U.S. patent application number 16/468270 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-31 for applicator for cosmetic product, and associated applicator assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is ALBEA SERVICES. Invention is credited to Yann CRAPET.
Application Number | 20190328123 16/468270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58162825 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190328123 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CRAPET; Yann |
October 31, 2019 |
APPLICATOR FOR COSMETIC PRODUCT, AND ASSOCIATED APPLICATOR
ASSEMBLY
Abstract
The invention relates to an applicator (10) for a cosmetic
product comprising a core (11) extending along a main longitudinal
extension direction (X), referred to as main direction, and a
plurality of protrusions (12) projecting from the core (11), the
core (11) comprising a plurality of flexible zones (13a, 13b)
arranged in succession along the main direction (X), on which the
core (11) is thinned according to a thinning axis (14a, 14b)
substantially orthogonal relative to the main direction (X) so as
to form two cavities (15a, 15b) that are radially opposed relative
to said main direction (X), the applicator (10) comprising at least
one flexible zone (13a, 13b) having a thinning axis (14a, 14b) that
is angularly offset relative to the thinning axis (14b, 14a) of a
flexible zone (13b, 13a) adjacent thereto.
Inventors: |
CRAPET; Yann; (Fremecourt,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ALBEA SERVICES |
Gennevilliers |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
58162825 |
Appl. No.: |
16/468270 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
December 1, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2017/081148 |
371 Date: |
June 10, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 40/267 20130101;
A46B 9/021 20130101; A46B 2200/1053 20130101; A46B 3/16 20130101;
A46B 5/0066 20130101; A46B 3/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A46B 3/04 20060101
A46B003/04; A46B 3/16 20060101 A46B003/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 8, 2016 |
FR |
1662173 |
Claims
1. An applicator for cosmetic product comprising: a core extending
along a main longitudinal extension direction, referred to as the
main direction, and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the
core, the core comprising a plurality of flexible zones arranged in
succession along the main direction, at which the core is thinned
according to a thinning axis substantially orthogonal relative to
the main direction, so as to form two cavities that are radially
opposed relative to said main direction, the applicator comprising
at least one flexible zone having a thinning axis angularly offset
relative to the thinning axis of a flexible zone adjacent
thereto.
2. The applicator according to claim 1, further comprising an
alternation of first flexible zones of which the thinning axes are
parallel to one another and of second flexible zones of which the
thinning axes are parallel to one another and angularly offset
relative to the thinning axes of the first flexible zones.
3. The applicator according to claim 2, wherein one flexible zone
out of two, along the main direction, is a first flexible zone and
wherein one flexible zone out of two, along the main direction, is
a second flexible zone.
4. The applicator according to claim 2, wherein the offset angle
(.alpha.) formed between the thinning axes of the first and second
flexible zones is between 45 and 135.degree., preferably about
90.degree..
5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the flexible zones
are located on a discrete portion of the main direction of the
core.
6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein: the core
comprises, along the main direction, a proximal portion extended by
a sleeve without protrusions, a distal portion opposite the
proximal portion along the main direction and a median portion that
connects the proximal portion and the distal portion; the flexible
zones are located in the vicinity of the distal portion of the
core.
7. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the cavities of the
flexible zones are symmetrical relative to a plane substantially
orthogonal to the thinning axis associated with said flexible zone
and comprising the main direction.
8. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein: the core
comprises, along the main direction, a proximal portion extended by
a sleeve without protrusions, a distal portion opposite the
proximal portion along the main direction and a median portion that
connects the proximal portion and the distal portion; the core
comprises a free end in the vicinity of the distal portion, said
free end having, along the main direction, a shape comprising a
sloped section so as to limit the caking of cosmetic product on
said free end.
9. An applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising a
container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain
the cosmetic product, and an applicator configured to be displaced
with respect to the container between a closed position of the
assembly in which the applicator is fastened onto the container and
the applicator is housed inside the reservoir, and an open position
of the assembly in which the applicator releases the container and
the applicator is arranged outside the reservoir, the applicator
comprising: a core extending along a main longitudinal extension
direction, referred to as the main direction, and a plurality of
protrusions projecting from the core, the core comprising a
plurality of flexible zones arranged in succession along the main
direction, at which the core is thinned according to a thinning
axis substantially orthogonal relative to the main direction, so as
to form two cavities that are radially opposed relative to said
main direction, the applicator comprising at least one flexible
zone having a thinning axis angularly offset relative to the
thinning axis of a flexible zone adjacent thereto.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an applicator for cosmetic product
and an associated applicator assembly.
