EP2560517A1

EP2560517A1 - Method for manufacturing a unit for applying a cosmetic product

Info

Publication number: EP2560517A1
Application number: EP11731432A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eric Caulier; Marine Roualdes; Marcel Sanchez
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2010-04-23
Filing date: 2011-04-20
Publication date: 2013-02-27
Also published as: BR112012027146A2; US20130186426A1; CN102946757B; US9049915B2; WO2011131907A1; ES2527245T3; CN102946757A; EP2560516B1; FR2959107A1; JP2013534872A; EP2560516A1; US9700118B2; FR2959107B1; US20130206160A1; JP5745031B2; WO2011131554A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a unit for applying a cosmetic product, the application unit comprising a holder having a binding site on which a mass of cosmetic product is moulded. According to the invention, the method is characterised in that the cosmetic product is moulded by injection on the holder. The invention also relates to an application unit obtained by such a method.

Description

Method for producing an application unit for a cosmetic product

The present invention relates to an application unit for a cosmetic product applicator on human keratin materials, in particular the skin, the lips, the eyelashes or the eyebrows. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing said application unit.

"Cosmetic product" means any composition as defined in Council Directive 93/35 / EEC of 14 June 1993.

EP 1 955 610 discloses an applicator tip exclusively composed of an eyelash makeup composition, molded and adapted to be mounted by fitting on a heating medium having a finger shape. However, such a tip composed of a cosmetic product mounted directly on the heating support soiled this support which must be cleaned after each use. In addition, in order to be able to slip on the support the product must imperatively extend all around the applicator tip. In addition, the handling of tips composed solely of a make-up composition may result in the user's fingers being soiled.

Application US 2007/0286831 discloses a mascara applicator comprising a heating element surmounted by a comb, in which the product is in the form of bars or balls deposited on the heating member while the latter is in housing. Feeding means comprising a piston, a barrel or a worm are provided to bring the product on the heating member. The product is not directly supplied with the comb but requires a complex dispenser with many mechanical parts, which can affect the reliability and / or result in the loading of the product into unwanted particles.

PCT application WO 2006/043544 discloses a device for applying a cosmetic product comprising a removable unit mounted on a reception zone of a base facing a heating member and receiving the product in the form of a tablet. dispose on the unit by the user then to melt thanks to the heating element. However the product is not directly supplied integrated with the unit, the manipulation of the tablets can therefore lead to a soiling of the fingers of the user.

Document US Pat. No. 5,794,632 discloses a device for applying a cosmetic product comprising a support on which a block of cosmetic product is attached. However the product is cast by casting on the support, this manufacturing process is well known in the field of cosmetics and requires production. separately the support for then casting molded the product on said support resulting in complex manufacturing with low efficiency.

US Pat. No. 5,316,712 also discloses a process for manufacturing a solid cosmetic product mainly obtained from a powder and an injection-molded oil, for example on a container such as a cup. However, during this process it is necessary to previously place the cups in the mold which causes an increase in the manufacturing time and a risk of misplacement of the cups may affect the reliability of the manufacturing process.

There is a need to enable the simple manufacture of a device for applying a cosmetic product to human keratin materials, allowing the cosmetic product to be applied in a relatively simple, relatively reliable, hygienic and convenient to use manner.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a unit for applying a cosmetic composition and a process for producing this application unit in order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a method for producing an application unit for a cosmetic product, the application unit comprising a support having a fixation site on which a mass of cosmetic product is molded, the product cosmetic being injection molded on the support.

The invention advantageously allows to obtain application units previously loaded product, without user intervention with the product itself, which can reduce the risk of soiling or contamination of the product. In addition, these application units are simple to implement industrially.

According to other characteristics of the invention, the method may comprise the following steps: a first injection of a first material into a first injection volume is carried out to form the support, the first injection volume being defined in a mold injection; a partial modification of the mold is performed to obtain a second injection volume while maintaining the support injected in the previous step; a second injection of cosmetic product is made in the second injection volume, the composition of the cosmetic product being different from the first material forming the support. This process advantageously makes it possible to obtain an improved production yield of the application units while ensuring good quality and good reproducibility of the loading of cosmetic product.

The injection temperature of the cosmetic composition is lower than the injection temperature of the support.

The method may comprise a third injection of a second cosmetic composition into a third injection volume formed after partial modification of the mold forming the second volume, and comprising the support loaded with the first cosmetic composition which has remained in the mold after the second injection .

The invention also relates to an application unit obtained by this method, the melting temperature of the cosmetic product being greater than 30 ° C and lower than the melting temperature of the material forming the support, the melting temperature of the material forming the support being greater than 100 ° C.

