EP1070465A2 - Device for storing and applying a product to eyelashes or eyebrows - Google Patents

Abstract

The mascara applicator has a container (11) for the cosmetic and applicator (12) with rows of teeth (18a,b) have a succession of consecutive teeth with aligned bases which are offset alternatingly on each side of a separation plane (5). The teeth are plastics and can be moulded integrally with the base.

Description

The present invention relates to the application of a product, in particular cosmetic, on eyelashes or eyebrows.

The invention particularly relates to a new device for applying a product on the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising a container for containing a reserve of product and an applicator comprising an application element having at at least one row of teeth, the latter comprising a succession of consecutive teeth, each tooth of this succession of teeth comprising a base and a portion extending from the base. This device is characterized by the fact that the basics of said consecutive teeth are substantially aligned and by the fact that the portions extending from the bases of said consecutive teeth are offset alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface.

The applicator according to the invention preferably comprises a rod, with at least one row of a succession of consecutive teeth arranged at one end of the stem. The teeth can be produced by plastic molding.

By “substantially aligned bases”, it should be understood that a portion of each of the bases of the consecutive teeth is arranged on a first side of a line passing through the bases of consecutive teeth, and another portion of each of the bases consecutive teeth is arranged on a second side of the aforementioned line, opposite on the first side, this line being substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a base on which the teeth are arranged. In a particular realization, not limitation of the invention, with teeth whose bases are substantially aligned, the consecutive teeth are arranged so that a straight line passes through the centers of each of the bases of consecutive teeth. So the centers of the bases of three consecutive teeth may lie on the same straight line.

Having substantially aligned bases and portions extending Using alternately offset hases provides advantages.

In particular, by playing on the geometry of the teeth and their spacing it it is possible to form more or less large cavities between the teeth, cavities who can load the product at the time of application.

It is thus possible to produce an application element capable of load with a substantial amount of product, without the element application loses its ability to grip the eyelashes.

The teeth can be made with a small gap at their base, of so that the eyelashes can be effectively gripped between two consecutive teeth, while having a greater spacing between their free ends, favoring the engagement of the eyelashes between the teeth and the constitution of product reserves on the application element.

The geometrical arrangement of the teeth also allows fibers to small dimensions, possibly contained in the product, to align so to be substantially parallel to each other when the product is applied, or when the teeth are engaged through a wiping member, or both. This alignment results from a funneling effect between two consecutive teeth.

The spacing between the bases of two consecutive teeth is preferably less than or equal to 0.4 mm.

Preferably, the geometric separation surface passes through the centers of the bases of the teeth.

More preferably, the application element comprises a base.

In a particular embodiment, the teeth are produced by plastic molding in one piece with the base.

The base can be attached to the applicator rod and the base can have its axis parallel or not to that of the applicator rod.

The base can be removably attached to the stem of the applicator.

The geometric separation surface can be a plane, preferably a plane of symmetry for the base.

Preferably, the geometric separation surface is a joint plane for molding the teeth and / or the application element.

The geometric separation surface can be non-planar, for example twisted.

The geometric separation surface can thus be a helical surface or a curved surface, for example.

The height of the base of the teeth can be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, for example.

The applicator stem may be flat or substantially cylindrical or present yet other configurations, depending on the desired effects and the desired ergonomics.

The rod may have a connector at its distal end in which the base can be engaged in a removable manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector comprises a housing defining a slot arranged to receive the base.

The housing may have a longitudinal axis which is parallel to the axis of the rod or make an angle with it, the longitudinal axis of the housing being for example substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

In a particular embodiment, the slot which receives the base also receives the bases of the teeth, and the slot may engage the bases of the teeth.

The base can also be produced by plastic molding in one piece with the applicator rod.

The application element can be produced by plastic molding in one piece with the applicator rod and with a sealing member intended to ensure a tight closure of the container in the absence of use, this sealing member which may have a shaped surface to adjust so waterproof in a container neck.

In a particular embodiment, the container comprises a wiping member arranged to remove excess product from the teeth when the applicator is removed from the container.

This wiper member is preferably deformable.

Preferably, a closure cap is disposed at one end of the applicator opposite the end comprising the teeth, this closure cap being intended to close the container containing the product to be applied.

This closure cap may be provided with a sealing means for seal the container.

When the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis of a portion of the application element on which the teeth are arranged, at least two teeth consecutive may have free ends that diverge, converge, intersect or are substantially parallel.

