EP1059047B1 - Applicator for applying a cosmetic product and use of this applicator for transferring this product on the skin - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an applicator for applying a product, in particular cosmetic or dermatological, on a surface such as the skin. This applicator is of the type with an application member secured to a gripping element, and capable of allow the transfer of the product to be applied from a surface of application on a surface to be treated.

Among the products which can be applied to the skin, mention may be made of makeup powders, blushes, liquid foundations, shadows to eyelids, dermatological compositions, compositions for treating wrinkles, body care compositions, etc., presented in powder form, cream, gel or lotion.

The nature of the applicator member is chosen according to the consistency of the product to be applied, and the amount of product to be transferred, which product can be taken from a product tank.

Its dimensions, that is to say, the size and the shape of the applicator member, are chosen according to the morphology of the surface to be treated.

Many applicators are currently on the market, intended the application of cosmetic products, in particular make-up and care. Generally, these are “product transfer” type applicators, that is to say applicators not self-supplied with product, which are found frequently in commercial make-up cases. Applicators from this type are used, in general, by taking a dose of product using a application surface, then by applying said application surface to an area, especially the face, which one wishes to treat (or make up). The application of product may be accompanied, if necessary, by slight friction.

Commercial applicators of the aforementioned genre often present a problem application comfort. In addition, they frequently present a problem ergonomics, because in general, their use is often not very easy, especially because of their reduced size.

In order to improve the ergonomics of an applicator for makeup products, Patent applications EP-A-0 761 125 and FR-A-2 701 196 propose a applicator, comprising, a gripping portion and an application portion, articulated one on the other. The applicators described in these documents, have the disadvantage that they can only be used for a range of specific mascara or nail polish products.

Furthermore, in the case of the aforementioned makeup cases, the applicator is housed, frequently in a relatively small compartment. Therefore, the dimension of the applicator member cannot exceed a certain dimension, and can therefore only cover a wide area during application of the product relatively small. Indeed, an application member, having a surface relatively wide application, is too bulky to be housed in a makeup case, especially when it must be transportable in a bag hand.

By document US-A-4 446 880, we know a mascara applicator having an applicator part intended to be loaded with product and the diameter can be increased. The applicator part comprises a body forming a hollow elastomer sleeve. A compression device passes through the sleeve allowing, by a pressure exerted parallel to the application surface, to modify the external contours of the applicator part. This type of applicator is designed for the application of a specific product to the eyelashes and cannot be used for spreading a product on a support such as the skin. Such mechanism offers little latitude for surface deformations of application obtainable.

Document US-A-4,701,168 describes an application assembly comprising a application surface capable of being impregnated with a liquid product. This product liquid is packaged in a frangible housing. The application surface is mounted on a flexible support, which support is integral with two legs parallel, emerging perpendicularly from the support. When these legs are close together, by pinching between the fingers of a user, the frangible housing is pierced and the application surface is impregnated with the liquid. During the action of compression of the legs, the support deforms, causing a bulge temporary application surface.

A major drawback of this device is that, during many bending over use, the support and / or the legs may break, following the fatigue of the material constituting them. In addition, it is necessary to maintain compression on the legs to have the curved surface. Indeed, when the compression of the legs ceases, the application surface resumes its initial setting. Furthermore, this device does not make it possible to adjust a reproducible configuration of the application surface. Finally, the use of this type of applicator is not practical, and its bulk requires a bulky packaging.

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of applicators in the art prior.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an applicator whose the shape of the application surface is of variable profile, adaptable to the profile of the object to be treated, and in particular the profile of the face.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an organ of application, suitable for the treatment of the skin, in particular of the face, by transfer of the product. In addition, according to an ergonomic objective, the invention relates to an applicator whose applicator has a variable orientation, compared to the orientation of the gripping member.

According to yet another object, the present invention aims to provide an applicator whose size can be minimized in a first position of storage, and able to occupy a second position of use in which its bulk is more important. In the storage position, this applicator must be able to be housed, for example, in a makeup case. In position of use it allows, in particular, to carry out an easy and precise make-up of the area to be treated.

