U.S. patent application number 17/295380 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-06 for cosmetic applicator for attaching fibers to human keratin materials.
The applicant listed for this patent is L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Franck Giron, HENRI Samain.
Application Number | 20220000203 17/295380 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220000203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Samain; HENRI ; et
al. |
January 6, 2022 |
COSMETIC APPLICATOR FOR ATTACHING FIBERS TO HUMAN KERATIN
MATERIALS
Abstract
A cosmetic applicator for attaching fibers to human keratin
materials, including a number n of fibers borne by a support member
that are separable from the support member during the attachment,
the n fibers having a portion extending in front of the support
member before the separation of the support member, and the n
fibers including at least one group of at most m fibers connected
together outside the support member, with m<n and m>1.
Inventors: |
Samain; HENRI; (Chevilly
LaRue, FR) ; Giron; Franck; (Chevilly LaRue,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/295380 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/086804 |
371 Date: |
May 19, 2021 |
International
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20060101
A41G005/02; A45D 44/00 20060101 A45D044/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 21, 2018 |
FR |
1874056 |
Claims
1. A cosmetic applicator for attaching fibers to human keratin
materials, comprising a number n of fibers borne by a support
member that are separable from the support member during the
attachment, these n fibers having a portion extending in front of
the support member before separation of the support member, these n
fibers comprising at least one group of at most m fibers connected
together outside the support member, with m<n and m>1.
2. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, the m fibers being
connected together at their end.
3. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, at least two of the m
fibers being connected together by gluing, welding or melting.
4. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two of
the m fibers are formed by folding a single filament.
5. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in at least one
group, the fibers are connected together by an element external to
the fibers.
6. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number m of
fibers in at least one group is exactly equal to two.
7. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, at least one portion of
the fibers having a nonzero curvature.
8. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two
fibers have different nonzero curvatures.
9. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unbonded ends
of at least two of the m fibers are kept at least 1 mm apart from
one another on the support member.
10. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, the groups of fibers
being aligned with one another on the support member over at least
one row.
11. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support
member temporarily retains fibers by a mechanical system comprising
one or more parts that can be moved relative to one another, the
mechanical system being configured to move from a configuration for
retaining fibers to a configuration for releasing fibers of groups,
the force to be exerted on these groups of fibers in order to
release them from the applicator being greater in the retaining
configuration than in the releasing configuration.
12. The applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support
member of the fibers comprises at least one channel into which a
fiber of a group is inserted, this channel being defined by at
least one portion that, in cross section, entirely surrounds the
fiber and has at least one end-of-travel stop that limits the
insertion of the fiber.
13. A method for attaching fibers to an area of human keratin
materials, using an applicator as claimed in claim 1, the method
comprising the following steps: a) applying a first adhesive
composition to at least one portion of the fibers and/or to said
area, b) bringing at least one group of fibers borne by the support
member into contact with said area, c) moving the support member
away from said area so that the fibers adhere to said area.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said area is
constituted by keratin fibers chosen in the group consisting of
eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair, hair fibers, and/or by the eyelid,
the skin of the face, the scalp or the skull.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator for
attaching fibers to human keratin materials, in particular to the
eyelashes, the eyebrows, the hair fibers, the skin, the eyelids,
the scalp. The invention also relates to a method for attaching
fibers to an area of human keratin materials.
PRIOR ART
[0002] Many people want to give their eyes greater impact, and to
do that, increase the number of eyelashes. Solutions exist such as
strips of false eyelashes or small strands of false eyelashes.
However, these solutions give an artificial appearance.
[0003] Another solution consists in going to a specialized
institute in order to have individual fibers stuck on. The operator
attaches a first eyelash, using tweezers and a first fiber at the
end of which she puts a drop of quick-setting glue (generally ethyl
cyanoacrylate). She brings the fiber into contact with another
eyelash, waits for the glue to set and then releases the tweezers.
The attachment of a fiber takes around 1 minute. Thus, to attach 50
fibers to each row of eyelashes, the operation lasts around 2
hours. The treatment is arduous for the operator who must
concentrate for 2 hours. It is also very expensive because of the
time spent. Thus, this solution is not suitable for many people,
who have neither the time nor the means to undertake it.
[0004] Furthermore, another problem may arise for the case of
attaching curved fibers. Specifically, when the individual fibers
are deposited on the eyelashes, if these fibers are curved, they
may turn around and be glued to the row of eyelashes without any
alignment with the eyelashes. Even if the fibers are parallel to
one another, they are not parallel to the natural eyelashes. The
result obtained is unattractive.
[0005] EP 2 891 420 relates to a device for dispensing artificial
eyelashes, comprising a housing equipped with a dispensing region,
a carrier to which a plurality of artificial eyelashes is fixed, a
movement mechanism capable of being actuated to cause movement of
the carrier in order to convey the artificial eyelashes towards the
dispensing region and to allow the artificial eyelashes to exit
through said dispensing region, said eyelashes being oriented
transversely to an axis of extension of the carrier, at least when
they are passing through said dispensing region.
[0006] WO 2013/171232 relates to a device for dispensing artificial
eyelashes, including a housing provided with a dispensing opening,
a carrying strip onto which a plurality of artificial eyelash units
are attached, and a movement mechanism capable of being actuated to
cause the strip to move in order to convey the artificial eyelash
units toward the dispensing opening and enable the artificial
eyelash units to exit through the dispensing opening.