When the applicator is observed along the longitudinal axis of a portion of the application element on which the teeth are arranged, one tooth on at least two consecutive teeth may have a free end which diverges away from the free end of the other tooth, this other tooth possibly having a free end which is substantially straight.

When the application element is observed in its axis, at least two consecutive teeth, preferably three, may have free ends which are substantially aligned.

The applicator element may include teeth having free ends oriented towards a proximal end of the applicator, arranged alternately with teeth having free ends oriented towards a distal end of the applicator.

The teeth can form between them a housing of substantially axis parallel to that of the base. This housing can accommodate an element for interior application such as a brush of the twisted core type.

The applicator element may have only one row of teeth and make up a comb.

The applicator element can also have several rows of teeth arranged at different angular positions around the applicator and constitute a brush.

The application element can comprise for example a second row of teeth opposite the first.

The application element can also include, for example, a base of polygonal cross section or not. At least one row of teeth extends from preferably substantially in the extension of one side of the base in the case of a polygonal section. In the case of a non-polygonal section, for example circular or elliptical, the bases preferably connect substantially tangentially at the base. An application element having such a configuration allows use the base to apply the product and the contact of the eyelashes with the teeth can be done gradually. An application element with this structure can still allow to lengthen and curl the eyelashes.

The application element can be more flexible than the rod.

The application element can be made, for example, from a plastic material softer than that used to make the applicator stem. We can thus get more comfort in use.

Alternatively, the applicator rod can be made of a plastic material less hard than that used to make the application element. We can thus use for manufacturing reasons for example a relatively hard material to make the application element and compensate for the element's hardness of application at the time of application by the flexibility of the rod.

The teeth can also be made of a material different from that used to make the base.

The height of the teeth can be variable.

Preferably, the height of the teeth is between 0.5 and 15 mm approximately, and more preferably between 7 and 13 mm approximately.

The invention also relates to an applicator for applying a product to eyelashes or eyebrows comprising a rod and a base disposed at one end of the stem. This applicator further comprises at least one row of teeth having bases arranged on the base and portions extending from the bases. The basics of consecutive teeth are substantially aligned and the portions extending from bases of consecutive teeth are arranged on either side of a geometric surface of seperation.

The width of the base is preferably greater than the width of the bases.

A second row of teeth can also be arranged on the base. This second row of teeth can be arranged so that the rows are directed in substantially opposite directions.

The portions extending from the bases of consecutive teeth may diverge moving away from each other. These divergent portions can be found at near the bases of the teeth.

The teeth can have different lengths and the bases of the teeth can be either in contact or spaced from each other.

The teeth may be arranged on the base in an asymmetrical manner
relative to a line along which the bases are aligned.

The base can have two ends, one of which can be fixed to a distal end portion of the stem.

Alternatively, the base can be fixed to a distal end portion of the rod along a part located between its ends.

At least one of the teeth may have a hollow portion, extending preferably according to the length of the tooth. Preferably, at least one side of the tooth then has an opening giving access to this hollow portion.

At least one of the teeth can be flocked.

The applicator can be part of a system comprising a container.

This container may have a wringing member.

Preferably, the wiping member is deformable, and this may include a block of open cell foam or an elastomer lip, or others similar appropriate bodies.

The invention also relates to an applicator comprising a rod and a base at one end of the rod. At least one row of teeth comprising bases is arranged on the base and the bases of consecutive teeth of this row are substantially aligned along a plane passing through the bases of consecutive teeth, the latter comprising portions extending alternately from their base offset on each side of the alignment plane.

The invention also relates to a method for applying a product to the eyelashes by means of an applicator as defined above. This process includes the steps of loading with product at least part of the teeth and bringing at least part of the teeth in contact with the eyelashes or eyebrows, so that the product is deposited on the eyelashes or eyebrows. Product loading can be done by inserting the applicator or a portion of it into a container containing the product then removing the applicator from the container and wiping off the excess product that settled on the teeth. Product loading can also be done by distributing the product from the container on the teeth or by bringing them to the contact with a solid product, possibly moistened.

In the latter case, the product can be moistened before bringing the teeth on contact or alternatively the product can be placed on the teeth and moistened then.

Preferably, the product which is applied is mascara. If this mascara comprises fibers, the method further comprises the step of orienting the fibers with the teeth, so that the fibers are substantially parallel to the eyelashes when the product is applied.

