CN113226114A

CN113226114A - Applicator for applying at least one fibre to human keratin materials

Info

Publication number: CN113226114A
Application number: CN201980085327.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 亨利·萨曼; 弗兰克·吉隆; 让-巴普蒂斯特·勃朗; 卡尔-约瑟夫·里佐
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-20
Publication date: 2021-08-06
Also published as: FR3090303B1; WO2020127998A1; FR3090303A1; EP3897286A1; US20220000204A1

Abstract

Applicator (1) for applying at least one fibre (2) to human keratin materials, in particular for filling and/or lengthening the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, the applicator (1) having at least one channel (3) in which the fibre (2) is inserted, the channel (3) being defined by at least one portion (4), the portion (4) completely surrounding, in cross section, the fibre (2) and having at least one end-of-travel stop (5) which limits the insertion of the fibre (2).

Description

Applicator for applying at least one fibre to human keratin materials

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying at least one fiber to human keratin materials, in particular for filling and/or lengthening the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows or hair fibers.

Background

Many people have eyelash rows that include few eyelashes. This is especially true for the elderly or people with a ruddy or fair skin tone. Others have rows of eyelashes that are fairly thick, but have no eyelashes in localized areas. Such persons may wish to add fibres in their eyelash row to compensate for these conditions, so as to obtain a more attractive row. However, in these "sparse rows" or "incomplete rows" there are only a few solutions to meet the need to increase the number of eyelashes.

One solution consists in going to a professional organisation to make the individual fibres stick on. The operator positions the first eyelash and the first fiber with forceps and places a drop of quick gel, typically ethyl cyanoacrylate, at the end of the first fiber. She attaches the fiber to another eyelash, waits for the glue to set, and then loosens the forceps. People with thin or incomplete rows are reluctant to adopt this method because they are concerned that this treatment can damage their eyelashes and even cause them to fall off. People who are particularly susceptible to such concerns are reluctant to risk. Moreover, this operation is very expensive due to the time taken by the operator.

Another solution consists in positioning small fiber locks at the ends using a small amount of adhesive. However, these small locks may be suitable in cases where the rows are rather dense, but are not satisfactory for people with thin rows, as they give an uneven and unnatural appearance. These small locks can be positioned using applicator tools or forceps. However, as in the case of sparse rows, this method is not suitable for people with incomplete rows, since it is easy to distinguish the difference between the area with eyelashes and the area without eyelashes and filled up by the added tresses.

Tests have been carried out to improve the process by replacing the tresses with a single fibre. These tests were unsuccessful because, although it was possible to apply one fiber, the application of the next fiber likely compromised the alignment of the first fiber, and so on. Moreover, the operation is very long.

Another approach consists in using mascara. However, the results are far from satisfactory because it often sticks the eyelashes together, thus making it possible to worsen the sparse appearance and make more visible the exposed areas of the incomplete rows. Special mascara solutions for thin rows have been developed, using brushes that deposit a minimum amount of material. This avoids sticking of the fibers and makes the tips of the eyelashes visible, but the result is not sufficient to make sparse or incomplete rows look dense.

FR 2957760 relates to an element for applying fibres on human keratin fibres, comprising the fibres held together in a predetermined manner by a liquefiable binder in solid form, the binder being liquefied at the time of application so that at least a part of the fibres can be separated from the element.

FR 3039368 relates to a cosmetic treatment process comprising the following steps: applying an adhesive composition to a human keratin material, in particular the skin, bringing fibres carried by an applicator into contact with the adhesive composition present on the keratin material, removing the applicator from the skin to release the fibres adhering to the keratin material, the retention force for retaining the fibres on the applicator being lower than the adhesion force of the adhesive composition present for adhering the fibres to the keratin.

Thus, there is a need to modify human keratin fibers, particularly the eyelash or eyebrow rows, by adding individual fibers to impart or restore a natural and complete appearance, especially in the case of sparse or incomplete rows.

Disclosure of Invention

Applicator device

According to one aspect thereof, the invention relates to an applicator for applying at least one fiber to human keratin materials, in particular for filling and/or lengthening the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, having at least one channel in which the fiber is inserted, this channel being defined by at least one portion which completely surrounds the fiber in cross section and has at least one end-of-travel stop which limits the insertion of the fiber.

According to the present invention, a fibre applicator is provided which enables filling and/or lengthening of the eyelashes and/or eyebrows.

