FR2840515A1 - Cosmetic applicator has stem connected to holder by articulated joint - Google Patents

Abstract

The applicator consists of a holder (7) in the form of a threaded cap for a container (3) of the cosmetic product, a stem (6) and a tip (20) e.g. in the form of a curved brush. The stem is connected to the holder by an articulated joint and it has a projecting tip (18) that allows its position relative to the holder to be modified for more convenient application. The articulated joint allows for angular movement while preventing any axial or lateral movement of the applicator stem, while a system of graduated marks on the holder enables the stem to be moved into a pre-set position relative to it.

Description

in place on this one.

- 1 - 2840515

  The present invention relates to applicators comprising a gripping member, a rod connected by an articulation to the gripping member and an element

  of application has at one end of the rod.

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

  Among the patents mentioned above, FR 1 395 217 describes a nail varnish applicator with a deformable capsule. This cap has a flexible part and a rigid part, the back having a thread allowing it to be screwed onto the neck of a bottle. The flexible part, which may be spherical or bellows-shaped, is integral with a brush and allows the user, by pressing on it, to push the brush in to allow it to reach the bottom of the bottle, to root it out and effectively stir the

  pigments deposited there to resuspend them.

  Applicators comprising an application element with a non-rectilinear longitudinal axis are also known, in particular for applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows. Given the shape of the application element, difficulties can arise when the application element is loaded with product by being introduced into a container through a wringer. In order not to interfere with this introduction, the angle formed by the application element with the rod which supports it must not be too great. However, it may be desirable to have an application element more inclined relative to the rod for reasons of ergonomics and / or allow, for example, greater

  diversity of makeup results.

  The object of the invention is in particular to propose a new applicator, in particular for the lips, the eyelids, the eyebrows, the eyelashes or the hair, more

  ergonomic and / or allowing new makeup effects.

  According to one of its aspects, the invention relates to an applicator comprising: - a gripping member, - a rod connected by an articulation to the gripping member, - an application element disposed at a first end of the stem and configure to apply a product to keratinous febrs, for example eyelashes,

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  eyebrows or hair, - a maneuverable portion making it possible to modify the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion extending at least partially between the articulation and a second end of the rod, opposite the first one. Such an applicator can make it possible to modify the orientation of the application element relative to the gripping member during use, in order to have a non-zero angle between an axis of the application element and an axis of the rod. , without however making it difficult to introduce the applicator into a container containing the product to be applied and provided with a wringer, since this introduction can be carried out for example while the rod is substantially in the axis of the member gripping. In the case where the application element has a non-rectilinear shape, the incidence of the application element relative to the gripping member can be increased at the time of use without having to give the element. application an inclination such as to be likely to generate its introduction into the container. Inclining the rod relative to the gripping member also makes it possible to move the gripping member away from the face, in the case of eyelash or eyebrow makeup, therefore facilitates makeup.

  eyelashes or eyebrows with the axis of the rod oriented substantially vertically.

  According to another of its aspects, the invention relates to an applicator comprising: - a gripping member, - a rod connected by a joint to the gripping member, [the joint being able to be configured to prevent axial displacement and / or sensitive lateral of the rod, at the level of the articulation, relative to the gripping member, - an application element, which may be arbitrary, disposed at a first end of the rod, - a maneuverable portion making it possible to modify ['orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion being able to extend at least partially between [' articulation and a second end of the rod, opposite to the first. The absence, at the articulation, of axial and / or lateral displacement of the rod relative to the gripping member can make it possible to position

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  precisely the application element where the product is to be applied.

  According to another of its aspects, the invention relates to an applicator comprising: - a gripping member, - a rod connected to the gripping member by an articulation arranged inside the gripping member, - a element of application, which can be any, arranged at a first end of the rod, - a maneuverable portion making it possible to modify the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion being able to extend at least partially between the joint and a second end of the rod, opposite the first. The fact of having the articulation inside the gripping member can

  make the applicator more compact and facilitate its handling.

  In examples of applicators produced in accordance with the invention,

  The gripping member may comprise a body provided with an internal thread.

  The gripping member may comprise a body crossed at one end by the maneuverable portion. The body may include, at this end, an end wall provided with an opening traversed by the maneuverable portion. This end wall

  may have a shape generally convex towards the outside.

  The aforementioned opening may include at least one slot, which can be used to guide the movement of the maneuverable portion. This slot may extend, if

  expiring, on at least part of the lateral surface of the gripping member.

