FR2934478A1 - APPLICATOR TO COMBINE AND / OR APPLY A PRODUCT ON LACQUERS AND / OR EYEBROWS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator for combing and / or applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a molded applicator member comprising; a core (10) having a longitudinal axis, - teeth (18) extending from the core outwards towards a free end of the tooth, in a direction of elongation of the tooth at least one tooth (18) having a narrowed foot located in the first half of the length of the tooth from the core, the foot having a smaller transverse dimension smaller than a larger transverse dimension of the tooth, greater transverse dimension being further away from the core (10) than said smaller transverse dimension, and the transverse dimension of the tooth not increasing from said larger transverse dimension towards its free end, at least a quarter of the length (l) of the tooth.

Description

The present invention relates to an applicator for combing keratin fibers, in particular eyelashes and / or eyebrows, and / or applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product, for example mascara, to these. The invention also relates to a packaging device and application comprising such an applicator. The invention is still interested in a cosmetic treatment process. Applicators are known for applying mascara to the eyelashes, having a molded applicator member with a core and teeth extending from the core outwardly around the core.

US 6,866,046 discloses a comb for eyelashes whose teeth are molded with reliefs. International application WO 01/05271 discloses mascara applicators having teeth having reliefs on their lateral surface. Furthermore, patent application FR 2 744 608 discloses mascara applicators comprising bristles having multiple branches. Such mascara applicators may allow eyelashes or eyebrows to be attached by means of the reliefs or branches, which is not necessarily sought after or desired by the user. US 2,806,476 discloses a hair pin provided with anchoring protrusions in the hair. There is a need to benefit from an applicator making it possible to achieve new makeup effects on eyelashes or eyebrows, already coated with the product or not, and to improve the application of the product, the loading of eyelashes or eyebrows in product. and the elongation and separation of these, if any. There is also a need for a comfortable applicator to use. The subject of the present invention is therefore, according to one of its aspects, among others, an applicator for combing the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows and / or applying a product on the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising an organ molded application comprising: - a core having a longitudinal axis, - teeth extending from the core outwards towards a free end of the tooth, in a direction of elongation of the tooth , at least one tooth, or two teeth, preferably three teeth, or all teeth, having a narrowed foot located in the first half of the length of the tooth from the core, the foot having a smaller lower transverse dimension at a larger transverse dimension of the tooth, this larger transverse dimension being further away from the core than said smaller transverse dimension, and the transverse dimension of the tooth not increasing from said larger transverse dimension in di its free end is applied to at least a quarter of the length of the tooth, or even to a third, better over half the length of the tooth. The transverse dimension of the tooth may decrease, if necessary, substantially continuously towards the free end of the tooth, over at least a quarter of the length of the tooth, or even at least half. This continuous reduction of the transverse dimension can take place from the largest transverse dimension in the direction of the free end of the tooth, or even to this free end. By "longitudinal axis of the soul" it is necessary to understand the line which joins the centroids of the transverse sections of the soul. The longitudinal axis may, in certain cases, be a central axis, or even an axis of symmetry for the core, especially when the core has a cross section in the general shape of a regular or circular polygon. The longitudinal axis of the soul may be a straight line or a curved line. The longitudinal axis of the soul can be contained in a median plane for the soul. The median plane for the soul is a plane containing the barycenters of the transverse sections of the soul and which may be a plane of symmetry for some or all of the transverse sections of the soul. By "tooth" is meant an individualizable projecting element intended to come into engagement with the eyelashes, this term being synonymous with "hair" in the context of the present invention.

By "tooth length" is meant the distance measured along the direction of elongation of the tooth between the free end of the tooth and its base by which it is connected to the core. The length of a tooth is the apparent length of the tooth measured from the core of the applicator member. By smaller transverse dimension of the root of the tooth is meant the smallest transverse dimension measured perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the tooth, in any orientation with respect thereto.

Likewise, by greater transverse dimension of the teeth farther from the core than the smallest transverse dimension of the root of the tooth, is meant the largest transverse dimension measured perpendicularly to the direction of elongation of the tooth in n '. any orientation with respect to the latter.

These two transverse dimensions are not necessarily measured in the same plane containing the direction of elongation of the tooth, but can also be. Said larger transverse dimension of the tooth is located closer to the free end of the tooth than the smaller transverse dimension of the root of the tooth. The narrowed foot of the tooth gives the latter a certain flexibility, allowing it to tilt at least in a given inclination direction, or even in several, thus providing flexibility and elasticity to the spinning of the tooth. application and / or application of the product. Advantageously and thanks to the invention, one obtains such flexibility without necessarily having to use a very flexible material to make the teeth. The material used to make the teeth can thus be relatively rigid. In addition, it is not necessary to make the teeth in an excessively flexible material to compensate for stiffness of the core, since flexibility is provided to the teeth by their narrowed foot. In addition, the demolding of the teeth can be facilitated, if necessary, since the latter 20 can deform on their foot, which can make it easier to exit the mold. The flexibility of the teeth can also make it easier to avoid removing the product from the eyelashes when the eyelashes are combed while preventing the sticking or the impasto of the latter between them. The narrowed foot of the teeth can improve the storage of the product on the applicator member, giving the applicator more autonomy. Finally, the flexibility of the teeth provides more softness to the application and the spin, allowing if desired, to deform the wiper member. The transverse dimension of the tooth may not increase toward its free end from said larger transverse dimension. By "not increasing" is meant decreases or remains constant over a portion of the length of the tooth, or over the entire length of the tooth, with the exception of the foot of the tooth.

The smallest transverse dimension of the narrowed foot can be located in the first half of the tooth from the core, or even in the first third or even the first quarter of the tooth length from the core. A greater transverse dimension of the root of the tooth located between the core and the smaller transverse dimension of the root of the tooth may be less than or equal to said larger transverse dimension of the tooth farther from the core than said smaller transverse dimension. The largest transverse dimension of the foot may alternatively be greater than the largest transverse dimension of the tooth farther from the core than said smaller transverse dimension. The foot of at least one tooth may have a non-constant cross-section after rotation of 90 ° around the direction of elongation of the tooth. The tooth can thus be configured to favor a particular direction of inclination of the latter with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core.

