EP3146865A1 - Applicator for cosmetic product and associated applicator assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An applicator (10) for a cosmetic product comprising a core (12) and a plurality of protuberances (30) protruding from the core (12), at least one of said protuberances (30) presenting in the form of a plate (31), said plate (31) being connected to the core (12) by a reinforcing zone (32) having a radius of curvature (r32) greater than or equal to 0.3 mm. The invention also relates to an associated applicator assembly.

Description

The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product and an associated applicator assembly.

Cosmetic product applicator assemblies are known, in particular for a cosmetic product intended to be applied to eyelashes such as mascara, comprising a container containing the cosmetic product and an applicator adapted to be removably attached to the container.

The container generally comprises a body, the body comprising walls defining a reservoir in which the cosmetic product is contained, and a neck defining an opening through which the cosmetic product can be extracted.

The applicator assembly generally includes a cap adapted to be attached to the neck, a stem extending from the plug and an applicator attached to a free end of the stem. The applicator includes a core and a plurality of protuberances extending from the core for loading and combing the mascara eyelashes.

When the cap is fixed on the neck, the rod and the applicator extend inside the tank. The applicator is immersed in the cosmetic product contained in the reservoir.

To use the applicator, the user detaches the neck cap and extracts the applicator from the container. The neck generally comprises a wiper for scraping the surplus of cosmetic product shipped by the applicator. Said wiper has, for this purpose, an orifice of a diameter smaller than that of the casing formed by the free ends of the protuberances of the applicator. The user is therefore sometimes forced to force the applicator through the wiper orifice. Extraction of the applicator from the container can thus cause damage to the protuberances of the applicator, particularly when these are in the form of trays.

The present invention aims to solve the following problem: to provide an applicator which comprises at least one protuberance in the form of a tray which is not likely to be damaged during use of said applicator.

Thus, the invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product comprising a core and a plurality of protuberances projecting from the core, at least one of said protuberances being in the form of a plate.

According to the invention, said plate is bonded to the core by a reinforcing zone having a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 0.3 mm.

• Selon différents modes de réalisation de l'invention, qui pourront être pris ensemble ou séparément :le rayon de courbure de la zone de renfort est en outre inférieur à 2mm,
• l'âme s'étend selon une direction d'extension longitudinale principale, dite direction principale,
• lesdites protubérances font saillie selon une direction sensiblement normale à ladite direction principale, dite direction radiale,
• le rayon de courbure de ladite zone de renfort est mesuré dans un plan comprenant ladite direction principale,
• l'âme, ledit plateau et ladite zone de renfort sont moulés ensemble,
• ledit plateau et ladite zone de renfort sont issus de matière,
• l'âme, ledit plateau et ladite zone de renfort sont issus de matière,
• l'âme, ledit plateau et ladite zone de renfort sont en matière plastique,
• l'applicateur de l'invention comprend deux zones de renfort pour ledit plateau, lesdites deux zones de renforts étant positionnées, le long de ladite direction principale, de part et d'autre dudit plateau,
• ladite pluralité de protubérances comprend une pluralité de plateaux répartis en une pluralité de rangées circonférentielles de plateaux,
• chacun desdits plateaux est lié à l'âme par au moins une dite zone de renfort,
• lesdites rangées circonférentielles de plateaux se succèdent le long de la direction principale,
• les rangées circonférentielles de plateaux se succèdent le long de la direction principale tout en étant décalées angulairement,
• ladite pluralité de protubérances comprend, en outre, des protubérances se présentant sous la forme de dents effilées,
• lesdites dents sont rectilignes,
• lesdites dents sont réparties en une pluralité de rangées circonférentielles de dents, lesdites rangées circonférentielles se succédant le long de la direction principale,
• les rangées circonférentielles de dents se succèdent le long de la direction principale tout en étant décalées angulairement, notamment de l'une des rangées circonférentielle de dents à la suivante,
• lesdites dents présentent chacune une section de forme demi-circulaire formant une surface plane, et sont positionnées de sorte que les surfaces planes de deux dents consécutives d'une même rangée circonférentielle soient orientées dans le même sens giratoire,
• lesdites dents sont issues de matière de l'âme,
• les rangées circonférentielles de plateaux alternent, le long de la direction principale, avec les rangées circonférentielles de dents, notamment une rangée circonférentielle de plateaux alterne, le long de la direction principale, avec deux rangées circonférentielles de dents,
• l'âme est pleine,
• l'applicateur forme une brosse.

