FR2979807A1 - APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A PRODUCT ON LACQUERS OR EYEBROWS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator (3) for applying a product (P) to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising a rigid rod (4) having a longitudinal axis (X) and having at least one flexible portion ( 20) resiliently deformable adjacent a first end (4a) of the shaft, and an applicator element (5) having a rigid twisted core (10) and bristles (11) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. rod, a portion of the core being secured to the flexible portion (20). According to the invention, a rigid holding member is attached to the flexible portion so that at least one cross section of the applicator has a section of the core of the application member, a section of the element holding member positioned around the section of the core, and a section of the flexible portion positioned around the section of the core.

Description

The present invention relates to applicators intended for applying a makeup or care product to keratinous fibers, and more particularly, but not exclusively, eyelashes or eyebrows. The invention relates to an applicator comprising a rod and an applicator element disposed at one end of the rod. Mascara applicators having a relatively rigid shaft are known. Application US Pat. No. 6,305,861 also discloses applicators having a relatively thin rod, being of small section over a large part of its length, and thus having a great flexibility. This flexibility of the stem can affect the accuracy of makeup under certain conditions of application. In addition, such rods may not be wiped satisfactorily when used with certain types of wiper members, for example with annular lip. Patent application FR-A-2 759 872 also discloses an applicator comprising a flat handle comprising a retreint. Furthermore, the application FR 2 705 876 discloses an applicator having a rod provided with a necking being positioned facing a wiper member. The restraint does not confer flexibility during the application. Application EP 1 917 883 also discloses an applicator comprising a flexible portion. However, the core of the applicator element inserted in a housing of the flexible portion can detach in some cases of use, especially when the flexible portion inflates in contact with the cosmetic product, the housing receiving the core n ' then being more tight enough to hold the applicator element. There is a need to further improve the applicators for the makeup of keratin fibers, especially eyelashes or eyebrows, and to have a new applicator that is reliable, comfortable and easy to use. The present invention aims in particular to meet this need. The subject of the invention is an applicator for applying a product to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising: a rigid stem having a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one elastically deformable flexible portion adjacent to a first end of the rod, an applicator element comprising a rigid twisted core and bristles extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rod, a portion of the core being integral with the flexible portion. According to the invention, a rigid holding member is attached to the flexible portion so that at least one cross section of the applicator has a section of the core of the application member, a section of the element holding member positioned around the section of the core, and a section of the flexible portion positioned around the section of the core. The invention allows precise makeup.

The presence of the flexible portion provides softness to the application, even with a relatively rigid application element such as a comb for example or with a brush having relatively firm bristles. The presence of the holding member allows a maintenance of the application element in all conditions of use of the applicator.

Thus the core of the applicator element can be fixed in a housing of the flexible portion, the holding element being positioned around the portion of flexible portion having the core fixed in the housing, or the core of the application member may be fixed in a housing of the rigid holding member, a flexible portion portion being positioned around the holding member.

In the first case, if the flexible portion inflates, this swelling will be limited to the outside not the rigid holding member which will cause the swelling to be made inward tightening the soul even more and preventing it from becoming dissociate. In the second case the core is held directly to the rigid holding member and the swelling of the flexible portion has no influence on the maintenance of the soul.

Since the rod connects to a gripping member, the flexible portion may also allow, at the exit of the applicator element of the receptacle containing the product, the applicator element to form an angle with the dispenser member. thus allowing the applicator element to remain more easily aligned with the longitudinal axis of the container containing the product. When it is provided with a wiper member, the spinning of the application element can be improved with a more homogeneous distribution of the product on the application element.

The flexible portion also allows the user to tilt the gripping member relative to the container, in a natural gesture, when removing the application member. The resistance of the product on the eyelashes or the eyebrows can slow down and deform the application element, which accumulates by deforming the elastic energy. The return of elastic energy thus accumulated when the applicator element relaxes when reaching the end of the eyelashes or eyebrows can give an acceleration and an additional movement likely to improve the elongation and the separation of the eyelashes or eyebrows. The flexible portion can also reduce the risk of hard contact between the eye and the application member. By "elastically deformable", it should be understood that the flexible portion has a certain shape memory. The expression "elastically deformable" must be understood in a broad sense and covers in particular the case where the flexible portion resumes elastically, after having been deformed, a position which is not strictly identical to its initial position, taking into account, for example the nature of the material used to make the flexible portion and the shape thereof. By "rigid part", it is necessary to understand a part that does not deform substantially to the application. A rigid part may undergo a slight overall deformation in the event of stress exerted with the fingers on it, for example.

The flexible portion is for example capable of bending to change the orientation of the entire application element over more than 30 °, for example. The flexibility of the flexible portion can come from its shape and / or the material or materials used to achieve it. By "rod" is meant the assembly formed by the flexible portion or portions and the rigid portion or portions of the rod. The rod extends axially between the gripping member and the application element. The length of the rod is measured between the end adjacent to the applicator element and that of connection to the gripping member, for example the end where the rod connects to a transverse plate, within the grasping organ.