[0007] There is a need to have a quick and inexpensive solution for
attaching fibers to human keratin materials which makes it possible
to position the fibers substantially aligned with the neighboring
human keratin fibers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Applicator
[0009] The present invention thus relates, according to one aspect,
to a cosmetic applicator for attaching fibers to human keratin
materials, comprising a number n of fibers borne by a support
member so as to be able to separate, from the support member during
the attachment, these n fibers having a portion extending in front
of the support member before the separation of the support member,
these n fibers comprising at least one group of at most m fibers
connected together outside the support member, with m<n and
m>1.
[0010] Owing to the invention, there is an applicator that makes it
possible to group at least one portion of the fibers into groups of
at least two fibers connected together. This makes it possible to
prevent the fibers from turning around during the attachment. The
fibers deposited can thus be aligned with the natural fibers, for
example the eyelashes.
[0011] The m fibers are preferably connected together at their
end.
[0012] At least two of the m fibers can be connected together by
gluing, welding or melting.
[0013] At least two of m fibers can be formed by folding a single
filament. In this case, the filament just needs to be folded in
order to obtain a group of two fibers.
[0014] In at least one group, the fibers may be connected together
by an element external to the fibers. This external element is then
added to the fibers of the group in order to connect them. It may
be a U-shaped link, to the arms of which the fibers of the group
are attached.
[0015] The number m of fibers in at least one group, better still
in each group, is preferably exactly equal to two. In this case and
in the case where the fibers are connected together at their end,
the shape of each group of two fibers may have a V shape, the
connection between the two fibers being point-shaped at the
connected end of the fibers, or a U shape with a non-point-shaped
connection at the connected end of the fibers.
[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the number m of fibers in the at
least one group is comprised between 2 and 10.
[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the applicator comprises a number
n of fibers borne temporarily by a support member; these n fibers
have a portion extending in front of the support member when borne
by the support member; these n fibers comprise several groups of at
most m fibers connected together in each group outside the support
member, with m<n and m>1; the groups are only linked together
by the support member and may adhere to said human keratin
materials by at least one bonded end of the fibers.
[0018] At least one portion of the fibers may have a nonzero
curvature. In particular, all the fibers may have a nonzero
curvature.
[0019] At least two fibers, in particular within the same group,
may have different nonzero curvatures. Conversely, at least two
fibers, in particular within the same group, may have similar
nonzero curvatures.
[0020] At least one portion of the fibers may have zero curvature
and be straight.
[0021] The bonded ends of two groups of fibers may intersect.
[0022] The bonded ends of the groups are preferably aligned on a
line, which can be straight or curvilinear, or on a plane which can
be planar or curved.
[0023] The unbonded ends of at least two of the m fibers are
advantageously kept at least 1 mm apart from one another on the
support member. In this case, and when the fibers are connected
together by an element external to the fibers, and when they have
similar nonzero curvatures, then they are substantially parallel to
one another, the external element making it possible to spread out
the connected ends of the fibers by the same distance as the
separation distance of the fibers at the unbonded ends thereof.
[0024] The distance between the unbonded ends of the fibers when
they are borne by the support member is preferably substantially
the same as the distance between the unbonded ends of the fibers
after attachment to the human keratin materials.
[0025] The groups are preferably only linked together by the
support member.
[0026] The support member may temporarily retain the fibers by a
mechanical system comprising one or more parts that can be moved
relative to one another, the mechanical system being configured to
move from a fiber-retaining configuration to a fiber-releasing
configuration, the force to be exerted on these fibers in order to
release them from the application member being greater in the
retaining configuration than in the releasing configuration.
[0027] As a variant, the support member of the fibers comprises at
least one channel into which a fiber is inserted, this channel
being defined by at least one portion that, in cross section,
entirely surrounds the fiber and has at least one end-of-travel
stop that limits the insertion of the fiber.
[0028] Method
[0029] Another subject of the invention, according to another
aspect, is a method for attaching fibers to an area of human
keratin materials, using a cosmetic applicator as defined above,
the method comprising the following steps: [0030] a) applying a
first adhesive composition to at least one portion of the fibers
and/or to said area, [0031] b) bringing at least one group of
fibers borne by the support member into contact with said area,
[0032] c) moving the support member away from said area so that the
fibers adhere to said area.
[0033] Said area is for example constituted by keratin fibers such
as eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair, hair fibers, and/or by the
eyelid, the skin of the face, the scalp or the skull.
[0034] The at least one group may adhere to said area by at least
one bonded end of the fibers.
[0035] The method may further comprise the step consisting in
applying a second adhesive composition to at least one portion of
the fibers adhering to said area.
[0036] All the steps of the method can be carried out by the user,
which is an advantage in terms of cost. Another advantage of the
invention lies in the fact that the operation can be carried out by
an expert since, despite the additional cost that this imposes, the
long wear property obtained (which may for example extend to 15
days) makes it possible to keep the cost at a moderate level,
relative to the time that the result lasts.
[0037] The method may comprise the step consisting in drying the
first adhesive composition after step a) of applying the first
adhesive composition. In this case, the drying step may have a
duration of between 30 s and 20 min, in particular between 1 min
and 10 min, or even between 1 min and 5 min. Step b) may be carried
out only after the at least partial drying of the first adhesive
composition.
[0038] The method may comprise the step consisting in combing at
least one portion of the fibers adhering to said area, if need be,
during the setting of the second adhesive composition.
[0039] The method may comprise the step consisting in depositing a
makeup composition on the eyelashes and/or eyebrows of said area
and the added fibers, in particular a mascara. This step
advantageously takes place at the end of the method, after
attachment of the fibers.
