EP3197315A1

EP3197315A1 - Application system for applying a product to hair

Info

Publication number: EP3197315A1
Application number: EP14815046.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anne Debauge; Aline OVERTHEIL
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2014-09-25
Filing date: 2014-11-20
Publication date: 2017-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-20
Also published as: ES2922415T3; WO2016046610A1; US11064782B2; FR3026282B1; EP3197315B1; US20170215546A1; FR3026282A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an applicator (2) for applying a product to hair, especially a hair colouring product, comprising: at least one first row (12) of teeth (15) extending longitudinally over a distance l₁ , from a first application face (10) of the applicator (2); and a plurality of second rows (22) of teeth (25), extending longitudinally over a distance l₁ , from a second application face (20) of the applicator (2), which is arranged opposite the first application face (10), the ratio l₁/l₂ being lower than or equal to 0.75.

Description

"Application system to apply a product on the hair"

The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a product to the hair, in particular a hair coloring product.

Numerous devices are known comprising a container and an applicator provided with teeth for dispensing on the hair the product contained in the container. The application of the product is often complicated and requires an expert gesture to obtain a uniform result on all the hair.

The application on the lengths of the hair, the temples and the roots of the hair is generally done with two different tools. A brush with bristles allows the application of the product on the lengths of the hair and a comb allows the application of the product on the temples and hair roots. This complicates the application.

The product is usually applied to the hair using a cannula mounted on a container and then spread over the hair using the applicator. The application of the product requires lifting the arm above the chin and makes the application of the product uncomfortable.

Patent applications JP 2006-326081, CN 103704976 and CN 203483015 disclose applicators for the application of a hair coloring product comprising on one side a brush which receives the coloring product before application and on the other side a comb.

Also known from application JP 2002-65336 an applicator comprising, on each side, a brush, the brushes being connected by a hinge.

It is also known from application FR 2 876 255 a hair product application brush comprising a plurality of rows of application elements, the peripheral and central application elements not having the same flexibility.

There is a need to improve the product applicators on the hair in order to achieve a uniform, precise, easy and comfortable application of a hair product on the lengths of the hair, the temples and the roots, with a single applicator. The invention aims to meet this need and it achieves this through an applicator for applying a product to the hair, in particular a coloring product, comprising:

at least one first row of teeth extending longitudinally over a distance; _; from a first application face of the applicator,

a plurality of second rows of teeth, this plurality extending longitudinally over a distance h _, from a second application face of the applicator situated opposite the first application face, the ratio / being less than or equal to 0.75.

The second application face allows the uniform application of the product on the lengths of the hair, and the first application face allows the application of the product on the temples and hair roots.

The fact that several second rows of teeth extend from the second face makes it possible to define between the teeth spaces capable of receiving the cosmetic product before it is applied to the hair. This allows better control of the amount of product applied.

The fact that the first row is shorter allows a more precise application of the product on the hair, at the temples and roots.

By "extending longitudinally over a distance x" it should be understood that the points furthest from the teeth concerned are separated by a distance x _.

The ratio / may be less than or equal to 0.6.

Preferably, the first and second application faces are planar.

The first and second application faces may have parallel longitudinal axes or not.

Preferably, the applicator comprises at least two first rows of teeth, preferably at least three first rows of teeth. The fact of having several first rows of teeth makes it possible to have a greater quantity of product retained on the applicator, the latter being in particular applied directly to the applicator between the teeth, for example using a cannula .

The first rows of teeth can be parallel to each other. Preferably, the teeth of the first rows of adjacent teeth are not aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first application face.

The distance Dj between the first rows of outermost teeth of the first application face may be between 3 and 15 mm, the distance Dj being the distance, along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first face of application, between the points farthest from the teeth of the first rows of outermost teeth of the first application face.

The applicator may comprise at least two first rows of teeth, preferably three first rows, the first rows being at different distances from each other.

The teeth of each first row are preferably spaced a distance q of between 0.2 mm and 2 mm. This allows effective retention of the product in the spaces between the teeth, by capillarity, so that the latter does not flow from the applicator before application.

Preferably, the teeth of the first row or rows each have a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first application face. Similarly, the teeth of the second rows preferably each have a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the second application face.

The teeth of the first row or rows are preferably longer than the teeth of the second rows, the ratio L ₂ / L ₁ being between 0.5 and 1.5, better still between 0.8 and 1, L 1 being the greater length of the teeth of the first row or rows and L ₂ being the greatest length of the teeth of the second rows, the length of a tooth being defined between its base and its distal end along its longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the second rows of teeth comprise:

at least two external rows of teeth,

at least one inner row of teeth arranged between the two outer rows,

the teeth of the outer rows being advantageously more flexible than the teeth of the inner rows.

