ES2953914T3 - Applicator to apply a cosmetic, makeup or care product to eyelashes and/or eyebrows - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product (P) to human keratin fibers, in particular to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, which has a stem (7) and , at its distal end, an applicator member (8) having a core (10) that extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the stem (7) has a rectilinear portion (7a) that extends along of a rectilinear longitudinal axis (Y) and a curved portion (7b). extending along a curvilinear longitudinal axis, the distance between the longitudinal axis (Y) of the rectilinear portion (7a) of the stem (7) and the longitudinal axis of the curved portion (7b) of the stem (7), measured perpendicularly to said axis (Y), increasing in the direction of the distal end of the stem (7), along at least a part of the length of the curved portion (7b), and the distance between the longitudinal axis of the core (10) and the longitudinal axis (Y) of the rectilinear portion (7a) of the stem (7), measured perpendicular to said axis (Y), decreasing away from the distal end of the stem (7), along at least one part of the length of the applicator member (8). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Applicator to apply a cosmetic, makeup or care product to eyelashes and/or eyebrows

The present invention relates to applicators for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to human keratin fibers, in particular to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, in particular a mascara, and to packaging and application devices having a container that has the product to be applied and the applicator.

In a manner known per se, these applicators have a stem and an applicator element at the end thereof. The stem may extend along a rectilinear or non-rectilinear longitudinal axis. The applicator member may have a core that extends along a rectilinear or non-rectilinear longitudinal axis and may extend in line with the stem or form an elbow therewith. These configurations provide the user with different grips and possible uses, allowing for varying makeup effects.

US Patent 3,343,551 and WO Application 99/22782 describe applicators having an elbow between an applicator element and a stem extending along a rectilinear longitudinal axis.

Application FR 2738466 describes an applicator having a curved stem and an applicator element that extends along a rectilinear longitudinal axis, in line with the curvature of the stem, or that forms an elbow with it.

Applications EP 1752 066 and EP 2 084 987 disclose applicators with a rectilinear stem and an applicator element.

Application JP 2008 044860 describes a mascara applicator element comprising short hollow fibers.

Applications FR 2 831 033 and JP 58 88912 disclose applicators having a stem extending along a longitudinal axis and a curved applicator element.

Application WO 2010/125188 describes a mascara applicator comprising a rectilinear stem and a rectilinear applicator element that is not on the same axis as that of the stem, where an oblique rectilinear portion joins them.

JP H051411 U and JP 2006271477 disclose additional applicators.

There is a need to further improve applicators for applying a product to human keratin fibers to improve their performance and, more particularly, to allow effective holding and provide an ergonomic applicator to promote easy application of makeup and provide the user with various possible effects. . The invention aims to fulfill this objective and its object, according to one of its aspects, is an applicator for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to human keratinous fibers, in particular to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, according to claim 1. Additional embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.

Therefore, the stem is advantageously curved on the distal side in a particular direction of curvature with respect to said longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion, where the applicator element extends in a direction opposite to this direction of curvature.

Consequently, the stem may form an elbow at the point where it joins the applicator member. This elbow forms a clearance between the stem and the applicator element, which provides an ergonomic shape and an advantageous geometry to the applicator. Therefore, it is easy and intuitive to use it to apply the product.

The invention offers the user simple handling of the makeup effect, since they can hold the applicator in various ways depending on the region of application of the product. This can reach, in particular, the eyelashes located at the outer and inner corners of the eye without the stem coming into contact with the cheek, as occurs with some known applicators.

The applicator according to the invention also allows very different makeup application angles compared to known applicators.

Finally, the loading of product on the applicator can also help in the makeup of the small eyelashes in the corner of the eye, since the application elements carried by the core at the distal and proximal ends of the applicator element can be cleaned more than the located in the middle of the applicator element.

The term "longitudinal axis of an element " denotes the line connecting all the centers of mass of the cross sections of the element that extend along said axis. The longitudinal axis may be a central axis, or even an axis of symmetry for said element, in particular when it has a circular cross section or a cross section in a general shape of a regular polygon. The longitudinal axis may be contained in a plane, which may be a plane of symmetry for some or even for all sections transversal of said element.

