the protrusions are elongated and straight and extend in planes
perpendicular to the axis.
11. The Applicator according to claim 1, forming a cosmetic product
applicator for the skin, the nails, the lips, the eyelashes or the
eyebrows or forming a mascara applicator.
12. A cosmetic article comprising an applicator according to claim
1.
13. A method of manufacturing by additive synthesis an applicator,
comprising the following steps: obtaining data concerning the
applicator, the applicator comprising a core forming a winding over
at least one turn around a main axis of the applicator and along
this main axis so as to define an internal convex volume extending
from one end of the winding to another end of the winding, and
protrusions extending from the core, the applicator being arranged
such that no part of the applicator, with the possible exception of
certain protrusions, is located in the internal convex volume; and
additive synthesis of the applicator using the data.
14. An electronic storage medium comprising stored data to
implement the method according to claim 13.
15. A method of placing on a telecommunications network a computer
file comprising data suitable for use by a computer program for
controlling the implementation of the method according to claim 13,
in order to download it.
16. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core forms
less than six turns around the main axis.
17. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core forms
less than four turns around the main axis.
18. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein all of the
protrusions form a single piece with the core.
19. The applicator according to claim 7, wherein all the
protrusions which extend from the inner side being longer than all
the protrusions which extend from the outer side.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to cosmetic product applicators.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A mascara article, or "mascara", typically comprises a case,
a mascara container and an applicator. There are numerous mascara
applicators, in particular bottle brush type applicators. These
applicators form a brush which comprises bristles formed by fibers
trapped in a twisted metal wire forming the core of the applicator.
Such applicators give the user satisfactory results. However, the
user is always looking for new or better make-up effects.
Improvements include the search for better separation of the
eyelashes, a better elongating and/or curving effect of the
eyelashes, a greater volume given to the eyelashes or a different
make-up effect depending on the location of the eyelash in a row of
eyelashes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An object of the invention is therefore to improve the
cosmetic product applicators.
[0004] The invention therefore relates to a cosmetic product
applicator, comprising:
[0005] a core forming a winding over at least one turn around a
main axis of the applicator and along this axis so as to define an
internal convex volume extending from one end of the winding to
another end of the winding, and
[0006] protrusions extending from the core,
[0007] the applicator being arranged such that no part of the
applicator, with the possible exception of certain protrusions, is
located in the internal convex volume.
[0008] Thus, the internal convex volume acts as a cosmetic product
reserve. When the applicator is inserted into a cosmetic product
container, this volume is filled with product and a larger quantity
of this reserve is still present after the applicator has passed
through a wiper. Thus, the number of reloads required during
make-up is reduced and make-up is simplified for the user.
[0009] The turn(s) formed by the winding of the core around the
main axis of the applicator help to produce make-up effects
particularly required by the user. In particular, they help to
produce good separation of the eyelashes and an elongating effect.
In addition, depending on the type of use, they can help to push
back the eyelashes towards the outside, thereby creating a
"doe-eyed" effect particularly required by the user.
[0010] The fact, where applicable, that no part of the applicator
is located in the internal convex volume increases the applicator's
reserve capacity and therefore simplifies the make-up by reducing
the number of product reloads required.
[0011] Note that a convex volume is one in which, whenever any two
points are taken, the line segment joining these two points is
entirely contained within the volume.
[0012] Nevertheless, some of the protrusions could be present in
this space. In this case, these protrusions help to store the
product since they are themselves loaded with product. A product of
reduced viscosity can then also be used since the protrusions
extending in the volume tend to limit the spontaneous flow of
product outside the volume and thus prevent the product from
running.
[0013] Preferably, the core winding is helical.
[0014] However, this winding could also be conical or
frustoconical.
[0015] Advantageously, the core winding has at least two sections
with different helix pitches.
[0016] The different helix pitches reflect a larger or smaller
inclination, relative to the main axis of the applicator, of the
core portion forming this pitch. Thus, an applicator having
sections with different helix pitches produces different make-up
effects along the applicator, which is a make-up effect
particularly required by the user. For example, a cosmetic product
applicator for the eyelashes whose core winding has several
different pitches in order to make up the eyelashes by turning them
locally in different respective directions could be considered. The
core winding could have at least three sections with different
helix pitches, preferably at least four sections, for example at
least five sections.
