CN113163887A

CN113163887A - Cosmetic applicator for attaching fibers to human keratin materials

Info

Publication number: CN113163887A
Application number: CN201980082501.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 亨利·萨曼; 弗兰克·吉隆
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-20
Publication date: 2021-07-23
Also published as: FR3090302A1; WO2020128047A1; EP3897263A1; US20220000203A1

Abstract

Cosmetic applicator (1) for attaching fibres (2) to human keratin materials, comprising a number n of fibres (2) carried by a support member (10) so as to be able to be detached from the support member (10) during attachment, the n fibres (2) having a portion extending in front of the support member (10) before detachment of the support member (10), the n fibres (2) comprising at most m fibres (2) of at least one group (8) connected together outside the support member (10), where m < n and m > 1.

Description

Cosmetic applicator for attaching fibers to human keratin materials

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator for attaching fibres to human keratin materials, in particular eyelashes, eyebrows, hair fibres, skin, eyelids, scalp. The invention also relates to a method for attaching fibres to a region of human keratin material.

Background

Many people desire to give their eyes a greater impact force and to this end increase the number of eyelashes. There are solutions for false eyelashes, such as false eyelash sticks or small strands. However, these solutions create an artificial appearance.

Another solution consists in going to a professional organisation in order to glue the individual fibres. The operator attaches the first eyelash using forceps and the first fiber, she places a drop of quick gel (usually ethyl cyanoacrylate) at the end of the first fiber. She brings the fiber into contact with the other eyelash, waits for the glue to set, and then releases the forceps. Attachment of the fibers took about 1 minute. Thus, to attach 50 fibers to each row of eyelashes, the operation will last for about 2 hours. This process is laborious for operators who must concentrate on 2 hours. This process is also very expensive due to the time taken. Thus, this solution is not suitable for many people who have neither time nor means to perform it.

Further, another problem may occur in the case of attaching a bent fiber. In particular, when depositing individual fibers on the eyelashes, if the fibers are curved, they may turn over and glue onto the row of eyelashes without any alignment with the eyelashes. Even if the fibers are parallel to each other, they are not parallel to the natural eyelashes. The results obtained are unattractive.

EP 2891420 relates to a device for dispensing artificial eyelashes comprising a housing equipped with a dispensing area, a carrier to which a plurality of artificial eyelashes are fixed, a movement mechanism which can be actuated to cause the movement of the carrier in order to deliver the artificial eyelashes towards the dispensing area and to allow the artificial eyelashes to exit through said dispensing area, said eyelashes being oriented transversely to the axis of extension of the carrier at least as they pass through said dispensing area.

WO 2013/171232 relates to a device for dispensing artificial eyelashes comprising a housing having a dispensing opening, a carrier strip to which a plurality of artificial eyelash units are attached, and a moving mechanism that can be actuated to move the strip to deliver the artificial eyelash units towards and out through the dispensing opening.

It is desirable to have a quick and inexpensive solution for attaching fibers to human keratin materials that enables the positioning of the fibers in substantial alignment with adjacent human keratin fibers.

Disclosure of Invention

Applicator device

Thus, according to one aspect, the invention relates to a cosmetic applicator for attaching fibres to human keratin materials, comprising a number n of fibres carried by a support member so as to be able to detach from the support member during attachment, the n fibres having a portion extending in front of the support member before detachment of the support member, the n fibres comprising at most m fibres of at least one group connected together outside the support member, where m < n and m > 1.

Thanks to the invention, there is an applicator that enables grouping of at least a portion of the fibers into groups of at least two fibers connected together. This makes it possible to prevent the fibers from flipping over during attachment. The deposited fibers may thus be aligned with natural fibers, such as eyelashes.

The m fibres are preferably joined together at their ends.

At least two of the m fibres may be joined together by gluing, welding or melting.

At least two of the m fibers may be formed by folding a monofilament. In this case, the filaments need only be folded to obtain a set of two fibers.

In at least one group, the fibers may be joined together by elements external to the fibers. The external element is then added to the fibers of the set to connect them. It may be a U-shaped connector, the set of fibres being attached to the arms of the U-shaped connector.

The number m of fibres in at least one group, better still in each group, is preferably exactly equal to 2. In this case and where the fibres are joined together at their ends, the shape of each set of two fibres may have a V-shape, the join between two fibres being a point shape at the joined ends of the fibres, or a U-shape with a non-point-shaped join at the joined ends of the fibres.

In an exemplary embodiment, the number m of fibers in at least one group is 2 to 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, the applicator comprises a number n of fibers temporarily carried by the support member; when carried by the support member, the n fibres have a portion extending in front of the support member; the n fibers comprise groups, wherein at most m fibers in each group are connected together outside the support member, wherein m < n and m > 1; these groups are connected together only by the support member and can adhere to the human keratin materials by means of at least one binding end of the fibres.

At least a portion of the fibers may have a non-zero curvature. In particular, all fibers may have a non-zero curvature.

At least two fibers, in particular at least two fibers within the same group, may have different non-zero curvatures. Conversely, at least two fibers, particularly within the same group, may have similar non-zero curvatures.

