EP1917883A2 - Applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes or eyebrows - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator (3) has a rod (4) with a longitudinal axis (X) and including an elastically deformable flexible portion (20) that bends during application and/or whirling. An application element (5) is fixed to the flexible portion of the rod and has a twisted core and bristles (11) transversally extending to the axis of the rod. The portion is adjacent to an end (4a) of the rod and includes a housing in which the application element is inserted. The rod has a rigid proximal part whose length is larger than that of a rigid distal part. The portion is overmolded on a rigid part of the rod. An independent claim is also included for a method for cosmetic treatment using an applicator.

Description

The present invention relates to applicators intended for applying a makeup or care product to keratinous fibers, and more particularly, but not exclusively, eyelashes or eyebrows.

The invention relates to an applicator comprising a rod and an applicator element disposed at one end of the rod.

Mascara applicators having a relatively rigid shaft are known.

We also know by the request US 6,305,861 applicators having a relatively thin rod, being of small section over a large part of its length, and thus having a high flexibility. This flexibility of the stem can affect the accuracy of makeup under certain conditions of application. In addition, such rods may not be wiped satisfactorily when used with certain types of wiper members, for example with annular lip.

We still know by the patent application FR-A-2,759,872 an applicator having a flat handle with a retreint.

Moreover, the demand FR 2,705,876 discloses an applicator having a stem provided with a necking being positioned facing a wiper member. The restraint does not confer flexibility during the application.

US 2006/0042647 A1 discloses a mascara applicator having a stem having a flexible portion and supporting an applicator member. The latter comprises a housing arranged to receive a support portion connected to the rod. The application member is rotatable, in an exemplary implementation. The presence of the housing forces to realize the application organ in a specific way.

There is a need to further improve the applicators for the makeup of keratin fibers, especially eyelashes or eyebrows, and to have a new applicator that is comfortable and easy to use.

The present invention aims in particular to meet this need.

• une tige ayant un axe longitudinal et comportant au moins une portion flexible élastiquement déformable pouvant fléchir lors de l'application et/ou à l'essorage,
• un élément d'application fixé à la tige, comportant des poils ou dents s'étendant transversalement à l'axe longitudinal de la tige.

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

• a rod having a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one elastically deformable flexible portion that can flex upon application and / or spin,
• an applicator element attached to the shaft, having bristles or teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

The invention allows precise makeup.

The presence of the flexible portion provides softness to the application, even with a relatively rigid application element such as a comb for example or with a brush having relatively firm bristles.

Since the rod connects to a gripping member, the flexible portion may also allow, at the exit of the applicator element of the receptacle containing the product, the applicator element to form an angle with the dispenser member. thus allowing the applicator element to remain more easily aligned with the longitudinal axis of the container containing the product. When it is provided with a wiper member, the spinning of the application element can be improved with a more homogeneous distribution of the product on the application element.

The flexible portion also allows the user to tilt the gripping member relative to the container, in a natural gesture, when removing the application member.

The resistance of the product on the eyelashes or the eyebrows can slow down and deform the application element, which accumulates by deforming the elastic energy. The return of elastic energy thus accumulated when the applicator element relaxes when reaching the end of the eyelashes or eyebrows can give an acceleration and an additional movement likely to improve the elongation and the separation of the eyelashes or eyebrows.

The flexible portion can also reduce the risk of hard contact between the eye and the application member.

By "elastically deformable", it should be understood that the flexible portion has a certain shape memory. The expression "elastically deformable" must be understood in a broad sense and covers in particular the case where the flexible portion resumes elastically, after having been deformed, a position which is not strictly identical to its initial position, taking into account, for example the nature of the material used to make the flexible portion and the shape thereof.

By "rigid part", it is necessary to understand a part that does not deform substantially to the application. A rigid part may undergo a slight overall deformation in the event of stress exerted with the fingers on it, for example.

The flexible portion is for example capable of bending to change the orientation of the entire application element over more than 30 °, for example.

The flexibility of the flexible portion can come from its shape and / or the material or materials used to achieve it.

stem

By "rod" is meant the assembly formed by the flexible portion or portions and the rigid portion or portions of the rod.

The rod extends axially between the gripping member and the application element. The length of the rod is measured between the end adjacent to the applicator element and that of connection to the gripping member, for example the end where the rod connects to a transverse plate, within the grasping organ.

The flexible portion may extend along a rectilinear longitudinal axis or not, this axis being for example in the extension of that of the application element.

The flexible portion may be made by molding, for example by injection of thermoplastic material. The flexible portion may especially not be stamped. The flexible portion may be made by overmolding on a rigid portion of the rod. Alternatively, the flexible portion can be attached to the rest of the rod by snapping, gluing, screwing, insertion by force or crimping. The rod may comprise a rigid portion with at least one housing for receiving at least one fixing portion of the flexible portion on this rigid portion. Alternatively, the flexible portion may comprise at least one housing for receiving at least one fixing portion of the rigid portion of the rod on the flexible portion. The fixing portion of the flexible portion may have an enlarged head or a necking to improve the retention by the rigid portion of the rod in case of crimping.

The flexible portion of the rod can be mounted on the rest of the rod and / or on the hot or cold application element, in particular by virtue of its deformability, or it can be overmolded on the rest of the rod and / or of the application element.

The flexibility of the flexible portion can be chosen according to the properties desired for the application, for example by the choice of the constituent material or materials, in particular their Shore hardness. The hardnesses of the materials of the flexible portion of the rod and the adjacent rigid portion of the rod may be different.

