ARTICULATED APPLICATOR HAVING A FLEXIBLE STEM

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is an applicator for applying a product (P) to keratin materials, having: an applicator element (5), a stem (4), a linking element (9) fixed to the stem (4), an articulation (11).

Claims

1. Applicator for applying a product (P) to keratin materials, having: an applicator element (5), a stem (4), a linking element (9) fixed to the stem (4), an articulation (11), said linking element (9) having an elastically deformable flexible portion (20) that is able to flex during the application of the product to the keratin materials.

2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the linking element (9) has a rigid portion (21).

3. Applicator according to claim 2, wherein the flexible portion (20) is overmoulded on the rigid portion (21).

4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulation (11) connects the applicator element (5) to the linking element (9).

5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulation (11) allows relative mobility of the applicator element (5) and the linking element (9).

6. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the articulation (11) allows the applicator element (5) and the linking element (9) to be interlocked in a fixed position.

7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulation (11) comprises a pivot.

8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulation (11) comprises a ball joint.

9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulation (11) is disposed inside the linking element (9).

10. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the articulation (11) is configured to prevent axial or lateral movement of the applicator element (5) relative to the linking element (9) in the region of the articulation (11).

11. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linking element (9) is connected to the stem (4) by snap-fastening, screw-connection, adhesive bonding, force-fitting or by crimping.

12. Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, having a container containing the product and an applicator as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

13. Method for applying a cosmetic product to keratin materials, having the following steps of: loading the applicator element (5) of an applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, bringing the applicator element (5) into contact with the keratin materials, moving the applicator over the keratin materials, modifying the orientation of the applicator element (5) with respect to the stem (4) by changing the pressure exerted on this element (5), so as to massage the keratin materials.

Description

[0107] The invention may be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting implementation examples and from examining the appended drawing, in which:

[0108] FIG. 1 is a schematic view, in axial section, of a first example of an applicator according to the invention,

[0109] FIG. 2 schematically and partially shows a magnification of the linking element of the device from FIG. 1 in axial section,

[0110] FIG. 3 is a schematic view, in partial axial section, of a second example of an applicator according to the invention,

[0111] FIG. 4 schematically and partially shows a front view of the applicator from FIG. 3, in the rest position,

[0112] FIG. 5 schematically and partially shows a front view of the applicator from FIG. 3, following rotation of the applicator element in relation to the stem, in the position of maximum inclination,

[0113] FIG. 6 is a schematic elevation view, in partial axial section, of a third example of an applicator according to the invention,

[0114] FIG. 7 schematically and partially shows the linking element of the device from FIG. 6 in axial section,

[0115] FIG. 8 schematically and partially shows the articulation of the device from FIG. 6 in axial section,

[0116] FIG. 9 is a schematic view, in axial section, of a fourth example of an applicator according to the invention,

[0117] FIG. 10 schematically and partially shows a magnification of the linking element of the device from FIG. 9 in axial section,

[0118] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a fifth example of an applicator according to the invention,

[0119] FIG. 12 schematically and partially shows a front view of a magnification of the linking element of the device from FIG. 11,

[0120] FIG. 13 schematically and partially shows a magnification of the linking element and a stem portion of the device from FIG. 9 in axial section.

FIRST APPLICATOR EXAMPLE

[0121] The applicator shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is intended for the application of a product P to the face or the body, for example a moisturizing cream.

[0122] The applicator has a stem 4, a gripping member 10 and an applicator element 5. The stem 4, the linking element 9 and the applicator element 5 can be aligned along the same longitudinal axis X. The gripping member 10 constitutes a closure cap for a container. To this end, it is provided with an internal thread 91 configured to be screwed onto a threaded neck of the container.

[0123] The applicator also has an articulation 11.

[0124] The applicator element 5 is made of metal.

[0125] In the example in question, the stem 4 has a rectilinear longitudinal axis X which is approximately coincident with the axis of the neck of the container when the applicator is in place on the latter.

[0126] A linking element 9 is fixed to the distal end of the stem 4. This fixing is produced by force-fitting or clip-fastening.

[0127] The linking element 9 has: [0128] a flexible outer portion 20, and [0129] a rigid inner portion 21.

