EP1481608B1 - Packaging and application device - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator (3) has a support (10) and application units (16) formed of hooks and/or buckles. The application units are carried by a flexible band fixed on the support. The band has a protruding part which separates the band into two portions each having the application units. A radius of curvature of the portions of the protruding part is different from each other. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) a device for packaging and applying product (b) a make-up process.

Description

The present invention relates to applicators intended for applying a cosmetic product, including care, to keratinous fibers, in particular eyelashes or eyebrows.

We know by US Patent 4,365,642 an applicator for applying a product on the eyelashes, comprising a support and a plurality of application elements formed of hooks carried by a band fixed on the support. In this patent, the support has a generally cylindrical or frustoconical shape, of circular cross section, and the application elements are constituted by the hooks of a Velcro® type band.

There is a need to further improve the applicators for the application of a product on keratinous fibers and in particular to benefit from an applicator for loading the fibers into product and separating or smoothing the product on their surface.

There is also a need to benefit from an applicator for making two different make-up, for example a make-up that is fairly laden with product and a less loaded make-up.

There is also a need to take advantage of an alternative to conventional mascara brushes, which are unsuitable, due to the presence of a metal core, to their installation in a microwave oven to raise the temperature of the product .

The invention aims in particular to meet all or part of the aforementioned needs.

• un support,
• une pluralité d'éléments d'application formés de crochets et/ou de boucles, portés par au moins une bande fixée sur le support,

la bande présentant au moins une irrégularité de surface, notamment une partie saillante, comportant des éléments d'application, cette irrégularité séparant la bande en deux portions présentant chacune des éléments d'application.According to one of its aspects, the subject of the invention is an applicator for applying a product to keratinous fibers, in particular eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising:

• a support,
• a plurality of application elements formed of hooks and / or loops, carried by at least one band fixed on the support,

the strip having at least one surface irregularity, in particular a projecting portion, comprising application elements, this irregularity separating the strip into two portions each having application elements.

The surface irregularity, in particular the protruding portion, may present at at least one location a radius of curvature different from a radius of curvature of one said portions, in particular a lower radius of curvature, and may be defined by a fold of the strip, or by an edge of the strip, for example.

The application elements present at the level of the surface irregularity, in particular the protruding part, can be used to make a first make-up and the application elements carried by the other portions can be used to make a different make-up.

The portions separated by the surface irregularity, in particular the protruding part, may have different radii of curvature or not.

The strip may have, in at least one location, a radius of curvature less than or equal to 5 mm, in particular less than or equal to 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm or 1 mm.

• un support,
• une pluralité d'éléments d'application formés de crochets et/ou de boucles, portés par au moins une bande fixée sur le support,

cet applicateur pouvant se caractériser par le fait que la bande présente, en au moins un emplacement, un rayon de courbure relativement faible, notamment inférieur ou égal à 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm ou 2 mm, notamment inférieur ou égal à 1 mm, par exemple inférieur ou égal à 0,5 mm.The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to an applicator for applying a product to keratin fibers, comprising:

• a support,
• a plurality of application elements formed of hooks and / or loops, carried by at least one band fixed on the support,

this applicator can be characterized in that the strip has, in at least one location, a relatively small radius of curvature, in particular less than or equal to 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm or 2 mm, in particular less than or equal to 1 mm , for example less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

The invention makes it possible to benefit from a distribution of the applicator elements on the applicator that is particularly suitable for separating the eyelashes or smoothing the product on their surface. The small radius of curvature of the strip may in particular cause a row of application elements to separate between which eyelashes can be easily engaged, in particular to be separated.

The applicator may be made for example in such a way that the strip has on the one hand at least one substantially flat face, or curved relatively large radius of curvature, especially greater than 2 mm, and secondly at least one edge or a fold. The substantially planar or convex face may be used to load the product eyelashes while the edge or pleat applicator elements may be used to separate the eyelashes or smooth the product on their surface.

Such an applicator can be made entirely without metal and be used instead of conventional mascara brushes. The absence of metal makes it compatible with its installation in a microwave oven.

