U.S. patent application number 17/295382 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-06 for applicator for applying at least one fibre to human keratin materials.
The applicant listed for this patent is L'OREAL. Invention is credited to Jean-Baptiste BLANC, Franck Giron, Karl-Joseph RIZZO, Henri Samain.
Application Number | 20220000204 17/295382 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005897565 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220000204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Samain; Henri ; et
al. |
January 6, 2022 |
APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING AT LEAST ONE FIBRE TO HUMAN KERATIN
MATERIALS
Abstract
An applicator for applying at least one fibre to human keratin
materials, and in particular for filling out and/or lengthening the
eyelashes or eyebrows. The applicator includes at least one channel
into which a fibre is inserted, and this channel is defined by at
least one portion that, in section, entirely surrounds the fibre
and has at least one end-of-travel stop that limits the insertion
of the fibre.
Inventors: |
Samain; Henri; (Chevilly
LaRue, FR) ; Giron; Franck; (Chevilly LaRue, FR)
; BLANC; Jean-Baptiste; (Chevilly LaRue, FR) ;
RIZZO; Karl-Joseph; (Chevilly LaRue, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L'OREAL |
Paris |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005897565 |
Appl. No.: |
17/295382 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
December 20, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/086726 |
371 Date: |
May 19, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 5/02 20130101; A45D
44/00 20130101 |
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 |
1874051 |
Claims
1. An applicator for applying at least one fibre to human keratin
materials, having at least one channel into which a fibre is
inserted, this channel being defined by at least one portion that,
in section, entirely surrounds the fibre and has at least one
end-of-travel stop that limits the insertion of the fibre.
2. The applicator according to claim 1, which has a plurality of
channels, at least some of which accommodate a fibre, between 2 and
50 channels.
3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the inside diameter
of each channel is greater than a largest diameter of the fibre
that it contains.
4. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the channels are
formed in an elastomeric material, with a Shore A hardness of 0 to
50.
5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least one
channel is closed in section along its entire length.
6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least one
channel is open in section along a portion of its length less than
its total length and around a portion of its circumference less
than its total circumference.
7. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least some of
the channels have the same shape.
8. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least some of
the channels have different shapes.
9. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the channels are
defined by tubes, the applicator having at least one link
connecting the tubes together.
10. The applicator according to claim 9, wherein said at least one
link constitutes 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.
11. The applicator according to claim 9, wherein the link makes it
possible to join the tubes together by snap-fastening.
12. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the channels are
formed in a monolithic part.
13. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the fibres are
chosen from natural fibres and synthetic fibres.
14. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the fibres have a
largest diameter of between about 50 and 200 .mu.m.
15. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the fibre
protrudes 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 fibres.
16. The applicator according to claim 15, wherein the channels are
disposed in a fan shape.
17. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the end-of-travel
stop is movable relative to the outlet of the channel through which
the fibre emerges.
18. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the end-of-travel
stop is formed by a portion of a monolithic part in which the
channels are formed.
19. A cosmetic treatment process implemented with the aid of an
applicator according to claim 1, wherein the process comprises the
following steps of: a) applying an adhesive composition to the area
on which the fibre(s) are intended to be deposited and/or to the
fibre(s) be applied, b) bringing the fibre(s) to be applied into
contact with said area such that the fibre(s) can adhere to said
area, c) moving the applicator away from said area, the fibre(s)
adhering to said area, being withdrawn from the corresponding
channel(s) of the applicator.
20. The process according to claim 19, wherein said area is
constituted of the eyelid, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.
21. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator is
for filling out and/or lengthening the eyelashes and/or
eyebrows.
22. The applicator according to claim 2, wherein the number of
channels is between 10 and 50.
23. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the channels are
formed in an elastomeric material, with a Shore A hardness of 8 and
40.
24. The applicator according to claim 13, wherein the synthetic
fibres are polyamide fibres.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator for applying
at least one fibre to human keratin materials, in particular for
filling out and/or lengthening the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, or
hair fibres.
PRIOR ART
[0002] Many people have a row of eyelashes that comprises few
eyelashes. This is the case in particular for the elderly or people
having a ruddy or fair complexion. Other people have a row of
eyelashes that is fairly full but has local areas without
eyelashes. Such people might like to add fibres to their rows of
eyelashes in order to remedy these situations and thus achieve more
attractive rows. However, only a few solutions exist that meet the
need to increase the number of eyelashes in these situations of a
"sparse row" or "incomplete row".
