APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A COSMETIC, MAKEUP OR CARE, PRODUCT TO THE EYELASHES AND/OR EYEBROWS

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member (8) having: —a core (10) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X), —spikes (18, 15, 16) that are carried by the core (10) and are disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows (17, 19, 20), wherein, within one longitudinal row (17) out of at least two about the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10), at least one spike (16) is reinforced at its base and extends between spikes (15) that do not have a reinforcement.

Claims

1-18. (canceled)

19. Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member having: a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, spikes that are carried by the core and are disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows, wherein, within one longitudinal row out of at least two about the longitudinal axis of the core, at least one spike is reinforced at its base and extends between spikes that do not have a reinforcement.

20. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein one spike out of two is reinforced at its base along more than half the length of said longitudinal row.

21. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the spikes adjacent to a reinforced spike do not have a reinforcement, in particular the two adjacent spikes within the crown of spikes to which the reinforced spike belongs, and the two closest spikes within the two adjacent longitudinal rows.

22. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforcements of the reinforced spikes have a cross section with an elongate shape, in particular elongate in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the core.

23. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforcements of the reinforced spikes have a cross section which increases in size towards the core.

24. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforcements of the reinforced spikes extend over only a part of the height of the reinforced spike.

25. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforced spikes have a semi-conical body above the corresponding reinforcements.

26. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforced spikes have a shoulder that delimits the reinforcement from the rest of the reinforced spike.

27. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the height of the reinforcements is less than half the total height of the reinforced spikes.

28. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the ratio between the height of each reinforcement and the total height of the spike it reinforces is between 0.1 and 1.7, better still between 0.3 and 1.4.

29. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the height of the reinforcements is constant along the longitudinal axis of the core, and is in particular between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm, better still between 0.17 mm and 1.55 mm.

30. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforced spikes are the same height as the spikes that do not have a reinforcement.

31. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the spikes in the longitudinal rows that do not have reinforcements have a conical shape.

32. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein, within one longitudinal row, the height of the spikes decreases in the direction of the distal end of the core, in particular along at least half the length of the applicator member.

33. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the spikes extend from the core along an elongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core.

34. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the reinforcements of the reinforced spikes are moulded together with and from the same material as the core.

35. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the spikes are disposed around the longitudinal axis of the core along crowns of spikes, two consecutive crowns along the longitudinal axis of the core being offset angularly by a non-zero angle, in particular equal to half the angular pitch between the spikes of a crown.

36. Device for packaging and applying a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an applicator according to claim 19 and a container containing the product.

Description

[0085] The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of a non-limiting implementation example thereof, and with reference to the attached drawing, in which:

[0086] FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application device produced in accordance with the invention,

[0087] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the applicator member from FIG. 1 on its own,

[0088] FIGS. 2A and 2B show details of the applicator member from FIG. 2,

[0089] FIG. 3 is a section along of a detail of the applicator member from FIG. 2,

[0090] FIG. 4 is a section along IV-IV of a detail of the applicator member from FIG. 2,

[0091] FIG. 5 is a section along V-V of the applicator member from FIG. 2, and

[0092] FIG. 6 is a flat developed view illustrating the arrangement of some of the spikes on the surface of the core of an applicator member according to the invention.

[0093] FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 produced in accordance with the invention, having an applicator 2 and an associated container 3 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example mascara or a care product.

[0094] The container 3 has, in the example in question, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 has a closure cap 5 designed to be fixed on the neck 4 so as to close the container 3 in a sealed manner when it is not in use, the closure cap 5 also forming a gripping member for the applicator 2.

[0095] The latter has a stem 7 of longitudinal axis Y, which is attached at its upper end to the closure cap 5 and at its lower end to an applicator member 8. The latter has a core 10 that carries spikes 18, 15 and 16 that extend from the core 10 and all around the latter. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the first spike 18 along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 starting from the stem 7 is disposed at a non-zero distance d.sub.t from the proximal end 11 of the core, for example equal to around 0.51 mm. The last spike 15 along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 starting from the stem 7 is disposed at a non-zero distance d.sub.d from the distal end 12 of the core 10, for example equal to around 0.55 mm.

[0096] The container 3 also has a wiping member 6, inserted into the neck 4.