Also, the present invention relates to an applicator for the application of a product, on a surface such as the skin, comprising a gripping element integral with an application member formed of a base on which is mounted a application support, defining an application surface, comprising an operating member, intended to modify the profile of the surface application, perpendicular to a mean plane of the base, characterized in that said base is crossed by at least one passage, through which a portion of the operating member is able to be engaged with the support application, so as to, in response to a pressure exerted by said portion substantially perpendicular to the application surface, modify the profile of said application surface.

Advantageously, this portion of the operating member, capable of being engagement with the application support, is formed of a portion end of said operating member.

According to an interesting aspect of the invention, the application support is rendered secured to the base around at least part of said passage, said portion of the operating member being able to be engaged with a part the application support located opposite said passage.

According to an advantageous arrangement of the present invention, said operating member is formed of the gripping element. According to a preferred arrangement, the operating member is capable of passing from a first so - called storage position to a second so - called use position. In the storage position, the size of the applicator is minimal. According to this arrangement, in the first position, the base is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis passing through the gripping element, in the second position, a non-zero angle α is formed between said mean plane of the base and said axis longitudinal.

This arrangement also makes it possible to obtain an orientation of the surface. variable application, at will, relative to the orientation of the element grip, improving the ergonomic aspect of the applicator.

The first position thus constitutes a position of minimum bulk. The second position, larger, ensures easy handling of the applicator, by the user, and a gentle application of the product during the treatment operation (make-up) of the skin.

Advantageously, the application surface is configured so as to facilitate the attachment of the product to be applied. It is formed on an application support, secured to the rigid base of the applicator member.

Advantageously, the application support, including its surface intended to be loaded with product, is elastically deformable. By the term "elastically deformable "means a support able to deform elastically in response to an appropriate constraint and to return to its original form when the constraint. Advantageously also, the application support can be elastically compressible, which facilitates the release of the product during the application. By this means, the application comfort can also be improved.

The ability of the application support to bend, in response to the action of the organ maneuver, and to return by elasticity to its initial form, when the stress, is related to the elasticity of the material constituting said application support. The bending ability of such a material can also be characterized by its flexural module. Generally, the materials contemplated by the invention have a flexural modulus at most equal to 200 MPa (Young's modulus in flexion). The flexibility can result from the nature of the material forming said support. application and / or its configuration. When said application medium is made of foam, flexibility also depends on the density of the foam (size and number of cells).

According to an advantageous embodiment, the application surface, in the position of storage, is substantially flat, while, in the position of use, it is noticeably domed.

The free end of the actuator coming into engagement with the support application may have various contours, depending on the profile wishes to give to the application surface, in the position of use. In addition, the free end of the actuator causes, depending on the position angular of the gripping element with respect to the orientation of the support of application, a more or less pronounced modification of the surface profile application.

Regarding the shape of the application support, it has advantageously a lateral edge forming a continuous curve, for example of Oval shape. More particularly, this lateral edge may also comprise, at the minus a concave shaped area. This arrangement allows the shape of the applicator, in particular for making up the eyelids or other contours of the eyes or nose.

The mounting of the gripping element on the applicator member can be ensured using articulation means, produced on a portion of the element of grip and base respectively. To this end, the operating member may include a hinge, provided with a pivot axis. In this case, a first part of the joint is formed by the application member, a second part, able to cooperate with the first, being formed by the element of gripping.

According to a particular embodiment, the articulation means can be configured so that the applicator member is removable. So the organ application can constitute an interchangeable refill, the support application can be pre-impregnated with a disintegrating product. Having a removable application member, also allows, if necessary, to perform cleaning the application support.

According to another embodiment, the application support may include a relief pattern, notably constituting a logo or a decorative element, allowing for example performing a temporary "tattoo" on the skin.

