EP2298115A1 - Applicator for applying a cosmetic product on human keratinous materials - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator (1) has a base (2) including a reception area and an electric heating element with opposite sides. An application unit (100) has a support (4) extending along a longitudinal axis and fixed in a removable manner on the area. The support carries a mass of cosmetic product, and the application unit has an application face in contact with keratinous materials. The mass of the product possesses large dimension less than 40 mm and extends from one of the sides of the element, where the mass of the product is carried by the support before fixing the application unit on a base. An independent claim is also included for a method for loading a cosmetic product to be applied on human keratinous materials such as eyelashes, eyebrows, lips, skin or nails.

Description

The present invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator on human keratin materials, including eyelashes or eyebrows, lips, skin, for example the eyelid, or the nails, comprising an electric heating element. It can be a makeup or care product.

We know by the request US 2007/0286831 a mascara applicator comprising a heating member in which the product is in the form of bars or balls deposited on the heating member while the latter is in a housing. Feeding means comprising a piston, a barrel or a worm are provided to bring the product on the heating member. The product is in contact with many mechanical parts, which can affect the reliability and / or cause the product to be loaded with unwanted particles.

We also know by the request EP 1621101 an applicator comprising mascara in the form of a wound strip that a user can bring into contact with a heating member of the applicator. Product application can be tedious, the user must both apply the product on keratin materials and unwind the strip of product so as to renew the product coming into contact with the heating member.

We still know by the demand EP 1 955 610 an applicator tip comprising an eyelash makeup composition, mounted by fitting on a heating medium having a finger shape, the product extending around the entire periphery of the applicator tip.

We know by the request PCT WO 2006/043544 a device for applying a cosmetic product comprising a unit mounted on a reception zone of a base facing a heating member and receiving the product to be applied once in place on the base.

JP 2006/169229 discloses a heated mascara applicator.

There is a need to allow the application of a cosmetic product on keratin materials using an applicator that is relatively simple in construction, relatively reliable, hygienic and convenient to use.

• une base comportant une zone de réception et un élément électrique chauffant ayant deux côtés opposés, et
• une unité d'application comportant un support s'étendant selon un axe longitudinal, fixé de façon amovible sur la zone de réception et portant une masse de produit cosmétique présentant une face d'application apte à venir au contact des matières kératiniques,

la masse de produit ne s'étendant que d'un côté seulement de l'élément électrique chauffant.The invention aims to meet this need and it succeeds in one of its aspects, with an applicator of a cosmetic product on human keratin materials, comprising:

• a base having a receiving zone and an electric heating element having two opposite sides, and
• an application unit comprising a support extending along a longitudinal axis, removably attached to the receiving zone and carrying a mass of cosmetic product having an application face adapted to come into contact with the keratin materials,

the mass of product extending only on one side of the electric heating element.

The mass of product may have a larger dimension of less than 40 mm, even 30 mm or even 20 mm.

The carrier may be configured such that the product mass is stationary until it is exhausted from the base once the application unit is attached to the receiving area.

The mass of product is carried by the support before fixing the application unit on the receiving zone. The mass of product may be fixed on the support, for example being cast in contact with it.

Thanks to the invention, prior to application, the product is easily placed on the applicator by mounting the support on the base. This setting up can possibly be carried out by holding the support in a zone devoid of product, thus without contact of the product with the fingers, which can reduce the risks of staining or contamination of the product.

In addition, the removable attachment of the support on the base makes it easy to change product and can facilitate the cleaning of the base, because the remaining unused product can adhere to the support and be removed with the latter.

The presence of the support also opens the way to new possibilities of formulation of the product, because a lower mechanical strength of the product can be offset by its adhesion to the support, which can play the role of a frame, if necessary.

Finally, the support can be configured to exert a combing action on the eyelashes. The product can be distributed in a predefined way on the support to the manufacture, way to optimize makeup, with good reproducibility of effects. The support may possibly be used to control the heat transfer to the product and any reliefs used for combing and / or application.

The base may include a housing defining at least partially the receiving area. Such housing can improve the maintenance of the support on the base and the heat transfer to the product.

Preferably, in the case of an application on the eyelashes, the receiving zone extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base, opening for example laterally. In a variant, the reception zone extends transversely to said axis.

In the case of an application on the lips, the receiving zone may be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the base.

The electric heating element can lead to the receiving zone, so as to come into contact with or near the product mass. A coming in the direct vicinity of the electric heating element, or even in contact with it, can provide a faster and more controlled heating of the product mass.

The mass of product may comprise, for example, between 10 mg and 100 mg of product, this quantity being for example suitable for a single use. The product is for example mascara. The product may still be a lipstick, an eyeliner or a make-up or nail care product. The product, particularly when it comes to a lipstick, may be in contact with a coating of flock hairs. The coating may be disposed on the support before the product is deposited on the support. The flock hairs may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base or perpendicular to the end face of the base when the latter is beveled and that end face extends obliquely. The support may be present, especially when the product is a lipstick, in the form of a removable cup. In the case of an eyeliner, the product may extend in the form of a narrow band, for example less than 2 mm or 1 mm wide, on the support.

