FR3066683A1 - CENTRAL CAVITY APPLICATOR AND LATERAL INSERT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cosmetic applicator (3) having a longitudinal axis (Z) having a mounting end (22) with a longitudinal axis (A) and an application element (6) with a longitudinal axis (X) presenting at at least one inner cavity (12) opening on at least one main application face (60, 61) and delimiting laterally, on its outer contour, at least one notch (212), the application element (6) is extending between a proximal portion (15) and a distal end (17).

Description

APPLICATOR WITH CENTRAL CAVITIES AND SIDE NOTCH

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to devices for packaging and applying a cosmetic or care product.

“Cosmetic product” means a product as defined in EC Regulation No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated November 30, 2009, relating to cosmetic products.

There are different types of applicators.

PRIOR ART AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

European patent EP 1 053 695 B1 discloses an applicator comprising an application element which can be deformed when crossing the wiping member. The application surface is relatively narrow and the application comfort is not entirely satisfactory.

European patent EP 1 623 650 B1 discloses a packaging and application device, comprising: - an applicator comprising an application element at least partially elastically deformable, - a container containing a product to be applied, in which the application element can be accommodated when not in use. The container has an orifice which can be traversed by the applicator element when the latter is removed from the container. The applicator element has at least one interior cavity constituting a reserve of product. It deforms when it passes through the container opening. This deformation is accompanied by a change in the shape of the cavity.

When the user extracts the applicator from the reservoir and places the hollow zone in contact with the lips, the cosmetic product contained in the hollow zone is deposited on the lips.

The device described in EP 1 623 650 B1 is suitable for applying a quantity of cosmetic product to a large area of the lip. However, it is less suitable for touching up or applying a more precise product.

European patent EP 2 879 546 discloses a cosmetic product applicator, comprising a central axis tip intended to be mounted in a gripping support and a product application body, the body comprising a first curved section of local axis deviating from the central axis. The body has a second curved intermediate section, with a local axis approaching the central axis, and defining with the first section, a first hollow zone; the body having a third end section defining with the second intermediate section, a second hollow area opposite the first hollow area.

With this applicator, it is both possible to apply a cosmetic product over a large area, and to carry out touch-ups with precision. However, due to the different sections inclined with respect to each other, the user may require some adaptation time before being able to use it optimally. In addition, the shape of the applicator can complicate its storage in a box or container, because the product can be lodged in the angular zones between the sections.

There is a need to provide a cosmetic applicator capable of better storing a reserve of cosmetic product than known applicators. This applicator must also allow better spreading of the product. It must also increase the deposit of product on the application area.

This applicator must store product only in the areas provided for this purpose.

In addition, this applicator must be both comfortable and precise. It must offer sufficient autonomy to allow application in good conditions.

It should be easy to manufacture at a reasonable cost. The invention aims in particular to propose such an applicator. Definition of the invention The object of the invention is, according to a first of its aspects, a cosmetic applicator with a longitudinal axis Z having a mounting nozzle with a longitudinal axis A intended to be mounted in a housing of a rod and a application element of longitudinal axis X having two opposite main application faces and delimiting laterally, on its external contour, at least one notch, the application element extending between a proximal portion and a distal end, l application element comprises a first non-through interior cavity located on a first side of a longitudinal plane Mi of the application element and a second non-through interior cavity located on a second side of the longitudinal plane Μμ

Due to the particular structure of the applicator according to the invention, it is easy to store and fold while offering, thanks to the interior cavities and the notch, a product reservoir of appreciable capacity.

Due to this particular structure, the cosmetic product is stored only in the interior cavities and the notch, for more reproducible makeup.

In addition, thanks to the presence of the notch, the applicator is suitable for making a continuous line drawn with the lateral edge of the application element.

Thanks to the invention, the application element can have a relatively large application surface, which contributes to making the device relatively quick and comfortable to use.

