EP1504691B1 - Applicator and device for storing, comprising such an applicator - Google Patents

Applicator and device for storing, comprising such an applicator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1504691B1
EP1504691B1 EP04300499A EP04300499A EP1504691B1 EP 1504691 B1 EP1504691 B1 EP 1504691B1 EP 04300499 A EP04300499 A EP 04300499A EP 04300499 A EP04300499 A EP 04300499A EP 1504691 B1 EP1504691 B1 EP 1504691B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fact
applicator
stem
applicator according
distal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP04300499A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1504691A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Louis Gueret
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LOreal SA
Original Assignee
LOreal SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LOreal SA filed Critical LOreal SA
Publication of EP1504691A1 publication Critical patent/EP1504691A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1504691B1 publication Critical patent/EP1504691B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • A45D34/042—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like
    • A45D34/045—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
    • A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
    • A46B5/0062—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body being flexible or resilient during use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
    • A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
    • A46B5/0062—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body being flexible or resilient during use
    • A46B5/0066—Flexible resilience by elastic deformation of the material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/021—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups arranged like in cosmetics brushes, e.g. mascara, nail polish, eye shadow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A46B11/0006—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water specially adapted to feed the bristle upper surface
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1046—Brush used for applying cosmetics

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product, including a care product, in particular a product such as a nail polish, and a packaging and applicator device comprising such an applicator.
  • Many applicators comprise an applicator member, in particular a bundle of bristles, attached to the end of a rod for applying the product to a surface of the human body, in particular the skin or the keratinous fibers.
  • the flexibility of the stem can affect the accuracy of makeup under certain conditions of application.
  • the present invention aims in particular to meet this need.
  • lower half is meant that portion of the rod extending between its first end connected to the applicator member and the middle of the rod.
  • the middle of the rod is equidistant when moving along the rod between its first end and its second end.
  • the invention allows more precision to the application while giving flexibility to the applicator.
  • the rod When the rod begins to bend in a plane, during the application, essentially due to the deformation of the flexible shape memory part, the rod is not inclined to deform out of this plane when the angle formed between the parts of the rod located on either side of the flexible portion increases. This helps to give the applicator accuracy.
  • the presence of the flexible part also makes it easier for the user to change the angle made by the applicator member with the surface on which the product is applied, since this change can be made without substantially changing the orientation of the grasping organ.
  • the distance measured along the axis of the rod between the middle of the flexible portion and the first end of the rod is greater than the distance between the middle of the flexible portion and the second end of the stem.
  • the expression "having a shape memory” must be understood in a broad sense and covers in particular the case where the flexible part resumes elastically after having been deformed a position that is not exactly identical to its initial position, taking into account the example of the material used and the shape of the flexible part.
  • the shaft has a distal portion extending from the first end and a proximal portion extending from the second end, the proximal and distal portions being connected by the flexible portion.
  • the length of the proximal portion may be less than the length of the distal portion.
  • the flexible portion may deform upon application to allow the distal portion to tilt substantially relative to the proximal portion.
  • the applicator according to the invention can allow a precise application of the product on the nail, but nevertheless soft thanks to the presence of the flexible part.
  • the fact that the flexible part is closer to the second end than to the first end of the rod may, if necessary, make it possible to produce the distal part with a length sufficient for the flow of the product along the rod towards the applicator member, when the applicator is removed from the container containing the product, is not disturbed by the flexible part.
  • Such positioning of the flexible portion may further allow the distal portion of the stem to be arranged so as to channel the flow of the product towards a predefined region of the applicator member, for example by providing one or more parallel grooves therein. to the longitudinal axis of the rod, these grooves may lead for example to half-width of the applicator member.
  • the softness obtained with the application thanks to the invention can also be accompanied by a lower risk of streaking and a lower risk of disturbing the balance between the compounds of the product, which can lead to faster drying and allow, if necessary, the user to iron a second layer of product without waiting for the end of drying of the first layer.
  • the material or materials constituting the distal and proximal portions and the shape thereof may be chosen such that the distal and proximal portions do not substantially deform upon application.
  • the distal and proximal portions may each be substantially rectilinear upon application.
  • the length of the distal portion may be greater than that of the proximal portion by a factor of 1.5, better 1.7, or even at least 2.
  • the flexible portion may be configured such that the distal portion of the stem may be reversibly inclined upon application of more than 30 °, more preferably more than 45 ° or even 60 °, relative to an initial position wherein the distal portion and the proximal portion are substantially aligned.
  • the length of the flexible portion may be less than that of at least one of the distal and proximal portions.
  • the flexible portion may in particular extend over less than one third of the total length of the rod, better less than a quarter.
  • the flexible portion of the rod may have in cross section a larger dimension for example between 0.2 and 1.5 mm, in particular between 0.5 and 0.8 mm.
  • the flexible part of the rod can be symmetrical of revolution.
  • the flexible portion of the rod is diabolo-shaped.
  • the flexible part of the rod can still be non-symmetrical of revolution. Such a shape may make it possible to obtain a rigidity of the variable stem in the direction of inclination of the distal portion relative to its initial position, during the application of the product.
  • the flexible portion of the rod may in particular have a generally elongated cross section.
  • the gripping member may have a non-symmetrical shape of revolution favoring the gripping of the applicator with a predefined orientation.
  • the gripping member may comprise at least one finger receiving zone, in particular a flat or a cell, which extends generally substantially parallel to an axis of greater dimension of a cross section of the flexible part.
  • the flexible portion may comprise at least one aperture, in particular at least one aperture disposed between two material bridges connecting the distal and proximal portions of the shaft.
  • a cross section of the stem may have a shape selected from the following list: circular, non-circular, in particular oblong, oval, elliptical, polygonal, in particular square, rectangular, kidney-shaped, crenellated, shaped star, with one or more gorges.
  • the flexible portion may be made of the same material as the rest of the rod.
  • the flexible portion and at least one of the distal and proximal portions may be made of different materials.
  • At least one of the proximal, distal and flexible portions of the rod may be made of a thermoplastic material, in particular one of the materials selected from the group consisting of: PE, PP, POM, PA, PET, PBT.
  • the applicator member may comprise at least one of the following elements: bundle of bristles, felt, flocking coating, foam.
  • the applicator member comprises a bundle of bristles
  • at least two hairs of the bundle may each comprise at least one periodic pattern having at least one corrugation, at least two periodic patterns being different.
  • periodic pattern means a portion of the hair which reproduces substantially periodically along the hair.
  • the bundle of bristles may comprise at least two bristles of different lengths, or at least two bristles of different diameters.
  • the bristles may be made of plastic material, for example made of a thermoplastic material, in particular thermoplastic elastomer. At least one hair can be in a natural fiber.
  • the bristles may have a solid or hollow cross section, circular or not, the cross sections being constant or not along the bristles, passing for example alternately by sections of large and small diameters.
  • the bristles may optionally comprise a flocking coating.
  • the bristles may also comprise, over their entire length or only a part thereof, a filler, for example a magnetic compound, a moisture-absorbing compound, a compound intended to create on the surface hair roughness or to promote sliding. This charge can be divided to create a periodic pattern.
  • a filler for example a magnetic compound, a moisture-absorbing compound, a compound intended to create on the surface hair roughness or to promote sliding. This charge can be divided to create a periodic pattern.
  • the bundle of bristles may be fixed in a housing provided at the first end of the rod, the bristles may in particular be fixed by gluing, stapling, or overmolding in this housing.
  • the latter may have an oblong cross section, elongated along an axis of greater length.
  • the housing may have a cross section decreasing closer to its bottom, this reduction being effected according to the desired divergence for the bristles.
  • the bottom of the housing may comprise a recess in which the bristles are fixed and which opens into a portion of the housing flaring towards the opening thereof, this flared portion allowing the bristles to move away from each other to concede to the beam an enlarged form.
  • the housing may be arranged in such a way that the bristles extend outside the housing over a distance, measured parallel to the axis of greater length, greater than the dimension of the rod along this axis at housing level.
  • the application member may further comprise a flocked tip.
  • the rod and the applicator member may be made in one piece, in particular by injection-molding, or by bi-injection, or by overmolding.
  • the rod may comprise at its second end a fixing member on the gripping member, for example a tip intended to be inserted by force and / or snapped into the gripping member.
  • the tip may include a tubular skirt with a collar at its base.
  • the flexible portion may extend at least partly inside the gripping member, in particular substantially entirely within the gripping member.