The flexible portion may be made in at least partially of a material from the following list: elastomeric material, thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer, LDPE, PVC, PU, thermoplastic elastomer polyesters, especially copolymers of butene terephthalate and polytetramethylene oxide esterified glycol, Hytrel ^® , EPDM, PDM, EVA, SIS, SEBS, SBS, latex, silicone, nitrile, butyl, polyurethane, polyether amide block, polyester, this list not being limiting.

The flexible portion may be made of a material whose hardness is for example between 25 Shore A and 80 Shore D, or even between 40 Shore A and 70 Shore D.

The total apparent length 1 of the flexible portion is for example between 10 and 35 mm.

A larger external transverse dimension of the flexible portion is for example between 2 and 10 mm.

The flexible portion may be magnetizable, for example comprising a charge of magnetic particles or magnetic fibers.

The flexibility of the flexible portion may vary depending on the cross section and the profile of the flexible portion.

The flexible portion may have a solid or hollow cross section and of varied shape, for example of a shape chosen from the following list: polygonal, square, rectangular, triangular, circular, non-circular, oblong, oval, elliptical, crenellated, d-shaped star, with one or more grooves, annular or axial.

The flexible portion may be symmetrical in revolution about the longitudinal axis of the rod.

The flexible portion may have a necking, if any. This shrinkage may be annular. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the flexible portion of the rod is diabolo-shaped or has a crenellated annular groove.

The flexible portion of the rod may still be non-symmetrical of revolution. Such a shape may make it possible to obtain a flexibility of the rod which is variable according to the direction of inclination of the applicator element with respect to its initial configuration. The flexible portion of the rod may in particular have a generally elongated cross section. The gripping member may comprise at least one finger receiving zone, in particular a flat or a cell, which may extend generally substantially parallel to a larger axis of a transverse cross-section. the flexible portion. The gripping member may have a shape symmetrical revolution favoring the grip of the applicator with a predefined orientation.

The flexible portion may be symmetrical with respect to a median plane.

The flexible portion may have a larger transverse dimension, for example an outer diameter of the flexible portion, equal to a larger transverse dimension of the rod, for example an outer diameter of the rod. Alternatively, the flexible portion may have a larger transverse dimension greater than a larger transverse dimension of the rod. In another variant, the flexible portion may have a larger transverse dimension smaller than a larger transverse dimension of the rod.

The flexible portion can be flocked, at least partially, which allows it to load product and be used to apply the product on eyelashes or eyebrows, for example. The flocked portion may be magnetic or magnetizable, which may allow it for example to exert an action on the product before and / or after the application, for example to lengthen the eyelashes when the product contains pigments or magnetic charges.

The apparent portion of the flexible portion may be thinner than its scope for attachment in the rigid portion of the rod.

The rod may comprise a single flexible portion, the rest of the rod being rigid, that is to say not substantially deforming during application.

The rod may be cylindrical of revolution or substantially cylindrical of revolution, at least over most of its length. The rod may for example be other than flat in a plane. The rod may for example have a length much greater than its width, for example more than twice or more than three times, better more than five times greater than its width.

The rod can be rigidly connected to the gripping member. Alternatively, a joint may be present between the rod and the gripping member.

The flexible portion may be disposed at a first end of the rigid portion of the stem and may be adjacent to the applicator member.

The flexible portion may include a housing to allow the attachment of the applicator element, in particular to receive a portion of the applicator element, for example the core of the applicator element.

Alternatively, the flexible portion may be disposed between a distal rigid portion of the shaft and a proximal rigid portion of the shaft.

The shaft may include a distal rigid portion extending between the applicator member and the flexible portion and a proximal rigid portion extending between the flexible portion and a second end of the shaft connected to the grasper. The proximal and distal rigid portions of the stem are then connected by the flexible portion. These distal and proximal rigid portions may have the same diameter.

The length of the proximal rigid portion of the shaft may be greater than the length of the distal rigid portion of the shaft. The length of the proximal portion may be greater than that of the distal portion by a factor of 1.5, better 1.7, or even at least 2.

The length of the flexible portion may be less than that of at least one of the distal and proximal rigid portions. The flexible portion may in particular extend over less than one third of the total length of the rod, better less than one quarter.

The rod may comprise a rigid upper half, the flexible portion being located in the lower half of the rod, thus being close to the applicator element.

The flexible portion of the shank may deform upon application to allow the distal rigid portion of the shank or the application member to tilt substantially relative to the proximal rigid portion of the shank.

The distal and proximal rigid portions may each be substantially rectilinear upon application.

Whatever the manner in which the rod is made, the flexible portion may be configured so that the whole of the applicator element can be reversibly inclined during application, for example more than 10 ° more preferably 15 °, more preferably 30 °, or even more than 45 ° or 60 °, with respect to an initial rest configuration in which the applicator element and the rod are for example substantially aligned.

In exemplary embodiments, the core of the applicator member may not visibly deform when the flexible portion deforms to change the orientation of the applicator member relative to the rod.

The rigid part or parts of the rod may have a solid or hollow cross-section of a shape chosen from the following list: circular, non-circular, oblong, oval, elliptical, polygonal, square, rectangular, triangular, kidney-shaped, crenellated, star-shaped, with one or more grooves. A circular cross section may be preferred.

The proximal and distal portions may be made of the same material, or at least partially in two different respective materials.