The flexible portion may extend along a rectilinear longitudinal axis or not, this axis being for example in the extension of that of the application element.

The flexible portion may be made by molding, for example by injection of thermoplastic material. The flexible portion may especially not be stamped. The flexible portion may be made by overmolding on a rigid portion of the rod. Alternatively, the flexible portion can be attached to the rest of the rod by snapping, gluing, screwing, insertion by force or crimping. The rod may comprise a rigid portion with at least one housing for receiving at least one fixing portion of the flexible portion on this rigid portion. Alternatively, the flexible portion may comprise at least one housing for receiving at least one fixing portion of the rigid portion of the rod on the flexible portion. The fixing portion of the flexible portion may have an enlarged head or a necking to improve the retention by the rigid portion of the rod in case of crimping. The flexible portion of the rod can be mounted on the rest of the rod and / or on the hot or cold application element, in particular by virtue of its deformability, or it can be overmolded on the rest of the rod and / or of the application element. The flexibility of the flexible portion can be chosen according to the properties desired for the application, for example by the choice of the constituent material or materials, in particular their Shore hardness. The flexible portion may be made in at least partially of a material from the following list: elastomeric material, thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer, LDPE, PVC, PU, thermoplastic elastomer polyesters, especially copolymers of butene terephthalate and polytetramethylene oxide esterified glycol, Hytrel ®, EPDM, PDM, EVA, SIS, SEBS, SBS, latex, silicone, nitrile, butyl, polyurethane, polyether amide block, polyester, this list not being limiting. The flexible portion may be made of a material whose hardness is for example between 25 Shore A and 80 Shore D, or even between 40 Shore A and 70 Shore D.

The total apparent length / flexible portion is for example between 10 and 35 mm. A larger external transverse dimension of the flexible portion is for example between 2 and 10 mm. The flexible portion may be magnetizable, for example comprising a charge of magnetic particles or magnetic fibers. The flexibility of the flexible portion may vary depending on the cross section and the profile of the flexible portion.

The flexible portion may have a solid or hollow cross section and of varied shape, for example of a shape chosen from the following list: polygonal, square, rectangular, triangular, circular, non-circular, oblong, oval, elliptical, crenellated, d-shaped star, with one or more grooves, annular or axial.

The flexible portion may be symmetrical in revolution about the longitudinal axis of the rod. The flexible portion may have a necking, if any. This shrinkage may be ring-shaped Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the flexible portion of the rod is diabolo-shaped or has an annular slot-shaped groove.

The flexible portion of the rod may still be non-symmetrical of revolution. Such a shape may make it possible to obtain a flexibility of the rod which is variable according to the direction of inclination of the applicator element with respect to its initial configuration. The flexible portion of the rod may in particular have a generally elongated cross section. The gripping member may comprise at least one finger receiving zone, in particular a flat or a cell, which may extend generally substantially parallel to a larger axis of a transverse cross-section. the flexible portion. The gripping member may have a non-symmetrical shape of revolution favoring the gripping of the applicator with a pre-defined orientation.

The flexible portion may be symmetrical with respect to a median plane. The flexible portion may have a larger transverse dimension, for example an outer diameter of the flexible portion, equal to a larger transverse dimension of the rod, for example an outer diameter of the rod. Alternatively, the flexible portion may have a larger transverse dimension greater than a larger transverse dimension of the rod. In another variant, the flexible portion may have a larger transverse dimension smaller than a larger transverse dimension of the rod. The apparent portion of the flexible portion may be thinner than its scope for attachment in the rigid portion of the rod.

The holding member may be tubular in shape to define a sleeve. Other forms can be envisaged.

This holding element may be positioned in a housing of the flexible portion, or alternatively around the flexible portion. The holding member may be overmolded with the flexible portion. The holding member may be made of at least one thermoplastic material, preferably selected from the following list: Acetate, HDPE, LDPE, linear PE, PP, PT, POM, PA, PET, PBT, PS. The holding member may also be snapped, or bi-injected with the flexible portion. The inner wall of the holding member may be smooth or have projections.

The holding element may comprise at least one retaining element to the flexible portion. For example the retaining member may be a flange, a fin or any other element extending radially away from the outer surface of the holding member. The flexible portion may also include at least one axial locking means of the holding member. For example a radial projection of material at the free end of the flexible portion may form a stop serving as axial locking means of the holding member. The rod may be cylindrical of revolution or substantially cylindrical of revolution, at least over most of its length. The rod may for example be other than flat in a plane. The rod may for example have a length much greater than its width, for example more than twice or more than three times, better more than five times greater than its width. The rod can be rigidly connected to the gripping member. Alternatively, a joint may be present between the rod and the gripping member.

