CN110891460A

CN110891460A - Applicator for combing and/or applying a composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows

Info

Publication number: CN110891460A
Application number: CN201880047550.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马林·罗奥德斯; 马克·勒沙努瓦纳; 亚历山德拉·马林; 马克·拉梅
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2017-05-16
Filing date: 2018-05-15
Publication date: 2020-03-17
Also published as: WO2018210859A1; JP2018191843A

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator (1) for combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, and/or for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, the applicator (1) comprising a moulded applicator member (8) comprising: -an elongated core (6) defining an application surface; -a plurality of teeth (28) protruding from the application surface (18); -at least one row of walls (29) projecting from the application surface (18) and extending along a longitudinal axis, said walls (29) having, at their bottom (30), a cross-section of elongated shape extending along a main axis (Z) transversal to the longitudinal axis of said at least one row of walls (28).

Description

Applicator for combing and/or applying a composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an applicator for combing keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, and/or for applying a cosmetic product, for example a make-up or a care product, for example mascara, to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.

The invention also relates to a packaging device comprising such an applicator.

The invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment method.

Background

FR 2796528 discloses an applicator comprising a core and a plurality of continuous teeth disposed on opposite sides of the core.

FR 2909532 discloses an applicator comprising a structure having at least one branch member extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and comprising teeth.

JP 2008-.

US 2003/0213498 discloses an applicator comprising a plurality of sets of teeth and gaps between adjacent sets. The applicator may include a raised portion extending in the gap.

US 4801004 discloses an applicator comprising a core having a planar top surface and filamentary teeth extending at an angle from the planar top surface. The applicator may further comprise walls provided on the sides and/or bottom of the core.

FR 2968906 discloses an applicator having a curved top surface. The top surface may include teeth or grooves.

FR 2955018 discloses an applicator comprising a holder and a plurality of application elements projecting from the holder. The plurality of application elements are secured to the support by melting the roots of the application elements and forming a layer interconnecting the roots of the application elements.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention seeks to further improve applicators for applying a composition to the eyelashes or eyebrows, particularly in terms of penetrating the teeth into the eyelashes to even out the composition on the eyelashes, and separating and curling the eyelashes.

The present invention also seeks to improve the ability of the applicator to carry the composition.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an applicator for combing the eyelashes and/or eyebrows and/or for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, the applicator comprising a moulded applicator member comprising:

-an elongated core defining an application surface;

-a plurality of teeth projecting from the application surface, the teeth preferably having a non-elongated shape in cross-section at their base;

-at least one row of walls projecting from the application surface and extending along a longitudinal axis, the walls having, at their bottom, a cross-section of elongated shape along a main axis, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls.

The presence of the wall according to the invention makes it possible to increase the capacity of loading the product while ensuring the capacity of the teeth to grip the eyelashes. In this way, the invention makes it possible to apply cosmetic products with fewer strokes. Also, the product deposited on the eyelash surface can be properly uniformized.

The walls and teeth are connected to the core by their bases.

By "a wall has at its bottom a cross-section of elongated shape along a main axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls" it is understood that the main axis of the cross-section of the wall at its bottom forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls, i.e. for example is inclined or perpendicular with respect to this axis.

For example, when the applicator is viewed from the top, the major axis of the cross-section of the walls at their bottom forms an angle α of 10 ° to 80 °, preferably 60 ° to 80 °, more preferably 70 ° to 80 °, for example about 75 °, with the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls, the major axis of the cross-section of the walls at their bottom may also be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls, i.e. α ═ 90 °.

The angle between the main axis of the cross-section of the wall at its bottom and the longitudinal axis of the wall of at least one row may have the same value for all the walls of said row.

The major axis of the cross-section of the wall at its bottom may form a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the core when viewed from the top.

For example, at least one wall has a major axis of its bottom perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core.

At least one of the walls may have a major axis of its base inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core.

Preferably, at least some of the teeth, even better most or all of them, have a cross section at their base which is smaller than the cross section of at least one wall at its base, better still all of them.

The cross-section of the wall at its base may have a maximum dimension, measured along the major axis of the cross-section, ranging from 1mm to 3 mm.

The cross-section of the tooth at its base may have a maximum dimension in the range from 0.2mm to 0.9 mm.

The cross-section of the tooth at its base may be of any shape, for example circular, elliptical or polygonal, in particular triangular.

The core is elongated along a "longitudinal axis", which is to be understood as a line connecting the centers of gravity (centroids) of the cross-sections of the core. In some cases, the longitudinal axis of the core may be the central axis, or even the axis of symmetry of the core, in particular when the cross-section of the core has the general shape of a regular polygon or a circle. The longitudinal axis of the core may be straight or curved. Preferably, the longitudinal axis is concave towards the application surface.