The rigid part (s) of the rod may be made of a thermoplastic material, in particular one of the materials selected from the following list: HDPE, LDPE, linear PE, PT, PP, POM, PA, PET, PBT, this list n not being limiting.

The end of the rod to which the applicator element is attached may comprise a housing for fixing the applicator element. The housing may be formed in the flexible portion or in a rigid distal portion of the rod. A rigid portion of the rod may also include a housing for fixing the flexible portion thereon. The two housings can be of identical shape and size, at least before the fixing of the applicator element or the flexible portion, which can make it possible to easily remove the flexible portion to use the directly attached application element. at the rigid part of the stem.

Especially in the case where the housing for fixing the applicator element is formed in the flexible portion, this housing can be configured to allow the attachment of application elements having fastening portions of different sizes. The size and shape of the housing may be variable, for example due to the deformability of the material of the flexible portion.

The flexible portion may comprise a tip which is fixed in a housing of the rigid part of the rod by "crimp", that is to say a deformation of the wall defining the housing.

The end of the rod to which the applicator element is connected can be chamfered in order to facilitate the introduction of the applicator into the container, and in particular the passage of the wiper member. In an exemplary embodiment, it is the flexible portion which is chamfered. The stem may include a rigid portion that is un-chamfered at its end adjacent to the flexible portion.

The rigid portion of the rod and the flexible portion are preferably of close transverse dimensions to promote the spin, for example of the same diameter.

The rod may comprise at its second end a fixing portion 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 tray at its base. The rod can still be molded with the gripping member.

The gripping member may be arranged to seal a container containing the product to be applied.

The gripping member may comprise fixing means on the container, for example a thread or at least one annular snap-fitting bead.

Application element

The applicator element may extend along a longitudinal axis which may not be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod. The two axes may for example be substantially merged or form between them an angle strictly less than 90 °.

The applicator element may comprise a rod attachment part, the length of which is preferably less than the length of the flexible portion, these lengths being measured along the longitudinal axis of the rod.

The applicator element may comprise a core that is stiffer than the flexible portion of the rod.

According to an example of a particularly advantageous implementation of the invention, the application element comprises a twisted core. By "twisted core" is meant a core having at least two strands of a twisted wire. The core can be single twisted, having only two son twisted together, be double twisted, having two twisted twisted together to enclose hair, each twist encircling itself or not hair.

One advantage of using such a soul is that most mascara brushes on the market are made with such a soul.

The core is non-rotatable relative to the rod about the longitudinal axis of the rod.

When the core has two strands of a twisted wire, the strands can be twisted with a step to the left or with a step to the right.

The wire forming the strands may have a diameter of between 0.35 and 1 mm, for example.

The core of the applicator element may be non-twisted, having at least one through hole in which a bundle of bristles is held. This bundle of bristles may have a first end and divide away from this first end into at least two sub-bundles of bristles extending at least partially outside the core. The bristles of a bundle can separate into two sub-bundles to form a V for example, or more, for example to form an X. Such an application element is described in EP 1 454 561 .

The fixing portion may, in this case, be a portion of the core without bristles, this portion being intended to be inserted into a corresponding housing of the rod, for example a housing of the flexible portion or a rigid portion of the stem.

The use of a metal core can allow, if necessary, a better holding of the core in the flexible portion, through a mounting force, hot or cold.

The envelope surface of the applicator element may have a non-circular cross section in at least one point of its length. The cross section of the envelope surface of the applicator element, in at least one point of its length, may have a general shape chosen from the following list: non-circular, polygonal, in particular triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal or hexagonal , oblong, in particular oval or lenticular, or other.

For at least one cross section of the envelope surface, the core may define a center of symmetry of this section. The core may further be eccentric within the cross section of the envelope surface at at least one point of the length of the applicator member.

The envelope surface may be of non-constant cross section over most of the length of the application member.

The application element may have at least one concave face. The applicator element may have at least one convex face, of radius of curvature, when viewed in cross section, greater than the length of the longerest hair extending from the core in this cross section .

The core of the applicator element may comprise a substantially rectilinear portion capable of forming an angle with the longitudinal axis of the rod less than 20 °.

The core may have a free end, opposite the rod, which may be the point of the soul furthest from the longitudinal axis of the rod. The free end of the core may be located at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the lower rod to 7.5 mm.

According to other aspects of the invention, the application element does not comprise a twisted core.

The core comprises, for example at least one through hole in which is maintained a bundle of bristles. This bundle of bristles may have a first end and divide away from this first end into at least two sub-bundles of bristles extending at least partially outside the core. The bristles of a bundle can separate into two sub-bundles to form a V for example, or more, for example to form an X. Such an application element is described in EP 1 454 561 The application element can also be made by molding a plastic material, in particular by injection, and forming an injected comb or brush. The applicator element may include a core and bristles or teeth extending from the core.

The material of the application member may be selected to adjust the flexibility of the application member to the desired use. It can for example be chosen so that the application element is sufficiently flexible.

The fixing portion may be an end portion, for example cylindrical, devoid of teeth or bristles, intended for example to be inserted into a corresponding housing of the rod.

In a variant, the flexible portion is made in one piece with all or part of the application element, before the latter is attached to the rest of the rod. In this case, the flexible portion is still considered to be part of the rod within the meaning of the present invention.

Fur

The applicator may comprise bristles having a larger transverse dimension of between 6.5 / 100 and 40/100 mm, for example.

The bristles may be full or hollow, of circular section or not.

The bristles may or may not come into contact with the flexible portion.