In particular, the present invention allows a person with thin or incomplete rows to apply fibers to reconstruct normal dense rows without any exposed areas. It also allows a person with an already fairly thick eyelash row to replenish it to enhance its appeal.

Advantageously, the applicator has a plurality of channels, in particular from 2 to 50 channels, better still from 10 to 50 channels, at least some of these channels containing fibres.

The applicator may have a plurality of channels, only some of which receive fibers as desired, depending on the area of the eyelashes or eyebrows to be filled or lengthened. In 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. This allows the fibres to be easily withdrawn from the respective channels in which they are received.

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_fAbove 10, the applicator preferably has means for holding each fibre. The retaining member is such that the fibres do not slide in an uncontrolled manner in the channel. The retaining member may have a narrowing portion of the channel such that at the narrowing portion, the ratio D_c/D_fLess than 10. The retaining member may also have an activatable system that clamps the fiber in a portion of the channel. The retaining member may also have a non-stick material disposed in the channel along all or part of its lengthAnd (5) feeding.

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

The elastomeric material imparts flexibility to the applicator, enabling a user to hold or deform the applicator to hold the fibers and then release pressure or torque to move the fibers out of their 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; thermoplastic elastomeric polymers TPE, which generally consist 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 advantageously can achieve a feel with a non-stick effect that retains at least a small amount of the fibers in the channels so that the fibers do not accidentally slide out of the channels without the need for additional adhesive for such retention. The retention is preferably diametrically opposed so that the fibers can be easily removed from the channels 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 that is less than its total length and around a portion of its circumference that is 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 their natural presenceSliding, particularly under the force of gravity.

The passage may be defined by a tube. In this case, the applicator preferably has at least one connection connecting the tubes together. The connection pieces constitute, for example, flexible hinges between the tubes, enabling the orientation of the tubes relative to adjacent tubes to be changed. In a variant, the connection is realized to limit, or even prevent, movement between the tubes. The connector may join the tubes together by a snap-fit fastening.

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

When each channel contains a fiber, it preferably contains a single fiber.

The or each fibre may protrude from the channel through the open outlet of the channel by a length (δ) of greater than or equal to 1mm, which may be different for two different fibres.

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

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

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

For incomplete rows of eyelashes (having one or more exposed areas), the applicator can take different forms. For example, the applicator may have a width such that it covers only a portion of the rows of eyelashes. In a variant, the applicator may cover the entire row with multiple channels, only some of which contain fibers, but next to one or more bare areas of the eyelash row. Alternatively, the applicator may cover the entire row with a plurality of channels, each filled with fibres, the applicator having means for only letting fibres added to the row in the exposed area of the row exit the channels. In a variant, the applicator may cover the entire row with a plurality of channels, each filled with fibers, the applicator having means for preventing the release of the channels, said channels not being next to the exposed areas of the eyelash row. In another variant, the applicator may cover the entire row with a plurality of channels, each filled with fibres, the applicator having means for preventing the release of a stop of the fibres, said stop not being next to the exposed area of the eyelash row. In another embodiment, the applicator may cover the entire row with a number of channels limited to channels next to the exposed area of the eyelash row during the entire method implementation.

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 much greater than D, D being the diameter of the circle in which the largest cross section of the fiber is inscribed. 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 and synthetic fibres, in particular polyamides, for example

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

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

Fibers; viscose fibers; acetate fibers, particularly acetate rayon fibers; acrylic polymer fibers, in particular polymethyl methacrylate fibers, or poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) fibers; polyolefin fibers, in particular 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 fibres or fibres made from the above-mentioned polymer mixtures, for example polyamide/polyester fibres.

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.

These fibers are, for example, those sold under the number Minke-prop SKINTEX Flock ref.590502.

The same fibers may be used, or in a variant, a mixture of fibers that differ from each other in length, cross-section, material and/or shape is 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. Special effect producing fibers, such as clear fibers and/or glossy 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 fibers may have a straight or curved shape.

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. When the fiber does not have a constant diameter, at ratio D_c/D_fThe diameter considered in (1) is the maximum diameter of the fiber. The fibers may have a tapered shape.

The weight of the fiber or yarn count is typically expressed in denier or dtex, and represents the weight (in grams) per 9km of yarn. For example, the fiber according to the present invention has a unit yarn count of 0.1 to 100 deniers, preferably 1 to 70 deniers, and more preferably 5 to 60 deniers.