[0002] Applicators are known for cosmetic product, in particular
intended to be applied on the eyelashes, such as mascara,
comprising a core extending along a main longitudinal direction and
a plurality of protrusions distributed along the core and
projecting from said core.
[0003] Conventionally, the applicator comprises zones that have
greater flexibility in order to obtain, on these zones, greater
precision during the application of the cosmetic product. For this,
it is for example known to assign to these zones protrusions of a
greater length and therefore of greater flexibility.
[0004] Such protrusions are effective for combing the eyelashes, in
particular because they make it possible to separate the eyelashes
from one another and to lengthen them, during the application of
the cosmetic product.
[0005] However, such protrusions are often excessively wrung, when
the applicator is extracted from the container comprising the
cosmetic product and the neck provided with a wiper of said
container wrings the plurality of protrusions of said applicator.
The longest protrusions are therefore often insufficiently charged
with cosmetic product in such a way that after application of the
cosmetic product, the eyelashes can be lacking in volume.
[0006] This invention has for purpose to propose an alternative
solution for creating flexible zones along the applicator.
[0007] Thus, the invention relates to an applicator for cosmetic
product comprising a core extending along a main longitudinal
extension direction, referred to as the main direction, and a
plurality of protrusions projecting from the core.
[0008] According to the invention, the core comprises a plurality
of flexible zones arranged in succession along the main direction,
at which the core is thinned along a thinning axis substantially
orthogonal relative to the main direction so as to form two
cavities radially opposite relative to said main direction, the
applicator comprising at least one flexible zone having a thinning
axis angularly offset relative to the thinning axis of a flexible
zone which is adjacent thereto.
[0009] The flexible zones arranged on the core make it possible to
provide flexibility to the protrusions arranged on said flexible
zones without it being necessary to adjust the length of said
protrusions. Thus, it is possible to apply the cosmetic product
with more precision on flexible zones, while still ensuring that
the protrusions are sufficiently charged with cosmetic product. In
other words, the protrusions that are on these zones do not have to
have an excessive length in order to ensure the sought flexibility.
Again in other words, the protrusions that are on these zones do
not have to be lengthened in order to provide the sought
flexibility.
[0010] This makes it possible to comb the eyelashes while still
giving them volume, during the application of the cosmetic
product.
[0011] Moreover, the cavities achieved through thinning of the core
at the level of said flexible zones form reservoirs for a cosmetic
product. This also participates in providing a sufficient charge of
the protrusions, during the application of the cosmetic
product.
[0012] Furthermore, angularly offsetting, from one flexible zone to
another, the thinning carried out on said flexible zones has for
effect to obtain, along the main direction, a flexible core about
the various axes of bending. This has for advantage of not
requiring a user to give the applicator a specific initial
orientation before applying the cosmetic product. In other words,
the user does not have to learn a new gesture in order to use this
applicator.