The core may be inclined relative to the axis of the stem to which it is connected, for example at an angle that increases as the free end of the applicator is approached.

The longitudinal axis of the wall(s) may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.

Preferably, the application surface is flat along at least half of its length, and better over its entire length. The application surface may be planar along at least half of its length, and more preferably planar throughout its length.

This makes it easier to force the eyelashes deeper between the walls, thereby transferring more product to the eyelashes.

The application surface may also be concave or convex towards the outside.

Preferably, the application surface comprises a centre line which is linear along at least half of its length, when viewed from the top and/or side of the applicator. Alternatively, the centre line of the application surface is curved.

Viewing the applicator from the top is to be understood as the viewing direction of the applicator facing the application surface.

Viewing the applicator from the side is to be understood as being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core and parallel to the viewing direction of the application surface.

The longitudinal axis of at least one row of walls may be rectilinear when viewed from the top. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of at least one row of walls may be curved.

The applicator member may be symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal median plane perpendicular to the application surface.

Preferably, the teeth have an elongated shape along the respective elongation axis. The elongation axis of the teeth may be perpendicular to the application surface. In a variant, the elongation axis of the teeth is inclined with respect to the application surface.

The applicator member comprises at least one row of teeth extending along respective elongation axes, which are angled to a longitudinal middle plane of the applicator member.

The transverse dimension of the tooth, measured perpendicular to the elongation axis of the tooth, may be substantially constant over a substantial portion of the length of the tooth.

Preferably, the walls project from the application surface along respective elevation axes, e.g. perpendicular to the application surface. A cross-section of the wall measured perpendicular to an elevation axis of the wall may be substantially constant over a substantial portion of the length of the wall.

The top of the wall may be flat, e.g. perpendicular to its elevation axis, or may have an apex.

The top of the wall may be curved about an axis of curvature which is preferably contained in a longitudinal middle plane of the applicator member.

The applicator may comprise a single row of walls, for example, the bottom of the wall being centered on the application surface, i.e. the centroid of the cross-section of the wall at its bottom is located substantially along the centre line of the application surface.

In a variant, the centroids of the cross sections of at least one succession of walls in the row may be at least partially arranged alternately on opposite sides of the geometric separation surface. The two successive walls of the row may or may not overlap when the core is viewed along its longitudinal axis.

In another variant, the applicator comprises two rows of walls, the longitudinal axes of which are preferably parallel, for example both parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. The walls of the two rows may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core, as seen from the top of the applicator. For example, the walls are located on either side of a geometrically separate surface, and are symmetrical with respect to said surface, which is preferably planar.

The walls may be rectilinear at their bottom and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core when viewed from the top.

Preferably, the width of the application surface is in the range of 3mm to 7mm, more preferably 4mm to 6 mm.

The application surface may have two parallel side edges extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core when viewed from the top. The distal end of the application surface may have a substantially straight edge. In a variant, the distal end of the application surface is curved.

Adjacent two walls of the at least one row of walls may be spaced at their base by a minimum distance in the range 0.1mm to 0.6mm, for example about 0.4 mm.

The applicator may comprise rows of teeth extending along respective axes, straight or curved.

The rows of teeth may extend in the same direction over at least half the length of the application surface, for example, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. For example, the rows of teeth extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core over the entire length of the application surface, except, for example, near the distal end of the application surface.

The applicator may comprise at least two rows of teeth extending along the longitudinal axis of the core, for example 2 to 10 rows of teeth, better still 2 to 6 rows of teeth, for example 3 or 4 rows of teeth. Each row of teeth may comprise 1 to 20 teeth.

Within each row of teeth, the teeth may be evenly spaced along a majority of the length of the application surface.

Alternatively, the spacing between two adjacent teeth of a row may vary. For example, the interval of two adjacent teeth between which the wall exists is different from the interval of two adjacent teeth between which the wall does not exist.

The spacing between two adjacent teeth located in the vicinity of each of the two end portions of the applicator member may be different from the spacing between two adjacent teeth located in the central portion of the applicator member.

All the teeth in the row of teeth may have the same height, except possibly for the teeth located near the distal and proximal ends of the applicator member.

The height of one row of teeth may be different from the height of another row of teeth.

Preferably, the free end of the tooth and the top of the wall define an envelope surface having an arcuate cross-section along at least a portion of the length of the applicator member.

The applicator member may comprise at least one central row of teeth and two side rows of teeth, for example, the teeth of the side rows being arranged on each side of the at least one central row. The at least one central row of teeth may be centered on the applicator surface when viewed from the top.