[0097] This wiping member 6, which may be of any suitable type, has, in the example in question, a lip designed to wipe the stem 7 and the applicator member 8 when the applicator 2 is withdrawn from the container 3. The lip defines a wiping orifice 6a having a diameter adapted to that of the stem 7. The wiping member 6 may be made of elastomer. The wiping orifice 6a has for example a circular shape.

[0098] The diameter φ.sub.a of the wiping orifice 6a is typically between 3 and 5.5 mm, and is for example around 4.5 mm or 5 mm.

[0099] In the example illustrated, the stem 7 has a circular cross section, but if the stem 7 has some other section, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention, it then being possible to fix the cap 5 on the container 3 in some other way than by screwing, if necessary. The wiping member 6 is adapted to the shape of the stem 7 and to that of the applicator member 8, if appropriate.

[0100] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis Y of the stem 7 is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, but if the stem 7 is not rectilinear, forming for example an elbow, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0101] If need be, the stem 7 may have an annular narrowing at its portion that is positioned opposite the lip of the wiping member 6, so as not to mechanically stress the latter unduly during storage.

[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the applicator member 8 may have an end piece 9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing of the stem 7.

[0103] The applicator member 8 may be fixed in this housing of the stem 7 by any means, and in particular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling or crimping.

[0104] With reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the core 10 has a shape that is elongate along a longitudinal axis X, which is rectilinear in the example described. The longitudinal axis X may be central, as illustrated.

[0105] The visible length H of the applicator member 8 is for example equal to 24.5 mm.

[0106] In the example illustrated, the spikes 18, 15 and 16 each extend from the core 10 along an elongation axis W perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core 10.

[0107] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, within every other longitudinal row 17, every other spike 16 is reinforced at its base and extends between two spikes 15 that do not have a reinforcement, apart from the spike that is closest to the distal end 12 of the core 10, which remains without a reinforcement. The circumferential rows situated at the proximal 11 and distal 12 ends of the core 10 advantageously do not have reinforced spikes 16.

[0108] As can be seen in FIG. 6, a reinforced spike 16 is thus advantageously surrounded by six spikes 18, 15 that do not have a reinforcement: the two spikes 15 which are adjacent thereto within the crown 21 of spikes to which it belongs, and two spikes 18 that each belong to the two adjacent longitudinal rows 19 and 20.

[0109] Preferably, as in the example described, every other crown 21 of spikes has reinforced spikes 16.

[0110] The spikes 18, 15 and 16 may be disposed on the applicator member 8 in a plurality of rectilinear longitudinal rows 17, 19, 20, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, each longitudinal row 17 of spikes being offset axially with respect to the adjacent longitudinal row 19.

[0111] The spikes 18 in each longitudinal row that does not have reinforcements advantageously all occupy the same axial position along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, as illustrated in FIG. 6, for example between the longitudinal rows 19 and 20. The reinforced spikes 16 in every other longitudinal row having reinforced spikes may all be at the same axial position along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

[0112] In the example in question, the number of longitudinal rows is even, and is for example equal to 16, of which eight longitudinal rows have reinforced spikes 16.

[0113] Preferably, the reinforced spikes 16 extend along a rectilinear elongation axis W and advantageously have a reinforcement 13 at their base 16a that extends over only a part of their height.

[0114] The reinforced spikes 16 advantageously have a shoulder 16e that delimits the reinforcement 13 from the rest of the reinforced spike.

[0115] As can be seen in the figures, the reinforced spikes 16 have a body 16b with a semi-conical shape above the corresponding reinforcements 13.

[0116] The reinforcements 13 of the reinforced spikes 16 may have a cross section with an elongate and substantially rectangular shape, visible in particular in FIG. 6. When viewed from the front in a direction perpendicular to the axis Z along which the long sides 13a of their cross section extend, the reinforcements 13 have a profile in the form of an isosceles trapezium, visible in FIG. 3, their cross section increasing in size towards the core 10. Preferably, the axis Z, along which the long sides 13a of the cross section of the reinforcements 13 of the reinforced spikes 16 extend, is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

[0117] As can be seen in FIG. 2B, when the reinforcements 13 are viewed from the front, the lateral flanks 13g of the latter can be attached to the front face 13f of the reinforcement by roundings 13b. The lateral flanks 13g are flat, as is the front face 13f.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 6, the body 16b of each reinforced spike 16 can extend in line with the reinforcement 13 and above the latter on the side of the flat face 16d of the spike 16. On the opposite side, the body 16b can form an indentation of width d.sub.b with the reinforcement 13, above the latter. The width d.sub.b is for example between 0.05 mm and 0.65 mm. In one variant, the body 16b of the reinforced spikes 16 does not form an indentation with the reinforcement 13, above the latter.