[0003] One solution consists in going to a specialized institute in
order to have individual fibres stuck on. The operator positions a
first eyelash, using tweezers, and a first fibre, at the end of
which she puts a drop of quick-setting glue, which is generally
ethyl cyanoacrylate. She attaches the fibre to another eyelash,
waits for the glue to set and then releases the tweezers. People
with sparse or incomplete rows are reluctant to employ this
approach because they fear that this treatment will harm their
eyelashes, or even make them fall out. People who are especially
susceptible to this fear prefer not to take the risk. Moreover, the
operation is very expensive on account of the time taken by the
operator.
[0004] Another solution consists in positioning small locks of
fibres with a small amount of adhesive at the end. However, these
small locks, which may be suitable when the rows are fairly full,
are unsatisfactory for people with sparse rows because they confer
an inhomogeneous and artificial appearance. These small locks can
be located using applicator tools or tweezers. However, as in the
case of sparse rows, this approach is not suitable for people who
have incomplete rows, since it is easy to tell the difference
between the area provided with eyelashes and the area without
eyelashes and filled in by added small locks. Tests have been
carried out to improve the approach by replacing the small locks
with individual fibres. These tests have not been successful since,
although the application of one fibre is possible, the application
of the next one may very well impair the alignment of the first
one, and so on. Moreover, the operation is extremely long.
[0005] Another approach consists in using mascara. However, the
result is far from satisfactory since it tends to stick the
eyelashes together and can thus worsen the sparse appearance and
make the bare areas of incomplete rows more visible. Special
mascaras have been developed for sparse rows, using a brush that
deposits a minimum of material. This avoids the sticking of fibres
and makes the tip of the eyelashes visible, but the result is not
strong enough to give sparse or incomplete rows a full
appearance.
[0006] FR 2 957 760 relates to an element for the application of
fibres on human keratinous fibres, comprising fibres held together
in a predefined way by a liquefiable adhesive in the solid form,
the liquefying of the adhesive on application making it possible
for at least a portion of the fibres to separate from the
element.
[0007] FR 3 039 368 relates to a cosmetic treatment method,
comprising the steps consisting in applying an adhesive composition
to human keratin materials, especially the skin, bringing fibres
borne by an applicator into contact with said adhesive composition
present on said keratin materials, moving the applicator away from
the skin, so as to release fibres which adhere to said keratin
materials, the holding force for holding the fibres on the
applicator being lower than the adhesive force for adhesion of the
fibres to the adhesive composition present on said keratin
materials.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need to make it possible to embellish
human keratin fibres, in particular a row of eyelashes or eyebrows,
by addition of individual fibres so as to confer or give back a
natural and full appearance, in particular the case of sparse or
incomplete rows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Applicator
[0010] According to one of its aspects, the present invention
relates to an applicator for applying at least one fibre to human
keratin materials, in particular for filling out and/or lengthening
the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having at least one channel into
which a fibre is inserted, this channel being defined by at least
one portion that, in section, entirely surrounds the fibre and has
at least one end-of-travel stop that limits the insertion of the
fibre.
[0011] By virtue of the invention, a fibre applicator is provided
which makes it possible to fill out and/or lengthen the eyelashes
and/or eyebrows.
[0012] In particular, the invention allows people who have a sparse
row or an incomplete row to apply fibres so as to re-establish a
normally full row without any bare areas. It also allows people who
have a row of eyelashes that is already fairly full to supplement
it in order to enhance the attractiveness thereof.
[0013] The applicator advantageously has a plurality of channels,
at least some of which accommodate a fibre, in particular between 2
and 50 channels, better still between 10 and 50 channels.
[0014] The applicator may have a plurality of channels, only some
of which accommodate a fibre, as desired depending on the areas of
eyelashes or eyebrows to be filled out or lengthened. In a variant,
all the channels accommodate a fibre.
[0015] The inside diameter of each channel is preferably greater
than a largest diameter of the fibre that it contains. This makes
it possible to easily withdraw the fibres from the respective
channels in which they are accommodated.
[0016] 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
fibre is between 1.5 and 10.
