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

Abstract

An applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to human keratin fibres, in eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a stem and, at the distal end, an applicator member having a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the stem has a rectilinear portion extending along a rectilinear longitudinal axis and curved portion extending along a curvilinear longitudinal axis, the distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and longitudinal axis of the stem curved portion, measured perpendicularly to the axis, increasing in the distal end direction of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the curved portion, and distance between the core longitudinal axis and longitudinal axis of the stem rectilinear portion, measured perpendicularly to the axis, decreasing by going away from the distal end of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the applicator member.

Claims

1.-19. (canceled)

20. Applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to human keratin fibres, in particular the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a stem and, at the distal end thereof, an applicator member having a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the stem has a rectilinear portion that extends along a rectilinear longitudinal axis and a curved portion that extends along a curvilinear longitudinal axis, the distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and the longitudinal axis of the curved portion of the stem, measured perpendicularly to said axis, increasing in the direction of the distal end of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the curved portion, and the distance between the longitudinal axis of the core and the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem, measured perpendicularly to said axis, decreasing by going away from the distal end of the stem, along at least a part of the length of the applicator member.

21. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the rectilinear portion of the stem extends along at least half the length thereof, in particular along at least two thirds of the length thereof.

22. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the curved portion of the stem extends along an arc of a circle having a constant radius of curvature.

23. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the cross section of the curved portion of the stem narrows, along at least a part of the length thereof, in the direction of the distal end of the stem.

24. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and the longitudinal axis of the curved portion of the stem reaches a maximum at the point at which the applicator member is attached to the stem, this maximum distance being in particular between 1.5 mm and 5.5 mm, better still between 2.65 mm and 4.5 mm.

25. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the distance between the longitudinal axis of the core and the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem passes through a minimum at a point of the core that is situated at a distance from the proximal and distal ends thereof, in particular between one third and two thirds of the length of the core, and then preferably increases in the direction of the distal end of the core.

26. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the longitudinal axis of the core is curvilinear, extending in particular along at least a part of its length along an arc of a circle having a constant radius of curvature.

27. Applicator according to the preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the difference in absolute value between the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the stem and that of the core to the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the stem is between 0.1 and 3, better still between 0.2 and 1.6.

28. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the distal end of the core and the distal end of the stem are situated on a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem.

29. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the core extends on the same side of the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem as the distal end of the stem.

30. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the distal end of the core is off-centre with respect to the proximal end of the stem.

31. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the applicator member has application elements that are carried by the core and are disposed all around the latter in a plurality of longitudinal rows.

32. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the core of the applicator member has a cross section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, with a triangular overall shape.

33. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the core has three faces, a first face carrying at least one longitudinal row of application elements, and second and third faces each carrying at least one longitudinal row of application elements, in particular two rows, the core carrying in particular an additional longitudinal row of application elements which is situated on a ridge between the second and third faces.

34. Applicator according to the preceding claim, wherein the first face of the core carries two longitudinal outer rows of application elements enclosing a longitudinal central row of application elements which is offset axially with respect to said two outer rows, the application elements in the two outer rows having in particular a semi-conical shape, and the application elements in the central row having in particular a pyramid shape.

35. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the first face of the core carries a longitudinal row of application elements in the form of blades, each extending in particular transversely to the longitudinal axis of the core.

36. Applicator according to claim 33, wherein the application elements on the second and third faces of the core and on the ridge between the latter are disposed around the longitudinal axis of the core in circumferential rows of application elements, two consecutive circumferential rows 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 application elements of a circumferential row.

37. Applicator according to claim 20, wherein the applicator member is moulded, being produced in particular by bi-injection-moulding or mono-injection-moulding with the stem.

38. Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic, makeup or care, product to human keratin fibres, in particular the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an applicator according to claim 20 and a container containing the product.

Description

[0077] 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:

[0078] FIG. 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application device produced in accordance with the invention,

[0079] FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the applicator member and the stem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,

[0080] FIG. 3 shows a perspective front view of the applicator member and the stem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a perspective top view of the applicator member and the stem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,

[0082] FIG. 5 shows a perspective bottom view of the applicator member and the stem of the device from FIG. 1 on their own,

[0083] FIG. 5A shows a detail of the applicator member from FIG. 5, and

[0084] FIG. 6 shows a perspective side view of a variant embodiment of an applicator member according to the invention, on its own.

