FR2996738A1 - COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for applying a cosmetic product, without a cosmetic product reservoir, comprising a handle (1) and an application head (5) coupled to a longitudinal end of the handle, characterized in that that the application head (5) is formed of at least two applicator tips (3,4) of different nature each having a surface for applying the cosmetic product to the surface to be treated. Application in particular to powders and makeup products.

Description

The invention relates to a cosmetic product application device, without a reservoir. "Cosmetic product" means a product as defined in Council Directive 93/35 / EEC of 14 June 1993.

This cosmetic product application device generally comprises an applicator head fixed on a gripping part such as a rigid handle, generally made of plastic or wood. This device is mainly used to apply makeup powders on the face or body, but it can also be used to apply a cream colored "foundation", skincare creams for the face or body or any other application makeup or care. Generally, different applicator heads are used depending on the product to be applied. For example, the colored loose powder is rather applied with a brush in natural animal hair, because the natural hair has scales that retain the powder, which allows to load the brush of this product. The foundation, meanwhile, is applied rather with a brush in synthetic hair, because they are smooth and allow to spread and smooth the product on the skin. The foundation may also be applied using a sponge or spatula. These applicator heads are also used to apply a moisturizing, mattifying or caring cosmetic product. However, many care and makeup require the use of two products. Thus, it is possible to apply a colored powder on the basis of a cream which will allow better holding of the powder. You can apply a liquid foundation followed by a powder that will give a matte appearance to the skin. All of these examples are of course not an exhaustive list and are only examples of applications requiring two products. The need for two products involves the use of two separate applicators. In addition, many care and makeup require the use of two different applicators for the same product, in order to obtain different effects of the product on the treated surface. Thus, a powder can be applied and blended onto the skin, or a product can be applied and then spread the product and unify its hue on the skin.

In order to reduce the number of applicators required for the application of one or more products, it is thus known to use cosmetic product applicators with interchangeable tips on the handle of the applicator. However, this type of applicator is laborious to use.

In addition, this has the disadvantage of a risk of dirt when one of the applicators is coated with cream or powder residue for example, while it is removed and replaced by another. It is also known applicators whose each end of the longitudinal handle is provided with an applicator tip.

But this has the disadvantage of a difficult grip and a risk of dirt when one of the applicators is coated with product while using the other side. It is also already known to those skilled in the art of brushes having one or more tufts of bristles formed of a plurality of hair qualities, by mixing colors, rigidities, or by mixing natural hair and hair. synthetic, according to various arrangements or patterns. Brushes may be mentioned, the tuft of which is formed of relatively thick zones making it possible to obtain a satisfactory tuft consistency and relatively less thick areas in which the powder to be applied can migrate without difficulty. However, this type of brush is generally dedicated to the application of particular products, which is not satisfactory especially in the context of care or makeup requiring the application of several products. In addition, they offer limited possibilities of application effects of the product on a user's treated area, given their tuft-like nature. An object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function cosmetic product application device 30 freeing applicators with interchangeable tips or opposed mounting along a handle. It is also desirable to provide a cosmetic product application device that is simple to use and easy to reproduce. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for applying a cosmetic product that makes it possible to propose several effects of the application on the treated surface and / or to obtain different effects of the product on the treated surface, in order to to obtain an optimal result from the application of a product on the treated surface. For this purpose, the invention proposes a device for applying a cosmetic product, without a cosmetic product reservoir, comprising a handle and an application head coupled to a longitudinal end of the handle that is remarkable in that the application head is formed of at least two application tips of different nature each having a surface for applying the cosmetic product to the surface to be treated.

With the present invention, it ensures an optimal application of one or more cosmetics while using a single applicator in a simple manner and without fouling. This device multiplies, moreover, the effects of the application on the treated surface and / or the effects of the product on the treated surface.

