EP3462976A1 - Cosmetic applicator having molded brush and comb portions - Google Patents

Cosmetic applicator having molded brush and comb portions

Info

Publication number
EP3462976A1
EP3462976A1 EP17810782.7A EP17810782A EP3462976A1 EP 3462976 A1 EP3462976 A1 EP 3462976A1 EP 17810782 A EP17810782 A EP 17810782A EP 3462976 A1 EP3462976 A1 EP 3462976A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bristles
platform
cosmetic applicator
applicator head
distal end
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP17810782.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3462976B1 (en
EP3462976A4 (en
Inventor
Christophe Jacob
Herve Bouix
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ELC Management LLC
Original Assignee
ELC Management LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ELC Management LLC filed Critical ELC Management LLC
Publication of EP3462976A1 publication Critical patent/EP3462976A1/en
Publication of EP3462976A4 publication Critical patent/EP3462976A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3462976B1 publication Critical patent/EP3462976B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/021—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups arranged like in cosmetics brushes, e.g. mascara, nail polish, eye shadow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D33/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling powdery toiletry or cosmetic substances
    • A45D33/26—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling powdery toiletry or cosmetic substances combined with other objects
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D34/04—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball
    • A45D34/042—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like
    • A45D34/045—Appliances specially adapted for applying liquid, e.g. using roller or ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
    • A45D40/26—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball
    • A45D40/262—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like
    • A45D40/265—Appliances specially adapted for applying pasty paint, e.g. using roller, using a ball using a brush or the like connected to the cap of the container
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
    • A46B3/18—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier the bristles being fixed on or between belts or wires
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D33/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling powdery toiletry or cosmetic substances
    • A45D2033/001—Accessories
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A45D2034/002—Accessories
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
    • A45D2040/0006—Accessories
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1046—Brush used for applying cosmetics
    • A46B2200/1053—Cosmetics applicator specifically for mascara
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1046—Brush used for applying cosmetics
    • A46B2200/1053—Cosmetics applicator specifically for mascara
    • A46B2200/106—Cosmetics applicator specifically for mascara including comb like element