At least a portion of the fibers may have zero curvature and be straight.

The joined ends of the two sets of fibers may intersect.

The joined ends of the sets are preferably aligned on a line, which may be straight or curved; or the joined ends of the sets are preferably aligned on a face, which may be planar or curved.

The unbonded ends of at least two of the m fibres are advantageously kept at least 1mm apart from each other on the support member. In this case, when the fibres are joined together by an element external to the fibres, and when they have a similar non-zero curvature, they are substantially parallel to one another, the external element enabling the joined ends of the fibres to be spread apart by the same distance as the separation distance of the fibres at their unbonded ends.

When the fibres are carried by the support member, the distance between the unbound ends of the fibres is preferably substantially the same as the distance between the unbound ends of the fibres after attachment to the human keratin material.

The groups are preferably connected together only by the support member.

The support member may temporarily hold the fibers by a mechanical system comprising one or more parts movable relative to each other, the mechanical system being configured to move from a fiber holding configuration to a fiber releasing configuration, the force to be applied on the fibers to release the fibers from the application member being greater in the holding configuration than in the releasing configuration.

As a variant, the supporting means of the fibres comprise at least one channel in which the fibres are inserted, this channel being defined by at least one portion which completely surrounds the fibres in cross section and has at least one end-of-travel stop which limits the insertion of the fibres.

Method

According to another aspect, another subject of the invention is a method for attaching fibres to a region of human keratin materials using a cosmetic applicator as defined above, comprising the following steps:

a) applying a first adhesive composition to at least a portion of the fibers and/or the region,

b) contacting at least one set of fibres carried by the support member with said region,

c) the support member is moved away from the area such that the fibers adhere to the area.

The area is constituted, for example, by keratin fibres (for example eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair, hair fibres) and/or by eyelids, facial skin, scalp or skull.

At least one group may be adhered to the region by at least one bonded end of the fibers.

The method may further comprise the steps of: applying a second adhesive composition to at least a portion of the fibers adhered to the region.

All steps of the method can be performed by the user, which is advantageous in terms of costs. Another advantage of the present invention resides in the fact that: the operation can be carried out by a professional, since, although this causes additional costs, the long wear resistance obtained (which can be extended, for example, by up to 15 days) makes it possible to keep the costs at a moderate level with respect to the duration of the result.

The method may comprise the steps of: drying the first adhesive composition after step a) of applying the first adhesive composition. In this case, the duration of the drying step may be from 30 seconds to 20 minutes, in particular from 1 minute to 10 minutes, or even from 1 minute to 5 minutes. Step b) may be performed only after at least partial drying of the first adhesive composition.

The method may comprise the steps of: during setting of the second binder composition, if desired, at least a portion of the fibers adhered to the region are carded.

The method may comprise the steps of: a cosmetic composition, in particular a mascara, is deposited on the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows and on the added fibres of said area. This step is advantageously carried out at the end of the method after the attachment of the fibers.

The method may comprise the steps of: all or some of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows and the added fibers of the area are curled (particularly using a heating device). This step is advantageously carried out at the end of the process after the attachment of the fibres, for example, if desired, after the application of the second adhesive composition.

In the practice of the method according to the present invention, the fibers, the first binder composition, the second binder composition and the applicator may be defined as follows.

Assembly

According to another aspect of the invention, another subject of the invention is an assembly for carrying out the method as defined above, comprising (in particular in the same packaging device) a first adhesive composition, a cosmetic applicator and optionally a second adhesive composition.

The assembly may further comprise at least one of the following accessories: a mascara applicator, an eyelash curler, an eyelash and/or eyebrow comb, or any other care or make-up attachment for the eyelashes or eyebrows.

The assembly may be contained in the same package which is hermetically sealed prior to use.

In the assembly according to the invention, the fibres, the first adhesive composition, the second adhesive composition and the applicator may be defined as follows.

Fiber

According to the invention, the term "fiber" is understood to mean an object of length L and diameter D, such that L is greater than D, and preferably L is much greater than D, D being the diameter of the circle inscribed in the largest cross-section of the fiber. In particular, the ratio L/D (or aspect ratio) is chosen in the range of values from 3.5 to 2500, preferably from 10 to 1000, better still from 20 to 500.

The fibres may be chosen from natural fibres and synthetic fibres, in particular polyamide fibres, for example

The fibers may be inorganic or organic. They may be long or short, single or ordered (e.g., braided), and hollow or solid. They may have any shape, e.g. curved or substantially straight, preferably curved. They may in particular have a circular or polygonal (square, hexagonal or octagonal) cross section. In particular, their unbonded ends may be blunted and/or smoothed to prevent injury.

