EP1169940B1 - Device for applying a product on keratinous fibres, in particular eyelashes or eyebrows - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging and application device of a product on keratin fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows. The invention is particularly suitable for the application of a product used for make up and / or treat the eyelashes, namely mascara. Such a product, depending on the device used for its application, and the rheology of the product, can be used in particular for treating the eyelashes, coloring them, thickening them, lengthening them, or curl.

Application devices are known, in the form of combs comprising a row of teeth defining grooves between them which are loaded with product when the applicator is removed from the container with which it is associated.

To allow the creation of product reserves providing the applicator with a sufficient autonomy, the teeth are relatively wide apart, the spacing between two successive teeth being clearly greater than the diameter of an eyelash. It As a result, the eyelashes are weakly, if not at all, gripped by the comb, and this fact, the lengthening of the eyelashes, their straightening, or their curling is very difficult to get.

Other devices, in particular in the form of brushes, used in combination with mascaras in the form of a solid bread, improve the care of fibers to be treated. However, due to the excessive number of hairs, it is difficult obtain a significant deposit of product on the fibers.

A device comprising the characteristics of the preamble of claim 1 is known from document US-A-3998235.

It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to provide a device for the application of a product to the keratin fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, which allows both a sufficient deposit of product on the fibers, and a good management of fibers at the time of their engagement with the application device, so as to allow good smoothing of the fibers, and / or a good bending of the fibers, and / or good elongation of the fibers.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device which allows a rapid and uniform application of the product on the fibers to be treated.

It is another object of the invention to provide an application device which is simple to use and economical to make.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an application device, in particular a makeup product on the eyelashes, and which may have multiple configurations, suitable for obtaining multiple make-ups different.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an application device can be manufactured using standard manufacturing techniques industrial, in particular molding, stamping or casting.

Other objects will appear in the detailed description which follows.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by producing a device for the application of a product to the keratin fibers, in particular to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising a plurality of oriented application elements transversely to a longitudinal axis of the device, at least a portion of a peripheral edge or rim of a first application element being at a distance, decreasing according to a progressive profile, by at least one corresponding portion a second application element, consecutive to the first, so as to define minus a bottleneck for said fibers, when the latter are engaged with the device between said first and second elements application.

Thus, according to the invention, the peripheral edge or rim of an application element delimits, in combination with a corresponding portion of an element of neighboring application, at least one constriction zone, in particular in the form of V, the profile of the branches of the V being able to present multiple forms, in particular straight or curved.

The bottlenecks (or areas of smaller spacing between two consecutive elements) being delimited at least in part by an edge portion or peripheral edge of an application element, they are turned towards the outside of the application device, and therefore, are easier to access for fibers to be treated, which makes it easier to take care of them by said bottlenecks. This characteristic is distinguished from other configurations in which application elements, in the form of teeth arranged alternately on either side of a separation surface, form V's, especially at the junction of their respective bases. According to these configurations, the "V" are formed in the plane of the separation surface, this is to say inside the device.

Thus, on application, when the application device is engaged with the fibers, in particular the eyelashes, these engage in the spaces located between the application elements, which spaces are filled with product to apply. In response to movement of the applicator relative to the eyelashes, the latter are guided in the direction of a constriction delimited by two successive elements of application. Arriving at the bottom, or near the bottom of constriction, the eyelashes are sandwiched between the two application elements consecutive. Such a tightening contributes to the good spreading of the product on the eyelashes, to their elongation, their bending, and their separation.

Preferably, the corresponding portion of the second application element is also consisting of a peripheral edge or rim portion of the second element. So the narrower portion of the bottleneck is substantially in the envelope surface of the application device, the fibers to treat by means of the application device being guided to these areas further small width, by the portions of edges or peripheral edges, approaching from each other, from two consecutive application elements.

Due to the arrangement of, or the throttles, at the periphery of the device, taking charge of the fibers to be treated, in particular with a view to lengthening or lengthening them bend, by a constriction delimited by two application elements is facilitated. The quantity of product that can be withdrawn by the device and deposited on the fibers is increased compared to the devices conventional.

Preferably, two consecutive application elements approach one of the other in several places on the periphery of the device. So we can predict, two, three or four approximation zones, regularly spaced at the periphery of the application device. The first bottlenecks group of two consecutive application elements can have a position identical (e.g. figure 12) or different (e.g. figures 11, 13, 14) angular bottlenecks of a second group of consecutive application elements.

Advantageously, the portion (s) on which (or which) the edge or peripheral edge of said first element is at a decreasing distance of one corresponding portion of said second element is (are) followed by a portion on the peripheral edge or rim of said first element is remote, increasing according to a progressive profile, of a corresponding portion of the second element. Thus, we realize a throttling zone with two inputs, multiplying thus the possibilities for a fiber to be supported by such a zone throttling, regardless of the orientation of the device, and in particular its direction of movement relative to the fibers to be treated. The distance portion decreasing can be separated from a portion at increasing distance by a portion at constant distance, in particular a non-punctual width portion where the two elements are in contact, or even connected, with each other.