According to other optional features of this device according to the invention: the application head is formed of a combination of at least two applicator tips chosen from the following group: -fabric nap, -moss nozzle elastomeric nozzle, thermal storage tip formed of a material whose thermal effusivity is greater than that of the surface to be treated, thermally inert application nozzle providing a neutral sensation in contact with the surface to be treated; the applicator tips are configured as massage or scrubbing members; - the tuft of hair is in synthetic or natural hair; the thermal storage tip is made of metallic or ceramic material; a first application nozzle and a second application nozzle form two complementary neighborhoods of the external contour of the head over at least a part of the length of the latter; a first application nozzle extends over a first portion of the peripheral contour of the application head and a second application nozzle extends over a second portion of the peripheral contour of the application head, in a complementary manner; at the first tip; the two applicator tips are offset axially along the handle; a first application nozzle projects from a second application nozzle; the first application nozzle passes through the second application nozzle; the two applicator tips of different nature are partially or completely separated by an intermediate part. Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description, according to the embodiments given by way of nonlimiting examples, and with reference to the appended drawings in which: Figure la is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cosmetic product application device according to the present invention; FIGS. 1b and 1c are exploded views of the cosmetic product applying device 20 according to FIG. 1a according to two different lateral orientations; FIG. 2a is a front view of a second embodiment of a cosmetic product application device according to the present invention; FIGS. 2b and 2c are partially exploded views of the cosmetic product application device according to FIG. 2a respectively in perspective and in side view; FIGS. 3a and 3b are front and perspective views of an alternative embodiment of assembly of the device for applying a cosmetic product according to FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a cosmetic product application device according to the present invention; FIGS. 5a and 5b are front and perspective views of a variant embodiment of the cosmetic product application device according to FIGS. 3a and 3b.

In all of these figures, identical or similar references designate members or sets of identical or similar members. Referring to Figure la, which is observed a device 5 for applying cosmetic product 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. This device mainly comprises a handle 1 and an application head 5 coupled to a longitudinal end of the handle 1 and optionally a ferrule 2 disposed between the handle 2 and the application head 5 to provide a connection between them. In a nonlimiting example, the handle 1 is cylindrical and has a central longitudinal axis X. According to the invention, the application head 5 is formed of at least two applicator tips 3 and 4 of different types having each , an application surface 3a, 4a of the cosmetic product on the surface to be treated. By nature different from the applicator tip means application tips of different families of tips that can provide the same application function or not and the same or different effects on the surface to be treated a user. Thus, the application head is formed of a combination of at least two application tips selected from the following group: - tuft of bristles or brush, - foam tip, - elastomer tip, 25 - tip of thermal storage formed of a material whose thermal effusivity is greater than that of the surface to be treated, - thermally inert application nozzle providing a neutral sensation in contact with the surface to be treated. These tips will be explained in more detail later. It should be noted that two endpieces that have two tufts of different material bristles are tips of the same nature since each formed a tuft of bristles. A head formed by two tufts of bristles of different materials is, therefore, excluded from the present invention. In all the alternative embodiments envisaged, the various tips can be configured as massage or scrubbing members.

Thus, it may be envisaged to replace or supplement the smooth application surfaces by surfaces having a certain roughness or a certain grain ensuring a scrubbing function or abrasion of the treated surface of the user.

In an alternative embodiment, the foam tip is covered with a woven fabric, for example sewn on the foam. In an alternative embodiment in which the application head 5 is formed of a tuft of bristles 4 and a foam tip 3, a foam having a scratching power on the skin can be chosen in order to clean the latter of 10 its impurities. Furthermore, it may be envisaged to provide end pieces 3,4 in the form of mobile application elements of the roller type, vibrating elements, electrodes or any other element adapted to stimulate the treated areas and / or to improve the penetration or the effectiveness of the applied product. A preferred embodiment of an application head 5 of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 1b and 1c. In this embodiment, the application head 5 is formed of two end pieces of different types, namely a tuft of bristles 4 and a foam tip 3. The following description will be made with regard to this embodiment variant. application head 5 for ease of reading, it being understood that each tip with bristles 4 or foam 3 may be replaced by a tip selected from the group defined above. Each of these tips 3,4 has an application face 3a, 4a respectively defined by a separate envelope surface of the adjacent nozzle. By envelope surface is meant the whole of the active surface of the application face considered intended to be applied to the surface to be treated by the user in the context of a use of the applicator 10 according to its intended purpose. . In cross section of the application head 5, the foam tip 3 and the tuft of bristles 4 form two complementary quarters of the outer contour of the head 5 over at least a part of the length of the latter. It is the same in FIGS. 2a to 2c, 3a, 3b and 5a, 5b.

More particularly, the foam tip 3 extends over a first portion of the peripheral contour of the application head 5 and the tuft of bristles 4 extends over a second portion of the peripheral contour of the application head 5, in a complementary manner to the foam nozzle 3.

The foam tip 3 and the tuft of bristles 4 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal median plane of the application device 10 and are contiguous to one another. Each tip 3, 4 has, in cross section, a complementary semicircular section.