  The opening may for example comprise at least two slots, the longitudinal axes of these two slots may be substantially perpendicular to each other, for example. Or the slots may have edges defining, for example by virtue of at least one boss, at least one hard point during the displacement of the maneuverable portion. The hard point can facilitate, if necessary, the maintenance of the maneuverable portion in a predetermined position. The applicator, for example the end wall, may comprise at least one marker, for example graduations, allowing the user to identify more easily

  ['orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member.

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  The maneuverable portion may include a cover configured to at least partially overlap the gripping member. This cache can present,

  for example, a generally concave face towards the gripping member.

  The maneuverable portion can be covered at least partially by a sheath, comprising for example at least one flexible region. This flexible region can

in particular include a bellows.

  The maneuverable portion can be completely covered by the sheath.

  The sheath can be entirely flexible, being made for example in an elastomer, for example butyl nitrile, EPDM, silicone or latex, this list not being

1 0 limiting.

  The sheath can be attached to the gripping member or, alternatively, made in one piece by molding with the gripping member, for example by over injection. The sheath can have an external shape having an axial symmetry and present, for example, over at least part of its length, a cross section. crculare. The sheath can have an external shape favoring its deformability in one or more directions. The sheath can thus present, for example, on at

  at least part of its length an oblong cross section.

  The sheath can have a wall which can be more or less thick. The sheath can for example have a wall whose thickness, at least in places, is

  the order of magnitude of that of a wall of the gripping member.

  The sheath can also have a relatively thick wall, in particular

  when carried out in a cellular material.

  The sheath may comprise, for example, a block of foam, provided with a recess or at least one slot in which the rod is engaged at its second end. Such a block can for example be fixed by welding or gluing at one end of the

body of the gripping organ.

  The sheath can contribute to the sealing of the closure of a container on

  which the applicator is reported in the absence of use.

  The articulation can comprise a brake to brake the movement of the rod relative to the gripping member. The brake can exert a tail brake action that

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  or the position of the rod relative to the gripping member. The brake can also, as a variant, exert a braking action only in at least one predetermined position of

  the rod relative to the gripping member.

  The articulation can be carried out in different ways, and allow for example a displacement of the rod around a geometric axis, of two geometric axes or

  of an infinite number of geometric axes.

  The articulation can for example comprise a ball joint, which can have a rigid or flexible seat. A rigid seat can make it possible to obtain, if necessary, a better seal of the closure of the container thanks to a better contact between a

  sealing member of the rod and the container, for example.

  The articulation can, as a variant, comprise a pin, for example metallic, around which the rod can pivot. The rod may also have a cylindrical part

serving as a pivot.

  The articulation can also comprise at least one flexible wall, for example a disc, crossed by the rod, this wall extending between the rod and the gripping member. In an exemplary implementation, the articulation comprises at least one block

  of an elastically deformable material, for example a foam, traversed by the rod.

  The applicator can be configured in such a way that the rod retains the orientation given to it by the user once the latter releases the maneuverable portion. The applicator may also include an elastic return member capable of bringing the rod back into a predetermined orientation when the user releases it, for example to align its axis with that of the gripping member. This return member can be constituted for example by a component of the articulation. The organ of

  recall can be constituted by a sheath as specified.

  The rod may include a sealing member configured to be applied in a substantially sealed manner against a surface of a container to which the applicator is attached in the absence of use. This sealing body may include, for example

  example, a disc and / or a frustoconical part.

  The applicator element may have a longitudinal axis, straight or not.

  The applicator element may have a longitudinal axis which forms a non-zero angle with an axis of the rod. This non-zero angle can be formed between the axis of a part

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  end of the rod, adjacent to the application element, and the axis of a proximal part of the application element, adjacent to the rod. The non-zero angle can also be formed between the axis of an end portion of the rod, adjacent to the application element, and the axis of a

  distal part of the application element, away from the stem.

  The application element may be non-rectilinear or the rod and ['element

  application may not extend entirely along the same rectilinear axis.

  The application element and the rod can for example extend, in this case, in one plane and the rod can pivot only in this same plane. The longitudinal axis of the element

  application may still extend outside the pivot plane of the rod.

  The application element may include polls and / or teeth oriented transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the element.

of application.

  The application element may include a mascara brush, in particular a brush comprising a core formed by two branches of a twisted metal wire, the

  polls extending substantially radially from the core.

  The applicator element may also include a comb configured to

  apply a product to the keratin fibers, for example the eyelashes or the eyebrows.