The foot of at least one tooth, or even a few teeth, or even all the teeth of the applicator member may comprise at least one transverse section extending along a major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the soul. At least one tooth, even a few teeth, or even all the teeth of the applicator member, can be so configured to promote their deformation in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the core, improving the quality of the spin to the outlet of a container containing the product. Indeed, the teeth having a narrowed foot according to the invention can tilt on their foot during the crossing of the wiper member by the applicator member, thus contributing to a softer spin. In addition, the foot of at least one tooth, or even a few teeth, or even all the teeth of the applicator member may comprise at least one transverse section extending along a major axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of soul. At least one tooth, or even several teeth, or all the teeth of the applicator member, can thus be configured so as to allow their deformation in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core, which may favor the application of the product on the eyelashes and a better brushing of the latter. Indeed, during the application of the applicator member against the eyelash fringe, the teeth having a narrowed foot according to the invention can tilt to provide softness during application, better smooth the eyelashes and promote the deposit of the product on them. The foot of at least one tooth may have a plurality of relatively small cross-sections alternating with relatively large cross-sections. The foot of a tooth may be centered with respect to the cross section of the largest transverse dimension of the tooth. By centered foot, it is meant that the axis of elongation of the tooth, as defined below, has no recess at the foot connection to the rest of the tooth located above the foot. For example, the elongation axis may be rectilinear or follow a slightly curved curve. Alternatively, the root of the tooth may be eccentric to the cross section of the largest transverse dimension of the tooth. In particular, the foot may not be connected to the middle of the portion of the tooth located above the foot. The greatest transverse dimension of the tooth can form, when the tooth is inclined relative to the core by contact with the wiper member or the eyelashes, a stop preventing a greater inclination of the tooth relative to the soul. The foot of the tooth can be configured to allow the inclination of the tooth relative to its direction of elongation of at least 3 ° or 5 °, better 10 ° at least, for example when crossing the body of the tooth. spin, and / or application of the product. The narrowed foot of the tooth can thus form a hinge. The bending of the tooth on its narrowed foot may for example be at most 45 °. The smallest transverse dimension of the root of the tooth may be less than 30%, more preferably 40% or even 50% of said larger transverse dimension of the tooth, or even 60% or 70%. The smallest transverse dimension of the root of the tooth may be between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, or even between 0.2 and 0.4 mm, for example of the order of 0.35 mm. The height of the foot of the tooth, measured between the core and the largest transverse dimension situated above the smallest transverse dimension of the root of the tooth, may for example be between 0.05 and 1 mm, or even between 0.1 and 0.8 mm, better between 0.2 and 0.7 mm, for example of the order of 0.5 mm.

The largest transverse dimension of the tooth, situated above the smallest transverse dimension of the root of the tooth, may for example be between 0.3 and 2 mm, or even between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, by example of the order of about 1 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the smallest transverse dimension may for example be of the order of 0.35 mm and the largest transverse dimension of about 0.55 mm. The teeth according to the invention may preferably be arranged in a distal portion of the applicator member rather than in a proximal portion thereof, so as to promote the combing of the small eyelashes and the makeup of the corner of the eye .

The teeth may be arranged in a row (s), for example extending along the longitudinal axis of the core. By row, is meant a succession of teeth generally located on the same side of the soul and succeeding each other as we progress along the core, for example from the proximal end of the core towards the core. distal end of the soul. Some rows may include teeth having a narrowed foot according to the invention, while other rows may be entirely free of teeth having a narrowed foot according to the invention. In another variant, all the rows may comprise at least one tooth, or even several teeth, better all their teeth, having a narrowed foot according to the invention.

The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to an applicator for combing and / or applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a molded applicator member, comprising: a core having an axis longitudinal, - teeth extending from the core outwards towards a free end of the tooth, in a direction of elongation of the tooth, at least one tooth, or two teeth, better three teeth, or all teeth having a narrowed foot located in the first half of the length of the tooth from the core, the foot having a smaller transverse dimension less than a larger transverse dimension of the tooth further away from the that said smaller transverse dimension, and the root of the tooth being configured to allow the inclination of the tooth with respect to its direction of elongation of at least 3 °, or even 5 °, better 10 ° at least, for example crossing the body of es soring and / or application of the product on the eyelashes. The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to an applicator for combing and / or applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a molded applicator member, comprising: a core having an axis longitudinal, - teeth extending from the core outwards towards a free end of the tooth, in a direction of elongation of the tooth, at least one tooth, or two teeth, better three teeth, or all teeth having a narrowed foot located in the first half of the length of the tooth from the core, the foot having a smaller transverse dimension less than a larger transverse dimension of the tooth further away from the that said smaller transverse dimension, and the smaller transverse dimension of the root of the tooth being less than 30%, more preferably 40% or even 50% of said larger transverse dimension of the tooth, or even 60% or 70% %. The invention further relates, in another of its aspects, to an applicator for combing and / or applying a product to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, comprising a molded application member 20 comprising: a core having a longitudinal axis, - teeth extending from the core outwards towards a free end of the tooth, in a direction of elongation of the tooth, at least one tooth, or even two teeth, better three or even all teeth having a narrowed foot located in the first half of the tooth's length from the core, the foot having a smaller transverse dimension less than a greater transverse dimension of the farther tooth of the core that said smaller transverse dimension, and the smallest transverse dimension being between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, for example of the order of 0.35 mm. The core may have a larger transverse dimension, measured perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, constant over at least a majority of its length, or even two-thirds thereof, three-quarters or all of its length. The length of the core is measured along its longitudinal axis. The length of the core can be measured between the bases of the extreme teeth respectively closest to the distal and proximal ends of the applicator.

A larger transverse dimension of the core may be between 1.5 and 3 mm or between 2 and 3 mm for example. The core may have a length less than or equal to 25 mm, or even less than or equal to 20 mm. The core may have a cross section, taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, of constant shape when moving along the longitudinal axis of the core, for example at least half of its length, or even the three quarters or all of its length. The shape of the cross section of the core may for example be chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: circular, oval, elliptical, oblong, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal. The cross section of the soul can be full. The cross section may have a polygon shape, regular or not, preferably regular, the sides corresponding to longitudinal sides of the soul may be straight or slightly concave or convex.

The core may have a non-circular cross-section over most of its length. The soul may be of symmetrical general shape of revolution or not. The soul may not be spherical. The soul may be devoid of reliefs other than the teeth. The applicator member may comprise a tip molded in one piece with the core, intended to be secured, for example by means of a rod, a gripping member of the applicator. This tip is for example intended to be inserted into a complementary housing formed at the distal end of a rod, connected by its proximal end to the gripping member. The tip can thus form an extension of the soul without teeth.

The tip may extend over a length, measured parallel to its longitudinal axis, between 5 and 50 mm, or between 7 and 40 mm. This tip may be of relatively long length relative to the known tips, which can allow to provide great flexibility to the applicator according to the invention. A larger transverse dimension of the tip may be greater than the largest transverse dimension of the core.

