EP2016864A1 - Device for packaging and applying a product on eyelashes or eyebrows, in particular mascara - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator (3) has a brush with a support (5) associated with a stem (4) and extending along a longitudinal axis (Y). Applicator elements (6) having free ends are transversely extended from the support relative to the axis and constituted by teeth placed along a row. A line connecting the free ends presents a distance at the axis of the support passing through an extremum i.e. maximum distance from the free end of longest applicator element, when the extreme applicator elements are displaced. The elements extend along the support over a distance between 0.1 cm and1 cm.

Description

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, in particular mascara.

Different applicators have been proposed in the patent applications EP 1 070 465 , EP 1 070 466 , EP 1 070 467 , EP 1 070 468 , EP 1 115 303 , EP 1 115 304 , EP 1 115 305 , EP 1 157 629 , EP 1 157 632 , EP 1 169 941 and FR 2,810,861 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

It is also known from the patent application FR 2 564 712 a cosmetic product applicator having an elongate handle provided with a plurality of one-piece molded bristles or teeth extending axially at one end of the handle.

There is a need to benefit from an applicator for making new makeup effects on the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows and in particular to deposit the product only on a wick of eyelashes or eyebrows, for example.

The use of a brush-type applicator for this type of application is not very satisfactory, because if the brush is not sufficiently wrung out, it keeps a drop of end product that creates a cluster on the eyelashes.

If the brush is well wrung out, the amount of product remaining may be insufficient.

The use of a flocked applicator makes it possible to obtain a good product load, but it is difficult to separate, if desired, the lashes which are glued together by the product.

• une tige,
• un support relié à la tige et s'étendant selon un axe longitudinal, et
• une pluralité d'éléments d'application, au nombre de deux seulement le cas échéant, disposés sur le support et s'étendant sensiblement transversalement à l'axe longitudinal du support.

According to one of its aspects, the subject of the present invention is an applicator for applying a product to an eyelash or eyebrow fringe, comprising:

• a rod,
• a support connected to the rod and extending along a longitudinal axis, and
• a plurality of application elements, of which only two, if any, are arranged on the support and extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support.

The application elements may extend a distance along the longitudinal axis of the support which is such that the application elements can at best contact simultaneously at most a quarter, even a fifth or a sixth of the eyelashes or eyebrows of the fringe, while the longitudinal axis of the support is oriented substantially tangentially to the fringe.

A strand of eyelashes or makeup eyebrows may for example correspond to at most a quarter or even a fifth or a sixth of the length of the fringe.

The application elements may include teeth and / or bristles.

The invention makes it possible to properly load the eyelashes while exerting a possible combing action.

The application elements extend over the support for a sufficiently short distance to be able to make up one or more locks of eyelashes or eyebrows, which makes it possible to obtain new makeup effects.

The invention makes it possible to create colored locks or stripes in the eyelashes. For example, thanks to the invention, one can make the eyelashes of the same fringe with at least two different colors.

By "fringe" in the sense of the present invention is meant eyelashes of the upper eyelid or those of the lower eyelid, the inner corner to the outer corner of the eyelid, or the eyebrows of the eyebrow of one or the other the eyes of the user.

The application elements may for example extend over the support over a distance of between approximately 0.1 and 1 cm, for example less than or equal to 8 mm, or even 7 mm or 6 mm, for example a distance of 2 mm to about 5 mm, for example between 2 mm and 3 mm.

• une tige,
• un support relié à la tige et s'étendant selon un axe longitudinal,
• au moins une rangée d'éléments d'application, notamment constitués par des dents, disposée sur le support, les éléments d'application de la rangée s'détendant chacun sensiblement transversalement à l'axe longitudinal du support et présentant des extrémités libres dont la distance à l'axe longitudinal varie de manière non monotone lorsque l'on se déplace entre les éléments d'application extrêmes de la rangée.

Another subject of the present invention is, in another of its aspects, an applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising:

• a rod,
• a support connected to the rod and extending along a longitudinal axis,
• at least one row of application elements, in particular constituted by teeth, disposed on the support, the application elements of the row each extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support and having free ends whose distance to the longitudinal axis varies non-monotonically as one moves between the extreme application elements of the row.

By "non-monotone variant" within the meaning of the present invention, it should be understood that the line connecting the free ends of the application elements has a distance to the longitudinal axis of the support which passes through at least one extremum, for example a maximum.