[0017] When the ratio D.sub.c/D.sub.f is greater than 10, the
applicator preferably has a means for holding each fibre. This
holding means makes it possible for the fibres 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 fibres 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] The elastomeric material gives the applicator flexibility
such that a user can grip or deform the applicator in order to hold
the fibres, then release the pressure or the torsion in order to
allow the fibres 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 TPE, 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).
[0020] Such a material makes it advantageously possible to obtain a
feel with a non-stick effect, this retaining at least a little of
the fibre 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 fibre from the channel when
desired.
[0021] At least one channel may be closed in section along its
entire length.
[0022] At least one channel may be open in section along a portion
of its length less than its total length and around a portion of
its circumference less than its total circumference.
[0023] At least some of the channels may have the same shape. In
particular, all the channels of the applicator may have the same
shape.
[0024] At least some of the channels may have different shapes.
[0025] The channels may or may not have the shape of the fibres. If
the ratio D.sub.c/D.sub.f is less than 3, the channels preferably
have the same shape as the fibres. 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 fibres. The difference in shape
may hold the fibres so as to prevent them from sliding naturally,
in particular under the effect of gravity.
[0026] 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. In 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] Each channel preferably accommodates a single fibre, when it
accommodates one.
[0029] The or each fibre may protrude from the channel, through an
open outlet thereof, by a length (.delta.) greater than or equal to
1 mm, it being possible for this length to be different for two
different fibres.
[0030] 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.
[0031] The end-of-travel stop may be movable relative to the outlet
of the channel through which the fibre 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.
[0032] 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
fibre. This configuration is particularly recommended for rows of
eyelashes that are sparse in terms of eyelashes.
[0033] 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. In a variant, the applicator may cover the entire
row with a plurality of channels, only some of which contain a
fibre, 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 fibre,
the applicator having a means for making only the fibres that will
be added to the row, at the bare areas of the row, protrude from
the channels. In a variant, the applicator may cover the entire row
with a plurality of channels, each of which is filled with a fibre,
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 fibre,
the applicator having a means for preventing the stops of the
fibres that will not be next to a bare area of the row of eyelashes
from being freed. 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.
[0034] Fibres
[0035] The term "fibre" 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 fibre 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.
[0036] The fibres may be chosen from natural fibres and synthetic
fibres, in particular polyamide, for example Nylon.RTM..
[0037] The fibres 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. They may in particular have a cross section that is
circular or polygonal (square, hexagonal or octagonal). In
particular, their ends may be blunted and/or smoothed to prevent
injury.
[0038] The fibres may be those used in the manufacture of textiles,
in particular fibres of silk, cotton, wool, flax, cellulose fibres,
in particular extracted from wood, plants or algae, rayon fibres,
polyamide (Nylon.RTM.) fibres, viscose fibres, acetate fibres, in
particular acetate rayon fibres, acrylic polymer fibres, in
particular polymethyl methacrylate fibres, or poly(2-hydroxyethyl
methacrylate) fibres, polyolefin fibres and in particular
polyethylene or polypropylene fibres, polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) fibres, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) fibres, glass
fibres, silica fibres, carbon fibres, in particular carbon fibres
in the form of graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene (such as
Teflon.RTM.) fibres, insoluble collagen fibres, polyester fibres,
polyvinyl chloride fibres or polyvinylidene chloride fibres,
poly(vinyl alcohol) fibres, polyacrylonitrile fibres, chitosan
fibres, polyurethane fibres, polyethylene phthalate fibres, or
fibres formed by a mixture of polymers such as those mentioned
above, for example polyamide/polyester fibres.
[0039] The fibres may be human fibres.
[0040] Moreover, the fibres may be surface-treated and/or covered
with a protective layer or a layer intended to give them a
colour.
[0041] Use may be made of flame-retardant acrylic fibres of the
"Kanekalon" brand.
[0042] The fibres are for example those sold under the reference
Minke-props SKINTEX Flock ref 590502.
[0043] It is possible to use identical fibres or, in a variant, a
mixture of fibres that differ from one another in terms of length,
cross section, material and/or shape. The use of fibres with
different lengths may impart greater naturalness. The same goes for
a mixture of colours. In one particular embodiment, the applicator
may have a mixture of fibres of different colours. The colours of
the fibres may be mixed in an organized or random manner.
