ES2380432T3 - Applicator comprising a rod attached by means of a joint to a gripping member and an inclined application element - Google Patents

Abstract

Applicator comprising: - a gripping member (7), - a rod (6) connected by a joint to the gripping member, - an application element (20) at a first end of the rod, an applicator characterized in that the rod (6 ) and the application element do not extend completely along the same rectilinear axis, and because the rod (6) and the application element (20) extend in a plane, the rod being able to pivot only in this plane.

Description

Applicator comprising a rod attached by means of a joint to a gripping member and an inclined application element.

The present invention relates to applicators comprising a gripping member, a rod attached by means of a joint to the gripping member and an application element disposed at one end of the rod.

Such applicators, which are suitable for the application of a cosmetic product, are described in US Patent No. 6,026,823.

Other applicators are described in US 5,328,282, US 2,173,959, US 4,396,028, US 5,435,328, FR 2,701,196, US 4,165,755, FR 1 395 217, US 4,428 .388, US 3,185,291 and US 4,370,989.

On the other hand, numerous brushes are known formed by the helical winding of two branches of a metallic thread around tufts of hairs that extend radially from the soul, these branches being fixed on a rod made of plastic material, integral with a cap of closing of the container that contains the product to apply.

The free ends of the hairs define an enveloping surface, which can have multiple shapes.

It is thus known, from the French patent application FR-A-2 605 505, a brush with rectilinear soul, which has several lateral faces, and on each lateral face a notch extends over almost the entire length of the brush, presenting each notch in cross section a concave profile outwards. Said notches define crest zones. The axis of the soul is confused with that of the stem. During the application of the product by means of said brush, the latter being dragged in rotation about the axis of the rod, the tabs successively find lateral faces that have an identical shape.

European patent application EP-A-0 663 161 describes a brush that has a rectilinear core and, on its lateral faces, a concave notches outwards. The edges of these notches belong to an enveloping surface that has the general shape of two cone trunks glued by its base.

It is known from the European patent application EP-A-0 792 603 a brush having a rectilinear core and a cylindrical portion in which one or more notches are made whose width passes by a maximum when it travels along the axis of the brush.

It is also known from the French patent application FR-A-2 755 593 a brush having a non-rectilinear soul, which extends in a plane of curvature. The wrapping surface of the brush has, at least a part of its length, an elongated cross-section along an axis of larger length, parallel to the plane of curvature. The two halves of the brush surface, located on both sides of the plane of curvature, are symmetrical with respect to the latter.

From the French patent applications FR-A-2 749 489 and FR-A-2 749 490, other curved soul brushes are known. The cross section defined by the hairs of these brushes varies homothetically from one end of the brush to the other. In other words, if you compare two cross sections of the brush taken at two different sites along the length of the brush, one of the sections is an extension of the other, that is, the relationship of the dimensions of one section to another is constant. , whatever the orientation around the axis of the soul. These brushes are also made from a semi-finished one that has a symmetrical enveloping surface with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the soul.

US Patent No. 5,937,870 describes a brush having a cross section, defined by the hairs, which has an elongated shape over at least a part of its length. This brush has an enveloping surface that has two symmetrical halves with respect to the plane of curvature of the soul.

US Patent No. 5,876,138 describes a brush with a rectilinear soul having a general fish shape.

Patent application DE-A-4 205 935 describes a brush with an angled core, of a constant, circular cross-section.

Patent application FR-A-2 798 276 describes a device comprising a curved soul brush whose free end is not located in the alignment of the rod, in order to improve product extraction. The brush has a cross section that varies monotonously from the end of the brush attached to the stem towards its free end.

The invention aims to propose an applicator, in particular for the lips, eyelids, eyelashes, eyebrows or hair, ergonomic that allows to further improve makeup, in particular that of eyelashes.

In the case of eyelash makeup, there is a need to further refine the applicators comprising a brush, in particular in terms of product loading, elongation, curvature, penetration of the hairs in the eyelashes and separation of these last.

According to one of its aspects, the object of the invention is an applicator according to claim 1.

Said applicator may allow, giving a non-zero angle with the rod, with respect to the axis of the gripper, to benefit from a better ergonomics for makeup. Furthermore, the application element comprising at least a portion, for example a distal part, which extends in a direction that forms a non-zero angle with the axis of the gripping member, this angle can be increased by tilting the rod with respect to the gripping organ, without making the applicator's return to the container more difficult in the case where it comprises a drainer. The application element may be non-rectilinear, or the rod and the application element may not extend completely along the same rectilinear axis. According to the invention, the application element and the rod extend in one plane and the rod can only rotate in this same plane. The longitudinal axis of the application element can also extend outside the plane of rotation of the rod.

The rod may comprise a sealing member configured to be applied substantially tightly against a surface of a container in which the applicator is placed in the absence of use. This sealing element may comprise, for example, a disk and / or a frustoconical part.

Application elements comprising a brush

According to one aspect of the invention, the application element can be configured to apply a product on the keratin fibers and comprise a brush having hairs extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the brush.

Said brush comprises a soul that has a portion from which the hairs extend, also called the "hairs" portion.

In an application example, the soul can be curved over at least a part of its length.

By "curved soul" is meant "non-rectilinear soul", so that a broken line is a curved line in the sense of the present invention.

The enveloping surface defined by the brush hairs can be non-symmetrical with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the soul.

The angle between the axis of the stem portion adjacent to the brush and the soul axis, at any point thereof, can always be less than 90 °.

The brush may have a free end not aligned with the axis of the stem portion adjacent to the brush.

The cross section, defined by the brush hairs, can vary non-monotonously from one end of the brush to another.

By cross section that varies non-monotonously, it should be understood that the cross section of the brush is not constant over the entire length of the brush and therefore does not vary strictly increasing or strictly decreasing from one end of the brush to another. The fact that the cross-section defined by the hairs varies in a non-monotonous manner may be due, for example, to the shape of the semi-finished from which the brush is made, for example this semi-finished can have an extreme diameter at a non-zero distance from each end of the brush, or in the presence of one or more notches, among others.

In a particular embodiment, the brush is made from a semi-finished with a rectilinear core, the portion provided with hairs having a non-symmetrical enveloping surface with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the soul, the semi-finished having a non-rectilinear edge when it observes in profile in a direction perpendicular to the soul, this edge having been straightened at least partially by the curvature given to the soul of the semi-finished one during the manufacture of the brush.

Said brush can make it possible to obtain a very satisfactory makeup quality, thanks to the fact that the soul is curved and that, when viewed sideways in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rod, a profile that varies when it is dragged in rotation around the shaft of the stem.

This brush can allow, in particular, to obtain a good support of the eyelashes and can also allow to obtain a non-uniform drainage, which gives rise to unevenly loaded product areas.

Thus, the user can have on the brush, on the one hand, a greater amount of product that allows to add a product locally on the eyelashes if necessary during makeup, without having to re-immerse the brush in the container and, by on the other hand, of hairs little loaded with product, which can advantageously be used to separate the eyelashes, in particular the small eyelashes at the end of the eyelid.

Starting from a brush as defined above, it can be returned by observation needs to the semi-finished one used to manufacture it by completely straightening the soul, that is to say making it completely rectilinear.

The curvature of the soul may not be constant.

The fact that the curvature is not constant over the length of the brush means that the radius of curvature (which can be infinite) is not the same at least at two different points along the brush. The brush can thus comprise a greater curvature on the side of its free end than on the side by the rod, for example, or even comprise a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear portion and a curved portion, which is the case in particular when the soul of the Brush has a rectilinear part embedded in the rod and the hairs are supported by a part provided with curvilinear hairs, the latter being able to be of constant curvature or not.

In a particular embodiment, the cross section of the brush can pass through at least one end between its two axial ends. This end can be a maximum or a minimum and the cross-section of the brush can pass in particular by a maximum and a minimum between its two axial ends, which is the case in particular when the semi-finished from which the brush is made It presents a general form of fish.

In a particular embodiment, the semi-finished one can have a wrapping surface that has a symmetrical form of revolution.

The semi-finished one used to make the brush may also not have a wrapping surface that has a symmetrical shape of revolution but simply an axial symmetry with respect to the axis of the soul, for example.