In particular, such a two-entry arrangement is obtained by using elements the cross section of which is circular or has corners or outgrowths, and orienting the elements relative to each other by appropriate way to obtain a tangential approximation or contact (in the application elements of circular shape) between the two elements defining the constriction (eg: figure 8), or a localization or contact, angles or protrusions (e.g. Figures 2-6, 9, 10). We get the same arrangement with one or more edges of variable width, with symmetrical profile of on either side of the point or zone of greatest width of the edge (e.g. figure 11-14).

The resulting bottlenecks have an axial component, linked to the fact that the elements which delimit them are axially offset by one compared to others, and a component transverse to the axis of the device, due to the shape and relative orientation of the elements that delimit them.

Preferably, the application elements are connected to a central support. At meaning of the present application, the term "central" translates the fact that the support is located strictly inside the envelope surface delimited by the edge exterior of the application elements. Support can go through the center application elements or be offset.

According to a first embodiment, the edge portion or rim of the first element is in contact at at least one point of the corresponding portion of said element second element. Contact can be without "material bridge" between two elements consecutive (eg: Figure 5), or with "material bridge" physically connecting two consecutive elements (e.g. Figure 3). In the latter case, such bridges of material can form, alone or in combination with a possible support central, a support for the application device.

According to another embodiment, the smallest distance separating said edge portion or rim of the first element of the corresponding portion of the second element is non-zero (eg figure 4). However, this distance is preferably at most equal to the diameter of the fibers to be treated, so as to be able to grab as previously indicated.

According to an advantageous characteristic, specific to the invention, and in contrast to a configuration in which all the bottlenecks would occupy the same angular position, the application device comprises at least two bottlenecks, angularly offset from each other around the device. Thus, access to the bottlenecks by the fibers to be treated is considerably facilitated. It is the same for the gestures to the application. The use of the product on the brush is optimized.

Preferably, the device comprises at least two groups of zones throttling, a first group being arranged along a first axis, a second group being arranged along a second axis, distinct from the first. Of more preferably, said first and second axes are parallel to the axis longitudinal of the device, and separate from the latter. The first and second axes may be straight or not (helical for example). For example, bottlenecks can be arranged, alternately, according to a first longitudinal axis to the axis of the device, and on a second axis parallel to the first (e.g. : Figures 2-6, 8, 11-14). As another example, the bottlenecks are arranged along four axes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, and offset by 90 ° on the periphery of the device (e.g. figures 9 and 10). The multiplication of these groups of bottlenecks, distributed around the periphery of the device of application, increases all the more the possibilities for a fiber to be treated to be taken supported by a throttling zone.

The application elements may in particular be of cross section triangular, circular, square, hexagonal. The cross section of at least one of said application elements may have straight, concave or convex (e.g. Figures 7a-7f).

An application device according to the invention can be obtained by molding, in particular of a thermoplastic material, stamping or casting. The material used can be polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, a polycarbonate, a polyacetate, an elastomer, in particular polyurethane, polyester (HYTREL®), polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, vinyl, or polyamide (PEBAX®), or a mixture of such materials.

In the material used for the manufacture of a device according to the invention, can be incorporated fillers, in particular slip agents, such as silicone, graphite, teflon, or molybdenum disulfide, or agents bactericides or magnetic particles, magnetized or not.

In addition, the surface condition of the material can be modified, in particular chemically or by means of β or γ radiation, so as to improve the ability of said application elements to retain product.

At least one of said application elements is coated with a flocking (eg: FIG. 8), especially from nylon fibers, cotton, acetate, viscose, polyester, or a mixture of such materials. Such flocking notably modifies the ability of the application device to take product and transport it on the fibers, and also changes the way the product is going to be spread over the fibers. The flocking can comprise a mixture of fibers of different nature and / or different length and / or different diameter.

The application device can be of rectilinear or curved longitudinal axis.

According to an advantageous embodiment, at least two application elements are planar and arranged in two planes that are not parallel to each other. Of such planes can be oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the support (e.g. Figures 2-4). The angle formed by two application elements consecutive with respect to the axis of the application device is not necessarily the even. Thus, one of said planes can be oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device while the other of said planes is perpendicular to the axis of the device (e.g. Figure 5). Such an angle formed by said elements of application, relative to the axis of the application device, can vary between 45 ° and 90 °, and preferably between 50 ° and 90 °, and more preferably between 60 ° and 90 °, the angle being measured on the side of the axis where the angle is the smallest. In practice, the angles will be chosen according to the characteristics sought at the application, and depending on the desired spacing between two elements consecutive applications.

As an example, the greatest distance between two elements consecutive, i.e. where their respective edges are furthest apart relative to each other, is between 1 mm and 5 mm, and preferably between 1.5 mm and 4 mm, and more preferably between 1.5 mm and 1.3 mm.

The number of application elements forming the device according to the invention can be between 10 and 40, and preferably between 10 and 20. The diameter of the circle in which is inscribed the cross section of the device can be between 3 mm and 10 mm, and preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm, and more preferably still, between 5 mm and 7 mm.

Advantageously, the application elements can comprise one or more organs, in particular in the form of pins, projecting from the edge peripheral of said element, said protruding members extending in a plane means of the application element, or outside of said plane (eg Figure 8). Such protruding members facilitate the separation of the fibers after application of the product.