  • the flexible portion may be flexible enough to allow the rod to touch an edge of the gripping member when the shank is tilted.
  • the gripping member may comprise fixing means on a container, in particular a thread.
  • the invention further relates to a device for packaging and applying a product comprising an applicator as defined above and a container containing the product to be applied.
  • the product may be a product to be applied to the nails, in particular a nail polish or a care product, or an eyeliner or an eye shadow, or a product for the lips, this list not being limiting.
  • the gripping member of the applicator may constitute a cap for closing the container.
  • FIG. 1 a device 1 for packaging and application comprising a container 2 containing a product P to be applied, for example a nail polish, and an applicator 3 comprising a rod 4 extended at a first end 5 by an applicator member 6 and engaged at a second end 8 in a gripping member 9 which is also, in the example in question, a closing cap of the container 2.
  • a product P to be applied for example a nail polish
  • an applicator 3 comprising a rod 4 extended at a first end 5 by an applicator member 6 and engaged at a second end 8 in a gripping member 9 which is also, in the example in question, a closing cap of the container 2.
  • the rod 4 of the applicator 3 has been shown in isolation at the figure 2 .
  • the shaft 4 has a flexible shape memory portion 11 which connects a distal portion 12 extending between the first end 5 and the flexible portion 11 and a proximal portion 13 extending between the second end 8 and the flexible portion 11.
  • the distance d 1 measured between the medium M of the flexible part and the first end 5 is greater than the distance d 2 measured between this same medium M and the second end 8.
  • the ratio d 1 / d 2 is for example greater than 1.1, especially of at least 1.2, or even 1.5 or even 2, for example.
  • Fixing the rod 4 in the gripping member 9 can be carried out in various ways.
  • the proximal portion 13 comprises a tip comprising a cylindrical skirt 15 provided at its base with a flange 16, the latter snapping onto a corresponding relief of the inner surface of the gripping member 9, as can be seen in particular on the figure 1 .
  • This flange 16 can also serve to obtain a tight closure of the container 2.
  • the proximal portion 13 also comprises a frustoconical portion 17 tapering towards the flexible portion 11, in the example considered.
  • the rod 4 may be attached still further to the gripping member 9, and in particular be made in one piece with it or be attached thereto by gluing, welding or force, or by means a fastening element attached to the gripping member and / or the rod.
  • the gripping member 9 can be internally provided with a threading 18 enabling screwing on a threaded neck of the container 2.
  • the applicator member 6 is constituted by a bundle of bristles received at one end in a housing 19 of the distal portion 12.
  • the bundle of bristles may in particular be fixed by means of a clip in this case. housing 19, or by any other appropriate means, in particular by gluing or welding or stamping of the rod.
  • the flexible part 11 has a circular cross-section, and is made in one piece by molding plastic material with the rest of the rod 4.
  • the flexible portion 11 may be made with a non-symmetrical cross section of revolution, and may also be made, if necessary, in a material different from that of the proximal and distal portions.
  • the rod 4 can be made for example in a thermoplastic material such as a polyolefin, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, or other plastics such as for example POM, PA, PET or PBT.
  • a thermoplastic material such as a polyolefin, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, or other plastics such as for example POM, PA, PET or PBT.
  • the flexible portion 11 may deform such that the distal portion 12 is inclined relative to the proximal portion 13, as shown in FIG. figure 3 . This can lead to a smoother application.
  • distal portion 12 retains a substantially rectilinear shape during the application, as well as the proximal portion 13.
  • the angle ⁇ between the longitudinal axis X of the proximal portion 13 and the longitudinal axis Y of the distal portion 12, during use, can reach for example 30 ° or more, with respect to an initial position. wherein the angle ⁇ is substantially zero and the X and Y axes substantially coincident.
  • the flexible portion 11 tends to bring back, thanks to its shape memory, the distal portion 12 substantially in alignment with the proximal portion 13, the X and Y axes being substantially coincidental when the applicator is returned to the container 2, in the example considered.
  • proximal portion and the distal portion extends along a non-rectilinear longitudinal axis or the angle ⁇ is non-zero when the applicator is in place in the container.
  • the flexible portion 11 as well as the proximal 13 and distal 12 portions may be made with other forms still without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • a rod 4 in which the flexible portion 11 has a general shape of diabolo there is shown in the figure 4 a rod 4 in which the flexible portion 11 has a general shape of diabolo.
  • the flexible portion 11 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to a transverse plane passing through its middle M, as is the case in the example of the figure 4 , but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention when this is not the case, and especially when the flexible portion 11 has no symmetry with respect to any plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod 4.
  • the length of the flexible portion 11 may be larger or smaller.
  • the rod 4 shown in figure 5 thus comprises a flexible portion 11 whose length is greater than that of the example of the figure 4 .
  • the flexible portion 11 has been made of a material other than that in which the distal 12 and proximal portions 13 are made.
  • the flexible portion 11 is for example made by bi-injection of material with the distal portions 12 and proximal 13.
  • the flexible portion 11 may in particular be made of an elastomeric material while the distal 12 and proximal portions 13 are made of a relatively rigid plastic material, non-elastomeric.
  • the flexible portion 11 may be made with a non-symmetrical cross section of revolution about the longitudinal axis of the rod, and in particular with a flattened cross section as illustrated in FIGS. figures 6 and 7 .
  • Such a cross section confers on the rod a greater deformability in a first plane than in a second plane perpendicular to the first, this first plane coinciding with the section plane of the figure 7 in the example considered.
  • the rod 4 may in particular have in cross section in a section plane passing through the middle M a substantially rectangular shape, the rod being preferably deformable in a plane perpendicular to the long side of the rectangle.
  • the distal portion 12 may be made with, on its outer surface, at least one groove 20, for example in the form of a longitudinal groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the distal portion 12, such a groove 20 which can serve for example to channel the product, flowing by gravity along the rod towards the applicator member 6 after removal of the applicator from the container, to predefined areas of the applicator member 6.
  • the flexible part 11 has a symmetrical cross-section of revolution but, as has been seen previously, the flexible part can still be made with a non-symmetrical cross-section of revolution, as it is still the case in the example of Figures 9 and 10 .
  • the groove 20 can extend on the proximal portion 13.
  • the housing 19 receiving the bundle of bristles may have a non-symmetrical shape of revolution about the Y axis of the distal portion 12, as shown in FIG. figure 11 .
  • the groove 20 can be arranged to bring the product substantially in the middle of the long side of the housing 19, as shown in FIG. figure 11 .
  • the rod 4 may comprise two grooves 20 opposite one another.
  • the gripping member can be made with a shape leading the user to seize it in a predetermined manner, in connection with the orientation of the cross section of the flexible portion 11.
  • the gripping member may for example comprise on two opposite sides of each other recesses 26 or flats for receiving the fingers of the user, as illustrated in FIG. figure 12 .
  • the flexible portion 11 and the gripping member may have generally flattened shapes in a same plane R, the rod 4 deforming preferably in a plane perpendicular to this plane R.
  • the flexible portion 11 can be made with at least one aperture as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 15 and 16 .
  • the flexible portion 11 comprises three material bridges 28 connecting the distal 12 and proximal 13 portions, parallel to each other, and arranged in the same plane Q intersecting the longitudinal axis of the rod 4, and constituting also a plane of symmetry for the latter, in the illustrated example.
  • the material bridges 28 allow the rod 4 to flex more easily around a geometric axis parallel to the plane Q than around an axis perpendicular to it.
  • the material bridges 28 may be made of the same material as the distal 12 and proximal 13, or in a different material.
  • the distal portion 12 can be made with different cross sections at the housing 19 for receiving the bundle of bristles 6.
  • This can in particular be circular as illustrated in FIG. figure 17 , oblong as illustrated in figure 18 , in particular oval or elliptical, polygonal as illustrated in Figures 19 and 20 , in particular square or rectangular, reniform as illustrated in figure 21 , starry as illustrated in figure 22 , or crenellated as shown in figure 23 .
  • the bristles of the bundle 6 can be of very different natures and it is possible in particular to use bristles having one of the cross-sections illustrated in FIGS. Figures 24 to 30 , for example a solid cross section and circular contour as shown on the figure 24 , a hollow cross section, for example circular contour, as illustrated on the figure 25 , a polygonal cross section, for example square, as illustrated in FIG. figure 26 , triangular as illustrated in figure 27 , or rectangular as shown in figure 28 or an oblong transverse section, for example of elliptical contour as illustrated in FIG. figure 29 .
  • the bristles may further comprise at least one capillary groove, as shown in FIG. figure 30 .
  • the bundle 6 may comprise a mixture of bristles, as indicated above.
  • the invention is not limited to an applicator member constituted by a bundle of bristles, and the applicator member may for example be constituted by a flocked tip, as shown in figure 31 .
  • This flocked tip may be for example intended for the application of product on the skin, mucous membranes or integuments.
  • the applicator member 6 may also be constituted by any other conventional application member such as, for example, a foam, a brush, a felt, a capillary applicator, possibly made in one piece with the distal portion 12 or reported in this, depending on the nature of the product and the surface to be treated.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and it is possible in particular to combine characteristics of the different embodiments with one another.
  • the rod is made with a single flexible portion. Nevertheless, the rod can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, with more than one flexible part.
  • the rod may in particular comprise at least two flexible parts located at different heights and interconnected by a substantially non-flexible portion.