The cross-section of the semi-finished envelope surface may have a shape that varies, at least a part of the length of the brush, for example over more than a third of its length, in a homothetic manner. In other words, if you compare two cross sections of the brush taken at two different sites along the length of the brush, one of the sections is an extension of the other, that is, the relationship of the dimensions of one section to another is constant. whatever the orientation around the axis of the soul.

To make the brush, the soul of the semi-finished one can be combated at least around an axis that extends outside the medium level of the semi-finished one. An edge of the semi-finished one that has become more rectilinear due to the curvature given to the soul can be located in the distal or proximal part of the brush, that is to say in the first or second half of the length of the brush from its free end. The aforementioned non-rectilinear edge of the semi-finished can be located substantially in the first or last third of the brush, from its free end. This non-rectilinear edge can be concave outwards or, as a variant, convex outwards, when the non-rectilinear edge is concave outwardly it can be placed, for example, substantially on the last third part of the brush. This is the case in particular when the semi-finished one presents a general form of fish. When the non-rectilinear edge is convex towards the outside, it can be placed, for example, in the first third of the brush. This may be the case in particular when the semi-finished one presents a general form of howitzer or buoy.

In a particular embodiment, the non-rectilinear edge of the semi-finished one is at least partially defined by an ogival distal end portion of the brush, the brush body presenting a truncated conical shape with a cross section that decreases from this distal end part, over at least a part of the length of the brush, in the direction of the stem to which the soul is attached.

In another particular embodiment, the non-rectilinear edge of the semi-finished one is defined by the area surrounding the junction between a distal end portion of the truncated cone, which converges towards the free end of the brush and the body of the brush, also of truncated conical shape, which converge towards the stem to which the soul joins.

In another particular embodiment, the semi-finished one having the general shape of a fish, the non-rectilinear edge of the half-finished one is defined by the area surrounding the joint between the part of the proximal end that forms the fish's tail and the body of the fish .

In another particular embodiment, the brush being made from a semi-finished one in the shape of a diabolo, the non-rectilinear edge of the semi-finished one is defined by the incoming angle, at the junction of the two cone trunks.

In another particular embodiment, the semi-finished one having the shape of a rugby ball, comprising at least one facet or notch, the non-rectilinear edge is defined by the notch or is located in the vicinity of one end of the notch or of the facet.

The non-rectilinear edge of the semifinished can advantageously be deformed, after the curvature given to the soul, in order to be located at least partially and substantially on the axis of the adjacent edge of the brush body, when the latter is observed in a direction perpendicular to the shaft of the stem.

The soul can be a twisted soul, with a step to the left or to the right, in particular with a step to the left as described in the French patent application FR-A-2 701 198. In a brush with a step to the left , the branches of the soul are twisted turning to the left to form turns, seen along the axis of the soul from the end fixed on the stem, which rotate clockwise when advancing from the stem towards the free end of the brush.

The soul is advantageously curved, when the brush is with a step to the left, in order to decrease the inclination of the helical layers formed by the hairs with respect to the axis of the rod as it moves away from the rod, which allows to improve the separation of the eyelashes at the ends of the eyelids, increasing the angle between the eyelashes and said layers.

You can also play with the curvature given to the soul, when the latter is with a step to the right, in order to orient the hairs in a desired direction.

The soul can be made other than by twisting two branches of a metal wire, the hairs can be implanted or molded on other supports.

The hairs can be natural or synthetic, and their ends can undergo any type of known treatment, for example in order to form rounded heads or hairpins.

The brush can comprise hairs of different lengths, in particular short hairs contained in the volume delimited by the enveloping surface defined by the free ends of the large dimension hairs.

The brushes may comprise a mixture of hairs.

The hairs used can be of any nature, in particular being hollow hairs, with a capillary groove, flat or twisted, or also with a zone of preferential deformation.

You can also use a brush that can have any shape and whose soul is not curved around a single axis. In particular, the soul can be curved around two axes not parallel to each other. In this case, the axis of the soul is not completely contained in a single plane of curvature. The axes around which the soul is curved can extend in perpendicular directions or not, and be secant or not.

The applicator stem may be provided with a brush manufactured according to a procedure comprising the following steps:

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 make a semi-finished of rectilinear soul, in particular that has a cross-section that varies in a non-monotonous manner from a first end of the brush to a second end, the semi-finished having a non-symmetrical wrapping surface with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the soul,

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 bending the soul so that the first end of the brush is not aligned with the axis of the rectilinear part of the soul adjacent to the second end, and that the angle formed between the axis of the rectilinear part of the soul and the axis at any curved point of the soul is less than 90º.

In a particular application, this procedure comprises the following steps:

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 make a semi-finished rectilinear soul that has a non-constant cross section, and over at least a part of the length of the semi-finished one, a non-straight edge when the semi-finished one is observed in profile in a direction perpendicular to the soul,

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 bending the soul in order to reduce the curvature of said non-rectilinear edge of the semi-finished one, when the brush is observed in the same direction as before.

The semi-finished one can be symmetrical of revolution or not and present, for example, a general form of howitzer, buoy, fish, diabolo or rugby ball.

At least one facet or notch can be made on the semi-finished one before bending the soul. At least three of said facets or notches can be made, in order to give the brush, in cross-section or at least a part of its length, a general triangular shape.

It is possible, for example, to give the maximum curvature to the soul at the level of the bulging part of the semi-finished when the latter presents a general form of howitzer or buoy, in order to raise the part of the distal end of the semi-finished, having the effect straighten a non-rectilinear upper edge of the swollen part of the semi-finished and accentuate the curvature of its diametrically opposite lower edge.

It is also possible, for example, to give maximum curvature to the soul at the level of the narrowest part of the semifinished when the latter presents a general form of fish or diabolo, in order to raise the part of the proximal end of the semi-finished, having by effect, further hollow the upper concave edge towards the upper part of the semi-finished one and flatten its lower edge, diametrically opposite, concave towards the lower part.

The curvature given to the soul can, in general, have the effect, for example, of pushing a convex or concave face of the brush to make it substantially rectilinear, in particular substantially parallel to the axis of the rod.

When the curvature given to the soul has the effect of straightening a concave or convex face in order to make it substantially rectilinear, this curvature can be made around an axis contained in a median plane for said face.

The semifinished can be with step to the left.

The applicator stem may be provided with a brush, the shape of which may be any and whose portion provided with hairs has a free end that is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the end of the stem adjacent to the brush or with the longitudinal axis of the gripping member. , when the inclination of the rod, with respect to the grabbing organ, is zero.

The soul of the portion provided with hairs may be curved such that a line tangent to the soul at any point of the soul is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod end adjacent to the brush.

According to another aspect of the invention, the hairs of the portion provided with hairs can have ends that define a wrapping surface that has a cross-section that varies over a portion at least of its length, the wrapping surface being non-symmetrical with respect to a medium plane of the enveloping surface, perpendicular to the soul. The soul may, where appropriate, be curved around two axes not parallel to each other, as indicated above.

Said brush allows to obtain a product load of the non-homogeneous hairs thanks to the fact that at least certain parts of the brush are offset with respect to the axis of the stem and therefore with respect to the axis of the drainer.

The axes around which the soul is curved can extend in perpendicular directions, and be secant or not. They may belong to symmetry planes for certain portions of the brush.

The brush can be made by means of the combing of the core of a semi-finished symmetrical envelope surface of revolution on a part at least of its length, in order to change on this part the geometry of said envelope surface.

The brush can also be made from a semi-finished one on which one or several notches and / or one or several facets have been carved, the latter being substantially flat, parallel to the rectilinear soul of the semi-finished or making an angle with it.

Another type of brush that can be advantageously used with a variable inclination rod can comprise a curved core, on which the hairs are joined, this brush presenting a cross section that varies over at least a portion of the length of the brush so non-homothetic, this section being, at least one point of the soul, not symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature of the soul at this point.

The brush can have at least three side faces that have different shapes from each other.

The brush can have at least two flat side faces.

When the application element is a brush, it can be made from a semi-finished one, which has a general form of howitzer, peanut, buoy, fish, diabolo or rugby ball.

