FR3058621A1 - APPLICATION ELEMENT COMPRISING PARALLEL CONCENTRATED CAVITIES - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flexible X-axis cosmetic application element (10) comprising at least a first open cavity (1) and a second open cavity (2), the first cavity (1) extends along a first axis longitudinal A having at least a first concave concave portion facing the second cavity (2), the second cavity (2) extends along a second longitudinal axis B having at least a second concave concavity portion facing away from the first cavity (1).

Description

(54) APPLICATION ELEMENT COMPRISING PARALLEL CONCAVED CAVITIES.

FR 3 058 621 - A1 _ The present invention relates to a flexible cosmetic application element (10) of axis X comprising at least a first open cavity (1) and a second open cavity (2), the first cavity (1) extends along a first longitudinal axis A having at least a first concave portion with concavity facing the second cavity (2), the second cavity (2) extends along a second longitudinal axis B having at least a second concave portion with concavity turned in the opposite direction from the first cavity (1).

i

Application element comprising parallel concave cavities

The present invention relates to applicators of cosmetic products, including make-up and care. It can be, for example, a makeup or care product, for example a lipstick, a lip gloss, a concealer, a foundation, an eye shadow.

By “cosmetic product” is meant within the meaning of the present invention, a cosmetic product intended to be applied to a human being, such as for example a solid such as a powder, a liquid or a cream. A “cosmetic product” is more generally a product as defined in Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

General technological background

European patent EP 0 792 602-B1 discloses a product applicator comprising a flexible support forming an applicator part, covered at least in part with at least one layer of a spongy material. Such an applicator is used differently from conventional applicators comprising an application element disposed at the end of a rod and in which the loading of product with the application element is effected by immersion in a container.

US Pat. No. 6,120,202 discloses a device making it possible to produce two decorative patterns on the nails simultaneously, comprising an applicator having two rods each provided at one end with an applicator element provided with a circular recess.

European patent application EP 0 875 169-A1 discloses an applicator comprising an application element comprising a block of foam flocked at one end. The side surface of the application element is ribbed.

European patent EP 0 824 329-B1 describes a packaging and application device in the form of a hollow body having a cavity capable of accommodating a reserve of product.

Patent application EP 1 080 659 discloses an applicator comprising rectilinear slots parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod. However, it is necessary to tilt this applicator to the point of placing the rod almost parallel to the free surface of the cosmetic product to be sampled to fill the cavities. This gesture requires wrist agility, which can complicate makeup.

We know from application WO2016 / 051072 filed by the Applicant, an applicator provided with two open cavities for withdrawing and storing a cosmetic product. These two cavities are symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator. They both have concave longitudinal axes, with concavity facing the applicator axis. Together, the cavities form a central zone for storing the product.

French patent application FR 2 771 077, filed by the Applicant, describes an applicator element having sufficiently narrow slots so that a wiping element can hardly reach them, making it possible to keep a reserve of product inside. of the application element after spinning. In particular, FIG. 15 of this document discloses an applicator of flattened shape, produced by molding of plastic material, having two slots or cavities symmetrical with each other with respect to the axis X and each having a concave portion.

The slits or cavities symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator make it possible to maintain a large reserve of product by surface tension inside the application element, even after possible spin. In some cases, this reserve can promote the formation of a mass of product, which is not necessarily desirable for all cosmetic applications. In addition, to apply the product to a body surface, the user must turn over the application element and press to break the mass and spread the product.

Patent application FR2989256 discloses an application member comprising at least three openings formed between at least four longitudinal, transverse or oblique members. The applicator member has very great flexibility during application, in at least two directions in space. Thus, a great smoothness of application is obtained. The applicator member can deform both in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction. The application surface can easily adapt to the shape of the lips.

According to this patent application FR2989256, the difference between the main application faces, in other words the thickness of the application member, can be substantially constant between the main application faces. Certain figures in this document illustrate application elements comprising concave cavities parallel to each other. However, such an application element does not allow makeup as precise as desired, insofar as it does not always adapt as much as desired to the lips or eyes of each individual. Indeed, from one corner of the lips to another or from one corner of the eye to another, the periphery is very variable from one individual to another.