The fibers may be those used in the manufacture of textiles, in particular silk fibers; cotton fibers; wool fibers; flax fibers; especially cellulose fibers extracted from wood, plants or algae; rayon fibers; polyamide

Fibers; viscose fibers; acetate fibers, particularly rayon acetate fibers; acrylic polymer fibers, in particular polymethyl methacrylate fibers or poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) fibers; polyolefin fibers, especially polyethylene or polypropylene fibers; polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers; polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) fibers; glass fibers; a silica fiber; carbon fibers, particularly in the form of graphite; polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g. PTFE)

) Fibers; insoluble collagen fibers; polyester fibers; polyvinyl chloride fibers or polyvinylidene chloride fibers; poly (vinyl alcohol) fibers; polyacrylonitrile fibers; chitosan fibers; a polyurethane fiber; polyethylene phthalate fibers; or fibers formed from, for example, mixtures of the above polymers, such as polyamide/polyester fibers.

The fibers may be human fibers.

Furthermore, the fibers may be surface treated and/or covered with a protective layer or layer intended to impart color thereto.

Flame retardant acrylic fibers under the brand name "Kanekalon" may be used.

For example, the fibers are those sold under the number Minke-tips SKINTEX Flock ref.590502.

The same fibers may be used, or as a variant, a mixture of fibers that differ from each other in their length, cross-section, material, shape and/or cross-section may be used. The use of different length fibers may impart greater naturalness. The same is true of the mixed colors. In a particular embodiment, the applicator may have a mixture of fibers of different colors. The colors of the fibers may be mixed in an ordered or random manner. Different colors or combinations of colors may be employed in the fibers without departing from the scope of the present invention. Fibers that produce special effects, such as clear fibers and/or luminescent fibers, may also be included. This can create a novel aesthetic effect on the eyelashes.

The length of the fibers may be about 0.5mm to 20 mm.

The maximum diameter of the fibers is, for example, about 20 μm to 200 μm, in particular about 50 μm to 200 μm. The diameter may or may not be constant along the fiber. The fibers may have a tapered shape.

The weight of the fiber or yarn count is usually given in denier or dtex and represents the weight in grams per 9km of yarn. The fibers have, for example, a unit yarn count of 0.1 denier to 100 denier, preferably 1 denier to 70 denier, and more preferably 5 denier to 60 denier.

Applicator device

The applicator is advantageously configured such that the support member temporarily holds the fiber set prior to attachment of the fiber set. The support member is provided such that the fibers it supports adhere to the first adhesive composition and separate from the support member when contacted with the first adhesive composition.

Applicator comprising at least one channel

The applicator comprises a support member temporarily carrying at least one set of fibres to be attached to human keratin materials, in particular for volumizing and/or lengthening the eyelashes and/or eyebrows. The support member may include at least one channel into which the fiber set is inserted, the channel being defined by at least one portion that completely surrounds the fiber in cross-section and has at least one end-of-travel stop that limits fiber insertion.

In this case, the applicator advantageously comprises a plurality of channels, at least some of which accommodate the fibres, in particular from 2 to 50 channels, better still from 10 to 50 channels. The applicator may include a plurality of channels, only some of which receive fibers, as desired, depending on the area of the eyelashes or eyebrows to be voluminous or lengthened. As a variant, all the channels accommodate fibres.

The inner diameter of each channel is preferably greater than the maximum diameter of the fibre it contains. Preferably, the diameter D of the channel_cWith maximum diameter D of the fibres_fRatio D between_c/D_fIs 1.5 to 10. When the ratio D is_c/D_fWhen greater than 10, administeringThe device preferably has means for holding each fibre. The holding mechanism is such that the fibres do not slide in an uncontrolled manner in the channel. The retaining mechanism may have a narrowing portion of the channel such that at the narrowing portion, the ratio D_c/D_fLess than 10. The retention mechanism may also have an activatable system that clamps the fiber in a portion of the channel. The retaining mechanism may also have a non-stick material disposed in the channel along all or part of the length of the channel.

The channels may be formed from an elastomeric material, in particular a material having a shore a hardness of from 0 to 50, preferably from 8 to 40.

The elastomeric material imparts flexibility to the applicator such that a user can hold or deform the applicator to hold the fibers and then release the pressure or torque to allow the fibers to move and exit the respective channels. The elastomeric material may be selected from the group consisting of: silicones, such as Platsil Gel silicone from Polytec corporation; rubbers derived from vinyl polymerization and crosslinking; TPEs, which are thermoplastic elastomeric polymers generally consisting of chains with two blocks, such as polyurethane TPE (with isocyanate blocks and ether/ester blocks), TPE-E (with polyester blocks and polyether blocks), TPE-C (with polyamide blocks and polyether blocks), TPE-S (with styrene blocks and polybutadiene or polyisoprene or polyethylene blocks). Such a material makes it possible to advantageously obtain a feel with a non-stick effect, which keeps at least a small amount of the fibre in the channel so that it does not accidentally slip out of the channel, without the need for other adhesives for this retention. The retention is preferably diametrically opposed so that the fibre can be easily removed from the channel when desired.

At least one channel may be closed in cross-section along its entire length.

At least one channel may be open in cross-section along a portion of its length less than its total length and around a portion of its circumference less than its total circumference.

At least some of the channels may have the same shape. In particular, all channels of the applicator may have the same shape.

At least some of the channels may have different shapes.