Contact or approximation between such elements, via their edges peripherals, can be done either tangentially, in the case of elements circular application (e.g. Figure 8), either locally via their respective corners or protrusions in the case of application elements whose section has such corners or protrusions, the orientation of the elements of application relative to each other determining the position of the zones throttling on the periphery of the device (e.g. Figures 2-6).

The application elements can extend substantially in one plane, and be cross section with at least three corners or protrusions (in the case of a cross section whose edges are concave) of which at least one extends outside said plane, so as to delimit at least one zone throttling (e.g. Figures 9, 10). So between two consecutive elements can be formed as many bottlenecks as there are corners in the cross section of the application elements.

The corners or protrusions can be turned alternately on either side of the plan (e.g. Figure 10). Thus, a given element participates in the delimitation of bottlenecks with each of the application elements surrounding it, the (or the) corner (s) turned on a first side of the application element delimiting a (or more) constriction (s) with the application element disposed of said first side of the given application element, the turned corner (s) of a second side, opposite the first, of the application element delimiting one (or more) constriction (s) with the applicator element disposed on said second side of the given application item. With such a configuration, are defined throttles whose profile may be the same over the entire length of the device application.

Alternatively, some of the corners or protrusions are turned to one side of said mean plane, the others being arranged substantially in said mean plane (eg: figure 9).

Alternatively, still said corners are turned on the same side of said plane.

Alternatively again, said corners or protrusions are alternately arranged in the middle plane of the application element or rotated by the same side of said mean plane (eg Figure 9). In this configuration, a first and a second element, consecutive to the first, can be arranged face to face, while that the second element as well as a third element, consecutive to the second, are arranged back to back. This produces chokes having profiles different, the profile of a constriction defined by two elements arranged facing face being different from the profile of a constriction defined by two elements arranged back to back.

Thus, a corner (or protuberance) returned from a first element can be either in look of a plane corner (or outgrowth) of a second element, thus defining bottlenecks with a first profile, either facing a corner (or outgrowth) returned in the direction of the first element (e.g. Figure 10), thus defining bottlenecks with a second, different profile from the first. Alternatively, a third type of profile can be obtained by putting in front (or in contact) a first corner, plan, of the first element with a second corner, plane, of the second element, the first corner, plane, of said first element being adjacent to at least one corner, not planar, turned away from the second element, the second corner, plane, of said second element being adjacent to at least one corner, not planar, facing away from the first element (eg figure 9). In the same device, we can find the three types of profile, especially in alternately.

According to another embodiment, the application elements extend substantially in a plane and have an oriented peripheral rim transversely to said plane, and surrounding all or part of said elements of application, said flange being at least partly of non-constant width (eg: Figures 11-14). Such a ledge participates in the delimitation, in combination with the transverse face of the application element, of a volume capable of retaining product by capillarity, and in contact with which the fibers will be brought during the setting application device engagement with them.

The width of the rim, measured along the axis of the application device, can range from 0 in its narrower part to 2 mm in its larger part width. The maximum width of a flange can be of the order of 0.2 mm to 2 mm, and preferably from 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, and more preferably from 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

Advantageously, said rim has at least a portion of increasing width gradually, followed by a gradually decreasing portion of width (ex. : Figures 11-14). Again, this delimits a two-way throttling zone inputs for the fibers to be treated.

The rim is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device (e.g. figures 11-12). Alternatively, the flange is oriented in a divergent manner with respect to a longitudinal axis of the device (eg Figure 13). Alternatively again, the ledge is oriented convergently to a longitudinal axis of the device (e.g. Figure 14).

Advantageously, a first flange is turned on a first side of said plane medium, a second flange being turned on a second side of said mean plane, opposite on the first (e.g. Figures 11-14). The first rim presents in a mode of specific production, a profile offset, in particular 180 °, relative to the profile of said second edge.

Alternatively, the flange can be formed in its entirety on the same side of said plan.

The area of greatest width of a rim of a first element may be arranged opposite the area of greatest width of the peripheral rim of a second element, adjacent to the first, thus defining a bottleneck having a first profile (e.g. Figures 11, 13, 14). Alternatively, the area over large width of a first element may be arranged facing the area of narrower width of the peripheral edge of a second element, thus defining a bottleneck with a second profile, different from the first (eg: figure 12). We can meet the two profiles on the same device, especially in alternately.

According to another aspect of the invention, an applicator is also produced. comprising a rod of which a first end is integral with, or forms, a gripping element and a second end, opposite to the first, is integral with an application device according to the invention. The stem can be obtained from molding with the application device. Alternatively, the rod can be attached and made integral with the application device by snap-fastening, bonding, or welding. The material forming the rod can be identical or different to the material forming the application device.

Advantageously, the gripping element can also form a suitable element to reversibly close an opening of a container fitted with said applicator. A longitudinal axis of the application device can be parallel or transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rod. The choice of this or that orientation of the application device with respect to the rod is made according to the nature and position of the fibers to be treated, as well as according to the body language sought. Can also intervene the aesthetics sought for the packaging unit and application.