Abstract

Cosmetic applicator, designed for use with a container (2) of a cosmetic product, especially nail varnish, comprises a stem (4) with an applicator tip (6) at one end (5) and a holder (9), which can be combined with a container cap, at the other end (8). Cosmetic applicator, designed for use with a container (2) of a cosmetic product, especially nail varnish, comprises a stem (4) with an applicator tip (6) at one end (5) and a holder (9), which can be combined with a container cap, at the other end (8). The stem has a flexible zone with a shape memory effect between its two ends and its distal section, between the flexible zone and tip, is virtually inflexible and approximately twice as long as the proximal section. The flexible zone allows the distal section of the stem to bend at an angle of 30 degrees, and preferably 45 to 60 degrees, to the proximal section. The cross-section of the stem can be circular or in other shapes, while that of the flexible zone is flattened and oblong.

Description

La présente invention concerne un applicateur de produit cosmétique, y compris de soin, notamment un produit tel qu'un vernis à ongles, et un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application comportant un tel applicateur.The present invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product, including a care product, in particular a product such as a nail polish, and a packaging and applicator device comprising such an applicator.

De nombreux applicateurs comportent un organe d'application, notamment un faisceau de poils, fixé à l'extrémité d'une tige pour l'application du produit sur une surface du corps humain, notamment la peau ou les fibres kératiniques.Many applicators comprise an applicator member, in particular a bundle of bristles, attached to the end of a rod for applying the product to a surface of the human body, in particular the skin or the keratinous fibers.

On connaît par les demandes de brevet français FR-A-2 722 380 et FR-A-2 722 381 des applicateurs dont la tige présente une flexibilité voisine de celle de l'organe d'application, la tige étant sur une grande partie de sa longueur de plus faible section que le reste de la tige.We know by the requests of French patent FR-A-2 722 380 and FR-A-2,722,381 applicators whose rod has a flexibility close to that of the applicator member, the rod being over a large part of its length of smaller section than the rest of the rod.

La souplesse de la tige peut nuire à la précision du maquillage dans certaines conditions d'application.The flexibility of the stem can affect the accuracy of makeup under certain conditions of application.

On connaît par la demande de brevet FR A 2 705 876 une tige portant l'organe d'application et comportant un rétreint qui vient se positionner au niveau d'un essoreur floqué lors du stockage. La présence du rétreint permet d'éviter que la tige ne tasse le flocage de l'essoreur. La tige n'est pas prévue pour se déformer lors de l'application.We know by the request of FR Patent 2,705,876 a rod carrying the applicator member and having a necking which is positioned at a flocked wiper during storage. The presence of the shrinkage prevents the rod from squeezing the flocking of the wiper. The rod is not intended to deform during application.

On connaît par le brevet US 2 173 959 un applicateur comportant une tige fixée à une extrémité par l'intermédiaire d'un manchon compressible dans l'organe de préhension. La tige reste entièrement rectiligne quand son orientation relativement à l'organe de préhension change.We know by U.S. Patent 2,173,959 an applicator comprising a rod fixed at one end by means of a compressible sleeve in the gripping member. The rod remains fully rectilinear when its orientation relative to the gripping member changes.

On connaît par le brevet US 4 428 388 A un applicateur comportant une tige avec une partie flexible reliée à l'organe d'application.We know by U.S. Patent 4,428,388 A an applicator comprising a rod with a flexible part connected to the applicator member.

Il existe un besoin pour disposer d'un applicateur permettant d'obtenir un maquillage précis tout en étant confortable à utiliser.There is a need for an applicator to achieve accurate makeup while being comfortable to use.

La présente invention vise notamment à répondre à ce besoin.The present invention aims in particular to meet this need.

Elle y parvient grâce à un applicateur de produit cosmétique comportant :

  • une tige,
  • un organe d'application disposé à une première extrémité de la tige,
  • un organe de préhension disposé à une deuxième extrémité de la tige, cette deuxième extrémité étant située à l'opposé de la première,
l'applicateur pouvant se caractériser par le fait que la tige comporte une partie flexible ayant une mémoire de forme et par le fait que la tige comporte une moitié inférieure sensiblement non flexible.It achieves this through a cosmetic product applicator comprising:
  • a rod,
  • an applicator member disposed at a first end of the rod,
  • a gripping member disposed at a second end of the rod, this second end being situated opposite the first,
the applicator being characterized by the fact that the stem comprises a flexible part having a shape memory and in that the rod comprises a substantially non-flexible lower half.

Par « moitié inférieure », on entend la partie de la tige s'étendant entre sa première extrémité reliée à l'organe d'application et le milieu de la tige. Le milieu de la tige est situé à égale distance, quand on se déplace le long de la tige, entre sa première extrémité et sa deuxième extrémité.By "lower half" is meant that portion of the rod extending between its first end connected to the applicator member and the middle of the rod. The middle of the rod is equidistant when moving along the rod between its first end and its second end.

L'invention permet plus de précision à l'application tout en conférant de la souplesse à l'applicateur.The invention allows more precision to the application while giving flexibility to the applicator.

Lorsque la tige commence à se plier dans un plan, lors de l'application, essentiellement grâce à la déformation de la partie flexible à mémoire de forme, la tige est peu encline à se déformer hors de ce plan quand l'angle formé entre les parties de la tige situées de part et d'autre de la partie flexible augmente. Cela contribue à donner de la précision à l'applicateur.When the rod begins to bend in a plane, during the application, essentially due to the deformation of the flexible shape memory part, the rod is not inclined to deform out of this plane when the angle formed between the parts of the rod located on either side of the flexible portion increases. This helps to give the applicator accuracy.

La présence de la partie flexible permet encore à l'utilisateur de changer plus facilement l'angle que fait l'organe d'application avec la surface sur laquelle le produit est appliqué, car ce changement peut s'effectuer sans changer sensiblement l'orientation de l'organe de préhension.The presence of the flexible part also makes it easier for the user to change the angle made by the applicator member with the surface on which the product is applied, since this change can be made without substantially changing the orientation of the grasping organ.

Selon un aspect de l'invention, la distance mesurée le long de l'axe de la tige entre le milieu de la partie flexible et la première extrémité de la tige est plus grande que la distance entre le milieu de la partie flexible et la deuxième extrémité de la tige.According to one aspect of the invention, the distance measured along the axis of the rod between the middle of the flexible portion and the first end of the rod is greater than the distance between the middle of the flexible portion and the second end of the stem.

L'expression « ayant une mémoire de forme » doit être comprise avec un sens large et couvre notamment le cas où la partie flexible reprend par élasticité après avoir été déformée une position qui n'est pas rigoureusement identique à sa position initiale, compte tenu par exemple du matériau utilisé et de la forme de la partie flexible.The expression "having a shape memory" must be understood in a broad sense and covers in particular the case where the flexible part resumes elastically after having been deformed a position that is not exactly identical to its initial position, taking into account the example of the material used and the shape of the flexible part.

La tige comporte une partie distale s'étendant à partir de la première extrémité et une partie proximale s'étendant à partir de la deuxième extrémité, les parties proximale et distale étant reliées par la partie flexible.The shaft has a distal portion extending from the first end and a proximal portion extending from the second end, the proximal and distal portions being connected by the flexible portion.

La longueur de la partie proximale peut être inférieure à la longueur de la partie distale.The length of the proximal portion may be less than the length of the distal portion.

La partie flexible peut se déformer lors de l'application pour permettre à la partie distale de s'incliner de manière sensible relativement à la partie proximale.The flexible portion may deform upon application to allow the distal portion to tilt substantially relative to the proximal portion.

L'applicateur selon l'invention peut permettre une application précise du produit sur l'ongle, mais néanmoins douce grâce à la présence de la partie flexible.The applicator according to the invention can allow a precise application of the product on the nail, but nevertheless soft thanks to the presence of the flexible part.

Le fait que la partie flexible soit plus proche de la deuxième extrémité que de la première extrémité de la tige peut permettre le cas échéant de réaliser la partie distale avec une longueur suffisante pour que l'écoulement du produit le long de la tige en direction de l'organe d'application, lorsque l'applicateur est retiré du récipient contenant le produit, ne soit pas perturbé par la partie flexible.The fact that the flexible part is closer to the second end than to the first end of the rod may, if necessary, make it possible to produce the distal part with a length sufficient for the flow of the product along the rod towards the applicator member, when the applicator is removed from the container containing the product, is not disturbed by the flexible part.