The support may comprise two tabs at its longitudinal ends, arranged to engage in corresponding housings of the base, and attach to it for example by snapping. The support may comprise a curved portion extending between the two fastening tabs, for example convex outwards or concave outwards.

The orientation of the support may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a gripping portion of the applicator, or be substantially perpendicular thereto. Where appropriate, the base receiving the application unit is articulated so as to adjust the angle that makes the support with the gripping portion.

In the case where the product is mascara, the amount of product makes it possible for example to make up a fringe or two fringes of eyelashes. The user can set up the support with the appropriate amount of product, suitable for the makeup of one or two eyelash fringes, apply the product, apply makeup, then proceed to the removal of the support, with a view to its replacement at the next use by a carrier carrying a mass of product intact. The removal of the support may possibly be carried out after a cooling of the application unit sufficient for the entire product to solidify.

The product is for example solid. By "solid" is meant a product that does not flow under the effect of gravity at 20 ° C. The product may optionally have a hot running character.

The mass of product may be different from a band closed on itself or coated on hubs.

The support can be fixed on the receiving zone by various means, for example by snap-fastening, by a sliding connection, by magnetization or force-fitting, such fastening means being relatively simple to implement.

For example, the support may comprise on its underside two profiled reliefs for sliding on the base, for example two returns directed towards each other and configured to slide on the base. The medium and the base can be configured to create a hard point marking the end of insertion of the application unit on the base.

The carrier may include ribs or a flock coat extending at least partially above the product mass. These ribs may allow, when the applicator is applied to macroscopic keratinous fibers, such as eyelashes or eyebrows, to comb the latter, thereby defining combing means. In addition, the ribs may define a bearing area allowing a user to more easily remove the support from the receiving area, for example by sliding on the base.

The support comprises for example between two and fifteen ribs.

The distance between two adjacent ribs is for example between 0.2 and 1 mm.

The ribs may extend transversely or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support.

The ribs can be of the same height. Alternatively, two ribs may have different heights, the height of the ribs varying for example non-monotonically when moving from one extreme rib to another. The height of the ribs has for example an extremum when moving from one extreme rib to the other, this extremum being for example a maximum or a minimum. Thus, in one example, the envelope surface resting on the top of the ribs is concave towards the outside, with for example a radius of curvature adapted to the curvature of an eyelash fringe.

The support may comprise protruding application elements, these application elements being for example made in one piece with the support or, alternatively, being reported thereon. The application elements may be arranged between the ribs, for example in at least one row, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support. The aforementioned ribs may carry application elements.

In the case of an application on the eyelashes, the application elements may be useful for separating the laden eyelashes and defining combing means for the eyelashes. The temperature of the application elements may be lower than that of the surface of the product mass coming into contact with the eyelashes. In a variant, the application elements have a temperature greater than that of the surface of the product mass coming into contact with the eyelashes, which may, for example, make it possible to smooth the product deposited on the eyelashes.

The application elements may be in the form of teeth. To obtain the desired temperature profile on the applicator, it is possible to play, for example, on the thicknesses of material and the configuration of the electric heating element.

The support may be at least partially perforated, in particular to allow direct contact of the product with the heating element. The support may thus comprise a frame surrounding the mass of product, this frame comprising for example two sides connected by the aforementioned ribs.

The support may be configured to prevent contact between the keratin materials and the electric heating element. So, the support can protect, the case keratin materials of direct contact with the heating element, which may be useful when the temperature thereof is relatively high.

The reception area is for example configured so that the support can be mounted on the reception area from the front of the base, for example by sliding it. Alternatively, the receiving area can be configured so that the support can be mounted on the receiving area in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base, for example from above.

The electric heating element may be flexible, having for example a generally flat or curved shape. An elastically deformable return element may be present to exert on the electric heating element a restoring force, being for example constituted by a foam acting as a spring. The resiliently deformable return element can urge the electric heating element to bear on the support and / or the product, when the application unit is fixed on the base, and thus ensure contact heat transfer. The presence of a biasing element may also be useful, if necessary, to help immobilize the application unit on the base. Thus, the biasing element can exert a function on the thermal plane and / or a function on the mechanical plane.

The base can be arranged to detect the presence or absence of the application unit and the operation of the heating element can be prevented in the absence of an application unit. The support may for example interact with a detector present on the base when it is in place on it.

The base can also be arranged to recognize the application unit and for example adapt the heating temperature thereto. The recognition can be made for example by the shape of the support, which can interact with a detector carried by the base.

The support can be made entirely of a thermoplastic material, metal. According to an exemplary implementation of the invention, the heating element comprises a flexible synthetic film free of metal coating and the support is made of metal.