According to the present invention, an assembly is also produced (e.g. FIG. 1) for packaging and applying a product to keratin fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising a container containing the product, said container delimiting an opening in the vicinity of which is disposed a wiper member, said assembly being equipped with an applicator according to the invention. The wiper member may be in the form of a block of foam, in particular at open or semi-open cells, or in the form of an annular element fitted a lip, in particular an elastomeric lip, capable of wiping the application device when the latter is removed from the container.

Such an assembly can be advantageously used for packaging and applying a composition for the eyelashes or the eyebrows, in particular a mascara.

• la figure 1 représente un mode de réalisation d'un ensemble équipé d'un dispositif d'application selon l'invention ;
• les figures 2-6 illustrent différentes variantes d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un dispositif d'application selon invention ;
• les figures 7a-7f illustrent différentes sections des éléments d'application pouvant être utilisés pour la réalisation d'un dispositif d'application selon la présente invention ;
• la figure 8 est relative à un second mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon l'invention ;
• la figure 9 est relative à un troisième mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon l'invention ;
• la figure 10 est relative à un quatrième mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon l'invention ;
• les figures 11-12 sont relatives à un cinquième mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon l'invention ;
• la figure 13 est relative à un sixième mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon invention ; et
• la figures 14 est relative à un septième mode de réalisation du dispositif d'application selon l'invention.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of an assembly equipped with an application device according to the invention;
• Figures 2-6 illustrate different variants of a first embodiment of an application device according to the invention;
• Figures 7a-7f illustrate different sections of the application elements which can be used for the production of an application device according to the present invention;
• Figure 8 relates to a second embodiment of the application device according to the invention;
• Figure 9 relates to a third embodiment of the application device according to the invention;
• Figure 10 relates to a fourth embodiment of the application device according to the invention;
• Figures 11-12 relate to a fifth embodiment of the application device according to the invention;
• FIG. 13 relates to a sixth embodiment of the application device according to the invention; and
• Figures 14 relates to a seventh embodiment of the application device according to the invention.

In the drawings, the dimensions, in particular the spacings between the elements have been deliberately exaggerated in order to make it easier to read.

FIG. 1 shows a packaging and application unit 100, equipped with an application device 1 according to the invention, and of which several modes of realization will be the subject of a detailed description thereafter. The set 100 includes a container 101 containing a reserve of cosmetic product such as mascara and an applicator 110. The applicator 110 includes a device application 1 fixed to one end of a rod 102 aligned with the device 1. The other end of the rod 102 is integral with a gripping element 105 which also constitutes a sealing cap for the container 101. The container 101 comprises a wiper member 106 formed here by a block of open or semi-open cell foam 107, axially traversed by a slot or passage, the edges of which delimit it are substantially contiguous in the absence of constraint. In the mounted position of the applicator 110 on the container 101, the application device 1 is located in its entirety between the block of foam 107 and the bottom of the container. Other types of wipers can be used, for example, a cylindrical sleeve one end of which ends by a flexible annular lip.

In order to use the applicator, the user unscrews the cap formed by the member gripping device 105, and extracts the applicator 110 from the container 101. In doing so, the application device 1 is caused to pass through the wiper member 106, so as to dose the quantity of product distributed over the elements of application device 1. The movement of extraction of the applicator is of direction substantially longitudinal to the axis of the applicator 110 (confused with the axis of the application device 1). After use, the user hands over the applicator in the container, again passing the device application 1 through the wiper member 106.

In Figure 2 is shown a partial view of an application device 1 according to a first embodiment. The application device, of longitudinal axis X, comprises a central support 2 to which a plurality of elements are connected 3. The application device according to this embodiment is obtained for molding a polyethylene. Application elements 3 are shaped substantially planar, and of triangular cross section. The elements application 3 are oriented obliquely to each other so that a given application element 4 has its base 5 in contact (or substantially at contact) of the base 6 of the application element 7 located on one side of the element of given application, and that the vertex 8 of said given application element 4 is in contact (or substantially in contact) with a corresponding vertex 9 of the application element 10 located on the other side of the given application element 4.

Thus, a first throttling zone 11 is formed between the element application 4 and application element 7, the narrowest zone of which extends over the entire width of the common base of elements 4 and 7. Similarly, another throttle zone 12 is formed between the applicator element 4 and the element 10 whose narrowest zone is located at the junction of the vertices 8 and 9.

Due to the oblique orientation of elements 4 and 10, the bottleneck 12 formed at vertices 8 and 9, separates a first zone delimited by two edge portions gradually approaching each other, one second zone delimited by two edge portions gradually moving away one from the other, thus realizing for the fibers to be treated two entries towards the same bottleneck. It is the same for the throttling zone 11, the portion with edges gradually approaching being separated from the portion with edges gradually deviating from a portion with parallel edges corresponding to the width of bases 5, 6 of elements 4 and 7.

Upon application, the eyelashes arranged between two consecutive elements will be contact of the product retained by capillary action on the main faces of the elements 3. In response to the movement of the application device relatively with the eyelashes, the latter will be guided towards the constriction zones 11, 12, formed at the junctions of the vertices, respectively, of the bases, of two elements consecutive. At this time, the eyelashes will be clamped in said areas constriction, which encloses promotes the smoothing of the eyelashes, their elongation and their bending.