Un tel positionnement de la partie flexible peut encore permettre d'agencer la partie distale de la tige de façon à canaliser l'écoulement du produit vers une région prédéfinie de l'organe d'application, par exemple en y ménageant une ou plusieurs rainures parallèles à l'axe longitudinal de la tige, ces rainures pouvant déboucher par exemple à mi-largeur de l'organe d'application.Such positioning of the flexible portion may further allow the distal portion of the stem to be arranged so as to channel the flow of the product towards a predefined region of the applicator member, for example by providing one or more parallel grooves therein. to the longitudinal axis of the rod, these grooves may lead for example to half-width of the applicator member.

Par ailleurs, la douceur obtenue à l'application grâce à l'invention peut également s'accompagner d'un moindre risque de formation de stries et d'un moindre risque de perturber l'équilibre entre composés du produit, ce qui peut conduire à un séchage plus rapide et permettre, le cas échéant, à l'utilisateur de repasser une deuxième couche de produit sans attendre la fin du séchage de la première couche.Furthermore, the softness obtained with the application thanks to the invention can also be accompanied by a lower risk of streaking and a lower risk of disturbing the balance between the compounds of the product, which can lead to faster drying and allow, if necessary, the user to iron a second layer of product without waiting for the end of drying of the first layer.

Le ou les matériaux constituant les parties distale et proximale et la forme de ces dernières peuvent être choisis de façon à ce que les parties distale et proximale ne se déforment sensiblement pas lors de l'application.The material or materials constituting the distal and proximal portions and the shape thereof may be chosen such that the distal and proximal portions do not substantially deform upon application.

Les parties distale et proximale peuvent être chacune sensiblement rectilignes lors de l'application.The distal and proximal portions may each be substantially rectilinear upon application.

La longueur de la partie distale peut être supérieure à celle de la partie proximale d'un facteur 1,5, mieux 1,7, voire au moins 2.The length of the distal portion may be greater than that of the proximal portion by a factor of 1.5, better 1.7, or even at least 2.

La partie flexible peut être configurée de telle sorte que la partie distale de la tige puisse être inclinée de manière réversible lors de l'application de plus de 30°, mieux de plus de 45°, voire 60°, par rapport à une position initiale dans laquelle la partie distale et la partie proximale sont sensiblement alignées.The flexible portion may be configured such that the distal portion of the stem may be reversibly inclined upon application of more than 30 °, more preferably more than 45 ° or even 60 °, relative to an initial position wherein the distal portion and the proximal portion are substantially aligned.

La longueur de la partie flexible peut être inférieure à celle de l'une au moins des parties distale et proximale. La partie flexible peut notamment s'étendre sur moins du tiers de la longueur totale de la tige, mieux moins du quart.The length of the flexible portion may be less than that of at least one of the distal and proximal portions. The flexible portion may in particular extend over less than one third of the total length of the rod, better less than a quarter.

La partie flexible de la tige peut présenter en section transversale une plus grande dimension comprise par exemple entre 0,2 et 1,5 mm, notamment entre 0,5 et 0,8 mm.The flexible portion of the rod may have in cross section a larger dimension for example between 0.2 and 1.5 mm, in particular between 0.5 and 0.8 mm.

La partie flexible de la tige peut être symétrique de révolution. Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, la partie flexible de la tige est en forme de diabolo.The flexible part of the rod can be symmetrical of revolution. In a particular embodiment, the flexible portion of the rod is diabolo-shaped.

La partie flexible de la tige peut encore être non symétrique de révolution. Une telle forme peut permettre d'obtenir une rigidité de la tige variable selon la direction d'inclinaison de la partie distale par rapport à sa position initiale, lors de l'application du produit. La partie flexible de la tige peut notamment présenter une section transversale de forme générale allongée.The flexible part of the rod can still be non-symmetrical of revolution. Such a shape may make it possible to obtain a rigidity of the variable stem in the direction of inclination of the distal portion relative to its initial position, during the application of the product. The flexible portion of the rod may in particular have a generally elongated cross section.

L'organe de préhension peut avoir une forme non symétrique de révolution favorisant la préhension de l'applicateur avec une orientation prédéfinie. L'organe de préhension peut comporter au moins une zone de réception d'un doigt, notamment un méplat ou une alvéole, qui s'étend d'une manière générale sensiblement parallèlement à un axe de plus grande dimension d'une section transversale de la partie flexible.The gripping member may have a non-symmetrical shape of revolution favoring the gripping of the applicator with a predefined orientation. The gripping member may comprise at least one finger receiving zone, in particular a flat or a cell, which extends generally substantially parallel to an axis of greater dimension of a cross section of the flexible part.

La partie flexible peut comporter au moins un ajour, notamment au moins un ajour disposé entre deux ponts de matière reliant les parties distale et proximale de la tige.The flexible portion may comprise at least one aperture, in particular at least one aperture disposed between two material bridges connecting the distal and proximal portions of the shaft.

Une section transversale de la tige, notamment dans sa partie distale, peut présenter une forme choisie dans la liste suivante : circulaire, non circulaire, notamment oblongue, ovale, elliptique, polygonale, notamment carrée, rectangulaire, réniforme, crénelée, en forme d'étoile, avec une ou plusieurs gorges.A cross section of the stem, especially in its distal portion, may have a shape selected from the following list: circular, non-circular, in particular oblong, oval, elliptical, polygonal, in particular square, rectangular, kidney-shaped, crenellated, shaped star, with one or more gorges.

La partie flexible peut être réalisée dans le même matériau que le reste de la tige.The flexible portion may be made of the same material as the rest of the rod.

La partie flexible et l'une au moins des parties distale et proximale peuvent encore être réalisées dans des matériaux différents. L'une au moins des parties proximale, distale et flexible de la tige peut être réalisée dans un matériau thermoplastique, notamment l'un des matériaux choisi dans le groupe constitué par : PE, PP, POM, PA, PET, PBT.The flexible portion and at least one of the distal and proximal portions may be made of different materials. At least one of the proximal, distal and flexible portions of the rod may be made of a thermoplastic material, in particular one of the materials selected from the group consisting of: PE, PP, POM, PA, PET, PBT.

L'organe d'application peut comporter l'un au moins des éléments suivants : faisceau de poils, feutre, revêtement de flocage, mousse.The applicator member may comprise at least one of the following elements: bundle of bristles, felt, flocking coating, foam.

Dans le cas où l'organe d'application comporte un faisceau de poils, au moins deux poils du faisceau peuvent comporter chacun au moins un motif périodique présentant au moins une ondulation, au moins deux motifs périodiques étant différents. L'expression "motif périodique" désigne une partie du poil qui se reproduit sensiblement périodiquement, le long de ce dernier.In the case where the applicator member comprises a bundle of bristles, at least two hairs of the bundle may each comprise at least one periodic pattern having at least one corrugation, at least two periodic patterns being different. Expression "periodic pattern" means a portion of the hair which reproduces substantially periodically along the hair.

Le faisceau de poils peut comporter au moins deux poils de longueurs différentes, ou encore au moins deux poils de diamètres différents.The bundle of bristles may comprise at least two bristles of different lengths, or at least two bristles of different diameters.

Les poils peuvent être en matière plastique, étant réalisés par exemple dans une matière thermoplastique, notamment thermoplastique élastomère. Au moins un poil peut être dans une fibre naturelle.The bristles may be made of plastic material, for example made of a thermoplastic material, in particular thermoplastic elastomer. At least one hair can be in a natural fiber.

Les poils peuvent présenter une section transversale pleine ou creuse, circulaire ou non, les sections transversales étant constantes ou non le long des poils, passant par exemple alternativement par des sections de grand et de petit diamètres. Les poils peuvent éventuellement comporter un revêtement de flocage.The bristles may have a solid or hollow cross section, circular or not, the cross sections being constant or not along the bristles, passing for example alternately by sections of large and small diameters. The bristles may optionally comprise a flocking coating.

Les poils peuvent également comporter, sur toute leur longueur ou sur une partie seulement de celle-ci, une charge, par exemple d'un composé magnétique, d'un composé absorbeur d'humidité, d'un composé destiné à créer à la surface du poil une rugosité ou encore à favoriser le glissement. Cette charge peut être répartie de façon à créer un motif périodique.The bristles may also comprise, over their entire length or only a part thereof, a filler, for example a magnetic compound, a moisture-absorbing compound, a compound intended to create on the surface hair roughness or to promote sliding. This charge can be divided to create a periodic pattern.