When carried by the applicator, the fibers are advantageously not connected together other than via the applicator. They are not organized in the form of strips or clusters.

Assembly

According to another aspect of the invention, another subject of the invention is a cosmetic assembly having an applicator as defined above and an adhesive composition.

The components may be contained in a single package.

The fibres may be present in the assembly separately from the applicator, particularly in a package, the user adding the fibres to all or some of the channels of the applicator prior to use.

Adhesive composition

Advantageously, the adhesive composition is provided to allow the fibres to adhere to human keratin materials, such as the skin or the area of the eyelid, or to keratin fibres.

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

The assembly may further comprise an applicator for the adhesive composition. Such applicators may have flocked end pieces. For example, it may have a shape suitable for application to the eyelid. The adhesive applicator may comprise, for example, a pen dispensing the adhesive composition or an applicator cooperating with a container containing the adhesive composition, such as an applicator provided with a fine brush or flocked thermoplastic end piece.

The 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 tack 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.

For example, 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 adhesive composition may, for example, be selected from those sold by American International Industries from

Eyelash adhesive series for bonding eyelashesAn agent composition and Daitosol 5500GM from 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 possibly suitable polyurethane-based adhesives are available under the trademarks SANCURE 2104(Nov eon) 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 copolymers or statistical copolymers comprising at least one monomer or combination of monomers, wherein the resulting copolymer 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 available from Kraton under the trade name "Kraton" or from Dexco Polymers under the trade name "Vector".

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, gum mastic (sandarac gum), dammar resin, elemi resin (elemi gum), copal resin (copal resin), benzoin and mastic resin (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 unit types, respectively.

Among these resins, mention may be made in particular of siloxysilicate resins, which may be of formula [ (CH)₃)₃XSiXO]_xX(SiO₄/₂)_yTrimethylsiloxysilicate of (MQ units), wherein 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 dispersion of the hydrophobic film-forming polymer, a dispersion of particles of the grafted ethylenic polymer (preferably an acrylic polymer) in a liquid oil phase, for example in the form of surface-stabilized particles dispersed in a liquid fatty phase, can be used. 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 stabilizers₁-C₄A dispersion of particles of an alkyl ester polymer, the stabilizer being selected from isobornyl (meth) acrylate polymers, 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.

Cosmetic treatment method

According to another aspect of the invention, another subject of the invention is a cosmetic treatment method carried out by means of an applicator as defined above, comprising the following steps:

a) the adhesive composition is applied to the area on which the fibers are intended to be deposited and/or the fibers to be applied,

b) contacting the fibers to be applied with said area such that the fibers are capable of adhering to said area,

c) the applicator is removed from the area and the fibers adhered to the area are withdrawn from the respective channels of the applicator.

The area is constituted, for example, by the eyelids, in particular the eyelids at the base of the eyelashes, the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows.

During step b) of contacting the fibers with said area, the applicator can be moved in a tangential movement towards the eyelashes and/or eyebrows until the fibers are contacted with the adhesive composition. This tangential movement may also be referred to as a scrubbing movement.

The adhesive composition may be applied to the area as a continuous or discontinuous film. The adhesive composition may be applied by means of an adhesive applicator.

When applying the adhesive composition to the eyelids, the movement of the hand is simple, as it is only necessary to move the adhesive applicator into the vicinity of the row of eyelashes and make contact to adhere the adhesive to the base of the eyelashes.

The application of the adhesive composition may be followed by a drying step, for example for 1 to 5 minutes, for example by air drying.

Depending on the area to be treated, the method may include a preceding step of selecting an applicator or adjusting (adapt) an applicator.

Drawings

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

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

FIG. 2 schematically shows steps in a method according to the invention;

FIG. 3 schematically shows a further step in the method according to the invention;

fig. 4 shows schematically and in a perspective view another example of an applicator according to the invention;

fig. 5 shows schematically and in a perspective view another example of an applicator according to the invention without fibres;

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

FIG. 7 schematically shows another example of an applicator according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 schematically shows another example of an applicator according to the present invention;

fig. 9 shows schematically and in a perspective view another example of an applicator according to the invention;

fig. 10 shows schematically and in a perspective view another example of an applicator according to the invention;

FIG. 11 schematically shows another example of an applicator according to the present invention having a plurality of tubes, shown in a disconnected and connected manner;