Alternatively, the heating element has a metal coating and the support is made of a thermoplastic material or metal.

The contact surface between the product and the support is for example greater than or equal to 10 mm ² .

The support can be made by molding in a mold. The thermoplastic material may comprise a mineral filler, if appropriate. The support can be stationary relative to the base between its placement and its removal.

If necessary, the support is in the form of a cup, whose bottom is closed for example.

In a variant, the support is in the form of a sleeve carrying the mass of product on one of its faces.

The support may comprise at least a portion of its outer surface subjected to a treatment for giving said portion a particular shape.

The applicator may also comprise a cup, for example a metal cup, in the receiving zone of the base and the application unit may be engaged in said cup. This cup may optionally be removable, so that it can be cleaned or replaced.

The applicator can be used to select one of several temperatures, if any.

The same applicator may receive application units comprising different compositions, for example for the eyelashes on the one hand and the nails on the other hand, or for the same area but of different colors. An applicator may be conditioned with at least two supports having different compositions.

• on met en contact le produit avec le support et,
• on fait adhérer le produit au support par élévation ou abaissement de la température du produit.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a process for loading a cosmetic product with a support that can be mounted, in particular subsequently, removably in a receiving zone of a base of an applicator. having an electric heating element, wherein:

• the product is brought into contact with the support and,
• the product is adhered to the support by raising or lowering the temperature of the product.

The product is for example brought into contact with the support while it has been previously heated to a temperature above its melting point. The product adheres to the support during its cooling.

Alternatively, the product is deposited in contact with the support in the form of pellet or powder and the adhesion of the product to the support is done by raising the temperature of the product, so as to cause its melting. Then, during cooling, the product freezes and adheres to the support.

The applicator can be offered to the consumer with the base and several supports each carrying a dose of product, constituting as many application units. The user can replace a media with a new media after using the product on that media. The base can in particular be proposed with application units within the same package.

The base can still be proposed, especially within the same packaging, with several media carrying different products and the user can choose a medium from all available media depending on the product he wants to use.

The different products are for example of different colors or have different rheological properties. The various products offered can for example lead to makeup more or less loaded, more or less elongated.

Especially when the appearance of the products on the corresponding media does not allow the user to differentiate easily, the media can be made with identifiers to distinguish them. The supports can for example be made with different colors, with each color being associated a corresponding product. The user can thus choose the support of the color corresponding to the product he wants to apply.

The supports can be single-use, that is to say that once the product present on this support used, the support remains unused. Alternatively, the supports may be provided for reuse by the user after renewal of the product.

For example, a support can be offered to the user with an accessory allowing it to adhere a new mass of product to the support. This accessory has for example a housing that can receive the support that is to be reused and a container containing the product that is to be adhered to the support with a possible dosing means. The user can place the accessory in a microwave oven or the accessory can be itself heating and the product dose placed initially in contact with the support can melt and adhere to it. Alternatively, a hot product is poured into contact with the support and the product is allowed to cool.

Different media available to consumers can be packaged individually or alternatively in a common packaging. The supports may for example be in strings, being for example linked together by bridges of breakable material. This can facilitate the manufacture of the application units.

It is also possible to propose to the user, in particular within the same package, supports loaded with the same product but having different reliefs, for example having more or fewer projecting elements projecting or oriented ribs. differently, for example to comb more or less eyelashes during the application and to make a makeup more or less loaded.

The product may be a product having a hot running character and the electric heating element can bring the product to a temperature sufficient to cause its melting and allow the formation of product son, especially at the end of the eyelashes.

The product may still not have hot running characteristics and heating of the product may increase the adhesion of the product to the eyelashes to facilitate obtaining a deposit having more gloss or allow the use of compounds which are not suitable. not to a cold application.

The heating temperature of the electric heating element is for example between 50 and 75 ° C.

The applicator may optionally include a vibrating source for subjecting the receiving zone to vibrations.

The product may have a melting temperature greater than or equal to 50 ° C., for example close to 54 ° C.

The product is for example chosen to be heated several times at a temperature of at least 90 ° C, without being damaged.

The receiving area may be fixed relative to a gripping portion of the applicator or alternatively may be movable. Such a mobility can for example facilitate the release of the application unit, which is for example fixed relative to the gripping portion, so that the displacement of the receiving area allows the ejection of the unit. application. The applicator may also include an ejector for ejecting the support of the reception area. This can prevent user finger contact with the product. This ejector can be actuated by a pusher moved by the user.

Where appropriate, the applicator may comprise application elements that do not belong to the application unit, for example on a side of the base opposite to the reception zone. These application elements can be worn in a non-removable manner by the base or alternatively be carried removably, which can allow the user to change the application elements depending eg makeup he seeks to achieve. The invention is not limited to a product to be applied to the eyelashes or the eyebrows. The product may still be for example a lipstick or a lip gloss or a foundation.