[0013] According to various embodiments, which can be taken
together or separately:
[0014] the applicator comprises a succession of flexible zones that
have thinning axes that are angularly offset with respect to one
another;
[0015] the applicator comprises an alternation of first flexible
zones of which the thinning axes are parallel to one another and of
second flexible zones of which the thinning axes are parallel to
one another and angularly offset relative to the thinning axes of
the first flexible zones;
[0016] one flexible zone out of two, along the main direction, is a
first flexible zone and wherein one flexible zone out of two, along
the main direction, is a second flexible zone;
[0017] the offset angle formed between the thinning axes of the
first flexible zones and the thinning axes of the second flexible
zones is between 45 and 135.degree., preferably about
90.degree.;
[0018] the flexible zones are located on a discrete portion of the
main direction of the core;
[0019] the core comprises, along the main direction, a proximal
portion plunged by a sleeve without protrusions, a distal portion
opposite the proximal portion along the main direction and a median
portion that connects the proximal portion and the distal
portion;
[0020] the flexible zones are located in the vicinity of the distal
portion of the core;
[0021] the cavities of the flexible zones are symmetrical relative
to a plane substantially orthogonal to the thinning axis associated
with said flexible zone and comprising the main direction;
[0022] the cavities have a concave shape along the main
direction;
[0023] the core comprises a free end in the vicinity of the distal
portion, said free end having, along the main direction, a shape
comprising a sloped section so as to limit the caking of cosmetic
product on said free end;
[0024] the free end of the core comprises a flexible zone on which
said free end is thinned along a thinning axis substantially
orthogonal to the main direction, so as to form two radially
opposed cavities relative to the main direction;
[0025] the thinning axis of the flexible zone of the free end is
angularly offset relative to the thinning axis of the flexible zone
which is adjacent thereto;
[0026] the protrusions extend radially relative to the main
direction;
[0027] the plurality of protrusions is distributed by rows
extending along the main direction;
[0028] a pitch between the protrusions of one row of protrusions is
between 0.6 and 1.5 mm, preferably about 1.25 mm;
[0029] the rows of protrusions are distributed evenly about the
main direction;
[0030] the protrusions of two adjacent rows are offset relative to
one another along the main direction
[0031] the protrusions each comprise a free end;
[0032] the free ends of the plurality of protrusions together
define a frusto-conical surface;
[0033] the surface has a maximum diameter between 4 and 10 mm,
preferably between 5 and 8 mm;
[0034] a length of the protrusions, defined between the main
direction and the free end of the protrusions, varies from one row
of protrusions to another;
[0035] a length of the protrusions, defined between the main
direction and the free end of the protrusions, varies within the
same row of protrusions;
[0036] the protrusions are globally frusto-conical;
[0037] the protrusions each have a section in the shape of a
half-ellipse;
[0038] the protrusions each comprise a flat surface;
[0039] the protrusions are positioned in such a way that the flat
surfaces of the protrusions are oriented in the same gyratory
direction;
[0040] the protrusions are made from the material with the
core;
[0041] the core is solid;
[0042] the applicator forms a brush.
[0043] The invention also relates, advantageously, to an applicator
assembly for cosmetic product, comprising a container comprising a
body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product,
and an applicator such as described hereinabove configured to be
displaced relative to the container between a closed position of
the assembly in which the applicator is fastened onto the container
and the applicator is housed inside the reservoir, and an open
position of the assembly in which the applicator releases the
container and the applicator is arranged outside the reservoir.
[0044] The invention shall be better understood, and other
purposes, details, characteristics and advantages of the latter
shall appear more clearly upon reading the following detailed
explanatory description, of at least one embodiment of the
invention given by way of a purely illustrative and non-limiting
example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatical
drawings.
[0045] In these drawings:
[0046] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example of an applicator for
cosmetic product according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the applicator shown in FIG.
1;
[0048] FIG. 3 is a front view of the applicator shown in FIGS. 1
and 2;
[0049] FIG. 4 is a slightly inclined isometric view of the
applicator shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0050] FIGS. 5a and 5b are cross-section views of the applicator,
in two different locations: see mark A-A (FIG. 5a) and B-B (FIG.
5b) in FIG. 2;
[0051] FIG. 6 is a view of an example of an applicator assembly
according to the invention.
[0052] FIGS. 1 to 4 and 5a, 5b show an applicator 10 for cosmetic
product according to an embodiment of the invention. The cosmetic
product is in particular intended to be applied on the eyelashes
such as mascara.
[0053] The applicator 10 comprises a core 11 extending along a main
longitudinal extension direction X, referred to as the main
direction X, and a plurality of protrusions 12 projecting from the
core 11. The term "protrusions projecting from the core" means that
the protrusions 12 comprise a base located on the core 11 and which
extend in the direction of an opposite free end 24.
[0054] The core 11 further comprises a plurality of flexible zones
13a, 13b arranged in succession along the main direction X, on
which the core 11 is thinned along a thinning axis 14a, 14b
substantially orthogonal relative to the main direction X, so as to
form two cavities 15a, 15b radially opposed relative to said main
direction X (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 4).