[0044] Different colours or combinations of colours in the fibres
may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.
Fibres that produce special effects, such as transparent fibres
and/or shiny fibres, may also be included. This may create novel
aesthetic effects on the eyelashes.
[0045] The fibres may have a length of between about 0.5 mm and 20
mm.
[0046] The fibres may have a straight or curved shape.
[0047] The fibres 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 fibre.
When the fibres do not have a constant diameter, the diameter taken
into consideration in the ratio D.sub.c/D.sub.f is the largest
diameter of the fibre. The fibres may have a tapered shape.
[0048] The weight or yarn count of the fibres is generally given in
denier or decitex and represents the weight in grams per 9 km of
yarn. The fibres according to the invention 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.
[0049] The fibres, when carried by the applicator, are
advantageously not connected together other than via the
applicator. They are not organized in a strip or tuft.
[0050] Assembly
[0051] Another subject of the invention, according to another of
its aspects, is a cosmetic assembly having an applicator as defined
above and an adhesive composition.
[0052] The assembly may be contained in a single package.
[0053] The fibres may be presented separately from the applicator
in the assembly, in particular in the package, the user adding the
fibres to all or some of the channels of the applicator before
use.
[0054] Adhesive Composition
[0055] The adhesive composition is advantageously provided to allow
the adhesion of the fibre(s) to an area of human keratin materials
such as the skin or the eyelid, or to the keratin fibres.
[0056] The adhesive composition is advantageously suitable for
application to the eyelashes and eyelids, the skin, and for
cosmetic use.
[0057] The assembly may also include an applicator for the adhesive
composition. Such an applicator may have a flocked end piece. It
may have a shape suitable for application to the eyelid, for
example. The adhesive applicator may comprise for example a pen
that dispenses the adhesive composition or an applicator that
cooperates with a container containing the adhesive composition,
for example an applicator provided with a fine brush or with a
flocked thermoplastic end piece.
[0058] The adhesive composition comprises or is constituted of an
adhesive material.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] The adhesive material may be chosen from acrylic polymers or
copolymers.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] The adhesive composition may for example 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.
[0065] Commercial examples of polymeric rubbers that may be
suitable are known under the brands RICON 130 polybutadiene
(Atofina Sartomer) and ISOLENE 40 polyisoprene (Elementis).
[0066] Examples of polyurethane-based adhesives that may be
suitable are available under the brands SANCURE 2104 (Noveon) and
VYLON UR 1400 (Toyobo Vylon).
[0067] 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).
[0068] Examples of vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymers are
available commercially under the brands CELVOL 107 (Celanese) and
ELVANOL 50-42 (DuPont).
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] The silicone resins, which are crosslinked
polyorganosiloxane polymers, may also be mentioned.
[0072] 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.
[0073] Among these resins, mention may be made in particular of the
siloxysilicate resins, which may be trimethylsiloxysilicates of the
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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] Use may also be made of UV reactive adhesives.
[0077] 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.
[0078] Cosmetic Treatment Process
[0079] Another subject of the invention, according to another of
its aspects, is a cosmetic treatment process, implemented with the
aid of an applicator as defined above, the process comprising the
following steps of: [0080] a) applying an adhesive composition to
the area on which the fibre(s) are intended to be deposited and/or
to the fibre(s) to be applied, [0081] b) bringing the fibre(s) to
be applied into contact with said area such that the fibre(s) can
adhere to said area, [0082] c) moving the applicator away from said
area, the fibre(s) adhering to said area, being withdrawn from the
corresponding channel(s) of the applicator.
[0083] Said area is constituted for example by the eyelid, in
particular at the base of the eyelashes, the eyelashes and/or the
eyebrows.
[0084] During step b) of bringing the fibre(s) into contact with
said area, the applicator can be moved towards the eyelashes and/or
eyebrows in a tangential movement until the fibres come into
contact with the adhesive composition. This tangential movement may
also be referred to as a grazing movement.
[0085] The adhesive composition may be applied to the area as a
continuous or discontinuous film. The adhesive composition may be
applied with the aid of an adhesive applicator.
[0086] When the adhesive composition is applied to the eyelid, 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 adhere the adhesive to the root of
the eyelashes.