The support may be devoid of any alveolar, fibrous or porous substrate such as foam, felt, woven or non-woven.

Alternatively, the application unit may comprise such a substrate, fixed for example at its periphery to a more rigid frame. The product can at least partially impregnate the substrate.

• une base comportant un élément électrique chauffant et une zone de réception, et
• une unité d'application comportant un support s'étendant selon un axe longitudinal, fixé de façon amovible sur la zone de réception et portant une masse de produit cosmétique présentant une face d'application apte à venir au contact des matières kératiniques,

la masse de produit s'étendant sur moins d'une révolution complète autour de l'axe longitudinal du support.The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to an applicator of a cosmetic product on human keratin materials, comprising:

• a base including an electric heating element and a receiving zone, and
• an application unit comprising a support extending along a longitudinal axis, removably attached to the receiving zone and carrying a mass of cosmetic product having an application face adapted to come into contact with the keratin materials,

the mass of product extending over less than one complete revolution around the longitudinal axis of the support.

Such an applicator may have any of the above features.

• une base comportant une zone de réception et un élément électrique chauffant ayant deux côtés opposés, et
• une unité d'application comportant un support s'étendant selon un axe longitudinal, fixé de façon amovible sur la zone de réception et portant une masse de produit cosmétique, présentant une face d'application apte à venir au contact des matières kératiniques,

la masse de produit ne s'étendant que d'un côté seulement de l'élément électrique chauffant et étant portée par le support avant fixation de l'unité d'application sur la zone de réception,
le support comportant des moyens de peignage.The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to an applicator of a cosmetic product on human keratin materials, comprising:

• a base having a receiving zone and an electric heating element having two opposite sides, and
• an application unit comprising a support extending along a longitudinal axis, removably attached to the receiving zone and carrying a mass of cosmetic product, having an application face adapted to come into contact with the keratin materials,

the mass of product extending only one side of the electric heating element and being carried by the support before fixing the application unit on the receiving zone,
the support comprising combing means.

Such an applicator may further have any of the above features.

• une base comportant une zone de réception et un élément électrique chauffant ayant deux côtés opposés, et
• une unité d'application comportant un support s'étendant selon un axe longitudinal, fixé de façon amovible sur la zone de réception et portant une masse de produit cosmétique, présentant une face d'application apte à venir au contact des matières kératiniques,

la masse de produit ne s'étendant que d'un côté seulement de l'élément électrique chauffant et étant portée par le support avant fixation de l'unité d'application sur la zone de réception,
le produit étant du mascara ou un produit destiné à l'application sur les lèvres, la peau ou les ongles.
Un tel applicateur peut présenter en outre l'une quelconque des caractéristiques ci-dessus.The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to an applicator of a cosmetic product on human keratin materials, comprising:

• a base having a receiving zone and an electric heating element having two opposite sides, and
• an application unit comprising a support extending along a longitudinal axis, removably attached to the receiving zone and carrying a mass of cosmetic product, having an application face adapted to come into contact with the keratin materials,

the mass of product extending only one side of the electric heating element and being carried by the support before fixing the application unit on the receiving zone,
the product being mascara or a product intended for application to the lips, skin or nails.
Such an applicator may further have any of the above features.

• la figure 1 représente de façon schématique un applicateur selon un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue de l'applicateur représenté à la figure 1 en l'absence d'unité d'application,
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon III-III de l'applicateur représenté à la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale selon IV-IV de l'applicateur représenté à la figure 1,
• la figure 5 représente une unité d'application isolément,
• la figure 6 représente une variante de l'applicateur de la figure 4,
• les figures 7 et 8 représentent de façon schématique un applicateur selon un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 9 est une coupe transversale selon IX-IX de l'applicateur représenté à la figure 7,
• la figure 10 est une coupe longitudinale selon X-X de l'applicateur représenté à la figure 7,
• les figures 11 et 12 représentent de façon schématique un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention,
• la figure 12A est une vue analogue à la figure 12, avec coupe axiale partielle, d'une variante d'applicateur,
• les figures 13 à 29 représentent de façon schématique des exemples de support d'unités d'application selon l'invention,
• les figures 30 et 31 illustrent des procédés de chargement en produit, de supports selon des exemples de mise en oeuvre de l'invention.
• la figure 32 représente un conditionnement comportant une base et une pluralité d'unités d'application selon l'invention,
• les figures 33 et 34 illustrent des exemples de fixation par encliquetage d'une unité d'application dans la zone de réception de la base,
• la figure 35 représente une variante de réalisation d'applicateur,
• les figures 36 à 38 représentent des variantes d'unités d'application,
• la figure 39 représente une autre variante d'applicateur, destinée à l'application sur les ongles,
• la figure 40 illustre l'utilisation de l'applicateur de la figure 39,
• les figures 41 et 42 illustrent des variantes de conditionnement des unités d'application, et
• la figure 43 représente une autre variante d'applicateur.