The channels may or may not have the shape of fibers. If the ratio D_c/D_fLess than 3, the channels preferably have the same shape as the fibers. On the other hand, if the ratio D is_c/D_fGreater than 10, the channels preferably have a shape different from the shape of the fibers. The difference in shape may retain the fibers to prevent them from sliding naturally, particularly under the force of gravity.

The channel may be defined by a tube. In this case, the applicator preferably has at least one connection connecting the tubes together. The connecting piece constitutes, for example, a flexible hinge between the tubes, so that the orientation of the tubes relative to adjacent tubes can be changed. As a variant, the connection is realized to limit or even prevent movement between the tubes. The connection may be such that the tubes are connected together by snap fastening.

In a particular embodiment, the channels are formed in a unitary component. The end of travel stop may be formed by a portion of the component.

When each channel contains one fiber, it preferably contains a single fiber in a group.

The fibers may protrude from the channel through the open outlet of the channel by a length of greater than or equal to 1mm, which may be different for two different fibers. The connections between the fibers of the same set of fibers are formed outside the channel at that length.

The channels are arranged, for example, in a fan shape, particularly when the channels are formed as a unitary component or when the channels are formed from tubes that are connected together.

The end-of-travel stop may be movable relative to an exit of the channel through which the fibers emerge. As described above, the travel end stop is formed, for example, by a portion of a unitary member formed with a channel. It may be adjustable, if appropriate.

The applicator may have a plurality of channels substantially identical to each other and evenly distributed, for example arranged in a fan, each channel containing a fibre. This configuration is particularly recommended for eyelash rows where the eyelashes are sparse.

For an incomplete row of eyelashes having one or more exposed areas, the applicator may take different forms. For example, the applicator may have a width such that it covers only a portion of the row of eyelashes. As a variant, the applicator may cover the entire row with a plurality of channels, only some of which contain fibres, but next to one or more bare areas of the row of eyelashes. Alternatively, the applicator may cover the entire row with a plurality of channels, each filled with fibers, the applicator having a mechanism for only protruding from the channels fibers that will be added to the row at the exposed areas of the row of eyelashes. As a variant, the applicator may cover the entire row with a plurality of channels, each filled with fibres, the applicator having means for preventing the channels not next to the bare area of the row of eyelashes from releasing. In another variation, the applicator may cover the entire row with multiple channels, each filled with fibers, with a mechanism for preventing release of fibers not next to the bare area of the row of eyelashes. In mechanisms that may be used to prevent such release, the fibers may be blocked by, for example, clamping the fibers or introducing glue dots into the tube. In another embodiment, the applicator may cover the entire row with channels limited to those channels immediately adjacent to the exposed area of the row of eyelashes in the practice of the procedure.

Fiber retention applicator

As a variant, the support member of the applicator may temporarily hold the group of fibers, in particular by gluing, by friction or by a mechanical system.

Such a mechanical system, which may comprise one or more parts movable relative to each other, such as arms of tweezers or turns of a spring, is configured to move from a fiber holding configuration to a configuration for releasing the group of fibers, the force to be applied on these fibers to release the fibers from the applicator being greater in the holding configuration than in the release configuration.

The mechanical system comprises, for example, a spring that clamps the fiber between its turns, which spring can be stretched in the holding configuration in order to open the turns and release the fiber. The fibers may be held between the turns of the spring, the fibers being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring. The spring may be manually activated between a retaining configuration and a releasing configuration. The spring may comprise an end attached to a manually activated actuation lever. As a variant, the spring is compressed or released along its longitudinal axis, which may be the longitudinal axis of an applicator comprising, for example, a button and two stops near the two ends of the spring, one stop preferably being movable along the longitudinal axis during the activation of the button and the other stop preferably being fixed.

As a variant, the fibres may be retained on the applicator by at least one material whose mechanical strength is reduced by the stimulus, the method consisting in subjecting the applicator to the stimulus so as to reduce the force to be applied on the fibres, thereby causing the fibres to be released from the applicator, the exposure to the stimulus occurring before and/or during the contact of the fibres with the first adhesive composition present on the eyelashes or eyebrows or hair fibres. The stimulus is, for example, thermal, and the material then preferably comprises wax, in particular beeswax, candelilla wax or paraffin wax. As a variant, the stimulation is chemical and comprises exposing the applicator to a solvent, preferably water, of said material.

The fibers may be placed on the applicator by electrostatic flocking.

During the practice of the method, the fibers may be completely detached from the applicator. As a variation, the fiber may include a base that remains captured by the applicator at the first end portion and a releasable portion that is released. In this case, the fibers may comprise a predetermined area which is mechanically weakened or sensitive to a stimulus which makes it possible to mechanically weaken the predetermined area, in particular a thermal or chemical stimulus, the force to be applied to cause the releasable portion to separate from the root being smaller than the adhesion force adhering the releasable portion to the first adhesive composition. The predetermined area may be located at the same position along the length of the fiber for all fibers. As a variant, this is not the case, which makes it possible to have, after release, fibres of variable length, which are able to impart different aesthetic effects to the eyelashes.