The attachment site may comprise application elements or at least two receiving compartments separated from one another by ribs. This feature in particular to obtain improved maintenance of the product on the support.

The support may comprise a gripping member making it possible to use the application unit directly as a cosmetic product applicator.

The support may also be adapted to be fixed on a receiving zone of an applicator.

The invention may be better understood on reading the following description of nonlimiting examples of implementation thereof, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically represents an applicator comprising an application unit according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a view from above of the application unit of FIG. 1, in isolation without a cosmetic product,

FIG. 3 is a first variant of the application unit of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a second variant of the application unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the application unit of FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is a view of the application unit of FIG. 5 loaded with cosmetic product,

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along VII-VII of the application unit of FIG. 2 devoid of a cosmetic product,

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along VIII-VIII of the application unit of FIG. 2 loaded with cosmetic product,

FIGS. 7a and 8a are cross-sectional views similar to FIGS. 7 and 8 with ribs not extending radially,

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the application unit respectively without and with a cosmetic product,

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the application unit of FIG. 9,

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a variant of the application unit,

FIG. 13 represents schematic views of another example of implementation of the applicator,

FIGS. 14 to 20 represent different variants of application unit profiles as well as different charging schemes for cosmetic products,

FIG. 21 schematically represents a machine making it possible to manufacture units of applications of the invention,

FIGS. 22 to 27 illustrate the different steps of the method of manufacturing application units of the invention,

FIGS. 28 to 41 represent variants of application units according to the invention.

With reference to the figures, in particular to FIG. 1, an applicator 1 according to a first example of implementation, comprises a base 2 extending mainly along a longitudinal axis X, and an electric heating element 3. An application unit 100 is mounted removably on the base 2 at a receiving zone on the electric heating element 3. In the example described, the receiving zone extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X, but it could in to be otherwise. The applicator 1 comprises in particular an autonomous energy source, for example an electric battery, for supplying the electric heating element 3 intended to transmit its heat to the application unit 100.

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 for example flexible.

In general, the electric heating element 3 has, for example, a nominal power of between 0.5 and 2 W, for example of the order of 0.8 W, and makes it possible to reach a temperature greater than 50 ° C. for example a temperature of 70 ° C for an ambient temperature of 20 ° C.

This electric heating element 3 may comprise a metal coating, made for example of stainless steel or anodized aluminum, then defining the receiving zone facing at least a part of the application unit 100 when it is fixed. in the reception area.

The metal coating is for example substantially cylindrical, extends from the base 2 of the applicator parallel to the axis X, and is configured to receive the application unit 100. The metal coating is for example open to its end distal to the base 2 of the applicator so as to define a cavity adapted to receive a lug 36 of the application unit 100 when the latter is mounted on the receiving zone.

FIGS. 2 to 6 show, in isolation, application units 100 at an intermediate stage of manufacture, devoid of product in FIGS. 2 to 5, and loaded in product in FIG. 6. These application units 100 are suitable for a applicator according to the first implementation example described above but their characteristics can be adapted to application units suitable for other types of applicators such as the applicator described later according to another example of implementation.

An application unit 100 comprises a support 4 adapted to the positioning and the removable attachment of the application unit to the receiving area of the applicator 1. In addition, the removable attachment of the support 4 to the reception area allows easy product change, the applicator 1 thus remaining clean and able to receive a new application unit 100. The removable attachment is made by snapping as illustrated in FIG. 13, by fitting, by fitting in close fitting or by any other means of removable mounting, for example by means of a lug 36 able to be received in a cavity of the applicator, as shown in particular in FIG. figure 9.

Thus the support 4 may extend along a longitudinal axis Y which may be parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the base 2 of the applicator 1 when the application unit is mounted thereon.

The support 4 may comprise, as illustrated, a frame comprising two lateral branches 30 interconnected at their proximal and distal ends and by the proximal 31 and distal portions 32 of the support 4. The frame then forms a compartment adapted to receive a cosmetic product .

As illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the branches 30 and the proximal 31 and distal portions 32 of the support 4 may have an internal profile complementary to the receiving zone of the applicator and in particular to the electric heating element 3. For example the inner profile is arcuate so as to fit on a cylindrical receiving area. Thus the inner face of the support 4, that is to say the face facing the heating element 3 or its metal coating, forms an envelope that extends all over a revolution or less than one revolution around of the Y axis for example to form a half cylinder. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a lug 36 may be provided at the distal end of the support 4, this lug being able to fit into a cavity of the receiving zone provided at the level of the heating elements 3, in order to maintain the support 4 on the reception area more precisely.