Definitions

  • the invention is in the field of cosmetic applicators, specifically hair product applicators with molded applicator heads.
  • Cosmetic applicators are used for taking up a dose of product and applying it to an application surface, typically the hair of the head, such as eyebrows or eyelashes. Thereafter, the same cosmetic applicator is used for grooming the hair by combing and separating the individual hair fibers, smoothing the product thereon, and removing any excess product. Because the function of taking up and depositing product is different from the function of grooming the hair, a single cosmetic applicator may not perform both functions satisfactorily. For example, where relatively softer bristles are known to be good at taking up product and depositing on the eyelashes, these bristles tend to be too weak to effectively smooth the product over the lashes, breakup clumps of mascara, which is a thick heavy product, or separate the lashes. This situation has sometimes been addressed by using separate applicators for depositing product and grooming the hair. The first tends to be a brush that has softer, more flexible bristles, while the latter may be a brush or comb that has relatively stiff bristles or teeth.
  • U.S. 7,231 ,926 discloses a mascara applicator comprising a grip (6), a rod (2) extending form the grip.
  • a "fixing stand” (40) depends from the rod (2).
  • An arrangement brush part (or comb, 4) is implemented as one or more columns of injection molded teeth that radiate from the fixing stand (40).
  • An application brush part (3) may comprise an application portion (7) of bristles that radiate from a twisted wire rod (21 ), and occupy the space between the "fitting hole” (42) and the "fitting recess” (43).
  • the application brush part In order for the application brush part to fit into the space between the "fitting hole” and the “fitting recess", the application brush part is provided with an angular section (31 ) of 30° - 120° that is devoid of bristles (see figure 3).
  • the size of this gap should be at least as large as the radius of the fiber brush.
  • the gap should be a minimum 4mm
  • the gap should be a minimum of 5mm.
  • application brush part (3) can slide back and forth in the arrangement brush part, which may be a distraction to the user or interfere with application process.
  • the design of the applicator of U.S. 7,231 ,926 has other shortcomings as well, which we now discuss.
  • the bristles of the application portion (7) must be relatively flexible. Fiber bristles may be sufficiently flexible, but even that is no guarantee that the bristles will not be damaged when they are crushed together to pass through the fitting hole.
  • the bristles of the application brush part (3) are injection molded, as disclosed in one embodiment of U.S. 7,231 ,926, then they are not likely to be very flexible since they are made of the same material as the rods (2, 21 ) which provide structural support for the applicator. Therefore, it is certainly not clear how these stiff bristles would fit through the fitting hole (42) without breaking.
  • the application brush part (3) is provided with an angular section (31 ) of 30° - 120° that is devoid of bristles. Consequently, the angular size of the arrangement brush part (4) is limited to 30° - 120°.
  • the teeth of the arrangement brush part (4) radiate perpendicularly from a cylindrical surface, so that the teeth in two different columns are not parallel to each other. This does not seem like the most effective arrangement to comb small portions of hair like the eyelashes.
  • the invention concerns a molded applicator head for cosmetic applicators, as well as a cosmetic applicator that comprises the molded applicator head as disclosed herein.
  • An applicator head for a cosmetic applicator comprises a brush portion of relatively soft, flexible injection molded bristles, and a comb portion of relatively hard, inflexible injection molded teeth, the comb portion being assembled to the brush portion after each portion is molded.
  • the assembled applicator head has a distal end that is covered with the relatively softer bristles to facilitate applying mascara to those eyelashes that are near the inner canthus of the eye. Together, the brush portion and the comb portion fill and angular sector of 360°.
  • the brush portion fills an angular sector of 180° - 200°, while the comb portion fills an angular sector of 160° - 180°, which is significantly greater than the 30° - 120° of the arrangement brush portion (4) of US patent 7,231 ,926.
  • this larger comb portion allows two or more columns of teeth to be arranged parallel to each other, which makes for a more effective comb.
  • the snap fit assembly method of the comb portion into the brush portion eliminates the need for a gap between the comb and brush portions, along with any unwanted play, so that the comb portion cannot slide back and forth with respect to the brush portion.
  • Figures 1 -3 depict a prior art applicator disclosed in US patent 7,231 ,926.
  • Figures 4A and 4B depict a mascara applicator according to the present invention.
  • Figures 5A and 5B depict one embodiment of a brush portion of an applicator head according to the present invention.
  • Figures 6A and 6B depict one embodiment of a comb portion of an applicator head according to the present invention.
  • Figures 7A and 7B depict a second embodiment of a comb portion of an applicator head according to the present invention.
  • Figures 8A and 8B show the a comb portion being assembled to a brush portion.
  • Figure 9 and 10 show two embodiments of assembled applicator heads according to the present invention.
  • a mascara applicator according to the present invention comprises a handle (1 1 ), an extended rod (12), and an applicator head (13) in the usual relationship of these elements. That is, the handle serves as a closure for a container of mascara product. Typically, the closure has screw threads (1 1 a) on its inner surface for mating to a threaded container.
  • the extended rod is connected to and depends from an inner surface of the handle, and the applicator head depends from the distal end (12a) of the rod.
  • the rod may be hollow, and able to receive the stem (14a) of the applicator head into itself.
  • the stem may be retained in the rod by adhesive, welding, a friction fit, snap engagement, threaded engagement or any other suitable retaining means.
  • An applicator head according to the present invention has two main parts: the brush portion (14) and the comb portion (15).
  • the brush portion (14) comprises a stem (14a) and a main body (14f).
  • the stem may be formed as a generally cylindrical member having proximal (14b) and distal (14c) ends, and a hollow space (14d) that opens onto the distal end of the stem, and onto the side wall (14e) of the stem.
  • the side wall of the stem is devoid of bristles or other grooming features, and is generally smooth, so that the stem is able to join to the distal end (12a) of the rod (12), as described above.
  • the main body (14f) comprises an approximately semi-cylindrical member
  • the semi- cylindrical member (14g) defines a hollow space (14j) that connects to the opened proximal end (14h) and to a groove (14k) located in the closed distal end (14i) of the main body (see figure 8A).
  • the opened proximal end (14h) is integrally molded to the opened distal end (14c) of the stem (14a), such that the hollow space (14j) of the semi-cylindrical member and the hollow space (14d) of the stem are contiguous, as shown.
  • the semi-cylindrical member (14g) is approximately semi- cylindrical, we mean that the semi-cylindrical member occupies an angular space of approximately 180° - 200°.
  • the distal end (14i) of the main body (14f) occupies a complete 360° around longitudinal axis A-A, while the proximal end (14h) may occupy between about 200° and 270°.
  • the semi-cylindrical member (14g) may taper toward the closed distal end (14i).
  • the outside surface of the semi-cylindrical member features a multitude of bristles (141), as does the closed distal end (14i) of the main body.
  • the proximal end (14h) of the main body may or may not comprise bristles.
