FR3042391A1 - COSMETIC PRODUCT APPLICATOR - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator (10) of cosmetic product (P), in particular on keratin fibers, and in particular for applying mascara to eyelashes, said applicator comprising an applicator member (11) connected to a gripping member (12), said applicator member comprising a resilient core (13) resiliently deformable, said core carrying a plurality of application elements (14), characterized in that the core has a length greater than 45 mm, preferably greater than 60 mm, and describes a path open at least a substantial portion of its length from the gripping member, without return to said gripping member, the core thus defining a applicative distal portion (13a) and a proximal stem portion (13b).

Description

Cosmetic product applicator

The present invention relates to brushes for applying a cosmetic product to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, in particular a make-up or care product, for example mascara, as well as the corresponding packaging and application devices.

"Cosmetic products" means any product as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products.

Many applicators are known in which the brush comprises a core formed of two branches of a wire, twisted together, and enclosing bristles.

Such a brush is described for example in documents FR3013569 and EP2229839.

Brushes made by molding at least one thermoplastic elastomer material are also known. The document US20150020332 describes the manufacture of such a brush.

The length of the brush is naturally adapted to the length of the area to be made up. As a standard, brushes having lengths of 26, 32 or 42 mm are thus known.

The brush, or more generally the applicator member, is connected to a gripping member via a rod made of a rigid thermoplastic material. The applicator is generally intended to be used with a reservoir containing the cosmetic product to be applied and a free edge of which defines an opening. The applicator member is introduced through the opening inside the tank where it is loaded with cosmetic product before being extracted from said reservoir to proceed with the application.

In order to limit the problems of drying and contamination of the cosmetic product in the reservoir, the opening must be relatively small. The aperture conventionally has a diameter of 8, 12 or 15 mm

Moreover, in order to eliminate the excess of cosmetic product and to adjust the charge of the applicator member, the opening of the reservoir is equipped with a wiper member (see for example the documents FR2504788, EP1561394 and EP0829211) . The presence of this wiper member has the effect of further reducing the size of the opening. Conventionally, the diameter of the opening with the wiper member is between 2 and 6 mm.

Many applicators have a substantially rectilinear rod, extending along a longitudinal axis coinciding with a longitudinal axis of the gripping member. Such an applicator can be easily extracted from the tank, only the wiper being weakly opposed to the extraction for the purposes of the spinning.

For reasons of ergonomics and / or to obtain new makeup effects, there are more and more cosmetic applicators whose stem is not rectilinear. Such rods have one or more curvatures and can extend in two or three directions.

The application FR3001368 thus describes a rod extending in the three dimensions of the space.

Such a rod made of rigid plastic material can be extremely difficult to extract from the tank.

Indeed, in the case of rods with significant curvatures, and in particular an "overall" width greater than the dimensions of the opening of the tank, the applicator can not be extracted directly and one or more changes of orientations during extraction may be necessary.

Worse, in the case of very strongly curved rods, the rod can come rub or even abut against the walls of the tank at the opening. The force required for the extraction of the rod becomes very important and the comfort of use of the applicator is strongly impacted.

Moreover, this can cause the presence of a hard point of extraction which, once passed, suddenly releases the applicator. The product may then be projected to the user.

An obvious solution would be to increase the size of the opening of said tank, which, especially for the reasons mentioned above, is not desirable.

Another reason is that, as previously indicated, the wipers and tank openings have standardized dimensions. The development of specific wiper and reservoir sizes would then be particularly expensive.

FR3001368 application considers the possibility of making such a rod of elastomeric material, which gives it then a certain flexibility and greater flexibility.

Moreover, in order to facilitate the extraction, document FR3001368 recommends keeping at least one rectilinear portion. Such a constraint limits the development of ergonomic rods with various curvatures.

It should also be noted that the realization of a rod, straight or curved, plastic material requires the use of a mold. Thus, for each different rod, a specific mold must be made, which can be particularly expensive.