The tip may be of cross section, taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core, of a shape chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: circular, oval, elliptical, oblong, polygonal, regular or not, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal. The tip may comprise one or more narrowed portions to improve the flexibility of the applicator and thus the flexibility to the application. Free ends of the teeth of the applicator member may define an envelope surface of the applicator member. This envelope surface may have a larger transverse dimension, measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core, less than or equal to 11 mm, or even less than or equal to 10 mm, better still less than or equal to 9 mm, for example 7 mm l mm. The envelope surface may be, when observed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core, circular, oval, oblong, ellipsoidal or polygonal, regular or not. The shape of the envelope surface may be due mainly to the arrangement of the teeth relative to the core, some of these being for example more and more inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the core when moving towards the distal end of the core and others toward the proximal end of the core. The shape of the envelope surface may in particular not be due solely to the fact that the length of the teeth varies.

The teeth may each extend in a direction of elongation perpendicular to the surface of the core to which they are connected, or alternatively non-perpendicular, making a non-zero angle with the normal to the core at the base of the tooth. Alternatively, the shape of the envelope surface may be due to the fact that the length of the teeth varies.

The envelope surface may extend along a longitudinal axis forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the core.

The envelope surface may be of greater transverse dimension, for example of diameter, substantially constant over at least a portion of the length of the applicator member. The teeth of the applicator member may comprise a larger tooth of length, measured according to its direction of elongation from the core, of between 1.7 and 4.5 mm, better still between 1.7 and 3. , 5 mm, or even between 2 and 3.5 mm. This length of the teeth may in particular be greater than a greater transverse dimension of the teeth, measured perpendicularly to the direction of elongation of the latter. More than half of the teeth may have a length as defined above, better at least 60% or even 70%, even better 80% of the teeth, or even all the teeth. The applicator can be made in such a way that the teeth having a length as defined above are distributed all around the core over at least a portion of the length thereof, thus defining a combing surface having substantially uniform properties all around the core, for at least a portion of the length of the applicator member. The teeth having a length as defined above may for example be located at least in the middle portion of the core, particularly between the first quarter and the last quarter of the apparent length of the core. The teeth of the applicator member may be all the same length, except possibly those situated in the vicinity of each of the two axial ends of the core. The applicator may thus comprise, in particular at the ends of the core, teeth having a length of between 0.5 and 1.8 mm. Teeth, or even all the teeth, may have a cross section of shape chosen from the following list, which is not limiting: triangular, semicircular, semi-elliptical, for example in the general form of D. Such a shape can facilitate the demolding of the application member. The demolding may especially be facilitated when the teeth comprise in cross section at least one rectilinear edge. At least one tooth may have a circular or non-circular, polygonal, regular or non-regular cross-section, in particular square, rectangular, octagonal, parallelogram, rhombic or oval. At least one tooth may have at least one relief, in order to improve the adhesion of the product to the tooth. The cross section of the tooth can decrease homothetically away from the core, for example more than half the length of the tooth. At least one tooth, or all teeth, may be above their shrunken foot pyramidal shape, conical, semi-pyramidal or semi-conical. By semi-pyramidal or semi-conical means that the shape of the tooth corresponds to a pyramid or a cone cut (e) in the direction of the length, for example half. At least one tooth, or even all the teeth, may in particular be devoid of ramifications or even multiple ramifications. Applicator teeth other than the teeth having a narrowed foot according to the invention may have a thickness measured at their base, that is to say at the point of connection of the teeth to the core, between 0 , 3 and 0.6 mm, or even between 0.3 and 0.5 mm. By "thickness of a tooth" is meant the largest transverse dimension of the tooth, in section perpendicular to its direction of elongation. The applicator may comprise teeth having a thickness of between 0.2 and 0.5 mm and / or other teeth having a thickness of between 0.5 mm and 0.65 mm, or even strictly greater than 0.5 mm. . At least one tooth may have a frustoconical or pyramidal profile, for example terminated by a rounded free end, such that the cross section of the tooth decreases from its base towards its free end.

The applicator may have a large number of teeth, the teeth being spaced apart, so as to avoid the excess load of product between them which would be due to a too large spacing. The applicator may have between 75 and 500 teeth, for example. The applicator may comprise a single row of teeth, or two rows, or even at least three rows of teeth extending along the longitudinal axis, for example between 1 and 20 rows of teeth, better between 1 and 18 rows, still better between 1 and 10 rows, for example 6 rows. Within a row of teeth, the number of teeth may be between 6 and 60, in particular between 10 and 50. At least one row, and preferably each row, may comprise one or more teeth comprising a narrowed foot, for example. example a majority or a whole of teeth with a narrowed foot.

At least one row of teeth may extend along a rectilinear axis, which may or may not be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.

At least two teeth of at least one row may have different or identical lengths. A row of teeth extending along the longitudinal axis may have at least three teeth of the same length. At least two teeth of at least one row may have different or identical shapes. At least one tooth of at least one row may have a generally tapered shape towards its free end. At least one tooth may be tapered frustoconical or pyramidal. When the applicator has several rows of teeth, at least one tooth of one row may have a different shape of a tooth of another row. At least one tooth of a row may for example have a length different from that of another tooth of this row, in particular a consecutive tooth within the row. When the soul is observed along its longitudinal axis, two teeth of a row may extend at their base in respective directions which form between them a first angle and two teeth of another row may extend to their base. in directions which form a second angle between them, the first and second angles being equal or different. Within each row, the teeth may be evenly spaced along the longitudinal axis of the row or grouped in groups of two or more teeth, the spacing between the teeth of a group along the longitudinal axis of the row. the row being for example less than the spacing between two groups of adjacent teeth of this row. By playing on the geometry of the teeth and their spacing, it is possible to form more or less important cavities between the teeth, such cavities can be loaded product. Two rows of teeth may be made of different respective materials. The teeth of a row of teeth can be made of different materials, for example hardnesses or different colors. A first row of teeth may comprise teeth having, for example, for a given abscissa along the web, a first length, a second row of 30 teeth having teeth having, for example for this same abscissa, a second length , different from the first.

At least two successive teeth of a row may be contiguous or not contiguous to their base, all the teeth of the row being for example respectively non-contiguous or contiguous to their base. The spacing between the teeth, measured at the base of the teeth, can be between 0 and 1.2 mm in a row, for example between 0.01 and 1 mm.

When the teeth are joined at their base, the spacing between the teeth measured at the base of the teeth is zero. At least two teeth may define, when the applicator is viewed from side perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, a V-groove. Teeth of one row and teeth of another row may extend in different directions. The teeth of a row may have substantially aligned bases, i.e. the centers of the bases of three consecutive teeth are substantially on the same line. The teeth of at least one row can be connected to a corresponding longitudinal face of the core on the same side of a median longitudinal line of this longitudinal face. The teeth may have bases that are not centered on the longitudinal face of the soul to which they are connected. The bases of the teeth of a row may be aligned or arranged in staggered rows. In the case of a staggered arrangement, a plurality of consecutive teeth of the row may be shifted at least partially alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface. The consecutive teeth may be entirely offset alternately on either side of the geometric separation surface. By completely offset, it should be understood that the geometric separation surface does not pass through the teeth, being at most tangential thereto. All the teeth of each row can be shifted alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface associated with the row. Alternatively, the teeth may be shifted on either side of the geometric separation surface, not alternately but in groups of teeth, for example in groups of two or three teeth.