The teeth of the central row may have the same first height and the teeth of the side rows may have the same second height, except for the teeth which may be located near the distal and proximal ends of the applicator member. Preferably, the first height is greater than the second height.

The top of the wall is preferably located between the free ends of the teeth, for example between the free ends of the teeth of the central row and the free ends of the teeth of the side rows, as measured along the elevational axis of the wall.

Preferably, the teeth do not touch at their base and the teeth and the wall do not touch at their base, i.e. the teeth are spaced from each other at their base except, for example, near the side edges of the application surface and/or near the distal end of the application surface. The minimum distance between the tooth and the wall (measured at its base) may range from 0mm to 0.9 mm.

By adjusting the spacing between two teeth, the distance between the walls, and the distance between the walls and the teeth, a larger or smaller sized cavity suitable for loading the composition can be created without the teeth losing the ability to properly guide and grip the eyelashes.

At least one tooth of the plurality of rows of teeth may be located at an axial position between two adjacent walls of the at least one row of walls. The applicator member may comprise teeth and walls alternating along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

The applicator member may comprise two central rows of teeth, wherein the teeth of each central row occupying substantially the same axial position as measured along the longitudinal axis of the core form a central pair of teeth. The pairs of central teeth may alternate with walls of at least one row of walls along the longitudinal axis of the core. Two successive walls of the at least one row of walls are preferably arranged alternately on either side of the longitudinal axis of the core and at least partially overlap each other when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the at least one row of walls. Preferably, the applicator comprises, at the axial position where the wall is present, a single tooth belonging to one of the teeth of the side rows, said single tooth and the respective wall occupying substantially the same axial position.

The applicator member may comprise a plurality of multiple teeth, each multiple tooth preferably occupying substantially the same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, said multiple teeth preferably being double or triple teeth.

The applicator member may comprise at least one multiple tooth (e.g. double or triple) comprising at least the teeth of each side row occupying substantially the same axial position measured along the longitudinal axis of the core.

For example, multiple teeth (e.g., triplets) are formed by the teeth of respective ones of the teeth of at least one center row and two side rows.

The teeth of the multiple teeth may occupy substantially the same axial position measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core, except, for example, near the distal end of the application surface.

For example, when the distal end of the application surface has a curved shape, the teeth of the triple tooth near the distal end of the application surface may be arranged along a curve that substantially conforms to the curved shape of the distal end of the application surface.

By "teeth and walls, or two teeth, occupying substantially the same axial position, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core" it is understood that the bottom of the teeth and the bottom of the walls, or the bottoms of the two teeth, at least partially overlap, when viewed from the side of the applicator member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member. The bottoms may overlap completely.

The distance between two adjacent teeth in a multiple of teeth (e.g., a triple of teeth) may be equal.

The walls of at least one row of walls may alternate with multiple teeth as defined above along the longitudinal axis of the core.

In one variant, the applicator member comprises a central row of teeth and the walls of at least one row of walls are alternated with a triple tooth formed by the teeth of the respective rows of the central row and of the two lateral rows occupying substantially the same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The walls of at least one row of walls may be curved at their bottom, two adjacent walls in the row preferably having the same curvature and being concave and convex, respectively, towards the distal end of the application surface. The applicator may comprise a central row of teeth, and:

-at an axial position between two adjacent walls projecting towards each other, a triple tooth formed by the teeth of the respective rows of the teeth of the central row and of the teeth of the two lateral rows occupying substantially the same axial position, and

a double tooth formed by two teeth of each side row occupying substantially the same axial position, at an axial position between two adjacent walls recessed towards each other.

The walls of at least one row of walls may be located between the teeth of the side rows, as viewed along the longitudinal axis of the core.

In another variant, the applicator comprises two rows of walls arranged on either side of the central row of teeth, said walls being rectilinear at their bottom, wherein the walls of one row occupying substantially the same axial position and the corresponding walls of the other row form alternating pairs of converging and diverging walls along the longitudinal axis of the core, and the converging walls converge towards the distal end of the application surface, the diverging pairs diverging walls diverge towards the distal end of the application surface, the bottom portion of said walls forming an angle with the longitudinal axis of the core, said angle preferably ranging from 10 ° to 80 °, said applicator comprising:

a triplet of teeth as defined above at an axial position between the walls of a converging pair and the walls of a subsequent diverging pair, when moved towards the distal end of the application surface,

a single tooth belonging to the central row of teeth at an axial position between the walls of the diverging pair and the walls of the subsequent converging pair, when moving towards the distal end of the application surface.