Stem and applicator element

Preferably, the rectilinear portion of the stem extends along at least half of its length, in particular along at least two-thirds of its length.

The curved portion of the stem may extend along an arc of a circle having a constant radius of curvature. In a variant, the curved portion of the stem extends along an arc of a circle with a variable radius of curvature.

The cross section of the curved portion of the stem may taper, along at least a portion of its length, in the direction of the distal end of the stem.

The distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and the longitudinal axis of the curved portion of the stem advantageously reaches a maximum at the point where the applicator element joins the stem. This maximum can be between 1.5 mm and 5.5 mm, better still between 2.65 mm and 4.5 mm.

The distance between the longitudinal axis of the core and the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem advantageously passes through a minimum at a point of the core that is located at a certain distance from its distal and proximal ends, in particular between one third and two thirds of the length of the core, and then preferably increases in the direction of the distal end of the core, in particular until reaching the maximum of the distance between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and the longitudinal axis of the curved portion of the stem.

The core of the applicator element advantageously extends along a longitudinal axis different from the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and the longitudinal axis of the curved portion of the stem.

In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the core of the applicator element is curvilinear, extending, in particular, along at least a part of its length along an arc of a circle having a radius of curvature constant. In a variant, the longitudinal axis of the core of the applicator element extends along at least a part of its length, along an arc of a circle with a variable radius of curvature.

The user can position the recessed portion of the applicator element toward the eye to apply the product to the eyelashes. The core advantageously extends along a longitudinal axis that forms, at at least one point along its length, a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem.

In a variant, the core of the applicator element extends along a rectilinear longitudinal axis.

When the longitudinal axis of the core of the applicator element is curvilinear, the ratio IR1-R 2I/R1 of the difference in absolute value between the radius of curvature Ri of the curved portion of the stem and the R2 of the core to the radius of curvature of the portion curvature of the stem is between 0.1 and 3, better still between 0.2 and 1.6. The radii of curvature of the curved portions of the stem and the core of the applicator member are preferably substantially equal.

A tangent to the core of the applicator element may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem.

The angular displacement between the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem and a straight line that passes, on the one hand, through the distal end of the stem and, on the other hand, intersects this axis at the place where the stem begins to curve, it can be between 5° and 55°, better still between 10° and 45°.

The distal end of the core and the distal end of the stem may be located on the same line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem.

The core may extend on the same side of the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear portion of the stem as the distal end of the stem.

The distal end of the core may be offset from the proximal end of the stem.

Core and application elements

The applicator element advantageously has application elements that the core carries and are arranged around it in a plurality of longitudinal rows.

The term "application element " denotes an individualizable protruding element intended to engage with human keratinous fibers.

These application elements can be spikes, shovels or bows.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the core of the applicator element has a cross section, taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, with a general triangular shape. In variants, the core has a cross section with a different shape, in particular a circular shape. The largest transverse dimension of the core may be between 1.6 mm and 5 mm.

The core may have three faces, a first face carrying at least one longitudinal row of application elements, and a second and a third face carrying at least one longitudinal row of application elements, in particular two rows, where the core carries For example, an additional longitudinal row of application elements that is located on a rib between the second and third faces.

The axis of each longitudinal row is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.

The number of longitudinal rows can be even. There may be at least six longitudinal rows of application elements in total.

The first face of the core may carry at least two longitudinal outer rows of application elements enclosing a central longitudinal row of application elements which is, in particular, axially displaced with respect to said two outer rows. The term "axially displaced longitudinal row" should be understood to mean that application elements of the same rank in the outer rows do not occupy the same position along the longitudinal axis of the core as those in the central row.

The application elements of the two outer rows may be spikes having a semi-conical shape, and those of the middle row may be spikes having a pyramidal shape.

The application elements on the second and third faces of the core and on the rib between the latter can be spikes with a conical shape.

In a variant, the first face of the core carries a single longitudinal row of blade-shaped application elements, each extending, in particular, transversely to the longitudinal axis of the core.

These blade-shaped application elements may have reinforcements on their sides that extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core.

In a variant, the core may carry blade-shaped application elements extending through more than half a turn around its longitudinal axis, for example, a full turn, and form rings.