Two consecutive teeth of a row may not be the image of one another by a simple translation, especially when the teeth have a non-circular shape in cross section. At least two consecutive teeth of a row of teeth may have first faces having the same first shape, for example flat, especially at least at a lower portion of the tooth, and second faces having the same second shape, for example not flat, in particular rounded. The first faces can be oriented in the same direction of rotation around the soul, that is to say all be directed in the same clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, when the soul is observed along its longitudinal axis. The first faces of the teeth, especially when they are flat, can be connected substantially perpendicular to the corresponding face of the soul, at least for some teeth of the row. At least one tooth, or even each tooth, may have a flat face parallel to its direction of elongation.

The teeth may be rectilinear or not, extending for example each along an axis of elongation for the tooth which is rectilinear, or curve, for example corrugated. By axis of elongation of the tooth is meant the axis that passes through the centroids of the cross sections of the tooth. The axis of elongation may be an axis of symmetry of the tooth, if any.

The rows of teeth may extend on the core each along a longitudinal axis of the row. The longitudinal axis of a row is an axis for the tooth bases of the row, being the line passing through the centers of the tooth bases in the case of strictly aligned teeth or the axis passing through the geometric separation surface in the case of staggered teeth.

Since the longitudinal axis of a row is considered on the surface of the core, two longitudinal axes of two successive rows, when moving around the longitudinal axis of the core, can be angularly separated from one another. angle less than 80 °, for example of the order of 60 ° or less than 50 °, for example of the order of 45 ° or less. The distribution of the longitudinal axes of the rows on the surface of the core may be substantially regular, with a substantially constant spacing between them, equal to a predefined value of 20%, better 10%, even better 5%.

Implantation and distribution of the teeth on the core can be relatively regular. When moving around the longitudinal axis of the core, for example, a tooth can be found all around 360 ° / n, with n between 2 and 20, better 4 and 16, even better 6 and 10 A relatively even arrangement of the teeth around the longitudinal axis of the core may facilitate the unnoticed use of the applicator. The applicator member may not include an angularly extending part over more than one eighth of a turn without a tooth, which may facilitate the use, given that the user does not have to orient too precisely the applicator with respect to the eye. The teeth may for example extend in at least six different directions around the longitudinal axis of the core. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the teeth are made by molding (which includes overmolding) with the core. Alternatively, the core may comprise a sleeve bearing the teeth which is mounted free at least partially in rotation about a core core, this core being intended for mounting on the rod, as described in EP 1 935 279. The teeth are molded with the sleeve.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the eyelashes can be loaded into product in contact with the core. The latter can participate actively in the application of the product on the eyelashes, which offers more freedom in the choice and arrangement of teeth. At least one tooth of a row may extend, at least at the portion connecting to the core, or over its entire length, in a first direction Z1, perpendicular to the longitudinal face of the core to which the tooth connects or makes a small angle with the normal to said surface of the core, for example less than 10 °, better 5 °. A consecutive tooth of the row may extend, from the same face of the core, in a second direction Z2, at least at the portion connecting to the soul, or over its entire length, making a angle a with the first direction, when the soul is observed along its longitudinal axis.

The teeth may be considered as belonging to the same row insofar as they are arranged, possibly on either side of a median line, along a longitudinal axis of the row which is either parallel to the axis longitudinal axis of the soul which carries this row, is parallel to the longitudinal face of the soul from which the teeth are erected, when this face can be defined relative to the rest of the core, for example bordered by longitudinal edges of the 'soul. Substantially half of the teeth of a row may extend parallel to the first direction Z1. The angle α between the directions Z1 and Z2 can be between 5 and 80 °.

The application member may be devoid of teeth oriented obliquely in opposite gyratory directions. For example, when the core is viewed from its distal end, all the obliquely extending teeth may be oriented counterclockwise. The core may comprise at least one flat longitudinal face. As a variant, the core may comprise at least one non-planar longitudinal face, being for example at least partially concave or convex. The soul may have a variable profile when viewed perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The core may in particular have a transverse dimension reaching a minimum in a central portion of the core, along its longitudinal axis. The core may have a concave or convex longitudinal face in cross section, the concavity or convexity of which may vary as one moves along the longitudinal axis of the core. The core may have at least one face from which teeth extend, which has a variable width as one moves along the longitudinal axis of the core. The core may have a substantially constant cross section at least over a portion of its length. The soul can still have a variable cross section. The cross section of the core may pass through an extremum, for example substantially mid-length of the core, this extremum being for example a minimum. This can give the soul increased flexibility and allow to define a variable section envelope surface along the applicator member, especially when the length of the teeth is constant in a row, at least over a portion of the implementing body.

The envelope surface of the applicator member may present at a first location on the longitudinal axis of the applicator member, a first substantially polygonal cross-section and, at a second location on the longitudinal axis, a second section. substantially polygonal cross-section, at least a first vertex of the first cross-section being connected to at least a second vertex and a third vertex of the second cross section by respective ridges, the first and second vertices being angularly offset about the axis longitudinal axis of the applicator member, at least one of the first and second transverse sections being centered on the longitudinal axis of the core.

The soul may have a longitudinal twisted face. The applicator member may have a helical distribution of the teeth on the core, pointing to the right or to the left when progressing towards the distal end of the applicator member. The applicator may comprise a single row of teeth per longitudinal side of the core.

The length of a row may be between 10 and 45 mm, especially between 15 and 35 mm, or even between 20 and 30 mm, being for example about 25 mm. When the soul is observed along its longitudinal axis, the passage from one row to the other can be effected by a rotation of an integer submultiple of 360 ° about the longitudinal axis of the soul, by for example a rotation of 360 ° / n, where n is an integer between 3 and 20 for example. The core may have, in a cross sectional plane, an axial symmetry, especially around its longitudinal axis. The core may extend along a longitudinal axis making at least one point of its length an angle with the longitudinal axis of the rod to which the core is attached. The applicator member may be bent at its connection to the rod. The core may comprise a recess in which is engaged a support portion, for example metal or plastic. The core may be configured to be fixed to this support or to be free in rotation or in translation relative to this support. Alternatively, the portion of the core that supports the teeth may be full. The core may comprise only a housing at one of its ends to allow its attachment to a rod connected to a gripping member.

The core and the teeth may be molded from the same material, or alternatively may be made of at least two different materials. A portion of the core and teeth may for example be made of a first material, and another portion of the core and teeth may be made of a second material.