Le faisceau de poils peut être fixé dans un logement ménagé à la première extrémité de la tige, les poils pouvant notamment être fixés par collage, agrafage, ou surmoulage dans ce logement. Ce dernier peut présenter une section transversale oblongue, allongée selon un axe de plus grande longueur.The bundle of bristles may be fixed in a housing provided at the first end of the rod, the bristles may in particular be fixed by gluing, stapling, or overmolding in this housing. The latter may have an oblong cross section, elongated along an axis of greater length.

Le logement peut présenter une section transversale diminuant en rapprochement de son fond, cette diminution pouvant s'effectuer selon la divergence souhaitée pour les poils. Le fond du logement peut comporter un renfoncement dans lequel les poils sont fixés et qui débouche dans une partie du logement s'évasant en direction de l'ouverture de celui-ci, cette partie évasée permettant aux poils de s'écarter les uns des autres pour concéder au faisceau une forme élargie.The housing may have a cross section decreasing closer to its bottom, this reduction being effected according to the desired divergence for the bristles. The bottom of the housing may comprise a recess in which the bristles are fixed and which opens into a portion of the housing flaring towards the opening thereof, this flared portion allowing the bristles to move away from each other to concede to the beam an enlarged form.

En particulier, le logement peut être agencé de telle sorte que les poils s'étendent à l'extérieur du logement sur une distance, mesurée parallèlement à l'axe de plus grande longueur précité, supérieure à la dimension de la tige selon cet axe au niveau du logement.In particular, the housing may be arranged in such a way that the bristles extend outside the housing over a distance, measured parallel to the axis of greater length, greater than the dimension of the rod along this axis at housing level.

L'organe d'application peut encore comporter une pointe floquée.The application member may further comprise a flocked tip.

La tige et l'organe d'application peuvent être réalisés d'une seule pièce, notamment par injection-moulage, ou par bi-injection, ou encore par surmoulage.The rod and the applicator member may be made in one piece, in particular by injection-molding, or by bi-injection, or by overmolding.

La tige peut comporter à sa deuxième extrémité un organe de fixation sur l'organe de préhension, par exemple un embout destiné à être inséré à force et/ou encliqueté dans l'organe de préhension. L'embout peut comporter une jupe tubulaire avec une collerette à sa base.The rod may comprise at its second end a fixing member on the gripping member, for example a tip intended to be inserted by force and / or snapped into the gripping member. The tip may include a tubular skirt with a collar at its base.

La partie flexible peut s'étendre au moins en partie à l'intérieur de l'organe de préhension, notamment sensiblement entièrement à l'intérieur de l'organe de préhension.The flexible portion may extend at least partly inside the gripping member, in particular substantially entirely within the gripping member.

La partie flexible peut être suffisamment souple pour permettre à la tige de toucher un bord de l'organe de préhension lorsque la tige est inclinée.The flexible portion may be flexible enough to allow the rod to touch an edge of the gripping member when the shank is tilted.

L'organe de préhension peut comporter des moyens de fixation sur un récipient, notamment un filetage.The gripping member may comprise fixing means on a container, in particular a thread.

L'invention a encore pour objet, indépendamment ou en combinaison avec ce qui précède, un applicateur de produit cosmétique comportant :

  • une tige comportant une première extrémité et une deuxième extrémité situées à l'opposé l'une de l'autre,
  • un organe d'application disposé à la première extrémité de la tige,
  • un organe de préhension disposé à la deuxième extrémité de la tige,
la tige comportant à partir de sa première extrémité une moitié sensiblement non flexible, et à partir de sa deuxième extrémité une moitié ayant au moins une partie flexible ayant une mémoire de forme.The invention further relates, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a cosmetic product applicator comprising:
  • a rod having a first end and a second end opposite each other,
  • an applicator member disposed at the first end of the rod,
  • a gripping member disposed at the second end of the rod,
the rod having a substantially non-flexible half from its first end, and from its second end a half having at least one flexible portion having a shape memory.

L'invention a encore pour objet, selon un autre de ses aspects, un applicateur de produit cosmétique comportant :

  • un organe de préhension servant également de capuchon de fermeture d'un récipient,
  • une tige fixée à une première extrémité sur l'organe de préhension,
  • un organe d'application fixé à une deuxième extrémité de la tige, opposée à la première,
la tige comportant une partie flexible à mémoire de forme permettant d'incliner une partie distale de la tige relativement à l'organe de préhension, la tige pouvant toucher lorsqu'elle est inclinée, un bord de l'organe de préhension, la partie flexible étant située en majeure partie et de préférence entièrement à l'intérieur de l'organe de préhension.The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to a cosmetic product applicator comprising:
  • a gripping member also serving as a cap for closing a container,
  • a rod fixed at a first end on the gripping member,
  • an applicator member attached to a second end of the rod, opposite the first,
the shaft having a flexible shape memory portion for tilting a distal portion of the shaft relative to the gripping member, the shaft being able to touch when inclined, an edge of the gripping member, the flexible portion being located for the most part and preferably entirely inside the gripping member.

L'invention a encore pour objet un dispositif de conditionnement et d'application d'un produit comportant un applicateur tel que défini plus haut et un récipient contenant le produit à appliquer.The invention further relates to a device for packaging and applying a product comprising an applicator as defined above and a container containing the product to be applied.

Le produit peut être un produit à appliquer sur les ongles, notamment un vernis à ongles ou un produit de soin, ou encore un eye-liner ou une ombre à paupières, ou un produit pour les lèvres, cette liste n'étant pas limitative.The product may be a product to be applied to the nails, in particular a nail polish or a care product, or an eyeliner or an eye shadow, or a product for the lips, this list not being limiting.

L'organe de préhension de l'applicateur peut constituer un capuchon de fermeture du récipient.The gripping member of the applicator may constitute a cap for closing the container.

L'invention pourra être mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, d'exemples de mise en oeuvre non limitatifs de celle-ci, et à l'examen du dessin annexé, sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique, en coupe axiale, d'un dispositif pour l'application d'un produit sur les ongles,
  • la figure 2 représente de manière schématique, en coupe axiale partielle, la tige et l'organe d'application du dispositif de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 illustre de manière schématique, avec coupe axiale partielle, une utilisation de l'applicateur du dispositif de la figure 1,
  • les figures 4 et 5 représentent de manière schématique, en coupe axiale partielle, deux variantes de réalisation de la tige,
  • les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues selon des directions perpendiculaires d'une autre variante de réalisation de la tige,
  • les figures 8 et 9 représentent de manière schématique, en coupe axiale partielle, deux autres variantes de réalisation de la tige,
  • la figure 10 est une vue de côté selon la flèche X de la figure 9,
  • la figure 11 est une coupe transversale selon XI-XI de la figure 9,
  • la figure 12 représente de manière schématique une autre variante de réalisation de l'applicateur,
  • la figure 13 est une section transversale schématique selon XIII-XIII, de la tige de la figure 12,
  • la figure 14 est une section transversale schématique et partielle, selon XIV-XIV, de l'organe de préhension de la figure 12,
  • la figure 15 représente une autre variante de réalisation,
  • la figure 16 est une coupe transversale selon XVI-XVI de la figure 15,
  • les figures 17 à 23 représentent en coupe transversale des exemples de section de la tige au niveau de l'organe d'application,
  • les figures 24 à 30 représentent, de manière schématique, des exemples de section transversale de poils pouvant former l'organe d'application, et
  • la figure 31 représente de manière schématique et partielle, en coupe longitudinale, une variante de réalisation de l'organe d'application.
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:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic view, in axial section, of a device for applying a product to the nails,
  • the figure 2 shows schematically, in partial axial section, the rod and the device application member of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 3 illustrates schematically, with partial axial section, a use of the applicator of the device of the figure 1 ,
  • the Figures 4 and 5 show schematically, in partial axial section, two embodiments of the rod,
  • the figures 6 and 7 are views in perpendicular directions of another embodiment of the rod,
  • the Figures 8 and 9 show schematically, in partial axial section, two other embodiments of the rod,
  • the figure 10 is a side view according to the X arrow of the figure 9 ,
  • the figure 11 is a cross section along XI-XI of the figure 9 ,
  • the figure 12 schematically represents another variant embodiment of the applicator,
  • the figure 13 is a schematic cross section along XIII-XIII, of the stem of the figure 12 ,
  • the figure 14 is a schematic and partial transverse section, according to XIV-XIV, of the gripping member of the figure 12 ,
  • the figure 15 represents another variant embodiment,
  • the figure 16 is a cross section according to XVI-XVI of the figure 15 ,
  • the Figures 17 to 23 represent in section cross section examples of the rod at the level of the applicator member,
  • the Figures 24 to 30 show schematically examples of cross section of bristles that can form the application member, and
  • the figure 31 shows schematically and partially, in longitudinal section, an alternative embodiment of the applicator member.