As for the application support, this can be made of natural rubber or synthetic, in particular in polyurethane or in thermoplastic elastomer. he may consist of cellular foam, with closed, open or semi-open cells. The application support may have a flock coating, favoring the attachment of the product and the homogenization of the product layer after application.

Advantageously, the application support has an average thickness between approximately 1 mm and approximately 4 mm.

In addition, to be able to ensure a defined positioning of the element of grip in relation to the application support, during use, the applicator may include means for, in the position of use, locking the application surface in a determined orientation, relative to the element gripping.

More particularly, these positioning means may comprise at minus an elastic tab located near one of the ends of said passage, this tongue comprising a profile, capable of cooperating, in position of use, with at least one complementary profile formed on the element of gripping, this profile being able to be crossed during the pivoting of the element of gripping, to the storage position or to the use position.

The applicator which has just been described can be used, in particular, for the application of a liquid, pasty or solid product, delitable on the skin or its integuments.

In particular, this applicator is intended for the application of a treatment product, such as an anti-wrinkle product or a makeup product, such as a loose powder or compact, a colored paste, an eyeshadow, a blush or a background complexion.

According to another mode of use, the applicator of the invention can be used to by temporary transfer of an appropriate product, a “tattoo” on the skin.

In practice, the applicator is used to withdraw the product to be applied from an appropriate tank. This tank can consist of a jar filled with cream or loose powder, a compact powder placed in a housing make-up, of a suitable support soaked in liquid, in particular of ink type, etc.

Other objects of the invention will appear in detail on reading the description which follows, of embodiments of the invention, given as purely illustrative and in no way limitative examples, represented in the drawing Annex.

• la figure 1 représente une vue éclatée, en perpective, d'un applicateur conforme à un premier mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la figure 2 montre une vue latérale de l'applicateur de la figure 1, en position de stockage ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe axiale de l'applicateur selon la figure 2, en position de stockage ;
• la figure 4 montre une vue latérale de l'applicateur de la figure 1, en position d'utilisation ;
• la figure 5 représente une vue en coupe axiale de l'applicateur selon la figure 4, en position d'utilisation ;
• la figure 6 représente une vue en détail d'un organe d'application, pourvu de moyens de positionnement de l'élément de préhension ;
• la figure 7 montre une vue en perspective d'une forme préférée de l'organe d'application ; et
• la figure 8 montre une variante de l'organe d'application, permettant un maquillage par tatouage.

On this drawing :

• FIG. 1 represents an exploded view, in perspective, of an applicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
• Figure 2 shows a side view of the applicator of Figure 1 in the storage position;
• Figure 3 shows an axial sectional view of the applicator according to Figure 2, in the storage position;
• Figure 4 shows a side view of the applicator of Figure 1 in the use position;
• 5 shows an axial sectional view of the applicator according to Figure 4, in the position of use;
• FIG. 6 represents a detailed view of an applicator member, provided with means for positioning the gripping element;
• Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a preferred form of the applicator member; and
• Figure 8 shows a variant of the applicator member, allowing makeup by tattooing.

With reference, in particular to FIGS. 1 to 5, we see an applicator, designated in as a whole by the reference 1. The applicator 1 is composed of an element of grip 2 allowing the grip of the applicator, and of an organ application 4 comprising a rigid base 3, pivotally mounted on said gripping element.

As can be seen, in particular in FIG. 1, the gripping element 2 has a elongated shape, axis A, of which a first free end 2a forms a handle substantially cylindrical. A second end 11, opposite the first, is located at the end of a flattened portion 10, of width significantly greater than the width of the handle 2a. This second end forms with the element of gripping 2 an operating member, as will be explained below. The flattened portion 10 is delimited by two lateral flanks 22, each carrying a hinge pin 8a. The two pins 8a are centered on an axis Y, perpendicular to the axis A. The gripping element 2 is produced, advantageously, by molding a rigid or semi-rigid thermoplastic material. Most of the flattened portion 10 is on the side opposite the sleeve 2a, relative to the Y axis, so as to be able to undergo a deflection, during pivoting of the gripping element.