[0040] The method may comprise the step consisting in curling all
or some of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows of said area and the added
fibers, in particular using a heating device. This step
advantageously takes place at the end of the method, after
attachment of the fibers, for example just after applying the
second adhesive composition, if need be.
[0041] In the implementation of the method according to the
invention, the fibers, the first adhesive composition, the second
adhesive composition and the applicator may be as defined
below.
[0042] Assembly
[0043] Another subject of the present invention, according to
another of its aspects, is an assembly for carrying out the method
as defined above, comprising, in particular within one and the same
packaging device, the first adhesive composition, the cosmetic
applicator and optionally the second adhesive composition.
[0044] The assembly may further comprise at least one of the
following accessories: a mascara applicator, an eyelash curler, an
eyelash and/or eyebrow comb or any other care or makeup accessory
for eyelashes or eyebrows.
[0045] The assembly may be contained in one and the same packaging
that is hermetically sealed before use.
[0046] In the assembly according to the invention, the fibers, the
first adhesive composition, the second adhesive composition and the
applicator may be as defined below.
[0047] Fibers
[0048] The term "fiber" should be understood according to the
invention as meaning an object of length L and of diameter D such
that L is greater than D and preferably very much greater than D, D
being the diameter of the circle in which the greatest cross
section of the fiber is inscribed. In particular, the ratio L/D (or
aspect ratio) is chosen in the range of values from 3.5 to 2500,
preferably from 10 to 1000, better still from 20 to 500.
[0049] The fibers may be chosen from natural fibers and synthetic
fibers, in particular polyamide, for example Nylon.RTM.,
fibers.
[0050] The fibers may be inorganic or organic. They may be long, or
short, individual or organized, for example braided, and hollow or
solid. They may have any shape, for example curved or substantially
rectilinear, preferably curved. They may in particular have a cross
section that is circular or polygonal (square, hexagonal or
octagonal). In particular, their unbonded end may be blunted and/or
smoothed to prevent injury.
[0051] The fibers may be those used in the manufacture of textiles,
in particular silk fibers, cotton fibers, wool fibers, flax fibers,
cellulose fibers extracted in particular from wood, from plants or
from algae, rayon fibers, polyamide (Nylon.RTM.) fibers, viscose
fibers, acetate fibers, in particular rayon acetate fibers, acrylic
polymer fibers, in particular polymethyl methacrylate fibers, or
poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) fibers, polyolefin fibers and in
particular polyethylene or polypropylene fibers, polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) fibers, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
fibers, glass fibers, silica fibers, carbon fibers, in particular
carbon fibers in the form of graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene
(such as Teflon.RTM.) fibers, insoluble collagen fibers, polyester
fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers or polyvinylidene chloride
fibers, poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers,
chitosan fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyethylene phthalate
fibers, or fibers formed from a mixture of polymers such as those
mentioned above, for example polyamide/polyester fibers.
[0052] The fibers may be human fibers.
[0053] Moreover, the fibers may be surface-treated and/or covered
with a protective layer or a layer intended to give them a
color.
[0054] Use may be made of flame-retardant acrylic fibers of the
"Kanekalon" brand.
[0055] The fibers are for example those sold under the reference
Minke-props SKINTEX Flock ref. 590502.
[0056] It is possible to use identical fibers or, as a variant, a
mixture of fibers that differ from one another in terms of their
length, their cross section, their material, their shape and/or
their cross section. The use of fibers with different lengths may
impart greater naturalness. The same goes for a mixture of colors.
In one particular embodiment, the applicator may have a mixture of
fibers of different colors. The colors of the fibers may be mixed
in an organized or random manner. Different colors or combinations
of colors in the fibers may be employed without departing from the
scope of the invention. Fibers that produce special effects, such
as transparent fibers and/or shiny fibers, may also be included.
This may create novel esthetic effects on the eyelashes.
[0057] The fibers may have a length of between about 0.5 mm and 20
mm.
[0058] The fibers have for example a largest diameter of between
about 20 .mu.m and 200 .mu.m, in particular between about 50 and
200 .mu.m. The diameter may or may not be constant along the fiber.
The fibers may have a tapered shape.
[0059] The weight or yarn count of the fibers is generally given in
denier or decitex and represents the weight in grams per 9 km of
yarn. The fibers have for example a unitary yarn count of between
0.1 and 100 denier, preferably between 1 and 70 denier, and better
still between 5 and 60 denier.
[0060] Applicator
[0061] The applicator is advantageously configured so that the
support member temporarily retains the groups of fibers before
attaching them. The support member is provided so that the fibers
it bears adhere to the first adhesive composition when in contact
therewith and detach from the support member.
[0062] Applicator Comprising at Least One Channel
[0063] The applicator comprises a support member temporarily
bearing at least one group of fibers to be attached to human
keratin materials, in particular for filling out and/or lengthening
eyelashes and/or eyebrows. The support member may comprise at least
one channel into which a fiber of a group is inserted, this channel
being defined by at least one portion that, in cross section,
entirely surrounds the fiber and has at least one end-of-travel
stop that limits the insertion of the fiber.
[0064] In this case, the applicator advantageously comprises a
plurality of channels, at least some of which accommodate a fiber,
in particular between 2 and 50 channels, better still between 10
and 50 channels. The applicator may comprise a plurality of
channels, only some of which accommodate a fiber, as desired
depending on the areas of eyelashes or eyebrows to be filled out or
lengthened. As a variant, all the channels accommodate a fiber.