On a représenté à la figure 1 un dispositif 1 de conditionnement et d'application comportant un récipient 2 contenant un produit P à appliquer, par exemple un vernis à ongles, et un applicateur 3 comprenant une tige 4 prolongée à une première extrémité 5 par un organe d'application 6 et engagée à une deuxième extrémité 8 dans un organe de préhension 9 qui constitue également, dans l'exemple considéré, un capuchon de fermeture du récipient 2.We have shown figure 1 a device 1 for packaging and application comprising a container 2 containing a product P to be applied, for example a nail polish, and an applicator 3 comprising a rod 4 extended at a first end 5 by an applicator member 6 and engaged at a second end 8 in a gripping member 9 which is also, in the example in question, a closing cap of the container 2.

La tige 4 de l'applicateur 3 a été représentée isolément à la figure 2.The rod 4 of the applicator 3 has been shown in isolation at the figure 2 .

Conformément à un aspect de l'invention, la tige 4 comporte une partie flexible 11, à mémoire de forme, qui relie une partie distale 12 s'étendant entre la première extrémité 5 et la partie flexible 11 et une partie proximale 13 s'étendant entre la deuxième extrémité 8 et la partie flexible 11.In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the shaft 4 has a flexible shape memory portion 11 which connects a distal portion 12 extending between the first end 5 and the flexible portion 11 and a proximal portion 13 extending between the second end 8 and the flexible portion 11.

La distance d1 mesurée entre le milieu M de la partie flexible et la première extrémité 5 est supérieure à la distance d2 mesurée entre ce même milieu M et la deuxième extrémité 8.The distance d 1 measured between the medium M of the flexible part and the first end 5 is greater than the distance d 2 measured between this same medium M and the second end 8.

Le rapport d1/d2 est par exemple supérieur à 1,1, notamment d'au moins 1,2, voire 1,5, voire encore 2, par exemple.The ratio d 1 / d 2 is for example greater than 1.1, especially of at least 1.2, or even 1.5 or even 2, for example.

La fixation de la tige 4 dans l'organe de préhension 9 peut s'effectuer de diverses manières.Fixing the rod 4 in the gripping member 9 can be carried out in various ways.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, la partie proximale 13 comporte un embout comprenant une jupe cylindrique 15 munie à sa base d'une collerette 16, cette dernière s'encliquetant sur un relief correspondant de la surface intérieure de l'organe de préhension 9, comme on peut le voir notamment sur la figure 1. Cette collerette 16 peut également servir à obtenir une fermeture étanche du récipient 2.In the example of the figure 1 , the proximal portion 13 comprises a tip comprising a cylindrical skirt 15 provided at its base with a flange 16, the latter snapping onto a corresponding relief of the inner surface of the gripping member 9, as can be seen in particular on the figure 1 . This flange 16 can also serve to obtain a tight closure of the container 2.

La partie proximale 13 comporte également une portion tronconique 17 s'amincissant en direction de la partie flexible 11, dans l'exemple considéré.The proximal portion 13 also comprises a frustoconical portion 17 tapering towards the flexible portion 11, in the example considered.

Bien entendu, la tige 4 peut être fixée autrement encore sur l'organe de préhension 9, et notamment être réalisée d'un seul tenant avec celui-ci ou être fixée à celui-ci par collage, soudure ou à force, ou au moyen d'un élément de fixation rapporté sur l'organe de préhension et/ou sur la tige.Of course, the rod 4 may be attached still further to the gripping member 9, and in particular be made in one piece with it or be attached thereto by gluing, welding or force, or by means a fastening element attached to the gripping member and / or the rod.

L'organe de préhension 9 peut être muni intérieurement d'un filetage 18 permettant le vissage sur un col fileté du récipient 2.The gripping member 9 can be internally provided with a threading 18 enabling screwing on a threaded neck of the container 2.

Dans l'exemple considéré, l'organe d'application 6 est constitué par un faisceau de poils reçus à une extrémité dans un logement 19 de la partie distale 12. Le faisceau de poils peut notamment être fixé au moyen d'une agrafe dans ce logement 19, ou par tout autre moyen approprié, notamment par collage ou soudure ou matriçage de la tige.In the example considered, the applicator member 6 is constituted by a bundle of bristles received at one end in a housing 19 of the distal portion 12. The bundle of bristles may in particular be fixed by means of a clip in this case. housing 19, or by any other appropriate means, in particular by gluing or welding or stamping of the rod.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 2, la partie flexible 11 présente une section transversale circulaire, et elle est réalisée d'un seul tenant par moulage de matière plastique avec le reste de la tige 4.In the example of the figure 2 the flexible part 11 has a circular cross-section, and is made in one piece by molding plastic material with the rest of the rod 4.

Bien entendu, comme on le verra plus loin, la partie flexible 11 peut être réalisée avec une section transversale non symétrique de révolution, et être réalisée également, le cas échéant, dans un matériau différent de celui des parties proximale et distale.Of course, as will be seen below, the flexible portion 11 may be made with a non-symmetrical cross section of revolution, and may also be made, if necessary, in a material different from that of the proximal and distal portions.

La tige 4 peut être réalisée par exemple dans une matière thermoplastique telle qu'une polyoléfine, par exemple du polyéthylène ou du polypropylène, ou d'autres matières plastique telles que par exemple du POM, du PA, du PET ou du PBT.The rod 4 can be made for example in a thermoplastic material such as a polyolefin, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, or other plastics such as for example POM, PA, PET or PBT.

Lors de l'utilisation, la partie flexible 11 peut se déformer de telle sorte que la partie distale 12 s'incline relativement à la partie proximale 13, comme illustré sur la figure 3. Cela peut permettre d'obtenir une application plus douce.In use, the flexible portion 11 may deform such that the distal portion 12 is inclined relative to the proximal portion 13, as shown in FIG. figure 3 . This can lead to a smoother application.

On peut remarquer à l'examen de la figure 3 que la partie distale 12 conserve une forme sensiblement rectiligne au cours de l'application, de même que la partie proximale 13.We can notice on examination of the figure 3 that the distal portion 12 retains a substantially rectilinear shape during the application, as well as the proximal portion 13.

L'angle α entre l'axe longitudinal X de la partie proximale 13 et l'axe longitudinal Y de la partie distale 12, au cours de l'utilisation, peut atteindre par exemple 30°, voire plus, par rapport à une position initiale dans laquelle l'angle α est sensiblement nul et les axes X et Y sensiblement confondus.The angle α between the longitudinal axis X of the proximal portion 13 and the longitudinal axis Y of the distal portion 12, during use, can reach for example 30 ° or more, with respect to an initial position. wherein the angle α is substantially zero and the X and Y axes substantially coincident.

Lorsque l'utilisateur cesse d'appliquer l'organe d'application 6 sur la surface à traiter, la partie flexible 11 tend à ramener grâce à sa mémoire de forme la partie distale 12 sensiblement dans l'alignement de la partie proximale 13, les axes X et Y étant sensiblement confondus lorsque l'applicateur est revenu dans le récipient 2, dans l'exemple considéré.When the user stops applying the applicator member 6 to the surface to be treated, the flexible portion 11 tends to bring back, thanks to its shape memory, the distal portion 12 substantially in alignment with the proximal portion 13, the X and Y axes being substantially coincidental when the applicator is returned to the container 2, in the example considered.

Bien entendu, on ne sort pas du cadre de la présente invention lorsque l'une au moins de la partie proximale et de la partie distale s'étend selon un axe longitudinal non rectiligne ou que l'angle α est non nul lorsque l'applicateur est en place dans le récipient.Of course, it is not beyond the scope of the present invention when at least one of the proximal portion and the distal portion extends along a non-rectilinear longitudinal axis or the angle α is non-zero when the applicator is in place in the container.

La partie flexible 11 ainsi que les parties proximale 13 et distale 12 peuvent être réalisées avec d'autres formes encore sans que l'on sorte du cadre de la présente invention.The flexible portion 11 as well as the proximal 13 and distal 12 portions may be made with other forms still without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A titre d'exemple, on a représenté à la figure 4 une tige 4 dans laquelle la partie flexible 11 présente une forme générale de diabolo.For example, there is shown in the figure 4 a rod 4 in which the flexible portion 11 has a general shape of diabolo.

La partie flexible 11 peut présenter une forme symétrique par rapport à un plan transversal passant par son milieu M, comme c'est le cas dans l'exemple de la figure 4, mais on ne sort pas du cadre de la présente invention lorsque cela n'est pas le cas, et notamment lorsque la partie flexible 11 ne présente aucune symétrie par rapport à tout plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal de la tige 4.The flexible portion 11 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to a transverse plane passing through its middle M, as is the case in the example of the figure 4 , but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention when this is not the case, and especially when the flexible portion 11 has no symmetry with respect to any plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod 4.