For example, a brush connected to one end of the rod can be used, this end of the rod having a longitudinal axis whose free end is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rod. At least a part of the soul is curved in such a way that a tangent to the soul at any point of the soul is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the end portion of the stem. The brush comprises hairs, the ends of the hairs can define a wrapping surface that has a cross section that varies along at least a part of the length of the soul, this wrapping surface being non-symmetrical with respect to a medium plane, the median plane being oriented perpendicular to the soul.

The brush may comprise a curved soul over at least a portion of its length, such that an axis of the soul defines a curve in a plane of curvature, a plurality of hairs defining a cross section of the brush that varies over at least a part of the soul length not geometrically symmetrical. The cross section of the brush can, at least one point of the soul, be substantially non-symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature, and the soul can pass through the center of the cross section of the brush in at least one site of its length.

As a variant, the brush can comprise a curved soul over at least a portion of its length such that the axis of the soul defines a curve in a plane of curvature, the curve having a convex side and a concave side. The hairs that define a cross section of the brush that varies over at least a part of the soul length in a non-homothetic manner, the cross section of the brush being at least one position along the soul substantially non-symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature. In the plane of curvature, the distance from the convex side of the curve to the enveloping surface may vary along at least a portion of the length of the soul.

The brush can comprise a curved soul over at least a part of its length, such that an axis of the soul defines a curve in a plane of curvature and a plurality of hairs extending from the soul, the hairs defining a cross section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the length of the soul in a non-homothetic manner. In at least one position along the soul, the cross section of the brush can be substantially non-symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature and when the soul is straight, the ends of the hairs define at least one notch which has a maximum width located between the ends of the notch, these ends being spaced apart along the length of the brush.

The brush can also comprise a curved soul over at least a portion of its length, such that an axis of the soul defines a curve in a plane of curvature, and a plurality of hairs extending from the soul, defining the hairs a cross section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the length of the soul in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush, in at least one position along the soul, can be substantially non-symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature and when the soul is straight, the ends of the hairs define at least one notch, this notch being concave in at least one plane that cuts the notch.

The brush can also comprise a curved soul along at least a portion of its length such that an axis of the soul defines a curve in a plane of curvature, the curve having a convex side and a concave side. A plurality of hairs extend from the soul, the hairs being ends that define a wrapping surface of the brush. The hairs also define a cross-section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the length of the soul in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush, in at least one position along the soul, may be substantially non-symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature, and the enveloping surface on the convex side of the curve can define a substantially surface flat along at least a portion of the length of the brush, this surface being substantially flat drying to the plane of curvature.

The brush can also comprise a curved soul along at least a portion of its length such that an axis of the soul defines a curve in a plane of curvature, the curve having a convex side and a concave side. A plurality of hairs are connected to the soul, the hairs having ends that define a wrapping surface of the brush. The hairs define a cross section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the length of the soul in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush, in at least one position along the soul, is substantially non-symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature. In the plane of curvature, the enveloping surface of the convex side of the curve can define a substantially rectilinear portion along at least a portion of the length of the brush.

The brush can also comprise a curved soul along at least a portion of its length such that an axis of the soul defines a curve in a plane of curvature. A plurality of hairs are connected to the soul. The hairs define a cross section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the length of the soul in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush, in at least one position along the soul, can be substantially non-symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature. With the rod having an end attached to the soul, this end defining an axis, the free end of the brush may not be aligned with the end axis of the rod.

The brush can also comprise a curved soul over at least a part of its length such that an axis of the soul defines a curve in a plane of curvature. A plurality of hairs extends from the soul, the hairs defining a cross-section of the brush that varies over at least a portion of the soul length in a non-homothetic manner. The cross section of the brush, in at least one position along the soul, may be substantially non-symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature and over at least a portion of the length of the brush, the cross section of the Brush can have a variable length, the width that passes through the soul perpendicular to the plane of curvature.

Applicator with maneuverable portion

The applicator may comprise, in an example of application of the invention, a maneuvering portion that allows the orientation of the rod to be modified with respect to the gripping member, this maneuvering portion extending at least partially between the joint and a second end of the rod, opposite to the first.

Said maneuverable portion may allow the orientation of the application element to be modified with respect to the gripper during use.

The maneuverable portion, the joint and the gripping member can be configured in such a way that the user can modify with one hand the orientation of the rod by acting with a finger on the maneuverable portion, even if the applicator is not placed in a container.

The gripper can comprise a body pierced at one end by the maneuverable portion. The body may comprise, at this end, an end wall provided with an opening pierced by the maneuverable portion. This extreme wall may have a generally convex shape towards the outside.

The aforementioned opening can comprise at least one slit, which can serve to guide the movement of the maneuverable portion. This slit can be extended, if necessary, on at least a part of the lateral surface of the gripper. The opening can, for example, comprise at least two grooves, the longitudinal axes of these two grooves being able to be substantially perpendicular to each other, for example. The groove (s) may comprise edges that define, for example, thanks to at least one shoulder, at least one hard point during the movement of the maneuverable portion. The hard point can facilitate, where appropriate, the maintenance of the maneuverable portion in a predetermined position.

The applicator, for example the end wall, can comprise at least one reference, for example graduations, which allows the user to more easily locate the orientation of the rod with respect to the gripping member.

The maneuverable portion may comprise a protector configured to at least partially lead to the covering of the gripping member. This protector can have, for example, a generally concave face towards the grabber.

The maneuverable portion may be at least partially covered by a wrapper, which comprises, for example, at least one flexible zone. This flexible zone may in particular comprise a bellows.

The maneuverable portion may be completely covered by the wrap.

The envelope can be totally flexible, being made for example of elastomer, for example of butylnitrile, EPDM, silicone or latex, this list not being limiting.

The wrapping can be added on the gripping element or, as a variant, it can be made in one piece by molding with the gripping member, for example by overinjection.

The envelope may have an outer shape having an axial symmetry and have, for example, over at least a part of its length, a circular cross section.

The envelope can have an outer shape that favors its deformability in one or several directions. The wrapper can thus have, for example, over at least a part of its length, an oblong cross section.

The envelope may comprise a wall that may be more or less thick. The envelope may, for example, have a wall whose thickness, at least in some places, is of the order of size of that of a wall of the gripping organ.

The envelope can also have a relatively thick wall, in particular when made of a honeycomb material.

The envelope may comprise, for example, a foam block, provided with a recess or at least one slit in which the rod is placed at its second end. Said block can, for example, be fixed by welding or glued to one end of the body of the gripper.

The wrapper can contribute to the sealing of a container in which the applicator is placed in the absence of use.

Articulation

The joint can be arranged inside the gripping organ.

The fact of arranging the joint inside the gripper can make the applicator more compact and facilitate its grip on the hand.

The joint may be configured to prevent substantial axial and / or lateral displacement of the rod with respect to the gripping member.

The absence, at the level of the joint, of axial displacement, that is to say in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the gripping member, and / or lateral, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gripping member, of the rod with respect to the gripping member It can allow the user to precisely position the application element at the site where the product should be applied.

The joint may comprise a brake to slow the movement of the rod with respect to the gripper. The brake can perform a braking action regardless of the position of the rod with respect to the gripper. The brake can also, as a variant, exert only a braking action in at least one predetermined position of the rod with respect to the gripper.

The articulation can be carried out in various ways, and allows for example a displacement of the rod around a geometric axis, two geometric axes or an infinity of geometric axes.

The joint can comprise, for example, a kneecap, which can have a rigid or flexible seat. A rigid seat can, if possible, obtain a better seal of the container by means of a better contact between a sealing member of the rod and the container, for example.

The joint can comprise, as a variant, a pin, for example metal, around which the rod can rotate. The rod can also comprise a cylindrical part that serves as a pivot.

The joint may also comprise at least one flexible wall, for example a disk, pierced by the rod, this wall extending between the rod and the gripping member. In an example of application, the joint comprises at least one block of an elastically deformable material, for example a foam, pierced by the rod.

The applicator can be configured in such a way that the stem retains the orientation given by the user once the latter releases the maneuverable portion.