The presence of a maximum in the row of application elements can allow a gradual penetration of the application elements in the eyelashes and thus facilitate the makeup of a wick, for example.

The number of application elements of the row, in particular the number of teeth, may be for example between 3 and 9, preferably between 3 and 8, in particular between 3 and 7.

According to one embodiment, the support and the application elements are made in one piece, in particular by molding or machining. Alternatively, the application elements can be reported on the support.

The support and the rod can be made in one piece, in particular by molding or, alternatively, the support can be attached to the rod. In this case, the support may comprise a tip arranged to engage in a housing of the rod or the rod may comprise a tip arranged to engage in a housing of the support.

The rod may extend along a longitudinal axis distinct from the longitudinal axis of the support. In this case, the longitudinal axis of the rod may form with the longitudinal axis of the support, particularly for the portion thereof carrying the application elements, an angle between 5 ° and 45 °, in particular between 15 ° and 25 °, for example equal to about 20 °. This configuration may allow a more comfortable handling of the applicator when applying the product on the eyelashes. The longitudinal axis of the support may for example be curvilinear or rectilinear.

The rod may alternatively extend along a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the support.

The applicator and / or the support may be made at least partially of a flexible or rigid material, in particular at least partially made of thermoplastic material, elastomer or thermoplastic elastomer, in particular by molding. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention if the applicator is made at least partially of wood or metal or other materials, particularly by machining,

When the support is made of an elastically deformable material, this may allow a preferential spin on one side of the support.

The rod and the support may or may not be made of different materials.

When the applicator is viewed from the side, a line connecting the free ends of the application elements may have a distance to the longitudinal axis of the support which passes through at least one extremum, in particular a maximum, which can make the penetration of the applicator into the eyelashes.

The aforementioned line may in particular have at least partially a pointed shape, in particular triangular, or rounded, in particular circular or ogival.

Whatever the profile of the aforementioned line, when there is a maximum and a minimum, the angle formed between on the one hand the straight line connecting the free ends of a longer application element associated with this maximum and an application element of smaller length associated with a minimum closest to the application element of greater length, and secondly the normal to the longitudinal axis of the support, this normal passing by the free end of the application element of greater length, is for example between 25 ° and 60 °, in particular between 25 ° and 50 °, in particular between 25 ° and 45 °, for example between 30 ° and 45 °, for example equal to about 43 °.

The distance of the aforementioned line to the longitudinal axis of the support can still go through two extrema or more.

The application elements may be arranged in a single row or in at least two rows. In the latter case, the application elements of a first row and those of a second row may extend in different directions or, alternatively, in parallel directions. The two rows may for example be arranged substantially opposite one another relative to the support.

The height of the application elements may for example be between 0.5 and 10 mm, in particular between 1 and 3 mm.

When the application elements are arranged in at least one row, the latter may comprise a succession of application elements extending alternately, at least partially, on either side of a geometric separation surface.

Application elements may have aligned bases or not.

When the application elements are arranged in at least one row, the row may extend along a non-rectilinear axis. The application elements can also be made alternately on either side of a median core.

Always when the application elements are arranged in at least one row, this row may comprise a succession of application elements located alternately at least partially on either side of a geometric separation surface, two elements of consecutive application having adjoining adjacent portions or overlapping when the applicator is viewed from the side and forming between them a recess for receiving an eyelash.

The applicator may comprise a comb or a brush.

When the applicator comprises a brush, the support may comprise two twisted wires of small diameter, especially less than 0.7 mm, for example between 0.2 and 0.6 mm, better between 0.35 and 0.5 mm .

Still in the case where the applicator comprises a brush, the application elements may be small diameter bristles, for example less than or equal to 8/100 mm, better 6/100 mm.

When the brush has a twisted core, the number of turns of the brush may be between 3 and 6, for example. In the case of a twisted core brush, the bristles extend from the core in two helical layers. The number of turns of the brush corresponds to the sum of the revolutions around the core of the two layers. Part of the twisted core may be devoid of bristles, especially near the junction between the support and the rod.

The cross section of the envelope surface of the brush may be circular, square, or other.

The brush may have a biconical envelope surface. The envelope surface may be conical or frustoconical with the base of the cone located on the side of the distal or proximal end of the brush.

The invention also relates, for example, to a brush for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a twisted core and bristles extending from the core, the number of turns being less than or equal to 6.