La longueur de la partie flexible 11 peut être plus ou moins grande. La tige 4 représentée à la figure 5 comporte ainsi une partie flexible 11 dont la longueur est supérieure à celle de l'exemple de la figure 4.The length of the flexible portion 11 may be larger or smaller. The rod 4 shown in figure 5 thus comprises a flexible portion 11 whose length is greater than that of the example of the figure 4 .

En outre, dans l'exemple de la figure 5, la partie flexible 11 a été réalisée dans un matériau autre que celui dans lequel les parties distale 12 et proximale 13 sont réalisées.In addition, in the example of figure 5 , the flexible portion 11 has been made of a material other than that in which the distal 12 and proximal portions 13 are made.

La partie flexible 11 est par exemple réalisée par bi-injection de matière avec les parties distale 12 et proximale 13.The flexible portion 11 is for example made by bi-injection of material with the distal portions 12 and proximal 13.

La partie flexible 11 peut notamment être réalisée dans un matériau élastomère tandis que les parties distale 12 et proximale 13 sont réalisées dans une matière plastique relativement rigide, non élastomère.The flexible portion 11 may in particular be made of an elastomeric material while the distal 12 and proximal portions 13 are made of a relatively rigid plastic material, non-elastomeric.

La partie flexible 11 peut être réalisée avec une section transversale non symétrique de révolution autour de l'axe longitudinal de la tige, et notamment avec une section transversale aplatie comme illustré sur les figures 6 et 7.The flexible portion 11 may be made with a non-symmetrical cross section of revolution about the longitudinal axis of the rod, and in particular with a flattened cross section as illustrated in FIGS. figures 6 and 7 .

Une telle section transversale confère à la tige une déformabilité plus grande dans un premier plan que dans un deuxième plan perpendiculaire au premier, ce premier plan étant confondu avec le plan de coupe de la figure 7 dans l'exemple considéré.Such a cross section confers on the rod a greater deformability in a first plane than in a second plane perpendicular to the first, this first plane coinciding with the section plane of the figure 7 in the example considered.

La tige 4 peut notamment présenter en section transversale dans un plan de coupe passant par le milieu M une forme sensiblement rectangulaire, la tige pouvant se déformer de manière préférentielle dans un plan perpendiculaire au grand côté du rectangle.The rod 4 may in particular have in cross section in a section plane passing through the middle M a substantially rectangular shape, the rod being preferably deformable in a plane perpendicular to the long side of the rectangle.

La partie distale 12 peut être réalisée avec, sur sa surface extérieure, au moins une gorge 20 se présentant par exemple sous la forme d'une rainure longitudinale s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal Y de la partie distale 12, une telle gorge 20 pouvant servir par exemple à canaliser le produit, s'écoulant par gravité le long de la tige en direction de l'organe d'application 6 après retrait de l'applicateur du récipient, vers des zones prédéfinies de l'organe d'application 6.The distal portion 12 may be made with, on its outer surface, at least one groove 20, for example in the form of a longitudinal groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the distal portion 12, such a groove 20 which can serve for example to channel the product, flowing by gravity along the rod towards the applicator member 6 after removal of the applicator from the container, to predefined areas of the applicator member 6.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 8, la partie flexible 11 présente une section transversale symétrique de révolution mais, comme cela a été vu précédemment, la partie flexible peut encore être réalisée avec une section transversale non symétrique de révolution, comme c'est le cas encore dans l'exemple des figures 9 et 10.In the example of the figure 8 the flexible part 11 has a symmetrical cross-section of revolution but, as has been seen previously, the flexible part can still be made with a non-symmetrical cross-section of revolution, as it is still the case in the example of Figures 9 and 10 .

Sur la figure 9, on peut remarquer que la gorge 20 peut se prolonger sur la partie proximale 13.On the figure 9 it may be noted that the groove 20 can extend on the proximal portion 13.

Le logement 19 recevant le faisceau de poils peut présenter une forme non symétrique de révolution autour de l'axe Y de la partie distale 12, comme illustré sur la figure 11. La gorge 20 peut être agencée pour amener du produit sensiblement au milieu du grand côté du logement 19, comme illustré sur la figure 11.The housing 19 receiving the bundle of bristles may have a non-symmetrical shape of revolution about the Y axis of the distal portion 12, as shown in FIG. figure 11 . The groove 20 can be arranged to bring the product substantially in the middle of the long side of the housing 19, as shown in FIG. figure 11 .

On peut également voir sur cette figure que la tige 4 peut comporter deux gorges 20 à l'opposé l'une de l'autre.It can also be seen in this figure that the rod 4 may comprise two grooves 20 opposite one another.

Notamment dans le cas où la partie flexible 11 est réalisée avec une section transversale non symétrique de révolution, conférant ainsi à la tige 4 au moins une direction préférentielle de déformation, l'organe de préhension peut être réalisé avec une forme conduisant l'utilisateur à le saisir d'une manière prédéterminée, en liaison avec l'orientation de la section transversale de la partie flexible 11.Especially in the case where the flexible portion 11 is made with a non-symmetrical cross section of revolution, thus conferring on the rod 4 at least one preferred direction of deformation, the gripping member can be made with a shape leading the user to seize it in a predetermined manner, in connection with the orientation of the cross section of the flexible portion 11.

L'organe de préhension peut par exemple comporter sur deux côtés à l'opposé l'un de l'autre des renfoncements 26 ou des méplats servant à recevoir les doigts de l'utilisateur, comme illustré à la figure 12.The gripping member may for example comprise on two opposite sides of each other recesses 26 or flats for receiving the fingers of the user, as illustrated in FIG. figure 12 .

On peut remarquer à l'examen comparé des figures 13 et 14 que la partie flexible 11 et l'organe de préhension peuvent présenter des formes généralement aplaties selon un même plan R, la tige 4 se déformant de manière préférentielle selon un plan perpendiculaire à ce plan R.It can be seen in the comparative examination of Figures 13 and 14 that the flexible portion 11 and the gripping member may have generally flattened shapes in a same plane R, the rod 4 deforming preferably in a plane perpendicular to this plane R.

La partie flexible 11 peut être réalisée avec au moins un ajour comme illustré aux figures 15 et 16. Dans cet exemple de réalisation, la partie flexible 11 comporte trois ponts de matière 28 reliant les parties distale 12 et proximale 13, parallèles les uns aux autres, et disposés selon un même plan Q coupant l'axe longitudinal de la tige 4, et constituant également un plan de symétrie pour cette dernière, dans l'exemple illustré.The flexible portion 11 can be made with at least one aperture as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 15 and 16 . In this embodiment, the flexible portion 11 comprises three material bridges 28 connecting the distal 12 and proximal 13 portions, parallel to each other, and arranged in the same plane Q intersecting the longitudinal axis of the rod 4, and constituting also a plane of symmetry for the latter, in the illustrated example.

Les ponts de matière 28 permettent à la tige 4 de fléchir plus facilement autour d'un axe géométrique parallèle au plan Q qu'autour d'un axe perpendiculaire à celui-ci.The material bridges 28 allow the rod 4 to flex more easily around a geometric axis parallel to the plane Q than around an axis perpendicular to it.

Les ponts de matière 28 peuvent être réalisés dans la même matière que les parties distale 12 et proximale 13, ou dans une matière différente.The material bridges 28 may be made of the same material as the distal 12 and proximal 13, or in a different material.

La partie distale 12 peut être réalisée avec différentes sections transversales au niveau du logement 19 destiné à recevoir le faisceau de poils 6.The distal portion 12 can be made with different cross sections at the housing 19 for receiving the bundle of bristles 6.

On a représenté sur les figures 17 à 23 différents exemples de section transversale, parmi d'autres.We have shown on Figures 17 to 23 different examples of cross section, among others.

Celle-ci peut notamment être circulaire comme illustré à la figure 17, oblongue comme illustré à la figure 18, notamment ovale ou elliptique, polygonale comme illustré aux figures 19 et 20, notamment carrée ou rectangulaire, réniforme comme illustré à la figure 21, étoilée comme illustré à la figure 22, ou crénelée comme illustré à la figure 23.This can in particular be circular as illustrated in FIG. figure 17 , oblong as illustrated in figure 18 , in particular oval or elliptical, polygonal as illustrated in Figures 19 and 20 , in particular square or rectangular, reniform as illustrated in figure 21 , starry as illustrated in figure 22 , or crenellated as shown in figure 23 .