  The application element can be produced with notches for example.

  The application element can be produced by injection of plastic material, by

example.

  The application element may, in a variant embodiment, include a

  brush, in particular a brush for applying a nail polish.

  The application element may also include a foam, a sponge, a felt or a flocked tip, being configured for example to apply a product to the

  lips or eyelids. The application element can be flocked.

  The application element may be able to retain product by capillarity.

  The invention also relates to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, comprising a container containing the product and a

  applicator as defined above.

  The applicator can be configured to close the container.

  The container may include a wringer. The wringer can allow the rod to be brought back to a position of zero inclination when the applicator is brought back onto the

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  recpent. The container and the applicator can be configured in such a way that the rod of the applicator is prevented from pivoting relative to the container when the applicator is

in place on this one.

  S A tight closure of the container can be obtained by sealing means located above the joint, around the joint or below

  ['articulation, when one moves along the axis of the rod.

  The subject of the invention is also a method for applying a cosmetic product to a part of the body or of the face, in particular to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, characterized by the fact that it comprises the following stages: - charging a application element with the product, the application element being present at one end of a rod hingedly connected to a gripping member having an axis, - modifying the orientation of the rod relative to the gripping member , in exercise, cant manually push it transversely to the axis of the gripping member on a maneuverable portion adjacent to a second end of the rod,

  opposed to that bear the application element.

  In the case where the application element is configured to apply a product to the keratin fibers, for example the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, the process may comprise the following stages: - making up the keratin fibers with the rod substantially horizontal and with a first inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member, this first inclination being for example zero, - make up the keratin fibers with the rod substantially vertical and a second inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member, different from the first one.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description

  which follows, non-limiting examples of implementation, and on examining the appended drawing, in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic view, in axial section, of a device for the application of a product on the eyelashes or the eyebrows, produced in accordance with the invention, FIG. 2 represents in isolation the applicator of the device of FIG. 1,

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  after pivoting of the rod relative to the gripping member, - Figure 3 illustrates the use of the applicator of Figure 2 for making up the eyelashes, with the rod oriented substantially vertically, Figure 4 illustrates the use of the applicator of FIG. 2 for making up the eyelashes with the rod oriented substantially horizontally, FIGS. 5 and 6 show, schematically, two examples of brushes which can be used as an application element, before the curvature of their core, - FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1, representing a device in which the application element is constituted by a brush having a rectilinear longitudinal axis 10, FIGS. 8 to 11 represent different examples of other applicators, FIG. 12 partially represents a curved rod, - FIG. 12A represents, in cross section, an application element comprising notches, - FIGS. 13 to 15 represent different examples, among others, for carrying out the articulation, - FIG. 16 partially represents, in side view, an applicator conforming to a variant implementation of the invention, - FIG. 17 is a front view according to the arrow XVII of Figure 16, - Figures 18 and 19 show views similar to Figure 17, representing alternative embodiments, - Figures 20 to 27 partially show other examples of applicators, - Figure 28 is a section according to XVIII of FIG. 27, FIGS. 29 to 31 represent other examples of articulation, and

  - Figure 32 illustrates the realization of a joint with skulls.

  The device 1 represented in FIG. 1 is intended for the application of a product P to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, for example mascara, and comprises an applicator 2, represented in isolation in FIGS. 2 and 3 and a container 3 containing the product P and on which can attach the applicator 2 in a substantially waterproof manner in the absence of use. The container 3 can comprise, in a conventional manner, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a threaded neck 4 inside which is fixed a wringer 5, made for example in

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  elastomeric and may include a flexible lip of generally conical shape.

  The applicator 2 comprises a rod 6, rectilinear with axis X in the example illustrated and a gripping member 7 with axis Y also constitute a closure cap for the container 3, being provided for this purpose with an internal thread 8 configured to be screwed 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 in place thereon, as can be seen in the figure 1. This sealing member 9 may include, for example, a frustoconical part 9a provided at its upper end with a flange 9b configured to come to bear on the upper edge of the wiper 5. The latter defines inside of the container a wiping orifice 5a which can be circular when the portion of the rod to be wrung is of circular section, being adapted to the diameter of the latter. As a variant, the sealing member could, for example, comprise only the frustoconical part or only a disc or have yet another shape, and include, for example, a sealing skirt. The sealing member may comprise, in particular when it comprises a disc, a cord of an elastomeric material. The gripping member 7 comprises a generally tubular body 14, made for example in a rigid plastic material, having a symmetrical external shape of revolution of axis Y in the example illustrated, this body 14 defining at an axial end an opening 15 allowing its engagement on the neck 4 of the container 3 and at the opposite end an opening 16 allowing the passage of a maneuverable portion 18 of the rod

  6, used to orient the latter relative to the gripping member 7.