The walls of the converging pair and the walls of the successive diverging pair may form a substantially X-shaped pattern when moved towards the distal end of the application surface.

In a further variant, the applicator comprises a central row of teeth and two rows of walls arranged on either side of the central row of teeth, said walls being rectilinear at their bottom, wherein the walls of one row occupying substantially coaxial axial positions and the corresponding walls of the other row form alternating pairs of converging and diverging walls along the longitudinal axis of the core and, respectively, the pairs of converging walls converge towards the distal end of the application surface, the walls of the diverging pairs diverge towards the distal end of the application surface, the bottom portion of said walls forming an angle with the longitudinal axis of the core, said angle ranging from 10 ° to 80 °, said applicator comprising:

triple teeth formed by the teeth of the central row and the teeth of the two lateral rows occupying respective rows of substantially coaxial positions, at an axial position between the walls of the converging pair and the walls of the subsequent diverging pair, when moved towards the distal end of the application surface,

a single tooth belonging to the central row of teeth at an axial position between the walls of the diverging pair and the walls of the subsequent converging pair, when moving towards the distal end of the application surface;

-at least two outer rows of teeth on each side of the rows of walls, the outer rows of teeth projecting from the application surface along an elongation axis forming a non-zero elongation angle with the direction perpendicular to the application surface.

The elongation angle of the outer row of teeth is preferably 25 ° to 35 °, for example about 30 °.

Each outer row of teeth may extend along a respective longitudinal edge of the application surface, for example parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

Preferably, the teeth of the central and side rows and the walls are arranged between the teeth of the outer rows when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The teeth of the outer row may occupy substantially the same axial position as the teeth of the side row and the outer longitudinal end of the wall.

By "outer longitudinal end" is understood one of the two longitudinal ends of the wall that is further away from the central row of teeth.

The outer row of teeth may contact the side row of teeth and the wall at the bottom thereof.

At least one tooth may be tapered, frustoconical or pyramidal.

At least one tooth of one row may have a different shape than the teeth of the other row.

The applicator may comprise a stem to which the applicator member is fixed, for example over-moulded or fixed with a mechanical attachment.

The core may present a substantially constant cross-section along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, in particular at least over a portion of the length of the applicator member.

Over at least a portion of the length of the core, the core may exhibit a cross-section selected from the following shapes: a circular shape; a non-circular shape; semicircular; an oval shape; a semi-elliptical shape; a polygon; a triangle shape; a square shape; a rectangle shape; a pentagon shape; hexagonal shape; octagonal, and semi-polygonal. The shape of the cross-section may vary along the longitudinal axis of the core.

The cross-section of the core may be flat over a portion of the length of the applicator member. The longitudinal axis of the cross-section may be parallel to the application surface.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention provides a packaged applicator device for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, the device comprising an applicator as defined above and a container containing a cosmetic product for application to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

The container may comprise a wiper member for wiping the applicator member.

The cosmetic product is, for example, mascara. The cosmetic can be applied to eyelashes and can comb the eyelashes.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a cosmetic treatment method for combing the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, using an applicator according to the invention.

The teeth and the wall may be made of the same material, or, as a variant, the teeth and the wall may be made of different materials.

The teeth and/or the walls may be made by moulding a thermoplastic material, for example the same thermoplastic as the material used for the part of the core carrying the teeth and/or the walls. The teeth and/or the walls may be made of a different material than the core.

The applicator member may be moulded from a single material, so that the core and the stem may be made from the same material, or in a variant from different materials, in particular materials having different colours, so as to make it easier (if the user wishes) to identify the application surface. These materials may have different hardnesses. For example, both materials may bePolyester thermoplastic elastomer (for example, trade mark

Of polyester thermoplastic elastomer) or under the trademark

The polyether block amide of (1). When two materials are used to make the applicator, these materials may exhibit different mechanical properties, particularly in terms of hardness, for example one material being softer than the other, or the materials may have different colors.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood from reading the following detailed description of non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of an applicator member according to the invention,

figure 2 is a side view of the applicator member in figure 1,

figure 3 shows an example of a packaged application device according to the invention,

figure 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the applicator member according to the invention,

figures 5A to 8A schematically show an embodiment of the applicator member according to the invention in plan view,

figures 5B to 8B are enlarged partial views of the applicator member of figures 5A to 8A,

figure 9 shows, in top view and partial view, another embodiment of the applicator member according to the invention,

figure 10 is a side view of the applicator member of figure 9 along the arrow X,

figure 11 is a cross-section of the applicator member of figure 9 taken along the plane XI-XI of figure 9,

figure 12 is a view of the applicator member of figure 9, along the arrow XII of figure 9, an

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the applicator member of figure 9,

figure 14 is a top view of the applicator member of figure 4.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an applicator 1 made according to the invention, comprising an applicator member 8, the applicator member 8 being overmoulded on the stem 3 or otherwise fixed on the stem 3.