The flexible portion may include a housing to allow the attachment of the applicator element, in particular to receive a portion of the applicator element, for example the core of the applicator element. The flexible portion of the shank may deform upon application to allow the applicator member to tilt substantially relative to the rigid portion of the shank. Whatever the manner in which the rod is made, the flexible portion may be configured so that the whole of the applicator element can be reversibly inclined during application, for example more than 10 ° more preferably 15 °, more preferably 30 °, or even more than 45 ° or 60 °, with respect to an initial rest configuration in which the applicator element and the rod are for example substantially aligned. In exemplary embodiments, the core of the applicator member may not visibly deform when the flexible portion deforms to change the orientation of the applicator member relative to the rod. The rigid portion of the rod may have a solid or hollow cross-section of a shape selected from the following list: circular, non-circular, oblong, oval, elliptical, polygonal, square, rectangular, triangular, kidney-shaped, crenated, shaped star, with one or more gorges. A circular cross section may be preferred. The rigid part of the rod may be made of a thermoplastic material, in particular one of the materials selected from the following list: HDPE, LDPE, linear PE, PT, PP, POM, PA, PET, PBT, this list not being not limiting. A housing for fixing the applicator element is provided in the flexible portion. This housing may be configured to allow attachment of application members having fastening portions of different sizes. The size and shape of the housing may be variable, for example due to the deformability of the material of the flexible portion. The end of the rod to which the applicator element is connected can be chamfered in order to facilitate the introduction of the applicator into the container, and in particular the passage of the wiper member. In an exemplary embodiment, it is the flexible portion which is chamfered, in another example is the free end of the holding member protruding from the flexible portion. The rigid part of the rod and the flexible portion are preferably of close transverse dimensions to promote the spinning, for example of the same diameter. The rod may comprise at its second end a fixing portion on the gripping member, for example a tip intended to be inserted by force and / or latched into the gripping member. The tip may include a tubular skirt with a tray at its base. The rod can still be molded with the gripping member.

The gripping member may be arranged to seal a container containing the product to be applied. The gripping member may comprise fixing means on the container, for example a thread or at least one annular snap-fitting bead.

The applicator element may extend along a longitudinal axis which may not be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod. The two axes may for example be substantially merged or form between them an angle strictly less than 90 °. The applicator element may comprise a rod attachment part, the length of which is preferably less than the length of the flexible portion, these lengths being measured along the longitudinal axis of the rod. The applicator element may comprise a core that is stiffer than the flexible portion of the rod. Alternatively, the core may comprise two strands of a twisted wire, the strands may be twisted with a step to the left or with a step to the right. The wire forming the strands may have a diameter of between 0.35 and 1 mm, for example. The fixing portion may, in this case, be a portion of the core without bristles, this portion being intended to be inserted into a corresponding housing of the flexible portion of the rod or in the holding member. The envelope surface of the applicator element may have a non-circular cross section in at least one point of its length. The cross section of the envelope surface of the applicator element, in at least one point of its length, may have a general shape chosen from the following list: polygonal, in particular triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal or hexagonal, oblong, especially oval or lenticular, or other. For at least one cross section of the envelope surface, the core may define a center of symmetry of this section. The core may further be eccentric within the cross section of the envelope surface at at least one point of the length of the applicator member. The envelope surface may be of non-constant cross section over most of the length of the application member.

The application element may have at least one concave face. The applicator element may have at least one convex face, of radius of curvature, when viewed in cross section, greater than the length of the longerest hair extending from the core in this cross section .

The core of the applicator element may comprise a substantially rectilinear portion capable of forming an angle with the longitudinal axis of the rod less than 20 °. The core may have a free end, opposite the rod, which may be the point of the soul furthest from the longitudinal axis of the rod. The free end of the core may be located at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the lower rod to 7.5 mm.

The material of the application member may be selected to adjust the flexibility of the application member to the desired use. It can for example be chosen so that the application element is sufficiently flexible. The attachment portion may be an end portion, for example cylindrical, devoid of teeth or bristles, intended for example to be inserted into a corresponding housing of the rod or in the holding member. The applicator may comprise bristles having a larger transverse dimension of between 6.5 / 100 and 40/100 mm, for example. The bristles may be full or hollow, of circular section or not. The bristles may or may not come into contact with the flexible portion.

The applicator may comprise at least one bristle made of an elastically deformable material, such as an elastomer for example. The applicator may comprise at least one bristle comprising a compound, for example particulate or otherwise, to improve the sliding of the hair on the keratin fibers, or on the contrary intended to create a surface roughness and increase the adhesion of the fibers . The applicator may comprise a mixture of bristles. The applicator may comprise bristles having different diameters. The applicator may comprise at least one hair having at least one corrugation, and may in particular comprise at least two bristles each comprising at least one periodic pattern having at least one corrugation, at least two periodic patterns being different. The two different periodic patterns may belong to two distinct hairs or the same hair, and the corrugations may have different shapes, for example a sawtooth shape or a sinusoidal shape, or different amplitudes, or ripples. different spatial frequencies. The expression "periodic motif" designates, within a hair, a part of it that reproduces substantially, periodically, along the hair.