  • the bristles (141) of the semi-cylindrical member (14g) are regularly arranged in columns (14p) that extend down the semi-cylindrical member, parallel to the longitudinal axis (A-A) of the main body (14f).
  • Each column of bristles may typically comprise from 5 to 50 bristles, preferably from 10 to 40, more preferably from 20 to 35 bristles.
  • the semi-cylindrical member of figure 5A has 23 bristles in a longitudinal column.
  • the semi-cylindrical member may preferably comprise from 4 to 10 columns of bristles. More preferred are 7, 8 or 9 columns of bristles.
  • the semi-cylindrical member of the main body (14f) has 9 columns of bristles extending longitudinally along the semi-cylindrical member.
  • bristles (141) of the semi-cylindrical member are regularly arranged in rows, each row lying on a circumference of the semi-cylindrical member, in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body.
  • the bristles (141) of the semi-cylindrical member (14g) of the main body (14f) typically extend radially from the longitudinal axis of the main body, and all of the bristles in a single column are parallel to each other.
  • the bristles of the distal end (14i) of the main body extend in various directions.
  • the bristles may comprise flat and/or rounded portions, and the horizontal cross section of the bristles may be any conceivable shape, only limited by the ability to mold the main body. Preferred, however, are bristles that have a horizontal cross section that is shaped as a circular segment that has an arc that ranges from about 160° to no more than 180°, and whose radius decreases as you move from base to tip.
  • Such bristles have a semi- conical profile comprised of a flat face and a curved face.
  • the bristles would have a rounded tip.
  • the remainder of each bristle may be shaped to have one or more depressions, one or more protrusions, or both on the curved face of the semi- conical bristle, while the flat face has no such features.
  • each semi-conical bristle has at least two depressions and/or protrusions located on its curved surface.
  • the manufacture of such bristles was described in US 9,326,590 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • a bristle may have one or more perforations that pass through the bristle from the flat face to the curved face.
  • the manufacture of such bristles was described in US 9,326,584 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the bristles of the brush portion (14) do not have to be all the same height.
  • the comb portion (15) comprises a base (15a) that has a proximal (15b) and a distal (15c) end.
  • the base is cylindrical, as shown.
  • Integrally molded to the cylindrical base is a platform (15d) that supports a multitude of teeth (15e).
  • the cylindrical base is longer than the platform, and the proximal and distal ends of the cylindrical base extend beyond the ends of the platform.
  • the teeth (15e) of the platform (15d) are regularly arranged in columns (15p) that extend down the platform, parallel to the longitudinal axis (B-B) of platform.
  • Each column of teeth may typically comprise from 5 to 50 teeth, preferably from 10 to 40, more preferably from 20 to 35 teeth.
  • the platform of figure 6A has 24 or 25 teeth in a longitudinal column.
  • the platform may preferably comprise from 1 to 8 columns of teeth. More preferred are 4 to 7 columns of teeth.
  • the platform (15d) has 7 columns of teeth extending longitudinally along the platform, while in figure 7B the number of columns of teeth is 5.
  • the teeth (15e) of the platform are regularly arranged in rows across the platform, in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the platform.
  • the platform (15d) is semi-cylindrical, and occupies an angular space of approximately 160° - 180°.
  • the teeth (15e) of the platform (15d) typically extend radially from the surface of the platform, and all of the teeth in a single column are parallel to each other, while adjacent columns are oriented an angle to each other.
  • the platform shown in figures 7A and 7B is preferred.
  • the platform (15d) has curved side walls (15g), and a flat portion (15h), which we may call the top of the platform. Despite its flat top, this platform also occupies an angular space of approximately 160° - 180°.
  • an applicator head according to the present invention will have a comb section that has at least two columns of teeth that are parallel to each other, more preferred are three columns of teeth that are parallel to each other.
  • the teeth (15e, 15e') of the comb portion (15) may comprise flat and/or rounded portions, and the horizontal cross section of the teeth may be any
  • the brush and comb portions are molded separately, and subsequently assembled.
  • Exemplary materials that can be used in the present invention to mold the brush portion (14) and/or the comb portion (15) include, but are not limited to: silicone elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers (such as, for example, styrene- ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer - SEBS), vinyl elastomers (EVA), thermoplastic polyester elastomers (Hytrel® from Dupont de Nemours), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (Pellethane® from Dow Plastic), Nitrile, and EPDM.
  • silicone elastomers such as, for example, styrene- ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer - SEBS
  • EVA vinyl elastomers
  • Hytrel® from Dupont de Nemours
  • thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers Pellethane® from Dow Plastic
  • Hardness of the chosen material preferably ranges from about 35 MPa (35 shore D Hytrel® from Dupont de Nemours) to about 1 180 MPa (82 shore D Hytrel®). Harder, less flexible materials will be more suitable for the comb portion, and softer, more flexible materials will be more suitable for the brush portion. Therefore, when measured with same type of durometer, the material from which the brush portion (14) is molded will measure a hardness that is less than the material from which the comb portion (15) is molded.
  • the proximal (15b) and distal (15c) ends of the cylindrical base (15a) of the comb portion extend beyond the ends of the platform (15d).
  • the first step in assembling the comb portion (15) to the brush portion (14) is to insert the distal end (15c) of the comb portion into the groove (14k) of the brush portion.
  • the cylindrical base (15a) is brought into the hollow space (14j) of the semi-cylindrical member (14g) of the brush portion (14), and the proximal end (15b) of the comb portion comes to rest in the hollow space (14d) of the stem (14a).
  • Two embodiments of the fully assembled applicator head are shown in figures 9 and 10.
  • Figure 9 is an embodiment wherein the platform (15d) is semi- cylindrical.
  • Figure 10 is the more preferred embodiment wherein the platform has curved side walls (15g), and a flat top (15h) that supports 3 parallel columns (15p) of teeth (15e).
  • the hollow space (14d) of the stem (14a) may be provided with one or more flexible (14m) tabs that allow the proximal end (15b) of the comb portion (15) to be forced into the hollow space of the stem, but that prevent its accidental removal therefrom.
  • the stem (14a) of the brush portion (14) can be secured to the distal end of a rod (12) as explained above to complete the mascara applicator.
  • the longitudinal axis (A-A) of the brush portion is parallel to the longitudinal axis (B-B) of the comb portion.
  • the brush portion (14) and the comb portion (15) fill and angular sector of 360°.
  • the brush portion fills an angular sector of 180° - 200°, while the comb portion fills an angular sector of 160° - 180°, which is significantly greater than the 30° - 120° of the arrangement brush portion (4) of US patent 7,231 ,926.
  • the greater angular size of the comb portion provides better grooming of the lashes, especially curling.
  • the distal end (14i) of the assembled applicator is covered with the relatively softer bristles to facilitate applying mascara to those eyelashes that are near the inner canthus of the eye. This feature is also missing from the applicator of US patent 7,231 ,926, which has no bristles on its distal end.