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

• the figure 1 schematically represents an applicator according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 2 is a view of the applicator shown in the figure 1 in the absence of an application unit,
• the figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view along III-III of the applicator shown in FIG. figure 1 ,
• the figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along IV-IV of the applicator shown in FIG. figure 1 ,
• the figure 5 represents an application unit in isolation,
• the figure 6 represents a variant of the applicator of the figure 4 ,
• the Figures 7 and 8 schematically represent an applicator according to another embodiment of the invention,
• the figure 9 is a cross-section along IX-IX of the applicator shown in FIG. figure 7 ,
• the figure 10 is a longitudinal section along XX of the applicator shown in FIG. figure 7 ,
• the Figures 11 and 12 schematically represent another example of implementation of the invention,
• the figure 12A is a view similar to the figure 12 , with partial axial section, of an applicator variant,
• the Figures 13 to 29 show schematically examples of application unit support according to the invention,
• the Figures 30 and 31 illustrate methods of loading products, supports according to embodiments of the invention.
• the figure 32 represents a package comprising a base and a plurality of application units according to the invention,
• the Figures 33 and 34 illustrate examples of snap fastening of an application unit in the reception area of the base,
• the figure 35 represents an embodiment variant of an applicator,
• the Figures 36 to 38 represent variants of application units,
• the figure 39 represents another variant of applicator, intended for application on the nails,
• the figure 40 illustrates the use of the applicator of the figure 39 ,
• the Figures 41 and 42 illustrate packaging variants of the application units, and
• the figure 43 represents another variant of applicator.

Representatives Figures 1 to 4 an applicator 1 according to a first example of implementation of the invention. This applicator 1 comprises a base 2 comprising an electric heating element 3 and an application unit 100 removably mounted on the base 2 at a receiving zone 5 thereof. The receiving zone 5 extends in the example described parallel to the axis X of the base 2, but it could be otherwise.

The application unit 100 comprises a support 4 carrying a mass of product P.

In the example shown, the base 2 extends along a longitudinal axis X and the receiving zone 5 is formed in the distal portion thereof. The base 2 defines a gripping portion 6 which can accommodate various elements, as will be explained below.

The base 2 comprises for example two half-shells 2a and 2b assembled and made of plastic.

The base 2 may comprise, as illustrated, an on-off button 7 for triggering the operation and supply from an autonomous energy source 8 of an electric heating element 3 intended to transmit its heat to the heating element. application unit 100.

The base 2 may include an operation indicator 9, in particular a light-emitting diode.

The base 2 can house, as illustrated, a control circuit 10 of the electric heating element 3, this control circuit 10 comprising for example one or more electronic components for regulating the temperature of the electric heating element 3, in particular a microcontroller.

The base 2 may further comprise a temperature sensor, preferably disposed at the level of the electric heating element 3 and connected to the control circuit 10.

The autonomous electrical energy source 8 comprises for example at least one accumulator or a battery, for example two 1.5 V stick batteries connected in series.

The gripping portion 6 can extend around the energy source 8.

An invisible access hatch can be provided for the removal or replacement of the energy source 8. Alternatively, the half-shells 2a and 2b are separated.

The electric heating element 3 may be made in various ways, and may comprise a resistive electrical conductor, wound or in the form of a track. The heating element 3 is for example flexible, comprising for example a polyimide substrate 31 carrying a resistive track.

The electric heating element 3 has two opposite sides 3a and 3b and may have a substantially flat shape or at least partially curved in cross section, as visible on the figure 4 .

The electric heating element 3 can still represent in cross section a dome shape.

In the example of Figures 1 to 4 , the electric heating element 3 comprises a metal coating 32, made for example of stainless steel or anodized aluminum

As shown on the figure 2 , the electric heating element 3 can at least partially define the reception zone 5. The electric heating element 3 can come, through the metal coating 32 in the illustrated example, facing at least a portion of the application unit 100 when it is fixed in the reception zone 5.

The receiving zone 5 can define as illustrated a housing 11 configured to receive the application unit 100. This housing 11 extends for example parallel to the axis (X) of the base, which can laterally open on the base.

The housing 11 is for example open at its distal end 35, being closed by the distal portion of the support 4 when the removable unit 100 is mounted on the base, and may have side edges 36 in which may be formed a recess 37 cooperating with means for fixing the support 4, as described later.

The proximal end 38 of the housing 11 may be defined by an advance of the half-shell 2b under which the proximal portion of the support 4 rests when the removable unit 100 is mounted on the base 2.

The electric heating element 3 can define a portion of the bottom of this housing 11, in particular via the metal coating 32, or be arranged facing said portion of said bottom. As shown on the figure 4 when the electric heating element 3 is curved, the bottom of the housing 11 can also be curved.