[0065] The internal diameter of each channel is preferably greater
than a largest diameter of the fiber that it contains. Preferably,
the ratio D.sub.c/D.sub.f between the diameter D.sub.c of the
channel and the largest diameter D.sub.f of the fiber is between
1.5 and 10. When the ratio D.sub.c/D.sub.f is greater than 10, the
applicator preferably has a means for holding each fiber. This
holding means makes it possible for the fibers not to slide in an
uncontrolled manner in the channels. The holding means may have a
narrowed portion of the channel such that, at the narrowed portion,
the ratio D.sub.c/D.sub.f is less than 10. The holding means may
also have an activatable system that grips the fibers in a part of
the channel. The holding means may also have a non-stick material
disposed in the channel, along all or part of its length.
[0066] The channels may be formed in an elastomeric material, in
particular a material with a Shore A hardness of 0 to 50,
preferably of 8 to 40.
[0067] The elastomeric material gives the applicator flexibility
such that a user can grip or deform the applicator in order to hold
the fibers, then release the pressure or the torsion in order to
allow the fibers to move and leave their respective channels. The
elastomeric material can be chosen from the group consisting of a
silicone such as Platsil Gel silicone from the company Polytec,
rubbers derived from vinyl polymerization with crosslinking,
thermoplastic elastomer polymers TPEs, constituted generally of
chains having two blocks such as polyurethane TPEs (with an
isocyanate block and an ether/ester block), TPE-Es (with a
polyester block and a polyether block), TPE-Cs (with a polyamide
block and a polyether block), TPE-Ss (with a styrene block and a
polybutadiene or polyisoprene or polyethylene block). Such a
material makes it advantageously possible to obtain a feel with a
non-stick effect, this retaining at least a little of the fiber in
the channel, such that it does not slide accidentally out of the
channel, without otherwise requiring adhesive for this retention.
This retention is preferably entirely relative, making it possible
to easily remove the fiber from the channel when desired.
[0068] At least one channel may be closed, in cross section, along
its entire length.
[0069] At least one channel may be open, in cross section, along a
portion of its length less than its total length and around a
portion of its circumference less than its total circumference.
[0070] At least some of the channels may have the same shape. In
particular, all the channels of the applicator may have the same
shape.
[0071] At least some of the channels may have different shapes.
[0072] The channels may or may not have the shape of the fibers. If
the ratio D.sub.c/D.sub.f is less than 3, the channels preferably
have the same shape as the fibers. On the other hand, if the ratio
D.sub.c/D.sub.f is greater than 10, the channels preferably have a
different shape from that of the fibers. The difference in shape
may hold the fibers so as to prevent them from sliding naturally,
in particular under the effect of gravity.
[0073] The channels may be defined by tubes. In this case, the
applicator preferably has at least one link connecting the tubes
together. This link constitutes for example a flexible articulation
between the tubes so as to make it possible to modify the
orientation of a tube with respect to an adjacent tube. As a
variant, the link is realized so as to limit the movement between
the tubes, or even to prevent movement between the tubes. The link
may make it possible to join the tubes together by
snap-fastening.
[0074] In one particular embodiment, the channels are formed in a
monolithic part. The end-of-travel stop may be formed by a portion
of this part.
[0075] Each channel preferably accommodates a single fiber of a
group, when it accommodates one.
[0076] The fiber(s) may protrude from the channel, through an open
outlet thereof, by a length greater than or equal to 1 mm, it being
possible for this length to be different for two different fibers.
The connection between fibers of the same group of fibers is formed
in this length outside of the channel.
[0077] The channels are disposed for example in a fan shape, in
particular when they are formed in a monolithic part or when they
are formed by tubes that are connected together.
[0078] The end-of-travel stop may be movable relative to the outlet
of the channel through which the fiber emerges. The end-of-travel
stop is formed for example by a portion of a monolithic part in
which the channels are formed, as mentioned above. It may be
adjustable, if appropriate.
[0079] The applicator may have several channels that are
substantially identical to one another and distributed uniformly,
for example disposed in a fan shape, each channel accommodating a
fiber. This configuration is particularly recommended for rows of
eyelashes that are sparse in terms of eyelashes.
[0080] For incomplete rows of eyelashes, with one or more bare
areas, the applicator can be in different forms. For example, the
applicator may have a width such that it only covers a part of the
row of eyelashes. As a variant, the applicator may cover the entire
row with a plurality of channels, only some of which contain a
fiber, however, next to one or more bare areas of the row of
eyelashes. Alternatively, the applicator may cover the entire row
with a plurality of channels, each of which is filled with a fiber,
the applicator having a means for making only the fibers that will
be added to the row, at the bare areas of the row, protrude from
the channels. As a variant, the applicator may cover the entire row
with a plurality of channels, each of which is filled with a fiber,
the applicator having a means for preventing the channels that will
not be next to a bare area of the row of eyelashes from being
freed. In another variant, the applicator may cover the entire row
with a plurality of channels, each of which is filled with a fiber,
the applicator having a means for preventing the fibers that will
not be next to a bare area of the row of eyelashes from being
freed. Among the means that can be used to prevent this release, it
is possible to block the fibers by gripping the fibers for example,
or by introducing a dot of glue into the tubes. In another
embodiment, the applicator may cover the entire row with a number
of channels limited to those that will be next to a bare area of
the row of eyelashes during the implementation of the process.
[0081] Fiber-Retaining Applicator
[0082] As a variant, the support member of the applicator may
temporarily retain groups of fibers, in particular by gluing, by
friction or by a mechanical system.
