Applicator for applying a cosmetic or care product to the eyelashes or eyebrows

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic or care product to the eyelashes or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member (8) having: —a core (10) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X), —spikes (18) that are carried by the core and extend from the core, a majority of the spikes being substantially parallel to one another, the core (10) having, at least in cross section, an outwardly concave overall shape, forming a cavity (20), spikes (18) being disposed inside the cavity (20) in the core.

Claims

1. Applicator for applying a cosmetic or care product to eyelashes or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member having: a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, spikes that are carried by the core and extend from the core, a majority of the spikes being substantially parallel to a reference direction which is a direction of an elongation axis of one of the spikes, elongation axes of the spikes being parallel or slightly inclined with respect to the reference direction at an angle of less than or equal to 15°, the core having, at least in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, an outwardly concave overall shape, forming a cavity, spikes being disposed inside the cavity in the core, and the core having a through-orifice.

2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has an outwardly concave overall shape when viewed in longitudinal section.

3. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core only has an outwardly concave overall shape in cross section in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and not in longitudinal section in an axial median plane passing through the longitudinal axis.

4. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the spikes are flush with or project beyond the core when the applicator is viewed in side view perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core.

5. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has at least one lip, extending substantially longitudinally and laterally delimiting the cavity.

6. Applicator according to claim 5, wherein the lip or lips are attached to a bottom wall, said bottom wall being planar, concave or convex towards the inside of the cavity.

7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the orifice is located in a bottom of the cavity.

8. Applicator according to claim 7, wherein the through-orifice separates two portions of the core, the spikes being disposed in staggered rows on each portion, a number of rows extending along the longitudinal axis and carried by each portion being between 1 and 4.

9. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core carries spikes on a side away from the cavity.

10. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the applicator member has no spikes on a side away from the cavity.

11. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has a tapered free end.

12. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein a free end of the spikes defines an envelope surface having an outwardly concave profile when the applicator member is viewed from a side.

13. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein edges of the core are rectilinear over a major part of a portion of the core carrying the spikes.

14. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein edges of the core are not rectilinear.

15. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein some spikes are partially concealed by the core when the core is viewed from a side in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and to the direction of elongation of the spikes.

16. Device for packaging and applying a product to eyelashes or eyebrows, having an applicator according to claim 1 and a container containing the product.

17. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the through-orifice separates two portions of the core, the spikes being disposed on each portion in at least two rows extending along the longitudinal axis and around the through-orifice.

Description

(1) The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of nonlimiting implementation examples thereof, and with reference to the attached drawing, in which:

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

(3) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the applicator member from FIG. 1 on its own,

(4) FIGS. 3a and 3b are views along the arrows A and B, respectively, of the applicator member from FIGS. 1 and 2,

(5) FIG. 4 is a cross section through the applicator member from FIGS. 1 and 2,

(6) FIGS. 5 to 8 and 11 are views similar to FIG. 4 of variant embodiments,

(7) FIGS. 9, 10, 10a and 10b are longitudinal sections through variant embodiments,

(8) FIG. 12 is a view, similar to FIG. 2, of a variant embodiment of an applicator member according to the invention, and

(9) FIG. 13 is a view, similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the use of the device.

(10) FIGS. 1, 2, 3a, 3b and 4 show 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 a makeup product such as mascara or a care product.

(11) 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.

(12) The applicator 2 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 that extend from the core 10.

(13) The container 3 also has a wiping member 6, for example inserted into the neck 4. This wiping member 6, which may be any wiping member, 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.

(14) 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.

(15) 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.

(16) 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.

(17) The applicator member 8 may be fixed to the stem 7 by any means, and in particular by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling or crimping, in a corresponding housing provided at the end of the stem 7.

(18) As illustrated in FIG. 2, the applicator member 8 may have an end piece 9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing in the stem 7, optionally in an aligned manner.

(19) In a variant, the stem 7 may be inserted into a housing provided in the core 10. The core 10 may also be produced in one piece with the stem 7 by being moulded together therewith.

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

(21) The visible length L of the applicator member 8 is for example between 5 mm and 40 mm, better still between 10 mm and 30 mm.