The present invention aims to propose a new applicator making it possible to carry out neat makeup regardless of the shape of the areas to be made up and for all people. The applicator must be comfortable to use and capable of storing a relatively large quantity of product, this with a simple and harmonious gesture.

Definition of the invention

According to one of its aspects, the subject of the invention is a flexible cosmetic application element of axis X defining two opposite main application faces and comprising at least a first open cavity and a second open cavity, the first cavity extends along a first longitudinal axis A defining a first profile having at least a first concave portion with concavity facing the second cavity and the second cavity extends along a second longitudinal axis B defining a second profile having at least a second portion concave with concavity turned in the opposite direction of the first cavity, the thickness of the application element, measured between the two main application faces varies between the distal end and the proximal end of the application element .

Due to the variation in thickness between the two application faces, there is an area where the deformation of the application element is immediate and a massive area that can serve as a support area. This difference in deformation between the ends of the applicator makes it adaptable to different face profiles and increases the speed and precision of the application.

Due to the particular structure of the second cavity, the concavity of which is turned in the opposite direction from the first cavity, the two cavities can both accommodate a reserve of product while being able to release it as soon as the user presses a face of application against his skin, and this without having to return the application element. The application side coming into contact with the product in a container may be the same as the side coming into contact with the skin to spread or blend the product.

Thanks to the application element according to the invention, the product can be deposited more easily, in order to enhance a makeup effect, for example the color or the shine of a product applied to the lips, for example the shine of 'a lip gloss.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is an applicator comprising a stem of axis Y and an application element as defined above.

An applicator according to the invention is particularly suitable for the application of a makeup product, allowing the user to easily measure the pressure exerted on the treated area, with a simple and elegant gesture.

Preferably, the application element has a shape that is not symmetrical with respect to the axis Y of the rod.

According to one of its aspects, the invention relates to a packaging and application device comprising a container containing a product P to be applied and an applicator as defined above.

Such a device offers several make-up possibilities, for example applying the product to the side of the applicator only or applying the product flat using an application side.

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a cosmetic process comprising the steps consisting in:

(1) Provide a device as defined above, (2) Tilt the device to form an angle between 30 ° and 70 ° between an application face and a free surface of the product, (3) Load the product with product of application by immersion in the container, in order to fill the first cavity and the second cavity, (4) Place the application face in contact with a body surface and move it by applying pressure on said surface, to apply the product by releasing the first cavity and the second product cavity.

Main definitions

"Axis A" means the longitudinal axis A.

The term "longitudinal axis A of a cavity" means the curve joining all of the barycenters of the transverse sections of the cavity.

The term “flexible” material should be understood to mean a material which can easily deform on contact with the skin or the lips, for example a foam, flocking, a brush, a felt, a flexible elastomer membrane.

The width and thickness of a cavity are measured in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

The length of a cavity is measured along its longitudinal axis.

"The first concave portion and the second concave portion are parallel" means that the longitudinal axes of the two cavities are parallel.

By “main application face”, it is necessary to understand a surface of the application member which can come into contact with a body area, in order to apply the product there.

By "main opposing application faces", it should be understood that one of the faces is oriented substantially upwards, the other substantially downwards, when the applicator is viewed from the side.

According to the invention, the thickness is measured between the main application faces, when the application element is viewed from the side, in an observation direction perpendicular to that in which the thickness is measured.

Preferred embodiments

Preferably, the device according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination:

- The thickness of the application element increases monotonically over at least a portion situated between the distal end and the proximal end of the application element. The distal end of the applicator is thinner for drawing delicate outlines or lines. On the contrary, the proximal end is positioned against a large surface to make it up.

- The first concave portion and the second concave portion are parallel. The product is easier to take from the container. Make-up is better controlled.

- The application element is flattened. Make-up is applied more evenly over a wide area.