The invention further relates, in another aspect, to a brush for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a core and bristles extending from the core, the length of the portion of the brush carrying the bristles being less than or equal to 8 mm, more preferably 7 mm or even 6 mm.

The invention further relates, in another aspect, to a brush for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a core and bristles extending from the core, contained in an envelope surface of substantially frustoconical, conical or biconical shape, in which the smallest angle formed between a plane containing the largest cross section of the brush and a tangent to the envelope surface of the brush at the intersection with this plane is between 20 ° and 60 °, especially between 25 ° and 50 °, for example between 30 ° and 35 °.

The invention further relates, in another aspect, to a brush for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a core and bristles extending from the core, wherein the envelope surface of the brush has a substantially biconical shape, with an apex angle at the junction of the truncated cones of less than or equal to 120 °, or even less than or equal to 90 °.

The invention also relates, for example, to a comb for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows having a support and teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support, the distance between the extreme teeth along the longitudinal axis being less than or equal to 8 mm, better 7 mm or even 6 mm.

The invention also relates, for example, to a comb for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows comprising a support and teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support, comprising a tooth of greater length having a first length and a smaller length tooth having a second length, comb in which the ratio of the first length to the second length is greater than or equal to 1.3.

The subject of the invention is, for example, a comb for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a support and teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the support, in which the angle formed between a straight line joining the free end of a tooth of smaller length and the free end of a longer tooth and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support passing through the free end of the tooth of greater length is between 20 ° and 60 °.

• un récipient pour contenir le produit,
• un applicateur, comportant notamment une brosse ou un peigne, tel que défini plus haut.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, a device for packaging and applying a product on a fringe of eyelashes or eyebrows comprising:

• a container for containing the product,
• an applicator, including a brush or a comb, as defined above.

The device according to the invention may comprise a wiper member. This wiper member may for example comprise a block of a cellular material such as an open cell foam or closed, with or without flocking. In a variant, the wiper member may comprise a non-cellular material. optionally flocked, for example an elastomer or a polyolefin, In this case in particular, the wiper member may for example comprise at least one slot and / or comprise a lip arranged to wring the rod.

Preferably, when the device comprises a wiper member, the applicator support is profiled so as to facilitate the passage through the wiper member and may comprise, for example, for this purpose at the front a rounded nose and at least 1 behind a boss.

The rod of the applicator may be connected to a closure cap of the container which may also act as a gripping member and the applicator may be housed inside the container in the closed position of the device.

The product may be mascara, for example black mascara or a color other than black, or any other cosmetic or care product suitable for application on eyelashes or eyebrows. The product may be in liquid or pasty form. The product may also, where appropriate, be in a solid form, for example bread.

The device according to the invention may comprise an additional container for containing another product and an additional applicator for applying this other product. The other product may be different from the product contained in the container. This additional applicator may for example comprise a brush or a comb.

The device may for example comprise, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, an applicator according to the invention, associated with a mascara having a black color or other than black, and another applicator, which is for example a brush or a comb, associated with a color mascara respectively other than black or black, the two applicators remaining for example integral with each other during use.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, a process for making eyelashes or eyebrows with a cosmetic product, comprising the step applying the product to at least one lock of eyelashes or eyebrows using an applicator as defined above.

