EP1369055A2 - Applicator with a stem joined to a fingergrip by an articulation - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator consists of a holder (7) in the form of a threaded cap for a container (3) of the cosmetic product, a stem (6) and a tip (20) e.g. in the form of a curved brush. The stem is connected to the holder by an articulated joint and it has a projecting tip (18) that allows its position relative to the holder to be modified for more convenient application. The articulated joint allows for angular movement while preventing any axial or lateral movement of the applicator stem, while a system of graduated marks on the holder enables the stem to be moved into a pre-set position relative to it.

Description

The present invention relates to applicators comprising a gripping, a rod connected by a joint to the gripping member and an element application disposed at one end of the rod.

Such applicators, which are suitable for the application of a cosmetic product, are described in US Patent 6,026,823.

Other applicators are described in US 5,328,282, US 2,173,959, US 4 396 028, US 5 435 328, FR 2 701 196, US 4 165 755, FR 1 395 217, US 4 428 388, US 3,185,291 and US 4,370,989.

Among the patents mentioned above, FR 1 395 217 describes an applicator for deformable capsule nail polish. This capsule has a flexible part and a rigid part, the latter comprising a thread allowing it to be screwed onto the neck of a bottle. The flexible part, which can be spherical or bellows-shaped, is integral with a brush and allows the user, by pressing on it, to insert the brush for him allow to reach the bottom of the bottle, scrape it and effectively stir the pigments deposited there to resuspend them.

Applicators comprising a non-longitudinal axis application element are also known, in particular for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or eyebrows. Given the shape of the application element, difficulties may arise occur when the application element is loaded with product by being introduced into a container through a wringer. In order not to interfere with this introduction, the angle formed by the application element with the rod which supports it must not be too large. But he it may be desirable to have an application element which is more inclined with respect to the rod for ergonomic reasons and / or allow, for example, greater diversity of makeup results.

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a new applicator, especially for lips, eyelids, eyebrows, eyelashes or hair, more ergonomic and / or allowing new makeup effects.

• un organe de préhension,
• une tige reliée par une articulation à l'organe de préhension,
• un élément d'application disposé à une première extrémité de la tige et configuré pour appliquer un produit sur des fibres kératiniques, par exemple les cils, les sourcils ou les cheveux,
• une portion manoeuvrable permettant de modifier l'orientation de la tige par rapport à l'organe de préhension, cette portion manoeuvrable s'étendant au moins partiellement entre l'articulation et une deuxième extrémité de la tige, opposée à la première.

According to one of its aspects, the invention relates to an applicator comprising

• a gripping organ,
• a rod connected by a joint to the gripping member,
• an applicator element disposed at a first end of the stem and configured to apply a product to keratin fibers, for example the eyelashes, the eyebrows or the hair,
• a maneuverable portion making it possible to modify the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion extending at least partially between the joint and a second end of the rod, opposite to the first.

Such an applicator can make it possible to modify the orientation of the element of application relative to the gripping member during use, to have an angle not zero between an axis of the applicator element and an axis of the rod, without, however cause difficulty in introducing the applicator into a container containing the product to be applied and provided with a wringer, since this introduction can be carried out by example while the rod is substantially in the axis of the gripping member. In the if the application element has a non-rectilinear shape, it can the incidence of the application element relative to the gripping member at the time of use without having to give the application element a tilt as it would be likely to interfere with its introduction into the container. Tilting the rod relative to the gripping member also makes it possible to move the gripping member away of the face, in the case of eyelash or eyebrow makeup, therefore facilitates makeup eyelashes or eyebrows with the axis of the rod oriented substantially vertically.

• un organe de préhension,
• une tige reliée par une articulation à l'organe de préhension, l'articulation pouvant être configurée pour empêcher un déplacement axial et/ou latéral sensible de la tige, au niveau de l'articulation, relativement à l'organe de préhension,
• un élément d'application, qui peut être quelconque, disposé à une première extrémité de la tige,
• une portion manoeuvrable permettant de modifier l'orientation de la tige par rapport à l'organe de préhension, cette portion manoeuvrable pouvant s'étendre au moins partiellement entre l'articulation et une deuxième extrémité de la tige, opposée à la première.

According to another of its aspects, the invention relates to an applicator comprising

• a gripping organ,
• a rod connected by an articulation to the gripping member, the articulation being able to be configured to prevent substantial axial and / or lateral displacement of the rod, at the articulation, relative to the gripping member,
• an application element, which may be any, disposed at a first end of the rod,
• a maneuverable portion making it possible to modify the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion being able to extend at least partially between the joint and a second end of the rod, opposite to the first.

The absence, at the joint, of axial and / or lateral displacement sensitive rod relative to the gripping member can allow positioning precisely the application element where the product is to be applied.

