EP1543741B1 - Method and apparatus for curling lashes - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a heating unit (4), and a row (5) of projecting units (6) arranged with a space between them for engaging eyelashes. The heating unit and the row are arranged in a manner to selectively permit either to use projecting units for separating eyelashes without contacting the eyelashes with the heating unit or to curve the eyelashes by subjecting them to heat radiated by the heating unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for curving eyelashes.

Description

The present invention relates to devices for curling the eyelashes, comprising a heating member

Patent is known US 5,853,010 , 6,009,884 and 6,220,252 such devices.

These are not entirely satisfactory for bending eyelashes on which mascara has been applied before, because under the effect of heat, the mascara tends to liquefy, so that the eyelashes stick in packets, which harms the quality of makeup. Some eyelashes may also be curved in a manner that is insufficiently progressive.

The international application WO 99/228282 relates to an apparatus comprising a heating brush and a heating element separate from the brush, the apparatus not being provided so that the brush can be used without heating, while the other heating element would be hot.

Requirement EP 0 848 920 , international demand WO 00/40112 and requests JP 2003-310335 , JP 2003-310336 and JP 1-056444 relate to devices for curling the eyelashes, devoid of projecting elements for separating the eyelashes without subjecting them to the heat released by the heating element.

There is a need to curl eyelashes without affecting the quality of makeup.

The invention aims in particular to meet this need.

It achieves this, in one of its aspects, thanks to a device for curling eyelashes as defined in claim 1.

The heating member and the rows of projecting elements are arranged so as to selectively allow the use of the projecting elements to separate the eyelashes without contact of the latter with the heating element in order, for example, to avoid softening or to melt the product, or to curl the eyelashes by subjecting them to the heat released by the heating element.

The device may be unsuitable for closing a container containing a product to be applied to the eyelashes.

The device can thus, for example, be devoid of skirt for attachment to a container, in particular an internally threaded skirt.

The device may also, for example, be devoid of cylindrical rod of revolution between, on the one hand a head of the device carrying the heating member and at least one row of projecting elements and on the other hand a gripping member of the device.

The device may still, for example, be devoid of wiper.

The device may comprise a protective cap, for example transparent and internally empty.

The invention makes it possible in particular to reduce the risk of formation of eyelash packages and to improve the quality of makeup.

The device may also comprise a support, the heating member being secured to the support, and the projecting elements made by molding material with the support.

The heating member may also extend along a generally curved axis, and the rows of projecting elements extend along a generally curved axis, for example substantially parallel to that of the heating member.

The projecting elements may be integral during the use of the heating member, and the device may comprise a protective cap of the projecting elements, this cap allowing dry maintenance of the projecting elements in the absence of use.

By "dry hold" means a lack of immersion of the projecting elements in a liquid or pasty product, the cap not being filled with a product to be applied to the eyelashes.

The device may comprise a longitudinal median plane, and at least projecting elements of the row of projecting elements may deviate from the longitudinal median plane when approaching their free end, in particular forming with the longitudinal median plane a angle between 10 and 45 °, or between 15 and 40 °, or even between 20 and 35 °, for example about 25 °.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, at least one row of projecting elements extends substantially parallel to the heating element over at least a part of its length, for example entirely on one side of the heater. this.

The heating member can be traversed by an electric current when it is heated. Alternatively, the heating member may be heated to at least one end and the heat may propagate by conduction over the entire length of the heating member.

Still in an exemplary implementation of the invention, the device may comprise at least one row of projecting elements comprising a sufficient number of projecting elements to allow separation of the eyelashes, for example at least 7 protruding elements. , especially between 7 and 30, or even between 7 and 35 protruding elements, for example.

The height of the projecting elements is between about 3 and about 10 mm, their height being adapted to separate the eyelashes.

The presence of the two rows of projecting elements can in particular allow use of the device indifferently by left-handed or right-handed persons.

In a particular embodiment, the projecting elements may comprise teeth made by plastic molding, in particular integral with a support, for example a support on which the heating member is disposed.

Preferably, the free ends of the projecting elements of at least one row are arranged in an outwardly concave line, adapted to the curvature of the eyelid.