The strip may be welded and / or glued to the support, or otherwise fixed. The support can in particular be overmolded on the strip. The latter can be maintained at least partially on the support by a fastener.

The strip having a first face carrying the application elements and a second face opposite to the first, the strip may be folded on itself on the side of the second face, which may be adhesive. The adhesive properties of the second face can facilitate the manufacture of the applicator, either by ensuring the final fixing of the strip on the support, or by keeping it on the support while waiting for a welding attachment operation or means of a fastener for example. The strip may have at least one substantially flat face, in particular two substantially flat opposed faces, in particular when it has been folded back on itself. The band may comprise at least one fold, the fold line being able to define an area in which the radius of curvature is less than or equal to 2 mm.

The band can be fixed on the support so as to match the shape of the latter, entirely or not. The support may then have a surface on which the strip rests and this surface may have in at least one location a radius of curvature less than or equal to 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm or 2 mm. This location may be an edge, for example. This edge is located at the junction of two surfaces of the support having different orientations.

The support may have on at least a portion of its length, for example most, a non-circular cross section, in particular a substantially polygonal or oblong cross section.

The support may be covered in part only by the band, for example so as to make the support with at least one row of teeth, which may be located between two edges of the band for example. The strip may comprise a face that does not contact the full extent of its support. This face may in particular not be in contact with the support at the aforementioned projecting portion. The support may comprise a proximal portion wider than an envelope surface defined by the application elements, so as to protect the latter when passing a wiper.

The strip may be made of a natural or synthetic material. The band may in particular comprise a woven or nonwoven, flocked or not.

The application elements may each have a hook shape or a loop shape.

The application elements can be distributed at their base regularly or not on the tape.

The application elements may in particular have free ends with random orientations.

The application elements may have a height less than or equal to 4 mm, measured from their junction with the band, in particular a height less than or equal to 2 mm, for example of the order of 1.5 mm.

The strip may comprise at least one opening, in particular a slot, which may contribute to increasing the quantity of product which the applicator loads and consequently the autonomy of the applicator.

The band can be fixed around the support so as to overlap partially. In a variant, the strip may comprise two non-superposed edges, contiguous or not.

The applicator may comprise a rod having an end bearing the support. The other end of the rod may carry a closure cap of a container containing the product to be applied.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the support may comprise at least one channel in fluid communication with a supply of product.

The strip may be permeable to the product and have at least one passage in fluid communication with the channel.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, a device for packaging and application of a product, including cosmetic, comprising a container for containing the product and an applicator as defined above.

The device may comprise a wiper member of the applicator, when the latter is introduced into the container to be loaded with product. Alternatively, the applicator may be otherwise loaded with product, for example by being brought into contact with a product loaf.

• un support,
• une pluralité d'éléments d'application formés de crochets et/ou de boucles, portés par au moins une bande fixée sur le support, la bande présentant en section transversale une forme non circulaire. Le support peut comporter au moins une arête longitudinale recouverte par la bande. Celle-ci peut présenter au moins un pli. La bande peut présenter deux faces latérales opposées sensiblement planes.

The subject of the invention is, independently or in combination with the foregoing, an applicator for applying a product to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising:

• a support,
• a plurality of application members formed of hooks and / or loops, carried by at least one band attached to the support, the band having a non-circular shape in cross section. The support may comprise at least one longitudinal edge covered by the band. This may have at least one fold. The strip may have two substantially flat opposite side faces.

• un support,
• une pluralité d'éléments d'application formés de crochets et/ou de boucles, portés par au moins une bande fixée sur le support, la bande étant maintenue sur le support par une pièce de fixation, rapportée sur le support.

The subject of the invention is, independently or in combination with the foregoing, an applicator for applying a product to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising:

• a support,
• a plurality of application elements formed of hooks and / or loops, carried by at least one band fixed on the support, the band being held on the support by a fastener, attached to the support.

• un support présentant au moins une arête longitudinale,
• une pluralité d'éléments d'application formés de crochets et/ou de boucles, portés par au moins une bande fixée sur le support.