• un organe de préhension,
• une tige reliée à l'organe de préhension par une articulation disposée à l'intérieur de l'organe de préhension,
• un élément d'application, qui peut être quelconque, disposé à une première extrémité de la tige,
• une portion manoeuvrable permettant de modifier l'orientation de la tige par rapport à l'organe de préhension, cette portion manoeuvrable pouvant s'étendre au moins partiellement entre l'articulation et une deuxième extrémité de la tige, opposée à la première.

According to another of its aspects, the invention relates to an applicator comprising:

• a gripping organ,
• a rod connected to the gripping member by a hinge arranged inside the gripping member,
• an application element, which may be any, disposed at a first end of the rod,
• a maneuverable portion making it possible to modify the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion being able to extend at least partially between the joint and a second end of the rod, opposite to the first.

Having the joint inside the gripping member can make the applicator more compact and facilitate its handling.

In examples of applicators produced in accordance with the invention, the gripping member may comprise a body provided with an internal thread.

The gripping member may comprise a body crossed at one end by the maneuverable portion. The body may have, at this end, an end wall provided with an opening traversed by the maneuverable portion. This end wall may have a generally convex outward shape.

The aforementioned opening may include at least one slot, which can be used to guide the movement of the maneuverable portion. This slot may extend, if where appropriate, on at least part of the lateral surface of the gripping member. The opening may for example comprise at least two slots, the longitudinal axes of these two slots may be substantially perpendicular to each other, for example. There where the slots may have edges defining, for example thanks to at least one boss, at least one hard point when moving the maneuverable portion. Point hard can facilitate, if necessary, maintaining the maneuverable portion in a position predetermined.

The applicator, for example the end wall, can comprise at least one marker, for example graduations, making it easier for the user to locate the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member.

The maneuverable portion may include a cover configured to come to the less partially covering the gripping member. This cache can present, for example, a generally concave face towards the gripping member.

The maneuverable portion can be covered at least partially by a sheath, comprising for example at least one flexible region. This flexible region can in particular include a bellows.

The maneuverable portion can be completely covered by the sheath.

The sheath can be entirely flexible, being produced for example in a elastomer, for example butyl nitrile, EPDM, silicone or latex, this list not being limiting.

The sheath can be attached to the gripping member or, alternatively, produced in one piece by molding with the gripping member, for example by over-injection.

The sheath can have an external shape having an axial symmetry and present, for example, over at least part of its length, a cross section circular.

The sheath can have an external shape favoring its deformability in one or more directions. The sheath can thus present, for example, on at at least part of its length an oblong cross section.

The sheath can have a wall which can be more or less thick. The sheath can for example have a wall whose thickness, at least in places, is the order of magnitude of that of a wall of the gripping member.

The sheath can also have a relatively thick wall, in particular when made of a cellular material.

The sheath can comprise, for example, a block of foam, provided with a recess or at least one slot in which the rod is engaged at its second end. Such a block can for example be fixed by welding or gluing to one end of the body of the gripping organ.

The sheath can contribute to sealing the closure of a container on which the applicator is reported when not in use.

The articulation can comprise a brake to brake the movement of the rod by relation to the gripping organ. The brake can exert a braking action whatever or the position of the rod relative to the gripping member. The brake can also, in variant, only exert a braking action in at least one predetermined position of the rod relative to the gripping member.

The articulation can be carried out in various ways, and allow for example a displacement of the rod around a geometric axis, of two geometric axes or of an infinity of geometric axes.

The articulation can for example comprise a ball joint, which can have a rigid or flexible seat. A rigid seat can possibly provide a better sealing of the closure of the container thanks to better contact between a sealing member of the rod and the container, for example.

The articulation can, as a variant, comprise a pin, for example metallic, around which the rod can pivot. The rod may also have a cylindrical part serving as a pivot.

The joint can also include at least one flexible wall, for example a disk, crossed by the rod, this wall extending between the rod and the gripping. In an exemplary implementation, the articulation comprises at least one block of an elastically deformable material, for example a foam, crossed by the rod.

The applicator can be configured in such a way that the rod retains the orientation given by the user once the user releases the portion manoeuvrable.

The applicator may also include an elastic return member suitable for return the rod to a predetermined orientation, when the user releases it, by example to align its axis with that of the gripping member. This reminder body may be constituted for example by a constituent element of the joint. The organ of reminder can be constituted by a sheath as mentioned above.

The rod may include a sealing member configured to be applied from substantially sealed against a surface of a container to which is attached the applicator when not in use. This sealing member may include, for example example, a disc and / or a frustoconical part.

The application element may have a longitudinal axis, rectilinear or not.