  The rod 6 is connected in an articulated manner to the gripping member 2, so that the angle ii formed between the axis X of the rod 6 and the axis Y of the gripping member 7 can be modified by The user during the use of the applicator 2, as

illustrated in Figure 2.

  The applicator 2 may comprise a hinge which is for example in the form of a ball joint, comprising a generally spherical part 10 formed on the rod 6 and a housing or seat 11 of corresponding shape inside the body of the gripping 7. Such a ball joint may possibly allow rotation of the rod 6 on itself, about its axis X, relative to the gripping member 7, and prevent a substantial axial and lateral displacement of the rod 6 at the level of ['articulation, relatively to

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the gripping member 7.

  In the example illustrated, the housing 11 is defined by a wall 12 of the gripping member which is connected at an end greater than a return 13 directed radially.

towards the interior of the body 14.

  The rod 6 is provided, at its end opposite to the maneuverable portion 18, with an application element 20 which may or may not come into contact with the bottom of the container.

  when the applicator is in place and which is constituted for example by a mascara brush.

  The bro s can behave, in a conventional manner, a core formed by two branches of a twisted metal wire, from which the polls extend

substantially radially.

  The change of orientation of the rod 6 relative to the gripping member 7 can be done without grasping the portion of the rod which is introduced into the container when the applicator is in place on it, therefore without risk for the user to get your fingers dirty. Furthermore, the maneuverable portion 18 of the rod 6 can allow the user to view a change in direction of the application element relative to the gripping member, during makeup, by acting on the portion.

maneuverable 18.

  The rod can be moved with one hand, during makeup.

  The brush may have a non-straight core, as is the case in

  the example of FIGS. 1 to 3, or rectilinear, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

  It may be advantageous if the application element 20 and the rod 6 do not both extend along the same straight line and, in particular, that the application element has

a curvilinear longitudinal axis.

  In the example of FIGS. 1 to 3, the brush 20 has a curved core, the proximal portion 21a of the core 21, adjacent to the rod, connecting thereto substantially along the axis X and the distal portion 2 1b of the core 2 1 pointing in a direction Z forming an angle i with the axis X. The angle formed between the direction Z and the axis Y of the gripping member 7 may correspond to the cumulative value of the angles i and ii, which can make it possible for example to apply the product to the eyelashes with the applicator rod facing upwards, as

illustrated in figure 3.

  When making up with the applicator stem pointing upwards, the angle formed between the stem and the gripping member can be relatively high, in order to distance

  the organ for gripping the face and making makeup easier.

  When the applicator is used with the substantially horizontal rod, the orientation of the rod may for example be substantially zero relative to the axis of

  the gripping member, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

  The applicator can be configured so that the rod retains the orientation which is given to it once the maneuverable portion 18 is released, so that the user does not have to push on the maneuverable portion to

  keep the rod inclined relative to the axis of the gripping member.

  Alternatively, as will be detailed later, the applicator can be configured so as to bring the rod back into a predetermined orientation relative to

  the axis of the gripping member once the maneuverable portion 18 is released.

  When the applicator is in place on the container, the cooperation of the rod and the case, if necessary, of the sealing member 9 with the container and in particular with the wiping member 5 may have the consequence of preventing tilting. sensitive to the maneuverable portion 18 relative to the gripping member, unlike what is

  the case for example for the device described in the French patent, ais 1 395 217.

  Can be used as an application element 20 at the end of the rod 6 different application elements and in particular brushes with an eccentric core and / or a curved core, having before the curvature of the core a shape as shown for example

in Figures 5 and 6.

  We have represented in these figures two brush blanks, before curvature of

  the core and implantation of the core 21 in the rod 6.

  We can see that the soul 21 is. for each of these examples, entirely

  straight before implantation in the stem.

  We have represented in broken lines the shape of the core after curvature.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the blank presents a bi-envelope surface

  frustoconical around its longitudinal axis.

  The total length of the portion 20a of the brush which carries the polls is for example of the order of 26 mm. The largest diameter of the blank can be slightly greater than 7 mm while the end diameters can be close to 4 mm. The

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  total length of the core 21 may be slightly greater than 35 mm, for example.