The method may comprise the preliminary step of makeup eyelashes or eyebrows, using another cosmetic product different from the product intended for production. wicks.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en élévation avec coupe partielle d'un dispositif selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 illustre l'utilisation de l'applicateur de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue de côté, schématique et partielle, de l'applicateur de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective, schématique et partielle, de l'applicateur de la figure 1,
• la figure 5 est une vue analogue à la figure 3, d'une variante d'applicateur,
• la figure 6 est une vue analogue à la figure 4, représentant l'applicateur de la figure 5,
• les figures 7 à 9 représentent en vue de côté, schématique et partielle, d'autres variantes de l'applicateur de la figure 1,
• les figures 10 et 11 représentent de manière schématique, avec coupe partielle, des exemples de fixation du support sur la tige de l'applicateur,
• la figure 12 représente en vue de côté, schématique et partielle, une variante de réalisation de l'applicateur,
• les figures 13 à 17 représentent en vue de côté, de manière schématique et partielle, différents profils d'applicateurs selon l'invention,
• la figure 18 représente en vue de côté, schématique et partielle, une variante d'applicateur comportant deux rangées d'éléments d'application,
• les figures 19 à 22 représentent en coupe axiale, schématique, différents applicateurs comportant une ou plusieurs rangées d'éléments d'application,
• les figures 23 et 24 représentent en vue de côté différentes configurations d'éléments d'application,
• la figure 25 représente une variante du dispositif de la figure 1 comportant un autre d'organe d'essorage,
• les figures 26 et 27 représentent en coupe axiale, schématique et partielle, d'autres exemples encore d'organes d'essorage pouvant être utilisés dans un dispositif selon l'invention,
• la figure 28 est une vue analogue à la figure 1 d'une variante comportant une brosse,
• les figures 29 à 35 sont des vues schématiques et partielles de variantes de brosses,
• la figure 36 est une coupe transversale schématique de la brosse de la figure 28,
• la figure 37 est une vue en perspective, partielle, d'un exemple de réalisation dans lequel le produit est déposé sur l'élément d'application à partir d'un tube flexible,
• la figure 38 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, dans lequel le produit destiné à être appliqué se présente sous la forme d'un solide ou d'une poudre,
• les figures 39 à 43 sont des coupes axiales, schématiques, de dispositifs selon l'invention comportant deux produits et deux applicateurs dont l'un au moins est conforme à l'invention, et
• les figures 44 et 45 sont des illustrations schématiques d'exemples de maquillage pouvant être obtenus à l'aide d'un dispositif conforme à 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 elevation partially in section of a device according to the invention,
• the figure 2 illustrates the use of the applicator of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 is a side view, schematic and partial, of the applicator of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 4 is a perspective view, schematic and partial, of the applicator of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 3 , an applicator variant,
• the figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 4 , representing the applicator of the figure 5 ,
• the Figures 7 to 9 show schematically and partially a side view of other variants of the applicator of the figure 1 ,
• the Figures 10 and 11 schematically represent, with partial section, examples of fixing of the support on the rod of the applicator,
• the figure 12 represents a side view, schematic and partial, an alternative embodiment of the applicator,
• the Figures 13 to 17 show schematically and partially a side view of different applicator profiles according to the invention,
• the figure 18 represents a diagrammatic partial side view of an applicator variant comprising two rows of application elements,
• the Figures 19 to 22 represent, in axial section, diagrammatically, different applicators comprising one or more rows of application elements,
• the Figures 23 and 24 represent in side view different configurations of application elements,
• the figure 25 represents a variant of the device of the figure 1 having another wringing member,
• the Figures 26 and 27 represent, in axial section, schematic and partial, other examples of wiping members that may be used in a device according to the invention,
• the figure 28 is a view similar to the figure 1 a variant comprising a brush,
• the Figures 29 to 35 are schematic and partial views of brush variants,
• the figure 36 is a schematic cross section of the brush of the figure 28 ,
• the figure 37 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in which the product is deposited on the applicator element from a flexible tube,
• the figure 38 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, in which the product intended to be applied is in the form of a solid or a powder,
• the Figures 39 to 43 are axial, schematic sections of devices according to the invention comprising two products and two applicators, at least one of which is in accordance with the invention, and
• the Figures 44 and 45 are schematic illustrations of examples of makeup that can be obtained using a device according to the invention.

The device 1, represented on Figures 1 to 4 , comprises a container 2 containing a reserve of a cosmetic product P such as mascara, and an applicator 3 comprising a rod 4 of longitudinal axis X.

The rod 4 is provided at one end with a support 5 having a plurality of application elements 6 and the rod 4 is connected to the end opposite to a closure cap 7 of the container 2 which also constitutes a gripping element .

The closure cap 7 has an unseen internal thread intended to be screwed on the neck 11, threaded externally, of the container 2.

The container 2 comprises, in the example described, a wiper member 8 engaged in the neck 11 and having a wiper lip 9 arranged to dewater the rod 4 and the support 5 provided with the application elements 6.

The wiper member 8 can, if necessary, be arranged in such a way that it can deform in the passage of the application elements 6.

The wiper member 8 may be made by injection molding, for example in a polyolefin.

The container 2 is sealed in the absence of use by screwing the closure cap 7 on the neck 11.

In the example shown, the applicator 3 comprises a comb, the application elements 6 being constituted by teeth. The support 5 extends along a longitudinal axis Y forming with the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4 a non-zero angle α, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 especially. This angle α may be between 5 ° and 45 ° for example.