The teeth can be made in one piece with the core, for example by molding, in particular by injection. The teeth may be formed by mono-injection of material or over-injection, preferably into a thermoplastic material, which may be elastomeric. The injection can take place through the core, if necessary. The applicator member may be made by simultaneous bi-injection of two materials into a single mold. The teeth may be made of a material more or less rigid than a material used to make the rod of the applicator to which the core is connected. At least one of the soul and a tooth may have magnetic properties. These may be due for example to a charge of magnetic particles, for example ferrites, dispersed in the plastic material of the core and / or the tooth. At least one of the core and a tooth can be flocked and / or comprise a load, intended for example to improve sliding. At least one of the core and one tooth may have undergone antibacterial or antistatic treatment. The applicator may comprise a rod at a first end of which is fixed the applicator member. The core may be constituted by an insert on the rod of the applicator. The core may be attached to the applicator shaft by inserting a tip extending the apparent portion of the core into a housing at the end of the shaft. Alternatively, the core may comprise a longitudinally extending housing in which the rod is inserted. In another variant, the core may be made by molding plastic material in one piece with the rod of the applicator. The core may be formed of a plastic material more or less flexible than that used to make the rod of the applicator. The diameter of the rod may be, for example, between 1.5 and 3.5 mm. The rod can be connected to a second end, opposite the first, to a gripping member, which can be configured to seal a container containing the product to be applied. This container may comprise a wiper member, which may be adapted to wring the rod and the applicator member. The applicator may be devoid of metal, which may allow its passage in a microwave oven.

Where appropriate, the core may be recessed internally, and for example comprise at least one channel for feeding the product through the applicator member. The invention further relates to a device for packaging and applying a product on keratinous fibers, in particular eyelashes or eyebrows, comprising an applicator as defined above, and a container containing the product.

The gripping member of the applicator may constitute a cap for closing the container. The closure cap may allow sealing of the container, the device comprising for example a sealing lip. The container may comprise a wiper member. The product may be a mascara, for example a water-resistant mascara, black or other color.

The invention also relates to a process for making eyelashes or eyebrows using an applicator as defined above. The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of nonlimiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view in elevation, with partial longitudinal section, of an example of a device produced in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 represents, in isolation, from the side, the applicator member of FIG. 1; FIG. cross section along III-III, schematic and partial, of the application member of Figures 1 and 2, - Figure 4 is a longitudinal section, schematic and partial, of the application member of Figures 1 to 3, FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate some tooth configuration possibilities with respect to the core, FIG. 5 illustrates the use of the applicator member of FIGS. 1 to 4, FIGS. 6 to 8 and 12 to 21, represent variants of teeth according to the invention, - FIGS. 11 are cross sections, schematic and partial, tooth variants according to the invention, - Figures 22 and 23 are views similar to Figures 2 and 3 of an alternative embodiment, - Figures 24 to 28 are Schematic and partial cross sections of alternative embodiments, - Figures 29, 31, 33, 35 to 37 schematically and partially illustrate tooth arrangements, - Figures 30, 32, 34 are partial views in alternative perspectives. embodiment - FIGS. 38 to 48 are transverse sections of teeth, - FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment, FIG. 50 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of another variant, FIGS. 51 to 55 schematically represent envelope surfaces of other embodiments, FIGS. 56 and 57 are partial longitudinal sections of variant embodiments, FIGS. 58 to 60 illustrate FIGS. embodiments of the teeth, - Figure 61 is a cross section, schematic and partial, of an alternative embodiment of the wiper member, and - Figures 62 and 63 show details of embodiments of the rod . FIG. 1 shows a device 1 for packaging and application made according to the invention, comprising an applicator 2 and an associated container 3 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes and / or the eyebrows, for example mascara or a care product. The container 3 may comprise, in the example considered, a threaded neck 4 and the applicator 2 comprises a closure cap 5 arranged to be fixed on the neck 4 in order to close the container 3 in a sealed manner in the absence of use, the closure cap 5 also constituting a gripping element for the applicator 2.

The applicator 2 comprises a rod 7 of longitudinal axis Y, which is connected at its upper end to the closure cap 5 and, at its lower end, to an applicator member 8. The latter comprises a core 10 carrying teeth 18. The container 3 also comprises a wiper member 6, for example inserted into the neck 4. This wiper member 6, which may be arbitrary, comprises in the example in question a lip 9 arranged to dewater the rod 7 and the applicator member 8 when the applicator 2 is removed from the container 3. The lip 9 defines a wiper orifice of diameter adapted to that of the rod.

In the example shown, the rod 7 has a circular cross section but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the rod 7 has a different section, the fixing of the cap 5 on the container 3 can then be performed otherwise than by screwing, if necessary. The wiper member 6 may be adapted to the shape of the rod 7 and that of the applicator member 8, if appropriate.

In the example considered, the longitudinal axis Y of the rod 7 is rectilinear and coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container 3 when the applicator 2 is in place thereon, but it is not beyond the scope of this invention when the rod 7 is non-rectilinear, forming for example a bend. The rod 7 may comprise, if necessary, an annular narrowing on its portion which is positioned opposite the lip 9 of the wiper member 6, so as not to mechanically stress it excessively during the storage. The applicator member 8 comprises a tip 14 for fixing it in the rod 7. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, this tip 14 is symmetrical of revolution, being of circular cross section. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention if this tip comprises necking which improves the flexibility of the applicator and flexibility to the application. The fastening of the applicator member 8 may in particular be done by force fitting, snap-fitting, gluing, welding or crimping, in a corresponding housing 30 provided at the end of the rod 7. In a variant, the rod may be inserted in a dwelling planned in the soul.

The core 10 can also be made in one piece by molding material with the rod 7. Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the core 10 can be of elongate shape extending along a longitudinal axis X , of greater transverse dimension, measured perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, between 1.5 and 3.5 mm, for example. In the example considered, the core 10 has on the majority of its length a polygonal cross section, the sides of which define substantially planar longitudinal faces 15. The longitudinal axis X is for example central, as illustrated. On each of the longitudinal faces 15 is connected in the illustrated example a single row 17 of teeth 18. The teeth 18 are made in the example in one piece by molding thermoplastic material with the core 10. Can be used for molding the applicator member 8 a relatively rigid thermoplastic material or not, for example SEBS, a silicone, latex, butyl, EPDM, a nitrile, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyester elastomer, polyamide , polyethylene or vinyl, a polyolefin such as PE or PP, PVC, EVA, PS, PET, POM, PA or PMMA, or PU, or SIS. It is possible to use the materials known under the trade names Hytrel, Cariflex, Alixine, Santoprene and Pebax, this list not being limiting.