The common application surface of these two tips 3,4 is reduced to a demarcation line 6, as observed in Figure 1a. Avnatably, by orienting the applicator 10 selectively relative to the surface to be treated, a user can place the latter in contact with the face 4a of the tuft of bristles while reducing or even excluding contact with the application face 3a. of the foam tip 3. It is therefore necessary to perform a deliberate maneuver of the hand to turn the applicator 10, in order to change its orientation relative to the area of skin treated and take advantage voluntarily of the effect provided by the one or the other of the nozzle 3,4 of the application head 5. In FIGS. 1b, 1c, it is necessary to rotate about the axis X to pass from the application of a product on the skin of the user by the tuft of bristles 4 to an application of a similar product or not by the foam tip 4, when using the applicator 10. Except the angular offset between the active faces or envelope surfaces considered of the two ends 3 , 4, provision can also be made to provide a slope break, a recess, an axial offset between or on one or the other of the two active faces 3a, 3b of the end pieces 3,4. With reference particularly to FIGS. 1a and 5a, 5b, the shape of each ferrule 3, and more particularly, the shape, profile and dimensions of each of the envelope surfaces 3a, 4a may be different depending on the product. to apply or the type of application. Each of them may be, in particular but not exclusively, of spherical, curvilinear, parabolic, planar, convex, ogival or a combination of known forms.

Thus, in the alternative embodiment of an application head 5 formed of a tuft of bristles 4 and a foam tip 3, the foam tip 3 can take various forms, such as for example a half-cone , a half-ogival shape, a half-cylinder, a half-sphere or any other form allowing easy application. The shape may include a curved portion for wide application and a thinner portion or point to apply the product in the recessed portions of the face, such as the eye contour or commissure of the lips.

Similarly, the tuft of bristles 4 can take various non-limiting forms, such as an ogive, a half-cylinder, a half-sphere, a truncated cylinder according to an inclined plane, or any brush shape. In addition, the invention can not be limited to application devices 10 of revolution shape, but can be understood also with a head mounted on a handle 1 of square, rectangular, oval, triangular or any other appropriate geometric shape as can be seen from an example in Figures 5a and 5b. Furthermore, the tuft of hair 4 may be made from animal hair, such as goat, squirrel, pony, marten, pig, polecat, weasel, horse, or any other animal, or from synthetic bristles, such as PA (Polyamide), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride); acrylic; polypropylene, polyethylene; polyester; carbon fiber, fiberglass or any other plastic material that can be converted into fiber. Regarding the foam tip 3, the foam may be manufactured using a material listed in the following non-exhaustive list: NBR (Nitrile butadienerubber), SBR (Copolymerrestyrene-butadiene), PU (polyurethane), PVC (Polychloride) vinynil), EVA (EthyleneVinylAcetate), EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-DieneMonomerrubber), or other open cell or closed-cell foam, especially a sponge. According to an alternative embodiment, it will thus be possible to propose an application head 5 composed of a brush made of natural and / or synthetic bristles, adjacent to a rubber foam tip.

An applicator device 10 comprising an applicator head 5 formed of a tuft of bristles 4 and a second endpiece 3 of a different nature makes it possible to take and deposit a determined dose of a product on the surface to be treated. thanks to the bristle tip 4 and to fade the surplus product with the second nozzle 3. This second nozzle may be a foam tip or any other tip cited in the group of possible tips. Moreover, an application device 10 according to the present invention makes it possible to multiply the possible uses of the products with a single device and without soiling the user's hands. One of the tips of the device may be used for dry application of a product while the second tip of a different nature may be used for wet application of the same product. Indeed, some products can be used dry or wet, such as eye shadow. These two uses of the same product provide different effects of the product on the user's surface to be treated. One can thus mention the device whose application head 5 is formed of a tuft of bristles 4 and a foam 3 whose bristle side is used for application of a dry cosmetic product and the foam side , previously moistened, is used for a moist application of said cosmetic product. This is impossible with the application devices of the prior art consisting of two tufts of different hairs. With regard to the mounting of the application head 5 and, more particularly, the two end pieces 3,4 on the handle 1, several suitable embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 5b. It may be provided to mount each application nozzle 3,4 on the handle by snapping, gluing, crimping, tightening, screwing, ribs or retaining barbs on the outside of each end and / or on the inside of the handle and / or through the shell 2 or by any other suitable fastening means. Referring more particularly to Figures 1a to 1c, the ferrule 2 is formed of a fitting surrounding a flange 7 of the handle 2 and trapping, at an opposite end, in its seing, two connecting bases 35 noted 3b, 4b each of respective foam tips 3 and brush 4.