The heating member may for example also extend along a concave axis towards the outside.

The projecting elements may be directed, for example, substantially parallel to a longitudinal median plane of the device. Alternatively, the projecting elements may have a free end pointing to the aforementioned median plane or deviating from the aforementioned median plane.

The projecting elements of a row may be configured to form between them spaces in which the eyelashes can engage, when the device is viewed from the side, in particular in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

These spaces may be for example in the form of V-grooves, the projecting elements having for example each a tapered shape towards their free end or being oriented obliquely, relative to the longitudinal axis of the device, and crossing when the device is observed from the side.

The projecting elements may be made of a plastic material that supports the maximum temperature reached by the heating element, which can avoid having to achieve a particular thermal insulation between the heating member and the projecting elements or between the heating member. and a support of the projecting elements made in one piece with the projecting elements. These may in particular be made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

The device may comprise an autonomous power supply connected to the heating member, this power supply comprising for example at least one battery or an electric accumulator.

• un organe chauffant s'étendant sur une face d'une tête du dispositif,
• au moins une rangée d'éléments en saillie ménageant entre eux des espaces permettant d'y engager les cils, cette rangée d'éléments en saillie étant solidaire durant l'utilisation de l'organe chauffant et s'étendant tout entière d'un seul côté de l'organe chauffant sur ladite face. La face précitée peut, par exemple, être concave du côté des éléments en saillie.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to a device for curling eyelashes, comprising:

• a heating member extending on one side of a head of the device,
• at least one row of projecting elements providing between them spaces for engaging the eyelashes, this row of projecting elements being integral during the use of the heating member and extending entirely from a single side of the heating member on said face. The aforementioned face may, for example, be concave on the side of the projecting elements.

• un organe chauffant,
• au moins une rangée d'éléments en saillie solidaires de l'organe chauffant, notamment plus de sept éléments en saillie, disposés de manière à permettre d'engager entre eux les cils sans contact avec l'organe chauffant, de manière par exemple à éviter de ramollir ou de faire fondre le mascara.

The invention further relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a device for curling eyelashes, not intended to close a container containing a product to be applied to the eyelashes, comprising:

• a heating organ,
• at least one row of projecting elements integral with the heating element, in particular more than seven projecting elements, arranged so as to enable the eyelashes to be engaged without contact with the heating element, so as to avoid, for example, soften or melt the mascara.

• après l'application d'un produit sur les cils, notamment du mascara, séparer les cils en utilisant au moins une rangée d'éléments en saillie, sans soumettre de manière prolongée les cils à la chaleur dégagée par l'organe chauffant durant cette opération,
• recourber les cils en les soumettant à la chaleur dégagée par l'organe chauffant.

The invention further relates to a method for curling the eyelashes, comprising the following steps:

• after the application of a product on the eyelashes, in particular mascara, separating the eyelashes using at least one row of projecting elements, without subjecting the eyelashes to the heat released by the heating member for a long time during this operation ,
• curl the eyelashes by subjecting them to the heat released by the heating element.

• on recourbe les cils en les soumettant à la chaleur dégagée par l'organe chauffant tout en maintenant des cils engagés entre les éléments en saillie précités.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a method for curling the eyelashes by means of one of the devices as defined above, in which:

• the eyelashes are curled by subjecting them to the heat released by the heating member while maintaining eyelashes engaged between the aforementioned projecting elements.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique, en perspective, d'un exemple de dispositif réalisé conformément à l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue partielle de dessus du dispositif de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une coupe longitudinale, schématique et partielle, selon III-III de la figure 2,
• la figure 4 est une coupe transversale, schématique et partielle, selon IV-IV de la figure 2,
• les figures 5 à 8 sont des vues schématiques illustrant un exemple d'utilisation du dispositif de la figure 1,
• les figures 9 à 14 sont des coupes analogues à la figure 4, de variantes de réalisation,
• la figure 15 illustre l'assemblage des parties latérales sur la partie centrale du dispositif de la figure 13,
• les figures 16 à 20 sont des vues schématiques de côté illustrant différents exemples, parmi d'autres, d'agencements des éléments en saillie,
• la figure 21 est une vue schématique et partielle, en perspective, d'une variante de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 22 est une vue schématique et partielle, de côté, du dispositif de la figure 21,
• la figure 23 est une vue schématique et partielle, de dessus, du dispositif de la figure 21,
• la figure 24 est une vue schématique et partielle, selon la flèche XXIV, de la figure 21,
• la figure 25 est une coupe transversale, schématique et partielle, selon XXV-XXV, de la figure 23,
• la figure 26 est une vue schématique et partielle, en perspective, d'une variante de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 27 est une vue schématique et partielle, de côté, du dispositif de la figure 26,
• la figure 28 est une vue schématique et partielle, de dessus, du dispositif de la figure 26,
• la figure 29 est une vue schématique et partielle, selon la flèche XXIX, du dispositif de la figure 26,
• la figure 30 est une coupe transversale, schématique et partielle, selon XXX-XXX, de la figure 28,
• la figure 31 est une coupe transversale, schématique et partielle, selon XXXI-XXXI, de la figure 28, et
• les figures 32 à 36 sont des coupes longitudinales, schématiques et partielles, de variantes de réalisation de l'invention.

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 perspective, of an exemplary device produced according to the invention,
• the figure 2 is a partial top view of the device of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a longitudinal section, schematic and partial, according to III-III of the figure 2 ,
• the figure 4 is a cross section, schematic and partial, according to IV-IV of the figure 2 ,
• the Figures 5 to 8 are schematic views illustrating an example of use of the device of the figure 1 ,
• the Figures 9 to 14 are similar cuts to the figure 4 , variants,
• the figure 15 illustrates the assembly of the lateral parts on the central part of the device of the figure 13 ,
• the Figures 16 to 20 are schematic side views illustrating various examples, among others, of arrangements of the projecting elements,
• the figure 21 is a schematic partial view, in perspective, of an alternative embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 22 is a schematic and partial view, from the side, of the device of the figure 21 ,
• the figure 23 is a schematic and partial view, from above, of the device of the figure 21 ,
• the figure 24 is a schematic and partial view, according to the arrow XXIV, of the figure 21 ,
• the figure 25 is a cross section, schematic and partial, according to XXV-XXV, of the figure 23 ,
• the figure 26 is a schematic partial view, in perspective, of an alternative embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 27 is a schematic and partial view, from the side, of the device of the figure 26 ,
• the figure 28 is a schematic and partial view, from above, of the device of the figure 26 ,
• the figure 29 is a schematic and partial view, according to the arrow XXIX, of the device of the figure 26 ,
• the figure 30 is a cross section, schematic and partial, according to XXX-XXX, of the figure 28 ,
• the figure 31 is a cross section, diagrammatic and partial, according to XXXI-XXXI, of the figure 28 , and
• the Figures 32 to 36 are longitudinal sections, schematic and partial, of alternative embodiments of the invention.

We have shown figure 1 a device 1 made according to the invention, comprising a housing 2 housing a power supply and a head 3 of longitudinal axis X comprising a heating member 4 and two rows 5 of protruding elements 6.

The power supply comprises for example one or more batteries or batteries.

On the figure 3 it can be seen that the head 3 comprises a support 8, a face 9 of which is generally concave towards the outside.

The head 3 can be protected, in the absence of use, by a cap 20, which can be fixed on the housing 2, for example by clamping, screwing or latching. This cap 20 is for example transparent.

The heating member 4 extends in contact with the face 9 along a curvilinear axis in a median plane P, as can be seen in FIG. figure 4 .

Each row 5 comprises a plurality of projecting elements 6 constituted for example by teeth, which can be made for example in one piece by molding plastic material with the support 8, each tooth extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis X.

In the example considered, each projecting element 6 is connected at its base to the face 9, but in a variant that is not shown, the projecting elements could otherwise be connected to the support 8, for example extending on opposite side faces of this support. this.

We can still see on the figure 3 that the free ends 11 of the projecting elements 6 of each row 5 can extend along an outwardly concave curve C, adapted to the curvature of the eyelids.

In the example shown in figure 2 , all the projecting elements 6 of the same row 5 are substantially aligned parallel to the axis X, the two rows 5 being disposed on either side of the heating member 4 and substantially symmetrically one of the other in relation to plane P.