The teeth and the soul can be made in different materials. At least one tooth 18, see as illustrated all the teeth 18, comprises a narrowed foot 18a, as shown more specifically in Figure 4. The foot defines a smaller transverse dimension do. In the example described, the smallest transverse dimension of the foot 18 remains constant over a height p of the foot. The foot is attached to a cross section of the tooth which defines a larger transverse dimension d1 above the foot 18a of the tooth. In addition, the transverse dimension d of the tooth decreases as one moves towards its free end from dl. The foot 18a of the tooth 18 forms a hinge allowing the bending of the latter, for example during the application of the product on a cil C, as shown in Figure 5, and / or when crossing the body of spin 6 when removing the applicator 2 from the container 3, depending optionally on the orientation of the foot relative to the longitudinal axis of the core.

In general, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4C, regardless of how the teeth 18 are made and also independently of the shape of the core 10 and the way the teeth 18 are disposed on the core 10 , one can have a narrowed foot 18a disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis X of the core, as shown in Figure 4A, so as to allow a bending of the tooth 18 towards the proximal or distal ends of the core. In the example of Figure 4A, there is illustrated the possibility for the narrowed foot 18a to be centered relative to the portion of the tooth located above the narrowed foot. The thickness of the narrowed foot is, for example, 0.2 mm and the length lo above the narrowed foot measured parallel to the X axis is, for example, 0.45 mm. FIG. 4B illustrates the possibility for the tooth 18 to bend around a deflection axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core, the tapered foot 18a being, for example, of elongate cross-section parallel to the X axis. For example, one has a value of 0.2 mm and the length l of the narrowed foot measured along the X axis, which is for example 0.6 mm. In FIG. 4C, there is also a narrowed foot of elongate cross section parallel to the X axis, with for example a shrunken foot thickness of 0.2 mm and a length of the foot narrowed along the X axis. 0.55 mm. In the configurations of FIGS. 4B and 4C, the foot retracted on one side of the tooth, an outer face of the narrowed foot 18a being in the continuity of the face of the portion of the tooth which extends above the narrowed foot. towards its free end. The applicator member 8 may comprise, at its distal end 12, a head which is tapered forwards in order to facilitate the retraction of the applicator 2 into the receptacle 3. The height of the teeth 18 may decrease in proximity to the head 12, along a distal transition portion 13a, as illustrated in Figure 2. The height of the teeth 18 can also decrease along a proximal transition portion 13b towards the rod 7, so as to facilitate the crossing of the wiper member 6 by the applicator member 8 during removal of the applicator 2. The head 12 may be symmetrical of revolution or have radial fins, as shown in Figure 2. The core 10 is extended, in the example in question, from its proximal side, by a cylindrical tip 14 which allows it to be fastened to the rod 7. The fastening may in particular be done by force fitting, snap-fastening, gluing, welding or crimping, in a housing provided in the extr Moth rod. Alternatively, the rod can be inserted into a housing provided in the core. The core 10 can also be made in one piece by molding material with the rod 7. The longitudinal faces 15 are in the example described in the number of four, as can be seen in Figure 3, the cross section of the soul being substantially square. These faces 15 are in the example illustrated planes. Each row 17 of teeth 18 comprises a first set 20 of first teeth connecting at an angle azi with the normal to the corresponding face 15 of the core 10, and a second set of teeth 30 connecting obliquely to this face 15. making an angle îz2 with this normal. The teeth 18 of the first set of teeth 20 are straight, extending in a direction Zi substantially perpendicular to the face 15, the angle azi being relatively small, for example less than 10 °, or even 5 °. The teeth 18 of the second set of teeth 30 are also straight in the example considered, extending in a direction Z2 forming an angle with the direction Zi. The angle a is for example between 20 and 80 °. It can be seen in Figure 3 that each row has teeth having a face connecting perpendicularly to the corresponding longitudinal face 15. In the example described, the teeth 18 of each row 17 are arranged in staggered rows. Two consecutive teeth 18 of each row 17 are shifted alternately on either side of a geometric separation surface S, this surface S being for example a bisecting plane of the angle a.

The teeth of the first set 20 are arranged on one side of this geometric separation surface S while those of the second set 30 are arranged on the other side thereof, when the core 10 is observed along its longitudinal axis. Within each row 17, the bases of the teeth of the first set 20 and those of the second set 30 are non-aligned, since located respectively completely on either side of the geometric separation surface S.

The teeth of the first set 20 and the second set 30 do not overlap, in the illustrated example, when the applicator member is viewed from the side, in a direction perpendicular to the X axis, as illustrated in FIG. On the other hand, the directions Z1 and Z2 of the teeth 18 of the first 20 and second 30 sets of teeth do not intersect the longitudinal axis X of the core, the teeth being slightly eccentric with respect to this axis. It can be seen in FIG. 3 that in the illustrated example, to each tooth 18 of the first set 20 of a row 17 may be associated a respective tooth of the first set 20 of another row 17, occupying substantially the same axial position along the axis X of the soul, the passage from one tooth to the other being effected by a rotation around the X axis of a sub-multiple of 360 °, in this case 90 ° . It is the same for each tooth 18 of the second set 30. The oblique teeth 18 of the different rows are oriented in the same direction of rotation around the core, namely the clockwise direction in FIG.

The teeth have for example a length greater than 1.7 mm, at least for more than half of them. They have for example a greater thickness of between 0.2 and 0.65 mm, which corresponds to the largest transverse dimension situated above the smallest transverse dimension of the foot. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the tooth 18 and its foot 18a with the soul recesses a recess which is in the example described noncentral with respect to an axis of elongation Z1, Z2 of the tooth. This thus promotes the inclination of the tooth in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the core, as shown in Figure 4 in dashed lines. The tooth can tilt to an abutment position in which the largest dimension of the largest cross section of the tooth abuts on the core. Such inclination of the teeth may make it possible to promote the combing of the eyelashes, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In an alternative embodiment, the foot could be central, as shown in FIG. 6, or slightly off-center, as illustrated in FIG. 7, or else completely offset from the rest of the tooth, as shown in Figure 8. Depending on the arrangement of the foot relative to the rest of the tooth, the tooth has the possibility of tilting in one or more directions relative to the longitudinal axis X of the core, thus promoting, for example, the combing of the eyelashes, as shown in FIG. 5, or else promoting a deformation of the teeth during the spinning, the teeth lying on the core at the passage of the spin lip 9. By way of illustration, FIG. 9 is shown in cross-section at the level of the foot of the tooth, a foot centered with respect to the rest of the tooth, allowing deformation of this tooth. last in to all directions. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the foot is centered but only allows deformation of the tooth in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core on both sides, whereas in the example of FIG. embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, the foot is eccentric and only allows deformation of the tooth in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the core and one side only. In addition, in these figures, the X axis could be oriented otherwise, and the deformation could be respectively perpendicular and parallel to this axis X. The tooth and its foot can also take various forms, as shown in FIGS. 21. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, the tooth is over a large part of its length of constant cross section. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the tooth has a shell shape.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 14, the foot of the tooth has several narrowing succeeding between which the tooth has wider portions. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the tooth has the shape of a fir tree, with a trunk or without a trunk.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, this form of fir also comprises a succession of narrowed and enlarged portions. Finally, the root of the tooth may be connected to the core by a base having a large cross-section, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 21. One of these cross-sections may have a larger dimension larger than the larger one. dimension of the tooth located above the smallest transverse dimension of the foot. In the example of Figure 18, the foot takes a diabolo form arranged vertically.