In variants, some or all of the application elements are spikes having any other shape, in particular a cylindrical or conical, truncated conical or pyramidal shape, in particular having a hexagonal base. In another variant, some or all of the application elements are spikes that have, in a front view, a non-symmetrical shape and an outwardly convex edge, taper over at least part of their height from the core and have a width which decreases towards said convex edge.

The cross section of the application elements, in particular of the prongs, may have a substantially circular, semicircular (so-called crescent), elliptical or semi-elliptical shape, or may also be, for example, polygonal, in particular hexagonal.

At least one application element may end in a rounded, in particular hemispherical, free end, the radius of curvature of which may be between 0.04 mm and 0.2 mm.

The aforementioned spikes on the second and third faces of the core and on the rib between the latter may be arranged around the longitudinal axis of the core in circumferential rows of application elements, where two consecutive circumferential rows along the longitudinal axis of the core are angularly displaced by an angle other than zero, in particular equal to half the angular step between the application elements of a circumferential row.

The separation between the application elements in the longitudinal rows on the second and third faces and on the rib between the latter can be greater than the separation between the application elements in the longitudinal rows on the first face, in particular double. The term "separation between application elements in a longitudinal row " should be understood as the separation between two application elements of rank n and n+1, measured along the longitudinal axis of the row, between the two respective median planes of the two application elements.

Within the same longitudinal row, the separation between two application elements, in particular two tines, of range n and n+1, can be between 0.25 mm and 3 mm, better still between 0.65 mm and 2.2 mm.

The arrangement and shape of the application elements along the faces of the core of the applicator element provide the user with different makeup effects depending on the faces used. The user can use the first side to load the eyelashes with product and the rest of the applicator element to separate and curl the eyelashes.

At least one application element may extend from the core along an axis of elongation locally perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point where the application element is attached to the core. Preferably, each of the application elements extends from the core along an axis of elongation locally perpendicular to the surface of the core at the point where the application elements are attached to the core. This elongation axis can be radial.

In a variant, the elongation axis of the application elements forms an angle other than 90° with the surface of the core at the point where the application elements join the core.

The height of the application elements can vary from one longitudinal row to another. When the first face of the core carries at least two longitudinal outer rows of application elements that enclose a central longitudinal row of application elements, the height of the application elements in the longitudinal rows on the first face may be greater than that of the application elements in the longitudinal rows on the second and third faces and on the rib between the latter. When the first face of the core carries a single longitudinal row of blade-shaped application elements, the height of these application elements is less than that of the application elements in the longitudinal rows on the second and third faces and on the rib. among the latter. In one variant, all application elements have the same height from one longitudinal row to the next.

The height of at least one application element, better yet each application element or the majority of application elements, may be between 0.15 mm and 3.75 mm, better still between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm . The term "height of an application element" denotes the distance measured along the axis of elongation of the application element between its free end and its base by which it is attached to the core.

The height of the application elements can be constant along the longitudinal axis of the core. In a variant, the height of the application elements varies, for example monotonically, along the longitudinal axis of the core. Within a longitudinal row, the height of the applicator elements may decrease in the direction of the distal end of the core, in particular along at least half of the visible length of the applicator element.

The application elements can have a width of between 0.15 mm and 1.2 mm, better still between 0.35 mm and 0.85 mm. The term "width of an application element" denotes the greatest transverse dimension of the application element, in section, along the longitudinal axis of the core.

When the first face of the core carries a single longitudinal row of blade-shaped application elements, these application elements can have a length, measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core, of between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, better still of between 1 mm and 3.5 mm.

The free ends of the application elements of the applicator element define a coating surface of the applicator element, which has, for example, the general shape of a crescent moon viewed from the side.

The coating surface of the applicator element may have a maximum transverse dimension that is substantially constant along at least a part of the length of the applicator element, in particular along more than half of the part of the core that carries the application elements.

The core and the application elements can be molded from the same material or, in a variant, they can be made from at least two different materials.

The core and/or the application elements are preferably made of a thermoplastic material, in particular an elastomeric thermoplastic material.

In a variant, the applicator element is a brush with a twisted core. In this case, the core of the applicator element may have at least two arms of a wire that folds back on itself, where said arms are twisted together, define turns, and bristles may be clamped between the turns of the core.