The maximum temperature of the heating member 4 may for example be between about 30 and about 90 ° C, especially between about 35 and about 70 ° C, or between about 40 and about 60 ° C.

The heating member 4 may comprise for example a nichrome wire.

Ribs 13 may be provided on the support 8 to protect the eyelid from contact with the heating member 4. These ribs 13 may have, as can be seen on the figure 3 , a relatively small height compared to the height of the projecting elements 6, for example a maximum height less than or equal to about one quarter of the height of a projecting element 6.

These ribs 13 may extend generally transversely to the longitudinal axis X and have a rounded upper edge. The ribs 13 may, if necessary, contribute to the maintenance of the heating member 4 on the support 8.

The number of projecting elements 6 per row 5 can be for example between 7 and 30, or even between 7 and 35, being adapted to the separation of the eyelashes. This number may for example be 9 as illustrated or be greater, for example 11 or more. The number of projecting elements 6 may in particular be greater than the number of ribs 13 or other possible holding elements covering the heating member 4.

In the example illustrated, the heating member 4 does not define spaces between which the eyelashes could engage, which would be the case for example if the heating member consisted of a helical winding with non-contiguous turns, turns between which the eyelashes could engage.

In the example under consideration, two consecutive protruding elements 6 of the same row 5 define between them an open space 15 to the outside, in which at least one eyelash can engage during the use of the device 1. height of this space 15 is defined by the length of the projecting elements 6 and the latter may for example have a length of between about 1 and about 15 mm, in particular between about 3 and about 10 mm.

We will now describe, referring to Figures 5 to 8 , an example of use of the device 1.

It is assumed that a product such as mascara has been applied to the eyelashes E, by means of an applicator not shown, but the device 1 can still be used, if necessary, without prior application of the product.

To use the device 1, the user can for example start by separating the eyelashes E using one of the rows 5 of protruding elements 6, the eyelashes not being engaged in the other row, which is side of the eye in the example considered. Eyelashes E are not subjected to the heat released by the heating member 4.

Then the user can, as illustrated in the figure 6 while keeping the eyelashes E engaged between the projecting elements 6, bring the heating element 4 closer to them in order to subject them to the heat released by the heating element 4.

The user can then, as illustrated in figure 7 , exert a thrust, in particular with the heating member 4, backwards on the eyelashes E, to bend them.

The eyelashes E can remain engaged during this operation between the projecting elements 6, which reduces the risk of the formation of packets of eyelashes bonded to each other by the product which has melted under the action of the heating member 4 .

Once the eyelashes curved, they can be, if necessary, separated by painting them with the protruding elements 6, as illustrated in FIG. figure 8 , the heating member 4 being again kept away from the eyelashes E.

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

We can notice on examination of the figure 4 that the longitudinal axis of each projecting element 6 may be substantially parallel to the median plane P. It may be otherwise, as is illustrated in particular on the Figures 9 and 10 .

In the example of the figure 9 the projecting elements 6 of the two rows 5 have free ends 11 which point in directions away from the plane P.

In the example of the figure 10 the projecting elements 6 have free ends 11 which point towards the plane P.

In the example of the figure 11 , the free ends 11 of the projecting elements are substantially located along the same axis, for example an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support 8.

The protruding elements 6 may, in this configuration, protect the eyelid from contact with the heating member 4 and the ribs 13 have been removed.

In the example of the figure 12 , the ends of the projecting elements intersect when the head 3 is observed along its longitudinal axis.

To facilitate the crossing of the projecting elements of the two rows 5, they can be arranged in staggered rows, the projecting elements 6a of one row being axially offset from the projecting elements 6b of the other row, as illustrated in FIG. figure 16 .

The projecting elements 6 can be made by molding, monolithically, with the rest of the support 8, as is the case in particular in the example of the figure 4 .

The protruding elements can still be carried by lateral portions 8a and 8b attached to a central portion 8c on which the heating member 4 extends, as can be seen in FIG. figure 13 .

Each side portion 8a or 8b can be fixed in various ways on the central portion 8c, removably or not.