In general, the regulated electric heating element 3 has, for example, a nominal power of between 0.5 and 2 W, for example between 0.75 and 1 W, for example of the order of 0.8 W. and can achieve without the loaded product carrier a temperature above 50 ° C or 60 ° C in less than 30 s, for example a temperature above 50 ° C, or 60 ° C in less than 20 s, for an ambient temperature of 20 ° C.

The heating element 3 makes it possible, for example, to reach a temperature of approximately 65 ° C. in approximately 18 seconds and a temperature of 105 ° C. in less than one minute, when it is powered by at least two 1.5V batteries. serial.

The electric heating element 3 can be arranged to have a power density of between 0.8 W / cm ² and 1.2 W / cm ^{2 in operation} .

In isolation figure 5 An application unit 100. The support 4 may extend along a longitudinal axis Y which may be parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the base 2 when the application unit is mounted thereon.

The support 4 may comprise, as illustrated, a frame comprising two lateral branches 33 interconnected at their proximal and distal ends and by the proximal and distal portions of the support 4.

The support 4 may comprise ribs 14, which may be oriented transversely to the Y axis, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 or otherwise, as will be described later.

The ribs 14 can connect the lateral branches 33 on the side of the application unit 100 opposite the heating element 3, when the application unit 100 is in place on the base 2.

The support 4 is for example made of plastic material, optionally filled with particles or mineral fibers, for example metal oxides, powder or fiberglass or carbon black, in particular a polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene or, in particular alternatively, non-polyolefinic materials such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polyoxymethylene (POM).

Alternatively, and particularly in the case where the heating element 3 is devoid of metal coating 32, the support 4 may be made of metal, for example aluminum, brass, silver or stainless steel.

The bottom of the support 4 may be perforated or not.

The mass of product P may extend as illustrated on less than one revolution about the Y axis of the support 4, resting for example by a face opposite to the application face against the bottom of the support 4, which is positioned facing the electric heating element 3 when the application unit 100 is in place on the base 2.

The product mass P thus extends only on the side 3b of the electric heating element.

In the example of the figure 4 the product mass does not extend opposite the face 3a of the heating member when the application unit is in place on the base 2.

The support 4 carries for example between 10 and 100 mg of product, for example between 30 and 70 mg of product, for example of the order of 50 mg.

The mass of product may have a larger dimension of less than 40 mm, even 30 mm or even 20 mm.

The product P can be solid at 20 ° C.

The cosmetic product P is, for example, an eyelash makeup composition having a property that varies as a function of the temperature, for example a running characteristic. This is for example a composition comprising at least one reversible polymer. The spinning characteristic may in particular be of d _max ≥ 5 mm, being in particular determined according to the protocol described in paragraphs [0120] to [0127] of the application. EP 1 955 610 .

The product is for example mascara.

Alternatively, the product is intended for application to the lips or may still be a makeup product of the skin, for example a foundation.

The support 4 may optionally be elastically deformed after its attachment to the base 2, and this deformation may contribute to its maintenance.

Means for extracting the support 4 from the housing 11 may be provided, such as for example a push or lever ejector, actuated by the user.

If necessary, an elastic return element 13 can urge the electric heating element 3 to bear against the application unit 100, as in the example of FIG. figure 6 . This elastic return element 13 is for example a block of an elastically deformable material such as a cellular material, placed under the electric heating element 3. The heating element 3 is mobile and / or can be deformed and can be plated under the effect of the thrust thus produced against the application unit 100.

Representatives Figures 7 to 10 an applicator 1 according to another example of implementation of the invention.

As can be seen on the figure 8 , the support 4 may be received in a cup 20. The latter is for example thermoplastic material, but may also be metallic, to promote heat transfer. The cup 20 may be useful in reducing the risk of product flow out of the applicator during heating, and may be useful also in the manufacture of the application unit. The cup 20 can be. recessed or comprise a closed bottom defining, when the cup 20 is mounted in the receiving zone 5, the bottom of the housing 11 receiving the application unit.

The cup 20 can be removably attached in the receiving zone 5, so as to allow its removal, for example in order to replace or change the application unit. The cup 20 may also be proposed to the user with the support 4 and be part of the application unit 100.

The support 4 can still be in the form of a cup, as illustrated in FIG. figure 11 .

In the example of Figures 7 to 10 , the bottom of the housing 11 is planar, but it could take a different shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As shown on the figure 12 an application unit 100 may be attached to a receiving area 5 extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis X of the base 2. The application unit 100 may comprise a cup-shaped support. Such an applicator is suitable for example for applying a product to the lips or the skin.

We have shown on the figure 12A an applicator variant in which the support 4 carries a coating of flock 4d hair. The product P is for example cast on the support 4 while the bristles 4d are already present, for example glued on the bottom of the recess receiving the product.

The applicator can be beveled, with an end face forming an angle γ with the X axis.

The bristles 4d can be oriented parallel to the X axis, make an angle γ with the X axis or be oriented otherwise.

We will now describe with reference to Figures 13 to 15 another example of support 4 according to the invention.