The fibers may be retained on the applicator by a multiple retention system comprising a first retention system and a second retention system, the first retention system releasing the fibers for an applied force below an adhesion force adhering the fibers to the first adhesive composition; when used in combination with the first retention system, the second retention system ensures retention of the fibers up to a force greater than the adhesion force adhering the fibers to the first adhesive composition, the second system being modified during application of the fibers to the first adhesive composition using the applicator such that the force to be applied to cause release of the fibers is to a value below the adhesion force adhering the fibers to the first adhesive composition. The modification may comprise exposing the second retention system to a thermal or chemical stimulus.

The applicator can hold the fiber such that it detaches from the applicator when a tension equal to 15mN or even equal to 20mN is exerted thereon.

First adhesive composition

The first adhesive composition is advantageously provided to adhere the fibres to an area of human keratin materials (for example the skin, the eyelids, the scalp), or to keratin fibres.

The first adhesive composition is advantageously suitable for application to the eyelashes and eyelids, skin, scalp, and also for cosmetic use.

The first adhesive composition comprises or consists of an adhesive material.

Within the meaning of the present invention, the term "material" refers to a polymer or a polymer system which may comprise one or more polymers of different nature. The binder material may be in the form of a polymer solution or a dispersion of polymer particles in a solvent. The adhesive material may also contain a plasticizer. The adhesive material must have a certain viscosity defined by its viscoelastic properties.

The Adhesive material according to the invention may for example be selected from Pressure Sensitive adhesives, such as those cited in the Handbook of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology, third edition, d.satas.

The binder material may be selected from acrylic polymers or copolymers.

The pressure sensitive adhesive material may be selected from acrylic polymers, in particular copolymers of acrylic and methacrylic esters, pressure sensitive adhesives based on rubber or on styrene copolymers, such as styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers.

Examples of potentially suitable acrylic copolymers are commercially available under the trademarks EASTAREZ 2010, 2020, and 2050(Eastman Chemical Co.), ACRONAL V210(BASF), MOWILITH LDM 7255, REVACRYL 491(Clariant), and FLEXBOND 165(Air Products). As a preferred example of acrylic copolymer, mention may be made of the use of the acrylate/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer sold under the name Dainosol 5500GM by DAITO KASEI KOGYO.

The first adhesive composition may be selected from those sold from American International Industries, Inc

Eyelash adhesive series and adhesive composition for eyelashes from Daitosol 5500GM of DAITO KASEI KOGYO.

Commercial examples of potentially suitable polymer rubbers are known under the trademarks RICON 130 polybutadiene (Atofina Sartomer) and ISOLENE 40 polyisoprene (Elementis).

Examples of potentially suitable polyurethane-based adhesives are available under the trademarks SANCURE 2104(NovCUR) and VYLON UR 1400(Toyobo Vylon).

Examples of potentially suitable vinyl acetate copolymers are commercially available under the trademarks PVP/VA 6-630 (International Specialty Products) and FLEXBOND 149 (Air Products).

Examples of vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymers are commercially available under the trademarks CELVOL 107(Celanese) and ELVANOL 50-42 (DuPont).

Mention may also be made of block or statistical copolymers comprising at least one monomer or combination of monomers, wherein the resulting polymer has a glass transition temperature below ambient temperature (25 ℃), these monomers or combination of monomers being able to be selected from butadiene, ethylene, propylene, isoprene, isobutylene, silicones and mixtures thereof. Examples of such materials are block Polymers of the styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene- (ethylene-butylene) -styrene or styrene-isoprene-styrene type, such as those commercially available from Kraton under the trade name "Kraton" or from Dexco Polymers under the trade name "lymer.

The adhesive material according to the invention may also comprise tackifying resins, such as rosins or rosin derivatives, for example hydrogenated rosins, rosin esters, hydrogenated rosin esters, terpenes, resins based on aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic resins, styrene resins and coumarone-indene resins. Mention may also be made of compounds such as shellac, sandarac gum (sandarac gum), dammar gum, elemi gum (elemi gum), copal resin (copal resin), benzoin and mastic gum (gum mastic).

Mention may also be made of silicone resins which are crosslinked polyorganosiloxane polymers.

The nomenclature of silicone resins is known under the name "MDTQ", the resin being described in terms of the different siloxane monomer units it contains, the letters M, D, T and Q characterizing the type of units respectively.

Among these resins, mention may be made in particular of siloxysilicate resins, which may be of formula [ (CH)₃)₃XSiXO]_xX(SiO₄/₂)_y(MQ units) where x and y are integers from 50 to 80, a lipid-dispersible film-forming polymer in the form of a non-aqueous dispersion of polymer particles, also known as NAD.

As non-aqueous dispersions of hydrophobic film-forming polymers, it is possible to use dispersions of particles of grafted ethylenic polymers, preferably acrylic polymers, in a liquid oil phase, for example in the form of surface-stabilized particles dispersed in a liquid fatty phase. Dispersions of surface-stabilized polymer particles can be produced as described in document WO 04/055081.