[0087] A drying step may take place following the application of
the adhesive composition, for example lasting 1 min to 5 min, for
example by air drying.
[0088] The process may include a prior step of choosing the
applicator or adapting the applicator, depending on the area to be
treated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0089] The invention will be understood better from reading the
following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary
embodiments thereof, and with reference to the attached drawing, in
which:
[0090] FIG. 1 shows an example of an applicator according to the
invention, schematically and in perspective,
[0091] FIG. 2 schematically shows a step in the process according
to the invention,
[0092] FIG. 3 schematically shows another step in the process
according to the invention,
[0093] FIG. 4 shows another example of an applicator according to
the invention, schematically and in perspective,
[0094] FIG. 5 shows another example of an applicator according to
the invention, schematically and in perspective, without a
fibre,
[0095] FIG. 6 schematically shows another example of an applicator
according to the invention,
[0096] FIG. 7 schematically shows another example of an applicator
according to the invention,
[0097] FIG. 8 schematically shows another example of an applicator
according to the invention,
[0098] FIG. 9 shows another example of an applicator according to
the invention, schematically and in perspective,
[0099] FIG. 10 shows another example of an applicator according to
the invention, schematically and in perspective,
[0100] FIG. 11 schematically shows another example of an applicator
according to the invention, having several tubes, shown in a
disconnected manner and in a linked manner,
[0101] FIG. 12 schematically shows another example of an applicator
according to the invention,
[0102] FIG. 13 schematically shows another example of an applicator
according to the invention, having several tubes linked together,
shown parallel to one another and in the form of a fan, and
[0103] FIG. 14 schematically shows the applicator in FIG. 13, as
seen from the other side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0104] FIG. 1 illustrates an applicator 1 according to one
implementation example of the invention, for applying at least one
fibre 2, in this example a plurality of fibres 2, to human keratin
materials, in particular for filling out and/or lengthening
eyelashes and/or eyebrows. The applicator 1 has at least one
channel 3 into which a fibre 2 is inserted. In this example, the
applicator 1 has a plurality of channels 3, namely 17, which are
substantially identical to one another and distributed uniformly,
each channel 3 having a fibre 2. This configuration is particularly
recommended for rows of eyelashes that are sparse in terms of
eyelashes.
[0105] The applicator 1 forms a monolithic part made of an
elastomer material, in this example of silicone, with a Shore A
hardness of 0 to 50 and preferably of 8 to 40. The applicator 1 has
a substantially trapezoidal shape. The applicator 1 has on the
inside recesses forming the channels 3 and forms the end-of-travel
stops 5 at the end of the channels 3. The different channels 3 are
arranged in a fan shape within the applicator 1. Each channel 3 is
defined by at least one portion 4 that, in section, entirely
surrounds the fibre 2.
[0106] Each channel 3 has at least one end-of-travel stop 5
limiting the insertion of the fibre 2, made in the monolithic
part.
[0107] Each channel 3 has, on the opposite side from the stop 5, an
open outlet 7 through which the fibre 2 that it contains passes.
The fibres 2 protrude from the outlet 7 by a length 6 that can vary
from one fibre to another, .delta. being for example greater than 1
mm, being equal to for example about 1 mm to 2 mm.
[0108] The inside diameter of each channel 3 is greater than the
largest diameter of the fibre 2 that it contains.
[0109] In this example, the channels 3 are closed in section along
their entire length.
[0110] The fibres are made of silk in this example. The fibres have
a largest diameter of between about 50 and 200 .mu.m.
[0111] The applicator 1 has a gripping part 6 beyond the stops 5,
on the opposite side from the outlets 7 of the channels 3.
[0112] FIGS. 2 and 3 show two steps in the cosmetic treatment
process according to the invention that is implemented with the aid
of the applicator 1.
[0113] According to this process, the first step is to apply an
adhesive composition to the area P, for example the eyelid, at the
base of the eyelashes, on which the fibre(s) 2 are intended to be
deposited and/or to the end 11 of the fibres 2.
[0114] In a variant, the adhesive composition could be deposited on
the fibres 2, in particular on the end of the fibres 2 protruding
from the channels 3.
[0115] It can be left to dry, for example in the air, for 1 min to
5 min.