[0130] The flexible portion 20 is made of a material more flexible than that of the rigid portion 21. For example, the flexible portion 20 is produced from a material from the following list: elastomeric material, thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer, LDPE, PVC, Hytrel, EPDM, EVA, SIS, SEBS, SBS, latex, silicone, nitrile, butyl, polyurethane, polyether-block-amide.

[0131] The rigid portion 21 is produced for example from a polyolefin (PP).

[0132] The rigid portion 21 is produced for example from POM or PBT.

[0133] The flexible portion 20 confers flexibility on the stem 4.

[0134] At the time of application, the contact between the applicator element 5 and the skin is softened and the elasticity of the flexible portion 20 proves to be beneficial for the application of the product.

[0135] The rigid portion 21 may be fixed to the stem 4 in various ways. It may for example be force-fitted into a housing 211 in the stem 4, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0136] On the other side, the rigid portion 21 has a housing 212 for receiving one end of the applicator element 5.

[0137] The rigid portion 21 has a line 210 connecting the area for fixing in the stem 213 and the housing 212 for receiving the applicator. This line 210 is the area allowing the articulation. If this line has a rotationally symmetrical shape, the articulation is a ball joint. If this line has a flat shape like a lamella, the articulation is a pivot. When the linking element is inclined, the rotation causes the line 210 to flex. This line 210 then exerts an opposing force which tends to return the linking element into its starting position.

[0138] Regardless of the load exerted on the linking element, it returns to its rest position as soon as this load ceases.

[0139] New hand movements for massaging and applying makeup, which were not conceivable with conventional applicators, are obtained.

[0140] The line 210 acts as a spring for a new massaging hand movement using tapping and pressure.

[0141] Of course, various modifications can be made to the applicator and in particular to the applicator element and to the flexible portion without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0142] The flexible portion 20 can be fixed to the rigid portion 21 in various ways.

[0143] At its first axial end, the rigid portion 21 can have a head 213 of axis X. The head 213 is inserted into the housing 211 in the stem 4. It may for example comprise an end part 211 having flat faces 215 and 216 which are substantially parallel to the axis X and through which an opening 214 passes. These faces 215 and 216 narrow at the end so as to provide a better linkage to the stem 4. The housing in the stem 211 has notches in its internal part, allowing 213 and 211 to be clip-fastened.

[0144] At its second axial end, the rigid portion 21 can have a spherical wall 218. The latter can define a housing 212 for receiving a spherical portion 51 of the applicator element 5. The wall 218 can have a central protrusion 217. It can be inserted into a corresponding housing 219 in the portion 51. The central protrusion 217 makes it possible to keep the applicator in line with the stem at rest in the case of a ball joint linkage between the linking element and the applicator.

[0145] The spherical portion 51 is force-fitted in the housing 212 with the desired clearance. The housing 212 delimits a skirt 220 intended to cover the spherical end 51 so as to prevent intentional or unintentional disassembly of the applicator.

[0146] The rigid portion 21 is only inserted partially into the stem 4.

[0147] The linking element 9 is partially visible.

[0148] The linking element 9 shown in FIG. 3 is substantially identical to the one shown in FIG. 2, but the depth of penetration of the rigid portion 21 into the stem 4 is less.

[0149] The linking element 9 can be connected to the applicator element 5 by a ball joint articulation 11, by a pivot or be fixed.

[0150] The articulation 11 has the spherical portion 51 and the housing 212 defining the seat of the articulation. Such a ball joint allows the applicator element 5 to rotate on itself, about its axis X, in relation to the stem 4. Of course, the rotation can be clockwise or anticlockwise.

[0151] The axis Y of the linking element can be inclined with respect to the axis X of the stem.

[0152] The angle ii formed between the axis X of the stem 4 and the axis Y of the applicator element can be modified by the user, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0153] If the applicator element also has an articulation with the linking element, the axis Z of the applicator element can be inclined with respect to the axis Y of the linking element.

[0154] The flexible portion 20 partially covers the rigid portion 21.

[0155] When the flexible portion completely covers the rigid portion 21, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0156] In FIG. 4, it is possible to see that the flexible portion 20 comprises a visible part which has: [0157] a collar 231 covering the end of the rigid portion 21, [0158] a narrowing 233, [0159] a collar 232 covering the spherical portion 51.

[0160] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the collar 232 comes into abutment against the collar 233 during the rotational movement of the applicator element 5.

[0161] This abutment limits the movement of the applicator element 5. It defines the maximum possible inclination of the applicator.