The present invention aims at solving at least partially these objectives and proposes for this purpose an applicator of cosmetic product, in particular on keratinous fibers, and in particular for the application of mascara on eyelashes, said applicator comprising an applicator member connected to a gripping member, said applicator member comprising a flexible core capable of being elastically deformed, said core carrying a set of projecting projecting elements, characterized in that the core has a length greater than 45 mm , preferably greater than 60 mm, and describes an open path on at least a substantial portion of its length from the gripping member, without return to said gripping member, the core thus defining an applicative distal portion and a proximal portion of stem.

The terms "distal" and "proximal" are used with respect to the grasping member.

The application elements can be conventionally bristles, but also elements of the plastic comb type, as described for example in the application EP2555652 or US8636013.

The length is measured along a rectilinear longitudinal axis of the portion considered.

Thus, in the case of a portion of the core, in particular distal or proximal, curved, the longitudinal axis refers to the general direction of extension of said portion and more precisely of the direction between two end points of said portion.

In the case of the entire soul, the longitudinal axis is the axis between its free distal end and its point of attachment to a gripping member or a plastic rod. This length does not include the length necessary for the attachment of the soul in the rod.

By "open path without return to the gripping member" is meant a trajectory that always progresses along the web of the brush, with a distance to a point of connection of the core on the gripping member which increases when one approaches the free distal end of the soul. "Substantial portion of its length" means at least 50% of the length, preferably at least 60%, or even at least 80%.

Preferably, the core has an open path without return to the gripping member over its entire length. Alternatively, the core may have, at the level of the applicative distal portion, a return to the gripping member. Preferably, such a return is less than 25 mm, or even less than 15 mm.

Thus, by providing a core extending over a length much greater than the standard length of a usual mascara brush, for example 3 to 4 times greater, part of this length can be used to replace at least in part the plastic rod and provide the flexibility and shape sought.

According to a first embodiment, the core is a twisted core having two branches twisted together, the application elements being retained in the core between said branches.

According to a second embodiment, the core is a core molded in at least one elastomeric thermoplastic material.

A twisted core or a core molded from an elastomeric material being relatively resilient by nature, extraction of the applicator is greatly facilitated without causing permanent deformation of said applicator. In addition, the section of the core is weaker than a normal section of stem, which further facilitates the extraction.

This takes advantage of the flexibility of the soul without having to design a specific rod.

It will also be noted that a twisted core is also permanently deformable and the user can thus, if necessary, slightly adapt the configuration of the brush, in particular according to the areas to be bypassed, for example the nose, the cheekbones, etc.

The maximum length of the applicator is generally defined according to the container used. In particular, the bottles of mascara have a length of up to ten centimeters. The length of the core can then reach up to 90 - 95 mm.

The shaping of the applicator is also facilitated since it is no longer necessary to provide a mold dedicated to a specific form of rod.

Preferably, the applicative distal portion has a length extending over at least 25 mm, in particular 26 mm, or even at least 30 mm, in particular 32 mm, and at most 45 mm, the proximal stem portion extending over the rest of the length of the liner. 'soul.

According to a first embodiment, the core is rectilinear on the applicative distal portion.

According to a second embodiment, the core is at least partially curved on the applicative distal portion. The core may in particular have one or more curvatures in accordance with the application members described in the prior art.

Preferably, the applicative distal portion comprises application elements of a different nature from that of the application elements of the proximal stem portion. Of course, the application elements can also be of the same nature.

By nature of the application elements, we mean their physicochemical characteristics with the exception of their length / height. It can in particular be the material in which they are made, their thickness, section, hardness, flexibility, etc. The length / height of the application elements, the other characteristics being equal, does not modify their nature. within the meaning of this application.

According to a first variant embodiment, the application elements of the applicative distal portion define an envelope surface having, on at least a portion of said applicative distal portion, a substantially circular cross section, preferably of substantially constant diameter along said application distal portion.