The subject of the invention is, independently or in combination with the foregoing, an applicator for applying a product to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising:

• a support having at least one longitudinal edge,
• a plurality of application elements formed of hooks and / or loops, carried by at least one band fixed on the support.

• un support,
• une pluralité d'éléments d'application formés de crochets et/ou de boucles, portés par au moins une bande fixée sur le support, la bande présentant au moins une portion repliée sur elle-même.

The subject of the invention is, independently or in combination with the foregoing, an applicator for applying a product to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising:

• a support,
• a plurality of application elements formed of hooks and / or loops, carried by at least one band fixed on the support, the band having at least one portion folded on itself.

• un support,
• au moins une bande associée au support, et
• une pluralité d'éléments d'application comportant au moins l'un de crochets et de boucles s'étendant depuis ladite au moins une bande,

applicateur dans lequel le support définit une surface dépourvue de fente et ayant au moins deux rayons différents dans un même plan de coupe transversal.The subject of the invention is, independently or in combination with the foregoing, an applicator configured to apply a product to the keratinous fibers, this applicator comprising:

• a support,
• at least one band associated with the medium, and
• a plurality of application members having at least one of hooks and loops extending from said at least one band,

applicator in which the support defines a slot-free surface and having at least two different radii in the same transverse cutting plane.

The invention also relates to a makeup process, characterized in that an applicator as defined above is used to obtain at least one of two different makeups, one of the makeup being obtained by means of application elements located at the surface irregularity, the other makeup being obtained through application elements located on at least one of said portions.

• la figure 1 est une coupe axiale, schématique et partielle, d'un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application conforme à un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente isolément et partiellement, en vue de côté, l'applicateur de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une section transversale selon III-III de la figure 2,
• la figure 4 représente le détail IV de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 illustre l'application d'un outil de soudage sur la bande comportant les éléments d'application,
• la figure 6 représente de manière schématique et partielle un applicateur comportant un support surmoulé sur la bande,
• la figure 7 est une section transversale selon VII-VII de la figure 6,
• les figures 8 à 16 représentent en section transversale diverses autres formes de réalisation,
• la figure 17 représente de manière schématique et partielle, en perspective, l'applicateur de la figure 16,
• les figures 18 et 19 sont des sections transversales illustrant des exemples de fixation de la bande sur le support,
• les figures 20 et 21 représentent isolément des exemples de bandes pouvant être utilisées dans un applicateur selon l'invention,
• les figures 22 à 26 représentent, en coupe et de manière schématique, différents exemples d'éléments d'application,
• la figure 27 représente de manière schématique et partielle, en élévation, un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application réalisé conformément à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• les figures 28 à 30 illustrent le montage de la bande sur le support,
• la figure 31 représente en élévation, de manière partielle et schématique, un autre exemple d'applicateur,
• la figure 32 illustre la possibilité de réaliser l'applicateur avec un peigne,
• la figure 33 illustre la possibilité de réaliser l'applicateur avec plusieurs bandes fixées sur le support, notamment deux bandes,
• la figure 34 est une section transversale selon XXXIV-XXXIV de la figure 33,
• la figure 35 est une vue analogue à la figure 7 d'une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 36 représente en élévation un autre exemple d'applicateur, et
• la figure 37 est une coupe transversale schématique selon XXXVII-XXXVII de la figure 36.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic and partial axial section of a packaging and application device according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is isolated and partially, in side view, the applicator of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a cross-section along III-III of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 4 represents detail IV of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 5 illustrates the application of a welding tool on the strip comprising the application elements,
• FIG. 6 schematically and partially shows an applicator comprising a support molded onto the strip,
• FIG. 7 is a cross-section along VII-VII of FIG. 6,
• Figures 8 to 16 show in cross section various other embodiments,
• FIG. 17 schematically and partially shows, in perspective, the applicator of FIG.
• FIGS. 18 and 19 are cross-sections illustrating examples of fixing the strip on the support,
• FIGS. 20 and 21 are isolated examples of strips that can be used in an applicator according to the invention,
• Figures 22 to 26 show, in section and schematically, different examples of application elements,
• FIG. 27 schematically and partially, in elevation, a packaging and application device produced in accordance with another example of implementation of the invention,
• FIGS. 28 to 30 illustrate the mounting of the strip on the support,
• FIG. 31 represents in elevation, partly and schematically, another example of an applicator,
• FIG. 32 illustrates the possibility of making the applicator with a comb,
• FIG. 33 illustrates the possibility of making the applicator with several strips fixed on the support, in particular two strips,
• FIG. 34 is a cross section along XXXIV-XXXIV of FIG. 33,
• FIG. 35 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of an alternative embodiment;
• Figure 36 shows in elevation another example of an applicator, and
• Fig. 37 is a schematic cross section according to XXXVII-XXXVII of Fig. 36.