Landscapes

  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

An cosmetic applicator comprising a brush portion of relatively soft, flexible injection molded bristles, and a comb portion of relatively hard, inflexible injection molded teeth, the comb portion being assembled to the brush portion after each portion is molded. In one preferred embodiment, the comb portion has two or more columns of teeth arranged parallel to each other, which makes for a more effective comb.

Description

Cosmetic Applicator Having Molded Brush And Comb Portions
Field of the Invention
The invention is in the field of cosmetic applicators, specifically hair product applicators with molded applicator heads.
Background
Cosmetic applicators are used for taking up a dose of product and applying it to an application surface, typically the hair of the head, such as eyebrows or eyelashes. Thereafter, the same cosmetic applicator is used for grooming the hair by combing and separating the individual hair fibers, smoothing the product thereon, and removing any excess product. Because the function of taking up and depositing product is different from the function of grooming the hair, a single cosmetic applicator may not perform both functions satisfactorily. For example, where relatively softer bristles are known to be good at taking up product and depositing on the eyelashes, these bristles tend to be too weak to effectively smooth the product over the lashes, breakup clumps of mascara, which is a thick heavy product, or separate the lashes. This situation has sometimes been addressed by using separate applicators for depositing product and grooming the hair. The first tends to be a brush that has softer, more flexible bristles, while the latter may be a brush or comb that has relatively stiff bristles or teeth.
To avoid the inconvenience of having to use separate tools to perform the application and grooming steps, it is known to integrate a brush of less stiff bristles with a comb of stiffer teeth into a single cosmetic applicator. Various prior art references have disclosed such integrated cosmetic applicators with different arrangements and constructions. For example, U.S. patent 7,231 ,926 discloses a mascara applicator that comprises an application brush part and an arrangement brush part. We will discuss U.S. 7,231 ,926, which we consider to be the closest prior art.
Referring to figures 1 -3, U.S. 7,231 ,926 discloses a mascara applicator comprising a grip (6), a rod (2) extending form the grip. A "fixing stand" (40) depends from the rod (2). An arrangement brush part (or comb, 4) is implemented as one or more columns of injection molded teeth that radiate from the fixing stand (40). An application brush part (3) may comprise an application portion (7) of bristles that radiate from a twisted wire rod (21 ), and occupy the space between the "fitting hole" (42) and the "fitting recess" (43). In order for the application brush part to fit into the space between the "fitting hole" and the "fitting recess", the application brush part is provided with an angular section (31 ) of 30° - 120° that is devoid of bristles (see figure 3).
It is clear from figure 2 of U.S. patent 7,231 ,926, and from the description, that the distal end of the twisted wire rod (with bristles) is inserted through the fitting hole (42) until it comes to rest in the fitting recess (43). This manner of assembly gives rise to certain deficiencies. For example, the fiber bristles of the application portion (7) are not able to extend the full length of the space between the "fitting hole" (42) and the "fitting recess" (43). Rather, there is a gap (see figure 1 ). The gap is required in order to ensure that none of the bristles remains stuck in the fitting hole (42). In fact, in order to avoid bristles being stuck in the fitting hole (42), the size of this gap should be at least as large as the radius of the fiber brush. For example, for a brush with an overall diameter of 8mm, the gap should be a minimum 4mm, and for a brush with an overall diameter of 10mm, the gap should be a minimum of 5mm. (We note that figure 1 of U.S. 7,231 ,926 does not really reflect how big the gap would have to be to avoid this problem.) Such a big gap, however, creates a different problem, which is that there will be some amount of unwanted movement, where the
application brush part (3) can slide back and forth in the arrangement brush part, which may be a distraction to the user or interfere with application process. The design of the applicator of U.S. 7,231 ,926 has other shortcomings as well, which we now discuss.
The manner in which the application brush part (3) is assembled to the fixing stand (40), means that the bristles of the application portion (7) cannot extend to the distal tip of the applicator. This is a real disadvantage when trying to apply mascara to the eyelashes that are toward the inner canthus of the eye.
Furthermore, in order to pass through the fitting hole (42), the bristles of the application portion (7) must be relatively flexible. Fiber bristles may be sufficiently flexible, but even that is no guarantee that the bristles will not be damaged when they are crushed together to pass through the fitting hole. On the other hand, if the bristles of the application brush part (3) are injection molded, as disclosed in one embodiment of U.S. 7,231 ,926, then they are not likely to be very flexible since they are made of the same material as the rods (2, 21 ) which provide structural support for the applicator. Therefore, it is certainly not clear how these stiff bristles would fit through the fitting hole (42) without breaking.
In another matter, the need to pass the application brush part (3) through the fitting hole (42) places limitations on the application portion (7). Application portions that have thick bristles and/or a high bristle density would be more likely to be damaged, so they would be avoided. Figure 2 of U.S. 7,231 ,926 gives the distinct impression that the diameter of the fitting hole (42) is very nearly equal to the diameter of the twisted wire rod (21 ), so the bristle portion (7) is really squeezed.
Also, as we noted above, the application brush part (3) is provided with an angular section (31 ) of 30° - 120° that is devoid of bristles. Consequently, the angular size of the arrangement brush part (4) is limited to 30° - 120°.
Also, the teeth of the arrangement brush part (4) radiate perpendicularly from a cylindrical surface, so that the teeth in two different columns are not parallel to each other. This does not seem like the most effective arrangement to comb small portions of hair like the eyelashes.
There is therefore a continuing need for improved cosmetic applicators of dual functions, i.e., which can be used for performing both the cosmetic application function and the hair/eyelash arrangement function, but without the above-described drawbacks of the prior art applicators.
Summary of the Invention