The applicator may comprise at least one bristle made of an elastically deformable material, such as an elastomer for example.

The applicator may comprise at least one bristle comprising a compound, for example particulate or otherwise, to improve the sliding of the hair on the keratin fibers, or on the contrary intended to create a surface roughness and increase the adhesion of the fibers .

The applicator may comprise a mixture of bristles.

The applicator may comprise bristles having different diameters.

The applicator may comprise at least one hair having at least one corrugation, and may in particular comprise at least two bristles each comprising at least one periodic pattern having at least one corrugation, at least two periodic patterns being different. The two different periodic patterns may belong to two distinct hairs or the same hair, and the corrugations may have different shapes, for example a sawtooth shape or a sinusoidal shape, or different amplitudes, or ripples. different spatial frequencies. The expression "periodic motif" designates, within a hair, a part of it that reproduces substantially, periodically, along the hair.

The applicator may have bristles made otherwise than by injection molding with the core, and the applicator member may include at least one portion having curved bristles extending in a direction directed from the core by example as described in the application US 2004/0168698 . By "extending in an oriented manner" it should be understood that the curved hairs extend with a general orientation which is defined during the manufacture of the applicator element and not with a totally random orientation. The bristles may in particular be oriented in the same circumferential direction around the core. The bristles of the applicator member may be curved by contact with a hot surface, including a surface in relative motion relative to the applicator member.

The applicator element may comprise at least two deformed bristles for example caught between two adjacent turns, these bristles having a removal of material or crushing at least one point of their length from the core and extending non-radially towards outside from this point, as described in the application US 2004/0240926 . Each deformed hair may comprise two rectilinear portions forming a bend between them. The two straight portions may have the same section cross. Any deformed bristles may define elbows all located substantially at the same distance from the core.

The application element may comprise for example between 5 and 80 hairs per turn, or between 15 and 40, in particular between 10 and 50 hairs per turn. The application element may also have between 5 and 20 hairs per turn only. The number of hairs per turn corresponds to the number of hair ends counted by a fixed observer during a 180 ° rotation of the applicator element around its core.

The applicator may comprise twisted bristles, for example as described in the patent US 6,390,708 .

The application element can be vibrated either by a generator mounted in the applicator, in particular on the gripping member, removably or not, or by an external vibrating element mounted on a finger of the user, for example.

Packaging and application devices

The invention further relates to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product comprising an applicator as defined above and a container containing the product to be applied.

The device may further comprise a wiper member arranged to wring the applicator element out of the container. This wiper member may be fixed in the neck of the container.

The wiper member may comprise a lip made of elastomer or polyethylene, or alternatively may comprise a block of foam, for example split in the middle thereof. The wiper member may also be devoid of a porous material.

The wiper member may be adjustable, in particular to allow adjustment of the size of the wiper orifice.

The product is used to make or care for eyelashes or eyebrows. It may be for example mascara.

The product can be liquid or pasty.

The gripping member may close the container in a sealed manner, and for example screw on the neck of the container.

• les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues schématiques en élévation, avec coupe axiale partielle, d'un exemple de dispositif de conditionnement et d'application selon l'invention,
• la figure 1A est une vue analogue à la figure 1 d'une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 3 représente de manière schématique et partielle, en coupe axiale, l'applicateur du dispositif des figures 1 et 2,
• les figures 4 à 10 et 10A à 10E sont des vues analogues à la figure 3 de variantes de réalisation,
• la figure 11 est une coupe transversale de la portion flexible d'une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 12 est une vue en élévation d'une variante d'applicateur,
• la figure 13 est une vue analogue à la figure 3 d'une variante de réalisation,
• les figures 14 à 23 illustrent des exemples de sections transversales de la surface enveloppe de brosses, parmi d'autres,
• les figures 24 à 32 représentent partiellement des variantes de réalisation de brosses,
• les figures 33 et 34 représentent respectivement des âmes torsadées à pas à gauche et à droite,
• la figure 35 représente schématiquement une âme double formée par l'enroulement de deux âmes élémentaires torsadées,
• les figures 36 à 53 représentent divers exemples de sections transversales de poils,
• la figure 57 représente en vue de côté un poil ondulé,
• les figures 55 à 58 représentent de manière schématique et partielle des exemples de poils, et
• les figures 59 et 61 illustrent des variantes de réalisation de l'élément 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:

• FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic views in elevation, with partial axial section, of an exemplary packaging and application device according to the invention,
• FIG. 1A is a view similar to FIG. 1 of an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 3 schematically and partially shows, in axial section, the applicator of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2,
• FIGS. 4 to 10 and 10A to 10E are views similar to FIG. 3 of variant embodiments,
• FIG. 11 is a cross section of the flexible portion of an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 12 is an elevational view of an applicator variant,
• FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of an alternative embodiment;
• Figures 14 to 23 illustrate examples of cross sections of the brush envelope surface, among others,
• FIGS. 24 to 32 partially represent embodiments of brushes,
• FIGS. 33 and 34 represent respectively twisted cores with left and right steps,
• FIG. 35 schematically represents a double core formed by the winding of two twisted elementary cores,
• Figures 36 to 53 show various examples of cross sections of bristles,
• FIG. 57 shows a side view of a corrugated hair,
• Figures 55 to 58 show diagrammatically and partially examples of bristles, and
• Figures 59 and 61 illustrate alternative embodiments of the application element.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a packaging and application device 1 comprising a container 2 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, for example mascara, and an applicator 3 comprising a rod 4 provided at its distal end 4a with an applicator element 5 and connected at its proximal end to a gripping member 6 also constituting the closure cap of the container 2. The latter is equipped with a wiper member 7, for example constituted by an elastomer piece inserted in the neck 8 of the container. The wiper member 7 may be conventional or not, or even be adjustable.