The support 4 may be configured to exert a combing action, in particular on the eyelashes. Thus, the support 4 may comprise ribs 33 parallel to each other. The ribs 33 may be oriented transversely to the Y axis as illustrated in Figures 2, 5 and 6, or otherwise, for example forming an angle with the Y axis for example equal to 45 ° as in Figure 4, or same oriented parallel to the Y axis as in Figure 3. The ribs 33 may also not be parallel to each other.

The ribs 33 can connect the lateral branches 30 of the outer side of the application unit 100, that is to say on the opposite side to the heating element 3, when the application unit 100 is in place on the reception area. The base of the ribs 33 then has a profile in an arc in the extension of the profile in an arc. branches 30, to be able to position in contact with the cylindrical receiving zone.

The ribs 33 divide the frame into a plurality of compartments 34 adapted to receive a cosmetic product. For example, in the case of ribs 33 oriented transversely to the Y axis, the support may comprise between two and fifteen ribs. The distance between two adjacent ribs is for example between 0.2 and 1.2 mm.

Preferably an application unit 100 may have a larger dimension along the Y axis less than 30 mm, or even 20 mm. The frame is divided into an odd number of compartments for example, a frame about 12mm long along the Y axis, is divided into 9 compartments of about 1mm along the Y axis by 8 ribs 33 transverse to the axis Y and less than 0.4mm thick. These 8 ribs 33 can be supplemented by two extremal ribs on the proximal 31 and distal portions 32 of the support 4 so that the first and last compartments 34 are identical to the others.

The ribs 33 may extend radially away from the support 4, for example the ribs 33 may have a height of 1 mm beyond the axis comprising the vertices of the proximal portions 31 and distal 32. The ribs 33 illustrated are of identical height but may also have heights that vary from one end to the other of the support, including passing through a minimum to mid-length of the support.

The ribs 33 may also have different types of profiles, for example rounded, triangular or, as illustrated, in a pointed arch.

In addition, the ribs 33 may define a bearing zone allowing a user to more easily remove the support from the receiving area, for example by sliding it on the base, without the fingers of the user entering in contact with the cosmetic product P.

The ribs 33 may also not extend radially away from the support 4 as in the example shown in Figures 7a and 8a.

One or more grooves 35 can connect the different compartments 34 to each other. These grooves 35 may be located on the outer face of the support 4, that is to say on the opposite side to the heating element. These grooves 35 are for example located along an edge of the frame including along one or branches 30 as in Figures 2 and 4 to 6, or along one or more proximal 31 and distal portions 32 of the support 4 as in FIG. 3.

According to an alternative embodiment, an application unit 100 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively, devoid of and loaded with cosmetic product P. This variant differs from the application unit described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, in that that or the grooves 35 connecting the different compartments 34 between them, are located on the inner face, that is to say facing the heating element 3 or its metal coating, and extend over an edge of the frame along one or more branches 30.

In all variants of application unit 100 or grooves 35 may extend only over a portion of the support so as to connect only some successive compartments. Thus one or the first grooves can connect the first compartments 34 proximal to the application unit relative to the base 2 of the applicator, and one or second grooves can then connect the other compartments 34.

In the illustrated examples the bottom of the support 4 is perforated but it can be full according to other variants. A perforated bottom allows direct transmission of the heat of the heating element 3 to the product P and thus a faster application temperature.

The support 4 is for example made of plastic, in particular a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or, alternatively, non-polyolefinic materials such as styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS) or polyoxymethylene (POM). These plastics may optionally be filled with particles or mineral fibers, for example metal oxides, powder or fiberglass or carbon black, for example to improve and / or control the transfer of heat in the support 4 to the product, and / or to improve the rigidity of the support 4.

Alternatively the support 4 may be made of metal, for example aluminum, brass, silver or stainless steel.

The support 4 is made by injection molding. The injection molding process will be described later in the description. Support variants 4 comprising a single frame forming a compartment adapted to receive a cosmetic product have been described, but application unit variants illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 20 may comprise a plurality of frames. These supports 4 may have the same characteristics as the previous supports, for example comprise ribs 33 and / or grooves 35.

Thus, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 20, when the support 4 extends over more than half a revolution about the Y axis, two opposing frames with respect to the Y axis may be present on the support 4.

Referring to Figure 18, the support 4 extends over a revolution about the Y axis, four frames for example positioned every 90 ° relative to the Y axis may be present on the support 4.