The applicator may also comprise an elastic return member of its own to return the rod to a predetermined orientation, when the user releases it, for example to align its axis with that of the gripping member. This return organ may be constituted for example by a constituent element of the joint. The return organ may be constituted by a wrap as mentioned above.

Other application elements

The application element may comprise a comb configured to apply a product on keratin fibers, for example eyelashes or eyebrows.

The application element may comprise a brush made by injection of plastic material with notches.

The application element may, as a variant embodiment, comprise a brush, in particular a brush for applying nail polish. In this case, the rod comprises an elbow, for example.

The application element can also comprise a foam, a sponge, a felt or a flocked terminal, being configured for example to apply a product on the lips or eyelids.

The application element may be suitable for retaining a product by capillarity.

The application element may have a straight or curved axis.

The application element can be flocked.

Conditioning and application device

A subject of the invention is also a device for conditioning and applying a cosmetic product, comprising a container containing the product and an applicator as defined above.

The applicator may be configured to close the container.

The container may comprise a drainer. The drainer can allow the rod to be returned to a position of zero inclination when the applicator returns to the container.

The container and the applicator can be configured in such a way that they prevent the applicator stem from tipping over the container when the applicator is placed on it.

A tight seal of the container can be obtained by means of sealing means located above the joint, around the joint or below the joint, when it is moved along the axis of the rod.

Application Procedure

A subject of the invention is also a process for the application of a cosmetic product on a part of the body or face, in particular on the eyelashes or eyebrows, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

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 loading an application element, which can be any, with the product, the application element being present at one end of a rod articulated in an articulated manner to an gripping member having an axis,

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 modify the orientation of the rod with respect to the gripping organ.

In the case where the application element is configured to apply a product on the keratin fibers, for example the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, the procedure may comprise the following steps:

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 make up the keratinous fibers with, for example, the substantially horizontal rod and with a first inclination of the rod with respect to the gripping member, this first inclination being for example null, being able to be the rod, for example, rotated about itself around its axis, and the application element being constituted by one of the brushes as defined above,

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 make up the keratin fibers with the substantially vertical rod and a second inclination of the rod with respect to the gripping organ, different from the first, for example a maximum inclination of the shank with respect to the gripping member. The make-up can be carried out when the application element is constituted by one of the brushes as defined above, without rotating the rod on itself.

The invention will be better understood from reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of embodiments, and examining the attached drawings, in which:

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Figure 1 is a schematic view, in axial section, of a device for applying a product on the eyelashes or eyebrows, made in accordance with the invention,

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Figure 2 represents a variant embodiment in which the applicator is provided with a maneuverable portion,

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Figure 3 depicts the applicator of the device of Figure 2 in isolation, after rotation of the rod with respect to the gripping member,

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Figure 4 illustrates the use of the applicator of Figure 3 for eyelash makeup, with the rod oriented substantially vertically,

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Figure 5 illustrates the use of the applicator of Figure 3 for eyelash makeup, with the rod oriented substantially horizontally,

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Figures 6 to 9 represent various examples of semi-finished products from which brushes can be made according to an aspect of the invention,

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Figures 10 to 13 represent brushes obtained respectively from the semi-finished ones shown in Figures 6 to 9,

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Figure 14 represents the semi-elaboration of Figure 6 on which facets have been made,

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Figure 15 is a cross-section according to XV-XV of Figure 14,

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Figure 16 is a cross-section similar to Figure 15 illustrating a variant embodiment with notches,

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Figure 17 represents the semi-elaboration of Figure 7 on which facets have been made,

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Figure 18 is a cross section according to XVIII-XVIII of Figure 17,

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Figure 19 represents the semi-elaboration of Figure 8 on which some facets have been made,

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Figure 20 is a cross-section according to XX-XX of Figure 19,

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Figure 21 represents the semi-elaboration of Figure 9 in which some facets have been made,

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Figure 22 is a cross section according to XXII-XXII of Figure 21,

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Figure 23 represents the semi-workmanship of Figure 14 after the curvature of the soul,

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Figure 24 represents the semi-finished one of Figure 17 after the curvature of the soul,

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Figure 25 represents the semi-elaboration of Figure 19 after the curvature of the soul,

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Figure 26 represents the semi-elaboration of Figure 21 after the curvature of the soul,

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Figure 27 represents the brush of Figure 13, after having made the soul suffer a second twist,

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Figure 28 schematically depicts the brush of Figure 10, with the soul twisted to the left, during product application on the eyelashes,

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Figure 29 represents different angles between a helical layer, a flange and the axis of the soul,

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Figure 30 is a view analogous to Figure 28, which represents partially and in isolation a soul twisted to the right,

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Figure 31 illustrates a cross section with notches,

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Figure 32 schematically depicts a brush that has a general shape of diabolo, before the curvature of the soul,

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Figure 33 schematically represents a brush that has a general rugby ball shape, comprising a slit, before the curvature of the soul,

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Figures 34 and 35 illustrate the use of the brush of Figure 11 for eyelash makeup,

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Figure 36 illustrates the embodiment of an elbow on the soul near the stem,

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Figure 37 represents a portion of the soul to illustrate an angle formed by the direction of the soul with the shaft of the rod,

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Figures 38 and 39 represent two examples of semi-finished products with, in a broken line, the curvature given to the soul,

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Figure 40 schematically represents an example of a brush having a curved core about at least two axes,

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Figure 41 depicts a semi-finished product intended for the embodiment of a brush according to another aspect of the invention,

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Figure 42 represents the semi-finished one of Figure 41, after the curvature of the soul,

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Figure 43 is a schematic cross-section according to XLIII of Figure 42,

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Figures 44 to 46 represent different examples of other applicators,

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Figures 47 and 48 illustrate the possibility of using a curved rod,

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Figure 48A represents, in cross section, an application element comprising notches,

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Figure 49 depicts, in isolation, a comb that may be present at the end of the stem of an applicator made in accordance with the invention,

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Figures 50 to 52 represent different examples, among others, of the embodiment of the joint,

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Figure 53 represents, partially, seen from the side, an applicator according to an application variant of the invention,

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Figure 54 is a front view according to the arrow LIV of Figure 53,

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Figures 55 and 56 are views analogous to Figure 54, which represent variants of embodiment,

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Figures 57 to 64 partially represent other examples of applicators,

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Figure 65 is a section according to LXV of Figure 64,

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Figures 66 to 68 represent other examples of articulation, and

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Figure 69 illustrates the embodiment of a notched joint.

The device 1 shown in Figure 1 is intended for the application of a product P on the eyelashes or eyebrows, for example a mask, comprises an applicator 2 and a container 3 containing the product P and in which the product can be fixed. 2 applicator substantially tightly in the absence of use. The container 3 can comprise, in a conventional manner, a threaded neck 4 inside which a drainer 5 is fixed, made for example of elastomer and which can comprise a flexible lip of generally conical shape.

The applicator 2 comprises a stem 6, rectilinear of X axis in the illustrated example and a gripping member 7 of Y axis that also constitutes a closure cap of the container 3, being provided for this purpose with an inner thread 8 configured to be threaded onto the neck 4.

The rod 6 comprises a sealing member 9 configured to cooperate with the opening of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is placed thereon, as can be seen in Figure 1. This sealing member 9 can comprise, for example, a part conical trunk 9a provided at its upper end with a flange 9b configured to rest on the upper edge of the drainer 5. The latter defines inside the container a drain hole 5a that can be circular when the portion of the stem to be drained is of circular section , being adapted to the diameter of this. As a variant, the sealing element could, for example, comprise only the frustoconical part or a disk, and comprise, for example, a sealing skirt. The sealing member may comprise, in particular when it comprises a disk, a string of an elastomeric material.

The gripping member 7 comprises a generally tubular body 14, made for example of a rigid plastic material, which has a symmetrical outer shape of Y-axis revolution in the illustrated example, this body 14 defining at an axial end an opening 15 which allows its placement on the neck 4 of the container 3.

The stem 6 is articulated in an articulated manner to the gripping member 7.