Beyond the ferrule 2, the bristles of the bundle 4 of the bundle all extend generally parallel to each other along the axis X of the handle 1 or they slightly diverge from each other towards their ends free, to form a flared tuft.

The lengths of the bristles are preferably chosen so as to give a curved shape to the free end of the tuft 4 thus delimiting a convex surface, as shown. In a variant, this end is flat. The base 4b of the bundle of bristles 4 can be fixed on the shell 2 or 10 in the concavity of the ferrule 2 by gluing, by snapping and / or by force. More particularly, the tuft can be clamped at its base by a winding of yarn, crimped into the shell 2 and glued. The cross section of the base 4b of the pile bundle 4 is of non-limiting shape: it can thus be of semicircular section. It is the same for the foam tip 3. The latter can be fixed on the shell 2 or in the concavity of the ferrule 2 by gluing, snapping and / or forcing, compressing in the latter case the base 3b of the foam 3 in the shell 2. The description of the variant embodiment of FIGS. 3a and 3b is identical to that with reference to Figures 1a to 1c with the following differences. In Figures 3a and 3c, the application head 5 can be directly mounted in the shell 2 which will act as a handle 1, to form what the skilled person called a "kabuki". In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the application head 25 can be directly attached to the inside of the handle 1, without using ferrule 2. As previously indicated, the tip of the tuft type of hair can be combined at least one applicator tip selected from the following group: foam tip, elastomer tip, thermal storage tip formed of a material whose thermal effusivity is greater than that of the surface to be treated, tip of thermally inert application providing a neutral sensation in contact with the surface to be treated. As regards the foam tip, it may be combined with at least one application tip selected from the following group: tuft of bristles or brush, elastomer tip, thermal storage tip formed of a material whose thermal effusivity is greater than that of the surface to be treated, thermally inert application tip providing a neutral sensation in contact with the surface to be treated. Furthermore, concerning the elastomeric tips, the latter can be made using an elastomeric material.

This elastomer may be, in non-limiting examples, silicone, latex, EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-DieneMonomerrubber), SEBS (styreneethylenebutylenestyrene), SBS (styrenebutadienestyrene), rubber, Nytrile, Butyl, EVA (EthyleneVinylAcetate), Neoprene, TP E (Thermoplasticelastomer), TPU (Thermoplasticelastomer on polyurethane basis), BR (Polybutadiene) or any other so-called flexible material. Regarding the elastomeric tip, it may be combined with at least one application tip selected from the following group: tuft of hair, foam tip, thermal storage tip formed of a material whose thermal effusivity is greater than that of the surface to be treated, thermally inert application tip 15 providing a neutral sensation in contact with the surface to be treated. Moreover, concerning the thermal storage tip, it is made of a material that ensures a cold effect to the application of the product related to the thermal effusivity of the material. They are made and, more particularly, their application face is made of a material with high thermal effusivity with respect to that of the surface to be treated by the user. In non-limiting examples of the present invention, it may be formed from a material selected from the following group: metal materials (preferably stainless steel, for example, references 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 420 or any other stainless steel, copper, aluminum, titanium, alloy like zamac (zinc aluminum magnesium copper)). It may also be made of ceramic materials, metal oxides (aluminum oxide or alumina, zirconium oxide or zirconia, other technical ceramics or any other ceramic material whose thermal effusivity characteristic has a value greater than that of the skin in order to absorb the heat thereof and to provide a cold effect), glass, composite materials, mineral material such as, for example, marble, jade, onyx, agate, jasper, quartz, amethyst or other stones.

It may be, in addition, a piece of any material covered with a high thermal effusivity material such as a metal coating by galvanizing process, metallization, anodizing or enamel coating.