[0017] Advantageously, the core forms less than ten turns around
the axis, preferably less than six turns, for example less than
four turns.
[0018] This reduced number of turns makes the applicator more
flexible and therefore provides in particular greater comfort for
the user when applying the product.
[0019] Preferably, at least some of the protrusions form a single
piece with the core, preferably all the protrusions forming a
single piece with the core.
[0020] The applicator is therefore faster and/or less expensive to
produce.
[0021] The applicator could be made in one piece.
[0022] Preferably, at least some of the protrusions have different
lengths between each other.
[0023] The protrusions of a given applicator may therefore perform
different functions. For example, in the case of a cosmetic product
applicator for the eyelashes, the longest protrusions can store and
deposit product on the eyelashes while the shortest protrusions can
comb the eyelashes and smooth the product present on the eyelashes.
Combined, these characteristics can be used to obtain a
particularly satisfactory make-up result for the user.
[0024] Advantageously, the core has an inner side directed towards
the axis and an outer side directed away from the axis, some of the
protrusions which extend from the inner side being longer than some
of the protrusions which extend from the outer side, preferably all
the protrusions which extend from the inner side being longer than
all the protrusions which extend from the outer side.
[0025] The longer protrusions which extend from the inner side are
therefore partly present in the internal convex volume and can
store cosmetic product, while the shorter protrusions which extend
from the outer side can, for example in the case of a product for
the eyelashes, comb and separate the eyelashes, and smooth the
cosmetic product which has been deposited, for example by some of
the longer protrusions. Several functions are therefore combined,
which are particularly useful to obtain a satisfactory make-up
result for the user. Due to the extreme length reached by these
protrusions over a significant portion of the width of the convex
volume, a large quantity of mascara can be deposited.
[0026] Preferably, the protrusions extending from the inner side
are between 1 and 5 mm long.
[0027] They could be between 1.5 and 4.5 mm long, or even between 2
and 4 mm long, for example between 2.5 and 3.5 mm long.
[0028] Preferably, the protrusions extending from the outer side
are between 0.5 and 1 mm long.
[0029] They could be between 0.6 and 0.9 mm long, for example
between 0.7 and 0.8 mm long.
[0030] Advantageously, at least some of the protrusions are
elongated and straight and extend in planes perpendicular to the
axis.
[0031] This shape is especially suitable for good separation and
good combing of the eyelashes. Obviously, the protrusions could
have any other shape compatible for make-up, for example a curved,
wavy or looped shape. The fact that the protrusions extend in
planes perpendicular to the applicator axis makes them easier to
organize and limits the number of protrusions which are too
inclined relative to the axis, which could result in a make-up
effect, in particular a combing effect, which would be too
irregular compared with the result required by the user.
[0032] Preferably, the applicator forms a cosmetic product
applicator for the skin, the nails, the lips, the eyelashes or the
eyebrows and preferably forms a mascara applicator.
[0033] The invention also provides for a cosmetic article
comprising an applicator as described previously.
[0034] The invention further provides for a method of manufacturing
by additive synthesis an applicator as described previously,
comprising the following steps of:
[0035] obtaining data concerning the applicator; and
[0036] additive synthesis of the applicator using the data.
[0037] The advantage of this type of manufacture is, in particular,
that it can be used to produce applicators of complex structure,
which it would be difficult or even impossible to produce by
injection, considering in particular the existence of some parts
with undercut.
[0038] Various additive synthesis methods known by those skilled in
the art can be used to manufacture the invention. They include, for
example, selective laser sintering (SLS) and stereolithography
(SLA). An example of a method of manufacturing a cosmetic product
applicator by additive synthesis is described in application WO
2008/113939 in the name of the applicant.
[0039] The invention also provides for an electronic storage medium
comprising stored data to implement the method as described
previously.