FIG. 12 schematically shows another example of an applicator according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 schematically shows another example of an applicator according to the present invention having a plurality of tubes connected together, the tubes being parallel to each other and shown in the form of a fan; and

fig. 14 schematically shows the applicator of fig. 13 seen from the other side.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an applicator 1 according to one embodiment of the invention for applying at least one fiber 2 (in this example a plurality of fibers 2) to human keratin materials, in particular for filling and/or lengthening the eyelashes and/or eyebrows. The applicator 1 has at least one channel 3, the fibers 2 being inserted in the channel 3. In this example, the applicator 1 has a plurality of channels 3, i.e. 17 channels, which are substantially identical to each other and evenly distributed, each channel 3 having a fibre 2. This configuration is particularly recommended for rows of eyelashes that are sparse in terms of eyelashes.

The applicator 1 is formed as a monolithic component made of an elastomeric material having a shore a hardness of 0 to 50, preferably 8 to 40, in this example a silicone resin. The applicator 1 has a substantially trapezoidal shape. The applicator 1 has a groove inside that forms the channel 3 and forms a travel end stop 5 at the end of the channel 3. The different channels 3 are arranged in a fan shape within the applicator 1. Each channel 3 is defined by at least one portion 4, which portion 4 completely surrounds the fibre 2 in cross section.

Each channel 3 has at least one travel end stop 5 made in a unitary component that limits the insertion of the fiber 2.

Each channel 3 has an open outlet 7 on the opposite side to the stop 5, through which the fibre 2 contained by the channel 3 passes. The fibres 2 project from the outlet 7 by a length delta which may vary from one fibre to another, for example greater than 1mm, for example equal to about 1mm to 2 mm.

The inner diameter of each channel 3 is greater than the maximum diameter of the fibre 2 it contains.

In this example, the channel 3 is closed in cross-section along its entire length.

In this example, the fibers are made of filaments. The maximum diameter of the fibers is about 50 to 200 μm.

The applicator 1 has a gripping member 6 on the opposite side of the outlet 7 of the channel 3 to the stop 5.

Fig. 2 and 3 show two steps in a cosmetic treatment method according to the invention, carried out by means of an applicator 1.

According to the method, the first step is to apply the adhesive composition to a region P of the base of the eyelashes, for example the eyelid, on which the fibers 2 are intended to be deposited; and/or applying an adhesive composition to the ends 11 of the fibers 2.

In a variant, the adhesive composition may be deposited on the fibers 2, in particular on the ends of the fibers 2 projecting from the channels 3.

The adhesive composition may be allowed to dry, for example in air for 1 to 5 minutes.

Then, as shown in fig. 2, the applicator 1 is moved in the direction of the arrow toward the area P, as shown in fig. 3, to bring the fibers 2 to be applied into contact with the area P so that the fibers can adhere to the area.

The applicator 1 is manipulated by means of the gripping means 6.

Next, the applicator 1 is moved away from said zone P, pulling upwards orthogonally and preferably diagonally to the line of the rows of eyelashes to form an angle that lifts the fibres 2. The fibres 2 adhere to said zone P and are drawn out of the respective channels 3 of the applicator 1. This makes it possible to fill up sparse rows of eyelashes. A satisfactory positioning of the fibres 2 is obtained, which are properly positioned, adhere to the eyelid, provide an enhanced appearance for the sparse rows and accurately fill the incomplete rows.

In the example of fig. 4, the applicator 1 has a channel 3 in which the fibers 2 are inserted. In this example, the channel 3 is defined by a cylindrical tube 10, which cylindrical tube 10 is closed in cross-section along its entire length. One end of the tube 10 is closed so as to form an end-of-travel stop 5 for the fibre 2. The other end of the tube 10 is open so as to form an open outlet 7 through which the fibres 2 pass.

In this example, the diameter of the cross-section of the fibre 2 decreases from the end 11 of the channel 3 protruding from the outlet 7 to the other end 12 in contact with the stop 5. The end-of-travel stop 5 constitutes a stop point, preventing the fiber 2 from slipping during application, despite the application of pressure.

Maximum diameter D of the fibres 2_fSmaller than the diameter D of the channel 3_cIn this example the diameter D_cIs constant. In this example, the ratio D_c/D_fEqual to 2. In this example, the end 12 of the fiber 2 is tapered. In this example, the fibers 2 are straight.