The applicator may have bristles made otherwise than by injection molding with the core, and the applicator member may include at least one portion having curved bristles extending in a direction directed from the core by example as described in application US 2004/0168698. By "extending in an oriented manner" it should be understood that the curved hairs extend with a general orientation which is defined during the manufacture of the applicator element and not with a totally random orientation. The bristles may in particular be oriented in the same circumferential direction around the core. The bristles of the applicator member may be curved by contact with a hot surface, including a surface in relative motion relative to the applicator member.

The applicator element may comprise at least two deformed bristles for example caught between two adjacent turns, these bristles having a removal of material or crushing at least one point of their length from the core and extending non-radially towards outside from this point, as described in US 2004/0240926. Each deformed hair may comprise two rectilinear portions forming a bend between them. The two rectilinear portions may have the same cross section. Any deformed bristles may define elbows all located substantially at the same distance from the core. The application element may comprise for example between 5 and 80 hairs per turn, or between 15 and 40, in particular between 10 and 50 hairs per turn. The application element may also have between 5 and 20 hairs per turn only. The number of hairs per turn corresponds to the number of hair ends counted by a fixed observer during a 180 ° rotation of the applicator element around its core. The applicator may comprise twisted bristles, for example as described in US Pat. No. 6,390,708.

The application element can be vibrated either by a generator mounted in the applicator, in particular on the gripping member, removably or not, or by an external vibrating element mounted on a finger of the user, for example. The invention further relates to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product comprising an applicator as defined above and a container containing the product to be applied. The device may further comprise a wiper member arranged to wring the applicator element out of the container. This wiper member may be fixed in the neck of the container.

The wiper member may comprise a lip made of elastomer or polyethylene, or alternatively may comprise a block of foam, for example split in the middle thereof. The wiper member may also be devoid of a porous material. The wiper member may be adjustable, in particular to allow adjustment of the size of the wiper orifice.

The product is used to make or care for eyelashes or eyebrows. It may be for example mascara. The product can be liquid or pasty. The gripping member may close the container in a sealed manner, and for example screw on the neck of the container.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic views in elevation, with partial axial section, of an exemplary packaging and application device according to the invention; FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic and partial view, in axial section, of the applicator of the device of FIGS. FIGS. 1 and 2; FIGS. 4 to 10 and 10A to 10E are views similar to FIG. 3 of variant embodiments of the invention; FIG. 11 is a cross section of the flexible portion of an alternative embodiment; FIG. 12 is a detail view of FIG. 6, FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of an alternative embodiment, FIGS. 14 to 23 illustrate examples of transverse sections of the envelope surface. of brushes, among others, - figurines 24 to 32 partially represent variants of embodiment of brushes, - Figures 33 and 34 respectively represent twisted cores with left and right steps, - Figure 35 schematically shows a double core formed by the winding of two elementary souls. twisted, - Figures 36 to 53 show various examples of cross-sections of 10 bristles, - Figure 57 shows a side view of a wavy pile, - Figures 55 to 58 show a schematic and partial examples of bristles, - FIGS. 59 and 69 illustrate alternative embodiments of the applicator, and FIGS. 70 to 72 illustrate alternative embodiments of holding elements for an applicator according to the invention. FIGS. 1 to 3 show a packaging and application device 1 comprising a container 2 containing a product P to be applied to the eyelashes or eyebrows, for example mascara, and an applicator 3 comprising a rod 4 provided with Its distal end 4a of an applicator element 5 and connected at its proximal end to a gripping member 6 also constituting the closure cap of the container 2. The latter is equipped with a wiper member 7, by example consisting of an elastomer piece inserted into the neck 8 of the container. The wiper member 7 may be conventional or not, or even be adjustable. The gripping member 6 is arranged to seal the container 2 at the end of its screwing on the neck 8, in a manner known per se. In the example illustrated, the wiper member 7 defines a wiping orifice 9 of circular cross section, the diameter of which corresponds substantially to that of the rod 4, the latter being in the illustrated example of a circular cross-section. at least on all its part 30 engaged in the container.