The applicator 2 may comprise a joint that is presented, for example, in the form of a ball joint, which comprises a generally spherical part 10 formed on the rod 6 and a housing or seat 11 correspondingly, inside the gripping member 7 Said ball joint may eventually allow a rotation of the rod 6 on itself, around its X axis, with respect to the gripping member 7, and prevent substantial axial and / or lateral displacement of the rod 6 at the level of the joint, with respect to to the holding body 7.

The spherical part 10 comprises, in the example of figure 1, a recess 16 intended to cooperate with a corresponding shoulder 19 made on a wall 12 of the gripping member defining the housing 11. This shoulder 19 is located on the Y axis.

The placement of the shoulder 19 in the recess 16 can contribute to maintaining the rod 6 on the axis of the gripping organ 7. It can also provide the user with a tactile or audible sensation that allows him to be informed about the position of the rod with respect to the gripping member.

The rod is provided, at one end, with an application element 20 which is constituted, for example, by a mask brush.

The application element may or may not be in contact with the bottom of the container when the applicator is in place.

In the example illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, the housing 11 is defined by a wall 12 of the gripping member, which is devoid of the shoulder 19 and joins an upper end to a return 13, directed radially towards the inside of the body 14.

The rod 6 is provided with a maneuverable portion 18 which serves to orient the rod with respect to the gripping member 7.

The angle ii formed between the X axis of the rod 6 and the Y axis of the gripping member 7 can be modified by the user.

The change of orientation of the rod 6 with respect to the gripping member 7, when the applicator comprises a maneuverable portion 18, can be done without grasping the portion of the rod that is inserted into the container when the applicator is placed on it, therefore, no risk for the user to get their fingers dirty.

On the other hand, the maneuverable portion 18 of the rod 6 can allow the user to visualize a change of direction of the application element with respect to the gripping member during make-up.

In the examples of Figures 1 to 5, the brush 20 has a curved core, the proximal portion 21a of the core 21 joining adjacent to the rod, which is connected to the latter substantially along the X axis of the rod 6, and pointing the portion distal 21b of the soul 21 in a Z direction that forms an angle i with the X axis.

The angle formed between the Z direction and the Y axis of the gripping member 7 may correspond to the cumulative value of the angles ie ii, which may allow, for example, to apply the product on the flanges with the applicator rod facing upwards, as illustrated in Figure 4. In this figure, the applicator has been shown with a maneuverable portion 18, but the explanations are also valid when the applicator is devoid of it.

During make-up with the applicator rod facing up, the angle formed between the shank and the gripping organ can be relatively high, in order to move the gripping organ away from the face and facilitate make-up.

When the applicator is used with the substantially horizontal rod, the orientation of the rod can be, for example, substantially zero with respect to the axis of the gripping member, as illustrated in Figure 5. The brush can be rotated around the X axis of the stem, for example.

The applicator can be configured so that the stem retains the orientation given once the stem, for example its maneuverable portion 18, is released.

As a variant and when the rod comprises a maneuvering portion 18, the applicator can be configured in order to return the rod to a predetermined orientation with respect to the axis of the gripping member, once the maneuverable portion 18 is released.

When the applicator is placed on the container, the cooperation of the rod and, where appropriate, of the sealing member 9, with the container, for example, with the draining member 5, can have the consequence of preventing a substantial rotation of the portion maneuverable 18 with respect to the gripper, contrary to what is the case, for example, of the device described in French patent FR 1 395 217.

According to one aspect of the invention, among others, the applicator may comprise a curved soul brush such as one of those depicted in Figures 10 to 13.

A brush 210 is shown in figure 10. The core 21 of this brush 210 is made by twisting two lengths of metallic wire. Hairs, not shown, are caught between the turns of the soul, in a conventional way.

It has been shown in Figure 10, for clarity, only the enveloping surface defined by the free ends of the large hairs.

The core 21 is fixed at one end to the stem 6 of the X axis. The latter is made, for example, of plastic material and the core 21 forcibly inserted into a housing located at the end thereof.

To make the brush 210, it is based on a semi-finished work depicted in Figure 6, which has a generally shaped shell surface. This enveloping surface is symmetrical of revolution around the axis W of the soul 21, rectilinear, and not symmetric with respect to a median plane M, which divides the soul 21 at half the length of the portion provided with semi-finished hairs.

The bulging part of the brush passes through a maximum diameter at the level of a circle 214 of greater diameter.

The distal end portion 215 of the brush has an ogival shape and the body 216 of the brush has a truncated conical shape, the diameter of the body 216 decreasing in the direction of the stem 6 until it is minimal at the level of an end circle 217.

The upper edge of the semi-finished one of Figure 6 comprises a first rectilinear portion 218a, which extends along the body 216 between circles 214 and 217, and a second rounded portion 218b, which delimits superiorly the distal end portion 215, in shape of ellipse room in the example shown.

The areas of portions 218a and 218b surrounding circle 214 constitute a non-rectilinear edge 218c.

To make the brush 210, a twist is subjected to the soul 21 around an axis perpendicular to the plane of Figure 6, in order to straighten the distal end portion 215 of the semi-finished one, which has the effect of flattening the edge 218c, which is becomes substantially rectilinear and on the axis of portion 218a, as can be seen in Figure 10.

It will be noted that the brush 210 is not symmetrical of revolution around the X axis of the rod 6. The ends of the brush hairs 210 located on the side of the edge 218c are more offset with respect to the X axis of the rod 6 than those diametrically opposite. It is thus obtained on the brush 210, after the extraction of the container and the draining, a more important product reserve at the level of the edge 218d located substantially on the X axis of the stem 6 and a more vigorous draining at the level of the edge 218c, which facilitates makeup, allowing the user to locally deposit a product on the eyelashes if necessary, removing it on the less drained parts of the brush, and separating the eyelashes using the less loaded hairs of the product.

The Z 'direction of the soul, at any point of its length, makes the angle X of the rod an angle that can vary, but is less than 90 °, as illustrated in Figure 37.

The soul may not be covered with hairs along the entire length of its part that extends outside the stem 6.

Thus, the soul can comprise, as seen in Figure 10, a portion provided with curvilinear hairs 211a on which the hairs are joined and which is separated from the stem by a rectilinear portion 211c, devoid of hairs and implanted, by less partially, on the stem 6. The soul therefore has a constant curvature. The curvilinear portion 211a may have a constant curvature or not.

Figure 11 shows a brush 220 obtained from the semifinishing of figure 7, in the form of a buoy.

This semi-finished one presents a general symmetrical form of revolution around the W axis of the rectilinear soul 21, and an enveloping surface formed by the union of two trunks of cones joined by their bases, which constitutes a circle 213 of larger diameter.

The upper edge of the semi-finished one in Figure 7 is formed by the union of the generatrices 222a and 222b of the cones logs, and the area surrounding the smaller diameter circle 213 constitutes a non-rectilinear edge 222c.

The enveloping surface of the semi-finished one in Figure 7 is non-symmetrical with respect to a medium plane M that divides the core 21 at half the length of the semi-finished one.

To make the brush 220 from the semifinishing of Figure 7, a curvature is given to the soul 21 in order to bring the portions 222a and 222b substantially in alignment with each other, which also has the effect of increasing the curvature of the edge lower, diametrically opposite.

The core 21 is adjusted, for example, with a constant radius of curvature on its portion provided with hairs about an axis perpendicular to the plane of Figure 7, located on the side of the upper edge of the semi-finished one. The soul 21 has, in its entirety, a non-constant curvature, the portion being inserted in the rectilinear stem.

It can be seen in Figure 11 that the edge 222c is now substantially rectilinear.

A brush 230 made from the semi-finished of figure 8, in the form of fish, is shown in figure 12.

The enveloping surface of this semi-finished one is symmetrical of revolution around the axis W of the soul 21, rectilinear, and not symmetrical with respect to the medium plane M that divides the soul 21 at half the length of the portion provided with hairs of the semi-finished one.

The semifinishing of Figure 8 comprises a body 232 whose diameter is maximum at the level of a circle 231 of larger diameter. The distal end portion 233, which extends at the front of the larger diameter circle 231, has an ogival shape. The proximal end portion 234 of the semi-finished is joined to the body 232 by a narrowed part 236. The lower edge 237 of the semi-finished forms at the level of this narrowed part 236 a concave hollow downwards.