In the example described, the support 4 is partly perforated and it comprises reliefs 21 intended to slide in the receiving zone 5 of the base 2, in particular by cooperating with recesses 37, so as to allow fixing by sliding connection of the support 4 on the reception zone 5. The reliefs 21 may, as in the example shown, not extend under the distal portion of the support 4.

As can be seen on the figure 15 which is a cross-sectional view of the support shown in Figures 13 and 14 , the upper face 12 of the support 4 may comprise a plurality of ribs 14 which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the support 4 over the entire length of the latter, between its two longitudinal ends.

In the example illustrated, the ribs 14 have different heights, the height of the ribs may increase closer to a median plane.

We will now describe with reference to Figures 16 to 19 another example of support 4 according to the invention.

In the example considered, the ribs 14 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis Y of the support 4 between the branches 33 of the support 4.

As can be seen on the figure 18 which is a longitudinal sectional view along XVIII-XVIII of the support shown in FIG. figure 17 , The ribs may have heights that vary from one end to the other of the support, in particular that pass through a minimum to mid-length of the support.

The apex of the ribs defines a generally concave envelope surface outwardly.

The Figures 20 to 25 represent other examples of supports 4, in which the support 4 comprises at its proximal end a fixing lug 25 intended to be inserted in the base 2.

The support 4 may comprise, in the vicinity of its distal end, a pin 26 intended to engage in a corresponding recess formed in the receiving zone 5.

In the examples of Figures 20 to 25 the ribs 14 extend perpendicular to the Y axis, but may alternatively extend parallel to the Y axis.

In the example of Figures 20 to 22 , the ribs 14 have different heights, their height passing through a minimum when moving from one extreme rib to the other along the Y axis, as can be seen on the figure 22 , which is a longitudinal sectional view along XXII-XXII of the applicator shown in FIG. figure 20 .

In the example of Figures 23 to 25 , the height of the ribs passes through a maximum when moving from one extreme rib to the other along the Y axis, as can be seen on the figure 25 , which is a longitudinal sectional view along XXV-XXV of the applicator shown in FIG. figure 23 .

The support can, as shown on Figures 26 to 29 , comprising application elements 28. These can be arranged on the branches 33 of the support 4, as shown in FIG. figure 26 .

When the support 4 is made of thermoplastic material, the application elements 28 can be made or not in one piece with the rest of the support 4.

In the example shown in Figures 25 to 29 , the application elements 28 are teeth extending between the ribs 14. The same number of application elements 28 is for example disposed between two adjacent ribs 14.

The applicator elements 28 may be arranged in rows parallel to the Y axis and project above the ribs 14, as can be seen in FIG. figure 27 , which is a front view of the support shown at figure 26 .

The figure 28 is a longitudinal sectional view of the applicator shown in FIG. figure 26 . The figure 29 is a similar view of a variant having one of the ribs 14 less high.

The application elements 28 can extend in two rows on the support 4, each arranged on a branch 33 of the support 4.

The product loading of a support 4 can be carried out, as illustrated in FIG. figure 30 at step 100 the product P in contact with the support 4 after being heated to a temperature above its melting point, which is for example 54 ° C. A dose of product P may be deposited inside the support 4. During a step 110, the temperature of the product is lowered, for example by leaving it standing or by forced cooling, so as to allow the product to adhere to the material of the support 4.

Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 31 during a step 120, the previously packaged product is deposited in the form of a pellet or in a powdery state in the support 4, at room temperature.

In a step 130, the temperature of the product is raised, for example by passing the support on which the product has been deposited in the oven at a temperature of at least 70.degree. so that the product P freezes and can adhere to the support 4 and, in particular to the ribs 14.

The supports 4, after loading into product having been carried out for example by the method described with reference to the figures 30 or 31 , can be marketed in a packaging 40, for example a blister, comprising a plurality of application units 100 and a base 2, on which is already fixed, if necessary, an application unit 100, as shown in FIG. figure 32 . Application units may contain the same or different products.

Representatives Figures 33 and 34 very schematically examples of fixing the application unit on the base 2 by snapping.

In the example shown in figure 33 , the receiving zone 5 defines a housing 11 opening at the distal end of the base 2 and whose bottom is defined in part by the electric heating element 3. The heating element 3 is for example devoid of metal coating 32 and the support 4 is in the form of a metal cup. The support 4 can be introduced into the housing 11 in the direction of the arrow F, for example by a sliding movement.

As can be seen on the figure 33 , on which the product P has not been shown for the sake of clarity, the housing 11 comprises for example an opening 16 in which can engage a retaining tab 17 of the support. The tab 17 may for example snap into the opening 16.

The support 4 may further comprise at its front end opposite that carrying the retaining tab 17, a rib 18 coming to rest against the distal end of the base when the application unit is in place in the receiving zone 5. The rib 18 may facilitate the removal of the application unit.