The rod 4 has, in the example considered, a straight longitudinal axis X, which coincides substantially with the axis of the neck 8 of the container 2 when the applicator 3 is in place thereon. The rod 4 comprises a rigid portion 4g and a flexible portion 20, extending from the distal end 4a of the rod 4. In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the flexible portion 20 is of circular cross section , of diameter equal to that of the rest of the rod 4. The flexible portion 20 is made of a softer material than that in which the rigid part 4g is made, for example a material from the following list: elastomeric material, thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer, LDPE, PVC, Hytrel®, EPDM, EVA, SIS, SEBS, latex, silicone, nitrile, butyl, polyurethane, polyether amide block. The rigid portion 4g is for example made of a polyolefin. The rigid portion is for example made of POM with an outer diameter of 4 mm and a length of 25 to 50 mm. The flexible portion 20 allows to provide flexibility to the rod 4, useful in particular when the application element 5 is removed from the container 2, as shown in Figure 2. In this figure, we see that when the application member 5 is removed from container 2, even if the user pulls on the applicator member 5 obliquely to the longitudinal axis of container 2, the applicator member 5 can retain through the flexibility of the flexible portion 5 an orientation substantially coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the container 2 during passage through the wiper member 7. In this way, the quality of the spin of the application element 5 is preserved as to its regularity and the distribution of the product, so that the application can be made in good conditions. Furthermore, at the time of application, the contact between the application element 5 and the eyelashes or eyebrows can be relaxed and the elasticity of the flexible portion can be beneficial for the application of the product, the lengthening and separation of eyelashes or eyebrows, as explained above. According to the invention the applicator element is a brush comprising a core formed by two twisted metal strands, this core 10 having a proximal portion fixed in a rigid holding element 70 positioned around the flexible portion 20 of the rod 4 , the core being, for example, forcibly inserted into a housing 24 of the flexible portion 20, as illustrated in FIG. 3. With reference to FIG. 3, the flexible portion comprises an annular groove on its outer wall and the holding element 70 is a tubular sleeve mounted tightly in this groove so as to surround the portion of the flexible portion 20 having the housing receiving the core 10 of the applicator element 5. In this way, this portion of the flexible portion can no longer be deform or inflate radially outward. On the contrary, the swelling takes place inward in the housing receiving the core tightening the latter more strongly to maintain it in all conditions of use.

With reference to FIG. 12, the holding element 70 is a cylindrical sleeve extending along the longitudinal axis X. The internal diameter of the holding element 70 is substantially equal to the envelope diameter of the portion 1 core 10 inserted into force in this holding element 70. The holding element 70 is made by overmolding the flexible portion 20 around the holding element 70.

The holding member 70 is made of at least one rigid thermoplastic material, preferably selected from the following list: Acetate, HDPE, LDPE, linear PE, PP, PT, POM, PA, PET, PBT, PS. In this example the holding element is cylindrical but it can also take other forms for example conical, and have other sections, for example oval or polygonal. Similarly, the thickness of the holding element may be non-constant, for example, so as to be off-axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod. Thus, the applicator has at least one cross section which comprises a section of the holding element, a section of the flexible portion and a section of the core of the applicator element, in the example of FIG. , the core being surrounded by the holding member, itself surrounded by the flexible portion. The core 10 of the application element 5 carries bristles 11 held by clamping between the turns of the core 10 and extending substantially radially from the core. The flexible portion 20 may be fixed in various ways on the rigid portion 4g, for example being forcibly inserted into a housing 22 of the rigid portion 4g of the rod 4, as illustrated in FIG.

Of course, various modifications may be made to the applicator and in particular to the applicator element, the holding element and the flexible portion without departing from the scope of the present invention. Fixing the flexible portion 20 to the rest of the rod can be done in various ways. The flexible portion may for example comprise a housing 25 for receiving a male fastening portion of the rigid portion 4g, as shown in Figure 4. The flexible portion 20 may be overmolded on the rigid portion 4g or vice versa, or be maintained by crimping in the housing 22 of the rod 4, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Moreover, the shape of the flexible portion 20 may be other than cylindrical, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The flexible portion 20 may for example comprise a chamfered end, as shown in Figure 6, which can facilitate the retraction of the applicator 3 in the container 2. The flexible portion 20 may also comprise a thinned portion, for example in the form of diabolo, as shown in Figure 7, or with a crenellated annular groove, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The flexible portion 20 can also be inserted only partially in the housing 22, as illustrated in FIG. 9, and an annular groove may be formed, if necessary, in front of the end of the rigid portion 4g of the rod, the width of this groove depending on the degree of depression of the fastening portion of the flexible portion in the rigid part of the stem. The flexibility of the flexible portion may be solely due to the choice of a material constituting it, or be due to both the choice of a material and its shape. A thinned shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, may provide more flexibility. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the flexible portion 20 has a greater transverse dimension greater than a larger transverse dimension of the remainder of the rod 4, as illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 10A shows a variant in which the flexible portion 20 has an apparent portion 20A which has a smaller transverse dimension than that of the adjacent portion of the rigid portion 4g. The flexible portion may be made if necessary with a flange 20b abutting against the adjacent axial end of the rigid portion 4g. FIG. 10b illustrates the possibility of producing the flexible part 20 with a variable profile between the part of the flexible portion 20 serving to fix the application element 5 and that serving for fixing in the rigid part 4g. . In the example illustrated, the flexible portion comprises for example a plurality of annular ribs 20c separated by annular grooves 20d defining areas of smaller diameter, which can increase the flexibility of the flexible portion 20. It can also be seen in this figure that the portion of the flexible portion 20 for fixing on the rigid portion 4g may comprise at the end an enlarged head 20e which is retained in a housing 300 of the rigid portion 4g by crimping the rigid portion 4g, so as to form an indentation 301 inwards. FIG. 10C illustrates the possibility for the flexible portion to have a portion 20f serving for attachment to the adjacent rigid portion 4g, a retreint 20g capable of accommodating indentation from the crimping of the rigid portion 4g. In general, as illustrated, the flexible portion may be made with a shrink 20w located axially between the portion of the flexible portion for fixing the applicator element on the flexible portion and the portion of the flexible portion. used for fixing on the rest of the rod. FIG. 10D represents the rod of FIG. 10C during a flexion of the flexible portion 20. It can be seen in this figure that not only can the flexible portion 20 be deformed at its annular retreint but also that the portion serving to fixing the rigid portion of the rod can stretch, a space 310 may appear externally between the flexible portion and the end of the rigid portion 4g. FIG. 10E illustrates the possibility of producing the flexible portion 20 with a central portion 20i intended to be engaged in a corresponding housing of the rigid portion 4g and an outer tubular skirt 20h intended to cover a tubular skirt 312 formed around the housing receiving the central part 20i. This may allow to have an outer diameter continuity between the rigid portion 4g and the flexible portion 20 at the connection thereof to the rigid portion 4g. The outer cross section of the flexible portion may also be other than circular, in particular at least one point of its length.