Furthermore, the thermal storage tip 200 may be solid or surface-coated with a film or coating of such a material, or even partially formed of such a material. It is thus advantageous to propose an application head 5 associating a thermal sensation with the application of a cosmetic product in order, in particular, to increase the effect thereof. This is the case, in particular, for products for the eye area for which the manufacturers of cosmetics consider that providing a cold effect on the skin, during the application of the product, reduces wrinkles, d erase the pockets, reduce the signs of fatigue, firm or tighten the skin and / or appear momentarily younger. Such benefits are related to the effect of momentary constriction of the blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in blood flow when the skin comes in contact with a material that provides a feeling of coldness during application. In an alternative embodiment, the head 5 of the applicator may be formed of a tuft of bristles 4 and a rigid portion formed by a thermal storage tip 3 providing a cold effect. Thus, the rigid portion 3 may provide a decongestant cold effect and the tuft of hair 4 will apply a cosmetic product, for example a decongestant product. In other alternative embodiments, the thermal storage tip may be combined with at least one applicator tip selected from the following group: elastomeric tip, foam tip, thermally inert application tip providing a neutral feel in contact with the surface to be treated. Furthermore, concerning thermally inert application tips providing a neutral sensation in contact with the surface to be treated, it may be made of a material whose thermal effusivity is close to that of the surface to be treated by the user. Such material may be, but not limited to, plastics or wood.

Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 2a, 2b, 2c. The description of this embodiment is identical to that made with reference to FIGS. 1a to 1c with the following differences.

The two applicator tips 3,4 forming the head 5 of the applicator 10, are partially or totally separated by an intermediate piece referenced 8. This piece 8 makes it possible to use the first endpiece 3 of the applicator with a cosmetic product liquid, without contaminating the other end 4 with the same product. This piece 8 may have a longitudinal section shaped identically to the longitudinal section of one and / or the other of the two end pieces 3,4 of the application head 5. It may, in addition, project on a part of the circumference of the envelope surface of the application head 5 or not. This intermediate part 8 can be made of any material, rigid or flexible. However, to ensure comfort of use, it is preferred to use an elastomeric material.

The two applicator tips 3, 4 and the intermediate part referenced 8 are likewise held inside the ferrule 2 or the sleeve 1, according to appropriate fastening means. In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4.

In this embodiment, the active application faces of the two end pieces 3, 4 are offset along the X axis of the handle 2. More particularly, the two end pieces 3, 4 are superposed, one of the two ends 4 making projection of a central portion of the other end 3. The tip closest to the handle 2 is pierced with a central orifice 9 or not, through or not, to accommodate the second end 4, of different nature. In the embodiment shown, the second endpiece 4 attached to the ferrule 2 passes through the first endpiece 3 to protrude at the top of the first endpiece 3.

In an alternative embodiment, the tip closest to the handle 2 may be formed of a foam tip, elastomeric or thermal storage, pierced with a hole, through which protrudes a tuft of hair 4. Bien Of course, it is possible to have a head composed of two, three or more bits. Of course, the applicator 10 can make it possible to apply any type of powdery, liquid or viscous product. There may be mentioned, in particular but not exclusively, cosmetic products, powdery products such as free powders, pasty products, eye care, concealer, medical products, nail care, make-up (blush, blush, eyeshadow). foundation, lipstick in particular). Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (11)

REVENDICATIONS1. Device (10) for applying a cosmetic product, without a cosmetic product reservoir, comprising a handle (1) and an application head (5) coupled to a longitudinal end of the handle (1), characterized in that the head of the cosmetic application (5) is formed of at least two applicator tips (3,4) of different nature each having a surface for applying the cosmetic product to the surface to be treated. 2. Device according to claim 1 wherein the application head (5) is formed of a combination of at least two applicators (3,4) selected from the following group: - tuft of hair, - tip foam, - elastomer tip, - thermal storage tip formed of a material whose thermal effusivity is greater than that of the surface to be treated, - thermally inert application tip providing a neutral sensation in contact with the surface to be treated. treat. 3. Device according to claim 2 wherein the applicator tips (3,4) are configured as massage members or scrubbers. 4. Device according to one of claims 2 to 3 wherein the tuft of bristles is in synthetic or natural bristles. 5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4 wherein said thermal storage tip is made of metal or ceramic material. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5 wherein a first application nozzle (3) and a second application nozzle (4) form two complementary quarters of the outer contour of the head (5) on at least one part of the length of the latter.35 7. Device according to claim 6 wherein a first applicator nozzle (3) extends over a first portion of the peripheral contour of the application head (5) and a second applicator tip (4) extends on a second portion of the peripheral contour of the application head (5), complementary to the first endpiece (3). 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the two applicator tips (3,4) are offset axially along the handle (1). 9. Device according to claim 8 wherein a first applicator tip (4) projects from a second applicator tip (3). The device of claim 8 wherein the first applicator tip (4) passes through the second applicator tip (3). 11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the two applicator tips of different nature are partially or completely separated by a spacer (8). 20 25