In the embodiment of Figure 19, the foot has a parallelepiped base of horizontal apex. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, the base of the base is inclined, and in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21 the base is of hemispherical shape. Each of the longitudinal faces 15 of the core 10 may comprise a row of teeth 17 as described above, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if at least one face 15 is devoid of a row of teeth 17, or is The rows 17 may have different numbers of teeth, one of the rows being, for example, shorter than another row. In the embodiment of Figures 22 and 23, the core is of hexagonal cross-section and has six rows of teeth extending from the six faces 15 of the core 10. The core may comprise any number of longitudinal faces, all the characteristics described above being worth independently of the number of longitudinal faces. In another variant, the core 10 may have a circular cross section, as shown in FIG. 24, or oval as illustrated in FIG. 25, or else triangular, octagonal or pentagonal, as illustrated respectively in FIGS. 28. An applicator member 8 according to the invention may comprise more than two apparent teeth per longitudinal face when the core is observed along its longitudinal axis, and may comprise, in addition to the first and second teeth 18 of the assemblies 20 and 30, one or more additional teeth 18 forming, for example, an angle greater than a with the direction Z1, or else extending perpendicular to the face of the corresponding core. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention if the teeth of the second set of teeth 30 are not inclined with respect to the longitudinal face 15 of the core to which they are connected and that the directions Z1 and Z2 are parallel for each Row 17.

In the examples which have just been described, the teeth of the first 20 and second sets of teeth 18 are arranged in staggered rows, their bases not being aligned. It may be otherwise and the bases of the teeth 18 may be aligned, as illustrated in Figure 29, the same line parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 intersecting all the bases of the aligned teeth of the row, this line constituting the longitudinal axis of the row. Two consecutive teeth of a row may define, when the applicator is observed perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, a V-shaped groove, as illustrated in perspective in FIG. 30. Two consecutive teeth of a row may still form a V when the applicator member is observed along its longitudinal axis, as illustrated in FIG. 31. It can be seen in FIGS. 32 and 33 that the applicator may comprise, within a row, patterns of four teeth, the two middle ones of which form a V. The four teeth 15 follow each other as one moves along the longitudinal axis of the row. In the example illustrated in Figures 34 and 35, the row 17 comprises patterns of three consecutive teeth including two teeth V with a tooth between them. These teeth, however, constitute a single row, because they follow one another when moving along the longitudinal axis of the soul. On the other hand, two rows 17 of teeth of an applicator member 8 according to the invention may comprise teeth spaced apart from one another by the same spacing, as illustrated in FIG. 36, or on the contrary of Variable spacing, as illustrated in Figure 37. Within each row, the teeth may be gathered in groups of 25 teeth, for example in pairs. Of course, the teeth can be grouped together in pairs, the spacing between the groups of teeth within the same row being regular or not, and in particular greater than the average spacing between the teeth within a group. Furthermore, in the example of Figure 1, each tooth 18 has a first longitudinal face 40 of planar shape and a second longitudinal face 41 of rounded shape, in particular convex. Alternatively, and regardless of the implantation of the teeth, at least one tooth may have a circular cross section, as shown in FIG. 38, or oval, as illustrated in FIG. 39, or semi-circular, as illustrated in FIG. FIG. 40, or triangular, as illustrated in FIG. 41, or hexagonal, as illustrated in FIG. 42, or diamond-shaped, as illustrated in FIG. 43, in trapezium, as illustrated in FIG. 44, formed of two contiguous triangles of different size, as illustrated in Figure 45, diabolo-shaped, as shown in Figure 46, or half-diabolo, as shown in Figure 47, or triangular with a groove, as shown in Figure 48. The teeth are preferably of cross section other than circular. The non-circular shape of the cross section of the teeth can promote product retention on the teeth.

The longitudinal faces 15 of the core 10 may be non-planar, being for example concave or convex over at least a portion of their length. The core 10 may comprise longitudinal faces 15 at least partially concave, the concavity being for example centered on a median plane of the core 10 cutting it substantially mid-length.

The concavity of the longitudinal faces 15 may be formed by a narrowing of the cross section of the core 10, as illustrated in FIG. 22. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal faces 15 of the core 10 are twisted, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 49, i.e. the corresponding side performs at least one rotation towards the distal end of the core.

To achieve such a shape, the core 10 can be deformed at the time of demolding by a rotation of the nozzle 14, or alternatively be deformed in the mold. The longitudinal axis X of the core 10 may coincide with the longitudinal axis Y of the rod 7, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if it is otherwise, and by way of example, illustrated in Figure 50 an alternative embodiment in which the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 forms an angle yi with the longitudinal axis Y of the rod. Such a configuration can for example improve the application by facilitating the handling of the applicator. The core may extend along a non-rectilinear longitudinal axis X. FIG. 52 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the core extends along a longitudinal axis X curved. When observed in longitudinal section, as in FIG. 51, the envelope surface E may have on one side of the X axis a first convex contour 54 substantially in the same direction as the X axis, and on the opposite side of the X axis. X axis a second contour 55 may have a concave curvature in the same direction as the X axis. In another variant, illustrated in Figure 52, the envelope surface E has a cross section that passes through a minimum. The X axis coincides with the Y axis.

In the variant illustrated in Figure 53, the longitudinal axis X of the core 10 is rectilinear and the envelope surface E has an ovoid shape. In another variant, illustrated in FIG. 54, the free end of the teeth 18 defines an envelope surface E which extends generally along a longitudinal axis W forming an angle 72 with the longitudinal axis X of the core 10, application member may be described as eccentric. The variant of Figure 55 differs from that of Figure 54 by the shape of the envelope surface E, which has a cross section that passes through a minimum. In the variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 56, the applicator member has teeth having a narrowed foot according to the invention at a distal end of the core, the other teeth being devoid of narrowed feet conforming to the present invention. invention. Such an applicator may in particular be particularly suitable for the application of product in the corner of the eyes and on small eyelashes. In the embodiment shown in Figure 57, the core comprises a recess in which is engaged a support portion 60, for example metal or plastic. The core may be configured to be fixed to this support 60 or to be free in rotation or in translation relative to this support 60. The core may for example be overmolded on the support 60. The teeth of at least one rows may have different heights, for example through an extremum between the extreme teeth of the row.