The side portions 8a and 8b may for example be arranged to snap on opposite sides of the central portion 8c, as shown in FIG. figure 15 , and the portions 8a, 8b and 8c may comprise for this purpose complementary reliefs, for example grooves 22 on the central portion 8c and complementary ribs 23 on the side portions 8a and 8b.

Other modes of attachment could still be envisaged, for example by slide, gluing, welding, possibly by means of at least one additional piece.

A removable attachment of the side portions 8a and 8b may allow, if necessary, to select the projecting elements 6, for example to choose those best suited to a nature of eyelash or makeup.

Within a row, all the projecting elements may be completely aligned or have only aligned bases and extend alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface S, as illustrated in FIG. figure 14 .

The arrangement of the projecting elements 6 can be modified on the head 3 and in particular the projecting elements 6 can be made with a tapered shape towards their free end 11, so as to form V-shaped grooves 15 between them, as shown in FIG. figure 17 .

The projecting elements 6a of a row may further be made so that they extend obliquely towards one end, proximal or distal, of the device and the other elements 6b of the other row 5 in an opposite orientation. , so that V-shaped grooves 15 are formed between two projecting elements, as can be seen in FIG. figure 18 .

The protruding elements 6 may have a free end 11 that is not pointed, for example substantially flattened, as illustrated in FIG. figure 19 .

The projecting elements 6 can still be in the form of corrugations, as illustrated in FIG. figure 20 .

Other examples of projecting elements are described in the patents US 6,412,496 , 6,581,610 and 6,539,950 .

The projecting elements may have very diverse cross-sections, in particular circular, non-circular, oblong, polygonal, in particular triangular or square, this list not being limiting.

The projecting elements 6 within a row may be aligned or not.

The invention is not limited to any particular type of protruding element and rather than bristle teeth may be used, for example as conventionally encountered on mascara brushes.

The projecting elements can be used to produce various plastics, in particular thermoplastic elastomers, thermosetting elastomers or resins. catalyzed, the material used being preferably resistant to the heat released by the heating member 4.

The heating member 4 can be maintained in various ways on the support 8 and in particular the heating member 4 can be maintained at its two axial ends only, being partly embedded in the material of the support 8.

In the exemplary embodiment of the figure 1 , the housing 2 is closed at its end opposite the head 3 by a plug, which, when open, allows access to the inside of the housing 2, for example to allow the installation of the heating member 4 or the power supply, or to renew for example a battery.

Of course, it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if the housing 2 is configured in another way.

By way of example, reference is made to Figures 21 to 25 on the one hand, and 26 to 31 on the other hand, two embodiments in which the housing 2 comprises two half-shells. The upper half-shell, illustrated in the figures, and whose head comprises the rows 5 of protruding elements 6, can be secured to the lower half-shell by hooking means, which comprise in the example described ribs 19 on a half-shell, and which are intended to cooperate with complementary reliefs of the other half-shell.

This allows the easy installation of the power supply in a first half-shell, then the attachment of the second half-shell on the first.

Such a configuration also facilitates the manufacture of the device, allowing for example to mold the two half-shells by injection, for example one piece each.

The housing 2 has an orifice 25 for mounting a control button of the power supply.

The housing 2 further comprises an annular groove 16 intended to cooperate with a corresponding boss of a closure cap, so as to allow the protection of the rows 5 of protruding elements 6 and the heating member.

The projecting elements 6 of the rows 5 of the device illustrated in FIGS. Figures 21 to 25 are connected to the support 8 so that their free end deviates from a longitudinal median plane of the device The longitudinal median plane of the device is the plane of the sheet for the figure 22 , and a plane perpendicular to the leaf for the figure 23 . It constitutes in the example described a plane of symmetry of the device.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 26 to 31 , the projecting elements 6 of the rows 5 are arranged differently. The projecting elements 6 of the same row 5 are alternately oriented parallel to the median plane and deviating from the median plane when approaching their free end. The projecting elements 6 of the same row thus extend alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface. They form between them V-shaped grooves when observed along the longitudinal axis of the row.

The projecting elements which deviate from the median plane are at an angle with the latter, which may be between 10 and 45 °, or between 15 and 40 °, or even between 20 and 35 °, for example about 25 °.