With reference to FIG. 19, the support 4 extends over less than one revolution or over a complete revolution around the Y axis, two frames offset by an angle β, for example less than 90 °, for example equal to 70 °, relative to the Y axis may be present on the support 4.

FIG. 13 shows an applicator according to another exemplary implementation with an application unit adapted to this applicator 1 '.

The application unit 100 can be received in a cup 20. The latter is for example made of thermoplastic material, but can also be metallic, in order to promote the heat transfer of the heating element (not shown) to the unit The cup 20 may be useful in reducing the risk of product flow out of the applicator during heating. The cup 20 may be recessed or have a closed bottom.

The cup 20 may be removably secured in the receiving area 5 of the applicator 1 ', so as to allow its removal, for example in order to replace or change the application unit. The cup 20 can also be integrated into the base of the applicator. The cup 20 may also be part of the application unit 100.

The application unit 100 can be clipped into the cup 20, or simply be mounted in the cup 20.

Such an applicator is suitable for example for applying a product to the lips or the skin. The support 4 may also, as shown in FIG. 12, comprise application elements 28 projecting. In the case of an application on the eyelashes, the applicator elements 28 may be useful for separating the laden eyelashes and defining combing means for the eyelashes.

The application elements 28 can be arranged on the branches 30 of the support 4, for example the application elements 28 can extend in two rows parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the support 4, each disposed on a branch 30 of the support 4.

When the support 4 is made of thermoplastic material, the application elements 28 may be made in one piece with the rest of the support 4 or, alternatively, being reported thereon.

In the example shown, the application elements 28 are teeth extending between the ribs 33. The same number of application elements 28 is for example disposed between two adjacent ribs 33.

The application elements 28 may be arranged in rows parallel to the Y axis and project above the ribs 33.

The cosmetic product P also called cosmetic composition can extend as illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 9 and 10, in the frame of the support 4 formed by the two lateral branches 30 interconnected at their proximal and distal ends. Thus the product P extends over less than one revolution around the Y axis of the support 4, resting by an internal face, opposite to the application face against the bottom of the support 4, which is positioned opposite the electric heating element 3 when the application unit 100 is in place on the base 2. The product P thus extends only over a portion of the metal element covering the heating element, thus avoiding dirtying the entire surface of the metal element.

When the support 4 has ribs 33 the product P does not extend above the ribs 33. Preferably the product P is less partially set back from the upper end of said ribs 33, allowing a user to take the 100 application unit without his fingers come into contact with the cosmetic product P, and thus avoiding dirty fingers

The support 4 carries for example between 10 and 100 mg of product, for example between 20 and 50 mg of product, for example of the order of 30 mg. This quantity being by example adapted for a single use. When the product is for example of the mascara type, the quantity of product makes it possible for example to make up a fringe or two fringes of eyelashes. By mascara is meant a composition intended to be applied to keratinous fibers.

The product may be applicable cold. For example, the product may be a make-up product such as a lipstick, a mascara, an eyeshadow, a kohl. The product may also be a personal care product such as a soap or a deodorant. The product may also be a hair product such as a styling gel, a wax or a hair care product.

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 solid polymer at room temperature. By "solid" is meant a product that does not flow under the effect of gravity at 20 ° C.

The composition may comprise at least one compound chosen from:

polymers and copolymers comprising at least one alkene monomer, in particular copolymers based on ethylene,

vinyl polyacetate homopolymers,

silicone resins,

the block-forming ethylenic polymers, which preferably comprise at least a first block and at least a second block having different glass transition temperatures (Tg), said first and second blocks being interconnected by an intermediate block comprising at least one constituent monomer of the first block and at least one constituent monomer of the second block,

copolymers of dienes and styrene,

sulfopolyesters,

copolymers of alkene and of vinyl acetate, in particular copolymers of ethylene and of vinyl acetate;

copolymers of ethylene and octene,

vinyl polyacetate homopolymers, silicone resins T, such as polyphenylsiloxanes,

the ethylenic block copolymers which are film-forming and essentially derived from monomers chosen from alkyl methacrylates, alkyl acrylates, and mixtures thereof,

copolymers of butadiene and styrene,

copolymers obtained by condensation of diethylene glycol, cyclohexane dimethyl, isophthalic acid and sulphoisophthalic acid, and mixtures thereof.

The spinning characteristic may in particular be from dmax to 5 mm, in particular being determined according to the protocol described in paragraphs [0120] to [0127] of application EP 1 955 610.