When the applicator has a base on which the teeth are arranged and a rod, and that the base can be removably attached to the rod, the method can also include the step of fixing the base on the rod. That allows the applicator to receive interchangeable bases having different tooth configurations.

So the user can choose from several tooth configurations that allowing to obtain the desired effect.

The applicator can be used to apply a cosmetic product, preferably mascara, on eyelashes or eyebrows. However, other products may be applied and the applicator according to the present invention can also be used to comb eyelashes or eyebrows, for example.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un dispositif conforme à un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une coupe axiale schématique représentant l'applicateur rentré dans le récipient,
• la figure 2 est une coupe axiale partielle représentant une variante d'organe d'essorage,
• la figure 3 est une vue à échelle agrandie du détail III de la figure 1.
• la figure 4 est une coupe schématique selon le trait de coupe IV-IV de la figure 3,
• les figures 5 à 7 représentent des variantes de réalisation de l'élément d'application,
• les figures 8 à 11, 17 et 18 sont des vues selon l'axe longitudinal de l'élément d'application, illustrant différentes configurations de dents,
• la figure 12 représente un élément d'application ayant une deuxième rangée de dents à l'opposé de la première,
• la figure 13 représente une variante de réalisation dans laquelle l'axe de l'embase est orienté perpendiculairement à l'axe de la tige de l'applicateur,
• la figure 14 illustre le montage de l'embase dans un logement de la tige de l'applicateur,
• la figure 15 représente partiellement un élément d'application ayant une embase de section triangulaire avec une rangée de dents dans le prolongement d'un côté,
• la figure 16 représente une brosse ayant trois rangées de dents disposées en étoile,
• la figure 19 est une vue de l'embase, selon l'axe longitudinal de l'élément d'application, et de deux dents consécutives floquées, conformément à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 20 est une vue en perspective, partielle, d'une série de trois dents consécutives creuses, conformément à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 21 est une vue en perspective d'un exemple de réalisation dans lequel le produit est déposé sur l'élément d'application à partir d'un tube flexible,
• la figure 22 est une vue en perspective d'un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention dans lequel le produit destiné à être appliqué se présente sous la forme d'un pain solide ou d'une poudre,
• la figure 23 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un applicateur conforme à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, dans lequel l'extrémité distale de l'élément d'application comporte une pointe sensiblement effilée,
• la figure 24 est une vue en perspective d'un applicateur ayant,une configuration similaire à celle de l'applicateur de la figure 13, dans lequel l'embase de l'élément d'application est réalisée d'un seul tenant avec la tige,
• la figure 25 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un applicateur dans lequel l'élément d'application est fixé de manière amovible sur une partie d'extrémité distale de la tige, conformément à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 26 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un applicateur ayant des dents consécutives dont une sur deux est rectiligne et l'autre s'écarte des dents adjacentes,
• la figure 27 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un applicateur ayant des dents consécutives dont les extrémités libres sont sensiblement alignées, des dents consécutives dont les extrémités libres se croisent et des dents consécutives ayant à nouveau des extrémités libres sensiblement parallèles,
• la figure 28 est une vue partielle de dessus, schématique, d'un applicateur ayant des dents consécutives avec des bases sensiblement alignées et des portions s'étendant à partir des bases divergeant les unes des autres,
• la figure 28A est une coupe partielle selon le trait de coupe A-A de la figure 28,
• la figure 29 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un applicateur ayant des dents consécutives avec des bases sensiblement alignées, conformément à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, et
• la figure 30 est une vue partielle de côté d'un applicateur ayant des dents de différentes hauteurs et dans lequel l'embase est flexible.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a device according to a first example of implementation of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a schematic axial section showing the applicator tucked into the container,
• FIG. 2 is a partial axial section showing a variant of a wiper member,
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of detail III of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic section along the section line IV-IV of FIG. 3,
• FIGS. 5 to 7 represent alternative embodiments of the application element,
• FIGS. 8 to 11, 17 and 18 are views along the longitudinal axis of the application element, illustrating different configurations of teeth,
• FIG. 12 represents an application element having a second row of teeth opposite the first,
• FIG. 13 represents an alternative embodiment in which the axis of the base is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the stem of the applicator,
• FIG. 14 illustrates the mounting of the base in a housing of the stem of the applicator,
• FIG. 15 partially represents an application element having a base of triangular section with a row of teeth in the extension of one side,
• FIG. 16 represents a brush having three rows of teeth arranged in a star,
• FIG. 19 is a view of the base, along the longitudinal axis of the application element, and of two flocked consecutive teeth, according to another example of implementation of the invention,
• FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of a series of three consecutive hollow teeth, in accordance with another example of implementation of the invention,
• FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in which the product is deposited on the application element from a flexible tube,
• FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another example of implementation of the invention in which the product intended to be applied is in the form of a solid bread or a powder,
• FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of an applicator according to another example of implementation of the invention, in which the distal end of the application element has a substantially tapered tip,
• FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an applicator having a configuration similar to that of the applicator of FIG. 13, in which the base of the application element is produced in one piece with the rod ,
• FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view of an applicator in which the application element is removably fixed to a distal end part of the rod, in accordance with another example of implementation of the invention ,
• FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of an applicator having consecutive teeth of which one in two is straight and the other deviates from the adjacent teeth,
• FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of an applicator having consecutive teeth whose free ends are substantially aligned, consecutive teeth whose free ends intersect and consecutive teeth again having substantially parallel free ends,
• FIG. 28 is a partial schematic view from above of an applicator having consecutive teeth with bases substantially aligned and portions extending from the bases diverging from each other,
• FIG. 28A is a partial section along the section line AA in FIG. 28,
• FIG. 29 is a partial perspective view of an applicator having consecutive teeth with bases substantially aligned, in accordance with another example of implementation of the invention, and
• Figure 30 is a partial side view of an applicator having teeth of different heights and in which the base is flexible.