To make the brush 230, a certain curvature is given to the core 21 of the semi-finished one in Figure 8, in order to flatten the lower edge 237 and make it less hollowed out, even rectilinear, as in the illustrated example.

The upper edge 238, diametrically opposed to the narrowed part, adopts a more important curvature due to the torsion of the soul 21.

It can be seen in Figure 12 that the portion 232a of the lower edge of the body 232, adjacent to the narrowed part 236, has also been straightened due to the curvature given to the soul.

Figure 13 shows a brush 240 obtained from the semi-elaboration represented in Figure 9. The enveloping surface of this semi-elaborate presents a general fish shape, symmetrical of revolution around the axis W of the rectilinear 21 soul. The distal end portion 241 of the semi-finished one is truncated. The semi-finished body 242 is, in its area adjacent to the larger diameter circle 243, conical. The body 242 is attached to the proximal end portion 244 of the semi-finished by means of a narrowed part 245. The lower edge 246 of the narrowed part 245 is concave downwards.

It is passed from the semi-finished of Figure 9 to the brush 240 giving a certain curvature to the soul 21 in order to flatten the lower edge 246 to do so if not rectilinear, and in the extension of a generatrix 242a of the body 242, at least substantially less Cupped it was at the beginning.

The curvature given to the soul 21 has the effect of further recessing the upper edge 247 of the narrowed part 245, diametrically opposite of the lower edge 246.

One or more facets or notches can be made on each of the semi-finished ones in figures 6 to 9 before bending the soul.

By way of example, the semi-finished one of the figure 6 is shown in figure 14 in which three substantially flat facets 219 have been made, which give the semi-finished body, in cross-section, a triangular general shape, as shown in figure 15.

The facets 219 are, in the example of Figure 14, substantially flat, parallel to the W axis of the soul.

As a variant, these could be replaced by notches 219 'that have, in cross-section, a concave outward shape, as illustrated in Figure 16, or by notches that have a concave outward profile when the brush it is observed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rod, the profile of the notch being able to be an arc of a circle for example.

In FIG. 17, the semi-elaboration of FIG. 7 is shown in which three substantially flat facets 229 have been made, which give the semifinished body a general triangular cross-sectional shape, as illustrated in FIG. 18.

In FIG. 19, the semi-elaboration of FIG. 8 is shown in which three substantially flat facets 239 have been made, which give the semifinished body a general triangular cross-sectional shape, as can be seen in FIG. 20.

In Figures 21 and 22, the semi-finished of Figure 9 is shown in which three substantially flat facets 249 have been made.

While in the example of Figure 19 the facets 239 extend only over the body of the brush, in the example of Figure 21 the facets extend over the entire length of the semi-finished, included on its proximal end part.

In figures 23 to 26, the brushes respectively obtained by subjecting the semi-finished ones of figures 14, 17, 19 and 21 to the same transformation as to pass from the semi-finished ones of figures 6 to 9 to those of the brushes of Figures 10 to 13.

In the examples of Figures 23 to 26, the plane of curvature of the soul can be substantially perpendicular to facet 219, 229, 239 or 249 that is diametrically opposite of the non-rectilinear edge that has been straightened. The plane of curvature of the soul 21 can also be a medium plane of symmetry for a facet.

In all the examples just described, the soul 21 is curved around an axis only.

It is possible, without leaving the scope of the present invention, to bend the soul around two or more axes, parallel or not, perpendicular or not, secant or not.

By way of example, the brush of Figure 13 has been shown in Figure 27 which has been subjected to a second twist around an adjustment axis C parallel to the plane of Figure 27, ie parallel to the plane of curvature of the brush of figure 13.

Due to this supplementary curvature, the core 21 no longer extends in a single plane of curvature, which may allow to improve the ergonomics of the brush.

At least one application surface substantially parallel to the rod, for example, can be applied to the brush.

It should be noted that it is particularly advantageous to start from a brush with a step to the left, as will be explained in reference to Figures 28 and 30.

In figure 28, the brush of figure 11 is shown with a twisted soul with a step to the left.

The path of the layers N defined by the ends of the hairs has been schematized by a dashed line, making these layers an angle v with a plane perpendicular to the soul.

It is observed, on examination of Figure 29, that the angle of the layers N with respect to the X axis of the rod 6 decreases when it approaches the free end of the brush, which allows a relatively important angle 1 to be maintained between the tabs H in the end of the eyelid and the N layers, which allows to separate the eyelashes well.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to a soul twisted to the left, and a soul twisted to the right, partially represented in Figure 30, can be used.

Notches can be made on a brush according to the invention, as illustrated in Figure 31. In this figure, it can be seen that the brush has been manufactured in order to form overflows 310 at least part of its length on its surface, with substantially radial flanks.

In FIG. 32, a semi-finished 320 is shown in general in the form of a diabolo, which defines when a non-rectilinear edge 321 is observed sideways destined to be straightened thanks to the curvature given locally to the soul, at the level of the smallest diameter of the brush .

In FIG. 33, a semi-finished 330 is shown that has a general form of rugby ball, comprising a notch 331.

This notch 331, concave, can become substantially flat by the curvature given to the soul.

In figures 34 and 35, the use of the brush of figure 11 for eyelash makeup has been illustrated. One side of the brush can serve for the makeup of the eyelashes located at one end of the eyelid while the opposite side of the brush can serve during the makeup of the eyelashes located at the opposite end of the eyelid.

The soul 21 of a brush can be curved as described above, very close to the stem 6, as illustrated in Figure 36, in order to modify its ergonomics, if necessary.

In figures 38 and 39, two semi-finished brush pieces have been shown before the curvature of the soul and the implantation of the soul in the stem. It can be seen that the soul 21 is, for each of these examples, completely rectilinear before implantation in the stem. The shape of the soul after the curvature has been represented in a broken line. In the example of Figure 38, the semi-finished one has a bitroncochonic enveloping surface around the W axis of the soul 21.

The total length of the portion 211a that supports the hairs is for example of the order of 26 mm. The largest semi-finished diameter may be slightly larger than 7 mm, while the extreme diameters may be close to 4 mm. The total length of the soul 21 may be slightly greater than 35 mm. The core 21 can be curved and at the same time retain the portion 211c, adjacent to the stem, rectilinear, to give the portion 211a a radius of curvature close to 60 mm. The free end of the soul can be offset with respect to the axis of the rectilinear part 211c in a distance d which may be of the order of 4.5 mm.

In Fig. 39, another example of semi-elaboration is shown which presents, before the curvature of the soul, a general form of fish, with a substantially truncated conical front 380 and a symmetrical body 381 of revolution, delimited in longitudinal section by two edges Opposite circular 382 and 383, concave outwards, with a radius of curvature of the order of 52 mm. The diameter of the brush at the level of the rear end plane 385 may be of the order of 7.5 mm and that at the level of the front end plane 386 of the order of 5 mm.

The semi-finished one in Figure 39 is passed to the final brush by curving the portion 211a of the soul that supports the hairs, with a radius of curvature that, in the illustrated example, is constant, of the order of 53 mm, the end of the portion 211a being able adjacent to portion 211c form a slight angle, as illustrated, with the axis of portion 211c. The distance d in which the free end of the soul is offset can be of the order of 2.4 mm.

In the figures, the curvature of the soul has been exaggerated, in order to facilitate the understanding of the above. It is not outside the scope of the present invention when the curvature is lower, being adapted for example to that of the eyelid.

The soul can also be curved in an S-shape in the same plane of curvature.

It is understood that the brushes just described are capable of undergoing non-homogeneous drainage, with a distal end portion offset with respect to the axis of the stem. The brushes can have faces of different shapes that allow obtaining multiple effects.

In figure 40, a brush 340 is shown, whose shape can be any and whose particularity is to be curved around two axes C1 and C2.

The axes C1 and C2 are not parallel, being perpendicular in the example described.

Obviously, it is not outside the scope of the present invention whether axis C2 is secant or not to axis C1 and perpendicular

or not to this one.