The devices illustrated in Figures 21 to 31 each comprise a support 8, one face of which is generally concave towards the outside, the projecting elements 6 being connected to this face.

In addition, the devices illustrated in Figures 21 to 31 each comprise ribs 13 for protecting the eyelid from contact with the heating member 4. These ribs 13 extend generally transversely to the longitudinal axis X of the device and are in the general shape of an arc of a circle, in particular of semicircle, above the heating element 4.

They also have a rounded upper edge that can facilitate movement of the device relative to the eyelashes or eyebrows.

The devices illustrated in Figures 1 to 31 can be integrated into a housing allowing the user to apply mascara and / or to separate the eyelashes and / or to subject them to the heat generated by the heating member 4. Such housings can be configured in different ways.

For example, we illustrated at the figure 32 a housing 30 in which the closure cap 20 of the device according to the invention is secured to a container 31 adapted to contain a cosmetic product, makeup or care, for example mascara.

The container 31 is closed by a closing cap 32 on which is fixed, by a first end, a rod 33, at the second end of which is placed a application member 34, constituted for example by a brush comprising a wire bent U-shaped and twisted, bristles being held in the wire. The device further comprises a wiper member 35 for wringing the rod and the brush 34.

Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 33 , the closing cap 20 may be connected not to the container 31 but to the closure cap 32 of the container 31.

In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. figure 34 , the container 31 can be connected to the housing 2 of the device according to the invention, the assembly consisting of the housing 2 and the container 31 containing the product can thus constitute a gripping member of the device according to the invention.

In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. figure 35 , it is the closure cap 32 of the container 31 which is connected to the housing 2 of the device according to the invention.

By "connected" is meant connected in a removable or non-removable manner, for example made in one piece, in particular molded in one piece of plastic material.

In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. figure 36 , the device according to the invention comprising a closing cap 20 and the container 31 closed by the closure cap 32 may be independent of one another, then being contained in a case 40, for example in two separate housings 41 of the case 40.

Thanks to the devices illustrated in Figures 32 to 36 , the user can, in an easy manner, firstly apply a product on the eyelashes, and secondly curl them, these two operations can take place successively or independently of one another.

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 (43)

1. A device (1) for curling the eyelashes, comprising:

   • a heater member (4);