The device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 includes a container 11 containing a supply of cosmetic product such as mascara and an applicator 12 comprising a rod 13 of axis X, provided at one end with an applicator element 14 and at the other end of a gripping element 15 which also constitutes a cap container closure 11.

The container 11 comprises in the example described a wiping member 16 formed here by a block of open cell foam.

Other types of wipers can be used, for example a flexible lip 16A as illustrated in FIG. 2A, flocked or not.

The wiper member is arranged so that it flexes or deforms to take the form of the application element when the latter passes through it.

The container is tightly closed when not in use, providing for example a sealing surface on the gripping member 15 or the rod of the applicator.

In the example shown, the application element appears under the shape of a comb 14 which has a single row of teeth made in one piece by plastic molding with a relatively wide base 17, of axis Z extending in the extension of the rod 13 of the applicator.

The rod 13 has a smaller diameter over part of its length that the comb 14, in particular so as not to deform permanently the wiper member 16 (or 16A).

The comb 14 comprises in the example described two sets of teeth 18a and 18b arranged alternately, the bases 19 of which are non-contiguous and substantially aligned along the Z axis of the base 17.

The upper parts of the teeth are oriented alternately respectively on either side of a geometric separation surface S, constituted here by a plane extending parallel to the bases 19 of the teeth and containing the axis Z of the base 17.

The axis Z of the base 17 can be merged with the axis X of the rod 13 or form an angle with it, improving the ergonomics of the applicator.

The total height of the teeth is preferably between 0.5 mm and 15 mm and more preferably is between 7 and 13 mm approximately.

The heights of the teeth are not necessarily equal and the height may vary from tooth to tooth.

As can be seen in Figure 4, the teeth 18a have their free end tilted to the left while the teeth 18b, each located halfway between two teeth 18a, have their free end inclined to the right.

Thanks to this arrangement of the teeth 18a and 18b on the comb 14, it is possible to have zero or very little spacing between the bases 19 of the teeth, for example less or equal to 0.4 mm.

The total length of a row of consecutive teeth is from preferably between 10 mm and 45 mm approximately, or even between 15 and 28 mm and preferably still between 20 mm and 26 mm.

The number of teeth per row is preferably between 6 and 50 approximately, or even between 10 and 35 approximately, and more preferably between 15 and 32 approximately.

Two successive teeth form notches between them allowing the application element to grip the eyelashes during the application of the product to the latter.

This can lead to improvement in lengthening and bending Eyelash.

The offset upper parts of the teeth can form cavities allowing to build up product reserves on the application element.

This can improve the way the application element loads by product, so more product can be applied before it is needed to recharge the applicator.

Each of these effects, namely the eyelash grip effect and the loading of product, contributes to obtaining quality makeup.

The base can have various embodiments.

By way of example, FIG. 5 shows an application element 20 comprising a narrower base 22 and two sets of teeth 28a and 28b forming a row of consecutive teeth.

Teeth 28a and 28b consecutive have bases 29 substantially aligned along the Z axis of the base 22 and the upper parts, extending from the bases and going to the free end of the teeth, arranged alternately on both sides of a geometrical surface of separation S, constituted here by a median plane of symmetry for the base 22.