[0083] Such a mechanical system may comprise one or more parts that
can be moved relative to one another, for example the arms of
tweezers or the turns of a spring, the mechanical system being
configured to move from a fiber-retaining configuration to a
configuration for releasing fibers of groups, the force to be
exerted on these fibers in order to release them from the
applicator being greater in the retaining configuration than in the
releasing configuration.
[0084] The mechanical system comprises for example a spring that
grips the fibers between its turns, in the retaining configuration,
the spring being able to be stretched in order to open the turns
and release the fibers. The fibers may be retained between the
turns of the spring, the fibers being substantially perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis of the spring. The spring may be manually
activated between the retaining and releasing configurations. The
spring may comprise ends attached to manually-activated actuating
levers. As a variant, the spring is compressed or released along
its longitudinal axis which may be the longitudinal axis of the
applicator, the applicator comprising for example a push button and
two stops near the two ends of the spring, one stop preferably
being movable along the longitudinal axis during the actuation of
the push button, the other stop preferably being immobile.
[0085] As a variant, the fibers may be retained on the applicator
by at least one material, the mechanical strength of which is
degraded by a stimulus, the method consisting in subjecting the
applicator to this stimulus so as to reduce the force to be exerted
on the fibers in order to release them from the applicator, the
exposure to the stimulus taking place before and/or during the
contact of the fibers with the first adhesive composition present
on the eyelashes or eyebrows or hair fibers. The stimulus is for
example thermal, said material then preferably comprising a wax, in
particular beeswax, candelilla wax or paraffin wax. As a variant,
the stimulus is chemical and comprises the exposure of the
applicator to a solvent of said material, preferably water.
[0086] The fibers may be placed on the applicator by an
electrostatic flocking method.
[0087] The fibers may detach completely from the applicator during
the implementation of the method. As a variant, the fibers may
comprise a base at the first end portion that remains trapped by
the applicator and a releasable portion that is released. In this
case, the fibers may comprise a predefined area that is
mechanically weakened or sensitive to a stimulus that makes it
possible to mechanically weaken it, in particular a thermal or
chemical stimulus, the force to be exerted in order to give rise to
the separation of the releasable portion from the root being lower
than the adhesive force for adhesion of the releasable portion to
the first adhesive composition. The predefined area may be located
at the same location along the length of the fiber for all the
fibers. As a variant, this is not the case, which makes it
possible, after release, to have fibers of variable length, capable
of imparting different esthetic effects to the eyelashes.
[0088] The fibers may be retained on the applicator by a multiple
holding system, comprising a first holding system that releases the
fibers for an exerted force lower than the adhesive force for
adhesion of the fibers to the first adhesive composition, and a
second holding system that ensures, when combined with the first,
the retention of the fibers up to a force greater than the adhesive
force for adhesion of the fibers to the first adhesive composition,
the second system being modified during the use of the applicator
for applying the fibers to the first adhesive composition so as to
bring the force to be exerted in order to give rise to the release
of the fibers to a value lower than the adhesive force for adhesion
of the fibers to the first adhesive composition. The modification
may comprise the exposure of the second holding system to a thermal
or chemical stimulus.
[0089] The applicator may retain the fibers so that the latter
detach from the applicator when a tensile force equal to 15 mN, or
even equal to 20 mN, is exerted thereon.
[0090] First Adhesive Composition
[0091] The first adhesive composition is advantageously provided to
allow the adhesion of the fibers to an area of human keratin
materials such as the skin, the eyelid, the scalp or to the keratin
fibers.
[0092] The first adhesive composition is advantageously suitable
for application to the eyelashes and eyelids, the skin, the scalp,
and also for cosmetic use.
[0093] The first adhesive composition comprises or is constituted
of an adhesive material.
[0094] Within the meaning of the present invention, the term
"material" means a polymer or a polymeric system that may comprise
one or more polymers of different natures. This adhesive material
may be in the form of a polymer solution or a dispersion of polymer
particles in a solvent. This adhesive material may also contain a
plasticizer. This adhesive material must have a certain tackiness
defined by its viscoelastic properties.
[0095] The adhesive materials according to the invention may for
example be chosen from pressure sensitive adhesives, for instance
those cited in the "Handbook of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive
Technology", 3rd edition, D. Satas.
[0096] The adhesive material may be chosen from acrylic polymers or
copolymers.
[0097] The pressure sensitive adhesive materials may be chosen from
acrylic polymers, in particular copolymers of acrylate and
methacrylate, pressure sensitive adhesives based on rubber or based
on styrene copolymers, such as styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and
styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers, for example.
[0098] Examples of acrylic copolymers that may be suitable are
available commercially under the brands EASTAREZ 2010, 2020 and
2050 (Eastman Chemical Co.), ACRONAL V210 (BASF), MOWILITH LDM
7255, REVACRYL 491 (Clariant) and FLEXBOND 165 (Air Products). As a
preferred example of acrylic copolymers, the use of the
acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer sold by DAITO KASEI KOGYO
under the name Daitosol 5500GM may be mentioned.
[0099] The first adhesive composition may be chosen from the
adhesive composition for eyelashes from the DUO.RTM. eyelash
adhesive range, sold by American International Industries, and
Daitosol 5500 GM from DAITO KASEI KOGYO.
[0100] Commercial examples of polymeric rubbers that may be
suitable are known under the brands RICON 130 polybutadiene
(Atofina Sartomer) and ISOLENE 40 polyisoprene (Elementis).
[0101] Examples of polyurethane-based adhesives that may be
suitable are available under the brands SANCURE 2104 (Noveon) and
VYLON UR 1400 (Toyobo Vylon).