Thus, the envelope of the distal applicative portion of the brush may conventionally have a substantially cylindrical shape, or even a tapered distal end or a more elaborate shape comprising circular sections of evolutionary diameters (balls, etc ...). In the case where the application elements are bristles, these evolutive sections may be obtained in particular by cutting and / or machining of the bristles.

Alternatively or additionally, the application elements of the applicative distal portion define an envelope surface having, on at least a portion of said applicative distal portion, a substantially non-circular cross section. In the case where the application elements are bristles, these non-circular sections may be obtained in particular by cutting and / or machining of the bristles. The envelope may in particular have an oval section, asymmetrical with respect to the core, but also cutouts, notches, etc.

According to a first embodiment, the applicator member is connected directly to the gripping member. Thus, the applicator no longer includes a plastic rod.

According to a second embodiment, the applicator member is connected to the gripping member by means of a rod, made in particular of plastic material and preferably of thermoplastic material, said rod preferably being rectilinear.

Preferably, the rod does not protrude from the gripping member. Thus, there is no visible junction between the gripping member and the application member.

Alternatively, the rod protrudes from the gripping member, preferably over a length of less than 20 mm. Preferably, the protruding length is between 5 and 10% of the length of the core. Thus, the applicator undergoes a lesser deformation of the element during the spin, the presence of a reduced portion of plastic rod to ensure optimal connection to the gripping member and a good sealing at the closure .

According to another embodiment, the proximal stem portion is devoid of application elements. The absence of application elements on the proximal stem portion allows the user to clearly distinguish it from the applicative distal portion.

Alternatively, the proximal stem portion has application elements over at least a part of its length, preferably over substantially its entire length, the length of said application elements being preferably less than the maximum length of the application elements. of the applicative distal portion. Advantageously, the length of at least a portion of the application elements of the proximal portion of the shank is such that the cross section of the envelope is substantially equal to the section of the plastic shank where appropriate or of a plastic rod. standard.

The presence of application elements on the proximal portion of the stem makes it possible, at the passage of the dewatering device equipping the reservoir, to ensure at least partial wringing and cleaning of said proximal stem portion.

According to an alternative embodiment, the application elements of the proximal stem portion define an envelope having, on at least a portion of said proximal stem portion, a substantially circular cross section, preferably of substantially constant diameter along said proximal portion of stem.

Thus, the proximal stem portion may have a substantially cylindrical envelope of application elements. Alternatively, it may have evolutionary sections forming patterns, such as substantially spherical, cylindrical, conical areas, etc.

Alternatively or in a complementary manner, the application elements of the proximal stem portion define an envelope surface having, on at least a portion of said proximal stem portion, a substantially non-circular cross section.

Thus, the proximal stem portion may in particular have notches or cuts.

The proximal portion of the stem can thus have various decorative forms.

According to a first embodiment, the core is rectilinear on the proximal portion of the stem. Such an embodiment makes it possible in particular to easily adjust the total length of the applicator without having to modify the gripping member or to make a rod of specific size.

According to a second embodiment, the core is at least partially curved on the proximal stem portion.

Advantageously, the soul extends over the proximal stem portion in the three dimensions of the space. The proximal stem portion may alternatively also be curved in a plane. In particular, the proximal portion of the stem may have one or more curvatures, of the same orientation or of opposite orientations.

Preferably, the core is configured on the proximal stem portion such that the angle between a longitudinal axis of the gripping member and a longitudinal axis of the applicative distal portion is between 25 ° and 90 °. °.

Advantageously, the core, on the proximal stem portion, has at least two curvatures.

Preferably, the core, on the proximal stem portion, comprises a first rectilinear portion connecting to the gripping member or the rod where appropriate.

The present invention also relates to a set of packaging and application of a cosmetic product comprising, on the one hand, an applicator according to the invention, and on the other hand, a container intended to contain said cosmetic product and of which a free edge defines an opening, said opening being preferably equipped with a wiper device.

Preferably, the gripping member of the applicator also forms a plug adapted to removably close the reservoir, the applicator member being located inside the reservoir when the cap is in the closed position.