In other words, the upper portion of tooth 28a is located on one side of the separating geometric surface S and the upper portion of the tooth 28b are located on the opposite side of the surface S.

The width of the base 22 shown in Figure 5 is barely greater the width of the bases 29 of the teeth.

The base 22 supporting the teeth of the comb may be rectilinear with a Z axis as just described.

The base can also be curved or extend along a broken line, for example a zigzag line.

In particular, the base can be curved around an axis K substantially perpendicular to the bases of the teeth, as in the case of the comb 30 shown in figure 6.

In addition, in this figure 6, the teeth are alternately oriented at their upper part towards the front, i.e. the distal end of the comb, and towards the rear, that is to say towards the applicator rod, in addition to being offset alternately to the right and to the left.

The base can thus be curved around a non-perpendicular axis at the bases of the teeth.

The base can also be curved around a substantially parallel axis at the bases of the teeth, as is the case with the comb 40 shown in the figure 7.

In this figure, the geometric area of separation on either side of which extend alternately the upper parts of the teeth is a surface cylindrical director consisting of the axis of the base, this director here being a curved line, and of generator parallel to the bases of the teeth, this generator being here perpendicular to the plane of Figure 7.

When the geometric separation surface is cylindrical, the director can generally be a curve or a broken line, for example a zigzag line.

The geometry of the base is chosen according to the type of makeup and the nature of the product to be applied to the eyelashes.

The teeth of the comb can be produced in multiple ways without this is beyond the scope of the present invention.

In particular, the two sets of alternating teeth may each have teeth having a symmetrical base of revolution or not.

The base of the teeth may have a circular, polygonal cross section Or other.

The upper parts of the teeth may have a rounded head or a hook.

In general, the geometry of the teeth will be chosen according to the nature of the product to be applied to the eyelashes and the type of makeup sought.

FIGS. 8 to 11, 17 and 18 show various configurations teeth, the application element being observed along the longitudinal axis of the base.

There is shown in Figure 8 in front view along the axis of the base a applicator element 50 essentially in the form of a comb having two series of alternating teeth 51a and 51b, the bases 52 of which are substantially aligned on the base 53.

Teeth 51a and 51b have generally curved shapes, essentially concave inwards and define a housing 55 therebetween.

This housing 55 can receive a brush of the twisted core type 56, as shown in figure 9.

The free ends 54 of the teeth are directed inward but do not not cross when the comb is observed along the longitudinal axis of the base 53.

Alternatively, the free ends of the teeth may cross, when the comb is observed along the longitudinal axis of the base.

By way of example, FIG. 10 shows a comb 60 in which the free ends 67 of the two sets of alternating teeth 61a and 61b intersect when the comb is observed along the axis of the base.

The free ends of consecutive teeth may also diverge when the comb is observed along the axis of the base.

By way of example, FIG. 11 shows a comb 70 in which the free ends 77 of the two sets of alternating teeth 71a and 71b diverge.

The inclination of the teeth may tend to make tangential contact with eyelashes at the time of application.

The applicator element 120 shown in FIG. 17 includes alternating teeth 121a and 121b whose free ends 122 are substantially aligned.

This alignment is done in the example described along a line parallel to that according to which the bases of the teeth are substantially aligned.

In the variant shown in Figure 18, the applicator element 13 () has consecutive teeth 131a and 131b whose free ends 132 are substantially parallel. Thus, they point in the same direction.

FIG. 26 shows an application element 260 comprising two sets of teeth 261a and 261b forming a row of consecutive teeth.

The bases of consecutive teeth 261a, 261b are substantially aligned. The free ends of the teeth are arranged so that the consecutive teeth alternately have a substantially straight free end and an end free which diverges by deviating from the substantially straight free ends, that is to say the ends of the teeth 261a shown in Figure 26. The element may also include a combination of consecutive teeth comprising teeth having divergent free ends and / or free ends converging and / or aligned free ends and / or free ends are crossing and / or parallel free ends, and any combinations of such teeth as shown for example in Figure 27.

In this figure, we see teeth 271a, 271b having free ends substantially aligned at the distal end of the applicator element, then diverging alternately and again having substantially free ends aligned in the vicinity of the proximal end of the applicator element.

The invention is not limited to an application element comprising a single row of teeth and also applies to application elements comprising several rows of teeth, essentially forming a brush, for example.