Mention may also be made of (meth) acrylic acid C stabilized by a stabilizer chosen from isobornyl (meth) acrylate polymers₁-C₄Dispersions of alkyl ester polymer particles, as described in document WO 2015/091513.

Uv-reactive adhesives may also be used.

For example, the (acrylic latex) adhesive Cream Blend 331 from Pros-Aide or the (soluble sulfopolyester polymer) adhesive AQ1350 from Eastman Chemical may be used.

Application of the first adhesive composition

The adhesive composition may be applied in the form of a continuous film on the eyelashes, eyebrows, hair fibers, and/or on the eyelids, scalp, skin, especially when the fiber density on the applicator is not too high.

As a variant, the first adhesive composition is applied by forming non-adhesive zones between the adhesive zones, which makes it possible to control the density and distribution of the fibres that remain adhered to the eyelashes, eyebrows or hair fibres.

An adhesive applicator that transfers the first adhesive composition may be used. In particular, the assembly according to the invention may comprise an adhesive applicator for applying the first adhesive composition to the eyelashes. In this case, the adhesive applicator comprises an end piece, for example flocked. The adhesive applicator may be shaped to match the shape of the root of the eyelashes. In this particular case, the movement of the hand is simple, since all that is necessary is to move the adhesive applicator to the vicinity of the row of eyelashes, and then to make contact to deposit the adhesive material on the roots of the eyelashes. The adhesive applicator may also comprise, for example, a pen dispensing the first adhesive composition or an applicator cooperating with a container containing the first adhesive composition, such as an applicator provided with a fine-brushed or flocked thermoplastic end piece.

Second adhesive composition

The second adhesive composition may be selected from the group consisting of: gums, in particular gums which react without forming a mixture, such as alkyl cyanoacrylates, where the alkyl group may be an ethyl or octyl (e.g. n-octyl or 2-octyl) or butyl (e.g. isobutyl) group; solvent gums (e.g., isoprene); or a glue mixed at the time of use (e.g., a two-part glue), such as a glue involving a functionalized epoxide resin and a polymerization agent (e.g., 1,4,7, 10-tetraazadecane); or gums used with heat activation, in particular waxes, in particular esters of acids and cetyl alcohol; or glues based on polymers with crosslinkable functional groups, for example free methacrylate or free acrylate.

Glues, particularly reactive glues, can be used in the package allowing early setting.

The second adhesive composition is preferably selected from the group consisting of glues of the cyanoacrylate type and derivatives, for example (alkyl) cyanoacrylate glues, in particular with C₂-C₈Alkyl cyanoacrylates of the alkyl chain, for example of the ethyl cyanoacrylate type, (iso) butyl cyanoacrylate type or octyl cyanoacrylate type.

The second adhesive composition preferably comprises a cyanoacrylate-type glue, for example a black-coloured cyanoacrylate-type glue.

The second adhesive composition is, for example, the Loctite Super-glue 3 Power Flex glue based on ethyl cyanoacrylate sold by Henkel, or the Dermabond glue based on octyl cyanoacrylate sold by Ethicon.

The second adhesive composition is advantageously deposited on a first portion of the length of the fibres, preferably less than half the length of the fibres, on the side where the fibres adhere to the keratin materials (for example the natural eyelashes or the eyelids).

Drawings

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

fig. 1 schematically shows an example of an applicator according to the invention in a perspective view;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a set of fibers for an applicator (e.g., the applicator of FIG. 1);

FIG. 3 schematically shows an implementation of the steps of the method according to the invention;

FIG. 4 schematically shows the implementation of a further step of the method according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a photograph showing eyelids and eyelashes fitted with fibers after the implementation of the method according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 schematically shows another example of a set of fibres for an applicator according to the present invention;

fig. 7 schematically shows in a perspective view another example of an applicator according to the invention comprising a fibre set according to fig. 6;

fig. 8 schematically shows in a perspective view another example of an applicator according to the invention comprising a fibre set according to fig. 6;

fig. 9 schematically shows in a side view another example of an applicator according to the invention comprising a fibre set according to fig. 6;

fig. 10 schematically shows in a perspective view another example of an applicator according to the invention comprising a fibre set according to fig. 6;

FIG. 11 schematically shows an example of an assembly according to the invention;

fig. 12 schematically shows another example of an applicator according to the invention in a partial perspective view;

fig. 13 schematically shows another example of an applicator according to the invention in a partial perspective view; and

fig. 14 schematically shows another example of an applicator according to the invention in a partial perspective view.

Detailed Description

In the rest of the description, identical elements or elements with equivalent function bear the same reference numerals. The description of the elements is not repeated for each figure, only to point out the main differences between the embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows an applicator 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for attaching fibers to human keratin materials, in particular the eyelashes, the eyebrows, the hair fibers and/or the eyelids, the facial skin, the skull or the scalp.