The distance D ₂ between the outer rows may be between 5 and 40 mm, the distance D ₂ being the distance, along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second application face, between the points farthest from the teeth of the outer rows.

The smallest distance d between the internal rows and the outer row or rows may be between 0.3 mm and 15 mm, better still between 1 mm and 5 mm.

The distance q between two adjacent teeth of an outer row is preferably between 0.2 mm and 2 mm. This distance makes it possible to have good retention of the product between the teeth.

The second rows of teeth preferably comprise at least two internal rows, preferably at least three internal rows, and still more preferably at least five internal rows. The internal rows of teeth may be equidistant from each other, the inner rows of adjacent teeth being separated from each other by a distance r of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, better still between 1 mm and 6 mm.

Preferably, the teeth of the inner rows are arranged staggered relative to each other. This also allows good retention of the product on the applicator before application, so that it does not escape from the latter before application and forms spaces between the teeth in which the product can be easily deposited, especially using a cannula.

The second application face and the second rows of teeth are preferably symmetrical relative to a longitudinal plane of symmetry M.

Preferably, the teeth of the first rows and / or the outer teeth are of pyramidal shape, in particular triangular base, the teeth of the outermost first rows having, in particular, an edge oriented outwards. Such a shape makes it possible to have a large contact area between the teeth and the hair and to allow better retention of the product between the teeth. In a variant, the teeth of the first rows and / or the external teeth are of cylindrical shape, in particular with a circular, oval or polygonal base.

Preferably, the teeth of the first rows and / or outer rows are made of thermoplastic material, in particular polyolefin, PP, PE, ABS, TPE, PET or PA.

Preferably, the teeth of the row or rows are not all the same height and / or the same width. The first and last teeth of each inner row may be the teeth of greater width and greater height of said inner row. The applicator may comprise a handle, in particular molded with the rest of the applicator. The handle preferably comprises lateral reinforcements, in particular lateral reinforcements with a thickness e of between 0.1 mm and 5 mm. The handle may have, at least in part, a thickness and / or a width decreasing towards the distal end; in particular, the handle can be flattened along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the teeth.

The applicator may have, at least over a portion of its length, in particular on its portion carrying the first and second application faces, in cross section, a general shape of T.

The subject of the invention is also a system for applying a product to the hair, in particular a coloring product, comprising an applicator as described above and a reservoir containing the product to be applied, the reservoir preferably comprising a cannula for place the product between the applicator teeth.

The cannula may have at its end an outer diameter of between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an exemplary system according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a side view along the applicator arrow II of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a view from above according to the applicator arrow III of FIGS. 1 and 2,

FIG. 4 is a view from below according to the arrow IV of the applicator of FIGS. 1 and 2,

FIG. 5 represents the first application face of FIGS. 1 to 4,

FIG. 6 represents the second application face of FIGS. 1 to 4,

FIG. 7 is a sectional view along VII-VII of an applicator of FIGS. 2 to 4,

FIG. 8 represents, in top view, an alternative form of applicator according to the invention, and FIG. 9 is a view from below of the applicator of FIG. 8.

Figures 1 to 4 show a system 1 comprising an applicator 2 and a container 4.

The container 4 comprises a body containing the product to be applied and a cannula 9 for applying the product to the hair and / or the applicator 2. The outside diameter c of the outlet of the cannula 9 is advantageously between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

The applicator 2 may comprise a handle 5 for gripping the applicator 2 and a body 8 for applying a product to the hair, especially a coloring product.

The body 8 has a first application face 10 from which extends at least a first row 12 of teeth 15 and a second application face 20 from which extends a plurality of second rows 22 of teeth 25.

The first and second application faces 10 and 20 are, as illustrated, opposite faces of the body 8 of the applicator 2.

The first and second application faces 10 and 20 may extend respectively along longitudinal axes P and Q, parallel or otherwise.

Preferably, the first and second application faces 10 and 20 are planar.

The first and second application faces 10 and 20 may be parallel and separated by a distance p less than or equal to 50 mm, better still between 10 mm and 30 mm.

The first application face 10 is preferably less wide than the second application face 20.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the body 8 of the applicator 2 has substantially T-shaped section, the large T-bar defining the second application face 20.

Preferably, the second rows of teeth 25 comprise two outer rows 40 of teeth 25 and at least one inner row 50 of teeth 25, the teeth of the outer rows 40 being more flexible than the teeth of the internal row or rows 50.