The applicator element may have a longitudinal axis which forms an angle not zero with an axis of the rod. This non-zero angle can be formed between the axis of a part end of the rod, adjacent to the applicator element, and the axis of a proximal part of the application element, adjacent to the rod. The non-zero angle can also be formed between the axis of an end portion of the rod, adjacent to the application element, and the axis of a distal part of the application element, distant from the rod.

The application element may be non-straight or the rod and the element application may not extend entirely along the same rectilinear axis. The application element and the rod can for example extend, in this case, in a plane and the rod may pivot only in this same plane. The longitudinal axis of the element application may still extend outside the pivot plane of the rod.

The applicator element may include bristles and / or oriented teeth transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the element application.

The application element may include a mascara brush, in particular a brush comprising a core formed by two branches of a twisted metal wire, the bristles extending substantially radially from the core.

The application element may also include a comb configured to apply a product to the keratin fibers, for example the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

The application element can be produced with notches for example.

The application element can be produced by injection of plastic material, by example.

The application element may, in an alternative embodiment, include a brush, in particular a brush for applying nail polish.

The application element may also include a foam, a sponge, a felt or flocked tip, being configured for example to apply a product on the lips or eyelids. The application element can be flocked.

The application element may be able to retain product by capillary action.

The invention also relates to a packaging device and application of a cosmetic product, comprising a container containing the product and a applicator as defined above.

The applicator can be configured to close the container.

The container may include a wringer. The wringer can allow to bring back the rod in a zero tilt position when the applicator is returned to the container.

The container and the applicator can be configured in such a way that the rod the applicator is prevented from rotating relative to the container when the applicator is in place on this one.

A tight closure of the container can be obtained by means seal located above the joint, around the joint or below the joint, when one moves along the axis of the rod.

• charger un élément d'application avec le produit, l'élément d'application étant présent à une extrémité d'une tige reliée de manière articulée à un organe de préhension ayant un axe,
• modifier l'orientation de la tige par rapport à l'organe de préhension, en exerçant manuellement une poussée orientée transversalement à l'axe de l'organe de préhension sur une portion manoeuvrable adjacente à une deuxième extrémité de la tige, opposée à celle portant l'élément d'application.

The subject of the invention is also a method for applying a cosmetic product to a part of the body or of the face, in particular to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

• load an application element with the product, the application element being present at one end of a rod connected in an articulated manner to a gripping member having an axis,
• modify the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member, by manually exerting a thrust oriented transversely to the axis of the gripping member on a maneuverable portion adjacent to a second end of the rod, opposite to that carrying the application element.

• maquiller les fibres kératiniques avec la tige sensiblement horizontale et avec une première inclinaison de la tige relativement à l'organe de préhension, cette première inclinaison étant par exemple nulle,
• maquiller les fibres kératiniques avec la tige sensiblement verticale et une deuxième inclinaison de la tige relativement à l'organe de préhension, différente de la première.

In the case where the application element is configured to apply a product to the keratin fibers, for example the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, the method can comprise the following steps:

• make up the keratin fibers with the substantially horizontal rod and with a first inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member, this first inclination being for example zero,
• make up the keratin fibers with the substantially vertical rod and a second inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member, different from the first.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique, en coupe axiale, d'un dispositif pour l'application d'un produit sur les cils ou les sourcils, réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente isolément l'applicateur du dispositif de la figure 1, après pivotement de la tige relativement à l'organe de préhension,
• la figure 3 illustre l'utilisation de l'applicateur de la figure 2 pour le maquillage des cils, avec la tige orientée sensiblement verticalement,
• la figure 4 illustre l'utilisation de l'applicateur de la figure 2 pour le maquillage des cils avec la tige orientée sensiblement horizontalement,
• les figures 5 et 6 représentent, de manière schématique, deux exemples de brosses pouvant être utilisées comme élément d'application, avant courbure de leur âme,
• la figure 7 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, représentant un dispositif dans lequel l'élément d'application est constitué par une brosse ayant un axe longitudinal rectiligne,
• les figures 8 à 11 représentent différents exemples d'autres applicateurs,
• la figure 12 représente partiellement une tige courbe,
• la figure 12A représente, en coupe transversale, un élément d'application comportant des crans,
• les figures 13 à 15 représentent différents exemples, parmi d'autres, de réalisation de l'articulation,
• la figure 16 représente partiellement, en vue de côté, un applicateur conforme à une variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 17 est une vue de face selon la flèche XVII de la figure 16,
• les figures 18 et 19 sont des vues analogues à la figure 17, représentant des variantes de réalisation,
• les figures 20 à 27 représentent partiellement d'autres exemples d'applicateurs,
• la figure 28 est une section selon XVIII de la figure 27,
• les figures 29 à 31 représentent d'autres exemples d'articulation, et
• la figure 32 illustre la réalisation d'une articulation avec des crans.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic view, in axial section, of a device for applying a product to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, produced in accordance with the invention,
• FIG. 2 represents the applicator of the device of FIG. 1 in isolation, after pivoting of the rod relative to the gripping member,
• FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the applicator of FIG. 2 for making up the eyelashes, with the rod oriented substantially vertically,
• FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the applicator of FIG. 2 for making up the eyelashes with the rod oriented substantially horizontally,
• FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically represent two examples of brushes which can be used as an application element, before the curvature of their core,
• FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing a device in which the application element consists of a brush having a rectilinear longitudinal axis,
• FIGS. 8 to 11 show different examples of other applicators,
• FIG. 12 partially represents a curved rod,
• FIG. 12A represents, in cross section, an application element comprising notches,
• FIGS. 13 to 15 represent different examples, among others, of embodiment of the joint,
• FIG. 16 partially shows, in side view, an applicator according to an alternative embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 17 is a front view along the arrow XVII of FIG. 16,
• FIGS. 18 and 19 are views similar to FIG. 17, showing alternative embodiments,
• FIGS. 20 to 27 partially represent other examples of applicators,
• FIG. 28 is a section along XVIII of FIG. 27,
• FIGS. 29 to 31 show other examples of articulation, and
• FIG. 32 illustrates the production of an articulation with notches.