The application elements 6, six in number for example, are arranged in the example under consideration in a row 10.

The application elements 6 can be located on the support 5 in various configurations.

In the example shown, the row 10 comprises a first series of teeth 6a and a second series of teeth 6b respectively located on either side of a geometric separation surface S, which is here a median plane of symmetry of the comb, parallel to the plane of the figure 3 , and may also constitute a joint plane for molding the comb.

In the illustrated example, the teeth 6a and 6b are made alternately on either side of a common core 15 of the support 5, which serves as a sort of skeleton on which the teeth are connected in the lower part.

The support 5 is provided at the front with a rounded nose 17, intended to facilitate its retraction into the receptacle 2.

The support 5 comprises, at the rear, a boss 18 intended to facilitate the crossing of the wiper member 8 during its extraction from the container 2.

The application elements 6 each comprise an upper part 20 ending in a free end 30 and a lower part 22 connected to the core 15 of the support 5.

In the example considered, the application elements 6 extend substantially perpendicular to the Y axis of the support 5.

The free ends 30 of the application members are at a distance from the longitudinal axis Y varying non-monotonously as one moves between the extreme application elements of the row 10, from left to right on the figure 3 .

In the illustrated example, the line L connecting the free ends 30 has, when the applicator is viewed from the side, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod 4 and the aforementioned geometric separation surface, as shown in FIG. the figure 3 , a substantially triangular shape, with two rectilinear segments forming between them an angle substantially equal to 90 ° in the drawing.

In the example considered, the succession of application elements 6 comprises two larger teeth 6a and 6b of the same length.

The straight line D ₁ passing through the free end of the element of smaller length starting from the distal end of the applicator and through the free end of the element of greatest length closest to this element of smaller length is confused in this example with the first rectilinear segment of line L.

The angle γ ₁ formed between the line D ₁ and the perpendicular N ₁ to the Y axis passing through the free end of the application element of greater length mentioned above is for example between 25 ° and 60 °, being for example about 43 °.

The line D ₂ , passing through the smallest application element from the proximal end of the support 5 and the largest application element closest to this element is merged with the second rectilinear segment of the line L.

The angle γ ₂ formed between the line D ₂ and the perpendicular N ₂ to the Y axis passing through the free end of this larger application element can be included in the same ranges of value as the angle γ ₁ , being for example substantially equal to γ ₁ . The apex angle between the segments of the line L is for example less than or equal to 120 °, or even less than or equal to 90 °.

The application elements 6 extend over the support 5 over a relatively small distance d , in particular a distance d of between 0.1 and 1 cm approximately. So, as illustrated on the figure 2 it is possible, with the aid of the applicator 3, to make up only one strand of eyelashes at a time without reaching all the eyelashes of the eyelid. For example, the application elements can simultaneously contact, at most, less than a quarter of the eyelashes of the upper eyelid, as illustrated.

The product P can be applied to eyelashes or eyebrows made up or not.

It may comprise a reversible or non-reversible polymer formula, for example a vinyl formula. Product P can be resistant to cold water and dissolve in hot water.

The product P can consist of a black or colored mascara, for example. Its formulation makes it for example compatible with an underlying mascara, so that the application to form a wick on already made eyelashes does not remove the mascara already present on the eyelashes.

The support 5 and the application elements 6 are made in one piece in the illustrated example, by plastic molding. The support 5 is attached to the rod 4 in a manner which will be detailed below, with regard to the Figures 10 and 11 .

In the example described, the upper parts 20 of two consecutive application elements 6 provide between them a notch 21 extending substantially to the core 15, when the comb is viewed from the side, as on the figure 3 . The notches 21 make it easier to grasp the eyelashes, for example to separate, comb or smooth the product deposited on their surface.

It is understood that by varying the length of the application elements and the interval between them, it is easy to act on the amount of product that the applicator loads.

The difference between the vertices of two successive application elements 6a or 6b situated on one and the same side of the geometric separation surface is in the example considered substantially greater than the width of an application element, measured at half height of the applicator 3, parallel to the axis Y of the support 5.

Each applicator element 6a extends substantially halfway, when the applicator 3 is viewed from the side, two adjacent applicator elements 6b and vice versa.

In the example considered, the upper parts 20 of the application elements 6 point substantially all in the same direction.