Said brush has the advantage of having a product reserve on a part of the brush and having a well drained part of the brush that allows combing and separating the eyelashes. On the other hand, it is pointed out that when the product is applied to the eyelashes, with the brush making a rotation movement around the X axis of the rod 6, there is an oscillation of the hairs of the off-center zone corresponding to the distal end of the brush, transversely to the X axis, which can facilitate its penetration between the tabs and improve the load collection of the latter.

In figure 42, another example of a brush 350 made from the semi-finished one of figure 41 is shown. This semi-finished one is cylindrical, with a rectilinear core 21, and extends along a W axis confused with the X axis of the stem 6. It has made a 351 notch in this semi-finished one.

To make the brush 350 from the semifinishing of Figure 41, a curvature is given to the soul 21 about an axis of bending perpendicular to the plane of Figure 41, this axis being located on the opposite side to the notch 351, which has by effect, flatten the latter to the point of transforming it into a substantially flat facet. The formation of said facet in the place of the notch 351 is accompanied by the formation, on the opposite side of the notch 351, of a concave outer surface 352 concave outwards.

It can be seen, in the examination of Figure 43, that the brush has a cross-section, on the portion of the soul along which the initial notch 351 has been made, a non-symmetrical cross-section with respect to a plane perpendicular to the plane of curvature V of the soul and containing the W axis of the latter.

It is also possible to start from a semi-finished one that includes several notches.

Although numerous examples of brushes have been given, the invention also applies to applicators provided with an application element configured to apply a cosmetic product elsewhere than on keratin fibers.

Thus, application elements comprising a flocked terminal 30 can be used, for example intended for eyelid makeup, as illustrated in figure 44, a flocked terminal 40 intended for lip makeup, as illustrated in figure 45, or a brush for the application of nail polish, as illustrated in Figure 46. It can be seen in this figure that the shank of the applicator is angled, such that the shank and the brush 50 are not totally in one same straight line.

The applicator, of which only a part has been shown in Figure 47, also comprises a cranked rod.

The axis of the application element 51 thus forms a non-zero angle with a part of the rod. The application element 51 may comprise, for example, a foam.

In Fig. 48, the axis of the application element 52 forms a non-zero angle with the applicator stem. The application element 52 is constituted, for example, by a felt tip.

The application element may comprise notches, when viewed in cross-section, as can be seen in Figure 48A, and be made by injection of plastic material.

A comb 60 can also be used, as shown in Figure 49. Other examples of combs, not limiting, are described, in particular, in applications EP 1 169 941, EP 1 070 465, EP 1 070 468, EP 1,070,467.

In the example of Figures 2 to 5, the maneuvering portion 18 of the rod 6 is made in one piece with the rest of the rod, for example by molding plastic material.

It is not outside the scope of the present invention when the maneuvering portion 18 is constituted by a piece added on the rest of the rod 6, being for example inserted at one end in a housing 61 of the spherical part 10, as illustrated in the figure 50.

The joint that joins the rod 6 to the gripping member 7 can be formed by means of a piece added on the rest of the gripping member 7, as illustrated in figure 51. It can be seen in this figure that the housing 11 is formed in a piece 63 fixed, for example, by fitting over the rest 64 of the gripper.

It can also be seen in Figure 51 that the opening of the gripping member 7, through which the maneuvering portion 18 exits, can be delimited by edges 65 that diverge towards the outside.

The wall 12 defining the kneecap housing 11 may, for example, extend at least partially to the outside of the gripping member 7, as illustrated in Figure 52.

The maneuvering portion 18 may be provided with a protector 66 which at least partially covers the wall 12 of the housing 11 with a small play, this protector 66 being able to have, as in the illustrated example, a concave face 67 directed towards the wall 12.

The gripping member 7 can comprise at an axial end an end wall 69, as illustrated in Figure 53, crossed by one or more grooves that allow the maneuvering portion 18 to pass through.

In the example of Fig. 54, the end wall 69 is crossed by two slits 70 and 71, of respective axes F1 and F2 perpendicular to each other, and whose width corresponds substantially to the diameter of the maneuverable portion 18, the latter being able to move in the grooves when the stem 6 is inclined with respect to the gripping member 7.

The presence of the grooves 70 and 71 may allow limiting the possibilities of displacement of the rod 6 with respect to the gripping member 7, according to the directions of the axes F1 and F2.

The end wall 69 has, in the illustrated example, a generally convex outward shape. At least one of the grooves mentioned above, for example the two grooves 70 and 71, may comprise, as illustrated in Figure 55, at least one shoulder 73, for example two shoulders 73 facing each other, with in order to create a hard point when passing through the maneuverable portion 18, which may allow the maintenance of the maneuverable portion 18 to be engaged in a predetermined position, for example butt against an axial end of one of the grooves.

In the example of Figure 55, the user can thus carry the maneuverable portion 18 in one of the five predefined positions, namely a central position in which the portion 18 is at the intersection of the recesses 70 and 71 and the inclination of the rod 6 with respect to the substantially null Y-axis, and four extreme positions in each of which the maneuverable portion 18 is abutted against an axial end of the corresponding groove. The transition from the central position to one of the extreme positions is effected by crossing a hard point attached to the presence of the projections 73.

If it is desired, for example, that the rod 6 can rotate only about a geometric axis, the gripping member 7 may comprise only a single groove 70, as illustrated in Figure 56.

When the rod rotates only in one plane, the application element may have a curved longitudinal axis that extends in this plane.

The gripping member may comprise at least one mark 77 that allows the user to locate the position of the maneuverable portion 18 with respect to the gripping member. The gripper can comprise, for example, a plurality of graduations.

The maneuverable portion 18 may be covered by a wrap, which may be made in various ways. The wrapping can contribute, for example, to the tightness of the container.

In Fig. 57, a wrapper 80 is represented by overmolding an elastomer on a part 81 of the body of the gripping member 7.

The wrapping can be made, for example, with folds 82, as illustrated in Figure 58, the folds 82 constituting, for example, a bellows that gives it flexibility in all directions, to allow the rod 6 to be maneuvered.

In the examples of Figures 57 and 58, the wrapper has a generally symmetrical outer shape of revolution around the Y axis of the gripping member 7, but does not go outside the scope of the present invention giving the wrapper a non-symmetrical shape of revolution , with the aim of eventually defining one or more privileged directions of movement of the maneuverable portion.

By way of illustration, a wrapper 90 having two opposite substantially flat surfaces 91, on which the user can press to modify the inclination of the rod 6 with respect to the gripping member 7, is shown in FIG.

One of these surfaces 91 may eventually comprise an inscription 92 to prompt the user to press on it.

The envelope, as in the case shown in Figure 59, can be given a shape that allows limiting the angular displacement of the rod 6 around a geometric axis only.

In the example of Fig. 59, the flexibility of the envelope 90 in the direction D substantially perpendicular to the surfaces 91 favors the rotation of the rod around a geometric axis L substantially parallel to the surfaces 91, while the greater stiffness of the envelope 90 in the direction of the L axis tends to prevent rotation of the rod around an axis perpendicular to the L axis.

The housing of the kneecap can be formed by a wall made of a single piece by molding material with the wrap, in order, for example, to stop the movements of the rod generating a more important friction.

By way of example, a wrapper 100 comprising a base part 94, fixed by fitting onto a return 95 of the gripping member, is shown in Figure 60. The base part 94 defines the housing 11 in which the spherical upper part 10 of the stem 6 is contained.

The wrap placed on the maneuverable portion 18 may eventually not comprise any fixed part with respect to the gripping member.

The maneuvering portion 18 may be free inside the envelope and allow a relative, in particular axial, displacement of the maneuvering portion 18 with respect to the envelope when the inclination of the rod is modified.

The maneuvering portion 18 may also not be free with respect to the wrapper, in order, for example, to generate forces that tend to return the rod to a resting position in which the X axis is substantially confused with the Y axis .

The envelope may, where appropriate, constitute an elastic return member of the rod to a position of zero inclination at rest.

The wrapper may also comprise a block of a honeycomb material fixed on the body of the gripper.

