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 (15, 16) that are carried by the core (10) and are disposed all around the core (10) in a plurality of longitudinal rows (17, 19), wherein, in said applicator, at least one longitudinal row (17) has an alternation of curved spikes (16) that each extend along a curvilinear elongation axis (E.sub.c) and straight spikes (15) that each extend along a rectilinear elongation axis (E.sub.r).

Claims

1. An applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member comprising: a core that extends along a longitudinal axis; and spikes that are carried by the core and are disposed all around the core in a plurality of longitudinal rows, wherein, in said applicator, within the plurality of longitudinal rows, each longitudinal row has an alternation of one curved spike that extends along a curvilinear elongation axis and groups of at least two straight spikes that each extend along a rectilinear elongation axis, and wherein a free end portion of the curved spikes extends along an elongation axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core, and wherein each curved spike is a same height as at least one adjacent straight spike, within one and a same longitudinal row.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, also having a guard element that is disposed at a proximal end of the core and has a plurality of arcs oriented in the direction of a distal end of the core.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the elongation axis of the curved spikes has at least one change in curvature direction.

4. The applicator according to claim 3, wherein the elongation axis of the curved spikes has a first curve towards a distal end of the core and a second curve in the opposite direction, which straightens the curved spike.

5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein a free end of the curved spikes is offset along the longitudinal axis of the core with respect to a base of the spike, by way of which the spike is attached to the core.

6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the straight spikes have a conical shape.

7. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the curved spikes are of a same height as the straight spikes.

8. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein, within a longitudinal row of the plurality of rows, the height of the curved and straight spikes decreases in the direction of a distal end of the core.

9. The applicator according to claim 8, wherein, within a longitudinal row of the plurality of rows, the height of the curved and straight spikes decreases in the direction of a distal end of the core along at least half a length of the applicator member.

10. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the straight spikes extend from the core along an elongation axis perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the straight spikes are attached to the core.

11. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the curved and straight 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 around the longitudinal axis by a non-zero angle.

12. The applicator according to claim 11, wherein said non-zero angle is equal to half the angular pitch between the spikes of a crown.

13. A device for packaging and applying a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an applicator according to claim 1 and a container containing the product.

14. An applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member comprising: a core that extends along a longitudinal axis; and spikes that are carried by the core and are disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows, said applicator also having a guard element that is disposed at a proximal end of the core and has a plurality of arcs oriented in a direction of a distal end of the core, each arc having a base attached to the proximal end of the core and a free end, the arcs being thicker at their bases than the spikes, and the arcs widening and meeting at their bases.

15. The applicator according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of longitudinal row of spikes has an alternation of curved spikes that each extend along a curvilinear elongation axis and straight spikes that each extend along a rectilinear elongation axis.

16. The applicator according to claim 14, wherein the guard element at the proximal end of the core has four arcs disposed equidistantly from one another.

17. The applicator according to claim 14, wherein the arcs of the plurality of arcs of the guard element have a portion of reduced width between their bases attached to the core and their free ends.

18. The applicator according to claim 14, wherein the arcs of the plurality of arcs of the guard element have a smaller width at their free ends than at their bases attached to the core.

19. The applicator according claim 14, wherein a height of the arcs the plurality of arcs of the guard element is equal to the height of the spike closest to a proximal end of the core.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(1) 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:

(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) FIG. 3 is a section along III-III of the applicator member from FIG. 2,

(5) FIG. 3A shows a detail of the applicator member from FIG. 3, at A,

(6) FIG. 3B shows a detail of the applicator member from FIG. 3, at B,

(7) FIG. 4 is a top view of the applicator member from FIG. 2,

(8) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the guard element of the applicator from FIG. 2, on its own, and

(9) FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the applicator member from FIG. 2.

(10) 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.

(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 constituting a gripping member for the applicator 2.

(12) 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 15 and 16 that extend from the core 10 and all around the latter. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the first spike 16 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 16 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.