Applicator

The stem may be fixed at a second end to a gripping element.

The applicator element can be molded, so it is produced, in particular, by bi-injection molding or mono-injection molding with the stem.

The applicator element can be fixed to the stem by force fit, cold fit or hot fit, overmolding, pressing, crimping, screwing, in particular when the applicator element is a brush with a twisted core, where the core is preferably inserted into a pre-existing housing on the stem after it has been manufactured. In variants, the applicator element is secured to the stem by snapping, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling, for example by mounting an end piece of the applicator element in a housing on the stem. In another variant, the stem is housed in a housing provided in the core.

The core of the applicator member may be solid and is molded, for example, with an end piece for securing to the stem of the applicator.

The applicator elements may be made of a material that is more or less rigid than a material used to produce the applicator stem to which the core is attached.

The stem may have a first rigid portion that extends on the distal side by a second more flexible portion, for example, made of elastomer, which carries the applicator element.

The visible length of the applicator element may be between 14 mm and 35 mm, better still between 19 mm and 28 mm.

The applicator can have between 50 and 680 application elements, better still between 70 and 420 application elements.

Application device

Another object of the invention is a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product to human keratinous fibers, in particular to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, which has an applicator according to the invention and a container containing the product to be applied.

The gripping element of the applicator may constitute a lid to close the container.

The container preferably has a cleaning element suitable for cleaning the stem and the applicator element, which has a cleaning lip.

The product is preferably a mascara.

The invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of a non-limiting example of implementation thereof, and with reference to the attached drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic elevation view, in partial longitudinal section, of an exemplary packaging and application device produced according to the invention,

- Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of the applicator element and the stem of the device of Figure 1 alone,

- Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the applicator element and the stem of the device of Figure 1 alone,

- Figure 4 shows a top perspective view of the applicator element and the stem of the device of Figure 1 alone,

- Figure 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the applicator element and the stem of the device of Figure 1 alone,

- Figure 5A shows a detail of the applicator element of Figure 5, and

- Figure 6 shows a perspective side view of a variant embodiment of an applicator element according to the invention, alone.

Figure 1 shows a packaging and application device 1 produced according to the invention, having an applicator 2 and an associated container 3 containing a product P to be applied to human keratin fibers, in particular to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, for example, a mascara or a care product.

The container 3 has, in the example in question, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 has a closure cap 5 designed to be fixed over the neck 4 to close the container 3 in a sealed manner when not in use, where the cap closure 5 also forms a gripping element for the applicator 2.

The latter has a stem 7, which is joined at its proximal end 12 to the closing cap 5 and, at its distal end 11, to an applicator element 8, which has a core 10 that extends along a longitudinal axis. X, which is central in the example described.

The container 3 also has a cleaning element 6, inserted in the neck 4.

This cleaning element 6, which may be of any suitable type, has, in the example in question, a lip designed to clean the stem 7 and the applicator element 8 when the applicator 2 is removed from the container 3. The lip defines a cleaning orifice. 6a which has a diameter adapted to that of the stem 7. The cleaning element 6 can be made of elastomer. The cleaning hole 6a has, for example, a circular shape.

In the illustrated example, the stem 7 has a circular cross section, but if the stem 7 has some other section, this does not depart from the scope of the present invention, so it is then possible to fix the lid 5 on the container 3 of any other way than screwing, if necessary. The cleaning element 6 is adapted to the shape of the stem 7 and that of the applicator element 8, if applicable.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the stem 7 has a rectilinear portion 7a that extends along a rectilinear longitudinal axis Y along approximately two thirds of the length of the stem, and a curved portion 7b that extends extends along a curvilinear longitudinal axis Z.

As shown, in particular, in Figure 2, the distance dt between the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7 and the longitudinal axis Z of the curved portion 7b of the stem 7, measured perpendicular to said axis Y, increases advantageously in the direction of the distal end 11 of the stem 7 and reaches a maximum Dt at the point where the applicator element 8 joins the stem 7, in particular between 1.5 mm and 5.5 mm, better still between 2.65mm and 4.5mm.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the distance do between the longitudinal axis distal 11 of the stem 7 along a portion of the length of the applicator element 8.