The lower portions 22 of two successive application elements located on one and the same side of the core 15 form between them and with the core 15 a cavity 23 which can constitute a reserve of product.

The spacing between the application elements 6a or 6b may be relatively large in favor of the amount of product that the applicator loads without the applicator loses any ability to grip the eyelashes, due to the offset of the application elements and the notches 21 formed by the upper parts 20 of the application elements remain sufficiently narrow.

The application elements 6 may have many configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention, including differently oriented upper parts.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the application elements 6 are arranged differently on the support 5.

We have shown on Figures 5 and 6 another example of an applicator comprising a plurality of teeth 6, for example seven in number, extending in a row 10. The teeth 6, as can be seen in FIG. figure 6 , have aligned bases 22 while the upper portions 20 of two consecutive teeth 6a and 6b diverge.

The figure 7 illustrates the possibility of producing the rod 4 with a longitudinal axis X which coincides with that Y of the support 5.

On the figure 8 , the support 5 is shown with a longitudinal axis Y forming a non-zero angle α with the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4, the direction of the inclination of the support on the figure 8 being opposed to that of the support of Figures 1 to 4 .

The support 5 can be made in one piece with the rod 4, for example by molding plastic material as illustrated on the figure 9 . But the support 5 can still be attached to the rod 4.

In the example shown in figure 10 , the support 5 comprises a substantially cylindrical tip 35 having an annular groove 36. The rod 4 comprises a corresponding housing 37, provided with an annular bead 38 arranged to snap into the groove 36.

The end piece 35 could still be configured to be force-fitted into the rod 4.

In the example of the figure 11 , the rod 4 comprises a substantially cylindrical tip 40, arranged to be housed in a corresponding housing 41 of the support 5.

The applicator 3 may have a number of teeth of less than six or seven, and in particular comprise only two teeth 6 as illustrated on FIG. figure 12 . The teeth may or may not have the same width.

The line L connecting the free ends 30 of the application elements 6 may have various forms other than that of the Figures 1 to 11 as illustrated on Figures 13 to 17 .

In particular, the line L may have a rounded shape, in particular a substantially circular shape as illustrated in FIG. figure 13 , or ogival as illustrated on the figure 14 . The extremum may be located substantially in the middle of the support 5 as illustrated above, be closer to the rod 4 as illustrated in FIG. figure 15 or closer to the distal end of the applicator as illustrated on the figure 16 . The distance from the line L to the longitudinal axis Y of the support 5 can go through two extrema as illustrated in FIG. figure 17 .

We can see on the figure 13 that the support 5 may be devoid of the rounded nose 17 and / or the boss 18.

This figure also shows the straight lines D ₁ and D ₂ and the normal N to the longitudinal axis Y of the support 5 which passes through the free end of the longer application element, which is unique. in the example considered.

The angles γ ₁ formed between the straight line D ₁ and this normal N and γ ₂ formed between the line D ₂ and this normal N can be equal or different, being for example included in the range of values given above.

In the example of the figure 17 we can define angles γ ₁ and γ ₂ relative to the normal N passing through the free end of the application element associated with the first relative extremum and γ ^' ₁ and γ ^' ₂ relative to the normal N 'passing through the free end of the application element corresponding to the second relative extremum, these angles being again included for example in the range of values given above.

The figure 18 illustrates the possibility of making on the support 5 two rows of application elements, for example two rows located opposite each other relative to the core 15 of the support 5. The application elements can to extend differently from one row to another and in particular, as illustrated in figure 18 , have different profiles when the applicator 3 is viewed from the side.

The core 15 may present in cross section a circular shape as illustrated on the Figures 19, 20 and 22 or other, for example flattened, in particular substantially rectangular, as illustrated on the figure 21 .

The support 5 may comprise a row of aligned teeth, as illustrated in FIG. figure 19 , or several rows of teeth extending in different directions, for example divergent as shown in FIG. figure 20 or in parallel directions as illustrated on the figure 21 .

For illustrative purposes, the figure 22 an applicator comprising a plurality of rows 10, arranged all around the core 15 of the support 5.

The applicator elements 6 may have, when the applicator is observed from the side, over at least a part of their length, a substantially constant width profile, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 22 . The application elements 6 may still have a different profile, in particular substantially triangular, as illustrated on FIG. figure 23 , or something else.