The device 1 represented in FIG. 1 is intended for the application of a product P on eyelashes or eyebrows, for example mascara, and includes an applicator 2, shown separately in Figures 2 and 3 and a container 3 containing the product P and on which can attach the applicator 2 in a substantially waterproof manner in the absence use. The container 3 may comprise, in a conventional manner, as illustrated in Figure 1, a threaded neck 4 inside which is fixed a wringer 5, made for example in elastomer and may include a flexible lip of generally conical shape.

The applicator 2 comprises a rod 6, rectilinear with axis X in the example illustrated and a gripping member 7 of axis Y also constituting a closure cap of the container 3, being provided for this purpose with an internal thread 8 configured to be screwed onto the neck 4.

The rod 6 comprises a sealing member 9 configured to cooperate with the opening of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, as can be see in Figure 1. This sealing member 9 may comprise, for example, a part frustoconical 9a provided at its upper end with a flange 9b configured to come resting on the upper edge of the wiper 5. The latter defines inside the container a wiping orifice 5a which can be circular when the portion of the rod to be wrung is circular section, being adapted to the diameter thereof. Alternatively, the sealing member could for example include only the frustoconical part or that a disc or have a yet another form, and include for example a sealing skirt. The sealing member may include, in particular when it includes a disc, a string of material elastomer.

The gripping member 7 comprises a generally tubular body 14, produced for example in a rigid plastic material, having a symmetrical external shape of revolution of axis Y in the example illustrated, this body 14 defining at an axial end an opening 15 allowing its engagement on the neck 4 of the container 3 and at the end opposite an opening 16 allowing the passage of a maneuverable portion 18 of the rod 6, used to orient the latter relative to the gripping member 7.

The rod 6 is hingedly connected to the gripping member 2, such so that the angle ii formed between the axis X of the rod 6 and the axis Y of the gripping member 7 can be changed by the user while using applicator 2, as illustrated in figure 2.

The applicator 2 may include a hinge which is presented for example in the form of a ball joint, comprising a generally spherical part 10 formed on the rod 6 and a housing or seat 11 of corresponding shape inside the member gripping 7. Such a ball joint may possibly allow rotation of the rod 6 on itself, around its axis X, relative to the gripping member 7, and prevent a sensitive axial and lateral displacement of the rod 6 at the joint, relative to the gripping member 7.

In the example illustrated, the housing 11 is defined by a wall 12 of the member gripper which is connected at an upper end to a return 13 directed radially inward 14.

The rod 6 is provided, at its end opposite to the maneuverable portion 18, an application element 20 which may or may not come into contact with the bottom of the container when the applicator is in place and which is constituted for example by a mascara brush.

The brush may comprise, in a conventional manner, a core formed by two branches of twisted wire, from which the hairs extend substantially radially.

The change in orientation of the rod 6 relative to the gripping member 7 can be done without grasping the portion of the rod which is introduced into the container when the applicator is in place on it, so there is no risk for the user to get dirty fingers.

Furthermore, the maneuverable portion 18 of the rod 6 can allow the user to view a change in direction of the application item relative to the gripping member, during makeup, by acting on the portion maneuverable 18.

The rod can be operated with one hand, during makeup.

The brush may have a non-straight core, as is the case in the example of FIGS. 1 to 3, or rectilinear, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

It may be advantageous if the applicator element 20 and the rod 6 do not extend not both on the same line and, in particular, that the application element has a curvilinear longitudinal axis.