(22) In the example shown, the spikes 18 each extend from the core 10 along an elongation axis W perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the core, such that all the spikes are parallel to one another. In one variant which is not shown, the elongation axis W of some of the spikes 18 forms an angle other than 90° with the longitudinal axis X of the core or with a plane containing this axis.

(23) Furthermore, the core 10 has, both in cross section and in longitudinal section, an outwardly concave overall shape, forming a cavity 20. In other words, the core 10 has the overall shape of a spoon, having, in top view, a width which increases and then decreases along the longitudinal axis X of the core, with a distal end that tapers.

(24) The spikes 18 are disposed inside the cavity 20 defined by the double concavity in the core 10.

(25) Where the core 10 is concave in cross section, the core 10 is defined by two upright portions 22 that are curved upwardly in FIG. 4 and which narrow in the direction of their free edge.

(26) In the example described, the visible height of the core, when viewed from the side as in FIG. 3b, decreases in the direction of its distal end.

(27) The upright portions 22 at least partially conceal the spikes 18 when the applicator is viewed from the side, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the core, as illustrated in FIG. 3b. The spikes 18 are only partially visible in this configuration, such that they are at least partially protected during the wiping of the applicator.

(28) Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the depth of the cavity is less than the Height l of the spikes, such that the latter project beyond the core by a height l′ when the applicator is viewed in side view perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the core, as in FIG. 3b. Thus, improved separation of the eyelashes is obtained, the spikes largely standing out from the core and thus being easily accessible during application.

(29) The height l′ of the spikes projecting beyond the core may be variable, for example decreasing and then increasing along the longitudinal axis X, as illustrated, or else increasing and then decreasing. The height l′ may also be constant.

(30) It can be seen in FIG. 3b that the upper edges 120 of the upright portions 22 can be rectilinear when the applicator member is viewed from the side. The upper edges 120 may be contained in a plane K substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

(31) The profile of the opposite face 121 of the core may be outwardly convex in cross section, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

(32) When viewed from the side, the profile of the face 121 may be convex with an inflection towards the distal end 122.

(33) The height w of the core, when the applicator member is viewed from the side, can vary along the portion that carries the spikes 18, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, decreasing towards the distal end 122. This can allow the face 121, which forms the back of the applicator member, to accumulate surplus product in the least thick zone 123, close to the end 122, it being possible for this surplus product to be useful for makeup, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

(34) The height w can vary from a maximum value w.sub.max at a point on the length L of the core that is located for example in the rear quarter starting from the proximal end 125 of the core, to a value w.sub.d at L/8 from the distal end 122, where

(35) $\frac{w_{\max }}{w_d}\ge 2,$
preferably.

(36) The proximal end 125 of the core is defined by the shoulder for attaching the end piece 9.

(37) The width t of the core 10, when viewed from above as in FIG. 3a, varies along said core, and is for example at a maximum approximately half-way along the core, for example between L/2−L/8 et L/2+L/8 from its proximal end 125 or from its distal end 122.

(38) In the variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the spikes are not visible when the applicator is viewed in side view perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the core, along the arrow B. The spikes do not project beyond the upper edges of the core.

(39) In the examples which have just been described, the overall shape of the core is curved in cross section, the upper edges of the core being defined by the upper end of the upright portions 22.

(40) In a variant, the core may have a bottom wall 23 to which upright portions 22 are attached in the form of lips 21, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. The lip or lips 21 may be attached perpendicularly or obliquely to the bottom wall 23, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, respectively.

(41) The height H of the lips 21 is less than the height l of the spikes. The lips 21 at least partially conceal the spikes when the applicator is viewed from the side, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the core, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8. The spikes 18 are only partially visible in this configuration, such that they are at least partially protected during the wiping of the applicator.

(42) The envelope surface S defined by the free ends of the spikes may, when viewed from the side as in FIG. 3b, have an outwardly concave profile, preferably with a slight change in incline close to the distal end.

(43) In the examples which have just been described, applicator members 8 have been illustrated in which the core 10 has an outwardly concave overall shape when viewed in cross section, that is to say in a section extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. In the example in FIGS. 1 to 4, the core 10 has an outwardly concave overall shape both in cross section and in longitudinal section, that is to say in a section extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core.