Therefore, the stem 7 advantageously forms an elbow at its distal end 11.

Preferably, and as in the example described, the curved portion 7b of the stem 7 extends along an arc of a circle having a constant radius of curvature R1.

The cross section of the curved portion 7b of the stem 7 advantageously narrows in the direction of the distal end 11 of the stem 7, as can be seen in Figure 2.

The longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7 may coincide with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in position thereon.

If necessary, the stem 7 may have an annular taper in its portion that is located in front of the lip of the cleaning element 6 so as not to mechanically subject it to undue stress during storage.

The applicator element 8 can be molded, produced, for example, by double injection molding or monoinjection molding with the stem 7.

The applicator element 8 may have an end piece 9 for fixing it in a corresponding housing of the stem 7.

The applicator element 8 can be fixed to this stem housing 7 by any means and, in particular, by force fitting, snap closure, adhesive bonding, welding, stapling or crimping.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis constant R2. The radii of curvature R1 and R2 of the curved portion of the stem and the core of the applicator element are substantially the same in the described example.

Preferably, and as in the example in question, the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 forms an angle other than zero with the longitudinal axis Y.

As can be seen, in particular, in Figure 2, the distance do between the longitudinal axis 10 which is located at a distance from its proximal ends 14 and distal 13, at half its length in the example in question, and then increases in the direction of the distal end 13 of the core 10, for example until it reaches new the maximum Dt.

A tangent T to the core 10 of the applicator element 8 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7, in particular the tangent to the domed part 8a of the applicator element 8 when the latter is curved, as illustrated in the figure 2.

The angular displacement y between the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7 and a straight line D passing through the distal end 11 of the stem 7 and this axis Y, at the location 7c in which the stem 7 begins to curve, it can be between 5° and 55°, better still between 10° and 45°.

The distal end 13 of the core 10 and the distal end 11 of the stem 7 are located, in the example described and as shown in Figure 2, on a straight line Dp that is parallel to the longitudinal axis Y of the rectilinear portion 7a of the stem 7 .

The core 10 may extend on the same side of the longitudinal axis Y as the distal end 11 of the stem 7, as can be seen, in particular, in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 2, the distal end 13 of the core 10 may be offset with respect to the proximal end 12 of the stem 7.

In the example of Figures 1 to 5A, the core 10 carries prong-shaped application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 that extend from the core 10 and around the latter in a plurality of longitudinal rows. The axis of each longitudinal row of application elements is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

The visible length H of the applicator element 8 is, for example, equal to 26.5 mm.

In the illustrated example, each of the application elements 18, 16, 15 and 19 extends from the core 10 along an axis of elongation W perpendicular to the surface of the core, at the point where the application elements app join core 10.

As can be seen, in particular in Figure 3, the core 10 of the applicator element 8 has, in the example in question, a cross section, taken perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis three faces 21,22, 23.

The first face 21 may carry three parallel longitudinal rows 31, 32, 33 of application elements 16, 15, where two external longitudinal rows 31, 33 of these enclose a central longitudinal row 32 which is axially displaced with respect to said two external rows. 31, 32, as can be seen particularly in figure 5.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second and third faces 22, 23 of the core 10 may carry two longitudinal rows 34, 35, 37, 38 of application elements 18, where the core 10 carries an additional longitudinal row 36 of application elements 18 which is located on a rib 24 between the second and third faces 22, 23.

As can be seen in Figure 4, the application elements 18 on the second and third faces 22, 23 of the core 10 and on the rib 24 between the latter can be arranged around the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 in circumferential rows of elements. application 18, where two consecutive circumferential rows 41,42 along the longitudinal axis of a circumferential row 41.

The application elements 18, 16 and 15 can have various shapes. In the example in question, and as can be seen, in particular, in Figures 4 and 5A, the application elements 18 that belong to the second and third faces 22, 23 and the rib 24 have a conical shape, the application elements application 16 that belong to the external rows 31, 33 on the first face 21 have a semi-conical shape and the application elements 15 that belong to the central row 32 on the first face 21 have a pyramidal shape.