The invention concerns a molded applicator head for cosmetic applicators, as well as a cosmetic applicator that comprises the molded applicator head as disclosed herein. An applicator head for a cosmetic applicator comprises a brush portion of relatively soft, flexible injection molded bristles, and a comb portion of relatively hard, inflexible injection molded teeth, the comb portion being assembled to the brush portion after each portion is molded. The assembled applicator head has a distal end that is covered with the relatively softer bristles to facilitate applying mascara to those eyelashes that are near the inner canthus of the eye. Together, the brush portion and the comb portion fill and angular sector of 360°. The brush portion fills an angular sector of 180° - 200°, while the comb portion fills an angular sector of 160° - 180°, which is significantly greater than the 30° - 120° of the arrangement brush portion (4) of US patent 7,231 ,926. In one preferred embodiment, this larger comb portion allows two or more columns of teeth to be arranged parallel to each other, which makes for a more effective comb. The snap fit assembly method of the comb portion into the brush portion eliminates the need for a gap between the comb and brush portions, along with any unwanted play, so that the comb portion cannot slide back and forth with respect to the brush portion.
Description of the Figures
Figures 1 -3 depict a prior art applicator disclosed in US patent 7,231 ,926.
Figures 4A and 4B depict a mascara applicator according to the present invention.
Figures 5A and 5B depict one embodiment of a brush portion of an applicator head according to the present invention.
Figures 6A and 6B depict one embodiment of a comb portion of an applicator head according to the present invention.
Figures 7A and 7B depict a second embodiment of a comb portion of an applicator head according to the present invention.
Figures 8A and 8B show the a comb portion being assembled to a brush portion.
Figure 9 and 10 show two embodiments of assembled applicator heads according to the present invention.
Detailed Description
Referring to figures 4A and 4B, a mascara applicator according to the present invention comprises a handle (1 1 ), an extended rod (12), and an applicator head (13) in the usual relationship of these elements. That is, the handle serves as a closure for a container of mascara product. Typically, the closure has screw threads (1 1 a) on its inner surface for mating to a threaded container. The extended rod is connected to and depends from an inner surface of the handle, and the applicator head depends from the distal end (12a) of the rod. For example, the rod may be hollow, and able to receive the stem (14a) of the applicator head into itself. The stem may be retained in the rod by adhesive, welding, a friction fit, snap engagement, threaded engagement or any other suitable retaining means. An applicator head according to the present invention has two main parts: the brush portion (14) and the comb portion (15). The Brush Portion
Referring to figures 5A and 5B, the brush portion (14) comprises a stem (14a) and a main body (14f). The stem may be formed as a generally cylindrical member having proximal (14b) and distal (14c) ends, and a hollow space (14d) that opens onto the distal end of the stem, and onto the side wall (14e) of the stem. The side wall of the stem is devoid of bristles or other grooming features, and is generally smooth, so that the stem is able to join to the distal end (12a) of the rod (12), as described above.
The main body (14f) comprises an approximately semi-cylindrical member
(14g), an opened proximal end (14h), and a closed distal end (14i). The semi- cylindrical member (14g) defines a hollow space (14j) that connects to the opened proximal end (14h) and to a groove (14k) located in the closed distal end (14i) of the main body (see figure 8A). The opened proximal end (14h) is integrally molded to the opened distal end (14c) of the stem (14a), such that the hollow space (14j) of the semi-cylindrical member and the hollow space (14d) of the stem are contiguous, as shown. When we say that the semi-cylindrical member (14g) is approximately semi- cylindrical, we mean that the semi-cylindrical member occupies an angular space of approximately 180° - 200°. The distal end (14i) of the main body (14f) occupies a complete 360° around longitudinal axis A-A, while the proximal end (14h) may occupy between about 200° and 270°. Also, the semi-cylindrical member (14g) may taper toward the closed distal end (14i). The outside surface of the semi-cylindrical member features a multitude of bristles (141), as does the closed distal end (14i) of the main body. The proximal end (14h) of the main body may or may not comprise bristles.
Preferably, the bristles (141) of the semi-cylindrical member (14g) are regularly arranged in columns (14p) that extend down the semi-cylindrical member, parallel to the longitudinal axis (A-A) of the main body (14f). Each column of bristles may typically comprise from 5 to 50 bristles, preferably from 10 to 40, more preferably from 20 to 35 bristles. For example, the semi-cylindrical member of figure 5A has 23 bristles in a longitudinal column. The semi-cylindrical member may preferably comprise from 4 to 10 columns of bristles. More preferred are 7, 8 or 9 columns of bristles. For example, in figure 5B, the semi-cylindrical member of the main body (14f) has 9 columns of bristles extending longitudinally along the semi-cylindrical member. Furthermore, in preferred embodiments, bristles (141) of the semi-cylindrical member are regularly arranged in rows, each row lying on a circumference of the semi-cylindrical member, in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body.
The bristles (141) of the semi-cylindrical member (14g) of the main body (14f) typically extend radially from the longitudinal axis of the main body, and all of the bristles in a single column are parallel to each other. The bristles of the distal end (14i) of the main body extend in various directions. The bristles may comprise flat and/or rounded portions, and the horizontal cross section of the bristles may be any conceivable shape, only limited by the ability to mold the main body. Preferred, however, are bristles that have a horizontal cross section that is shaped as a circular segment that has an arc that ranges from about 160° to no more than 180°, and whose radius decreases as you move from base to tip. Such bristles have a semi- conical profile comprised of a flat face and a curved face. Preferably, the bristles would have a rounded tip. The remainder of each bristle may be shaped to have one or more depressions, one or more protrusions, or both on the curved face of the semi- conical bristle, while the flat face has no such features. Preferably, each semi-conical bristle has at least two depressions and/or protrusions located on its curved surface. The manufacture of such bristles was described in US 9,326,590 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Also, a bristle may have one or more perforations that pass through the bristle from the flat face to the curved face. The manufacture of such bristles was described in US 9,326,584 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. As can be seen in figure 5B the bristles of the brush portion (14) do not have to be all the same height.
The Comb Portion