[0055] In other words, on each flexible zone 13a, 13b, the core 11
is thinned along a thinning axis 14a, 14b. This thinning is carried
out, along the thinning axis 14a, 14b, on one side as well as the
other of the main direction X, thus forming the two cavities 15a,
15b. Again in other words, on each flexible zone 13a, 13b, the core
11 is thinned in a globally symmetrical manner on either side of
the main direction X.
[0056] In this way, the core 11 is more flexible on cavities 15a,
15b of the flexible zones 13a, 13b, with this flexibility being
transmitted to the protrusions 12 arranged on said cavities 15a,
15b so as in particular to apply the cosmetic product with more
precision on these flexible zones 13a, 13b. Thus, it is possible to
locally increase the precision of the applicator 10 without however
increasing the length of the protrusions 12 in order to increase
the flexibility thereof and therefore without losing any charge of
cosmetic product on said protrusions 12. The applicator 10
therefore makes it possible to both comb the eyelashes and to give
them volume, during the application of the cosmetic product.
Furthermore, the cavities 15a, 15b form reservoirs of cosmetic
product, thus making it possible to charge more the protrusions 12
with cosmetic product for the purpose of giving more volume to the
eyelashes, during the application of said cosmetic product.
[0057] At least one of the flexible zones 13a, 13b has an angularly
offset thinning axis 14a, 14b, about the main direction X, in
relation to the thinning axis 14b, 14a of a flexible zone 13b, 13a
which is adjacent to it. The term "angularly offset" describes the
fact that said thinning axes 14a, 14b together form a non-zero
offset angle .alpha. that is strictly less than 180.degree.. The
offset angle .alpha. is visible in FIGS. 3 and 4. The term
"angularly offset" also describes the fact that said thinning axes
14a, 14b are not parallel with one another.
[0058] In this way, the core 11 has flexible zones 13a, 13b, which
can each bend about an axis 22, referred to as the transversal
axis, orthogonal to the main direction X and to the thinning axis
14a, 14b associated with said flexible zone 13a, 13b, these
transversal axes 22 being able to be different from one flexible
zone 13a, 13b to another. Thus, it is not necessary to give to the
applicator 10 a specific initial orientation before applying the
cosmetic product, the applicator 10 being flexible, along the core
11, about several transversal axes 22. The user of the applicator
of the invention therefore does not have to adapt their usual
gesture.
[0059] The core 11 is shown here solid. It can however be hollow
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0060] The core 11 comprises, along the main direction X, a
proximal end 16 extended by a sleeve 17 without protrusions and a
distal end 18 opposite the proximal portion 16. The sleeve 17 is
intended to cooperate with a stem (not shown). The distal end 18
comprises a free end 20. The free end 20 has for example a flat
surface 21 arranged perpendicularly to the main direction X. The
free end 20 is devoid of protrusions 12.
[0061] Alternatively, the free end 20 can have protrusions 12.
[0062] The core 11 can comprise a succession of flexible zones 13a,
13b that have thinning axes 14a, 14b which are angularly offset
relative to one another, about the main direction X.
[0063] The core 11 comprises for example an alternation of first
flexible zones 13a of which the thinning axes 14a are parallel to
one another and of second flexible zones 13b of which the thinning
axes 14b are parallel to one another and angularly offset relative
to the thinning axes 14a of the first flexible zones 13a, about the
main direction X (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5a and 5b).
[0064] By way of example, one flexible zone out of two, along the
main direction X, is a first flexible zone 13a and one flexible
zone out of two, along the main direction X, is a second flexible
zone 13b. Other patterns of first and of second flexible zones 13a,
13b can be provided without departing from the scope of the
invention. It is possible in particular to have a succession of at
least two first flexible zones 13a with one or several second
flexible zones 13b.
[0065] The offset angle .alpha. between the thinning axes 14a, 14b
of the first and second flexible zones 13a, 13b is for example
between 45 and 135.degree.. Preferably, the offset angle .alpha. is
about 90.degree. (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5a and 5b). In other words, the
core 11 preferably comprises an alternation of flexible zones 13a,
13b having thinning axes 14a, 14b orthogonal with respect to one
another.