- The first cavity and the second cavity have a closed contour. The product is better stored in the cavities.

- The application element has a third open cavity. The product can be stored in larger quantities.

- The first cavity and the second cavity have a radius of curvature between 3 cm and 10 cm, and preferably between 4 and 7 cm. These values are adapted to make-up of the face.

- The first cavity and the second have a thickness between

0.1 cm and 0.5 cm, and preferably between 0.2 and 0.4 cm. These values are adapted to make-up of the face.

- The first cavity and the second cavity have axial ends defining a space converging towards the second cavity. The makeup is better blured and deposited more gradually.

- The application element is at least partially flocked.

- The straight line joining the axial ends of the first concave portion forms with the axis Y of the rod an angle between 0 ° and 30 °. The applicator deforms better laterally for better lateral contact with the area to be made up.

- The straight line joining the axial ends of the second concave portion forms an angle between 0 ° and 30 ° with the Y axis of the rod.

Description of the figures

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic and partial top view of an application element produced in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is a side view of the application element of Figure 1.

The X-axis application element 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is generally flattened. The X axis is curvilinear as can be seen in Figure 1.

The applicator element 10 is arranged to come into contact with the skin or the lips by at least one front application face 40 or rear 41 for treating a wide surface and by the sides 60, 61 or the end 42.

Advantageously, the sidewall 60 forms with the end 42 a point 14 distant from the axis X.

The applicator element 10 has a generally flattened shape, with a thickness preferably decreasing between the proximal end and the distal end, as can be seen in FIG. 2.

The thickness of the application element e is measured perpendicular to the axis X, in side view of the applicator, in FIG. 2, between the faces 40 and 41.

The largest thickness T of the applicator element 10 is preferably at least double, better triple, even better quadruple of its smallest thickness t.

In the figures, the largest thickness T of the application element is 3.3 cm and its smallest thickness t is 0.76 cm.

The applicator element 10 can be produced by injection of plastic material and covered with a flocking. It may have sides 60 and 61, adjacent a rod, not shown, extending obliquely relative to the axis Y of the rod or forming curvilinear portions, and the distal end 42 may have a generally straight, curvilinear or tapered shape. . The sides 60 and 61 can facilitate the production of certain makeup lines.

The thicker area 76 of the sides 60 and 61 can be used to make thick makeup lines. On the contrary, the thinner area 77 can be used to finalize a make-up line and draw a fine line.

Due to their difference in thickness, the distal end 14 is more easily deformed than the proximal end 15. The latter, more massive, can constitute a zone of support of the application element on a body surface.

The fixing of the application element 10 on the rod can be carried out in various ways and the application element can in particular comprise a fixing end piece 22 engaged, crimped in the rod or snapped into or on it.

Application element 10 includes:

- a first open cavity 1 concave of axis A forming a first arc of a circle and,

- a second open cavity 2 concave of axis B forming a second arc of a circle.

The concavity of the first cavity 1 is turned towards the second cavity 2. The concavity of the second cavity 2 is turned in the opposite direction from the first cavity 1.

The applicator element 10 further comprises a third cavity 3 of axis C parallel to the first and to the second cavity. The third cavity 3 has a concavity facing the first cavity 1.

The first cavity 1 is delimited by the axial ends 11 and 12. The second cavity is delimited by the axial ends 21 and 22. The plane Ei joining the ends 11 and 21 and the plane E ₂ joining the ends 12 and 22 together define a space E converging towards the second cavity 2.

Preferably, the application element has, in the plane where the thickness reaches a maximum value, a circular or oval cross section.

The body of the application element 10 is for example produced at least partially by injection molding in a thermoplastic material, for example PU, EVA, SIS-SEB, nitrile, silicone, EPDM, Hytrel®, Pebax®, Santoprene ®, or other thermoplastics, for example elastomers (TPE).

The applicator element 10 can also be made of non-thermoplastic materials, for example resins, in particular flexible resins, or be made other than by molding, for example by cutting.