Referring to figures 6A and 6B, the comb portion (15) comprises a base (15a) that has a proximal (15b) and a distal (15c) end. Preferably, the base is cylindrical, as shown. Integrally molded to the cylindrical base is a platform (15d) that supports a multitude of teeth (15e). The cylindrical base is longer than the platform, and the proximal and distal ends of the cylindrical base extend beyond the ends of the platform. Preferably, the teeth (15e) of the platform (15d) are regularly arranged in columns (15p) that extend down the platform, parallel to the longitudinal axis (B-B) of platform. Each column of teeth may typically comprise from 5 to 50 teeth, preferably from 10 to 40, more preferably from 20 to 35 teeth. For example, the platform of figure 6A has 24 or 25 teeth in a longitudinal column. The platform may preferably comprise from 1 to 8 columns of teeth. More preferred are 4 to 7 columns of teeth. For example, in figure 6B, the platform (15d) has 7 columns of teeth extending longitudinally along the platform, while in figure 7B the number of columns of teeth is 5. Furthermore, in preferred embodiments, the teeth (15e) of the platform are regularly arranged in rows across the platform, in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the platform.
In figures 6A and 6B, the platform (15d) is semi-cylindrical, and occupies an angular space of approximately 160° - 180°. The teeth (15e) of the platform (15d) typically extend radially from the surface of the platform, and all of the teeth in a single column are parallel to each other, while adjacent columns are oriented an angle to each other. In some embodiments of the invention, however, the platform shown in figures 7A and 7B is preferred. Here, the platform (15d) has curved side walls (15g), and a flat portion (15h), which we may call the top of the platform. Despite its flat top, this platform also occupies an angular space of approximately 160° - 180°. Because the portion (15h) of the platform is flat, all of the teeth (15e) that arise from this portion of the platform are parallel to each other, while those teeth (15e') that are on the curved side walls extend at some other angle. The flat top surface means that rows of teeth will be parallel to each other, which makes the comb portion a much more effective comb than it otherwise would be. But this parallel arrangement of teeth would not be possible, or would be significantly more difficult and expensive to execute if the angular space occupied by the comb portion was limited to 30° to 120°, as in U.S. patent 7,231 ,926, which does not disclose or suggest parallel rows of teeth in the comb portion (i.e. in the arrangement brush part). There simply would not be enough space on the top of the platform to arrange multiple rows of parallel conical teeth. Preferably, an applicator head according to the present invention will have a comb section that has at least two columns of teeth that are parallel to each other, more preferred are three columns of teeth that are parallel to each other. The teeth (15e, 15e') of the comb portion (15) may comprise flat and/or rounded portions, and the horizontal cross section of the teeth may be any
conceivable shape, only limited by the ability to mold the main body. Preferred, however, are conical teeth that are generally free of any surface features, which provides an efficient combing action. As can be seen in figure 6B the teeth of the comb portion do not have to be all the same height.
The Assembled Applicator
The brush and comb portions are molded separately, and subsequently assembled. Exemplary materials that can be used in the present invention to mold the brush portion (14) and/or the comb portion (15) include, but are not limited to: silicone elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers (such as, for example, styrene- ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer - SEBS), vinyl elastomers (EVA), thermoplastic polyester elastomers (Hytrel® from Dupont de Nemours), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (Pellethane® from Dow Plastic), Nitrile, and EPDM.
Hardness of the chosen material preferably ranges from about 35 MPa (35 shore D Hytrel® from Dupont de Nemours) to about 1 180 MPa (82 shore D Hytrel®). Harder, less flexible materials will be more suitable for the comb portion, and softer, more flexible materials will be more suitable for the brush portion. Therefore, when measured with same type of durometer, the material from which the brush portion (14) is molded will measure a hardness that is less than the material from which the comb portion (15) is molded.
As noted above, the proximal (15b) and distal (15c) ends of the cylindrical base (15a) of the comb portion extend beyond the ends of the platform (15d). Referring to figure 8A, the first step in assembling the comb portion (15) to the brush portion (14) is to insert the distal end (15c) of the comb portion into the groove (14k) of the brush portion. Then, as shown in figure 8B, the cylindrical base (15a) is brought into the hollow space (14j) of the semi-cylindrical member (14g) of the brush portion (14), and the proximal end (15b) of the comb portion comes to rest in the hollow space (14d) of the stem (14a). Two embodiments of the fully assembled applicator head are shown in figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is an embodiment wherein the platform (15d) is semi- cylindrical. Figure 10 is the more preferred embodiment wherein the platform has curved side walls (15g), and a flat top (15h) that supports 3 parallel columns (15p) of teeth (15e). In order the make sure the comb portion remains in the brush portion, the hollow space (14d) of the stem (14a) may be provided with one or more flexible (14m) tabs that allow the proximal end (15b) of the comb portion (15) to be forced into the hollow space of the stem, but that prevent its accidental removal therefrom. Once the applicator head is assembled, the stem (14a) of the brush portion (14) can be secured to the distal end of a rod (12) as explained above to complete the mascara applicator.
When assembled, the longitudinal axis (A-A) of the brush portion is parallel to the longitudinal axis (B-B) of the comb portion. Together, the brush portion (14) and the comb portion (15) fill and angular sector of 360°. The brush portion fills an angular sector of 180° - 200°, while the comb portion fills an angular sector of 160° - 180°, which is significantly greater than the 30° - 120° of the arrangement brush portion (4) of US patent 7,231 ,926. The greater angular size of the comb portion provides better grooming of the lashes, especially curling.
The distal end (14i) of the assembled applicator is covered with the relatively softer bristles to facilitate applying mascara to those eyelashes that are near the inner canthus of the eye. This feature is also missing from the applicator of US patent 7,231 ,926, which has no bristles on its distal end.
Also, because of the presence of the hollow space (14d) in the side wall (14e) of the stem, we were able to make the length of the platform (15d) to be equal (within molding tolerances) to the length of the hollow space (14j) of the main body (14f), which is preferred because any gap between the brush and comb portions is then eliminated. Also, the comb portion will not be able to slide back and forth in the brush portion.