The separation Spi between the application elements 18 in the longitudinal rows on the second and third faces 22, 23 and on the rib 24 between the latter is greater, in the example in question, than the separation Sp2 between the application elements 16, 15 in the longitudinal rows on the first face 21, in particular double.

The height of the application elements 16, 15 in the longitudinal rows 31, 32, 33 on the first face 21 is greater, in the example described, than that of the application elements 18 in the longitudinal rows 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 on the second and third faces 22, 23 and on the rib 24 between the latter, as can be seen in Figure 3. In a variant that is not illustrated, all the application elements 18, 16 and 15 have the same height from one longitudinal row to another.

In the example in question, the height of the application elements 18, 16 and 15 is constant along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, within each longitudinal row. In a variant not illustrated, the height of the application elements 18, 16 and 15 varies along the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

The height of the application elements 18, 16 and 15 can be between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

In the variant shown in Figure 6, the first face 21 of the core 10 carries a longitudinal row 39 of application elements 19 in the form of blades, where each one extends transversely to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10.

These application elements 19 have, in the example described, reinforcements 19a on their sides that extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

The height of these application elements 19 is advantageously lower than that of the application elements 18 in the longitudinal rows 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 on the second and third faces 22, 23 and on the rib 24 between the latter.

In the examples in question, the free ends 28 of the application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 define a coating surface S of the applicator element 8, which has a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis , is not symmetrical with respect to said X axis and has the general shape of a crescent moon, in a lateral view as in Figure 2.

The application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 are made, in the example in question, of a single piece with the core 10 molding thermoplastic material.

To mold the applicator element 8, any thermoplastic material that is relatively rigid or not can be used, for example, SEBS, a silicone, latex, a material that has improved slip, butyl, EPDM, a nitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, an elastomer of polyester, a polyamide elastomer, a polyethylene elastomer or a vinyl elastomer, a polyolefin, such as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, SEBS, SIS, PET, POM, PU, PA or PMMA. It is also possible to use a ceramic, for example, based on alumina, a resin, for example of the urea-formaldehyde type, and possibly a material containing graphite as a filler. In particular, it is possible to use materials known under the trade names Teflon®, Hytrel®, Cariflex®, Alixine®, Santoprene®, Pebax® and Pollobas®, without this list being limiting.

In a variant not shown, the applicator element 8 is a brush with a twisted core. In this case, the core 10 of the applicator element 8 may have at least two arms of a wire that folds back on itself, where said arms are twisted together, define turns, and the bristles may be clamped between the turns of the core 10.

To use the device 1, the user unscrews the closing cap 5 and removes the applicator element 8 from the container 3. The user can use the first side 21 to load the eyelashes and/or eyebrows with product P and the rest of the applicator element 8 to separate and curl eyelashes and/or eyebrows. By virtue of the elbow that exists between the stem 7 and the applicator element 8, the user can reach, in particular, the eyelashes located at the external and internal corners of the eye without the stem 7 preventing him from touching the cheek.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments just described. The applicator element 8 may be capable of vibrating, that is, it is possible to apply vibrations to it during the application, combing or collection of the product P, for example, as described in application WO 2006/090343.

In another variant, the applicator element 8 can be heated, that is, have a heating element to heat the keratinous fibers, the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or the application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 and/or or the core 10 of the applicator element 8.

The applicator element 8 may comprise any bactericidal agent, such as silver salts, copper salts, preservatives and at least one preservative for the product P.

The core 10 and/or the application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 may further comprise particles, for example a filler, in particular a compound that is magnetic, bacteriostatic or moisture absorbing, or also a compound intended to produce roughness on the surface of the application elements 18, 16, 15 and/or 19 or to help the eyelashes and/or eyebrows to slide on the application elements. At least one of the core 10 and an application element 18, 16, 15 or 19 may be flocked or undergo any thermal or mechanical treatment.

The expression “having a” should be understood as synonymous with “comprising at least one”, and “between” is understood to include the boundaries, unless otherwise specified.