As shown in fig. 3, the applicator 1 is configured to be housed in a container 5 containing a cosmetic product for application to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

The applicator comprises a handle 41 connected to the distal end of the stem 3. The applicator 1 is configured to close the container 5 in a gas-tight manner.

The applicator member 8 comprises a core 6, which core 6 is elongated about a longitudinal axis X, which longitudinal axis X is rectilinear in the embodiment shown.

The applicator member 8 comprises an application surface 18, which application surface 18 is planar over a large part of its length L in the embodiment shown. The application surface 18 comprises two side edges 9 parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

The applicator member 8 comprises at least one central row 28c of teeth 28 and two lateral rows 28s of teeth 28. The

rows

28c, 28s of teeth 28 extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

The applicator member comprises two

rows

29a, 29b of walls 29. These

rows

29a and 29b extend along a longitudinal direction Y, which in the embodiment shown is rectilinear and parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

The wall 29 is connected to the application surface 18 by its bottom 13. The bottom 13 of each wall 29 has a cross section elongated along the respective main axis Z. This main axis Z forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

As shown in fig. 2, the walls 29 project from the application surface 18 along respective elevation axes Q, each axis Q being locally perpendicular to the application surface 18.

The teeth 28 each extend from the base 10 to the free end 11 along a respective elongation axis S, the teeth 28 being connected to the application surface 18 via the base 10. The teeth 28 of the same row may have the same height h over a substantial portion of the length L of the application surface 18 as shown.

In the embodiment according to fig. 5A to 8A, the application surface 18 is planar over a large part of its length L.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5A and 5B, the applicator member 8 comprises a row of walls 29 extending along a longitudinal axis Y parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

The centers of mass C of two consecutive walls 29 are arranged on each side of the longitudinal axis X of the core 6, forming two sub-rows 29a, 29b of walls 29. Two consecutive walls in the row partially overlap each other, preferably by a distance m of 0.5mm to 2mm, when viewed along the longitudinal axis X of the core.

The embodiment shown in fig. 5A and 5B comprises two central rows 28a, 28B of teeth, each row extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6 and preferably having the same number of teeth 28, as shown. The teeth 28 of one row 28a and the corresponding teeth 28 of the other row 28b occupying substantially the same axial position along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6 form the teeth 28 of the central pair 24. The teeth 28 in each

row

28a, 28b are preferably evenly spaced, as shown.

Preferably, the teeth 28 of each

row

28a, 28b are centred with respect to the wall 29 of the respective sub-row 29a, 29 b.

The walls 29 alternate with the teeth 28 of the central pair 24 along the longitudinal axis X of the core.

At an axial position where the wall 29 is present, the applicator member 6 comprises a single tooth 28, the single tooth 28 belonging to one of the teeth 28 of the side row 28 s. The centroid C of the cross-section of said teeth 28 and of said wall 29 at the bottom thereof is located on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

Preferably, the wall 29 is equidistant from the adjacent pairs of central teeth and the distance l between this wall and the adjacent pairs of central teeth remains constant along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

As shown in the embodiment of fig. 5A and 6A, the major axis Z of the wall 29 may be linear and extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6 when viewed from the top.

Preferably, the walls 29 are evenly spaced over a majority of the length L of the application surface 18. The distance d between two consecutive walls 29 may be 0.1mm to 1 mm.

The applicator member comprises, near the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, a triple toothing formed by two teeth of the respective side row 28s and a tooth centred with respect to said teeth of the side row. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5A, the triplets occupy substantially the same axial position.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 6A to 8A, the applicator member comprises a central row of teeth 28c and two lateral rows 28s of teeth 28 arranged on either side of the teeth 28 of the central row 28 c.

As shown, the teeth 28 may be evenly spaced in each

row

28s, 28c of teeth 28 over a majority of the length L of the application surface 18.

Along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6, there are provided teeth 28 of the triplets 27, formed respectively by the teeth 28 of the central row 28c and by the corresponding teeth of the lateral rows 28s, which occupy substantially the same axial position. As shown, the distance e between two adjacent teeth 28 is preferably equal among the teeth 28 of such a triple 27.

As shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the walls 28 may alternate with the teeth 28 of the triplets 27 along the longitudinal axis X of the core. Preferably, the wall 29 is equidistant from the adjacent triplets of teeth, and the distance r between this wall and the adjacent triplets of teeth remains constant along a majority of the length L of the application surface 18.