[0116] Then, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the applicator 1 is moved,
in the direction of the arrow, towards the area P in order, as
illustrated in FIG. 3, to bring the fibre(s) 2 to be applied into
contact with the area P such that the fibre(s) can adhere to said
area. The applicator 1 is handled with the aid of the gripping part
6.
[0117] Next, the applicator 1 is moved away from said area P,
orthogonally to the line of the row, and preferably pulling
diagonally upwards in order to create an angle causing the fibres 2
to lift. The fibre(s) 2 adhere to said area P, being withdrawn from
the corresponding channel(s) 3 of the applicator 1. This makes it
possible to fill out the sparse row of eyelashes. Satisfactory
positioning of the fibres 2, which are positioned properly, stuck
to the eyelid and provide an enhanced appearance for the sparse
rows and precise filling of incomplete rows, is obtained.
[0118] In the example in FIG. 4, the applicator 1 has a channel 3
into which a fibre 2 is inserted. In this example, the channel 3 is
defined by a cylindrical tube 10 that is closed in section along
its entire length. The tube 10 is closed at one end in order to
form the end-of-travel stop 5 for the fibre 2. The tube 10 is open
at the opposite end in order to form the open outlet 7 through
which the fibre 2 passes.
[0119] In this example, the fibre 2 has a cross section with a
diameter that decreases from an end 11 protruding from the outlet 7
of the channel 3 towards the other end 12 in contact with the stop
5. The end-of-travel stop 5 constitutes a stopping point,
preventing the fibre 2 from sliding during application in spite of
the pressure exerted.
[0120] The greatest diameter D.sub.f of the fibre 2 is less than
the diameter D.sub.e, which is constant in this example, of the
channel 3. The ratio D.sub.c/D.sub.f is equal to 2 in this example.
The end 12 of the fibre 2 is tapered in this example. The fibre 2
is rectilinear in this example.
[0121] It is possible for the tube 10 not to be complete and to
have an area that is open and thus accessible. This is the case in
the example in FIG. 5, in which the applicator 1 is likewise formed
by a cylindrical tube 10. However, the channel 3 is open in
section, having an open area 8, along a portion of its length
L.sub.0 less than its total length L.sub.t and around a portion of
its circumference a less than its total circumference of
360.degree.. In this example, L.sub.0=3 mm and L.sub.t=18 mm,
.alpha.=250.degree..
[0122] In this case, use will preferably made of a fibre 2 that is
sufficiently flexible but also strong in order that it cannot
emerge through the open area 8 when the pressure is applied at the
time of application.
[0123] In the case of the applicator 1 illustrated in FIG. 6, which
is monolithic with channels 3 disposed in a fan shape, only some of
the channels 3, labelled 3a, are each filled with a fibre 2. This
may be at the user's choice, the latter choosing to fill the
channels 3 that will be next to the areas without eyelashes for
example, in order to fill the bare areas. Thus, in this example,
the applicator 1 covers the entire row of eyelashes with a
plurality of channels 3, only some of which contain a fibre 2,
however, next to one or more bare areas of the row of
eyelashes.
[0124] In the example in FIG. 7, the applicator 1 has an
end-of-travel stop 5 for each channel 3, which is movable relative
to the outlet 7 of the channel 3 through which the fibre 2 emerges.
Specifically, a pushing system 15 is provided to move in the
direction of the arrows in order to push the end 12 of the fibres 2
towards the outlet 7. In this example, all the channels 3 contain a
fibre 2, but only some of these fibres 2, at the user's choice,
protrude and are pushed with the aid of the pushing system 15 in
order to be deposited in particular on the bare areas. The arrows
in this figure show the fibres 2 selected to be pushed and
deposited on the eyelid. In this example, the applicator 1 covers
the entire row with a plurality of channels 3, each of which is
filled with a fibre, the applicator having the pushing system 15
for making only the fibres 2 that will be added to the row, at the
bare areas of the row of eyelashes, protrude from the channels
3.
[0125] In the example in FIG. 8, the applicator 1 does not have
uniformly distributed channels 3, but only a few channels 3, all of
which are filled with fibres 2, said channels 3 being disposed at a
variable distance from one another, in this case in two groups
G.sub.1 and G.sub.2 in order to fill two areas without eyelashes,
for example, of a user. The positioning and the number thereof can
thus be chosen depending on the desired result in terms of filling
the eyelid with fibres, for example. In this example, the
applicator 1 covers the entire row with channels 3 limited to those
that will be next to a bare area of the row of eyelashes during the
implementation of the process.