In the example of the figure 34 , the housing 11 is closed at the distal end of the base 2 and has a convex bottom. The introduction of the application unit into the housing 11 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the base 2, from above in the direction of the arrow F.

We have shown on the figure 35 an alternative embodiment of the applicator 1.

The support 4 extends along a longitudinal axis W which may be curvilinear, as illustrated, and may be provided at its longitudinal ends with fixing lugs 201 arranged to cooperate with corresponding housing 202 of the base of the applicator 1, for example snap into these housings.

The longitudinal axis W and the longitudinal axis X of the applicator 1 may extend in the same plane, the axis W being convex for example outwardly.

The ribs 14 may extend generally perpendicular to the axis W.

The applicator 1 represented at figure 35 has ribs 14 and is particularly suitable for the application of the product P on the eyelashes or eyebrows.

In an alternative embodiment, the support 4 is configured for the application of the product on the lips for example and may have a recess 204 which extends longitudinally and which is filled with the product P. The support 4 can be flocked, the case applicable.

In the variant illustrated in figure 37 , the support 4 comprises in a central region an outgrowth 206 of which at least one face carries the product P, for application to the lips for example. The protrusion 206 may have a tapered distal end 208.

The support 4 according to the variant embodiment of the figure 38 carries a product which is for example an eyeliner and which can extend longitudinally on the support 4, with a small width.

On the figure, 39 there is shown an applicator 1 which receives an application unit 100 intended for application to the nails.

This application unit 100 is elongate along a longitudinal axis W which is concave towards the outside, with a curvature substantially corresponding to that of the nail.

The product is for example present on the support 4 substantially along its entire length.

The application of the product on the nail is effected by moving the applicator equipped with the application unit 100 along the nail, as illustrated in FIG. figure 40 .

On the figure 41 , the possibility of having several application units 100 side by side within a receptacle 215, which is for example received in a case 216 with the applicator 1, has been illustrated.

Where appropriate, the same applicator may receive a support 4 chosen from supports 4 carrying compositions intended for applications on different areas.

The application units 100 may also be packaged in a housing 218 provided with a cover 219, for example connected by a hinge to the body of the housing.

The application units 100 are for example stacked one above the other and means is provided in the bottom of the housing 218 to push the application units 100 up as and when they are taken.

The base 2 of the applicator 1 may have a fixed orientation relative to a gripping portion of the applicator 1. Alternatively, the base 2 may be orientable with respect to the gripping portion of the applicator 1, which may allow to orient the base 2 by an angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis of the gripping portion of the applicator 1, as illustrated in FIG. figure 43 . The applicator may comprise a cap 223 which is fixed on the base 2 between two uses of the applicator 1.

In non-illustrated variants, the application unit is fixed in the reception zone 5 by magnetization.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. The characteristics of the various examples can be combined within non-illustrated variants.

The expression "comprising a" shall be understood as meaning "containing at least one" unless the contrary is specified.

Claims (15)

Applicator (1) of a cosmetic product on human keratin materials, in particular eyelashes, eyebrows, lips, skin or nails, comprising: a base (2) having a receiving zone (5) and an electric heating element (3) having two opposite sides (3a, 3b), and - an application unit comprising a support (4) extending along a longitudinal axis (Y), removably attached to the receiving zone (5) and carrying a mass of cosmetic product (P) having a face of application able to come into contact with keratin materials, the product mass (P) having a larger dimension of less than 40 mm, extending only one side (3a, 3b) of the electric heating element and being carried by the support (4) before fixing of the unit on the base. Applicator according to claim 1, the base (2) having a housing (11) at least partially defining the receiving zone (5). Applicator according to one of the preceding claims, the electric heating element (3) opening on the receiving zone (5), so as to come close to or in contact with the product mass (P). Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the mass of product (P) comprising between 10 mg and 100 mg of product. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the support (4) being fixed on the receiving zone (5) by snap-fastening, sliding connection, magnetization or force fitting. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the carrier (4) having ribs (14) or a flock pile coating (4d) extending at least partially above the product mass (P). Applicator according to claim 6, the ribs (14) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support (4). Applicator according to claim 6, the ribs (14) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) of the support (4). Applicator according to any one of claims 6 to 8, the ribs (14) being of the same height. Applicator according to any one of claims 6 to 8, at least two ribs (14) having different heights. An applicator according to claim 10, wherein the height of the ribs (14) varies non-monotonously as one travels from one extreme rib to the other. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the support (14) having projecting members (28) projecting therefrom. Applicator according to the preceding claim and any one of claims 6 to 11, the application elements (28) being arranged between the ribs (14). Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the support (4) being at least partially perforated. Method for loading a cosmetic product intended to be applied to human keratin materials, in particular eyelashes, eyebrows, skin, lips or nails, with a support capable of being removably mounted in a reception zone of a base of an applicator comprising an electric heating element,
process in which the product is brought into contact with the support and, the product is adhered to the support by raising or lowering the temperature of the product.

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