The gripping member 6 is arranged to seal the container 2 at the end of its screwing on the neck 8, in a manner known per se.

In the example illustrated, the wiper member 7 defines a wiping orifice 9 of circular cross section, the diameter of which corresponds substantially to that of the rod 4, the latter being in the illustrated example of a circular cross-section. at least on all its part engaged in the container.

The rod 4 has, in the example considered, a straight longitudinal axis X, which coincides substantially with the axis of the neck 8 of the container 2 when the applicator 3 is in place thereon.

The rod 4 comprises a flexible portion 20, extending in the example described in Figures 1 to 3 from the distal end 4a of the rod 4, and a rigid portion 4g.

In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the flexible portion 20 is of circular cross section, of diameter equal to that of the rest of the rod 4.

The flexible portion 20 is made of a softer material than that in which the rigid portion 4g is made, for example a material from the following list: elastomeric material, thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer, LDPE, PVC, Hytrel ^® , EPDM, EVA, SIS, SEBS, latex, silicone, nitrile, butyl, polyurethane, polyether amide block.

The rigid portion 4g is for example made of a polyolefin.

The rigid portion is for example made of POM with an outer diameter of 4 mm and a length of 25 to 50 mm.

The flexible portion 20 provides flexibility to the rod 4, useful in particular when the application member 5 is removed from the container 2, as shown in Figure 2.

In this figure, it can be seen that when the application element 5 is removed from the container 2, even if the user pulls on the application element 5 obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container 2, the element application 5 can retain through the flexibility of the flexible portion 5 an orientation substantially coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the container 2 during passage through the wiper member 7.

In this way, the quality of the spin of the application element 5 is preserved in terms of its regularity and the distribution of the product, so that the application can be made in good conditions.

Furthermore, at the time of application, the contact between the application element 5 and the eyelashes or eyebrows can be relaxed and the elasticity of the flexible portion can be beneficial for the application of the product, the lengthening and separation of eyelashes or eyebrows, as explained above.

In the example considered, the applicator element is a brush comprising a core 10 formed by two twisted metal strands, this core 10 having a proximal portion fixed in a housing of the rod 4, for example being forcibly inserted in this housing. housing, as shown in Figure 3.

The core 10 carries bristles 11 held by clamping between the turns of the core 10 and extending substantially radially from the core.

The flexible portion 20 may be fixed in various ways on the rigid portion 4g, for example being forcibly inserted into a housing 22 of the rigid portion 4g of the rod 4, as illustrated in FIG.

On the other hand, the flexible portion 20 comprises a housing 24 for receiving a fixing portion of the application element 5, and in particular in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, an end of the core 10.

It can be seen in FIG. 3 that the housings 22 and 24 have the same size and the same shape, which may allow the removal of the flexible portion 20 and the insertion of the core 10 into the housing 22 of the rod 4 in the case where the flexible portion 20 would not be necessary which can achieve economies of scale.

Of course, various modifications can be made to the applicator and in particular to the applicator element and to the flexible portion without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fixing the flexible portion 20 to the rest of the rod can be done in various ways.

The flexible portion may for example comprise a housing 25 for receiving a male fastening portion of the rigid portion 4g, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The flexible portion 20 can be overmolded on the rigid portion 4g or vice versa, or be held crimping in the housing 22 of the rod 4, as shown in Figure 5.

Moreover, the shape of the flexible portion 20 may be other than cylindrical, as illustrated in FIG.

The flexible portion 20 may for example comprise a chamfered end, as illustrated in FIG. 6, which can facilitate the retraction of the applicator 3 into the receptacle 2.

The flexible portion 20 may also comprise a thinned portion, for example in the form of a diabolo, as illustrated in FIG. 7, or with a slot-like annular groove 20k, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

The embodiment of Figure 8 is particularly advantageous because it allows to use a material that is not too soft while having a good angular deflection for the application element.

The flexible portion has two zones of preferential deformation, the first at the groove 20k and the second at the base 20g of the nozzle engaged in the rigid portion. In this example, the apparent surface of the flexible portion adjacent to the rigid portion is in continuity with it, having the same diameter.

The flexible portion 20 may also be inserted only partially into the housing 22, as illustrated in FIG. 9, and an annular groove may be formed, if necessary, in front of the end of the rigid part 4g of the rod. , the width of this groove depending on the degree of depression of the fixing portion of the flexible portion in the rigid portion of the rod.

The flexibility of the flexible portion may be solely due to the choice of a material constituting it, or be due to both the choice of a material and its shape.

A thinned shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, may provide more flexibility.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the flexible portion 20 has a greater transverse dimension greater than a larger transverse dimension of the remainder of the rod 4, as illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 10A shows a variant in which the flexible portion 20 has an apparent portion 20A which has a smaller transverse dimension than that of the adjacent portion of the rigid portion 4g.

The flexible portion may be made if necessary with a flange 20b abutting against the adjacent axial end of the rigid portion 4g.