[0119] In the example in question, the height h.sub.r of the reinforcements 13 is less than half the total height h.sub.t of the reinforced spikes 16, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0120] The ratio h.sub.r/h.sub.t between the height of each reinforcement 13 and the total height of the spike 16 it reinforces is between 0.1 and 1.7, better still between 0.3 and 1.4.

[0121] The height h.sub.r of the reinforcements 13 may be constant along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, as in the example described, and be for example between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm, better still between 0.17 mm and 1.55 mm. In a variant that is not shown, the height h.sub.r of the reinforcements 13 varies along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, for example within one or more longitudinal rows 17 and/or from one longitudinal row to another.

[0122] The reinforced spikes 16 are advantageously the same height as the spikes 18, 15 that do not have a reinforcement.

[0123] The thickness e.sub.r of the reinforcements 13, visible in FIG. 6, may be between 0.45 mm and 1.5 mm, and is for example equal to around 0.85 mm.

[0124] The width l.sub.b of the reinforcements 13 at their base 13a is advantageously constant along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. The width l.sub.b of the reinforcements 13 at their base 13a may be between 0.35 mm and 1.5 mm, and is for example equal to around 0.85 mm.

[0125] The width l.sub.r of the reinforcements 13 at their top 13c may be between 0.3 mm and 1.2 mm, and is for example equal to around 0.7 mm.

[0126] The ratio φ.sub.v/φ.sub.a between the diameter φ.sub.v, of the circumscribed circle that has as its centre the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 and passes through the tops 13c of the reinforcements 13 and the diameter φ.sub.a, of the orifice 6a defined by the lip of the wiping member 6 may be between 0.7 and 1.45.

[0127] The spikes 18 and 15 may have various shapes. In the example in question, and as can be seen in particular in FIG. 4, the spikes 18 that belong to the longitudinal rows that do not have reinforcements have a conical shape. As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the spikes 15 that do not have a reinforcement and belong to the longitudinal rows that have reinforced spikes 16 have a semi-conical shape, the flat faces of each spike advantageously being oriented in the same circumferential direction.

[0128] The spikes 18, 15 and 16 in two adjacent longitudinal rows 17, 19 may be not joined at their base, as can be seen in FIG. 2A. Advantageously, none of the reinforcements 13 of the reinforced spikes 16 are joined at their base.

[0129] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the height of the spikes 18, 15 and 16 may vary along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. The height may decrease towards the distal end 12 of the core 10, so as to facilitate insertion into the container 3.

[0130] The height h.sub.p of the spikes 18, 15 that do not have a reinforcement may be between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm, better still between 0.75 mm and 2 mm.

[0131] With reference to FIG. 5, the diameter φ.sub.2 of the envelope surface formed by the spikes 18, 15 and 16 of smallest height may be between 4 mm and 7.5 mm, and is for example equal to around 5.5 mm. The diameter φ.sub.1 of the envelope surface of the applicator member 8 formed by the spikes 18, 15 and 16 of greatest height may be between 6.5 mm and 12 mm, and is for example equal to around 7.7 mm.

[0132] The thickness e.sub.p of the spikes 18 that belong to the longitudinal rows that do not have reinforcements may be between 0.45 mm and 0.75 mm, and is for example equal to around 0.5 mm, as in the example in question.

[0133] The thickness e.sub.s of the spikes 15 that do not have a reinforcement and belong to the longitudinal rows that have reinforced spikes 16 may be equal to half the thickness e.sub.p of the spikes 18 that belong to the longitudinal rows that do not have reinforcements, in particular in the case in which the spikes 15 that do not have a reinforcement and belong to the longitudinal rows having reinforced spikes 16 have a semi-conical shape.

[0134] The width l.sub.p of a spike 18, 15 that does not have a reinforcement may be between 0.2 mm and 0.65 mm, and is for example equal to around 0.5 mm.