Said reinforcing zone forms a reinforced connection between the plate and the core so as to firmly bind the plate with the core. Thus, the tray protrusion of the applicator of the invention is not likely to be damaged during use, especially since its connection with the core is a reinforced bond.

• According to various embodiments of the invention, which may be taken together or separately: the radius of curvature of the reinforcement zone is also less than 2 mm,
• the core extends in a direction of principal longitudinal extension, called principal direction,
• said protuberances protrude in a direction substantially normal to said main direction, said radial direction,
• the radius of curvature of said reinforcing zone is measured in a plane comprising said main direction,
• the core, said plate and said reinforcing zone are molded together,
• said plate and said reinforcing zone are made of material,
• the core, said plate and said reinforcement zone are made of material,
• the core, said plate and said reinforcing zone are made of plastic,
• the applicator of the invention comprises two zones of reinforcement for said plate, said two zones of reinforcements being positioned, along said principal direction, on either side of said plate,
• said plurality of protuberances comprises a plurality of trays distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of trays,
• each of said plates is bonded to the core by at least one said reinforcing zone,
• said circumferential rows of trays follow each other along the main direction,
• the circumferential rows of trays follow one another along the main direction while being offset angularly,
• said plurality of protuberances further comprises protuberances in the form of tapered teeth,
• said teeth are rectilinear,
• said teeth are distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of teeth, said circumferential rows succeeding one another along the main direction,
• the circumferential rows of teeth succeed each other along the main direction while being angularly offset, in particular from one of the circumferential rows of teeth to the next,
• said teeth each have a section of semi-circular shape forming a flat surface, and are positioned so that the plane surfaces of two consecutive teeth of the same circumferential row are oriented in the same direction of rotation,
• said teeth are from matter of the soul,
• the circumferential rows of trays alternate, along the main direction, with the circumferential rows of teeth, in particular a circumferential row of trays alternates, along the main direction, with two circumferential rows of teeth,
• the soul is full,
• the applicator forms a brush.

The invention also relates, advantageously, to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator as described above adapted to be fixed on the container, so that that the applicator is housed inside the tank.

The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the following detailed explanatory description of at least one embodiment of the invention. given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

• la figure 1 est une vue de face d'un exemple de réalisation d'un applicateur selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 illustre la section repérée A-A sur la figure 1,
• la figure 3 illustre la section repérée B-B sur la figure 1,
• la figure 4 illustre la section repérée C-C sur la figure 1,
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessus de l'exemple de réalisation illustré à la figure 1,
• la figure 6 est une représentation isométrique d'un tronçon de l'applicateur illustré à la figure 1,
• la figure 7 est une représentation isométrique légèrement inclinée de l'exemple d'applicateur de la figure 1 qui a été coupé le long de sa direction d'extension longitudinale principale,
• la figure 8 est une représentation similaire à la celle de la figure 7, l'applicateur ayant été coupé en un autre point de ladite direction d'extension longitudinale principale.

On these drawings:

• the figure 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an applicator according to the invention,
• the figure 2 illustrates the section marked AA on the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3 illustrates the section marked BB on the figure 1 ,
• the figure 4 illustrates the section labeled CC on the figure 1 ,
• the figure 5 is a top view of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. figure 1 ,
• the figure 6 is an isometric representation of a section of the applicator illustrated in figure 1 ,
• the figure 7 is a slightly inclined isometric representation of the applicator example of the figure 1 which has been cut along its principal longitudinal extension direction,
• the figure 8 is a representation similar to that of the figure 7 the applicator having been cut at another point of said main longitudinal extension direction.