As it appears in Figure 3, at the bottlenecks 11, 12, the vertices 8, 9 and the parallel bases of two consecutive elements (4, 7; 4, 10) can be connected by material bridges 13, 14, allowing more of rigidity to the whole, and allowing stronger support for the eyelashes by the bottlenecks thus defined. The angle α of inclination of the elements of application 3 relative to the X axis of the device is of the order of 80 °.

According to another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, at the level of the zones throttle 11, 12, vertices 8, 9 and parallel bases 5, 6 of two consecutive elements (4, 7; 4, 10) are distant from each other. This distance must, however, be low enough to allow for bottlenecks 11 and 12 to play their full role, namely to take care of the eyelashes with a view to smooth, lengthen or curl them. This embodiment allows to deposit a greater amount of product on the fibers to be treated, and provides more softness in use.

Although not shown in Figures 2-4 (for reasons of clarity of the drawing), the support may include front and rear parts delimiting axially the application area of the application device, and profiled so to facilitate the passage of the application device 1 in the wiping member discussed above with reference to Figure 1. Such front and rear parts will illustrated with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 11-14 which will be described later. In addition, the end of the support 2, opposite the end free of the application device 1 may include means (not appearing on the partial views of figures 2-4) to allow the mounting of the device application, in particular by snap-fastening, inside a hollow end a connecting rod.

In Figures 2-4, the application elements (generally, the numerical reference 3) are tilted, two by two, symmetrically one by compared to each other. In FIG. 5, for each pair of application elements consecutive 3, one 4 is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the device, the other 10 is arranged obliquely to the axis of the device 1. Such a arrangement makes it possible to tighten the throttling zones 11 and 12 along the axis of the device, without reducing too much the amount of product capable of be withdrawn by the application device 1, and without reducing too much sensitive the ability of the fibers to engage between the application elements 3 of the device 1. In addition, at the level of the throttling zones 11 and 12, the vertices correspondents 5, 6 and 8, 9 are in contact with each other, without however be connected by bridges of matter. In terms of result, this configuration allows you to obtain something intermediate between what is obtained with embodiments of Figures 3 and 4.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-5, a first group of zones throttle 12, is arranged along a first axis Y, parallel to the axis X. A second group of throttling zones 11, is centered along a second axis Z, parallel to the X axis of the application device 1, the Y and Z axes being arranged at opposite to each other with respect to the X axis of the device.

Alternatively, and by appropriately orienting the application elements triangular, it is possible to obtain a configuration in which each application element is in contact basically in a single vertex of each of the two elements that surround it. With such a configuration, the zones are divided into three groups arranged on three separate axes angularly 60 °.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the throttling zones are offset angularly a few degrees from each other, so whether they are distributed, evenly or not, all around the periphery of the application device 1. This last provision authorizes the presence of a greater number of application elements 3 on the device 1, which will allow the eyelashes to lengthen and separate further, to the detriment, however, of amount of product deposited, which will be a little lower. Such a configuration will therefore be more suitable in the case where natural make-up is sought and lightly loaded.

As shown in Figures 7a-7f, the section of the application elements 3 can be any. In FIG. 7a, the cross section of the application element 3 is shaped triangular with concave edges, giving a protruding character relatively marked at the corners of the applicator element 3. In FIG. 7b, the section of the application element 3 is square in shape with concave edges, giving the same character of protrusion or advancement to the corners of the element of application 3. In FIG. 7c, the section of the application element 3 is shaped triangular with straight edges. In Figure 7d, the section of the element Application 3 is hexagonal in shape with straight edges. In Figure 7e, the section of the applicator element 3 is square in shape with straight edges. To the Figure 7f, the section of the application element 3 is circular.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, the application elements (bearing generally, the reference numeral 30) consist of discs. Of specifically, two discs 31 and 32 are inclined opposite one another about 75 °, so as to approach at a point their periphery for define a throttling zone 34. On the other hand, the disc 32 approaches the disc 33, arranged opposite the disc 31, at a point diametrically opposite to its point of approximation with the disc 31 so as to form a zone throttle valve 35, diametrically opposite with respect to the throttle zone 34. The application elements 30 are covered with a flock coating 36. Each of the discs 31-33 has at its periphery, in the vicinity of an area throttle 34, 35, a pin 37 protruding from the peripheral edge of the corresponding application element 30. Such pins help improve separation of the fibers after application of the product.

Due to the tangential contact between two consecutive discs, each area throttle 34 and 35 separates a first zone delimited by two portions of edge progressively approaching one another, a second delimited area by two edge portions progressively moving away from each other, achieving thus for the fibers to be treated two entries towards the same throttling zone.

In the embodiment of Figure 9, the application elements (bearing in general, the reference numeral 40) consist of elements of substantially square section of which two corners located opposite each other have have been folded over on one side of the applicator element, the other two corners being arranged substantially in the middle plane of the applicator element. So, the applicator element 41 has two folded corners 42, 43 in the direction of two folded corners 44, 45 of a neighboring element 46, arranged in a configuration "facing face "with respect to element 41. The cooperation of the folded corners 42 and 43 of the application element 41 and folded corners 44, 45 of the application element neighbor 46 makes it possible to delimit two throttling zones 47, 48 between these two application elements 41, 46, the two zones 47 and 48 being located opposite one from the other.