Claims

What we claim is:
1 . A cosmetic applicator head (13) comprising a molded brush portion (14) and a molded comb portion (15); the brush portion (14) comprises:
a stem (14a) that has:
a proximal end (14b);
a distal end (14c); and
a hollow space (14d) that opens onto the distal end of the stem, and onto a side wall (14e) of the stem; a main body (14f) that has:
an opened proximal end (14h) that connects to the distal end (14c) of the stem (14a);
a closed distal end (14i) having a groove (14k);
a semi cylindrical member (14g) that defines a hollow space (14j), such that the hollow space (14j) of the main body is contiguous with the hollow space (14d) of the stem; wherein:
the semi-cylindrical member (14g) occupies an angular space of approximately 180° - 200°;
the outside surface of the semi-cylindrical member (14g) features a multitude of bristles (141), as does the closed distal end (14i) of the main body; and
the side wall (14e) of the stem (14a) is devoid of bristles; and the comb portion (15) comprises:
a base (15a) that has:
a proximal end (15b); and
a distal end (15c); a platform (15d) that is integrally molded to the base (15a), and supports a multitude of teeth (15e); wherein:
the proximal (15b) and distal (15c) ends of the base (15a) extend beyond the ends of the platform (15d);
the platform (15d) occupies an angular space of approximately 160° - 180°; the distal end (15c) of the comb portion (15) rests in the groove (14k) of the brush portion (14);
the platform (15d) of the comb portion (15) rests in the hollow space (14j) of brush portion (14); and
the proximal end (15b) of the comb portion (15) rests in the hollow space (14d) of the brush portion (14).
2. The cosmetic applicator head (13) of claim 1 wherein the bristles (14I) of the semi- cylindrical member (14g) are arranged in columns (14p), there being from 4 to 10 columns, each column having from 5 to 50 bristles.
3. The cosmetic applicator head (13) of claim 2 wherein the teeth (15e) of the platform (15d) are arranged in columns (15p), there being from 1 to 8 columns, each column having from 5 to 50 teeth.
4. The cosmetic applicator head (13) of claim 3 wherein the platform (15d) is semi- cylindrical, and occupies an angular space of approximately 160° - 180°.
5. The cosmetic applicator head (13) of claim 3 wherein the platform (15d) has a flat portion (15h), such that all of the teeth (15e) that arise from the flat portion are parallel to each other.
6. The cosmetic applicator head (13) of claim 3 wherein the teeth (15e) of the comb portion (15) are not all the same height.
7. The cosmetic applicator head (13) of claim 1 wherein the closed distal end (14i) of the brush portion (14) features a multitude of bristles (141).
8. The cosmetic applicator head (13) of claim 1 wherein the material from which the brush portion (14) is molded measures a hardness that is less than the material from which the comb portion (15) is molded.
9. The cosmetic applicator head (13) of claim 1 wherein the hollow space (14d) of the stem (14a) is provided with one or more flexible (14m) tabs that allow the proximal end (15b) of the comb portion (15) to be forced into the hollow space of the stem, but that prevent its accidental removal therefrom.
10. The cosmetic applicator head (13) of claim 1 wherein the length of the platform (15d) is equal to the length of the hollow space (14j) of the main body (14f).
1 1 . A cosmetic applicator comprising a handle (1 1 ), an extended rod (12), and an applicator head (13) according to claim 1 that depends from the distal end (12a) of the rod.
EP17810782.7A 2016-06-07 2017-06-05 Cosmetic applicator having molded brush and comb portions Active EP3462976B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/175,242 US20170347784A1 (en) 2016-06-07 2016-06-07 Cosmetic Applicators Having Molded Brush And Comb Portions
PCT/US2017/035935 WO2017214028A1 (en) 2016-06-07 2017-06-05 Cosmetic applicator having molded brush and comb portions

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3462976A1 true EP3462976A1 (en) 2019-04-10
EP3462976A4 EP3462976A4 (en) 2019-06-12
EP3462976B1 EP3462976B1 (en) 2021-05-26

Family

ID=60482856

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17810782.7A Active EP3462976B1 (en) 2016-06-07 2017-06-05 Cosmetic applicator having molded brush and comb portions