The device 1 of packaging and application shown in Figure 1 comprises a container 2 containing a product P to be applied to keratinous fibers, for example a mascara, and an applicator 3 comprising a straight rod 4 of X axis, integral with an upper end of a closure cap 5 for screwing onto a neck 6 of the container 2.

The latter comprises a dewatering member 8 for dewatering the applicator 3 during its extraction from the container 2.

In the example considered, the rod 4 is rectilinear but it could, alternatively, be curved. The wiper member 8 may be of any type known in itself, and comprise for example an elastomeric lip, provided or not with slots, or a block of slit foam.

The applicator 3 comprises a support 10 attached to the lower end of the rod 4.

According to one aspect of the invention, the support 10 carries, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3 in particular, a flexible strip 11 having a first face 13 and a second face 14 opposite to the first. The first face 13 carries a plurality of application elements 16 while the second face 14 is fixed on the support 10.

In the example considered, the strip 11 is of Velcro® type and may be a textile, the second face 14 may be adhesive.

The strip 11 can be fixed to the support 10 by virtue of the mere adhesion of the second face 14, but preferably the strip 11 is furthermore welded to the support 10 near its longitudinal edges, along lines 17 for fastening. The welding can be done for example by means of a welding tool S shown schematically in Figure 5, pressed against the strip 11 once it is in place on the support 10.

The thickness of the strip 11 may for example be less than or equal to 1 mm, in particular less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

The support 10 can be made with proximal portions 21 and distal 22 profiled to facilitate the crossing of the wiper member 8 by the applicator 3.

According to one aspect of the invention, the strip 11 has in at least one location a surface irregularity, in particular a projecting portion, comprising in the example considered a portion of radius of curvature R less than or equal to 2 mm, as can be seen in FIG. 4. This radius of curvature R is measured in a cross-sectional plane, on the first face 13.

In the example considered, the support 10 has two opposite lateral faces 25 and 26, slightly convex towards the outside, being connected superiorly by a face 27. The latter defines with faces 25 and 26 respective longitudinal edges 28 and 29, which have in the section plane of Figure 3 a radius of curvature less than or equal to 2 mm, so that the strip 11 can locally take to their contact a radius of curvature less than or equal to 2 mm. The faces 25 and 26 have in at least one location a radius of curvature R 'greater than R.

The shape of the support 10 makes it possible to obtain, along the face 27 of the applicator, a relatively small width, a succession of application elements 16 capable for example of separating the eyelashes, whereas the elements of FIG. application 16 covering the side faces 25 and 26 are rather intended for example to load with a relatively large amount of product and apply it to the eyelashes.

It is understood that one can have, thanks to the invention, an applicator having at least two regions in which the orientations of the bases of the application elements vary differently from one application element to another. Thus, at the junction between the upper face 27 and one of the lateral faces 25 or 26, the orientation of the bases 16a of the application elements 16, substantially normal to the first face 13, varies significantly, as can be seen in FIG. see it in Figure 4, given the small radius of curvature R, while on each face 25 or 26 the bases 16a are substantially parallel to each other or have orientations that evolve relatively little.