[0066] This is shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, which each show a section
of the core 11 along the main direction X, in two separate
locations along this direction X--see FIG. 2 for the positioning of
the axis of section A-A (FIG. 5a) and for that of section B-B (FIG.
5b). FIG. 5a shows a section with a substantially rectangular shape
of which the largest side extends along the axis 14b; while FIG. 5b
shows a substantially rectangular section of which the largest side
extends along the axis 14a, with these two axes here being
orthogonal.
[0067] The flexible zones 13a, 13b can be located on a discrete
portion of the main direction X of the core 11. In other words, the
flexible zones 13a, 13b can be located on only one portion of the
core 11. The flexible zones 13a, 13b are for example located on a
portion of the core 11 (embodiments not shown here).
[0068] For example, they can be located on first portion P1 of the
core 11, that extends from the distal end 18 of the core 11 to the
proximal end 16 the core 11 over a distance that does not exceed
half of the length of the core 11 (see FIG. 2 for the marking of
the zones P1, P2 and P3).
[0069] They can also be located on second portion P2 of the core
11, which extends between the distal end 18 of the core 11 and the
proximal end 16 the core 11 over a distance that does not exceed
half of the length of the core 11.
[0070] They can also be located on third portion P3 of the core 11,
that extends from the proximal end 16 of the core 11 to the distal
end 18 of the core 11 over a distance that does not exceed half of
the length of the core 11.
[0071] They can also result from a combination of the
aforementioned examples, without departing from the scope of the
invention; namely, they can be located on the first and second
portions P1, P2, on the first and third portions P1, P3 and/or on
the second and third portions P2, P3.
[0072] The cavities 15a, 15b formed by the thinning of the core 11
are for example symmetrical relative to a plane substantially
orthogonal to the thinning axis 14a, 14b that they are associated
with and comprising the main direction X.
[0073] The cavities 15a, 15b can furthermore be concave along the
main direction X.
[0074] The cavities 15a, 15b can also have a polygonal shape, for
example triangular or square or rectangular, along the main
direction X. The edges of the cavities 15a, 15b can furthermore be
attenuated by fillets or rounded edges.
[0075] The cavities 15a, 15b have for example a maximum dimension
along the transversal axis 22 that they are associated with,
referred to as transversal dimension D.sub.T, equal to the maximum
diameter d.sub.max of the core 11 (FIG. 1). In this way, the
cavities 15a, 15b each form a groove extending along the
transversal axis 22 that they are associated with, which opens onto
each one of its ends along said transversal axis 22. This increases
the flexibility of the core 11 on the flexible zones 13a, 13b.
[0076] The cavities 15a, 15b of the flexible zones 13a, 13b can be
of an equal maximum dimension along the main direction X, said
maximum dimension referred to as longitudinal dimension D.sub.L1.
The longitudinal dimension D.sub.L1 of the cavities 15a, 15b of the
flexible zones 13a, 13b is for example between 1.5 and 15 mm. The
longitudinal dimension D.sub.L1 is preferably about 1.8 mm.
[0077] Alternatively, the longitudinal dimension D.sub.L1 of the
cavities 15a, 15b of the flexible zones 13a, 13b can vary from one
flexible zone to another.
[0078] Furthermore, the cavities 15a, 15b of the flexible zones
13a, 13b can have the same depth along the thinning axis 14a, 14b
that they are associated with. Alternatively, the depth of the
cavities 15a, 15b of the flexible zones 13a, 13b can vary from one
flexible zone to another.
[0079] The free end 20 of the core 11 has for example, along the
main direction X, a form comprising a sloped section, even a
globally pointed shape. This makes it possible to limit the
accumulation of cosmetic product on said free end 20 and therefore
to prevent the nose of the user from becoming dirty when
manipulating the applicator 10.
[0080] For this, the free end 20 of the core 11 can itself include
a flexible zone 13c on which said free end 20 of the core 11 is
thinned along a thinning axis substantially orthogonal to the main
direction X, so as to form two cavities 15c radially opposed
relative to said main direction X (FIG. 3).