[0162] The abutment is realized by the impact of two flexible components. The impact is soft and cushioned. The sensation of flexibility felt by the user is pleasant.

[0163] When the maximum angle ii max is reached (FIG. 5), the applicator element 5 returns systematically to its central rest position (FIG. 4).

SECOND APPLICATOR EXAMPLE

[0164] The applicator shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 has a linking element 9 entirely housed in the stem 4.

[0165] The linking element 9 has a flexible line 20 passing into the housing 219 of the applicator element 5. The housing 219 forms a relatively deep cavity.

[0166] The ball joint articulation 11 is housed entirely inside the stem 4.

[0167] The spherical part 51 is mounted with the desired clearance in the housings 212 and 219.

[0168] When the applicator element 5 is inclined, the rotation of the spherical part 51 causes the line 20 to flex. This line 20 then exerts an opposing force which tends to return the spherical part 51 into its starting position.

[0169] Regardless of the load exerted on the applicator, it returns to its rest position as soon as this load ceases.

[0170] New hand movements for massaging and applying makeup, which were not conceivable with conventional applicators, are obtained.

[0171] The flexible portion 20 acts as a spring for a new massaging hand movement using tapping and pressure.

[0172] The applicator element 5 can have a texturized surface so as to enhance the massaging function and the retention of the cosmetic product.

[0173] In order to use the applicator, the person loads the applicator element 5 with the product.

[0174] She brings the applicator element 5 into contact with the skin. She moves the applicator element 5 over the skin. She can stop at certain locations and rotate the applicator element 5 on itself. She thus carries out a practically point-like massage by pressure at a location she has chosen, for example for its sensitivity.

[0175] She can also incline the axis of the applicator element 5 with respect to the axis of the stem 4. The applicator element 5 is automatically returned to its rest position if the inclination becomes too great.

THIRD APPLICATOR EXAMPLE

[0176] The applicator shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 has an applicator element 5 fixed in the linking element 9. In this example, the articulation 11 ensures that the applicator element 5 and the linking element 9 are interlocked in a fixed position. The articulation 11 makes it easier to mount the applicator element in the linking element.

[0177] The articulation 11 has: [0178] a portion 511 in the form of a harpoon, and [0179] a housing 212 defining the seat of the articulation.

[0180] The portion 511 is mounted in the housing 212 by inserting the harpoon into the seat 511. The two components are secured together with a tight fit. The portion 511 defines a clip-fastening notch 513 for snap-fastening the applicator element 5 in the linking element 9.

[0181] In order to use the applicator, the person loads the applicator element 5 with the product.

[0182] She brings the applicator element 5 into contact with the skin. She moves the applicator element 5 over the skin. She can also incline the axis of the applicator element 5 with respect to the axis of the stem 4. The applicator element 5 is automatically returned to its rest position if the inclination becomes too great. This return to the rest position is allowed on account of the spring effect of the flexible element 20.

FOURTH APPLICATOR EXAMPLE

[0183] The applicator shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 has a linking element 9 formed by two-shot injection moulding with a rigid top part 21 and a flexible bottom part 20. The applicator is clip-fastened in the stem 4. When it is pivoted by pressing against the skin, the latter stretches the flexible part 20, which automatically returns the applicator element 5 into its axis X when the pressure on the applicator element 5 ceases. The articulation 11 ensures relative mobility of the applicator element 5 and the linking element 9. Furthermore, the flexible portion 20 ensures that the axis of the applicator element 5 flexes with respect to the axis of the stem 4. The applicator element 5 is automatically returned to its rest position if this inclination becomes too great. This return to the rest position is allowed on account of the spring effect of the flexible element 20.

[0184] Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments that have just been described. The features of the different embodiments can for example be combined with one another in order to produce new embodiments in accordance with the invention. In particular, the applicator element may be different. The composition of the linking element and its arrangement with respect to the stem may be different. The articulation could be of any other kind.

[0185] The invention also relates to an applicator for applying a product to keratin materials, having: [0186] an applicator element, [0187] a stem, [0188] a linking element fixed to the stem, this linking element defining a narrowing, [0189] said linking element having an elastically deformable flexible portion that is able to flex during the application of the product to the keratin materials and a rigid portion, [0190] said rigid portion passing through said narrowing.

[0191] The expression having a should be understood as being synonymous with having at least one, unless specified to the contrary.