As illustrated in the figures, the invention relates to an applicator 10 for a cosmetic product comprising a core 12 and a plurality of protuberances 30 projecting from the core 12. The term "protuberances 30 projecting from the core 12 "protuberances whose base is at the core 12 and which extend towards an opposite free end.

It should be noted that the free ends of said protuberances 30 form an envelope E, especially when the applicator 10 of the invention is viewed from the front (see figure 1 ).

As illustrated in the figures, the core 12 extends in a direction of principal longitudinal extension, said main direction and marked X. The core 12 is here represented full. It may be hollow without departing from the scope of the invention. The core 12 advantageously has a circular section, substantially constant along said main direction X. It may also have a polygonal section, this without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the soul 12 will have a diameter d12 of between 3 and 4mm; the soul illustrated here has a diameter d12 of the order of 3.40mm (see figure 2 ).

The dimensions of the section of the core 12 may also vary along said main direction X, this without departing from the scope of the invention.

It should be noted that said protuberances 30 project, preferably, in a direction substantially normal to said main direction X, said radial direction and marked Y on the Figures 2, 3 and 5 .

At least one of said protuberances 30 is in the form of a plate 31. The term "plate" means a substantially planar protuberance, namely which extends radially from the core 12 having a width in a given plane, radial to said main direction X, and two opposite faces on either side of this plane, said two faces being separated by a thickness e31 (see figure 4 ). For example, the thickness e31 of said plate 31, measured along said main direction X, may be between 0.25 and 1.25mm. It will be, for example, of the order of 0.50mm.

In other words, the plate 31 has a base occupying an angular space of the periphery of the core 12 which is between 10 and 80 degrees of angle. The plate 31 may have a petal shape (see figures 2 , 5 , 7 or 8 ), or be in the form of a triangle, or in the form of a quadrilateral whose width is substantially constant from its base to its free end.

In other words, the plate 31 is a protuberance whose cross section is oblong, ie longer than wide (cross section not shown here).

According to the invention, said plate 31 is connected to the core 12 by a reinforcing zone 32 having a radius of curvature r32 greater than or equal to 0.3 mm. By "reinforcing zone" is meant an area serving as a foot between the core 12 and the plate 31. In other words, the reinforcement zone 32 corresponds to an addition of material making it possible to stiffen the connection between the core 12 and the plateau 31, in particular at the base of said plate 31 (see figures 1 , 4 , 6 , 7 and 8 ).

The Figures 7 and 8 show this connection in detail, in particular the delimitation between the core 12, the reinforcing zone 32 and the plate 31. The base of the plate 31 is designated by the reference 31 'on the Figures 7 and 8 , said mark 31 'designating an edge in these figures. The reinforcement zone 32 starts from the core 12, here cylindrical. The plate 31 is not directly connected to the cylindrical core 12. The plate 31 is advantageously connected to the reinforcing zone 32 at said base 31 '.

By "radius of curvature" is meant the radius of the circle, also called the osculating circle, which is the "best tangent" to a curve. The radius of curvature of the reinforcement zone is thus the radius of the osculating circle of a curve formed by the reinforcement zone. The term "radius of curvature r32 greater than or equal to 0.3mm", a radius of curvature which will be substantially of the order of, for example, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0 , 7mm, or any other values between 0.3 and 2mm. Said reinforcement zone 32 is thus rounded and has a slight inclined slope, which can be used to embark and retain a substantial amount of cosmetic product, especially during a passage of said applicator 10 through a wiper as discussed in the preamble.