The application elements can be staggered, as shown in FIG. figure 24 .

The wiper member 8 may be different from that illustrated in FIG. figure 1 without departing from the scope of the present invention. By way of example, there is shown figure 25 a device whose wiper member 8 is constituted by a cellular material, in particular an open-cell foam or closed.

The wiper member 8 can be made, alternatively, of elastomer and comprise at least one slot 50 as illustrated in FIG. figure 26 . The wiper member 8 may comprise an annular lip 51 as illustrated in FIG. figure 27 , except at its lower end.

The application elements may be other than teeth and comprise, for example, bristles, attached to the support, as shown in FIG. figure 28 . The applicator 3 then comprises, for example, a brush whose bristles 60 extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis Y of the support, which may be coincident with the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4 as illustrated.

In the example considered, the bristles extend over a distance d along the longitudinal axis Y of the support which is such that the bristles can not simultaneously contact more than a quarter of the eyelashes or eyebrows of the fringe. eyelashes or eyebrows that one wants to make up. The distance d may for example be between 2 and 3 mm, and the number of turns may be between 3 and 6, for example.

When the applicator 3 is viewed from the side, as illustrated on the figure 28 , the line L connecting the free ends of the bristles may have a distance to the Y axis which passes through at least one extremum.

When the applicator 3 comprises a brush, the bristles 60 used are preferably relatively thin, for example about 6/100 mm in diameter.

The bristles 60 may have a solid, substantially circular cross section.

The core 61 may be formed by a U-folded wire and whose branches are twisted on themselves so as to clamp the bristles together.

The wire used is preferably relatively thin, for example with a diameter of less than 0.7 mm, in particular between 0.35 and 0.5 mm.

The Figures 29 to 35 represent variants of applicators.

On the figure 29 , the applicator 3 comprises a brush having a substantially conical or frustoconical envelope surface, the longest hairs being on the side of the rod 4.

The angle δ formed between the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y of the brush passing through the larger dimension of the cross section and the tangent to the envelope surface is for example between 20 ° and 60 °.

The applicator 3 of the figure 30 has a substantially biconical envelope surface brush, while that of the figure 31 comprises a substantially conical or frustoconical envelope surface brush, the shortest hairs being on the side of the rod 4.

The longitudinal axis Y of the brush may or may not be aligned with that X of the rod.

The Y axis can form an angle α with the X axis of the rod, as shown in the Figures 32 to 35 . The angle α may for example be between 5 ° and 45 °, for example be equal to about 20 °.

The envelope surface E of the brush may be of circular cross section as illustrated in FIG. figure 36 or other, especially polygonal, oblong or with notches or crenellations.

When the twisted core is bent, the bend can be located more or less close to the rod 4, as shown in FIGS. Figures 32 to 35 .

In non-illustrated variants, the soul is curved.

We have shown on Figures 37 and 38 other variants of implementation of the invention.

The figure 37 represents a device in which the product P is contained in a container 2 in the form of a flexible tube.

Other modes of distribution may be used to deposit the product P on the applicator 3, for example a pump dispenser, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The device represented on the figure 38 comprises a container 2 containing a solid bread product P. This bread can be moistened and the applicator moved in contact with the moistened portion of the product to load product. Alternatively, the applicator may be moistened and moved in contact with a previously un-wetted portion.

In the exemplary embodiments shown on the Figures 37 and 38 it is not necessary to provide the proximal end of the applicator with a handle or a closure cap, since the applicator may not be stored in the container containing the product. In addition, in these embodiments, the rod itself can be used as a gripping member.

The figure 39 represents another device made according to the invention, comprising in addition to the container 2 containing the product P and the applicator 3, a second container 70 containing a product P 'and a second applicator 71 which may be different from the applicator 3. For example, the applicator 71 may include a conventional mascara brush.

In the example shown in figure 39 , the container 2 containing the product P has a lower skirt 72 provided with a thread and constituting a closure cap for the container 70 containing the other product P '.

The applicator 71 may allow for example to apply on the eyelashes a first product, for example mascara, having a certain color and then the user can use the applicator 3 to make up for example another color some locks of eyelashes .

Other examples of devices comprising two containers and two applicators have been represented on the Figures 40 to 43 .

The applicators are in these examples oriented in opposite directions so that each container can serve as a gripping member to the applicator associated with the other container.