The flexible portion may for example comprise, as illustrated in Figure 11, one or more grooves 28 extending axially, promoting the balance of pressures between the inside and the outside of the container 2 during insertion and removal. of the applicator 3 of the container 2. In another variant, the flexible portion may have a cross section other than circular shape chosen for example from the following list: polygonal, square, rectangular, triangular, non-circular, oblong, oval, elliptical , reuniform in the shape of a star or with one or more grooves. Similarly, the rest of the rod may have a cross section of shape chosen from the same list. The cross sections of the flexible portion 20 and the remainder of the rod may be the same or different without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in all the examples which have just been described, the holding element has been represented in the form of a cylindrical sleeve, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if it is otherwise . As a variant shown in FIG. 59, the holding element 70 takes the form of a sleeve. The holding member 70 is located inside a housing of the flexible portion 20. This configuration is for example obtained by overmoulding of the flexible portion on the holding member. At its end receiving the application element 5, the holding member 70 has an end portion 71 of larger diameter, for example substantially equal to the diameter of the flexible portion, projecting from the flexible portion. This extremal portion 71 then defines the free end of the rod. The holding member has at the opposite end of its end portion, a flange forming an axial retaining member 72 of the holding member relative to the flexible portion. This flange forming an axial retention element 72 is for example visible on the holding element 70 shown in FIG. 70. Other flanges forming axial retention elements 72 may be arranged all along the holding element this is shown in Figure 60.

With reference to FIG. 61, the holding element 70 differs from that of FIG. 59 in that it does not comprise an enlarged end portion. The extremale of the holding element is covered by the flexible portion located axially beyond the holding member preventing the latter separates from the flexible portion.

With reference to FIG. 62, the holding element 70 differs from that of FIG. 59 in that it includes projecting elements 73 in place of the flange 72. These projecting elements 73 extending radially substantially in FIG. a transverse plane to be positioned in passages 26 of the flexible portion 20 to form axial retaining elements and in rotation about the axis X. These projecting elements 73 are also visible on the holding element of the The retention elements may also be fins 74 extending radially along the holding element 70 as shown in FIG. 72. With reference to FIG. flexible portion 20 is spherical so as to be rotatably mounted in the housing 24 of the flexible portion.

The application element 5 is thus free to rotate relative to the rod 4 of the applicator. In the variants represented in FIGS. 59 to 63, the rigid holding element situated inside the flexible portion maintains the core of the application element 5 despite the variations in shape of the flexible portion due to deformation or swelling in contact with the product.

In a variant shown in FIG. 64, the flexible portion has an annular groove on its outer wall and the holding element 70 is a tubular sleeve mounted tightly in this groove so as to surround the portion of the flexible portion 20 comprising the receiving housing. the core 10 of the application element 5. In this way this portion of flexible portion can no longer deform or inflate radially and the dimensions of the housing receiving the core remain constant or shrink to maintain the soul in all Terms of use. The rigid portion of the rod comprises a die for maintaining the flexible portion in the housing of the rigid portion of the rod. With reference to FIG. 65, the holding element 70 differs in particular from that of FIG. 64 in that it comprises a closed end portion and provided with a through hole through the core 10 of the applicator in order to to be fixed in the housing of the flexible portion.