On the other hand, the radius of curvature r32 of said reinforcing zone 32 is measured in a plane comprising said main direction X. This means that the radius of curvature r32 of said reinforcement zone is particularly visible when the applicator of the invention is observed from the front (see figures 1 , 4 , 6 , 7 or 8 ). In other words, the radius of curvature r32 is measurable on the figures 1 , 4 and 6 which are figures illustrating the applicator 10, from the front, in the plane of the sheet, which plane comprises said main direction X.

It should be noted that the core 12 is advantageously a molded core, in particular of plastic material. The core 12 and the protuberances 30 will advantageously be molded together, in particular with the zones of reinforcements 32 specific to each plate 31. This means that the protuberances and / or the reinforcement zones 32 may be overmolded on the core 12, or even out 12. For example, the core 12, the protuberances 30, and the reinforcement zones 32 may be molded from a material based on LDPE (low density polyethylene). Other materials may still be used, namely the "EXACT" material from ExxonMobil or the "HYTREL" material from Dupont, or even a mixture of these materials.

It should be noted, here, the presence of two reinforcing zones 32 for the same plate 31, said two zones of reinforcements 32 being positioned, along said main direction X, on either side of said plate 31 (see in particular the figures 6 , 7 and 8 ).

In other words, the reinforcing zone 32 makes the connection between the core 12 and the plate 31 and this can be considered as being double; that is to say, there is a reinforcement zone 32 which comprises two opposite radii of curvature, on either side of a plane containing the plate 31.

The plates 31, thus reinforced, have an increased rigidity, especially with respect to the plates 31 which would be linked with the core 12 by means of a single reinforcement 32.

In other words, the reinforcing zone 32 comprises at least one radius of curvature in the case where the plate 31 is connected to the core 12 by a radius of curvature on one side and a right angle on the other side, or even by two opposite radii of curvature, as mentioned above.

Said protuberances 30 consist of a plurality of plates 31 and a plurality of tapered teeth 33. The term "tapered tooth 33" means a protuberance with a thin base. In other words, a said tapered tooth has a base occupying an angular space of the periphery of the core 12 of a unit, or even a few units of angle degrees. Said teeth 33 will be rectilinear and will each have a section of semicircular shape thus forming a flat surface, marked F33 on the figure 3 . Said teeth 33 will preferably be made of material with the core 12.

On the other hand, said trays 31 are here distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of trays 31, each of said trays 31 being connected to the core 12 by at least one said reinforcement zone 32. Said circumferential rows of trays follow one another along the main direction X.

The figure 2 illustrates a said circumferential row of trays 31. It is found that, in the example illustrated here, said trays 31 are 6, equidistant from each other. So, as illustrated on the figure 5 said plates 31 have an angular spacing α of 60 degrees angle between them. This example is not limiting and said angular spacing α may be between 30 degrees of angle (12 trays per circumferential row) and 45 degrees of angle (4 trays per circumferential row), this without departing from the scope of the invention.

31 comprise entre 1 et 2mm, par exemple de l'ordre de 1,5mm (voir figure 2). De plus, la répartition des plateaux 31 les uns par rapport aux autres au sein d'une même rangée circonférentielle permet la création d'interstices 34, aptes à embarquer et retenir du produit cosmétique.For example, each plate 31 may have the shape of a petal width

31 between 1 and 2mm, for example of the order of 1.5mm (see figure 2 ). In addition, the distribution of trays 31 relative to each other within the same circumferential row allows the creation of interstices 34, able to embark and retain the cosmetic product.

The circumferential rows of trays 31 which follow one another along the main direction X form an envelope E1 with the free ends of said trays 31 (see FIG. figure 2 ). Here, the envelope E1 is of substantially constant cylindrical shape along the main direction X. Said envelope E1 has, here, a diameter of the order of 8 mm for example.

The applicator 10 of the invention has, in addition, a proximal end 13, extended by a sleeve 15 without protuberance. This sleeve 15 is intended to cooperate with a rod (not shown). The end opposite said proximal end 13, along the main direction X, is said distal end 14.