In the illustrated examples, the first application face 10 carries three first rows 12a to 12c of teeth 15 and the second application face 20 carries seven second rows 22 of teeth 25, including five internal rows 50, but it may be otherwise.

The first rows 12 extend over a length less than that of the second rows 22. The ratio of the lengths h / h is less than or equal to 0.75, better less than or equal to 0.6, /; being the distance between the furthest points of the first and the last teeth of the first longest row 12 and h being the distance between the furthest points of the first and last teeth of the second row 22 the longest.

The first and second rows 12 and 22 of teeth may have more than 5 teeth each, better more than 10 teeth each. Preferably, the first rows 12 and outer rows 40 have more teeth than the inner rows 50.

The width of the first application face 10 may be substantially equal to the distance Dj between the first rows of outermost teeth 12a and 12c, this distance Dj being defined between the outermost points, in particular, as illustrated, between the The distance Dj is preferably between 3 and 15 mm.

The width of the second application face 20 may be substantially equal to the distance D ₂ between the outer rows of teeth 40, this distance D ₂ being defined between the outermost points, in particular, as illustrated, between the outer edges 45 The distance D ₂ is preferably between 5 and 40 mm.

The teeth 15 of the first rows of teeth 12 and the teeth 25 of the outer rows 40 are preferably of pyramidal shape with a triangular base, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, and tap towards their free end 32, as can be seen in the figures 1 and 2. The teeth 15 of the first rows of teeth 12 and the teeth 25 of the outer rows 40 have a base 31, that is to say a cross section at the junction with the corresponding application face 10 or 20, which is preferably triangular and inscribed in a circle with a diameter of between 1.2 mm and 1.4 mm.

The teeth 15 of the first rows of teeth 12 and the teeth 25 of the outer rows 40 preferably have a height of between 1.3 and 10 mm.

Preferably, the teeth 15 of the first rows of outermost teeth

12a and 12c and the teeth 25 of the outer rows 40 each have an edge 30 towards the outside of the corresponding application face 10 or 20. The teeth 25 of the internal rows 50 are preferably of conical shape.

The first rows of teeth 12 may be, as illustrated in Figure 5, at different distances from each other. The row of internal teeth 12b is in particular at different distances from the first rows of external teeth 12a and 12c. It is oriented in the same direction as one of the first two outer rows 12a and 12c.

The teeth 25 of the first rows of teeth 12 and outer rows 40 may be spaced apart by a distance q of between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.2 mm and 2 mm.

Preferably, the teeth 15 of the same rank of the first adjacent rows 12 are offset relative to each other, in particular by a distance q / 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the teeth 15 of the first rows of teeth 12 are all, preferably, of the same length L 1 between 5 mm and 30 mm, better still between 10 mm and 15 mm.

As illustrated, the applicator may comprise, arranged longitudinally between the teeth 15 of the first outermost rows 12a and 12c, elements 60 for retaining the cosmetic product on the first face 10. The applicator may comprise arranged laterally between the first and the outermost rows 12a and 12c. last teeth 15 of the first outermost rows 12a and 12c, elements 65 of retention of the cosmetic product on the first face 10. The retention elements 60 and 65 are preferably in the form of concave partitions to the outside, arranged in the spaces 62 between the teeth 15 and connecting two teeth 15 adjacent to each other. The retention elements 60 and 65 define a closed contour space on the first application face 10, in which the cosmetic product can be housed.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the maximum height h of the retention elements 60 and 65 may be less than or equal to 0.5 times the length L 1 of the teeth 15, better than 0.3 times the length L 1 of the teeth 15. .

Preferably, the second application face 20 and the second rows of teeth 22 are symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal plane M passing through the axis Q and perpendicular to the second face 20. In the variant illustrated, the second face of application involves, going from the outside towards the plane M:

two external rows 40,

two identical internal rows 50a, two identical internal rows 50b, and

a central internal row 50c.

Preferably, the second rows 22 of teeth are also symmetrical with respect to a transverse plane N perpendicular to the plane M.

The internal rows 50 may be spaced from the outer rows 40 by a distance d of between 0.3 mm and 15 mm, better still between 1 mm and 5 mm defined between the longitudinal axes of the external rows 40.

The teeth 25 of the internal rows 50 may be, in cross section, of various diameters or not. In the example illustrated in Figure 6, the teeth 25 of the central inner row 50c are all the same diameter.

The teeth 25 of the inner rows 50 are preferably arranged in staggered relation to one another.

The inner rows 50 may be spaced apart by a distance r between 1 mm and 6 mm, defined between the longitudinal axes of the adjacent internal rows 50.