[0085] 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 human keratin fibres, in particular to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example mascara or a care product.

[0086] 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.

[0087] The latter has a stem 7, which is attached at its proximal end 12 to the closure cap 5 and, at its distal end 11, to an applicator member 8, having a core 10 that extends along a longitudinal axis X, which is central in the example described.

[0088] The container 3 also has a wiping member 6, inserted into the neck 4.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the stem 7 has a rectilinear portion 7a that extends along a rectilinear longitudinal axis Y along about two thirds of the length of the stem, and a curved portion 7b that extends along a curvilinear longitudinal axis Z.

[0092] As shown in particular in FIG. 2, the distance d.sub.t between the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7 and the longitudinal axis Z of the curved portion 7b of the stem 7, measured perpendicularly to said axis Y, increases advantageously in the direction of the distal end 11 of the stem 7, reaching a maximum D.sub.t at the point at which the applicator member 8 is attached to the stem 7, in particular between 1.5 mm and 5.5 mm, better still between 2.65 mm and 4.5 mm.

[0093] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the distance d.sub.o between the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 of the applicator member 8 and the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7, measured perpendicularly to said axis Y, decreases by going away from the distal end 11 of the stem 7, along a part of the length of the applicator member 8.

[0094] The stem 7 thus advantageously forms an elbow at its distal end 11.

[0095] Preferably, and as in the example described, the curved portion 7b of the stem 7 extends along an arc of a circle having a constant radius of curvature R.sub.1.

[0096] The cross section of the curved portion 7b of the stem 7 narrows advantageously in the direction of the distal end 11 of the stem 7, as can be seen in FIG. 2.

[0097] The longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7 may be coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in position thereon.

[0098] 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.

[0099] The applicator member 8 may be moulded, being produced for example by bi-injection-moulding or mono-injection-moulding with the stem 7.

[0100] The applicator member 8 may have an end piece 9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing of the stem 7.

[0101] 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.

[0102] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 of the applicator member 8 is curvilinear, as can be seen in FIG. 2, extending along an arc of a circle having a constant radius of curvature R.sub.2. The radii of curvature R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 of the curved portion of the stem and of the core of the applicator member are substantially the same in the example described.

[0103] Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis Y.

[0104] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the distance d.sub.o between the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 and the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7 advantageously passes through a minimum D.sub.o at a point of the core 10 that is situated at a distance from its proximal 14 and distal 13 ends, mid-way along its length in the example in question, and then increases in the direction of the distal end 13 of the core 10, for example until the maximum D.sub.t is reached again.

[0105] A tangent T to the core 10 of the applicator member 8 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7, in particular the tangent to the domed part 8a of the applicator member 8 when the latter is curved, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0106] The angular offset γ between the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7 and a straight line D that passes through the distal end 11 of the stem 7 and this axis Y, at the location 7c at which the stem 7 starts to curve, may be between 5° and 55°, better still between 10° and 45°.

[0107] The distal end 13 of the core 10 and the distal end 11 of the stem 7 are situated, in the example described and as shown in FIG. 2, on a straight line D.sub.p that is parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7.

[0108] The core 10 may extend on the same side of the longitudinal axis Y as the distal end 11 of the stem 7, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 2.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 13 of the core 10 may be off-centre with respect to the proximal end 12 of the stem 7.

[0110] In the example in FIGS. 1 to 5A, the core 10 carries application elements in the form of spikes 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 extending from the core 10 and all around the latter in a plurality of longitudinal rows. The axis of each longitudinal row of application elements is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

[0111] The visible length H of the applicator member 8 is for example equal to 26.5 mm.

[0112] In the example illustrated, the application elements 18, 16, 15 and 19 each extend from the core 10 along an elongation axis W perpendicular to the surface of the core, at the point at which the application elements are attached to the core 10.

[0113] As can be seen in particular in FIG. 3, the core 10 of the applicator member 8 has, in the example in question, a cross section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis X, with a triangular overall shape, the core 10 having three faces 21, 22, 23.