The product P is, for example, solid at 20 ° C. and has a hot running character at a temperature greater than 30 ° C., for example at a temperature of between 30 ° C. and 80 ° C., preferably between 40 ° C. and 70 ° C. vs. The electric heating element then has the role of bringing the product to a temperature sufficient to cause its melting and allow the formation of son of product, especially at the end of the eyelashes.

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

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 product described in this example is of the mascara type for application on the eyelashes, but alternatively, the product may be intended for application to the lips, nails or may still be a product for making up the skin, for example a foundation, in these other applications the support 4 may then have no ribs 33.

The product P is loaded on the support 4 by injection molding. The injection molding process will be described later in the description.

In alternative embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16 and 20, an application unit 100 may comprise several cosmetic products P, P '. The different products are for example of different colors or have different properties. The various products offered may for example lead to makeup more or less loaded, more or less lengthening.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, at least two compartments 34 comprise a different cosmetic product. The support 4 of the application unit 100 comprises a frame with a row of compartments 34. A first compartment series 34 proximal to the base 2 of the applicator, comprises a first product P, for example a first color and / or having a determined stringiness. A second series of compartments 34 distal to the base 2 of the applicator, comprises a second product P 'for example of a second color and / or having another spinning character. In this way, in the case of products to be applied to the eyelashes, the user can obtain an eyelash fringe with portions of two different colors and / or with an elongation of different lengths.

According to a variant shown in FIG. 16, at least one compartment 34 comprises two different cosmetic compositions P, P 'stacked one above the other. The support 4 of the application unit 100 comprises a frame with a row of compartments 34. The bottom of the compartments 34 comprises a first product P. A second product P 'is positioned over the first product P. In this way the heating of the two products can cause their melting and makes it possible to obtain a mixture consisting of the two products. Thus one can obtain an extemporaneous mixture of two products P, P 'independently stable.

According to another variant shown in FIG. 20, in the case of a support 4 comprising two rows of compartments 34, each of these rows comprises a different cosmetic composition P, P '. For example, the first composition P can be a makeup base for keratinous fibers or a composition for the cosmetic treatment of keratinous fibers, and the second composition P 'can be a makeup of keratinous fibers or a composition to be applied to a mascara. Such compositions are described in particular in application WO2009062947. In this way, the user can first apply the first eyelash preparation product P and then the second product P 'for eyelash makeup. FIGS. 28 to 33 show variants of application units 100 that can for example be used alone as an applicator without needing to be fixed on an applicator comprising a reception zone of the unit 100.

Referring to Figure 28, the support 4 comprises a rod serving as a gripping member for the user. One end of the rod 6 comprises a cylindrical attachment site 7 of the cosmetic product P comprising application elements 28 extending radially from the attachment site 7. The product P is injection-molded at the attachment site 7, the free end of the application elements 28 protruding from the product block P thus injected. Such an application unit 100 can thus form an applicator of the mascara brush type. The application elements 28 allow for example a better maintenance of the product P on the support 4, and also allow better separation of the eyelashes during the application of the product P.

Referring to Figure 29, the application unit 100 comprises a support 4 having a rod 6 serving as a gripping member for the user. One end of the rod 6 has an attachment site 7 extending substantially in a plane to form a tray. Application ribs 33 extend transversely on the plateau of the attachment site 7 of the cosmetic product P. The product P is injection-molded at the attachment site 7, the free end of the application ribs 33 protruding from the block of product P thus injected. Such an application unit 100 can thus form an applicator of the mascara comb type. The ribs 33 allow for example a better maintenance of the product P on the support 4, and also allow better separation of the eyelashes during the application of the product.

With reference to FIG. 30, the application unit 100 comprises a support 4 having a handle 6 serving as a gripping member for the user. One end of the handle 6 forms a fastening site 7 for example in the form of a lamella. This end of the handle is thinner than the handle to provide flexibility of the binding site relative to the handle that remains rigid during application. This flexible end will allow the user to have the feeling of a soft tip such as a foam tip for example. The product P is injection-molded around the attachment site 7. Such an application unit 100 can thus form an applicator of the eyeshadow type. With reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, the application unit 100 comprises a support 4 having a substantially cylindrical handle 6 serving as a gripping member for the user. A boss extends from an end face of the handle, this boss forming a fixing site 7. The product P is injection molded around the boss forming the attachment site 7. The product P injected can then flush the edge of the end face of the handle 6. The block of product formed after injection can take any form suitable for the desired type of application. For example, the application unit of FIG. 31 comprises a block of ogive product thus forming an applicator of the Khôl type, whereas the application unit of FIG. 32 comprises a block with a beveled face thus forming a lipstick applicator.