Claims (15)

1. Applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product (P) to human keratin fibers, in particular to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, which has a stem (7) and, at the distal end (11 ) thereof, an applicator element (8) having a core (10) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X), where the stem (7) has a rectilinear portion (7a) that extends along of a rectilinear longitudinal axis (Y) and a curved portion (7b) that extends along a curvilinear longitudinal axis (Z), the distance (d ^t ) between the longitudinal axis (Y) of the rectilinear portion (7a) of the stem (7) and the longitudinal axis (Z) from which the curved portion (7b) of the stem (7), measured perpendicular to said axis (Y), increases in the direction of the distal end (11) of the stem (7) , along at least a part of the length of the curved portion (7b), and where the distance ( d ^o ) between the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10) and the longitudinal axis (Y) of the rectilinear portion (7a) of the stem (7), measured perpendicular to said axis (Y), decreases moving away of the distal end (11) of the stem (7), along at least a part of the length of the applicator element (8), characterized by the fact that the distance between the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10) and the longitudinal axis (Y) of the rectilinear portion (7a) of the stem (7) passes through a minimum ( D ^o ) at a point of the core (10 ) which is located at a distance from the proximal (14) and distal (13) ends thereof. 2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the rectilinear portion (7a) of the stem (7) extends along at least half of its length, in particular along at least two-thirds of its length. 3. Applicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the curved portion (7b) of the stem (7) extends along an arc of a circle having a constant radius of curvature (R ¹ ). 4. Applicator according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cross section of the curved portion (7b) of the stem (7) tapers, along at least a part of its length, in the direction of the distal end ( 11) of the stem (7). 5. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, where the distance ( ^dt ) between the longitudinal axis (Y) of the rectilinear portion (7a) of the stem (7) and the longitudinal axis (Z) of the curved portion (7b) of the stem (7) reaches a maximum (D ^t) at the point where the applicator element (8) joins the stem (7), where this maximum distance is comprised, in particular, between 1.5 mm and 5.5 mm, better still between 2.65 mm and 4.5 mm. 6. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10) and the longitudinal axis (Y) of the rectilinear portion (7a) of the stem (7) passes through a minimum (D ^o ) at a point of the core (10) that is located between one third and two thirds of the length of the core (10), and then preferably increases in the direction of the distal end (13) of the core (10). 7. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10) is curvilinear and extends, in particular, along at least a part of its length along an arc of a circle that has a constant radius of curvature (R ² ). 8. Applicator according to the previous claim, where the proportion (IR ¹ -R ² I/R ¹ ) of the difference in absolute value between the radius of curvature (R ¹ ) of the curved portion (7b) of the stem (7) and The (R ² ) of the core (10) to the radius of curvature (R ¹ ) of the curved portion (7b) of the stem (7) is between 0.1 and 3, better still between 0.2 and 1.6. 9. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core (10) extends on the same side of the longitudinal axis (Y) of the rectilinear portion (7a) of the stem (7) as the distal end (11) of the stem ( 7). 10. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end (13) of the core (10) is offset with respect to the proximal end (12) of the stem (7). 11. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator element (8) has application elements (18, 16, 15, 19) that the core (10) carries and are arranged around the latter in a plurality of longitudinal rows. (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39). 12. Applicator according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core (10) has three faces (21, 22, 23), where a first face (21) carries at least one longitudinal row (31, 32, 33, 39) of application elements (16, 15, 19), and second and third faces (22, 23), where each one carries at least one longitudinal row (34, 35, 37, 38) of application elements (18), in particular two rows, where the core (10) carries, in particular, a row additional longitudinal (36) of application elements (18) that is located on a rib (24) between the second and third faces (22, 23). 13. Applicator according to the preceding claim, wherein the first face (21) of the core (10) carries two longitudinal external rows (31, 33) of application elements (16) that enclose a central longitudinal row (32) of application elements (15) which is axially displaced with respect to said two external rows (31, 33), where the application elements (16) in the two external rows (31, 33) have, in particular, a semi-conical shape, and where the Application elements (15) in the central row (32) have, in particular, a pyramidal shape. 14. Applicator according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first face (21) of the core (10) carries a longitudinal row (39) of application elements (19) in the form of blades, where each one extends, in particularly, transversely to the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10). 15. Device (1) for packaging and applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product (P) to human keratin fibers, in particular to eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having an applicator (2) according to any of claims above and a container (3) containing the product (P).