[0081] The flexible zone 13c of the free end 20 has a thinning axis
angularly offset relative to the thinning axis 14a of the flexible
zone 13a which is adjacent thereto. The flexible zone 13c of the
free end 20 preferably has a thinning axis substantially orthogonal
to the thinning axis 14a of the adjacent flexible zone 13a.
[0082] The two cavities 15c formed at the free end 20 of the core
11 have for example a longitudinal dimension D.sub.L2 less than
that of the cavities 15a, 15b of the other flexible zones 13a, 13b.
Said longitudinal dimension D.sub.L2 will be between 0.1 and 3
mm.
[0083] It can also have the form of a rounded end, bevelled,
straight and/or chamfered, without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0084] The protrusions 12 extend for example radially relative to
the main direction X. In other words, the protrusions 12 project
according to a direction substantially normal to said main
direction X, referred to as the radial direction.
[0085] The plurality of protrusions 12 is for example distributed
in rows 23 extending along the main direction X. The rows 23 of
protrusions 12 are particularly visible in FIG. 3. The applicator
10 comprises for example twelve rows 23 of protrusions 12.
[0086] A pitch p between the protrusions 12 of the same row 23 is
for example between 0.6 and 1.5 mm. The pitch p between the
protrusions 12 of the same row is preferably about 1.25 mm. Each
row 23 can furthermore have the same pitch p between its
protrusions 12 (FIG. 1).
[0087] The rows 23 of protrusions 12 are for example distributed
evenly about the main direction X. In other words, the protrusions
12 of each row 23 are arranged at an equal angular distance from
the protrusions 12 of the rows 23 that they are adjacent to.
[0088] The protrusions 12 of each row 23 are for example arranged
at an angular distance of
.pi. 6 ##EQU00001##
rad in relation to the protrusions 12 of the rows 23 which are
adjacent thereto.
[0089] The protrusions 12 of two adjacent rows 23 are for example
offset relative to one another along the main direction X.
[0090] The protrusions 12 of a row 23 can furthermore be offset by
the same distance along the main direction X, relative to the
protrusions 12 of the two rows 23 that are adjacent thereto.
[0091] The protrusions 12 of one row 23 out of two are for example
offset by the same distance along the main direction X, relative to
the protrusions 12 of the rows 23 that are adjacent thereto. The
protrusions of one row 23 out of two can furthermore be offset,
even staggered along the main direction X, in relation to the
protrusions 12 of the rows 23 that are adjacent thereto.
[0092] It is interesting to note that the free ends 24 of the
protrusions 12 together define a surface E.
[0093] The surface E has for example a globally frusto-conical
shape.
[0094] Preferably, the small section of the frusto-conical cone
formed by the surface E is arranged facing the free end 20 of the
core 11, while the large section of the frusto-conical cone formed
by the surface E is arranged opposite the free end 20 of the core
11.
[0095] The surface has for example a maximum diameter between 4 and
10 m, preferably between 5 and 8 mm.
[0096] The length L of the protrusions 12, defined between the main
direction X and the free end 24 of the protrusions 12, varies from
one row 23 of protrusions 12 to another. The term "length L of the
protrusions 12" describes the radial extension of the protrusions
between the X axis of the core 11 and the free end of the
protrusion (see FIG. 1). The length L is for example between 2.0
and 5.0 mm and more particularly between 2.5 and 4.0 mm.
[0097] The length L of the protrusions 12 of one row 23 out of two
is, on average, less than the length L of the protrusions 12 of the
rows 23 that are adjacent thereto.
[0098] The length L of the protrusions 12 can also vary within the
same row 23 of protrusions 12.
[0099] The length L of the protrusions 12 of the same row 23
increases for example as the free end 20 of the core 11 is moved
away.
[0100] The protrusions 12 are for example globally frusto-conical.
The term "globally frusto-conical" describes the fact that the
section of the protrusions 12 increases or decreases progressively
from the base to the free end 24 of said protrusions 12.
Preferably, the base of the protrusions 12 is of greater section
than the free end 24 of said protrusions 12.