(13) The container 3 also has a wiping member 6, inserted into the neck 4.

(14) 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.

(15) The diameter φ.sub.a of the wiping orifice 6a is typically between 3 and 5.5 mm, being for example around 4.5 mm or 5 mm.

(16) 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.

(17) 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.

(18) 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.

(19) 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.

(20) The applicator member 8 may be fixed in this housing in the stem 7 by any means, and notably by force-fitting, snap-fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling or crimping.

(21) 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.

(22) The visible length H of the applicator member 8 is for example equal to 28.3 mm.

(23) In the example described and as can be seen notably in FIG. 2, each longitudinal row 17 has an alternation of curved spikes 16 that each extend along a curvilinear elongation axis E.sub.c and groups of straight spikes having two straight spikes 15 that each extend along a rectilinear elongation axis E.sub.r. The circumferential rows situated at the proximal 11 and distal 12 ends of the core 10 advantageously only have curved spikes 16.

(24) Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 3B, the elongation axis E.sub.c of the curved spikes 16 has at least one change in curvature direction, with a first curve towards the distal end 12 of the core 10 and a second curve in the opposite direction, which straightens the curved spike 16. The edges 16d of the curved spikes 16 each follow a curve that changes curvature at a point P.sub.1, referred to as the point of inflection. The tangent T.sub.1 at each point P.sub.1 thus crosses the curve followed by the edge 16d, as can be seen notably in FIG. 3B.

(25) In the example described, the curved spikes 16 are are attached perpendicularly to the core 10 at their bases 16a.

(26) The free end portion 16b of the curved spikes 16 may extend along an elongation axis E.sub.e substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10. As can be seen notably in FIG. 3B, the free end 16c of the curved spikes 16 is offset along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 with respect to the base 16a of the spike 16, by way of which the latter is attached to the core 10. As can be seen notably in FIG. 3A, for a curved spike 16 situated between two straight spikes 15, with the axis E.sub.b of its base 16a situated for example between ⅛ and ⅜ of the distance D.sub.a between the axes E.sub.r of the two straight spikes 15, the offset may be such that the free end 16c of the curved spike 16 is situated between ⅜ and ⅝ of this distance D.sub.a, as measured from the same point along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

(27) The spikes 15 and 16 may be disposed on the applicator member 8 in a plurality of rectilinear longitudinal rows 17, 19, as can be seen in FIG. 2, each longitudinal row 17 of spikes being offset axially with respect to the adjacent longitudinal row 19.

(28) In the example in question, the number of longitudinal rows is even, being for example equal to twelve.

(29) The curved spikes 16 are advantageously the same height as the straight spikes 15.

(30) In the example illustrated, the straight spikes 15 each extend from the core 10 along an elongation axis E.sub.r perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point at which the spikes are attached to the core 10.

(31) The straight spikes 15 may have various shapes in cross section. In the example in question, and as can be seen in particular in FIG. 3A, the spikes 15 have a conical shape.

(32) The spikes 15 and 16 in two adjacent longitudinal rows 17, 19 may be not joined at their base, as can be seen in FIG. 2.

(33) As can be seen in FIG. 2, the height of the spikes 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.

(34) The height h.sub.p of the spikes 15 and 16 may be between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

(35) The width l.sub.p of a spike 15, 16 may be between 0.35 mm and 0.65 mm, being for example equal to around 0.5 mm.

(36) As can be seen in FIG. 3A, within one and the same longitudinal row 17, the spacing S.sub.p between two consecutive straight spikes 15 may be between 1 mm and 2 mm, being for example equal to 1.4 mm, as in the example described.

(37) Within one and the same longitudinal row 17, the interval S.sub.b between two consecutive straight spikes 15, measured between the two bases 15a of the spikes facing one another, may be between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, better still between 0.4 mm and 1 mm, being for example equal to around 0.5 mm.