In addition, the cavity can make it possible to constitute, when it is produced so as to be able to load with product, a reserve of product providing additional autonomy to the application element or making it possible to deposit more easily a larger quantity of product, in order to enhance a makeup effect, for example the shine of a gloss. The invention also relates to a device for packaging and applying a product to the skin, mucous membranes or nails, comprising: - an applicator as described above, - a container containing a product to be applied, in which the application element can be accommodated when not in use, the container having an orifice which can be traversed by the application element when the latter is removed from the container. The invention also relates to a cosmetic process comprising the operations consisting in: - providing a device as described above, - withdrawing product from the container with the applicator to fill the central cavity, - bringing a main application face into contact of a body surface, - Apply pressure on the main face in contact with the body surface to at least partially empty the cavity, - Move the main face on the body surface, to spread the product. Main definitions

A "cross section of an X axis part" is a section perpendicular to the X axis of the part.

"Longitudinal axis of a part" means the line joining all of the barycenters of the cross sections of a part. The expression "W axis" designates a longitudinal axis W.

A "proximal portion" is the end region of the applicator element closest to the applicator stem.

A "distal portion" is the end region of the intended applicator element farthest from the applicator stem.

A "branch" is a portion, a section.

A "plane" is a flat surface, one on which a straight line can be applied completely in all directions.

A "longitudinal plane" of a part is a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of a part.

A "median longitudinal plane" divides an element longitudinally into two equal and symmetrical parts.

A "cavity" is an empty or hollow space in an element.

A non-through cavity can form a groove or a notch in cross section of the applicator element.

An "interior cavity" is a cavity with a closed exterior side contour, in front view of the element.

Preferred embodiments

Preferably, the device according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination: - The longitudinal plane Mi of the application element forms a longitudinal plane of the notch. The applicator is simple and is placed on the face, for better spreading of the cosmetic product. - The longitudinal plane Mi contains the distal end of the application element, when the applicator is viewed from the side, in the rest position of the application element. The holding of the applicator and its movement on a surface are facilitated. - The first cavity and the second cavity are symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal plane Μμ The makeup is simplified and more symmetrical. - The first cavity and the second cavity are separated from each other by a separating wall of thickness e between 2 mm and 8 mm, and preferably between 3 mm and 7 mm. This thickness range is adapted to avoid any tearing of the wall during use. - The applicator element has, between the distal end and the proximal portion, a hardness greater than that of the proximal portion. The applicator can bend between the tip and the application element for optimal makeup. - The longitudinal plane forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, the applicator being observed in side view, when pressure is applied to a main application face of the application element. The application element tilts relative to the tip. - The longitudinal axis of the applicator is rectilinear, in the rest position of the application element. Make-up is better controlled. - The applicator element has an internal projection projecting inside the cavity. The projection retains the product in the reservoir. The product is released more gradually and in a more controlled manner. - The applicator is at least partially flocked. The product is better applied because it is easier to spread. - The application element has a non-symmetrical envelope surface of revolution. The orientation of the applicator is easier to control. - The cavity extends over more than half the length of the application element, measured along the Z axis. This dimension is suitable for a cosmetic care or make-up application.

Description of the Figures The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of non-limiting, schematic and partial examples, of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, on which: FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an applicator produced according to the invention, in the rest position, FIG. 2 represents a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross section along CC of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a side view of the applicator of Figure 1, in the use position. The applicator 3 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 has a tip 22 and an application element 6. The exterior surface of the application element 6 can be flocked, but the invention is not limited to a coating of particular surface. Advantageously, the application element 6, excluding flocking, is in one piece.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the application element 6 is in the rest position. It has, as can be seen, a generally symmetrical shape with respect to a median longitudinal plane Mi of the application element. The longitudinal plane Mi of the application element also forms a longitudinal plane of the notch 212.

It has two non-traversing cavities 12 and 120 forming grooves visible in FIG. 3. They are delimited laterally by two lateral portions 13 and axially by a distal portion 14 ending in the distal end 17 and by a proximal portion 15 joining the lateral portions 13. The two cavities are separated by a wall 130 of thickness e. The thickness e is close to 5 mm.

The two non-through cavities 12 and 120 are symmetrical with one another with respect to the plane Mi. Thus, the two cavities can be filled and emptied independently of one another. The dosage of the makeup product on the body surface is more precise. In addition, the product present in each cavity can be completely distributed, without forming clusters in the bottom of the cavities 12 and 120.