Preferably, the teeth 29 of the triplets 27 are equally spaced along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the applicator member comprises two rows 29a, 29B of walls 29, the walls 29 of the two rows 29a, 29B being arranged on each side of the teeth 28 of the central row 28 c.

The major axis Z of each wall 29 is linear and extends at a non-zero angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6, preferably the angle α is 45 ° to 80 °.

Along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6, the walls 29 of one row 29A and the corresponding walls 29 of the other row 29B occupying substantially the same axial position form alternating pairs of walls 29 of the pairs 25 and walls 29 of the pairs 26.

As shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the walls 29 of the pairs 25 converge toward the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, and the walls 29 of the diverging pairs 26 diverge toward the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, respectively.

When moving towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, the teeth 28 of the triplets 27 are arranged at an axial position between the teeth 28 of the converging pair 25 and the teeth 28 of the successive diverging pairs 26.

When moving towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, the applicator member 8 comprises a single tooth 28 belonging to the teeth 28 of the central row 28c, at an axial position between the teeth 28 of the diverging pair 26 and the teeth 28 of the successive converging pair 25.

Preferably, the teeth 28 of the converging pair 25 and the teeth 28 of the successive diverging pair 26 are symmetrical with respect to a separation plane perpendicular to the application surface 18. The separation plane may contain teeth in the center row 28c of teeth 28.

When moved toward the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, the teeth 28 of the pair 25 and the teeth 28 of the successive diverging pair 26 may form a substantially X-shaped pattern, as shown.

As can be seen in fig. 6A to 8A, the applicator member 8 may be symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal median plane M perpendicular to the application surface 18.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 8A and 8B, the major axis Z of each wall 29 is curved.

Two consecutive walls 29 in the row have the same radius of curvature r and are concave and convex, respectively, towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18.

At an axial position between two adjacent walls 29 projecting towards each other, the applicator member 8 comprises a triple 27 of teeth 28.

At an axial position between two adjacent walls that are recessed towards each other, the applicator member 8 comprises a double 17 of teeth 28, the double 17 of teeth 28 being formed by two teeth 28 occupying respective side rows 28s of substantially the same axial position.

The distance a between the bottoms of two successive walls 29 projecting towards each other, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core, can be constant.

The distance b between the bottoms of two consecutive walls 29 recessed towards each other, measured along the longitudinal axis of the core, may be constant.

The linear distance f between the longitudinal ends 49 of the wall 29 is preferably 1mm to 3 mm.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 9 to 12, the applicator member 8 comprises two

rows

29a, 29b of walls 29, the walls 29 of the two

rows

29a, 29b being arranged on each side of the teeth 28 of the central row 28 c.

The main axis Z of each wall 29 is rectilinear and extends at a non-zero angle α, this angle α being for example about 75 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the core 6 in the embodiment shown.

As in the embodiment of fig. 7A, when moving towards the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, the teeth 28 of the triplets 27 are arranged at an axial position between the teeth 28 of the converging pair 25 and the teeth 28 of the successive diverging pair 26.

The teeth 28 of the triplets 27 occupy substantially the same axial position along the longitudinal axis X of the core 6, except in the vicinity of the distal end 81 of the application surface 18.

As shown in fig. 9, near the distal end 81 of the application surface 18, the applicator member 8 comprises two triplets 27 of teeth arranged along a curve that substantially follows the curvature of the distal end 81 of the application surface 18. The teeth 28 of one triplet 27 are in contact with the corresponding teeth 28 of the other triplet 27 at their base 10.

The applicator member further comprises two outer rows 28e of teeth 28 extending along the side edges 9 of the applicator member. The teeth 28 and walls 29 of the side rows 28s are arranged between the outer rows 28 e. The teeth 28 of the outer row 28e are located at the same axial position as the teeth 28 of the side row 28s and the outer longitudinal end 49 of the wall 29 and are in contact at their

bases

10, 13 with the teeth 28 of the side row 28s and the outer longitudinal end 49 of the wall 29.

As can be seen from fig. 10, the application surface 18 may be planar over a substantial part of its length L.

The teeth 28 of the central row 28c and the teeth 28 of the side rows 28S are elongated along respective elongation axes S perpendicular to the application surface 18, except for the end teeth 28 near the distal end 81 of the application surface 18.

The end teeth 28 of the triplets 27 closest to the distal end 81 of the application surface 18 extend outwards from the proximal end of the application surface 18 along respective elongation axes S, which respectively form a non-zero elongation angle γ with the longitudinal median plane M of the applicator member 8, wherein the teeth belonging to the central row are contained in the median plane M and the teeth of the side rows extend away from the median plane M.