In the example of FIGS. 1 to 3, the brush 20 has a curved core, the proximal portion 21a of the core 21, adjacent to the rod, connecting to the latter substantially along the axis X and the distal portion 21b of the core 21 pointing in a direction Z forming an angle i with the axis X.

The angle formed between the direction Z and the axis Y of the gripping member 7 can correspond to the cumulative value of the angles i and ii, which can make it possible for example to apply the product to the eyelashes with the rod of the applicator facing upwards, as illustrated in Figure 3.

When applying makeup with the applicator rod facing up, the angle formed between the rod and the gripping member can be relatively high, in order to separate the face grip and facilitate makeup.

When the applicator is used with the rod substantially horizontal, the orientation of the rod may for example be substantially zero relative to the axis of the gripping member, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The applicator can be configured so that the rod retains the orientation which is given to it once the maneuverable portion 18 is released, so the user doesn't have to push on the maneuverable portion to keep the rod inclined relative to the axis of the gripping member.

Alternatively, as will be detailed later, the applicator can be configured to return the rod to a predetermined orientation relative to the axis of the gripping member once the maneuverable portion 18 is released.

When the applicator is in place on the container, the cooperation of the rod and the if necessary of the sealing member 9 with the container and in particular with the member spin 5 may have the effect of preventing a significant tilting of the maneuverable portion 18 relative to the gripping member, unlike what is the case for example for the device described in French patent 1 395 217.

Can be used as an application element 20 at the end of the rod 6 various application elements and in particular brushes with an eccentric core and / or a core curve, having before shape of the core a shape as shown for example in Figures 5 and 6.

These figures show two brush blanks, before curvature of the core and implantation of the core 21 in the rod 6.

We can see that the core 21 is, for each of these examples, entirely straight before implantation in the stem.

The shape of the core after curvature has been shown in broken lines.

In the example of FIG. 5, the blank has a bitronconical envelope surface around its longitudinal axis.

The total length of the portion 20a of the brush which carries the bristles is example of the order of 26 mm. The larger diameter of the blank may be slightly greater than 7 mm while the end diameters can be close to 4 mm. The total length of the core 21 may be slightly greater than 35 mm, for example.

The core 21 can be curved while keeping the portion implanted in the rod 6 straight, to give the free portion a radius of curvature close to 60 mm per example.

The free end of the core may be offset from the axis of the rectilinear part implanted in the rod with a distance d which can be of the order of 4.5 mm for example.

The blank of Figure 6 has, before the curvature of the core, a general shape fish with a substantially frustoconical front part 20b and a symmetrical body 20c of revolution, delimited in longitudinal section by two opposite circular edges 20d and 20th, outwardly concave, each having a radius of curvature of the order of 52 mm. The diameter of the brush, at the rear end plane 20f, may be of the order of 7.5 mm for example and that at the front end plane 20g of the order of 5 mm for example. We go from the blank of Figure 6 to the final brush by bending the portion of the core supporting the bristles, with a radius of curvature which in the example illustrated is constant, of the order of 53 mm.

The end of the portion of the brush carrying the bristles, adjacent to the portion implanted in the rod, may form a slight angle, as illustrated in FIG. 6, with the axis of the portion implanted in the rod 6. The distance d , from which the free end of the core is offset, can be of the order of 2.4 mm for example.

You can still use application elements with a tip flocked 30, intended for example for making up the eyelid, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a flocked tip 40 intended for making up the lips, as illustrated in FIG. 9, or a brush 50 for applying varnish to the nails, as illustrated in FIG. 10. can also use a comb 60, as shown in FIG. 11. Other examples of combs, which are not limiting, are described in applications EP 1 169 941, EP 1070465, EP 1 070 468, EP 1 070 467 in particular. You can still use a felt tip or a foam, as shown in Figure 12.

We see in this figure that the rod 6 may not be entirely straight and include for example a bent portion 6a.

The application element may include notches, when observed in section transverse, as can be seen in FIG. 12A, and be produced by injection of plastic material.

The various elements of applications can extend with the rod on the same right or not.

In the example of FIGS. 1 to 3, the maneuverable portion 18 of the rod 6 is made in one piece with the rest of the rod, for example by molding of material plastic.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the portion maneuverable 18 is constituted by an insert on the rest of the rod 6, being by example inserted at one end into a housing 61 of the spherical part 10, as illustrated in figure 13.

The articulation connecting the rod 6 to the gripping member 7 can be formed at by means of an insert on the rest of the gripping member 7, as illustrated in Figure 14. We see in this figure that the housing 11 is formed in a part 63 fixed by example by snapping onto the rest 64 of the gripping member.