The tube 10 may be incomplete and have an open and thus accessible area. This is the case in the example of fig. 5, in which the applicator 1 is likewise formed by a cylindrical tube 10. However, the channel 3 is open in cross-section along less than its total length L_tLength L of_oAnd has an open area 8 around a portion of the circumference alpha less than its 360 deg. total circumference. In this example, L_o＝3mm，L_t＝18mm，α＝250°。

In this case, it is preferred to use fibres 2 which are sufficiently flexible but also strong that, when pressure is applied, the fibres 2 cannot emerge through the open areas 8.

In the case of the monolithic applicator 1 shown in fig. 6, the channels 3 are arranged in a fan shape, only some of the channels 3, which are designated 3a, being filled with fibres 2, respectively. This may be a user's choice, for example, the user chooses to fill the channel 3 next to the area without eyelashes to fill the bare area. Thus, in this example, the applicator 1 covers the entire row of eyelashes through a plurality of channels 3, only some of the channels 3 containing the fibers 2, but next to one or more bare areas of the row of eyelashes.

In the example of fig. 7, the applicator 1 has an end-of-travel stop 5 for each channel 3, which is movable relative to the outlet 7 of the channel 3, the fibres 2 emerging through the outlet 7. In particular, the pushing system 15 is arranged to move in the direction of the arrow in order to push the end 12 of the fibre 2 towards the outlet 7. In this example, all the channels 3 accommodate the fibres 2, but only some of these fibres 2 are extended at the choice of the user and pushed by means of the pushing system 15, in order to be deposited in particular on the bare areas. The arrows in the figure show the fibres 2 selected to push and deposit on the eyelid. In this example, the applicator 1 covers the entire row with a plurality of channels 3, each channel 3 being filled with fibres, the applicator having a pushing system 15 for only the fibres 2 to be added to the row at the exposed areas of the eyelash row to protrude from the channels 3.

In the example of fig. 8, the applicator 1 does not have evenly distributed channels 3, but only a few channels 3, all channels 3 being filled with fibers 2, said channels 3 being arranged at variable distances from each other, in this case the channels 3 being arranged in two groups G₁And G₂For example, to fill in two areas of the user without eyelashes. Thus, for example, the positioning and amount of fibers may be selected based on the desired result in filling the eyelid. In this example, the applicator 1 covers the entire row with a channel 3, the channel 3 being limited to the channel that will be next to the bare area of the eyelash row during the implementation of the method.

By means of the invention, in the case of incomplete rows, the user can be provided with a single applicator 1 and complementary parts adapted to the case of incomplete rows.

Fig. 9 shows a one-piece applicator 1 defining a channel 3, the channel 3 being partly open in one portion 16 and partly closed in one portion 17. A single projection 18 formed over the entire width of the applicator 1 constitutes the end-of-travel stop 5 of each channel 3. In this example, the channel 3 and the fibre 2 are curved, following the curvature formed by the shape of the applicator between the outlet 7 of the channel 3 and the stop 5. As can be seen, the shape of the profile of the applicator 1 is wave-like in cross-section, the channel 3 being located on the side of the cavity of the wave, and the arch of the wave corresponding to the curvature of the channel 3 and the fibre 2. The bulge 20 forms a peak (crest) and beyond the peak on the side opposite the cavity, the grip means 6 of the applicator 1 can be found. The protrusions 20 may be flexible so as to adapt to the configuration of anyone, in particular in the case of treating incomplete rows of eyelashes.

In fig. 10, the applicator 1 has a plurality of channels 3, some of which have fibres 2, the channels 3 being further provided with additional material 21 surrounding the fibres 2. This additional material may be non-sticky and makes it possible to prevent the fibres 2 from slipping. It is composed, for example, of an elastomeric Silicone such as Platsil 25Silicone from Polytek Development corp. In this example, additional material 21 is present along the entire length of the channel 3, as can be seen, and in this example again, the additional material 21 even protrudes beyond the outlet 7. Also in this example, the length of the fibres 2 protruding from the channel 3 varies from one fibre 2 to another fibre 2.

Fig. 11 to 14 show an applicator 1 formed from a plurality of tubes 10, all or some of which may be the same as the tubes shown in fig. 2 and/or 3, and which are connected together. The tubes 10 may have the same characteristics as each other or different characteristics from each other.