With reference to FIG. 33, the application unit 100 comprises a support 4 having a substantially circular plate 6 on one side of which extends a hoop 8 for gripping the support 4. The other face of the plate forms the attachment site 7 of the product P which is injection molded on this face. The injected product P may then come flush with the edge of the face of the plate 6 and have a hemispherical shape in this example, but may also take any form suitable for the desired type of application. Not shown pins may be arranged on the face of the plate forming the attachment site 7. The cosmetic product P may be a hygiene product soap or deodorant type. The pins allow for example a better maintenance of the product on the support, and may also allow to massage the application surface or to improve the foaming effect of the cosmetic product in the case of a soap.

With reference to FIG. 34, the application unit 100 comprises a support 4 having a handle 6 serving as a gripping member for the user. One end of the handle has an attachment site 7 extending substantially in a plane to form a tray. Application members 28 extend perpendicularly away from the tray to form a comb or hair brush. The product P is injection-molded on the attachment site 7 between the application elements 28, the free end of said applicator elements 28 protruding from the product block P thus injected. The injected product may be a styling gel, a hair care product or a wax. The application elements allow for example a better maintenance of the product P on the support 4, and also allow better comb the hair during the application of the product. Figures 35 to 39 show sectional views of attachment site 7 with injection molding variants of the product. These attachment sites 7 are for example located at the end of a rod 6 of the support 4 serving as a gripping member as in the example of FIG. 28.

With reference to FIG. 35, the rod 6 serving as a gripping member for the user is tubular. The product P is injection-molded at the tubular attachment site 7, through the inside of the rod 6 by an injection point represented by the arrow. The product P positioned both in the end of the rod 6 and around allows for example a better maintenance of the mass of product P on the support 4.

With reference to FIG. 36, the fixing site 7 and the molding method are similar to those of FIG. 35, the attachment site 7 also comprising application elements 28 protruding from the product block P thus injected as in FIG. the application unit of Figure 28. The maintenance of the product on the support, is thus further improved.

Referring to Figure 37, the support 4 forms a rod 6 serving on the one hand gripping member and further comprising an end forming a fixing site 7 of the product. The rod 6 comprises an annular groove 9 substantially positioned between the gripping portion of the application unit and the fixing site 7. The product P is injection molded around the fixing site 7 and around the annular groove 9 thus allowing a better axial retention of the mass of product on the support.

With reference to FIG. 38, the application unit is similar to that of FIG. 37, the groove 9 being, however, helical extending along the surface of the attachment site 7.

With reference to FIG. 39, the cylindrical fixing site 7 has several annular grooves 9, the product P being injected only in these annular grooves 9.

Referring to Figure 40, the application unit 100 comprises a support 4 having a rod 6, a first end has a fastening site 7 on which the product is injection molded. The second end of the rod 6 comprises a screwing socket for example on a container not shown, so that the application unit 100 can be stored in said container. In this example the bush serves as a gripping member for the user.

Referring to Figure 41, the application unit 100 is formed by a support 4 in the form of sleeve around which is injected the product, the attachment site 7 then being the outer surface of the sleeve. This application unit 100 is adapted to come on an applicator 1 having a rod on which the sleeve is fixed. Once secured the sleeve can be stationary relative to rod or rotatable around the axis of the rod. The axis of the rod may be associated with an element emitting vibrations in the rod and / or a motor for rotating the rod about its axis.

The method of manufacturing and loading the support 4 of product P by injection molding will now be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 27. By injection molding is meant molding of a part by injection of a material into the mold. fluid state under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure in a closed volume apart from the injection orifice defined by the mold.

An injection press 50 is shown schematically in FIG. 21. The press 50 comprises a first 51 and a second 52 half-mold mounting plate. The second plate 52 is fixedly mounted relative to a not shown frame. The first plate 51 is mounted to move in translation on slides 56 along a longitudinal axis Z. The two plates 51 and 52 extend transversely to the axis Z.

Unrepresented actuating means such as hydraulic cylinders for example, allow the translation of the first plate 51, in particular in the direction of the second plate 52. The thrust force of the actuating means of the first plate 51 against the second plate 52 in view of the closure of the molds, is for example greater than 100 tons.

A first half-mold 54 is mounted on the first plate 51 via a pivoting plate 53 around the Z axis. A complementary mold 55 is mounted on the second plate 52. The complementary half-mold 55 can be formed by a second independent half-mold 55 'and a third half-mold 55. The second and third half-molds 55', 55 "are positioned so that when the first plate 51 translates towards the second plate 52 , the first half-mold 54 is facing and comes into contact with the second and third half-molds 55 ', 55 "for closing the molds. The first half-mold 54 comprises a first set of identical prints 60. It is necessary to understand by a series of imprints an identical imprint that can be repeated a certain number of times in order to create several identical pieces simultaneously. A series of footprints may therefore include a single footprint to create one piece at a time.