  The core 21 can be curved while keeping the portion implanted in the straight rod 6, to give the free portion a radius of curvature close to 60 mm by

example.

  The free end of the core may be offset from the axis of the rectilinear part implanted in the rod by a distance d which may be of the order of 4.5 mm

for example.

  The blank of FIG. 6 presents, before the curvature of the core, a general shape of fish with a front portion 20b substantially frustoconical and a body 20c symmetrical of revolution, delimited in longitudinal section by two opposite circular edges 20d and e, concave outwards, each having a radius of curvature of the order of 52 mm. The diameter of the brush, at the rear end plane 20f, can be of the order of 7.5 mm for example and that at the front end plane 20g of the order of 5 mm for example. We go from the draft of Figure 6 to the final brush by bending the portion of the core supporting the polls, with a radius of curvature which in the example illustrated

is constant, of the order of 53 mm.

  The end of the portion of the brush carrying the polls, adjacent to the portion implanted in the rod, may form a slight angle, as illustrated in FIG. 6, with the axis of the portion implanted in the rod 6. The distance d, of which is eccentric

  the free end of the core, may be of the order of 2.4 mm for example.

  It is also possible to use application elements comprising a flocked tip 30, intended for example for making up the eyelid, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a flocked tip 40 intended for making up the lips, as illustrated in FIG. 9, or a brush 50 for applying varnish to the nails, as illustrated in FIG. 10. It is also possible to use a comb 60, as shown in FIG. 11. Other examples of combs, not limiting, described in the applications EP 1169 941, EP 1 070 465, EP 1 070 468, EP 1 070 467 in particular. You can still use a felt tip or a

  foam, as shown in Figure 12.

  We see in this figure that the rod 6 may not be entirely straight and

  include for example a bent portion 6a.

  The applicator element may include skulls, when observed in cross section, as can be seen in FIG. 12A, and be produced by injection of

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plastic material.

  The various elements of applications can extend with the rod on a same

right or not.

  In the example of FIGS. 1 to 3, the maneuverable portion 18 of the rod 6 is made in one piece with the rest of the rod, for example by molding of plastic. It is not going beyond the scope of the present invention when the maneuverable portion 18 is constituted by an insert on the rest of the rod 6, being for example inserted at one end into a housing 61 of the spherical part 10, as

illustrated in Figure 13.

  The articulation connecting the rod 6 to the gripping member 7 can be formed by means of a piece attached to the rest of the gripping member 7, as illustrated in FIG. 14. It is shown in this figure that the housing 11 is formed in a piece 63 fixed by

  example by snapping onto the rest 64 of the gripping member.

  1S It can also be seen in FIG. 14 that the opening of the gripping member 7, through which the maneuverable portion 18 exits, can be delimited by

  edges 65 diverging towards the outside.

  The wall 12 which defines the housing 11 of the ball joint can extend, for example, at least partially outside of the gripping member 7, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The maneuverable portion 18 can be provided with a cover 66 covering at least partially with little play or zero play the wall 12 of the housing 11, this cover 66 may have as in the example illustrates a concave face 67 directed towards

wall 12.

  The gripping member 7 may comprise, at an axial end, an end wall 69, as illustrated in FIG. 16, traversed by one or more slots

  allowing passage of the maneuverable portion 18.

  In the example of FIG. 16, the end wall 69 is crossed by two slots 70 and 71, with respective axes F and F2 perpendicular to each other, and the width of which corresponds substantially to the diameter of the maneuverable portion 18, this behind which can move in the slots when the rod 6 is inclined relative to the

grip 7.

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  The presence of the slots 70 and 71 can make it possible to limit the possibilities of displacement of the rod 6 relative to the gripping member 7 in the directions of the

axes F and F2.

  The end wall 69 has, in the example illustrated, a shape generally convex towards the outside. At least one of the aforementioned slots, for example the two slots 70 and 71, may comprise at least one boss 73, for example two bosses 73 facing each other, in order to create a hard point on crossing by the maneuverable portion 18, this which can help to maintain the maneuverable portion 18 in a predetermined position, for example in abutment against an axial end of one of the

1 0 slots.

  In the example of FIG. 18, the user can thus bring the maneuverable portion 18 into one of the five predefined positions, namely a central position in which the portion 18 is at the intersection of the slots 70 and 71 and the 'inclination of the rod 6 relatively to the axis Y substantially zero, and four extreme positions in each of which the maneuverable portion 18 abuts against an axial end of the corresponding slot. The transition from the central position to one of the extreme positions takes place

  with crossing of a hard point linked to the presence of bosses 73.