Referring to Figure 66, the holding member protrudes from the annular groove on its outer wall of the flexible portion. It can thus take a form favoring the cleaning of the wiper member 7. Referring to FIG. 67, the tubular holding element 70 has a projection on its inner wall cooperating with a hollow of the flexible portion. Any other type of internal projection may also be possible. The rod 4 has an end that can snap into a receiving zone of the flexible portion. With reference to FIG. 68, the tubular holding element 70 is stamped on the flexible portion 20.

With reference to FIG. 69, the thickness of the tubular holding element 70 is variable, for example to obtain a convex or concave inner surface in order to obtain better fixing of the holding element on the flexible portion. In the variants shown in FIGS. 59 to 67, the flexible portion 20 comprises a retreint 20w situated axially between the part of the flexible portion comprising the holding element and the portion of the flexible portion serving for fixing on the rest of the rod. . Moreover, in all the examples which have just been described, the rod has been shown with a longitudinal axis X rectilinear, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if it is otherwise.

By way of example, FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4 is curved. The curvature of the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4 may be due to the curved shape of the flexible portion 20, or to the curved shape of a rigid portion of the rod 4. The curved shape may be due to the more or less complete insertion of a curved fixing portion of the flexible portion 20 in the housing 22 of the rigid portion of the rod 4. Moreover, the application element may have a circular cross-section envelope surface or present in cross section in at least one point of its length another shape, as illustrated in Figures 14 to 23, for example triangular as shown in Figure 14.

The application element may be given various other cross sections, for example square as illustrated in FIG. 15, pentagonal or hexagonal, as shown respectively in FIGS. 16 and 17. The application element may comprise at least one face plane or concave.

The applicator element may, for example, comprise a circular cross-sectional envelope surface with at least one flat part 30, as illustrated in FIG. 18, with at least one concave side 32 as illustrated in FIG. least one convex side 34, as shown in Figure 20. In this last figure, we see that the application element may have an envelope surface of oblong, in particular lenticular cross section. In the cross sectional examples illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 20, the cross section is shown centered with respect to the core. Alternatively, the core may also be eccentric with respect to the cross section of the envelope surface at at least one point of the brush, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23. In FIG. 21, the cross section is square in shape, rectangular in Figure 22 and oblong in Figure 23. Whatever its shape, the cross section may be centered or eccentric with respect to the core. The envelope surface E may be of constant circular cross-section over most of the length of the applicator element, or even over its entire length Alternatively, the envelope surface may have at least one portion whose cross section varies, for example homothetically, for example decreasing in the direction of the free end of the applicator element. In another variant, the transverse section E of the envelope surface of the applicator element may pass through at least one extremum between its two axial ends, for example a maximum or a minimum, or both, as can be seen in FIG. 24. In this figure, the cross-section passes through a minimum 40 and two maxima 41, 42. In another variant, the envelope surface of the applicator element is non-symmetrical with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the core, for example as illustrated in FIG. 25. In this example, the application element is made from a blank on which facets 50 have been cut.

The longitudinal axis Z of the core 10 of the application element 5 may coincide with the longitudinal axis X of the rod 4, or alternatively be distinct. By way of example, FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the core of the applicator element extends along an axis Z forming an angle θ with the axis X. The angle can for example, be between 1 ° and 15 °. In the embodiments which have just been described, the core of the application element 5 is rectilinear, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if it is otherwise. By way of example, FIGS. 27 to 29 show three exemplary embodiments in which the core of the applicator element is curved. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27, the applicator element has a plane face and a concave face. In the example of FIG. 28, the applicator element has a plane face 50 and a convex face, and in the example of FIG. 29, the applicator element has two plane faces 50.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 30, the applicator element comprises a core 10 curved over at least a part of its length and an envelope surface E that is not symmetrical with respect to a median plane perpendicular to the core. In addition, the angle between the axis X and the axis of the soul is, in any point of the soul, less than 90 °. The free end of the application element is non-aligned with the X axis.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 27, the application element 5 comprises a free end 52 constituting the point of the application element furthest from the longitudinal axis X. In this example, the core of the application element extends along a longitudinal axis Z on the same side of a plane containing the axis X.

In another variant illustrated in FIG. 31, the applicator element is curved around at least two axes C1, C2 that are not parallel to one another. The axes C1 and C2 extend in directions that can be for example perpendicular. In the variant illustrated in FIG. 32, the applicator element is made from a blank in which notches 55 have been cut.

The notches have an outwardly convex shape in cross-section, but it is within the scope of the present invention when the notches have a concave outward cross-sectional shape.