On the figure 40 , the device comprises a mascara brush and an applicator 3 according to the invention comprising a comb, while the applicator 3 of the device of the figure 41 has a brush. The mascara brush may be chosen for example from those described in US 5,937,870 or FR 2,605,505 for example, whose contents are incorporated in the present application by reference.

The device of the figure 42 comprises a comb and an applicator 3 according to the invention, constituted by a comb also. The applicator of the figure 43 comprises a comb and an applicators according to the invention, constituted by a brush. The applicator comb 71 Figures 42 and 43 is for example chosen from those described in US 6,581,610 , WO 01/05271 or US 6,539,950 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The devices of Figures 40 to 43 have a tubular sleeve 80 interconnecting the closure caps 82 and 7 respectively associated with the containers 70 and 2. The closure caps 82 and 7 may be for example retained by friction, gluing or snap-fitting inside the sleeve 80.

In each of the devices Figures 40 to 43 the product P 'contained in the second container 70 may be different from the product P contained in the container 2.

The product P 'may for example be a mascara of a different color from that of the product P, the product P' being for example of a color other than black, and the product P being black.

During the application, the product P 'can be applied first to the eyelashes or eyebrows then the product P can be applied, for example on some eyelashes or eyebrows only, so as to form colored locks.

The makeup obtained may be as represented on one of the Figures 44 and 45 for example, with a grouping of at least some lashes by packets. On the figure 44 , only some eyelashes are grouped in packages while on the figure 45 substantially all eyelashes are grouped into packs. Eyelashes may still not be packaged.

The same eyelash fringe may comprise, where appropriate, several locks of different colors.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described. In particular, the characteristics of the different embodiments can be combined with one another. The wiper member may be different from those described above.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the application elements may extend transversely to the rod or the wiper member.

The phrase "with one" should be considered synonymous with the phrase "containing at least one", and the expression "between" should be considered to include the term, unless otherwise specified.

Claims (15)

Applicator for applying a product (P) to an eyelash or eyebrow fringe, comprising: a rod (4), a comb comprising: a support (5) connected to the rod (4) and extending along a longitudinal axis (Y), a plurality of application elements (6) arranged on the support (5) and extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis (Y), all the application elements being constituted by teeth arranged in at least one row and having free ends, the line (L) connecting these free ends having a distance to the longitudinal axis of the support passing through at least one extremum when moving between the extreme application elements of the row, characterized in that all the comb application members extend over a distance of 0.1 cm to 1 cm along said axis (Y). Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the number of application elements (6) of the row (10) is between 3 and 9, preferably between 3 and 8. Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application elements (6) extend over the support (5) over a distance ( d ) of less than or equal to 8 mm. Applicator according to claim 1 characterized in that the support (5) and the application elements (6) are made in one piece, in particular by molding, or machining. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support (5) is made of an elastically deformable material. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line (L) has at least partially a triangular shape. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the line (L) has at least partially a rounded shape, in particular circular or ogival. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a single application element of greater length. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises two consecutive longer application elements. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the angle (γ ₁ , γ ₂ , γ ' _1, γ' ₂ ) formed on the one hand between the line (D ₁ ; D ₂ ) connecting the free ends of an application element of greater length associated with the maximum and a smaller application element associated with a minimum closest to the application element of greater length, and on the other hand, the normal (N; N ₁ ; N ₂ ; N ') to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support passing through the free end of the longer application element is between 25 ° and 60 °, especially between 25 ° and 50 °, especially between 2.5 ° and 45 °. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application elements (6) are arranged in at least two rows (10), the application elements (6) of a first row and those of a second row extending in different directions. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application elements (6) extend over the support (5) over a distance ( d ) of less than or equal to 7 mm. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the angle (γ ₁ , γ ₂ , γ ' ₁ , γ' ₂ ) formed on the one hand between the line (D ₁ ; D ₂ ) connecting the free ends of an application element of greater length associated with the maximum and a smaller application element associated with a minimum closest to the application element of greater length, and on the other hand, the normal (N; N ₁ ; N ₂ ; N ') to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support passing through the free end of the longer application element is between 30 ° and 45 °, especially equal to 43 °. Applicator according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the height of the application elements (6) is between 0.5 and 10 mm approximately. Apparatus for packaging and applying a product (P) to an eyelash or eyebrow fringe comprising: a container (2) for containing the product (P), an applicator (3) as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

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