  If it is desired, for example, for the rod 6 to pivot only around a geometric axis only, the gripping member 7 may have only one slot 70,

as shown in Figure 19.

  When the rod only rotates in one plane, the application element can

  present a curved longitudinal axis which extends in this plane.

  The gripping member may include at least one marker 77 allowing the user to identify the position of the maneuverable portion 18 relative to the gripping member. The gripping member may for example include a plurality of graduations. The maneuverable portion 18 can be covered by a sheath, which can be produced in various ways. The sheath can contribute, for example, to sealing

of the container.

  FIG. 20 shows a sheath 80 produced by overmolding a

  elastomer on a part 81 of the body of the gripping member 7.

  The sheath can be produced for example with pleats 82, as illustrated in the

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  Figure 21, the folds 82 constitute for example a blast giving it flexibility in

  all directions, to allow the rod 6 to be maneuvered.

  In the examples of FIGS. 20 and 21, the sheath has a generally symmetrical outer shape of revolution around the axis Y of the gripping member 7, but it is not going beyond the ambit of the present invention to give the sheath a non-symmetrical form of revolution, possibly with the aim of defining one or

  several preferred directions of movement of the maneuverable portion.

  By way of illustration, there is shown in Figure 22 a sleeve 90 having two opposite surfaces 91 substantially flat, on which the user can press

  to modify the inclination of the rod 6 relative to the gripping member 7.

  One of these surfaces 91 may possibly include an inscription 92

  to prompt the user to press it.

  We can give the sheath, as is the case shown in Figure 22, a shape to limit the angular displacement of the rod 6 around an axis

geometric senlement.

  In the example of FIG. 22, the flexibility of the sheath 90 in the direction M of displacement of the maneuverable portion 18, substantially perpendicular to the surfaces 91, favors the pivoting of the rod around a geometric axis K substantially parallel to the surfaces 91 , while the greater rigidity of the sleeve 90 in the direction of the axis K tends to prevent pivoting of the rod around an axis perpendicular to the axis K. The housing of the ball joint can be formed by a wall made of '' a senl holding by molding of material with the sheath, in order for example to slow down the displacements of the

  rod generating greater friction.

  For example, there is shown in Figure 23 a sleeve 100 having a base portion 94, fixed by snap-fastening on a return 95 of the gripping member. The base part 94 defines the housing 11 in which is contained the spherical part 10 of

the rod 6.

  The sheath engaged on the maneuverable portion 18 may possibly not

  have no fixed part with respect to the gripping member.

  The maneuverable portion 18 can be free inside the sheath and allow relative displacement, in particular axial, of the maneuverable portion 18

  relative to the sheath, when the inclination of the rod is changed.

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  The maneuverable portion 18 may also not be free relative to the sheath, in order for example to generate stresses tending to bring the rod back into a rest position where the axis X is substantially coincident with the axis Y. The sheath can constitute , if necessary, an elastic return member of the rod in a position of zero inclination at rest. The sheath may also comprise a block of a fixed cellular material on the

body of the gripping organ.

  By way of illustration, FIG. 24 shows a sheath constituted by a block 102 of an elastically deformable foam, fixed by a face 103 by welding or

  bonding to an end wall 104 of the gripping member.

  The block 102 includes a recess 105 opening out on the face 103, in

  which is received, the maneuverable portion 18.

  Alternatively, the recess 105 can be replaced by one or more slots

  106, for example two cross slits, as illustrated in FIG. 25.

  The sheath can also be produced in the same material as the gripping member, for example being connected by a film hinge to the gripping member, as

illustrated in Figure 26.

  There is shown in this figure a sheath 108 made in one piece by molding of material with the gripping member 7 and relic by a film hinge 107 a

the gripping organ.

  The film hinge 107 is interrupted in a central region to allow

  the passage of the maneuverable portion 18.

  Other means than a ball joint can be used to achieve the articulation

  of the rod relative to the gripping member.

  By way of example, there is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 an articulation comprising a pin 110, for example metallic, of axis T on which the rod 6 is engaged, the latter comprising for example an enlarged part 111 having faces planes substantially perpendicular to the axis T and crossed by an opening 112 for the passage of the spindle 110. The latter can be fixed in diametrically opposed studs 113 of the gripping member. This may include an outer covering 114, for example metallic, fixed on its body 115 and which also serves to retain the pin 110 in the

studs 113.