The rigid base 3 of the applicator member 4 extends substantially parallel to a medium plane P and has a substantially flat shape, with a contour 4a round. This contour 4a can have an oval, circular shape or a shape of "Bean", having a concave portion 5, as illustrated in detail on the figure 7.

In Figure 1, the base 3 has an upper face 4b and a lower face 4c. The upper face 4b carries articulation means 8b, 8c, able to cooperate each with the two pins 8a of the gripping element. For this purpose, two emerging portions 8b, 8c are located at a distance from each other, which distance corresponds substantially to the width of the flattened portion 10. Each portion 8c is provided with a bore 8b, intended to receive a pin 8a. This arrangement constitutes a joint, allow the element to pivot gripping 2 relative to the applicator member 4. Thus, can be obtained at will, different positions of use of the gripping element, between a minimum space position or storage position ( gripping parallel to the base), and a maximum overall position, that the axis A is substantially perpendicular to a mean plane P of base 3. Depending on the ergonomics required by the user, the position of use is adjusted in a position between the storage position and the position maximum overall dimensions, (i.e. when the axis A is perpendicular to the medium shot P).

The base 3 of the applicator member 4 is further provided with an opening or passage 12, the dimension of which is such that the portion 10 of the element of gripping can pass through, during the pivoting of the gripping element 2, with respect to the application body 4.

The lower face 4c of the base 3 is covered with an application support 6, defining an application surface 6a and a rear face 6b, substantially parallel to each other. A 4d flange of the base surrounds the edge side 14 of the application support (see fig. 3 and 5).

The application support 6 is elastically deformable. According to a mode of preferred embodiment of the invention, it consists of an elastomer plate, a sheet of foam with open, semi-open or closed cells, the application surface 6a can be covered with a flock coating.

An attachment zone 6c is provided for fixing the periphery of the support 6 on the underside 4c of the base 3. The fixing of the support application can be carried out by gluing, thermal welding, welding by ultra sounds or any other appropriate means.

As illustrated, in particular in FIG. 1, through the opening 12, we see the rear face 6b of the application support, opposite the application surface 6a.

After mounting the gripping element 2 on the applicator member 4 by engagement of pins 8a in bores 8b, the applicator 1 is ready to employment.

Thus, Figures 2 and 3 show the applicator 1 in the storage position. In this position, the axis A passing through the gripping element 2 is substantially parallel to the mean plane P of the applicator member 4 (see fig. 2). We see, in this position, that the applicator, as a whole, has a space requirement minimum, allowing it to be stored, for example, in a suitable compartment a makeup case. Furthermore, in this position, no contact exists between the portion 11 of the gripping element 2 and the application support 6. By therefore, the application support 6 is in its rest position and forms a substantially flat surface 6a.

By lifting the handle 2a relative to the applicator member, an angle α is formed between axis A and plane P of base 3 (see fig. 4). In practice, the angle α is set between approximately 40 ° and approximately 90 °, depending on the needs of the user. So, during application, an ergonomic gesture can be obtained, depending on the place of the face to be treated (make up).

When placing the applicator in the use position, as illustrated on the Figures 4 and 5, the portion 11 of the gripping element, of rounded shape, comes in contact with the rear face 6b of the application support 6. The shape of said portion 11 of the gripping element 2 can be variable and is, advantageously, adapted to give the application surface 6a a suitable convexity, best suited to the surface to be treated. Such a domed configuration allows the product to be applied with great precision, especially on areas of the face that are difficult to access.

Furthermore, means 20, 21, 22, 24 can be provided, for locking the position of the handle 2a, relative to the plane P of the base 3. As visible with more details in Figure 6, two slots 21 are provided on either side of the opening 12. The slots 21 partially limit the tabs 20 of weak thickness.