(38) Within one and the same longitudinal row 17, the spacing S.sub.c between a straight spike 15 and the adjacent curved spike 16, measured between the respective free ends 15b and 16c of the two spikes, may be between 0.7 mm and 2.5 mm, being for example equal to around 1.56 mm.

(39) Within one and the same longitudinal row 17, the interval S.sub.r between a straight spike 15 and the adjacent curved spike 16, measured between the two bases 15a and 16a of the spikes facing one another, may be between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm, being for example equal to around 0.5 mm.

(40) With reference to FIG. 4, the diameter φ.sub.2 of the envelope surface formed by the spikes 15 and 16 of smallest height may be between 5 mm and 7.5 mm, being 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 15 and 16 of greatest height may be between 5 mm and 11 mm, being for example equal to around 8.6 mm.

(41) As can be seen in FIG. 4, the implantation of the spikes 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 15 and/or 16, said crowns each being formed by spikes 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.

(42) In the example in question, the free ends 28 of the spikes 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.

(43) In the example described, and as can be seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6, the applicator 2 according to the invention has a guard element 13 disposed at the proximal end 11 of the core 10, having four arcs 14 that extend along curvilinear axes E.sub.b that are oriented in the direction of the distal end 12 of the core 10 and are disposed equidistantly from one another.

(44) Preferably, and in the example described, the arcs 14 have a curved overall shape similar to that of the curved spikes 16 in longitudinal section in a plane containing the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, the arcs 14 being doubly curved from a base 14c attached substantially perpendicularly to the core 10, with a first curve towards the distal end 12 of the core 10 and a second curve in the opposite direction, which straightens the arc 14.

(45) As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the arcs 14 of the guard element 13 have a portion 14b of reduced width between their bases 14c attached to the core 10 and their free ends 14a.

(46) Preferably, and in the example described, the arcs 14 of the guard element 13 have, at their free ends 14a, a width around half the width of their bases 14c attached to the core 10.

(47) In the example described, the arcs 14 are all adjacent to curved spikes 16, with a distance between the free ends of the arcs 14 and the end curved spikes 16 being less than that between a straight spike 15 and an adjacent curved spike 16, as can be seen in FIG. 3.

(48) In the example described, as can be seen in FIG. 3, notably, the height h.sub.b of the arcs 14 of the guard element 13 is equal to the height h.sub.p of the closest spike 16 at the proximal end 11 of the core 10.

(49) The height h.sub.b of the arcs 14 of the guard element 13 may be between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

(50) The arcs 14 of the guard element 13 may have a width l.sub.b of between 0.4 mm and 2 mm, being for example equal to around 0.7 mm.

(51) 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 free ends 14a of the arcs 14 of the guard element 13 and the diameter φ.sub.a of the orifice 6a defined by the lip of the wiping member 6 may be between 0.5 and 2.5.

(52) The spikes 15, 16 and the guard element 13 are made, in the example in question, in one piece with the core 10 by moulding thermoplastic material.

(53) 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 notably to use the materials known under the trade names Teflon®, Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixine®, Santoprene®, Pebax® and Pollobas®, this list not being limiting.

(54) In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure cap 5 and withdraws the application member 8 from the container 3.

(55) Once the applicator member 8 has passed through the wiping member 6, a particular quantity of product P remains between the curved spikes 16 and the straight spikes 15, also by virtue of the presence of the guard element 13, 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.

(56) Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment which has just been described.

(57) 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 the application WO 2006/090343.

(58) 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.

(59) 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 15, 16 and/or the core 10 of the applicator member 8.

(60) 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 be able 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 heated.

(61) 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.

(62) The core 10 and/or the spikes 15, 16 may, furthermore, comprise particles, for example a filler, notably a compound which is magnetic, bacteriostatic or absorbs moisture, or else a compound intended to produce roughness on the surface of the spikes 15, 16 or to help the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to slide on the spikes. At least one of the core 10 and a spike 15, 16 may be flocked or undergo any heat treatment or mechanical treatment.