Advantageously, the cavities 12 and 120 extend over a depth, measured perpendicular to the plane Mi, of between 0.3 and 2 mm.

The latter are elongated along respective longitudinal axes Y, each axis Y forms an angle β with the axis Z of the applicator which is for example between 5 and 45 °, as can be seen in FIG. 1.

The shape of the distal 14 and proximal 15 portions will advantageously be chosen so as to facilitate crossing the opening of a container. The proximal portion 15 may thus have edges 60, adjacent to the end piece 22, extending obliquely relative to the axis X, and the distal portion 14 may have a generally tapered shape in order to trace contours.

In the example considered, the lateral portions 13 converge towards one another in the direction of the distal portion 14 and the cavity 12 has, when the application element 6 is observed in front view, substantially a form of diamond.

The cavities 12 and 120 extend for example, as can be seen in FIG. 5 in particular, over more than a quarter of the width b of the application element 6, measured perpendicular to the axis X and over more than the quarter of its length l, measured along the axis X. The dimensions of the cavities 12 and 120 can be chosen as a function of the deformability necessary to pass through an opening of a container and of the quantity of product which it is desired to have retained in the cavity 12 or 120 after removal of the applicator 3 from the container. As an example, the width b of the application element is advantageously between 3 mm and 15 mm, and more advantageously between 5 mm and 10 mm. The length l of the application element is advantageously between 5 mm and 18 mm, and more advantageously between 10 mm and 14 mm.

The product P present in the cavities 12 and 120 increases the autonomy of the applicator and can also improve the comfort on application, by facilitating the sliding of the applicator on the treated surface. The applicator element 6 laterally delimits, on its outer contour, a notch 212 between the distal portion 14 and the proximal portion 15. The notch 212 may have a substantially flat bottom. The notch 212 can extend over a length, measured parallel to the axis X of the application element, less than 3 mm, even 2.5 mm, even 2 mm approximately. It can have, for example, a maximum depth, measured perpendicular to the X axis, of between 2.5 and 4 mm. The notch 212 may have an angular extent, in the Mb plane less than or equal to 180 °, or even less than 120 °. The notch 212 can extend over less than 4/10 of the length 1 of the application element, or even less than 3/10 of this length. The notch 212 can serve as an additional product reservoir. The applicator element 6 further comprises an internal projection 214 which extends transversely to the axis Z inside the cavity 60, opposite the notch 212.

The internal projection 214 can extend over a length, measured parallel to the X axis, between 0.5 mm and 3 mm and over a depth, measured perpendicular to the X axis, between 0.5 mm and 1 , 5 mm. The notch 212 and the projection 214 can define a section, in section in the plane Mi, circular, oval or polygonal. They can be of substantially identical sections.

The joining part 40 between the applicator element 6 and the end piece 22 is preferably the one which is the most flexible. Generally, this joining part 40 forms the proximal part 15 of the applicator element. Advantageously, the application element 6 deforms only at the level of the junction zone 40 when pressure is exerted on a main application face 60.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the application element 6 is formed from an elastomeric material having: a hardness in the range from 60 to 90 Shore A, and preferably from 75 to 90 Shore A between the distal end 17 and the portion proximal 15, a hardness in the range of 20 to 40 Shore A, and preferably 20 to 30 Shore A for the proximal portion 15.

In FIG. 4, the application element 6 is in the position of use. Pressure is exerted by the user on the main face 60. It is materialized in the figures by the double arrow Pr. In this configuration, the median longitudinal plane Mi forming an angle a not zero with the longitudinal axis A of the tip 22. The angle oc can go, for example, up to 120 ° when using the applicator 3.

According to the invention, the user benefits, even when the application element 6 is tilted, from a wide applicator 3 which can cover an extended make-up surface. The applicator is easy to handle. It is ideal for quick makeup.

When the pressure on the main face 60 ceases, the application element 6 can resume, thanks to its elasticity, proper its initial shape.

Attaching the applicator to a rod can be accomplished by various means. The end piece 22 can be engaged inside a rod. It can for example be glued, stapled or welded in the rod. The latter can also be crimped onto the end piece 22.