[0102] Examples of vinyl acetate copolymers that may be suitable
are available commercially under the brands PVP/VA 6-630
(International Specialty Products) and FLEXBOND 149 (Air
Products).
[0103] Examples of vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymers are
available commercially under the brands CELVOL 107 (Celanese) and
ELVANOL 50-42 (DuPont).
[0104] Mention may also be made of the block or statistical
copolymers comprising at least one monomer or a combination of
monomers of which the resulting polymer has a glass transition
temperature lower than ambient temperature (25.degree. C.), these
monomers or combinations of monomers being able to be chosen from
butadiene, ethylene, propylene, isoprene, isobutylene, a silicone,
and mixtures thereof. Examples of such materials are block polymers
of the styrene-butadiene-styrene,
styrene-(ethylene-butylene)-styrene or styrene-isoprene-styrene
type, such as those sold under the trade names "Kraton" from Kraton
or "Vector" from Dexco Polymers.
[0105] The adhesive materials according to the invention may also
comprise tackifying resins, such as rosins or rosin derivatives
such as hydrogenated rosins, rosin esters, hydrogenated rosin
esters, terpenes, aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon-based resins,
phenolic resins, styrene resins and coumarone-indene resins.
Mention will also be made of the compounds such as shellac,
sandarac gum, dammar resins, elemi gum, copal resins, benzoin, and
gum mastic.
[0106] The silicone resins, which are crosslinked
polyorganosiloxane polymers, may also be mentioned.
[0107] The nomenclature of silicone resins is known under the name
"MDTQ", the resin being described depending on the different
siloxane monomer units that it comprises, each of the letters M, D,
T and Q characterizing a type of unit.
[0108] Among these resins, mention may be made in particular of the
siloxysilicate resins, which may be trimethylsiloxysilicates of
formula [(CH.sub.3).sub.3XSiXO].sub.xX(SiO.sub.4/2).sub.y (MQ
units) in which x and y are integers ranging from 50 to 80,
lipodispersible film-forming polymers in the form of non-aqueous
dispersions of polymer particles, also referred to as NADs.
[0109] Use may be made, as non-aqueous dispersion of hydrophobic
film-forming polymer, of dispersions of particles of a grafted
ethylenic polymer, preferably an acrylic polymer, in a liquid oily
phase for example, in the form of surface-stabilized particles
dispersed in the liquid fatty phase. The dispersion of
surface-stabilized polymer particles may be manufactured as
described in the document WO 04/055081.
[0110] Mention may also be made of dispersions of C.sub.1-C.sub.4
alkyl (meth)acrylate polymer particles stabilized by a stabilizing
agent chosen from isobornyl (meth)acrylate polymers, as described
in the document WO 2015/091513.
[0111] Use may also be made of UV reactive adhesives.
[0112] As examples, use may be made of the (acrylic latex) adhesive
Cream Blend 331 from Pros-Aide or the (soluble sulfopolyester
polymer) adhesive AQ1350 from Eastman Chemical.
[0113] Application of the First Adhesive Composition
[0114] The adhesive composition may be applied in the form of a
continuous film on the eyelashes, eyebrows, hair fibers, and/or on
the eyelid, the scalp, the skin, in particular when the density of
the fibers on the applicator is not too high.
[0115] As a variant, the first adhesive composition is applied by
creating non-adhesive areas between the adhesive areas, which makes
it possible to control the density and the distribution of the
fibers that remain attached to the eyelashes, eyebrows or hair
fibers.
[0116] Use may be made of an adhesive applicator that transfers the
first adhesive composition. In particular, the assembly according
to the invention may comprise an adhesive applicator for applying
the first adhesive composition to the eyelashes. In this case, the
adhesive applicator comprises for example a flocked end piece. The
adhesive applicator may be shaped to match that of the roots of the
eyelashes. In this particular case, the hand movement is simple,
since all that is necessary is to move the adhesive applicator into
the vicinity of the row of eyelashes and then allow contact in
order to deposit adhesive material on the root of the eyelashes.
The adhesive applicator may also comprise for example a pen that
dispenses the first adhesive composition or an applicator that
cooperates with a container containing the first adhesive
composition, for example an applicator provided with a fine brush
or with a flocked thermoplastic end piece.
[0117] Second Adhesive Composition
[0118] The second adhesive composition may be chosen from the group
consisting of glues, in particular glues that react without the
need to create a mixture, such as alkyl cyanoacrylate, with it
being possible for the alkyl to be an ethyl or octyl (such as
n-octyl or 2-octyl) or butyl (such as isobutyl) group, solvent
glues, for example isoprene, or glues with mixing at the time of
use, such as two-component glues, for instance involving an
epoxide-functional resin and a polymerizing agent, such as
1,4,7,10-tetraazadecane, or the glues used with a thermal
activation, in particular wax and in particular esters of acid and
cetyl alcohol or glues based on a polymer with a crosslinkable
function such as free methacrylate or free acrylate.
[0119] The glues may be used in packagings that allow premature
setting, in particular the reactive glues.
[0120] The second adhesive composition is preferably chosen from
glues of cyanoacrylate type and derivatives, for example an (alkyl)
cyanoacrylate glue, in particular an alkyl cyanoacrylate with a
C.sub.2-C.sub.8 alkyl chain, for example of ethyl, (iso)butyl or
octyl cyanoacrylate type.
[0121] The second adhesive composition preferably comprises a
cyanoacrylate type glue, for example tinted black.