It can also be seen in FIG. 14 that the opening of the gripping 7, through which the maneuverable portion 18 leaves, can be delimited by edges 65 diverging outwards.

The wall 12 which defines the housing 11 of the ball joint can extend, for example, at least partially outside the gripping member 7, as illustrated in the figure 15.

The maneuverable portion 18 can be provided with a cover 66 which covers at least partially with little play or zero play the wall 12 of the housing 11, this cover 66 which can have, as in the example illustrated, a concave face 67 directed towards the wall 12.

The gripping member 7 may have a wall at an axial end end 69, as illustrated in FIG. 16, crossed by one or more slots allowing passage of the maneuverable portion 18.

In the example of FIG. 16, the end wall 69 is crossed by two slots 70 and 71, with respective axes F ₁ and F ₂ perpendicular to each other, and the width of which corresponds substantially to the diameter of the maneuverable portion 18 , the latter being able to move in the slots when the rod 6 is inclined relative to the gripping member 7.

The presence of the slots 70 and 71 can make it possible to limit the possibilities of displacement of the rod 6 relative to the gripping member 7 in the directions of the axes F ₁ and F ₂ .

The end wall 69 has, in the example illustrated, a shape generally convex outward. At least one of the aforementioned slots, for example the two slots 70 and 71, may include at least one boss 73, for example two bosses 73 facing each other, in order to create a hard point at the crossing by the maneuverable portion 18, which can make it possible to participate in maintaining the maneuverable portion 18 in a predetermined position, for example in abutment against an axial end of one of the slots.

In the example of figure 18, the user can thus bring the portion maneuverable 18 in one of the five predefined positions, namely a central position in which the portion 18 is at the intersection of the slots 70 and 71 and the inclination of the rod 6 relatively to the substantially zero Y axis, and four extreme positions in each which the maneuverable portion 18 abuts against an axial end of the slot corresponding. The transition from the central position to one of the extreme positions takes place with crossing of a hard point linked to the presence of bosses 73.

If, for example, it is desired that the rod 6 can only pivot around an axis only geometric, the gripping member 7 may have only one slot 70, as shown in figure 19.

When the rod only pivots in one plane, the applicator element can have a curved longitudinal axis which extends in this plane.

The gripping member may include at least one reference 77 allowing the user to identify the position of the maneuverable portion 18 relative to the gripping. The gripping member may for example comprise a plurality of graduations.

The maneuverable portion 18 can be covered by a sheath, which can be achieved in various ways. The sheath can contribute, for example, to sealing of the container.

FIG. 20 shows a sheath 80 produced by overmolding a elastomer on a part 81 of the body of the gripping member 7.

The sheath can be produced for example with pleats 82, as illustrated in the Figure 21, the folds 82 constituting for example a bellows giving it flexibility in all directions, to allow maneuvering the rod 6.

In the examples of FIGS. 20 and 21, the sheath has a shape generally symmetrical outside of revolution around the Y axis of the grip 7, but it is not going beyond the scope of the present invention by giving the sheath a non-symmetrical form of revolution, possibly with the aim of defining one or several preferred directions of movement of the maneuverable portion.

By way of illustration, FIG. 22 shows a sheath 90 having two opposite surfaces 91 substantially flat, on which the user can press to modify the inclination of the rod 6 relative to the gripping member 7.

One of these surfaces 91 may possibly include an inscription 92 to prompt the user to press it.

We can give the scabbard, as is the case shown in the figure 22, a shape making it possible to limit the angular displacement of the rod 6 around an axis geometric only.

In the example of FIG. 22, the flexibility of the sleeve 90 in the direction M movement of the maneuverable portion 18, substantially perpendicular to the surfaces 91, promotes pivoting of the rod around a geometric axis K which is substantially parallel to surfaces 91, while the greater rigidity of the sleeve 90 in the direction of the axis K tends to prevent pivoting of the rod around an axis perpendicular to the axis K.

The housing of the ball joint can be formed by a wall made in one piece by molding material with the sheath, for example to slow the movements of the rod generating greater friction.

By way of example, FIG. 23 shows a sheath 100 comprising a base part 94, fixed by snap-fastening on a return 95 of the gripping member. The base part 94 defines the housing 11 in which the spherical part 10 of the rod 6.

The sheath engaged on the maneuverable portion 18 may possibly not have no fixed part relative to the gripping member.

The maneuverable portion 18 can be free inside the sheath and allow relative movement, in particular axial, of the maneuverable portion 18 relative to the sheath, when the inclination of the rod is changed.

The maneuverable portion 18 may also not be free relative to the sheath, in order for example to generate stresses tending to bring the rod back into a rest position where the X axis is substantially coincident with the Y axis.

The sheath can constitute, if necessary, an elastic return member of the rod in a zero tilt position at rest.