FIG. 10b illustrates the possibility of producing the flexible part 20 with a variable profile between the part of the flexible portion 20 serving to fix the application element 5 and that serving for fixing in the rigid part 4g. . In the example illustrated, the flexible portion comprises for example a plurality of annular ribs 20c separated by annular grooves 20d defining areas of smaller diameter, which can increase the flexibility of the flexible portion 20. It can also be seen in this figure that the portion of the flexible portion 20 for fixing on the rigid portion 4g may comprise at the end an enlarged head 20e which is retained in a housing 300 of the rigid portion 4g by crimping the rigid portion 4g, so as to form an indentation 301 inwards.

FIG. 10C illustrates the possibility for the flexible portion to have a portion 20f serving for attachment to the adjacent rigid portion 4g, a retreint 20g capable of accommodating indentation from the crimping of the rigid portion 4g.

In general, as illustrated, the flexible portion can be made with a shrink 20w located axially between the portion of the flexible portion for fixing the applicator element on the flexible portion and the portion of the flexible portion. used for fixing on the rest of the rod.

FIG. 10D represents the rod of FIG. 10C during a flexion of the flexible portion 20. It can be seen in this figure that not only can the flexible portion 20 be deformed at its annular retreint but also that the portion serving to fixing the rigid portion of the rod can stretch, a space 310 may appear externally between the flexible portion and the end of the rigid portion 4g.

FIG. 10E illustrates the possibility of producing the flexible portion 20 with a central portion 20i intended to be engaged in a corresponding housing of the rigid portion 4g and an outer tubular skirt 20h intended to cover a tubular skirt 312 formed around the housing receiving the central part 20i. This can allow to have a continuity of outer diameter between the rigid portion 4g and the flexible portion 20 at the connection thereof to the rigid portion 4g.

The outer cross section of the flexible portion may also be other than circular, in particular at least one point of its length.

The flexible portion may for example comprise, as illustrated in Figure 11, one or more grooves 28 extending axially, promoting the balance of pressures between the inside and the outside of the container 2 during insertion and removal. of the applicator 3 of the container 2.

In another variant, the flexible portion may have a cross section other than circular shape chosen for example from the following list: polygonal, square, rectangular, triangular, non-circular, oblong, oval, elliptical, star-shaped or with one or more throats. Similarly, the rest of the rod may have a cross section of shape chosen from the same list.

The cross sections of the flexible portion 20 and the remainder of the rod may be the same or different without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the examples just described, the flexible portion 20 defines the distal end 4a of the rod 4, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if it is otherwise.

By way of example, FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the flexible portion 20 is disposed between a rigid distal portion 4b of the rod and a rigid proximal portion 4c of the rod.

Moreover, in all the examples which have just been described, the rod has been shown with a longitudinal axis X rectilinear, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if it is otherwise.

By way of example, FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4 is curved.

The curvature of the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4 may be due to the curved shape of the flexible portion 20, or to the curved shape of a rigid portion of the rod 4.

The curved shape may be due to the more or less complete insertion of a curved fixing portion of the flexible portion 20 in the housing 22 of the rigid part of the rod 4.

On the other hand, the applicator element may have a circular cross-sectional envelope surface or in cross-section at at least one point of its length another shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 23, for example triangular as illustrated in FIG. figure 14.

The application element may be given various other cross sections, for example square as illustrated in FIG. 15, pentagonal or hexagonal, as shown respectively in FIGS. 16 and 17.

The application element may comprise at least one plane or concave face. The applicator element may, for example, comprise a circular cross-sectional envelope surface with at least one flat part 30, as illustrated in FIG. 18, with at least one concave side 32 as illustrated in FIG. least one convex side 34, as shown in Figure 20. In this last figure, we see that the application element may have an envelope surface of oblong, in particular lenticular cross section.

In the cross sectional examples illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 20, the cross section is shown centered with respect to the core. Alternatively, the core may also be eccentric with respect to the cross section of the envelope surface at at least one point of the brush, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23. In FIG. 21, the cross section is square in shape, rectangular in Figure 22 and oblong in Figure 23. Whatever its shape, the cross section may be centered or eccentric with respect to the core.

The envelope surface E may be of constant circular cross-section over most of the length of the applicator element, or even over its entire length

As a variant, the envelope surface may have at least one portion whose cross section varies, for example homothetically, for example decreasing in the direction of the free end of the applicator element.

In another variant, the transverse section E of the envelope surface of the applicator element may pass through at least one extremum between its two axial ends, for example a maximum or a minimum, or both, as can be see Figure 24. In this figure, the cross section passes through a minimum 40 and two maxima 41, 42.

In another variant, the envelope surface of the applicator element is non-symmetrical relative to a median plane perpendicular to the core, for example as illustrated in FIG. 25. In this example, the application element is made from a blank on which facets 50 have been cut.

The longitudinal axis Z of the core 10 of the application element 5 may coincide with the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4, or alternatively be distinct. By way of example, there is illustrated in FIG. 26 an exemplary embodiment in which the core of the applicator element extends along an axis Z forming an angle δ with the axis X. The angle can for example, be between 1 ° and 15 °.

In the embodiments which have just been described, the core of the application element 5 is rectilinear, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if it is otherwise.

By way of example, FIGS. 27 to 29 show three exemplary embodiments in which the core of the applicator element is curved. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27, the applicator element has a plane face and a concave face. In the example of FIG. 28, the applicator element has a plane face 50 and a convex face, and in the example of FIG. 29, the applicator element has two plane faces 50.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 30, the applicator element comprises a core 10 curved over at least a part of its length and an envelope surface E that is not symmetrical with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the core. In addition, the angle between the axis X and the axis of the soul is, in any point of the soul, less than 90 °. The free end of the application element is non-aligned with the X axis.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 27, the application element 5 comprises a free end 52 constituting the point of the application element furthest from the longitudinal axis X.