17 234051 5

  It is also possible, as illustrated in FIG. 29, to realize the articulation of the rod as a replacement, cant the spherical part by a cylindrical part 116, for example, in order to allow the pivoting of the rod only around the W axis of this cylindrical part, perpendicular to the X axis of the rod. This cylindrical part 116 can be received, at its axial ends in housings 117 open in the direction of the end 15 of the gripping member, in order to allow the positioning of the cylindrical part 116 in the housings 117 by snap-fastening , together with the maneuverable portion 18 is

  introduced into the corresponding opening of the gripping member.

  One can also realize the articulation by using a wall or a block of a

deformable material.

  For example, there is shown in Figure 30 a hinge comprising a block 120 of a cellular material, for example an elastically deformable foam, fixed inside the body of the gripping member, for example by welding or collage. The rod 6 passes through an opening 121 of the block 120, for example a slot and may include reliefs 123, 124 arranged on either side of the block 120, these reliefs having a dimension sufficient to hold the block 120 between them when the rod 6 is handled by

  the user to change its orientation.

  A simple disc 130, for example made of elastomer, can also be used, as illustrated in FIG. 31, this disc being for example welded on a return 131 of

  the gripping member bordering the opening through which the maneuverable portion 18 leaves.

* The spherical part 10 of the rod, engaged in the housing 11, may include reliefs 135, for example notches as shown in FIG. 32, cooperating with complementary reliefs 136 formed on the wall 12 of the housing, in order to brake the movement of the rod and / or allow it to be immobilized more easily in one or more predetermined angular positions. The reliefs 135 and 136 can, as a variant, be replaced by at least one bead of an elastomeric material intended to create friction

  between the rod and the gripping member.

  Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which

  have just been described. The characteristics of the different embodiments can by

  example be combined with each other to realize new ways of setting up

in accordance with the invention.

  Throughout the description, the expression << comprising a >> must be understood

18 234051 5

  as being synonymous with "comprising at least one", unless otherwise specified.

  An applicator produced in accordance with the invention may not be used in

  connection with a container into which the applicator is introduced in the absence of use.

  The applicator element can be loaded with product, for example by bringing it into contact with a product roll. lg 2340515

Claims (50)