[0101] The protrusions 12 furthermore each have a section in the
shape of a half-ellipse--for example a semi-oval--forming a flat
surface 25, and are positioned in such a way that the surfaces
planes 25 of the protrusions 12 are oriented in the same gyratory
direction.
[0102] The core 11 can comprise protrusions 12 that project from
the flexible zones 13a, 13b of the core 11.
[0103] No protrusion 12 can alternatively extend from one, several
or all of the flexible zones 13a, 13b of the core 11.
[0104] The protrusions 12 are for example made from the material of
the core 11.
[0105] The core 11 can be a moulded core, in particular made of
plastic material. The core 11 and the protrusions 12 are for
example moulded together. The protrusions 12 can alternatively be
overmoulded on the core 12. The core 11 and the protrusions 12 can
be moulded in a material with an LDPE (or "low-density
polyethylene") base. Other materials can be used, namely the
"EXACT" material marketed by the company ExxonMobil or the "HYTREL"
material marketed by the company Dupont de Nemours, even a mixture
of these materials.
[0106] The maximum diameter d.sub.max of the core 11 is for example
between 2 and 6 mm.
[0107] It is understood that the flexible zones 13a, 13b have a
particular advantage, when the core 11 has a large maximum diameter
d.sub.max, in particular a maximum diameter d.sub.max between 4 and
6 mm. Such cores 11 will be referred to in the rest of the
description as "large-diameter cores".
[0108] The large-diameter cores 11 are interesting because the
protrusions 12 that project therefrom are globally shorter, for the
same diameter of surface E, than a core 11 with a smaller maximum
diameter d.sub.max, in such a way that with the large-diameter
cores 11, it is possible to work on the eyelashes of the user right
from the root and therefore to charge them with more cosmetic
product, during the application of the cosmetic product. The
large-diameter cores 11 also make it possible to give volume to the
eyelashes of the user.
[0109] The large-diameter cores 11 are also interesting because
they can receive a larger number of rows of protrusions 12 around
the main direction X, and thus improve the combing and therefore
the separation of the eyelashes of the user, during the application
of the cosmetic product.
[0110] The large-diameter cores 11 however tend to be more rigid
due to their large maximum diameter d.sub.max, in such a way that
the flexible zones 13a, 13b make it possible to compensate this
tendency by providing them with more flexibility and thus by
increasing the precision with which the cosmetic product is applied
on the eyelashes of the user.
[0111] Where applicable, the protrusions 12 projecting from the
flexible zones 13a, 13b of the large-diameter cores 11 are
furthermore longer and therefore more flexible, without the maximum
diameter of the surface E being increased, in such a way that said
protrusions 12 make it possible, in complementarity with the
flexible zones 13a, 13b, to improve the combing of the eyelashes of
the user and therefore the separation and the lengthening of said
eyelashes, during the application of the cosmetic product.
[0112] It is to be noted, also, that the applicator 10
advantageously forms a brush.
[0113] It should also be noted that the invention relates to an
applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising a container
comprising a body forming a reservoir R intended to contain the
cosmetic product, and an applicator 10 such as described
hereinabove configured to be displaced with respect to the
container between a closed position of the assembly in which the
applicator 10 is fastened onto the container and the applicator 10
is housed inside the reservoir, and an open position of the
assembly in which the applicator 10 releases the container and the
applicator is arranged outside the reservoir (see FIG. 6).
[0114] It should be noted also that alternative embodiments are of
course possible. In particular it can also be considered, in
additional embodiments, not shown here, that:
[0115] the core 11 further comprises third flexible zones of which
the thinning axes are parallel to one another and angularly offset
relative to the thinning axes 14a, 14b of the first and second
flexible zones 13a, 13b;
[0116] the core 11 comprises an alternation of first flexible zones
13a, of second flexible zones 13b and of third flexible zones;
[0117] one flexible zone out of three, along the main direction X,
is a first flexible zone 13a, one flexible zone out of three, along
the main direction X, is a second flexible zone 13b and one
flexible zone out of three, along the main direction X, is a third
flexible zone.
[0118] the thinning axes 14a, 14b of the first, second and third
flexible zones 13a, 13b respectively form between them an offset
angle .alpha. of about 60.degree..
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