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US20170347784A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3462976B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2019520888A (en)
KR (1) KR20180134427A (en)
CN (1) CN109475214A (en)
AU (1) AU2017278128B2 (en)
CA (1) CA3026629A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2877165T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2017214028A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3072255B1 (en) * 2017-10-12 2021-07-16 Oreal APPLICATOR FOR THE APPLICATION OF A PRODUCT ON KERATINIC MATERIALS
US20210401144A1 (en) * 2020-06-30 2021-12-30 Catelle Limited Body Wax Applicator For Body Wax and a System Therefor
IT202100002843A1 (en) * 2021-02-09 2022-08-09 Brivaplast Srl COSMETICS APPLICATOR IN TWO COMPONENTS
KR20220154524A (en) * 2021-05-13 2022-11-22 주진웅 Maskara
US20230000234A1 (en) * 2021-06-30 2023-01-05 L'oreal Packaging kit for cosmetic formulation
FR3126178A1 (en) * 2021-08-19 2023-02-24 L'oreal Conditioning kit for a cosmetic formulation

Family Cites Families (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6408857B1 (en) * 2000-07-19 2002-06-25 Color Access, Inc. Combination cosmetic applicator brush and comb
US7231926B2 (en) * 2003-05-09 2007-06-19 Rnd Group Llc Mascara brush
FR2859082B1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2006-11-24 Oreal COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATOR
EP1752066B1 (en) * 2005-08-11 2009-03-11 Geka Brush Gmbh Applicator brush for cosmetic materials
JP4831731B2 (en) * 2005-08-19 2011-12-07 中得工業株式会社 Mascara brush with comb
US20080083417A1 (en) * 2006-10-04 2008-04-10 Volker Schrepf Mascara brush with visibly distinct functional portions
KR100820076B1 (en) * 2007-01-28 2008-04-07 (주)씨피아이케이알 Mascara brush
FR2913572B1 (en) * 2007-03-16 2009-06-05 Chanel Parfums Beaute Soc Par APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A PRODUCT ON THE LASHES
US20090276973A1 (en) * 2008-05-06 2009-11-12 Herve Bouix Cosmetic Applicator Assembly
KR20100043533A (en) * 2008-10-20 2010-04-29 (주)장업시스템 Mascara applicator
FR2953379B1 (en) * 2009-12-08 2012-02-10 Oreal APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A PRODUCT ON THE LASHES AND / OR THE EYE
US20140216497A1 (en) * 2010-06-04 2014-08-07 Zen Design Solutions Limited Cosmetic applicator
KR200468530Y1 (en) * 2011-11-22 2013-08-26 (주)장업시스템 Mascara brush
DE202011052467U1 (en) * 2011-12-23 2013-03-25 Geka Gmbh Applicator with inserted bristle carrier
US20150020332A1 (en) 2013-07-19 2015-01-22 Christophe Jacob Molded Cosmetic Applicators And Mold Therefor
CN203934805U (en) * 2013-11-04 2014-11-12 郑洪涛 A kind of lash curler that is applicable to short eyelashes and single-edge eyelid eyelashes
US20160022012A1 (en) 2014-07-22 2016-01-28 Elc Management Llc Molded Cosmetic Applicators With Perforated Bristles And Mold Therefor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2017278128B2 (en) 2019-07-04
KR20180134427A (en) 2018-12-18
US20170347784A1 (en) 2017-12-07
CA3026629A1 (en) 2017-12-14
WO2017214028A1 (en) 2017-12-14
ES2877165T3 (en) 2021-11-16
EP3462976B1 (en) 2021-05-26
AU2017278128A1 (en) 2019-01-03
EP3462976A4 (en) 2019-06-12
JP2019520888A (en) 2019-07-25
CN109475214A (en) 2019-03-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3462976B1 (en) Cosmetic applicator having molded brush and comb portions
EP3462977B1 (en) Cosmetic applicator having one molded and one non-molded brush
US9232851B2 (en) Variable pitch mascara brush
CA2760849C (en) Compressible cosmetic applicator
US8920058B2 (en) Partially extendable hair brush
US20090293900A1 (en) Brush Assembly with Molded Brush Sleeve
KR200488787Y1 (en) Mascara
EP2770867B1 (en) Cosmetic applicator
US9516939B2 (en) Cosmetic applicator
KR101642342B1 (en) Mascara brush for applying a cosmetic
KR20190000702U (en) Mascara
WO2012160644A1 (en) Cosmetic applicator

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20181211

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20190510

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: A45D 40/26 20060101ALI20190506BHEP

Ipc: A45D 33/26 20060101AFI20190506BHEP

Ipc: A45D 40/00 20060101ALI20190506BHEP

Ipc: A45D 34/00 20060101ALI20190506BHEP

Ipc: A45D 33/00 20060101ALI20190506BHEP

Ipc: A45D 34/04 20060101ALI20190506BHEP

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: BOUIX, HERVE

Inventor name: JACOB, CHRISTOPHE

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20210209

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1395342

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210615

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602017039376

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1395342

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210526

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210826

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20210526

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2877165

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20211116

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210927

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210826

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210926

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210827

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602017039376

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210630

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210605

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210605

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210630

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20220301

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210926

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210630

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230418

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20170605

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20230703

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240619

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240627

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240625

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210526

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20240619

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20240710

Year of fee payment: 8