   • two rows (5) of projecting elements (6) disposed respectively on opposite sides of the heater member (4), the projecting elements leaving spaces (15) between one another enabling the eyelashes to be engaged therein, the heater member (4) and the rows (5) of projecting elements (6) being arranged in such a manner as to make it possible selectively either to use the projecting elements (6) for separating the eyelashes without the eyelashes coming into contact with the heater member (4) and without subjecting them to the heat given off by the heater member in use, or else to curl the eyelashes while subjecting them to the heat given off by the heater member (4), characterized by the fact that the height of the projecting elements lies in the range 3 mm to 10 mm.
2. A device according to claim 1, the heater member extending longitudinally along a longitudinal midplane.
3. A device according to claim 1, comprising a support (8), the heater member being secured to the support (8) and the projecting elements (6) being made by molding material together with the support (8).
4. A device according to claim 1, the heater member (4) extending along a generally curved axis and the rows (5) of projecting elements (6) extending along a generally curved axis, in particular an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the heater member.
5. A device according to claim 1, the projecting elements being secured in use to the heater member and the device comprising a cap (20) for protecting the projecting elements, said cap enabling the projecting elements to be kept dry when not in use.
6. A device according to claim 1, comprising a longitudinal midplane, and at least some projecting elements in a row of projecting elements pointing away from the longitudinal midplane on going towards their free ends.
7. A device according to the preceding claim, said at least some projecting elements forming with the longitudinal midplane an angle lying in the range 10 to 45°, preferably in the range 15 to 40°, more preferably in the range 20 to 35°, for example about 25°.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that at least one row (5) of projecting elements (6) extends substantially parallel to the heater member (4) over at least a fraction of its length.
9. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that at least one row of projecting elements extends entirely on one side of the heater member.
10. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it does not have a skirt for fixing it onto a receptacle, in particular it does not have an internally threaded skirt.
11. A device according to any preceding claim,
    characterized by the fact that it does not have a circularly cylindrical rod extending between a handle member for the device and a head (3) of the device carrying the heater member together with said at least one row of projecting elements.
12. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it does not have a wiper.
13. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the heater member (4) conveys electricity while it is being heated.
14. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes at least one row (5) of projecting elements having at least seven projecting elements, and in particular a number of projecting elements lying in the range 7 to 35.
15. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the rows (5) are disposed symmetrically about a midplane of symmetry (P) containing a longitudinal axis (X) of the heater member (4).
16. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the projecting elements (6) comprise teeth made by molding a plastics material.
17. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the projecting elements (6) comprise teeth made by molding a plastics material integrally with a support (8).
18. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the heater member is disposed on the support (8).
19. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by the fact that it includes at least one projecting element, better at least one row of projecting elements, fitted to a portion (8c) carrying the heater member (4).
20. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it has two lateral portions each carrying a row of teeth, these lateral portions (8a, 8b) being fitted onto a central portion (8c).
21. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the heater member (4) is disposed on the central portion (8c).
22. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the free ends (11) of the projecting elements (6) of at least one row (5) are disposed in a line (C) that is outwardly concave, matching eyelid curvature.
23. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the heater member (4) extends along a curvilinear longitudinal axis, that is outwardly concave.
24. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the projecting elements are directed substantially parallel to a longitudinal midplane (P) of the device.
25. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized by the fact that the projecting elements (6) have free ends (11) pointing towards a longitudinal midplane (P) of the device.
26. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized by the fact that the projecting elements (6) have free ends (11) pointing away from a longitudinal midplane (P) of the device.
27. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the projecting elements (6) of a row are configured in such a manner as to form spaces (15) between one another when the device is observed from the side in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.
28. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the spaces (15) are in the form of V-shaped grooves.
29. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the projecting elements (6) are made of a plastics material capable of withstanding the maximum temperature reached by the heater member (4).
30. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that it includes an independent electrical power supply connected to the heater member (4).
31. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the device includes a protective cap.
32. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the cap is fixed on the remainder of the device by snap-fastening.
33. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the projecting elements are of a shape that tapers towards their free ends.
34. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the projecting elements of a row extend in alternation on either side of a geometrical separation surface (S).
35. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the device includes a support (8) having a face (9) that is generally outwardly concave.
36. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the device includes ribs (13) for protecting the eyelid against coming into contact with the heater member (4).
37. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the ribs (13) extend generally transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the device.
38. A device according to either one of the two preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the ribs (13) present rounded top edges.
39. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized by the fact that the heater member (4) does not define spaces in which the eyelashes could become engaged.
40. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

    i. two rows (5) of projecting elements (6) disposed respectively on either side of the heater member (4), the projecting elements in any one row extending in alternation on either side of a corresponding geometrical separation surface (S);

    ii. a support (8) carrying the projecting elements, having a face (9) that is generally outwardly concave; and

    iii. ribs (13) for protecting the eyelid from coming into contact with the heater member (4) and extending generally transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the device, the ribs (13) presenting rounded top edges.
41. A device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

    i. two rows (5) of projecting elements (6) disposed respectively on either side of the heater member (4), the projecting elements in any one row being fully in alignment;

    ii. a support (8) carrying the projecting elements, having a face (9) that is generally outwardly concave; and

    iii. ribs (13) for protecting the eyelid from coming into contact with the heater member (4) and extending generally transversely relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the device, the ribs (13) presenting rounded top edges.
42. A method of curling the eyelashes, the method comprises the following steps:

    • after applying a substance to the eyelashes, in particular mascara, separating the eyelashes by using at least one row (5) of projecting elements (6) of a device as defined as defined in any preceding claim, without subjecting the eyelashes for any length of time to the heat given off by the heater member (4) during this operation; and

    • curling the eyelashes while subjecting them to the heat given off by the heater member.
43. A method of curling the eyelashes by means of a device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 41, in which:

    • the eyelashes are curled while being subjected to the heat given off by the heater member, and while maintaining the eyelashes engaged between the projecting elements (6).

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