In such brushes, at least one of the rows of teeth has substantially aligned bases and portions of the length of the teeth extending from the hase offset alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface.

The application element can comprise for example a second row of teeth 91c and 91d opposite a first row of teeth 91a and 91b, as illustrated by the brush 110 very schematically represented in FIG. 12.

The base may have a polygonal cross section, for example triangular, with a row of teeth extending substantially in the extension on each side. This allows the eyelashes to come into contact with the base to load in product at the time of application.

By way of example, FIG. 15 shows a row of teeth 93a, 93b, the bases 90 of which extend substantially in the extension of one side 91 of the base, of triangular section.

Alternatively, the bases of the rows of teeth may extend radially from the base.

By way of example, FIG. 16 shows a brush 100 having a triangular section base and three rows 101 to 103 of teeth, the bases of which are aligned and the portions of the teeth extending from the base are alternately offset on each side of the bases of the teeth.

In this example, the teeth start from the tops of the base, the bases teeth of the different rows being oriented radially.

The base may have edges on which the teeth are connected, which extend helically, with a constant or variable pitch.

In a number of embodiments which have just been described, the base extends substantially in the extension of the applicator rod.

In other words, a proximal end of the base is fixed to a part distal end of the rod, and a distal end of the base constitutes one end free from the applicator.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 24 show an element of application essentially comb-shaped 80 (fig. 13, 14), 240 (fig. 24) in which the longitudinal axis Z of the applicator element extends substantially perpendicular to the axis X of the rod 84 (fig. 13, 14), 244 (fig. 24) of the applicator, which is flat in the examples illustrated, and could possibly be perforated in its center.

Thus, a lateral surface of the application element or of the base between its two ends connect to the distal end part of the applicator rod.

The comb 80 comprises two series of alternating teeth 85a and 85b having bases 86 substantially aligned, as can be seen in FIG. 14.

These teeth can be produced by molding plastic material of a in one piece with the base 87 then it can be inserted into a connector presenting in the form of a housing 81 formed at the distal end of the rod 84 of the applicator.

Illustrated in Figure 14 the placement of the comb 8 () in the housing 81, which is carried out by sliding along the Z axis.

The housing 81 defines a slot 82, at the front, to allow passage bases 86 of teeth 85a and 85b.

Advantageously, the width of this slot 82 corresponds substantially to the thickness of the bases 86 of the teeth, so that the comb 80 is retained in the housing 81 by clamping the bases 86 between the opposite edges of the slot 82.

This assembly allows the comb to be easily made from a plastic material elastomer and the rod 84 in a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material.

Figures 19 and 20 show various configurations of the application element that can help achieve desired application effects.

As shown in FIG. 19, the teeth 191a, 191b can be flocked. This flocking can come from the plastic material used to make the teeth. In addition, although not illustrated, the base can also receive flocking.

As can be seen in FIG. 20, the teeth 201a, 201b can present hollow portions 202. These hollow portions preferably extend over at least part of the length of the teeth and at least one opening 202 'on the side of the teeth gives access to this hollow part. These hollow parts can contain product and therefore contribute to the loading of product from the applicator as well only to increase the amount of product deposited on the eyelashes during application.

Figures 21 and 22 show alternative embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 21 represents a set of applications in which the product is contained in a container 210 in the form of a tube. This tube is preferably made in a flexible material which allows to distribute the product on the application element when compressed.

Other distributors can also be used to distribute the product on the application element, for example a pump dispenser, without leaving of the scope of the present invention. The application set shown in the figure 22 includes a container 220 containing a solid bread of product 225. This solid bread can be moistened and the applicator element moved in contact with the moistened part product to load product.

Alternatively, the application element can be moistened and moved to the contact with a non-humidified part.

In the exemplary embodiments represented in FIGS. 21 and 22, it it is not necessary to provide the proximal end of the applicator with a handle or a closure cap, since the applicator is not stored in the container containing the product and does not have to close such a container. Furthermore, in these realizations, the rod itself can be used as a handle.

Figure 23 shows an applicator according to a variant of setting of the invention. The applicator shown in this figure has a tip 235 extending from the base 233 of the application element 231.

When the application element 231 is loaded with product, the tip 235 can also be loaded with product and serve as an eyeliner or element to be inserted between isolated eyelashes.

FIG. 24 represents an applicator similar to that described with reference in Figure 13. However, in the example shown, the base 243 is formed in one piece with the structure made by molding with the rod. Teeth 241 can also be made in one piece with the base 243 and the rod 244.