The longitudinal axis X of the applicator element 10 is preferably parallel to one of these faces 40 or 41, and more preferably still parallel to the axis A and to the axis B.

Preferably, the cavities 1 and 2 have an elongated shape, the ratio of the length m of the cavity to the largest width n thereof being for example greater than or equal to 3, or 4, or 5 or 6. has for example 3 <m / n <6.

In the example shown, the m / n ratio is approximately equal to 12 for the cavity

1. It is approximately equal to 6 for cavity 2.

The longitudinal edges of the cavity 1 are parallel to each other, on either side of a median portion located half-width of the cavity 1. The same is true for the cavity 2.

The cavities 1 and 2 could have a completely different shape, for example a lenticular shape.

The product present in the cavities 1 and 2 increases the autonomy of the applicator and can also improve the comfort during application, by facilitating the sliding of the application element 10 on the treated surface.

The product P is for example intended to be applied to the lips and the user can deposit it thereon for example by bringing the rear face 41 of the application element 10 into contact with them and applying light pressure.

When the application element 10 is applied flat, the product present in the cavities 1 and 2 can be deposited and the surface laden with product coming into contact with the lips can be relatively large, so that the lips can be made up fairly quickly.

In the examples which have just been described, the cavity 12 is filled with air before any contact of the application element 10 with the product contained in the container. It could be otherwise.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described. One can in particular combine together the characteristics of the various exemplary embodiments. The application element 10 may have shapes other than those illustrated, for example in a diamond, circle or ellipse shape when the application element is viewed from the front.

ίο

Claims (16)

E Flexible cosmetic application element (10) of axis X defining two opposite main application faces (40, 41) and comprising at least a first open cavity (1) and a second open cavity (2), the first cavity (1) extending along a first longitudinal axis A defining a first profile having at least a first concave portion with concavity facing the second cavity (2) and the second cavity (2) extending along a second longitudinal axis B defining a second profile having at least a second concave portion with concavity turned in the opposite direction from the first cavity (1), characterized in that the thickness (e) of the application element, measured between the two main faces d 'opposite application (40, 41), varies between the distal end and the proximal end. 2. Application element according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the application element increases monotonically over at least a portion situated between the distal end and the proximal end of the element of application. 3. Application element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first concave portion (1) and the second concave portion (2) are parallel. 4. Application element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element (10) is of flattened shape. 5. Application element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cavity (1) and the second cavity (2) have a closed contour. 6. Application element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a third cavity (3) open. 7. Application element any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cavity (1) and the second cavity (2) have a radius of curvature between 3 cm and 10 cm, and preferably between 4 and 7 cm. 8. Application element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cavity (1) and the second cavity (2) have a thickness of between 0.1 cm and 0.5 cm, and of preferably between 0.2 and 0.4 cm. 9. Application element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cavity (1) and the second cavity (2) have axial ends (11, 12, 21, 22) defining a converging space (E) towards the second cavity (2). 10. Application element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is at least partially flocked. 11. Applicator comprising a Y-axis rod and an application element (10) as defined in any one of the preceding claims. 12. Applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that the application element (10) has a shape that is not symmetrical relative to the axis Y of the rod. 13. Applicator according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the straight line joining the axial ends of the first concave portion forms with the axis Y of the rod an angle between 0 ° and 30 °. 14. Applicator according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the straight line joining the axial ends of the second concave portion forms with the axis Y of the rod an angle between 0 ° and 30 °. 15. Packaging and application device comprising a container containing a product (P) to be applied and an applicator as defined according to claim 10 or 11. 16. Cosmetic process comprising the steps consisting in: (1) Provide a device as defined in claim 15, (2) Tilt the device to form an angle between 30 ° and 70 ° between an application face and a free surface of the product, (3) Load in product the application element by immersion in the container, in order to fill the first cavity (1) and the second cavity (2), (4) Place the application face in contact with a body surface and move it by exerting pressing on said surface, to apply the product while releasing the first cavity (1) and the second cavity (2) of product.