The band 11 can be fixed in various ways on the support 10 and in particular the latter can be overmoulded on the band 11, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

It is seen in particular in these figures that the strip 11 can be folded on itself on the side of the second face 14 before overmolding the support 10, and then have a substantially rectangular shape for example. The fold line 32 constitutes an area where the radius of curvature of the strip 11, measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the applicator, is small, especially less than or equal to 2 mm. The support 10 is overmolded on the strip 11 and covers the edge thereof which is opposite the fold line 32 as well as the two edges adjacent to the proximal 21 and distal portions 22 of the support 10. During overmolding, the material of the Application members 16 can melt and mingle with the material of the support 10. When the second face 14 is adhesive, it helps to keep the band 11 folded over itself during the overmolding operation.

In the example of Figures 6 and 7, the strip 11 has two opposite faces carrying the application members 16, substantially planar, the application elements 16 present along the fold line 32 can be used to separate the eyelashes. .

It can also be seen in FIG. 6 that the support 10 may, if necessary, be made in one piece with the rod 4, by molding the material.

The support 10 and the band 11, which may surround all or part of the support 10, may be given various shapes other than those just described and, by way of example, some of the possible shapes on Figures 8 to 16.

In FIG. 8, it can be seen that the support 10 can be given a polygonal cross-section, for example a triangular cross-section, the strip 11 possibly covering the three sides of the triangle. Application members 16 located along the edges may be used to separate the eyelashes.

In the example of FIG. 8, the faces of the support 10 defining the sides of the triangle are substantially planar, but it would be possible, without departing from the scope of the present invention, to give them a slightly curved, convex or concave shape towards the outside.

In FIG. 9, the support 10 is shown with, in cross-section, a generally flattened shape, for example having two substantially plane and parallel opposed lateral faces 34 and 35, connected by two hemicylindrical surfaces 37 and 38 each of lower radius of curvature. or equal to 2 mm.

The support 10 has in cross section, in FIG. 10, a general diamond shape, defining at least two opposite edges 40 and 41, each having a radius of curvature less than or equal to 2 mm in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X .

The support 10 may also have, as seen in FIG. 11, in cross-section, two opposite lateral faces 44 and 45 planar, joined on one side by a hemicylindrical face 47 whose radius of curvature may for example be greater or equal to 2 mm. The face 47 is tangentially connected in the example to the side faces 44 and 45. The support 10 has, on the opposite side to the face 47, a face 53 which is non-tangentially connected to the lateral faces 44 and 45, defining edges 51 and 52, each having a radius of curvature less than or equal to 2 mm. The face 53 may be slightly curved towards the outside, as illustrated.

The support 10 may also have, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a lenticular shape with two opposite lateral faces 54 and 55 bulging outwards, joined by ridges 56 and 57 with a radius of curvature less than or equal to 2 mm.

The strip 11 may not be in full contact with its second face 14 with the support 10. By way of example, FIG. 13 shows an applicator in which the support 10 has a substantially circular cross section, while the band 11 has in cross section a substantially polygonal shape, for example triangular, coming into contact with the support 10 substantially by the middle of the sides of the triangle. The band 11 has in this example three edges of radius of curvature less than or equal to 2 mm, which can be used to separate the eyelashes. The band 11 can be fixed to the support 10 by the presence of adhesive on its second face 14, but preferably the maintenance is ensured further by welding.

The support 10 shown in FIG. 14 comprises a lower portion 58 not covered by the strip 11 and an upper portion 59 of generally flattened shape, covered by the strip 11. The upper part 59 has two opposite lateral faces 62 and 63 which converge with the one to the other upwards and define at their junction an edge 64. The support 10 can define, at the junction of the lower portion 58 and upper 59, two longitudinal grooves 65 in which the strip 11 can be welded to the support 10 .

In the example of Figure 15, the strip 11 covers only a portion of the support 10, connecting thereto by two end portions 67 and 68 fixed to the support 10 for example by gluing or welding. The band 11 has an upper part which is folded on itself on the side of its second face 14.

In the example of FIGS. 16 and 17, the strip 11 comprises two end portions 70 and 71 fixed on the support 10, and the remainder of the strip 11 is shaped with a hollow cross section, for example generally triangular, extending from one side of the support 10.