Advantageously, the projected section of the core on a plane of the opening is greater than the section of said opening.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawing in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic representation in longitudinal section of a packaging and application assembly according to the invention. - Figures 2 and 3 are schematic representations of an applicator applicator member according to the invention respectively before and after its mounting on a gripping member and its shaping. FIGS. 4A to 4E are schematic representations of variant embodiments of the applicator according to the invention. - Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an applicator member according to the invention obtained by molding a thermoplastic elastomer material.

Although illustrated by hair-like application elements, it is possible, as mentioned above, to use other types of application elements held between twisted branches of the core.

As represented in FIG. 1, a packaging and application unit 1 according to the invention comprises, on the one hand, an applicator 10 according to the invention, and on the other hand, a container 100 intended to contain a cosmetic product. P.

The container has a free upper edge forming a neck 101 defining an opening. A wiper device 103 is disposed inside the neck 101. The applicator 10 comprises an applicator member 11 connected to a gripping member 12 by means of a plastic rod 15. The gripping member 12 forms a plug adapted to removably close the container 100, the applicator member 11 being located inside the tank when the cap is in the closed position.

To do this, the gripping member 12 has an internal thread adapted to cooperate with an external thread of the neck 101. The applicator member 11 comprises a metal core 13 formed by the helical winding of two branches of a wire. According to a preferred embodiment, the two branches are obtained by U-folding of the wire before said branches are twisted. The core 13 can be made preferably from a metal alloy, in particular from a nickel alloy, titanium, or from steel.

Bristles 14 are implanted radially between the branches of the wire. When the branches of the wire are twisted, the bristles 14 are tightened and held between the helical turns of the core 13. The application member 11 thus forms a brush for the application of the cosmetic product P.

The free ends of the bristles 14 define an envelope surface S of the applicator member 11.

The bristles 14 may be natural or synthetic fibers, especially nylon. The bristles 14 may be of different natures and / or types. They may, for example, have different diameters, different lengths, radially and / or longitudinally, different sections and / or different shapes.

According to the present application, the twisted core 13 has a length greater than 45 mm, preferably greater than 60 mm. The core 13 also describes a path open over its entire length without returning to the gripping member 12. The twisted core 13 thus defines an applicative distal portion 13a and a proximal portion of rod 13b.

Preferably, the applicative distal portion 13a has a length extending over at least 25mm, in particular 26mm, or even at least 30mm, in particular 32mm, and at most 45mm, the proximal portion of rod 13b extending over the rest of the length of soul.

As shown in FIG. 1, the core is rectilinear on the applicative distal portion 13a.

Alternatively, the core may be at least partially curved on the applicative distal portion. The core may in particular have one or more curvatures in accordance with the application members described in the prior art.

According to a particular embodiment, the applicative distal portion 13a comprises bristles of a different nature from that of the hairs of the proximal portion of the shank. Of course, the hairs can also be of the same nature.

As shown in Figure 1, the core is bent on the proximal portion of stem 13b. Preferably, the core 13 extends on the proximal portion of rod 13b in the three dimensions of space. The proximal portion of stem 13b can also be bent in a plane. In particular, the proximal stem portion may have one or more curvatures, of the same orientation or of opposite orientation.

In particular, the core 13, on the proximal portion of rod 13b, comprises a first rectilinear portion intended to be connected to the rod 15.

In addition, the core 13 is configured, on the proximal stem portion 13b, such that the angle between a longitudinal axis of the gripping member 12 and a longitudinal axis of the applicative distal portion 13a is between 25.degree. ° and 90 °.

As indicated above, the core 13 of the applicator member 11 is connected to the gripping member 12 via a plastic rod.

The plastic rod is rectilinear. The plastic rod is also reduced to a minimum distance.

In particular, the plastic rod extends within a space of the gripping member 12 for receiving the neck 101. The length of the plastic rod is such that said plastic rod projects from the gripping member 12 over a distance not greater than 3cm. Preferably, the plastic rod does not protrude from the gripping member.

Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 3, the applicator 10 does not comprise a rod 15 and the core 13 of the applicator member 11 is connected directly to the gripping member 12.

As represented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the applicator member 11 is first made from a straight core 13 (formation of a blank of the applicator member) before shaping said core 13 to impress upon it the desired curvatures and deformations. The rectilinear core 13 allows in particular the shaping and the work of the bristles 14 both on the applicative distal portion 13a and on the proximal stem portion 13b.

In this case, the bristles 14 present on the proximal portion of stem 13b have been shortened to have a length less than the maximum length of the bristles 14 of the applicative distal portion 13a.

According to an embodiment not shown, the proximal portion of rod 13b may be devoid of bristles 14.

The bristles 14 of the applicative distal portion 13a define a generally cylindrical envelope surface. The distal end of said applicative distal portion 13a is frustoconical. Other forms of envelopes are of course conceivable.

The bristles 14 of the proximal stem portion 13b also define a generally cylindrical shell.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E, the bristles 14 of the proximal stem surface 13b may have an envelope forming various and varied patterns.

The various patterns and envelope geometries can be made with a cutting tool, not shown. The cutting tool is preferably in the form of a cylinder, in particular a cylinder of revolution. The cutting tool has a cutting surface engaging the bristles and cutting the bristles. Such a cutting tool may in particular produce one or more notches, for example, both on the applicative distal portion 13a and on the proximal stem portion 13b.

The cutting of the bristles 14 is in particular carried out by moving the cutting tool in one or more directions.

FIG. 4A shows a blank of an applicator member 11 comprising an applicative distal portion 13a having a substantially cylindrical envelope. The proximal stem portion 13b has a substantially cylindrical envelope portion having a diameter substantially equal to that of the rod 15 so as to be in the continuity of said rod. At the junction with the applicator distal portion 13a, the proximal stem portion 13b has a frustoconical casing portion.

FIG. 4B shows a blank of an applicator member 11 which differs from the applicator member of FIG. 4A mainly in that the bristles of the proximal stem portion 13b define an envelope having a succession of drops on the face planes, the drops being oriented point towards the gripping member 12.

FIG. 4C differs from FIG. 4B in that the drops have a substantially spherical base.

FIG. 4D shows a blank of an applicator member 11 which differs from the applicator member of FIG. 4A mainly in that the bristles of the proximal stem portion 13b define an envelope having a succession of spheres. The diameter of the spheres is decreasing towards the gripping member 12.

FIG. 4E shows a blank of an applicator member 11 which differs from the applicator member of FIG. 4A mainly in that a portion of the bristles of the proximal stem portion 13b define an envelope in the form of an olive elongate.

Of course, any combination of form is possible.

FIG. 5 shows an applicator member 20 obtained by molding at least one elastomeric thermoplastic material. The applicator member 20 comprises a core 21 carrying a set of application elements 22. The core 21 has a substantially circular section. The core 21 also has a curved median portion.

The application elements 22 are distributed along the core 21 and on its periphery. The application elements 22 are arranged in longitudinal rows. The applicator member 20 comprises, in particular, applicator elements 22 in the form of pins (substantially conical) and application elements 22 in the form of teeth (flattened section).

Depending on the transverse dimension of the core of the applicator member 20, said applicator member 20 may be too flexible and it may be necessary to stiffen the core 21. Obviously, the core 21 may be stiffened using a less flexible plastic material. A risk is then that the application elements 22 then become too rigid, which is likely to affect the comfort of application.

To do this, according to a particular embodiment, the applicator member 20 may comprise a core 21 comprising a core made from a first material (thermoplastic or thermoplastic elastomer including, or even metal) having the desired rigidity, said core being overmolded or assembled with a less hard thermoplastic elastomer material making it possible to produce at least the application elements 22.