The teeth 25 of each inner row 50 may be spaced apart by a distance s of between 1 mm and 6 mm.

The first and last teeth 52 and 54 of the inner central row 50c and internal rows 50b which are adjacent to the latter can be aligned along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the second application face 20.

As illustrated in Figure 7, the teeth 25 of the second rows 22 may be of different heights, including the teeth of the outer rows 40 are the longest and are all the same height. The first and the last teeth of each row are the longest teeth of said row. The largest length L ₂ of the teeth 25 of the second rows can be between 2 mm and 30 mm, better between 5 mm and 15 mm.

Preferably, the ratio of lengths L ₂ / L 1 is between 0.5 and 1.5, better still between 0.8 and 1.

The handle 5 of the applicator 2 may extend, as illustrated in the figures, substantially along the axis P of the first application face 10. The handle 5 may comprise an upper portion 70 in the extension of the first face 10. The handle 5 preferably comprises reinforcements 80 to improve the strength of the applicator and facilitate the accuracy of the gesture. The thickness e of the reinforcements 80 may be between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

Reinforcements 80 may extend over the entire upper portion 70 of the handle 5 and at least partially over the lower portion 75 and be inclined relative to the axis P by an angle α between 0 ° and 179 °.

The body of the applicator 8 may include reliefs 90, illustrated in Figure 7, showing a pattern.

Preferably, the handle 5 tapers towards its end 85. This thinning makes it possible to perform a line on the hair.

Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the end 85 of the handle 5 forms a tip 92 allowing in particular to separate the hair.

In non-illustrated variants, the first and / or the second application face may be curved, in particular concave or convex towards the outside. The longitudinal rows of teeth may have a longitudinal axis that is not rectilinear, in particular slightly curved.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described, the characteristics of which can be combined within non-illustrated variants.

The first application face may comprise more than three first rows of teeth.

The second application face may comprise an even number of second rows of teeth, the second rows of teeth having no rows of central teeth.

The handle may be in the extension of the second application face. The phrase "with one" should be understood as synonymous with

"Comprising at least one".

Claims

An applicator (2) for applying a product to the hair, especially a coloring product, comprising:

- at least a first row (12) of teeth (15) extending longitudinally over a distance /; _; from a first application face (10) of the applicator (2),

a plurality of second rows of teeth (25), this plurality extending longitudinally over a distance h, from a second application face (20) of the applicator (2) located at the opposite the first application face (10), the ratio / being less than or equal to 0.75.

2. The applicator of claim 1, the ratio / being less than or equal to 0.6.

3. The applicator of claim 1 or 2, the first and second application faces (10, 20) being planar.

4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the first and the second application face (10, 20) being of longitudinal axes (P, Q) parallel.

5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two first rows of teeth (12), preferably at least three first rows of teeth (12).

6. Applicator according to claim 5, the first rows of teeth (12) being parallel.

An applicator according to claim 5 or 6, the teeth (15) of the first rows of teeth (12) not being aligned along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (P) of the first application face (10). .

8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least three first rows of teeth (12), the first row or rows (12) not being equidistant from each other.

9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the teeth (15) of the first rows (12) being of pyramidal shape with a triangular base, the teeth of the first outermost rows (12a, 12c) having, in particular, an edge (30) facing outwards.

10. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the teeth (15) of the first row or rows (12) each being of longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first application face (10).

1. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the teeth (25) of the second rows (22) being each of longitudinal axis perpendicular to the second application face (20).

12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the teeth (15) of the first row or rows (12) being longer than the teeth (25) of the second rows (22), the ratio L ₂ / Lj being understood between 0.5 and 1.5, better still between 0.8 and 1, Lj being the length of the teeth (15) of the first row or rows (12) and L ₂ being the greatest length of the teeth (25) of the second rows (12); rows (22).

An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the second rows of teeth (22) comprising:

at least two external rows (40) of teeth,

at least one inner row (50) of teeth arranged between the two outer rows (40),

the teeth (25) of the outer rows (40) being more flexible than the teeth (25) of the inner rows (50).

14. Applicator according to claim 13, the teeth (25) of the outer rows (40) being of pyramidal shape, in particular triangular base, the teeth (25) of the outer rows (40) having, in particular, a ridge (45) oriented laterally outward.

15. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a handle (5), in particular molded with the rest of the applicator (2).

16. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, having at least on its portion carrying the first and second application faces (10, 20), in cross section, a general shape of T.

17. A system for applying a product to the hair, in particular a coloring product, comprising an applicator (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and a container (4) containing the product to be applied, the container (4). ) having a cannula (9) for depositing the product between the teeth (15; 25) of the applicator (2).