The support member 10 of the applicator 1 has at least one channel 30 into which the fibre 2 is inserted. In this example, the support member 10 comprises a plurality of channels 30 substantially identical to each other and evenly distributed, each channel 30 containing a fibre 2. The support member 10 forms a unitary component made of elastomeric material having a substantially trapezoidal shape, the channels 30 being arranged in sectors. The support member 10 internally comprises a hollow forming the channel 30, and at the end of the channel 30 a travel end stop 50 is formed inside the support member 10, which travel end stop 50 limits the insertion of the fibre 2 in the monolithic part. Each channel 30 is defined by at least one portion 40, the cross-section of which portion 40 completely surrounds the fibre 2.

Each channel 30 has an open outlet 70 on the side opposite the stop 50 through which the fibre 2 contained in the channel passes. The length of the fibers 2 extending from the outlet 70 may vary from one fiber to another, being about 1mm or 2 mm. The inner diameter of each channel 30 is greater than the maximum diameter of the fibre 2 it contains.

In this example, the channel 30 is closed in cross-section over its entire length.

In this example, the fibers 2 are made of filaments. The maximum diameter of the fibers 2 is about 50 μ 0 to 200 diameters.

The support member 10 has a gripping means 60 beyond the stop 50 on the side opposite the outlet 70 of the channel 30.

The applicator 1 comprises a number n of fibres 2 temporarily carried by a support member 10. As shown, these n fibres 2 have a portion 3 which, when carried by the support member 10, extends in front of the support member 10. These n fibres 2 comprise at least one group 8 of at most m fibres 2, where m < n and m >1, connected together outside the support member 10. In the example shown, the exact number m is 2, and all fibers are connected in pairs.

Also in this example, the m fibres 2 are joined together at their ends 5. At least two of the m fibres (in this example all m fibres) are joined together by gluing, by welding, by melting, and/or at least two of the m fibres are formed by folding the monofilament 6, as is the case with the fibres 2 visible in fig. 2. In particular, the group 8 in this figure is formed by a monofilament 6, this monofilament 6 being doubled back to form two fibres 2 joined together at their ends. They form a V with curved arms.

Again in this example, the fibres 2 have a non-zero curvature which for at least a portion of them is substantially different from each other.

Within the support member 10, the unbonded ends 7 of at least two of the m fibres 2 are kept spaced apart from each other by at least d ═ 1 mm.

The support member 10 may be used to implement the methods described below.

The first step of this method for attaching the fibres 2 to an area of human keratin materials (for example the eyelashes and/or the eyelid) consists in applying a first adhesive composition to said area, for example applying a PSA adhesive to the eyelid P. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the second step consists in bringing the fibres 2 carried by the applicator 1 into contact with the first adhesive composition. Then, in a third step, the applicator 1 is moved away from the area, so that the fibers 2 of the group 8 are adhered to the area via the at least one bonded end 5 of the fibers. The results visible in the photograph of fig. 5 were obtained.

In a possible fourth step, a second adhesive composition (for example a cyanoacrylate-based fixing glue) is deposited on at least a portion of the fibres 2 adhering to said area.

The method may further comprise a step after the first step of drying the first adhesive composition for a time period of 1 minute to 5 minutes.

After the optional fourth step of depositing the second binder composition, a step of carding at least a portion of said fibers 2 adhered to said region may be provided, if desired, during the setting of the second binder composition.

At the end of the process, the process may also comprise a further step consisting in applying a cosmetic product (in particular mascara) to the eyelashes or eyebrows, and/or in applying a mascara and/or in performing a heat treatment to curl the eyelashes.

The fibers 2 of the group 8 may be connected together by other mechanisms. Fig. 6 shows a set of two fibres 2 which are connected together by means of an element 15 (in particular a connector) external to the fibres. They form a U-shape with arms that are substantially parallel and curved with respect to each other. The distance between the fibres 2 at their connecting ends 5 is substantially equal to the distance between the fibres 2 at their unbonded ends 7. This distance is maintained on the applicator 1 shown in fig. 7 carrying the fibers.

In this example, the support member 10 holds the fibers 2 of the group 8 by its unbonded end 7, for example by means of an adhesive present on the surface 16 of the support member 10. The groups 8 are evenly distributed over several rows on the surface 16 of the support member 10. The grip portion 60 is a handle. The fibers 2 do not cross each other. As in the previous example, all groups 8 contain two fibres.

In the example shown in fig. 8, the fibers 2 of the group 8 are arranged in a staggered arrangement on the surface 16.

In the example of fig. 7 and 8, the surface 16 of the support member 10 is flat. In the example of fig. 9, the surface 16 is curved, concave towards the fibre 2.

In the example of fig. 10, the surface 16 is flat, but the fibers of the group 8 are arranged along a curve L on this surface. This makes it possible to adapt the curvature of the rows of eyelashes.

Fig. 11 shows an example of an assembly according to the invention comprising, inter alia, a first adhesive composition a contained in a container 150, an applicator 1 having a support member 10 carrying the fibre 2 to be attached and a second adhesive composition B contained in a container 42 in the same packaging device, for example in a hermetically sealed package.

The first adhesive composition a is for example chosen from those sold by the American International Industries, inc

Eyelash adhesive series of adhesive compositions for eyelashes, or an adhesive composition sold by DAITO KASEI KOGYO called Dainosol 5500GM of acrylate/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer. Another suitable first adhesive composition may also be used.