Claims (25)

1. Applicator (10) of cosmetic product (P), in particular on keratinous fibers, and in particular for the application of mascara on eyelashes, said applicator comprising an applicator member (11, 20) connected to an organ gripping member (12), said applicator member comprising a resilient core (13, 21) adapted to be elastically deformed, said core carrying a plurality of application elements (14, 22), characterized in that the core possesses a length greater than 45 mm, preferably greater than 60 mm, and describes a path open on at least a substantial portion of its length from the gripping member, without return to said gripping member, the core thus defining an applicative distal portion (13a) and a proximal stem portion (13b). 2. Applicator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the core (13) is a twisted core having two branches twisted together, the application elements (14) being retained in the core between said branches. 3. Applicator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the core (21) is a core molded in at least one elastomeric thermoplastic material. 4. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the applicative distal portion (13a) has a length extending over at least 25mm, in particular 26mm or 32mm, and at most 45mm, the proximal stem portion (13b) extending over the remainder of the length of the core. 5. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the core (13, 21) is rectilinear on the applicative distal portion (13a). 6. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the core (13, 21) is at least partially curved on the applicative distal portion (13a). 7. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the applicative distal portion (13a) comprises, at least in part, application elements (14, 22) of a different nature from that at least a portion of the application members (14, 22) of the proximal stem portion (13b). 8. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the application elements (14, 22) of the applicative distal portion (13a) define an envelope surface having, on at least a portion of said applicative distal portion, a substantially circular cross section, preferably of substantially constant diameter along said applicative distal portion. 9. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the application elements (14, 22) of the applicative distal portion (13a) define an envelope surface having, on at least a portion of said applicative distal portion, a substantially non-circular cross section. 10. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the applicator member (11, 20) is connected directly to the gripping member (12). 11. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the applicator member (11, 20) is connected to the gripping member via a rod (15). ), made in particular of plastic material and preferably of rigid thermoplastic material, said rod being preferably rectilinear. 12. Applicator (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the rod (15) does not protrude from the gripping member (12). 13. Applicator (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the rod (15) protrudes from the gripping member (12), preferably over a length of less than 20 mm, preferably up to 20 mm. to between 5 and 10% of the length of the core (13,21). 14. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the proximal portion of rod (13b) is devoid of application elements. 15. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the proximal portion of rod (13b) has application elements (14) over at least a part of its length, preferably on substantially all its length, the length of said application elements being preferably less than the maximum length of the application elements of the applicative distal portion (13a). 16. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the application elements (14) of the proximal stem portion (13b) define an envelope having, on at least a portion of said proximal stem portion (13b), a substantially circular cross section, preferably of substantially constant diameter along said proximal stem portion. 17. An applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the application elements (14) of the proximal portion of rod (13b) define an envelope surface having, on at least a portion of said portion proximal stem, a substantially non-circular cross section. 18. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the core (13, 21) is rectilinear on the proximal portion of rod (13b). 19. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the core (13, 21) is at least partially curved on the proximal portion of rod (13b). 20. An applicator (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that the core (13, 21) extends on the proximal portion of rod (13b) in the three dimensions of space. The applicator (10) of any one of claims 19 to 20, wherein the core (13,21) is configured on the proximal stem portion (13b) such that the angle between an axis longitudinal axis of the gripping member (12) and a longitudinal axis of the applicative distal portion (13a) is between 25 ° and 90 °. 22. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the core (13, 21) on the proximal portion of rod (13b) has at least two curvatures. 23. Applicator (10) according to any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the core (13, 21) on the proximal portion of rod (13b) comprises a first straight portion connecting to the gripping member. (12) or the rod (15) where appropriate. 24. Set of packaging and application (1) of a cosmetic product (P) comprising, on the one hand, an applicator (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, and on the other hand, a container (100) for containing said cosmetic product and a free edge defines an opening, said opening being preferably equipped with a wiper device (103). 25. Packaging and application unit (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that the applicator (10) comprises a gripping member (12) also forming a plug adapted to removably close the container (100), a application member (11, 20) being located inside the reservoir when the cap is in the closed position.