The band 11 may be fixed on the support 10 with two edges 72 and 73 joined as shown in Figure 18 or with two end portions 74 and 75 overlapping, as shown in Figure 19.

The band 11, in particular when folded on itself, may be perforated and comprise for example openings 76, circular or slot-shaped 77, as shown in Figures 20 and 21 respectively. Such openings 76 or slots 77 can further increase the amount of product that the applicator loads, including constituting product reserves escaping the spin.

The applicator elements 16 may have various shapes, in particular the shapes usually encountered in the Velcro® strips, for example hook shapes as illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 25. By "hook shape", it is very broadly meant various forms adapted to achieve a mechanical attachment, including a form of cut loop as illustrated in Figure 22, hook hook as shown in Figure 23, or mushroom as shown in Figure 24. A hook-shaped element is capable of to hang on a particular loop element.

The application elements may still not be hook-shaped and have closed loops, as shown in FIG. 26.

The distribution of the application elements on the strip 11 may be uniform or nonuniform, as illustrated in FIG. 25. The nonuniform distribution may result, if appropriate, from a treatment suffered by the applicator after fixing the strip. 11 on the support 10.

FIG. 27 shows a packaging and application device according to another embodiment of the invention.

In such a device, the rod 4 of the applicator 3 is flat and the applicator 3 can for example be fixed by snapping on the neck 6 of the container 2.

The support 10 can be made in one piece with the rod 4 and the strip 11 can be folded along a fold line 84 as illustrated in FIG. 28 before being placed on the support 10 to cover lateral faces. 81 and 82 thereof, as shown in Figure 29. The strip 11 may be fixed on the support 10 by gluing or welding or, as is the case in the example, by means of a fastener 83 attached to the support 10, for example a ring, and assembled to the rod 4 for example by snapping, gluing or welding. The fastener 83 keeps the strip 11 pressed against the support 10. Only a portion of the strip 11 adjacent to the fold line 84 protrudes out of the fastener 83 to serve for the application of the product, as can be seen in FIG. 30. The second face 14 of the strip 11 advantageously has, in this embodiment, adhesive properties, which enables it to remain in place on the support 10 before mounting the attachment piece 83.

In the example of FIGS. 27 to 30, the fold line 84 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the applicator 3. This fold line 84 defines a zone of small radius of curvature in a plane perpendicular to this and the application elements 16 which extend along this fold line 84 may be used for example to separate the eyelashes.

FIG. 31 illustrates the possibility for the applicator to comprise application elements not only on opposite faces defining at their junction a zone of small radius of curvature or edge 86 but also on end faces 85 and 87 extending substantially perpendicular to the edge 86.

FIG. 32 illustrates the possibility for the support 10 to include at least one row of teeth 89 extending for example parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the applicator. This row of teeth 89 may be situated on the side opposite to an edge 90 of the strip 11, this edge 90 defining an area of small radius of curvature in a plane perpendicular to the axis X.

FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate the possibility for the applicator to comprise two strips 11. The support 10 may for example comprise in this case two extensions 93 and 94 each covered by a strip 11 and shaped so that the at least one of the strips has at least one location a relatively small radius of curvature.

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

In particular, various modifications can be made to the support.

In the variant shown in FIG. 35, the support 10 is overmoulded on the folded strip on itself, like the embodiment of FIG. 7. However, unlike the latter, the strip extends on either side of the support 10.

The applicator can also be made to be supplied with product from a supply of product, for example contained in the container 2 shown in Figure 36. The support 10 communicates via the rod 4 which is hollow in this example with the interior of the container 2 and has an inner cavity 100 which communicates via channels 101 with the surface of the support 10 located under the strip 11. The latter is permeable to the product and comprises at least one orifice 102.

In the example considered, the strip 11 comprises a plurality of orifices 102 extending between the application elements 16, which allow the product flowing through the channels 101 to reach the outer surface of the strip 11 to be applied to the surface. surface to make up. The product can circulate in the channels 101 under the effect of a pressure exerted on the wall of the container 2, which can be elastically deformable. Other means can be used to bring the product to the outer surface of the strip 11, for example a pump.