The second mold half 55 'has a second set of cavities 61 and the third half mold 55' has a third set of cavities 62. The second and third sets of cavities 61 and 62 are positioned so that the first series of cavities 60 is opposite the second series of cavities 61 in a first angular position of the pivot plate 53, and facing the third series of cavities 62 in a second angular position of the pivot plate 53 For example, the two angular positions are located 180 ° to each other with respect to the Z axis, but other angles are also possible.

The press 50 also comprises a first 57 and a second feed hopper 58 respectively containing the material for producing the support and the cosmetic product. These two materials are introduced at room temperature of about 20 ° C into the hoppers for example in the form of solid granules.

Each hopper is associated with an unrepresented feed device making it possible to transform the solid matter of the hoppers into a fluid material and to transfer this pressurized fluid matter to the feed channels 67 and 68 respectively of the second and third series of cavities. 61 and 62. For this purpose the supply device may comprise heating elements making it possible to obtain a temperature of the material, for example greater than 50 ° C. for the cosmetic product or greater than 100 ° C. for thermoplastic materials, and means putting under pressure as a worm for injecting the fluid under pressure. The injection pressure of the material of the support 4 is for example greater than 500 bar. The injection pressure of the cosmetic product is, for example, greater than 10 bar, preferably between 15 bar and 20 bar, but may also be greater than 20 bar.

The feed channels 67, 68 are maintained at the injection temperature to the mold cavities to prevent solidification of the material in said channels. The molds also comprise cooling circuits, not shown for example by water, making it possible to lower the temperature of the cavities after injection of the material to cause solidification of the molded parts. After cooling, the temperature of the cavity is, for example, less than 40 ° C., or even less than 30 ° C.

The steps of the manufacturing process are as follows.

In a first step, the first half-mold 54 is brought into contact with the second half-mold 55 ', by the translation of the first mounting plate 51 towards the second mounting plate 52. At this stage a first volume injection is formed by the first and second cavities 60 and 61. The first injection volume defines the volume corresponding to the support 4.

In a second step illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, the material of the support 4 is injected through the injection channel 67 in the first injection volume. The amount of material injected is less than 0.1 g or less than 0.05 g.

The single point of injection of the support 4, at the end of the injection channel 67, is for example located at one end of the support, for example at the proximal portion 31 or the distal portion 32 of the support 4. L injection can also be done by several different injection points.

The injection of the support 4 takes place at a temperature above 110 ° C so that the material of the support is fluid. The injection temperature is for example greater than 130 ° C if the material used for the support is ABS, SAN or PE, or even greater than 165 ° C if the material used is PP or POM.

Once the injection is complete, the mold is then cooled to a temperature below 100 ° C so that the support 4 solidifies.

In a third step illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the mold is opened by the translation of the first mounting plate 51 in the direction opposite to the second mounting plate 52.

The supports 4 are not ejected and remain positioned in the first series of cavities 60 of the first mold half 54. The pivot plate 53 then rotates 180 ° to position the first series of cavities 60 holding the supports 4 next to the third series of cavity 62. The mold is then closed by translation of the first mounting plate 51 towards the second mounting plate 52. this step, a second injection volume is formed by the first and third series of impressions 60 and 62.

In the fourth step illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27, the cosmetic product P is injected onto the support 4 via the injection channel 68 in the second injection volume.

The quantity of cosmetic product injected is, for example, less than 1 g, or even less than 0.5 g, and even less than 0.1 g.

For example, each compartment may comprise about 0.05 g of cosmetic product.

The single point of injection of the product P, at the end of the injection channel 68, is for example located at a compartment of the support 4. During the injection of the cosmetic product P into a compartment 34, the product also spreads into the other compartments via the grooves 35.

Preferably, when the support comprises an odd number of compartments, the injection point is located at the central compartment. In this way the constraints of the injection of the product P on the support 4 are distributed symmetrically on the support.

The injection can also be done by several different injection points, for example the mold may have an injection point per compartment of the support.

The injection of the product P takes place at a temperature above 50 ° C. so that the cosmetic product is fluid. It is important that the injection temperature of the cosmetic product is lower than that of the support so as not to fluidify the support 4.