[0122] The second adhesive composition is for example Loctite
Super-glue 3 Power Flex gel, based on ethyl cyanoacrylate sold by
Henkel, or Dermabond glue based on octyl cyanoacrylate sold by
Ethicon.
[0123] The second adhesive composition is advantageously deposited
on a first portion of the length of the fibers, preferably less
than half the length of the fibers, on the side where the fibers
adhere to the keratin materials, for example to the natural
eyelashes or to the eyelid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0124] The invention will be understood better from reading the
following description of nonlimiting embodiments thereof, and with
reference to the attached drawing, in which:
[0125] FIG. 1 schematically shows, in perspective, an example of an
applicator according to the invention,
[0126] FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a group of fibers
for an applicator, for example for the applicator of FIG. 1,
[0127] FIG. 3 schematically shows the implementation of a step of
the method according to the invention,
[0128] FIG. 4 schematically shows the implementation of another
step of the method according to the invention,
[0129] FIG. 5 is a photograph illustrating an eyelid and eyelashes
fitted with fibers after implementation of the method according to
the invention,
[0130] FIG. 6 schematically shows another example of a group of
fibers for an applicator according to the invention,
[0131] FIG. 7 schematically shows, in perspective, another example
of an applicator according to the invention, comprising groups of
fibers according to FIG. 6,
[0132] FIG. 8 schematically shows, in perspective, another example
of an applicator according to the invention, comprising groups of
fibers according to FIG. 6,
[0133] FIG. 9 schematically shows, in side view, another example of
an applicator according to the invention, comprising groups of
fibers according to FIG. 6,
[0134] FIG. 10 schematically shows, in perspective, another example
of an applicator according to the invention, comprising groups of
fibers according to FIG. 6,
[0135] FIG. 11 schematically shows an example of an assembly
according to the invention,
[0136] FIG. 12 schematically shows, partially and in perspective,
another example of an applicator according to the invention,
[0137] FIG. 13 schematically shows, partially and in perspective,
another example of an applicator according to the invention,
and
[0138] FIG. 14 schematically shows, partially and in perspective,
another example of an applicator according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0139] In the rest of the description, identical elements or
elements having equivalent functions bear the same reference signs.
Their description is not repeated for each of the figures, only the
main differences between the embodiments being indicated.
[0140] FIG. 1 illustrates an applicator 1 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, for attaching fibers to
human keratin materials, in particular the eyelashes, the eyebrows,
the hair fibers and/or the eyelids, the skin of the face, the skull
or the scalp.
[0141] The support member 10 of the applicator 1 has at least one
channel 30 into which a fiber 2 is inserted. In this example, the
support member 10 comprises several channels 30 which are
substantially identical to one another and distributed uniformly,
each channel 30 comprising a fiber 2. The support member 10 forms a
monolithic part, made of elastomeric material, of substantially
trapezoidal shape, with the channels 30 arranged in a fan. The
support member 10 internally comprises hollows that form the
channels 30 and forms end-of-travel stops 50 at the end of the
channels 30, inside the support member 10 that limit the insertion
of the fiber 2, carried out in the monolithic part. Each channel 30
is defined by at least one portion 40 that, in cross section,
entirely surrounds the fiber 2.
[0142] Each channel 30 has, on the opposite side from the stop 50,
an open outlet 70 through which the fiber 2 that it contains
passes. The fibers 2 protrude from the outlets 70 by a length that
can vary from one fiber to another, of the order of about 1 mm or 2
mm. The internal diameter of each channel 30 is greater than the
largest diameter of the fiber 2 that it contains.
[0143] In this example, the channels 30 are closed in cross section
along their entire length.
[0144] The fibers 2 are made of silk in this example. The fibers 2
have a largest diameter of between about 50 and 200 .mu.m.
[0145] The support member 10 has a gripping part 60 beyond the
stops 50, on the opposite side from the outlets 70 of the channels
30.
[0146] The applicator 1 comprises a number n of fibers 2 borne
temporarily by the support member 10. These n fibers 2 have a
portion 3 extending in front of the support member 10 when borne by
the support member 10, as illustrated. These n fibers 2 comprise at
least one group 8 of at most m fibers 2 connected together outside
the support member 10, with m<n and m>1. In the example
illustrated, the number m=2 exactly and all the fibers are
connected in pairs.
[0147] Still in this example, the m fibers 2 are connected together
at their end 5. At least two of the m fibers, in this example, all
the m fibers, are connected together by gluing, by welding, by
melting and/or at least two of the m fibers are formed by folding a
single filament 6, as is the case for the fibers 2 visible in FIG.
2. Specifically, the group 8 in this figure is formed by a single
filament 6, folded in two to form two fibers 2 connected together
at their end 5. They form a V with curved arms.
[0148] In this example again, the fibers 2 have nonzero curvatures,
substantially different from one another for at least one portion
of them.
[0149] Within the support member 10, the unbonded ends 7 of at
least two of the m fibers 2 are kept apart from one another by at
least d=1 mm.
[0150] The support member 10 may be used for the implementation of
the method described below.
[0151] A first step of this process for attaching fibers 2 to an
area of human keratin materials, for example to eyelashes and/or an
eyelid, consists in applying a first adhesive composition to said
area, for example a PSA adhesive to the eyelid P. A second step,
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, consists in bringing fibers 2 borne
by the applicator 1 into contact with the first adhesive
composition. Then, in a third step, the applicator 1 is moved away
from said area, so that the groups 8 of fibers 2 adhere, via at
least one bonded end portion 5 of the fibers, to said area. The
result visible in the photograph of FIG. 5 is obtained.