[0114] The first face 21 may carry three parallel longitudinal rows 31, 32, 33 of application elements 16, 15, two longitudinal outer rows 31, 33 of which enclose a longitudinal central row 32 which is offset axially with respect to said two outer rows 31, 32, as can be seen particularly in FIG. 5.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second and third faces 22, 23 of the core 10 may each carry two longitudinal rows 34, 35, 37, 38 of application elements 18, the core 10 carrying an additional longitudinal row 36 of application elements 18 which is situated on a ridge 24 between the second and third faces 22, 23.

[0116] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the application elements 18 on the second and third faces 22, 23 of the core 10 and on the ridge 24 between the latter may be disposed around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 in circumferential rows of application elements 18, two consecutive circumferential rows 41, 42 along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 preferably being offset angularly by a non-zero angle, in particular equal to half the angular pitch between the application elements 18 of a circumferential row 41.

[0117] The application elements 18, 16 and 15 may have various shapes. In the example in question, and as can be seen in particular in. FIGS. 4 and 5A, the application elements 18 belonging to the second and third faces 22, 23 and to the ridge 24 have a conical shape, the application elements 16 belonging to the outer rows 31, 33 on the first face 21 have a semi-conical shape, and the application elements 15 belonging to the central row 32 on the first face 21 have a pyramid shape.

[0118] The spacing S.sub.p1 between the application elements 18 in the longitudinal rows on the second and third faces 22, 23 and on the ridge 24 between the latter is greater, in the example in question, than the spacing S.sub.p2 between the application elements 16, 15 in the longitudinal rows on the first face 21, in particular twice as great.

[0119] The height of the application elements 16, 15 in the longitudinal rows 31, 32, 33 on the first face 21 is greater, in the example described, than that of the application elements 18 in the longitudinal rows 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 on the second and third faces 22, 23 and on the ridge 24 between the latter, as can be seen in. FIG. 3. In one variant that is not illustrated, the application elements 18, 16 and 15 are all the same height from one longitudinal row to another.

[0120] In the example in question, the height of the application elements 18, 16 and 15 is constant along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, within each longitudinal row. In one variant that is not illustrated, the height of the application elements 18, 16 and 15 varies along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

[0121] The height of the application elements 18, 16 and 15 may be between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0122] In the variant shown in FIG. 6, the first face 21 of the core 10 carries a longitudinal row 39 of application elements 19 in the form of blades, each extending transversely to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

[0123] These application elements 19 have, in the example described, reinforcements 19a on their sides extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0124] The height of these application elements 19 it is advantageously less than that of the application elements 18 in the longitudinal rows 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 on the second and third faces 22, 23 and on the ridge 24 between the latter.

[0125] In the examples in question, the free ends 28 of the application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 define an envelope surface S of the applicator member 8, having a longitudinal axis that is coincident with the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, is not symmetrical about said axis X and has the overall shape of a crescent moon, in side view as in FIG. 2.

[0126] The application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 are made, in the example in question, in one piece with the core 10 by moulding thermoplastic material.

[0127] 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.

[0128] In one variant that is not shown, the applicator member 8 is a brush with a twisted core. In this case, the core 10 of the applicator member 8 may have at least two arms of a wire that is folded on itself, said arms being twisted together, defining turns, and bristles can be held between the turns of the core 10.

[0129] In order to use the device 1, the user unscrews the closure cap 5 and withdraws the applicator member 8 from the container 3. The user can use the first face 21 to load the eyelashes and/or eyebrows with product P, and the rest of the applicator member 8 to separate and curl the eyelashes and/or eyebrows. By virtue of the elbow that exists between the stem 7 and the applicator member 8, the user can in particular reach the eyelashes situated at the external and internal corners of the eye, without being hampered by the stem 7 touching their cheek.

[0130] Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments that have just been described.

[0131] The applicator member 8 may be able to vibrate, that is to say 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.

[0132] 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 application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 and/or the core 10 of the applicator member 8.

[0133] 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.

[0134] The core 10 and/or the application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 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 application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 or to help the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to slide on the application elements. At least one of the core 10 and an application element 18, 16, 15 or 19 may be flocked, or undergo any heat or mechanical treatment.

[0135] The expression “having a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one”, and “between” is understood as including the limits, unless specified to the contrary.