As shown in fig. 11, the teeth 28 of the outer row 28e also project from the application surface 18 along respective elongation axes S, which respectively form an elongation angle β, non-zero with the median plane M of the applicator member 8, of about 30 ° in the embodiment shown and equal to γ, for example, the teeth 28 of the outer row 28e extend away from the longitudinal median plane M of the applicator member 8.

The elongation axes S of the teeth of each outer row may be parallel. Preferably, the axes of the teeth of the respective outer rows occupying the same axial position are contained in the same plane. The axes of the teeth of the triplets 27 are contained in the same plane as the axes of the teeth of the side rows 28s occupying the same axial position.

As shown in fig. 11, the height h of the teeth and the curved shape of the top 92 of the wall may be chosen such that the free ends of the teeth of the triplets, the outer rows of teeth (occupying substantially the same axial position as the triplets), and the top of the wall 29 of the successive diverging pairs 26 lie substantially on the same arc C, when viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the applicator member 8. The arc may have a radius of curvature R of 5mm to 7mm, preferably 5.5mm to 6 mm.

The width W of the application surface 18 may be 5mm to 7mm, for example about 6 mm.

The applicator member 8 shown in fig. 4 and 14 differs from that of fig. 9 in that the longitudinal axis X of the core 6 is curved. The longitudinal axis X is concave towards the application surface 18. Preferably, the transverse distance D of the application member 8 is 3mm to 5 mm.

As shown in fig. 14, the distal end 81 of the application surface 18 has a pointed shape. In the vicinity of the distal end 81, the applicator member 8 comprises two triplets 27, one triplet 27 closer to the distal end 81 being arranged along a curve substantially following the curvature of the distal end 81.

The teeth 28 of the two outer rows 28e extend along the side edges 9 of the applicator member 8. As shown in fig. 14, the teeth 28 of the outer row 28e are located at the same axial position as the teeth 28 of the side row 28s, except at the distal end 81 of the application surface 18. The teeth 28 of the central row 28c project from the application surface 18 along respective elongation axes parallel to each other, except in the vicinity of the distal end 81, the applicator member 8 comprising, in the vicinity of the distal end 81, two teeth 28 projecting from the application surface 18 along respective elongation axes forming a non-zero angle therebetween and in contact at the bottom thereof.

In order to fix the applicator member to the stem 3, the applicator member 8 may comprise a T-shaped fixing part 84, as can be seen in fig. 12 and 13, which T-shaped fixing part 84 is configured to be inserted in a corresponding groove 86 in the stem 3 of the applicator. The section 84 extends for a length of about U, which is less than the total length T of the applicator member 8. The applicator member 8 comprises a track 91, which track 91 engages into a corresponding recess 92 provided on the stem 3, as shown for example in fig. 5. This may help the user to orient the applicator member 8 when the applicator member 8 and the stem 3 are made of different coloured materials. This may also help to ensure that the applicator member is secured to the stem.

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

For example, the walls and teeth may be arranged differently than in the illustrated embodiment.

The dimensions of the walls and teeth may vary.

The multiple teeth may comprise more than three teeth, for example four teeth formed by two teeth belonging to each side row and two teeth belonging to at least one central row.

Claims

1. Applicator (1) for combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, and/or for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, the applicator (1) comprising a moulded applicator member (8), the applicator member (8) comprising:

-an elongated core (6) defining an application surface;

-a plurality of teeth (28) projecting from the application surface (18);

-at least one row of walls (29) projecting from the application surface (18) and extending along a longitudinal axis (Y), the walls (29) having, at their bottom (30), a cross-section of elongated shape extending along a main axis (Z) transversal to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the at least one row of walls (28).

2. Applicator according to claim 1, the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6) being curved.

3. Applicator according to claim 2, the longitudinal axis (X) being concave towards the application surface.

4. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the application surface (18) being planar along at least half of its length (L), the row of teeth (28) and the row of walls (29) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the core (6) over at least half of the length (L) of the application surface (18).

5. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the wall (29) having, in a cross section of its base (13), a maximum dimension (f) measured along the main axis (Z) of the cross section, the maximum dimension (f) being from 1mm to 3 mm.

6. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the applicator member (8) comprising teeth (28) and walls (29) alternating along a longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6).

7. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the applicator member comprising one central row (28c) of teeth (28) and two lateral rows (28s) of teeth (28), the teeth (28) of the two lateral rows (28s) being on each side of the teeth (28) of the central row (28 c).

8. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the applicator member comprising multiple teeth, the teeth of each multiple tooth occupying substantially the same axial position along the longitudinal axis of the applicator member.