[0135] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the implantation of the spikes 18, 15 and 16 may be such that the angle α about the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 between two consecutive crowns 21 and 22 of spikes 18, 15 and/or 16, said crowns each being formed by spikes 18, 15 and/or 16 that occupy one and the same axial position on the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is non-zero, being for example equal to half the angular pitch β between two consecutive spikes in a crown.

[0136] Within one and the same longitudinal row 17 or 19, the spacing S.sub.p between two consecutive spikes 18 or 15 and 16 may be between 1 mm and 2 mm, and is for example equal to 1.7 mm, as in the example described.

[0137] Within one and the same longitudinal row 17 that has spikes 16 having a reinforcement 13, the interval S.sub.r between two spikes of ranks n and n+1, one 16 of which has a reinforcement 13 and the other 15 does not, measured between the base 13a of the reinforcement 13 and the base 15a of the adjacent spike 15, may be between 0.7 mm and 1.4 mm, and is for example equal to around 1 mm.

[0138] Within one and the same longitudinal row 19 that does not have spikes having a reinforcement, the interval S.sub.b between two spikes 18 of ranks n and n+1, measured between the two bases 18a of the spikes 18 facing one another, may be between 0.9 mm and 1.7 mm, and is for example equal to around 1.2 mm.

[0139] In the example in question, the free ends 28 of the spikes 18, 15 and 16 define an envelope surface S of the applicator member 8, having a rectilinear longitudinal axis that is coincident with the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, and is rotationally symmetrical about said axis X.

[0140] The spikes 18, 15, 16 and the reinforcements 13 are made, in the example in question, in one piece with the core 10 by moulding thermoplastic material.

[0141] In order to mould the applicator member 8, use can be made of any thermoplastic material which is or is not relatively rigid, for example SEBS, a silicone, latex, a material having improved slip, butyl, EPDM, a nitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester elastomer, a polyimide elastomer, a polyethylene elastomer or a vinyl elastomer, a polyolefin such as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, SEBS, SIS, PET, POM, PU, SAM, PA or PMMA. It is also possible to use a ceramic, for example based on alumina, a resin, for example of the urea-formaldehyde type, and possibly a material containing graphite as filler. It is possible in particular to use the materials known under the trade names Teflon®, Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixine®, Santoprene®, Pebax® and Pollobas®, this list not being limiting.

[0142] In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure cap 5 and withdraws the applicator member 8 from the container 3.

[0143] Once the applicator member S has passed through the wiping member 6, a particular quantity of product P remains around the spikes 16 that have a reinforcement 13, the reinforced spikes 16 not bending at their base on passing through the wiping member 6, creating reservoirs of product P along the entire length of the core 10 and on all sides, making it possible to load the eyelashes and/or eyebrows with product P in a satisfactory manner.

[0144] Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment which has just been described.

[0145] The applicator member 8 may be able to vibrate, that is to say that it is possible to apply vibrations thereto during application, combing or picking up of the product P, for example as described in application WO 2006/090343.

[0146] In a further variant, the applicator member 8 may be able to rotate, that is to say that it may be made to carry out a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, for example during application, combing or picking up of the product P.

[0147] In a further variant, the applicator member 8 may be heated, that is to say have a heating element for heating the keratin fibres, the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or the spikes 18, 15, 16 and/or the core 10 and/or the reinforcements 13 of the applicator member 8.

[0148] It is also possible for the applicator member 8 to be able to vibrate, to be able to rotate and to be heated, or only to be able to vibrate and to rotate, or only to be able to vibrate and to be heated, or only to be able to rotate and to be heated, or only to be able to vibrate or only to be able to rotate or only to be able to be heated.

[0149] The applicator member 8 may comprise any bactericidal agent such as silver salts, copper salts, preservatives and at least one preservative for the product P.

[0150] The core 10 and/or the spikes 18, 15, 16 and/or the reinforcements 13 may, furthermore, comprise particles, for example a filler, in particular a compound which is magnetic, bacteriostatic or absorbs moisture, or else a compound intended to produce roughness on the surface of the spikes 18, 15, 16 and/or of the reinforcements 13 or to help the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to slide on the spikes and/or the reinforcements. At least one of the core 10 and a spike 18, 15, 16 and a reinforcement 13 may be flocked, or undergo any heat or mechanical treatment.

[0151] The expression “having a” should be understood as being synonymous with “having at least one”, and “between” is understood as including the limits, unless specified to the contrary.