Likewise, the application element 46 has two non-folded corners 49, and arranged substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis X of the device, and which are brought into contact with two non-folded corners 50 of the applicator element 51 (located opposite element 41 with respect to element 46) so as to define two throttling zones 52, the profile of the edges delimiting these zones throttle 52 being different from the profile of the edges delimiting the zones throttle 47, 48. Thus, on the periphery of the application device according to this embodiment are formed four rows of bottlenecks offset by 90 ° from each other.

In the embodiment of Figure 10, the application elements (bearing in general, the reference numeral 60) consist of elements of substantially square section of which two corners located opposite each other have have been folded over on one side of the applicator element, the other two corners being folded over on the other side of the application element. Thus, the application element 61 comprises two corners 62, 63 folded in the direction of two corners 64, 65 of a neighboring element 66, folded in the direction of application element 61. The cooperation of folded corners 62 and 63 of the applicator element 61 and folded corners 64, 65 of the neighboring application element 66 makes it possible to delimit two throttling zones 67, 68 between these two application elements 61, 66, the two zones 67 and 68 being located opposite each other with respect to the axis of the device.

Similarly, the application element 66 has two corners 69 folded away opposite corners 64, 65, and which are brought into contact with two folded corners 70 of the application element 71 (located opposite the element 61 relative to the element 66) so as to define two throttling zones 72, the profile of the edges delimiting these throttling zones 72 being identical to the profile of the edges delimiting the bottlenecks 67, 68. Thus, in the same way as for the previous embodiment, on the periphery of the application device, are formed of four rows of throttle zones offset by 90 ° to each other compared to others.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the application elements (bearing in general, the reference numeral 80) are made up of elements of circular section oriented perpendicular to the X axis of the application device 1, and comprising at least one rim, oriented transversely to the mean plane of the disc, and of variable width (longitudinally to the X axis) on the periphery of the disk.

Thus, a particular application element 81 has a transverse wall 97 forming at its periphery a first flange 82 turned on one side of the wall transverse 97, and whose width progressively passes from 0, in a first point 83, to a maximum value at a second point 84 diametrically opposite relative to point 83 of disc 81. The edge is oriented parallel to the X axis of the application device 1. The point 84 of the disc 81 where the flange 82 is the most wide is opposite the point 88 of greatest width of a rim 85 formed of a side of a disc 86, consecutive to the disc 81, thus defining between the two points 84, 88, a throttling zone 87. In the same way as for the rim 82, the rim 85 of the disc 86 is of width gradually decreasing to be substantially zero at a point 89 arranged opposite point 83 more narrow width of the rim 82, thus defining a zone of maximum spacing between two successive application elements.

The greatest width of the edges is of the order of 0.7 mm. In the same way that for the other embodiments, two consecutive elements can be contiguous (or even connected by a material bridge) at the level of the bottlenecks that they delimit, or narrowly spaced.

Opposite the rim 82, the application element 81 has a second rim 90 of width varying progressively between a substantially zero value and a maximum value, the variation profile being offset by 180 ° with respect to the variation of the flange 82. As it appears in Figure 11, and in the same way that for the rim 82, the zone of greatest width of the rim 90 is opposite of a zone of greater width of a rim 91, formed on one side of a disc 92 (located opposite the disc 86 relative to the disc 81), so as to define a throttle zone 93 offset 180 ° from throttle zone 87. The area with the smallest width of the rim 90 is opposite the area with the smallest width of the rim 91 formed by the disc 92.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the application device has two rows, offset by 180 °, and each comprising alternating zones throttling 87, 93 and areas of maximum separation between two elements successive applications.

The application device also comprises front and rear parts 98, 99, shaped so as to facilitate the passage of the application device 1 in a wringer 106, of the type fitted to the assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1.

On application, the bottlenecks play the same functions as in the previous embodiments. However, variable width ledges contribute to delimit in the vicinity of the bottlenecks, suitable volumes to retain a significant amount of product, with which the fibers to be treated will be able to be put in contact, simultaneously with their engagement with the bottlenecks. Thus, the product is both deposited on the fibers, and spreading it over said fibers. In addition, due to the presence of the zones throttling, the fibers are supported, and therefore bent and / or elongated.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the application elements are of configuration identical to that of the application elements of the embodiment previous. However, the application elements 80 are arranged in pairs of so that the area of greatest width of the rim 85 of a disc 86 is in look at the narrower area of the rim 82 of the neighboring disc 81, the area throttle 87 which results from being of profile different from the profile of the zone throttle 87 of the previous embodiment. Likewise, the area of more large width of the rim 91 of the disc 92 is opposite the zone of smallest width of the rim 90 of the neighboring disc 81, the resulting throttling zone 93 being of identical profile to that of the throttling zone 87 In addition, on each of the two rows of bottlenecks, these are more close together, since they are not separated by zones of maximum spacing between two elements of application.

The embodiment of Figure 13 is similar to the embodiment of the Figure 11, except that the transverse edges 82, 85, 90, 91 are oriented diverging from the X axis of the device, instead of being oriented parallel way. In the same way as for what has been discussed with reference to FIG. 12, the configuration of the application elements 80 could be modified so that the areas of greatest width of the edges of an element of application given are arranged opposite the narrower areas of the edges of the elements surrounding it, and vice versa.