(44) If the core is only concave in cross section and not in longitudinal section, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention. In this case, when viewed in longitudinal section, the surface 24 of the core to which the spikes are attached is straight and parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

(45) In a further variant, the core may have an outwardly concave overall shape when viewed in longitudinal section, as illustrated in FIG. 10, likewise with curved edges. The edges may be curved about a single axis of curvature, as illustrated in FIG. 10, or about two axes of curvature, as illustrated in FIGS. 10a and 10b. In FIG. 10a, the edges form two curves that are turned towards the same side, and in FIG. 10b two opposite curves.

(46) Furthermore, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 in particular, the core has a through-orifice 25. Such an orifice 25 can be in the form of a slot 25a that is elongate along the longitudinal axis of the core, as illustrated, such a form being able to make it easier to store and release the product. The width of the slot may vary, being at a maximum approximately half-way along. The slot 25a may terminate at its proximal end with a circular edge 25b, a narrowing 25c being formed between the ends of this circular edge 25b and the rest of the slot 25a.

(47) The slot 25 may extend along a length along the axis X which is preferably greater than or equal to L/4 and better still between L/2+L/4 and L/2.

(48) In top view, the spikes 18 may be disposed such that their bases do not meet, with a number of spikes 18 in the widthwise direction of the core 10 that can always be less than or equal to 6.

(49) The applicator member 8 may have three rows of spikes 18 on each core portion 130 located to one side of the slot 25.

(50) Within each portion 130, the spikes 18 of the rows are disposed in staggered rows.

(51) Away from the portions 130, the spikes 18 are disposed substantially with a regular spacing in the lengthwise and widthwise directions.

(52) In a variant, it is possible for the core not to have a through-orifice, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

(53) It is possible for the core to only have spikes 18 disposed inside the cavity 20, as illustrated above, or, in a variant, it may carry spikes 19 on the side away from its cavity 20, as illustrated in FIG. 12. These spikes 19 may be substantially divergent, as illustrated, or parallel to one another, or in a further variant they may converge towards one another.

(54) The height of the spikes 18 may decrease towards the distal end 12 of the core 10, as can be seen in FIG. 2, so as to facilitate insertion into the container 3. In one exemplary embodiment that is not illustrated, the height of the spikes 18 decreases towards the stem 7, so as to make it easier for the applicator member 8 to pass the wiping member 6 while the applicator 2 is being withdrawn from the container 3.

(55) The spikes 18 may have various shapes. In the example in question, the spikes 18 have a conical shape. However, the invention is not limited to one particular shape of spikes.

(56) The wiping member 6 may be made of elastomer. The wiping member 6 may have a wiping orifice 6a with a circular shape, optionally with slots. The diameter of the wiping orifice 6a of the wiping member 6 is for example between 3 and 5.5 mm, for example around 4.5 mm or 5 mm.

(57) The wiping member 6 may optionally have undulations, allowing the wiping orifice to widen more easily when the applicator member 8 passes through. The wiping orifice may thus be defined by an undulating wiping lip that has a radially inner free edge that defines the wiping orifice 6a. The wiping member 6 may have between 3 and 12 undulations, for example. The wiping lip may extend generally in the form of a cone converging in the direction of the bottom of the container 3, having a generatrix that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis of the container 3. The diameter of the wiping orifice 6a increases for example from 4 mm to 5.5 mm without excessive deformation of the wiping member 6, as the applicator member 8 passes through, by deployment of the undulations.

(58) The wiping member may also be adjustable, if appropriate.

(59) The wiping member may for example be as described in the patent applications or patents U.S. 2005/0028834, U.S. 2005/0175394, U.S. 2004/0258453, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,375,374, 6,328,495, 7,455,468.

(60) The stem 7, to which the applicator member 8 is fixed, may be at least partially, and in particular completely, flexible, in particular in the vicinity of the applicator member.

(61) 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 polyamide 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.

(62) Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described, the characteristics of which may be combined with one another as parts of variants which are not illustrated.

(63) The applicator member may be mounted in various ways on the stem 7 and, for example, the stem 7 may have a flexible distal portion, optionally provided with an annular groove.

(64) 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.

(65) The core 10 and/or the spikes 18 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 or to help the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to slide on the spikes. At least one of the core 10 and a spike may be flocked, receive any heat or mechanical treatment, and/or comprise particles, for example a filler, in order in particular to improve the sliding of the applicator member 8 on the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

(66) 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.