By way of illustration, a wrapping constituted by a block 102 of an elastically deformable foam, fixed on one side 103 by welding or glue on an end wall 104 of the gripping member, is shown in FIG.

The block 102 comprises a recess 105 which flows into the face 103, in which the maneuvering portion 18 is received.

As a variant, the recess 105 may be replaced by one or more slits 106, for example two cross slits, as illustrated in Figure 62.

The wrapping can also be made of the same material as the gripping organ, being for example connected by a film hinge to the gripping member, as illustrated in Figure 63.

A wrapping 108 made of a single piece by molding material with the gripping member 7 and connected by a film hinge 107 to the gripping member is shown in this figure.

The film hinge 107 is interrupted in a central area to allow the maneuvering portion to pass

18.

Other means other than a kneecap can be used to make the rod articulation with respect to the grabbing organ.

By way of example, a joint comprising a pin 110, for example metal, of a T-axis on which the rod 6 is placed, is shown in FIGS. 64 and 65, the latter comprising for example an enlarged part 111 having some flat faces substantially perpendicular to the T axis and traversed through an opening 112 for the passage of the pin 110. The latter can be fixed in diametrically opposite pieces 113 of the gripping member. This can comprise an outer covering 114, for example metal, fixed on its body 115 and which also serves to retain the pin 110 in the pieces 113.

It can also be performed, as illustrated in Figure 66, the articulation of the rod replacing the spherical part with a cylindrical part 116, for example, in order to allow only the rotation of the rod around the axis U of this cylindrical part, perpendicular to the X axis of the stem. This cylindrical part 116 can be received at its axial ends in open housings 117 in the direction of the end 15 of the gripping member in order to allow the placement of the cylindrical part 116 in the housings 117 by engagement, at the same time as the portion Maneuvering 18 is inserted into the corresponding opening of the gripper.

The joint can also be made using a wall or a block of a deformable material.

By way of example, a joint comprising a block 120 of honeycomb material, for example an elastically deformable porous material, fixed inside the body of the gripping member, for example by welding or glue, is shown in FIG. The rod 6 passes through an opening 121 of the block 120, for example a groove and can comprise reliefs 123, 124 arranged on both sides of the block 120, these reliefs having a dimension sufficient to hold the block 120 between them when the rod 6 is manipulated by the user to modify their orientation.

A simple disk 130, for example of elastomer, can also be used, as illustrated in Figure 68, this disk being for example welded on a return 131 of the gripping member that borders the opening through which the maneuvering portion 18 comes out .

The spherical part 10, introduced in the housing 11, can comprise reliefs 135, for example notches, as illustrated in Figure 69, which cooperate with complementary reliefs 136 formed on the wall 12 of the housing, in order to slow the movement of the rod and / or allow more easily immobilize this in one or several predetermined angular positions. The reliefs 135 and 136 may, as a variant, be replaced by at least one cord of an elastomeric material intended to create a supplementary friction between the rod and the gripper.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The characteristics of the different embodiments can, for example, be combined with each other to perform new embodiments according to the invention.

Throughout the description, the expression "comprising a" should be understood as synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless otherwise specified.

An applicator made in accordance with the invention may not be used in relation to a container in which the applicator is introduced in the absence of use.

The application element can be loaded with product, for example by bringing it into contact with a product tablet.

Claims (40)

1. Applicator comprising:

-

 a grabbing organ (7),

-

 a rod (6) attached by means of a joint to the grabber,

-

 an application element (20) at a first end of the rod, an applicator characterized in that the rod (6) and the application element do not extend completely along the same rectilinear axis, and because the rod (6) and the application element ( 20) they extend in a plane, the rod being able to pivot only in this plane.

2. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the application element comprises a longitudinal axis (W) not rectilinear.

3.

 Applicator according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the rod is non-rectilinear.

Four.

 Applicator according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the longitudinal axis (X) of the rod is rectilinear.

5.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element comprises hairs or teeth oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the application element.

6.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element is configured to apply a product on the keratin fibers, in particular the eyelashes, eyebrows or hair.

7.

 Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the application element comprises a mask brush.

8.

 Applicator according to claim 7, the stem portion adjacent to the brush having an axis (X), the brush comprising a core (21) having a portion from which the hairs extend, characterized in that:

-

 the soul is curved over at least a part of its length,

-

 the enveloping surface defined by the hairs is non-symmetrical with respect to a median plane (M) of the portion from which the hairs extend, this plane being perpendicular to the soul.

9.

 Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the brush has a free end not aligned with the axis (X) of the stem portion adjacent to the brush.

10.

 Applicator according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the cross section of the brush, defined by the hairs of the brush, varies non-monotonously from one end of the brush to the other.

eleven.

 Applicator according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the brush is made from a semi-finished with rectilinear soul, not symmetric with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the soul, which has a non-rectilinear edge when viewed in profile in a direction perpendicular to the soul, this edge having been straightened at least partially by the curvature given to the soul during the manufacture of the brush.

12.

 Applicator according to any of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the brush is made from a semi-finished one that has a symmetrical form of revolution.

13.

 Applicator according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the brush is made from a semi-finished one that has an axial symmetry with respect to the axis (W) of the soul.

14.

 Applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that the brush is curved around at least two axes (C1, C2) not parallel to each other.

fifteen.

 Applicator according to any of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the brush is made from a semi-finished work in which one or several notches and / or one or more facets have been carved.

16.

 Applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that the brush comprises a curved core, in which hairs are joined, and because the brush has a cross-section that varies over at least a portion of the length of the brush in a non-homothetic manner, being said section, at least one point of the soul, not symmetrical

with respect to a plane (K) perpendicular to the plane of curvature (V) of the soul at this point.

17.

 Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the brush has at least three lateral faces that have different shapes from each other.

18.

 Applicator according to any of claims 7 to 17, characterized in that the brush has at least two substantially flat side faces.

19.

 Applicator according to any of claims 7 to 18, characterized in that the brush is made from a semi-finished product that has a general form of howitzer, peanut, buoy, fish, diabolo or rugby ball.

twenty.

 Applicator according to any one of claims 7 to 19, characterized in that the brush is made from a semi-finished one having a cross-section that passes through at least one end between the two axial ends of the brush.

twenty-one.

 Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a comb (60) configured to apply a product on the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows.

22

 Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the application element comprises a flocked terminal.

2. 3.

 Applicator according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the application element is a brush, in particular a brush for applying a nail polish.

24.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint (10, 11) is disposed inside the gripping member (7).

25.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint is configured to prevent a substantial axial and / or lateral displacement of the rod, at the level of the joint, with respect to the gripping member.

26.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping member is configured to close a container (3).

27.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod comprises a maneuverable portion (18) which allows its orientation to be modified with respect to the gripping member, this maneuvering portion extending at least partially between the joint and a second end of the rod, opposite to the first.

28.

 Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the gripping member comprises a body comprising at one end an end wall provided with an opening pierced by the maneuverable portion.

29.

 Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the opening comprises at least one slit (70, 71).

30

 Applicator according to claim 29, characterized in that at least one slit comprises at least one edge defining a hard point during the movement of the maneuvering portion.

31.

 Applicator according to any of claims 27 to 30, characterized in that the maneuverable portion comprises a protector configured to at least partially reach to cover the gripping member.

32

 Applicator according to any of claims 27 to 31, characterized in that the maneuverable portion is covered, at least partially, by a wrapper comprising at least one flexible zone.

33.

 Applicator according to any of claims 27 to 32, characterized in that it is configured in such a way that the rod retains the orientation given by the user once the latter releases the maneuverable portion (18).

3. 4.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint comprises a kneecap.

35

 Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the seat (11) of the kneecap is rigid.

36.

 Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod comprises a sealing member (9) configured to cooperate substantially substantially with a surface of a

container on which the applicator is applied, in the absence of use.

37.

 Device (1) for conditioning and applying a cosmetic product, comprising a container

containing the product and an applicator as defined according to any of the preceding claims. 5 38. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the applicator is configured to close the container. 39. Device according to one of claims 37 and 38, characterized in that the container comprises a drainer (5). 40. Device according to any of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that the container and the applicator are configured in such a way as to prevent the applicator rod (6) from tipping over the container when the applicator is placed on it.