The sheath may also include a block of cellular material attached to the body of the gripping organ.

By way of illustration, FIG. 24 shows a sheath constituted by a block 102 of an elastically deformable foam, fixed by a face 103 by welding or bonding to an end wall 104 of the gripping member.

The block 102 includes a recess 105 opening onto the face 103, in which is received the maneuverable portion 18.

Alternatively, the recess 105 can be replaced by one or more slots 106, for example two cross slits, as illustrated in FIG. 25.

The sheath can also be made of the same material as the body gripping, being for example connected by a film hinge to the gripping member, as illustrated in figure 26.

This figure shows a sheath 108 produced integrally by molding of material with the gripping member 7 and connected by a film hinge 107 to the gripping organ.

The film hinge 107 is interrupted in a central region to allow the passage of the maneuverable portion 18.

Other means than a ball joint can be used to achieve the joint of the rod relative to the gripping member.

By way of example, FIGS. 27 and 28 show a joint comprising a pin 110, for example metallic, of axis T on which is engaged the rod 6, the latter comprising for example an enlarged portion 111 having planar faces substantially perpendicular to the axis T and crossed by an opening 112 for passage of pin 110. The latter can be fixed in diametrically opposite studs 113 of the gripping organ. This may include an exterior covering 114, for example metal, fixed on its body 115 and which also serves to retain the pin 110 in the studs 113.

We can also, as illustrated in Figure 29, realize the articulation of the rod by replacing the spherical part with a cylindrical part 116, for example, in order to authorize the pivoting of the rod only around the axis W of this cylindrical part, perpendicular to the X axis of the rod. This cylindrical part 116 can be received at its axial ends in housings 117 open towards the end 15 of the gripping member, to allow the establishment of the cylindrical part 116 in the housings 117 by snap-fastening, at the same time as the maneuverable portion 18 is introduced into the corresponding opening of the gripping member.

We can also make the joint using a wall or block of a deformable material.

By way of example, FIG. 30 shows a hinge comprising a block 120 of a cellular material, for example an elastically deformable foam, fixed inside the body of the gripping member, for example by welding or gluing. The rod 6 passes through an opening 121 of block 120, for example a slot and may include reliefs 123, 124 arranged on either side of the block 120, these reliefs having a dimension sufficient to hold the block 120 together when the rod 6 is manipulated by the user to change its orientation.

A simple disc 130, for example made of elastomer, can also be used, as illustrated in FIG. 31, this disc being for example welded to a return 131 of the gripping member bordering the opening through which the maneuverable portion 18 leaves.

The spherical part 10 of the rod, engaged in the housing 11, may include reliefs 135, for example notches as illustrated in FIG. 32, cooperating with complementary reliefs 136 formed on the wall 12 of the housing, in order to brake the movement of the rod and / or allow it to be immobilized more easily in one or more several predetermined angular positions. The reliefs 135 and 136 can, as a variant, be replaced by at least one bead of an elastomeric material intended to create friction additional between the rod and the gripping member.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described. The characteristics of the various embodiments can by example be combined with each other to achieve new modes of implementation according to the invention.

Throughout the description, the expression "comprising a" must be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless otherwise specified.

An applicator produced in accordance with the invention may not be used in connection with a container into which the applicator is introduced when not in use. The application element can be loaded with product for example by bringing it into contact a product bread.

Claims (51)