In the example of fig. 11, each tube 10 is provided with a hinge 28, which hinge 28 allows each tube to be connected to two adjacent tubes 10 on each side, as shown, for example by snap fastening. In this example, the connection formed by the hinges 28 is rigid and the tubes 10 are arranged parallel to each other in mutual alignment on the same plane. The fibers 2 are not shown in this example or in fig. 12 to 14.

In the example of fig. 12, the hinge 28 is flexible to allow the tubes 10 to be arranged in a fan shape within the applicator 1. Furthermore, by means of the insert part 29, a space can be formed between two adjacent tubes, which insert part 29 can be connected to two adjacent tubes 10 via the hinges 28 of these tubes 10. This makes it possible to select the distance between the two fibers 2 to be applied. These insertion elements 29 (two in this example) have no tubes, so that they can be arranged next to the areas of the eyelash row that do not need to be filled, for example. Advantageously, the tube 10 is positioned next to the bare area. Thus, the applicator 1 can be adapted to the eyelash row to be filled or to be completed.

In fig. 13, the hinge 28 is sufficiently flexible and spaced so that it can change the shape of the applicator 1, either having tubes 10 that are parallel to each other (as shown in the left part of fig. 13), or having tubes 10 that are scalloped (as shown in the right part of fig. 13), to match the shape of, for example, an eyelid.

Fig. 14 shows the back of the right part of fig. 13. It can be seen that in this example, a connector 30 is added that connects the tubes 10 together to secure a given shape.

The invention is not limited to the examples just described. In particular, the applicator 1 may be used to apply fibers to the eyebrows or scalp. The invention thus makes it possible to treat any area with natural fibres and where it is desired to add additional fibres, in particular the eyelashes, the eyebrows and the scalp.

The adhesive composition may also be applied to the fibers and/or to the fibers of the eyelashes or the eyebrows or hair.

Claims

1. Applicator (1) for applying at least one fibre (2) to human keratin materials, in particular for filling and/or lengthening the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having at least one channel (3) in which the fibre (2) is inserted, this channel (3) being defined by at least one portion (4), the portion (4) completely surrounding, in cross section, the fibre (2) and having at least one end-of-travel stop (5) which limits the insertion of the fibre (2).

2. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, the applicator (1) having a plurality of channels (3), in particular from 2 to 50 channels (3), better still from 10 to 50 channels (3), at least some of the channels (3) containing fibres (2).

3. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner diameter (D) of each channel (3)_c) Is greater than the maximum diameter (D) of the fibres (2) it contains_f)。

4. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (3) is formed from an elastomeric material, in particular from a material having a Shore A hardness of 0 to 50, preferably 8 to 40.

5. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one channel (3) is closed in cross-section along its entire length.

6. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one channel (3) is along less than its total length (L)_t) Length (L) of_o) And around a portion of circumference (a) less than its total circumference, is open in cross section.

7. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the channels (3) have the same shape.

8. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the channels (3) have different shapes.

9. An applicator (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (3) is defined by a tube (10), the applicator (1) having at least one connection connecting the tubes (10) together.

10. Applicator (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one connection constitutes a flexible hinge (28) between the tubes (10), enabling the orientation of a tube (10) with respect to an adjacent tube (10) to be changed.

11. Applicator (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the connection enables joining the tubes (10) together by snap fastening.

12. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel (3) is formed in a monolithic part.

13. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibres (2) are selected from natural and synthetic fibres, in particular polyamides.

14. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibres (2) have a maximum diameter (D) of about 50 to 200 μm_f)。

15. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibres (2) protrude from the channel (3) through the open outlet (7) of the channel (3) by a length (δ) greater than or equal to 1mm, which length (δ) can be different for two different fibres (2).

16. Applicator (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the channels (3) are provided in the shape of a sector.

17. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel end stop (5) is movable with respect to an outlet (7) of the channel (3), the fibre (2) emerging through the outlet (7).

18. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the travel end stop (5) is formed by a portion of a monolithic component in which the channel is formed.

19. Cosmetic treatment process, realized by means of an applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises the following steps:

a) applying an adhesive composition to the area (P) on which the fibres (2) are intended to be deposited and/or to the fibres (2) to be applied,

b) bringing the fibers (2) to be applied into contact with the area (P) so that the fibers (2) can adhere to the area (P),

c) -moving the applicator (1) away from the area (P), the fibres (2) adhering to the area (P), being extracted from the respective channels (3) of the applicator (1).

20. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein said area (P) consists of the eyelids, eyelashes and/or eyebrows.