In the examples just described, the core consists of a twisted wire in which the bristles are held. The strands of the soul can be twisted left or right. It is particularly advantageous to use a left-handed brush. In Figure 33, there is shown a brush with a twisted core on the left and in Figure 34 a twisted core on the right. The path of the plies N defined by the ends of the bristles has been schematized by dotted lines, these plies forming an angle (3 with a plane perpendicular to the core, it may be usefully referred to European patent EP 611 170. The core may still be a double soul, formed by two elementary souls twisted together, as illustrated in Figure 35. Each elementary soul may comprise two strands twisted together and enclosing hairs.The two elementary souls may each be constituted by a branch of a only twisted core U-shaped, the two branches being twisted together.Use of an application element made according to the invention can be used in all kinds of bristles, and in particular bristles having a circular cross section or other than circular. In particular, it is possible to use a mixture of bristles of different natures or a mixture of bristles of different lengths, of the same nature or not. The illustrated application elements are for example made with bristles of circular section with a diameter of between 6.5 hundredths of a millimeter and 40 hundredths of a millimeter. It is possible to use bristles having in cross section one of the shapes shown in FIGS. 36 to 53 in a schematic manner, for example a circular shape with a flat as illustrated in FIG. 36, flattened as illustrated in FIG. 37, starred, by cross-shaped example as illustrated in Figure 38 or three branches as shown in Figure 39, U-shaped as shown in Figure 40, H as shown in Figure 41, T as shown in Figure 42 , V as shown in Figure 43, a recessed shape, for example circular as shown in Figure 44 or square as shown in Figure 45, forming branches, for example flake-shaped as shown in Figure 46, prismatic section, for example triangular as shown in Figure 47, square as shown in Figure 48 or hexagonal as shown in Figure 49, or an oblong shape, including lenticular as shown in FIG. 50, or hourglass-shaped as shown in FIG. 51. It is possible to use bristles having articulated portions relative to each other, as represented in FIG. 52. It is also possible to use bristles presenting at least one capillary groove 60, as shown in Figure 53.

The bristles 11 which are retained between the twisted strands of the core may have, before insertion between the strands of the core, a rectilinear shape or not, for example a corrugated shape as illustrated in FIG. 54. It is possible to make to undergo hair treatment to form at their ends balls 61 as shown in Figure 55, or forks 62 as shown in Figure 56. Can be used flocked hair as shown in Figure 57 or bristles made by extruding a plastics material having a charge of particles 64, for example particles of a moisture absorbing material, to impart micro-relief to the surface of the bristles, as shown in FIG. 58, or to provide them with magnetic or other properties. The bristles can still be made with a material having properties promoting sliding. The bristles may be natural or synthetic and for example be made of a material chosen from: PE, PA, in particular PA6, PA6 / 6, PA6 / 10 or PA6 / 12, HYTREL®, PEBAX®, silicone, PU, this list not being limiting. The invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. The characteristics of the various examples may especially be combined within non-illustrated variants. The expression "having one" shall be understood as being synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified. 25

Claims (14)

REVENDICATIONS1. Applicator (3) for applying a product (P) to the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising: a rigid rod (4) having a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising at least one elastically flexible portion (20) deformable adjacent to a first end (4a) of the rod; - an applicator element (5) having a rigid twisted core (10) and bristles (11) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rod; part of the core being integral with the flexible portion (20), the applicator is characterized in that a rigid holding member is attached to the flexible part so that at least one cross section of the applicator comprises a section of the core of the application member, a section of the holding member positioned around the section of the core, and a section of the flexible portion positioned around the section of the core. 2. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the core of the applicator element is fixed in a housing of the flexible portion, the holding element is positioned around the flexible portion portion comprising the core fixed in the housing. 3. Applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the core of the applicator element is fixed in a housing of the rigid holding member, a flexible portion portion is positioned around the holding member. 4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding member and the flexible portion are overmoulded, snapped or bi-injected. 5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element is tubular. 6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element comprises at least one retaining element to the flexible portion. 7. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible portion comprises at least one axial locking means of the holding member. 8. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible portion (20) is fixed to the rest of the rod by snapping, screwing, gluing, insertion by force or crimping. 9. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod (4) comprises a rigid portion (4g) having at least one housing (22) for receiving at least one fixing portion of the flexible portion (20). ) on the adjacent part of the stem. 10. Applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the flexible portion (20) comprises at least one housing (25) for receiving at least one fixing portion of a rigid portion of the rod on the flexible portion. 11. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible portion (20) has at least one necking. 12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element is made of at least one thermoplastic material, preferably selected from the following list: Acetate, HDPE, LDPE, linear PE, PP, PT , POM, PA, PET, PBT, PS. 13. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the flexible portion (20) being made of a material from the following list: elastomer, especially thermoplastic, LDPE, PVC, PU, polyester thermoplastic elastomer, EPDM, PDM, EVA, SIS , SEBS, SBS, latex, silicone, nitrile, butyl, polyurethane, polyether amide block, polyester. 14. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod (4) is connected to a gripping member (6) arranged to seal a container (2) containing the product (P). to apply.