In this non-limiting example, the container 150 comprises a reservoir 32 of the first adhesive composition a and a cap 33, the cap 33 being equipped with a rod 34, the rod 34 carrying an application element 35 at the free end. The wiping member 36 is arranged on a neck 37 at the top of the reservoir 32.

The second adhesive composition B may be contained in a similar or different container 42.

The second adhesive composition B may be Loctite Super-glue 3 Power Flex glue sold by Henkel.

In this example, the applicator 1 comprises a gripping portion 60 and a support member 10 having a support surface 16, the unbonded end 7 of the fibers 2 being temporarily connected to the support surface 16 via at least two fibers of the set 8.

The first adhesive composition a, the second adhesive composition B and the applicator 1 may be offered for sale separately.

The assembly may also include a cosmetic product (e.g., mascara), a mechanical or heated mascara curler, a comb or brush, and other accessories for treating the eyelashes or eyebrows or hair fibers, in a reservoir that holds a container of mascara brush or comb.

The applicator 1 may also be different without departing from the scope of the invention.

Fig. 12 shows another example of an applicator 1, the applicator 1 comprising a rod 101 extending along a longitudinal axis X, and a (not visible here) button at one end of the rod 101, which controls the opening or closing of a spring 45 located on the rod 101 parallel to the axis X, at the other end 102 of the rod 101. As shown in fig. 12, the unbound ends 7 of the fibers 2 of the group 8 are held between the turns of the spring 45 in the closed position of the spring 45. When the button is activated, the spring 45 moves to the open state, which enables the release of the fibres 2 of the group 8.

In fig. 12, the applicator 1 further comprises a spring 45 positioned perpendicular to the axis of the

forceps

46 and 47 at one end 48 thereof. The

tweezers

46 and 47 are brought together at the end of the tweezers opposite to the end 46, so that the turns of the spring 45 can be separated, releasing the fiber 2 of the group 8. Instead, as shown, in the deployed position of the end of the forceps opposite end 46, the fibre 2 is held between the turns of the spring 45.

Fig. 14 shows a further example of an applicator 1 comprising a support member 10, which support member 10 is shown without fibre groups. In this example, similar to the applicator 1 of fig. 1, the applicator 1 comprises a plurality of tubes 105 connected together by hinges 280, forming channels 30 each intended to receive a fibre. All or some of the passages 30 may be closed except for the outlet 70. The cross-section of all or some of the channels 30 may be partially open, including an open area over a portion of its cross-section. The hinge 280 may be flexible to arrange the tubes 105 in a fan shape.

The invention is not limited to the examples just described. In particular, a method for attaching fibers to the eyebrows or scalp can be performed.

Claims

1. Cosmetic applicator (1) for attaching fibres (2) to human keratin materials, comprising a number n of fibres (2) carried by a support member (10) so as to be separable from said support member (10) during attachment, these n fibres (2) having a portion extending in front of said support member (10) before separation of said support member (10), these n fibres (2) comprising at most m fibres (2) of at least one group (8) connected together outside said support member (10), where m < n and m > 1.

2. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, the m fibres (2) being connected together at their ends (5).

3. Applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, at least two of the m fibres (2) being joined together by gluing, welding or melting.

4. An applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least two of the m fibres (2) are formed by folding a monofilament (6).

5. An applicator (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one group (8) the fibres (2) are connected together by an element (15) external to the fibres (2).

6. An applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number m of fibres (2) in at least one group (8), better still in each group (8), is exactly equal to 2.

7. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, at least a portion of the fibres (2) having a non-zero curvature.

8. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two fibres (2) have different non-zero curvatures.

9. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unbonded ends (7) of at least two of the m fibres (2) are kept at least 1mm apart from each other on the support member (10).

10. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the fibres (2) of the group (8) being aligned with one another on the support member (10) in at least one row.

11. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member (10) temporarily holds the fibres (2) by a mechanical system comprising one or more parts movable relative to each other, the mechanical system being configured to move from a configuration for holding the fibres (2) of a group (8) to a configuration for releasing the fibres (2) of a group (8), the force to be exerted on the fibres (2) of these groups (8) to release them from the applicator (1) being greater in the holding configuration than in the releasing configuration.

12. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member (10) of the fibres (2) comprises at least one channel (30) in which the fibres (2) of a group (8) are inserted, this channel (30) being defined by at least one portion (40), this portion (40) completely surrounding the fibres (2) in cross section and having at least one travel end stop (50) limiting the insertion of the fibres (2).

13. A method for attaching fibres (2) to a region of human keratin materials using an applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of:

a) applying a first binder composition (A) to at least a portion of the fibers (2) and/or the region,

b) bringing the fibres (2) of at least one group (8) carried by the support member (10) into contact with said area,

c) moving the support member (10) away from the area such that the fibre (2) is attached to the area.

14. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said area is constituted by keratin fibres, such as eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair, hair fibres and/or by the eyelids, facial skin, scalp or skull.