The embodiment of Figure 14 is similar to the embodiment of the Figure 11, except that the transverse edges 82, 85, 90, 91 are oriented convergently relative to the X axis of the device, instead of being oriented parallel way. In the same way as for what has been discussed with reference to FIG. 12, the configuration of the application elements 80 could be modified so that the areas of greatest width of the edges of an element of application given are arranged opposite the narrower areas of the edges of the elements surrounding it, and vice versa.

By thus playing on the orientation of the edges, we modify the aptitude of the elements application to transport the product and return it to the fibers to be treated. We also changes the characteristics of separation, elongation and bending of the application device, the choice of this or that configuration is depending on the rheology of the product, and / or characteristics searched for in the application. We also play on softness on application, and on its speed.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. Obviously there may be variations made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (48)

1. Device (1) for applying a product to the keratinous fibres, particularly the eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising a number of applicator elements (3, 30, 40, 60, 80) oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis X of the device, characterized in that at least a portion of a peripheral rim or edge of a first applicator element (4, 32, 46, 66, 81) is at a distance, which decreases following a progressive profile, from at least one corresponding portion of a second applicator element (7, 10, 31, 33, 41, 51, 61, 71, 86, 92) consecutive with the first, so as to define at least one funnelling zone (11, 12, 34, 35, 47, 48, 49, 67, 68, 72, 87, 93) for the said fibres, when these are engaged with the device between the said first and second applicator elements.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said corresponding portion of the second applicator element consists of a portion of a peripheral rim or edge of the said second element.
3. Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the portion(s) on which the peripheral rim or edge of the said first element (4, 32, 46, 66, 81) is at a decreasing distance from a corresponding portion of the said second element (7, 10, 31, 33, 41, 51, 61, 71, 86, 92) is (are) followed by a portion on which the peripheral rim or edge of the said first element is at a distance, that increases following a progressive profile, from a corresponding portion of the said second element.
4. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the said applicator elements (3, 30, 40, 60, 80) are connected to a central support (2).
5. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said rim or edge portion of the first element (4, 32, 46, 66, 81) is in contact with at least one point of the corresponding portion of the said second element (7, 10, 31, 33, 41, 51, 61, 71, 86, 92).
6. Device (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the applicator elements (3, 30, 40, 60, 80) are connected in pairs via at least one point (13, 14) of their respective rims or edges, the point(s) connecting the said applicator elements in pairs acting as a support of the said applicator device (1).
7. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the smallest distance separating the said rim or edge portion of the first element (4, 32, 46, 66, 81) from the corresponding portion of the second element (7, 10, 31, 33, 41, 51, 61, 71, 86, 92) is non zero.
8. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least two funnelling zones, offset angularly from one another about the device.
9. Device (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the said funnelling zones (11, 12, 34, 35, 47, 48, 49, 67, 68, 72, 87, 93) are arranged in at least two groups, a first group being arranged along a first axis (Y), a second group being arranged along a second axis (Z) distinct from the first.
10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the said applicator elements (3, 30, 40, 60, 80) is of triangular, circular, square or hexagonal cross section.
11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cross section of at least one of the said applicator elements (3, 30, 40, 60, 80) has straight, concave or convex edges.
12. Applicator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is obtained by moulding, particularly from a thermoplastic material, pressing or casting.
13. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said thermoplastic material is a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polystyrene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polycarbonate, a polyacetate, an elastomer, particularly of polyurethane, of polyester, of polyvinyl chloride, of polyethylene, of vinyl, or of polyamide, or a blend of such materials.
14. Device (1) according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the said material includes fillers, particularly slip agents, such as silicone, graphite, Teflon or molybdenum disulphide, or bactericides, or magnetic particles which may or may not be magnetized.
15. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the surface finish of the material is modified, particularly chemically or by means of β- or γ-radiation, so as to improve the ability of the said applicator elements (3, 30, 40, 60, 80) to retain product.
16. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the said applicator elements (3, 30, 40, 60, 80) is covered with flocking (36), particularly made of fibres of nylon, cotton, acetate, viscose, polyester or a blend of such materials.
17. Device (1) according to Claim 16, characterized in that the flocking (36) comprises a mixture of fibres of different kinds and/or different lengths and/or different diameters.
18. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator elements (3, 30, 40, 60, 80) are arranged along a straight or curved longitudinal axis.
19. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at least two consecutive applicator elements (4, 7, 10, 31, 32, 33) are flat and arranged in two mean planes which are not mutually parallel.
20. Device (1) according to Claim 19, characterized in that the said two planes are oriented obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the device.
21. Device (1) according to Claim 19, characterized in that one of the said mean planes is oriented obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis (X) of the device, the other of the said mean planes being perpendicular to the said axis (X).
22. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 19 to 21, characterized in that at least one applicator element (31, 32, 33) comprises one or more members (37) projecting from the peripheral edge of the said element, the said projecting members (37) extending in a mean plane of the applicator element or outside the said mean plane.