Throughout the description, including the claims, the phrase "having one" should be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (37)

1. An applicator for applying a substance to keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator comprising:

   - a support; and

   - a plurality of applicator elements constituted by at least one of hooks and/or loops, being carried by at least one strip fastened on the support;

   wherein the strip presents at least one face that is plane or curved with a radius of curvature measured in a cross-section plane greater than 2 mm and comprising applicator elements belonging to the plurality of applicator elements, and wherein the strip presents :

   - at least one projection carrying applicator elements belonging to the plurality of applicator elements, the projection being defined by a fold or an edge and separating the strip in two portions each presenting applicator elements belonging to the plurality of applicator elements, and/or

   - at at least one location presenting applicator elements belonging to the plurality of applicator elements, a radius of curvature in said plane that is less than or equal to 2 mm.
2. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the projection presents, at at least one location, a radius of curvature that is different from the radius of curvature of at least one of said portions.
3. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein said portions present different radii of curvature.
4. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the support includes at least one channel in fluid communication with a supply of substance.
5. An applicator according to claim 4, wherein the strip includes at least one passage in fluid communication with the channel.
6. An applicator according to any claim 1 to 5, wherein the strip presents at at least one location a radius of curvature that is less than or equal to 5 mm, in particular less than or equal to 4mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1mm.
7. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip is heat-sealed to the support.
8. An applicator according to any claim 1 to 6, wherein the strip is bonded to the support by adhesive.
9. An applicator according to any claim 1 to 6, wherein the support is overmolded on the strip.
10. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip has a first face and a second face opposite to the first face, and wherein the applicator elements are carried by the first face.
11. An applicator according to claim 10, wherein the strip is folded double beside the second face.
12. An applicator according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the second face is adhesive.
13. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the support presents a surface on which the strip rests, and wherein said surface presents, at at least one location, a radius of curvature that is less than or equal to 2 mm.
14. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the support presents a cross-section that is not circular.
15. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the support presents a cross-section that is substantially polygonal or oblong.
16. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip presents at least one face that is substantially plane.
17. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip is fastened on the support in such a manner as to match the shape of the support.
18. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the support is covered by the strip in part only.
19. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip includes a face having a part only of its extent in contact with the support.
20. An applicator according to claim 19, wherein said face is not in contact with the support in the vicinity of the projection.
21. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the support includes a proximal portion that is larger than an envelope surface defined by the applicator elements.
22. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip comprises a woven or non-woven fabric that is optionally flocked.
23. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the applicator elements presents a hook shape.
24. An applicator according to any claim 1 to 22, wherein each of the applicator elements presents a loop shape.
25. An applicator according to any claim 1 to 22, wherein the applicator elements comprise loops that have been cut so as to form hooks.
26. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the bases of the applicator elements are distributed in uniform manner over the strip.
27. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator elements present free ends having orientations that are random.
28. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the applicator elements are of height that is less than or equal to 4 mm, in particular less than or equal to 2 mm.
29. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip includes at least one opening, in particular at least one slot.
30. An applicator according to any claim 28 or 29, wherein the support includes at least one row of teeth.
31. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip includes at least one fold.
32. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip is fastened around the support and overlaps itself in part.
33. An applicator according to any claim 1 to 3, including a stem having one end carrying the support.
34. An applicator according to claim 33, wherein the other end of the stem carries a cap for closing a receptacle.
35. A device for packaging and applying a substance, in particular a cosmetic, the device comprising a receptacle for containing the substance, and an applicator according to any preceding claim.
36. A device according to claim 35, the device including a wiping member for wiping the applicator.
37. A method of applying makeup, wherein an applicator as defined in any claim 1 to 34 is used to obtain at least one of two different makeup effects, one of the makeup effects being obtained using applicator elements situated on the projection, the other makeup effect being obtained using applicator elements situated on at least one of said portions.

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