[0040] The invention further provides for a method of placing on a
telecommunications network a computer file comprising data suitable
for use by a computer program for controlling the implementation of
the method as described previously in order to download it.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic longitudinal cross-section of a
cosmetic article according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIGS. 2 and 4 are side views in two different positions
around the main axis of the applicator of the article shown on FIG.
1;
[0043] FIG. 3 is an end view of this applicator; and
[0044] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
applicator shown on FIGS. 2 to 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] We will now describe an embodiment of the applicator and of
the method according to the invention, in reference to FIGS. 1 to
5. We will describe here a mascara applicator but, obviously, the
applicator according to invention could be used with another
cosmetic product, for example nail varnish, lipstick, eyeliner or
gloss.
[0046] The mascara applicator 1 described in this embodiment is
part of a cosmetic article 2 comprising a cap or plug 3, to which
the applicator 1 is rigidly attached, and a case 4 comprising a
mascara container 5 and a wiper 6 (see FIG. 1) housed in the collar
of the container on which the cap can be removably attached, for
example screwed, to close the container of the article. The
applicator thus extends in the container and is immersed in the
mascara.
[0047] Obviously, other types of article with mascara applicators
can be considered such as for example "pen" type articles in which
the applicator is not connected to a cap or articles in which the
applicator is not immersed in the mascara reserve when not
used.
[0048] The applicator is carried by a straight rod 8 which connects
it to the cap 3. The applicator has a generally elongated oval
shape along its main axis 9. The rod 8 has a generally straight
cylindrical shape. The rod and the applicator are connected
together by one of their ends.
[0049] Obviously, the applicator could have other general shapes,
for example a frustoconical shape.
[0050] The applicator
[0051] The applicator 1 comprises a core 10 which forms a winding
around the axis 9 of the applicator and along this axis (see FIGS.
2 and 4).
[0052] In the present case, the core forms three complete turns 11,
or revolutions, around the axis 9 of the applicator. Obviously, the
core could form a winding having a larger or smaller number of
turns 11. For example, the core winding could have one, two, four,
five, six or seven turns 11. The core is connected by one of its
ends to the rod 8, its other end being free. In the present case,
the applicator 1 comprises only one core 10. An applicator
comprising a greater number of cores, for example two, three, four
or five, extending away from each other around the axis and
defining a common internal volume could be planned.
[0053] The most proximal turn 11 and the most distal turn 11 have a
substantially equal helix pitch p1 which is greater than the helix
pitch p2 of the median turn 11. Obviously, all the turns of the
applicator could have the same helix pitch p or they could all have
different helix pitches p.
[0054] The core 10 has a circular cross-section in a plane locally
perpendicular to the core axis. This cross-section could have
another shape, for example oblong polygonal or oval.
[0055] In the present case, the core 10 is solid but it could be
hollow and/or its walls could form a mesh.
[0056] The core extends entirely at a distance from the axis. The
winding of the core 10 defines an internal convex volume 12
extending from one end of the winding to another end of the
winding. In the present case, the internal volume 12 has a
substantially cylindrical shape of axis 9, with circular
cross-section in a plane perpendicular to this axis. This volume 12
can act as a mascara reserve. This internal convex volume 12 could
have another shape, for example a conical or frustoconical
shape.
[0057] The core has an inner side 13 directed towards the axis and
an outer side 14 directed away from the axis. Protrusions extend
from these two sides of the core 10. The protrusions 15 which
extend from the inner side 13 are longer than the protrusions 16
which extend from the outer side 14.
[0058] In the present case, all the protrusions are elongated and
straight. Obviously, at least some of the protrusions could have
another general shape, for example a curved, wavy or looped shape.
In this case, the protrusions 15, 16 form a single piece with the
core 10. This does not have to be the case or only some of the
protrusions could form a single piece with the core.
[0059] The sizes of the protrusions are such that the applicator
has a substantially cylindrical general shape (see FIG. 3). This
offers in particular the advantage of helping to produce a uniform
make-up effect and avoids the presence of portions of the
applicator which project out, since this could make the user
worried when bringing the applicator close to her eye during
make-up.