Applicator comprising: a gripping member (7), a rod (6) connected by an articulation to the gripping member, an application element (20; 60) disposed at a first end of the rod and configured to apply a product to the keratin fibers, the rod comprising a maneuverable portion (18) making it possible to modify its orientation relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion extending at least partially between the joint and a second end of the rod, opposite the first. Applicator comprising: a gripping member (7), a rod (6) connected by an articulation to the gripping member, the articulation (10, 11; 110, 111; 120; 130) being disposed inside the gripping member (7), an applicator element (20; 30; 40; 50; 60) disposed at a first end of the rod, the rod comprising a maneuverable portion (18) making it possible to modify its orientation relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion extending at least partially between the joint and a second end of the rod, opposite the first. Applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the articulation is configured to prevent substantial axial and / or lateral displacement of the rod, at the articulation, relative to the gripping member. Applicator comprising a gripping member (7), a rod (6) connected by a joint (10, 11; 110, 111; 120; 130) to the gripping member, the joint being configured to prevent substantial axial and / or lateral movement of the rod, at the level of the joint, relative to the gripping member, an applicator element (20; 30; 40; 50; 60) disposed at a first end of the rod, the rod comprising a maneuverable portion making it possible to modify the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion extending at least partially between the joint and a second end of the rod, opposite to the first. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the gripping member (7) is configured to close a container (3). Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the gripping member comprises a skirt provided with an internal thread. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one reference (77), in particular graduations, allowing the user to identify the orientation of the rod (6) relative to the gripping member (7). Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping member comprises a body (14) crossed at one end by the maneuverable portion (18). Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the body (14) of the gripping member comprises at one end an end wall (69) provided with an opening (70, 71) traversed by the maneuverable portion. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the opening comprises at least one slot (70, 71). Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the opening comprises at least two slots (70, 71), the longitudinal axes (F ₁ , F ₂ ) of these slots being substantially perpendicular to each other. Applicator according to one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that at least one slot (70, 71) has at least one edge (73) defining a hard point during the movement of the maneuverable portion (18). Applicator according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the end wall (69) has a shape which is generally convex towards the outside. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maneuverable portion comprises a cover (66) configured to come at least partially into overlap of the gripping member (7). Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cover has a face (67) generally concave towards the body of the gripping member. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maneuverable portion (18) is covered at least partially by a sheath (80; 90; 100; 102; 108) comprising at least one flexible region. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the flexible region of the sheath comprises a bellows (82). Applicator according to one of the two immediately preceding claims, characterized in that the maneuverable portion (18) is entirely covered by the sheath. Applicator according to any one of Claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the sheath is entirely flexible. Applicator according to any one of Claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the sheath is made of an elastomer. Applicator according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the sheath (100) is attached to the gripping member. Applicator according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the sheath (80; 108) is made in one piece by molding with the gripping member. Applicator according to claim 22, characterized in that the sheath is connected by a film hinge (107) to the gripping member (7). Applicator according to any one of Claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the sheath (80) has, over at least part of its length, a circular cross section. Applicator according to any one of Claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the sheath (90) has, over at least part of its length, an oblong cross section. Applicator according to any one of Claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the sheath (102) comprises a block of foam. Applicator according to any one of Claims 16 to 26, characterized in that the sheath contributes to sealing the closure of a container on which the applicator is attached in the absence of use. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the applicator is configured in such a way that the rod retains the orientation that the user gives it once the latter releases the maneuverable portion. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulation comprises a brake (135, 136) for slowing the movement of the rod relative to the gripping member. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the brake exerts a braking action whatever the position of the rod relative to the gripping member. Applicator according to claim 29, characterized in that the brake (135, 136) exerts a braking action only in at least one predetermined position of the rod relative to the gripping member. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulation comprises a ball joint (10, 11). Applicator according to claim 32, characterized in that the seat (11) of the ball joint is rigid. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the articulation comprises a pin (110) around which the rod (6) can pivot. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the articulation comprises at least one deformable wall, in particular a disc (130), crossed by the rod, extending between the rod and the member gripping. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the articulation comprises at least one block (120) of an elastically deformable material, in particular a foam, through which the rod passes. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the rod has a cylindrical part (116) serving as a pivot. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod comprises a sealing member (9) configured to cooperate in a substantially sealed manner with a surface of a container (3) on which the applicator is attached , when not in use. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 38, characterized in that the application element has a non-rectilinear longitudinal axis. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element (20) has a longitudinal axis which forms a non-zero angle (i) with an axis (X) of the rod. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element comprises bristles or teeth oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the application element. Applicator according to claim 41, characterized in that the application element is a mascara brush. Applicator according to claim 40, characterized in that the application element comprises a comb (60) configured to apply a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows. Applicator according to any one of Claims 2 to 38, without attachment to Claim 1, characterized in that the application element comprises a brush (50), in particular a brush for applying a nail varnish. Applicator according to any one of claims 2 to 38, without attachment to claim 1, characterized in that the application element comprises a flocked tip (30; 40). Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, comprising a container containing the product and an applicator as defined in one any of the preceding claims. Device according to claim 46, characterized in that the applicator is configured to close the container. Device according to one of claims 46 and 47, characterized in that the container comprises a wringer (5). Device according to any one of Claims 46 to 48, characterized in that the container and the applicator are configured in such a way that the rod of the applicator is prevented from pivoting relative to the container when the applicator is in place on this one. Method for applying a cosmetic product to a part of the body or face, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: load an application element (20) with the product, the application element being present at one end of a rod (6) hingedly connected to a gripping member (7) having an axis (Y), change the orientation of the rod (6) relative to the gripping member, by manually exerting a thrust oriented transversely to the axis (Y) of the gripping member on a maneuverable portion (18) adjacent to a second end of the rod, opposite to that carrying the application element. Method according to the preceding claim, the application element being configured to apply a product to the keratin fibers, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: make up the keratin fibers with the substantially horizontal rod and with a first inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member, this first inclination being for example zero, make up the keratin fibers with the substantially vertical rod and a second inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member, different from the first.

Images