Once the injection of the cosmetic product is complete, the mold is cooled to a temperature below 40 ° C so that the cosmetic product P solidifies on the support 4 to adhere to the latter and thus forms an application unit 100.

In a fifth step, the mold is opened by translating the first mounting plate 51 in the opposite direction to the second mounting plate 52.

The application units 100 are ejected from the mold by unrepresented ejection means. The turntable 53 then rotates 180 ° to position the first series of cavities 60, facing the second series of cavities 61 as in the initial position of the first stage.

The process then resumes the steps from the first and so on. Alternatively, the first half-mold 53 may comprise a second first series of cavities 60 'identical to the first series of cavities 60 and located in this example symmetrically opposite to the Z axis at the first series of cavities 60 that is to say shifted 180 ° relative to the Z axis.

In this way it is possible to perform the same cycle simultaneously as with the first set of impressions offset by an injection.

Thus, during the first step, the second first series of cavities 60 'form with the third series of cavities 62, a second injection volume for the injection of the cosmetic product. It should be noted that, apart from the first injection cycle, the second first set of impressions 60 'comprises at this stage the support 4.

Similarly, during the fourth step, the second first set of cavities 60 'forms with the second set of cavities 61, a first injection volume for the injection of the support.

Advantageously, this method makes it possible, on the one hand, to form the application units 100 on a single press, and on the other hand to be able to inject, in masked time, a series of support and a series of application units 100.

The same principle can be implemented when the application unit 100 comprises several cosmetic products, for example application units comprising two cosmetic products as illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16 or 20.

The first half-mold 54 then comprises a third identical series of identical prints 60 ", each first series of cavities 60, 60 ', 60" being, for example, offset from each other by 120 ° in rotation relative to the other. Z axis.

The complementary half-mold 55 comprises a third series of impressions

63, the sets of impressions of the complementary half-mold 55 are located opposite the first series of cavities 60, 60 'and 60 "so as to cooperate with the latter to form a complete mold.

The press 50 then comprises an additional feed hopper 59, associated with a not shown feed device, connected to a feed channel 69 to the third footprints 63. An additional injection step is then provided and the rotation of the turntable 53 is in steps of 120 °.

The implementation of the injection method on the press described above can also be easily adapted by those skilled in the art of injection, to the implementation on other types of injection presses such as presses swiveling multi-faces as described in US2002101005 or WO2004103676. It may also be possible to inject simultaneously or almost simultaneously into the same mold on the one hand the cosmetic product and the other by the material forming the support.

The supports 4, after the product loading having been carried out by the method described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 27, can be marketed in a packaging, for example a blister, comprising a plurality of application units 100 with or without applicator 1. In the case where an applicator 1 is provided in the packaging, an application unit 100 may already be attached to the applicator 1.

Application units may contain the same or different products. The different products are for example of different colors or have different properties. The various products offered may for example lead to makeup more or less loaded, more or less lengthening.

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.

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.

The applicator can be offered to the consumer with the base and several application units. The base can notably be proposed within the same packaging with several identical application units or with several units application with different products and the user can then choose an application unit depending on the product he wants to use.

It is also possible to propose to the user, in particular within the same packaging, application units loaded or not with the same product but having different reliefs, for example having more or less application elements in the same packaging. protrusion or ribs oriented differently, for example to comb more or less the eyelashes during the application and make a makeup more or less loaded.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. The characteristics of the various examples may especially 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

1. A method of producing a cosmetic product application unit, the application unit comprising a support having a fixing site on which a mass of cosmetic product is molded, the method is characterized in that the cosmetic product is injection molded on the support.

2. Production method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a first injection of a first material in a first injection volume is carried out to form the support, the first injection volume being defined in an injection mold; a partial modification of the mold is performed to obtain a second injection volume while maintaining the support injected in the previous step; a second injection of cosmetic product is made in the second injection volume, the composition of the cosmetic product being different from the first material forming the support.

3. Production method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the injection temperature of the cosmetic composition is less than the injection temperature of the support.

4. Production method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a third injection of a second cosmetic composition into a third injection volume formed after partial modification of the mold forming the second volume, and comprising the support loaded with first cosmetic composition that remained in the mold after the second injection.

5. Application unit obtained by the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the melting temperature of the cosmetic product is greater than 30 ° C and less than the melting temperature of the material forming the support, the temperature of melting of the material forming the support being greater than 100 ° C. Application unit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing site comprises application elements or at least two receiving compartments separated from one another by ribs.

Application unit according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the support comprises a gripping member for using the application unit directly as a cosmetic product applicator.

Application unit according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the support is adapted to be fixed on a receiving zone of an applicator.