[0152] In a possible fourth step, a second adhesive composition,
for example a cyanoacrylate-based fixing glue, is deposited on at
least a portion of the fibers 2 adhering to said area.
[0153] The method may also comprise a step that follows the first
step, of drying the first adhesive composition for a time that may
be between 1 min and 5 min.
[0154] After the optional fourth step of depositing the second
adhesive composition, it is possible to provide a step of combing
at least a portion of said fibers 2 adhering to said area, during
the setting of the second adhesive composition, if necessary.
[0155] The method may also comprise additional steps, at the end of
the method, consisting in applying a cosmetic product on the
eyelashes or eyebrows, in particular a mascara and/or in applying
an eyelash curler and/or in carrying out a heat treatment to curl
the eyelashes.
[0156] The fibers 2 of a group 8 may be connected together by other
means. FIG. 6 shows a group of two fibers 2 which are connected
together by an element 15 external to the fibers, in particular a
link. They form a U with arms that are substantially parallel to
one another and curved. The distance between the fibers 2 at their
connected ends 5 is substantially equal to the distance between the
fibers 2 at their unbonded ends 7. This distance is maintained on
the applicator 1 illustrated in FIG. 7, which bears them.
[0157] In this example, the support member 10 retains the groups 8
of fibers 2 by their unbonded ends 7, for example via an adhesive
present on the surface 16 of the support member 10. The groups 8
are uniformly distributed over several rows on the surface 16 of
the support member 10. The gripping portion 60 is a handle. The
fibers 2 do not cross one another. All the groups 8, as in the
previous example, comprise two fibers.
[0158] In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the groups 8 of fibers
2 are arranged in staggered rows on the surface 16.
[0159] In the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, the surface 16 of the
support member 10 is flat. In the example of FIG. 9, the surface 16
is curved, concave toward the fibers 2.
[0160] In the example of FIG. 10, the surface 16 is flat but the
groups 8 of fibers are arranged along a curved line L on this
surface. This can make it possible to adapt to the curvature of the
row of eyelashes.
[0161] FIG. 11 shows an example of an assembly according to the
invention, comprising, in particular within the same packaging
device, for example in a hermetically sealed package, the first
adhesive composition A contained in a container 150, the applicator
1 with the support member 10 bearing the fibers 2 to be attached
and the second adhesive composition B contained in a container
42.
[0162] The first adhesive composition A is for example chosen from
the adhesive composition for eyelashes from the DUO.RTM. eyelash
adhesive range, sold by American International Industries, or the
one referred to as Daitosol 5500 GM, an acrylates/ethylhexyl
acrylate copolymer sold by DAITO KASEI KOGYO. Another suitable
first adhesive composition may also be used.
[0163] In this nonlimiting example, the container 150 comprises a
reservoir 32 of the first adhesive composition A, and also a cap 33
equipped with a stem 34 bearing an application element 35 at a free
end. A wiping member 36 is arranged in the neck 37 surmounting the
reservoir 32.
[0164] The second adhesive composition B may be contained in a
similar or different container 42.
[0165] The second adhesive composition B may be the Loctite
Super-glue 3 Power Flex gel, sold by Henkel.
[0166] The applicator 1 comprises in this example a gripping
portion 60 and a support member 10 with the support surface 16 to
which the unbonded ends 7 of the fibers 2 are temporarily connected
via groups 8 of at least two fibers.
[0167] The first adhesive composition A, the second adhesive
composition B and the applicator 1 may be offered for sale
separately.
[0168] The assembly may also comprise a cosmetic product such as a
mascara in a reservoir of a container containing a mascara brush or
comb, a mechanical or heated eyelash curler, a comb or a brush and
other accessories for treating eyelashes or eyebrows or hair
fibers.
[0169] The applicator 1 may also be different without departing
from the scope of the invention.
[0170] FIG. 12 shows another example of an applicator 1 comprising
a stem 101 extending along a longitudinal axis X and, at one end of
the stem 101, not visible here, a push button which controls, at
the other end 102 of the stem 101, the opening or closing of a
spring 45 located on the stem 101, parallel to the axis X. The
unbonded ends 7 of the fibers 2 of groups 8 are held between the
turns of the spring 45 in the closed position of the spring 45, as
illustrated in FIG. 12. When the push button is activated, the
spring 45 is moved into the open state which makes it possible to
release the groups 8 of fibers 2.
[0171] In FIG. 12, the applicator 1 also comprises a spring 45,
positioned perpendicular to the axis of tweezers 46 and 47, at one
end 48 thereof. Bringing the tweezers 46 and 47 together at one end
of the tweezers opposite the end 46 makes it possible to move the
turns of the spring 45 apart so as to release the groups 8 of
fibers 2. In contrast, in the spread-apart position of the end of
the tweezers opposite the end 46, the fibers 2 are held between the
turns of the spring 45, as illustrated.
[0172] FIG. 14 illustrates yet another example of an applicator 1
comprising the support member 10, represented without the groups of
fibers. In this example, the applicator 1 comprises a plurality of
tubes 105 connected together by articulations 280, forming the
channels 30 each intended to contain a fiber, like the applicator 1
of FIG. 1. All the channels 30 or some of them may be closed,
except for the outlet 70. All the channels 30 or some of them may
be partially open, in cross section, comprising an open zone over a
portion of their cross section. The articulations 280 may be
flexible in order to arrange the tubes 105 in a fan shape.
[0173] The invention is not limited to the examples that have just
been described. In particular, the method may be carried out for
attaching fibers to the eyebrows or to the scalp.
* * * * *