[0060] On most of the core, except on its free end section,
protrusions 15, 16 extend all around the core when considering any
short section of the core. This creates a high density of
protrusions and therefore further improves the make-up effect. In
addition, this section comprises both long protrusions 15 and short
protrusions 16, so that a given section of the core can be used, by
simply rotating the applicator around its axis, to apply mascara on
the eyelashes, smooth this mascara on the eyelashes and comb the
eyelashes.
[0061] Using the applicator
[0062] Firstly, the cap 3 is screwed onto the collar of the article
1 and the applicator is immersed in the mascara reserve and is
therefore loaded with mascara. More particularly, the internal
convex volume 12 and the protrusions 15 extending from the inner
side 14 of the core 10 are loaded with mascara. The applicator is
then closed. The user handles the applicator 1 holding the cap 3
between her fingers and unscrewing it from the collar.
[0063] When coming out of the container, the applicator 1 passes
through the wiper 6 and is wiped but all or some of the mascara
reserve present in the internal convex volume 12 and the mascara
present on the portion of the long protrusions 15 present in the
internal volume 12 is preserved. Mascara is also loaded on the
short protrusions but a greater quantity of mascara than for the
long protrusions is wiped.
[0064] During use, the user brings the applicator up to her
eyelashes in order to apply the make-up, using a traditional
make-up movement, mostly vertical and accompanied by a slight
rotation of the applicator 1 around its axis 9.
[0065] The long protrusions 15 deposit mascara on the eyelashes and
the short protrusions smooth this mascara and separate and comb the
eyelashes.
[0066] The fact that the core 10 forms a winding around the axis of
the applicator can provide a certain degree of flexibility
depending on the material and dimensional characteristics of the
applicator. In this case, during application, the applicator is
locally compressed by the eyelashes, which draws out the mascara
present in the internal convex volume 12 in this area. The mascara
present in the volume 12 is thus even more available for make-up.
In addition, due to the flexibility of the applicator, make-up is
more pleasant for the user.
[0067] In addition, the shape of the core 10 helps to comb and
organize the eyelashes. More particularly, depending on the type of
use, it allows the eyelashes to be directed towards the outside,
which is a make-up effect particularly required.
[0068] The manufacturing method
[0069] The applicator described above is manufactured in one piece.
More particularly, this applicator is manufactured by additive
synthesis, also known as 3D printing.
[0070] Any suitable material can be used to manufacture this
applicator. It may be a plastic, for example a polyamide, in
particular a polyamide 1102, a PEBA 2301, or an ABS type resin, or
a powdered metal such as a stainless steel or titanium.
[0071] The material may be rigid but will preferably be elastically
flexible. Preferably, the material, in combination with the
applicator's shape characteristics, gives the applicator a certain
degree of flexibility.
[0072] Note that the length of a mascara applicator is generally
less than 20 mm.
[0073] Several additive synthesis methods may be used to
manufacture an applicator as described previously. We may mention
in particular selective laser sintering from powdered material, and
stereolithography (SLA). In the present case, a selective laser
sintering method is used, this method offering the advantage of
allowing objects of complex shape to be manufactured.
[0074] The applicator is first designed using computer-aided design
(CAD) software. A file in STL format with the applicator design
data is therefore created and then exported. These data determine
the shape of the applicator. Other standard file formats for
additive synthesis may be used.
[0075] This file is then processed by software supplied by the
manufacturer of the machine used to carry out the additive
synthesis. This software breaks down the file into sections in the
form of about hundred digital images in SLI or BFF format, each
image corresponding to a layer of the model to be printed, i.e. to
a section of the applicator 1 taken in a plane perpendicular to the
main axis 9 of the applicator. These data are then sent to the
printer to produce the applicator.
[0076] Once the synthesis is finished, treatments may be applied to
the applicator, for example to improve its appearance.
[0077] Obviously, numerous modifications can be made without
leaving the scope of the invention.
[0078] The embodiment described concerns a mascara applicator, but
the same characteristics could be considered on an applicator of
another cosmetic product for the eyelashes, or a cosmetic product
for the eyebrows, the skin, the nails or the lips.
[0079] An applicator of generally elongated oval shape has been
described, but the applicator could have another general shape, for
example a generally frustoconical shape.
* * * * *