The envelope E1 has a frustoconical shape in the vicinity of said distal end 14, in particular to allow precise makeup hard-to-reach areas such as the corner of the eyes of a user. The frustoconical shape of the envelope E1 is given by the free ends of the plates 31 belonging to the circumferential rows marked R1-R3 on the figures 1 and 5 .

It should be noted, as is particularly visible on Figures 5, 6 , 7 and 8 , that the circumferential rows of trays 31 follow one another along the main direction X while being angularly offset. In other words, an angular offset between two successive circumferential rows along the main direction X will be provided, in particular an angle value of the order of half of the angle α described above. For example, here, the circumferential rows of successive trays 31 are shifted by 30 degrees of angle. It is possible to provide an angular offset between two successive circumferential rows of an angle value of the order of one third of the angle α (20 degrees of angle), without departing from the scope of the invention.

This angular offset has the advantage of creating charging zones, between said circumferential rows of trays 31, along the main direction X, which enrich the makeup possibilities offered by the applicator 10 of the invention.

Advantageously, the teeth 33 are also distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of teeth 33. Said rows follow one another along the main direction X. In particular, the circumferential rows of teeth 33 follow one another along the main direction X while being offset angularly, in particular from one of the circumferential rows of teeth to the next.

For example, the teeth 33 are spaced, within the same circumferential row, an angle β of the order of 60 degrees of angle (see figure 3 ). This example is not limiting and said angular spacing β may be between 30 degrees of angle (12 teeth per circumferential row) and 45 degrees of angle (4 teeth per circumferential row), without departing from the scope of the invention.

Said circumferential rows of teeth 33 form an envelope E2 with their free end (see figure 3 ). Here, the envelope E2 is cylindrical substantially constant along the main direction X, and have a diameter of about 8mm for example.

The envelope E2 has, in addition, a frustoconical shape in the vicinity of said distal end 14, in particular to allow precise makeup hard-to-reach areas such as the corner of the eyes of a user. Said frustoconical shape of the envelope E2 is given by the free ends of the teeth 33 belonging to circumferential rows adjacent to said distal end 14.

In the context of the example illustrated here, the envelope E1 - formed by the circumferential rows of trays 31, and the envelope E2 - formed by the circumferential rows of teeth 33 are combined to form the same envelope E.

The respective diameters of said two envelopes E1, E2 may also be provided with different values, without departing from the scope of the invention, so as to obtain additional makeup effects due to the nesting of two envelopes E1, E2. one in the other.

Advantageously, the teeth 33 will be positioned here so that the plane surfaces F33 of two consecutive teeth 33 of the same circumferential row are oriented in the same direction of rotation, in order to facilitate the molding.

It should be noted that the circumferential rows of trays 31 alternate, along the main direction X, with the circumferential rows of teeth 33. It may be provided to alternate a circumferential row of each type, regularly, one after the other. other, along said main direction X. It may also be expected to alternately said rows irregularly along said main direction X, this without departing from the scope of the invention.

Here, the circumferential rows of trays 31 alternate, along the main direction X, with the circumferential rows of teeth 33.

• une rangée circonférentielle de plateaux 31 formant un premier motif M1 ; puis
• deux rangées circonférentielles de dents 33 décalées angulairement l'une par rapport à l'autre, par exemple d'un angle de 30 degrés, formant ainsi un second motif m2 ; puis
• une rangée circonférentielle de plateaux 31 formant un troisième motif M3, les plateaux 31 de ladite rangée étant décalés angulairement par rapport aux plateaux 31 de la rangée formant le premier motif M1, par exemple d'un angle de 30 degrés ; puis
• deux rangées circonférentielles de dents 33 décalées angulairement l'une par rapport à l'autre, formant ainsi un quatrième motif m4. Les dents 33 qui forment ce quatrième motif sont, avantageusement, une image symétrique des dents formant le second motif m2 par rapport à un plan formé par la rangée de plateaux 31 intercalés entre ledit second motif m2 et ledit quatrième motif m4 (cette rangée de plateaux 31 intercalés formant ledit troisième motif M3) ; puis
• une rangée circonférentielle de plateaux 31 répétant ledit premier motif M1 ; et ainsi de suite.