At least one of the teeth 18 of the rows 17 may have a non-smooth surface state, for example molded striations or asperities, for example related to the presence of a load in the plastic material. The applicator member may be made of a plastics material comprising magnetic particles. The magnetic field created by such particles, which can be magnetizable and / or magnetized, can exert for example an effect on the eyelashes and / or interact with magnetic fibers or pigments that would be present in the product.

The applicator member can be made with flocking, the latter extending for example only on the teeth or on the core only. The teeth may have, at their free end, a relief or a particular shape, for example a fork, a ball or a hook, as shown in FIGS. 58 to 60. The hook may extend for example transversely, parallel or obliquely to the longitudinal axis X of the soul. To obtain the balls, one can for example heat the applicator member so as to melt the end of the teeth. To obtain the forks or the hooks, it is possible for example to grind the application member.

The wiper member may be made differently, for example comprising a block of foam, which can be split. The wiper member may, for example, be as described in patent applications US 2005/0028834, US 6,328,495, US 6,375,374, US 2004/0258453 and US 2005/0175394. The wiper lip 9 may advantageously be corrugated, having a radially inner free edge defining a passage orifice 122 of the applicator member, as illustrated in FIG. 61. The wiper lip 9 may comprise corrugations 120 extending around the orifice 122. The wiper member 9 may comprise a number of corrugations 120 of between 3 and 12, for example. The wiper lip 9 may extend generally in a cone converging toward the bottom of the container, generatrix G at an angle i with the axis K of the container. In a variant, the wiper lip 9 may extend generally along a median plane perpendicular to the K axis or generally along a convergent cone towards the outlet of the receptacle. The wiper member can still be adjustable, if necessary.

The rod 7 to which the core is attached may be at least partially, in particular entirely, flexible, in particular near the applicator member. The rod may for example comprise at least one flexible element 80 as shown in FIG. 62, for example made of elastomer and / or with a form giving flexibility, for example at least one notch 81 as illustrated in FIG. 63. Flexible element can for example be flocked and also serve for the application of the product. To use the device 1, the user can unscrew the closure cap 5 and extract the applicator member 8 from the container 3.

After passing through the applicator member 8 of the wiper member 6, a certain quantity of product remains between the rows 17 and between the teeth 18 of these rows, for example on the legs 18a of the teeth 18, and can be applied to the eyelashes or eyebrows by the user.

The relatively large number of teeth and their arrangement on the application member allows a neat makeup. A rotation of the applicator member around the X axis may possibly accompany the make-up gesture of the eyelashes or eyebrows. In the presence of teeth oriented obliquely on the applicator member, they can be directed towards the eyelashes at the time of makeup. In another variant, vibrations may be applied to the applicator member during application, combing or removal of the product, for example as described in application WO 2006/090343. The shape of the teeth can influence the transmission of oscillations.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described, the characteristics of which can be combined within non-illustrated variants. The teeth can all be connected to the core in a direction contained in a plane perpendicular to the X axis. It may be otherwise, and teeth may be inclined towards the distal or proximal end. In the invention, the envelope surface is of variable cross section and passes through at least a maximum. This maximum transverse section of the envelope surface of the applicator member may, in a particular embodiment of the invention, occupy at least 70% of an interior section of the container at least along a portion of the path traveled by the applicator member during its extraction from the container, the height of this portion being at least equal to twice the length of the applicator member, for example between 2 and 10 times the length of the implementing body. The maximum cross section of the envelope surface of the applicator member may occupy between 70% and 120% of the interior section of the container over this height, so as to create a piston effect.

In this case, the container may define an interior space containing the product whose height may be at least two times greater than the length of the applicator element. The device may comprise at least two containers containing identical or different products, each comprising a removable closure cap and an applicator member. The two application members may be different from one another, one of them may for example comprise a twisted core brush. The two containers can be joined by a coupling member, for example in the extension of one another, and which can be elastically deformable.

The expression containing one must be understood as being synonymous with the expression containing at least one, unless the contrary is specified and understood between inclusive limits, unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (15)

REVENDICATIONS1. An applicator (2) for combing and / or applying a product on eyelashes and / or eyebrows, comprising a molded applicator member comprising; - a core (10) having a longitudinal axis (X), - teeth (18) extending from the core outwards towards a free end of the tooth, in a direction of elongation of the tooth, at least one tooth (18) having a narrowed foot (18a) located in the first half of the length of the tooth from the core, the foot having a smaller transverse dimension (do) less than one greater transverse dimension (d1) of the tooth, this larger transverse dimension (d1) being further away from the core (10) than said smaller transverse dimension, and the transverse dimension (d) of the tooth not increasing from said largest transverse dimension (dl) towards its free end, over at least a quarter of the length (1) of the tooth. 2. Applicator according to the preceding claim, wherein the transverse dimension (d) of the tooth does not increase towards its free end from the largest transverse dimension (dl). 3. Applicator according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein a greater transverse dimension of the root of the tooth located between the core and the smallest transverse dimension (do) of the foot of the tooth is less than or equal to the said large transverse dimension (dl) of the tooth farther from the core than said smaller transverse dimension (do). An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot of at least one tooth has a non-constant cross-section after rotation of 90 ° around the direction of elongation of the tooth. 5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot (18a) of at least one tooth has at least one cross section extending along a major axis perpendicular (K) to the longitudinal axis (X). of soul. 6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot (18a) of at least one tooth has at least one cross section extending along a major axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot (18a) of at least one tooth has a plurality of relatively small cross sections alternating with relatively large cross sections. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the root (18a) of a tooth is centered with respect to the cross section of the largest transverse dimension of the tooth. An applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the root (18a) of a tooth is eccentric to the cross section of the largest transverse dimension of the tooth. 10. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the largest transverse dimension (dl) of the tooth forms, when the tooth is inclined relative to the core, an abutment preventing a greater inclination of the tooth by relation to the soul. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot (18a) of the tooth is configured to allow the inclination of the tooth with respect to its direction of elongation of at least 3 ° or even 5 °. better 10 ° at least. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the smallest transverse dimension (do) of the foot (18a) of the tooth is less than 50% of said largest transverse dimension (dl) of the tooth. 13. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the smallest transverse dimension of the root of the tooth is between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, or between 0.2 and 0.4 mm. 14. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the largest transverse dimension of the tooth, located above the smallest transverse dimension of the root of the tooth, is between 0.3 and 2 mm, or between 0.5 and 1.5 mm. 15. An applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the foot of the tooth, measured between the core and the largest transverse dimension located above the smallest transverse dimension of the root of the tooth, is between 0.05 and 1 mm, or even between 0.1 and 0.8 mm.