Each tongue 20 is provided with a pair of ribs 24 substantially parallel, positioned so that the lateral flanks 22 of the element gripping, in the position of use can be accommodated between said ribs 24. In this position, the lateral flanks 22 are held in position, by tightening elastic between the tabs 20.

When folding the gripping element 2 into the storage position, the sides side 22 pushes on the ribs 24, causing a elastic deformation of the tongues 20 outwards, to occupy temporarily positions 20a, drawn in dotted lines in FIG. 6. After complete disengagement of the portion 10 and the tabs 20, these return to their initial position by elasticity, and the application surface 6a resumes its flat shape.

To perform a treatment, for example an eyelid makeup, the user takes the applicator out of a storage compartment. The applicator then presented in folded form, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. By the next, the user puts the handle 2a in the position of use, relative to the member Application 4 (see Figures 4 and 5), to cause the formation of a configuration convex of the application surface 6a. The magnitude and shape of this curved deformation depend, as mentioned above, on the shape of the portion 11 of the gripping element, and of its position relative to the axis Y.

By bringing the application surface 6a into contact with the product to be applied, by example with a powder, free or compact, with a paste, with a tampon impregnated with liquid, such as a lotion or with a cream, the user collects an appropriate dose of product. Loading in product on the application support can be done by capillarity, by impregnation or absorption of the product, or simply by rubbing the applicator on a block of crumbly product. The user then proceeds to apply the product, applying the application surface 6a, loaded with product, to an area of skin, such as, for example, the eyelids or the cheeks.

In the position of use, thanks to the grip of the applicator, the application of the product can be carried out easily and comfortably. Thanks to the surface 6a domed application, the product is applied gently, and with precision.

After use, if necessary, the application support can be cleaned. In folding the handle 2a back into its storage position (Figures 2 and 3), the applicator 1 can be stored in its original housing.

According to another possibility, the applicator member 4 can constitute a refill pre-loaded with product, obtained by prior impregnation of the surface of application 6a. In this case, advantageously, the application member is to disposable, disposable after use.

FIG. 7 represents, in detail, a preferred embodiment of the member Application 4, designed in particular for making up the eyelids.

The applicator member, according to FIG. 7, has two ends, a first end 14a, and a second end 14b. The two ends have a rounded shape, a radius of curvature r ₁ of the first end 14a being smaller than a radius of curvature r ₂ of the second end 14b. According to the example considered, r ₁ is approximately 3.5 mm, r ₂ being approximately 7.5 mm. The distance between the two ends 14a and 14b is approximately 33 mm.

The two ends 14a, 14b are interconnected by two edges 14c and 14d. The edge 14c is convex and has a radius of curvature r ₃ . The edge 14d is concave and has a radius of curvature r ₄ . In the illustrated embodiment, r ₃ is greater than r ₄ . This makes it possible to obtain a slight convergence of the lateral edges 14c, 14d, in the direction of the end 14a.

According to the example considered, the radius r ₁ is adapted to the curvature of the upper eyelid of the eye. Typically, r ₃ is of the order of 20 mm and r ₄ is of the order of 16 mm.

The thickness of the application support 6 is chosen according to the flexibility of the material used for the production of the application support 6. Generally, this thickness is between about 1 mm and about 4 mm.

The material constituting the application element 6 is an elastically material deformable, in particular in bending, compression and elongation. He can be chosen from natural or synthetic rubbers, and preferably from thermoplastic elastomers. Advantageously, we choose a foam elastomeric alveolar. Optionally, the surface of the applicator element 6 can be flocked, which increases its product retention capacity P, and therefore increase its autonomy, especially when the product is a powder.

FIG. 8 represents an applicator member 4, comprising a rigid base 3, defining a substantially circular lateral edge 4a. The base 3 is suitable for be mounted on a pivoting gripping element 2, as described previously. This application member 4 is intended to allow the realization decorative makeup, called a "tattoo".