Les poils du faisceau 6 peuvent être de natures très diverses et l'on peut notamment utiliser des poils présentant l'une des sections transversales illustrées aux figures 24 à 30, par exemple une section transversale pleine et de contour circulaire comme représenté sur la figure 24, une section transversale creuse, par exemple de contour circulaire, comme illustré sur la figure 25, une section transversale polygonale, par exemple carrée, comme illustré à la figure 26, triangulaire comme illustré à la figure 27, ou rectangulaire comme illustré à la figure 28, ou encore une section transversale oblongue, par exemple de contour elliptique comme illustré à la figure 29. Les poils peuvent encore comporter au moins une rainure capillaire, comme représenté à la figure 30.The bristles of the bundle 6 can be of very different natures and it is possible in particular to use bristles having one of the cross-sections illustrated in FIGS. Figures 24 to 30 , for example a solid cross section and circular contour as shown on the figure 24 , a hollow cross section, for example circular contour, as illustrated on the figure 25 , a polygonal cross section, for example square, as illustrated in FIG. figure 26 , triangular as illustrated in figure 27 , or rectangular as shown in figure 28 or an oblong transverse section, for example of elliptical contour as illustrated in FIG. figure 29 . The bristles may further comprise at least one capillary groove, as shown in FIG. figure 30 .

Le faisceau 6 peut comporter un mélange de poils, comme indiqué plus haut.The bundle 6 may comprise a mixture of bristles, as indicated above.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée à un organe d'application constitué par un faisceau de poils, et l'organe d'application peut par exemple être constitué par une pointe floquée, comme illustré à la figure 31. Cette pointe floquée peut être par exemple destinée à l'application de produit sur la peau, les muqueuses ou les phanères.Of course, the invention is not limited to an applicator member constituted by a bundle of bristles, and the applicator member may for example be constituted by a flocked tip, as shown in figure 31 . This flocked tip may be for example intended for the application of product on the skin, mucous membranes or integuments.

L'organe d'application 6 peut encore être constitué par tout autre organe d'application conventionnel tel que par exemple une mousse, une brosse, un feutre, un applicateur à capillarité, éventuellement réalisé d'un seul tenant avec la partie distale 12 ou rapporté dans celle-ci, en fonction de la nature du produit et de la surface à traiter.The applicator member 6 may also be constituted by any other conventional application member such as, for example, a foam, a brush, a felt, a capillary applicator, possibly made in one piece with the distal portion 12 or reported in this, depending on the nature of the product and the surface to be treated.

L'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples de réalisation qui viennent d'être décrits et l'on peut notamment combiner entre elles des caractéristiques des différents modes de réalisation.The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and it is possible in particular to combine characteristics of the different embodiments with one another.

De préférence, la tige est réalisée avec une seule partie flexible. Néanmoins, la tige peut être réalisée, sans que l'on sorte du cadre de la présente invention, avec plus d'une partie flexible. La tige peut notamment comporter au moins deux parties flexibles situées à des hauteurs différentes et reliées entre elles par une partie sensiblement non flexible.Preferably, the rod is made with a single flexible portion. Nevertheless, the rod can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, with more than one flexible part. The rod may in particular comprise at least two flexible parts located at different heights and interconnected by a substantially non-flexible portion.

Claims (31)

  1. A cosmetic applicator comprising:
    • a stem (4);
    • an applicator member (6) disposed to a first end (5) of the stem; and
    • a handle member (9) disposed at a second end (8) of the stem, said second end being situated opposite from the first end,
    the applicator being characterized by the fact that the stem comprises a flexible portion (11) having shape memory, and by the fact that the stem comprises a bottom half that is substantially not flexible, said bottom half extending between the first end (5) connected to the applicator member (6) and the middle of the stem (4).
  2. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the stem comprises a distal portion (12) extending from the first end (5), and a proximal portion (13) extending from the second end (8), the length of the proximal portion being shorter than the length of the distal portion, the distal and proximal portions being interconnected by the flexible portion (11).
  3. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the length of the distal portion is longer than the length of the proximal portion by a factor of 1.5, better 1.7, or at least 2.
  4. An applicator according to claims 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that each of the distal and proximal portions is substantially rectilinear during application.
  5. An applicator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by the fact that the flexible portion is configured in such a manner that the distal portion of the stem can be reversibly tilted during application through an angle of more than 30°, better more than 45°, even 60°, relative to an initial position in which the distal portion and the proximal portion are substantially in alignment.
  6. An applicator according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by the fact that the flexible portion (11) has a length that is shorter than the length of at least one of the distal(12) and proximal (13) portions.
  7. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims , characterized by the fact that the flexible portion (11) extends over less than one-third of a total length of the stem, and better over less than one-fourth.
  8. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that, in cross-section, the flexible portion (11) of the stem presents a largest dimension lying in the range 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, in particular in the range 0.5 to 0.8 mm.
  9. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the flexible portion (11) of the stem is circularly symmetrical.
  10. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the flexible portion of the stem is not circularly symmetrical.
  11. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the flexible portion (11) of the stem presents a cross-section that is generally elongate in shape.
  12. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the handle member (19) is not circularly symmetrical in shape, encouraging the applicator to be held with a predefined orientation.
  13. An applicator according to any one of the two preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the handle member includes at least one finger-receiving zone (26), in particular a flat or an indentation, which extends substantially parallel to a major axis of a cross-section of the flexible portion.
  14. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the flexible portion (11) includes at least one opening, in particular at least one opening disposed between two bridges of material (28) interconnecting the distal and proximal portions of the stem.
  15. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a cross-section of the stem, in particular of its distal end, presents a shape selected from the following list: circular, non-circular, in particular oblong, oval, elliptical, polygonal, in particular square, rectangular, kidney-shaped, crenellated, star-shaped, with one or more grooves.
  16. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the flexible portion and at least one of the distal and proximal portions are made out of different materials.
  17. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of the proximal, distal, and flexible portions of the stem is made out of a thermoplastic material, in particular one of the materials selected from the group constituted by: PE, PP, POM, PA, PET, PBT.
  18. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the applicator member comprises at least one of the following elements: a bundle of bristles, a felt, a coating of flocking, a foam.
  19. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the applicator member (16) comprises a bundle of bristles.
  20. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by the fact that the applicator member comprises a flocked tip.
  21. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the stem comprises at its second end a member for fastening it to the handle member.
  22. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the fastener member comprise an endpiece (15, 16) for inserting as a force-fit and/or for snap-fastening in the handle member.
  23. An applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the endpiece comprises a tubular skirt (15) with a collar (16) at its base.
  24. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the handle member comprises means for fastening it on a receptacle, in particular a thread.
  25. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the flexible portion extends at least in part inside the handle member.
  26. An applicator according to any one the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the flexible portion extends substantially entirely inside the handle member.
  27. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the flexible stem is sufficiently flexible to enable the stem to come into contact with an edge of the handle member when the stem is inclined.
  28. A device for packaging and applying a substance, characterized by the fact that the device comprises an applicator (13) according to any one of the preceding claims and a receptacle (2) for containing the substance for application.
  29. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the substance is for application to the nails, in particular a nail varnish or a care product for the nails.
  30. A device according to claim 28, characterized by the fact that the substance is an eyeliner, an eye shadow, or a substance for application to the lips.
  31. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the handle member (9) of the applicator (8) constitutes a cap for closing the receptacle.
EP04300499A 2003-08-04 2004-07-30 Applicator and device for storing, comprising such an applicator Not-in-force EP1504691B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0309604 2003-08-04
FR0309604A FR2858529B1 (en) 2003-08-04 2003-08-04 APPLICATOR AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING AND APPLICATION COMPRISING SUCH AN APPLICATOR

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1504691A1 EP1504691A1 (en) 2005-02-09
EP1504691B1 true EP1504691B1 (en) 2010-03-03

Family

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Family Applications (1)

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EP04300499A Not-in-force EP1504691B1 (en) 2003-08-04 2004-07-30 Applicator and device for storing, comprising such an applicator

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US (1) US7344327B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1504691B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4006422B2 (en)
CN (1) CN1650772B (en)
AT (1) ATE459263T1 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0403161A (en)
DE (1) DE602004025771D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2341002T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2858529B1 (en)

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US7344327B2 (en) 2008-03-18
FR2858529B1 (en) 2006-02-17
ATE459263T1 (en) 2010-03-15
ES2341002T3 (en) 2010-06-14
CN1650772B (en) 2010-12-08
JP2005052649A (en) 2005-03-03
CN1650772A (en) 2005-08-10
DE602004025771D1 (en) 2010-04-15
BRPI0403161A (en) 2005-03-29
JP4006422B2 (en) 2007-11-14
FR2858529A1 (en) 2005-02-11
EP1504691A1 (en) 2005-02-09
US20050031401A1 (en) 2005-02-10

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