In this example, the core of the applicator element extends along a longitudinal axis Z on the same side of a plane containing the axis X.

In another variant illustrated in FIG. 31, the applicator element is curved around at least two axes C ₁ , C _{2 which are} not parallel to one another. The axes C ₁ and C ₂ extend in directions that can be for example perpendicular.

In the variant illustrated in FIG. 32, the applicator element is made from a blank in which notches 55 have been cut.

The notches have an outwardly convex shape in cross-section, but it is within the scope of the present invention when the notches have a concave outward cross-sectional shape.

In the examples just described, the core consists of a twisted wire in which the bristles are held.

The strands of the soul can be twisted left or right.

It is particularly advantageous to use a left-handed brush. In Figure 33, there is shown a brush with a twisted core on the left and in Figure 34 a twisted core on the right. The path of the plies N defined by the ends of the bristles has been schematized by dotted lines, these plies forming an angle β with a plane perpendicular to the core. We can usefully refer to the European patent EP 611 170 .

The soul can still be a double soul, formed by two elementary souls twisted together, as shown in Figure 35. Each elementary soul may comprise two strands twisted together and enclosing hairs. The two elementary cores may each be constituted by a branch of a single twisted core folded U-shaped, the two branches being twisted together.

In one application element made according to the invention, it is possible to use all kinds of bristles, and in particular bristles having a circular or other than circular cross section. In particular, it is possible to use a mixture of bristles of different natures or a mixture of bristles of different lengths, of the same nature or not.

The illustrated application elements are for example made with bristles of circular section with a diameter of between 6.5 hundredths of a millimeter and 40 hundredths of a millimeter.

It is possible to use bristles having in cross section one of the shapes shown in FIGS. 36 to 53 in a schematic manner, for example a circular shape with a flat as illustrated in FIG. 36, flattened as illustrated in FIG. 37, star-shaped, for example in the form of a cross as illustrated in FIG. 38 or with three branches as illustrated in FIG. 39, in a U-shape as represented in FIG. 40, of H as represented in FIG. shown in Figure 42, V as shown in Figure 43, a recessed shape, for example circular as shown in Figure 44 or square as shown in Figure 45, forming branches, for example flake-shaped as shown in FIG. FIG. 46, of prismatic section, for example triangular as shown in FIG. 47, square as shown in FIG. 48 or hexagonal as represented in FIG. 49, or else an oblong, notably lenticular shape as represented in FIG. 50, or in the form of an hourglass as shown in FIG. 51. Hair having articulated portions relative to one another can be used as shown in FIG. 52. bristles having at least one capillary groove 60, as shown in Figure 53.

The bristles 11 which are retained between the twisted strands of the core may have, before placement between the strands of the core, a rectilinear shape or not, for example a corrugated shape as illustrated in FIG. 54.

The bristles may be treated to form balls 61 at their ends as shown in FIG. 55, or forks 62 as illustrated in FIG. 56.

It is possible to use flocked bristles as illustrated in FIG. 57, or else bristles made by extrusion of a plastic material comprising a charge of particles 64, for example particles of a moisture-absorbing material, in order to confer a microparticle. relief on the surface of the bristles, as shown in Figure 58, or give them magnetic or other properties.

The bristles can still be made with a material having properties promoting sliding.

The bristles may be natural or synthetic and for example be made of a material selected from: PE, PA, in particular PA6, PA6 / 6, PA 6/10 or PA-6/12, HYTREL ^®, PEBAX ^®, silicone, PU, this list n not being limiting.

The core of the application element 5 may be other than twisted, for example having through holes in each of which is maintained a bundle of bristles, as shown in Figure 59.

In this example, the core 10 further comprises a front portion 10a and a rear portion 10b profiled so as to facilitate the insertion of the application member 5 into the container and its passage through the wiper orifice 9 .

In another variant illustrated in FIG. 60, the application element 5 is made by molding a plastic material, in particular by injection, and comprises a core 10 carrying teeth 66 made in one piece with the core. 10 and extending transversely to the axis X of the rod 4.

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

The application of the product may for example be carried out by means of a vibrating applicator.

The applicator comprises, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, a vibration generator 320 (also called a vibrating source) which is, for example, integral with the gripping member 6, which can be fixed thereto detachably or not.

Such a vibration generator is described in the patent application French FR 2 882 506 .

The vibrations can make it possible to obtain a better separation of the eyelashes and in the case of the use of a composition comprising fibers, a better orientation thereof and / or an ease of sampling. During sampling, the applicator element may be subjected to vibrations from the vibrating source, which may make it possible to obtain, if necessary, a more homogeneous product load on the applicator element.

The flexible portion 20 can amplify the vibrations transmitted to the application element 5.

The flexible portion 20 may in particular be made to resonate at the vibration frequencies of the vibrating source 320, which can be used to amplify the amplitude of these vibrations.

FIG. 61 shows an application element 5 which has the particularity of comprising a brush 330 having a twisted metal core and bristles 331 held by the core, this brush being carried by a support 332 which is made of monolithic with the flexible portion 20. In the example, the support 332 has the opposite side to the brush 330 teeth 333. The ends of the core 330 of the brush are fixed in walls 335 and 336 made of a single piece with the rest of the support and profiled to facilitate the crossing of the wiper member. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention to give different shapes to the support, in particular by making it without the teeth 333 or without the brush.