23. Device according to any one of Claims 19 to 22, characterized in that a first element (31) and a second element (32) consecutive with the first and not parallel to the first, define a funnelling zone (34) tangential to the said first and second elements.
24. Device according to any one of Claims 19 to 22, characterized in that at least one funnelling zone (12) is defined by at least one corner (8) (or protrusion) of a first applicator element (4) facing, or even in contact with, at least one corresponding corner (or protrusion) (9) of a second applicator element (10), consecutive with the first and not parallel to the first.
25. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at least one applicator element (41, 46, 51, 61, 66, 71) extends more or less in a mean plane, and has a cross section exhibiting at least three corners (or protrusions) (42-45, 50, 62-65, 70) at least one of which extends outside the said mean plane.
26. Device (1) according to Claim 25, characterized in that the said corners or protrusions (62-65, 70) face alternately towards each side of the said mean plane.
27. Device (1) according to Claim 25, characterized in that the said corners or protrusions (42-45) face towards the same side of the said plane.
28. Device (1) according to Claim 25, characterized in that some of the corners or protrusions (42-45) face towards one side of the said mean plane, the others (50) being arranged more or less in the said mean plane.
29. Device (1) according to Claim 28, characterized in that the said corners or protrusions (42-45, 50) are arranged alternately in the mean plane of the applicator element or face towards one.and the same side of the said mean plane.
30. Device (1) according to Claim 29, characterized in that a first (41) and a second element (46), consecutive with the first, are arranged face to face, the said second element (46) and a third element (51), consecutive with the second, being arranged back to back.
31. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 25 to 30, characterized in that it comprises at least one funnelling zone (47) delimited by at least one corner (42) (or protrusion) of a first element (41), facing towards at least one corresponding corner (44) (or protrusion) of a second element (46) facing towards the first element, and/or at least one funnelling zone defined by at least one corner (or protrusion) of a first element, facing towards at least one corresponding corner (or protrusion) of a second element, and arranged more or less in a mean plane of the said second element.
32. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 25 to 31, characterized in that it comprises at least one funnelling zone (52), defined by at least one corner (49) (or protrusion) of a first element (46), arranged more or less in a mean plane of the said first element, facing (or even in contact with) at least one corresponding corner (50) (or protrusion) of a second element (46), arranged more or less in a mean plane of the said second element.
33. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at least one of the said applicator elements (80, 83, 86, 92) extends more or less in a mean plane and has at least one peripheral rim (82, 85, 90, 91) oriented transversely to the said plane, and surrounding all or part of the said applicator elements, the said rim being, at least in part, of non-constant width.
34. Device (1) according to Claim 33, characterized in that the rim(s) (82, 85, 90, 91) has (have) at least one portion of gradually increasing width, followed by a portion of gradually decreasing width.
35. Device (1) according to Claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the rim(s) (82, 85, 90, 91) is (are) oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the device.
36. Device (1) according to Claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the rim(s) (82, 85, 90, 91) is (are) oriented so as to diverge with respect to a longitudinal axis (X) of the device.
37. Device (1) according to Claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the rim(s) (82, 85, 90, 91) is (are) oriented so as to converge with respect to a longitudinal axis (X) of the device.
38. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 33 to 37, characterized in that a first rim (82) faces towards a first side of the said mean plane, a second rim (90) facing towards a second side of the said mean plane, which is the opposite side to the first.
39. Device (1) according to Claim 38, characterized in that the said first rim (82) has a profile which is offset, particularly by 180°, with respect to the profile of the said second rim (90).
40. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 33 to 37, characterized in that the rim (82, 90) is formed in its entirety on one and the same side of the said plane.
41. Device (1) according to any one of Claims 33 to 40, characterized in that the maximum width of the rim(s) is between 0.2 mm and 2 mm, and preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm, and more preferably still, between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.
42. Device according to any one of Claims 33 to 41, characterized in that at least one funnelling zone (87) is delimited by at least one portion of greater width of a peripheral rim (82) of a first applicator element (81), arranged facing (or even in contact with) at least one portion of greater width of a peripheral rim (85) of a second applicator element (86) consecutive with the first.
43. Device according to any one of Claims 33 to 42, characterized in that at least one funnelling zone (93) is delimited by at least one portion of greater width of a peripheral rim (91) of a first applicator element (92), arranged facing (or even in contact with) at least one portion of smaller width of a peripheral rim (90) of a second applicator element (81) consecutive with the first.
44. Applicator (110) comprising a wand (102) of which a first end is secured to, or forms, an element (105) for grasping, and of which a second end, opposite the first, is secured to an applicator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
45. Applicator (110) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said element (105) for grasping also forms an element capable of reversibly closing an opening of a container (101) equipped with the said applicator (110).
46. Applicator (110) according to Claim 44 or 45, characterized in that a longitudinal axis (X) of the applicator device (1) is parallel or transverse to a longitudinal axis of the wand (102).
47. Unit (100) for packaging a product and applying it to the keratinous fibres, particularly the eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising a container (101) containing the product, the said container delimiting an opening near which a wringing-out member (106) is arranged, the said unit (100) being equipped with an applicator (110) according to any one of Claims 44 to 46.
48. Use of a unit (100) according to Claim 47 for packaging and applying a composition for the eyelashes or eyebrows, in particular a mascara.

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