On the base 3 is mounted an elastically compressible disc 6, made of closed cell foam. A prominent motif is attached to the center of disc 6 18, forming a decorative pattern or logo. Element 18 is made of a material suitable for hanging a makeup product such as a colored paste or ink. When the gripping element is placed in the use position, the surface of the washer 6 becomes curved, facilitating, on the one hand, the loading of product with prominent pattern 18, and on the other hand, for performing precise makeup and clean at the chosen location. Thus, from a reservoir of product, for example from type ink, the user impregnates said pattern 18 with product, and performs the transfer of said product on the skin, to deposit said decorative pattern thereon.

After use, the handle 2a is folded over the applicator member, so similar to the storage position, shown in Figures 2 and 3, in which it has a minimum footprint for storage of the applicator

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of particular realization of the invention. It is obvious that there are variations be made without departing from the invention as claimed below.

Claims (23)

1. Applicator (1) for applying a product, comprising an element (2) for holding, secured to an application member (4) formed of a base (3) on which is mounted an application support (6) defining an application surface (6a), comprising a manipulation member (2, 11) designed to alter the profile of the application surface (6a) at right angles to a mid-plane (P) of the base (3), characterized in that there is, passing through the said base, at least one passage (12) through which a portion (11) of the manipulation member can be placed in engagement with the application support (6) so as, in response to a pressure exerted by the said portion (11) approximately at right angles to the application surface, to alter the profile of the said application surface (6a).
2. Applicator according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said portion (11) of the manipulation member, which can be placed in engagement with the application support (6), is formed of an end portion (11) of the said manipulation member (2, 11).
3. Applicator according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the application support (6) is secured to the base (3) around at least part of the said passage (12), the said portion (11) of the manipulation member (2, 11) being able to be placed in engagement with part of the application support (6) situated facing the said passage (12).
4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulation member (2, 11) is formed on the element (2) for holding.
5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the manipulation member (2, 11) is capable of passing from a first, so-called storage, position into a second, so-called service, position, the base (3) in the first position being approximately parallel to an axis (A) passing through the element (2) for holding, a non-zero angle α being formed between the said plane (P) and the axis (A) when the manipulation member (2, 11) is in the second position.
6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application support (6) is elastically deformable.
7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the service position the said application surface (6a) is approximately domed.
8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the storage position the said application surface (6a) is approximately flat.
9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said alteration to the profile of the application surface (6a) depends on the angular position of the element of the manipulation member (2, 11) with respect to the base (3).
10. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the said application support has a lateral edge (14) that forms a continuous curve.
11. Applicator according to Claim 10, characterized in that the said lateral edge (14) comprises at least one region (14d) of concave shape.
12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises articulation means (8a-8c) defining an axis of pivoting (Y) and connecting the application member (4) to the element (2) for holding.
13. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the application member (4) is mounted removably with respect to the element (2) for holding.
14. Applicator according to Claim 13, characterized in that the application member (4) constitutes an interchangeable refill, the application support (6) being impregnated with a product that can be crumbled.
15. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface (6a) is covered with a flocked coating.
16. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application surface (6a) has a raised pattern (18) in particular constituting a logo or decorative element.
17. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application support (6) is made of natural or synthetic rubber, foam or thermoplastic elastomer.
18. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application support (6) has a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 4 mm.
19. Applicator according to any one of Claims 5 to 18, characterized in that it further comprises positioning means (20, 21, 22) for locking the application surface (6a) with respect to the element for holding, in the service position.
20. Applicator according to Claim 19, characterized in that the positioning means comprise at least one elastic tongue (20) located near one of the ends of the said passage (12), this tongue having at least one profile (24) capable of collaborating with a complementary profile (22) formed by the said element (2) for holding, which profile (24) can be negotiated as the element (2) for holding passes into the storage position or into the service position.
21. Use of an applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, for applying a product that can be crumbled to the skin or its superficial body growths.
22. Use of an applicator (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 20, for applying a treatment product or a makeup product to the skin.
23. Use of an applicator (1) according to any one of Claims 16 to 20, for creating a temporary tattoo on the skin by transferring an appropriate product.

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