When the container has a wiper member through which the applicator member is removed, the applicator member may or may not be subject to vibration as it passes through the wiper member, thereby may allow to obtain a spin of the application element different from that which exists in the absence of vibration of the application element. The user can thus for example choose between at least two degrees of dewatering of the applicator element, depending on whether the applicator element vibrates or not at the time of the crossing of the wiper member.

The product may also be applied by means of a device for assisting the application of the product, this device comprising means for removable attachment to at least one finger, a hand or a wrist, or being held in the hand, and a vibrating source for producing variations.

• un élément d'application destiné à l'application d'un produit sur les cils ou les sourcils,
• une tige à une extrémité de laquelle est fixé l'élément d'application,
• un organe de préhension fixé à l'extrémité opposée de la tige,

la tige se caractérisant par le fait qu'elle est réalisée avec deux tronçons réalisés dans des matériaux présentant des duretés différentes, le tronçon réalisé dans le matériau de moindre dureté étant de préférence adjacent à l'élément d'application. Ce dernier peut être une brosse à âme métallique torsadée.Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is an applicator comprising:

• an application element for applying a product to the eyelashes or the eyebrows,
• a rod at one end of which is fixed the application element,
• a gripping member attached to the opposite end of the rod,

the rod being characterized in that it is made with two sections made of materials having different hardnesses, the section made in the material of lesser hardness preferably being adjacent to the application element. The latter may be a twisted metal core brush.

The invention further relates, in another aspect, a vibrating source and an applicator as defined above.

The expression "having one" shall be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (35)

Applicator (3) for applying a product (P) to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising: a rod (4) having a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising at least one flexible portion (20) that is elastically deformable and that can bend during application and / or spin, - an application element (5) fixed to the rod (4), comprising a twisted core and bristles (11) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rod. Applicator according to the preceding claim, wherein the flexible portion (20) is adjacent to a first end (4a) of the rod, the applicator element (5) being fixed to the flexible portion (20). Applicator according to the preceding claim, the flexible portion (20) having a housing (24) and the applicator element (5) being inserted in this housing. An applicator according to claim 1, the flexible portion (20) being disposed between a rigid distal portion (4b) of the shaft and a rigid proximal portion (4c) of the shaft. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the length of the proximal portion (4c) being greater than that of the distal portion (4b). Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the upper (4) having a substantially non-flexible upper half, the flexible portion (20) being located in the lower half of the upper. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the rod (4) comprising a single flexible portion (20), the rest of the rod being rigid. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible portion (20) is molded. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible portion (20) is overmolded on a rigid portion of the shaft. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flexible portion (20) is fixed to the rest of the rod by snapping, screwing, gluing, force insertion or crimping. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rod (4) comprises a rigid part (4g) having at least one housing (22) for receiving at least one attachment portion of the flexible portion (20) on the adjacent portion of the shaft. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the flexible portion (20) comprises at least one housing (25) for receiving at least one fixing portion of a rigid portion of the rod on the flexible portion. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible portion (20) is symmetrical in revolution about the longitudinal axis (X) of the rod. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the flexible portion (20) is non-symmetrical of revolution. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible portion (20) has a larger transverse dimension equal to a larger transverse dimension of the rod. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the flexible portion (20) has a larger transverse dimension greater than a larger transverse dimension of the rod. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the flexible portion (20) has a larger transverse dimension smaller than a larger transverse dimension of the rod. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible portion (20) has a necking. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the flexible portion having an annular groove located between one end of the core and the end of the rigid portion of the rod adjacent to the flexible portion. Applicator according to the preceding claim, the flexible portion comprising a nozzle mounted in a housing of the rod, the groove and the base of the tip constituting two zones of preferential deformation of the flexible portion when the applicator element is inclined relative to a rest position of the application element. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the flexible portion having an apparent diameter equal to that of the adjacent rigid portion of the rod, at least in the area of the flexible portion coming in the extension of the rigid portion. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod comprises one or more rigid parts made of at least one thermoplastic material. Applicator according to Claim 22, the thermoplastic material or materials being chosen from the following list: HDPE, LDPE, linear PE, PP, PT, POM, PA, PET, PBT. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the flexible portion (20) being made of a material from the following list: elastomer, in particular thermoplastic, LDPE, PVC, PU, thermoplastic elastomer polyester, EPDM, PDM, EVA, SIS, SEBS , SBS, latex, silicone, nitrile, butyl, polyurethane, polyether amide block, polyester. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core of the applicator element is more rigid than the flexible portion (20) of the rod. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the core being non-rotatable relative to the rod about the longitudinal axis of the rod. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the flexible portion being flocked at least partially. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 27, the core (10) comprising two strands of a twisted wire. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod (4) is connected to a gripping member (6) arranged to seal a container (2) containing the product (P) to be applied. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the rod comprising a rigid portion of thermoplastic material, of diameter greater than or equal to 2.5 mm. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the applicator element comprising a twisted core brush mounted on a carrier (332) monolithically formed with the flexible portion. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the flexible portion being configured to resonate at the vibration frequencies of a vibration generator (320) integrated into the applicator or brought into contact with it. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the flexible portion having a Shore hardness material ranging from 25 Shore A to 70 Shore D. Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product to be applied to the eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising an applicator (3) according to any one of the preceding claims and a container (2) containing the product to be applied. A cosmetic treatment method using an applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein a product is applied to the applicator element by changing the angle formed between the applicator element and the rod by deformation of the flexible part.

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