[0126] By virtue of the invention, in the case of incomplete rows,
a single applicator 1 and complementary parts adapted to their
situation can be provided to users.
[0127] FIG. 9 shows a monolithic applicator 1 defining channels 3
that are partially open in one portion 16 and partially closed in
one portion 17. A single bulge 18 formed across the entire width of
the applicator 1 constitutes the end-of-travel stop 5 of each
channel 3. The channels 3 and the fibres 2 are curved in this
example, following the curvature formed by the shape of the
applicator between the outlet 7 and the stop 5 for the channels 3.
The profile of the applicator 1 is shaped like a wave in cross
section, as can be seen, the channels 3 being on the side of the
cavity of the wave and the arch of the wave corresponding to the
curvature of the channels 3 and fibres 2. The bulge 20 forms the
crest and, beyond the crest on the opposite side from the cavity,
the gripping part 6 of the applicator 1 can be found. The bulge 20
may be flexible in order to be adapted to the configuration of
anyone, in particular in the case of the treatment of incomplete
rows of eyelashes.
[0128] In FIG. 10, the applicator 1 has a plurality of channels 3,
some of which have fibres 2, the channels 3 also being provided
with an additional material 21 surrounding the fibres 2. This
additional material may be non-stick and makes it possible to
prevent the fibres 2 from sliding. It is constituted for example of
elastomer silicone such as Platsil 25 Silicone from the company
Polytek Development Corp, which has, after implementation, a Shore
A hardness of about 25. The additional material 21 is present, in
this example, along the entire length of the channels 3, even
protruding, still in this example, beyond the outlet 7, as can be
seen. Still in this example, the fibres 2 protrude from the
channels 3 by a length which is different from one fibre 2 to
another.
[0129] FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate applicators 1 formed of a
plurality of tubes 10, all or some of which can be identical to the
tubes illustrated in FIGS. 2 and/or 3, and which are connected
together. The tubes 10 can have the same characteristics as or
different characteristics from one another.
[0130] In the example in FIG. 11, each tube 10 is provided with an
articulation 28 that allows it, as illustrated, to be connected for
example by snap-fastening to two adjacent tubes 10, on either side.
In this example, the link formed by the articulations 28 is rigid
and the tubes 10 are disposed parallel to one another, in a
mutually aligned manner in one and the same plane. The fibres 2
have not been shown in this example or in FIGS. 12 to 14.
[0131] In the example in FIG. 12, the articulations 28 are flexible
so as to allow the tubes 10 to be disposed in a fan shape within
the applicator 1. Furthermore, a space can be created between two
adjacent tubes with the aid of an interposed part 29 that can be
connected to two adjacent tubes 10 via the articulations 28 of
these tubes 10. This can make it possible to choose the distance
between two fibres 2 to be applied. These interposed parts 29, of
which there are two in this example, do not have tubes, making it
possible to dispose them next to areas of the row of eyelashes that
do not need to be filled out, for example. The tubes 10 are
advantageously positioned so as to be next to bare areas. The
applicator 1 can thus be adapted to the row of eyelashes to be
filled or completed.
[0132] In FIG. 13, the articulations 28 are sufficiently flexible
and spaced apart for it to be possible to modify the shape of the
applicator 1 so as to have tubes 10 that are mutually parallel, as
illustrated in the left-hand part of FIG. 13, or fan-shaped, as
illustrated in the right-hand part of FIG. 13, in order to match it
to the morphology of the eyelid, for example.
[0133] FIG. 14 shows the reverse of the right-hand part of FIG. 13.
It can be seen that, in this example, a link 30 connecting the
tubes 10 together in order to fix the given shape has been
added.
[0134] The invention is not limited to the examples that have just
been described. In particular, the applicator 1 can be used to
apply fibres to the eyebrows or to the scalp. The invention thus
makes it possible to treat any areas that bear natural fibres and
where there is a desire to add additional fibres, notably the
eyelashes, the eyebrows and the scalp.
[0135] The adhesive composition can also be applied to the fibres
and/or to the eyelashes or eyebrows or hair fibres.
* * * * *