The lateral portions 13 may have, over at least a portion of their length, a solid cross section, of circular shape for example.

In the example shown, the cavities 12 and 120 are filled with air before any contact of the application element 6 with the product contained in the container. The applicator 3 is for example produced at least partially by injection molding in a thermoplastic material, for example PVC, PU, EVA, SIS-SEB, nitrile, silicone, EPDM, Hytrel®, Pebax®, Santoprene®, or d '' other thermoplastics, elastomers. The applicator 3 can also be made of non-thermoplastic materials, for example flexible resins, or be made other than by molding, for example by cutting.

To use the applicator 3, the cavities 12 and 120 and the notch 212 are filled with cosmetic product P. The product P is for example intended to be applied to the lips and the user can deposit it on them by bringing for example the main face 60 of the application element 6 in contact with them.

During application, depending on the surface of the application element 6 in contact with the treated area, the thickness of product deposited may be different, which can allow the user to vary, for example, the gloss of the makeup.

When the application element 6 is applied flat, the product P present in the cavities 12 and 120 or the notch 212 can be deposited and the surface loaded with product P coming into contact with the lips can be relatively large, so that lips can be made up fairly quickly.

If necessary, the application can be done only with the end 17 of the distal portion 14, to draw an outline for example.

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 applicator may be intended for application other than on the lips, for example the skin or the nails. The application element may have shapes other than those illustrated, for example in a circle or ellipse when the application element is viewed from the front.

Claims (14)

1. cosmetic applicator (3) with longitudinal axis (Z) having a mounting nozzle (22) with longitudinal axis (A) intended to be mounted in a housing of a rod and an application element (6) d longitudinal axis (X) having two opposite main application faces (60, 61) and delimiting laterally, on its external contour, at least one notch (212), the application element (6) extending between a proximal portion (15) and a distal end (17), characterized in that the application element (6) has a first non-through interior cavity (12) located on a first side of a longitudinal plane (MJ of the applicator element and a second non-through interior cavity (120) located on a second side of the longitudinal plane (Mi). 2. Applicator (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal plane (MJ of the application element (6) forms a longitudinal plane of the notch (212). 3. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal plane (MJ contains the distal end (17) of the application element (6), when the applicator (3) is observed ) in side view, in the rest position of the application element (6). 4. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cavity (12) and the second cavity (13) are symmetrical with each other relative to the longitudinal plane (MJ. 5. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cavity (12) and the second cavity (120) are separated from each other by a separating wall (130) of thickness ( e) between 2 mm and 8 mm, and preferably between 3 mm and 7 mm. 6. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element (6) has, between the distal end (17) and the proximal portion (15), a hardness greater than that of the proximal portion (15). 7. Applicator (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal plane (Mi) forms a non-zero angle (a) with the longitudinal axis (A) of the nozzle (22), the applicator being observed in side view, when a pressure is exerted on a main application face (60, 61) of the application element (6). 8. Applicator (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its longitudinal axis (Z) is rectilinear, in the rest position of the application element (6). 9. Applicator (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element (6) has an internal projection (214) projecting inside the cavity (12). 10. Applicator (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal plane (Mi) forms a median longitudinal plane. 11. Applicator (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application element (6) has a non-symmetrical envelope surface of revolution. 12. Applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cavity (12) extends over more than half the length (/) of the application element (6), measured according to the 'axis (Z). 13. Device for packaging and applying a product to the skin, mucous membranes or nails, comprising: - an applicator (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a container containing a product to be applied, in wherein the application element (6) can be accommodated when not in use, the container having an orifice that can be traversed by the application element (6) when the latter is removed from the container. 14. Cosmetic method comprising the operations consisting of: (i) providing a device according to claim 13, (ii) withdrawing product from the container with the applicator (3) to fill the central cavity (12), (iii) placing a main application face (60, 61) in contact with a body surface, (iv) Apply pressure on the main face (60, 61) in contact with the body surface to at least partially empty the cavity (12) , (v) Move the main face (60, 61) over the body surface, to spread the product.