FIG. 25 represents another example of implementation of the invention wherein the base of the application element is removably fixed in a housing forming connector 257, produced in a distal end part of the rod.

This housing defines a slot in which the base of the application element can be engaged.

Unlike the example shown in Figures 13 and 14, only one end of the applicator element 250 is connected to the distal end of the rod.

In FIG. 25, the longitudinal axis of the application element 251, a once fixed in connector 257, extends from the rod substantially in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the rod.

Figures 28 and 28A show an example of consecutive teeth on an applicator element 281, in which the bases 289a and 289b are substantially aligned within the meaning of the present invention.

Thus, as can be seen more clearly in Figure 28A, the basics 289a and 289b slightly overlap by a distance r when the applicator element is observed along its longitudinal axis and are considered to be substantially aligned.

FIG. 29 represents an example of implementation of the invention in which teeth 292a and 292b have bases 299 having enlarged portions extending in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the parts of the teeth extending from the bases.

So, consecutive teeth have parts extending from the bases teeth extending alternately from opposite sides of the bases of the teeth, that is to say alternately from a left side of the bases and a right side of the bases when the application element is observed along its longitudinal axis.

FIG. 30 represents an applicator in which the application element 331, including a base 333, is generally flexible, which allows it to deform relative to the rod when applying the product.

We can see in Figure 30 that the surface of the base on which connect the teeth is convex.

This convex shape causes the adjacent teeth to diverge, allowing thus a relatively large amount of product is lodged between the teeth.

In addition, the applicator of Figure 30 can improve the loading in product when the applicator is extracted through a wiping member, because the latter exerts a force tending to straighten the application element and to bring the teeth towards a central region (towards the mid-length) of the application element.

When the teeth come together, the product can be chased between the teeth toward the base, allowing the application member to hold a relatively small amount high product.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described.

It is possible in particular to produce other forms of teeth, the teeth not having not all have the same shape.

In general, we can combine the features of realization of each of the examples given, depending on the type of makeup sought.

In particular, the application element may include a succession of teeth comprising a first and a second series of teeth arranged alternately, the teeth of the first series having a shape different from the teeth of the second series.

One of the sets of teeth can itself be composed of teeth having different shapes, even different heights.

The teeth may have a height which varies according to the positioning axial on the application element, for example an increasing, decreasing height, decreasing then increasing or increasing then decreasing, from the front rearward.

The teeth may have a surface condition making it possible to increase the quantity of product taken care of by the application element; teeth and / or base may thus include capillary grooves or flocking, on all or part of their surface.

The teeth can be covered with a coating such as varnish or PTFE for example, intended to give them better sliding on the eyelashes or on the contrary, more roughness.

Slip agents can be incorporated into the plastic used to make the teeth.

The application element, and more particularly the teeth, can also contain assets such as, for example, preservatives, absorbers moisture, metal salts, especially copper salts, magnetic particles, and other suitable similar materials intended for release into the produced when the latter is deposited on the application element.

These assets can either be included in the material used to make the application element, either deposited as a coating on the element application, or both.

In addition, products which modify the surface tension of the element application in contact with moisture can be incorporated into the teeth or coated these last.

Teeth can undergo surface treatment by abrasion, to form for example forks at their free end.

Teeth can undergo a heat treatment to round for example their tip, even forming a ball at their free end. The teeth become so less aggressive towards the eyelashes.

The application element is preferably produced by injecting material plastic, but alternatively we can use material conformation processes by compression, stamping or bar turning.

The base may include grooves or reliefs allowing for example to house product.

In each of the embodiments described, the length of a row of teeth consecutive is preferably between approximately 10 mm and approximately 45 mm, and more preferably between about 15 mm and about 28 mm, and more preferably between 20 mm and about 26 mm.

The length of each tooth is preferably between 0.5 mm and Approximately 15 mm, and more preferably between approximately 7 mm and approximately 13 mm.

The number of teeth in a consecutive row is preferably understood between 6 and 50, and more preferably between 1 () and 35, and more preferably between 15 and 32 approximately.