The figure 6 illustrates a preferential alternation. As can be seen in this figure, this preferential alternation comprises, from left to right, the following succession of rows:

• a circumferential row of trays 31 forming a first pattern M1; then
• two circumferential rows of teeth 33 angularly offset relative to each other, for example at an angle of 30 degrees, thus forming a second pattern m2; then
• a circumferential row of trays 31 forming a third pattern M3, the trays 31 of said row being angularly offset from the trays 31 of the row forming the first pattern M1, for example at a 30 degree angle; then
• two circumferential rows of teeth 33 angularly offset relative to each other, thus forming a fourth pattern m4. The teeth 33 which form this fourth pattern are, advantageously, a symmetrical image of the teeth forming the second pattern m2 with respect to a plane formed by the row of plates 31 interposed between said second pattern m2 and said fourth pattern m4 (this row of trays 31 interposed forming said third pattern M3); then
• a circumferential array of trays 31 repeating said first pattern M1; And so on.

The alternation of patterns M1, m2, M3 and m4 which is illustrated in detail on the figure 6 has the advantage of providing an applicator to the makeup effects varying alternately along said main direction X, without the user realizing it. This alternation of makeup effects has the advantage of loading the eyelashes of the user in a consistent manner, in particular by means of load zones scattered along said main direction X, in particular at the level of the patterns m2 and m4. .

It should be noted, too, that the applicator 10 advantageously forms a brush.

It should be noted, again, that the invention also relates to an applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising a container (not shown) comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator 10 as described above. adapted to be fixed on the container, so that the applicator 10 is housed inside the tank.

It should also be noted that variant embodiments are of course possible. In particular, it can also be envisaged, in additional exemplary embodiments, that the circumferential rows of trays and / or teeth occupy only part of the angular periphery of the core.

Claims (10)

An applicator (10) for a cosmetic product comprising a core (12) and a plurality of protuberances (30) projecting from the core (12), at least one of said protuberances (30) being in the form of a plate (31), said plate (31) being connected to the core (12) by a reinforcing zone (32) having a radius of curvature (r32) greater than or equal to 0.3mm. Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the core (12) extends in a main longitudinal extension direction, said main direction (X), and wherein said protuberances (30) project in a direction substantially normal to said main direction, said radial direction (Y), the radius of curvature (r32) of said reinforcing zone (32) being measured in a plane comprising said main direction (X). An applicator (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (12), said plate (31) and said reinforcing zone (32) are molded together. Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said plate (31) and said reinforcing zone (32) are made of material. Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the core (12), said plate (31) and said reinforcing zone (32) are made of material. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising two reinforcing zones (32) for said plate (31), said two zones of reinforcements (32) being positioned along said main direction (X) on either side of said plate (31). An applicator (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said plurality of protuberances (30) comprises a plurality of trays (31) distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of trays (31), each of said trays (31) being bonded to the core (12) by at least one said reinforcing zone (32), said circumferential rows of trays (31) succeeding each other along the main direction (X) ). Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said plurality of protuberances (30) further comprises protuberances in the form of tapered teeth (33), said teeth (33) being distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of teeth (33), said circumferential rows succeeding one another along the main direction (X). Applicator (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the circumferential rows of trays (31) alternate, along the main direction (X), with the circumferential rows of teeth (33). Applicator assembly for a cosmetic product, comprising: a container comprising a body forming a reservoir intended to contain the cosmetic product, and - An applicator (10) according to any one of the preceding claims adapted to be fixed on the container, so that the applicator (10) is housed inside the tank.

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