9. Applicator according to claim 8, the applicator member comprising a triple (27) of teeth (28) formed by the teeth (28) of the central row (28c) and the two lateral rows (28s) occupying substantially the same axial position measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6).

10. Applicator according to claim 9, comprising a single row of walls (29), the walls (29) alternating with the teeth (29) of the triplets (27) along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6).

11. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the wall (29) being rectilinear at its bottom.

12. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the wall (29) being curved at its bottom.

13. Applicator according to claim 12, comprising a single row of walls (29), two consecutive walls (29) of the row having the same curvature and being concave and convex, respectively, towards a distal end (81) of an application surface (18), the applicator member (8) comprising:

-a tooth (28) of a triplet (27) at an axial position between two consecutive walls (29) projecting towards each other, and

-a double (17) of teeth (28) formed by two teeth (28) of each side row (28s) occupying substantially the same axial position.

14. Applicator according to claim 9, comprising two rows (29a, 29b) of walls (29) arranged on each side of the teeth (28) of the central row (28c), wherein the walls (29) of one row (29a) and the corresponding walls (29) of the other row (29b) occupying substantially the same axial position form, along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6), alternating pairs (25) of walls (29) and diverging pairs (26) of walls (29), and wherein, respectively, the walls (29) of the pairs (25) converge towards the distal end (81) of the application surface (18), the walls (29) of the diverging pairs (26) diverge towards the distal end (81) of the application surface (18), the main axis (Z) of the cross-section of the walls (29) at their bottom (13) forming an angle (α) with the longitudinal axis (X) of the core, the angle (α) preferably being 45 ° to 80 °, the applicator comprising:

-a triple (27) of teeth (28) at an axial position between a wall (29) of a coming pair (25) and a wall (29) of a successive diverging pair (26) when moving towards the distal end (81) of the applicator member (8), and

-a single tooth (28) of the teeth (28) belonging to the central row (28c) at an axial position between a wall (29) of a diverging pair (26) and a wall (29) of a successive converging pair (25) when moving towards the distal end (81) of the application surface (18).

15. Applicator according to claim 14, comprising at least two outer rows (28e) of teeth (28) on each side of the wall (29) of the rows (29a, 29b), the teeth (28) of the outer rows (28e) of teeth projecting from the application surface (18) along an elongation axis (S) forming a non-zero elongation angle (β) with a longitudinal median plane (M) of the applicator member (8).

16. Applicator according to claim 15, the top (92) of the wall (29) being curved, the height (h) of the teeth (28) and the curved shape of the top (92) of the wall (29) being configured such that, when viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator member (8), the free ends of the teeth (28) of the triplets (27), the teeth (28) of the outer row (28e) occupying substantially the same axial position as the triplets (27), and the tops (92) of the walls (29) of successive divergent pairs (26) lie on the same arc (C).

17. Applicator according to claim 15 or 16, the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6) being curved, the teeth (28) of the central row (28c) of teeth projecting from the application surface (18) along respective elongation axes parallel to each other, except in the vicinity of the distal end 81, the applicator member (8) comprising, in the vicinity of the distal end 81, two teeth (28) belonging to the teeth (28) of the central row (28c), the two teeth (28) being in contact at their bottom and projecting from the application surface (18) along respective elongation axes forming a non-zero angle therebetween.

18. Applicator according to any one of claims 15 to 17, the teeth (28) of the outer row (28e) of teeth being in contact with the teeth (28) of the side row (28s) and with the wall (29) at the bottoms (10, 13) of the teeth (28) of the side row (28s) and of the wall (29).

19. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, two successive walls (29) of the at least one row of walls (29) being arranged alternately along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6) and at least partially overlapping one another, the applicator comprising two central rows (28a, 28b) of teeth when viewed along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6), wherein the two teeth (28) of each central row (28a, 28b) occupying substantially the same axial position measured along the longitudinal axis of the core form a central pair (24) of teeth (28), the teeth (28) of the central pair (24) alternating with the walls (29) along the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6); at an axial position where a wall (29) is present, the applicator comprises a single tooth (28) belonging to one of the teeth (28) of the side row (28s), wherein the single tooth (28) and a centroid (C) of the respective wall (29) occupying substantially the same axial position as the tooth (28) are located on each side of the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (6).

20. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the applicator member comprising at least one row of teeth (28e), the teeth (28e) of the at least one row extending along respective elongation axes at an angle (β) to a longitudinal median plane (M) of the applicator member (8).

21. A packaged applicator device for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, the device comprising an applicator (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20 and a container (3) containing the cosmetic product for application to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

22. Cosmetic treatment process for combing the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or applying a cosmetic product thereto, using an applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 20.