  1. Applicator comprising: - a gripping member (7), - a rod (6) connected by an articulation to the gripping member, - an application element (20; 60) disposed at a first end of the rod and configured to apply a product to the keratin fibers, the rod comprising a maneuverable portion (18) making it possible to modify its orientation relative to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion extending at least partially between the articulation and a second end of the stem, opposite the first. 2. Applicator comprising: - a gripping member (7), - a rod (6) connected by a hinge to the gripping member, the hinge (10, 11; 110, ill; 120; 130) being arranged to the interior of the gripping member (7), - an application element (20; 30; 40; 50; 60) disposed at a first end of the rod, the rod comprising a maneuverable portion (18) making it possible to modify its orientation with respect to the gripping member, this maneuverable portion extending at least partially between the articulation and a second end of the rod, opposite the first. 3. Applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that ['articulation is configured to prevent a sensitive axial and / or lateral displacement of   the rod, at the joint, relative to the gripping member.   4. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized   by the fact that the gripping member (7) is configured to close a container (3).   5. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that   the gripping member comprises a skirt provided with internal threading.   6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one marker (77), in particular graduations, allowing the user to identify the orientation of the rod (6) relative to the member 234 051 5 grip (7).   7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized by the fact that the gripping member comprises a body (14) traversed at a   extremity by the maneuverable portion (18).   8. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the body has at one end an end wall (69) provided with an opening (70,   71) crossed by the maneuverable portion.   9. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that   the opening has at least one slot (70, 71).   10. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the opening comprises at least two slots (70, 71), the longitudinal axes (F, F2) of these   slots being substantially perpendicular to each other.   11. Applicator according to one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that   at least one slot (70, 71) has at least one edge (73) defining a hard point   when moving the maneuverable portion (18).   12. Applicator according to any one of claims 8 to l l, characterized   by the fact that the end wall (69) has a shape generally convex towards the outside.   13. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized by the fact that the maneuverable portion includes a cover (66) configured for   at least partially overlap the gripping member (7).   14. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cover has a face (67) generally concave towards the body of the gripping member.   15. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized by the fact that the maneuverable portion (18) is at least partially covered by a sheath (80; 90; 100; 102; 108) comprising at least one flexible region. 16. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the   flexible region of the sheath has a blower (82).   17. Applicator according to one of the two claims immediately   precedents, characterized by the fact that the maneuverable portion (18) is covered 21 234051 5 entirely by the scabbard.   18. Applicator according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized   by the fact that the sheath is entirely flexible.   19. Applicator according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized   S by the fact that the sheath is made of an elastomer.   20. Applicator according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized   by the fact that the sheath (100) is attached to the gripping member.   21. Applicator according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized   by the fact that the sheath (80, 108) is made in one piece by molding with the gripping organ.   22. Applicator according to claim 21, characterized in that the sheath   is connected by a film hinge (107) to the gripping member (7).   23. Applicator according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized   by the fact that the sheath (80) has, over at least part of its length, a section transverse circular.   24. Applicator according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized   by the fact that the sheath (90) has, over at least part of its length, a section oblong transverse.   25. Applicator according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized   by the fact that the sheath (102) comprises a block of foam.   26. Applicator according to any one of claims 15 to 25, characterized   by the fact that the sheath contributes to the sealing of the closure of a container on which   the applicator is reported in the absence of use.   27. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized by the fact that the applicator is configured in such a way that the rod retains the orientation given to it by the user once the latter releases the maneuverable portion.   28. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized by the fact that the articulation comprises a brake (135, 136) for braking the   movement of the rod relative to the gripping member.   29. Applicator according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the brake exerts a tail braking action whatever the position of the rod relative to 22 234051 5 the gripping organ.   30. Applicator according to claim 28, characterized in that the brake (135, 136) exerts a braking action only in at least one predetermined position   of the rod relative to the gripping member.   31. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized by the fact that the articulation comprises a ball joint (10, 11).   32. Applicator according to claim 31, characterized in that the seat (11) of the ball joint is rigid.   33. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized   by the fact that the articulation comprises a pin (110) around which can pivot the rod (6).   34. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized   by the fact that the articulation comprises at least one deformable wall, in particular a   disc (130), crossed by the rod, extending between the rod and the gripping member.   35. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized   by the fact that the articulation comprises at least one block (120) of an elastically material   deformable, in particular a foam, traversed by the rod.   36. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized   by the fact that the rod has a cylindrical part (116) serving as a pivot.   37. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized by the fact that the rod comprises a sealing member (9) shaped to cooperate in a substantially sealed manner with a surface of a container (3) on which   is reported the applicator, in the absence of use.   38. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 37, characterized   by the fact that the application element has a non-rectilinear longitudinal axis.   39. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized by the fact that the applicator element (20) has a longitudinal axis which   forms a non-zero angle (i) with an axis (X) of the rod.   40. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims,   3 0 characterized by the fact that the applicator element comprises polls or oriented teeth   transversely to the longitudinal axis of the application element.   41. Applicator according to claim 40, characterized in that the element 23 234051 5   application is a mascara brush.   42. Applicator according to claim 39, characterized in that the application element comprises a comb (60) configured to apply a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows.   43. Applicator according to any one of claims 2 to 37, without   Attachment to claim 1, characterized in that the application element   comprises a brush (50), in particular a brush for applying a nail varnish.   44. Applicator according to any one of claims 2 to 37, without   Attachment to claim 1, characterized in that the application element   lO has a flocked tip (30; 40).   45. Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, comprising a container containing the product and an applicator as defined in one   any of the preceding claims.   46. Device according to claim 45, characterized in that the applicator   is configured to close the container.   47. Device according to one of claims 45 and 46, characterized in that   the container comprises a wringer (5).   48. Device according to any one of claims 45 to 47, characterized   by the fact that the container and the applicator are configured so that the rod of the applicator is prevented from pivoting relative to the container when the applicator is in place on this one.   49. Method for the application of a cosmetic product to a part of the body or of the face, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - loading an application element (20) with the product, ['element of application being present at one end of a rod (6) connected in an articulated manner to a gripping member (7) having an axis (Y), - modify ['orientation of the rod (6) relative to the gripper, in exer, cant manually a thrust oriented transversely to the axis (Y) of the gripper on a maneuverable portion (18) adjacent to a second end of the   rod, opposite to that bear the application element.   50. Method according to the preceding claim, the application element being configured to apply a product to the keratin fibers, characterized in that it 24 234 051 5   comprises the following stages: - making up the keratin fibers with the rod substantially horizontal and with a first inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member, this first inclination being for example zero, S - making up the keratin fibers with the rod substantially vertical and a second inclination of the rod relative to the gripping member, different from the