Claims (50)

Device for applying a product, in particular cosmetic, to eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising a container (11) for containing a reserve of product and an applicator (12) comprising an application element having at least a row of teeth, characterized in that said row of teeth (18a, 18b; 28a, 28b; 51a, 51b; 61a, 61b; 71a, 71b; 85a, 85b; 93a, 93h; 121a, 121b; 131a, 131b; 201a, 201b; 261a, 261b; 271a, 271b; 288a, 288b; 292a, 292b) has a succession of consecutive teeth having substantially aligned bases and portions extending from the bases offset alternately on either side of a surface separation geometry (S). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the teeth are made of plastic. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the teeth are arranged on a base (17; 22; 53; 87). Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the teeth are made by molding plastic material with the base (17; 22; 53; 87). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the applicator further comprises a rod. Device according to claim 5 and one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the base is arranged so that it can be fixed so removable on the rod. Device according to either of Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that that the rod is substantially flat. Device according to claim 3 and possibly one of the claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the base (87) is detachably fixed into a connector at a distal end of the applicator rod. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the connector defines a slot arranged to receive the base. Device according to claim 3 and possibly one of the claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the base is produced by molding a single holding with the applicator rod. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it includes a sealing member capable of closing so seals the container. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it further comprises, at one end of the applicator situated at opposite the end with the teeth, a cap. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the cap is suitable for closing the container. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis (Z) a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth are arranged, at the at least two consecutive teeth have free ends (77) which diverge. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis (Z) of a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth are arranged, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends (54) which converge towards one another. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis (Z) of a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth are arranged, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends (67) which intersect. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis (Z) of a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth are arranged, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends (132) which are substantially parallel. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the fact that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis (Z) of a portion of the applicator element on which the teeth are arranged, at least two consecutive teeth have free ends (122) which are substantially aligned. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that that the said at least two consecutive teeth have three. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the application element comprises teeth having ends free oriented towards a distal end of the applicator element, arranged alternately with teeth having free ends oriented towards one end proximal of the applicator element. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that when the applicator is observed in the longitudinal axis of a portion of the applicator element, a tooth of a pair of consecutive teeth is substantially straight and the other tooth of this pair diverges away from the tooth substantially straight. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the teeth form between them a housing (55) of elongated shape, longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that said housing is arranged to receive an interior application element, in particular a twisted core brush (56). Device according to claim 5 and optionally any one of the other preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator element is made of a softer plastic than that used for make the applicator rod. Device according to claim 5 and optionally any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the applicator element is made of a harder plastic than that used to make the rod the applicator. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the geometric separation surface (S) passes through the bases consecutive teeth. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the geometric separation surface is a plane. Device according to claim 3 and optionally any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geometric surface of separation (S) is a plane of symmetry for the base. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized by the fact that the geometric separation surface is non-planar. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that that the geometric separation surface is twisted. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod (84) of the applicator is flat and has at its end a housing (81) defining a slot (82), this housing being of axis not parallel to the axis (X) of the applicator, the application element (80) being inserted in this housing (81), the base (86) of the teeth (85a, 85b) then engaging in said slot. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the height (h) of the base (19) of the teeth is greater than or equal 0.2 mm. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the spacing between the bases (19) of two consecutive teeth is less than or equal to 0.4 mm. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it has teeth of different heights. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the height of the teeth is between 0.5 and 15 mm, preferably 7 to 13 mm. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the application element has only one row of teeth and constitutes a comb. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 35, characterized by the fact that the application element comprises a second row of teeth, even several rows of teeth and then constitutes a brush. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that that the applicator member has two rows of teeth extending in directions opposite. Device according to claim 3 and optionally any one of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that the base (92) has a polygonal cross section or not, and by the fact that the application element has at least one row of teeth extending substantially in the extension on one side of the base in the case of a polygonal section or whose bases are connect substantially tangentially to the base in the case of a non-cross section polygonal. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the bases of the teeth are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the row. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a wiping member arranged to remove excess tooth product when the applicator is removed from the container, the wiper member preferably being deformable, and preferably still constituted by a lip flexible or block of foam. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the width of the base is greater than the width of the base of the teeth. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that within said row of teeth the number of teeth is understood between 6 and 50 approximately, preferably between 10 and 35 approximately, more preferably between 15 and 32 approximately. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the length of a row is between 10 and 45 mm approximately, preferably 15 to 28 mm and more preferably 20 to 26 mm. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of the teeth is flocked. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the bases of adjacent teeth are contiguous. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of the teeth has a hollow portion, the portion hollow preferably extending along the length of the tooth, the tooth comprising of preferably at least one opening on at least one side, giving access to said portion dig. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the product contains fibers. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the product is in the form of solid bread. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the container is a tube.

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